Tarantino's Magic Bullets

Writer-director-actor Quentin Tarantino has given us many memorable cinematic experiences with his quirky dialogues and unforgettable characters. As his latest film Django Unchained unleashes in the theatres, here are five immortal monologues from the films of this cleft-chinned modern master

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney) addressing the five criminals who don't even know each others' names, says, "So, you guys like to tell jokes, huh? Gigglin' and laughin' like a bunch of young broads sittin' in a schoolyard. Well, let me tell a joke. Five guys, sittin' in a bullpen, in San Quentin. All wondering how the f*** they got there. What should we have done, what didn't we do, who's fault is it, is it my fault, your fault, his fault, all that bullshit. Then one of them says, hey. Wait a minute. When we were planning this caper, all we did was sit around tellin' f***in' jokes! Get the message?" The no-nonsense interaction between the gangsters who suspect one of them is a police informer, was Tarantino's claim to fame.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Jules Winnfield (Samuel L Jackson), a short-tempered paid assassin, has a phrase memorised. It goes, "Ezekiel 25:17. The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those, who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you. (Gun shots)." Rest assured, those are the last words one hears.

Kill Bill Vol 1 (2003)

The film opens to a face of a dying Uma Thurman with a man's voice addressing her. He says, "Do you find me sadistic? You know, I bet I could fry an egg on your head right now, if I wanted to. You know, Kiddo, I'd like to believe that you're aware enough even now to know that there's nothing sadistic in my actions. Well, maybe towards those other... jokers, but not you. No Kiddo, at this moment, this is me at my most...(cocks pistol) masochistic." With nothing but words, Tarantino establishes the principle characters and justifies the motives for a saga of revenge that follows.

Kill Bill Vol 2 (2004)

One of Tarantino's specialties is he introduces a new way to kill somebody with every film. Here, as Budd (Michael Madsen) is dying after being bitten by a Black Mamba; Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), the ferocious lady assassin with an eye patch, coldly explains to him how he will die: "The venom of a black mamba can kill a human in four hours, if, say, bitten on the ankle or the thumb. However, a bite to the face or torso can bring death from paralysis within 20 minutes. Now, you should listen to this, 'cause this concerns you. The amount of venom that can be delivered from a single bite can be gargantuan. You know, I've always liked that word...gargantuan ... so rarely have an opportunity to use it in a sentence. If not treated quickly with anti-venom, 10 to 15 milligrams can be fatal to human beings. However, the black mamba can deliver as much as 100 to 400 milligrams of venom from a single bite."

Inglorious Basterds (2009)

Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), in his opening remarks to the eight Jewish-American soldiers selected for a unique mission to kill Nazis, says, "...but I got a word of warning for all you would-be warriors. When you join my command, you take on debt. A debt you owe me personally. Each and every man under my command owes me one hundred Nazi scalps. And I want my scalps. And all y'all will get me one hundred Nazi scalps, taken from the heads of one hundred dead Nazis. Or you will die tryin'. You probably heard we ain't in the prisoner-takin' business; we in the killin' Nazi business. And cousin, business is a-boomin'." And there it is; you know this is no ordinary action film.

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on March 22, 2013

5 Films - The Many Lives Of Javier Bardem

The Sea Inside (2004)

This film saw the powerful Spanish contemporary filmmaker Alejandro Amenabar collaborate with the equally talented Javier Bardem in making one of the finest films based on a true story. The Sea Inside, or Mar Adentro (original title), was a film based on the life of Ramon Sampedro, a fisherman poet who, at a very young age had an accident while diving, which left him a bed-ridden quadriplegic. The film touched upon the controversial topic of euthanasia and received great critical acclaim, especially for Javier Bardem's graceful portrayal of a man who wanted nothing more than to control his own destiny.

