Movie Review - Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

So I went to see this movie the other day. Turns out I really didn't need to! Why? Well you see, the story of this particular movie had been stitched up using a number of colorful other rom-coms from Bollywood and Hollywood. And since I had seen those "original" works of art, I didn't really catch a "New" movie. Okay, so it wasn't as bad I am making it out to be. EMAET is a decent flick. Or, to borrow a quote from the movie, it was "perfectly average". 

The movie's basic premise of a drunken marriage seems to be inspired by the Kutcher -Diaz starrer, What Happens In Vegas. But that's where the similarity ends. The rest of the flick takes a desi turn and reminds you of another Kareena starrer, Jab We Met, with Imran playing the role of the uptight career oriented fella. But the movie manages to surprise you with yet another turn towards the end. This time, the inspiration seems to come from 500 days of Summer (BTW this one is one of my all time favorites.) Although not a complete rip-off of either of the three afore-mentioned movies, I could not help but be reminded of each of these flicks while watching EMAET.

Kareena seems to have become synonymous with the happy go lucky carefree "bindaas" girl next door. Her character pretty much felt like Geet - Part II (from Jab We Met you dodo!) Only this time, her family isn't as histrionic as the Punjabi ones from JWM. 

I must admit that I quite liked Imran Khan in the flick. No don't worry, my sexual orientation isn't wavering. What I meant was that Khan does a great job of livening up the movie with his facial expressions. But somehow the two don't really seem that much of a couple (which probably echoes in the film's ending). Among Imran's parents, Boman is his usual brilliant self, but somehow Ratna Patak Shah felt a little too artificial. On the other hand I found Kareena's entire family a complete laugh riot! Especially her father ("Just tickle his Balls." Simply EPIC!) Watch out for her granny, she's a sly one ;)

The songs, I must admit are pretty good. Right from the first tune to the last one, I quite enjoyed the music of the movie. The visuals of the songs set in Las Vegas capture the essence of the city pretty nicely. Even the oddly titled "Auntyji" turned out to be a quite a peppy number.

It's probably too early to say if this one will be one of the best rom-coms of the year (Although I am quite sure some trade pundits are already claiming t is) IMHO, the movie has a greater appeal to urban audiences for the many references to terms that are probably a little alien to the mango people. But I'm sure even with all the urbane feel, the movie will still click with the small town teens.

Overall this one's a perfectly average **1/2 stars.

Wasted

Ever wondered if you are utilizing your fullest potential? If you were putting to use all your talents and abilities to their maximum levels? I for one know, I am not. Why? Simple, I'm lazy, I procrastinate and I am apathetic to the outcome of any task I undertake, well almost any task I undertake. I maybe jeopardizing my future (and possibly current) job prospects by putting this sentiment out there on the interweb,  but the fact is that I truly am a lazy-ass good for nothing dolt!

Now before you start preparing your judgmental remarks, ask yourself the same question. Are you doing the best that you can? And be honest. If you think about it, most of us are not as industrious as we'd think. Sure, we do a great job at work, get that coveted promotion or annual incentive. We may be earning enough to support a stylish and comfortable lifestyle. But is that all we can do? Use our talents and abilities to earn some extra moolah and a fancy title.

We seldom use our gifts, abilities, potential (call it what you will!) to better lives apart from our own. Its cute to put up a facebook status update supporting a worthy cause. Sure it gets you lotsa 'Likes' and comments, but is that all we can do? I am sure if we push our abilities and resources to their fullest potential, we could truly bring about real change in the issues that plague our society and in turn, plague us.

So, ask yourself once again, how productive and useful are your abilities in the real world? Answer that question with details that describe achievements other than your own well being, and you've done justice to yourself.

While you ponder away on that tiny tid-bit, I'm calling it a day and logging off. Ciao.

Project Petronas

I made my first trip to the Malaysian capital over a recent long weekend. Although the trip was primarily supposed to be a getaway of sorts to help relax my nerves (along with my wife's), it turned out to be a great opportunity for me to take some really good clicks. 


Although my passion truly lies in street photography, I couldn't help but marvel at the splendor and grandeur of the Petronas Twin towers. As a result I ended up with a great number of shots of the twin wonders. This prompted me to embark on a mini project with the aforementioned title. 


The concept, very basic and simple - capture images of the twins from a variety of vantage points, great or otherwise. The end result is a collection of approximately over thirty clicks as seen from different spots in the city. Although I do not remember clearly all the locations, I have managed to mention most of the prominent ones. So here goes -  

The towers as seen from the scenic view of our hotel room. 

A Panoramic shot taken from our hotel room. The twins are flanked
by the "other iconic" tower, the Menara KL tower.

As seen from the Luna bar. The view of the tower is a major 

reason for patrons, tourists and locals alike,  frequenting this rooftop bar  

A glimpse of the towers from a street

alley near the hotel. It is almost 

impossible to miss them if you 

are in the Golden triangle area

The view from the Menara KL towers. Although not as famous the twin towers, the KL tower arguably offers a better view of the city. Well at least you get to see the iconic Petronas towers.

 The towers as shot from different angles from the tower base, the Suria KLCC Mall and KLCC park and the KL Convention Center.

Random Shots From Streets All over the City

 

  

So there you go. The Petronas Twin Towers as clicked from a myriad of vantage points throughout the Malaysian capital by yours truly.