Media Trial - and Error

And once again I have summoned all my energy so that what ever is stuck in my brains for ages will come out!! This is a desperate attempt to shed some weight as I have always believed, its just all the thoughts which have been occupying my cerebral make me look slightly over weight!! But there are very few moments where the locked matter crawls out and then I am compelled to post it. I am still trying hard to fathom which exact force does that.

Anyways, to the business!!! We have always been taught that there are four pillars of the democracy- the judiciary, the legislature, the executive and the press (and now whole lot of media included). While the 2^nd and the 3^rd pillars try hard to collapse every time, 1^st and 4^th pillars which have always kept the edifice of the democracy erect – albeit until recently.

The Press was largely limited to print media i.e. newspapers, magazines and other publications. However, the advent of electronic media has changed the rules of the game dramatically. And by very nature the impact of this media is transient. So in a bid to create an impact, sensationalism remains the only successful (!) mantra.

The sensationalism of electronic media has different aspect to it. The different tricks pulled out of a hat are more than even a great magician can ever conjure up. So right from flashing any damn news as a breaking news to their SMS polls on any news, one can go on and on and on. But I wish to carry out an inquisition into the gravest of them all- Trials by media.

Each night and on every news channel, there is a similar scene. A judge sitting confidently, sometimes with a touch of arrogance of know-all, with a chargesheet and the investigation report. (A dual and confused role of a policeman and a judge) A panel of experts including political spokespersons if the charge is a political. And at the bottom of TV screen are the constant updates of opinions of Indian people (!).

I am myself an avid follower of this kind of debates which are turning into quasi-judicial proceedings very fast. But in recent months some of the anchors have quite seriously assumed the role of a judge. And frankly they are all too serious for anyone’s comfort and well being. My basic problem with these people is that they come with an agenda every time. Eg when the court ordered the filing of the chargesheet against Rajesh-Nupur Talwar, a chief editor of a popular English news channel was almost hysterical. His team carried on their own investigations. They are tabling all the crucial evidences live on TV and the panelists involved were giving their verdict within that one hour debate!!! Now in the same case, a rival news channel interviewed the Talwar couple and the tone of the debate was to completely exonerate the couple of all the charges.

Another high profile case was of Mr. Binayak Sen-convicted on charges of sedition; when the verdict was announced against him almost the entire media was against the judgement. It was a case of mass bashing of the Court- the kind of bashing normally is enjoyed by our beloved governments. And even worse and shameful is inviting public opinions through the SMS polls. A commoner on the streets is hardly aware about the nuances, technicalities and detailed procedures that are associated with any judicial proceeding. An animated and in some cases hysterical presenter puts some facts and pieces of investigations to solicit an opinion. If this is not the contempt of the Courts then what is it? There is a very thin line of difference between criticizing the Courts and making a complete mockery of the Court proceedings. And with these kinds of debates on the Court’s verdict, it is definitely an attempt to take the legal proceedings to a completely inappropriate level.

And yet another shocking example- Mi Nathuram Godase Bolatoy- a controversial drama based on Nathuram Godase was cleared by the High Court but even then NCP disrupted its show in Thane. And on top of that makers of the Drama and a NCP leader were debating in the newsroom about the merits of the drama. And at the end of the show they reached an agreement where producer was ready to listen to objections of NCP to the script!! And that’s it my Lord!!

The sanctity of our democracy is in the hands of our Courts. There are times when the same media has taken an aggressive stand against the judiciary and it is lauded by the judiciary itself (Jessica Lall case). But these cases are far and few in between. Because, a TV presenter carrying an overt bias and prejudice cannot be and should not be expected to carry out any viable and constructive debate.

In the times when general public is full of cynicism towards the politicians and the governments, the sanctity of the judiciary has to be preserved and respected. Those with the means to influence public perceptions should not get themselves embroiled in frivolous battles of TRPs. And if the edifice of the democracy should always stand tall then all the pillars should give each other strength and keep on fortifying the foundations.

-N. D. K. Nikhil

And the Oscars went to……

My recent blog which seems like an eternity now, was on a film. Since then there have been a lot of topics which kept me teasing but are locked somewhere in the attic. So it’s just some amazing and never ending lethargic attitude which makes it a coincidence that the subject on hand is – The Oscar 2011!!!!

“Oscar’ - the word presents a world of movies which is stamped on the hearts for as long as you will live. For someone like me, it is a guide to watch finest movies to have ever been made. But nothing in this world is perfect and so is my guide. Because, there are times when the ultimate choice of the winners is very diplomatic and in some cases result of the great marketing strategies. Just as there are trends in the fashion world, even with the Academy there are certain preconceived notions which decide the awards or at least it seems so. So in recent years, I have faced utter surprises and bitter disappointments and I am sure there are many with me on this. But this year was a lot better, not only most of my predictions were correct but the awards seemed largely just and fair. Although the ceremony left enough room to make few people invidious, including me.

I always wanted to do a review of the Oscar nominated films. I had given it a thought earlier but to review all those movies would have taken quite an enormous effort and I pride myself as a “lazy”!!! The King’s Speech collected major honours. And each of them was worthy enough.

In the Best Film category, this year unprecedented 10 films were nominated. The race to the wire was clearly between The King’s Speech and The Social Network, as the Academy and Nolan have some serious issues to sort out. But my completely biased choice was “Toy Story 3” - the finale to the Toy Story franchisee-the movie had each and every element for a perfect movie. But to compete with the live action category is always a herculean task.

The award for the Best Director was a bonus to The King’s Speech, as I felt David Fincher should have won that.

