Tryst with truth

“I conceived this story with you in my mind sir. Only you of all heroes could do justice to the script. ” There was an emphasis on HEROES. The director was narrating a script to the “_______ Star” (the industry had dried up all the adjectives even before Yuvaraj could make a foray into films).

“Hmm, and who do you suggest do the female lead?” That was the first time Yuvaraj opened his mouth during the 1 hour story discussion. There wasn't much of a scope for the leading ladies in all his movies except to shake a leg here and wipe a tear there. But he got to choose the gorgeous ladies and he couldn’t think of a heroine who he hasn’t paired with.

“Divya”. The last time you did a movie together, you scorched the screen. I have booked her call sheet for the next 2 months.

Yuvaraj couldn’t suppress his smile. He had enjoyed a good relationship with her on and off the sets.

He affirmed to do this movie. This was the first time after attaining a star status he had signed a movie without a prior knowledge of the full script. He was read only his part and those necessary for him to complete his part. His star power was waning and his last couple of movies bombed bringing down the movie producers to their knee. This was a sort of comeback vehicle. But what made him fall for this director was he was about to break his image and sport a new guise. Now the press would have to stop smirking at him which he hadn’t experienced since his formative years as an upcoming hero.

1 week later, the muhurat of the movie was attended by who’s who of the filmdom. Anybody who got a chance at the stage predicted this to be a blockbuster of the year and wished the team success. When it was time for director, he made his speech crisp and to the point.

“The story and the concept is entirely new, you would see a new treatment meted out. You are going to appreciate this. I guarantee you would never have seen this kind of a movie either in Bollywood or in the Hollywood. I hope the plot doesn’t get leaked.”

After the function, Yuvaraj was nowhere to be seen in the public. He shunned invitations to all the functions citing his guise had to be kept under wraps. The director didn’t give a hint of the storyline when queried and was playing his cards close to his chest. These little things led to a big expectation among the masses and this movie became the most talked about in the industry.

Once the post-production was completed, the director and Yuvaraj invited the press and arranged for a preview show. The audience’s face registered surprise when the hero skidded into a not unusual introduction. From then, till the title cards rolled, silence reigned and lights had to be switched on to bring the audience out of trance. They were thoroughly mesmerized. They just had one question for Yuvaraj.

“Was that really you?”

“Yes” quipped Yuvaraj. He was on cloud nine.

They appreciated his subtlety in makeover. He was clean shaven throughout the movie as against stubble that he wore every time. As if that wasn’t enough, he had parted his hair from right instead from left. You don’t call that cunning. Will you?

The next day, review on Page 3:

THE DIRECTOR KEEPS HIS PROMISE

This movie is yet another all star ensemble to bring back the crowd

to the theatres. This director is a man of his words for he has been so

secretive about the story that we are kept guessing about that even

after the end of the movie...............................

So(a)phisticated Telly

                The moment I switched on the television yesterday, a promo of a new soap opera (mega serial) was in play. This was during another soap aired between the commercials. I realized that it had been a decade since this serial marked its debut. Gosh! Think of 5 days a week for full 10 years. The director should have been abundantly talented to have hooked the whole of one state and keep them engrossed. May be we should look at the flip side of that coin. People have been living a decadent life of excessive obsession on soaps J. This indicates their consent to be fooled, mocked by and enabling the television studios and directors to thrive on staple concepts to rake in the moolah.

One of the successful directors of soaps did try his hand in wielding the megaphone with barrage of reviews notwithstanding, packed the movie with verbiage and handing visitation to patrons of the movie, if there was ever one. His vicissitude deterred the aspiring directors riding on the small screen bandwagon to follow his footsteps thereby showering mercy to the celluloid.

Briefly put, the 1 liner of all soaps would be women empowerment and there could never be a bigger goof up. The characters sketched and portrayed would make the modern day women cringe. Thinking of serials, I could recall few ranting I was subjected to witness albeit I wasn’t interested. To list a few:

(a)    Having completed one of my class X board exams, I was duly welcomed home by my granny with abuses directed toward the “Fit for nothing” villain who could have easily stolen the “Worst actor of the year” award trying his best to emote. However he did get his acknowledgement for his performance from my granny.

