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As of Friday, Kapil Sibal has specially requested the St. Stephen’s College Principal and the Delhi University Vice Chancellor to exercise their discretionary powers to allow the U-19 World Cup cricket captain Unmukt Chand to sit for exams.  The university rules mandate that a student needs to have at least 33.3% attendance after all exemptions, but Chand was unable to fulfill this criterion due to his cricketing engagements.

While not lauding or criticizing this exemption, it is important to discuss the precedent this directive from Sibal sets for all future cases, as well as the possible superficiality of such a move. It is often forgotten that these rules are also present with a rationale behind them.

Most sports heroes/artists may achieve a great deal in their fields but the degrees they are enrolled in are often very different from the field of their achievements. These academic degrees require time with that subject, and often, attending classes. To exempt someone from this may not necessarily be an honor of their achievement, but detrimental to any education their degree claims them to possess. So, a hard-working student receives the same degree as someone who exists only on the attendance roll.

The other factor that has to be considered here is the fact that this situation is faced by multiple national-level artists and athletes every year. Hundreds of Delhi University students participate in theatre, dance, drama or various sports at the national level.

This case received attention from the media and the people due to a mixture of the Indian fandom regarding cricket, winning and cricket. Not specifically, a sudden respect for extra-curricular achievements.

There are various alternative systems that could exist here to laud or support national achievers. That could be time, a different course structure/adapted courses or allowing them to repeat a semester.  This may be a better idea than just an exemption which removes the responsibility of education from the college on the basis of achievement in a completely disconnected field. The paradox of this Sibal-intervention is the focus-shift from education to examination. Something which he has vehemently opposed till now.

In the light of all this, is this move then just for the degree-holders, extra-curricular or otherwise? I leave that judgement to you.

Like every other mission, Ten to the Power started as an idea. Ankit Durga and his self-admittedly net-savvy friends were following the Kony 2012 viral campaign and found two things remarkable and amusing. The campaign had been so successful in its impact and effect that people from India were joining in. That was remarkable. What was amusing and ironic was that India had over a hundred Kony-like scenarios existing in every district and state. Yet, the connection of the youth was to a people unknown, and a continent halfway across the world. It made them think about the missing factor which left the people ignorant and disconnected from the thousands of NGOs doing revolutionary work in their own country. The answer was simple: Communication. What they chose to do with the answer was innovative. Instead of restricting it to a living-room discussion, they decided to start a project which will focus on funding rural learning centres and organizations as well as making the students of Delhi step out of their comfort zones and work in terrains and social structures they’ve never seen or experienced. While their goal is development and social betterment, their main aim is to reach out to those people who need to get something in return even if they enough. The campaign they’ve chosen to work on is education. More importantly, education in the rural and inaccessible parts of India. After thorough research and interaction, the project has chosen the Purkul Development Youth Society to partner with and support their Early Child Learning Centre as well as their Women Empowerment Cell. It intends to increase the access of education to kids in their formative years as well as provide their parents with a source of income. The first phase of their project is just as simple. A hundred rupees. If every student in Delhi University contributed a hundred rupees, an entire rural school could be run on that alone.  To put things in perspective, a scoop of gelato or a dinner at Khan with enough equivalent power to fund a single child’s education for a day. The youth, as a collective have enough power to change every system of this country and sometimes, all it takes to bring them together is an idea like this one. For more information/to volunteer, visit – http://tentothepower.com/  ]]>

If 2011 gave us record breaking films with mind boggling collections, plethora of biggies are lined up in this new year which have the potential to take the industry by storm. You don’t need to be a genius to predict who will rule the Box Office but the Khans, still there are plenty other films which ride high on promise and can provide us all a worthy time at the cinemas.

2012 can easily be called as the year of sequels with as many as 15 films like Jannat 2, Raaz 3, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai 2, 1920 Part 2, Dabangg 2, Jism 2 and Housefull 2 releasing this year. Then there is Kya Super Kool Hain Hum, a sequel to the 2005 hit Kya Kool Hain Hum as well.