No Country For Old Men (2007)

This contemporary-western-action-drama-thriller directed by the Coen brothers (Ethan and Joel) was easily one of the finest films of the decade. With a hauntingly quiet background score that consisted only of ambient sounds, the film explores universal themes like greed, wrath and other biblical sins in a very modern setting. Javier Bardem plays the role of Anton Chigurh, a killing machine void of human emotions who decides the fate of his victims by the flip of a coin. Portraying the character in all its cold-blooded brutality, Bardem ends up taking the entire cake of credit for the movie which also stars Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin and Kelly Macdonald.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

An elegant romantic drama by Woody Allen is one of those rare dramedies featuring the gloomy-eyed, gruff-voiced actor. The film is about two friends Vicky and Cristina (Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson) who visit Barcelona on a trip so that Vicky can work on her degree. They meet the charming artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) who offers them a vacation where they could make love. Vicky refuses but Cristina is eager for a new experience. However, things get ugly when Antonio's passionate, tippy ex-lover Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz) arrives at the scene after a failed suicide attempt.

Biutiful (2010)

This film saw the dreams of a lot of movie geeks come true as the director known for films like Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Babel collaborated with Javier Bardem. This Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu film casts Bardem in the role of Uxbal; a man torn between his many roles, struggling to make it work as a father and a lover, at the same time juggling his identities of spirituality, mortality and guilt. Set in the underbelly of modern Barcelona, Uxbal's fate encircles him and crosses lines to show us that life is cyclic and it all begins where it ends. The film is all about Bardem and his secret repertoire from which he procures the emotions for love, loss and many other things.

Skyfall (2012)

There are roles that define you and there are roles that are defined by you; and then there are roles that strike the balance between the character and the actor, and create a magnificent work of art. Skyfall was just one such film where the James Bond franchise in its 50-years of glory went on to cast Javier Bardem in the role of the negative character of Silva. Like he does with all his roles, Bardem quite willingly steps into the shoes of his character and brings to life a megalomaniac, who only has revenge on his mind. Although not the best of films, playing the bad guy in a 007 film is a big deal.

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on March 1, 2013

5 films - Most Nominated At The Oscars

The Turning Point (1977)

A film about two friends whose paths intersect years after their friendship-cum-competitive-rivalry in the ballet world, The Turning Point was a film that has, perhaps, the biggest "good but not good enough" stories to tell about the Academy Awards. Directed by Herbert Ross and starring Shirley Maclaine and Anne Bancroft, the film holds the record of being nominated in most categories without winning in a single one of them. With 11 nominations, it is tied with Steven Spielberg's 1985 film The Color Purple, which was a film about the struggle of an African-American woman in dealing with social evils like racism, sexism and poverty in early 20th century America.

Titanic (1997)

This fictionalised account of the sinking of Titanic in 1912, is the most expensive film made in the 20th century. The epic romantic tragedy, set in a disaster, was directed by James Cameron, who later made the most expensive film of the 21st century (so far) in Avatar. Titanic was the first film to cross the $1 billion mark at the box office and with its 3D re-release in 2012, crossed $2 billion. The film was nominated in 14 categories and won in 11 of them. For a sunken ship, that is some great achievement.

Ben Hur (1959)

This historic epic drama, set in ancient Rome, has now become a historic epic in the world of cinema as well. Directed by William Wyler, the film starred Charlton Heston and Stephen Boyd. Since it was a period drama, Ben Hur required a set to be created -- a set which still is the biggest set created for any film. It won a record 11 awards at the Oscars and is remembered for its glorious chariot chase sequence. Its record was later equaled by James Cameron's Titanic.

Cabaret (1972)

One of the few musicals that swept the Oscars, Bob Fosse's Cabaret is a brilliantly crafted film that is taught in film schools for the costumes, set design and overall composition. Starring Liza Minelli and Michael York, the film is set in 1930s Germany which was under the rule of the growing Nazi party. Cabaret was nominated in 10 categories and won in eight of them. Ironically, with most nominations that year, the film failed to win the award for the best picture, and surprising still is that it wasn't even nominated in the category.

All About Eve (1950)

One of Marilyn Monroe's first major roles, All About Eve was a film directed by Joseph Mankiewicz. Based on a short story by Mary Orr, the film told a complex story of relationships and betrayal and gives a glimpse into the entertainment industry. The film held the record for most number of nominations at the Academy Awards for nearly half a century before it was matched by Titanic in 1997. It won in six of those categories and still holds the record for most number of actresses from the same film to be nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category (four).

