MUMBAI MERI JAAN – Bravo!!!
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Possibly India’s “Crash”.. or i don’t know how else to describe it..Saw the rough cut , on Nishikant’s avid.. he wanted to bounce it off me and i was cleanbowled.. again the familiar feeling went through me.. why did i not think of it and why did i not make it..
The film begins in a police station with cops discussing sunil more(the marine drive rape case), one(Vijay maurya) of who is going on a holiday and the other(Paresh Rawal) counting his last few days in the service..then it introduces us to the computer salesman(kaykay) with his unemployed friends in a irani cafe talking about cricket and you also see that he has a phobia of muslims or probably distrust and hatred, then you see the bicycle coffeeseller (Irrfan) who is fond of perfumes and then the film introduces us to the bite hungry TV journo(soha ali khan) and her boyfriend who disapproves of her job and how they are indifferent to the the subjects of their story and she defends it (before she herself becomes a story) and finally we see the US phobic executive(madhavan) who prefers to commute to his work by local train and not invest in a car.. and then Nishikant tells us the day and date of all these random observations into the life of people..
It’s the 9th of july 2006.. the numerous blasts in the train and what it brought out in people.. some of them victims.. their fear and paranoia.. Kaykay is sure that the suspicious muslim guy who hangs out at the irani cafe is one of the perpetrators of the tragedy and his subsequent rage and loss of innocence.. Madhavan’s mortal fear of trains.. his unaware pregnant wife of the tragedy that almost missed him.. Irrfan wanting to avenge his humiliation in front of his family by the floor incharge of the perfume section by figuring out a dangerous game that he can play with the paranoid distrusting police and administration.. the wisdom of the retiring cop always in confrontation with the idealistic cop who had to cancel his holiday.. and the tv journo who has now become the story.. anger,humility, fear and fearlessness, paranoia, self realizations, hate and self loathing, all surface over the facade of the perfect lie of a life we dream of in a metropolis..
It tells us of a beautiful time and the way city was before the national security became the ultimate excuse for invasion of privacy and privacy became such an aspiring word..Outstanding performances by a stellar cast and the best ever of their lives by Paresh rawal and Soha Ali Khan.. an incredible and courageous followup to DOMBIVALI FAST by NISHIKANT KAMAT..
The kind of a film that we all need to go see it in theatres and take our friends along with us, this film needs our effort for the sake of the kind of cinema we talk animatedly about. Spread the good word.
[PFC Note: Extended trailer of Mumbai Meri Jaan on YouTube ]
Anurag Kashyap
Abhay Deol
Dibakar Banerjee
Hansal Mehta
Khalid Mohamed
Kundan Shah
Anish Kuruvilla
Jaideep Verma
Manish Gupta
Navdeep Singh
Bhavani Iyer
D. Santosh
Onir
Ashvin Kumar
Ramu Ramanathan
Sudhir Mishra
Pankaj Advani
Revathy
Saurabh Shukla
Shilpa Shukla
Sujoy Ghosh
Suparn Verma
Santosh Sivan
Shashank Ghosh
Shivajee
Pavan Kaul
Partho Sen-Gupta
Prroshant Naryannan
Sam Langoria
Satish Kasetty
the link says that the video is no longer available.. couldn’t find it on youtube as well :(
nonetheless..thanks for the preview Anurag.
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Ankur, the video is there now. If you can’t see it, check under Talking Points on PFC.
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Thanks! oz.
yes.. did get to see it under talking points.. it seems pretty good.. as of now irfan’s character interests me the most.. it may be some other character after seeing the film.
..somehow i’m not really comfortable with paresh’s role here.. his seems to be the voice..the narrator..maybe a film like this shouldnt have a narrator for the audience…
then again..maybe it just seems so in the trailer..he maybe just another character in the movie..
whatever it is..i’m quite eager to see it
thanks again!
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Interesting. It would be interesting to know why those characters with that background were chosen. I mean, why those characters were chosen to tell the story? I know the answer; I have to watch the film. I thought there would be at least a character from Diamond Industry background…
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Anyone here knows where i can get a dvd or something of Quick Gun Murugun???i really wanna watch it.am hooked onto the 2 minute clipping which youtube offers!
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And yeah i saw Dombivili fast in tamil as evano oruvan..that movie was really awesome..am looking forward to this one![:D]
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Truly speaking…
If our government can respect our lives vis-a-vis vote bank and provide true security – a security that is tough on terrorists and protects innocents blown to pieces in trains and buses, I dont care if Govt wants to know a bit of my privacy (in truth anyone brought up in Hindu joint family has only vague notions of secrecy and privacy ;-)). However if they intrude and still dont produce any good results in curbing terrorism, then I would at least have my privacy till I die blown up by a mother fucking terrorist. If nishi’s movie is all about left wing ‘I want only my privacy and dont care if there are thousand people dead in a week – thanks to terrorism’, then I might see the movie and strongly disagree with it. Anyways, coming after the multiple blasts in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bangalore (have I left out any city which was not affected by Islamic terrorism?) this movie should be an honest eye opener – atleast thats what I hope for.
