tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post7038100079721853552..comments2023-11-10T08:26:51.182-06:00Comments on Beth Loves Bollywood: TaalBeth Loves Bollywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05540154833326987567noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-9611301979945223432015-01-24T05:24:40.240-06:002015-01-24T05:24:40.240-06:00Aaah ... I am really missing Subhash Ghai kind of ...Aaah ... I am really missing Subhash Ghai kind of movies these days. <br /><br />Mr Ghai gave another try with the movie Kaanchi but unfortunately this was also a flop.<br /><br />If Mr Ghai can manage to get Shahid and Kareena together again than this will be quite amazing for the bollywood lover.<br /><br />My favorite movies of Shahid >>> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC3fJuamHMU" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtA1rLzB0o8</a><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16886021769660643704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-61836220887106967302011-08-15T13:33:45.339-05:002011-08-15T13:33:45.339-05:00Jenny - So funny that we were at the same showing!...Jenny - So funny that we were at the same showing! OMG imagine if Akshaye had been there! I would be eternally resentful, since I didn't know at the time how awesome that would have been and would just sit around stewing about it now. <br /><br />This is the only Subhash Ghai film that I really like, though I haven't seen many. It just has SO MUCH in it! Like the cuckoo call, which I just remembered as I read it in your comment. <br /><br />It was FANTASTIC to see David Tennant in Hamlet! I went with Filmi Girl and we had a blast! We were so relieved that he recovered from his injury in time to be back on the stage when we were there.Beth Loves Bollywoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05540154833326987567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-82437414219910376352011-08-07T22:49:24.247-05:002011-08-07T22:49:24.247-05:00I know I'm rather late to this party, but, Taa...I know I'm rather late to this party, but, Taal is eternal. I agree almost completely with where you're coming from , down to the seeing it in Urbana that same showing (the crowd was really into it) but I had seen it first on DVD about two years before (it was one of my first three with Lagaan and DCH) and as such will always be special to me. Hence the over fifteen hour drive to get to see it on a big screen! Yeesh! Secretly I was hoping Akshaye would show up. No such luck.<br /><br />It was great on a big screen, and the visuals and the music will always take over when my brain wants to pick on things like Anil's stupid cuckoo call, and Akshaye pulling that dog around everywhere. There is such a thing as tooooo manipulative, Mr. Ghai. And get yourself out of your films! You're not Alfred Hitchcock, no one cares to see you.<br /><br />I also want to commend your taste in Doctors, Beth. I do envy your trip to see David in Hamlet. I've been trying to dig up the money to see him this summer with Catherine doing Much Ado. But to no avail. Maybe it will be on DVD, too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-14744753346320105922009-03-22T03:47:00.000-05:002009-03-22T03:47:00.000-05:00This is really funny "Drink, coke is sponsoring us...This is really funny "Drink, coke is sponsoring us".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-34613835108572971012009-01-07T17:42:00.000-06:002009-01-07T17:42:00.000-06:00Also agree that Ash looks gorgeous in the screensh...Also agree that Ash looks gorgeous in the screenshots, but esp in the ones with the least amount of makeup on...NidaMariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03979527736140327136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-89020466118607166482009-01-07T17:39:00.000-06:002009-01-07T17:39:00.000-06:00I've never heard of this,but it seems like somethi...I've never heard of this,but it seems like something worth a watch--ahh, I still have that "Bollywood Newbie" penchant for the beauty in the scenery, the music...and Ash!