The Brew July 2012.

www.thebrewmagazine.com

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 1

2 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 3

CINEMA, MUSIC & ART WITH THE

EDITOR’S NOTE

Design 01 Mihir Ranganathan 02 Sibiraj Bastin 03 Ajay Kumar 01

Picking up the baton from the last issue, we are back with a refreshing take on the world of theatre.

Its intriguing features are waiting to be read in the articles on the famous hotels near well known theatres, its fascinating impact on the big screen and the musicals and a lot more.

02

03 Editorial Team 04 Poornima Nair 05 Abhinav KrishnasWamy 06 Amrutha Anandanathan 07 Zayn Marie Khan

04

05

06

07 Operations 08 Jai Kumananthaa Raaja

The cover story is all you read to know about the hot and happening movie Gangs of Wasseypur, the latest venture of director Anurag Kashyap. In a separate interview, he opens up detailing why he surprised many who expected an encore from the stable of mythology mixed with fiction.

Also featured is the biggest hollywood blockbuster in India yet, the very recent Amazing Spider Man. The moolah it raked in is truly “amazing”. We thought that the very existence of good depends on the presence of the evil. Hence, a feature on the character Dr. Curt Connors or simply The Lizard. It is an interesting co-incidence that the spoof of another superhero, The Superman, is also making waves this year. Catch up with its Director Faiza Ahmad Khan to know more.

08

09

Circulation & Sales 09 Seeman Ezhumalai

BRAND PARTNER

Just as their song “Breaking the Habit”, ever since their band was formed, Linkin Park has experimented with different genres and is now out with their latest album, Burn It Down. Also featured under the Music section is the musical conversation between a father and a son. Read to find out why it is musical.

Back to brewing the next issue.

Until then, keep sipping!

Sameer Bharat Ram Editor www.thebrewmagazine.com

FOLLOW US>// http://www.facebook.com/ thebrewmagazine

4 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

TO ADVERTISE: Call: +91 98409 39339 e-mail: info@thebrewmagazine.com

The Brew takes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material. All PHOTOGRAPHS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED ARE USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSE ONLY.

Edited and Published by Sameer Bharat Ram, and owned by SM BrandMuni Consulting Pvt. Ltd, Published from No.609, Lakshmi Bhavan, Anna salai, Mount Road, Chennai - 600 002. Tel.: +91 44 4208 9392.

Printed by K. Srinivasan at Srikals Graphics pvt, Ltd, No.5, Balaji Nagar, 1st street, Ekkattuthangal, Chennai - 600 032.

Editor: Sameer Bharat Ram

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 5

CONTRIBUTORS AND ADVISORY BOARD Sethumadhavan.N Sethumadhavan. N holds an MBA from XLRI-Jamshedpur and has a background in the FMCG & Retail sectors. It was while leading the editorial team at PassionForCinema.com ( a popular movie portal that’s now defunct ) that Sethu realized that his true passion was Cinema and everything connected to it, including the business side of it.

Currently based in Mumbai, Sethu works in the education sector and also runs www.madaboutmoviez.com, a portal dedicated to Indie/Small films, Regional Cinema and World Cinema. Sethu has also been associated with filmmaking workshops and film festivals.

Venket Ram Venket Ram is a leading Indian celebrity & fashion photographer, who has shot principal photography stills for several notable films as well as portfolios. He quit his engineering studies to work with cinematographers for a while, then joined a course in Visual Communication at Loyola College. After that, he worked with photographer Sharad Haksar and in 1993, started his own studio. He recently released the first two editions of his annual calendars in 2011 and 2012 with an overwhelming response.

Kavita Baliga The young American Soprano, Kavita Baliga has sung in concerts around the U.S., Switzerland, Italy and India with repertoire ranging from Opera and Oratorio, Musical Theatre to Indian film. In 2008, Ms. Baliga joined A.R Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory as a faculty member and founded the KMMC Chamber Choir. She is presently developing performance programmes in India.

Mallika Sarabhai Educated as an economist and a business manager, Mallika Sarabhai is one of India’s best known Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancers. She has taken her work and her company Darpana to not only over 90 countries around the world, but also to the farthest parts of India.

Ashok Verghese Is one of the youngest education entrepreneurs who is making a great difference in this field in the country.

He is the Director of the Hindustan group of Institutions, again one of the pioneering educational groups in the country. He supports the cause of promoting young talent in art and music.

Neeru Nanda A graduate from Delhi University.

Passionate about writing, she freelanced as a feature writer for ten years before switching to publishing.

Author of a collection of short stories titled “IF” (Rupa & Co), Neeru is now working on two novels and a series of books for children.

Veejay Sai An award-winning writer, editor and a culture critic. He has written and published extensively on Indian classical music, fashion, theatre, food and art, and loves traveling, researching literary and cultural history. He is an editorial consultant with over 40 brands and designers in and outside India and is on the jury for several prestigious awards in the arts across the country.

Dr. M. Lalitha and M. Nandini Internationally acclaimed, award winning Violin Maestros Dr. M. Lalitha and M. Nandini have been widely applauded as the ‘Queens Of Violin’ and have enthralled audiences across the globe. They have been selected as Cultural Ambassadors and dignitaries to the US and UK respectively. They have published books and written numerous articles relating to Music and religion..

6 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 7

CONTENTS

FEATURES

INTERVIEW

10

18 26

kavita Hegde

Redefining Design

15 muse, motion, music 30 dramatic holidays 36 Theatre Retreats

36

40

plays, movies and musicals 16

22

COVER STORY

22

rhy's ifans

a day in a show

32

faize ahemad khan

on superman of malegaon and more

REVIEW

14 linkin park 16

the amazing spiderman

anurag kashyap

32

8 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

on gangs of wasseypur

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 9

ART

Redefining design A

t the first sight , Kavita Hegde hardly seems like someone who could be doing hardcore business in the cut-throat competition of the design industry. Neither is she dressed like a stereotypical business honcho nor does she speak with a stiff upper lip.

Welcoming you to her little boutique ‘Theas’ in a peaceful residential area, Kavita takes you through her ideas and philosophy and how anyone, if well-inspired can achieve what she did. “I hail from a culturally rich business family. My father exported herbal products and my mother was one of the pioneers in introducing the importance of permanent cosmetic in India”, she says about her first family influences that drew her to business. Everyone wonders when a new place launches with an even newer name; more so if it is rather odd for a little place in south of India.

“I named my daughter ‘Thea’ , a Greek name meaning ‘god’s gift’. My store is named after my daughter ‘Thea’ who is a great bundle of energy and creativity. She inspires me to strive harder. I found a niche market to cater to the tastes for the urban elite, which evolved into the brand ‘Theas’. The products at my store would ideally cater to those looking for indo-western, ethnic designer wear where design and quality are not compromised. Design is nothing but good sensibility, style and aesthetics combined and as a globe-trotter for the last 15 years I’ve been exposed to world fashion and culture and what I absorbed is reflected at Theas.”, says Kavita , speaking about how she started off. She worked for seven years with an international airline

10 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Images courtesy : ISG pictures

in Singapore before she decided to return and start her brand.

Native identity Anyone who wants to open a beauty business in India would ideally look at the capital city of New Delhi or the entertainment and economic capital Mumbai. “I was born and brought up in Bangalore and have observed its rapid transition to a huge metropolis. Over the last two decades the city, which was earlier known as the ‘Garden City’ is now referred to as the software capital of India. Its culturally diverse population and their harmonious existence is a testimony to its growth.

The ambience here is unique and distinct from the parts of the country.

It is now recognized as one of sought after destinations in the world. The city also is privileged to have a culturally diverse and brand-conscious people.

The incremental disposable income is also an important factor for choosing Bangalore for my launch store”, says Kavita who has plans to expand her business soon. “Bangalore is a city filled with humility and warmth and with its tech-savvy citizens.

International brands are easier to set shop here as the people are in tune with the current fashion trends. If this city is packaged in a complete mode of business, fashion and entertainment and still retain its old world charm like how Hong Kong is, it will definitely be the ‘it’ destination”, she adds, speaking about her love for her city and the potential it can have for future growth.