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is this movie releasing in US?
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hopefully. Naz8’s website shows the release date as Aug22. Not sure yet.
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UTV’s site says “Releasing Worldwide August 22, 2008,” too.
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thanx for givin the preview of MMJ….eagerly waitin for it to release….but there is one mistake in ur post….d blasts took place on 11th july 2006 and not on 9th july 2006
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This kind of cinema is badly needed. I hope it is anything but Crash though.
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guys any idea where i can find a dvd of domivali fast in kolkata? i checked music world and planet m but they don’t have it….
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I’m impressed by the poster which has petals falling away from a wreath of rose flowers. Check it out at
http://www.mumbaimerejaanthefilm.com
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Hi Anurag, thanks for giving a small peek at MMJ. I immensely liked Nishikant’s Dombivli Fast, which I got to watch at MAMI two years ago as while serving as a FIPRESCI jury member. And I am sure MMJ too will be as relevant cinema as DF was. We need more of such cinema that uses brains. BTW, can you please email me NK’s contacts to me at utpalb21 at gmail . com?
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typo error! it’s http://www.mumbaimerijaanthefilm.com
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Yes..this film needs to be seen and discussed upon. Certainly a film for the times we live in!
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the extended trailer promises a lot…….
but m not too sure whether many know that its releasing on Aug 22……..
well i hope since its about the times we live in…people do take note of it…..will definitely watch it…
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the website is very well designed………..do check it out guys…..
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friday,august 22nd, 12-3pm PHOONK & 3-6PM MUMBAI MERI JAAN..
both the films promos look promising and should be a good watch..
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Can’t wait to see this film. Thanks for posting this reminder to all of us!
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More power to real cinema. Will definitely watch this one and pass on the good word.
Hope it lives up to its (by now, HUGE) expectations!
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Hi Anurag,
You have raised the bar. Didn’t know it was from the Dandivali Fast film maker.. Haven’t seen that film but I heard its great. Can’t find here anywhere in US.. Anyways, nice to see big thumbs up from you.. Will watch out for it..
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i just hope that ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ doenst go into exxageration of characters as i have seen in ‘CRASH’
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@Arun Prakash the website is superb and eyecatchy…..thanx for sharing the website
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Appears to be a movie to watch out for …there haven’t been too many of that this year :(
Quick question while I have your attention
– any idea if the movie “Loins of Punjab Presents” is out on DVD or home video format? I recall mention of it on PFC last year and then the movie just appears to have gone into oblivion…
either here (US) or in India?
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Anurag
Thanking you for your fine write up. Being a film maker who makes movies in so called Bolly wood , has a doubt which I feel being a part of same group you could answear.
Happened to watch a programme in Zee TV named Ek se Badkar Ek…few days back . I was shocked to find that some contestant Dancing to a Tamil song which the actor Vijay has acted in …wearing a white dhothi and his face blackened to make him have darker features.
Why is it the bollywood film and TV industry feel that the south indian industry is all about dark people and funny dances ( Which I feel actually bollywood betters).
Infact I personnaly feels that Tamil industry makes the best movies as on today in our country.
For eg Veyil , Paruthy veeran …and the latest Subramaniapuram.
Whats your say in this….
And finally when can we expect another fine movie like Black Fiday from you….???
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All Anurag’s recommendations have worked big time for me.. Jab We Met, MSFU, Johnny Gaddar, Mithya..Looking forward to MMJ.
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Laughter scene in the trailer fetched the most desired attention which is responsible to generate first curiosity to watch a film.
Laughter is very genuine and if this level of performances (by director and his actors) are there all through the film then film is going to make a good connection with the audiences.
More than others its Paresh Rawal who is looking like the magntic power in this film. He is always a good actor but after a long time he is appearing as unexpected.
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all da very best nishikanth for MMJ. hey kashyap kabhi phone kiya karo sir (ngo…..tha)
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@ Bugsnest – “Loins of Punjab Presents” will be out in theaters, here in the US, starting on the 12th of September. Hope this helps…
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The film is slowly gaining the needed backing…checked this blog about Mumbai Meri Jaan today -
http://www.buzz18.com/showblog/abhijit-mhamunkar/a-salute-to-the-mumbai-spirit/74841
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wat a trailer!!!!paresh rawal seems to be fantastic…sure shot watch…1st day 1st show…won’t wait for d critics…Anurag you always speak your heart out…n u did it here also…only one thing i noticed about this write up is dat the date referred is wrong…the bomb blast happened on the 11th of July…so i guess the date shud be any date after 11th…or maybe i’m wrong…but please clarify…
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great promo…and a refreshingly new role for Paresh Rawail
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interesting observation faraaz..hope it lives up to the expectations…
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i loved paresh rawal in it…n i’ll surely see the film…
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Anurag Kashyap making “Doga”?? – http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article§id=30&contentid=2008081220080812022854377d76aba58&pageno=1
What has it all come to?? First he cuts down on his PFC appearances…then you see a drastically mellowed down version of him on those rare occassions when he DOES pay a visit….and then THIS? “DOGA”??? I mean, no offence, Nagraj and Doga are two of the more popular heroes in Hindi Comics pantheon, but seriously? Coming from Anurag Kashyap? What’s next? David Lynch adapting The Beastmaster?
