The year 2009 was big in terms of Hindi movies...we had almost all the big names attached with this year....
here is my pick on the best and worst Hindi films(I watched) of 2009..
Note: Under each section the particular section of the film is rated, example: under technical achievement in action, the action of a film is rated in brackets, for film section overall rating of the film is given in bracket.
Rating system is given in the end.....
:-)
TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN FILMS IN 2009
Here I would like to mention the most striking technical advancements I have seen in Hindi films...(I skip mentioning English movies because Avatar would beat them in each and everything......)....yet the films of 2009 had some shining examples that our Industry has grown up from simple cartoon like VFX to streamlined bullet shots in BLUE and from long songs in Switzerland to outstanding musical Narratives in Dev D.
Rating in the bracket is given on the basis of the technical excellence of the film and not its overall rating
Technical Achievement in Cinematography
Blue (Tech. Rating:★★★★)(Film:★½)
from the aerial views on the chase sequences to the underwater sequences Blue had everything in terms of visual quality
Cinematography: Laxman Utekar Underwater cinematographer: Pete Zuccarini
Other films with Sharp Cinematography
Dev D (Tech. Rating:★★★½)(Film Rating:★★)
A cinematographer in a serious film has the job of capturing and creating an environment which captures the mood of the characters and enhances the screenplay, the best part of Dev D it was a very polished product pulled back by its intentions and unclear motives, otherwise each and every scene of the film was full of colours and unavoidable beauty.
Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi
3 Idiots(Tech. Rating:★★★½)
once you go inside the cinema hall and expect 3 Idiots to be a very good film, it has to be a very good film in all respects, and any one point short may make film, with such high expectations, disappointing, yet this simply just does not happen, the Director of Photography makes sure that each and every scene is full of light and throughout the film, the colours he chooses, go direct in sync with the dramatic joyous, sad, variable and bright moods of young Students sometimes under pressure while enjoying otherwise.
Cinematography: Muraleetharan CK
Technical Achievement In Editing
3 Idiots (Tech. Rating:★★★★)
the most important aspect of this film is its flow, the smoothness with which the sequences occur and the way pace of the film is maintained...In 3 Idiots....while almost each and every scene seems to be in place and it is hard to find even a single scene not required.
(Editor: Rajkumar Hirani)
Other film/s with Notable editing
Wanted(Tech. Rating:★★★★)
A masala film without a great Plot can be held together only if all the scenes are entertaining and keep the viewer interested and appropriate doses of comedy, action, drama, songs are provided in the right places. Wanted is certainly one the well edited films of 2009.
Editor: Dileep Deo
Kaminey(Tech. Rating:★★★½)
Editing is a tough Job, and to keep the on goings interesting in a twisty, underworld film noir it becomes all-the-more difficult yet the editor in Kaminey makes that sure that the viewer is not getting bored by the usual bad guy v/s bad guy v/s partially bad guy drama and he chooses the scenes to get the thrills at the right time....in right place
Editors: Meghna Manchanda Sen, A. Sreekar Prasad
Acid Factory(Tech. Rating:★★★½)(FIlm Rating:★★★½) Editor: Hemal Kothari
Achievement in Action
Blue(Tech. Rating:★★★★)
While This film had nothing to boast of but its visuals and action scenes, scenes of the film were stylish yet so effective that even Hollywood was praising about its action sequences.
Action Directors: James D. Bommalick, Ravi Yadav
Other films with solid action
Wanted(Tech. Rating:★★★½) Action director: Vijayan
Acid Factory(Tech. Rating:★★★) Action Director: Tinu Verma
Achievement in Sound Design
Blue(Tech. Rating:★★★★)
Films Have come a Way ahead when It comes to sound and Blue was a shining example of a technically advanced product…..the solid cracking sound of explosions or the underwater sound effects blue was way ahead as far as sound in Hindi films is concerned:
Sound Designer: Resul Pukutty
Other films with brilliant Sound Design
Acid Factory(Tech. Rating:★★★½) Sound Designers:Nimish Cheda(Design), Harjeet Singh(Design), Ajay Kumar(Mixing)
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Achievement in Writing
Indian Films have now moved ahead from usual hero falls in love with heroine and smashes villain, now movies are more story and subject oriented and much more than just boy loves girl flicks. 2009 has seen a few outstanding examples of writing, and here I mention few of my personal favourites.
