Lagaan – History Revisited

Note: Click on pictures to get enlarged view.

meanwhile you can see all of this pics and more of them in my THIS album.

After so many posts by theBollywoodFan [I think the biggest fan of Lagaan, I have ever met], I thought I should try my hand at this great flick too. [I know I can't write SUCH good words, like he does]. Also Lagaan being my most favorite movie.

When I commented in tBF's blog, he was so glad to know that I had visited the location of shoot where Lagaan did happen. So I decided to visit the place Again, and this time with a camera [which I forgot last time, and I din't have camera phone too]. And voila, tBF's Birthday was recently. So here, is my birthday gift for you.

So, there, I was. At Mandvi, a very remote place in Kutchh region of Gujarat state of India. Many parts of the shoot was done over here. While the main set of village Champaner was about 50kms away from here, Village Kuneria near district headquarter Bhuj. These days I am working at nearby place. So last weekend, I just packed my bag and alone went to the place. Listening to the songs of nothing but Lagaan and other songs by A R Rehman. Due to security warnings on coastal area [cause Pakistan border is very near], I chose not to go by my vehicle, and went by a bus.

Here, when my iPod started 'Rang de basanti', and at the same time scene outside my window was this -

Then I reached the place, Mandvi, which once upon a time, was a big port. When wooden ships were ruling the seas. Still they are made here
That reminded me of recently watched flick – Evan Almighty –

Then I reached THE place. The Vijay Vilas Palace – 5 kms away from main city. I felt really crazy. Really happy….and so on. I was visiting the place for second time – still the feel was awesome. From main gate, the palace is 1km inside a little kind of jungle. See here. The jungle which was used for the introduction scene of Bhuvan. I din't dare to go beneath that little jungle, as I was alone J

In the movie – its here.

My ipod was still playing Lagaan. I played trick. Turned to the track 'spirit of Lagaan'. When I was about to see the palace. See, how its hiding under bushes and trees

When I saw the peak of palace, my iPod started the track. Amazing feeling it was. The Royal Sound was coming from Rehman. Then I entered there. Its Not as great as many palaces in India, but still it had the 'Lagaan' factor, which feels great. I don't want to talk much about the palace history, as its available on Wiki. But see, its beautiful.

See the movie snapshot -.

Now most of the part of this blog is going to be a photo blog. Just the pics I have taken, and the pics from movie itself. You will recognize them which is from movie and by me, itself.

In the movie,

And without the flowers,

also Lakha is coming that way…

This, and this

The entrance of the palace. Here…
King Pragmalji is looking at his palace, always, as an idol. See here.

While our Reel life king is here. See behind him.

When brother-sister, confrontation happened on the terrace….. This terrace witnessed it all..

The terrace also witnessed Charm of Elizabeth…here.



That terrace was the most favorite place of mine. I played non-stop, the track 'O rey Chhori' while roaming there. Its on height and on two sides of the palace, sea is there. So atmosphere and look is awesome from there.

No drop of rain no glowing flame…

The beautiful dome…
Here,
only thing I missed in the following picture, was – Rachelle. Wished if doors get open, and she comes…

Like this… [the room is locked, visitors are not allowed, as the king still live in there sometimes]
After such hard work..how about a shower….or maybe a fountain ??



Ufff…………tired? Need chairs?? Here are some. But look for Rachelle, she is roaming here too…..

See…I told you ..she's here
Also these chairs used for breakfast…

Here…..

OOOOPSSS……That's me…..[sorry dear Rajaji, but I couldn't resist being part of the history ;-)]

Last three photos were taken inside the palace, where there are antique things are placed. So many of them are there, but my hard luck was – there was some power failure , so couldn't take much pics inside. Cause it was dark.

Still I managed to take some interesting pics, see for yourself.
The Lagaan crew with King of Mandvi, [see Aamir wearing cap]. Very fuzzy pics are here, due to low lighting conditions. Person wearing cap is King, and lady next to him is Queen. While I can't recognize any other of them. Help me out if you know. [click on image to enlarge]

Now going on other movie. Yes, another movie shot here was Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Only some portion of the song 'Chand Chhupa' was shot on the terrace of this palace. See for yourself.

While, watching the movie again, I found one interesting trivia. See these two pictures I found in museum of the palace. These pictures shows different shots of the song 'Chand chhupa'. Which are different than what is shown in the movie. [pic quality is poor due to low light].

See in the museum picture,

While in the movie, we saw this

Another one……in the museum was………….
And in the movie,,,,it was…….

Maybe, the song itself in the soundtrack, was long. And in the movie, one antara was cut. So must be re-shoot.
Now coming back to Lagaan. [is this post getting Long??!!!]