<BR/><BR/>I'm still laughing at your email about watching this movie because "Akshaye's mullet waits for no one!" :)<BR/><BR/>So does this mean I need to leave the VHS tape of Pardes (gifted to me by my stepmother-haven't seen yet)which is sitting under a pile of boots, purses and shoes in my closet right where it is and not even attempt to watch?NidaMariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03979527736140327136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-18523556883025062952009-01-04T13:06:00.000-06:002009-01-04T13:06:00.000-06:00When the award season came I couldn't figure out w...When the award season came I couldn't figure out why hum dil de chuke sanam kept beating taal. I just thought taal was different with better storytelling. The story tends to veer off into bits of cheese and the hero's character isn't well defined for people [obviously we're crap at accepting a suitably subtle performance]. The conflict/resolution are a bit soft [again the subtlety of it is lost] and there's too many old world clunky views bunched around.. Still think its pretty to look at, though the climax was dead-on blah, visually.. And those songs are just gorgeous.. I spent that year dancing on them ,a lot.. <BR/><BR/>Ah and pardes... I wasn't very old when I watched it and my favorite part was shahrukh getting beaten up and the drama in the climax..oddly satisfying..<BR/><BR/>I also thought the leading lady was ever so pretty... very weird because I never even noticed that Ash was pretty or anyone else for that matter.. Mahima Chaudry has that dubious honor..Lol!<BR/><BR/>~UKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-24029302375322765862009-01-04T06:29:00.000-06:002009-01-04T06:29:00.000-06:00Pretty much the only salvageable thing about Taal ...Pretty much the only salvageable thing about <I>Taal</I> for me was Anil Kapoor's deliciously over-the-top performance. He had so much fun with that role, it almost made me forgive all the silly seriousness around him. Almost.<BR/><BR/>I did like that exchange right at the end where he says, "Manav is beating me right now. And if you want to help me win, you'd ditch me and go to him." My guess is, Subhash Ghai was watching a DVD of Raj Kapoor's <I>Anari</I> and "was inspired by" Motilal's courtroom dialogue right at the end.<BR/><BR/>~ramsuAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-50240540118746851192009-01-03T21:24:00.000-06:002009-01-03T21:24:00.000-06:00Wow, I can't believe that all these years I never ...Wow, I can't believe that all these years I never noticed that Shahid Kapoor was in this. Sadly I think it may have been his best role to date. My feelings with Taal have always been mixed b/c it was the first Ash movie I ever saw, and consequently the beginning of my loathing of her, but the girl is pretty and can dance. Ditto all the comments about the music; this film is worth seeing just for the music (some of Rahman's best along with Dil Se).<BR/><BR/>P.S. Where is the Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi review? The Shashi dance parody is classic.Rakahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02989591454072893256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-31919690962804799462009-01-03T19:13:00.000-06:002009-01-03T19:13:00.000-06:00Bitterlemons - Yaaay! :) I started Pardes once but...Bitterlemons - Yaaay! :) <BR/><BR/>I started <I>Pardes</I> once but couldn't finish it and since then have have not heard anything that made me think I should try again. But I'll try the songs for sure.Beth Loves Bollywoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05540154833326987567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-63256989741473288652009-01-03T19:06:00.000-06:002009-01-03T19:06:00.000-06:00Hi Beth,Happenned upon the latest issue of Filmfar...Hi Beth,<BR/><BR/>Happenned upon the latest issue of Filmfare and jumoed at the mention of your blog - with pictures to boot! Woo Hoo!<BR/><BR/>As for Taal, unfortunately falls into Pardes territory for me - Horrible movie with lovely songs! Rahman did a great job on this. My only plus on this movie is that Aish still was chubby (somewhat) - makes her look more attractive to me.<BR/><BR/>BitterlemonsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-17919941806678336992009-01-03T17:04:00.000-06:002009-01-03T17:04:00.000-06:00TCP - Yeah, I remember you! Long time no see. Clea...TCP - Yeah, I remember you! Long time no see. Clearly you've been up to all sorts of mischief. :)Beth Loves Bollywoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05540154833326987567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-24296729296719193802009-01-03T13:06:00.000-06:002009-01-03T13:06:00.000-06:00Wow..comprehensive...Used to visit here through Ob...Wow..comprehensive...Used to visit here through Obi Wan's blog a couple of years ago. <BR/><BR/>And Shashi Kapoor film as a bonus :-)<BR/><BR/>Check out my take on mr.India - comic style - http://thecomicproject.blogspot.com/2009/01/mrindia-comic-book-full.htmlThe Comic Projecthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01564058498135255024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-38353315412955649822009-01-02T23:31:00.000-06:002009-01-02T23:31:00.000-06:00Bollywoodfan - I'll have to dig up the commercials...Bollywoodfan - I'll have to dig up the commercials - sounds fun.