Cup of Life

Hours left to the start of the Football World CUP. For a person obsessed with Cricket, Football is still a closely followed game albeit with a little less passion and fire ( guess i dont stay pissed for the entire day if my favourite team doesnt win )

The forward mails with pictures of newly built stadiums in Germany are just breathtaking and i can only fantasize about how much fun it would be to Cheer Brazil/England/Netherlands/Spain from the stands. With the Sound of the Drums and the non-stop chants there will never be a dull moment ( Not to forget the booze that might be offer in Germany ).
Well i am safely picking sides and like most of the world think Brazil is the team which is my favourite, for when they are in full flight, there is hardly a dull-passage of play on the field. Go Brazil.

But for some strange reason and watching the build up to the World Cup, i think either of England/Netherlands/Spain ( in the same order ) might nick it.
As far as the other bug guns are concerned -
Italians seem to be slightly hassled by the ongoing Match Fixing Scandal, whilst the Germans seem to have some problem with their team-spirit - Too many contrasting statements from the Coach - Klinsmann and the players doesnt sound too right, Argentines somehow dont have the buzz about them as they are entering - fine they have Lionel Messi or a Riquelme but for me they just dont have the x-factor to clinch the cup.
The Czech, Portuguese, Ozzies and the Swedes might pull out a few surprises but then i dont seem they pulling off the mother of all coups and winning the world cup.
The Rest would definately have their moments, but i dont expect anything spectacular from them.

My Ideal Semis lineup would be
English Vs Netherlands
Brazil Vs Spain.
Brazil always have had the buzz, while Spain seem to have the x-factor and somehow Luis Aragones gives me the confidence that Spain will be able to shed off their inconsitent performer tag, Netherlands have a great team with a great poacher-striker and attacking lineup with loads of experience at the highest level and the English have been quitely rebuilding post Rooney-injury and if they get themselves to the 2nd round, i think Rooney coming into the fray at that point in the tournament would be too great a boost.

Any one of these teams in the finals would be a feast for the eyes. So like the millions around the world, i am waiting for the Festivities to start.

Let the Games Begin.

FAN hAAn

As i entered to watch the movie, amidst all the cat-calls, hoots and whistles, i remember being excited about watching the romantic pairing of Aamir and Kajol for the first time. Three Hours later, i left the hall with a smile - Paisa Vasool 'n to top it, I liked the movie.

Kunal Kohli in his second innings as Director ( 1st Innings was during his direction of Hrithik, Priety, Rani, Abhishek starrer dud - I even forgot the name - Main prem ki Diwani hoon ), seems to have had the pulse of the public.
He has started exploring man-woman relationship, unlike any of the contemporary directors. If his HUM-TUM earlier was great to explore the relationship between Boy-Girl ( without being tied by a relationship ), this one is better cause even though he gives the relationship a name - Husband-Wife, he explores a Sufist meaning( Fanaa - Destroyed in Love) for it.
Well Done Kunal.

And the Visual Treat is just too much. Picteresque Backdrops (of apni Dilli 'n Kashmir - i dont know where its actually shot ) and great Aamir-Kajol Chemistry. Somebody also needs to applaud the Dress Designers for the choice of colours - vibrant and never a dull moment even with the visuals.

Each Actor/Actress has his signature mark ( or rather a move which no other actor - atleast contemporary - can pull it off ). Aamir sure has a way with flirtatous scenes, mischevious smile, and new harido's. He pulls off with such ease and elan that it is hard not to like him for that and Kajol after a long break still hasnt forgotten her emotions. She never was a stunner, but her great personality and free-spirit just breaks through the screen and can make you admire/applause/appreciate her screen persona.
First half is total paisa vasool, with lots of great sher-o-shayiri and pure aamir-magic
( Think we could make a collection of all his movies and have a Top 10 Tips of Pataooing a Girl ).
Sample this:
Bhool karke bhi agar bhool hui ho
To Bhool samajh ke maaf kar dena
Maaf karna sirf us bhool ko aur
Bhula karke bhi Hamein mat bhool jana.

Second half is the time Kajol gets to play her role to the hilt. She steals the show in a couple of scenes from a seasoned actor like Aamir and she no doubt is still a great actress. I wouldnt like to divulge too many details about the movie, but my favourite scene - rather couple of scenes has to be one where first Aamir rather flirtatously professes his love for Kajol and in return later on when Kajol professes her love for Aamir. The way the duo seem to play with their emotions and that of the other, is quite something.
You just have to watch it to realise the chemistry and things which are said yet unsaid. :-) ( Sorry for the Verbosity ).

And please dont pay too much detail to the practicality aspect of the movie. ( Like how can a Blind Girl dance so well and lots of other shit ). I didnt, and hence it made for good viewing. After all thats what Bollywood movies are about - Total Paisa Vasool.