Game of Thrones Season 6 Episode 1 Review

Spoilers Alert!

Right off the bat let me just say, in HD the show is like Wow! Game of Thrones is a show that “deserves” to be seen in High quality – the visuals, the costumes, the cinematography, the perfect ambience, the background score, costumes, make up, acting, vfx, writing – for every single department damn! It is an “experience.” Ok enough of fan girl talking (wipes drool) and lets talk about the latest episode of the latest season.

I was convinced that either Jon Snow shall remain dead ( I heard rumors he wasn’t a major character in the books anyway, I haven’t read the books yet so don't know) or return as a white walker when another rumor (which I thought was an April Fool’s day prank) surfaced that Jon Snow is alive. Plus his posters were teasing us too, damn is he dead or not? That’s so cruel, we been on tenterhooks over the fate of one of our beloved characters for a year man, the suspense is killing! Then with the red priestess and Ser Davos involved I am imagining that Melisandre will somehow be involved with his resurrection. After all she does know magic and few seasons back she had expressed surprise at the fact that the Lord of light had repeatedly resurrected one of the characters if I correctly remember from a certain brotherhood without banners almost 6 or 7 times! I only hope she doesn’t sacrifice Jon’s direwolf Ghost to bring him back to life!  (they are showing that wolf way too much so I am scared, why are they doing that?) And how do they all plan on getting out of that room surrounded by crows in Castle Black – alive?

Then Theon’s escape. And finally Theon picking up a sword after ages and slaying soldiers to protect Sansa, it will be fun to watch his transformation from Reek to Theon in the episodes to come, if it happens. (By the way, what a brilliant actor Alfie Allen!) I am interested in their jouney thenceforth now that Brienne and Podrick have also joined them.

I wonder whether Arya’s character is permanently blinded as a punishment or is she being challenged and trained to become better? That would be interesting to watch as it unfolds. Why are her eyes that way and what’s going on?

That shot where Trystane’s face is split into half – damn! I wasn’t expecting that for sure. So sudden. And now that Ellaria is the queen of Dorne (I suppose), it will be interesting to see how things play out. Obviously Cersei won’t sit quiet as her daughter was killed (and also she humiliated in front of the entire city!) I wonder what will Margaery do, will she eventually become righteous? Seems next to impossible but they were hinting towards and teasing us right? And I wonder how the Tyrells will free her and Loras.

I was a bit disappointed with Khaleesi’s angle. It was too slow for me. But since this is the first episode let the plots pick up from where they left gradually. I am hoping and expecting more from this particular sub plot as it seems to be eventually becoming central to the story soon.

The seriously "what the f moment" for me was when the red priestess takes off her necklace. It took me a moment to understand what was going on. Saggy boobs instead of the perky tits, wrinkly skin instead of the tight, pale, smooth complexion, hair, face, everything changed. Who is this woman? And then it hit me Boom! Damn I will not be surprised if she is a 100 years old (or even a 600 year old) witch.

As usual, GoT did not disappoint, but I am expecting the pace to pick up from next episode onwards. You GoT guys have set the bar so damn high, as high as "The Wall." So now I am Greedy. Eager. Hooked.

-          S. Chaudhary

Images courtesy Google Images

Madhubala

A random thought, off topic but I just realized so many actresses names begin with M – Madhubala, Mumtaz, Meena Kumari, Madhuri Dixit, Meenakshi Sheshahdri, Madhu, Mamta Kulkari, Mahima Chaudhary, Merly Streep, Marilyn Monroe, Michelle Pfeiffer… Anyway, one of my most favorite actresses of all time, the eternal beauty Madhubala was rightly called the Venus of Bollywood. Should one talk about her interesting professional and love life, her acting talent or beauty? In fact her beauty was a blessing and also a bit counterproductive in the sense that as one would be so caught up in that mesmerizing screen presence, the fact that there is a terrific actress in there would be overshadowed. 

Indeed her magical, almost celestial beauty dulled and overshadowed everything else in the frame. A beauty, made for the purpose of gracing the silver screen, that would inspire poets and artists alike. Those innocent, deep, expressive eyes that could kill with just a gaze. And yet a very mischievous, lopsided smile, always up to something. She had sharp features, a defined bone structure yet a porcelain, radiant skin. Glowing from within, make up and studio lights notwithstanding. Her smile could light up the whole room, it certainly did set the screen on fire. She was childlike yet a sensuous woman, she was cute yet a seductress. She was spontaneous and glided across the screen so naturally as fish takes to water. And that speaks about her effortless acting skills to shuttle from one character to another with ease and elegance.