New ideas galore So what is different about a brand like Theas? “Indian art has always had

an underlying influence on fashion in terms of color, patterns, embroidery and styles of clothing, some of it which can be seen on the rich traditional costumes. Contemporary Indian art has contrasting colors and abstract patterns and is increasingly popular now. In order to appreciate beauty one must be able to look beyond the ordinary. Theas designs reflect the ever-changing facets of Indian wear infused with a style that appeal to the denizens. I work closely with designers from different cities in India to create a portfolio according to the new trends. Theas is not your regular showroom but an eclectic ‘SOHO ’of a home converted into a studio which is aesthetically decorated so a client can lounge around while she has her personalized styling sessions. A limited collection of exquisite designer-wear by up-coming designers from across India which suits everyone’s sensibilities and moods makes Theas stand out from the regular ones”, she says speaking about her venture. For any successful business in the art cannot be a work on its own. There are several influences behind ones thoughts and ideas. “Fashion designer Sabyasachi’s designs are sheer poetry in motion.

His texturing and ‘fusion’ of styles, vibrant eclectic colors definitely define his collections as international with an Indian soul. I love Stella McCartney’s sharp tailoring and her distinctly feminine aesthetic which makes her work stand apart”, she says about her own influences. After majoring in hotel management and working in an international airline for seven years, Kavita holds a degree in H R management from Australia before

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 11

returning to India where she procured a law degree. “But fashion has been my true calling and this design house is an amalgamation of my dreams and home is where the heart is”, she affirms.

Designer talk “Being brand conscious does not mean blindly following the trends and buying the most expensive products .I do like my brands and indulge on special occasions because it makes me feel good , I do not buy it to look cool or trendy. I personally prefer Gucci and Jimmy Choo for their divine footwear” says Kavita naming some of her favorite brands. At Theas , however, she has managed to strike a fine balance between her personal likes and what drives the market. “I closely monitor the latest in fashion

trends and change my collection seasonally. I personally source out only those garments that suit my client’s sensibilities and do not believe in following fashion trends blindly as many of them are not practical and look good only for the ramp. My design philosophy is simplicity in elegance, enhancing through accessorizing and bold designs that flatter my clients”, she adds. In a day and age when just about anyone is setting up stores and businesses in the name of fashion and design, Theas stands out for its exclusivity and warmth, like a homecoming of sorts. “ Theas progressive growth has been due to its patrons who keep coming back each season. I plan to start an art café for my clients to enjoy a wholesome and relaxing shopping experience. We would also be expanding our contemporary

jewelry collections. Obviously expansion is one aspect and the other being to bring sustainable fashion in terms of encouraging designers to use eco –friendly fashion philosophy to support environmentalism and increase social responsibility something on the lines of what designer Stella McCartney is famous for. As Aristotle Onassis said “to be successful you must act big think big and talk big” so I always believe in being positive and in my dreams as there is no stop till I reach the top.

My immense faith in god also helps through any trying period”, says Kavita , signing off on a positive note. With stores like Theas, Bangalore or as they now call it Bengaluru adds another wonderful feather to its fashionable crown. Three cheers to Kavita and her vision. (ISG)

Images courtesy : ISG pictures 12 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 13

T A

s if for the last time performing, Chester Bennington hands out with a deafening attitude, their latest electronic experiment ‘Burn It Down’. Linkin Park is evolving, they believe.

In an exclusive talk with MTV, he asserts that their new album, Living Things, is a great representation of where they are at right now as a band. Taking a big leap from their original rock-metal’ish genre and a few creative twists, the band has exploded electronic grenades all over.

More than a decade has passed since Hybrid Theory rocked the silent minds with a massive jolt. Be it the screaming lessons we all took or the famed Mr. Hahn scratching that provoked our flat nods, the album was thoroughly celebrated.

Lance, an Aeronautical Engineer from Mumbai says, “there was a time when I used to just want to become a DJ like him.

I’d be rubbing my desk in school trying to look like him and imagining all those scratching sounds.” To many adults today who passed through the initial phases of their music, Living Things, means differently. ‘Meteora’ and ‘Hybrid Theory’ was an amalgam of alternative rock, nu metal and rap rock and their transition into ‘A Thousand Suns’ was welcoming. It is with this album, they started sprinkling bits of electronic expertise, but definitely well calculated ones. With Living Things, they just expanded their inventory.

M

USE OTION USIC

MUSIC

consequence some seem to lose hope while many others already adapted to the taste of electronic shuffling, find it to be a breath of fresh air.

LP says that there’s a very organic element to the record along with a modern kind of futuristic approach. How futuristic? Well, no guessing to be done here. Let’s just say they keep a distance from what the generation demands from Skrillex.

he radio habitually does not play such songs often these days. But sipping on a hot cup of green tea, Mr. Pandit recalls the 50 years of his life he spent listening to classic old music on his portable cassette player and not growing at all accustomed to modern day ballad which he thinks is too restless. He looks out of that huge drawing-room window, never stopping to smile once, and raises his cup to the rain outside. “Neele Gagan Ke Tale..” playing in the background; and that distinct aroma of the unforgettable musical genius evaporating and clouding the room, and which according to him takes him back in time when he used to fiddle hours with the radio keys to tune in to the only channel which played these golden songs. “Everything is just so much available to you nowadays. It suffocates to have too many options and still so less quality.”

In the meantime, “Aap Jaisa Koi..” fades in and catches pace and the excitement on his face is noticeably loud. This song, to his generation, is something romance of today can’t comprehend. But he is also open concerning new age music. He believes they give a stimulating life to parties like never before. The young

generation needs it. Frustration is overhyped and miscalculated by the youth these days.

His son, who later arrives from a daylong session of Volley Ball exercise, thinks otherwise. The world is too fast for such music now, he sniggers.

“Well yes,” he continues smiling through his unpacking, “the classics are respectable and they had their share of time. Sometimes, as we all agree, old things should make way for new and better things to come.”

He reaches out for his iPod and plays ‘Cradled In Love’ and starts humming.

After struggling a little while with his shoe lace and finally pulling it off impatiently, he grins sheepishly and apologises. Poets Of The Fall, the popular Finnish band, undeniably starts absorbing our attention. Marko Saaresto, lead vocalist, lends a distinct character to the music they’ve been making for almost a decade now. The lyrics grow with each hearing and starts adding meaning and taste to the songs concurrently. “How can dad say this song is restless?” he laughs and keeps nodding with the beat. “The old generation thinks music today to be all about trance and party but I tell you what, we still appreciate AC DC, Pink Floyd and many other similar veteran bands. Music, of course, is evolving but

you can never say, has lost meaning,” he then shuffles though his playlist and plays a remix of ‘Qasmein Waade..’ and winks “tell me that doesn’t sound better!”

What followed is a string of similar remixes by popular Indian DJs. Mr. Pandit still holding his cup of dear tea walks in and does a little boogie and his son joins him. “See, they give you life!” he laughs sitting down near the window again. “Though they have digitally removed better part of the song, it still sounds familiar at least” he settles. “If these old songs were more poetic, dad, the remixes as we just witnessed, had better hold on the music department” the son chimed in.

How fast time travels, nobody knows.

How fast music grows, we all witness on a daily basis. The generation, does not particularly define a genre, it’s the mood and taste and growing up with the motion of music that defines the absolute selection. Evolving with music is something the current generation is well accustomed to. To the former generations, music might have been a leisurely affair, but the present stream of youngsters consider music to be as much as a part of their life as basic clothing.

But with a mixed response, of course. To many, their parent genre is what their fans could connect to. And as a 14 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 15

CINEMA

For more information, please contact:

SWINGS INTO INDIAN HISTORY WITH BIGGEST HOLLYWOOD OPENING OF ALL TIME ~ Takes in 34 cr at the Indian Box Office ~ Mumbai, 3 July 2012… The Amazing Spider-Man™ posted the highest opening in history for a Hollywood film in India, setting several records and, once again, comprehensively consolidating Spider-Man’s position as India’s favourite superhero by far. The film grossed approximately INR 34 crore (approx. USD 6m) in its three day opening weekend starting 29 June with a final tally of 1236 prints in four languages – English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and in 3D, 2D and IMAX formats. The film also posted recordbreaking highs for each day – Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Kercy Daruwala, Managing Director, Sony Pictures India said – “Spider-Man is the most consistently successful movie franchise in India and it’s great to see that five years since the last movie, and with a whole new cast and storyline, the franchise is going from strength to strength.