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on February 22, 2013

5 Films - Best Romantic Tragedies

Gone With The Wind (1939)

Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Margaret Mitchell, Gone With the Wind is a devastating love triangle involving Scarlett and Rhett (Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh), who are simply made for each other, and Ashley, who Scarlett is pursuing in futility. And as much as you want them to be together, time plays the villain as Scarlett realises too late how much she loves Rhett. After all the heartbreaks Rhett goes through, when Scarlett turns to him and expresses her love for him, she finds out he has already moved on and doesn't care about her. In, perhaps, one of the best climax sequences, when Scarlett confesses her love, Rhett responds with what is by far the coldest response one has ever heard on screen, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

Casablanca (1942)

Rick and Ilas (Humprey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman) had a brief affair in Paris a few years ago, but were separated due to the World War II. Years later, their destinies cross paths again as Ilas walks into Rick's bar in Casablanca, with her husband. "Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine." defines the heartache that Rick feels when he sees Ilas once again. It is a heartbreaking story lined with some great songs like 'Time Goes By'. And just when you begin to think they might have a second chance, just as you are expecting Rick to get on the plane with Ilas, he doesn't. Rick has to let Ilas go, yet again, for he sees a better life for her if he is not a part of it.

The Bridges of Madison County (1995)

Roberto and Francesca spend four days with each other but the love they have will last forever. However, she is married and unwilling to leave her husband and children, even though she would want nothing else than to be with him. The film is a graceful showcase of how love can catch you off guard and make you do things that you wouldn’t normally do. However, no matter how strong the love between the two, Francesca just doesn’t have it in her to choose Roberto over her children. The scene in the rain where she has to make the final choice can render hopeful romantics inconsolable.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Jack and Ennis, portrayed with great finesse by Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger are in a relationship that is forbidden by the world. However, their love lasts many years. They both get married and have children but their love doesn't have to suffer. However, the fact that they can never truly be together as the society thinks of their love as wrong, is saddening. They live on, with only their love for each other and when Jack dies, Ennis visits his parents house in an overwhelming scene where he sniffs Jack's shirt, takes it with him and hangs it next to the picture of Brokeback Mountain --- a classic embodiment of a dialogue earlier in the film, "I wish I knew how to quit you."

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Leaving aside the complexity of a man who is aging backwards, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has a love story at its heart and a really tragic one at that. Benjamin (Brad Pitt) and Daisy (Kate Blanchett) have known each other all their lives, but unfortunately, when they met, she was only a little girl and he was an old man. Since then, their fates take an individual course and their destinies intertwine with one another, but never truly meet. An out of the world tale of how two people who were meant to be together all their lives, end up spending only a brief period with each other, when they are approximately of the same age.

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on February 15, 2013

5 Films - About Gathering Men For A Mission

Seven Samurai (1954)

One of the finest films the world has ever seen, Seven Samurai is perhaps the most influential films from Asia that made a worldwide impact. In more ways than one, this film was the pioneer of the theme of recruiting a set of men for a specific motive. Starring Takashi Shimura and Toshiro Mifune among others, the Seven Samurai is a film about a village, that is tormented by bandits, hires a group of seven unemployed Samurai to defend the next harvest. The film was so successful in the US that many big budget Hollywood films tried to ape the plot element and succeeded. From The Guns of Navarone to The Dirty Dozen to Sholay, the formula has been a 100% hit.

Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1958)

Although it revolves around a story of someone recruiting a group of men, V Shantaram's Do Aankhen Barah Haath only fulfills half the requirements of our theme this week. The film, based on a real life experiment conducted in Satara, shows how a jail warden takes up a task of rehabilitating six hardened criminals and turning them into men of virtue. The film, which was well appreciated and re-made in several regional languages in India, is said to be a deep study of the human psychology. The film is a great moral lesson in childhood and also propagates certain virtues that one must always hold up.

