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Eeb Allay Oo

Satyajit Ray’s magic is at work in this 1970 movie, while he tells a story about how four friends take a weekend off from their city lives and go to a jungle, and how their city-bred selves come to re-examine themselves in these new settings. All characters are beautifully fleshed out, but the ones to watch especially are Soumitra Chatterjee and Sharmila Tagore. There is this scene when the group plays a memory game, which shows Ray’s expert and innovative camera work, and also the tense interaction between the characters. (YouTube)

Placebo

A hard-hitting documentary which explores the dark alleys of the mental landscape of students in the premier and unarguably the most coveted medical college of India - AIIMS. With candid camera work and some animation too, the director Abhay Kumar introduces viewers to the extremely highpressure situation which college students face and some even take the unfortunate way out, of suicide. The film tracks the college lives of four students, one of whom is the younger brother of the director himself. This 2014 movie was a much-acclaimed film. (Mubi)

NAYAK

This is such a charming nugget of a movie! A bittersweet tale of an entirely unseen Delhi of migrants and monkeys, which many of us won’t even know exists. Each frame shines with such beautiful and fresh cinematography. The icing on the cake, nay, the cake actually, is consummate acting by all. This 2020 film by Prateek Vats is to be watched for its sensitive portrayal of migrants' lives in Delhi and their hopes and tribulations. It is a sure-shot winner if you are looking for some sensitive “hat ke” film.

(Netflix, 2020)

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 20

Uttam Kumar and Sharmila Tagore star in this 1966 film by the master Satyajit Ray. Uttam Kumar plays himself, well sort of because he plays a film actor and a superstar. He travels on a train to Delhi to collect an award and during the journey meets Sharmila Tagore, a journalist who is not much conversant with his work and his fame too. The movie is about how these two diverse people interact with each other, both from the vantage points in their respective lives. Ray is a master at exploring interactions between personalities and here too it is a treat to watch on the screen. (YouTube)

Limiting some items from your diet will have a positive effect on your health. There is much to achieve today and you will find yourself up to it. Academic front seems favourable. You are likely to buy something you have been longing for.

LEO

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Financial front remains rosy and promises to bring in gains. Good professional guidance may become the key to further your career. A family member may make you proud with an achievement. Spending time with friends is possible. Some of you may decide to take your romance.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 22

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 20

Your bank balance is likely to swell and make you financially secure. Buying something expensive for the house is indicated. Responsibilities are likely to increase manifold. Those feeling lethargic and unwell may get back on the path to perfect health.

VIRGO

AUG 24 - SEP 23

Someone’s good advice will help in making the right decisions on the academic front. Things start looking up on the health front as you manage to remain regular in your workouts.Some of you can book tickets to someplace exotic.Overall health remains perfect.

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 - JAN 20

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUNE 21

A 1966 Hrishikesh Mukherjee film with the fun quotient up there at the top. Mehmood, Biswajeet and Keshto have done exceedingly well. Laugh riot with such melodious songs, it is a proper afternoon entertainment. A situational comedy with males in drag, this movie must surely have proven inspiring for a whole bunch of movies thereafter, even today. (YouTube)

Notturno

This was a documentary I caught by chance on Mubi, the digital streaming platform which shows a curated collection of acclaimed movies from all over the world. I didn’t know what to expect but once I started watching, it caught me by the scruff of my neck and I could not get up without finishing it. It is a kaleidoscope of stark, haunting shots of the aftermath of the warlike life people are leading in areas of Lebanon, Iraq, Kurdistan & Syria. With minimal dialogue and no voiceover even, the characters (real, all of them) tell their story with their mostly vacant eyes and mechanical lives. There are the scenes of families dealing with the loss of life and money and continual tension, of their dilapidated homes, of men and women - as desperate citizens and resigned soldiers and parents and wage earners. Made by Giafranco Rosi, this seems like a collage of shots- breathtakingly beautiful and inconsolably sad at the same time. (Mubi)

Family issues that are leading to disputes are likely to be resolved amicably. There is a chance of somebody taking you along for a function or a party. Keeping track of something or someone may prove an uphill task. Your standing in your circle is likely to get a boost.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 - OCTOBER 22

You may want things differently on the domestic front, but will need to convince others about your ideas. A break from the routine is indicated and will give you time to do things you were not getting time. Change of season requires you to take good care of your health.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 - FEB 19

Cancer

JUNE 22 - JULY 23

Problems faced on the financial front are likely to disappear.Something may keep you from realizing your full potential on the academic front. A practical solution may be found for a complex problem at work. Those in love will feel much closer now, than before.

Scorpio

OCT 23 - NOVEMBER 22

Something new may be acquired for the home by homemakers. An initiative on the health front is likely to give rich dividends. Those involved in a project will be able to give a good account of themselves. You despise is likely to turn over a new leaf, so let bygones be bygones.

Pisces

FEB20 - MARCH 20

KHUSHBU, Model

You will succeed in wriggling out of a tight financial situation by curbing wasteful expenditure. An outing with family promises much fun. Prepare well for a long journey, if you want to travel comfortably. Shifting to a new house or a new city cannot be ruled out for some.

This is a positive day that proves special for some. Meditate to embark on a new spiritual journey. You will be able to regain lost ground on the academic front to come at par with the rest. Excellent showing at work will get you hand-picked for an important assignment.

Something being organised on the social front may get you totally involved. Expect immediate returns from the investments made by you. Workload is likely to increase on the professional front. This is a fine day on the financial front. Good understanding and mutual respect is likely to enhance.

Going the extra mile for someone will be greatly appreciated by all. Someone may not agree to your terms but that should not affect your productivity. You will get a chance to tap your potential on the professional front and impress those who matter.