What makes 'A Ghost Story' one of the best horror movies from Hollywood?

Just like its protagonist, it seems that A Ghost Story has become invisible in the midst of so many popular movies released in 2017. I went through some lists on top movies of 2017, and hardly any list mentioned this flick. This supernatural horror story is not your run of the mill movie in which a family or a group of friends visit a haunted structure, or the main character is possessed by a spirit. It's much more than that. It has a soul! Well, literally!!
Let's see what makes this movie so special and original.

BEWARE !! SPOILERS AHEAD

Character development of a ghost

It is a phenomenon hardly seen in a film. A good movie is one in which the scriptwriters have developed a human character meticulously. In A Ghost Story, David Lowery has focused on same while creating the character of the ghost. This factor alone makes it one of the best horror movies from HollyWood.

No cliched scary moments

Think of a last popular supernatural horror flick, and you might remember some cliched scary moments from it. Ok, 'IT' can be excluded. If we talk about A Ghost Story, the aim of the filmmakers was never to scare the viewers, at least not in the conventional sense. Perhaps some viewers might have been disappointed. Maybe, "A Ghost's Story" would have been an apt title. Anyways, whosoever loves originality in the supernatural horror movie will love it.

It's the melancholy that haunts you

Sometimes, melancholy is scary and haunts you for a long time. And it’s the long wait and the eerie feeling from the movie that haunts you even when the movie ends. The vision of the afterlife is also something that stays with you (and might scare you, as well).

It's also an original love story

If you watch it just from the angle of a love story, then also you will find it completely original and fully satisfying. The human emotions shown in the movie look so real. It reflects how hard it is to leave someone you love. Waiting for someone forever is literally depicted in it. Even if you don’t see the expressions of the protagonist (a Ghost in this case), you can feel what he is going through.

The element of time travel

It’s when you are fully engrossed by the loneliness of the character; you get a surprise in the form of time travel. You can't consider time travel as the best element of the movie. But, the story takes a new direction due to this interesting twist. And yeah, it paved the way for an apt ending. You also get some answers, like what was that ghost-like energy shown in the beginning of the movie. What I personally liked was the idea was that it is the ghost who travels through time.

Due to these factors, the movie has listed can be easily placed with some iconic names like The Shining and The Exorcist, which are considered the best when one talks about Hollywood horror movies. Well, at least a true cinema lover will agree to it. The movie also deserves some nominations this Oscar season.

Khwaja Ahmad Abbas – Most Underrated Director of Indian Cinema

The man was not Jack but a master of various traits. Prose writer of English and Hindi, journalist, screenplay writer and, of course, an underrated director, Khwaja Ahmad Abbas bestowed Indian cinema with various gems.
As a screenwriter, he created several masterpieces like Mera Naam Joker, Bobby, Awara, Neecha Nagar, and Shree 420, to name a few. It will not be incorrect to say that he was the strongest pillar in Raj Kapoor’s journey as a movie director.
Talking of directorial ventures, his movies hardly tasted commercial success. The unique quality of his cinema was close touch to reality and efficient depiction of the social and political situation of the contemporary era.
Sadly, the present generation is not aware of his directorial works.
Let’s look at some of the movies directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas to understand the quality of his work in a better manner.

Dharti Ke Lal

With this cinematic marvel, Khwaja Ahmad Abbas embarked his journey of film direction. The film depicts the sufferings of a farmer family during Bengal famine of 1943. This film marked the first major role of the veteran actor Balraj Sahni. The film is also credited as the one to launch renowned actress and dancer Zohra Sehgal.
It was appreciated by the critics due to its realistic depiction of changes in economic and social phases of Indian societies during the period of Second World War.

Saat Hindustani

You might have heard the title of this movie, as it marked the debut of Indian megastar Amitabh Bachchan. He played one of the seven Indians whose endeavors to free the Goa from Portuguese rule was beautifully depicted by this master director. In fact, it is the only Hindi film to portray the Indian freedom struggle against the Portuguese. This ethereal piece of realistic cinema won National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. Owing to its amazing characterization and unconventional representation, the film, definitely, deserves a viewing at least once by every cinema lover.

Do Boond Paani

This was the second flick directed by this gifted director that won National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. The film represents the story of Ganga Singh (played by Jalal Agha) whose sacrifices helped in building a dam in a village facing scarcity of water. This social drama also garnered favorable reviews, but sadly bombed at the box office.

Anhonee

With this psychological drama, Abbas gave a classic that depicted the beautiful and talented actress Nargis in a dual role. This movie, in fact, is credited to be the first Indian flick with a protagonist in a double role.

Shehar Aur Sapna

The movie was based on his touching short story, ‘One Thousand Nights on a Bed of Stones,’ and depicts the life of street dwellers in Mumbai. This movie, which had a backdrop of industrialization, won National Award for Best Feature Film.