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that’s awesome news!
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Anurag sir you are so great. I am willing to do anything for you.
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Anurag, or anyone else for that matter… Is Mumbai Meri Jaan a direct Hindi remake of Dombivali Fast or is it a different film with a similar theme by the same director?
Also.. I haven’t read/seen the comic but Doga sounds interesting.. at least going by that short preview in posted link… hmmm… wasn’t “Jaanwar” (Akshay Kumar… I think it was directed by Sunil Darshan) a similar story (orphaned kid brought up by a dacoit who is treated like an animal) without the superhero bit?
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Tony Mera Naam,
Mumbai Meri Jaan is not a remake of Dombivali Fast for that matter it has completely diff theme from DF…
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@ Tony bhai
Mumbai meri Jaan is not a remake of DF…DF was remade into tamil called Evano Oruvan by Nishi bhai…MMJ is a take on the bomb blasts on 7/11 blasts in mumbai locals and no, it doesnt go the black friday way of unearthing the culprits..for what it is..its an ode to the mumbaikar’s spirits…
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Thanks Anand bhai, thanks Om-bhai… really wanted to see Dombivali Fast (w/ subtitles).. but heard great things about Nishikant as a director so really looking forward to Mumbai Meri Jaan… a stellar cast, and the promos looks so raw… hope this one gets recognition…
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The Promo of MMJ looks interesting… And there is yet another film following closely at the heels of MMJ, also (co-)produced by UTV. Its called “A WEDNESDAY” and is written and directed by debutant Neeraj Pandey.
Anurag, I remember you mentioning it in passing in one of your articles about films to watch out for. Of course, this was a long time back… This film has been ready for release since Augest last yaer but is finally releasing 5th September.
Here is a link to the theatrical trailer on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI3E1jneWvg
Would like to know your thoughts on the same.
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will watch it…. all the best for MMJ
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Lets just watch the film,we as Indians are just not used to watching films without song and dance and happy ending,I just hope it atleast betters SING IS KING,too many intellectuals here
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@Nina – just got around to checking these message. Thanks for the info, did not know the movie is releasing in the US only now (a year later??)! Looks like some serious distrbution gaps here.
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congrats Nishikant Kamat
for making a great film i am not seen it but reviews start pouring and u get four stars
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/review/10448.html
check it out i am eagerly waiting for it top release
u rock Nishikant Kamat
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I saw the film today……. boss one need to have guts to make a film like Mumbai Meri Jaan, this film made me fall in love with this city more deeply…. it aroused my sense of unity and made my spirit hi, this film rejuvenated my hopes…. human being is born with emotions and stories are born within, therefore this film connects everyone of us somewhere down the line… i have seen crash, question is why that film got connected but the treatment is sooooo different…. hats of to the director.
regards
Pratik Bagchi
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Mumbai Meri Jaan ……… its a MASTERPIECE , a must watch film …..
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Masterpiece, Brilliant Film, Worth sendind to Oscars as Indian Entry, Worth getting National and Filmfare Awards if given honestly and fairly.
Its a simply slap on the faces of those film makers who makes glossy. ice candy, switzerlander, new yorker, designer movies by a very down to earth and simple man that how to use a film medium for a story telling.
Bravo Nishikant Well done……
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Wow. Now that’s a film. SHOCKS you, SCARES you, prods you to think, wakes u you up and finally, gives you hope. Damn good flick Mr Kamat & team. This has to be one of the MOST IMPORTANT FILMS in the year.
Btw, does neone know of this thing that the producers r doin? They’ve startd this whole campaign around the never-say-die atttitude of Mumbai. Check out http://www.mumbaimerijaan.org for that.
Neway.. hat’s off to the producers for trusting a story like this.