Ocean's 11 (2001)

The more appropriate inclusion to this list would have been the original 1960 version of the film, which was directed by Rat Pack. However, the Steven Soderbergh version has a better production quality and also, George Clooney plays Danny Ocean in this one. The thriller, revolves around Ocean and his 10 accomplices, who include Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, trying to rob the Bellagio, The Mirage, and the MGM Grand casinos in Las Vegas. An adrenaline rush, coupled with an amazing soundtrack make this film an unforgettable experience. And just to be safe, watch the original too; it has Frank Sinatra in it.

300 (2006)

This brutal, bloody and thrilling fantasy action film, based on the comic series by Frank Miller, is a modern day fantastic re-telling of the Battle of Thermopylae. The film, directed by Zack Snyder, revolves around King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) of Sparta who gathers 300 brave Spartans to fight the thousand times larger army of Persian God-King, Xerxes. The comic book like treatment in live action feels a little over-the-top and the theme that 300 men, in the name of courage and patriotism are willing to take an impossible task of beating 300,000 men just highlights the stupidity that courage is made of. But kicking someone in the chest and yelling "This is Spartaaaa!!!" never gets old.

Inglorious Basterds (2009)

A gem from the modern master Quentin Tarantino, Inglorious Basterds is set during the World War II and tells the tale of how Lieutenant Aldo Raine, of the 1st Special Service Force, recruits eight Jewish Americans in a high profile mission to kill important German officers. Tarantino's intriguing narrative shows how this plan happily coincides with the plan of a vengeful theatre owner in Paris. Starring Brad Pitt as Aldo Raine, Christoph Waltz as Lans Handa, Eli Roth as Donny Donowitz, Michael Fassbender as, Melanie Laurent in exquisite character roles; the film, just like all Tarantino films that preceded, is violent, stylish and unique. The film's lead up to the climax, the Chapter 11, is the most talked of scene in the film as it showed an alternate premature end to the World War with the brutal assassination of Hitler.

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on February 10, 2013

5 Films - That Best Represent the Indian Democracy

Nayak (2001)

Melodramatic performances, exaggerated scene construction, ridiculous, out-of-place romance and other such misgivings aside, this S Shankar film had an honest soul. Narrating the glorious story of a common man at the helm of power, the film journey's through the predicaments in the personal life of the man who puts his country before himself. Highlighting the point that power never corrupts, but when vested in the hands of corrupt people, gets corrupted; Nayak is a film that inspires you to lead and fulfill your duty towards your country, regardless of how direct and in-your-face the message may appear.

Gulaal (2009)

Love. Power. Revolution. This Anurag Kashyap film is a deep comment on many aspects of society, law, history and human relationships. Set in Rajasthan around the Rajputana movement, the film decodes regional politics, which have always been a divisive factor for our country. The noir treatment builds a dark image of a nation that is boiling under the skin and emphasizes the intractable pursuit of power. With black satire oozing through songs like Ranaji and a new-age rendition of Sahir Ludhianvi's Duniya by Piyush Mishra, the film is a visual manifestation of the thoughts of a cynical poet.

Yuva (2004)

India is a young country and it is today's youth that will drive the country forward. But is there just one Young India? Mani Ratnam brings the answer in a seemingly complex narrative and puts it forth in the simplest manners. Through its principle characters Michael Mukherjee, Lallan and Arjun; Yuva shows the face of the youth and categorises them into three types - the progressive, proactive reformist; the wishful, romantic escapist and the rigid feudalist. And after the three stands are displayed, the film intertwines the destinies of these characters, such that they project the image of the country as a whole. With elections and the dark side of power going head-to-head, Mani Ratnam's Yuva is an inspirational drama.

Welcome To Sajjanpur (2008)

From the minds of one of India's finest filmmakers, comes a gem of a film that represents the country to its fullest. Shyam Benegal, through Welcome To Sajjanpur, throws light on innumerable issues of a young country - right from urban aspirations to social inequality, and from oppression to a sense of freedom. The song Aadmi Azaad Hai underlines how the film believes in the might of democracy and with bouts of satire that go hand-in-hand with Munni Bai's character (a eunuch who is a mass leader), the film is a subtle encyclopedia which tells you a lot about India.