She carried herself with such poise, a dignified manner no matter whichever role she essayed. She could also move you with her poignant, deep performances that gave a glimpse of an intense person behind all that chirpy, childlike demeanor. She had a sense of mystery. And her giggles, uncontrolled, full of life. Her smile reached her eyes, her twinkling expressive eyes. Black and white or color, nothing could properly do justice to Madhubala’s beauty, her immense and untapped talent, her vivacious persona. She truly was one and only.

-          S. Chaudhary

Images courtesy Google Images

Her

In her heart there is love. In her mind there is devotion. In her walk there is pride, in her eyes hopes and a hidden sadness. In her smile there is both mischief and masked pain. In her thoughts there are desires, underneath her skin a crawling fear. Her hands she raises to protect and care. Then lowers and folds them in humble prayers. And all her prayers carry your name. She may tuck away the dark clouds of her sadness, and become the sunshine that warms up your day. The strength of her character is her signature scent. She is powerful and independent. Yet very ordinary and simple. She is the girl next door, she is a goddess in her own right. With you not out of necessity but her choice. Do the wise thing and never let her go away.

- S. Chaudhary

Broken

He wondered what he did wrong. Why she walked all over his heart. But since she was the one who broke it in the first place, the pieces would cut her deep and first.

- S. Chaudhary

Your ghosts

You are alive but now just a memory for me. Decades of countless memories, of a life spent with you, piled up like rotting corpses at the back of my mind. Wherever I go I carry your ghosts with me. I ran as far away from you as my feet would take me. Yet at the far end of the world, I found you living inside of me.

- S. Chaudhary

With You. And lonely

Her voice was trembling, her hands were shaking and her knees were weak. It was difficult for her to open up and speak. Her heart beat so fast she thought it would stop, the pit of her stomach quivering. With a lump in her throat she managed to speak her deepest fears, her darkest memories. Never had she dared to bring down her walls but she thought he had an empathic ear, an understanding heart. Worried she might lose her voice and not finish her sentences but somehow they were complete. She waited with bated breath wondering what his response would be. He turned around and smiled reassuringly. Then said it’s no big deal! Let’s go grab something to eat. That is the painful moment that it finally dawned upon her, she is not lonely because of lack of company.

- S. Chaudhary

Tears

All of the unshared resentments, all of the broken dreams, all the lost hopes and love, the unspoken pain and disappointments, found a voice, a release. Transparent and pure like the emotions that caused them, flooding the eyes, they silently fell and screamed, a story that words could never reveal.

- S. Chaudhary

You don't deserve her

The tragedy of a beautiful, smart woman is that she is desired by countless men, hopelessly fantasizing if she was their girl whereas she belongs to an idiot who doesn't realize her true value...till she leaves him.

- S. Chaudhary

Housefull 3 - Trailer Review

The trailer of the latest instalment of Housefull franchise is out today on Youtube. The movie has been directed by director duo Sajid-Farhad (the writers of Housefull 2.) Starring an ensemble cast of Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Lisa Haydon, Nargis Fakhri in lead roles. Some key characters like Batuk Patel return while we also see fresh faces. Right off the bat, and I know this is supposed to be a comedy entertainer and all, but what put me off was Batuk Patel’s voice-over introducing his 3 “sanskari” daughters cut to visuals introducing the 3 glamorous leading ladies. Looked misogynist, like I love club hopping dude but I am also very sanskari! Seriously, I didn’t get the joke.

 Anyway, there were a few funny moments in the trailer too – like the play of words Jack, lean on me (Jacqueline- clever!) or Akhri Pasta’s funny expressions where he is posing as a mannequin in blue undies. Akshay Kumar’s introduction was reminiscent of his action hero image of the nineties where he is famously hanging onto a flying chopper! Then Akshay's funny dialogue delivery about Rs 5000 crore loan and Abhishek's cute selfie with Amitabh Bachchan's wax statue are worth mentioning.

Then there was a viral youtube video of a man kicking a yellow helmet instead of a ball and the makers seem to have been “inspired” by it. Nonetheless, it is funny to watch.

Music is lacklustre. And supers for credits also lack imagination, red against a blue background, almost like stock image. All in all, the trailer does have some funny moments but nothing much to write home about. I hope the movie turns out to be better than the trailer and is an out and out hilarious entertainer. We will find out come 3^rd of June.

