Krrish 3 – Movie Review 4.5 Stars!

Exactly a decade back, even Rakesh Roshan would've never envisaged that KOI... MIL GAYA [2003] would cover such a long and prosperous distance, regaling audiences and winning hearts across the globe. The gargantuan success of KOI... MIL GAYA encouraged the Roshans to create one of the most lucrative franchises in India, resulting in KRRISH [2006]... and now KRRISH-3 [2013]. In retrospect, the franchise only got bigger with the passage of time. The scale, the budget, the characters... everything seems like a giant leap than the predecessor. On a parallel track, the expectations attached to the franchise continue to grow manifold.

One of the most expensive films produced in India, KRRISH-3 retains the story of noble versus sinful [the plot is connected with the predecessors], but Roshan Sr. makes sure he renews and revamps the latest installment -- adding the evil mutants to fight the superhero, garnishing the plot with loads of visual effects, et al -- attempting to match the superhero flicks that arrive from Hollywood. The essence remains the same: the superhero has to save the planet from destructive forces. The difference lies in the fact that Roshan Sr. envelopes the typical Indian emotions with technology to tug at your heartstrings and win you over.

Besides the superhero, another standout aspect of KRRISH-3 is, without a shred of doubt, the antagonist, who is extremely powerful and who has created an army of mutants, which is called maanvar [a combination of maanas/man and jaanwar/animal]. And it is this aspect -- half human-half animal -- that gives this superhero film an edge. The pack of villains [Chameleon Kaya, Rhinoman, Antman, Frogman, Cheetahwoman, Scorpionwoman] challenge the powers of the superhero and the duel that ensues reverberates in your memory much after the screening has concluded.

Additionally, KRRISH-3 is a technical marvel and all those doubting whether the homegrown superhero and visual effects would really match up to the international levels or look outright tacky would stand vanquished. Watch it to believe it, is all I'd say!

After defeating the villainous Dr. SiddhantArya [Naseeruddin Shah] and bringing his father Rohit [Hrithik Roshan] back from the dead, Krrish [Hrithik, again] continued fighting against evil and saving innocent lives. Now Krishna [Hrithik] is living a happily married life with Priya [Priyanka Chopra], while Rohit is using his scientific brilliance to benefit society. And Krrish is everyone's favorite superhero saviour.

Unknown to them, a dark force is growing in another part of the world. Kaal [VivekOberoi], an evil genius, is selfishly misusing his powers to spread fear, death and destruction. And he is being assisted by an army of very dangerous beings, which he has created himself. Not long after Kaal's plans are put into action, both Rohit and Krrish find themselves in front of a crisis of epic proportions, which only they can resolve, together. But when they finally cross paths with Kaal and his army, neither of them is prepared for what lies ahead.

Kaal not only brings the world to the brink of disaster, he also puts the strength and love of Krishna and his family to test. And Krrish has to somehow find the power within to face an unbeatable foe. The greatest battle between good and wicked sets in motion...

Rakesh Roshan has adapted himself to the fast-changing times. His clutch on the emotional quotient is apparent in every venture, but in KRRISH-3, the marriage of content and VFX is the motivating force, its biggest USP, which sets it apart from his previous directorial ventures. The veteran knows with experience that mere VFX minus drama/emotions will fall flat on its face and at the same time, with Hollywood invading the marquee with technical marvels, one has to contend with global standards too. Roshan Sr. smartly assimilates the esteemed formula of good versus evil with the technical wizardry of today to create a visual spectacle that is sure to redefine the escapist cinema we are synonymous with.

From the writing point of view, while the first half introduces us to the characters and the conflict sets in motion, it's the second hour that works like magic, holding you attentive till the last frame. Kangna's character is one of the striking aspects, Vivek's villainy reaches its crescendo and the fight between good and evil, towards the second half, is the hallmark of the enterprise. Besides the VFX, the look of the characters catches your eye. The costumes, the makeup, the overall makeover of the characters is truly imaginative, with the director and those associated in the respective departments running their imagination wild to create an impression.

