04062022-LSTL-01.qxd 6/3/2022 11:34 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Thor is back Life Marvel Studios’ cosmic adventure Thor: Love and Thunder will release in India on July 7, 2022. Chris Hemsworth and Taika Waititi will reunite after five years for the film. TMS LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 4 JUNE 2022 Simple words of wisdom one is involved in a project to give their best.” As for his favourite music, he says, “I listen to ghazals as much as I admire the American band Guns and Roses. It is about meeting new people and knowing where they come from. I also like to read Surjit Patar, Shiv Kumar Batalvi, Rajesh Joshi, Bashir Badr and Rasool Hamzatov; they all are different and inspire me as a writer.” Sheetal Changing contours Women can now talk about taboo subjects in cinema and society, says Nushrratt Bharuccha Actress Nushrratt Bharuccha believes women, both in films and in real-life, have become much more vocal about their point of view on various social issues and taboo subjects. The 37-year-old actress, whose last two movies—Chhorii (2021) and Dream Girl (2019)—tackled the topics of female infanticide and loneliness, respectively, will be seen essaying the role of condom seller in the upcoming movie Janhit Mein Jaari. “Time has come today where we can have difficult conversations and I don’t think it is limited to cinema. Even in office space, a woman can talk about having periods and taking a day off. There are more conversations that women can have in their lives and workplace,” Nushrratt said. She believes the performance of the upcoming Raaj Shaandilyaa-production will define the degree of change in the society. “Whether we can be successful at it, is a big question. Cumulatively, the country will tell us whether they have accepted us with this normalcy or not. We will learn about it when our film releases,” she added. Nushratt said while she was unaware of the exact business women-led films have been doing at the box office, she is happy that her previous few choices cemented her position as a credible performer. In the last three years, she has worked in movies like Dream Girl, Chhalaang, Ajeeb Daastaans and Chhorii. — PTI P OET-LYRICIST Irshad Kamil was in Chandigarh for a meet and greet with budding writers for Social Nation. Malerkotla-born Irshad, who stays in Mumbai, loves his connection with the City Beautiful, “I know every road of Chandigarh by heart. After, all Panjab University was my first home during college days and I completed my PhD from the campus. I loved the visits to Sukhna Lake and Sector 17.” On the Punjabi music industry, he opined, “It is wrong to say that lyrics aren’t given much attention by just looking at a few bad examples. On the contrary, I think it’s the lyricists who have been saving the music industry for long now.” The Mauja Hi Mauja writer added that Punjabi music directors should start experimenting. “There are so many music directors coming from South-India, but here we are using the same old tunes and not bringing something new, given the talent Punjabis possess. All those tappe, boliyan are in songs. The good writers are writing and won’t stop doing that even In city, lyricist Irshad Kamil says he admires ghazals as much as the American band Guns and Roses WRITE NOTE Every person brings out a different personality of yours and the same goes for music directors. It’s different to work with a Pritam or a VishalShekhar or AR Rahman and that’s how I was able to give variety in my writing. if the demand becomes less in the coming days. But the viewers and listeners have started commending average work, so artistes make lesser efforts,” he adds. BROAD SPECTRUM His recent association with music director AR Rahman for Atrangi Re was very fruitful, as the film’s music was much appreciated. He does not have any favourites though, Irshad adds, “Every person brings out a different personality of yours and the same goes for music directors. It’s different to work with a Pritam or a Vishal-Shekhar or AR Rahman and that’s how I was able to give variety in my writing. Having said that, creative differences can be there but it needs to be understood that every- MOVIE REVIEWS Braveheart! Mona Golden phase Gandhi & Company wins top honours at Zlin Film Festival It’s pouring awards for the Gujarati children’s film Gandhi & Companyand the latest accolade is a massive win at the 62nd edition of the prestigious Zlin Film Festival in Czech Republic. The film, produced by Mahesh Dannanavar and helmed by Manish Sani, has won the top honours at the festival