Peepli (Live) (2010)

Over time, there have been many films that address the issues in our legislative, executive and judiciary sectors; there have been very few films that focus on the fourth pillar of our democracy. Anusha Rizvi, in her film which focuses on the state of the news media and comments on the desensitization of the society, also shows the might of the pen. Through its light-hearted narrative, the film exposes certain elements of life in rural India. And while the film is an out-and-out satire, which means that the humour is fundamentally a polite pinch; as a whole, the film represents the hope that resides within every struggling Indian. From Mehengai Dayan to Des Mera, the film captures the essence of India - "Jeb kalandar, dil hai samandar"

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on January 26, 2013

5 Films - Where The Cities Have Character

Paris Je T’aime (2006)

22 directors and 25 writers combined to bring you 20 stories from Paris that explored universal themes and specific emotions that one may find in this romantic city. Through the different neighborhoods of Paris, the film explores the journey of love, relationships as well as a journey that leads to awakening. The only theme that binds the 20 stories is the setting, and the emotion of love that is uttered synonymously with Paris. Paris Je T’aime is an example of how the people shape a city and how the city shapes its people in return.

Salaam Bombay (1988)

This Mira Nair work is one of those films that can be made only once. The neo-realist treatment showed the city of Mumbai from a completely fresh vantage point and the ease with which it was done was commendable. Shot on real locations, this film shows the dark side of the city of dreams – right from the cluttered, notorious red-light area of Falkland Road to the dark and eerie juvenile home. With character actors like Raghuvir Yadav, Nana Patekar and Irrfan Khan in the midst and most lead roles played by real kids from the slums, Salaam Bombay tears the mask off a lucrative city.

Delhi 6 (2009)

Rehna Tu, Hai Jaise Tu; Thoda Sa Dard Tu, Thoda Sukoon --- Hardly a handful of people noticed that this seemingly simple romantic song is being sung not to a person, but to the city. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi 6 captures the essence of Purani Dilli by taking you through its narrow lanes, the Ram Leela celebrations and the tapestry of its people. The story is dipped in culture, and unfolds via a set of characters that are the most representative sample of the area. With a climax that didn’t go down too well with the audience, Delhi 6 was a photo album of moving visuals.

Manhattan (1979)

Starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton, this is a classic Woody Allen film that tells a profound story in the simplest of forms. The story revolves around a divorced New Yorker who is dating a high-schooler, who brings himself to look for love in his best friend’s mistress. An Allen trademark, Manhattan also encompasses the predominant lifestyle of a particular city, and chronicles it through the well woven story of deep and real characters. It is just another film where the city rises from merely being a backdrop for the scenes but merges with the lives of its people, turning it into a magnificent metaphor.

Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)

Set in a turbulent yet obscure town of Wasseypur, this marathon film by Anurag Kashyap is an epic noir tale of revenge where three powerful families vie for control in the region. Beginning in post-independence India, the film throws light on a lot of socio-political issues like the pre-liberalisation socialist mentality, the coal scams as well as covers the post-liberalisation capitalist mindset. What stands out in this ‘muslim mahabharat’ is the setting that is explored in a very rooted yet global manner and shows the town of Wasseypur in a way no one had imagined.

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on January 20, 2013

On Screen in 2013

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Ranbir Kapoor, after his much-appreciated performance in Barfi!, has two movies slotted for release this year. Apart from Abhinav Kashyap's Besharam, he will be joining forces with two very interesting colleagues. Being directed by Ayan Mukerji, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, which releases on May 31, will see Ranbir work with Ayan after the successful and fresh Wake Up! Sid. Ranbir will also share screen space with ex-flame Deepika Padukone. Their personal history aside, whether the duo will be able to recreate the chemistry on screen is a question that needs to be asked. But between that film and this, Ranbir has definitely charted an impressive career graph, with films like Rockstar, Rocket Singh and Barfi!, which has set him apart from his contemporaries.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