The soundtrack of KRRISH-3 is ordinary, although the songs are well filmed, especially the one between Hrithik and Kangna. Having said that I'd like to add that the soundtrack could've been memorable like Roshan brothers' earlier accomplishments. The background score [Salim-Sulaiman] is top notch, enhancing the impact of several sequences. Cinematography [S. Tirru] is awe-inspiring, with the stylish visuals garnishing the plot exquisitely. The dazzling locales and sets only add to the beauty. Action and stunts are electrifying, befitting a superhero movie. Dialogue are perfect.

It must have been a challenge of sorts for Hrithik Roshan to portray the characters differently, besides concentrating on voice modulation as well as physical attributes. The actor has the physique to pull off the masked man adroitly. As Rohit, the septuagenarian and Krishna, his young son, Hrithik is most persuasive as well, gliding into the characters with incredible ease. The franchise seems inconceivable without Hrithik as he exhibits his range as a performer. He's the showstopper here, without any hesitation!

VivekOberoi is in top form as the antagonist. The intensity, the voice and the makeover gives the term 'villain' an all-new meaning in KRRISH-3. Though the actor has portrayed negative characters in several endeavors, you're sure to see Vivek in a new light here. He gets to portray a layered character that is sinister, brutal and caustic. Vivek should finally get his due with this film.

Priyanka Chopra is efficient enough, portraying her part very well. Note her sequences in the post-interval portions. She's truly fantastic! KangnaRanaut is superb. She exhibits a lot of toughness in her personality, which gels well with her on-screen character. She's deadly and gorgeous -- a lethal combo. The actress is sure to win laurels for the role. Naseeruddin Shah and MohnishBahl appear in cameos. ArifZakaria and RajpalYadav are adequate. The actors portraying the parts of the mutants register an impact.

On the whole, KRRISH-3 has the ingredients that make a splendid superhero film, besides being RakeshRoshan's most accomplished work so far. Besides a riveting plot, the film scores brownie points thanks to the strong undercurrent of emotions, the clash between the protagonist and antagonist/mutants, the awe-inspiring visual effects, the larger-than-life entertainment and of course, Hrithik Roshan, who is matchless in this avtaar. It's a Diwali bonanza for moviegoers across the globe and is sure to conclude the celebratory period on a high. BLOCKBUSTER.

SUPERSTAR HRITHIK ROSHAN BECOMES SUPERHERO ONCE MORE IN KRRISH 3

**Theatrical trailer unveils, ‘Krrish 3’ is back with three times the excitement!**

**Krrish 3 trailer views sets new benchmark with 3.2 million views on Youtube in 36 hrs**

**Krrish 3 trailer views set to surpass 6 million**

After Superman, Spiderman, Iron Man and Batman, gear up to witness the next superhero sensation to hit screens globally with KRRISH in ‘Krrish 3’. A marvel in the superhero revolution, ‘Krrish 3’, is a newest rendition of the superhero genre, led by international cinema supremo Hrithik Roshan.

High on superheroes, special effects and thrilling action, the trailer for the most anticipated film of 2013, ‘Krrish 3’, has been launched to raving reviews from celebrities, film pundits, media and fans alike. Launched by director Rakesh Roshan and the leading cast of the film Vivek Oberoi, Kangana Ranaut and Krrish himself, Hrithik Roshan, the trailer has set new benchmarks, crossing 3.2 million views on YouTube in 36 hours of its launch. To date the trailer is set to surpass a record 6 million views.  

Audiences are in for a triple treat with Krrish 3 as India’s most critically acclaimed and fan-adorned, multi-faceted artist, Hrithik Roshan, will be seen playing a triple role in the film, that of Rohit (Krrish’s father), Krishna (alter ego of Krrish) and Krrish (the superhero).

