Film Review: WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS

Cast: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan, Susan Sarandon, Frank Langella, Josh Brolin
Director: Oliver Stone

The Story: Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) has been in prison for eight years – a very long term – for committing fraud on Wall Street. It is obvious that he is hurt when no one meets him outside the prison. But his daughter Winnie (Carey Mulligan), his only living relative, does not want to see her father, ever again. Seven years later, Gekko has authored a book and is trying to get rich, selling it. He finds that he is not accepted in the Wall Street circles and is quite bitter about it.

Jacob aka Jake (Shia LaBeouf) is in a live-in relationship with Winnie. He works for Louis Zabel (Frank Langella), an investment banker on Wall Street. The extremely successful Lou goes broke suddenly due to a turn in the stock market. He commits suicide and Jake is heartbroken that his mentor is no more.

Jake goes to meet Gordon for two reasons. He wants to know about the man’s relationship with Winnie and also about who had brought down Lou’s business. Fascinated by the man, Jake continues to be in touch with him despite Winnie not liking it.

Gordon never helps anyone without getting something in return. He makes use of Jake to get back at Bretton James (Josh Brolin) who was responsible for getting Gordon behind bars and also for breaking Louis Zabel. Gordon also wants to get his hands on the one million dollars held in trust in Winnie’s name at a bank in Zurich. Jake becomes a scapegoat in Gordon’s master plan.

Watch the film to see how the father-daughter relationship goes for a toss while dragging Jake’s and Winnie’s feelings through mud. Will things work out for the lot of them or no?

My perception: The film moved fast and ran for about 2 hours. It keeps the viewer interested in the plot. The bylines were a Godsend as I not always understand all the dialogues. And the dialogues were very good.

Michael Douglas gave a terrific performance as Gordon. His expressions spoke volumes. It is obvious that Gordon is torn between becoming big on Wall Street again and maintaining good relations with his daughter.

Shia LaBeouf was excellent in his role as Jake and was as good as the veteran. Carey Mulligan has very few dialogues but was extremely expressive. The father-daughter relationship was portrayed in a very touching fashion.

Frank Langella and Josh Brolin had also done well in their roles.

Verdict: The film is definitely worth a see!

Rating: ***

* Silly
** Shaky
*** Smart
**** Snazzy
***** Super

Quick-fix Meal: RICE SEVAI

Lemon sevai & Coconut sevai

I know it has been a long time since I posted a recipe for a quick-fix meal. Here is one extremely simple recipe that takes but 15 minutes to prepare.

The main ingredient for this one the ready-made dry rice sevai that is available from MTR or Concord brands. You will find packets of 200 gm and 500 gm. The smaller packet is enough for two people and this recipe quantity is suited for the 200 gm packet.


I prepare two varieties of sevai from this one. The one common thing is add the packet of dry sevai to a vessel of boiling water and cook it for about 4-5 minutes. The process is similar to cooking noodles or pasta, only DO NOT add oil to this one. Once the sevai is soft, strain it and remove water completely.

Coconut sevai

Coconut Sevai:

Mustard Seeds – ½ tsp
Urad Dal – 1 tsp
Green Chilly – 1 (cut in 2)
Red Chilly – 1 (cut in 2)
Curry leaves – a few
Hing (asafoetida) – 1 pinch
Grated coconut – 4 tbsp
Salt to taste
Oil – 1 tsp

Method:

Take a kadai (saucepan) and heat the oil in it. Add the mustard seeds and once they crackle, add the urad dal. As they turn golden brown, add both the chillies and curry leaves. Turn them once and add the grated coconut. Adding the hing and salt, roast the coconut till it turns golden. Now switch the flame off and add half of the boiled sevai to the coconut mixture and mix well. Delicious coconut sevai is all set to be consumed.

