My Take -
Nice film, could have said i loved it but i didnt, it was funny n wasn't. For some (who as Marc http://marchazard.blogspot.com/ mentions seem to have an agreement of - laughing at all times in comic movies) watching these movies is like having dinner at a really expensive 5 star hotel, they know its well made, all the 'right' crowd is sitting beside 'em, they know its well heard of and they've paid fair bit for it .. so they end up forcing themselves to like it, therefore explaining the delayed guffaws, Marc.
What i liked about this film though is that it makes no attempt whatsoever at trying explain its weirdness, its sub-standard portrayal of Indians, its almost rude humour, its barely relevant end (the train compartments!), the misuse of Bill Murray, Irfan Khan and an absolutely unfinished finish. Whats amazing is that its all that jazz (in this case lack of it) that actually works for the film!
Caution: Its not a comic film, though at times its funny. Its just a film.
EMILY DICKINSION
Experiment to me Is every one I meet. If it contain a kernel? The figure of a nut Presents upon a tree, Equally plausibly; But meat within is requisite, To squirrels and to me.
Experiment to me Is every one I meet. If it contain a kernel? The figure of a nut Presents upon a tree, Equally plausibly; But meat within is requisite, To squirrels and to me.
posted by Tulika Singh at 6/05/2008 05:07:00 PM
Yup, its true, i've left the city i liked, disliked, loved n hated all at once. I keep reminding myself of the things i didnt like about it to not miss it much! But there are times that memories of mumbai n especially colaba like leos, my friends boutique 'Fashions' n her help Ram Bahadur getting us Tibbs chicken frankies , wandering down causeway to get home as slowly as possible, the new Benetton 'Undercolours' store, Martins ... strike me at some lonely moment in a city i now call home, Delhi. It was an easy decision - leaving mumbai, i was getting married to a great guy (praying incessantly it stays that way) who works in Delhi - a familiar city where i did school, college, work n play ! But yes, i do miss the Mumbai - Madness.
Having lived in both these cities for a while i feel i can safely say, both cities seem almost at the other ends of a pole. But i dont wanna compare. I like them both. They're both different in some amazing ways n some not so amazing ways. Its a pity for those in Mumbai who have barely left Mumbai! Who think Maharashtra is India n Matheran a hill station, Pune a retreat n Sinhagad ancestry. But its even sadder for those in Delhi who have never experienced the cosy indifference, the calming sea, the ocean of opportunities, the unassuming millionaire, the warmth of a local, and the rush of time of Mumbai, which is so unlike anything in Delhi. Delhi is ------- Delhi. Well for that matter Mumbai is and for long time to come will be Mumbai in every way! Hmmmm ... i guess i love n hate 'em both ! ;) ..
Having lived in both these cities for a while i feel i can safely say, both cities seem almost at the other ends of a pole. But i dont wanna compare. I like them both. They're both different in some amazing ways n some not so amazing ways. Its a pity for those in Mumbai who have barely left Mumbai! Who think Maharashtra is India n Matheran a hill station, Pune a retreat n Sinhagad ancestry. But its even sadder for those in Delhi who have never experienced the cosy indifference, the calming sea, the ocean of opportunities, the unassuming millionaire, the warmth of a local, and the rush of time of Mumbai, which is so unlike anything in Delhi. Delhi is ------- Delhi. Well for that matter Mumbai is and for long time to come will be Mumbai in every way! Hmmmm ... i guess i love n hate 'em both ! ;) ..
Thursday, August 23, 2007
posted by Tulika Singh at 8/23/2007 12:40:00 PM
Addictive. Smelly.
Independent. Rude.
Fun. Tiring.
Helpful. Indifferent.
Together. Distant.
Big. Congested.
Opportunities. Expensive.
Party. Work.
Bombay. Mumbai
Is so much more..
Over a year and a half and this city has grown on me like the fungus on my unused black Tshirts in monsoons! I miss it when i'm gone, i compare it to every city i go to. I have a list of reasons of loving it n repeat them anytime someone asks y i like it here! I think the bombay bug has bitten me !!
I always compare bombay to quick sand. All you gotta do is step in and the rest is history !
Happy for being independent. Unhappy when it gets lonely.
Happy for getting paid well. Unhappy for spending all i earn on living here.
Happy for the friends i have. Unhappy for how far they stay.
Happy for all the things i can do with my time. Unhappy for the lack of time.
But for now, i'm happy being here in bombay even with all its inconsistencies and congestions.
posted by Tulika Singh at 8/23/2007 12:35:00 PM
Its been ages i blogged !! I have tonnes of excuses but that what they are.