The next installment of Rakesh Roshan’s science fiction series, ‘Krrish 3’s first trailer begins with the possibility of a milestone discovery by Krrish’s father Rohit (Hrithik Roshan) followed by the introduction of a malevolent genius ‘Kaal’(Vivek Oberoi).’Kaal’ is aided by a vamp (Kangana Ranaut) whose persona reminds one of a mixture of Catwoman and Black Widow. Audiences also catch a glimpse of Hrithik’s leading lady in the film is Priyanka Chopra, who will be seen in two unique avatars.

Rakesh Roshan was excited to launch the trailer of the film as commented saying: “The first look decides the fate of the film. Many special effects have been used in the film. Given our budget, I feel we have done our best”

Commenting on the film, Hrithik Roshan says: “Krrish 3 involves me in three various roles definitely making it a challenging film.”

Commenting on the film, Vivek Oberoi says: “Setting a benchmark, Krrish 3 now has a bigger challenge”

Reprising her role, Priyanka Chopra commented saying : “Krrish 3 has an audience for everyone, whether children, grandparents or families. Krrish 3 is now bigger and better”

Weekend-Rest, Fest & Harvest

Sunday is upon us. Nothing much to do. Except a few things- catching up with friends, grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning. No wait. There's some excitement-Diwali festival yesterday was superb! My kids(from the temple I volunteer at) chanted 'Baalakand' of 'Naama Ramayan'. Good food, great company, music, dance and celebrations!

Today-laze around, and attend the 'Harvest Festival', being hosted by a local MPP. The proceeds go the Seva Food Bank, a charity, which is really nice. More than willing to support, so will be there. BBQ, Pumpkin Carving and more.

Will share the details of the event including photos later on. Have a good one, until then!

Romance in Venice, Kiss in Paris!

Ciao! In an era of 24x7 media, we’re constantly challenged to write articles that are in tune with what people are thinking and talking about. Vacations are not time sensitive. We all enjoy travelling –to exotic destinations, to our homelands, to the beaches. Especially, in the summer time, most of us take time off to get away from it all.

 We did exactly that, in the past week. Our group of 9(Indians love to travel in packs!) arrived in Italy when the temperature was almost 35-40 degree Celsius during the day. The train from Rome reached Venice at 8:30 in the morning, when the city was still waking up. From the railway station (there are 2 of them), you can walk to your hotel, take the water bus or, hire a water taxi. The walk from the railway station to our hotel was through a small market where we got our first taste of Venice.  The streets were lined with shops selling gelato, wine, souvenirs, T-shirts, bags and Venetian masks-mostly by vendors from India and Bangladesh.

When we crossed our first bridge, we got our first view of the Venice we’d only seen in pictures – a canal lined with houses and boats parked just outside the doors. The city has an old world charm and which has helped preserve its unique character.  The magnificent, ornate and stunningly beautiful marble buildings along the Grand Canal make you marvel at the engineering ability of the people who created them, so many centuries ago.

 Venice offers an endless assortment of fascinating landscapes, waterlines, cuisines, and peoples, with an exceptional cultural heritage. Early mornings were the best time for talking a walk.  Venice is the only pedestrian city in the world and that’s what lends the city its unique character. Perfect romantic setting for couples, youngsters, honeymooners and family-oriented as well!

 The glass museum and enchanting glass jewellery in Murano island, the gondola rides, San Marco Square and other beautiful places are a delight to experience. With the message that love transcends all,  and the language of love is supreme, no matter what the culture is, whatever the food habits are, we moved on to our next destination.

Paris. The most visited destination in the world. This country has been synonymous with romance for longer than you would care to remember. It is impossible to place France under any particular category for tourists.  Located on the banks of the River Seine, Paris offers a compact network of quaint streets scattered with trendy cafés, bars and restaurants. The transport facilities are excellent, and for those who prefer the Metro, it is an easy system to comprehend. Also, there are several tour operator-run buses that will take you around Paris with a pick-up and drop-off anywhere you like.

