The Father Review — The Father (2020) Video Movie Review, a Sony Pictures Classics written and directed by Florian Zeller and stars Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Olivia Williams, Imogen Poots, Mark Gatiss, Rufus Sewell, Ayesha Dharker, Evie Wray, and Ray Burnet. In this video review, I talk about the Oscar nominated drama [...]
Continue reading: Video Movie Review: The Father (2020): An Awakening Look At Dementia...
Continue reading: Video Movie Review: The Father (2020): An Awakening Look At Dementia...
- 4/27/2021
- by Alex Srednoselac
- Film-Book
The Father Sony Pictures Classics Reviewed for Shockya.com & BigAppleReviews.net linked from Rotten Tomatoes by: Harvey Karten Director: Florian Zeller Writer: Christopher Hampton, Florian Zeller, based on Florian Zeller’s play “Le pere” Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Mark Gatiss, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell, Olivia Willijams, Ayesha Dharker Screened at: Critics’ link, NYC, 2/12/21 Opens: February […]
The post The Father Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post The Father Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 2/21/2021
- by Harvey Karten
- ShockYa
When historians look back at the cosmic coincidences that made up the annus miserablis that was 2017, they will likely skip over the fact Netflix released a movie named Bright and a German horror series titled Dark within mere days of one another. We, however, are happy to celebrate such a glorious irony right here and now. The streaming service is also dropping a pair of stand-up specials from heavyweight talents (and supposedly the new season of Black Mirror, which is scheduled for "late 2017" ... so, um, soon?). Meanwhile Amazon is keeping...
- 11/29/2017
- Rollingstone.com
Prince William and Princess Kate were transported back to the colorful sights and exquisite smells of Indian cuisine when they joined Queen Elizabeth at a Buckingham Palace party to celebrate cultural ties on Monday.
The royal couple, who visited the country for a memorable tour last April, helped host the bash marking the launch of U.K.-India Year of Culture 2017.
Also at the reception, which celebrates the cultural ties during the year of the 70th anniversary of India’s independence, was Prince Philip, Prince Edward and Princess Eugenie.
Kate — in a dress by Erdem and earrings by Indian designer Anita Dongre,...
The royal couple, who visited the country for a memorable tour last April, helped host the bash marking the launch of U.K.-India Year of Culture 2017.
Also at the reception, which celebrates the cultural ties during the year of the 70th anniversary of India’s independence, was Prince Philip, Prince Edward and Princess Eugenie.
Kate — in a dress by Erdem and earrings by Indian designer Anita Dongre,...
- 2/27/2017
- by Simon Perry
- PEOPLE.com
When talking about the great cinematographers of India, one name that has to be at the top is Santosh Sivan. He has won over 13 National Awards, was recently honored with a Padma Shri and also is the first Indian cinematographer to be inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers. Not only does he focus the lens and set the frame in both Indian and English films, he also has sat in the director’s chair to create his own magic. His credits include Dil Se, Asoka, The Terrorist, Before the Rains, Thalapathi, Raavan, Iruvar, Roja, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and more.
As part of the London Indian Film Festival on July 11th, Mr. Sivan will be giving a special master class. I was lucky enough to chat with Mr. Sivan about his career, and it was a fascinating conversation covering many different and interesting topics. Enjoy!
Why films and...
As part of the London Indian Film Festival on July 11th, Mr. Sivan will be giving a special master class. I was lucky enough to chat with Mr. Sivan about his career, and it was a fascinating conversation covering many different and interesting topics. Enjoy!
Why films and...
- 7/10/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Frankie Boyle and Matt Berry are among the stars involved in the BBC's upcoming iPlayer Comedy Shorts.
Reece Shearsmith, Morgana Robinson, Meera Syal and Micky Flanagan will also feature in a number of original one-off shows, to go live from June 1 on iPlayer.
Matt Berry will star in The Lone Wolf, an alternative nature documentary in which he follows wild wolves as they try to hunt a herd of elk.
Bob Mortimer will team up with Frankie Boyle on their Cookery Show special.
Boyle will show the Shooting Stars comic his recipe for Lancashire Hot Pot, but soon meets trouble when the show isn't quite fun or educational enough for the audience.
Shearsmith will star opposite Sally Phillips in the 1930s-set The Case of the High Foot.
Set in Austria, Hilda Stolf (Phillips) visits her doctor (Shearsmith) after suffering from a strange case of 'high foot'.
Foxageddon will star Flanagan and Kerry Goldsmith,...
Reece Shearsmith, Morgana Robinson, Meera Syal and Micky Flanagan will also feature in a number of original one-off shows, to go live from June 1 on iPlayer.
Matt Berry will star in The Lone Wolf, an alternative nature documentary in which he follows wild wolves as they try to hunt a herd of elk.
Bob Mortimer will team up with Frankie Boyle on their Cookery Show special.
Boyle will show the Shooting Stars comic his recipe for Lancashire Hot Pot, but soon meets trouble when the show isn't quite fun or educational enough for the audience.
