Satrangee Parachute

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Critic's Rating:  ** Cast: Jackie Shroff, Kay Kay Menon, Zakir Hussain, Sanjay Mishra Direction: Vineet Khetrapal Genre: Drama Duration: 2 hours Readers Rating: **1/2

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Story: Pappu (Siddhartha Sanghani), a precocious kid, wants to find a parachute for his visually impaired friend Kuhu. He sets out with a bunch of friends from Nainital to Mumbai in order to fulfil his mission. But Mumbai is murky city.... Pappu and his buddies get embroiled with a gang of terrorists who are determined to create terror in the city with dubious parachutes.

Movie Review: If Iran can have it, why can't India have it too: a viable children's film movement. Why does the world's biggest film industry dish out the saddest kiddie films, week after week? Why can't Bollywood go the Hollywood way and treat children's film as hardcore, high market entertainment? Why must our film makers give the tween and teen film market a step motherly treatment.... Questions that need to be addressed urgently as the young viewers become more and more vociferous.

Sadly Satrangee Parachute fails to address any of these questions with its narrative that appeals neither to kids nor to adults. The storyline may be interesting and hold potential as a drama about a bunch of kids trying to blow up a terrorist plot. But its delineation is so serious, so tedious and so unfunny, it makes us adults fidgety. Can't imagine what it would do to an audi full of restless kids!

If the bachcha party lacks characteristic badmashi, then the adult cast looks totally confused. Both Jackie Shroff and Kay Kay Menon are clueless cops, while fine actors like Sanjay Mishra and Zakir Hussain haven't much to do. Please let's get less uptight about kids and start treating them as an intelligent and naturally bratty audience.

Tanu Weds Manu

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Critic's Rating:  *** Cast: R Madhavan, Kangna Ranaut, Jimmy Sheirgill, Deepak Dobriyal, Eijaz Khan Direction: Anand L. Rai Genre: Romance Duration: 2 hours Readers Rating:**

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Behind the scenes: 'Tanu weds Manu'

Story: Manu (R Madhavan) is a sad and serious NRI doctor in London who comes looking for a bride in India. He flips for a sozzled small town girl, Tanu (Kangna Ranaut) who lives with her extended family in Kanpur. But there's a hitch. Tanu loves a goonda from Lucknow and threatens Manu with dire consequences if he doesn't say No to the wedding. Poor Manu! He not only says No but tries his best to get his dream girl marry her boyfriend.

Movie Review: Been there, done that? Yes, the first thing that strikes you about Tanu Weds Manu is a striking sense of familiarity. It wasn't long before you saw Shahid Kapoor playing a similar sacrificial lover to Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met. And like poor Kareena, who tries too sort out her confused emotions against the backdrop of the big fat Punjabi wedding, Tanu too must decide who is better husband material, first amidst the hustle bustle of her best friend's boisterous going-balle-balle baraat and then at her chaotic Kanpuria community haveli.

But the deja vu doesn't last long. For despite the predictable -- and paper thin -- storyline, the film manages to hook you with its sheer atmospherics. The director creates an extremely busy and colourful canvas brimming with characters who are anything but cardboard cut-outs. If Madhavan fleshes out a heart-tugging, oh-so-lonely and acutely desi NRI, winning you over with his shy smiles and well-mannered chutzpah, then Kangna Ranaut's wild cat rebel is endearing too. The Friends Inc also pitches in an inspired act with the groom's best buddies Deepak Dobriyal and Eijaz Khan adding fun and games to the raucous proceedings. On the bride's side, it is the spunky Payal (Swara Bhaskar) who infuses verve, even while emerging as Kangna's counsel and guide. As for Jimmy Sheirgill, must we reiterate: Give him a role, guys; he's good! In fact, the highpoint of Tanu weds Manu is not so much the confused romance between Madhavan and Kangana. Instead, it is the `bromance' (dosti-dushmani) between Madhavan and Jimmy that grabs eyeballs with its volcanic undercurrents, which alas, are too few and far between.

And then come the sundry cityscapes.... Tanu Weds Manu lives more through its psychedelic backdrop than its drama. The film maker along with his cinematographer (Chirantan Das) and music director (Krsna) captures mofussil India with all its bustling beauty. Kanpur, with its overriding chaos and its criss-cross alleys almost begins to breathe on screen, even as the great Indian family emerges as one helluva character in one more desi paean to the joint parivaar.

