Delhi Belly

Dear Aamir Khan,

There is no doubt over the fact that you’re on the peak currently. You actually posses that Midas touch. Whatever you’re doing is being praised and applauded. People have started to call you Cinematic Genius, Legend and Best of all time. I really do not want to comment on that. Everybody has a different opinion and nobody is wrong.  Most of the time.

All I would say in your praise that you have immortalized yourself and years from now on people will talk about your guts, courage, choices, decisions and actions. It’s true that whichever movie you make or produce is a case study in itself and people will always learn something from it. Be it Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, Jaane tu, Peepli Live, Dhobhi Ghaat or Delhi Belly.

Here are a few things I learned from Delhi Belly:

1)      Humor can be age and culture specific and intelligent for some while it can be crass, crude and horrible for some.

2)      The movie can be named after any city to make it rhyme even if there is no show of that city in the movie.

3)      An average script, terrible lead actor, all the other actors being terrific, good and fresh music, ace producer and intelligent promotions can combine to make a memorable movie.

4)      Bollywood is finally expanding. People like to see different and you like to show them something different. Stereotypes don’t work now.

5)      One cannot watch this movie with parents. Certainly.

6)      One should not watch this movie with friends from opposite sex and lovers, for some scenes will embarrass them for sure.

7)      One MUST watch this movie with friends from opposite sex and lovers, because, you know. That awkward moment when you want to laugh out loud but just cannot. These moments are funny in their own way (sic).

8)      People farting, talking about blowjobs (well not just talking), camera focusing on cleavages, using highest level of profane language, can make people laugh.

9)      Actresses can surely do a marvelous job in a raunchy, men-oriented and adult comedy.

10)   A former movie director can make people burst out of laughter with his stomach gurgles, dialogue delivery and expressions.

11)   A standup comedian can crack people up with his constipated expressions and poor looks.

12)   A terrible actor who is your nephew can kiss numerous girls in numerous places.  So it obviously will shock people and make them laugh.

13)   Songs of the movie alone can make you laugh. Appropriate songs in appropriate situations. A perfect example of icing on the cake.

14)   One should not ‘try’ to make anyone laugh. Comic scenes should always be situational just like the ones shown in Delhi Belly.

15)   People will always remain a little hypocrite (if not completely), i.e., they will always accuse the movie for showing excessive vulgarity and will laugh at it once shown. Silently.

16)   Camera angles, lighting, color effects and other technical aspects sometimes don’t matter.

17)   A lot of talent is being wasted in Bollywood. This is what you get once you give newcomers the responsibility of making a unique film. They seldom disappoint.

18)   Censor board is finally learning that sometimes they just need to let go of all the scenes, and need not chop out anything.

19)   Your item song in the end is amazingly hilarious. Even you thought why let everyone move out of theater silently, they deserve to laugh till their vocal chords give up, after all they have invested their money in your film. It outdoes everything.

20)   Shit Happens.

Sincerely,

Just Another Young Man.

PS: Why the fuck should you miss this movie? Go shake your biscuit.

All Guys Are The Same?!

She stood in the evening light, as if the light was coming from her own body, from her bosoms and eyes and where her dress had been. He couldn’t wait. He brought his face closer to her. His eyes speaking a million things, his sweaty forehead speaking about his situation. She smiled. His hands were shaking. He arched with her nakedness. Suddenly he felt something very soft and wet on his lips. He felt a charge developing inside his body. He kissed her ravenously, devouring his neck and earlobes. He mustered courage and gathered enough power to put his hands behind her back and broke free with muscular ease, unhooked her bra, and with composed expertise caressed her bosom. She sighed. Their hearts were pumping very fast and beats were loud. She touched him with her shaking and warm hands. He sighed. His hands were now going down. He jerked. She felt his breath stop and something deep inside her bloomed making her bold. She eased her hands down his belly to his bulging erection and cupped him through his jeans. "I want all of you this time," she whispered in a voice she nearly didn't recognize as her own. "Everything you've got to give me." She had her eyes close; and wanting to enjoy this moment to the fullest.

"Wider," he murmured, pushing her thighs apart. His mind had stopped working and he was full of lust now. Testosterone had gained full control over him. The secrets of her femininity lay bare in front of him; the sweet scent of her arousal filled his head. He rubbed his right thumb down the center of her, circling the exposed bead, then plunging into her glistening moistness. He was shivering. Badly

She arched against him reaching for him. "I want to touch you." He moved slightly to grant her access, and her hands slipped around him, adoring him with her touch.