Shearsmith will star opposite Sally Phillips in the 1930s-set The Case of the High Foot.
Set in Austria, Hilda Stolf (Phillips) visits her doctor (Shearsmith) after suffering from a strange case of 'high foot'.
Foxageddon will star Flanagan and Kerry Goldsmith,...
- 5/14/2014
- Digital Spy
I guess it was only a matter of time before the Ood came back for another tussle with The Doctor. They had proven to be a big success in David Tennant's first season, thanks to their strikingly unusual appearance and the mystery of whether they were goodies or baddies. In the end, they got a rather sad exit in The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit, after they were killed in explosions, having been possessed by the Beast. Even The Doctor couldn't save them this time, the scoundrel.
So he figures that he owes them one after arriving on the Planet Of The Ood. We'd seen how they were no more than shuffling servants to human beings in the far future, serving up drinks and food like badly mutated butlers. The concept of Ood slavery was briefly mentioned, but it's dwelt upon more heavily in Planet Of The Ood – which incidentally,...
So he figures that he owes them one after arriving on the Planet Of The Ood. We'd seen how they were no more than shuffling servants to human beings in the far future, serving up drinks and food like badly mutated butlers. The concept of Ood slavery was briefly mentioned, but it's dwelt upon more heavily in Planet Of The Ood – which incidentally,...
- 7/27/2011
- Shadowlocked
Remember Pooja Batra? The former Indian beauty queen and actress is Hollywood bound.She is making a comeback to showbiz with upcoming American sitcom .Outsourced. and also helping Indian actors find a foothold there with her casting company.Pooja, 36, who married orthopaedic surgeon Sonu Ahluwalia in 2003, is currently settled in Los Angeles and has been running her own casting agency - Glow Bell Inc. She will dazzle on screen after five years. Pooja has done over 21 movies like .Virasat., .Haseena Maan Jaayegi. and .Nayak - The Real Hero...I am pursuing acting in America. I have booked a show there and I am hoping my character develops. It is called .Outsourced.. It is for NBC (channel); so I am keeping my fingers crossed,. Pooja, who was last seen in 2005 in the historical epic .Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story., told Ians.Set in a Mumbai call centre, .Outsourced. is...
- 9/3/2010
- Filmicafe
Film: ‘Red Alert: The War Within’; Director: Anant Mahadevan; Cast: Suniel Shetty, Sameera Reddy, Ashish Vidyarthi, Vinod Khanna, Seema Biswas, Ayesha Dharker, Bhagyashree; Rating: *** and 1/2
Arundhati Roy called their fight the single greatest resistance against oppression in the world, while our prime minister, the deceptively genial Manmohan Singh, called them the greatest internal security threat. Between these extreme reports of their bringing rural-equality and their massacres, what’s the truth about the Maoists or Naxalites?
What.
Arundhati Roy called their fight the single greatest resistance against oppression in the world, while our prime minister, the deceptively genial Manmohan Singh, called them the greatest internal security threat. Between these extreme reports of their bringing rural-equality and their massacres, what’s the truth about the Maoists or Naxalites?
What.
- 7/9/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
STARRINGSunil Shetty, Sameera Reddy, Naseeruddin Shah, Vinod Khanna, Makrand Deshpande, Ayesha Dharkar, Ashish Vidyarthi, Gulshan Grover, Seema Viswas, Bhagyashree, Murli Sharma, Zakir Hussain and others.DIRECTIONAnant MahdevanSTORYThe plot of the flick revolves around the life of Narsimha (Sunil Shetty), who is a farm laborer. He is a poor man but wants his children to get educated. He desperately needs money to be able to carry out his responsibilities towards his children, but finds himself unable to do so.
- 7/8/2010
- Stardust Bollywood
Red Alert-The War Within, slated for release this Friday reveals an unusual angle in the Naxalite fold.the power of women. Toplining Sameera Reddy, Bhagyashree, Seema Biswas and Ayesha Dharker, the film highlights women fighting alongside men. Going totally deglam, these actresses battled it out in rough terrain and heavy rain enacting sequences from the film that closely resemble headlines today in a movement that has empowered women with equal rights.For Seema Biswas, Red Alert marks a return to the gritty realism of Bandit Queen, Ayesha Dharker picks up the threads after The Terrorist, Sameera Reddy continues her tryst with serious cinema after Kaalpurush and Bhagyashree sheds her Maine Pyar Kiya image for some real life conflict. The admirable male ensemble in the film sure has some terrific competition in the acting and action departments.Red Alert is releasing this friday 9th July 2010.
- 7/7/2010
- Filmicafe
July 7, 2010: Red Alert-The War Within, slated for release this Friday, reveals an unusual angle in the Naxalite fold…the power of women. Toplining Sameera Reddy, Bhagyashree, Seema Biswas and Ayesha Dharker, the film highlights women fighting alongside men. Going totally deglam, these actresses battled it out in rough terrain and heavy rain, enacting sequences from the film that closely resemble the headlines today in a movement that has empowered women with equal rights.
