Monday, August 7, 2023

An Action Hero- Movie Review

 An Action Hero commands your attention from the word 'go' and holds it till the end with a few snags in between. Ayushman playing the role of the action hero comes up with yet another masterful performance while looking dapper the whole time. The film's story unfolds spoofy, where the writer and the director pull references from various other action-hero characters. The dialogues written by Neeraj Yadav are crisp and help the screenplay forward adeptly. The film's music also does justice to the narrative and aids in taking the story forward. The fast-paced music with insightful lyrics keep you glued to the thriller till the end. A special mention to the background score which sets the pace and then holds it through the entire 2 hour journey of the narrative. The presence of actors like Jaideep Ahlawat lifts the movie from being mundane; he delivers the punchlines with panache adding the much-required humor to the film. The action set pieces of the Action Hero seem flawless and it is quite amazing to see Ayushman Khurana do the fight scenes with ease. The actor should continue the work he is doing over the last decade. The movie offers a final twist rounding up the narrative where the black, white, and grey blend together finishing it up in style. All in all, AN Action Hero as the name suggests is an action film which a twist and lots of punches that will successfully keep you glued through its runtime. 

Thursday, February 4, 2016

International Kolkata Book Fair 2016- Books and Entertainment

Visiting the International Kolkata Bookfair always gives me the feeling of de ja vu; hundreds of stalls, thousands of heads, smell of books, unbeatable collection, the dust and also the heat (sometimes) reminds me why I love this place. I visit the fair every year yet cannot have enough of it and my mind wants to spend more time at each and every book stall exploring its collections. Kolkata Book Fair 2016 seems to be the same in its imposing presence except for a huge Bolivian center. Long queues in front of book stalls, people pushing each other to lay their hands on their favorite books makes one forget that we belong to the 'E' generation where Flipkart and Snapdeal governs our minds. No, nothing can kill the allure of books and the enthusiasm of book lovers. 

If you are thinking that this is only the place for serious readers, your idea is bound to change after a single visit. It has loads of comic moments and some irritable ones to offer. There are some visitors who can spend an entire day sitting at the food corner with all sorts of food items as if they are food critics and then there are others who are willing to waste time fighting over silly issues like "why did you place the chair on my foot'? Of course, how can you miss the ones clicking selfies at every step they take towards another book stall or the pseudo intellectuals who arrive with a particular attire to intimiadate others. Bookfair is not just confined to books anymore, probabaly it never was. But for book lovers it is still a paradise and the others quite a humorous adventure. 

All in all, I had a great experience once again. 

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Airlift Review


Airlift reminded many of us of the evacuation mission of India that took place in Kuwait in 1990 to save fellow Indians; a film that informs us about the brave acts of Indian Airlines, Air India and Indian Air Force which earned them a position in Guiness Book of World Records for conducting the largest evacuation operation on foreging soil. This enough can ensure a good run for the film at the box office during the Repuublic Day week, but the movie has more to offer. 

To begin with, Airlift seems to be an honest effort by the director Krishna Raja Menon to tell the story of the plight of Indians in Kuwait during Iraqi invasion and how a person rises to the occasion to save 1, 70, 000 stranded Indians on foerign soil. So, he gets into the task without wasting any time. Right from the beginning we see how Ranjit Katyal manoeuvers his way to reach the top in his business and that he hates India and is a Kuwaiti by heart. However, as the dialogue in the film rightly points out- everyone remembers his/her mother when hurt, AK along with his family resort to their Indian origin to protect themselves from being slaughtered by Iraqi soldiers. 

The film introduces the plot early and establishes the tension 15 minutes into the film. The narrative is filled with moments where one can sympathize with the characters going through the turmoil. Here, our hero Ranjit Katyal for a change is unlike Bollywood film heroes who never fail in their attempts. Ranjit Katyal fails quite a few times to negotiate a deal creating a safety net for the fellow Indians. Though he is reluctant in the beginning yet as an expert negotiator he rises to the occasion leaving no stone unturned to send the families back to their homeland. That takes him to Kohli, the reluctant External Affairs officer who finally helps Ranjit with his persistent efforts and conviction. He also manages to convince the commercial pilots to fly to the warzone and save their fellow countrymen.  

Akshay delivers a matured performance and looks every inch the businesshead in his salt n pepper look. Purab Kohli as the silent supporter and Inaamulhaq as the Major justify their roles. Kutty as Belawadi also impresses with his acting skills for the annoying character who unacknowledges Ranjit's efforts. Kumud Mishra deserves a special mention as Kohli who is understated and endearing. The only sore thumb that stuck out was that of Nimrat Kaur who does not have to do much other than roam around in stylish attires. The only scene where we find a glimpse of the actress we relish watching onscreen is the confrontation between Belawadi and her. Other than that, sadly she is almost present through her absence in the entire movie. 

