And here goes...

There are two kinds of people on earth. One – who watch cinema to get away from reality, and two- who watch cinema to get a hold of reality. To be honest, it does not matter which group you belong to, because in the end all of us have one thing in common – we, each one of us, have some time in our life, been inspired by a cinema. And that cinema goes to a great extent in defining us. Yes, the capitalists have taken over and the world of Hollywood and main-lined cinema is devouring all other alternate outbursts, but I am a believer. I believe Cinema is a medium, an art that cannot be commercialized and industrialized to the full extent. The same technological hierarchy that is bringing everything under one roof – is also providing us with cheaper platforms (social media) and also cheaper equipment to shoot and produce films. Previously cinema needed the backing of rich production houses, which was the case especially in countries like India and America, but now things are different and the new age avant-gardes’ are looking upbeat. I can vaguely judge what the postmodern situation looks like, or will look like in the near future, but there is certainly a resurgence of sorts. Especially with directors like the Coen Brothers, David Lynch, our very own Mr. Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, Danny Boyle, etc. (notice how it’s all Hollywood) ruling the roost. Apart from this outbreak of postmodernists in Hollywood there are other directors all over the world who have taken the baton from the Godards, Truffauts, Antonionis and Bunuels.

Another noticeable element in the world of cinema is how slowly and quietly the order is rapidly changing – from the European and American auteurs showing the way in the 1930s - 1990s, the onus has come on the Asian giants to take the medium forward. Cinema produced in Iran, Turkey, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, etc. are evolving into something never seen before. There can be various reasons for this phenomenon – ranging from social struggle (which is almost non-existent now in the greater European countries) to political turmoil. Countries in the middle-east and some in Asia are yet to see the honest form of democracy, equality and liberty. It is in this scenario that I would like to use my very little knowledge of cinema to analyse and debate issues pertaining to an art that is as old as life itself.     

Note: Don’t mind my overuse and re-use of the word ‘cinema’, the thing is, I’m a bit old-school and other words for cinema like movie, film, etc. do not even vaguely go to the extent of defining the medium that is cinema. It is a world in itself.

Another thing I’d like to bring to your notice is that this is my personal blog, and if you get offended, which you will by all means, I beg your pardon. I’m a bit of an egocentric, narcissist, bad mouth you see. On your part, do not hold back, you are free to shower your choicest blessings. I have a thing for debates.

And oh, welcome to my blog, folks.