For Seema Biswas, Red Alert marks a return to the gritty realism of Bandit Queen, Ayesha Dharker picks up the threads after The.
For Seema Biswas, Red Alert marks a return to the gritty realism of Bandit Queen, Ayesha Dharker picks up the threads after The.
- 7/7/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
As an actor, Suniel Shetty is ecstatic about the new and exciting phase in his career. The fact that his realistic Red Alert - The War Within comes after a riotous comedy like De Dana Dan and a family drama like Tum Milo To Sahi tells a lot about different roles that are coming his way. Add to that the fact that a few months back, Red Alert fetched him an award for the Best Actor at New York's South Asian International Film Festival is something that excites him even more."It's a major shot in the arm when international award and recognition comes in. Suddenly, it starts seeming that you are working in just the right projects. It is ironical though that a foreign country had to come and recognize my talent", he says."Icing on the cake is when you working on different kind of films at the same time.
- 7/6/2010
- Filmicafe
New Delhi, July 5 – Having traversed the festival circuit, Suniel Shetty starrer Maoist drama ‘Red Alert – The War Within’ is releasing Friday.
Based on a true story, it has been directed by Anant Mahadevan and also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Vinod Khanna, Seema Biswas, Gulshan Grover, Bhagyashree, Ashish Vidyarthi and Ayesha Dharker.
‘Probably for the first time in Indian cinema you will get to hear dialogues which are actually spoken lines and not fabricated. We did extensive research. My writer Aruna Raje and I downloaded a lot of interviews between the Maoists and cops from the Internet. Every line they spoke was volatile.
Based on a true story, it has been directed by Anant Mahadevan and also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Vinod Khanna, Seema Biswas, Gulshan Grover, Bhagyashree, Ashish Vidyarthi and Ayesha Dharker.
‘Probably for the first time in Indian cinema you will get to hear dialogues which are actually spoken lines and not fabricated. We did extensive research. My writer Aruna Raje and I downloaded a lot of interviews between the Maoists and cops from the Internet. Every line they spoke was volatile.
- 7/5/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
She’s the 46th Brit-Asian actor to debut in an Indian-co-production. She’s preceded by actors like Ben Kingsley, Ayesha Dharker, Parminder Nagra and Dev Patel. Few know that she was actually seen as a journalist in London Dreams and shared screen space with Salman Khan. Goldy Notay, who looks rather bloated in her debut movie, Gurinder Chadha’s It’s A Wonderful Afterlife (Hai Marjawah! in Hindi), will however miss her Bollywood premiere. She admits that she landed her second film, Sex And The City –2, with the weight she had put on for playing Roopie in Chadha’s fifth film as director. And it’s ...
- 5/6/2010
- Hindustan Times - Cinema
Loins of Punjab Presents is a mockumentary patterned after the formula of Christopher Guest - a variety of could-have-beens and wannabe butt heads in a contest of talent, but more importantly, of self-worth and vindication, in which seemingly average non-creative types pit themselves (and each other) against steep odds and go to surprising lengths to get something that most people wouldn’t even think of applying for. In this case, the object of the game is the Loins of Punjab Bollywood-style singing contest, sponsored by Mr. Bokade (Jameel Khan), who is bringing all of this to fruition courtesy of his outrageous pork fortune. As a portrait of Indian-American culture and people who aren’t as talented as they wish they were, Loins is surprisingly sharp in its politics and perspective on the difficulties of maintaining cultural identity in a rapidly shifting world. It's too bad it doesn’t work better as a film.
- 4/17/2010
- by Anders Nelson
- JustPressPlay.net
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) has announced the 2010 line-up of films for its 8th annual festival, which runs April 20-April 25 at ArcLight Hollywood. The six-day festival will showcase 33 films from 5 countries, including 4 world premieres and 7 Us premieres.
“This is a true celebration of the art and business of Indian film and culture as well as an opportunity to connect with the game changers and emerging filmmakers of Indian themed content,’ said Christina Marouda, Iffla’s Executive Director. “As filmmakers of Indian descent forge new relationships in Hollywood, we invite moviegoers and industry professionals to experience our unique and wide ranging program which includes thought-provoking dramas, engaging documentaries, along with a touch of light hearted fare and a taste of Bollywood.”
Kicking off the festival is the Los Angeles premiere and directorial debut of Dilip Mehta‘s Cooking With Stella, starring Seema Biswas, Lisa Ray, and Don McKellar.
“This is a true celebration of the art and business of Indian film and culture as well as an opportunity to connect with the game changers and emerging filmmakers of Indian themed content,’ said Christina Marouda, Iffla’s Executive Director. “As filmmakers of Indian descent forge new relationships in Hollywood, we invite moviegoers and industry professionals to experience our unique and wide ranging program which includes thought-provoking dramas, engaging documentaries, along with a touch of light hearted fare and a taste of Bollywood.”