“What are you doing, Naveen?” These words were so powerful. Powerful enough to break my fantasy. I  froze; petrified. “Take your hand out of your pants. Damn it, this is a college, have some manners.” For me, this was the biggest embarrassment I could ever face. ‘I’m screwed, librarian has spotted me.’ I said it aloud in my mind. Slowly, I took my right hand out of my pants. Turned around. Again froze. Eyes wide open. “What the hell? What are you doing here? Who allowed you here?” I was shocked to see him standing in front of me in the college library. Lebnox was here.

“Why were you following me? I mean, do you always follow me? Train? College?” I needed an answer this time. “Boy, I’ll come running every time I feel you’re up to something that you’re not supposed to do.” He replied back. Smiling. “What? What do you think of yourself? Who hired you? How come the guard let you in the college?” I again demanded answers. “Don’t worry about those things, Naveen. No one can spot me here. And I’m not gonna let you go without answering a few of my questions.” And he sat down.

“Not again! I’m in no mood to listen to your boring philosophies.” I sighed. “Do you think you have options?” He said while looking over to that magazine, I was caught reading. Goosebumps. “What is it?” I asked. A bit frustrated. Just then my cell phone beeped. SMS. I kept it back after reading and replying and looked up to him. He had noticed my smile. A diabolic grin appeared on his face. “What is that magazine that you were reading? Weren’t you afraid that someone will spot you fantasizing here?” The question scared me. “The place where I was sitting is fully isolated. No one goes there. That’s why I was shocked. And even more shocked to find you there. And err..umm.. the magazine isObject of Desire.” I still can’t believe I actually told him the name of magazine. I must have been some exceptional kind of idiot. I still am, I guess.

He started laughing. Anybody would have laughed at my reply. Everything happening was so embarrassing, I tell you.

“Mate, you know what? It’s not entirely your fault. Tell me, do you have a girlfriend?” Lebnox was in a total mood to mock me. I thought he’d guessed it after seeing me smile at the SMS. “Why? What does me having a girlfriend has to do here?” “General question. Passing the time, you know.” He winked. I could sense a storm approaching. “Umm.. Yes.” “Nice. Now tell me, do you love her?” I again froze. What kind of question was that? I mean if I have a girlfriend, I must be in love, right?“Yes, I do.” I replied super confidently. “Do you even know what love is, mate?” This was enough. He was making my gorge rise. “Enough. I am leaving. You appear out of nowhere. Ask questions that are not relevant. I’m late for class.” I noticed him laughing, adding fuel to the fire. “Sit down mate, you don’t even know which class is going on and what is next and what are the timings. You are going nowhere.” He replied. I mean how can one be so jobless? “I’m not jobless. My job is to keep your life on track. And yes, you said that aloud.” Shit.

“Yes, I know what love is. I have seen thousands of movies and read quite a few books on love. So please don’t teach me what love is as I don’t want to know.” I was almost screaming. The most irritating part was, he was enjoying all of this. “Okay, I’ll not say anything. Rather, I’ll listen to you, tell me what all you know about love.” My vocal chords stopped working. My mind went numb. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. “Love is…” I tried to speak. “..something surreal.” I stopped. I mean I couldn’t speak anymore. “Wow, quite an answer that was. When did you realize that you’re in love with her?” Why the hell was he enjoying so much!!

“I mean she is sort of hot and stuff. I feel good with her. She makes me happy. I like her company!” He was almost laughing on hearing this. Why?! “Have you kissed her?” “No yaar, I’m wait…. Err.. Umm.. What the heck? What are you asking?” Shit. What had I done?! “That’s what I wanted to know. Does she know all this? Why did she accept your proposal?” I had to compensate. I had to give a convincing answer. “She smiled when I proposed her. She said yes without much ado. And she added,I’m different. Rest all guys are the same.”

