Quick Bytes: As a Centrist Hindu, I Did Not Find Netflix’s Maharaj Problematic

Indian politics cannot be easily categorized as “right” or “left” in the truest sense. However, it is easier for an apolitical person to understand whom you are referring to when you mention “left” (parties like CPI(M), but we generally include any non-BJP party in India) and “right” (NDA). I would call myself a centrist as I find a lot of things from both sides problematic. I can never swear allegiance to any one party, as I often look at the party’s performance and form my judgments based on that.

Now, the left-leaning crowd is naturally praising Maharaj, Netflix’s new movie starring Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan. In contrast, the right-wing supporters are asking Hindus to boycott the movie. Truth be told, I haven’t read much about the Maharaj libel case, so I cannot pinpoint with utmost certainty which part of it is anti-Hindu. My opinion here is based on what I saw in the movie. Here’s why I, a centrist Hindu, did not find the movie problematic.

In Maharaj, Karsandas is portrayed as a reformist who is a practicing Hindu, but he asks questions and is not swayed easily by godmen. There is a monologue at the end where he says he fell more in love with his religion when he studied it in detail. He accuses the religious leader, Maharaj, of misusing it, misinterpreting the Sanskrit Vedas to further his vulgar agendas. This is not anti-Hindu in any manner. The court must have thought the same as well, which is why it got a clean chit.

The only material I referred to after watching the movie was a Wikipedia article on Karsandas. Interestingly, I found the following information, which was not covered in the movie.

He was deeply influenced by the English culture to an extent that he had dislike for institutional religious authority and had penchant for reading Christian sermons and later started translating English sermons & conduct manuals into Gujarati, thereby also bringing a distinctively Protestant ethic into Gujarati’s cultural world.

I am of the belief that community members and religious leaders should openly criticize the bad elements of their religion. If there is an extremist misusing and spoiling the name of your religion, why not openly oppose them? This applies to all communities. It’s only when you distance yourself from the fringe elements of religion that society truly reforms. As long as haters get support in the form of words or silence, radicals will continue to flourish.

An Ode to Coke Studio Pakistan

I haven’t posted in a while. Work was so hectic that I couldn’t find time to watch the news, binge-watch Netflix shows, listen to songs, or indulge in leisure activities, including writing on this blog. Now that I am back on track and slowly letting my panic mode subside, I am finding time again for the good stuff in life. As I was catching up on things I missed, something caught my attention – Coke Studio Pakistan’s new season!

I’ve always been a big fan of Coke Studio Pakistan. I loved most of the songs from the previous season, and they are still on my playlist. I often expect the same quality from Coke Studio in India, but the music doesn’t quite measure up. Pakistan truly excels when it comes to producing songs.

Here are my top favorites from Season 15:

Maghron La – Sabri Sisters x Rozeo

A song that celebrates women in all her free-spiritedness, swag, and glory. I have been playing Maghron La on repeat, and it currently tops the list of songs that spark joy. It makes me feel good – something we don’t get enough of in this day and age where dark content has become the norm, whether online or offline.

The video matches the vibe of the song. Exceptionally well shot. It could very well have been a video from India. The culture, language, and outfits feel close to home. However, we don’t get to see such videos in India anymore. We are, unfortunately, trying to emulate the West in the way our movies are presented, often ignoring distinct cinematic elements unique to our country, such as song and dance. The sad part is that if you miss these elements, you have no choice but to wait for them to reappear. In such a circumstance, you can imagine my joy when I come across happy and peppy numbers like Maghron La.

I couldn’t help but notice the woman at the end, looking longingly at the young, energetic girls dancing unabashedly. Is there a deeper meaning? Perhaps she craves a similar freedom that she was denied at their age. Maybe she wants to break free from the chains holding her back but considers it too late. The beauty of the video lies in its open interpretation, allowing viewers to find their own meanings.

Aayi Aayi – Noman Ali Rajper x Babar Mangi x Marvi Saiban

This song is special as it pays tribute to Thar. For the uninitiated, the Thar desert is shared by both Sindh in Pakistan and Rajasthan in India. The desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, spans an area of about 200,000 square kilometers (77,000 square miles) and forms a natural boundary between the two countries. However, despite the boundaries, the culture of the people on both sides of the desert remains the same.

I got goosebumps watching the video. There was an indescribable feeling of oneness. A tingling reminder that we were one once upon a time.

