It started with those days when we had a VCR. I used to watch cartoons, sci-fi, horror, drama and other genres that never stopped me from thinking. As a 10 yr old kid, I watched Sam Raimi's-Evil Dead part 1. At school we discussed how this movie made people pee in their pants while watching. Surpringly, I pee'd after the movie was over (?!)
To narrate a filmy incident, Years ago, my Dad, an ex Defence personnel, was posted in that ARMY area of Ramgarh. He promised to take us to movie one day. It was a boon for us, because my dad never fancied to take family out. We were actually going to an open air theatre. I had no idea then how an open air theatre system works. I thought there lies a different world behind that huge wall. Late evening, we went to the theatre which was not far from our home. We struggled hard to find the seat. We sat among Sardarjis, Army men with their families. I thought every Sardarji was a "Jail Singh". He was the only popular politician I knew those days! It was a different feeling watching a movie. All of a sudden the hero Rishi Kapoor appears on the screen and I look at him with my eyes wide open. I had no idea whether my family was liking the movie, but I was thinking on how a woman like Sridevi could turn into a snake! My mind was left out on that pmovie. However, I didnt realize that I'd sleep so soon after the interval. I slept in my mothers lap caring a damn about the movie! That's it! If you think whats so filmy in that, then jerk off!
Over years, I watched many films, good, bad, ugly. I have always liked films which are natural, witty, powerful. I like raw characters which have sweat and not mascara. Somone like Bhiku Mhatre in Satya.
I don't like to watch films that showcase the characters as wealthy, lavish and pompous. I avoid Sanjay Leela Bhasali. He lives in world of imagination and expects the audience to step into his shoes. I laugh and also express my sympathy for Karan Johar and Sooraj Barjatya. I was 13 when I saw Hum Apke Hain Kaun- that family melodrama. After watching that film, I realized that I had then become very matured. I could make a better movie.
What fascinates me about Ramgopal Varma is his attitude! I love the way this guy experiments with his films , a rare breed quality that you get to see among these commercial oriented directors. Nishabd in one my Favourite films of 2007, followed by Chak De India( because Shahrukh Khan didnt act in the film) and Johnny Gaddar( I have been a fan of Sriram Raghvan since Ek Hasina thi). I had fallen in Love with Sridevi after watching Kshana Kshanam. I could not ask for a better performance from an actresses who seldom have a role to play in the movie, minus dancing for belly shaking numbers and shredding glycerine as and when instructed by the director.
I have a conventional and an unbiased approach towards Hollywood movies. I am very fond of animated classics too. I watched the Good bad and the ugly with my cousins and after the movie, I made my own assumptions. I'd rate Tom Hank's role in Forrest Gump as the finest ever role, standing ovation for Sylvester Stallone in Rocky. The list is endless. Mind you I am not writing the list of my favorite movies here. Over years, I have developed a cult for Jack Nicholson. I love his care-a-shit attitude in his roles.
With a thought and hope that one day I'd be directing a full length movie, albeit the conditions are not favourable, I rest my views in this essay.
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