His expressions were enigmatic. Either he had won a world cup or he was fuming with anger. I didn’t know. “She is wrong, Naveen. You actually belong to that group. That is the bitter truth.” His smile had vanished. That was not a good sign. Nothing was, actually. “What? We’ve met only twice, you don’t even know me.” “I know you more than you know about yourself.” Goosebumps. “And I’m here to tell you a few facts, and I hope you’ll follow them.” Goosebumps. “You know why girls say all guys are the same?” It was my turn to answer. “Yes, because they think all guys think about sex all the time.” “And?” He was expecting more. “I.. I think girls are wrong. Not all guys.” He was not convinced. “See Naveen. Over the years, effect of west has grown exponentially in our country. Young generation has been the biggest affected group. And there is a difference as well. Guys watch more and more Hollywood movies and many get inspired by the activities shown in them. Not all, I must add. On the other hand, girls watch Hollywood movies and many get inspired by the looks shown in them. Not all, again.”

I really didn’t know where the hell was he going??!! “So the problem is, watching or reading excessive porn is quite harmful. It pollutes your mind to a great extent; when you see a girl, you start imagining lot of stuff. Stuff that you shouldn’t imagine. And in that process, you look at her with such luscious eyes, that girl starts feeling uncomfortable.” He continued. That is actually the truth, I guess. I had to face it.

“Many of you look at the cleavage and the bosoms before even making an eye contact. Tell me how that girl is supposed to behave? Why, in many places, they have separate seating arrangement for girls? Why the metro train has a separate coach for ladies? Answer is simple; some guys cannot handle a girl standing next to them. They are desperate.  And why desperate? Excessive porn, my friend! Watching it quite a few times a day, increases the level of testosterone in a guy and all he can think of is sex. And you, you too are a victim, Naveen. You have made a girlfriend just to get laid with her, nothing else. Accept it.” I almost fell on the floor. Somehow, I knew deep inside, he was somewhat correct. I was wrong. “The day you stop watching girls with lusty eyes, stop assuming them as your object of desire and start respecting them and giving them the equality they deserve, will be the day where you’ll see a huge change around you.” The last line gave me confidence. I could now at least make an eye contact with him. He was in full flow today. “Also, the day you stop watching porn, will be the day you’ll secure a healthy and problem free future.” He said looking at my pants. Man, I wanted to kill him. How could he be so brutal??!!

“What should I do then?” I gathered courage and asked. “It’s time. Go attend your lecture. Be honest with your girl, and love her. Stop thinking about sex all the time. Even if you don’t, just remember this. And if you want to know how you can do this? Stop watching porn.” I had been looking down all the while. My watch was screaming that I was late for the lecture. I got up and I could see nobody in front of me. I looked around; again, nobody. Damn it! Was I dreaming?!?!

A few points:

1)      All guys are NOT the same.

2)      Even if they were, now they won’t be.

3)      There was no use of that sex scene in the beginning.

4)      The writer wrote it just to flaunt his writing skills.

5)      He does not write porn and nor promotes it.

6)      Naveen is a good guy; just sometimes he is caught doing wrong things.

Book Review: Bombay Duck is a Fish - Kanika Dhillon

Ever had a dream to make it big in Indian Film Industry? Ever checked your knowledge of Film Making? Ever wondered what exactly Mumbai is all about? Ever imagined how exactly a film is made? Ever thought from where all the rumors about Film stars come from? Ever thought if given a choice between survival and honesty, what would you choose? Ever imagined what guilty conscience is all about? “Bombay Duck Is A Fish” a debut novel by Kanika Dhillon, talks about dreams, reality, love, struggle, honesty, ethics, politics, Mumbai and films!

Neki Brar, yet another small town girl, begins her life in Mumbai in order to chase her dreams of becoming a renowned Film Maker. Little does she know that nothing comes ‘the easy way’ in Mumbai. She starts as a bottom most Assistant Director in a film by Fiza Kareem( one of the top directors, according to the book) and starts facing the reality of films. She learns Dos and Don’ts, blame game, art of deceiving, faking promises the hard way. Ranvir Khanna, the actor with looks to die for, the charmer, makes her fall in love with him and takes advantages. The other assistant directors, namely, Karan, PJ, Shivani, Kriti and Sam play an important role in changing her values and transforming her character from an honest and simple girl to a cunning and shrewd Assistant Director. Eventually she starts climbing the ladders to success and in that process makes more enemies. Battling rivalry, ambition, betrayal, politics and burning egos of Film stars, she discovers the beauty of her own ambition and the ugliness of true love.

A lot has been said and written about struggle and small town guys making big in Indian Film Industry, then why ‘Bombay Duck Is A Fish”?