What’s important to note is that a significant part of the box office has come from smaller centres as we have leveraged our strength in distributing and marketing this film across the country.”

The film also got rave reviews with some critics calling it the best Spider-Man film yet. “Houseful boards across the country this past weekend have meant that many people have not had a chance to see the film yet. That, along with great reviews and word of mouth, leads us to expect to continue this performance over the weeks to come,” said Daruwala.

A sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has already been announced for release in May 2014. Meanwhile, still to come in an exciting summer for Sony Pictures is a remake of the 1991 blockbuster Total Recall with Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel releasing worldwide on 3 August.

ABOUT THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN™ One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in The Amazing Spider-Man™. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone,

16 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures.

Anjali Malhotra PR & Promotions Manager SPE Films India Pvt Ltd 503, Alpha, Main Street Hiranandani Gardens, Powai Mumbai - 400076 India Tel: +9122 61151600 / 1617 Extn: 102 | Dir: +9122 61151607 | Web: www.sonypictures.in | www.facebook.com/sonypicturesofindia | www.youtube. com/sonypicturesindia | www.twitter.com/sonypicsindia

The Amazing Spider-Man™ is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES INDIA ( www.sonypictures.in | www.twitter.com/sonypicsindia |www.facebook.com/ sonypicturesofindia | www.youtube.com/sonypicturesindia ) Sony Pictures India is the #1 Hollywood studio in India with 5 out of the top 10 Hollywood films of all time in India including blockbusters like The Amazing Spider-Man, 2012, Spider-Man 3, Quantum of Solaceand Casino Royale.

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 159 countries. For additional information, go to www.sonypictures.com.

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 17

CINEMA dots, or about 5000 dots on your face. Each of your facial movements are totally repeatable, but then you add onto that the face of a lizard. I was, disturbingly, able to recognise some of my facial tics and movements. In terms of the physicality, we did for the first couple of days use this huge guy who looked like a crash test dummy to do the movements, but I did a lot of work for and with him. I had a particular way I wanted The Lizard to move.

What about the tail? How did that factor into your body language?

You just have to imagine yourself with a longer spine, if you like. Some days I’d be standing on set with the pole stuck down the back of my tracksuit, and on top of the pole would be a flat picture of the lizard head. It was quite comical in comparison to what you’ll see when it’s done.

You’re playing Dr. Connors as British. Why did you make that choice?

I just figured that it was an inkling I had, that he works with this multi-national company [OSCORP]. It’s set in the near future and I wanted to give it an international feel. I wanted to tip my hat to British scientists who unbeknownst to us a lot of the time have been instrumental in big breakthroughs.

RHYS IFANS is DR. CURT CONNERS

E

very Spider-Man needs a Spider-villain, and Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker is no different. Enter, then, Dr. Curt Connors, a one-armed scientist at OSCORP who is consumed by a desire to repair his body and regrow his arm. When an experiment involving reptile DNA goes wrong, Dr. Connors finds himself slowly transforming into a super-strong, incredibly agile beast known as The Lizard. And his plans for New York City will bring him into direct conflict with the amazing Spider-Man. Connors is played by Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, the memorable character actor who first exploded onto the scene in 1999’s Notting Hill. Since then, the 43 year old has flitted between large Hollywood projects like Little Nicky and Anonymous, and smaller, British films like Enduring Love and Mr. Nice, displaying astonishing versatility.

We spoke to him in London, about the challenges of playing a character who is a firm favourite of producer Avi Arad, and acting with a green-screen sock on one arm...

18 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Shakespearean soliloquy where Curt is battling with the morality of his decision, and it was a really disturbing piece of human introspection.

Were you a Spider-Man fan before this movie?

When I was a kid, I was a huge Spider-Man fan. I used to want to dress up as him. I didn’t become a graphic novel enthusiast by any stretch but what attracted me to SpiderMan was that he’s a kid, at school and being bullied, and the powers he acquires are a metaphor for puberty. So there’s something there. He’s not a distant billionaire like Batman, living on top of a mountain with a lot of money. He’s a kid.

That’s the enduring appeal of him, I think.

Did you know that The Lizard is Avi Arad’s favourite villain? Did that make you feel any additional pressure?

The pressure’s there but I only feel it after the event. It’s like doing any other film - you knuckle down and try not to look like an idiot. But you become aware of the vastness of this franchise and its part in Western culture. It’s such an iconic story. Avi and Matt were there the whole time.

It’s very much their baby and they’ve been very supportive throughout. Avi was quite moved at times to finally see his favourite villain sing and dance for the first time, in 3D.

Who is Dr. Curt Connors?

He’s a geneticist who wants to help people like him, who are limbless. In his eagerness to advance that science, he makes a mistake and that’s an occurrence we’ve seen throughout science, throughout time, sometimes to our benefit, sometimes to our detriment.

Historically, many Spider-villains aren’t necessarily evil, but are good people driven insane by extenuating circumstances.

That’s certainly the case here. Curt is a force for good throughout his life.

Did you base him upon anyone in particular?

I had vague memories of the Open University but I wouldn’t say I looked like any of those guys. There’s something of the boffin about him, but there’s also an element of the maverick as well, the hero, the genius. He’s not just a boring lab-bound scientist. He has a big manifesto. He is a broken man who wants to fix himself. His inspiration to want to help other people is that he’s been damaged himself. The Lizard almost becomes a drug for him, an alter-ego like Jekyll and Hyde if you like. He’s strong and brave and agile in a way that he can’t be in his own life.

You not only play Dr. Connors, but you also play The Lizard, thanks to mo-cap technology. How was that for you?

The advancements in that technology are quite breathtaking, to say the least. They did extensive CGI maps of my face which involved hundreds and millions of

And, famously, he only has one arm. You shot scenes with a greenscreen arm, didn’t you?

Yeah. I called it Kermit. (laughs) Every scene we get to shoot, I would say where’s Kermit? You have to keep your arm still and you do self-consciously swing your arm, and I didn’t want it to look like I was swinging a stump. I always had a weight strapped around my wrist to keep that computer-generated part of me still enough. That was strange, but it’s amazing what you get used to do.

The Amazing Spider-Man is a new version of a classic tale. What makes us come back to Spider-Man time and time again?

Like any kind of archetypal mythological story, each generation revisits it and we can all relate to it. I don’t know how long ago the last Spider-Man was made, but people who saw it are beginning to have kids. Each generation needs a Spider-Man that can speak to it, and I think Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man has an emotional complexity we won’t have seen before. It’s a tour de force.

How did you get involved in The Amazing Spider-Man?

I’d done Anonymous for Sony previously. Marc Webb, the director, and the producers had seen Anonymous and my other work. I was in LA and they asked me to go in and see them and read. I did a screen test and it must have blown them away! There’s a particular moment, I don’t know whether it’ll make the film or not, but it was almost a

And what was it like working with Marc Webb?

He just brings a very real human story painted against this huge canvas, which is New York and Spider-Man. He grounds the whole thing. As a result, you’ll see a SpiderMan that is full of pathos and action but is also very moving.

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 19

Snippets

“Honour” killings bring dishonour to our society Satyamev Jayate wins hearts all over the country.

Aamir Khan’s latest venture is doing wonders for the Indian society. Satyamev Jayate, a talk-show aired on various Star Network channels, has the actor talking about the several social problems we face as a country. Although he does not reveal the topic to be discussed on his shows, over 33 crore people world-wide turn on their televisions or live stream the show on YouTube. With Female Foeticide, Child Sexual Abuse, Dowry, Medical Malpractices, Honour Killings and Handicaps down, eight episodes remain. The topics discussed on the show have seen solid action, as the government has been quick to address them. The show has touched hearts across the country, with the common man inspired and educating his children on the contents of the show. Despite the largely positive response to the show, there have been several stories defaming the intent of the show. In the end, whatever be the politics, it is the message of the show that is most important: Truth Alone Prevails

K Jo paints the town red for his 40th birthday

20 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Celebrated producer-director and television show host Karan Johar went all out to celebrate his 40th birthday this May. The black-tie event promised to be the biggest celebrity bash this year and it did not disappoint. Every star in B-town received a red acrylic invitation along with a human-sized bouquet of red flowers from the Superstar producer. However, rumour has it that Priyanka Chopra, who had a public spat with KJo just a few weeks before the party, was not sent an invitation. This has been denied profusely and perhaps the two made up, as Piggy Chops turned up fashionably late for the event. The rest of the evening went smoothly with decked-up celebrities, dressed principally in black and white, catching up and partying till the wee hours of the morning.

