not as good as all the hype

Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.

Doordarshan has always had a bad name, when decades ago, it was the only TV channel in India, and now, when it has been overshadowed by myriads of satellite channels from across the world. But that doesn't mean it was essentially bad - despite its shortcomings and multiple issues, it managed to entertain the public with superb TV serials, entertainment programs and commissioned TV films. IWAGITO is one such late night Doordarshan film, shown in the '80s - seen by few, and remembered by even fewer. I would urge movie buffs to search out this movie - a digitally re-mastered version is available online, but since the original print was no great shakes, the re-mastered one too has technical issues. But that doesn't take away the film's merits. It is a telling commentary on student life, of several decades ago, when students, even those studying in prestigious institutions, were a deprived lot, due to low levels of income (I, myself, was a student at IIT, Delhi, in the early '80s, surviving on a princely fellowship of Rs 600/- pm. Rs 150/- pm would be deducted as hostel and mess charges, and I would be left with Rs 450/- pm, for my sundry expenses, clothes, and even traveling to my home city). When the internet and cell phone had not made inroads into their lives. In short, when life was much simpler and slower, with its own set of dilemmas, problems, ambitions and tragedies. Without second thought, I can state that Arundhati shines throughout the film, as a quirky rebel. Others give her character ample support. Roshan Seth is the apt teacher (Dean?), who effectively tries to keep things under control. Amazingly Sharukh Khan, in a very minor side role, appears to be sporting a wig, even then. The razor thin plot line cannot be divulged here. Do see the film for its merits, bold approach and the gung-ho performance of actors / actresses, some who became stars over a period of time.

Pradip Kishen and Arundhati Roy's 'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones' takes place during the mid 70s at an elite School of Architecture. The film really has an authentic look and proves to be a fine depiction student life. Even though it's set in the 70s and a lot has changed since (what with modern technology, telecommunications etc), the essence of student life is still the same. The interactions with friendships, classmates, teachers and the people who come and go in your life... nothing much has changed regarding that. Not only is Roy's writing first rate (no wonder she goes on to become an accomplished writer) but her acting is brilliant too. I wonder how much she and her character Radha have in common and how much of the film is based on her own experience. The rest of the actors do a decent enough job (note appearances by Shahrukh Khan and Manoj Bajpai). On the technical side, the lighting and sound design are quite poor. The cinematography is interesting. Overall, Roy created an authentic slice of student life that definitely stands tall among the supposed collegeflicks Hollywood and India churn out these days.

A wonderful movie based on the lifestyle of students of School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi and the relationship they share with the faculty and staff of the institution. Things are pretty much the same even now as its shown in the movie though the amazing technological advancements have changed the lives to a great extent. But the psyche is still the same and will be same forever. Anyone related to architecture in any form will surely enjoy the movie. The story revolves around Anand Grover nicknamed Annie and his experiences in the institution. How his friends help him complete his degree in the college shows the way things actually work in the college even today.

This is a wonderful departure from the typical Indian movie in many regards, the least of which is the language, English. It chronicles the life of students in the hip Delhi School of Architecture and has many intelligent twists and turns. Annie is a male student and I would be giving out too much if I explained what "those ones" are. The movie feels more like an episode from MTV's "Real World" than like any Indian movie I have ever seen. The movie features the writing debut of Arundhati Roy, who later rose to prominence with her novel "God of Small Things". She also stars in the movie along with Roshan Seth. A must see.