Chal Chaliye – Sajjad Ali x Farheen Raza Jaffry

This one is for the romantics. A slow, soulful song that nudges you to follow your dreams. Sajjad Ali and Farheen have the most beautiful voices. Together they create magic.

Korean Drama Spotlight: Our Beloved Summer

I finally decided to watch this series because I was missing Choi Woo-shik. It marked the first time I consciously focused on his screen presence and savored his performance. Although he played a significant role in Parasite, my level of interest in K-entertainment was not as profound back then, leading me to immerse solely in the storyline, rather than appreciating the actors.

Disclaimer: This post shouldn’t be treated as a review because I am far from qualified to give an objective and professional take on dramas. It should be treated as a subjective viewpoint of a cinephile who loves to watch movies and dramas purely for entertainment. I have only one criterion – I shouldn’t get bored. The film will be judged on that factor alone.

What’s It About?

Our Beloved Summer chronicles the story of two childhood sweethearts whose first encounter occurs during a school assembly. As she walks determinedly towards the podium, a nostalgic Choi Woo-shik from the future whimsically describes the moment, saying, “I noticed her because she looked as if she was going to fight a war.”

They are eventually chosen for a documentary exploring the behavioral patterns of the top student (the girl) and the lowest-performing student (the boy). The narrative delves into their evolving love story, navigating the complexities of first love, eventual separation, and their paths crossing again years later as dedicated professionals.

Thoughts

I loved Choi Woo-shik’s performance. You know he is a top-notch actor when the character he portrays on-screen is nothing like what he is in real life. Choi Woo-shik is a goofball who makes the most bizarre, sarcastic jokes in reality shows. He’s a laugh riot. On the other hand, this character (Woong) in Our Beloved Summer is aloof, serious, rarely smiles, and has an air of melancholy about him.

Personally, I found the story to be predictable and a bit dragging. The side characters appealed more to me than the main leads’ chemistry. It gave me a strong sense of second male/female lead syndrome. Woong’s manager and Yeon-soo’s friend injected much-needed humor into the otherwise “gray” storyline, providing a relieving touch to the narrative. They were outstanding.

Overall, the series did not feel like a light, breezy watch for the most part, as it focuses on the complexities of lost love. So, if you are looking for a meet-cute story where the characters gradually fall in love, Our Beloved Summer may probably not be for you. I recommend giving it a go if you are missing Choi Woo-shik, like me.

Our Beloved Summer is available on Netflix. It has 16 episodes, with each episode lasting almost an hour.

An Ode to the Two Best K-Thrillers of 2023 (So Far)

As you might already know, I am big-time into romantic kdramas. But as of now, I am on a short break and experimenting with other genres to detox my system from the sugar overload.

I enjoyed two Korean thrillers recently. One is a movie and the other a kdrama.

Revenant

If you are into horror mysteries, this is a must-watch. Kim Tae Ri gives a superlative performance (as usual), but so do the others. No one is out of place. You will find yourself completely immersed in the story, taking in the characters, their miseries, thoughts, and feelings, almost becoming one with them.

Kim Tae Ri plays a food delivery girl struggling to juggle her many responsibilities. She has to work, study, and, last but not least, deal with her reckless single mother, who is a handful in more ways than one. One fine day, she learns that her mother has lied about many things, including her father’s life story. Supernatural events unfold, leading to the discovery of hidden secrets.

The series is fast-paced and lures you in with its many twists and turns. The jump scares are comparatively less (I can only remember one), so that’s a big plus. The horror element is conveyed brilliantly through the character’s subtle change in expressions and body language. Nothing is over the top.

Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

The Childe

Kim Seon Ho brilliantly portrays a quirky killer who is out to get a Filipino-Korean boxer in search of his wealthy father.

The cat and mouse chase was super fun, and it helps that the main lead does all of it impeccably dressed in well-fitted suits. Kim Seon Ho oozes charm in the way he talks and moves. But he also has the most sinister smile. How this beautiful man from Hometown Cha Cha Cha managed to play such a twofold character is beyond me. Like Kim Tae Ri, Kim Seo Ho is perfection.

The movie gets violent at times but will not stop you from completing it. Take it from someone who hates violence and bloodshed.

The Childe is fast-paced, like Revenant, so I highly recommend the two to people with a short attention span (like yours truly). You can catch the movie at a theatre near you.

Korean Movie Spotlight: A Man and a Woman

Detouring a bit from the usual saccharine sweet K-dramas, I decided to give this Korean movie named “A Man and a Woman” a try.