Rating in the bracket is given to the writing of the film
Original Story
Rocket Singh: Salesman Of the Year (Story Rating:★★★★★) Story by: Jaideep Sahni
Originality in Indian films is a challenge and Rocket Singh challenges that challenge......simply a true film with true intentions about a Sikh who just wishes to work honestly, Rocket Singh was certainly the best original Story of the year 2009.
Other films with good original stories
New York(Story Rating:★★★)Story by Aditya Chopra
Baabarr(Story Rating:★★★)Story by Ikram Akhtar
Original Screenplay
New York(Screenplay Rating:★★★★) Original Screenplay By: Sandeep Srivastava
Story is the basis of the film but it’s the screenplay and the events on screen that a viewer sees and connects to and New York is successful in keeping viewers interested & stuck to the on goings and doesn’t allow the audience to guess it right what comes next.
Other films with good original screenplay
Rocket Singh: Salesman Of the Year(Screenplay Rating:★★★★)Original Screenplay by Jaideep Sahni
Kurbaan(Screenplay Rating:★★★★)Original Screenplay by Rensil D’silva
Acid Factory(Screenplay Rating:★★★½)Original Screenplay by: Suparn Verma, Sanjay Gupta, Milind Gadagkar
Adapted Screenplay
3 Idiots(Screenplay Rating:★★★★) Screenplay By: Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Story Adapted From Chetan Bhagat’s 5 Point Someone
Story can be lifted from whichever medium available and adapting something doesn’t mean losing creativity, while the story could belong to anything it cannot be necessarily turned directly into a motion picture, while 3 idiots used 5 Point Someone in a way that it appealed to everyone and rest is a record.
Another well Adapted Screenplay
Wanted(Screenplay Rating:★★★)Screenplay by Shiraz Ahmed, Story Adapted from Telugu Film Pokiri(well this could better be called as a Rip off rather than being called as A remake or Adaptation)
(Although Dev D was also an adaptation of Sharatchandra Chatterji's Devdas, But I do not find its screenplay competant enough.....)
Dialogues
3 Idiots(Dialogues Rating:★★★★★) Dialogues by: Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi
The Dialogues in a film make you cry, make you laugh and in 3 Idiots they make you a part of the films proceedings, whether be it the speech by Chatur or Raju’s Attitude or Rancho’s explanations certainly the best Dialogues were penned down by the makers of 3 Idiots.
Other Shining dialogues
Rocket Singh(Dialogues Rating:★★★★)Dialogues by Jaideep Sahni
Wanted(Dialogues Rating:★★★) Dialogues by Shiraz Ahmed
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UNFORTUNATE FILMS OF 2009
A few have that ability to tell a story in a different way, the way where they do not compromise for commercial profits and hence are unable to leave a mark at the box office despite being a sincere attempt and a decent production. In this section I mention those films which despite being good could not make a lot of cash for their producers.
Rating in the bracket is the overall rating of the film
3.Baabarr(My rating:★★★½)
This film when did it come and when did it leave?...this is a very good question....when I heard it was a good film.....I did not bother....but when one of my friends recommended it and I watched it....I found it to be outstanding although pulled back by its useless aggression(director:Aashu Trikha) and violent screenplay(writer:Ikram Akhtar) making it to be not very appealing for everyone. This film did not make any mark at the Box Office and left cinema halls without any noise(Producers :Sunil Saini, Mukesh Shah).
2.Kurbaan(My rating:★★★★)
I personally feel that this was a very well made film both as a thriller(Story: Karan Johar, Screenplay: Rensil D'Silva) as well as a thematic discussion based(dialogues:Anurag Kashyap,Niranjan Iyengar) social film.....needed to be encouraged but did not work on ticket windows.....whether it be minor goof ups in the plot or unappealing story line and a little unconventional execution(director:Rensil D'Silva)....This Film could not make upto its investments and flopped(Producers : Hiroo Yash Joha, Karan Johar).
