Kochi Pochi - The Serious Gossip

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

2006-09-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

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)

2006-08-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

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)

2006-08-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

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!)

2006-08-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!

Honest Moviereview- Omkara (wonderful Indian version of Othello)

2006-08-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

Amazing Amazing Amazing!!!!!!! As everyone knows this is an Indian adaptation of Othello. Everything about Omkara is just breathtaking. Congratulations to Vishal Bhardwaj and crew of this piece of art.

First of all Vishal is giving a full credit to Shakespeare's Othello as movie's theme. But it is a beautifully indianized version of this western literature. Very nicely scripted and filmed. Setup and cinematography is just genious.

On the other hand star cast and their input is lovely. Everyone does justice to the character. The most wonderful is Saif who has proved that he is one of the most talented actors of our time. Ajay has done good job, Kareena did a nice job too but its Konkona who is the best acting female in the film. Vivek oberoy and Naseeruddin are okey.

Film is not only nicely directed but very engaging. Some of the songs that are off beat are melodious like 'namak isk ka' and 'gudiya'.

So treat your eyes and mood with this sensuous bollywood avtar of Othello. If you have good taste of entertainment then you will not regret watching Omkara.

P.S.- your comments are welcome.

Honest Movie review- Corporate (nice realistic film)

2006-08-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Corporate is Madhur Bhandarkar's another wonderful creation (after Page3). Hey! do you know a girl accused him of rape!!!!!

This movie is so upto date and flawless that you dont even want to blink your eyes (i mean movies like this are not created in bollywood everyday). Very nice plot (not sure if its original), talented stars and thankfully not loud like most bollywood movies.

Movie not only starts with a commentary on relity of corporate world but keeps with it and ends with a message that using your heart in this world only leads you to misery.

I really wish that someone else could replace Kay Kay in the movie, he so does not look like an elite corporate glamours guy. otherwise everything else makes sense. Bipasha Basu did well (as she didn't have to act a lot ;-0).

The best part is that it doesn't waste your time and keeps you wondering all the time about what's going to happen next.

I liked the movie and if you are in a mood for a non masala smart realistic movie then this will be a right choice.

P.S.- Your comments are welcome.

Recipes better than Sanjeev Kapoor's-Paneer pudina punch

2006-08-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

2. Paneer Pudina Punch (Cottage cheez with mint leaves)

Here is another unusual delicious recipe (better than the recipes of paid website of sanjeev kapoor) which is very easy to make and you can eat it in breakfast lunch or as snack.
Here is what you need-
-200 grms paneer(normal temprature, you can microwave paneer or make it at home)
-one bunch of pudina/mint leaves
-4 green chillies/jalanenos
-1/2 onion
-1/2 raw green mango/cary
-1/2 tsp red chili powder
-pinch of termeric
-5-6 green grapes
-1/2tbsp oil

How to make

First of all chop onions and green chillies. Wash pudina and chop finely. Peel and cut green mango in very small pieces. Cut grapes in small pieces.
Now in big bowl put paneer, pudina, and green mango and mash them together using your hands.
Now in a pan heat oil and fry onions a little and then add green chillies. Add red chilli powder and then add paneer mix. Now cook it uncovered on medium heat for 4-5 minutes until its cooked and a little crisp. Add salt and grapes.

You can serve it as a side dish with paranthas. You can make morning sandwiches using it as a filling. You can fill pitta bread with this or make burritos.

Try it and let me know if it tastes good.

P.S.- your comments are very welcome.

Recipes better than Sanjeev Kapoor's- Green curried potato

2006-08-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

If you live in the States, you must crave Indian recipes all the time. And if you are vegetarian then it must be hard to cook something exciting everyday. On the internet there are thousands of recipes but no serious website is completely dedicated to improve our day to day vegetarian cooking.

I am here trying to write atleast one nice recipe everyday. I want to keep them simple and want to try to write only those recipes that use simple grocery widely available in grocery stores here. My recipes are vegetarian and are very simple to make. They ranges from snack to chapati to delicious curries. Hope you will enjoy them and write me back what else you thing will make them better tasting.

1. Green Curried Potato/Aloo

You dont have to pay for Sanjeev Kapoor or Tarla Dalal's recipes on their websites, all you need is almost 15 minutes and simple stuff to cook this delicious aloo curry that will give you a break from every day aloo sabji.