Kicking off the festival is the Los Angeles premiere and directorial debut of Dilip Mehta‘s Cooking With Stella, starring Seema Biswas, Lisa Ray, and Don McKellar.
- 4/1/2010
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Actress Ayesha Dharker has decided to make her relationship with boyfriend Robert Taylor official. They are planning to get married in May and the engagement will be held soon.
The news has been confirmed by Ayesha’s father, renowned writer Anil Dharker. He isn’t sure if there will be an engagement ceremony but the marriage will be held in London. Robert is an Englishman and the marketing director of a company. He takes pleasure in arts, theatre and dance which is how he met Ayesha.
Ayesha won a National award for her performance as Malli in the film The Terrorist (1999). She is also known.
The news has been confirmed by Ayesha’s father, renowned writer Anil Dharker. He isn’t sure if there will be an engagement ceremony but the marriage will be held in London. Robert is an Englishman and the marketing director of a company. He takes pleasure in arts, theatre and dance which is how he met Ayesha.
Ayesha won a National award for her performance as Malli in the film The Terrorist (1999). She is also known.
- 1/16/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
Red Alert-The War Within has the fantastic Suniel Shetty starring in the dramatic film. The film directed by Ananth Mahadevan also stars Sameera Reddy, Ayesha Dharker, Seema Biswas, Makrand Deshpande, Bhagyashree, Ashish Vidyarthi, Ehsaan Khan, Zakir Hussein, Suneel Sinha with Gulshan Grover, Naseeruddin Shah and Vinod Khanna. Recently Suniel spoke a bit about his character and working on the film.
About His Character & Role….
I’m playing a character named, Narsimha, a farm labourer, who along with his family, is struggling for living in his daily life. He desperately needs money to fund the education of his children. But due to adverse situations, he finds himself in Naxal group as a cook but a confrontation with the group leaders turns his life upside down. This puts him on a run both from law and the militants both. I have lived his thoughts and reactions throughout the film. I’ve...
About His Character & Role….
I’m playing a character named, Narsimha, a farm labourer, who along with his family, is struggling for living in his daily life. He desperately needs money to fund the education of his children. But due to adverse situations, he finds himself in Naxal group as a cook but a confrontation with the group leaders turns his life upside down. This puts him on a run both from law and the militants both. I have lived his thoughts and reactions throughout the film. I’ve...
- 7/13/2009
- Bollyspice
Click above for more movie stills Director Anant Mahadevan is on cloud nine. His film Red Alert- The War Within is all set to have its World Premiere at the Stuttgart Film Festival in Germany. Bollywood Hungama spoke to Anant, who was very excited to share the details of this event. ''Red Alert - The War Within has been selected in the competition section for the Stuttgart Film Festival scheduled to take place from the 13th – 19th of July this year. It is also the closing film of the festival on the 19th of July. This is probably the first time that the same director's film has been selected for 2 consecutive years. Last year my film Staying Alive was selected for the same festival and now this year we have Red Alert - The War Within taking part in the competition and even having its World Premiere at the...
- 7/9/2009
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Click above for more movie stills Director Anant Mahadevan is on cloud nine. His film Red Alert- The War Within is all set to have its World Premiere at the Stuttgart Film Festival in Germany. Bollywood Hungama spoke to Anant, who was very excited to share the details of this event. ''Red Alert - The War Within has been selected in the competition section for the Stuttgart Film Festival scheduled to take place from the 13th – 19th of July this year. It is also the closing film of the festival on the 19th of July. This is probably the first time that the same director's film has been selected for 2 consecutive years. Last year my film Staying Alive was selected for the same festival and now this year we have Red Alert - The War Within taking part in the competition and even having its World Premiere at the...
- 7/9/2009
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
This is the jaw-dropping moment that art dealer Tara Mandal exacts her cruel and publicly humiliating revenge on her promiscuous partner Dev Alahan. Having given Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) countless opportunities to come clean about his one-night stand with former Mandal family accountant Lisa (Ruth Alexander-Rubin), Tara (Ayesha Dharker) resolves to get her own back by unveiling a 30-foot naked portrait of him down the side of the Victoria Court apartments - with only the word 'liar' covering his manhood. However, just seconds before the red cloth begins unfurling down the side of the building, Dev shocks Tara by dropping (more)...
- 5/10/2009
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
Despite having had a one-night stand with his girlfriend's former family accountant Lisa (Ruth Alexander-Rubin), Coronation Street's Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) is completely besotted with Tara (Ayesha Dharker). Armed with the knowledge of Dev's encounter with Lisa, Tara's ensured that he's had every opportunity to come clean. Dev, however, has been less than forthcoming with a confession and Tara recently coaxed him into posing nude for a set of photographs to celebrate their relationship. Little does Dev know that Tara has big plans for (more)...
- 5/4/2009
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto appears on the cover of the new issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.
Freida Pinto's career has taken off and how! She is all set to join Woody Allen’s next film with Josh Brolin and Anthony Hopkins.