1.Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year(My rating:★★★★)
One of the best films to come out in 2009 couldn't even gather sufficient audiences to make successful even by the word of mouth, although due to its extremely low budget(Rs. 5 Crores) producer(Aditya Chopra) was just able to pull his money back, the film went on to be a flop. I have a very deep sympathy with the makers who had kept details and neatness with simplicity(Director: Shimit Amin) with clear objectives and truest intentions(Writer: Jaideep Sahni) in the film. Although this film did not work at the box office yet it earned a place on one of my favourite films of all time(see all my Flixter Favourites, This one is placed above 3 Idiots on No.15...bacause I just loved Rocket Singh...)
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Music Achievements in 2009
Music is an integral part of Hindi films and 50 years into films now, yet still the best of the films have music placed in each and every inch either in form of songs or background score, in 2009 we have seen a genuinely beautiful collection of brilliant soundtracks and the best of my choice, I will discuss.
Rating in the bracket is given to the music of the film
Best Music in a Motion Picture(Songs)
Dev D(Rating:★★★★★)
Best Music For Songs:Dev D
Making music for a film like Dev D was a herculean task yet the composer did it in a way which I personally feel was the best in 2009. To produce an album of 18 tracks(yes with 15 different tracks and I am not talking Remix versions here + 3 Theme Tracks) which becomes the garland of music and simply speaking Dev D is my choice of motion Picture album of 2009.
Music By: Amit Trivedi, Lyrics By:Amitabh Bhattacharya & Shellee
Other Great Sound tracks in 2009
Delhi-6(Rating: ★★★★½) Music By: AR Rahman, Lyrics By: Prasoon Joshi
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab kahani (Rating:★★★★) Music By: Pritam, Lyrics By: Irshad Kamil
Kaminey(Rating:★★★★) Music By: Vishal Bhardwaj, Lyrics By: Gulzar
Best song of 2009
Masakalli (Rating:★★★★★)
song of the year: Masakalli
This particular song is one whenever I listen my mind goes on roller coaster ride and so does anyone else’s this is one hell of a song so twisted in melody that any soul just can’t avoid himself from being mesmerized by this particular song. Masakalli is my choice of song for this year.
Music By: AR Rahman, Lyrics By: Prasoon Joshi, Singer: Mohit Chauhan, Film: Delhi-6
Other great songs in 2009
Dhan Te Nan(Rating:★★★★½) Music By: Vishal Bhardwaj, Lyrics By: Gulzar, Singers: Vishal Dadlani, Sukhwinder Singh, Film: Kaminey
Pardesi(Rating:★★★★½) Music By: Amit Trivedi, lyrics By: Shellee & Amitabh Bhattacharya, Singer: Tochi Raina, Film: Dev D
Emosanal AttyaChaar(Rock Version) (Rating:★★★★)Music by: Amit Trivedi, Lyrics by: Amitabh Bhattacharya & Shellee, Singer: Bony Chakrawarty, Film: Dev D
Aahun Aahun(Rating:★★★★) Music By: Pritam Lyrics By: Irshad Kamil, Singers: Master Salim, Neeraj Sridhar, Suzie Q, Film: Love Aaj Kal
Best Music in a Motion Picture(Original Background Score)
Salim-Sulaiman for Kurbaan(Rating:★★★★½)
Best Background Score: kurbaan
As hindi films are evolving and becoming more and more theme oriented, stories are becoming independent of songs, and the elevation of screenplay Goes in the hands of the Background score, as for a dark serious mature subject like Kurbaan the composers made sure that appropriate music for a scene leaves a further deepening impact.
Other Great Scores in 2009
Dev D(Rating:★★★★) Background Score By Amit Trivedi
New York(Rating:★★★★) Background score By Julius Packiam
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MAINSTREAM ACHIEVEMENTS :
Although a film is produced with the people backstage, its the people who, when shown to audiences, pull them to cinema halls and their way of carrying a film is what generates curiosity amongst the audiences, here I would write about the Best of the performers on-screen who simply were awesome and proved their metal when it came to performance & bowled me over.
