debasish3011

Parinda has always been my favorite because it was one of the first movies to break the stereotypical formula-based film making trend in India that relied heavily on larger-than-life heroes (and villains) and impossible fight sequences that defied both gravity and logic. Parinda was a breath of fresh air amid all this chaos. It showed the Mumbai(Bombay) underworld as it had never been shown before. The movie begins with a superb background score reminiscent of The Terminator theme. As one listens to the sombre yet striking music with visuals/shots of Mumbai high rises under a grey evening sky, one realizes it's going to be a dark and no-nonsense film. And who can forget Kishen's (Jackie Shroff's) entry as he walks up that huge tank to meet rival gang-leader Moosa? I always wished the scene was a little longer. If Tom Alter did full justice to the role of Moosa, the role of Anna seemed to have been written for (and only for)the immensely talented Nana Patekar. The cinematography of the film leaves all other films of its time way behind (with the exception of 'Raakh', another dark and gritty film released around the same time). Jackie Shroff's acting is simply fabulous, whereas Anil Kapoor is, well, loud as usual! I wish he had shaved off his mustache to fit the role of the younger brother better. Suresh Oberoi as the goon gives a superlative performance - one of the best in his career. In short, Parinda marks the beginning of realistic mainstream cinema in India. Indian art-house cinema had always been realistic, but mainstream commercial cinema used to be just escapist fares until Parinda happened.

Joshilaay is a movie with a Western feel, complete with trigger-happy bandits, smokin' pistols and gunfire and a plot that borrows heavily from John Wayne-Clint Eastwood movies. But before you sit to watch it, be prepared for some annoyingly loud background music that'll pierce your ears during the climactic scenes. However, considering that the film was released way back in 1989, most of its melodramatic excesses are somewhat forgivable. After all you just can't ignore a movie like Joshilaay (and many others such as Khote Sikkey, Kala Sona, Chunaoti, Jagir etc). These movies gave Indian audience the typical 'desi' mix of Bollywood and Western flicks. Joshilaay on its part is particularly memorable for its cinematography, scenes shot in the arid landscapes of Ladakh, the composed acting of Anil Kapoor (usually known for his loud acting) and of course the dreaded bandit JOGI THAKUR. The actor who played the role deserves to be placed in the same ranks as the late Amjad Khan or Amrish Puri. It's rather sad that we remember Gabbar Singh, Mogambo and Mola Ram, but if someone asks 'Remember Jogi Thakur?' the curt response would be "Jogi who?" Overall, Joshilaay is an underrated film that deserves recognition from today's viewers. But let me also warn you... the movie prints are in bad condition. Sometimes the screen turns dark during daytime scenes and you might think there's a solar eclipse going on every now and then. No proper restoration was done for the prints and it's evident that the director himself lost interest in restoring the film maybe because it was a massive flop upon release. Whatever, the solar eclipse phenomenon is in some way countered by Sridevi's flashing jewelry. As you watch Sridevi you seriously wonder how a poor Banjaran girl whose father runs a small traveling theater troupe can afford such expensive jewelry. As for the songs in the film, the only memorable one is the title song sung with amazing manliness by the late Kishore Kumar. The other three songs in the film are too loud, absurd and unnecessary.