Disclaimer: This post shouldn’t be treated as a review because I am far from qualified to give an objective and professional take on cinema. It should be treated as a subjective viewpoint of a cinephile who loves to watch movies and dramas purely for entertainment. I have only one criterion – I shouldn’t get bored. The film will be judged on that factor alone.

What’s It About?

“A Man and a Woman” is an emotional story of Sang-min (played by Jeon Do-yeon) and Ki-hong (played by Gong Yoo), two individuals who meet by chance and form a deep connection. They embark on a passionate but bittersweet extramarital affair amid their complicated personal lives.

Thoughts

The movie starts at a leisurely pace. I am generally not a fan of slow films, so I wasn’t sure whether I would like it. But I realized this pacing was essential to build the melancholy rhythm of the extramarital affair and to make us invested in their whole journey. It is a tumultuous relationship that is delicate and emotional, kind yet painful.

You end up rooting for the cheaters, something I have never done before. Two people quietly enduring the drudgery of everyday issues with a dry smile, eventually finding some warmth in each other’s arms. It’s tough to chide them. You know they are doing something morally wrong, but you want them to be together forever.

The credit goes to the makers and the actors for making us feel emotions out of the norm. We should be offended, angry, and betrayed seeing two people cheating on their spouses. But weirdly, we are not. That’s the effect of good creative storytelling. They make you feel what they want you to feel.

I would recommend the movie to serious cinema watchers, regardless of your take on extramarital affairs. Both the actors are brilliant. There is nothing as emotionally wrecking as the final few scenes. It is also an ugly reminder of how some of us, unfortunately, get the raw part of the deal, no matter how sincere we are. It’s just how life is, and the makers of “A Man and a Woman” have managed to capture this aspect brilliantly on camera.

An Ode to Park Seo-joon’s Best K-dramas

I have been missing Bollywood romantic movies so much lately that I have delved deep into the world of K-drama. Korean dramas have everything I was missing in Bollywood movies – the feel-good, wholesome, and emotion-heavy element.

One of the actors I have come to admire is Park Seo-joon. He has sharp, expressive eyes that convey the world. It is always a delight to watch him, especially in romantic comedies. He grows on you, making an impact each time he appears on the screen.

If you are new to K-dramas, here are some Park Seo-joon gems you should check out:

What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim

Park Seo-joon plays a narcissistic boss. His secretary, Kim, who has been with him through thick and thin, surprises him by expressing her wish to resign. He tries his best to keep her employed in his company. Emotions clash, and we also get subjected to a dark, mysterious past that has been haunting the leads forever. Park Seo-joon’s comic timing in the series is impeccable. Don’t miss out on his “aura.”

Fight For My Way

This is inarguably one of the best K-dramas I have seen. The lead pair is charming and one of the cutest I have ever witnessed. The series follows two friends with a very platonic relationship until the inevitable happens – their feelings get involved. Their protectiveness towards each other, constant bickering, support, and humor makes you crave such a deep friendship. Park Seo-joon plays an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter, and the irresistibly cute Kim Ji-won plays a wannabe anchor who is proficient with her words. Both are fighting hard to find their way in a world that makes it difficult for earnest people to survive.

A Witch’s Love / A Witch’s Romance

This series has quite a controversial subject, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. A 25-year-old falls for a 39-year-old career woman who is considered a witch by her colleagues because of her ambitious, no-nonsense work ethic. Both characters are dealing with their own past heartbreaks – she was left on the altar by her beloved, and he’s emotionally scarred by a lover who died in an accident. Considering their age gap, Ban Ji-yeon (played by the charming Uhm Jung-hwa) finds it hard to reciprocate Yoon Dong-ha’s feelings. How they traverse this complicated situation forms the crux of the story.

This is one of Park Seo-joon’s earliest works, but there is no trace of inexperience. He handles the role with confidence, suave, and the boyish charm the role demands.

She Was Pretty

Ji Sung-joon (played by Park Seo-Joon) and Kim Hye-Jin (played by Hwang Jung-eum) were childhood buddies. They were each other’s first love. Then due to some twisted fate, they part ways. Years later, Ji Sung-joon reaches out to Hwang Jung-eum online via email and insists on meeting up. She hesitates. The issue – she is not as pretty as before. Her underconfidence and lack of self-esteem make her do childish things that snowball into a more significant problem. The story is engaging, and you will end up rooting for the two.

I like how the series emphasized embracing one’s true self and owning everything that makes us unique.

Don’t miss out on these K-dramas! They are like medicine for the soul.