Fun while it lasts, Tanu Weds Manu throws up Bollywood's newest obsession -- small town girls and their gunas (values) -- once again. A meatier storyline and a less messed up climax would have worked wonders for the film.

Drive Angry

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Critic's Rating:  *** Cast: Nicholas Cage, William Fichtner, Amber Heard Direction: Patrick Lussier Genre: Action Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes Readers Rating: **

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Story: John Milton (Nicholas Cage) is a mysterious man who is determined to find the killers of his daughter and rescue his infant grandkid from the clutches of this Satanic cult that wants to sacrifice her. Piper (Amber Heard) a spunky waitress joins him in his mission which has another mysterious player, the Accountant (William Fichtner) trying to stall it. Or is he actually trying to help the troubled twosome?

Movie Review: Nicholas Cage has been making some insignificant movies of late. But Drive Angry isn't too bad, despite having nothing big to offer. The reason being its high octane action sequences which somehow seem to work better in the 3D. The bullets literally fly out at you and make you go ducking for cover. Great fun.

But more than all this, there is the third dimension in the plot too that makes for interesting viewing. The film is brimming over with characters that are dead and alive; characters who can only be slowed down by bullets, not felled. And it is this unpredictable journey into the world of the undead that makes this drive a crazy ride.

Enjoy, full throttle.

The Fighter

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Critic's Rating:  ***1/2 Cast: Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, Amy Adams Direction: David O Russell Genre: Action Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes Readers Rating: ****1/2

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Story: A story of two half-brothers who try to create history in the boxing ring, the film is based on a real life story of Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) who wants to rise above his status of a brawler: a boxer who is used as a stepping stone to set up a fight with better boxers. He tries to pry himself away from his dysfunctional family with the help of his girlfriend Charlene (Amy Adams), but can't cut ties from his junkie brother cum trainer, Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale).

Movie Review: The film isn't another Rocky, even as Micky and Dicky are no superstars in the ring. The power of The Fighter lies more in its moving story about family pressures and family bonding than the histrionics in the boxing ring. Of course there is all the mandatory blood-letting and the unpredictable last minute victories that make all films on boxing a thrilling watch. But watching Micky win and lose isn't the highpoint of this film. Watching him try to fight and fit into his demanding, obsessive and edgy family is truly enthralling. Much as he wants, Micky can never turn his back to the hell-raisers who may not be having the best intentions.... Or so Micky thinks, specially when his protective and nurturing girlfriend tries to present a whole new perspective.

And the reason why Micky can't let go is because of his maverick half-brother, Dicky, who is a has-been, a single dad, and a confused crackhead who could lose his hold on life any day. Kudos to Christian Bale for completely re-inventing himself as a shadow of a man who has the spirit of a hero. Did he ever play Batman?

Gritty drama that keeps you glued, The Fighter is a heady ode to the family structure.

True Grit

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Critic's Rating: **** Cast: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Hailee Steinfeld Direction: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen Genre: Western Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes Readers Rating: *** Thank you for rating this movie. Would you also like to Review this movie?

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Story: After her father's murder, 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) sets out in search of a bounty hunter who can help her wreak vengeance against the killer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) who has disappeared in remote Indian country. She hires Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), the toughest US Marshall she can find in cowboy country (Oklahoma in the 19th century) and sets out on a dangerous mission. But will the over-age, reluctant hero actually prove he has true grit and will their seemingly disinterested accomplice, the Texan ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), prove to be the good Samaritan too? Mattie's arduous trek will furnish some startling answers.

Movie Review: Not so long ago, Quentin Tarantino declared that revenge was a dish best served cold and dished out the delectable vendetta epic, Kill Bill. It's time for a revision as the Coen brothers prove that revenge is a dish best served hot. Watch hot-blooded, hot-headed and headstrong Mattie pick up the gauntlet of revenge and insist on avenging her father's death with an acumen that far belies her tender age and you'll begin to wonder who has true grit. Is it the disheveled, drunken, going-downhill Marshall Cogburn who couldn't care less about the motive and the mission? Is it the Texan ranger LaBoeuf who would love to give the cheeky girl a good spanking (and that, he does) and keeps making a guest appearance in the treacherous trek? Or is it the teenage girl who does it all -- bargains, pleads, threatens, gets trigger-happy too -- to keep the momentum on?

