Wednesday, August 27, 2008

CAPTAIN, YOU ARE THE CHAMP!!!!!!!!!!


India won a bilateral series in Srilanka for the first time today. Some think that it was unexpected after India was beaten more than comprehensively by Srilanka in Tests and 1st ODI. Many believed that it is going to be a Srilankas win without any actual fight. But as I told to people close by, that it will not be the case as our captain is not the one who will take it with out any attempts.

I was glad to be proven right by our Team. But with all due respect to all the players who contributed I feel Dhoni drove the entire team. Ajanta Mendis and Muralitharan, people thought that its not possible to play them in Srilankan conditions and Team will end up being their feast.
Dhoni joins the team in Srilanka for ODIs and his first comment was "It depends on an individual how they tackle a bowler". This one sentence from him meant a lot if you think closely about it. He was ready to give the players luxury to tackle Mendis and Company as they wish rather than asking them to play him out. This made all the batsmen clear in their mind that if they loose their wicket attacking Mendis its totally acceptable.

Dhoni has always believed in fearless and enjoyable cricket. He told earlier this year that if his team goes out in the middle and give their best that is Victory for him. That attitude shows in the team and the results are for everyone to see. He is never disappointed by the loss and tries to cheer up his team saying that its just cricket. He is mentally very tuff as he is grown that way.
Coming from a very small city like Ranchi, he has faced the hardships of life and hence he is ready to accept the loss as it comes and work hard on weak points to win the next time. Life teaches you to fight if you live it the way Dhoni and other middle class or lower class boys live. You have to earn your right to live and nothing is served on a dish for you. Also, it teaches to be "STREET SMART", and that's the word I associate with Dhoni's captaincy. His moves will be very minor but they have a telling effect on the game. He is smart in his own way and at the same time ready to work hard and answer all the questions on the field and not off it.

Staying cool and calm and answering some twisted and sarcastic questions humourously are the great qualities of our captain. I still remember how he answered 6 months back when India toured Pakistan and he was asked about Zaheer's form in the series. He quoted in Hindi " Peechle match main usne 2 wicket liye the and is match main 3 liye hain, haan thode runs chale gaye lekin kya iske liye aap bachhe ki jaan loge". Even the guy who asked him was smiling at this answer. Then who can forget the 20-20 semifinal post match presentation where he told Ravi Shastri " Last night I read your article in cricinfo and you told that we dont have a chance. I know that you yourself will be happy that we proved you wrong". He sometimes pulls leg of journalist who ask him some supid questions like why are you not winning the Toss. His answer was " I assure you that I will practice it hard in the nets".

All I can say is that I am really inspired by this man as a person and his ability to stand up to the occassion. He is a fighter and a truthful person which makes him stand out for me. I am learning from his professionalism, his smartness and his fearless attitude. I have accepted him as OUR CAPTAIN and wish him all the luck. Way to go captain.........

CAPTAIN, YOU ARE THE CHAMP!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Race Review


Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif
Director Duo: Abbas-Mustan

Race is a typical Abbas Mustan movie. First thriller of 2008 catches the eye for 3 hours.
It is a typical masala movie with some thrilling twists in the story.

The story is about two millionaire step brothers Ranvir(Saif) and Rajiv(Akshaye).
Both the brothers have a stud farm, courtesy their late dad, which Ranvir takes care of.
Ranvir is a very clever hunk and Bipasha plays his love interest. Sophia(Katrina) is a secretary of Ranvir and she has a hidden crush on her boss. Rajiv is more of a irrresponsible drunk lad and does not care about business. Anil Kapoor (Inspector) comes in after the murder of Saif Ali Khan along with his secretary Mili(Sameera Reddy). The story takes twist and turn every other scene and you will be glued to see what happens next. Only time the story looses its track is during the unwanted songs pushed in for no reason.

Saif is the stand out in the movie where as Akshaye seems to be moderate. As usual, Katrina is used as a statue as she just cannot act. Bipasha Basu's role had not much to give except a sex symbol and the same with Sameera Reddy. Anil Kapoor reminds you of his Taal venture.He is too good an actor to take help of double meaning dialogs and flirting scenes.

The dialogs are pathetic in the movie and does not go well with screen play. Director duo Abbas-Mastan, yet again served same choclate in a different wrapper. The movie at some places reminds you of Humraaz, Naqaab and Ajnabee. Except the song from Atif "Pehli Nazar" rest of the songs are forgettable. Movie is too lengthy and could have done with out unnecessary songs.
Abbas-Mustan are genius is keeping the pace of a thriller and they are succesful here too. Some of the thrilling scenes like Car race are shot very brilliantly

Overall, it is a good one time watch movie. You cannot predict what will happen next. Direction is good for most part of the movie. Screenplay and dialogs could have been much better. Thrill, lies and sex is what you can accept from the movie. Surely recommended to pass your time on weekends.

Rating: * * 1/2

Courtesy: You tube (where i saw the movie.)