Kanika Dhillon has used a very simple and honest writing style in the book. The details she gives about Film Making, such minute details, I tell you, are superb. She makes you watch the whole movie set and action through the words. Also, the first person writing style used in the book is so magnificently written that she makes you live the character of Neki Brar and feel her emotions and state of mind.

The life and role of Junior Artists, stunt men, make up men, spot boys, line producers, camera men, lighting men and many others are presented in such detail that you can’t help but praise Kanika. The reality of film stars, i.e., their intentions, their ego, their tantrums, their demands, their secrets and the truth is told in an unbiased and clear manner that she makes you realize that it doesn’t matter if the stars and everything look so fantastic and ideal, reality is always different. Everybody is pretentious. They have no other choice.

She also tells that if you have to survive in the industry and get credit and recognition of your work, you have to be at the right place at the right time and do the right thing. It doesn’t matter if that thing you do is right for you and wrong for others. Love is nothing in industry; everything that happens in the name of it is just an act of selfishness and lust.  

But, she does not forget to add that, if you want to fulfill your dreams, Mumbai is the city for you; and if you want to get lost, Mumbai is the city for you.

With so much about Mumbai, films and reality, “Bombay Duck Is A Fish” is for everyone who wants to get into Film Industry and has larger than life dreams. The book forces you to face the truth and the dark side of working in the industry. With such high stakes, where you know you’re going to lose much more than you gain, how far would you go in pursuit of dreams, and how many good virtues would you give up? And how can you be sure that despite of sacrificing so many things, you’ll eventually taste that ‘success’ you’ve been waiting for long?

Pros: Films, reality, dreams, ambition, virtues, Kanika’s natural flair with writing, superb editing, and fantastic conclusion in the end.

Cons: A few of you might call many events happening in the book ‘unreal’. For me, there are none.

Overall: 4.2/5

Do yourself a favor; buy this book this weekend and read it. 

Shaitan

Hello Guys! Did you miss us? Yes, we missed you all too. After skipping a sling of Hollywood hits and a Salman Starrer, our man has chosen Shaitan to review this week. He seemed excited yesterday before the movie and now let’s see what effect movie had on him today. Please welcome, LEBNOX!

“Hello Lebnox, you look stoned! Are you high?”

“High on Shaitan, I guess.”

“So that means you’re not gonna smoke or drink now?”

“I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. So that question is baseless.”

“Oh, oh. So let’s begin the interview. Shall we?”

“Umm…Yeah. Let’s do it.”

Q.1) The classic: Describe the movie in one word.

Lebnox: Insane!

Q.2) No, no. I asked about the movie.

Lebnox: I was not talking about you. (We know that was a good try, but we couldn’t beat him in his own game.)

Q.3) Okay okay. I should rather ask about performances.

Lebnox: Okay. Yeah, go ahead.

Q.4) I just d…. Okay, how were the performances? (He really had gone insane after watching the movie, we assumed.)

Lebnox: Everybody who acted in the movie was awesome. I mean I can’t pick out just one favorite from all those. Rajeev Khandelwaal, as Inspector Mathur, keeps on improving. He plays a frustrated cop who doesn’t hesitate in taking risks and is not afraid of anything. Gulshan Devaiya as Karan, aka KC, plays a spoilt brat who has a knack of doing shocking things out of anger or craziness and believes the base of every friendship is trust. Shiv Pandit as Dushyant, aka Dash, is more of serious guy who, after attaining the peak of insanity can do anything, and also is the brain behind every plan. Neil Bhoopalam as Zubin, aka Parsi, plays a guy who tries to stay away from most hideous activities, but sometimes plays along just for the sake of friendship. Kirti Kulhari as Tanya, plays an aspiring actress who is in love with Karan but never admits that and is an important part of their group. Kalki Koechlin as Amrita, aka Amy, plays a girl who is undergoing a mental trauma for the last 12 years, and is new to the group. She starts enjoying their company and eventually everybody gets into trouble. Supporting cast includes Nikhil Chinappa, Pawan Malhotra, Rajat Kapoor and Raj Kumar Yadav. Everybody did a fantastic job and it would be unfair to pick out one.

Q.5) Quite a speech that was, calm down, you surely are high today.

Lebnox: Don't call me the next time if this review doesn’t gather maximum views. Okay, do call me after giving me a warning. And I’m not high.

