ashokli

I am a big fan of TV dramas, and a long time fan of Jack Bauer's 24. So when I heard that there was going to be an Indian adaptation, I was filled with anticipation.

Fortunately, Colors TV's 24 did not disappoint, as could easily have happened in an Indian show (yes, there is some bias coming through for Indian TV here!). It is a faithful homage to the original series, right down to the ATU set and the way the agents speak. "Listen up, everyone!"

Yes it's too pat at times, but so was the original. One can hardly get from place to place in Mumbai in 5 minutes, or even 30, or even 120; but the characters here easily manage that, just like they did in LA. A character is freshly shaven after 9 hours into the show, though one guesses that he must have shaved 24 hours earlier at best. Situations move exactly the way it is convenient for the story.

In the end, the narration is taut, the suspense is continuing and the episodes end with me being unable to wait for the next one.

What else can one ask for in a TV drama?

I saw Deewaar again today and it still had the same impact that it did 30 years ago. It seemed as fresh in all ways, especially the direction, the dialogue and of course, the acting of its main protagonist, Amitabh Bachchan.

Mr. Bachchan has left his mark over the years in a number of movies, and this was an early one that his loyalists remember. Seeing it today and realising that he was still in the early stages of his career makes one wonder how he could have got even better since this movie.

Not many movies can claim this effect on its audience after such a long period of time, including several with Mr. Bachchan in the lead.

I don't know enough about movie-making to understand what it is that makes a movie a magical experience. But this is surely one of them.

Every scene, every character, every frame of the movie seems to be perfectly crafted. Is it the direction, is it the camera-work or is it the actors? Certainly, in my view, the pride of place must go to Lizzie Bennett, played by the absolutely gorgeous Keira Knightley. She is more than outstanding and the costumes, sets and locations seem to be just right for her. I don't think anyone else could have achieved what she has done here.

Add to that the landscapes which are lovingly captured by director Joe Wright and cameraman Roman Oshin and you have the perfect movie.