The role is a major coup for Pinto, considering Allen has directed many actors to Oscar glory, with Vicky Cristina Barcelona’s Penélope Cruz being the latest example.
From Om Puri to Naseeruddin Shah, Irrfan Khan to Ayesha Dharkar - everyone has worked in Hollywood films but none has tasted instant, mainstream fame like Freida.
Even the glamorous Aishwarya Rai, 35, who has been adjudged India's most bankable star in Hollywood by Forbes, has taken her time to journey there. But not Freida, 24.
Freida is one of the luckiest Bollywood actresses, having been to the Academy Awards, that too, right at the beginning of her career. Even the Bachchan daughter-in-law,...
Freida Pinto's career has taken off and how! She is all set to join Woody Allen’s next film with Josh Brolin and Anthony Hopkins.
The role is a major coup for Pinto, considering Allen has directed many actors to Oscar glory, with Vicky Cristina Barcelona’s Penélope Cruz being the latest example.
From Om Puri to Naseeruddin Shah, Irrfan Khan to Ayesha Dharkar - everyone has worked in Hollywood films but none has tasted instant, mainstream fame like Freida.
Even the glamorous Aishwarya Rai, 35, who has been adjudged India's most bankable star in Hollywood by Forbes, has taken her time to journey there. But not Freida, 24.
Freida is one of the luckiest Bollywood actresses, having been to the Academy Awards, that too, right at the beginning of her career. Even the Bachchan daughter-in-law,...
- 3/9/2009
- by mihirkula
- India.com
She's been catapulted straight to Hollywood. Freida Pinto, the poised, smiling beauty that Oscar winner Slumdog Millionaire has thrown up on the global stage, has done what few Indian actors have managed to do before her.
From Om Puri to Naseeruddin Shah, Irrfan Khan to Ayesha Dharkar - everyone has worked in Hollywood films but none has tasted instant, mainstream fame like Freida.
Even the glamorous Aishwarya Rai, 35, who has been adjudged India's most bankable star in Hollywood by Forbes, has taken her time to journey there. But not Freida, 24.
The younger model-turned-actress from Mumbai has already walked the Oscar red carpet, shone in the multiple Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire and is set to sizzle on popular magazine covers, with just one film to her name.
Freida is one of the luckiest Bollywood actresses, having been to the Academy Awards, that too, right at the beginning of her career. Even the Bachchan daughter-in-law,...
From Om Puri to Naseeruddin Shah, Irrfan Khan to Ayesha Dharkar - everyone has worked in Hollywood films but none has tasted instant, mainstream fame like Freida.
Even the glamorous Aishwarya Rai, 35, who has been adjudged India's most bankable star in Hollywood by Forbes, has taken her time to journey there. But not Freida, 24.
The younger model-turned-actress from Mumbai has already walked the Oscar red carpet, shone in the multiple Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire and is set to sizzle on popular magazine covers, with just one film to her name.
Freida is one of the luckiest Bollywood actresses, having been to the Academy Awards, that too, right at the beginning of her career. Even the Bachchan daughter-in-law,...
- 3/5/2009
- by mihirkula
- India.com
Mumbai, She's been catapulted straight to Hollywood. Freida Pinto, the poised, smiling beauty that Oscar winner "Slumdog Millionaire" has thrown up on the global stage, has done what few Indian actors have managed to do before her. From Om Puri to Naseeruddin Shah, Irrfan Khan to Ayesha Dharkar - everyone has worked in Hollywood films but none has tasted instant, mainstream fame like Freida. Even the glamorous Aishwarya Rai, 35, who has been adjudged India's most bankable star in Hollywood by Forbes, has taken her time to journey there. But not Freida, 24. The younger model-turned-actress from Mumbai has already walked the Oscar red carpet, shone in the multiple Oscar-winning "Slumdog Millionaire" and is set to sizzle on popular magazine covers, with just ...
- 3/2/2009
- Bollywoodworld.com
Ayesha Dharker is so much of a perfectionist that she actually works on a role even before she gets it. That is what worked for her in the case of Outsourced. When she was narrated the role by the producer and director, they called the actor back for a reading with Josh Hamilton. So convinced was Ayesha about the role of Asha that she essays in the film that she went out to actually dress up like Asha for the reading. Says Ayesha, “when I went back, I dressed like the character I play in the film in every detail, down to the shoes and watch I was wearing. I got so involved in putting this.
- 1/5/2009
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
CHENNAI, India -- Loins of Punjab Presents is an honest and amusing though somewhat shoddily produce look at expatiate Indians in America. It gushes witty, one-liners and there is no background musical score that is often so intrusive in Indian cinema, nudging, nay pushing, a viewer into a mood the director sets. And for his first movie, helmer Manish Acharya -- who also plays the part of Vikram Tejwani, whose job is about to be outsourced to India -- shows restraint in steering clear of the obsession among international Indian moviemakers for stereotyping desi -- or first generation immigrant -- characters.
