Monday, March 31, 2014

8 Plays You Must Watch (Part 2) - Shivom Oza

Sex Morality & Censorship - Terrific theatrical presentation on the way censorship has affected the lives of artistes; spectacular song-and-dance sequences

Vagina Monologues - This is not a play for 'women only'; features female chracters from several walks of life, who narrate stories that vary from being rip-roaring to gut-wrenching

Piya Behrupiya - A Hindi-language musical adaptation of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night; powerful performances and exceptional live singing on stage; recommended even for those who haven't read the original

Adhe Adhure - A middle-aged mother/wife wanting to break free; newfound respect fot Lillete Dubey as an actor; real characters living real moments

Shivom Oza

Read Part 1

8 Plays You Must Watch (Part 1) - Shivom Oza

Sir Sir Sarla - Love triangle between a teacher and his students; funny-poignant in equal measure; acknowledgement is all that we need, sometimes

Sometimes - Quirky take on the way 20-somethings lead their lives; know better on how to handle matters of love, friendship, family and work

Class Of 84 - 7 college friends re-unite at a funeral, and uncomfortable truths come tumbling out of the closet; Masterful performances by the cast; filled to the brim with nostalgia

4 Small - 4 short plays based on the city of Mumbai; perfectly encapsulates how the word 'home' has different meanings for different people

Shivom Oza

Read Part 2

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Ankhon Dekhi (2014) Film Recommendation Post | Sanjay Mishra, Seema Pahwa & Namit Das, Dir: Rajat Kapoor - Shivom Oza

I kept resisting the urge to go for this film thinking, slow hogi yaar, mann nahin kar raha, 250 rupees kuch zyaada hi hai etc. However, I was more than happy to plant my foot in my mouth, when I walked out of the hall after watching this near-masterpiece. Ankhon Dekhi keeps you entertained throughout its duration, and the credit for that must be shared between the director Rajat Kapoor and the stellar cast. If you have not watched the movie yet (having the same apprehensions that I did), please don't wait. Apni ankhon se dekho, mazaa aayega!

Shivom Oza

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Leave The World Behind (2014) Film Recommendation Post | Swedish House Mafia - Shivom Oza

I don't know much about Swedish House Mafia, but something about this film's trailer got me hooked on. The sight of these three maverick musicians zipping away on a speed boat with their biggest hit 'Don't you worry child' playing in the background, gave me a huge rush. Yes, they do play their most popular track frequently through this documentary. I wish they'd avoided that. However, the spectacular visuals of their packed concerts around the world, left me awestruck! If you're not big on live concerts, you must watch this film. You'll end up going for one, soon!

Shivom Oza

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Highway (2014) Film Recommendation Post | Alia Bhatt & Randeep Hooda, Dir: Imtiaz Ali - Shivom Oza

The most striking aspect about Highway was how it stuck to the 'how traveling can be life-changing' theme from the beginning till the end. Thankfully, the plot doesn't completely shift focus to the love story or the sexual assault angle. Besides, traveling does not mean just commuting from one place to another whilst witnessing spectacular visuals. You discover your inner self only when you find yourself in alien situations, and are pushed to a corner. That's why Highway scores over most 'convenient' pseudo self-discovery movies such as Wake Up Sid! & ZNMD. And then, there's ARR's music too!

Shivom Oza

Queen (2014) Film Recommendation Post | Kangana Ranaut & Rajkummar Rao, Dir: Vikas Bahl - Shivom Oza

What really struck me about Queen is the simplicity in its characters, and their dialogues. I don't remember any other film, wherein the lead actor speaks about the quantity of aloo in samosas while asking a girl out, or a heroine who refers to a smooch as 'lip-to-lip-kiss'! Songs such as Kinare and O Gujariya stay with you long after the end credits (don't miss those) roll! It's a wonderful story, which evokes laughter and tears in equal measure, about a seemingly conservative girl who goes to Paris on her honeymoon - solo, and consequently, finds herself! Go watch! 

Shivom Oza

Who should you vote for? – Shivom Oza

The manner in which we discuss politics in this country needs an overhaul. We keep looking at the ‘party’ rather than the individual that we’re voting for. It is this mentality which keeps reflecting in our voting patterns, and hence, results in non-performing governments (more often than not). I would want to appeal to all the voters to take time out and research about the candidates that are standing for elections from their constituency. And yes, it is okay to vote for someone deserving even if he/she belongs to a party that you do not like. Do vote! 

Shivom Oza