- Sat, 31 Jul, 2010, 2:25 am -

There has been many a time when you are expecting something beyond expectation but ultimately end up getting cheated. This is what the much hyped Maniratnam’s Raavan has handed us. Three years in making and considered to be the most expensive film till date of the ‘renowned’ director, the film is a huge disappointment for his ardent fans.

One went to the multiplex with high expectation of watching a classic from Mani but came out of the hall with disappointment writ all over. It was hard to believe that the director of such wonderful films like Bombay, Nayakan, Guru, Roja would hand us this mediocre flick.
Supposed to be based on the mythological ‘Ramayana’ Raavan has failed miserably in adapting it. The film’s ‘Raavan’ (Abhishek Bachan) shrieks and hams to the extent that he climbs on your nerves. Abhishek should stick to playing roles like Bunty or the one in Guru. The amount of ‘mud’ on his face amply symbolizes his acting in the film.

A R Rehman seems to be still busy counting his Oscar and Grammy trophies and had hardly any time to concentrate on this movie. The AR pulse and beat is sadly missing.

Full marks to Santosh Sivan and Manikantan for the breathtaking photography, the only high light of the movie. Choice of locales has been excellent.

Acting wise Abhishek, Vikram & Govinda have given routine performances. Aishwarya though looks good and polished in her acting.

The story line is the weakest point of the film. Even the dialogues have no punch.
Better save your money instead of giving it to ‘Mani’.
Rating: (Reluctantly)

P. Vijay Raghavan

Ranchi: Mani Ratnam’s eagerly awaited ‘Ravan’ could not be screened in the Ranchi theatres due to a dispute between the exhibitors and distributors. The huge crowd gathered at all the three theatres were a disappointed lot. The distributors put the entire blame on the producers for demanding exorbitant extra money from the initially agreed amount.

How often have you come across a Rs. 40 lakh ($100,000) silk saree? Chennai Silks, a textile unit has come up with one of its kind and it is seeking an unmistakable entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most unique and expensive saree. ..details..

Jamshedpur: The present Miss India World Puja Chopra and Miss India Earth 2002 Reshmi Ghosh made the Sunday night memorable for the students of OIIFT, Bishtupur. ..details..

Ranchi: The Tiny-tots of Eurokids set the ramp on fire with their cat walk, of course with a difference. The standing ovation and the thunderous applause of more than two hundred people in the auditorium was enough proof of their awe inspiring performance. ..details..

The baby step walks, the side on look, a man lost in a world of his own, the innocence with which he tells Kajol ‘marry me, the Khan remains the King and definitely a super hit at that with his grace sans the hamming& performance par excellence. ..details..

Ranchi: The huge smile on 12 year old Yakut Khan from the Navatoli slums told the entire success story of the ‘Sadak Chhap’ film fest held in Ranchi on Thursday. The first ever of its kind to be held in Ranchi, the fest drew more than 125 children to the place of screening, especially arranged for them in the community hall of Chaiti Durga Mandir in Kutchery Road interiors. ..details..

|| Jharkhand to witness India's first ever ‘street film’ festival for children ||
Ranchi: The day long “SADAK CHHAP FILM FEST” will be organized on the 11th of February ’2010, Thursday, at Chadri in Ranchi. SADAK CHHAAP FILM FEST is India’s first ever street film festival movement for children in slums and villages. ..details..

|| Nava Thakuria ||
After a film festival on terrorism, organized by Gauhati Cine Club, the prime city of Northeast India has hosted another important international film festival. Organized by Cine Arts Society, Assam (CineASA) for the second consecutive year, the weeklong Guwahati festival is starting after the marry making Bhogali Bihu festival of Assam. ..details..

Though walking is good for health, talking on a cellphone simultaneously is not a very good idea. It can make a person vulnerable to accidents. Young and old pedestrians comprise with their road safety rules while talking on hands-free cell phones. Older people, especially those who are unsteady on their feet, should stay away from mobile phones on road as they are even more likely to succumb to traffic casualties. ..details..

लंदन: अपनी जीरो साइज फिगर के लिए मशहूर पूर्व स्पाइस गर्ल विक्टोरिया बेकहम इस खूबसूरती को बरकरार रखने के लिए बेरी और जपानी डिश सशीमी खाकर दिन बिता रही हैं । ..details..

Shaad Randhava may appear a new name, but for those who have seen Wo Lamhe and Awaapan this is a known name becuase Shaad Randhava had attracted viewers attention in these films. Son of world famous wrestler Randhava and nephew of Dara Singh have now earned a name for himself. ..details..

पारिवारिक फिल्‍म का मायने क्‍या है? एक जमाना था जब ‘घर घर की कहानी’ हिट हुई थी। फिर एक जमाना आया – हम आपके हैं कौन?.. का। फॉरमूला यह कि ये फिल्‍में परिवार के साथ बैठकर देखी जा सकती हैं। अब, एक और पारिवारिक फिल्‍म आ रही है- ‘मैं और मिसेज खन्‍ना’। हम नहीं कहते, फिल्‍म निर्माता का यह दावा है। फिल्‍म का निर्माण सोहेल खान प्रोडक्‍शन और यूटीवी स्‍पॉट ब्वॉय प्रोडक्‍शन के तहत किया जा रहा है। ..details..

- by P Vijay Raghavan -
The tribe claim to be the decendants of Asuras, the traditional mythological enemies of god/goddesses. They squarely blame Goddess Durga, for their present day pathetic condition. Their ‘king’ Narakasur was slain by the goddess as his atrocities were becoming unbearable for the humans. ..details..

Ranchi : After a long gap, a circus in the form of Olympic Circus, has arrived at the State capital to regall the Ranchiites. The circus industry has been struggling to maintain the 200 odd people and animals attached to their caravan, after the ban on using wild animals in the show. ..details..

Ranchi : Noted actor/director of hindi cinema, Satish Kaushik was in town on Sunday with the star cast of his latest venture ‘Tere Sang’. The film has two new comers Sheena and Ruslan in the lead roles. Kaushik termed his new film as ‘kidadult love story’. ..details..

- P. Vijay Raghavan -
Ranchi/Deoghar : Jharkhand , a State surrounded by jungles and mountains, offers a treat to all the tourists with its rich abundance of water falls, heritage temples, forest resorts and a deep cultural heritage. In a country where religious considerations are given top most priority, the people are seen to be manifesting a tireless zeal for pursuing their religious urge, for attaining peace – their ultimate goal. Jharkhand’s religious city Deoghar becomes the hub for devotees during the ‘Shravan’ ( hindu ) month. ..details..

– by Pranav Prakash, Ranchi -
The football seasons in different countries are over,with some teams basking in the glory of winning the respective leagues while some trying to heal the wounds of losses.With the war on the football pitch over,the focus has shifted towards the war off it-the war between club managers to bring in new players to their sides. ..details..

Mumbai: Refering the forensic reports Police declared that Shiney Ahuja was in his full senses at the time of the incident. A few days back Ahunja was charged of rape by his domestic maid. He still in judicial custody. ..details..

Papu Sardar, ardent fan of Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit (born on May 15, 1967), offers sweets as he celebrates 42th Birthday of Madhuri Dixit at Jamshedpur about 130 km (82 miles) south of Ranchi May 15, 2009. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, she dominated Hindi cinema as a leading actress and an accomplished dancer. ..details..