Guru- Some thoughts

I think this is a first in Bollywood, a hero who is an unapologetic, unabashed capitalist. Yes there were others before, Amitabh Bachan in Namak Haram, Sanjeev Kumar in Trishul and Prem chopra in Kalapathar come to mind. But those were the times of heady socialism and militant communism, where capitalists were unfairly branded as worst oppressors of society and it showed in the characterization in these movies. But Guru is not like that, he is unapologetic about making money and cares two hoots about ideology (Witness how he tells Mithun to write against the contractor who refuses to give him license, because he is rich and that’s what socialists do). It’s his business and its growth is all that matters to him and he will go any lengths to gain prosperity. It’s also a comment in a subtle way how the license Raj and croony socialism stifled the sprit of private enterprise and kept India in doldrums. It’s a wonderfully pointed message and was long overdue from our cinema.

Guru has all the hallmarks of a Mani ratnam movie. Great characters, even characters who are on the sidelines are neatly developed, excellent cinematography, terrific art direction (Attention to detail can be seen in every shot) & last but not the least great acting. But I was disappointed with the song placements and the ending. Mani Ratnam movies were anti Indian cinema in so many ways, especially his endings were as subtle and understated as it can get. But with Yuva and now Guru he has gone for technical showmanship and self indulgence in climax over beautifully understated melodrama. So he goes for fancy camera movements and background sound as Guru gives a rousing speech, which comes off as unrealistic and hard to digest. Also I wasn’t convinced why Guru should be apologetic and somehow excuse his corrupt ways as way to serve society.

But still watch Guru for its excellent three fourths and Abhishek.

I can become a TV star- The self indulgent world of Indian TV journalism

Who thinks Indian TV journalists are left liberal, self indulgent and loud raise your hands? Well nobody? That’s understandable. We have really come a long way from the kind of news Doordarshan used to dole out. Some sari clad middle aged dame or some infinitely bored dude would read pre determined script and censorship was at its worst. It’s also a good thing that we have made celebrities out of journalists like Barkha Dutt, Rajdeep Sardesai, Arnab goswami and suchlike, which has made TV journalism a promising and exciting career to take up. But sadly for me that’s the best thing that can be said about them.

Yesterday Barkha Dutt anchored a one hour show on Noida killings. She also filed a report before she started discussion with the panel. She had made up her mind that the story is as much about class as it is about crime, and she snubbed anybody who didn’t agree with her during the discussion. It was as if she wanted to show that her interpretation of the news bit ,was the only correct one, poor Kiran Bedi kept harping about attacking the root problem, but never got listened to.

I am not saying the Noida killings were not about class, of course it is (I thought the poor don’t get listened to in this country and the rich do, was no longer news). But as a journalist you are not supposed to throw your opinion on an audience, at least good journalists do not. In her emotion and stupid attempt to prove the class angle, innovative solutions didn’t get thrown up, which, given the quality of the panel was a real possibility.

It’s not only Barkha (I like the way she conducts We the People), it’s true of all the stars, especially that incorrigible Rajdeep. They behave not as journalists but some altruistic saviours of society and almost never in the discussions any genuine idea or solutions come up. Also predictably they are all left liberals, who harp continuously on the rich poor divide, without ever understanding why. I thought I can never become a journalist because I can hardly argue or conduct a discussion without throwing in my opinion, but going by our TV stars, I have hope