As far as Direction is concerned, the director is the captain of the ship called a film and it's his vision we see on the screen through the actors and the architecture of a film lies inside the director's mind, he/ she is the one who tells the story to the audience, and decides which way the audience will not loose interest in his storyline and subject therefore, The best narrator of a story, the Director whose vision enchanted me in 2009 is also discussed in this section.
Ratings in the brackets are given to the performances
Achievement by an Actress in a Supporting/parallel/negative Role:
Kirron Kher for Her portrayal of Nasreen/Aapa in Kurbaan(Rating:★★★★)
While this year had very big names to boast of but as long as actresses were concerned, specially under this category it was hard to find one yet there is one example who stands equal strong as all the other characters in the film and that was the role portrayed by Mrs.Kirron Kher in Kurbaan, I as mediocre fan of films is just too small of a person to rate a maverick performance who smashes you hard in face when revelations about the character come in front. A rare performance portrayed by a rare performer.
Kudos to you ma’am.
Other Notable Performances under this category
Gauhar khan as Koena in Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year(Rating :★★★½)
Achievement by an Actor in a Supporting/parallel/negative Role :
Om Puri For his Portrayal of Chaturvedi in Baabarr(Rating:★★★★½)
Surprising! To be honest this performance is one where any one doesn’t even come close to Mr. Puri as far as performances are concerned, in his portrayal of a corrupt cop he excels and becomes the show stealer and shows that it’s not anyone’s but his film and he rules all the way…
Other Notable Performances under this category
Chandan Roy Sanyal as Mikhail in Kamiey (Rating:★★★★)
Boman Irani as Viru Sahastrabudhdhe in 3 Idiots (Rating:★★★★)
D Santosh as Girish Reddy in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the year (Rating:★★★★)
Irrfan Khan as Roshan in New York (Rating:★★★½)
Achievement by an Actress in a Leading Role :
Priyanka Chopra’s Portrayal of Sweety Shekhar Bhope in Kaminey(Rating:★★★★½)
Although many would argue that her best performance this year would be What’s your Raashee? as she portrayed 12 roles in a single film but I am not counting her over here because of two reasons:
1. I have not watched What’s your Raashee?
2. She could not create the buzz which could persuade me to watch the film ignoring everything and just to watch her perform.
But as far as her portrayal in Kaminey is concerned she played her part of a Bubbly Marathi Girl with an ease which was awe inspiring and proved her to be the best of 2009.
Other Notable Performances under this category
Kareena Kapoor as Avantika in Kurbaan(Rating:★★★★)
Now that was close…..while Priyanka had beautiful 2009 we cannot deny that Kareena Kapoor bagged the best of the films of 2009(including 3 Idiots), but her portrayal of concerned and vulnerable Avantika is probably the best one can have from an actress of her caliber.
others
Vidya Balan as Vidya Arte in Paa(Rating:★★★½)
Mahi Gill as Paro in Dev D(Rating:★★★)
Achievement by an Actor in a Leading Role:
Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal of Charlie & Guddu in Kaminey(Rating:★★★★½)
Unbelievable, astonishing, outstanding, enchanting………this one performance was certainly the best Shahid Kapoor could have done till date, in a film full of performances he stood tall and was never overshadowed by anyone and with his great Body language he Showed everyone who is the boss here.
Other Notable Performances under this category
Ranbir Kapoor as Harpreet Singh Bedi in Rocket Singh: Salesman Of the year (Rating:★★★★½)
Although Shahid might be the best Bollywood could have this Year but Very close behind was Ranbir who offered a bouquet of performances and the best being of him playing the sweet honest Sardar who teaches Work Man ship and “Hard work pays and so does Honesty” in the most honest way. (Note His eyes when his Grandfather comes to Bail him).
