Ishqiya & More..

Unplanned outings are usually fun - so when Abhi proposed going out for 'Ishqiya' an hour before the evening show yesterday--I couldn't let it pass. Plus, I really admire Vishal Bhardwaj for the creativity & innovativeness he brings to Indian cinema. The reviews had been lukewarm--yet we were excited to watch it for ourselves. Indian movies play at this shady, worn-out multiplex in Cambridge--its probably a left-over from the 70's, with crappy screens, sound system and VOC-laden furnishings. Yet, when you really don't have a choice, it's easier to make the trip. It seemed like we were going to have the hall all to ourselves when we walked into the deserted theatre, but soon about ten more desis streamed in. The movie started promptly at 7.00. A couple of minutes passed and the glaring ceiling lights didn't dim as expected. A few more minutes went by and we looked around, frantically gesturing to the projection window behind. Ten minutes in, Abhi decided to take a walk to the counter outside. And as expected---they had forgotten that our movie had begun :) So lighting matters sorted, the movie progressed uneventfully till ‘Intermission’. Lights and radio  came on and everything was hunky-dory except that 5 minutes passed, then 10, then 15 and it started to feel like an eternity. Abhi was all set to venture out again when I noticed activity in the projection room upstairs. Movie was soon back on track—at almost 2 hours it was a short B’wood movie and thankfully played without subtitles. Imagine Vishal Bhardwaj dialogues in translation! So, my thoughts about the movie—firstly, it was a very entertaining watch, although not one of his best works. Yet, judged independently, the movie has a unique storyline, great characterization and acting, innovative dialogues, a very keen portrayal of contemporary Indian life and is beautifully situated in its geographic context.

I am getting ready to watch the opening of the Winter Olympics on TV, so this post has to end fast! Before I sign off though, I started a companion blog to Nayi-Taazi yesterday titled Lost & Found—to focus primarily on issues related to architecture & preservation. Hard as it is (at least for me) to find time even for one blog, I hope to keep them both alive and find opportunity and content to share from time to time :)