Although nothing has slipped out yet, considering the number of stars at the party, we’re waiting for the juicy gossip to find its way to the stands.

It seems as though honour killings have been on everybody’s mind recently. The fairly successful film Ishaqzaade follows the relationship between the muslim Zoya Qureshi and the hindu Param Chauhan. Although the two grow up to hate each other (what with their fathers being political rivals), they fall violently in love. As is the only solution in such a case, the duo make a run for it and are eventually cornered by goons.

Zoya tells Param that it is better to die at the hands of love than merciless hate and the couple kill each other. Despite its other failings, the movie makes an important point. It released only hours after a senior police officer declared to television cameras that he would shoot his own daughter if she eloped.

Only a week ago, Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate tackled the same topic and portrayed several brutal cases of families hunting down escaped lovers for the sake of their ‘honour’.

Another story doing rounds is that of a family of four who were shot dead 16 years after the parents ran away to get married.

Time to step back and think about how this discredits the society we live in.

Miley Cyrus engaged Teenage popstar Miley Cyrus is no stranger to boyfriends or controversies. After having dated Justin Gaston (a model 5 years older than herself) and being video taped giving dancer/producer Adam Shankman a lap dance, the 19 year old has gone all out. As of 31st May, she is engaged to her The Last Song co-actor and boyfriend of three years, Liam Hemsworth. The on-again off-again couple have finally put a ring on it. In an interview with People Magazine, Miley expressed her delight saying, “I’m so happy to be engaged and look forward to a life of happiness with Liam.” Liam has himself confessed that he intended on behaving like a professional while shooting with Miley, but could not help falling in love with her. While we are all very happy for the couple, one feels a little disappointed in the seemingly hasty decision. Marriage is a life long commitment and had they waited a few more years, could have tied the knot as mature adults.

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 21

CINEMA How was GOW received at Cannes?

: e her rom f OW rs r (G u p hou y 5 e an ass fW re th re the o o s m g n e Gan n India gth of se it h kept i t f o n i a e th b le ar le se leng l relea nning d to re tions to hich P g ru ve fw nin ca ra run theatri ave a ave lo onside parts o about e h h h t c s 2 ta ed On nd the doe would other into t decid be ou ive W a e m I l r on) es GO hoice ere a t the fi ve no bably xpens c a ro e li th . ll y We iven a t then ave sp e still h ight p y most s well a m u g h W t B and way. ce we June. 2 but i his is m release n t e .T d e r e sam and h on 22n for Pa f Part 1 tensiv x o d te e g min leasin ase da elease ery v a r e e r l 1 is act re fter the having x a e e the h or so will b nt nd mo ar a f o s film

22 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Well the response has been very good.

Most people who saw the film seem to have liked the film and the film has managed to get sold in a lot of international markets, some of which really took me by surprise as well. And GOW 1 will also be releasing in 200 odd screens in France on the same day of its theatrical release in India. So in a way the presence of the film at Cannes has certainly been of help for the film.

On how the whole concept of distributing in International markets works and lessons from The Girl in Yellow Boots (TGYIB) Well with TGYIB we knew that it wasn’t going to be an easy proposition. But I was quite keen on the fact that the movie should reach out to maximum audience, in maximum locations. So it was a calculated call that I took of actually giving away the film almost for free in a lot of countries and just asking them to screen the film. In the process we hardly made any money out of all of this but it certainly opened new roads for us. So when we came up with GOW we were prepared and we managed to get the film pre-sold with an impressive minimum guarantee as well almost all over Europe.

On Guerilla/Indie filmmaking When you know that the chips are down and that you do not have certain luxuries but if you are still determined enough, there’s always a way out. And this is something that I always believed in and the people who work with me also follow the same thought. When we worked on TGYIB for example we had to necessarily shoot with hidden cameras as we couldn’t have managed it otherwise. In fact the trend for us started much earlier in case of Gulaal.

If you remember there are various scenes in the film where the streets are brightly lit. Now since we were really shooting under a tight budget we definitely couldn’t afford all those lights. That was when my DOP Rajeev Ravi came up with the idea of shooting during Diwali since the streets then

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 23

his brothers had their respective responsibilities on the film. So one day Teddy just came over and asked me if he could be given some work as well.

That was when I hit upon the thought of having him as just a companion along with Prithvi Bana and for his look and appearance I was reminded about ‘Bahrupiya’s who are commonly seen in most North Indian towns.

How is it that in spite of your regular association with Amit Trivedi you still manage to work with new composers (new to Hindi Cinema) like Prashant Pillai (Shaitan) or G.V.Prakash (GOW)?

would certainly be brightly lit.

Fortunately/unfortunately the film got delayed way too long and thus we went there year after year on Diwali to shoot.

What was the ‘ardhanarishwar’ doing in Gulaal?

Well originally there was no such character in the script. Later on Piyush Mishra came on board as Prithvi Bana & his character was that of a musically inclined person. Teddy Maurya (who played the receptionist at Hotel Decent in Jab We Met) was hanging around the sets and both

24 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Well one thing I must admit is that in my office there has always been a constant stream of visitors. And of late the stream of visitors has only increased. So be it actors, cinematographers, music composers etc, all of them drop in and discuss their work with me. So this way it’s interesting to note that I first met G.V.Prakash nearly 2 years ago and had signed him right away for 2 films, of which one is GOW (BGM) and the other will be my next film. I was excited to work with G.V.Prakash as I am aware of him from his ‘Chikku Bukku Chikku Bukku Rayile’ days  You acted in Tigmanshu’s film Shagird and now he’s acted in your GOW. So how do you compare the acting of Anurag Kashyap with that of Tigmanshu Dhulia? Who’s better and why?

Oh! Undoubtedly I would rate Tigmanshu as the better actor among the two of us. He is in fact a very competent actor and I rate his performance in GOW almost on par with that of Kamal Haasan in Nayagan, yeah I really do feel he has great potential as an actor.

How do you go about writing your scripts, as in do you follow any specific techniques etc?

write furiously the whole day. It’s only much later that my assistants sit down & type it in order and give it back to me to read and work on again.

You’ve written for so many other directors so far, so will you continue doing so?

Well earlier when I was just a writer alone and not a filmmaker it was a lot easier to do that. But now if I write a complete script for someone else then I will start visualizing the whole concept and then start wondering why I cannot make the film myself. Hence this is something that I would wish to avoid as far as I can and instead probably write the dialogues as that wouldn’t complicate things for me.

On the influence of Tamil Cinema I personally feel that Tamil Cinema right now is going through a wonderful phase and I have been following the works of a lot of Tamil filmmakers.

So I am thrilled to watch films like Subramaniapuram, Paruthiveeran, Naan Kadavul etc and it’s by watching these films that I realized that these filmmakers are making their films in a milieu that’s so much familiar to them.

This made me feel that even I have lots of stories to tell which belong to the place I belong to. Watching Bala’s Naan Kadavul made me feel ashamed since I’ve lived in Varanasi myself but I see someone else who’s not from the city shoot wonderfully in a city more familiar to me. That’s why I have decided to personally dedicate GOW to the 3 musketeers – Ameer, Bala and Sasikumar, the sons of Madurai as I call them.

Gangs of Wasseypur is gearing up for release on 22nd June and we at MAM wish Anurag Kashyap and the entire team of GOW all the very best.

Well nothing really as such but it’s just that I still prefer to ‘write’ rather than ‘type’ which I find to be very difficult.