Q.6) How was the direction?

Lebnox: The thing which I liked the most about Bejoy Nambiar is that he is not afraid of attempting something as bizarre and disturbing as Shaitan. I mean, how many movies have you seen which show a bunch of 20 something guys going crazy and landing up in trouble? Very few, I would assume. But Shaitan is quite different from those, sure it has similarities with Anurag Kashyap’s Paanch but still, it is original and insane and disturbing and shows reality. The way story proceeds is thrilling and you’re eager to know what is gonna happen next. Sometimes you guess right and sometimes Bejoy surprises you. His direction was a pleasure to watch except, the scenes which were supposed to be disturbing, were actually disturbing. Bejoy has a special talent, that was visible, but a few scenes in the movie which seemed like a repetition of earlier portions, snatch away the brownie points he deserves. But I really don’t care. He has a long way to go, and I’m sure he’ll get better with his second script.

Q.7) How about the technical aspects?

Lebnox: See all the movies which are made under Anurag Kashyap productions have terrific cinematography. The camera work is always unique and is thrilling. One feels amazed in some of the scenes. Music is addicting. Really. There are a number of composers who have composed songs for the movie and all of them have done an outstanding job. The songs, slowly, grow on you. Editing, in first half is razor sharp, and in second half, a few scenes become repetitive.

Q.8) What’s the story is all about?

Lebnox: Friendship, trauma, dysfunctional family, drugs, sex, love, money, heavy metal music, booze and impulsiveness. Any of these things has a big effect on an individual. What would happen if all these things have a combined effect on you? What activities would you indulge in? What measures would you take if you land up in trouble? What would you do if your inner devil takes over your soul?

Q.9) And?

Lebnox: And you’ve two ways of knowing the answers to these questions. Either try doing these things or watch Shaitan. Or if you don’t want to know the answers and you feel you’re better off not knowing, not delving, don’t watch it.

Q.10) So the movie is a hit?

Lebnox: If by hit you mean recovering expenses and earning profit, yes it will be hit.

Q.11) So that means everybody should watch it?

Lebnox: Yes of course everybody should watch it. But if you can’t handle disturbing scenes and can’t watch the ‘future’ of our country going crazy, DO NOT watch it.

Q.12) Final Verdict?

Lebnox: Movie is awesome. I had expectations and it fulfilled them all. But it is certainly not for everyone. Some scenes are so disturbing that you may close your eyes and feel genuinely sorry for the characters. That was much needed though; I mean that’s what I think. Such extraordinary situations were necessary to make the youth realize that if they try to be smart by doing things they’re not supposed to do, they end up in a shitload of trouble. Worse case, they might end their life. And, there were a few glitches that one might question, like some said the movie ends in a whimper. I replied, just thank god you’re not doing those things so you’re not sure what the person becomes and how/she reacts in those situations.

Q.13) You sure you’re not high, right?

Lebnox: Ha-ha. Why are you always afraid of my mood? Even if I’m high, I just gave you an awesome review. What more do you need? (Narcissist, we thought, but then who cares. He is actually awesome.) (And yes, he laughed. Finally.)

With this we end our interview right here. Lebnox said he needed a sound sleep so he rushed out. After a disturbing movie and interview, he atleast deserves a sound sleep. Doesn’t he?

Ragini MMS

Hello friends, how are you all? Hope you’re enjoying this cricket season. And we’re glad that you always care to take your time out for our little but accurate and enjoyable review show. We’re back with Ekta Kapoor’s Ragini MMS. The movie has been in news for obvious and for some unobvious reasons as we all know. And our man of the show is here to review it. Please welcome, LEBNOX!

“Hey Lebnox, What’s up? How are you?”

“…Man, all those who say horror movies don’t scare them, LIE!”

“So did it scare you? I mean you’re that much scared?”

“Nay man, I always come under exceptions as you all know. I never lie.”

“ So let’s begin the interview. Shall we?”

“Of course, what are you waiting for? Another MMS?” There it was. Finally. The classic Lebnoxical wink. He is the man.

Q.1) Describe the movie in one word.

Lebnox: Enjoyable.

Q.2) Enjoyable? This is supposed to be a horror film.

Lebnox: So? Can’t one enjoy horror movies?

Q.3) Yeah. Okay. My bad. So did it scare you?

