Sonntag, 24. Juni 2012

When Calena Saw Teri Meri Kahaani - Twice





If you're the kind of person who doesn't like to read long blog posts, here is my verdict on Teri Meri Kahaani in a nutshell:

Tremendously entertaining and funny, heart breaking
and romantic, with superb acting performances there is never a dull moment. Go
watch it and forget the world around you for 2 plus hours. 


Prologue:

As soon as the release date for Teri Meri Kahaani got
confirmed, I called up my best friend to tell her to save the date. She isn't a
Bollywood fan, nor does she understand Hindi and her English isn't that good
either (the subtitles are in English). Still, she agreed to accompany me for
two reasons: 1) she loves me and 2) she likes Shahid (she calls him "the
young, hot one" to distinguish him from the only other Bollywood actor she
knows, SRK, whom she doesn't like.)



With a babysitter for her son organised, nothing could
go wrong. Then she phoned me a couple of weeks prior to the release date and
told me a work thingie had come up and she couldn't make it that weekend. I
panicked! So I basically begged a co-worker/friend to come with me (who also
doesn't understand Hindi and doesn't know English that well). She agreed to,
because she likes dancing in all forms and I promised her great music and
picturisation (music wasn't out at that time, but I had faith :) )

Then my other friend called, telling me she could make
it on 23rd. Which led to me seeing Teri Meri Kahaani twice - and I loved it!

My tickets for 22nd and 23 for a cinema in Vienna.
Both my friends really liked the movie and loved the music. Interestingly both
liked Mukhtasar the best. 





My friend announced that she was so impressed by TMK,
she will from now on accompany me on the road trip to Vienna to see every one
of Shahid's future movies (the reason I didn't just go alone is there's a road
trip involved, and driving in Vienna alone when you don't know your way around
is really no fun).


 Here is my mainly spoiler free review of Teri Meri Kahaani





The tagline "Thrice Upon A Love Story" tells  you exactly what you get when watching Teri Meri Kahaani. Seeing three different love stories portrayed by the same actors is refreshing, but I won't lie - I'd have loved to watch a feature length movie on every of these jodis, most especially of course of the 1910 era.



Teri Meri Kahaani has not a single dull moment. Right
from the start it displays an entertaining kind of humour (happy to say the
slapsticky portions that often annoy the heck out of me in Indian films are
kept to a minimum). Watching the respective couples falling in love with each
other puts a smile on your face. When it goes wrong for them, it breaks your
heart. Interestingly none of the three characters Shahid plays are flawless.
Every one of them does things that are more than a bit questionable (and
interestingly enough Javed is not the one who was the most morally questionable
one out of the three). But this only serves to give the characters depth and
makes their respective story arch more interesting. 

Also, while I couldn't imagine how it would work, the
order of the eras in the movie 1960
-2012-1910 was a wise decision.

While I loved all three eras, of course I liked 1910
best. I was a Jaanatic (the term comes from a combinations of Shanatic, Javed and Jaan [picture and explanation via @lsa_kehr])




from the very first picture lovely Parull posted on twitter.

I want a spin off feature length movie with Javed and
Aradhana. 


All three endings were brilliant, I loved the climax.
Again, I loved 1910 the most. I just melted at the Javed&Aradhana story
conclusion. The way Javed defies social norms in true hero style! The 1960s
ending seemed a bit rushed. While in the other two eras the motives of the
characters are clear, I'm wondering about what exactly led to the 1960s
decision.

The performances were superb, as was to be expected.
Shahid and Priyanka make you forget reality for two plus hours. Once again
Shahid proves his versatility as an actor. The way he conveys emotions with
just a simple look is divine. It's such a pleasure to watch this passionate
actor at work. And needless to say, Shahid looks sizzling hot as Javed (the
hair! OMG, the HAIR!), super cute as Govind and very handsome as Krish. Priyanka
convinces in all three roles and my god, is she beautiful! The much discussed
chemistry between Shahid and Priyanka sets the screen ablaze.