-          S. Chaudhary

Images courtesy Youtube 

Happy Birthday Sachin Tendulkar

I am not a cricket fan. Nor do I follow the sport. Yet I sing along the infectious, “Sachiiiin Sachin” (clap, clap, clap) even today when the camera momentarily pans and zooms in on the retired legendary sportsman chilling at the dug out during IPL matches. Who can escape the magic of Sachin? What a life! What a magnificent body of work! What high standards and glorious achievements. What a man, what a character! He is a living legend, always smiling, always humble, larger than life yet oddly relatable and extremely lovable. A thorough gentleman yet a beast with a bat on field. The day he announced retirement with that gooseflesh inducing epic speech, even I, who doesn’t follow cricket was heart-broken. It felt like an era had ended. So many popular culture references, parodies and mimicries in Bollywood or tv shows (after all imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!), countless fun and memorable advertisments, Wow. Sachin is such an important part of almost everyone’s life. How many yeas of his life has he poured into his passion! How many injuries has he sustained, how much pain he endured and kept us entertained. How fervently was he idolized and then with equal zeal was his every move dissected or criticized under the microscopic eyes of millions. He gave us his sweat, blood, tears, his all. He has been a powerful yet good influence on so many people, especially aspiring sportsmen and youngsters. Indeed a special soul. Happy Birthday Sachin. And thank you for being You.

-          S. Chaudhary

Images courtesy Google Images

No big deal – Just an everyday miracle!

A child is born at roughly 4 pounds and grows to eventually become a 150 pounds and 6 feet tall. All the raw material he puts into this “fantastic factory” called the human body are the leaves and plants available in nature. A perfect system/ filter in place to firstly take in oxygen from the air, a complex channel to then carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the organs (arteries) and another extensive network to carry de-oxygenated blood from the organs back to the heart (veins), all in a moment whilst throughout automatically pumping the heart even when you are asleep, unaware. This largely self-sustaining mechanism not just grows every day, in almost every 7 years more or less it regenerates to have a completely new body of cells. When you are sick it has an internal defense mechanism. Cells that are willing to die for you in a second, to nurse you back to health. A mind that generates ideas, creates emotions, stores and processes complex data, innovates and what not. A system of reproduction to create another and many more like you, from within yourself. There is a miracle happening inside you and around you every day, every moment. But are you aware? Are you fascinated? Do you truly realize the immense “value”? And are you thankful?

Images Courtesy Google Images                                                                                       -S.Chaudhary

3 options

To all the procrastinators out there. In any situation of life, you will have either of these 3 outcomes or options. Firstly, when you make a choice and you hit jackpot and it turns out to be a success. “Thank God I did that or said yes!” Secondly, if the choice turns out to be bad for you, at least you learn a lesson from your mistake, gain an experience/wisdom. “Why did I do that? What was I thinking? Never again!” Thirdly, and the worst of them all is regret. “I wish I would have gone for that job interview, I wish I had asked that lady out, I wish I had done this or said that.” Take chances. Or don’t. But at least decide and have your firm reasons. As they say, anything is better than indecision. Even if you say no, by means of deduction at least you will be clearer which way not to go. Don’t let indecision eat away at your already limited time.

Images courtesy Google Images                                                                                         -S.Chaudhary

No Idea

She woke up, filled a coffee mug and turned her computer on. Strange! Not a single idea today, what do I write? She stared at the blank page and the blank page stared back at her. Intimidating, like threatening to swallow her into a white nothingness. She stared back with equal determination, sipping hot coffee from her mug. With each sip she tried to birth an idea internally but the idea Gods were just not with her today. Gripped with horror, what if I cannot write anymore? What if I have no ideas? She gulped the coffee, mixed with terror and looked for answers on the empty page in front of her. This is a blank canvas and now what picture do I paint here she thought? Should I build an entire exotic city here or a crazy character? Should I write about imaginary ghosts, fierce beasts or just the story of a sweet child? The coffee was getting over but she hadn’t even started. And sip after sip till her mug ran empty she suddenly realized that she was indeed full of ideas. The exotic city, the ghosts, the beasts, the crazy, the child – not one but many ideas! Armed with the keyboard she started creating the many worlds. Out of a blank page. Out of nothing. Out of no idea.

-          S. Chaudhary

 Images courtesy Google Images

Don't be in a relation for the wrong reasons

Don’t be in a relation if there is a gap, a void, something missing in your life. This is a trap. It puts you in victim mode. Partnerships should be equal. Else it is even unfair to the other person from whom you demand more than is reasonable. Find a passion, a goal, a hobby to fill that gap. Relations are valuable, they are emotional investments, sacred and not timepass or amusement when you have a lot of free time and nothing to do.

Don’t put pressure on your partner to make you feel good about yourself. Have your own self esteem and if it lacks do something meaningful to build it – by yourself. Just because you are in a partnership, don’t drag your partner into every unrelated aspect, don’t assign them the job that’s yours to do. The best investment you will ever make is in investing in yourself – your health, your state of mind, your career, your independence, your personality.