Truly, with True Grit the Coen brothers not only revisit the Western once again, they even re-invent the revenge drama by creating both memorable characters and a mesmerizing mood. The film may be a re-make of the 1969 film which grabbed an Oscar for John Wayne, but the Coen Brothers have added their own signature style to it. Jeff Bridges has rendered an Oscar worthy rendition of Rooster Cogburn who hides a heart of gold beneath a rough exterior. And young Hailee Steinfeld is stupendous as the doughty young teenager who crackles like fire, never loses spunk and holds her own in dangerous territory. Matt Damon provides able support as the iffy hero who always manages to pop as savior and good friend. But more than all this, it is the gritty narrative and the purist style that pulls you towards this old-fashioned tale of old-fashioned valour.

Don't miss it.

A school for their children - a gift from illiterate poor parents

There are no schools in the neighbourhood and almost 95 percent of the population is illiterate, the villagers themselves admit.
The Vasela Phali villagers named their school 'Sarasvati Vidya Mandir'. It has only one teacher as of now and is housed in a makeshift facility.
But the most important thing is that it has become the home for learning for 64 children, making their parents proud.
"I don't get salary every month because the villagers are very poor. But I am here for the love of it. I have enrolled 64 children aged between 5 and 14 years in the past one year," said a beaming Bheraram Devasi, the teacher.
Bheraram is the only villager who has completed college education.
He said he had written many times to the state's education minister and the district collector for help but was yet to get a response.

A school for their children - a gift from illiterate poor parents

They can't read or write but are determined to ensure their children get proper education. A community of tribals in Rajasthan who toil hard to make just about Rs.70 a day have built a school for their children with their hard earned money.

The tribals in the tiny Vasela Phali village in Rajasthan's Sirohi district, over 400 km from state capital Jaipur, came together and raised Rs.50,000 to build the primary school. Having grown up as illiterates, the around 300 villagers knew best the importance of education.
All they wanted was to see their children get proper education and lead a better life than them.
"It cost us Rs.50,000 to open the school. It's a huge amount of money for us. Most of us earn just about Rs.70-100 a day," Bharon Ram, a villager, said.
"We had approached the state authorities for help, but nobody came forward," he said.
The majority in the village is formed by the Garasia tribe, the third largest tribal group in Rajasthan. The villagers live near forests and are generally concentrated in Sirohi, Pali and Udaipur districts.

India second largest source of foreign students in New Zealand

India has emerged as the second largest source country after China for international students in New Zealand during 2010-11, according to official figures.

While student visa applications from traditional markets like China, South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan and Britain have declined in the past years, Indian students continue flocking to New Zealand for higher education.
The number of Indian students approved to study has increased steadily over the past five years, from around 3,700 fee-paying students in 2005-06 to over 12,000 in 2010-11, according to statistics released by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Since 2007-08, India has been New Zealand's third largest source country after China and South Korea.
As many as 9,141 student visa applications have been approved from July 2009 to February 2011, reported INZ statistics.

Green India Mission

Jairam Ramesh’s ambitious Rs 46,000-crore 10-year afforestation plan has got the prime minister’s (PM’s) nod, the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) said on Wednesday Called 'Green India Mission', the project involves adding 10 million hectares to the nation's 40-42 million hectares of good-quality forests, with the long-term target of increasing the 'good' forest cover from 12% to 33% of the total land.

Apart from the 12%, 8% land -- around 28 million hectares -- is technically classified as forests, but "you can see nothing but the sun if you look up", as Ramesh recently put it.

Upcoming CAR in 2011-Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi...
When: January 2011
How much: Rs 16 lakh
Small car maker Maruti Suzuki India is all set for a foray into the luxury segment with the Kizashi. Powered by a J24B 2.4 litre petrol engine, 4 cylinder, DOHC, the D-segment car's powertrain is capable of producing peak power of 185 hp at 6,500 rpm (Manual Transmission) and 180 hp at 6,000 rpm (Continuously Variable Transmission). The maximum torque from the engine is 170 Nm at 4,000 rpm in both types of transmission.

