Even after two days I m still wondering whether Mangal Pandey-The Rising was a historic film or a soft-porn. The way the director deals with the story, it seems to explore the sex-lives of the Generals of East India Company (EIC) n not the life of the hero of the 1857 Indian Uprising. For beginners,
Mangal Pandey was an Indian soldier on the payrolls of EIC. He played a pivotal role in the 1857 Uprising (in the current sixth/seventh grade history books, his bravery is described in just one line). So, the director (...remember his film Maya Memsaab) has stretched this one line into a two-n-half hour movie. How? Tht's simple.. put in some sleazy scenes n a couple of 'item-songs'. I m not averse to sex-scenes in movies (Bollywood is coming out of age n i m happy for tht), but the director seems to have forgotten wht an outrage it might generate in the hero-worshipping community (..national heroes do not have any vice). Also a recent book has been published "Mangal Pandey: Martyr or Accidental Hero".Mangal Pandey (played by Amir Khan) n his officer, Gordon (Toby Stephens) r shown as frnds who do mud-wrestling n drink bhang (alcoholic drink) together. On Gordon's command Mangal chews the cartridge-cover, which is coated with animal fat n which is against his religion. The cartridges create a stir among the sepoys n alogwith some local rulers they decide to overthrow the British regime. The plan somehow reaches the authorities n they summon a large fleet of army to foil the uprising. Mangal Pandey is taken in custody n hanged in public. But, the seeds of rebellion he sowed then, gave birth to a massive upheaval which shook the foundations of the EIC.
Though, Mangal's role was very important in the uprising it is completely overlooked in the film which beats around the bush showing some nautch gals shaking their booty. Amir Khan's 4 yr sabbatical was the main reason for the crowds to throng to the theatres. Though Amir is one of my fav actors, I was totally disappointed with this film. Toby Stephens comes out gr8... I liked the scene in which he tries desperately to defend Mangal in the courtroom. Rest of the actors r so-so. Check out the catchy backgrnd sound on the film's official site.
Man-Gal Porn-Day: The Raising
8 comments:
:)
I was also wondering why the hit count is more than the no. of comments.
just wanted to add...bhaang aint an alcoholic drink, its made of ground marijuana.
and seems like indian directors are running out of historical figures/heros/heroines to make films on..
historic film or a soft-porn .... !!
hahahahha ....LOL!!
@Anon: thnx for the info
Nothing like some sex scenes to stretch a movie. Too bad they have to do it in a historical film.
Maybe they should have picked something more historically significant to make a movie about if they can't even fill it with real stuff.
That's one hell of a moustache though.
@Barbie: The moustache was the reason many ppl went to see the movie.. he he.. it took the actor four yrs to grow it.. (i think so.. correct me if i m wrong)
Got a new project n a new Team Lead.. whenevr the Lead finds me surfing he assigns a new task.. so not finding enuf time to even hit the explorer button.
Too bad they have to do it in a historical film
Exactly..
I found the movie amazing. There was a lot of porn, it was nicely shot, and the director didn't give a damn about the story. Who needs a story when you have tits. Though I guess I wouldn't have enjoyed the movie if I hadn't had bhaang before watching it.
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