So when I’m in the flow I just sit and

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 25

ART Gowri Ramnarayan Author, journalist, playwright, director, musician and all-round art enthusiast, Gowri Ramnarayan makes a special contribution to her plays. Having a close affinity and love for expression through music, she develops a soundtrack with connection to the play. She believes that “doing theatre is making a political statement”. It can make you laugh or move you to tears, but above all, it should make you think.

In conversation with some of the best directors of theatre in India, The Brew finds out about their favourite shows and performances.

Atul Kumar Atul Kumar, Artistic Director of acclaimed theatre groups EVAM and The Company Theatre has worked his way through the theatre scene in India. Today, he and his theatre groups are known for quality productions all over India.

“Our most recent production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in Hindi which we opened at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London UK would be something I would love to talk about. It is a musical comedy called Piya Behroopiya, directed by myself.

It was a huge high for all our actors and musicians to perform Shakespeare on the stage where Shakespeare performed Shakespeare. We were anxious as to whether the show would work for an international audience. To top it all in my 25 years of career in theatre I had never acted in or directed a musical!

“We were hoping that at least God will be kind and send majority of our audiences who speak Hindi but that was not to be. It was cold and our actors were shivering.

Their voices were trembling. We had to change costumes because they could no more be backless and. People standing in the yard covered themselves with their raincoats (due to the rain). It was like everything was working against us.

“But then the play started and our actors were on fire. They sang, danced, acted out the Twelfth Night and enthralled the audience to the core. The house was jampacked once again for the second half. The audience was singing with us; they were clapping, waving their hands, dancing even and then came the standing ovation and many encores at the end of the show. Some of our actors were crying backstage after the show – it was such an emotional high.”

- Piya Behroopiya

V. Balakrishnan Having left behind a career in the Civil Services, V. Balakrishnan chose to pursue theatre instead. With a passion for experimenting and nurturing young enthusiastic talent, his company Nisha has provided an array of opportunities to those who love the art as much as he does. Balakrishnan especially enjoys passing his knowledge over to the next generation and for this reason he has given a series of lectures at Balu Mahenda Film Institute, Asian College of Journalism and L. V. Prasad Academy for Film and Television Studies.

A man of few words, when as about his favourite show, Balakrishnan replied, “The two plays, among many others, which are closest to my heart are Ramdhari Singh Dinakar’s Rashmi Rathi, which I performed as a one person show and Gowri Ramnarayan’s Mathemagician.

“There is no greater elation, no greater thrill than standing alone on stage and facing the characters conflicts and trying to pursue his objective with honesty. As both these plays dealt with the deepest introspection of a human being and facing ones biggest demons... The time on stage would oscillate between extreme solitude and complete acceptance.”

26 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

“The bell rings. The children scream as they rush out of classroom and school.

The waiting theatre group (that’s us, from JustUs Repertory) quickly enters to find an assembly hall for stage and floor seating, Jurassic age lighting facilities, non-existent greenroom.

“Here, in an hour’s time, we are to stage my play Dark Horse, an encounter between reclusive Marathi poet Arun Kolatkar, and a curious Tamil journalist.

Not all dialogues – his poems are performed energetically, and Carnatic vocalist Savita Narasimhan sings live on stage, everything from bhajan and Beatles.

“After dream venues like Prithvi Theatre, Birla Theatre, National School of Drama, this was tough landing. The bell rings. We are stunned to see a “dream audience” squeezed into the dingy hall -- thespians, film makers, writers, poets, and yes, critics!

“That day the always brilliant Dhritiman Chaterji excelled himself and brought out the best in partnering Amrita Shetty. The threesome (R.Sundar, Andreah Jeremiah and Craig) managed to evoke every emotion from the exuberant to the elegiac. Not even the shock of sparks burning his hand could disturb lighting man Amit Singh’s focus. No applause. Instead, sighs filled the hall. As Savita sang of the loneliness of the abandoned goddess, her moist eye were matched by tears on every face...

“On that day, we discovered that lighting, sets and costume enhance, but are not vital to theatre. The soul lies in performance. And how an inspiring audience can help us find that soul!”

Anahita Uberoi Anahita Uberoi is a woman who has worked on an international stage. She is an actor, director and producer in the own right. Having also worked on screen for several shows as well as on and off Broadway, she has the experience of a number of artistic mediums.

“I will never forget the moment I got a call to be an assistant director for 2 plays that were going to be produced on Broadway. I was all of 22 years and Broadway had been my dream. I still remember getting a call from the director, Gloria Muzio. I was so excited that my ears turned red and hot and tingled for about an hour. The first play I did was Shaw’s Candida at The Roundabout Theatre Company - a beautifully told story about a young boy being attracted to a married woman and all three characters dealing with the situation.

“It was particularly special for me because it started a journey for me of working on 13 productions in New York. And it was a delightful working relationship that I shared with Gloria. Not only did I learn the intricate functioning of Broadway shows, I got to work with Oscar and Tony award winners and watch their process, which in itself became an unmatchable education. There were many lessons to be learnt that dealt with creativity, honing your talent, studying your performance and making relevant choices, being eternally humble and the importance of being a team member.

“That moment was a couple of decades ago but its still a crystal clear memory… one that I will cherish and hold dear to my heart always.”

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 27

Vikram Kapadia With more than 25 years of theatre to his name, Vikram Kapadia was lucky enough to have grown up in a theatrefriendly environment. Today he is one of the few Indians to write English plays for an Indian theatre. As an actor, director, writer and filmmaker, his familiarity with the technical aspects of lighting has enriched his story telling and production quality.

My production of David Henry Hwang’s Dance and the Railroad has always been an all time favourite. It was directed and performed by myself and Pervez Merchant. We trained in Kung Fu, Wu Shu and some basics of Chinese Opera.

The play was physically demanding. Even smiling and taking a bow was a challenge.

One evening, prior to the show, we get news from the manager of the NCPA theatre that the air-conditioning was not working. It was nearly impossible to even rehearse there; we were planning to do a physically highly demanding show with two huge fans and a full house of people suffocating and sweating with us for over an hour.

Ambitious.

The show was the best I have ever performed in my life, without any doubt. We fortified ourselves before the show, fearing the worst and gave it everything we had. We had to shout out our dialogue to rise above the fan noise (like one does in a discotheque) and so voice modulation went for toss. After ‘floor work’ we would leave huge patches of sweat on the floor.

Adversity brought out the best in us. Not only was it the best performance of that show but it was also the most appreciative audience we’ve ever had. The standing ovation was not the regular protocol out of habit. It meant something, and is a moment I will never forget to my dying day.

If you want to see the light of dawn, make the sun rise. If there is no sun, make one. – Ikeda.

28 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 29

ART

Dramatic Holidays

H

olidays and journeys mean different things to different people. Sometimes it’s a weekend off to relax in a hammock. Other times vacationers take the entire month off to indulge in a shopping frenzy. So, what do London, New York, Chicago and Athens have in common to hordes of tourists? They have earned the title of being some of the best-loved theatre destinations over the world. For those who plan their holidays with the hope of catching a good play, it is important to know what kind of theatre they can expect and which would suit them.

Theatre enthusiasts usually imagine the same picture when they fantasize about watching a world-class play – the lights, music and the overpowering stage at Broadway or West End. Unlike India (where musical theatre is as close to non-existence as non-musical movies), London, New York, Chicago and Sydney are the hubs of both commercial and non-commercial theatre. Thereby adding to the feel of a highly cultured society that enjoys the performed arts at their best. Theatre in its present form evolved in the Greek Empire thousands of years ago. Despite the difference in creative presentations, the physical systems mastered by the Ancient Greeks were leagues ahead of their modern counterparts. The amphitheatre at Delphi 30 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

The Brew explores top theatre destinations around the world to help you find the perfect holiday play.

said to be the highest standard of English commercial theatre. Theatre companies perform plays that have been adapted from movies or books and translated into musicals. Examples of some favourite adapted musicals are The Wizard of Oz, Sister Act: The Musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Wicked and The Lion King. Classics like Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Jesus Christ Superstar are repeatedly performed. Musicals have also been a great way to pay homage to musicians like The Beatles (Rain), Green Day (American Idiot) and ABBA (Mamma Mia!). Although comic plays like One Man, Two Guvnors have met with great critical acclaim, Broadway and West End have not been merely fun, singing and dance.