Upcoming CAR in 2011-Fiat Bravo

Fiat Bravo
When: April 2011
How Much: Rs 18-25 lakh
The Bravo tops at a speed of 190kmph. With a fuel consumption of 11kmpl on city roads and 14kmpl on highways, it offers a four cylinder engine with a displacement of 1910cc. Maximum power is 150bhp at 4000 rpm and maximum torque is 305Nm at 2000 rpm. With a sitting capacity of 5 people New Fiat Bravo has a boot space of 365lts.

Upcoming CAR in 2011-Nissan NV200

Nissan NV200
When: May 2011
How Much: Rs 8-11 lakh
Nissan Motors is planning to capitalise on the Indian auto market, announcing the launch of 9 new vehicles by 2012, and among them, the 'International Van of the Year 2010' NV200.
The NV200 will have an upgraded Renault-Nissan B-Alliance platform and is believed to have the same engine which powers the Renault Logan: a 1.5dCi, diesel engine that churns out 85 bhp at 3750 rpm and generates a peak torque of 200 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The vehicle will sport a five speed manual transmission. A petrol variant is also expected.

India Win in World Cup

India wins in his opening match of world cup 2011 with Bangladesh. In this match Virendra Sehwag(175) & Virat Kohli(100*) hits century to help India reach up to total 370.
This was the revenge game of India with Bangladesh and India win that match easily. This is the kind of start that India want in World Cup. so we can hope that India can win the World Cup.
The all batsmen of India looked in great form. So the India can reach up to any target.
The last world for India, Keep it up...........

The Nutcracker

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Critic's Rating:  *** Cast: Elle Fanning, Nathan Lane, John Turturro< Direction: Andrey Konchalovskiy Genre: Fantasy Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes Readers Rating:***          Rate this movie 1 (Poor) 1.5 (Below average) 2 (Average) 2.5 (Above average) 3 (Good) 3.5 (Good +) 4 (Very good) 4.5 (Very good +) 5 (Outstanding)

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Story: Vienna, 1920. Young Mary and her brother Max embark on a thrilling adventure on Christmas eve when their uncle (Nathan Lane) presents them a strange wooden doll called NC (Nutcracker). NC turns out to be a prince who needs the brother-sister duo to save him from the spell of the Rat King (John Turturro) and his evil mother (Frances de la Tour).

Movie Review: This one's a picturesque parable that has acquired cult status in its ballet form. This time, it re-appears as a straight feature that holds appeal, both for kids and adults. While the young audience would be enthralled by the sights and sounds of the Nutcracker's strange empire that's been taken over by the evil rats, adults would have a ball with John Turturro's antics as he tries to `ratify' the human world while his wicked and wimpish mother tells him to abandon the sinking ship. Why? asks a bewildered Turturro? Because that's what rats do, explains his delightfully fiendish mom.

Great fun.

Masti Express

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Critic's Rating:  ** Cast: Divya Dutta, Rajpal Yadav, Johnny Lever Direction: Vikram Pradhan Genre: Comedy Duration: 2 hours Readers Rating:**  Rate this movie 1 (Poor) 1.5 (Below average) 2 (Average) 2.5 (Above average) 3 (Good) 3.5 (Good +) 4 (Very good) 4.5 (Very good +) 5 (Outstanding)

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Story: Rajpal Yadav may be an auto rickshaw driver, but he has a dream. He wants to send his son to the upmarket school where he ferries kids every morning. His wife, Divya Dutta, too eggs him on to fulfil his million dollar dream. But where can he get those elusive millions that would ensure a better future for his son? Will the neighbourhood dada, Johnny Lever, allow his aspirations to come true?

Movie Review: With a star cast boasting of almost all the comic actors of current Bollywood, you would expect Masti Express to unfold like a big screen comedy circus. Unfortunately, the laughs are too few and far between, as Rajpal Yadav choses to don a serious avatar and Johnny Lever plays it way over the top as the loud goon who is desperate to rule the neighbourhood with his might-is-right mantra. Even Divya Dutta, a fine actor otherwise, is reduced to a caricature as a whining, wailing wife and mother who threatens to throw herself under a train whenever things go amiss.

Funny only in bits and pieces, Masti Express doesn't live up to its name.