The music and picturisations were brilliant. I mean,
Humse Pyaar Kar Le Tu, Allah Jaane and Jabse Mere Dil Ko Uff on the big screen,
OMG!







Cinematography was impressive. So many beautiful shots, a feast for your eyes!

Go and watch Teri Meri Kahaani on the big screen, people!

Now I'm discussing details of the movies with MAJOR

SPOILERS! DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU HAVE WATCHED THE MOVIE!!!!!!






Govind was just so very cute. And looked quite attractive, I have to say, but don't tell Mahezabeen I said said :D But the way he led on Prachi's character, that was just mean. I've heard people say (points at Mahez) that he wasn't aware that she would fall in love with him, but how did he think Prachi would interpret it when he freaking took her hand! I know, I know, he just did it to throw off the paparazzi, but still not nice to use someone like that. As I said above, I'm not sure about the 1960 ending - why did Ruksar decide to come back to Govind? She had a talk with her friend, what
happened there? "The dude used me, but he really loves you and you love him, so go get him"?


Oh, the pillar scenes in Jabse! UFF!





I just loved the Don reference "It's not difficult to understand Meera, it's impossible" The whole cinema laughed out loud at that one. It was so much fun to witness Shahid channel his inner
Ross with "but we broke up"! Nice Friends reference. 

The Facebook war made clear Krish is no angel, that's such an asshole thing to do, even though he didn't start it. Which is why I just want to give Kunal a hug for having Radha react in such a realistic way to it. 


Awww, Krish!
 The girls are like alcohol speech was fun and touching. I also really liked the 2012 ending.






I loved how Javed made fun of the Brits. And did he have a mother-daughter 3some? LOL One night with Javed makes a British noble girl laugh in her father's face when she gets caught with an Indian village boy! Naturally, who wouldn't be happy after spending the night with him. And how sweet and funny that Javed said a shayeri for her in English! Javed's character arc was definitely the best out of the three - from pretending to be interested in the protest movement to cowardly hiding only to be caught and then to full heartedly throwing himself into the quest of impressing Aradhana. How my heart broke for him when Aradhana's father told him "Did you really think I'd marry her to someone like you?".  I forgive him his womanising ways, because he really fell in love with Aradhana and the way he said "Then I will marry her four times" was breathtaking and so romantic and tugged my
heartstrings. The whole Javed Shaadi scenes were so intense (at some close ups I just wanted to reach out and touch Javed's face. And run my fingers through his hair. *longing sigh*) Though when his dad said "You have to marry Mumtaz first, then take her as second wife, you can marry four times" I
had to laugh. How great was Priyanka when she came to see Javed before his marriage!


I love you, too, Javed!

 In your face, dad of Aradhana who thought he wasn't good enough for her (not that I can objectively blame him, but still :P). 




I don't understand critics' problems about all three love stories having a happy ending. If these 2 characters married at one point with the Hindu ritual, meaning they'll spend seven life times together, logically all 3 love stories need to have a happy ending (I had a twitter discussion with Aashi on this, and J&A can't be the first reincarnation, they probably didn't have the Hindu ritual, did they? Also, can anyone tell me if the 7 life times are 7 consecutive ones?).

Also some critics say the love stories are not connected. Did they miss Ruksar and Aradhana' love for berries, Aradhana saying UFF at one point and that Javed, Govind and Krish are connected by having girl troubles?

In conlcuison: I love Teri Meri Kahaani, it overfulfilled my high expectations and I am a proud Shanatic, hamesha!


(Screenshots owned by Eros International)

9 Kommentare:

  1. I enjoyed reading your review. :) I still have to fully decide how I feel about it, but I think my main problem was that I didn't feel there was any point to the plot - I like the concept of 3 stories in theory, but I guess in that case there's no time to develop each story properly, and you're stuck with just random scenes. I don't think they were disconnected per se, just that I would have rather seen each story as a film on its own - especially 1910 - because in fitting the 3 together, there was no time to develop each story, and hence little time to develop the characters and relationships - so it wasn't as easy to connect with them and feel them.