Your partner is not your shrink or psychiatrist. People just unfairly assume since I am so close to you I can pile on all my troubles on you or vent. The other person perhaps had a rough day at the job too. If you need an understanding partner, be understanding yourself too.

Don’t give in to peer pressure - everyone around me is in a relation and I don’t want to be left out and this person seems the best “option” by far! That’s not being honest with the both of you because you are operating from a place of fear and not genuine love. That’s also keeping real opportunity for love away from yourself and also the other person.

If you are in it for money, financial security or playing manipulative games, then you know where you stand and why. Its your choice and with choices come consequences.

Don’t take emotional abuse from your partner. Don’t purposely/ unconsciously psychologically abuse them either. Always be very alert of this fact, a line that easily gets blurred in close relations, we give that much of our power away to the other person. The virtue that keeps it in check is respect. Respect for the other person so as to not play them and respect for the self so as to not allow to get played.

Be with a person because you want to share. You want to share your fabulousness, your wholesomeness, your life. They are there to witness your highs and lows, your struugles, your triumphs, your evolution as a person, your personal journey of life. Be with someone who sees your value as you are and not someone who needs to be constantly reminded or proved. Be with someone not to constantly fight but because you enjoy making happy memories together, be it backpacking or zorbing! Be with someone who would rather play outdoor games like volleyball with you, than a partner who engages in silly mind games. Be with someone because you are fabulous and complete all by yourself, but their addition in your life only makes it better.

-S. Chaudhary

Images courtesy Google Images.

Cut those cords

Its saddening to hear about suicides over failed relationships. I don’t wish to be insensitive or generalize. And in many cases it is probably not even that extreme a step but people end up feeling really low. There are other casualties in the form of low self-esteem, neglecting and alienating or alienation from other close people, loss of drive and ambition, onset of depression, loss of looks, health, mental peace etc. Therefore I thought about writing this post. Cause no one else knows your situation, your struggles and no one else is going to knock sense into you other than yourself. No matter how close you get to a person, maybe it’s the perfect partner and you visualize to be together for 7 lifetimes, step back and remove those rose tinted shades and put on your practical glasses. We often waste years and years trapped in toxic relations without realizing it! We are smart enough to know they hurt us, yet with a overly optimistic attitude and a quickly forgiving and forgetful heart, we keep going back to the source of pain. One feels that this person is otherwise great but except for these few “issues.” If these issues are taken care of this is the most perfect person for me. Either accept those issues, or try changing them if need be. But don’t go over and over about the same issues without resolving them. No matter how special a partner or even a close friend is, always beware where you are being psychologically abused. Scathing remarks made in “good humor” or is it their masked jealousy/ frustration showing up. Humor is possible without pulling another person down too. Don’t take emotional abuse from your partner. Don’t purposely/ unconsciously emotionally abuse them either. Always be very alert of this fact, a line that easily gets blurred in close relations, we give that much of our power away to the other person. The virtue that keeps it in check is respect. Respect for the other person so as to not play them and respect for the self so as to not allow to get played. Remember, you don’t have to take shit from anybody. ANYBODY. Surprise, surprise - You are free! All you need is the courage to walk away from what you are so deeply attached but inreality doesn't serve you, Its like the one time pain of vaccination where you might cry from the pain but eventually you are brought back to better health. 

Another red flag is if you are changing too much of yourself for the other person, so that nothing original about you is left. Also, realize your value. The moment you feel the person doesn’t seem to value you as much as you feel you deserve, be it in terms of their attention and time (I mean that’s what you need in a relation, you don’t charge them to spend time, you do because you want to, not have to!) back out immediately. Here people try and win the other’s affection. Maybe if I change this about myself I will be more in demand? Nope. Also all this is pretty superficial. If a relation is bringing more anxiety than security, more misery than joy it is time to get real. You survived (probably were happier!) even before they were in your life. You will do well even without them in it. You are here to experience your best life possible, with or without anybody. Its your own personal journey and you owe it to yourself to become the best version of yourself possible. If a relation is only bringing out your worst you are then doing wrong by yourself. That is not why you were created. Tears and sorrow are not the way to go, it’s the indication to cut away the relation that has served its purpose to either teach you a valuable lesson in life or open up a new perspective for you. Invest in yourself first so that you have much to offer. Have so much of love in you that it overflows, and not go asking others to shower a piece of their attention or love. Live a full life. No one completes anybody, you can just share your completeness with someone else. Maybe the other person is not a typical villain or a bad person. Maybe what they do is also not on purpose to hurt you. But in the end if its taking a toll on your wellbeing, your journey in life, its about time to bless the other person so that they may find their light but to ultimately cut the cord and move on with your life. There is so much life has to offer – places to explore, people to meet, food to eat, memories to make, goals to be achieved. Don’t let another person, who are on their own journey in life of corrections and lessons, a work in progress just like you, dictate how you will live your life. You write your own script. And while you are at it make it a kickass, fantastic, inspiring one!

