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Saturday, September 29, 2012

Tokyo Travel : Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park, Minato

One of the prominent landmarks in Tokyo is the Tokyo tower. It is a communication and observation tower, which is 333 meters in height. It looks similar to Eiffel tower in Paris and is painted with international orange. Here are some photos of the iconic tower. Also, included are pictures taken from Tokyo tower. I visited the tower again as part of the Tokyo city tour I registered.
road leading to Tokyo Tower
On our way to Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park, Minato
Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park, Minato
Standing on top of the look down window in Tokyo Tower
Standing on top of the look down window in Tokyo Tower
Rainbow bridge, Tokyo as seen from Tokyo Tower
Rainbow bridge, Tokyo as seen from Tokyo Tower
Minato as seen from Tokyo Tower
Minato as seen from Tokyo Tower
View of Minato from Tokyo Tower
View of Minato from Tokyo Tower
Minato, Tokyo
Minato, Tokyo
Bird's-eye view, Minato, Tokyo
Bird's-eye view, Minato, Tokyo
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Monday, September 24, 2012

Tokyo Travel : Roaming in world's expensive streets!

Ginza is one of the luxurious shopping areas not only in Tokyo but in the world. Needless to say real estate here commands steepest prices in the world. As an upscale shopping area, it houses flagship stores of many leading brands like Sony, Apple and Nissan. Printing major Ricoh is headquartered here.
Ginza glittering in night
A street in Ginza, Tokyo
Yamaha Ginza Store : Yamaha which is world renowned for its musical instruments as it is for motor cycles owns flagship store in Ginza. The huge building houses a concert hall, music school, musical instrument store, and studio. So much for music. Definitely die-hard music lovers will not like to miss visiting this store when they are in Tokyo.
Yamaha Ginza store
Yamaha Ginza store
Hakuhinkan Toy Park, Ginza : One store which every tourist to Tokyo would like to visit is the Hakuhinkan Toy Park in Ginza. When I was in my teens, the word Japan would invoke images of sophisticated electronic toys. Even if you are grown up, I bet craze and fascination for toys would not dry up.
Softbank store, g.u store, Ginza, Tokyo
Softbank(telecom major in Japan) and g.u store in Ginza
Wako store in Ginza, Tokyo
Wako store in Ginza, wako is a retail giant in Japan
Nissan Leaf on display, Ginza, Tokyo
Nissan Leaf on display, Ginza, Tokyo - Nissan Leaf is a hatchback electric car
Ricoh Building, Ginza, Tokyo
Ricoh Building, Ginza, Tokyo
Apple store in Ginza, Tokyo
Symbol says it all, Apple store in Ginza
Multi-storey buildings in Ginza, Tokyo
Multi-storey buildings in Ginza
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Saturday, September 22, 2012

Tokyo Travel : In and around Asakusa

Asakusa is a historical place in Tokyo with its traditional Buddhist temples and you can shop for Japanese souvenirs here. You can also visit the Sumida riverfront and the new Tokyo Tower. We got into Ginza line of  Tokyo metro from Akasaka (Tameike-Sannō station) to reach Asakusa station.

Asahi Beer Hall : The first prominent building you spot when come out of Asakusa metro station is Asahi Beer Hall. This is the headquarters of Asahi Breweries. Shape of the building resembles a beer glass. Giant gold colored structure on top of this building looks like frothy head of the beer. 
New Tokyo Tower(Tokyo Skytree) and Asahi Beer Hall, Asakusa
New Tokyo Tower(Tokyo Skytree) and Asahi Beer Hall, Asakusa
New Tokyo Tower : New attraction in Asakusa now is the new Tokyo Tower. Also called Tokyo Skytree this is the tallest tower in the world (height 634 meters). When we went it was not yet open to the public. There was a count down display put up near the Sumida river front. It read 36 days. On May 22, 2012 it was opened to the public. 
Sumida Riverfront, Asakusa
Sumida Riverfront, Asakusa
Sumida Riverfront : Modern cities proudly boost of their riverfronts, which are clean and well maintained showcasing modernism. In Tokyo, Sumida riverfront is one of them. You can get into a cruise for a drive in the river here. I could spot multiple bridges cutting across this river.
Kaminarimon Gate, Asakusa
Kaminarimon Gate, Asakusa
Kaminarimon Gate(or Thunder gate) : Our next stop in the picnic was Kaminarimon gate. It is the entrance gate which leads to Senso-ji temple. In the gate, you will find statues of Shinto gods - Fujin(god of wind) and Raijin(god of thunder). Entering through the gate, you will find both sides of road called, Nakamise Street  filled with shops selling souvenirs. I went on a shopping spree buying Japanese dolls, paintings and Japanese fans.
Shinto god at Kaminariomon Gate
Reaching Asakusa from Akasaka by Tokyo Metro : 
  • Get into the Ginza line. 
  • Purchase the ticket for the price given on the price chart for the current station to Asakusa.
  • Station Number of Asakusa is G-19 (it is the last station of in Ginza line.
A shopping street in Asakusa
A shopping street in Asakusa
Asakusa
Asakusa

