Mohenjo Daro Review - A Movie You Cannot Afford To Skip.

Mohenjo Daro was being considered as one of the most anticipated movies of 2016. But its hype got dented due to mixed response to its trailer. Competition from a more appealing movie (Rustom) also did not help Mohenjo Daro’s cause.

The movie released on 12^th August, and received mixed reviews by the critics. Result? The audiences did not go to watch the movie.

But, Mohenjo Daro’s team constitutes of Oscar nominee Ashutosh Gowariker, Performance Powerhouse Hrithik Roshan, Oscar Winner AR Rahman, and the Legendry Jaaved Akhtar. How could a prolific team of such experts go wrong? I had this question in my mind, when I went to watch Mohenjo Daro.

Here is my unbiased, spoiler-free review of ‘Mohenjo Daro’.

The theatre, to my surprise, was 90% full. I had expected not more than 30-40% occupancy. The movie started, and the first scene itself resulted in a loud cheer by the audience. It was the perfect start to the movie, and I felt goosebumps already. Then the audience was greeted with enthralling sets of Mohenjo Daro, which either Ashutosh Gowariker, or Sanjay Leela Bhansali can create. Yes, the sets were not glossy like Bajirao Mastani or Jodhaa Akbar, but, then, it is Mohenjo Daro. How can it be glossy? Being an avid lover of History, I noted small things which Ashutosh has taken care of – the brick-laid roads, the houses, the architecture of Mohenjo Daro’s civilization, the paintings on the walls, the clay pots, the drums, the figurines, Indigo Farming etc. For a normal viewer, who loves to see glossy sets and outfits, the first half may look slow and boring. But for me, it was a beautiful experience. Hrithik Roshan looked charming. His boyish looks were similar to Kaho Na Pyaar Hai days. His friend ‘Hojo’ made me smile, and laugh. Their bonding was endearing. Pooja Hegde looked ravishing. Yes, there was nothing special in the Love Story, but it was 2016 BC. It has to be clichéd! It is not a modern day love story. Hrithik Roshan’s transformation from lover boy into a fighter was tremendous. You give any scene to him, and he will take it to a different level. One of the best parts of First Half was the songs. AR Rahman’s music, and Hrithik’s graceful dance moves … what more you want?

The Second Half started with a ‘Bang Bang’. The arena scene, in which Hrithik combats with two giants, matched the level of Gladiator. In fact, expressions and energy of Hrithik was far better than many of the Hollywood heroes, who have performed such scenes. The climax was the best part of the movie. No spoilers here. You have to watch it! I was not expecting this. The crowd clapped and cheered for Hrithik, whenever ‘Sarman’ did something special. And, he gave them many reasons to cheer and clap. Kabir Bedi deserves a special mention too. He has a roaring voice. He was menacing and lethal. AR Rahman's background music will give you goosebumps. Editing is crisp. They have deleted 'Sarsariya' song as well, to keep the film as short as possible. The cinematography is top class. The VFX is good (not the best). The action scenes are mind-blowing. 

The movie ended on a High! When I walked out of the theatre, I stayed in Mohenjo Daro’s trance for quite a long time. The climax kept on replaying in my mind. Then I thought, why critics gave such response to a great movie. Maybe most of them don’t know anything about Indus Valley, and thus made fun of the props, the dresses, and the architecture.

Mohenjo Daro is a must watch for a lover of good cinema. Today we call Swades a cult-classic. It is because of us that Swades had bombed at the box-office. Lagaan too had struggled to recover its costs, and was saved by its second half, which was a cricket match. Sadly, Mohenjo Daro is also heading towards the same fate.

It is high time we ignore critics, and start believing in our own instincts. If I had gone by critics’ reviews I would have definitely missed an opportunity to watch a great movie on big screen.

3.5/5 for the First Half.

5/5 for the Second Half.

4.25/5 and thumbs up for Mohenjo Daro. This movie deserves to be seen.

Go Watch Mohenjo Daro! 