Others
Aamir Khan as Rancho/Phunsuk Wangdu in 3 Idiots(Rating:★★★★)
Amitabh Bachchan as Auro in Paa(Rating:★★★½)
Achievement in Direction
Rajkumar Hirani, Director of 3 Idiots (Rating:★★★★½)
No surprises here, when a director obsessed with providing wholesome entertainment gets an idea of a good film he does wonders and astonishes everyone, Raju as always just does not disappoint and makes sure that each and everything from technical excellence to astonishing performances, each and every scene of the film is just awesome and enjoyable. This One certainly belongs to Rajkumar Hirani and no one else because he actually followed what he wanted to say...i.e. "Chase Excellence, success will follow"....that's what he did....by making movies like Munnabhi(MBBS & Lage Raho) & 3 Idiots "He chased excellence and we all know that success has indeed followed him"........Hats off Mr. Hirani.....
Other Notable Directors
Shimit Amin, Director of Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year(Rating:★★★★)
When a director creative enough to bring a usual story of an ordinary man in an extraordinary way with enormous amount of detail, the film might become deep enough to touch everyone, while the film did not appeal to many and bombed at the box office, but I, as movie fan, think that he made a very beautiful film which I loved, without wax.
others
Rensil D’Silva, Director of Kurbaan(Rating:★★★½)
Imtiaz Ali, Director of Love Aaj Kal(Rating:★★★)
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Films Of 2009
"I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained."- Walt Disney
A film is watched for entertainment yet films now have become a bit more than entertainment itself and people love to listen new stories in the most innovative manner, this section lists out the films which able to entertain yet speak their soul and promote their intentions well, while others who failed to do so.
This is the final category and here I Discuss about the overall performance of the films which released and mesmerized me with their awesomeness or awfulness...
Note: Ratings in the bracket are overall ratings of the film
WORST OF 2009
Genre Films
Worst Love Story:
Kambakht Ishq(My Rating:★.....couldn't even watch this for more than 15 minutes...)
Worst Action Film
Blue(My Rating:★½)
Worst Thriller
Raaz-The mystery continues(My Rating:★★)
Raaz-The Mystery Continues
Worst Comedy
Love Khichdi(My Rating:★★)
Worst Drama Film
Gulaal(My Rating:★½)
Worst film everyone watched
Blue(My Rating:★½ (strictly for visuals and Action))
Major Disappointment
Chandni Chowk to China(My Rating:★½)(HA HA HA....you think I can bear an Awful Rip-Off of an outstanding Kung-Fu Panda for more than 10 minutes)
Overall Worst film
Delhi-6(My Rating:★)
Surprising! I didn't mention it above........only because This film is not watchable even if you watch it for free.......A huge Huge disappointment.....Normally I do not leave a film in between even if it is high on awfulness(unless I am Highly pushed to do so...).....but you know what I did with this film.........I returned and watched it till the end....yes...just to see How more predictable and so as usual a film may go.....A major and extreme disappointment.......
Fortunate films of 2009
Under this section I mention the films which were good enough(or may be not)....to just be able to get their money cleared from cinema halls but they went on to be Surprise Hits and I was surprised by that.
I personally feel that these films could be just average but went on to be Hits of 2009 and I kept wondering...(was it that good really........????)
3. Kaminey(My rating:★★★)
When I watched this film I thought okay, its entertaining(Director: Vishal Bhardwaj), just enough and I usually watch films only once(unless it is exceptionally good), but for me, even my one time watch is sufficient enough for a film well made to leave a mark on my mind.....to be honest, I enjoyed Kaminey because of its twist and turns(Writers:Vishal Bhardwaj, Supratik Sen, Abhishek Chaubey, Sabrina Dhawan), but instantly forgot it and thought that the producers may get their investment covered up but this one turned out to be a Hit and Ronnie Screwwala(Producer) Definitely was smiling.
2. Paa(My rating:★★★)
Over-hyped and well publicized with high critical acclaim, this film certainly had its share of sensitive Scenes(Writer & Director:R Balki) which go deep inside your heart........but that is the exact point:The film JUST had its SHARE of Scenes and not at all consistently spellbinding....still Abhishek Bachchan(Producer for AB Corp.) and Sunil Manchanda(Producer) were able to find a hit earned reasonable profits.
