Mani Menon

Trying to dovetail two entirely different stories into one frame is at best a daunting task. Mind you, the two stories, on their own, are gripping. But leaping to and fro from flashback to present taxes the viewer! No doubt Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman had given sparkling perfomances. As had surprise package Yogita Bali! In the end, it's the songs that keep the movie afloat. Just about.

I'd been a kid of 13 when I'd seen this movie in Bombay. And, frankly, I hadn't been too impressed. Watching it years later as an adult, I'd been mighty impressed by 'Gumrah' on account of it's unusual story. Everyone in the cast had sparkled in their roles. Especially Shashikala as the ruthless blackmailer who drives Mala Sinha to desperation! She had so rightly deserved that year's Filmfare Award for the Best Supporting Actress! Sahir Ludhianvi had penned such exquisite poetry and music composer Ravi had set them to such sweet melodies! One can watch 'Gumrah' today and thoroughly enjoy it!

'Kudumbavilakku' had begun as a promising serial. Sadly, that seems years ago! Now, the serial has boiled down to wicked Vedhika using every trick in the book to take revenge on Sumithra! Aiding and abetting her in these devious plots is her dyed in the wool wicked mother-in-law. It's another matter that their plans always fail spectacularly! It started with Plan A and, at last count, we've reached Plan N. Wanna bet who's going to emerge with flying colours yet again?!

'Doctor Zhivago' still remains one of the classic movies even after so many decades! Director David Lean's perfect transformation of Boris Pasternak's novel of the same name on to the silver screen was nothing short of a labour of love! And who can forget the stellar star cast of the movie?! Right from Omar Sharif in the titular role, Julie Christie as Lara, his lover, Geraldine Chaplin as Tonya, Zhivago's wife, Rod Steiger as the lecherous Komarovsky and many others had given their very best! Freddie Young's cinematography was top class. And last but certainly not the least, Maurice Jarre's timeless music had contributed considerably to the success of the movie!

One of the best movies with espionage as a background. Ellen Burstyn and Teri Garr are just superb in their roles! As is Alan Bates. A story of two families on a street and the friendship of the two women. A friendship that is stretched to breaking point. and, when it snaps, ugly secrets lying beneath the surface are bared

An unforgettable comedy with never a dull moment! David Niven and Lola Albright were too good as the harried parents of two teenage daughters who're a handful! Chad Everett as David Niven's junior colleague lent a quiet dignity to his role The ending comes as a shocking surprise to David Niven and Lola Albright! And to us too!

A very watchable serial with convincing portrayals by all. Of course, it is Rekha Swaroop as Indira who carries the serial on her shoulders! The latest episode, however, had me thinking: Do Malayalis settled in the US dress like circus clowns when they come to India? What were the director and----more specifically---- the costume designer thinking when they made Indira's daughter and grandson dress so bizarrely? While she is in a miniskirt and cowboy boots, the boy is in----for God's sake---- in a suit and sunglasses! And that too at 2 am?!!!!