We were short of time, and had to include an excellent Indian meal at the Madras Sarvana Bhavan! The  Eiffel tower which that has become the symbol of Paris,  offers a panoramic view of the  city. Paris will remain a city close to our heart, and we would love to revisit this place again, at some point in future. For now, we kiss goodbye to the city of love.

Until next time, Au Revoir!

‘India is my home’ – Lisa Ray

 Usha Pudukkotai speaks to Kabir Bedi and Lisa Ray, the stars of the dance-drama TAJ

A Canadian-born film star, Lisa Ray is dazzling Toronto this season with her stellar performance in TAJ. The eternal love story,  a must watch show, brings together two acclaimed actors Kabir Bedi and Lisa Ray. Neither of these two celebrities needs any introduction to Torontonians.

Lisa Ray is known for ‘Bollywood/Hollywood’, ‘Water’ and ‘Cooking with Stella’. Canadians have seen Ray seen as the co-host of award shows and events such as The Genies, The Giller Prize and The Crystal Awards for Women in Film and Television. In 2009 she was named ‘Trailblazer’ at the Reelworld Film Festival and featured as one of the ’50 Most Beautiful People’ of the country in the Canadian edition of Hello Magazine.

In an exclusive interview, Lisa tells Update that she loves India, and thinks of India as her home. However, since her marriage last year, she’s been busier and the commute to India is more difficult. Therefore, Bollywood would have to wait. Ray is well known for her advocacy for cancer and stem cell medicine. She is also a business-owner and has opened Moksha Yoga studio in Brampton.

Kabir Bedi, who plays the lead character in the play, is a famous international actor, who has acted in all 3 mediums – theatre, television and films. He has also found success in Hollywood, starring as the James Bond villain Gobinda in 1983's Octopussy.

Kabir also had a year-long leading role on the “BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL” watched in 146 countries, to London’s West End with ‘THE FAR PAVILLIONS’, Kabir has also done over 60 BOLLYWOOD FILMS, including super-hit “KHOON BHARI MAANG” where he starred opposite Rekha, directed by Rakesh Roshan.

Kabir is a member of the “OSCARS ACADEMY” (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences), voting for the Oscars for the last 3 decades. In December 2010, the Italian Government bestowed him a Knighthood, “Cavaliere”, its highest civilian honour, for his achievements in Italy.

Currently, Kabir is also presenting weekly TV documentary series on India’s wars on Indian TV channels AAJ TAK and HEADLINES TODAY, “VANDE MATARAM” and “GUNS AND GLORY”, in English and Hindi respectively, which can also be seen in Canada.

He is India’s leading Presenter of Events, Columnist, Activist and Motivational Speaker. After living Hollywood, London and Rome for over 20 years, Kabir is now based in India. He has now launched a film company, Pivotal Movies LLP, for the production of Indian and international films.

In the show, TAJ, which premiered in Mississauga last weekend, Lisa Ray plays Kabir Bedi’s daughter Princess Jahanara Begum. She is her father's companion in his final years, when he is imprisoned in Agra Fort after his son Aurangzeb takes the throne.

Talking about the show, Bedi says that he plays the role of Shah Jahan, the 17th century Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, his beloved wife who died in childbirth.

Both Kabir and Lisa individually said that they are very comfortable working with each other in the play, TAJ. Besides being co-stars, they are good friends as well. “I have hung out at Kabir’s Juhu apartment in the nineties as I was good friends with his second wife, Nikki,” says Ray.

In the show, Bedi engages in an impassioned dialogue with his devoted daughter Jahanara (Ray), taking the audience on an emotional journey that explores the emperor’s life.

After Toronto, TAJ is heading out on a seven-city tour of Canada in October and November 2013.

"John Murrell's 'TAJ' is a spell-binding experience of powerful theatre, multi-media visuals, Indian dance, telling the lyrical yet tragic story of the Moghul Emperor who built the Taj Mahal, imprisoned by his son who overthrew him, and of his daughter, imprisoned with him,” says Bedi.