They have proven to be a stage worthy of serious drama and have the credibility to draw the right audience for the play.

Arthus Miller’s Death of a Salesman is an example of a play that exposed the depths of American society but turned out to be highly celebrated. The variety of plays performed at these esteemed stages caters to large and varied audience, thus propagating the performing art itself. When on the topic of drama, there is one man whose work can never be left out. Shakespeare, perhaps one of the best-known literary figures, was a landmark in British theatre. The

Royal Shakespeare Company continues to perform and adapt and his plays to inspire audiences. When in Britain, watching a well-produced Shakespeare play would be a must-do for theatre-enthusiasts. Besides music and dance, theatre is said to be one of the most powerful art forms in the world and when done well, can have a memorable impact on the audience. Unfortunately, theatre in India has gone largely unappreciated. Fewer and fewer people associate themselves with the art, as they get neither a proper pay nor much credit. Although this is the plight of theatre actors and directors the world over, audiences abroad seem more willing to step out of the house to watch live performances. Theatres like Broadway, West End and the Opera have built a certain reputation and lure in crowds as a result of that reputation. Their audience consists of a few theatre buffs and a large number of tourists, eager to see whether they live up to their good will. Theatre, like any other activity, differs greatly from place to place and company to company – not everyone can love the Opera, some prefer upbeat Broadway musicals. Theatre has evolved in different ways around the world. For a theatre enthusiast, experiencing it all is a dream come true.

and performances at Athens attract theatre-lovers from all over the world. Although the theatre scene in Greek has burnt out in comparison to its former glory, the structures themselves are a treat to those who relish the history and workings of the theatre. It is the remains of the buildings and the traditions of Greek plays that attract flocks of tourists. Another old, yet more refined taste is that for the Opera. Although it originated in Italy, it soon spread to other parts of Europe and then the rest of the world. Being among the most powerful art forms in the world, the opera has a drastic effect on its audience. It is one of the only art forms around that world that can create an equally strong positive or negative impact on the viewers. Amongst some of the best opera houses in Italy are La Fenice in Venice, Alla Scala in Milan and San Carlo in Naples. The opera houses are monumental buildings rich in culture and heritage and add to the overpowering environment, making it an incomparable feeling to those who love it. A contrast to the opera and ancient Greek tragedies (and usually a more preferred form of theatre), commercial plays have taken over popular theatre in most countries around the globe. New York’s Broadway Theatre and London’s West End Theatre – the two similar in several aspects – are Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 31

CINEMA

On Supermen of Malegaon and More

: In Conversation with Faiza Ahmad Khan

S

UPERMEN OF MALEGAON is a documentary film that follows a group of intrepid filmmakers in Malegaon, Maharashtra as they attempt to make Malegaon ka Superman; transposing the Man of Steel onto the landscape of a town known for its power looms and power cuts, and its communal riots. While the idea was to record this astonishing journey from a dream to a finished film, it is also a record of the people trying to make the film, and of Malegaon itself, and their hopes and their fears, and the charm and grace with which they live their lives. After winning a spate of awards at festivals across the World the film is finally due for its theatrical release in India, 4 years after it was made. Here’s an excerpt from the conversation with Faiza Ahmad Khan, the director of the film.

Tell us something about the Malegaon film industry?

Most of the people in Malegaon are crazy about cinema.

With a crippled economy and twelve-hour power-cuts every day, films have become the principal way to pass the time.

There are twelve cinema halls and twice as many video halls. There are fan-clubs everywhere. On Fridays, after the Jumma namaaz, there is a stampede outside the theatres.

Amitabh Bachchan and Mithun Chakraborty continue to remain the crowd favorites even today at Malegaon.

In the middle of this, about twelve years ago, Nasir- who used to shoot and still shoots wedding videos, and used to run a video parlour- finally decided that he should make a film. He picked the biggest hit of all time, SHOLAY and made a spoof of it. Made on a budget of Rs 50,000, the film was a massive hit in Malegaon. The famous robbery sequence was done with dacoits on bicycles trying to rob a bus. And it kind of set the template for the work that has followed. The film industry in Malegaon is a cottage industry, and these are handmade films, done on ridiculously low budgets, localized to Malegaon, about things and films that people dreamt up in their free time.

As a result, there is an extraordinary degree of innovationcycles used for tracking shots and bullock carts for crane

32 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

shots. But the greatest trick the Malegaon filmmakers employ is their street-smart transposition of these famous films to local situations and problems. And now are many groups, with fluid and constantly changing crews, who continue to make these films.

it is the only real entertainment, and people will queue for hours to get into cinemas and video halls, where they play old movies, dubbed movies, strange B and C international releases. A place with a history of communal violence.

Hindu and Muslim population neatly divided by the river that flows through the center of the town. A thriving film industry run solely by the Muslim population. A strict policy about not letting local women work in those films. And all of it located in this forbidding, half-surreal landscape. So then the film became about capturing these Supermen in this Malegaon.

What drew you to the idea?

Well I found it amazing that they were planning to make a Superman film in such a low budget and in such a unique fashion. And then it struck me as to why not? After all isn’t it a universal theme-that of the underdog fighting against all odds and emerging triumphant at the end. Consider these things about the film- at one point; Superman has to fly upwards because the cell-phone reception in Malegaon is so bad. And he falls ill because the pollution is so bad. The villain is obsessed with dirt and filth, because that is what ails their world. These films are enormously successful, they’re hits with their target audiences, and yet they’re funny, vivid and come from a unique viewpoint.

And everyone who heard about the idea before we went over to film the documentary was very intrigued about the premise. And everyone who watched the film eventually reacted to this absurd, good-humored sense of bravery that seems to be the biggest take-home from our film.

You would think that capturing a group of men trying to make a film in Malegaon would largely be comic. Instead, what we saw and hopefully were able to capture, was a very moving experience. We watched them as they fought past this bad hand that life and the State has dealt them.

Nothing fazed them. Not the idea, the scale, the ambition, their backgrounds, the stunning lack of resources. They found a way past everything. And, of course, once we discovered that they had moved beyond Bollywood and were ready to take on Hollywood, that they had set their eyes on Superman, the idea was just irresistible.

How was it shooting another film crew, considering it was like a film within a film?

Well Nasir and his team initially felt a bit strange to be seeing us shoot them while filming Malegaon Ka Superman. They were used to seeing film crews, even International film crews coming over for a few days in Malegaon and hence thought we’d leave in three or four days, perhaps like a news crew or something. But we hung around for three months. And we were not only filming the filmmaking process, but their lives as well. So we’d be there, at Nasir’s (the director of Malegaon Ka Superman) house every morning, with our cameras. At some point, he even got a little exasperated with us. But he understood, maybe as a film maker himself, that we needed to do this if we were to get under the skin of the city to better understand the men who from that city who would push themselves so hard for something that seemed sort of trivial at first. I’m glad that we moved beyond that, beyond his initial exasperation, because that was when so many things started to become accessible to us. And we also spent a lot of time there, under fairly unusual circumstances. We became as much part of their process of making the film. Eventually, it led to a rapport and that enabled us to exist like flies on the wall.

How did you manage to get funding for the film?

Siddharth, my co-producer, and I went to Malegaon and met Nasir- the director of Malegaon ka Superman- and his gang of collaborators. These are all people who have dayjobs, all these mundane things they do to put food on the table. And, in their free time, they dream of making films.

And then they make them. On the way we speculated that if there was a film that we might want to see these fantastic real-life characters make, then Superman would top that list. In the first ten minutes of our meeting Nasir said that there was a film that he wanted to make and that film was Malegaon ka Superman. The signs were all pointing in one direction. And we were on. We shot some footage for about 3-4 days and then we came back to Mumbai.

Later we narrated the entire idea and the experience to a friend who told his friend, Gargey, who in turn came on

What took you to Malegaon and how did you get the idea for the film?

