Bollywood Movie review- Mistress of Spices- A dull and boring movie

This movie starts with a girl (Aishvarya in cotton sari) working in a spice store in San Fransisco. She is not allowed (by spices i guess) to leave the store or use the spices for her pleasure. She is doing that and then she falls for a gora (Dylan Mc Dermott) on Harley ;-) And then things get very confusing. It feels like a documentary that is full of randomely collected incidents.

Starcast is good but looks like there is not much they can do(dialogues are pretty meaningless) and most of the time every one stares at each other not knowing what to do/how to act.

I know its fictional, but still, how can spices punish someone? And if they can, then why couldn't they do this to Aishvarya(he he he)? And Dylan looks so distracted as if he has another important appointment somewhere. He was not very happy with anything. Aishvarya looked clueless except for giving spices to people (hey! she can become a shopkeeper if she can not make it as a successful actress in Hollywood;-) The truth is no matter how beautiful she is, she is not HOT for sure. She doesn't have that apeal.

Anyways, overall this movie could be made much much better by someone more talented and experienced director. So if you dont have to watch(with your girlfriend/wife/spouse who is Aish fan) then skip this movie.

Masala Matar Paneer: recipe better than Tarla Dalal's

Here is another recipe of mouth watering Indian dish called Matar Paneer( peas cottage cheese curry). This is a famous and popular curry and goes with all kinds of flat breads like pita bread, roti, parantha, naan, tortillas and even bread.

Here are what you'll need-

-200 grams paneer, cut in long thin pieces (normal temp.)

- 200 grams peas (fresh if possible) frozen from Indian store, not the baby peas from grocery stores coz they taste like sponge

- one red bell pepper (optional) cut in small thin pieces

- one medium onion, chopped finely

- 4 garlic cloves and a small piece of ginger both chopped finely together (if you like it spicy chop 2 small jalapenos with them).

- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped finely

- 2tbp yogert

3 tbsp oil

- masala- 2 cardimoms, 2 cloves, 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp garam masala, 1/4 tsp sugar(optional), salt to taste

How to cook-

-Heat oil in a pan and when hot put cardimom and cloves. Right after that fry onions until golden brown, and then fry garlic, ginger, chilli together. Put yogurt and fry for 3 minutes then add tomatoes and red bell pepper. Let it simmer until oil comes on top. Now add peas and simmer for 2 minutes. Add all the masala and after 2 minutes add paneer. Cook uncovered for 2 more minutes and then turn off the gas and garnish the curry with green cilantro (dhaniya). Add salt and sugar.

This picture shows how my original curry looks like (hnmmm mouth waters!!!!)

Serve warm with any kind of bread you like and make sandwiches from left over.

P.S.- come on people let me know if you like it ;-)

Recipe better than Sanjeev Kapoor's- Baingan Pyaz Tamatar sabji(eggplant curry)

Here is a recipe of a delicious curry, very simple to make as my other recipes.

you will need-

8-10 small eggplants cut in four long pieces each
1 medium onion-cut in long medium pieces
1-2 medium tomatoes- peeled and cut in long 6 pieces
1 red bell pepper cut in long 6-7 pieces 9this is optional)
3tbsp oil
masala-1tsp red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric and salt to your taste

How to cook
- in a pan heat oil and fry onions untill soft and tender. add eggplants and bell pepper and simmer for 4 minutes. add tomatoes and add masala. let it simmer covered for another 5-6 minutes or untill tender. you can garnish this with cilantro.

serve with roti, parantha or naan.

P.S.- let me know how did you like this.

Honest Movie Review: Kabhi Alvida Na Kahna (same old trick of Karan)

I have very mixed(more negative than positive) openion about the film. First of all how can an unmarried Karan Johar know anything about extramarital affairs (ha..ha..ha nice one, i should start writing jokes than reviews).

If it was a hollywood movie no one would have noticed the subject but it is a taboo in india. So is Karan trying to prove that these affairs are legitimate or should accepted as easily in Indian soceity as in the film or in the western societies? Hey we are Indians even if we are New Yorkers or NRIs. May be this subject is just another way for him to make money but does he know how many men (typical Indian MCPs) have killed/murdered their spouses after watching the movie (news on times of india). Though i firmly believe that Karan and the movie can not be blamed for these criminal acts, but he should keep this in mind that his audience is everywhere and of all the classes.

To me this film feels like an uncooked dish. Reasons being- no chemistry between Rani and Shahrukh to start with. They were two boring and cold blooded characters who can not be happy anywhere, then what was it that attracted them to each other (no explanation in the movie). On the other hand Pretty and Abhishek were shown as fun loving, caring, and ideal spouses who were totally dedicated to their partners. So what went wrong and why did the characters beak the vows of marriages (keep scratching your heads but there is no answer)? And the way Rani and Shahrukh's characters are drawn, i doubt they will be happy with each other either, as it is not clear why they are so unhappy (especially Rani) with their marriages? Then it bothers me that they are trying to make their marriages work and suddenly they are attracted to each other and kissing, hugging and even sleeping with each other (the most disgusting and untasteful scene of the movie...seriously they both look so unsexy and unconvincing). And if they like each other so much plus they live in the most advanced city, why it took so long to leave their partners? Anyways these things about the film are so illogical that i regret spending more than 3 precious hours on it.