It takes you back in time, to the 17th-century Mughal India in a 90-minute, multimedia, dance-theatre production.

Crew and Cast:

Concept, Artistic Direction - Lata Pada 

Playwright - John Murrell

Director - Tom Diamond

Choreography - Kumudini Lakhia

Music Composition - Praveen D. Rao

Lighting & Set Design - Phillip Silver

Projection Design - Jacques Collin

Costume Design - Rashmi Varma

Featuring - Kabir Bedi and Lisa Ray

The tour is as follows:

October 19     Mississauga, ON                          Living Arts Centre                                

October 23     Kingston, ON                                Grand Theatre                  

October 26     Sault Ste. Marie, ON                    Kiwanis Theatre              

October 30 Gatineau, PQ (Ottawa, ON)        Museum of Civilization                                              

November 1 Markham, ON                         Flato Markham Theatre    

November 6 Sherwood Park, AB                Festival Place Theatre

November 9 Banff, AB                                the Banff Centre       

So come out and watch this lyrical play, a must see historic production which brings out the best of India and Canada.

For more information, visit www.sampradaya.ca.

Jai Jewels! Gold Glitters! Diamonds Dazzle!

There’s a lot happening in our world this week. Bomb blasts, natural calamities, political and social turmoil. We won’t dwell on these, or focus on other serious issues. We will visit these at a later date.

For now, let’s  celebrate and cherish. Rejoice and revel. Let’s take a look at what else is happening around us. Yes. The India International Jewellery Week. Last week, Grand Hyatt Mumbai played host to the city’s 4th edition of India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) 2013. It was organized by the Gem and Jewellery Council of India between August 4 – 8, 2013 at the Grand Ballrooms.

The India International Jewellery Week, since its inception in 2011, is an initiative that showcases the finest in jewellery from around the country and celebrates fine craftsmanship, innovation, design and quality. This year, IIJW  featured over 30 designers and brands showcasing their finest creations in classic and contemporary designs.

Jewels highlight the pure and simple beauty of women. For centuries, jewelry has been associated with women. It is true that women love jewelry. Unquestionable. Times may change, fashion may change. Not a woman’s heartfelt love for jewelry.

Women have always been the epitome of beauty, love and elegance. They love. And love to beautify themselves. Girls of all ages are also great connoisseurs of beauty and most of them have an eye for beauty. Since time immemorial. Form the start of civilization, we find traces of jewelry made of various materials ranging from precious stones, beads and metals. Even men have been known to adorn jewellery in different forms.

In India, people have expended limitless energy and creativity in the invention of ornaments that celebrate the human body.  There’s a connection from the body to the inner soul. Symbols found in Indian jewelry act as a language communicated from the wearer to the viewer. It is believed that jewels  not  only serves to please the eyes of the beholder but also fulfils an auspicious purpose.

According to Hindu belief, gold and silver are considered as sacred metals. Gold is symbolic of the warm sun, while silver suggests the cool moon. Both are the quintessential metals of Indian jewellery. Pure gold does not oxidise or corrode with time, which is why Hindu tradition associates gold with immortality. Gold imagery occurs frequently in ancient Indian literature.  

In every corner of the world, people have a fascination for jewels.

According to a KPMG study the largest jewellery market is the United States with a market share of 30.8%, Japan, India, China, and the Middle East each with 8–9%, and Italy with 5%. The authors of the study predict a dramatic change in market shares by 2015, where the market share of the United States will have dropped to around 25%, and China and India will increase theirs to over 13%. The Middle East will remain more or less constant at 9%, whereas Europe's and Japan's market share will be halved and become less than 4% for Japan, and less than 3% for the biggest individual European countries, Italy and the UK.

The whole point is jewels are symbolic of love and care, around the world. So gift yourselves and your loved ones some piece of jewellery during this festive season. Celebrate, stay blessed!