My blog post in Vijaya Karnataka, a Kannada daily

My blog post on Pawan Kumar's film workshop has been published in Kannada daily Vijaya Karnataka. Vijaya Karnataka is a leading Kannada daily, owned by Times of India group. Below is the image of the article from the news paper. Click on the image to get it enlarged. I am happy to see my work getting noted. To read the article in English click here.
Article from Ee Prapancha on Vijaya Karnataka, Kannada Daily

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Pawan Kumar's Film Workshop

I had set my expectations low when I registered for Pawan Kumar's film workshop. It was primarily because of the disappointments I had after attending couple of workshops earlier. But few minutes into Pawan's workshop and my perceptions about these workshops were going to change. Pawan calls his workshop - How to make films in Poverty when Rich with Ideas. I realized why it is named so at the end of the workshop.

Why should I make films? : The workshop begins with looking answers for this question. But if you get more deeper, you would like to ask yourself - why would you narrate any incident?  Is it because it is unique or is it because it is emotional or funny? Don't we get to see glimpses of our personal experiences in a story which can be fictional or factual? Discussions begin on these lines.

How a film is made? : A personal disturbance gives rise to an idea which transforms itself into a story. Story takes form of a script and then, screenplay. It is amazing seeing this metamorphosis of a simple idea. Pawan presents this surprising process in a commendable way. While doing so, Pawan engages the participants of the workshop in discussions as well as helps in transforming their ideas into a script.
Pawan Kumar with participants of the film workshop
Pawan Kumar with participants of the film workshop
Objectivity : One question which comes to mind while attending any creative workshop is how do you judge the quality of a creative work? Pawan resolves this problem elegantly. He has a set of questions through which participants can check the viability of their idea. If one gets satisfactory answers to these questions, then you have passed the preliminary test. I felt these questions can be used to judge the quality of any creative form which narrates a story. For example, a good documentary will also contain twists just like a good feature film.  One more thing to worry in these workshops is - due to different perceptions about a creative work discussions may deviate from the main agenda. Although there were occasions where there could have been such deviations, Pawan kept guard against these by closely monitoring the talks. Usually organizers also try to push their thinking but there were no such issues in this workshop. Then, if you look at the way Pawan explain a scene, he brings live examples like the scenes from his earlier short movies or from the films he has worked on.

Shooting a scene : I was very impressed by the way Pawan explained the shooting of a scene. One can go to any lengths talking about this topic. But Pawan knows the current capabilities of the participants. So, accordingly he teaches the essential things of shooting. We came to know about the technical and logical aspects. This technique was so powerful that we felt whether so much preparation and hard work is required for a scene which lasts few seconds. But we soon realized that it is very much needed to make a good short movie. In the end, when we finished the shooting, we felt satisfied realizing that we had done a decent job in our first attempt.

Inspiring : I believe that one important thing a dedicated student expects  from his teacher is inspiration. Once he gets the backing, there is no limit for possibilities. In this regard, I felt the workshop was quiet relevant. Pawan in his talk, quotes great directors and movies from world cinema. He explains why some films are considered best. I think this should be enough for a guy with an open mind to get inspired. Along with this, Pawan remembers his struggle in the film industry in the last decade. For those who day dream about making it big in films, this should serve as an eye opener. One also does not repent for not getting into films after seeing how things work here. They try to introspect and conclude whether they fit the bill or not. Pawan also stresses this point. That reminds me of Kannada writer Shivarama Karanth's autobiography 'Huchchu Manassina Hattu Mukhagalu'. Karanth tried his hand in several forms of art and literature. He says he tried so because he wanted to know what are the fields he can excel. He also had the same confusions which the youth of today have.

After effects : The night after the 2-day workshop was over, I was watching TV. The workshop had changed the way I look at movies. That night Star Movies was telecasting The Social Network. It had won an Oscar for best film editing. I started thinking why it had won the coveted prize. I started analyzing serials, short movies and even ads!  It will not be the same next time I watch a movie in the theater. I have now started feeling that I know bit more! Thanks Pawan for that realization!

Miscellaneous : Pawan had written in his e-mail before the workshop saying the first day of the workshop would be full of theory. But it did not get me bored! Also, he had told that we will be shooting the next day. I was apprehensive about this thinking whether we will be capable of shooting by that time. To my surprise, we were ready for shooting with all the gear next morning! Kudos to Pawan Kumar for making us realize our potentials. 

If you are interested, the next workshop is going to be held on October 27 and 28, 2012. Please click here to register. All the best.