I left after some good hours at the Palace. Humming and listening 'Chale Chalo' [as I was returning from British Chhavni]. I met someone. In the jungle outside. A girl. Look who's that?

Though, she was very shy, and quickly ran away. Giving me hint about this….from the movie again.

While leaving the palace, at the main gate, something still striked in my mind about Lagaan…..see the boys playing the most favorite sport of India.

Near to the palace, there is a beautiful beach. And a more beautiful beach resort, where Lagaan crew came every other weekend to get tanned. The Beach Palace Resort. See for yourself.

Why I have put that pic? Again, Lagaan is the reason. See Bhuvan, Gauri and Elizabeth dancing on its sand…

Another movie strikes in my mind, when I saw this Restaurant cum Beach Hut of the resort……which movie???? Here is a hint,, its another Aamir's movie…
Now….come on ,,,,give answer in comment…here is the photo of the beach hut.

Phewww…….

There my journey to the History. Once upon a time, in Mandvi. Was over. So tired I was. And so much content too, because of being part of the History. I lied down at beach. Got wet in waters. Chased Crabs…….. Wrote my name on Virgin Beach.

Had fun……

My next target is……nothing else but the Village Kuneria….Where the set was constructed for Champaner. I know that there is nothing left overthere. The set and even the temple is removed after the movie shoot was over. Still….i want to touch that land….where the greatest match was played.

Rab ne Bana di Jodi ??!!!

First things first, I fell in love with Anushka. She looks so beautiful, so charming, its so easy. She reminds me of Kajol in some scenes. And her acting is too..Second thing I loved was, the picturisation of the Golden Temple of Amritsar. After Rang De Basanti, this was amazing picturisation of the amazing place.

So, one of the most expected release of the year, is released. Now only one left. Is it worth? I think, the answer is No. Yes, I am being harsh to big movies, since some of recent movies, but I don't know, the things simply don't work for me. Though I was not expecting MUCH more from this Yashraj flick [by looking at their recent record]. Still Aditya Chopra made expectations magnified. While he delivers just another Yashraj churnout.

I don't know, why everyone involved with the movie, were creating suspence about the story?? There is nothing Unique, to hide before release. Story is so much predictable, and not much new. Adi needs some homework now.
I would not go for dissection of the movie. Here are my Pros and Cons of the movie. Just my views.

PROS:

1. Anushka - she was fabulous. In every scene. So charming. She is here to stay. Never she looked like a newcomer.

2. All confrontation scenes between Surinder [SRK] and Taani [anushka]. One thing was interesting, most of the scenes were without background music. It created great effect.

3. The Song of the songs. 'hum hai rahi pyar ke'. All guest appearances. Wow. SRK was awesome in all dances. I missed one thing. Wished if a SRK medley was there, then it would be fantastic. Though the song was useless in the movie, it worked for me.

4. SRK's different getups during the song 'Haule Haule'.

5. Picturisation of all songs. Especially 'tujh me rab dikhta hai'.

6. Good choreography. Especially in Climax. Bravo Anushka. And SRK too.

7. And lastly, its the Surinder [SRK] who carried the movie on his own. Despite of its flaws.

8. Vinay Pathak.

CONS :

1. Predictable story and even dialogues.

2. Silly and boring monologues.

3. Typical 'Kahani mein twist'

4. Too many flaws.

5. Length is more for such a short story.

6. Indigestible values and virtues, why such a forward girl gets ready to marry surinder?

7. Equally indigestible SRK's second getup. Overact ruled. Awful dressing.

8. DHOOM ??!! Why can't Yashraj's get enough of it? In every second film, they mention that movie. OK, In this movie, the scene is quite enjoyable. But can you guys spare us now from already chewed tune?9. Totally artificial creation of 'Amritsar di galiyaan'.

So there, two out of three movies [Yuvvraj, RNBDJ] has disappointed me in the year end Hope the year will end on a good note with Ghajini.

Promo shown with the movie, was of the movie 'New York' directed by Kabir Khan [Kabul Express]. Produced by Yashraj. Starring John, Katrina and Neil. Promising promo. Let's see....

Yipee.....Ghajini is arriving Early

Don't know much about what happened, but Ghajini is releasing ONE day earlier then its planned 25.12.2008.

Now I have to cancel my tickets and do booking for 24.12.2008.

Can't wait..

Ghajini - Final Promo

At Last, I got to see Jiah in Ghajini Promo. I dont have link to this FINAL PROMO of Ghajini. Which is full fledged action packed. Aamir doing some serious action scenes. Suddenly it shows Jiah shouting for him. In nearly No-makeup look. She looks good. 