Well I had earlier worked on a feature film, Anwar as A.D with Manish Jha and at the end of the project I somehow wasn’t entirely satisfied with the whole experience. I was probably on the lookout to do something else that I would probably relate to and appreciate better. That was the time when I got to hear of the film industry in Malegaon and hence decided to visit the place. We got to Malegaon hoping to capture the local industry making a film. Instead, we discovered a series of characters who were compelling, very human, brave and funny at the same time. So, suddenly, this film industry in the hinterland is populated by fascinating people. And then you start to uncover the strange dynamic of the place. The power looms that have been crippled by the twelve hour power cuts. An economy and a town in tatters. A place that is obsessed with cinema;

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 33

board as co-producer and we pitched it to the Asian Pitch in Singapore, which is a collaboration of three TV networks in Asia- Mediacorp, KBS and NHK. They loved the idea, we won the pitch and got full funding. In literally two weeks, from being just an idea in my head, we had funding for the film. And a month later, we were in Malegaon, filming.

But in hindsight there’s also a flipside to the funding we received. Due to the involvement of the Asian Pitch we had to make the film a lot simpler than I’d have actually preferred. I couldn’t really focus on local issues like politics of Malegaon.

So how the journey was after the funding came in? Tell us about the technical aspects as well.

We didn’t go in with a set script. There were a few basic guidelines – the idea was to largely observe the process, the idea was to be a fly on the wall. We were going to document the filmmaking process and the lives of the people making that film. We had to find our own rhythm as a working unit under adverse conditions. We had to earn the trust of our subjects. We had to resist the temptation to help out with their film, because that would have altered the experience. It became a little difficult for us to decide what to shoot and what not to shoot, because there was so much happening around the film and the people we were filming with. We were there for about 3 months in Malegaon (except for 2 short breaks of a week each in between) and most of it went into shooting. By the end of the shoot, we had about 250 hours of footage. We had to edit those 250 hours down to a 52 min film. And we had a deadline that was two months away. Enter Shweta Venkat who’s now also edited of Gangs of Wasseypur and she helped me complete the journey. The editing took around 6 weeks to completel I shot the film using Sony Z1 and D1. Including the sound recordist and boom guy we were about 6 people on ground while shooting the film.

What are your thoughts on the way forward for the film?

Well frankly as of now my mind is a bit blank as I’m still trying to internalize the fact that the film is finally getting a theatrical release in India 4 years after it got made. It’s already done well in the festival circuit and now making it

34 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

to theatres here. In this duration of 4 years a lot of people have seen the film during screenings or through various other means. Now probably what could be explored is online distribution and DVD’s.

Can you narrate any interesting details that occurred while filming?

Oh!lots of them but let me start with the cinema halls and video parlours. The old AGNEEPATH, starring Mithun and Amitabh Bachchan, is still a favourite and played regularly in Malegaon. The Mithun fans will sit together on one side of the aisle and the Amitabh fans will sit together on the other side and there is a competition about who is louder.

They set off fireworks inside the hall. The halls actually have ‘pathake le jaana mana hai’ written outside.

And whenever there would be a power cut in the evening people would gather at tea stalls and indulge in shayari and mushairas would begin, with all and sundry joining in.

There are a couple of stories about Shafique, who ended up playing the scrawny superhero in Malegaon ka Superman.

He was largely the butt of all jokes because of his physique, but he thought it the greatest honour of his life to play Superman. And he worked as hard as anyone on the film.

Including being thrown into a river repeatedly, not knowing how to swim. I remember him standing there, shivering, almost like he had hypothermia. They had to wrap him up in blankets in the makeshift changing room, and let him sit for a while before he could walk properly. And later, he provided another, much more amusing distraction, when his family decided that he was getting married. It didn’t matter if he was still in the middle of playing Superman.

The shoot stopped for a few days to allow him to get married. Nasir worried endlessly about the colour of Shafique’s skin changing because of the haldi ceremony.

And Shafique bore it all with good humour, because he genuinely believed this film was the best thing that happened to him. It is terribly unfortunate that he recently passed away. He had oral cancer from chewing tobacco, ironically the same thing he fights as Superman in the film.

-Sethumadhavan.N

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 35

ART

Theatre Retreats Numerous people travel to different locations just to catch a performance of their favourite show. Join Amrutha Anandanathan as she goes through some of the hotels frequented by theatre goers.

National Centre for Performing Arts The National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai is a multi-purpose cultural centre that is recognised by performers and patrons as one of the foremost venues for performing arts. Located in the city’s downtown business district, the NCPA has over 500 performances every year.

The Oberoi, Mumbai is located on Marine drive, the famous boulevard along the coast of Mumbai. With 287 guestrooms including 73 suites, the hotel offers a panoramic view of Mumbai’s skyline. Given The Oberoi’s proximity to the NCPA, hotel guests are encouraged to visit the performances and shows. Several travelling artists performing at the NCPA stay at The Oberoi from time to time. In the spirit of promoting the performing arts, the hotel actively works to encourage and support the initiatives of the NCPA. Choose from one of the three restaurants- Fenix, Vetro or Ziya if you are looking for a good meal before you head to the NCPA to catch a performance. Vetro, the Italian eatery houses Enoteca, a wine library with over 800 bottles of the finest wines. Ziya prides itself with the return of Chef Vineet Bhatia, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star.

In the mood for a drink? Head to the Eau Bar where you can enjoy a drink while gazing at a spectacular view of the coastline. The Oberoi also offers a selection of champagne and afternoon high tea at The Champagne Lounge.

36 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Broadway Located in Manhattan, New York, with 40 professional theatres stands Broadway. Last year alone Broadway shows sold about $1.081 billion worth of tickets and the trend is still going strong. Broadway now features on everyone’s thingsto-do list where you can watch some of the must-see shows like The Phantom of The Opera, Mary Poppins and Chicago.

A great place to stay at when you are in town to catch a Broadway performance is the Paramount Hotel, situated in Times Square. The 597 guest rooms are furnished in boutique style elegance. They all reflect the sleek white, gray and red colour palette and are infused with modern, chic designs.

You can even stay in the Broadway Petite of Broadway Classic deluxe guest rooms. Paramount Hotel is the place to be if you are looking to soak in the vibe of New York City and to get a taste of Broadway.

The Marquis Theatre:

Prithvi Theatre The Prithvi Theatre, located in the suburbs of Mumbai is a completely non-profit entity, set up to promote professional Hindi theatre. It was started by a Trust set up after the death of Prithviraj Kapoor renowned for his performances in Hindi plays.

The theatre runs solely on the patronage of individuals or companies that are determined to develop the performing arts. The theatre has staged a number of notable plays like Dewar and Pathan and the Prithvi Café is now a well known place to sight upcoming artists.

One hotel at close proximity to the Prithvi theatre is the JW Marriott Hotel in Mumbai. This premier luxury hotel located right next to Juhu beach lets you take a dip in the scenic water of the Arabian Sea. If swimming really isn’t your thing, you can always indulge in one of the multi- award winning restaurants in the hotel- Lotus Cafe, Mezzo Mezzo, Saffron, Spices, Bombay Baking Company and Reflections.

The Marquis Theatre which opened in 1986 has 1611 seats and is one of the Nederlander Organisation’s nine Broadway theatres. The theatre boasts great acoustics, wide aisles and comfortable seats. All these elements come together to make a great setting but this would not be complete without hits like Me and My Girl, Victor/Victoria and Peter Pan which the theatre has put up.

The fact that The Marquis Theatre is located in the New York Marriott Marquis does not hurt either. The hotel is situated right on Broadway and offers a great view of The Big Apple and Times Square. It is also strategically located near the Subway, Penn and Grand Central stations so getting around in the city will not be a problem. The hotel also has a lot of dining options where you can grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants including Crossroads American Kitchen and Bar and Broadway Lounge. The View Restaurant and Lounge is another option which is New York’s only revolving restaurant where you can enjoy a 360 degree view of Broadway.

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 37

Bank of America Theatre Formerly known as the La Salle Theatre, The Sam Shurbert Theatre and the Majestic Theatre, the Bank of America Theatre was restored and renovated in 1906. This 2000 seat Broadway theatre has staged a number of hits including Rent, Sweet Smell of Success and Jersey Boys.

In the very centre of Chicago’s cultural district is the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District Hotel which houses the Bank of America Theatre.

The 135 guest rooms promise a clean and comfortable stay along with accessible rooms for guests with disabilities.