Since the last time I wrote … Saddam is dead, Bush lives, I completed more than a year and half in Mumbai (amazed) n loving it !! And I’m suffering from what I call – Quarter Life Crisis !!! But I’m back n hope to be a bit more regular (well lets c)
Since the last time I wrote … Saddam is dead, Bush lives, I completed more than a year and half in Mumbai (amazed) n loving it !! And I’m suffering from what I call – Quarter Life Crisis !!! But I’m back n hope to be a bit more regular (well lets c)
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
posted by Tulika Singh at 7/12/2006 04:14:00 PM
The show must go on....
Ofcourse it must....
Where's the damn choice??
Whose gonna earn ur bread??
This city has seen some really difficult times in the past few weeks. But i'm absolutely stunned at how our 'mumbai spirit' is taken as the perfect supension system. We soak in whatever incovenience comes our way. I love how everyone is so proud of the way we bounced back. We get stuck for a bit, dust off the remains from our shoulders, gather ourselves and those around who need help and carry on. My point is not that its not a good thing, its amazing no doubt, but i want to know, what else can mumbai do? We all have something or the other to do... to reach ... to start ... to finish ... TO ACHEIVE!!
What did 9/11 do to US? What did the blasts do to Bali? What did the blasts do to London? They all got up and went work next day, those affected, took a few days off, but resumed nonethless. It maybe me someday, affected, helpless, but i too will have to do my daily chores. Such is life. So, what can we do? Do we have any option but behave like 'sitting ducks' while plans are hatched and succesfully executed!?! Or is there somehow we can strike at the root of all this. Attack the breeding ground itself, pour kerosene and burn those parasites! Guess its too much to ask for!
Bush went to war with the whole world against his actions and got what ? Re-elected for another term at the office, a satisfied ego and a battered Saddam. Good enough, i would say. Well, if we know our enemies what really are we waiting for? Everything imaginable has already happened... Why does a Dawood need a trial? So that his gang can continue causing damage? Why have any of the rioters from shiv sena been let free? So that they can find more causes to make their presence felt and loot shops as an excuse to shut them? More than anything why should we put up with it? Then again, do we have a choice?!?
the show will always go on....
Ofcourse it must....
Where's the damn choice??
Whose gonna earn ur bread??
This city has seen some really difficult times in the past few weeks. But i'm absolutely stunned at how our 'mumbai spirit' is taken as the perfect supension system. We soak in whatever incovenience comes our way. I love how everyone is so proud of the way we bounced back. We get stuck for a bit, dust off the remains from our shoulders, gather ourselves and those around who need help and carry on. My point is not that its not a good thing, its amazing no doubt, but i want to know, what else can mumbai do? We all have something or the other to do... to reach ... to start ... to finish ... TO ACHEIVE!!
What did 9/11 do to US? What did the blasts do to Bali? What did the blasts do to London? They all got up and went work next day, those affected, took a few days off, but resumed nonethless. It maybe me someday, affected, helpless, but i too will have to do my daily chores. Such is life. So, what can we do? Do we have any option but behave like 'sitting ducks' while plans are hatched and succesfully executed!?! Or is there somehow we can strike at the root of all this. Attack the breeding ground itself, pour kerosene and burn those parasites! Guess its too much to ask for!
Bush went to war with the whole world against his actions and got what ? Re-elected for another term at the office, a satisfied ego and a battered Saddam. Good enough, i would say. Well, if we know our enemies what really are we waiting for? Everything imaginable has already happened... Why does a Dawood need a trial? So that his gang can continue causing damage? Why have any of the rioters from shiv sena been let free? So that they can find more causes to make their presence felt and loot shops as an excuse to shut them? More than anything why should we put up with it? Then again, do we have a choice?!?
the show will always go on....
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
posted by Tulika Singh at 7/05/2006 03:04:00 PM
Well its been 6 months in this dreadful(ly) addictive city. I left it for a vacation to Shimla and i did kinda miss the 'occupied at all times' feeling. You always, always, always have something to do. Work/study (or both), drink, chill, party, smoke(I, passively), sleep, TV, movies, shack, coffee, bandstand, relatives(for those who stay alone!), shop, order-ins, phew...Get it!! Always busy and that is always a good feeling...
Recently i have been spending time understanding the RAINS! It may be my first rains (dont be surprised if they're the last too!) in mumbai and i cant understand how one can work around it. I mean it leaks all night and flushes all day! Isn't there a natural limit to the amount of water a cloud can hold!?! You empty out and go your way, but they seem to have an irreverisible resistancy problem.
More than the rains, its the WIND, as if the flushes and constant leaks weren't enough. You dont have to imagine what happens if your airplane tears just walk in any of the alleys leading to the sea. 'No protection of any sort can save you from being infected by the rain'. Its morning, your at work, late, wet and not only do you look sheepish but smell like one too!
Anyway for a north indian, who isn't used to peeing so much in a day without any intake of beer, i must say, it rains a lot in mumbai!
Hmmm ... i gotta go pee!