Apart from these sequels and the Khans, there are few films that may do the trick for their producers as well as the audience. These may not have the hype currently but can certainly prove successful considering few key factors attached to them.

Here are my picks:

Heroine
I don’t need to tell you either the star cast or the man behind the film as it has already been on the top of the charts of controversies. This Madhur Bhandarkar film promises to be a blockbuster simply ‘coz it has the buzz and the name (Kareena Kapoor) that can help the film create history.

Student Of the Year
So, this is the first time Karan Johar helms direction without his buddy SRK. With three absolute newcomers, this campus film seems exciting and with Karan’s masterful storytelling, the film could well end up as one of the blockbusters of the year.

Kahaani
After the super success of The Dirty Picture, all eyes are on Vidya Balan. And her next, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, looks like an engrossing watch. Its teaser that was released just a few days back gave a glimpse of how Vidya can again run away with all the critical acclaim and the moolah.
P.S. If you haven’t seen the teaser yet, catch it and hold your breath before the last scene, it will blow you away!

Lootera
Produced by Anurag Kashyap and group (Phantom Films) and Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane of Udaan fame, this Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha starrer grabs your attention with the names associated with it. A romantic saga set in the 1950s, Lootera could be a big surprise waiting this year.

Agent Vinod
Months and months were consumed to complete this Saif and Kareena starrer. But it is sure that once the release date of the film nears (March 23), the film will catch the spice and will become a hot property. Also because its Saif’s ambitious project which he co-produced as well.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Teri Meri Kahaani
These two films share the same spot because of their ‘not in love now’ star cast. While Ranbir and Deepika star in a Karan Johar production Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra join hands for Teri Meri Kahaani (tentative title), which marks Kunal Kohli’s return to direction after four years.

Rock the Shaadi
No-no, this isn’t the usual shaadi saaga but, believe it or not, India’s first Zombie film starring Genelia D’Souza and Abhay Deol and produced by Ekta Kapoor. I can’t say how good will this “zom-com” be, but one thing is for sure, it’s certain to generate ample curiosity by the time it releases.

Jodi Breakers
Starring R.Madhavan and Bipasha Basu, Jodi Breakers may well be the Tanu Weds Manu of this year. As the title suggests, the film is all about two divorce lawyers and their love story. Going by Madhavan’s track record and the unconventional jodi, the film may give Bipasha a much needed hit.

Shanghai
Dibakar Banerjee’s films have a certain air about them, which defies convention. And Shanghai starring Abhay Deol and Emraan Hashmi makes the fare seem even more exciting.

Barfi!
Like the unusual title, the film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra is a tale of two opposite personalities, with Priyanka enacting the role of a mentally challenged girl. Directed by Anurag Basu, Barfi! looks like an intriguing prospect.

That’s not it! Akshay Kumar comes up with as many as four films – Rowdy Rathore starring Sonakshi Sinha, OUTIM 2, Joker and Khiladi 786. Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar is highly anticipated in the trade and Hrithik Roshan’s Agneepath is already very hyped and is ready for release next week.

Are we missing something? Well, yes! The Khans! It will be a key year as all the three Khans have at least a single release this year. While Aamir Khan’s Talaash co-starring Rani and Kareena releases this June, Salman Khan has one release each for Eid and Christmas which are EK Tha Tiger and Dabangg 2 respectively.

But for me, the most awaited film has to be SRK’s next, directed by the legendary Yash Chopra. With Katrina and Anushka Sharma as leads, the film surely promises to be a grand cinematic experience.

It’s over to you, 2012!

Chaitanya Sharma
[email protected]

Don 2

MOVIE REVIEW

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan. Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, Lara Dutta, Kunal Kapoor, Om Puri

Music– Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

Direction: Farhan Akhtar

Rating: 4/5

 

Sleek, Stylish, Sexy. Don 2 is all of this.