As a Broadway in Chicago hotel partner, the hotel offers a great package for guests with an inclination towards theatre. This includes special weekend room rates, complimentary valet parking, complimentary On The House breakfast and a promotional Billy Elliot DVD for Broadway ticket holders.

38 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge, the famous cabaret in Paris known for the modern form of the can-can dance still remains one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. There have been numerous books, movies and documentaries based on the place, the most famous being Moulin Rouge! – the film by Buz Luhrmann starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman.

Conveniently located near Saint Lazare Station, Le Moulin Plaza has a charm only Paris can provide. The 3-star hotel has 50 comfortable fully-furnished rooms. Some rooms even have a balcony or a little private terrace which offer spectacular views of the Moulin Rouge. A little patio separates the hotel from the bustling crowded streets of the city.

Le Moulin Plaza which is located between the Montmartre and Opéra provides the ideal hotel destination for theatre goers. The hotel is a great place to stay at if you are in town to catch a performance at the Moulin Rouge which is just a short walk away.

Shakespeare’s Globe The Globe Theatre was built by Shakespeare’s company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men but was destructed in a fire. Later in 1997, a reconstruction of it called Shakespeare’s Globe came up in its place. The theatre works towards exploring the works of the playwright through performance and education.

Shakespeare’s Globe puts up performances of almost all Shakespeare’s plays from Romeo and Juliet to The Tempest in a wide array of languages and formats. Did you know that you could catch a version of Othello performed in Hip Hop? Or All’s Well That Ends Well in Gujarati?

The Globe to Globe festival offered by the theatre is a celebration of theatre with the greatest directors, actors and audience from all over the world.

The Grange St. Paul’s Hotel located in the heart of London city is a great place to stay at if you are in town for a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe.

The hotel offers a number of deals and fixed packages. These include a luxury Globe to Globe festival package which comes with accommodation for two at the hotel, buffet breakfast and two coveted top-tier tickets to selected Globe to Globe performances.

The hotel provides opulent suites as well with exclusive facilities like a private balcony overlooking the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Through the centre of the hotel, 80 feet off the ground, the spectacular glass Atrium encases a number of bars and restaurants like Novello, Globe and Benihana restaurants. Club Ten situated three floors below ground level is one of the city of London’s happening new locations. Silks Cocktail Bar, Quarter Jacks and Sky Bar are other watering holes located in this glass structure. Temple Bar offers refreshing drinks including your choice of black, green and herbal infusions.

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 39

CINEMA

Notable Film Adaptations of Plays • • • • • • • • • • •

Plays to movies

•

We do not have a shortage of movies in the world today. Not having the time to finish reading a book, it is now easier and more convenient to step into an air-conditioned theatre, watch a movie and step out in less than how long it takes to finish a couple of chapters of a book. The accessibility of movies is more- more than books and definitely more than that of a play.

People all over the world still feel that theatre is elitist. While you can watch a play with its many costume changes, curtain lowering and lifting and so on for an exorbitant price for less than half of the price you can for a film to rely on the visual aspects as everything is not confined to a single stage. They do not need to rely on transforming a plain stage into several different locations in the span of telling a single story.

Some playwrights re-write their own plays to make suitable movies.

Amadeus, which won a Tony for Best Play in 1981, was rewritten by Peter Shaffer. This turned out to be a good move as the film adaptation went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1984. Peter Morgan did the same with Frost/Nixon, the drama which was nominated for the Golden Globes, Academy and BAFTA Awards among others.

A few stage to screen transformations completely disregard the original

40 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

A Streetcar Named Desire A Few Good Men The Philadelphia Story Casablanca My Fair Lady West Side Story A Man For All Seasons Driving Miss Daisy Oliver!

Chicago The Rocky Horror Picture Show Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Romeo and Juliet

watch a film. So how does the world of showbiz deal with this? They turn these on-stage productions to crisp and concise films.

to actors in movies who would be criticized for being over-the-top had they delivered a performance along similar lines.

There are a lot of drawbacks to turning a Broadway hit into a film. Though these mediums have some things in common- they both rely on visuals and use actors; there are a number of factors to be kept in consideration while making the adaptation. Plays thrive on the entire stage to showcase a particular scene. Films use multiple cameras in every different angle but there is still the lack of movement that plays have. Actors in plays have a much more dramatic and exaggerated approach to their craft as opposed

Plays, on the other hand lack the continuity that movies have. Films do not need any breaks for all the stage changes that plays require. It is easier dialogue like in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and The Elephant Man. The there are those films that have little to do with the original play.

This was usually the case in musical films such as the operetta style RoseMarie which had a close to completely different plot with just a few songs from the stage version.

Ever since Shakespeare brought Romeo and Juliet to life in his play, these two immortal characters have remained an important part of the theatre scene. Romeo and Juliet has been adapted several times in many different forms like theatre, film, musical and opera. It was revived

by William Davenant during the Restoration with a few revised scenes.

There were also remakes by David Garrick and Georg Anton Benda have also remade the play. In the nineteenth century Charlotte Cushman and John Gielgud’s versions restored more or less of the original text.

In the twentieth century came the movie versions of Romeo and Juliet.

1936 saw a version of the film by George Cukor that was comparatively faithful to the play but failed to cause much of a stir. There were several other versions by Renato Castellani and Franco Zeffirelli. The most memorable remake of the iconic play has to be Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes and is a bold, modern remake of the classic.

While it appealed to a lot of teenage hearts there were mixed reactions from the critics who did not take too well to this modernized approach.

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 41

Musicals Contrary to popular belief, a lot of musicals were first movies. Musical films were born out of musical plays but now with the short supply of composers and lyricists, Broadway has a new source to fall back on- movies!

Some of the longest running musicals on Broadway are based on movies.

These include The Producers, The Full Monty and Beauty and the Beast.

Not to mention The Lion King which is one of the longest- running shows in Broadway history.

After 15 years of entertaining audiences, The Lion King has been translated into seven different languages, the show has been performed in 15 countries across five continents.

Top 10 Longest Running Broadway Musicals • • • • • • • • • •

The Phantom of the Opera Cats Les Misérables Chicago A Chorus Line The Lion King Oh! Calcutta!

Beauty and the Beast Rent Mamma Mia!

5 Most Popular Musicals, 2012 • • • •

So why this transition from movie to musical? This can be answered with a lot of factors, one of them being that plays are still more expensive to watch than movies. Which is why when people buy a ticket to a play, the chances of them picking a name they are familiar with are higher. When they recognize the name of the show, they are more willing to invest in it.

The popularity of musicals today is high but the public is still sceptical when a member of the cast suddenly bursts into song. The appeal of musicals is still far from over.

Welcome to "CHAMIERS", a life-style store Showcasing "Anokhi's line of clothing and furnishing...A gift section with an interesting range of Jewellery & Crafts, Footwear & Photoframes, Accessories & Bags, Cards & Stationery, Table & Desk Accessories.

Jesus Christ Superstar Evita Wonce Big Fish

New # 106, Old # 79, Chamiers Road, Chennai - 600028. Shop: 24311495 Café: 42030734 42 | july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 43 Mail: chamiersshop@yahoo.co.in Web: www.chamiershop.com

The new Audi A4.

What’s in it for you?

The Audi CarLife Advance. Call us to know more.

The new Audi A4 is available with Audi CarLife Advance, a service plan which provides you with the greatest luxury of all – peace of mind.

Service plan Extended warranty Low EMI Comprehensive risk coverage

To book a test drive SMS 'NEWA4' to 53030 or call +91 99808 77788, 96000 95024

Audi Bengaluru: 080-2852 1548 | Beratana Agrahara, Hosur Main Road, Electronic City P.O, Bengaluru - 560 100.

For corporate sales enquiries call: +91 96322 27627 | Email: info@audibangalore.in

Audi Chennai: 044-3242 8698 | No.531, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai – 600035.

For corporate enquiries call: 0-98409 12004 | Email: info@audichennai.in 44 |Accessories, july 2012 | Cinema, Music & Art withmay thenot Brew *T&C apply. colours and fitments shown be part of the standard equipment.

Cinema, Music & Art with the Brew | july 2012 | 45