Lebnox: You asked those questions which you’ve learnt by heart. Don’t you? I think you’ve asked the question earlier and the answer was in negative. But yes, it has potential to scare some. To a great extent. But not to everybody. ( He always does this. Answering our question in way to embarrass us. Damn!) 

Q.4) Okay. Okay. Let’s talk about the performances.

Lebnox: Oh boy! Raj Kumar Yadav is a tremendous actor. I’ve become his fan now. He makes the film enjoyable. His dialogue delivery, comic timing, facial expressions, and everything were just perfect. Yes. PERFECT! He makes you laugh. He scares you. He makes you fall in love with his performance. Kainaz Motivala, on the other hand, is a real charmer. You instantly fall in love with her innocence. The last thirty minutes of the movie, where you expect an out of the box climax, she does the entire job. But easily, Raj Kumar Yadav scores much higher than her.

Q.5) Let’s come to…. Hey what are you thinking?

Lebnox: Ah, nothing. Raj Kumar Yadav is a daring man. In LSD, he was the one who filmed the sex tape and sold it. Now he is back to repeat history in Ragini MMS. He is a rascal but I’m his fan now. And oi, Kainaz looks awesome. Epitome of awesomeness, I meant.

Q.6) Is the movie rip off of Paranormal Activity?

Lebnox: I don’t think so. A few scenes may have been borrowed from Paranormal Activity. The truth is, if you like the movie, you won’t care if it’s a scene by scene rip off. But if it is bad, you’d want to curse everybody associated with that movie.

Q.7) How’s the direction?

Lebnox: Umm… Not very good. Could’ve been better. Debutante Director Pawan Kripalani tries his best to scare you off but only manages to do that in a very few scenes. One thing he has done well is that he made his actors act terrifically.

Q.8) And what’s the story?

Lebnox:  Well, you know it all. And moreover, what story do you expect in a horror movie? Every time in a particular house there always lived a woman who was killed and now she haunts everyone coming in that house. Same is in this movie.

Q.9) It is being labeled as scariest date movie ever. How correct is that statement?

Lebnox: Not really. One expects a lot before going to the theater. The ghost doesn’t scare much. The sound effect does the entire job of earning your full attention, making you grab your friend’s arm or whatever. After you come out the theater, you feel movie should have been more scary.

Q.10) What about the real time shoot?

Lebnox: In LSD more real time shooting was present. Here it is used in the beginning and in the end. Rest all is normal shoot. But yeah, camera angles used in the movie are super apt.

Q.11) So the movie is a hit?

Lebnox: Ekta Kapoor has made sure it turns out to be a hit. So yeah, it shall recover its expenses with ease and collect good money at the box office.

Q.12) Are you sure you didn’t get scared?

Lebnox: Do I look like I’m scared? It’s just that, I’m thinking about Raj Kumar. He always makes sex tapes, yaar! (He was smiling in a little weird manner. Had gone mad, we thought)

Q.13) Final Verdict?

Lebnox: Look, the first half had everything. From sex quotient to comic scenes to scary scenes to Raj Kumar. Second half the story went haywire. Some got irritated, some got scared and some got bored. So it’s not like a single man’s opinion is entitled for all. You may come under any of the three categories. And also, the movie is made only for youngsters, and they might enjoy the MMS scene of the movie. (There was a possibility of him laughing boisterously. We’re gald he didn’t do it.)

And he left for his home. Clearly, he was smitten by Kainaz Motiwala’s beauty and innocence and had become a fan of Raj Kumar. We suggest, if you really want to get scared and enjoy the movie, go for it. If you’re skeptic whether to go or not, take a pass.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Book Review: The Long Road - Dr. Vivek Banerjee

Ever wondered that your life has been nothing but a journey? Ever thought how times, people and relationships change gradually (well, almost)? Ever realized that you’ve been on a long road where journey is the only destination? ‘The Long Road’ a debut novel by Dr. Vivek Banerjee talks about the same.

Sarika: Super confident. Ambitious. Unperturbed of the stereotypes. Work priorities first.

Rahul: Confident. Fun loving. Caring. Rich. Loves Sarika badly.

Hina: A quintessential small town girl with a very inferior family background. Ambitious.

Ranjiv: Rich. Rebel. On a quest to find his love.

Sagarika: A typical dusky Bengali beauty. Bright student. Ambitious.

