Raavan

It may be a coincidence that two Hindi movies based on the two great Indian epics were released in the same month, June 2010. Raajneeti rooted in Mahabharatha and Raavan based on Ramayana. See, even the first letters of their titles are the same.

After being in production for about two years, the two versions of modern day Ramayana was released as Raavan in Hindi and Raavanan in Tamil. The twins were delivered on the same day. The only difference between the two movies is their lead actors.

Those who know the plot of Ramayana, will find nothing new in this newer version. Yes, here the hero is Raavana, instead of Rama. It should have been titled Raavanayana.
The cinematography of the movie is the most noticeable aspect. The climax fight is shot with the perfection of Hollywood standards. The performance of the lead cast is commendable. But, I gave full marks to Vikram, who has done the antagonist and protagonist roles in the two films. A.R. Rahman's music is good.

It can be given a rating of 3/5.

Raajneeti

Raajneeti is a visual treat based on Indian family political business. Although, the characters of Raajneeti are from highly rich families, the protagonists seem to have only one principle: "An eye for an eye".

The film is inspired by two epics: Mahabharatha, which is of ancient Indian origin and Godfather, the modern western novel. Although the basic plot is Mahabharatha, the events are much derived from the Godfather. Some of the characters are from the Indian epic like the illegitimate son, Sooraj Kumar (Ajay Devgan) and others from the Godfather like an aggressive elder brother, Prithviraj Pratap (Arjun Rampal), a younger brother who unwillingly heading to the top of family business, here politics, Samar Pratap (Ranbir Kapoor). The car bomb scene where the characters, Prithviraj Pratap and Sarah (Sarah Thompson) are killed is the same in Coppola's Godfather where Michael's wife is killed by a car bomb.

The film is worth watching for its storyline and performance of actors. All of them have done their parts well. Many of the scenes involve mob, but still they were filmed very neatly.

The film can be given a rating of 3/5.

A Wednesday of a Common Man

A still of the Common Man, portrayed by Naseeruddin Shah from A Wednesday!

It's an non-conventional name for a Bollywood film. This low-budget movie was directed by Neeraj Pandey, a new comer. But the movie is far better than those of celebrated directors. Those who worked in front of the camera and behind it have done their parts well. Perhaps you could find flaws and faults in the movie, but overall, it's truly superb!

The movie recalls an off the records episode happened on a Wednesday in the professional life of Mumbai Police Commissioner Prakash Rathod enliven by Anupam Kher: an uncommon effort by a Common Man (he doesn't have a name) who responds to the terrorism in his country. He don't have big agendas. His philosophy is simple: How will you react to the cockroaches in your house? Will you feed them or kill them instantly? He applies the very same philosophy for those who terrorize his country also. A very natural response from a very common man, but executed with an unusual, well-devised plan.

Every man will have some thing same in their minds, but they cannot execute it. It may seems to be unlawful, but it's the logic.

I think, each and every terrorist should find some time from their busy schedules to watch this movie. They should ponder for atleast for a moment why they are all doing and what they are doing.

Dear terrorists,

Please think for a moment from the view point of a Common Man. Then you will understand what you are doing.

Bollywood from Hollywood

A lot of Bollywood movies are lifted, to say more euphemistically, inspired from the Hollywood movies. A list of such movies can be seen here. This may not be a exhaustive list, but gives you an idea, how much is original and how much is inspired.