-          S. Chaudhary.

Images courtesy Google Images

Udta Punjab - Trailer Review

Udta Punjab’s intense subject tackles a grave and serious issue of drug problem in Punjab. Yet, I was surprised and impressed by the light, fun and quirky treatment of the movie in the trailer. Thank goodness it wasn't preachy and seems to follow the life of the affected protagonist and the lives interwoven with his own. The songs are catchy. Shahid Kapoor has transformed and looks the part of a rockstar cum drug addict. Diljit Dosanjh who is a huge star in north I hear and Kareena Kapoor look convincing in their parts but for me its Alia Bhatt who stole the show! Always presented in highly glamorous avatars, I was skeptical how would she potray such a totally different character devoid of any filmy gloss or glamour. The make up, hair and costume departments got it right and she definitely looked the part in the character teasers (an interesting way of marketing the movie, reminds me of PK) but still I reserved my opinions till I saw the trailer. The girl can act! She got the accent spot on but the nuances in her expressions and voice had me like Wow! She has put in the effort. Looking forward to her performance and I am sure I will not be disappointed. I hope the movie ends up being interesting as well, lets wait and watch.

-          S. Chaudhary

Fan of FAN

This is not a movie review of the movie Fan. I want to write about Fan aka Gaurav Chandna- the character potrayed by Shahrukh Khan in his latest movie. I am not a Shahrukh Khan fan. But. Gaurav Chandna brought back memories of the Shahrukh who wowed us with his performances during his Darr, Anjaam and Bazigar days. Grey, black, twisted, conniving, dangerous characters. And Shahrukh had the right passion to project those intense characters convincingly. Speaking of Fan, so basically to summarize - Gaurav’s character depicted hurt, anger, resentment, loyalty, betrayal, discontent, naiveness, jubilance, vulnerability, creepiness, menace, madness and obsession all of it through his eyes. Heavy prosthetic make up and VFX in practically every frame notwithstanding, Gaurav - a soul, a voice, a pain underneath all those layers could still reach out from the multiplex screens and into the heart of every audience member in the dark theatre room.  Shahrukh modified his voice as well as accent for the role. Gaurav has an innocent boyish voice with a northern accent whereas Aryan Khanna the superstar has a deep, mature baritone. The way the characters walk and their overall body language is also distinctly separate and crafted. After a long time Shahrukh has got a movie that really allows him to showcase his unmatched brilliance and just to perform as the character, raw and real and not as a superstar. I connected with Gaurav’s character, though I obviously don’t condone his crazy acts! But I felt for him, I could relate to his pain and maybe not his reaction but then that’s what makes him “him”. A fan. And in the words of Gaurav - Ab ye baat har koi nahi samjhega.

                                                                                                                                     - S. Chaudhary

Is this for real?

Asking to pick just one favourite song or book or a favourite child (haha!) is a playful yet perplexing conundrum as I am spoilt for choice and torn in a conflict as my loyalties lie with many different authors for their unique talents, genres and styles. Now I am a fan of thrillers and suspense as against stories revolving around human emotions. Yet, if I have to pick one, I would say Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. This book tortured me. No seriously, I was sad for a while and kept thinking about this story for days after I had finished reading it. The characters made me angry, sad and shake my head in either disapproval or disappointment. I looked forward and kept reading only in the flickering hope that before I turn the last page at least one character would come back to their senses and quit the journey of self sabotage, they so passionately were hell bent on embarking. In short, just by weaving a fantasy tale the author got me to “care” about her highly damaged, unreasonably emotional, stubborn, egoistic, twisted and deeply flawed characters. THAT is a huge achievement for any author and definitely Emily Bronte deserves all the praise for making her character’s lives and readers minds miserable! If only by using words an author can construct an entire world inside your imagination, characters in flesh and blood with a mind and agenda of their own, characters who simply don’t exist yet feel so damn real that you care and worry about them as you turn each page with great curiosity and trepidation, then I would say the author has succeeded in selling you a compelling and believable lie aka fiction. And don’t we just love them for it?

-          S. Chaudhary

Written for Indispire Edition 113. #MyFavouriteFictionWriter