Despite its humor, which at times is bawdy, the film may not score with commercial audiences seeking as a matter of habit Bollywood formulas, but it can get into festivals thanks to the well cast actors and careful characterizations.
During a music competition sponsored by a big pork manufacturer in the U.S. called Loins of Punjab, a motley group of contestants parks itself in a New Jersey hotel. Among them is Rita Kapoor (Shabana Azmi), a social butterfly who controls judges and contenders through sexual or other favors. While she takes one of the judges for a romp, she tempts a couple of participants with lucrative assignments in return for them quitting the contest.
Young Preeti Patel (Ishitta Sharma) -- in tow with her entire family bent on seeing her win the huge prize money of $25,000 -- plays tough, not easily swallowing Kapoor's bait of a fabulous modeling offer. Meanwhile, Kapoor does get Bollywood aspirant Sania Rehman (Seema Rahmani) disqualified on a flimsy ground.
Even the smallest parts have been diligently written by Acharya and Anuvab Patel, capturing the finer nuances of each. These include the gay Sikh participant, Turbanotorious B.D.G. (Ajay Naidu), a bundle of aggression; Opama Menon (Ayesha Dharker), whose American boyfriend, Josh Cohen (Michael Raimondi), is the only foreign competitor in the group and places ambition ahead of relationship; and Sharma's Patel, caught between her own dream and parental shove.
However, the movie leaves one with a sneaking suspicion that Acharya was more than a little inspired by Little Miss Sunshine.
LOINS OF PUNJAB PRESENTS
Horn OK Please Entertainment
Credits:
Director/producer: Manish Acharya
Writers: Manish Acharya, Anuvab Pal
Director of photography: Arvind Kannabiran
Production designer: Ayesha Punvani
Music: Michael Cohen
Costume designer: Rabiah Troncelliti
Editor: Christopher Dillon
Cast:
Rita Kapoor: Shabana Azmi
Vikram Tejwani: Manish Acharya
Opama Menon: Ayesha Dharker
Sania Rehman: Seema Rahmani
Preeti Patel: Ishitta Sharma
Josh Cohen: Michael Raimondi
Turbanotorious B.D.G.: Ajay Naidu
Running time -- 88 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Despite its humor, which at times is bawdy, the film may not score with commercial audiences seeking as a matter of habit Bollywood formulas, but it can get into festivals thanks to the well cast actors and careful characterizations.
During a music competition sponsored by a big pork manufacturer in the U.S. called Loins of Punjab, a motley group of contestants parks itself in a New Jersey hotel. Among them is Rita Kapoor (Shabana Azmi), a social butterfly who controls judges and contenders through sexual or other favors. While she takes one of the judges for a romp, she tempts a couple of participants with lucrative assignments in return for them quitting the contest.
Young Preeti Patel (Ishitta Sharma) -- in tow with her entire family bent on seeing her win the huge prize money of $25,000 -- plays tough, not easily swallowing Kapoor's bait of a fabulous modeling offer. Meanwhile, Kapoor does get Bollywood aspirant Sania Rehman (Seema Rahmani) disqualified on a flimsy ground.
Even the smallest parts have been diligently written by Acharya and Anuvab Patel, capturing the finer nuances of each. These include the gay Sikh participant, Turbanotorious B.D.G. (Ajay Naidu), a bundle of aggression; Opama Menon (Ayesha Dharker), whose American boyfriend, Josh Cohen (Michael Raimondi), is the only foreign competitor in the group and places ambition ahead of relationship; and Sharma's Patel, caught between her own dream and parental shove.
However, the movie leaves one with a sneaking suspicion that Acharya was more than a little inspired by Little Miss Sunshine.
LOINS OF PUNJAB PRESENTS
Horn OK Please Entertainment
Credits:
Director/producer: Manish Acharya
Writers: Manish Acharya, Anuvab Pal
Director of photography: Arvind Kannabiran
Production designer: Ayesha Punvani
Music: Michael Cohen
Costume designer: Rabiah Troncelliti
Editor: Christopher Dillon
Cast:
Rita Kapoor: Shabana Azmi
Vikram Tejwani: Manish Acharya
Opama Menon: Ayesha Dharker
Sania Rehman: Seema Rahmani
Preeti Patel: Ishitta Sharma
Josh Cohen: Michael Raimondi
Turbanotorious B.D.G.: Ajay Naidu
Running time -- 88 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 11/27/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Truly Indie
NEW YORK -- It's not surprising that this low-budget comedy about an American corporate manager training employees in India is being adapted as a TV sitcom. The likable but utterly formulaic Outsourced plays a mild-mannered, cross-cultural variation on The Office.
Josh Hamilton stars as Todd, a 32-year-old manager for a Seattle company that makes cheesy gift knickknacks. When he and his sales team are unceremoniously fired and their jobs outsourced, Todd is given the final assignment of traveling to Mumbai to train his Indian replacement and staff, and bring their MPI ("minutes per incident") up to snuff.