Army Major Gaurav Arya's Open Letter to Burhan Wani is Hard-Hitting and Thought-Provoking.

Burhan Muzaffar Wani was the poster-boy of Hizbul Mujahideen. For those who don’t know, Hizbul Mujahideen, as per Wikipedia, is designated a terrorist organisation by India, the European Union, and the United States. The Government of India had announced Rs 1 million bounty for finding him. He enjoyed a ‘fan-following’ on social media, and was known for posting videos in which he appealed the youth to join Hizbul Mujahideen.

On 8^th July 2016, Burhan and his two accomplices were killed in an encounter in Bundoora village of Kokernag. The mission was carried by the joint team of Special Operations Group of the J&K Police and 19 Rashtriya Rifles.

The so-called poster boy of one of the deadliest terrorist organisations was dead. But little did anyone know that his death would result in more deaths, more injuries, more tears, and more pain. As soon as the news of Burhan’s death spread, belligerent protests erupted in some of areas of Kashmir Valley. Curfew was imposed. Internet services were cut. Food supplies stopped. Shops were closed, with their shutters carrying ‘love messages’ for Burhan. Weddings were postponed. Tourists, who were planning to visit Kashmir, cancelled their tickets. The beautiful heaven on earth had come to a lethal still.

Amid all the protests and anger against the men in uniform, Burhan Wani received a heroic funeral in his home town Tral. Draped in a Pakistani Flag, his funeral was attended by thousands, and was given a 21-gun salute by his fellow militants.

Major Gaurav Arya, a veteran of anti-insurgency operations in Kashmir, has penned an open letter to the dead Burhan Wani. In his open letter, he stresses that though Wani is being hailed as hero and martyr in Kashmir, he was, in reality, a terrorist. Major Arya clearly states that even if Wani had escaped the encounter, he would have been eventually killed, sooner or later.

Major Arya stressed on the fact that how the power and talent of youth is being wasted in Kashmir. He rightly points out that the young men, like Wani, can become Doctors, Engineers, Archaeologists, and Programmers, but, sadly, some of them choose to lift the guns, for the wrong cause.

In Major Arya’s own words -

You (Wani) could have been an engineer, a doctor, an archaeologist or a software programmer but your fate drew you to the seductive world of social media, with its instant celebrity hood and all encompassing fame. You posted pictures on the internet with your “brothers”, all you fine young Rambos holding assault rifles and radio sets. It was right out of Hollywood. Your rifle’s fire selector switch was set to “safe” and your weapon rested on your shoulder. I know it’s too late to advise you on such matters, but NEVER do that in an operational area.

Major Arya rightly points out how the youth never sees why the sons of the leaders of Hurriyat Conference are ‘safely’ settled in abroad, or away from Kashmir. Major Arya says –

I wish we had met and I could have explained to you (before killing you) that the old men of the Hurriyat Conference are like leech. They feed on the blood of men. They send young Kashmiris to face the Indian Army. What sort of a war is this, where lambs are sent to fight lions?

I would have shown you the sheer duplicity of the Hurriyat, with their sons living abroad, pursuing professions other than jihad. Name one relative of Syed Ali Geelani, the head of the Hurriyat Conference, who is fighting the so-called Indian “occupation”? His son Nayeem Geelani is a doctor in Rawalpindi, and lives under the patronage of the Pakistani ISI. Zahoor, his second son, lives in South Delhi. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s sister Rabia is a doctor in the US. Mariyam Andrabi, sister of head of the radical Dukhtran-e-Millat, Asiya Andrabi, along with her family lives in Malaysia. Every Kashmiri separatist leader’s daughter or son is rich and safe, outside Kashmir. Jihad is for other people’s sons. And your parent’s son is dead

Major Arya has clearly warned that if anyone will raise his weapons against India, the Indian Army will him, just like they terminated Wani.

You were a terrorist. You chose to wage war against India. Like for all other such perpetrators in the past, it didn’t go too well for you. When you choose to fight against the Indian Army, know this; THEY WILL KILL YOU.