    Having said that, it was an enjoyable film! 1910 was brilliant, now that should be a movie on its own... the characters were brilliant and I connected most with their relationship, though I did find the ending of that story a tad convenient.

    Shahid was fantastic. Very good in all his roles. The moment that stuck out the most was in the 2012 era, when he and PC are at a restaurant sharing beers, and she's talking on and on... his expressions at that point are hilarious, as is the way he quickly exchanges their beers (and later manages to steal 2 more beers). SO perfect and natural. And as Javed he just stole my heart. His best acting was in that era - he totally embraced the character and was very, very convincing (I thought he'd be most convincing as Krish, since that's the easiest for him to relate to... but boy did he dazzle as Javed).

    So overall, worth it. Post-interval portions the best. Found it a little slow in the beginning; thought the 1960 portion was a bit boring and I didn't feel interested in that love story. Other two were good, though. :)

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    1. hank you, thank you, thank you! You're the very first person to write a comment on my blog! MUAH!

      But what is the point of any love story, other than people falling in love, facing difficulties of some sort and finally ending up together? I see Teri Meri Kahaani as a collection of short stories as opposed to a 800 pages novel. It was a different concept, and I'm said it didn't work at the BO.

      Having said that, yes of course I would have loved 2 hours of Javed! :)And I agree, hubby dying was really very nice of him. LOL
      But I don't care, the "marry her 4 times" line was the epitome of romance!

      I didn't like the 1960 ending and I felt it was the most rushed of the 3 eras, maybe that's why you weren't interested, it should have been fleshed out a little more. The star-strugglind novice premise was very interesting, imo.

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  2. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You're the very first person to write a comment on my blog! MUAH!

    But what is the point of any love story, other than people falling in love, facing difficulties of some sort and finally ending up together? I see Teri Meri Kahaani as a collection of short stories as opposed to a 800 pages novel. It was a different concept, and I'm said it didn't work at the BO.

    Having said that, yes of course I would have loved 2 hours of Javed! :)And I agree, hubby dying was really very nice of him. LOL
    But I don't care, the "marry her 4 times" line was the epitome of romance!

    I didn't like the 1960 ending and I felt it was the most rushed of the 3 eras, maybe that's why you weren't interested, it should have been fleshed out a little more. The star-strugglind novice premise was very interesting, imo.

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  3. its well written review calena :) teri meri kahani is a wonderful movie n i agree that ending of 1960 wasnt that much proper but as a whole the movie is worth to watch :)

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    1. Thank you for commenting!
      I'm very sad it didn't do well in India, it's an entertaining movie.

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  4. Thank you for commenting!
    I'm very sad it didn't do well in India, it's an entertaining movie.