When the promos claimed ‘The King is Back’, you couldn’t help but expect a lot of thrills and chills from this sequel of the 2006 hit. While the prequel itself had some cool twists besides some shoddy writing, it certainly gave a hint of a sequel in the end. And in Don 2, there is a furthermore indication (through a bike’s number plate) that there indeed will be a Don 3.

But how is Don 2? Well, in one word, it’s thrilling. In spite of a certain number of flaws, Don 2 works because it has the elements of suspense and surprise that a thriller should have. And whenever the screenplay dips and gets boring, there is always a man who comes in to the rescue: SRK. A word on him later!

After capturing the South East Asia, Don has his eyes set on Europe where he plans to rob the leading bank in Berlin. To accomplish his plan, he surrenders first and is thrown in a jail in Bangkok. Partnering with Vardhan, he escapes the jail and begins implementing his devilish plans. Some may say that the plot resembles Ocean’s Eleven or the MI series, but one cannot deny that some portions of the movie, especially the last hour matches Hollywood. The action and chase sequences, the twists and turns may not be too many but they certainly make their presence felt.

No doubt the first half takes its own time in unraveling and also gets a tad monotonous at times. But the film’s latter part surely makes up for it. The final hour is so spectacular that it keeps you on the edge of the seat and doesn’t give you much time to think. You remain gasping as Don conquers his enemies and wins over you, too.

Of the cast, well, it’s a one man show. Shah Rukh Khan is in an absolutely supreme form as he charms one and all with the magnetic yet wicked Don. He looks dapper and sexy in all the looks and literally steals the show with his smirk and his quick-witted one liners.

Priyanka Chopra doesn’t look a cop, though she is suitably restrained. Boman Irani is potent as Vardhan and looks menacing enough. Kunal Kapoor’s short role is adorable and he springs a pleasant surprise. Lara Dutta and Om Puri are just average while the latter is completely wasted. Hrithik’s cameo is okay but he certainly didn’t infuse the same charm as SRK.

Music by S-E-L is strictly average. I won’t blame him as a film like this had to have minimum songs. Though, I liked the song in the end credits.

For Farhan, the film could’ve been better especially in the first half. He ought to have stayed away from depending so much on Shah Rukh. But to be honest, keeping the lazy writing aside, credit has to be given to him for making such a stylized and sleek product.

The film will definitely garner a better response both from the viewers and the Box Office than Ra.One.

I am going with 4 stars out of five for Farhan Akhtar’s, or should I say SRK’s, Don 2. The film is a hell of a ride in the second half and a Shah Rukh Khan show all the way.

Watch Don 2 and end the year with a blast!

 

Chaitanya Sharma
[email protected]

MOVIE REVIEW

RATING – 2.5/5

 

The Dirty Picture

Raunchy? Yes! Bold? Very! Good? No!

Milan Luthria’s The Dirty Picture, is easily one of the boldest films you have seen recently. But how I wish it could have been ‘one of the best’.

It is very clear after watching the film that the makers’ foremost priority was to shock you. So in the first half you see Silk (Vidya) do all the raunchy moves, which are received by tons of seetis from the audience. The jaw dropping dialogues bring out the laughter and Silk does all that she can to satisfy those who are lured in solely by the promise of skin-show. And obviously they are unlikely to complain.

But the filmmakers could not quiet succeed in making an emotional drama that it could have been, rather, should have been. With the sole focus being on sex, the writers failed to weave a captivating screenplay. Forget this, when Silk (Balan) commits suicide in the end, it doesn’t give you a shock or a tear; it gives you a huge relief as you see the exit gates open.

Reshma, a village girl enters Madras, in order to chase her dreams, and gives it all to become a star. Not afraid to expose and compromise, she impresses all with her guts and later on becomes a siren in the South film industry. Along the way, she gets entangled in three love affairs, all unsuccessful, and receives ample hatred for doing the bold and vulgar films from the society. And as good times bid her farewell, she lays in the bed she made for herself.