For a country that is known to forget its heroes, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is one of the rare reminders of one such hero, the Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh. After the reception Tigmanshu Dhulia's Paan Singh Tomar received, it is fair to say that the life of Milkha Singh will definitely draw audience into the theatres. Rang De Basanti director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra returns to the helm after Teen They Bhai. Farhan Akhtar's astonishing resemblance to the Olympian, captured by legendary cinematographer Binod Pradhan adds real value to the film. And with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Prasoon Joshi's hit music and lyrics combo, the film seems to have got it all right before the release. Looks like Milkha may not fall short of a medal this time around.

Nautanki Saala

Slotted for an April release, this Rohan Sippy film is a hilarious real-life drama. Built around the journey of two central characters and a comedy of errors that befalls them, it appears to be a breath of fresh air that one needs when the summer gets unbearable. Starring Ayushmaan Khurana, who amused us with his Vicky Donor performance, and Kunaal Roy Kapur, who has shown tremendous potential and brilliant comic timing in Delhi Belly, in the roles of Ram Parmar and Mandar Lele respectively, Nautanki Saala has the potential of becoming one of this year's best comedies. Whether it is or not, time will tell.

David

Bejoy Nambiar, known primarily for his out-of-the-box film Shaitan, returns with what looks like an equally fascinating film. From the trailers, it projects an image of yet another well-crafted film. The plot revolves around three main characters, all named David, who are about to take a decision that is going to change their life forever. The leads are played by Vikram, who we know from Mani Ratnam's Raavan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, who was at his best in his debut film Johnny Gaddaar and Vinay Virmani, the Canadian-Indian actor from Speedy Singhs. This web of intrigue will open to audiences on the first day of February.

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola

Releasing next week, this Vishal Bhardwaj movie marks his return after 7 Khoon Maaf, a film that received fairly mixed responses. However, if the quirky trailers are not enough to get you excited to watch this film, maybe this will -- Pankaj Kapoor collaborates with Bhardwaj after a long gap, and a pair that gave Indian cinema two gems in Maqbool and Blue Umbrella. To add to that, the film also brings with it a chance for Imran Khan to catapult his career graph that has been quite inconsistent.

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on January 5, 2013

5 Films - Most Memorable Cops in Hindi Cinema

Inspector Vijay Khanna -- Zanjeer (1973)

 

 

Yeh police station hai, tumhare baap ka ghar nahi. Isi liye Seedhi tarah khade raho, says the angry-young-man Amitabh, at his inception, to Sher Khan played by Pran. Prakash Mehra's Zanjeer was where Amitabh's journey as the hot-blooded youngster begins. It is the story of an honest police officer, who gets tangled with a gang leader Seth Dharam Dayal Teja (Ajit) and is wrongly accused and jailed. When released, Vijay has nothing but revenge on his mind and won't rest until he has it. The flamboyant cop, who delivers his own brand of justice, became a hit with the fans and also became a youth icon.

ACP Ajay Rathod -- Sarfarosh (1999)

 

 

Mai apne mulq ko apna ghar samajhta hoon, says ACP Rathod, played by Aamir Khan in John Mathew Matthan's Sarfarosh. Although this underlines the film's theme, there is more to ACP Rathod than meets the eye. The character of a hardened taskmaster of a cop, an obedient son, a loyal friend and a shy poet-lover, Sarfarosh shows Aamir Khan as a multi-dimensional hero. His powerful performance and dialogue delivery, which later became an unconscious style, are loved by his fans even today. A hardcore mainstream hindi film with songs, ACP Rathod was the added dimension which set the film apart from its competition.

Sub-inspector Anant Velankar -- Ardh Satya (1983)

Ek palde mein napunsakta, ek palde mein paurush; aur theek taraazu ke kaante par, ardh satya; are the final lines of the theme poem by Dilip Chitre and the lines define all there is to the film. This Govind Nihalani film, whose script is written by the immortal Vijay Tendulkar, focused on a universal existential issue of whether you continue with what you have or take a risk to change things for the better. The stunning performance by Om Puri, wherein he portrays a character whose predicament can be resolved only from within, is captured with two endings, one written in the script by Tendulkar and one which Nihalani deemed fit.