 

And then we see Aamir. Background music is the crooning of Benny in the song 'Kaise Mujhe'. Aamir is walking on street, like he is lost. That completely bowled me over his act. Surely the song Kaise mujhe will bring tears to us at various parts of the movie.

 

Last night when I was going to switch off my TV, then only I saw this promo, only the last portion. Do anybody has link to that??? Please do put into my comments. I am desparate to see that. As I am at work now, so I am not able to search for that video.

 

I have not seen the original version of the Movie. But I have a friend who is from Andhra. Recently when we were walking on road after dinner, he started to tell me the story. Know what I did?  I just scooted from there. I ran so fast from him that I cant listen his voice. Funny, isnt it? But always I am like that. I dont wanna know the story before the movie releases. But this promo bares it all. So there.....

 

P.S.: My advance booking has already been done, for back to back TWO shows of Ghajini on Christmas.

Oye Lucky ! Lucky Oye ! - Fun 'Genuine'

The ONLY reason I went for this movie, was Abhay Deol. The different Deol. He is always good in whatever character he plays. Always different from the link. And likeable. Okay, Dibakar Banerjee - the director, was good in his last movie 'Khosla ka Ghosla'. But since I haven't watched it much, only titbits, but still I was not looking much forward [maybe not my kind of genre]. But this was a Serious Fun. Yes, showing truth of life - and at the same time making us laugh- - and that too, without giving any 'Moral lectures' and all. My expectations went fulfilled really. The film is not that 'Great' sort of, but still somewhere it touches you and gets into your mind for somedays.

Though the subject is not completely new. We have seen this story line in many movies, recently in Bunty aur Babli. Which worked well for me too. But here, the treatment is somewhat different, the raw feel, the desi feel is there that makes it fun to be with.

The story is about Lucky 'the superchor' as police puts it. Starts with Lucky [Abhay] getting ready for press conference, in Jail. Yes, after getting caught, he is brought there. The movie then goes into flashback, to reveal further. 15 yr old, middle class punjabi boy Lucky. The crazy & tapori in the gullies of somewhere in North India. Father Paresh Rawal, don't care too much for him and his mother too, as he is involved in an Auntie. So there our boy goes. Roaming outside home, masti with friends and hey, a cute girl [the greeting card shop owner's girl] is also there. [I absolutely loved their tine little love story].

To make her happy, and to keep the pace with the Riches, Lucky starts coning people and robbing little stuff. There he goes then. Getting confident with his best friend, and mastering all these things. Things get forwarded, and Lucky is now young. Working for Gogi Bhai. Serving him, robbing homes and shops for him. Meanwhile meets a girl, who at first doesnt fall for him. Neetu Chandra, afterwards get with him, cause of non-stop money flow [this is my perception, director left audience for thinking, why does it happens so]. Then splits and making his own money. And so on....

Story is quite refreshing. The way sequences designed, there is never a dull moment in it. Screenplay is good. Especially I liked the 15 year old boy's story. One thing I got amazed was a Triple Role. I won't reveal who's that was. Director too, don't clarify that, why one person is given 3 characters, all different. I got my answer as soon as I completed watching. So its better you find out it on your own. Speed of the story is also good. First half is one hour long, so is the second half. The feel of the movie, north indian + punjabi is excellent. Earlier I was not a fan of Raw punjabi accent and Fat comedy. But this is little bit different from that. Fun, in one word. One liners are too good. The way, Lucky robs off homes and shops, we get into splits. Though I think there could be more of that, and more comic then this. There is not a single scene where the movie makes fun of physical disablities or vulgar comments. Movie is clean that way. Thats really good in these times of double meaning comedy flicks. Music goes with atmosphere of the movie. All punjabi tracks. In between scenes.

My favorite scenes are so many. All con-scenes, 'the dog trick',are hillarious. 'Boy meets girl' is so sweet. And the climax is also good one. Could be better but good.

Acting department is in full form. Abhay as I said earlier, he is likeable. He looks totally into his character. The middle class boy, turned con-man. So easily he perform all his stuff. Keeping it cool. Neetu Chandra, after Traffic Signal, again sports the 'no make-up' look. And still looks good. Performs well as a middle class girl. Paresh Rawal is also very good. He hasn't overacted in this one, unlike other movies [frankly I didn't liked him in JTYJN]. Actor who has played Abhay's friend [can anyone give his name?] has also played it well. Archana Puran Singh, after long time, was good. Overall, nobody disappoints you.

So there, after depressing atmosphere of the nation, this one is breath of fresh air. Which can help get out of it. Watch this without any high expectation [which the movie never gave] and you will simply love it. I would rate it 3.5 stars.