With the plot being extremely predictable, what was required was a tight script which besides entertaining helps the viewer to relate with the protagonist. But here, what is served is only ‘entertainment entertainment entertainment’. While the first half is genuinely funny, engaging and shocking, it’s the film’s latter half that gives your back an uncalled-for ache.

The film is made watchable, thanks to its two stars, the ‘dirty’ dialogues and the ‘boombat’ Balan. While the dialogues are wonderfully and astutely penned by Rajat Arora, Vidya Balan is impossible to describe in a word. It’s hard to imagine who else could have gathered the guts to carry such a herculean role with such perfection. She is absolutely spectacular and, in short, is the ‘hero’ of the film.

Of the male actors, Naseeruddin Shah creates a major impact. He is exceptional and entertaining as a middle-aged South superstar and a Casanova. Both Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar are first rate, the former obviously with a better role.

Vishal Shekhar’s music is decent to say the least. ‘Ooh la la’ is a definite chartbuster; other songs though hummable, seem to be unnecessarily forced in the narrative.

Milan Luthria deserves to be appreciated for conceptualizing such a bold film but a little more effort in the writing and the end result could have been much better.

I am going with 2 stars for the film and an additional half for Vidya Balan, making it 2 and a half for The Dirty Picture. Silk certainly tries hard to make up for the flaws, but it isn’t enough to make it a ‘lovely’ picture.  If you are looking for just the shock value, this average fair may not disappoint you!

Chaitanya Sharma
[email protected]

South Campus gets a Metro station
In what can be called as an ‘Independence Day‘ gift for DU students, Delhi Metro opened its two
remaining stations in the Airport Express Line on August 15, namely Dhaula Kuan and Aerocity. While
Aerocity station will benefit people residing in Vasant Kunj and Mahipalpur, the station at Dhaula Kuan
will act as an asset for the students of Delhi University’s South Campus colleges. In addition, there are
special passes for the students which will enable them to travel at as less an expense of Rs 10 from New
Delhi to Dhaula Kuan and Rs 15 from Dwarka to Dhaula Kuan.
While most of the students are gushing about the fact, some aren’t too pleased at this development.
Arti Khanna, a student of Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, felt that the route was too long and
tiring. “I stay in Noida and if I have to reach Dhaula Kuan station, I have to change metro twice at Rajiv
Chawk and New Delhi and the whole distance will be covered in more than an hour. I would still rather
travel by bus”, she explains. This is a legitimate problem as for anyone to reach Dhaula Kuan, one has
to board a metro to New Delhi station from where the Airport Express Line is operational which adds to
the cost as well as the time.
But this new addition has certainly reduced the distance between the North and the South Campus and
the Metro officials say that more stations in South Delhi are in the pipeline which will definitely benefit
students.
Chaitanya Sharma

In what can be called as an ‘Independence Day‘ gift for DU students, Delhi Metro opened its two remaining stations in the Airport Express Line on August 15, namely Dhaula Kuan and Aerocity. While Aerocity station will benefit people residing in Vasant Kunj and Mahipalpur, the station at Dhaula Kuan will act as an asset for the students of Delhi University’s South Campus colleges. In addition, there are special passes for the students which will enable them to travel at as less an expense of Rs 10 from New Delhi to Dhaula Kuan and Rs 15 from Dwarka to Dhaula Kuan.

While most of the students are gushing about the fact, some aren’t too pleased at this development. Arti Khanna, a student of Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, felt that the route was too long and tiring. “I stay in Noida and if I have to reach Dhaula Kuan station, I have to change metro twice at Rajiv Chawk and New Delhi and the whole distance will be covered in more than an hour. I would still rather travel by bus”, she explains. This is a legitimate problem as for anyone to reach Dhaula Kuan, one has to board a metro to New Delhi station from where the Airport Express Line is operational which adds to the cost as well as the time.

But this new addition has certainly reduced the distance between the North and the South Campus and the Metro officials say that more stations in South Delhi are in the pipeline which will definitely benefit students.

Chaitanya Sharma

[email protected]