Lemon sevai

Lemon Sevai:

Mustard Seeds – ½ tsp
Urad Dal – 1 tsp
Green Chilly – 1 (cut in 2)
Red Chilly – 1 (cut in 2)
Curry leaves – a few
Hing (asafoetida) – 1 pinch
Turmeric powder – 1 pinch
Juice from ½ a lemon (can add a few drops more if you like it stronger)
Salt to taste
Oil – 1 tsp

Take a kadai (saucepan) and heat the oil in it. Add the mustard seeds and once they crackle, add the urad dal. As they turn golden brown, add both the chillies and curry leaves. Turn them once and switch off the gas. Add the hing powder, turmeric powder and salt. Mix well before adding the lemon juice and the second half of the boiled sevai. Mix well and the yummy lemon sevai is all ready to be eaten.

The two sevais may be consumed just plain if you are not too fussy or you can have them with coconut chutney or mor kozhambu if you like.

NOTE: This is not the same as the semiya (made of wheat) that you get. This is made of rice.

Sharing: THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2010

Shera, the mascot

The Commonwealth Games 2010 are to be conducted in Delhi, India from October 3 to 14, 2010. I think this is something to feel proud about. Anything that is conducted on such a massive scale takes a lot of enterprising, organising, teamwork and of course a lot of money.

I am sure that a lot of efforts have been put into this venture and quite a bit is showing. But our media has taken to bashing the whole scene.

I think corruption is prevalent around the world and not just in our country. Of course, this does not mean that it is an accepted thing. But isn’t there anything positive to say about the CWG scene?

I watched a couple of shows on TV where they showed the kind of arrangements that have been made for accommodation, food, drinking water and disposal of the garbage. I thought that was a tremendous effort and would like to congratulate the organizers for the same.

What I keep seeing on the TV news channels and the newspapers is a lot of bashing being done. What sense does this make?

We all know that TV channels are viewed throughout the world and the internet has made it possible to read news of all top newspapers the moment they are published. If we portray so much of negativity, how do we expect the people around the world to respond? Is it any wonder that film directors like Danny Boyle would make a film like Slumdog Millionaire? People around the world pick up what we portray.

I am not suggesting that we bury all the filth under the carpet and behave as if nothing has happened. But we must consider the effectiveness of the negative promos that the TVs and newspapers bring about.

I am sure the common man does not care much, especially those below the poverty line. It does not matter to him how much money was spent on CWG or how much was swindled by whom. He is finding it so difficult to ensure that he gets two meals a day.

The too rich would not much care either as they can afford to rub shoulders with all those expensive firangis and be a part of the CWG.

That leaves the middle man that forms a huge population of this country. These are the ones that are never sure where they belong. To be a part of it or not to be a part of it. They swing either ways. The news floating around gives them no end of trouble, making them unable to decide whether to support CWG or no.

Something this big is happening right in our own country, why should we not support it? Do we have no responsibilities? Because we have the right to vote, does it mean that we have the weapon to bash up everyone who does the politicking? Can’t we be a mite more supportive? Can’t we take part in the event as if it belongs to all of us as it actually does?

It’s so easy to play the blame game. Just keep pointing fingers and keep complaining. What has it ever achieved in life?

You want to do something about it, go right there and guide the public, help the organizers, do something concrete. JUMP IN THE FRAY! Action speaks a lot more than words, or so the saying goes.
All the public who goes there – how many of us know how to behave decently? We throw garbage or urinate in public. The only thing that stops us is ridicule or the fear of the law. How many of us wait to do all this if no one is watching? All of us are the same and that is how our government is. Why blame a few people for the whole lot of us?

Everyone does just one tiny thing and so they feel they should be excused. “I just spat one little bit. That’s nothing much. But watch that guy, he is urinating” says one person and so it goes on. Blame the others and don’t take responsibility.

I am sure a different set of problems are faced in every country. But they do a lot to promote themselves positively. Only such countries rise to the forefront. Those who keep showing only the negative facets and keep bashing their own people find themselves ashamed of their own and not going anywhere.

Well, now it’s up to every individual how they perceive the Commonwealth Games 2010 as against their own behaviour. Are we going to take ownership or continue to bash up our own event?

Check out this link by NRI Indian for his take on CWG 2010

Festival: GANESH VISARJAN 2010

Lalbaugcha Raja

Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya varshi laukar ya! So goes the chant as Lord Ganesha is given a royal send off with music, dance, fireworks and aarti. The above is the picture of the most famous Ganesh Idol at Lalbaug that must have seen hundreds of thousands of devotees this year.