Ek Aadmi

It was his last endeavor in film direction, which was released in 1988. This human drama was first rejected by Doordarshan and, ultimately, NDFC took the project and produced it. The movie depicts an ailing man, who recalls his past, and the temptations of which he was a victim. Most of the movie is presented in the form of flashbacks.
His other important projects include Naxalites, Faslah, and Nanga Fakir (TV film).
In an interview with the author Suresh Kohli, he mentioned that he stopped making films with big stars in 1958 on the request of her dying wife. It was actually due to cases filed against by two popular actors who had doubt that he might not return their dues.

In 1987, he left this world leaving behind a rich legacy for aspiring writers and filmmakers. It is disheartening to witness that he hardly recalled for contribution to cinema in the form of directorial ventures, though, he is regarded as one of the greatest screenwriters. You can read the short stories of Khwaja Ahmad Abbas to know his worth.

10 biopics that Indian cinema (Bollywood) should definitely produce!

For those who have confusion, biopic is a biographical movie which depicts life events of a person onscreen. Some renowned personalities on which directors have already created biopics include Bhagat Singh, Mangal Pandey, Milkha Singh and Dhirubhai Ambani to name a few.
Lives of some lesser known personalities like Dashrath Manjhi, Arvind Desai and Manjunath have also been converted into films (Do not miss their movies if you love biopics.)
Let’s look at some well-known personalities which deserve a film of their own due to their heroic acts or just because of their exciting life. (The list does not contain the name of Amitabh Bachchan or Sachin Tendulkar as someone in future will definitely carve out their lives on big screen.)

10) Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904-1966)
Profession – Politician, Freedom Fighter

Second prime minister of independent India, he was the man behind ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.’ His role behind the glorious victory of India against Pakistan in 1965 made him a true patriotic leader. His was also part of Indian Independence movement who followed leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Gandhi.
Though as per the official reports, he died due to heart attack, but it is believed by many Indians that he was poisoned. A great biopic maker like Ketan Mehta can do justice to his life by reflecting persona of this common man’s hero.
9) Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava (1912–2009)
Profession – Conman

Popularly referred as Natwarlal, he was the most popular con man of India. He was prominent personality who “sold” monuments like Red Fort, Taj Mahal and Rashtrapati Bhavan as a part of his con job. He is also said to have conned some business giants like Dhirubhai Ambani and Tatas. The man was able to run away from jail nine times which is also the number of times he was arrested.
His vibrant life can definitely be turned into an entertaining biopic. If made effectively, the movie on his memoirs will prove to be a better flick than Hollywood’s ‘Catch Me If You Can.’

8) Indira Gandhi (1917-1984)
Profession – Politician

It is surprising that there is no movie yet which is dedicated to her life. Though Gulzar’s movies like ‘Aandhi’ and ‘Kissa Kursi Kaa’ had very few hints related to her life, we still need a film showcases her vibrant career as the first Indian lady Prime Minister. Her personal and professional life was an amalgamation of achievements and controversies. Various events of Indian history like associated with her life like:
 Indo-Pak 1971 war
 Operation Blue Star
 Emergency
Movie on her life will definitely be worth watching but it is possibility that it may itself become part of some controversies.

7) Dhyan Chand (1905-1979)
Profession – Hockey Player

This legendary hockey player deserves a grand presentation of his life in form of a sports movie dedicated to his achievements.
There is an incident where his hockey stick was broken by the authorities of Netherlands to check if there was any magnet inside it. He was even offered Colonel’s post in German army by Hitler himself. Such was his popularity in the world!
There is already an autobiographical book by him with the title ‘Goal’ published in 1952.

6) Aryabhatta (476 AD - 550 AD)
Profession – Mathematician, Astronomer

The man behind great mathematical discoveries like ‘zero’ and place value system definitely deserves a movie to pay off what he has given to the society.
He also gave theories related to astronomical phenomenon like eclipses, sidereal periods and motions of the solar system.

5) Amrita Pritam (1919-2005)
Profession – Novelist, Poet

She has written an array of literary works like poems, novels, short stories and autobiographies. In her writing career, 28 novels are penned down by her.
The popular Hindi movie cinema was based on one of her novels of the same name. Her autobiographical book ‘Rasidi Ticket’ is quite controversial and can be source of plot points for her biopic. Several of her works also depicted the scenario of Indo-Pak partition period.

4) Kalpana Chawla (1962–2003) =
Profession – Astronaut

This will also mark of debut of Indian cinema in a movie depicting space travel. Her life as first Indian lady in space will definitely be an inspiring story for Indian women. She was part of crew members which were killed during Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003.

3) M F Hussain - (1915–2011)
Profession – Painter, Film maker

Just like his paintings, his own life was full of depth and controversies. Someone like Amitabh can do justice for the role of this great artist who has left a legacy for Indians in the shape of art form. It will be heartening to see the life of such a great artist who banned to enter his own country.

2) JRD Tata – (1904-1993)
Profession – Aviator, Businessman

The man was first licensed pilot of India and founder of prominent companies like TCS, Tata Motors and Air India. He received Padama Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna for his contributions. A controversy is also attached to his life where he supported Emergency implemented by Indira Gandhi. His gigantic life definitely deserves a film!