Bollywood films still have not been able to come out entirely from their formula of song and dance and hence an Arabic number which was totally irrelevant. The romantic number by Arijit is nice and hummable, but again redundant. 

Overall Verdict:

Airlift is a great affort from AK's production which will be rememebred for some time by the audience. 

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Clip On- The Most Versatile Jewelry 

Clip on earrings are easy to buy and upcycle. They are available in fashionable designs and are quite affordable. Now, you can use these clip on earrings to spruce up your accessories in creative ways. You can either use a new one or an old pair from your mom's wardrobe to give your accessories a touch of freshness and new look. 

Clip on is one of the most versatile body jewelry which can be used in many different locations in different ways. If there are old bangles, bracelets or cuffs at home spruce them up a bit by using clip ons. Glue them to the stackable bangles or cuffs and enjoy the sparkling makeover that you have given to your favorite accessories. Adding some clip ons to your clutch purse in the different ways will increase the style quotient of your ensemble. The stone studded clip ons go very well with purses, bangles and rings because of the spark they add to the accessories. 

The experiment doesn't end here; you can also change the way your shoes look by adding a clip on to them. If you own a fantastic pair of flats which you adore, enhance the glamour of that flat by adding a large clip on in the center of the strap. You can also use a clip on at the back to give it a designer look. However, do not forget to use a band aid if you are choosing the second option. 

Clip ons can be excellent hair accessories. You just have to detach the backing from the clip on and place it on the closed end of the bobby pin using hot glue. The thicker the pin, the better the headpiece. With thicker pins the headpiece becomes firm.  Wear this unique hair accessory with any kind of ensemble to add a zing to your hairdo.

If you wish to embellish the collar of your outfit, the clip on earring is ideal for that. The procedure to use the clip on earring is very simple. You just need to put the clip on your collar on the right side and then follow the mirror lay out for the left. The stylish clip on will jazz up your appearance.  

Does your scarf need a fresh lease of life? Take an awesome looking clip on and add it to your scarf for that extra feminine look and feel. You can either use a single clip on or multiple ones for a beautifully combined look. A scarf is quite a versatile piece of cloth like the clip on itself, so use it anywhere around your neck or over your head and tie it at the collar, the clip on will help you achieve that perfect look you want. 

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

glwr

Effects of Global Warming on Water Resources

Global warming is a menace faced by the human race in the present times. Both the environment and the human lives are being adversely affected by the phenomenon of global warming. The effects of global warming is myriad and numerous. Several researches were conducted by different organizations and all of them revealed that global warming is increasing at an alarming rate which is augmenting the end of the world.

The effects of global warming are vast and cover every sphere of one’s life. Both the nature and the living beings are suffering from the effects of global warming. If we do not take note of the alarming rate of growing global warming then our earth might cease to exist someday. The water bodies have been heavily affected by the global warming phenomenon. Sea levels have risen, glaciers retreats are taking place often and the most harmful affect is the shrinking of the Arctic Circle. This phenomenon has caused concerns among all the sectors and geoengineering is considered to be a way of mitigation.

If we put it simply then the water bodies would be affected during the long an scorching summers since the rate of evaporation would increases with hotter summers. Water cycle is important for any kind of human activity and global warming would adversely affect this cycle causing a topsy turvy in the human activities as well as the climactic changes. Global warming might also lead to floods. The water levels in many regions would lower due to excessive evaporation and this would cause in torrential downpours increasing the chance of deluge.

Water is essential for human existence. It is also used for various other purposes like generating electricity from the hydel power plants. These hydroelectricity plants require the water current which is derived from the fast flowing rivers. But with the increase in global warming the rivers are unable to maintain their flow causing a decline in the production of electricity. Water levels in reservoirs and aquifers are also decreasing due to the increase in global warming. This would lead to grave consequences at homes and workplaces as well as the agricultural sector of the different countries.

The acceleration in the phenomenon of global warming has caused the ice sheets in the West Antarctic Circle and Greenland to shrink. Carbon sediments have been released in the air and due to the increase of carbon emission the reduction in the ice sheets has taken place. This reduction might cause a huge flood around the world. By the end of twenty first century the water in the sea is expected to rise by 7.1- 23.2 inches. Due to the augmentation of global warming effects the Thermohaline circulation might as well get disrupted. The fresh water from the Polar Regions would interrupt the Gulf Stream causing this distress.