(b)   It was during one of the festivities at the temple did I hear the rumbling of 2 old women comparing notes on how the artists were performing and the direction where the story was headed concluding that a status quo was being maintained for the last 6 months.. gaw........

(c)    A one soap experienced artist reprised a small role of hero’s sidekick in celluloid and a group of women in the theatre seated in the row in front started referring by his debut screen name and reiterated how bad he is. (Note: not was.)

                I can only wonder why these enactments are taken seriously and discussed/dissected and spoil the mood surrounding them. A word of caution to those portraying archetypical villainy, stay indoors and do not get caught in the midst of ever emotionally empathizing viewers of your own soaps for they are more virulent than you appear to be on screen and gleefully ostracize you.

                It hath been my own volition or rather men’s nature that we aren’t glued to these serials. Back from the past, I am fortunate enough that I haven’t been interacting with people who consume serials as elixir for the last few years but I promise I have no notion that the situation would have improved and we have 2500+ episodes to second my opinion. When would this era end? Possibly not for another decade I suppose. 

Penalty Kick

A full 90 minutes of play could not bring out a result in the final play off between the rival school teams with score tied 0-0. The rivalry dated back a few decades when they were yet to make a reputation. The match was being held at the corporation grounds and the atmosphere was electrifying. It was the most anticipated event and was being played out to a sell out crowd.

Yuvaraj’s dream of representing the state seemed to be on the verge of materializing for he had shown a tremendous skill and precision over the last few matches. However, he was a bit off colour on the day when it mattered most. His shoulders sagged and looked toward his school supporters over the bleachers. He could hear them chanting his name. They pinned their hopes on Yuvaraj to deliver as he had been menacing the opposition defence. His eyes roved around to find Divya and there she was with her group smiling and gesturing at him. He had badly wanted her to be his girl friend and he knew if he wins this game, she was his’.

He had his chance in the first half but could not convert a cross from his midfielder and hit over the bars. The game progressed to the injury time of 4 minutes. Yuvaraj led the attack, piercing the midfielders and the defenders and his team’s ball possession and control was just good. With 1 minute for the final whistle he got into the D only to be tackled by their left back. The referee didn’t miss the act and awarded a penalty kick.

After a brief huddle, Yuvaraj came forward to take his kick. He was sweating profusely and was nervous as he knew he could seal the fate of the game by taking this shot. He would become a hero in his school and would be rewarded aptly and loads of appreciations to follow. He would be a sensation. Waking from the dream he concentrated and was waiting for the referee’s signal – whistle. The referee blew the whistle and it was muted by a roar from the audience and he stepped to shoot the ball.......... woke up startled.....getting kicked.... with his mom by his side and an alarm still ringing.

“Oh! Mom, I was just a second away from scoring a goal and we would have won the cup. ”

“You were about to hit a six last week and this time around a goal eh?”

“Mom, you have this uncanny timing of waking me up.”

“Can I ask you something?  What is the difference between an isotope and an isomer?”

“Err....... ”

“With barely a month for exams you are thoroughly lagging behind and dreaming things untenable by all means. For god sake grow up yuv and stop watching all those nonsense movies. Now make up your bed and get yourself ready. Don’t make your dad come up and whip you.”

During lunch he could not help listening to what Divya and her friend was chatting as he was sitting behind them.

Her friend asked, “Hey! Did you watch the match between India and Australia yesterday?”

“No, I was watching soap and I don’t miss even a single episode of all soaps.” Divya beamed with unsolicited pride. “I don’t worry much about sports. I hear the matches are fixed and they just play it out for the audience.”

“Not all matches are fixed but yeah, matches were fixed in the past but I don’t think that’s recurring.”

“Tell me; are Soccer and Football the same sport?”

“Grrr..............” Yuvaraj was stupefied.