The predictable screenplay, written by director John Jeffcoat and George Wing (50 First Dates), depicts Todd's uncomfortable reactions to his new environment, from the inevitable gastric distress to wonderment at the Indian reverence for family and community. Needless to say, by the time he's whipped his ragtag but endlessly enthusiastic and hard-working team into shape, he's learned to reappraise his shallow American values and also has found true love with Asha (Ayesha Dharker), one of his new employees, along the way.
That the film works to the extent that it does is thanks to its refreshingly light touch, authentic sense of milieu (it was shot on location in the brimming Indian city) and the charmingly understated performances. Hamilton thankfully restrains from hitting predictable notes as the ugly American; Dharker is wonderfully appealing as the savvy love interest; Asif Basra is quite amusing as the replacement sales manager looking forward to his arranged marriage, and stage veteran Larry Pine has a terrific cameo as an American expatriate who advises Todd how to relax and enjoy his new environment.
NEW YORK -- It's not surprising that this low-budget comedy about an American corporate manager training employees in India is being adapted as a TV sitcom. The likable but utterly formulaic Outsourced plays a mild-mannered, cross-cultural variation on The Office.
Josh Hamilton stars as Todd, a 32-year-old manager for a Seattle company that makes cheesy gift knickknacks. When he and his sales team are unceremoniously fired and their jobs outsourced, Todd is given the final assignment of traveling to Mumbai to train his Indian replacement and staff, and bring their MPI ("minutes per incident") up to snuff.
The predictable screenplay, written by director John Jeffcoat and George Wing (50 First Dates), depicts Todd's uncomfortable reactions to his new environment, from the inevitable gastric distress to wonderment at the Indian reverence for family and community. Needless to say, by the time he's whipped his ragtag but endlessly enthusiastic and hard-working team into shape, he's learned to reappraise his shallow American values and also has found true love with Asha (Ayesha Dharker), one of his new employees, along the way.
That the film works to the extent that it does is thanks to its refreshingly light touch, authentic sense of milieu (it was shot on location in the brimming Indian city) and the charmingly understated performances. Hamilton thankfully restrains from hitting predictable notes as the ugly American; Dharker is wonderfully appealing as the savvy love interest; Asif Basra is quite amusing as the replacement sales manager looking forward to his arranged marriage, and stage veteran Larry Pine has a terrific cameo as an American expatriate who advises Todd how to relax and enjoy his new environment.
- 10/17/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ismail Merchant's "The Mystic Masseur" is from out of the past in more ways than one. It is, firstly, a tale about the Indian community in British Trinidad of the 1940s, an era when colonialism is being tested by a discontent and rambunctious native population. But the movie also harkens back to the kind of solid, humanistic storytelling that Hollywood has largely drifted away from in favor of effects gimmickry and nihilistic comedies and melodramas.
While American viewers might not catch all the nuances of Indian culture, Trinidad politics or even island accents, thanks to the vividness of the character portraits in this episodic tale, Merchant achieves a universality that transcends the cultural specifics. An adventurous distributor should be able to find an appreciative adult audience for this Merchant Ivory production, which opened the 24th Mill Valley Film Festival.
"Mystic Masseur" represents the first film to emerge from a novel by V.S. Naipaul. Francis Ford Coppola once optioned "Guerrillas" but never made the film.) The story is narrated by Partap (Jimi Mistry), a youthful admirer of the hero, Ganesh (Aasif Mandvi), whom he has known on and off most of his life.
As a young man, Ganesh is determined to embark on a literary career. But when he acquires a headstrong wife (Ayesha Dharker) and wily father-in-law (Om Puri), to make money he sets up shop as a masseur, a talent everyone assumes he has inherited from his late father.
He eventually becomes an expert in Hinduism and healings. Proclaimed "the mystic masseur," he finds that his new fame propels his book sales. But when he enters island politics, he eventually realizes British colonialists are using him for their own purposes.
This serio-comic tale, which stretches roughly from 1943-54, bites off almost too much for one movie. The story surveys the conflicts and social and political development within the Indian community in Trinidad during that period. The movie also witnesses the growth of its main characters from almost comic figures into people with dimension and accrued wisdom.
Merchant and writer Caryl Phillips let the film ramble now and then as they try to wrestle Naipaul's novel into cinematic form. Yet what makes the movie so compelling are the hilarious, savvy performances by a veteran cast. There's wise old Auntie (Zohra Segal), who lets nothing escape her notice; Ganesh's sidekick Beharry (Sanjeev Bhaskar), who always encourages the "genius" of his dear friend; and James Fox's crazed though prophetic Brit, who imagines himself to be a Hindu from Kashmir yet has never even visited India.
Merchant encourages all his actors to tread the line between the comic and melodramatic where characters are only dimly aware of their own foolishness.
Mandvi, a New York-based Indian actor, marvelously transforms himself into mystic masseur and pandit. His skill at mimicking the singsong island accent and creating striking behavioral tics is more than equaled by his ability to dig deep into his character's psyche to find the things that motivate that character and drive him through the entire movie.