About the cast and crew, why casting Amitabh, i dont think he was needed there in anyway. It has become a tradition to worship big stars in our film industry. God knows (or Karan and Amitabh himself) what was he doing there sleeping with the goris but still missing his late wife ( I mean COME ON!!!). But thankfully he brought some light moments in the movie which otherwise is a total piece of boredom. Pretty Zinta who is a fashion magzine worker/manager (whatever) tried so hard to look good that her eyebrows were looking ridiculous like Jack Nicholson's (he..he..he another good one, man!! i am good). Rani on the other hand looks unsexy(as Shahrukh calls her in the movie) as always, once again why is she an actress( not because she is beautiful but because she knows how to make contacts and use them). And Shahrukh Khan who never stops being nothing but Shahrukh(gosh!! he is so boring, predictable, budha(old), and unsexy). There is nothing fresh or new about him (sometimes i seriously doubt that Karan and Shahrukh are having an affair ;-) (hey!! that might be a reason for Karan being unmarried..ha..ha..ha). I am just kidding, actually i really think he is cute and smart.

But the good things about the movie is, ofcourse Karan is a much better director than many others and he managed to keep us stay in front of the screen for more than 3 hours (though aaj ke Zamane men3 hours is more than enough). The movie is all about a controversial subject which is served in a non judgemental perspective for the first time in bollywood. I'm pretty sure he had Silsila in his mind while making the film, though in contemporary context ofcourse. But he uses the same old tricks again that get on to our nerves. It is predictable that he will cast Shahrukh, he will shoot in a pretty place or city, songs will be good, costumes and hair etc. of the actors/actresses will be awsome etc. etc. But fortunately, now since lots of low budget but experimental films are not only being made one after another but also being widely accepted, i think this kind of sugar coated, big budget and stars studded films will no longer be very attractive to us (lets hope so..).

So enjoy a slow death of your mood and expectations from the movie...

P.S.- comments are welcome.

Honest movie Review- Krissh (nice try by Roshans!)

I must say I am impressed!!! Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik did it again. First of all they logically proved how this superboy got his powers (as it is a sequel of Koi Mil Gaya). Though that movie was inspired by E.T. of Steven Spielberg but no where even close to the success of it.

Then i think no one else but Hrithik could do this role of superboy (as all other actors of Bollywood are too chiknas and phisically very chota and motas ;-) The other impressive thing is that even after being a copy of many Hollywood's super man type films, this is very Indinized. Thankfully Rakesh Roshan used his brains about what kind of super powers should be given to Krissh (as we dont have cities like NY in India it could have been illogocal to make him an Indian Superman or Spiderman). It really made sense that he was good at running and jumping and even swimming instead of jumping from building to building.

This film is very well directed and well recieved also. Hrithik really needed a hit and Krissh has been a blockbuster. Cleverly Rakesh also left a room for Krissh's sequel.

Film was shot in scenic jungles of India and beautiful Singapore. The special effects are also awsome. Priyanka looked fresh and lovely (unlike Amisha in Kaho na pyar hai).

Anyways, you wont regret watching Krissh( atleast once).

P.S.- comments are welcome.

Recipe better than Tarla Dalal's- Angoori Paneer/ grapes and Cottage cheez curry

Angoori Paneer

What you need-
- 150 grms Paneer(normal temperature)-cut in small square pieces
-green chillies-cut in long four pieces
- seedless big grapes green and red 15 pieces each- cut in halves
- 2 and half tbs oil
- paste- 1/2 onion, 1 tomato, 2 cloves garlic, small piece of ginger- chop or grind them together
- 1/4 cup milk
- masala- 1tsp red chilli powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp roated jeera powder, salt according to your taste

How to make-

Another very easy to make recipe.

Heat oil in a pan and put the paste in it. Cook until golden brown or oil is seperated from paste. Mix all the masalas except for garam masala and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes. Add milk and cook for 4 minutes. Add grapes and paneer together and cook for 2-3 minutes (dont overcook). Turn the gas off and add salt and garam masala. Garnish with green cilantro/dhaniya.

Have it with pitta bread, in a sandwith or with roti/parantha.

P.S.- let me know if you like it.

Ameirca's got NO talent: review

What a freak show!!! This is one of the most disgusting shows of all. Most of the contestants including judges Brandy and Hasselhoff and host Regis are non talented ideotic creatures. Only sensible person there is Piers Morgan who is being targeted by many who were all fine with boastful Simon Cowell's brutal comments in American Idol.

So what is this show about? Old and young strippers, looser jugglers, and whacky overly boastful non talented people. This should be one of the worst shows on NBC ever.

About the judges....Brandy thinks she is the lady Jesus who is trying to get cheap popularity through this show by letting every one go to the semi finals. Hasselhoff who dresses horribly, looks 80s lost dumb star who doesn't know what and how to say a contestant that he/she is full of shit. And when Piers tries to say something honestly they make sure to critisize him so that they become famous by insulting a Brit.

And what happens when people vote and bring contestants like Leonid and David and Danya to the stage who dont even know how to perform more than one act (not talent!!). We can only say one thing about it that they are BONEHEADS!!!!!!