Buzzing Blogosphere: What to watch this weekend?

To catch up with different movies/shows is not possible during the week. Weekend is the only time we get to sit back and enjoy some time in front of the screen, big or small. But, when some of us decide what to watch, we are so spoiled for choice. It is mainly because of the number of shows and movies that get accumulated during the week(s). So here at today’s Buzzing Blogosphere, we have narrowed your weekend-watch to three choices – Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ahalya, and TVF Pitchers. We are providing you valuable reviews from our bloggers to help you glide through the decision making. Also, don’t forget to check our WOW – Write Over the Weekend section for this weekend!

So what to watch? Let’s start with option numero uno!

For all those movie buffs and Bhai-lovers out there, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a great movie to watch. The excitement for the movie was brimming up as it was set to be released during Eid.

The excitement even after watching the movie is visible. As Prateek Bajaj states on his blog, “It isn’t quite often, when you get so mesmerised by a movie, that the scenes keep coming back to your mind, long after you’ve actually watched it! And Neither is it often, that you find tears rolling down your eyes, while watching a movie!”

Although, you may think the movie is centered around Bhai, but it isn’t. The entrance of Harshali Malhotra was extremely awaited by the audience. She became everyone’s favourite with her character of a Pakistani girl, in this film. Here is what Meetu has to say,

“It does help that Bajrangi Bhaijaan doesn’t have the usual trappings of a Salman Khan film – the smart-aleckry, the action sequences, the signature Salman expressions – basically, Bajrangi Bhaijaan doesn’t have an overdose of Salman Khan.

In fact, if someone were to ask me what the film is about, I’d first say loving solution to India-Pakistan border issues. Then little Harshaali Malhotra, the child actress, who knows a thing or two about acting already. And only then would I think of it as a Salman Khan film.” 

Kalpesh Prajapati adds to the point by explaining the structure of the movie, “This movie takes you back to the 90’s style of story-telling which means a lot of time is invested in showing the background of lead characters in the first half and the actual story picks up only in the second half with the whole action/drama left for the climax.”

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is also another charming aspect about the movie. His acting skills came out really well and much appreciated by audience like Kajal of Movie Masala, “Nawazuddin Siddiqui is an artiste par excellence. He lights up the screen with his delightful presence. He justifies every frame and his effortless dialogue delivery is endearing.”

GyanBan summarizes the movie experience aptly,

“Kabir Khan can you just give yourself a pat on the back for managing to pull off this colossally impossible love story? The audience sat through all of 2 hours and 35 mins, and laughed,cried and clapped to many scenes. Nawazuddin Siddique you did what Sunny Deol did in Damini second half. Impact and how. This is a performance for keeps.Take a bow. Harshaali Malhotra did her best under superb camera guidance and character sketch.”

If you can’t spare time to watch a Bollywood movie, then we’d suggest you watch the TVF Pitchers.

TVF Pitchers has definitely been making a mark on the Internet! A web-series which portray the life of the current generation. It is a refreshing break from overly-dramatic Indian television.

Anurag Singh has explained it well, “The characters are amazing. Each one gives a distinct vibe as each one is there to play a different role in the startup organization. Although on the surface they all might look similar as young enthusiastic people who despite having jobs want to make a name for themselves (As Bhati said,“Tu Kya Hai”). With such characters one could easily connect and become a part of their troubles as they struggle between their startup and keeping their jobs. The music was simply outstanding. “

TVF Pitchers comes with great background music, especially for us Indians who have had to put up with terrible background music in Indian television. The characters and the dialogues are extremely relatable and make the viewer yearn for more. Just like Neelesh has written on his blog, “Be it smart dialogues like “Har IT wala Banda Jab apni Job se frustrate ho jata hai to bahar nikalne ke sirf do hi raste sochta hai, ek to IAS ya fir startup” or the “tu beer hai” 🙂

Be it the smart characterization like that of Navin who is the DRIVER of the events or that of Jeetu who is the same old fattu unsecure Genius we all have with us.”

Overall the channel has consistently done a brilliant job in portraying Indian lives and their creativity is extremely commendable. Himanshu at Geeky Byte has explained our thoughts about the channel correctly, “TVF has never failed to deliver. It  is  trusted when it comes to ‘original online TV series’ as it connects well with the mindset of the Indian Youth. It brings out their lives, dreams and aspirations in a beautiful, funny, and spot on manner. Pitchers is yet another milestone for the TVF team.”

Now, if you are so busy that you can’t even spare time to watch TVF Pitchers, then do watch the 14-minute movie Ahalya.

This movie is based on a story from Ramayana, with a feminist twist. Sujoy Ghosh, the director of the movie, has played the right strings with the Indian audience and taken up a mythological story to attract them. Deepak at Cinecelluloid has complimented the director, “Indian director Ghosh who came to fame for his last directed suspense-thriller “Kahaani” has yet again proved his mettle with this 14-minute Bengali language short film “Ahalya”. For all of us in India or who are at least aware of Hindu mythology can very well link this film with the character in Hindu mythology Ramayan.”

Since it is about a mythological story make sure you are aware of which story the movie is based upon. Otherwise you may end up being lost. Without giving away much about the end, Reshma has given the same advice for us before we watch the movie Ahalya, “The suspense is maintained till the end. In fact the climax was something I never imagined. However the end left me confused and asking for more. But let me tell you , I understood the story after googling about Ahalya’s story . So in order to actually understand , one needs to have a fairly good grip on mythical stories , failing which one would have been confused like me .”

Ghosh’s Ahalya is a bolder version of the mythological Ahalya. Deepanjana says, “Ghosh’s retelling appears to be a “bold”, modern version – an Ahalya who doesn’t melodramatically weep because she’s had sex with a man other than her husband; an Ahalya with a touch of evil in her.”

Bhumika has critiqued the modern society’s view of Ahalya and Inder, “However, many changes has evolved with time but some concepts, myths and realities will never change. Our modern contemporary society has evolved to many heights, but the reality of adultery and infidelity can never take a turn. Be it Ahalya or Inder (a man or woman), the very essence and concept of being infidel will remain like it was ages before. A person when gives up his loyalty and faithfulness, gets fixed into a mental cage.”

Senthil Nathan S described the movie in four simple words, “A Subtle.. Sublime.. Scary.. short.“

Hope you enjoy your weekend! Let us know which one you watched and post your reviews in comments. We’d love to hear from you!