1.Dev D(My rating:★★)
TADA......and so we have our winner.......I personally feel this one was too ordinary to be called as a Hit, I don't Know How Critics and so many people fell in love with this Film......well as far as I am concerned may be its my strong disbelief in Devdas or an ordinary love story or whatever Damn reason I found this film to be thoroughly AS-USUAL(Screenplay/writers: Anurag Kashyap, Vikram Motwaane) types and extremely boring.....the only thing that worked was Terrific Music(Both For Songs as well as its Background Score) which I think saved the film from being a disaster and a few very well detailed scenes(Director:Anurag Kashyap) which made continuity thus making unlikeable(that's my opinion) Dev D to be unignorable(believe me If you start watching it you will not be able to leave, yet in the end you may either like it or dislike it....I disliked)...and I just thought may be because of the hype film may just get its money back...and what this film became everyone knows and Ronnie Screwwala(Producer) certainly must be glad that Dev D was a UTV Product.
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BEST OF 2009
Genre wise::
Rating in the bracket is the film's overall rating.
Best Comedy:
All the best(My Rating:★★★½ )
Best Action Flick
Wanted(My Rating:★★★★)
Best Drama Film
3 Idiots(My Rating:★★★★)
Other films I liked In this genre:
Rocket Singh(My Rating:★★★★½)
Baabarr(My Rating:★★★½)
Paa(My Rating:★★★)
Best Love Story
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani(My Rating:★★★)
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani
Best Thriller
Kurbaan(My Rating:★★★★)
Other film/s I liked:
New York(My Rating:★★★★)
Acid Factory(My Rating:★★★½)
Best film No one Watched
Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year (My rating:★★★★)
Major Surprise/s
Baabarr(My Rating:★★★½)
Honestly speaking I did not even Know about this film until I watched it, this one film based on UP underworld was rich in story, content and performances, a true good film...
Acid Factory(My Rating:★★★½)
Sometimes you have very weak expectations from a film but when you just watch it, you are thoroughly surprised by its goodness yet the film out of low expectations doesn't work, this happened with Acid Factory. It is an edge of the seat thriller, a kind which comes rarely and astonishingly in an absolutely different way.
Overall Best Film
3 Idiots(My Rating:★★★★)
In this film, with events on screen were almost close to flawless and perfect(Screenplay:Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi and Vidhu Vinod Chpra)........with the Great speeches, one liners and youthful feel(Dialogues:Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani)....but since nothing is perfect....its only flaw at all was the strange song, zoobi-doobi......seemed uselessly forced and the loose ends like it gets a usual college kind love story at a few times(although through this great film these minor hiccups do not matter much), it goes extremely in sync with everyone inside the cinema hall, loved and enjoyed by all certainly this was the best film of the year according to me....because I just loved it, and was happy that this film was made because films like these must be made & encouraged.
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Note: Reviews & Ratings mentioned are my personal opinion and are bound to clash with the others and I stand By my opinions because they are strictly mine....:-)
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My Rating Legend:
★:Awful/Unbearable/Slept in the movie
★½ : Weak/Poor/Almost Slept
★★: Just Passable/ Somehow Bearable
★★½ : Fair/Watched till the end/Okay types
★★★: Good/Forgettable
★★★½: Nicely Made/Remembered once after watching it
★★★★: Great/Thoroughly entertaining/fun to watch
★★★★½: Awesome/Got Connected to it
★★★★★: Unbelievable/Perfect/Enchanting/Outstanding/WoW/Watchable or already watched more than once
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with this I conclude with my post, a special thanks to Pulkit for giving me a space over here(you rock dude) and If you read this please comment and react to this Note
I would love to discuss films*…:-)
Regards:
SA
Li
L SHaN
kaR
*-Phew, this is the bulkiest and most tedious note I have made since I started making notes/posts. Which is now complete........
PS:I wrote this on my facebook notes when this mugger Pulkit Tiwari pulled me into his space.... :-D
(Yipee I have Done It......)......
:-DNext year, if I analyze films, and make a note of it, certainly I will not do it within the time frame of 24 hrs..Its 9:00 PM in the night......and....was damn tiring when I wrote this, you know...
:-P....
