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vkartoos |
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Hi Folks,
Just completed a viewing of the supposedly magnum opus from Vidhu Vinod Chorpra, this time not in my territory, but the NAZ8 at Artesia, south of LA, since am here for the Sharmishta Event.
I was actually looking forward to this since there was an ensemble cast. The first half actually did have me impressed. Non melodramatic acting, sub plots that were gradually building up, a who dunnit, which seemed like a true who dunnit, since the more obvious did not seem to be the apparent. Good photography and locals and none of the actors doing over the top stuff. In effect quality stuff that we have come to expect from Vidhu Vinod.
And then came the fall
Now I realize why thos Rolls Royce gimmicks had to be resorted too. Fact is the film had been lying completed for a while and one wonders why is it, that just before the release, VVC decides it is the best performance by AB ever and gifts him a RR car.This film needs all the hype, since by itself, it falls.
In the first half AB is non melodramatic, in the second half, he becomes larger than life. When he is banished, it was the ideal film to show his gradual decline and not able to adjust to the “changed world.” Instead VVC got so lost in the camera angles and the shots and lights, that the director totally took over the scriptwriter. Cause the script became very cliched post interval and all the build up and all the plot points that had been put in place pre interval, get lost and become irrelevant, post the break. The film tries to salvage itself by some solid performances by Jackie, Boman and Vidya and a surprisingly good performance by R. Sen, but despite that the sprint to the finish line is just that…a sprint.
While it is essential to have a film which does not take too much time to get the point across, the other end of the spectrum is getting point after point across with no reasoning behind it. As in the characters are built up in a solid way and then inexplicably and without adequate cause, become someone they are not to start with.
Overall a moderate film, despite great early promise
Sincerely,
Vivek”Jackie is one shining star in this, else too many rough edges”Kumar
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Wow,
How can two people see the same film and disagree so vehemently?
It's easy. Attention span.
The key is: what elements of a film hold your attention riveted to the screen. If rajastan, palaces, Camels, Shakesphereian (sp) intrigue all hold your attention eklavya is a well crafted success for you.
If , on the other hand, Stars are supposed to behave a particular way, and it's smoke and mirrors if they don't, then eklavya is all smoke and mirrors.
I was in a screening where a bunch of people who spoke telugu , walked out in the intermission, thus missing one of the best denouments ever on Indian movie screens.
Ekalavya is not the Greatest Indian film ever produced, It's one of the best of 2006/7, which has seen the release of some really good material.
Saif ali Khan has given one of his best performances, the film is Amitabh's All the way, and vidhu vinod chopra's eye for form and drama is in place mediating to an educated cinema literate audience what turns out to be an efficient screenplay..if somewhat losely packed.
To people that have already seen rajasthan and royalty in umpteen bollywood films, the film is probably a fluffy version of same old, though.
I found it Awesome and collectible.
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What a dud. I wholeheartedly support you on the fact Eklavya is miles from the GREATEST Indian film! As for production quality - yes, it's another milestone. Exceptional - yes. The first-ever? - no. I really wasn't moved by anyone. I did however enjoy Saif's natural 'pataudi' charm and found the performances to be fine but the character sketches to be weak. I think Vidhu Vinod Chopra got caught up in his own hype. If you saw the making...you'd know what I mean. Him presenting the Rolls - well that just goes to show how melodratic he is in REAL life!
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cdrake,
Hahaha.... I get your point.... VVC is NOT going to BASH his own film! If he was thrilled with what HE extracted and wanted to show his appreciation, then sure... gift a RR. But there are people like Sanjay Leela Bhansali who I think got the most out of Mr. Bachchan in Black who don't go to such 'showy' extremes.
From a promotional standpoint, boasting about his film, allowing 'the making' to do the rounds on TV, is all just in my eyes. I mean you have Baabul which decided to launch a game after the film.
haahah...and you know what?? on that note, I think had I made the film, I would have made Eklavya seem like a true hero and made Eklavya dolls. He had a neat look to him and if people can play with Krissh dolls, why not Eklavya? Maybe I would have gone the video game route and made a video game with Eklavya's Blind-bird-bell sequence. And then something like the Mario Brother's where he has to save the 'rani' from Booman's character, Booman from Jackie/Jimmy's character...etc.
hmm.. I'm having fun just thinking of all the little gimmicks! Thanks for asking!
But on a serious note, I think I felt Mr. Chopra's passion and enthusiasum for his film is valid. And one should surely take pride in their work, but I also feel you should let good work speak for itself. He didn't go around blowing Parineeta, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. out of proportion and they spoke loud and clearly!
As for the character sketches, I thought they were weak because (and this could be just my perception - so maybe I lack the comprehension) I didn't understand the relationship between Eklavya and the Rani. Was he really a man of honor or did he have feelings for her and did they share something AFTER they had the children. Did they really not communicate? Or did they have an unspoken affair? Jackie/Jimmy - were they after MONEY or the THRONE? You get my gist? - I just had some stipulations that's all.
Like I said in my review...not a bad film! - just not great!
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