Recently i have been spending time understanding the RAINS! It may be my first rains (dont be surprised if they're the last too!) in mumbai and i cant understand how one can work around it. I mean it leaks all night and flushes all day! Isn't there a natural limit to the amount of water a cloud can hold!?! You empty out and go your way, but they seem to have an irreverisible resistancy problem.
More than the rains, its the WIND, as if the flushes and constant leaks weren't enough. You dont have to imagine what happens if your airplane tears just walk in any of the alleys leading to the sea. 'No protection of any sort can save you from being infected by the rain'. Its morning, your at work, late, wet and not only do you look sheepish but smell like one too!
Anyway for a north indian, who isn't used to peeing so much in a day without any intake of beer, i must say, it rains a lot in mumbai!
Hmmm ... i gotta go pee!
Friday, May 12, 2006
posted by Tulika Singh at 5/12/2006 10:17:00 AM
A day passes by the hour, a night in a wink.
A month is nothing but a waking day,
and a year is yet to come.
A month is nothing but a waking day,
and a year is yet to come.
Probably the most talked about and written about city in India, Mumbai is the capital of money and Maharashtra, home to the filthy rich and the plain filthy. But what strikes you most about this city, that no matter who you are, rich or poor, your survival instincts are tested at all times.
Never has a city confused me as much as this one has. At one time I cant help but feel liberated and free, just taking in the sea and the other moment cant understand why cabbies refuse to go in the exact direction you want to. Or why, when there are just about three roads in this city, yet discussions of how to get to a place go on from departure to arrival! Why no matter how much you get paid, you always spend it all, and you don’t know where?
I have, by the virtue of an army upbringing, changed more schools than some cities could boast of having, been to more cities than any average traveller, but I have yet to see a city like this one. All cities are different, this one just takes the cake! Having adjusted and adapted to so much ever so often, I wonder if I’ll ever really love this Mad-House, really settle in. Or will I secretly hate it for its difficulties, speed and irritating cabbies!
Well for 3 months here, I can say it’s a good start, and hope it stays that way!
Never has a city confused me as much as this one has. At one time I cant help but feel liberated and free, just taking in the sea and the other moment cant understand why cabbies refuse to go in the exact direction you want to. Or why, when there are just about three roads in this city, yet discussions of how to get to a place go on from departure to arrival! Why no matter how much you get paid, you always spend it all, and you don’t know where?
I have, by the virtue of an army upbringing, changed more schools than some cities could boast of having, been to more cities than any average traveller, but I have yet to see a city like this one. All cities are different, this one just takes the cake! Having adjusted and adapted to so much ever so often, I wonder if I’ll ever really love this Mad-House, really settle in. Or will I secretly hate it for its difficulties, speed and irritating cabbies!
Well for 3 months here, I can say it’s a good start, and hope it stays that way!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
posted by Tulika Singh at 5/11/2006 10:36:00 AM
What will you call it? Camouflage? Or conditioning? I would call it the latter. A friend of mine is a really good tarot card reader and other than the schizophrenia card, this card of a lion with a sheep wrapped around him is standing in a herd of sheep, pretending he’s sheep, almost always appears in any of my spreads.
He either doesn’t know he’s not a sheep, or he thinks he’ll get away by passing off as sheep. Whichever be the reason, he’s been conditioned to think he’s sheep. He could have been conditioned that way or he has chosen to do it himself.
How many of us are really in his situation at this point in time? How many of us are doing a job that is the ‘right’ one to do? How many of us lead our lives the way our society and relatives think we should? How many of us look down or look up to a certain sect, caste or creed of people because our family did? What are these family values people keep ranting about? Why are your family values superior to any one else’s family values or lower than other’s for that matter?
I guess what I’m trying to say is, can we not strike a balance? Can we stay away from tangents? It’s either a life that’s virtuous or family value oriented or one that isn’t. You have adhered to all rules and principles that were laid down and bred into your young mind from the very start. Does being level-headed come from being rational or from your upbringing? Or both? When can we move away to be independent in thought? No one stops us but our conditioning. It’s that voice in our head, installed at an early age, when pain is felt but soon forgotten.
We are still colonised in our minds, said Rabindranath Tagore, we cant help but feel white is cleaner and purer. West is more developed. When will independence really come to us? When will we be able to take our decisions and be supported, instead of being called rebellious or still in throes of growing up. Why does age or wisdom have to be considered as submission to the way of life as it has been?
Saturday, April 29, 2006
posted by Tulika Singh at 4/29/2006 11:37:00 AM
A story untold
A little girl
A free flight
Like steps
To church
Just there
No wander
No attempt
Never bother
The little girl
Took flight
‘round the corner
Few steps
Not much
‘He’ was there
Crouched, another
Ate together
Merry they left
Just a girl
Just a flight
‘round the corner
Those steps
Little one
Come back
Don’t wander
Never bother
-Tulika Singh