We believe that terrorism has no religion, and a terrorist should be treated like a terrorist, not like a martyr. At the same time, we also believe that it is unfair to link terrorism to one particular religion. The word ‘Islam’ has been derived from Arabic word ‘Salema’, which means peace and purity. Those who are lifting the guns to destroy the peace and sanctity of our motherland, are definitely not humans. They are neither Hindu, nor Muslim, because no religion teaches or preaches terrorism.

The supporters of terrorists, and those who are willing to avenge Wani’s killing, have forgotten that it was Indian Army who had saved them when Kashmir was battling floods. It was Indian Army who had always tried to protect them from all the evils. The Indian Army is for the protection and safety of every Indian. Now, with curfew imposed in Kashmir, tourism, which is the basic earning of the state, has come to standstill. Kashmir is a beautiful valley, arguably the most beautiful hill-station of India. It is rightly called as the God’s heaven on earth. Let’s not destroy it with guns, bullets, and blood.

India is our country. It us our motherland. And we will never allow any terrorist, irrespective of his religion, caste, colour, and sex, to get away. A terrorist is a terrorist, and as Major Arya has rightly said, he should be treated the way Wani has been treated by the Indian Army. Jai Hind.

Click here to read Major Gaurav Arya's Open Letter to Wani

Thank You '2015'!

2015 is over! They say … if you feel that the time has elapsed quickly, then you had a great time. 2015 indeed was a great year for me.

Though it didn’t start on a promising note, when I hurt myself, and was ‘almost’ bed-ridden for more than two months. Thank you to my family, friends (including my office colleagues) for their good wishes, which helped me in the speedy recovery.

The rest of the year flew away in planning and preparing for my sister’s wedding (27 Nov 2015). Shopping, Shopping, and some more shopping! Phew, it was an experience to plan and conduct a perfect wedding. Glad she is happy! Yay!

Books kept me busy. Though I didn’t have a single release this year! Damn! I guess I am writing at a snail’s pace. I need to work on it (one of my 2016’s resolution). I finished 12 HOURS’ Hindi Translation, and also completed my next Romance-Thriller (It took 3 years!). Thanks to all of you for being patient with me. You all are special.

Te Amo… I LOVE YOU reached a milestone (now I have an awesome gang of 40k readers), and we released a special GOLD Edition.

Office was hectic too. Can’t share the details. Company’s policy! :-) :-)

Yes! I fulfilled my resolution too! I am still bachelor :P :D

So 2015 was yet another great year for me! I hope it went well for you too. 2016 is going to be yet another important year for me (good/bad, I don’t know yet!)

I wish all of you a very Happy New Year 2016. Stay happy, stay healthy, spread love, and be good. Enough of my speech. Enjoy the NEW YEAR EVE.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016.

100th Post - Te Amo I Love You's 3rd Anniversary.

Over the last 3 years, I have earned a lot of love, support, and adulation. Te Amo began in mid-2008, got published on 12/12/12, and today, it is all because of Mahaveer Publisher's faith, and Readers' love that I am celebrating the 3rd Anniversary of my Debut Book.

A big thank you too all of you. I wish I could accommodate everyone's pic in this little collage, but here is just a fraction of what I have earned in the last three years.

Thank you Gagandeep for creating this collage (as I, as always, was occupied somewhere else). You are a rockstar!

Interview with Writer Nikita Tak

Link to Nikita's Blog

Nikita Tak: Let’s welcome to my blog, Rohit Sharma, the author “Te Amo I Love You”, an enticing romance-thriller smash hit, and “12 HOURS”, an enthralling anthology.

Rohit Sharma: Thank you, Nikita. J

Nikita Tak: Firstly, congratulations on the 3^rd anniversary of your book "Te Amo I Love You".