What happens if you keep all these people in one big medical school? Sarika after her break up with Rahul comes to reputed medical college in Mumbai. Rahul, in order to get back Sarika in his life, prepares hard and gets admitted to the same college. Meanwhile, Hina, a girl who all her life and lived in an attic in a mosque fights her way to the medical college. Ranjiv, after fighting with his dad over his career, gets admitted to the same college. Sagarika after working super hard makes it to the medical college.

The initial premise of their relationships changes gradually as they spend time in the college together.  The medical studies, the people around them, their ambitions, family backgrounds, young impulsive attitude, and all the chutzpah to do something big, all these things play an important role in their lives and relationships.

The book clearly shows how vulnerable young doctors are; they are always unsure of what to do next! On one hand there lies the future in family and relationships, on the other hand lies the future in career and determinations. Both are equally important for a doctor; and so the decision making and proceeding with it is such a big task. Determination and mental stability is a must for a young doctor and it shows in their characters in ‘The Long Road’.

Talking about the writing style, Dr. Vivek Banerjee is completely an honest man. In the acknowledgement section he clearly states, this might be not the best book you read but he’ll be extremely happy if this book manages to make a special place in you. His style is fresh and pleasure to read. He is witty in some of his lines and humorous in some. Yes, both are different things. He also manages to raise your eyebrows in awe of some of his lines. And yes, of course, with near perfect vocab this book boasts of lesser printing mistakes and better grammar.

The story, well, is about doctors and so the terms related to medicine and surgery were bound to be present. Those of you, who are not familiar with these terms, might feel weird when everything related to these goes above your head. Looking at a positive side, if you try to read those scenes carefully, you might be able to learn many new things about what doctors do.

Also, I want to add, a little more character detailing and a little more description in the chapters would have made this book even more pleasurable. But, looking aside of all these points, this entire book, I breezed through the book and wore a broad smile while reading most of its parts. Kudos to Dr. Vivek (or more commonly known as ‘Ben’ in blogger world) for handling the story well.

All in all, a good book if you’re bored of engineering stories and want to learn something about doctors. Also, if you need a means to make you realize it’s not just a life you’re living, it’s a long road you’re travelling then you’d want to read this book.

Pros: Fantastic theme. Good writing style. Relatable characters, NOT an engineering premise and yes, love!

Cons:  A little less usage of medicinal and surgical terms, a little more character detailing and better descriptive scenes would have improved this book.

Overall: A Good Read. 3.5/5

           

 

Book Review: Down The Road - Ahmed Faiyaz & Rohini Kejriwal

School Life. College Life. Ragging. Fights. Pre-teen love. Teen age love. Love.

Elections. Placements. Cheats. Break ups. Heart breaks. Separations.

Attendance. Festivals. Hostel. Deaths. Memories. Childhood. And what not! 


Down The Road – An anthology of short stories, edited by Ahmed Faiyaz and Rohini Kejriwal is capable of bringing out all memories and emotions which once were/are a part of your school/college life.

The book has 28 campus tales by 16 authors. A few of them are average. A few of them are good. A few of them are very good. But most of them are outstanding pieces of writings!

Single line synopsis of the all the stories with their authors is given below:

Ahmed Faiyaz:

Down the Road: Story about an obese guy whose crush was ‘stolen’ by one of friends. This story gives you a hint about what you are going to read in the book.

Reason: A guy missing school and giving fake reasons for his absence. And his father unknowingly revealing the fakeness in his reasoning to the principal.

Knockout: A class infamous for its notoriousness; plans a way to tease their new arrogantly rude teacher. Very relatable and humorous.

Welcome to St. Gibbs: A new guy in St. Gibbs is treated well by the students.

Well-Placed: This story talks about campus placements and all the politics which goes around during that period.

Setting: A guy, recently placed in a reputed bank, secretly marries a small time girl he loves.

Time: A doctor meets an old patient whom he knew since he was in a college.

Remember me? : A man bets his friend that the hottest girl in the party had a crush on him back when they were in college.

Paritosh Uttam:

Sororicide: An unofficial leader of a class unwillingly tames the newly appointed teacher just to make sure; his enemies don’t find any trace of soft spots in him.

Between Friends: A guy asks his friend out on her birthday who, has no friends and a manly figure, refuses.

Rohini Kejriwal:

Learning and Unlearning: Girls getting ready for the farewell night and realizing some things are assumed to be facts but must be unlearned in order to truly learn them.