and bagged the much-coveted ‘Golden Slipper’, which is the main prize awarded to the best feature film in the children, junior, youth and animation section. The film premiered for the first time at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, where it won the secondbest Indian film award and has been regaling audiences across the world at multiple film festivals. It revolves around two children, Mintoo and Mitra, who find lessons about the Father of the Nation very tedious. It is only when their friend, Bharat Bhai, tells them that Bapu is actually the country’s superhero that they start getting interested in Gandhi. One thing leads to another and soon the children begin to feel the influence of Gandhian values in their lives. —TMS MAJOR One knows the story of 26/11 well and its hero Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, and the innumerable screen outings of India’s longest siege. Major, produced by Telugu megastar Mahesh Babu says the same story, albeit taking a detour and bringing along a few more strands and tying them all together well. Inspired by the life of Ashoka Chakra recipient Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, the film charts the story of a soldier—his inspiration, family, romance and ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka, it’s written by Adivi Sesh, who also steps into protagonist’s shoes. The film builds up Major Sandeep’s character—his childhood, bravery, determination and most of all the inherent desire to protect. Family bonds—an indulgent mother, seemingly tough father, sister who is there for you unconditionally are the major highlight of the first half. And it builds romance. The days when letters of love were the sole communication, joined by Cast: Adivi Sesh, Prakash Raj, Sobhita Dhulipala, Saiee Manjrekar and Revathi Director: Sashi Kiran Tikka Rating: ★★★★ Adivi Sesh shines as a writer and actor in Major, heroic even if oft told story of 26/11 era of pagers and rare phone calls. When Navy rejects him, Sandy joins the Army. What goes into the making of an Indian Army officer reflects through the training days. Sandeep is an ideal cadet, inspiring his batch and rightfully become the training officer at the elite para commando unit National Security Guard (NSG). Love blossoms into marriage, and then the ups and downs due to ‘duty over relation’, the story reaches the fateful 26/11 and Taj Mahal Hotel Palace. The beauty of the film lies in how it steadily builds the characters and their bond. After the interval, the scene moves to the site of the siege. In the next few minutes, the makers want you to suspend belief and enjoy the immaculately choreographed action sequences. While Major Sandeep is larger-thanlife (and too pretty), his swift moves through the shower of bullets and fire make for some splendid shots. The role of media comes under scanner as one gets the glimpse of Headley, Kasab, Leopold Cafe, a blind man and his service dog. And, honestly, Sashi loses his majorly invested audience as major goes without a helmet while his team is well clad for the operation! Thankfully, the film comes back on track soon enough as the scene moves post martyrdom, back to the beauty of bonds and how they are the mainstay of life. A few tracks are built in so well, as is Pramoda Reddy’s (Sobhita Dhulipala) character. It is sure a patriotic film within which unity in diversity is subtly built in. Veterans Prakash Raj and Revathi shine as the Major’s parents, reflecting the concerns, insecurity and pride. If Adivi rules the screen as Major, as a writer too he’s build up a narrative that engages and moves. Interestingly, tears trickle down at many moments. While there are no unnecessary song and dance moments, music by Sricharan Pakala is good. The film is as much an ode to Indian soldiers as to their families, who die a thousand deaths along with their daredevils who make the supreme sacrifice to protect us all. c m y b Irshad also promotes budding writers through Facebook and YouTube. On the style of writing, his views are simple, “If you need fancy and difficult words to say something, you have nothing to say.” On that note he also clears the air on the rights of a song-writer. He believes if the music director gets 40 per cent rights of any song, the same amount should go to the lyricist, leaving the remaining 20 per cent for the singer. About extending his skills to film writing or direction, Irshad confirms the idea is definitely in his mind. The lyricist is still in search of something that is out of this world, “Just like Sahir’s work for