Rohit Sharma: Muchas Gracias (Thanks a lot). Third anniversary! Phew! It has been fantastic three years of my life. I still remember the day (July 2008), when I had eventually finalised the climax of ‘Te Amo’. The book took more than 4 years to complete (from idea to published work), and it was a journey with lots of ups and downs. Now, when I look back at those 4 years (2008-2012), I feel content. The hard work, the sweat, the frustration, the patience has finally paid off. Over the last 3 years, I have earned over 40k readers, and much more love and adulation. ‘Te Amo’ was a big risk, but the God above, and the readers have been extremely kind to me.

Nikita Tak: Your birthday

Rohit Sharma: July 6^th (let’s keep the Year a secret!) J

Nikita Tak: Your hometown

Rohit Sharma: Faridabad

Nikita Tak: Your place of birth

Rohit Sharma: Amritsar

Nikita Tak: Your favourite fashion trend

Rohit Sharma: I have no fashion sense whatsoever. I wear what I like, or what my sister forces me to wear. I am not a fashion freak, but I love my Bracelet, and my collection of Black Suits.

Nikita Tak: Your favourite food

Rohit Sharma: Love whatever Mom cooks. But ‘Sarason Ka Saag’ is my all time favourite.

Nikita Tak: Your favourite dessert

Rohit Sharma: I love Ice Creams! I have a sweet tooth! Give me anything sweet, and I will gobble it up.

Nikita Tak: Perfect attire for a date

Rohit Sharma: It depends on various things – weather, time, place etc. In summers, I will probably prefer a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. In winters, and especially if the place is a classy one, I will go for a semi-formal look (Black suit, with a matching shirt).

Tell you what … you ask me something, and I start imagining. Writer instincts, I guess. I have never been on a date, so I have no fixed answer. J

Nikita Tak: Your favourite perfume

Rohit Sharma: For myself - Issey Miyake, Hugo Boss, Davidoff … but if I have to choose one, I will go with Issey Miyake.

On females, I love ‘212 Sexy by Carolina Herrera’.

Nikita Tak: Your 2 A.M friend

Rohit Sharma: My family.

Nikita Tak: Things you can’t live without

Rohit Sharma: I will positively die without Food, Air, and Water.

Nikita Tak: One thing you want to change about yourself

Rohit Sharma: I try for perfection in everything I do. Nothing bad in it, but I, sometimes, irritate others. Ask the cover designers of my books. J Gladly, most of the people don’t complain.

Nikita Tak: What you do to relax?

Rohit Sharma: Lots of things – Books, Movies, Sports, Gym, Travel, Social-Networking. There are so many things to do in life, with so little time.

Nikita Tak: Movie that brings smile to your face

Rohit Sharma: Namaste London and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Nikita Tak: Million dollar (happiest) moment of your life

Rohit Sharma: The happiness on my sister’s face, the day she got married. It was a tough, but one of the happiest days of my life.

Reviews by some readers, whose lives got changed after reading my books, was overwhelming. Also the proud look on my Mom & Dad’s faces whenever I did (or will do) something good in life. Luckily, God has blessed me with numerous happy moments J (touchwood).

Nikita Tak: Embarrassing moment of your life

Rohit Sharma: My jeans ditched me once while playing a game of Table-Tennis. Luckily I had a jacket, which I wrapped around my waist, and drove back home. J

Nikita Tak: What you love to write more, stories or poetries?

Rohit Sharma: Novels. (Romance-Thrillers preferably)

Nikita Tak:  Favourite Author/Authors

Rohit Sharma: Nicholas Sparks, Sidney Sheldon, Amitav Ghosh, and Ashwin Sanghi. Among my contemporaries, I truly appreciate and love Novoneel’s work.

Nikita Tak:  Favourite Poet/Poets

Rohit Sharma: I rarely ready poetry, and I have surely missed work by many brilliant poets. Among the ones I have read, I like Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s poems. They are truly inspirational.

Nikita Tak:  Favourite Actor/Actors and Actress/Actresses

Rohit Sharma: Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai / Penelope Cruz.

Nikita Tak: What was the spark/flame of inspiration for you, before you began writing this first ravishing novel?

Rohit Sharma: Love and craziness for Spain and their culture.