Sunday, September 09, 2012

Ten Must Watch Kannada Movies

To read this article in Kannada please click here.

Following is the list of 10 must watch Kannada movies according to me. They are in no particular order. Though there will be always questions raised over the non-inclusion of some movies, this list definitely should serve as a representative listing of different genres of films in Kannada.

Beladingala Bale(1995) : Tale of a chess grand master and his quest for his elusive lover is a thriller. Revanth falls in love with a girl, who introduces herself as his fan. Though she communicates to him through telephone, her identity is concealed. Incidents which occur later in Revanth’s life resemble the moves in a game of chess. Use of pristine Kannada, revelations about chess and the presentation of different perceptions about a chess player make this movie worth a watch. To find more about movie and the book which was made the movie please visit here. You can watch the movie in youtube here.
Starring  : Anant Nag. Suman Nagarkar.

Bangarada Manushya(1972) : This is one movie which created a sensation in Karnataka in the 70’s. Sacrifice, selfless service, hard work and fraternity - virtues which are epitomized by Indian families even today form the crux of the movie. Viewing the personification of the great ideals which are farfetched in ordinary lives makes a delightful experience. Performances by stalwarts of Kannada cinema, ever green songs have given the movie the cult status. Importantly, we need to note the social impact it made with several guys going back to villages and taking up farming just like the film’s protagonist Rajeeva did. Watch the movie in youtube here.
Starring  : Raj Kumar, Bharathi

Mungaru Male(2006) : This movie seemingly is a real depiction of modern Indian love stories. Crisp dialogues readily catch your attention. Infatuation in the present age is presented in its full grandeur. Viewing the beauty of monsoon in Malnad with Jog falls in its full glow makes this film a visual treat. Some of the finest romantic compositions in Kannada featuring in the movie add to the glitter. These aspects served as benchmarks for the Kannada movies to be made later. 
Starring  Ganesh, Pooja Gandhi

Nagarahaavu(1972) : Story of Ramachari is that of a rebel who wants to free himself from society’s shackles. When questioned about his violent ways he heeds none but his beloved teacher.  Shot mostly in the historical Chitradurga fort, this movie portrays the irrational state of mind which every guy experiences in his youth. Needless to say, young lads continue to identify themselves with the central character. Watch the film in youtube here.
Starring  Vishnuvardhan, Arathi

Amruthavarshini(1997) : When a widower comes to live with his friend’s family, he gets attracted towards his friend’s wife. A person’s best friend who is soft spoken and has a poetic heart turning villain depicts the fragility of apparently great human relationships. Very few characters feature in the movie and they deliver one of the best performances of their movie career.  Climax of the movie is a brilliant take on the act of revenge.
Starring  Ramesh Aravind, Suhasini

Manasa Sarovara(1982) : Mind is the source of all human endeavors. When mind, placid as a lake gets disturbed all hell breaks loose.  A psychiatrist falls in love with a patient whom he treats. But destiny has other plans as she gets attracted towards doctor’s cousin. Ironically, doctor who heals mental disorders, falls victim to mind’s vicious ways. Saga of love and hate remembered for its relevance in the present age.
Starring  Srinath, Padma Vasanthi

America America(1995) : This film is a sensible portrayal of Indians migrated to US in the 90’s though with a triangular love story. Probably, it is first of its kind in India cinema. Without taking sides, movie raises questions about human identity and becomes a forum for debate on some of the fundamental questions raised in human history.
Starring  Ramesh Aravind, Hema

Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu(1974) : Bhootayya, a village money lender is the epitome of vices found in human nature. Villagers though denounce him, do not come in open to protest. After the death of Bhootayya, new rivalry begins between his son and the people of the village. Visual similes used, which are unparalleled in Kannada cinema and the vivid presentations of village life make this movie a classic in the annals of Kannada movie history. You can view the movie here in youtube.
Starring  : Vishnuvardhan, Lokesh

Dweepa(2002) : How do you value one’s honor and respect in an age where everything is measured in monetary terms? A family in-charge of a shrine in a village which is bound to be submerged as result of a dam being constructed is forced to leave the village. It is faced with this question which cannot be answered. As a representative of the contemporary world, this movie appears as the unyielding resistance of human beings towards change and rational thinking. Enjoy watching the film in youtube.
Starring  Avinash, Soundarya

Aa Dinagalu(2007) : When most of the producers in the Kannada film industry were testing their luck with formula driven gangster movies, here was a movie which was based on real life incidents. Touted as a film on gangs of Bangalore, this movie brings before you the Bengaluru of the 80’s. Don who is ready to stake anything for his supremacy and the encounters between rival gangs provide insight to the shady world of Bangalore mafia without shedding a drop of blood onscreen. Watch the movie in youtube. Also, you can check the review of the film here
Starring  Chetan, Atul Kulkarni.