1) APJ Abdul Kalam (1931-2015)
Profession – Scientist, Former President

I guess there is hardly any Indian who does not respect this great personality. His sudden death few weeks ago shocked the whole nation. His life with multiple facets was indeed an inspiration for every struggling individual. Do I really need to say more about him?

Moviemakers! If you are reading this, please give a thought on crafting a great biopic dedicated to these Indian personalities!

Contemporary directors with original works in Hindi cinema (Part 2)

The first part of this article had great names in original filmmaking like Imitiaz Ali and Zoya Akhtar etc.

This is second list of directors with talented names that have raised the bar of quality cinema in India with original and creative projects.

Anand Gandhi - He changed the meaning of indie cinema by crafting his first feature film ' Ship of Theseus.' The movie with a philosophical theme of same name gave inspiration to experimental filmmakers. His first movie which was a short 'Right here right now' itself was a unique in terms of filmmaking as it seems to be made in single shot. The film also message of how compassion and aggression are contagious.

Amol Gupte - This director dedicates his movies to social issues revolving around Indian children. His directorial debut 'Stanley ka Dabba' focused on child labor. Both of his movies featured his son 'Partho Gupte' in the lead.

Raj Dk - Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. ( or Raj D.K.) are alumni of IIT and were the first to release full length feature film which was a zombie comedy titled ‘Go Goa Gone.’ Their debut release was an interesting crime comedy '99' which reflected the topics like match fixing and launch of mobile phone with the backdrop of year 1999. Their crime comedy drama 'Shor in the city' was a hyperlink film which was also inspired from local incidents appear in newspapers.

R Balki - An admaker turned director, Balki has experimented in his films. His first was based on relationship of an aged man with middle aged lady. It was not an inspiration of 'Lolita' or 'Nishabd' but a different take on this subject. His next flick was 'Paa' where a rare disease 'Progeria' was presented in light hearted manner with father-son relationship.
His third directorial venture 'Shamitabh' also was a concept representing a mute actor using another man's voice to become star in film industry. All his movies have some interesting storyline with peppy dialogues. Amitabh Bachhan remains central character in all of his movies.

Shoojit Sircar - Another quality filmmaker with original screenplays, Sircar has tried multiple genres. His first feature 'Yahaan' was a romantic war drama which was not much of a success. His next romantic comedy 'Vicky donor' was a big hit due to interesting representation of the subject of sperm donation.
Whether it is an espionage drama ‘Madras Café’ (based on Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination) or light hearted movie ‘Piku,’ the director has managed to craft his work with total originality.

In case you find your favorite director missing from this list, this might be due to the fact he / she has directed movies from screenplay inspired from other films or book.

Contemporary directors with original works in Hindi cinema   (Part 1)  

Indian cinema is said to be inspired largely from the west. It also refines some of the existing plots with major themes like corruption or vengeance etc.

These Indian directors through their creative instinct are giving the Indian cinema valuable movies which are neither inspired by any written piece of literature nor are copied from any foreign film.

• Sriram Raghavan – He is the maven of the neo-noir thrillers in Indian cinema. Through his movies including Ek Hasina Thi, Johnny Gaddar and Badlapur, he was able to extract some intense performances from actors like Neil Nitin Mukesh, Urmila Matondkar and Varun Dhawan.
Though none of his movies proved to be blockbuster, most of them gained rave reviews from the critics and have done average to above average business.
                                   

 • Zoya Akhtar – She started her career with drama Luck By Chance which focused on Indian cinema in a satirical manner. It was followed by multi-starrer road film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara which not only introduced adventure sports from the Spanish world to the Indian masses but also gave a message on living the life to the fullest.
 Her upcoming film Dil Dhadakne Do is a drama based on dysfunctional Punjabi family and will release in 2015.
Other than keeping multiple actors in the form of ensemble casting or cameo appearances, actor Farhan Akhtar is always part of her projects.

                                       

 • Sudhir Mishra – He started as a screenwriter in critically acclaimed movies like Jaane Bhi Do yaaron and Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho.
Most of his movies including Dharavi, Chameli, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi etc have artistic touch due to which his movies are less popular among the masses. Screenwriting of all his directorial ventures is also done by him.
                                         

 • Madhur Bhandarkar – His cinema focuses on the negative dimension of the various spheres of the Indian society. The titles of his movies are based on the theme of the movie itself like Traffic Signal, Page 3, Corporate and Fashion etc.
Most of the protagonists in his line of cinema are females except the film Jail where a male (played by Neil Nitin Mukesh) was the leading character.

                                     

 • Imtiaz Ali – India has a huge market for rom-coms most of which are either to too simple in nature or are inspired by some Hollywood work. This director makes sure that the concept and storyline of his romantic movies is not based on the clichés. Through his movie Rockstar, he gave a new taste to Indian audiences and himself was evolved as a director.
                                       

These directors make sure that we as Indians can be proud of artistic works created by these without any need of inspiration from existing array of films !