Pudhchya varshi laukar ya!

I have brought to you a few scenes of the revelry at Sion as Ganesh idols were immersed in the Talao (pond) at Chunabhatti. This is to the west of the Sion-Panvel highway and diagonally opposite where I live.

Here is the video that captures the atmosphere. I had created this thanks to my sister Lakshmi's request. I was going to be satisfied with posting photos but it was she who wanted to hear the music and see the dancers. This is my first attempt at video. Hope you all like it as much as I enjoyed shooting it. My son Vigneshkumar did the editing out of lengthy footage that I had taken on my camera.

Vada-pav stall

The vada-pav stall is being run by Keru, the office boy at Venkat's office. He does a roaring business every year during the festival.

Vendors selling their wares

The vendors sell wares that attract the attention of tiny tots. They also make a packet during the fest.

Drinking water

 Drinking water was being supplied to the thirsty hordes. I sincerely pray to Ganeshji that it was clean.

Venkat with some acquaintances

 The couple of policemen who knew Venkat were mighty thrilled to pose for the photo along with another acquaintance.

Crowds at the Talao

There was quite a crowd at the Chunabhatti Talao to say Goodbye to the elephant headed God.

Police Traffic Booth

 The police were directing the traffic from their vantage point way above. 

Going, going, gone!

Lord Ganesh being immersed at the Chunabhatti Talao close to Sion. See you soon, Mooshik Vahana!

Recipe: PAV BHAJI

Pav Bhaji

Well, this is an absolute favourite at home, for all of us. And it is not too difficult to make either.

Ingredients:

Cauliflower – ½ kg (cut into big flowerets)
Potato – 2 (medium sized – peeled and cut into large pieces)
Peas – ¼ kg
Capsicum – 2 (big – chopped fine)
Tomato – 3 (medium sized – chopped fine)
Onions – 3 (medium sized – chopped fine)
Oil – 2 tsp
Amul Butter – 50-100 gms
Coriander leaf – 2 tsp (chopped)
Lemon – 1 (cut into quarters)
Everest Pav Bhaji masala – ½ tsp
Pav – 1 laadhi (6 or 8)

pav

Masala:

Garlic – 4 cloves
Ginger – ½ inch piece
Red Chilli powder – ¼ tsp (if you like it really spicy, increase this quantity)
Oil – 1 tsp
Salt to taste

Method:

1.    Take a pressure cooker and boil the cauliflower, potato and peas together with a glass of water, for two whistles.
2.    Grind the masala ingredients into a smooth paste with a spoon or two of water.
3.    Take a kadai (saucepan) and heat the oil in it. Add the onions and fry till golden in colour.
4.    Now, add the ground masala and the pav bhaji masala and stir well.
5.    Add the capsicum and cook for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes.
6.    While the above is cooking, mash the boiled vegetables with a pav bhaji masher.
7.    Now add the shallow fried vegetables to the pressure cooker and mix well. Add some water to get the right consistency and cook for a few minutes.
8.    Check for salt and spice and add any more as per requirement.
9.    While the gravy is boiling, add a teaspoon of Amul butter to add to the flavour.

The bhaji is ready to eat. Garnish it with coriander leaves and serve with butter toasted pavs, chopped onions and a piece of lemon. Tastes yummy, I promise.

NOTE: People many-a-time add carrots, cabbage, beans and other vegetables in this considering it very healthy. That is true! But using vegetables other than those mentioned gives a totally different taste and not what one expects from Pav Bhaji.

Festival: GANESHOTSAV AT SION 2010

I think everyone in this country loves the elephant-headed God. He looks so adorable and his birthday or Chaturthi is celebrated in a grand fashion all over the country, especially in Mumbai. The festival goes on for 11 days with Ganesh Visarjan happening on the 2nd, 5th, 7th and 11th days after the event. This blog is mainly full of pictures of the Ganpatis at Sion East, where I stay. Do check them all out. I only wish I had the time to go to the other areas to have darshan of Lord Vigneshwara.