Nikita Tak: Would you like to dedicate your first novel to someone? If yes, to whom and why?

Rohit Sharma: To everyone who believe in the power of Love, and also to those who don’t.

Nikita Tak: Other secret skills you cherish

Rohit Sharma: I am a better dancer than a writer, and I am a good cook too.

Nikita Tak:  Your secret to success

Rohit Sharma: My Mantra – “Success is temporary. Stay grounded, and keep working hard.”

Nikita Tak:  What would you do if you win 1 Crore rupees?

Rohit Sharma: Let’s be pragmatic here. I will pay off my house loan, and from the remaining amount (which will be enough, I guess) I will open a decent school/hospital, for the needy, on my mother’s name. 

Nikita Tak:  If you had a last wish?

Rohit Sharma: Most of what I had ever wished for, has already been fulfilled. I have no new wishes, at the moment. But if some sort of Gennie appears and tells me that it’s my last day, and I have one wish to make, I will ask for good health and happiness of my loved ones.

Nikita Tak:  Message for emerging writers

Rohit Sharma: A few important points –

1.     Don’t write for money.

2.     Don’t follow the herd.

3.     Continuously improve your writing skills and vocab.

4.     Write ‘Good’ stories, and by good I mean, stories which I have some depth and meaning.

5.     Write that can make someone smile, or cry, or fall in love, or can bring a change in the society.

6.     Don’t be afraid of experimenting. Success will not teach you anything. Failure can.

7.     Be patient, and don’t follow shortcuts. Success is sweeter when it is earned the hard way!

8.     Most importantly . . . fall in love with your work, only then the readers will love it.

Nikita Tak: Thank you for taking time to interact, wish you success in all your future endeavours!!

Rohit Sharma: Thank you, Nikita, for giving me an opportunity to share my thoughts, and for celebrating Te Amo’s anniversary. It is, indeed, a very special gesture. I am grateful. Thank you.

Latest Edition of Te Amo I LOVE YOU - GOLD EDITION.

Review of Te Amo... I LOVE YOU by Meghant Parmar

There has been a surge of writers for the past couple of years and romance has been a hot favorite genre for most of them. Some of them have clicked with the readers and some didn't. Rohit Sharma debuts with his novel "Te Amo: I Love You" in this cut throat competition to leave a mark on readers. Did he nailed it to perfection or it's just another piece of work lost in the maze of books? Let's find out. 

First of all when you life the book in your hands the glossy feel and the cover page of the book makes you fall in love with it instantly. The blurb behind the book is convincing enough to generate fair amount of interest among the readers. But what Rohit Sharma did with the content inside the book is something which is unexplainable. He nailed the book to perfection. If ever you want to cherish an Indian fiction work in your bookshelf this'll be one book which will find a special place for itself. 

Rohit Sharma has churned out a story with an extensive research work on Spanish culture mixed with an Indian protagonist with some high octane action and not to forget the the journey of love, sacrifices and plethora of emotions which make an everlasting impression on the mind of the readers. The story revolves around Aryan our Indian hero with classy looks, a self made man and head strong not to fall in love and Isabella a Spanish girl who is beautiful, gorgeous and will sweep our hero of his feet completely. But this journey contains a rough and rocky patch ahead when a villain Ethan comes into the picture. From there on it's a story of survival of love through difficult times. 

The story is brilliant. The plot IS exceptional. Rohit seems to have worked out each and every detail in this book to perfection while penning it down. Flaws are hard to find and the hype surrounding the book is justified. Each & every word, the Spanish culture, merger of two souls into one, the thrill and the tough choices one has to make & the support of the others have been portrayed to perfection. I would have been disappointed if the Spanish title wouldn't have match the content of the book but Rohit's use of Spanish culture shows the amount of efforts put down to get it absolutely right and he has done it with ease. 

Visit the following link to read more - 

Complete Review by Meghant

Visit Homeshop18, Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Infibeam, or your nearest store to get your personal copy of Te Amo... I LOVE YOU