The competition in the Writing Categories was also equally fierce. In the Adapted Screenplay, all of them were great movies. It would have been very interesting if The King’s Speech was in the same category. In the Original Screenplay category, there was a tough competition. Many tipped “Kids are all right” as a surprise winner. But to my delightful surprise “The King’s Speech” won it. And again Nolan was not picked for reasons beyond my comprehension!!

The Best Actor was always going to be Colin Firth. And this year it was a fatal five way competition. Jesse Eisenberg invested so much into the character. The original “True Grit” had won “Best Actor” and Jeff Bridges looked very promising for the second award in a row. James Franco also was brilliant in “127 Hours”. Javier Bardem carried the entire movie on his shoulders. It’s unusual that a non-English film has a nomination in this category. But the King to be coroneted had to be Colin Firth who performed with such poise, poignancy and the required elegance. He hooks you with his predicaments and dilemmas. An amazing performance befitting to an amazing character.

The Best Actress award was Natalie Portman’s from the day “The Black Swan” released. The movie was 100% Natalie Portman. It was sad that Jennifer Lawrence had to fight with the likes of Portman and Kidman. In some other year, she would have pulled out the Oscar!! Annette Bening was being considered as a competition to Portman which is just a glorification of an above average performance and open favouritism towards the homosexuals in the Awards.

And the Batman had risen!!! The Dark Knight was robbed of few Oscars for sure. But this time The Batman has done the job!! Christian Bale could have just played the role of his career!! He hooks you and locks you the moment you see him as thin, bumbling, vulnerable and ever zealous Dickey. And although Geoffrey Rush delivered one of his finest performances, the energy Bale has shown in Dickey is nothing short of a phenomenon. My only disappointment was in the Supporting Actress category, where Amy Adams and Helena Carter were my favorites. Young Hailee Steinfeld could have been a sensational choice. Mila Kunis missed out on a deserved nomination.

The Social Network was considered a clear winner in many categories but a late surge by the King’s Speech took the awards away.

The Animated Film category, in the recent years has treated us with some wonderful and delightful movies. Toy Story 3 is as good as it gets. The movie also made it to the Best Film category which was a deserved salute.

In music awards, our very own A. R. Rehman was also nominated. And when his name was announced with mention-"two times winner”- it felt special. His original song nomination had a fair chance but in background score, Inception’s score was equally deserving, the Social Network was a deserving winner.

Christopher Nolan- What can I say? Arguably my favourite director of last decade or so. With Dark Knight he was blatantly ignored for an award. This year he was not even nominated as a Best Director, it is simply an outrage as a Nolan fan. Although Inception won a handful of technical awards, the concept of Inception truly deserved the Best Story/Original Screenplay. And the most bewildering was the non inclusion in the Editing Category. But a lot more is expected from this man and I am sure one day he will compel the Academy to bestow the Oscar.

The most disappointing part of the Awards was their presentation. James Franco after an amazing performance in “127 Hours” was expected to put up a fine show. In fact, it was Anne Hathaway that people were reluctant of. But she was pushed to the walls to give a charming performance as James seemed completely disoriented and disinterested.

But the real intention of the Awards was achieved with almost perfection. With no eye widening surprises in the winners’ list, the ceremony may not have been a spectacular one but it surely felicitated those who deserved, yeah almost!!

-N. D. K. Nikhil

Elephantastic Experience!!!

History has been one of the fascinations for me. There are many who feel that the pages of history are nothing but the old memoirs which are hardly relevant in current times and possess any vision for the future. And there are some others who strive to create a better future by drawing inspirations from the same old, crumpled, worn out pages, such an inspiration is at south-east of Mumbai Harbour.

Elephanta Caves- situated on an island some 10 kms from the harbour of Mumbai, is a place of historical and archaeological significance. The way to it goes through the Gateway of India. A ferry boat takes you to these islands. In a journey of approximately 1.30 hrs; one will come across many cargos and the famous ‘Bombay High’, if one is lucky enough, you will catch a variety of seabirds floating and flying by the water. However, the luckier ones will have a NatGeo/Discovery channel scene of ‘the bird catching a fish!!’

The breezy voyage takes you to a small harbour near Elephanta. The first sight of it is a vintage and quaint stony bridge, which goes to the heart of the island. Those who are less adventurous have an option of the toy train. The village Gharapuri of around 1200 population prides itself with one of the most iconic symbols of our history. A classical stony staircase will take you to the top of the hills, en route plenty of stalls keep you engaged and help to regain breath.

The main attraction or rather the only remaining attraction is ‘the Great Cave’. The Cave has nine forms of Lord Shiva in various avatars. Most of them are damaged far beyond recognition.

The places like this remind us about our shabbily written history. On the entire island not a single word is written to offer any kind of historical insight into these structures. It is believed to be built somewhere between late 5th to the late 8th century AD. The island of Gharapuri has been strategically and politically important having served as the capital of the Konkan Mauryas. It was also a frequent stopover for ships traveling from abroad en route to the Kalyan Harbour.

The present condition of the sculptures, idols and the entire edifice is nothing but appalling. For major part of recent history it has been neglected which led to a continuous dilapidation of the whole structure. It was as late as 1970s when some sort of restoration work was carried out. But even in its current glory it inspires us. We can only envisage albeit with our frivolous imagination about the glory days of this place. Apart from the Great Cave, what has left of other caves is just a big cavity.

Through the passage of time, most of the magnificent art work has been ruined and some or many others must have been stolen. The broken idols only remind us of our neglect towards this ancient treasure. And whatever broken pieces are now left asking us the question- “what did we do to protect it and what are we going to leave for our future generations?”

Don’t go there to experience some vision defying art work. It’s long gone!! Just go there once; those old pages of history will haunt you for at least one second.


-N. D. K. NIKHIL