<BR/><BR/>Filmi Girl - I'd rank this particular character in the middle of his work, appeal-wise. Did Anil's character not strike you as smug? I thought he was such a jackass - if enjoyably OTT, of course.<BR/><BR/>BB - Naaaah. In my book, as long as we think about why we like what we like, we can all like what we like. :)Beth Loves Bollywoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05540154833326987567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-52326440589652568082009-01-02T22:28:00.000-06:002009-01-02T22:28:00.000-06:00As much as I hate to admit it, I'm often more than...As much as I hate to admit it, I'm often more than willing to buy movies like Taal because of Anil Kapoor, pretty costumes, and an awesome soundtrack. I think that makes me a bad reviewer and an even more reprehensible person.BBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02041579553146301641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-70392544687571584862009-01-02T15:01:00.000-06:002009-01-02T15:01:00.000-06:00I'm with Memsaab on Akshaye Khanna (He's SO SMUG!!...I'm with Memsaab on Akshaye Khanna (He's SO SMUG!!!) and that I really didn't like this movie.<BR/><BR/>Still - Baby Shahid is too cute! And I love(d) Anil's OTT character.Filmi Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09292362161639177666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-56277281039250811972009-01-02T13:25:00.000-06:002009-01-02T13:25:00.000-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Bollywoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11296407098387050782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-40848974696094366192009-01-02T11:52:00.000-06:002009-01-02T11:52:00.000-06:00Amrita - I haven't learned that lesson yet. Shaaaa...Amrita - I haven't learned that lesson yet. Shaaaame on me. I haven't even learned it for Akshaye, and the man picks some terrible movies!<BR/><BR/>You <I>should</I> laugh. You should also laugh at how I bought glittery Chuck Taylors on a whim because some little voice in my head told me it's important to have appropriate footwear when invited to a party in the Tarids.Beth Loves Bollywoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05540154833326987567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-77057049950528754292009-01-02T01:14:00.000-06:002009-01-02T01:14:00.000-06:00Aaaahhhh, look at mah baby! Shahiiiid! Over here, ...Aaaahhhh, look at mah baby! Shahiiiid! Over here, little man-child!<BR/><BR/>Okay, now that I've finished cracking myself up (it's 2 a.m., forgive me), I have to admit that I have never seen this movie but have watched all the songs multiple times on YouTube. However, it is referenced in that book <I>Asian Cinema</I> as an example of Bollywood's subtle eroticism, citing the sharing of the Coke scene, and so I've kept on wanting to watch it for that reason.ajnabihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08296593338690811213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-21348360544180147192009-01-02T00:14:00.000-06:002009-01-02T00:14:00.000-06:00One of the biggest regrets in my life is buying a ...One of the biggest regrets in my life is buying a cassette of 'Taal'. It got ruined by playing it so much in the car. And now just can't find a CD to replace it. <BR/><BR/>The music and dance numbers are really fun. And I love the colours. But I always hated the men in the film. But then, I disapprove of most men in Hindi films. Always have. And always wonder why such gorgeous women must fall in love with such idiots.Bannohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03855784743978203037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-58644744496849958692009-01-01T22:27:00.000-06:002009-01-01T22:27:00.000-06:00I think of Taal as a mild spike in the long declin...I think of Taal as a mild spike in the long decline of Subhash Ghai. Somewhere in B'lore is a group of women who're yet to forgive me and my best friend for dragging them to watch this movie in the theatre. Otoh, this is the movie that finally convinced me that it wasn't a good idea to keep going to the movies coz "Ash looks so pwetty". Sigh. But after Dil Se, this is one of Rahman's best works. <BR/><BR/>Also, I laugh at you for the Doc Who addiction. I laugh! Ha ha! He will not be denied! Your puny will is no match for his time traveling, body changing, phone booth fabulosity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-14973739659486267442009-01-01T20:50:00.000-06:002009-01-01T20:50:00.000-06:00Saiyidah - Hi! Thank you for coming by and for you...Saiyidah - Hi! Thank you for coming by and for your kind words! :) As for writing endlessly, I think it just comes naturally - after so much university and a love of reading and research, it's hard to stop :) I'm sure I could use an editor (or ten).