Puri and the radiant Dharker shrewdly play members of Ganesh's acquired family, who come to realize that his ambitions often pull him away from his values.
Cinematographer Ernie Vincze captures this colorful period milieu with the sensual earth tones of aging postcards of exotic island settings. Longtime Merchant Ivory composer Richard Robbins is aided by world-renowned composer-musician Zakir Hussain in producing a soundtrack that splendidly evokes the excitement of a small community in turmoil.
THE MYSTIC MASSEUR
Merchant Ivory Prods. presents
in association with Pritish Nandy Communications
and Video Associated Ltd.
Producers: Nayeem Hafizka, Richard Hawley
Director: Ismail Merchant
Screenwriter: Caryl Phillips
Based on the novel by: V.S. Naipaul
Executive producers: Paul Bradley, Lawrence Duprey
Director of photography: Ernie Vincze
Production designer: Lucy Richardson
Music: Richard Robbins, Zakir Hussain
Costume designer: Michael O'Connor
Editor: Robert Silvi
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ganesh: Aasif Mandvi
Ramlogan: Om Puri
Auntie: Zohra Segal
Leela: Ayesha Dharker
Mr. Stewart: James Fox
Beharry: Sanjeev Bhaskar
Partap: Jimi Mistry
Suruj Mooma: Sakina Jaffrey
Running time -- 117 minutes
No MPAA rating...
While American viewers might not catch all the nuances of Indian culture, Trinidad politics or even island accents, thanks to the vividness of the character portraits in this episodic tale, Merchant achieves a universality that transcends the cultural specifics. An adventurous distributor should be able to find an appreciative adult audience for this Merchant Ivory production, which opened the 24th Mill Valley Film Festival.
"Mystic Masseur" represents the first film to emerge from a novel by V.S. Naipaul. Francis Ford Coppola once optioned "Guerrillas" but never made the film.) The story is narrated by Partap (Jimi Mistry), a youthful admirer of the hero, Ganesh (Aasif Mandvi), whom he has known on and off most of his life.
As a young man, Ganesh is determined to embark on a literary career. But when he acquires a headstrong wife (Ayesha Dharker) and wily father-in-law (Om Puri), to make money he sets up shop as a masseur, a talent everyone assumes he has inherited from his late father.
He eventually becomes an expert in Hinduism and healings. Proclaimed "the mystic masseur," he finds that his new fame propels his book sales. But when he enters island politics, he eventually realizes British colonialists are using him for their own purposes.
This serio-comic tale, which stretches roughly from 1943-54, bites off almost too much for one movie. The story surveys the conflicts and social and political development within the Indian community in Trinidad during that period. The movie also witnesses the growth of its main characters from almost comic figures into people with dimension and accrued wisdom.
Merchant and writer Caryl Phillips let the film ramble now and then as they try to wrestle Naipaul's novel into cinematic form. Yet what makes the movie so compelling are the hilarious, savvy performances by a veteran cast. There's wise old Auntie (Zohra Segal), who lets nothing escape her notice; Ganesh's sidekick Beharry (Sanjeev Bhaskar), who always encourages the "genius" of his dear friend; and James Fox's crazed though prophetic Brit, who imagines himself to be a Hindu from Kashmir yet has never even visited India.
Merchant encourages all his actors to tread the line between the comic and melodramatic where characters are only dimly aware of their own foolishness.
Mandvi, a New York-based Indian actor, marvelously transforms himself into mystic masseur and pandit. His skill at mimicking the singsong island accent and creating striking behavioral tics is more than equaled by his ability to dig deep into his character's psyche to find the things that motivate that character and drive him through the entire movie.
Puri and the radiant Dharker shrewdly play members of Ganesh's acquired family, who come to realize that his ambitions often pull him away from his values.
Cinematographer Ernie Vincze captures this colorful period milieu with the sensual earth tones of aging postcards of exotic island settings. Longtime Merchant Ivory composer Richard Robbins is aided by world-renowned composer-musician Zakir Hussain in producing a soundtrack that splendidly evokes the excitement of a small community in turmoil.
THE MYSTIC MASSEUR
Merchant Ivory Prods. presents
in association with Pritish Nandy Communications
and Video Associated Ltd.
Producers: Nayeem Hafizka, Richard Hawley
Director: Ismail Merchant
Screenwriter: Caryl Phillips
Based on the novel by: V.S. Naipaul
Executive producers: Paul Bradley, Lawrence Duprey
Director of photography: Ernie Vincze
Production designer: Lucy Richardson
Music: Richard Robbins, Zakir Hussain
Costume designer: Michael O'Connor
Editor: Robert Silvi
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ganesh: Aasif Mandvi
Ramlogan: Om Puri
Auntie: Zohra Segal
Leela: Ayesha Dharker
Mr. Stewart: James Fox
Beharry: Sanjeev Bhaskar
Partap: Jimi Mistry
Suruj Mooma: Sakina Jaffrey
Running time -- 117 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 10/8/2001
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.