SP Amit Kumar --Gangaajal (2003)

 

 

Samaaj ko police waisi hi milti hai jaisa ki samaaj khud hota hai, are the words of Ajay Devgn, who plays SP Amit Kumar in Prakash Jha's national award-winning film Gangaajal. The film is a dark look at the socio-political system that reigns in Bihar and shows how this charismatic cop leads a team of dysfunctional and corrupt policemen, who are used to malpractices and wrongdoings, to fight crime and re-establish an ideal status quo. Following questionable methods, the team brings down a mob leader in the town so as to restore order and civility in a society plagued by extortion, corruption, bullying and lawlessness.

Inspector Sadhu Agashe--Ab Tak Chhappan (2004)

 

 

Tu khush bass iss liye hai, kyon ki tu zinda hai aur woh mar gaya; Nana Patekar's disenchanted remarks and precise dialogues that have no pretentions make Ab Tak Chhappan a difficult dish to digest for all those with romantic ideas about the police force. This Shimit Amin film explores the dark side of the police force, where Sadhu Agashe, makes a name for himself by killing criminals instead of locking them up for trial. Centered around him, the film explores the Mumbai police, Agashe's method and his alleged connections with the underworld, without taking a judgmental stance anywhere.

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on December 21, 2012

5 Films - Must Watch Dilip Kumar Films

Devdas (1955)

 

Based on the classical novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Devdas is perhaps India's most celebrated romantic tragedy. Among the four popular versions in Hindi cinema, which include the likes of KL Saigal, Shah Rukh Khan and more recently, Abhay Deol in the role of the miserable drunk lovesick character; Dilip Kumar's edition, directed by Bimal Roy, is still considered the best. One of the major contributors in building his image as the tragedy king, Devdas became a cult film and a cultural symbol for all love-struck hopeless romantics.

Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

 

 

This K Asif film was an epic of large proportions on every single scale. The sets, the screenplay, the dialogues and lyrics, the music and of course, the cast. With Prithviraj Kapoor as Akbar and the fairy-like Madhubala as the court-dancer Anarkali; the film is a major landmark in the history of Indian cinema. For Dilip Kumar, who was reluctant to work in a period film at first, the role turned out to be iconic and by this time, he had gained a superstar status with a daylight of a distance between him and the others.

 

Ram Aur Shyam (1967)

 

 

It has been 45 years since this film hit the screens and we are still making Ramesh-Suresh jokes. The legacy of the double role was popularised by the two Dilip Kumars on screen. Ram and Shyam are twins, who are nothing but alter-egos of the same personality -- a plot that has thereafter been used in a multitude of blockbuster hits like Sita Aur Gita (Hema Malini), Chaalbaaz (Sridevi) and Judwaa ( Salman Khan). The film was marketed as Dilip Kumar's first dual-role and marked the beginning of the doppelganger effect in Hindi films.

 

Saudagar (1991)

 

Dilip Kumar has been inactive since acting in Qila in 1998. However, for fans and followers, who have seen him through the large part of his illustrious career, it is impossible to attribute it as the retirement film of this impeccable actor. Saudagar, on the other hand, was the film he did before Qila; and the Subhash Ghai film had him play Thakur Veer Singh, acting along side Rajkumar for the first time since Paigham. Influenced by the plot of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Saudagar sees Dilip Kumar in the role of Capulet.

Naya Daur (1957)

 

A typical melodrama of the 1950s where socialism was at the forefront of every second film, Naya Daur is a tale of man versus machine. Set in post-independence India, where rapid industrialisation had rendered many professions rudimentary, Naya Daur sees Dilip Kumar as Shankar trying to compete with the advancements around him. Shot originally in black and white, the film was colorised and re-released in 2007. With OP Nayyar's fabulous music to go with the rural setting, this BR Chopra film made Dilip Kumar a people's hero in the truest sense.

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on December 14, 2012