<BR/><BR/>Darshit - Yep! I had heard he was in this and made sure I found him. Totally agree re: music, dance, and cinematography. I should look for other films with Lal's work.<BR/><BR/>Memsaab - You chose wisely, even if I might disagree with <I>some</I> of your rationale. <BR/><BR/>Anonymous - Was it! How did you happen upon it early on? <I>Taal</I> really is much stronger for the eyes and ears than for the brain, sadly.<BR/><BR/>Pessimissimo - Thank you! We need to figure out a way to increase the theaterness of our living rooms, methinks, as I, for one, do not have any other consistently reasonable and/or feasible option. Seriously, how does one theater-ize one's head? I'm sure one can, to some limited extent, but how....<BR/><BR/>I saw EBDM too and don't remember it one little bit. Some things are best left in the past - but if we recall them as good (or even just enjoyable), how can our memory be trusted? Bah! <BR/><BR/>I am cautiously optimistic about London - even if David Tennant is injured, Patrick Stewart is there, and I'd have high hopes for any RSC production whether or not I'd heard of any of the players. There are two other Mystery Projects afoot and causing some nervousness (but I'm always nervous about something) and if they go well, fingers crossed, there will be much for me to write about when I'm back. And I recently found a list of London's 50 most overlooked museums and of course want to go to <I>all</I> of them. <BR/><BR/>Rum - Yaaaay! And wow, there's really a lot for you in <I>Taal</I>, isn't there! <BR/><BR/>Shweta - I do believe so. The aerobics-class/<I>Saved by the Bell</I> look of the dancers is a hoot - have you noticed how often they're wearing knee pads?Beth Loves Bollywoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05540154833326987567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-43363056571183200642009-01-01T19:40:00.000-06:002009-01-01T19:40:00.000-06:00Omg- the 3rd pic from top- is that a GUY wearing a...Omg- the 3rd pic from top- is that a GUY wearing a teal colored cropped top with bicycle shorts??? oh dear.<BR/><BR/>I dont think I could have lasted this movie without loving Akshaye- the MTV party almost killed me :PShweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-12147236350091929262009-01-01T17:44:00.000-06:002009-01-01T17:44:00.000-06:00Hey you're going to my desh(london) yaaaayyy, have...Hey you're going to my desh(london) yaaaayyy, have fun there! I kinda liked taal and you probably know that its coz My ANIL is there! But looking back as a half-serious journo, i see all the issues you've raised, and that anglicized aunty always is a cow in any movie she's in! I love the baby Shahid so lanky and lean and teenagery, lol if i saw him when i was 9 then he'd be up on my wall! lol i like bulky shahid,and i loved Akshay here, especially the hair, which he used to havE!Rumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10104185865100510017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15977843.post-17435664341003578652009-01-01T16:57:00.000-06:002009-01-01T16:57:00.000-06:00Beth, a terrific post on how circumstances can aff...Beth, a terrific post on how circumstances can affect our judgment of a film. I find that watching a movie in your living room increases your critical detachment from it. Movies--especially Bollywood movies--were meant to be seen in a theater. The small screen diminishes a film's impact and can really emphasize its flaws.<BR/><BR/>Despite its problematic aspects, at least <I>Taal</I> has a great AR Rahman score, striking choreography, and The Most Beautiful Woman in the World. Early in our SRK infatuation we watched <I>English Babu Desi Mem</I>, and apart from the first 20 minutes or so, enjoyed it just fine. I recently re-watched it and found it to be painfully, gruesomely, hideously bad. What were we thinking?<BR/><BR/>Have a great time in London!Pessimisissimohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04223566131580795337noreply@blogger.com