You will need ingredients -
-One can of small potato (available in all grocery stores' canned vegetable section).
-4 tbs yogurt (plain fatfree)
-1/2 cup Green peas (frozen)
-4green chillies (jalapenos will do)
- 1/2 onion, small slice of ginger or 1/2 ts ginger paste
- 3/4 ts red chilli powder, 1 ts coriander powder and salt(according to your taste)
- 1 tbs oil

How to cook-

First of all using a chopper chop onins seperately, and then chop greenchillies, ginger and frozen peas together (microwave peas if not defrosted).

Heat oil in a pan and add onion paste. Sprinkle some salt on onions so that they dont smell too much. When golden brown add green paste and cook for 4 minutes. Add canned potatoes and put all the masala. After 3-4 minutes add yougurt. Let it simmer for 5 minutes and add salt to your taste.

Serve hot with roti/parantha or pitta bread.

P.S.- try and let me know if you altered anything to make it better.

Moview Review- Tom Dick and Harry (cute timepass comedy)

2006-08-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

A good movie by Deepak Tijori. Again dont trust the reviews of rediff because the reviews suggest that the movie is not funny but believe me its a good bollywood comedy. Very cute and successful in making you laugh. Nothing is overdone in the movie and most scenes are pretty flawless.

Ignore and fast forward the stupid songs except for the last one where one of the three wears Mangal Pandey costume (really cute).

Stars did a good job except for Celina who thinks she is the next Aishvarya. Shakti Kapur is useless. Rakesh Bedi (the sardar guy) is the most amazing. Kim Sharma looks and acts lovely. Gulshan Grover is loud and typical Gulshan Grover in some scenes but otherwise he made an effort to look like a comic villain character.

So if you are in a mood of watching a comedy with your girlfriend or family, this is the one!!

I personally liked the movie because i started to watch the movie without any expectations (after reading rediff review-which is bullshit). So have fun watching this cute film for about 2 hours or little more.

P.S.- Your comments are welcome.

Honest Movie Review- Malamaal Weekly (anothe Priyadarshan's magical comedy)

2006-08-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

Another Priyadarshan movie (not original though)!!! But a very very good movie to watch. Everything about this movie(except for that it's a copy of Waking Ned) is acceptable.

The most wonderful of all is star cast. All the stars did a great job. Movie really is flawless for the most part. Very entertaining and able to make you laugh and wonder. Priyadarshan did a good job after such a long time (after Hera Feri).

Paresh Rawal has prooved again that he is a terrific actor if story and director both are good. Ompuri is undoubtably one of the most original and talented actor among all. Rajpal Yadav has done an excellent job like most of his other movies.

I must say i had a great time watching this film and am sure that you'll enjoy it too.

P.S.- Your comments are welcome.

my movie review - Chup Chup Ke

2006-08-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

I just wasted 3 hours(again!!!) on a stupid hindi movie. Priyadarshan must be nuts to make such a movie and we all must be crazy to watch his kachra creations.

There is no proper plot, actors dont know what's going on, and director doesn't know how and what to do with so many stars and such a heading to nowhere story. Everyone failed completely to make a better entertainer.

Why i watched this pieace of garbage? I blame rediff reviews for it. Never trust what their reviews and anyother websites like indiatimes.com, musicindiaonline etc. have to say. I think these reviews are written in influence of money or bribe.

And talking about stars, Kareena is soooo moti and ugly, Shahid looks so chikna that he should start doing GAY movies. The best was Rajpal Yadav's acting. There were many good actors like Anupam Kher, Ompuri and Paresh Rawal but all were just parts of a big crowd. Sunil Shetty pays more attention to how to look good than to a movie's script and his character.

Priyadarshan is a total failure as a director. He tried to show a big Gujarati family with all gujju traditions etc. but when it came to singing and dancing he showed gujjus dancing on Panjabi dhun and Marwadi (ghoomar re) dhuns. I mean, he thinks that its absolutely not needed to do some homework or he thinks that audience are total dumbheads.

Well the bottom line is -dont waste your precious 3 hours on this piece of junk.

p.s.-- your comments are welcome :-)