Past Present Continous - Revolution 2020

Chetan Bhagat has again nailed a everyday ordinary story in a simple yet extraordinary way. No doubt the right to the story has been bought out by UTV and very soon we might see a bollywood movie...
Ok, now with the novel Revolution 2020; yes I would have to agree that this novel would find a close link with people born after 1980 till date; because most of it revolves round the experiences of that generation.
The story starts in the religious town of 'Kashi' (Varanasi) and revolves round the indvidual struggle of two freinds Raghav and Gopal; and what links them - their love for the girl Aarti.
It is however a very different script from the usual love triangle stories. The primary character is Gopal, who struggles out of the typical Indian story where any one who hasn't got into an engineeringg or Medical college after there school, is treated as dumb and unsuccessful. It also stiches a beauiful love story between Gopal, Aarti and Raghav. Though I strongly believe that Chetan could have done a bit less with the 'sex' side of things; this story needed some seriousness. (please note: I do not have any angst against sex, but just that part of the novel felt as if it was forced into the main scheme of things.) Raghav as a character was strong enought to have been given a bit more to play. His side of the story, regarding the corruption in our society, was equally important; I felt he played the second fiddle through out.
End of the day, I believe Chetan Bhagat through his novels, brings out the negative aspects of our society very smartly. Though at the same point of time he also portrays the strength that the young generation has and what as Indians we can achieve. I believe this is what makes his writing so acceptable amongst the young genration, because most of us feel so much can be done but everyone waits for that single chance....which Gopal and Raghav get in this novel called Revolution 2020!

My Rating: *** & 1/2

Is Ra-One the Number 1?

This is the most expensive sci-fi movie in the Indian film Industry till date, but would it be equalli heavy in the content?
From a technical point of view I believe this movies is a major milestone in Bollywood regarding the Sci-fi special effects and animation; But the movie lacks the solid base of story line, acting and screenpaly.
Subbu ( Sharukh Khan) works in a company which makes simulated video games and somehow ( How? well you need to see the movie to understand the concept) one of his negative creations comes to life!!

This is where the whole twist is ....I cannot go any further but Yes, as Ra-One is a pun on the Hindu Mythological demon - 'Ravaan'. Similarly, this movie has a character which fights 'Ra-one'and his name is 'G-One' a pun intended for 'Jeevan' meaning Life...
The movie does have its own Sci-fi effects and would appeal to the kids...sometime I felt watching modern Shaktiman! (The old serial in Doordarshan). The songs are good and specially the song 'Chamak Challo' sung by Akon is very catchy.
I would not commet on the acting, because this movie script doesnot require one...well the screen play and storyline could have been more interesting, none the less a good try...and I am sure Kids would enjoy it....

My Rating:**&1/2