Pyaasa. As a writer I always think something better is on the way.” SRK in & as Jawan Red Chillies Entertainment has announced its next film titled Jawan, an action entertainer, starring Shah Rukh Khan and helmed by director Atlee. Known for directing successful films in South-India, such as Raja Rani, Theri, Mersal and Bigil, to name a few, Atlee will release Jawan in five languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada, in theatres on June 2, 2023. Says Shah Rukh Khan, “Jawan is a universal story that goes beyond languages. Credit goes to Atlee for creating this unique film, which has also been a fantastic experience for me, as I love action films.” — TMS Short of Pitched on a grand scale, Samrat Prithviraj falters on many fronts while feigning to be socially correct glory Samrat Prithviraj Cast: Akshay Kumar, Manushi Chhillar, Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Ashutosh Rana, Manav Vij and Sakshi Tanwar Director: Chandraprakash Dwivedi Rating: ★★ Nonika Singh While we are tempted to agree with Akshay Kumar that great warrior and Rajput King Prithviraj Chauhan is a footnote in our history books, and undeniably deserves more, but as he leaps on to the silver screen in a two hour plus film, we emerge none the wiser! Or more knowledgeable. As the title Samrat Prithiviraj suggests, it is an out-and-out ode to the ruler of Ajmer and Delhi (latter part of the12th century), whom we best remember for eloping with beautiful princess Sanyogita. Here, the romantic fable is not so much in the foreground but woven in with a few romantic moments and songs. Clearly Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s intentions are not merely to recount the epic love story. So right from the beginning Prithviraj’s bravery occupies centrestage, as we see a blinded him fighting lions and more in an amphitheatre typical Gladiator style. In fact, the narrative is so consumed with edifying its hero’s courage that there is little nuance or layering to his character. Akshay Kumar in the titular role is hemmed in by the limited scope the writing offers. Surprisingly, other characters are fleshed out better. Sanjay Dutt as his mentor Kaka Kanha seems to have lost none of his charismatic presence and truly roars as an ageing brave-heart. Sonu Sood as Prithviraj’s court poet, astrologer and companion Chand Bardai, has a meaty part wherein he pitches an equally robust performance. Even when he fawns over his king unabashedly, he does not put you off. The same, however, can’t be said about the film which turns a wee bit dramatic, all too often. Certainly the visual language is rich, though don’t expect the grandeur or aesthetics of the kind Sanjay Leela Bhansali can create. Nevertheless, Dwivedi, does get the war scenes right. Can the same be said about the historical veracity? Well, it is true that Prithviraj did lead a coalition of several Rajput kings and defeated the Ghurid army led by Muhammad Ghori near Taraori in 1191 AD. In the film, to glorify his valour further, he lets Ghori walk free after arresting and imprisoning him. Why? The answer lies in some more adulatory comments by Chand Bardai. Historically correct or not the film’s storyline primarily based on Prithviraj Raso, a Braj language epic poem, does feign to be socially correct apart from wearing Hindu nationalistic sentiments up its sleeve. So before we can protest over an over-dramatised Jauhar scene, we are made to believe that Prithviraj championed women’s rights and even made his other half rule. The lovely Manushi Chhillar sure makes an assured debut. As Sanyogita, she gets an opportunity to flex her acting muscles and has a few standalone moments. Ashutosh Rana and Sak- shi Tanwar’s cameos as Sanyogita’s parents, one a traitor the other empathetic (no prizes for guessing right who is what) are impressive too. Manav Vij as Muhammad Ghori does not evoke the necessary repugnance the narrative intends to. As a Muslim marauder, who we are reminded destroyed Somanth temple, he is not menacing enough (we don’t know if that is intentional). Rather he is saddled with lines that justify his treacherous ways and why he thinks Prithviraj’s reasons for war are just. To be just to the film, edited well by Aarif Sheikh, holds your attention and keeps you invested as it stays focused in retelling the glory of its protagonist, even though the film is not glorious enough. Even the song Raktapaat Raktapaat Dehke, Shaktipaat Shaktipaat Chamke, Aisa Ek Prithviraj Jaise Gokul Mein Ho Mohan and Aisa Ek Prithviraj Jaise Kurukshetra Mein Arjun does not uplift your spirits.