Vignaraja

Vignaraja is dressed like a King with a beautiful turban on his head. 

Vakratunda

Vakratunda is one who guides people into the right paths.

Mayuresh

Mayuresh is Ganpati sitting on a peacock. Well, I thought the name suited this one as there are peacock decorations on the sides.

Gajanana

Gajanana means the elephant-headed God!

Devadeva

Devadeva means Lord of the Lords! And we all know that that's who Lord Ganesha is. Have to mention here that this Murti is from Meena Sadan at Sion. My aunt, uncle and cousins used to live here many years ago.

Balachandra

Balachandra is one who wears the moon on his forehead. Usually Lord Shiva is the one who does this. But in this case, as Ganesha is Shiva's eldest born, He is also called by this name.

Gauridanaya

Gauridanaya means the son of Goddess Parvathi!

Lambodara

Lambodara is the one who has a big belly. I have to mention here that this idol is made from environmental friendly materials only. You can check it out at Prem Sagar at Sion East. It is the same story every year and the Visarjan is on Day 5.

Ekadanta

Ekadanta - the one with only one tusk (the literal meaning being ‘tooth’). The legend goes that the Lord had broken the left one to complete writing the Mahabharata that was being dictated by Sage Veda Vyasar.

Well folks, that makes it a total of Nine pictures of my favourite God. Hope you enjoy seeing them as much I enjoyed taking the pictures and posting them on this blog. 

Film Review: Salman Khan's DABANGG

Cast: Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Vinod Khanna, Sonu Sood, Dimple Kapadia, Sonakshi Sinha
Director: Abinav Kashyap 
 
It was Ganpati Utsav as well as Eid when we went for this film. The theatre was packed and all of us were eager to watch Salman’s latest movie. It has also been released at a time when films have been either low profile or bombing (eg.: We are Family) on a regular basis. That could also have been a reason for the packed theatre. Then again the raving reviews – in Mumbai Mirror, for example, could have been the reason.

The Story: The film opens with the young Chulbul Pandey complaining to his mother (Dimple Kapadia). He is her child by her first husband who had died when Chulbul was barely two years old. Her second husband Pandey (Vinod Khanna) is totally stingy and any expenses he makes are for their son Makki. Chulbul (Salman Khan) grows up with a lot of anger and jealousy for both his stepfather and stepbrother. He adores his mother. While Chulbul becomes a police officer, albeit corrupt, Makki is good for nothing. Chulbul beats up thieves and takes away their loot. While he does use the money for himself, he also helps everyone around him. He jokingly calls himself Robin Hood Pandey.

Makki is in love and as the girl’s father is poor, he steals money from Chulbul to give to the old man so that the stingy Senior Pandey would agree to the wedding. But before things could be taken further, their mother dies and Chulbul is thrown out of his home.

Trouble comes to Chulbul in the form of the evil Cheedi Singh (Sonu Sood) while love blooms for Rajo (Sonakshi Sinha). The rest of the film is all about Chulbul defeating the villain and getting together with the love of his life. Watch the film to see whether his relationship with the other Pandeys gets healed or no.

My Perception: Salman Khan has given a lovely performance. He is his old self in this avatar as Chulbul Pandey and entertains the viewers with his antics. He has lost quite a bit of fat, especially since his debauched look in Wanted. He has done a commendable job – fight sequences, dialogues, song and dance and romance.

Dimple Kapadia was simply amazing, even while her role was not too big. Vinod Khanna and Arbaaz Khan have fulfilled their parts well.

Sonu Sood was excellent in the role of villain. His expressions were just perfect for his role. A special mention has to be made for a couple of scenes – the song sequence by Malaika Arora Khan and the one where he insults Arbaaz Khan.

Newcomer Sonakshi Sinha has done a very good job of her role as Rajo. I was not too impressed with her in the promos. But she is excellent in the film.

Verdict: Most definitely worth a watch, especially if you are a Salman fan.

Rating: ***

* Silly
** Shaky
*** Smart
**** Snazzy
***** Super