Growing up: The last story of the book makes you travel through your past memories as a child and you realize it’s a totally different world you live in now!

Ira Trivedi:

Rishi and Me: Story about a selfish girl whom Rishi, the guy who loved her, leaves her for breaking his trust and she regrets.

The Music Room: The story about a student in love with his music teacher.

Malathi  Jaikumar:

The Worm That Turned: A south Indian guy on a journey to Delhi hears out a ragging story of another guy from his fellow passenger.

Dare to Bare: A fearless college guy who dares to scare his college professor off by going naked in front of him in the night.

Sneh Thakur:

The Café With No Name: Story about a friendship between a seventy year old café owner and a college student.

Fresher: Story about a girl who refuses to call his seniors sir or ma’am and ragging.

Chinmayi Bali:

Bellow Yellow: Story about a girl who walked down the path of self destruction.

Ashish Mehrotra:

Smells like Home: A guy who was long gone to Australia comes back to India for good to study in local school.

Naman Saraiya:

One Bump Does No Harm: Story about a couple which believes honesty is not always the best policy.

Sahil Khan:

That’s it? : A guy is caught for carrying a porn CD in school and is temporarily suspended.

Vibha Batra:

Loves me, Loves me not: A guy who loves a girl badly but is unable to express it in a correct manner.

Ranjani Iyer:

Dimples and Cute Smiles: Story about a doctor who is initially scared of handling kids.

Prateek Gupta:

One & one Eleven: Story about college elections, politics and fights and friendship.

Nikhil Rajagopalan:

Just a Moment: Two guys in their last moments of their college life want to enjoy and cherish for long.

Abhijit Bhaduri:

Strangers in Strange places: A man meets his long lost classmate in a strange place and realizes meeting a classmate, doesn’t matter if he/she was not your friend, after a long, long time feels great!

Kunal Dhabalia:

An Accidental Start: Story about how a guy whose only passion was reading ends up writing.

Apart from the stories the book also has two essays about Bollywood on campus and fiction on campus by Aseem Rastogi and Sonia Safri respectively.

Talking about stories, like I said earlier, some are exceptionally well, some are good and some are just average. But it feels good to relive the old memories. It feels great to relate with the stories. Feels awesome to believe reading our own story. Feels good to remember our old and long lost friends, our pranks during college and school time. Feels super to laugh over stupid but cute crushes. The book comes with a bundle of emotions and you can't do nothing but praise it. Many first time authors have shown class and panache in their writings and their stories have the caliber to amaze you.

My top Ten:

(Not in descending order though)

•    The Music Room by Ira Trivedi.
•     Sororicide by Paritosh Uttam
•    Knock Out by Ahmed Faiyaz
•    One Bump Does No Harm by Naman Saraiya
•    Well Placed By Ahmed Faiyaz
•       The Worm That Turned by Malathi Jaikumar
•    Bellow Yellow by Chinmayi Bali
•    The Café with no Name by Sneh Thakur
•        One & One Eleven by Prateek Gupta
•        Just A Moment by Nikhil Rajagopalan

Talking about the writings, Ahmed Faiyaz is a wonderful writer and I’m looking forward to his novel, Another Chance. His all stories are exceptionally written. Paritosh Uttam is another one with a big command over short stories. Most of you are gonna love his writings. Ira Trivedi was brilliant in The Music Room. Chinmayi Bali has written a very thought provoking story and has written it very well. Naman Saraiya’s One Bump Does No Harm has possibly the best ending out of all. Prateek Gupta’s One and One Eleven has all the thrill you need in a story. Malathi Jaikumar has written both her stories on dare and ragging and written them outstandingly well. Sneh Thakur’s The Café with no name was a touching story and full of emotions.

Just a moment by Nikhil Rajagoplan is sure to hit chords with all college guys as it has all metal, pop, games and friendship in it. Brilliant.  An accidental Start by Kunal Dhabalia is a story to which most of the published authors can relate to. Nice one! Do I need to say anything about Abhijit Bhaduri? His story reminds you that no matter how bad your relationship was with your classmates you will always treat them as cousins if you come across with after a long, long time. Rest all the stories were written in a beautiful manner and you’re sure to fall in love with many.

Why you MUST read the book?

Because you now have all the reasons to read it.

Why you must not?

Did I give any? I guess not.