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  5. You know Calena,I have been wanting to read this TMK review of yours since so long!So much so,that I kept it open in a separate tab,I didn't want to forget.Finally got to read it,here is what I feel:
    1. I was actually going to tweet you Shanatics the other day,but for one reason or the other,couldn't.
    I went to this cafe a couple of days from watching Teri Meri Kahaani,and picked up the newspaper.It was 'Hindustan Times',used to be,or still is,I guess the most read newspaper in Delhi/NCR,though it is also read all over India.Basically,one of the most popular newspapers in the country.As I reached the entertainment and movies section,it gave a single line review of every movie that was playing.
    TMK review said,three separate stories,however,only one is with a proper ending.We recommend you to skip this flick!I was shocked!I knew that not all critics were giving the movie good reviews,but this was downright nasty.Besides,which of these three stories did they think was the only one to have a good ending?In my opinion,both 1960s and 1910 had a good ending,2012 was a little odd(We will come to that later) ,but then again,opinions vary.Like how you did not like the 1960 ending,and Priyanka getting in train with Shahid.
    2. "I've heard people say (points at Mahez) that he wasn't aware that she would fall in love with him, but how did he think Prachi would interpret it when he freaking took her hand!" I second Mahez!He didn't know that Prachi was falling for him,besides,he did not flirt with her even for a minute.From the very beginning,he was only drawn to Rukhsar.Actually,Rukhsar was more drawn to Govind,hehe.
    As far as grabbing Prachi's hand was concerned to get rid of paparazzi,I just think you are reading too much into it.Not very positive,I agree,but I would not go to the extent of saying that he 'Used' her.
    Personally,surprising,but I liked the 1960s era more than any other era in the film!
    3. "The Facebook war made clear Krish is no angel, that's such an asshole thing to do, even though he didn't start it. Which is why I just want to give Kunal a hug for having Radha react in such a realistic way to it." (@_@) (O_O) (0_0) Ummm..Are you serious?LOL
    In fact,this was one of the most weird things that happened in the movie,as per me.Radha reacted that way,and I exclaimed,"This is so strange!"
    Now I know,I know,I know!You must be thinking that the only reason I am supporting Krish is because he is a guy.Not true!To be very honest,if Krish was the one who started this online war and Meera joined in,I would have put all blame on Krish,none on Meera!I mean,if one of the partners is doing something so cheap,how is the other supposed to react?Besides,I apologize,but I am against the idea of respecting women when they can treat men like crap.Let us not forget that she was the one who broke up with him earlier publicly.
    4. I personally think that the 2012 story line was not very powerful,it was pretty hurried and rushed.I also found it hard to believe that Meera,the same person who publicly broke up/humiliated Krish,and started that online war,said "So sweet!" in the end and took a picture of him and Radha.
    5. All in all,the 1910 era was very nice.Flawless!Very difficult to find any faults with it.
    6. "Also, can anyone tell me if the 7 life times are 7 consecutive ones?" Will have a discussion on Twitter with you about this,if you have not had one with someone yet.

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  6. 7. "Also some critics say the love stories are not connected. Did they miss Ruksar and Aradhana' love for berries, Aradhana saying UFF at one point and that Javed, Govind and Krish are connected by having girl troubles?" I guess the trouble is,critics look for substance in every movie.Not all movies are like that.Some are just light hearted and fun,and may not make as much logic as a murder mystery.TMK is one of them!How can three different stories have a common plot?!
    So,my long comment is complete,hehe.Thank you for writing this review Calena,it is wonderful to learn what do friends feel about a movie.

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    1. First off, Fahad, thank you so much for reading and commenting! I appreciate it! MUAH!
      Stupid Hindustan Times! German BW mag Ishq gave it 7.5 of 10. (They gave Ishqahaazade only 6).

      I still uphold my wary stance about the handholding. I mean, was it common for boys and girls to just hold hands out of platonic friendship in the 60s in India? I know that Govind wanted to throw the paparazzo off - so he exactly knew how it would come across! He could have spared a second to think how Prachi's character would interpret it. But ok, I forgive him, he does look like Shahid after all. LOL

      Meera was a bitch, granted. Krish could still have taken the high road - that he didn't is probably pretty realistic, but if I was in Radha's place I would have reacted exactly the same (about the pic war, not about the "broken up two hours ago" - here I disagree. I could never understand Rachel's problem in Friends when Ross slept with someone else. They were on a BREAK! lol) It's not so much about treating a woman with respect just for being a woman - this motion is as ill conceived as treating someone with respect just because they are religious - but it's more about not stooping to the same level. But yes, Krish didn't start it, good point, so I forgive him, too :D

      What pisses me off, excuse my French, is that no one seeks for substance in a Salman Khan movie!!!! And I still say while TMK is no Oskar contender, it has more substance than a lot of stupid rom coms!

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