The imbalance created in the water cycle by global warming has far reaching effects. Some places on the earth would face extreme temperatures along with torrential rainfall while others would face scarcity of water and drought. In fact, according to the scientists this phenomenon of global warming might even cause desertification in the extreme Tropical areas like Africa.

The glacier infested areas like Western North America, Asia, Alps, Indonesia and Africa are suffering badly due to global warming. The melting of glaciers in these regions has raised concerns regarding the increase in water levels. Ocean circulation also suffers due to global warming. The oceans act as the absorber of carbon dioxide and when it reaches the saturation point it fails to absorb anymore carbon dioxide. As a result the ocean surface becomes warm.

Acidification of ocean is caused due to the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is an indirect effect of global warming causing distress to people worldwide. The rise in sea level would cause infiltration of the saline water into the groundwater. This will pose as a potential danger for the health of the living organisms. Hence, we should sit up and take note of this predicament that is threatening our existence. Only our joint endeavor would help our race to survive the threat of global warming.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

ab

Tarot Card Layouts- Integral Part of Tarot Card Reading
There are various types of tarot card layouts. There are simple ones as well as complicated ones. Different types of layouts are as follows:
• Five Card Spread• The Celtic Cross• The Ellipse Spread• The Mandala Spread• The Mirror Spread• The Relationship Spread
Tarot card layouts are extremely important because much of the information provided by the tarot card readers depend on the position in which the cards are laid. Every layout reveals different kind of information about a personality or a specific situation. Some other spreads or layouts yield information on astrological perspectives or predict about the coming year. There are even others that provide information on the specific questions. The Celtic layout is known to provide the greatest amount of insight on matter or a human being. The Celtic spread is user friendly as well.
The Celtic layout also referred to as the Gnostic Cross is a 10 card layout. This is the most common kind of layout since it reveals most of the information regarding a personality or a situation. This layout helps the tarot card reader to draw a profile of the client. It gives the reader extensive information regarding the character. The Celtic Cross shows the reader a slice of the client’s life. This kind of tarot card layout is particularly helpful for obtaining the reading of animate beings but for knowing circumstances. While asking questions one must be very specific if the reader is using the Celtic Cross layout since it is designed to answer specific questions. The reading is quick and flawless.
Another very useful tarot card layout is the 12 cards layout. This is one of the most popular among the different tarot card layouts since it gives information about people, conditions, in general and specific like financial condition or business condition etc. The 12 cards layout can also answer questions regarding relationship problems. It can tell you about your past events, it can analyze the present events and also predict the future events. This is an effective method of tracking the cause and effects of the various events.
The 12 cards layout is quite progressive and you can find out detailed information regarding a situation by moving back and forth in time. The layout of cards in this particular spread can deal with complex situations by providing multiple readings through multiple card symbols. The 12 cards layout is very useful if you want an elaborate reading on a specific condition. This layout is so powerful and insightful that you can track the past events of one’s life accurately.
The five card spread among the other tarot card layouts is useful regarding predicting one’s course of action. This will tell you about the problem and the remedy which will guide to achieve success in life by removing the hindrances. The Mirror Layout is another layout that provides information on relationships with accuracy. This is primarily focused on analyzing relationships, whether a budding one or an established one. The Mandala Layout sketches one’s spiritual course flawlessly.
Hence, the tarot card layouts are extremely important for obtaining an accurate reading for a person.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Go Places!!

It was holidays again and this time Iwas keen on visiting a sea side. Therefore I began searching for information on the net with a view to bump into some information about the best sea coats in the world. I went about searching madly through various web sites for relevant information but was satisfied with none. Some only had beautiful pictures and others had some very boring piece of information contained within them. I looked up various web sites but all in vain until i really bumped into the site called www.mapsofworld.com and very rightly named so since the pages of this link contains excellent information regarding the places of the world. After going through the web site I decided to pay a visit to Miami, the splendid land of the azure sky, the roaring sea, whcih is rightly known as the gateway of the Americans. Miami boasts of spectacular beaches, the footfall at the beaches during the peak season beats all the other sea sides around the world. I could gather all the necessary information about the flights, accommodation, other tourist destinations, tour conductors, cuisine etc. from a single web site that is www.mapsofworld.com. In fact, the description about the beaches in Miami in this site enticed me to plan a visit to the place. The site contains every bit of information about the city which would be of great help to the backpackers. I would suggest every one out there to go through this particular site before one plans to go on a trip. I was much relieved after visiting this site because it provided me with concrete information regarding the travel necessities. Hence, i made it a point to go through the site whenevr i plan to go out on a sojourn and have informed my relatives and friends as well to visit this site before they visit a place since the information they provide is unparallel. :-)