Yours Truly, Mystic Statistic

Not true, Xinu-meister. While busy with work, travel and website updates which are still in the pipeline, I was merely plotting my next big ominous blog post (i.e. this one). Am also mourning Billary's win in PA. Here's to higher taxes, a sucky economy, and overall political tolerance that fluctuates every 28 days.

In other news, if you haven't yet heard it yet, go sample Classically Mild (detailed review here).

Daym!

Masala-fy your lives!

Doses of glamor, glitz and fashion. Topped off with Bollywood. Snazzed up with the latest happenings in Dubai. That's Masala for you! New and online at masala.com.

Ahem, and those of you who want to keep up with tunes and albums from the des - don't miss out their music reviews. I've heard that they're written by someone who really knows his stuff. :-)

Hehe! If you like what you read, pass the word on, wouldya?

More like this, Bollywood

Why aren't more movies like this made? From the team that brought you the 'laugh till you drop' Bheja Fry, Mithya is absolutely awesome, in the wierdest kind of way. Its Don peppered with Satya, seasoned with Whole 9/10 Yards. Only difference is that the implant is sent by a rival gang, not the cops.

A darkly funny gangster movie. An interesting genre which I haven't seen experimented with too much, in Bollywood. It has all the cliches. The angry gangster lord. The gorgeous gun moll. The innocent bystander who gets sucked in. And the laughs are not typical - they're strategically placed all across the movie.

But what's awesome about Mithya is the fact that they finally got the dark comedy right. The ending is very noir and very nicely done. The second half does have its weak moments. Its by no means anything close to a perfect movie - but its so refreshing to see Bollywood throw us these googlies in the midst of the rom-coms and action movies that we get used to.

Makes one want to look the industry in the eye and say, "More like this, Bollywood"

In other news, try dialling 1-877-IDOL-AID on a Blackberry. None of RIM's phones have alphabets over their numbers. Add to the growing list of my phone peeves. Hmph!

Kite Runner: The Movie

There's understated socio-moral commentary that runs parallel to this film. There are so many potential take-aways that one could have after watching "The Kite Runner", because every visual has popped out into reality. When you read Hosseini's book, you are able to selectively extract every ounce of meaning that you "want" to concentrate on based on your perception. The backdrop of war, and torn lives that it results in. The injuries of lost innocence, that sustain a lifetime. Friendships that last beyond time, without actual contact.

But the essential element of The Kite Runner is the undisputed and internal battle between good and bad, within your soul. And hence the film's tagline, "There's a way to be good again".

There's not much that can be said about a film/book which were as genuine and touching as this one. Even if the viewer is unaware of the intricacies of the Hazara/Afghan communities, the movie is able to provide a clear and unbiased viewpoint - which all can perceive easily. The second half of the film is truly heartwarming, especially the last scene where Amir runs the kite for Sohrab, the way Sohrab's father used to.

What is creditable is that The Kite Runner is able to say so much, without talking. To teach so much, without preaching. To express so much, without overt display.

Its more about what's understated in this film, than what is shown on screen.