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I saw the movie last night..it was sheer briliiance..everyone acted so wonderfully and gave the movie such a real look that it took me back to the day when the blast happened..i was at home at the time and after the blast we set up a water, tea and biscuits distributing site outside our colony for the thousands of people who were walking back home as trains were shut down and empty busses, taxis and rickshaws were hard to find. the director also took care of the subtle weather changes that day..when the blasts took place it was not raining and later in the evening it was raining continuously..which is shown perfectly in the movie as when paresh rawal and constable Kadam go to the bar at night it is raining…paresh rawal was fantastic in the movie..i thinkk this is the best performance from him ever..soha ali khan and madhavan acted brillianty..and two of the finest actor that we have around displayed their magic yet again..Irfan Khan and Kay Kay Menon the two actors who act through their eyes were simply outstanding in the movie..the story was beautifully woven together and i wish that such meaningful cinema is the future of indian film industry..while black friday took us to the behind the blasts mumbai meri jaan showed the human side of the blasts…how it affects people ..both the movies are among my all time faves now…wishing all the best to Nishikant and praying to god to give him courage to make more such movies…and i m really looking forward to what you are upto next anurag desperately waiting for your movie.
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Mumbai meri jaan is the latest flick to borrow its title from age old vintage classic songs, starting from the trend setter DDLJ about 15 years ago, to the other co – releases Bachna Ae Haseeno and Jaane tu ya jaane na. In fact, Nishinkant Kamat also delectably uses the classic old song in the final scene depicting that Mumbai is as much a “Meri Jaan” to a Mumbaikar, even today, as it was 4 to 5 decades ago.
The story line depicts irony in our day to day lives, especially in the news reporter who makes stories out of incidents, becomes a story herself; or a cop who sees his alter ego in his conscientious colleague and laments at having no true success story to narrate about his service, on retiring after 35 years of successful service; or how a split second decision of changing bogey from I Class to II Class can change your life. It also shows how our preconceived notions or prejudices can be belied by the reality of the situation; as a man biased against a community is destined for sun shine in life from that very community person.
I give 10/10 to the director on detailing and would like to quote one particular scene, which I wonder how many viewers have observed. When Suresh (Kay Kay Menon) and his friend go to Yusuf’s house, there is a picture of Shirdi Sai Baba on the cupboard in this Muslim’s house. Frankly, my friend and I were for a moment chuckling at this oddity, which we thought was the director’s oops moment, a blooper; only to realize later that it was his Oomph moment, when Yusuf shares Shirdi Sai Baba’s Prasad with Kay Kay, justifying Baba’s picture in his house. Full marks to you sir.
The other interesting act is of Irfan Khan, his angst against the society, his well rehearsed cycling style, his pompous walking style on his success of ruling the lives of people followed by his coming out into the crossroads of life, hands spread standing over a cross on the streets as though he is the Jesus whom he prays and whose photo adorns his house.
All these aspects make the movie an absolutely outstanding movie, leaving a sense of optimism and positivity at the end of the day, in otherwise our banal situations. Full marks also to Soha Ali Khan, Irfan Khan, Maurya for outstanding performances. A special mention of Paresh Rawal, for probably the most stupendous performance and by far his best performance in my opinion.
Prakash F Madhwani
Bangalore 560022
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I think KK watch Football match in Irani cafe when the clip is shown his infamous act during 2006 Soccer world cup final.
Mumbai meri jaan is a nice movie. I am not sure if any one ever referred to classics like Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro ? Made in around 1988-89 and had a mind numbing performance by Pavan Malhotra? This movie too was shot in real locations with real people and camera work was also similar to that of Amir and Blck Friday etc.
Somehow it appears that Amir and Black Friday have beoome a benchmark to judge a movie at PFC. There is no denying that these 2 are better movies of recent times and Black Friday is class apart but am not sure why Amir is given so much importance? I am confused as I did not like it as much. The only unique thing about it was the real locations and areas of Mumbai which are not shown in movies but it is not the only movie to have captured Mumbai like that. Please watch Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro and you will understand what I am talking about. It is a true timeless classic movie which unfortunatley still is so relevant that it hurts ( it was made before babri masjid demolition and 1993 blasts). It is superior in performances and content.
I was happy with Anurag when he offered Tiger Memon role to Pavan Malhotra a criminally wasted talent.
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This is a movie probably every responsible Indian should watch. It portrays our fears, anxiety, tragedy and finally the truimph of human spirit.It is one of the cleanest movie of our times. There is no overacting, excess glamour running around trees or with the script. The amazing acting of Paresh Rawal, Irrfan khan, Madhavan, KK and Soha is really worthwhile spending money one. The passion called Mumbai moves on despite all obstacles, rises from ashes as a phoenix.
Well done Nishi, we need more intelligent movies like this rather than the weepy, creepy stuff.
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Hello Anurag ..I had been hearing of Rock On reviews and people sayin that if you are a hardcore rocker please watch ..i am an hard core rocker..but the music didnt feel like one..But i the panch music was the one the lyrics are really dark one ..Y cant it be release now ..just wanted to know ..i would really like to watch ..please release it sir
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I didnt like the movie anurag. It didnt connect with me. I recommend Black Friday to nishikant. No I dont mean to flatter you. But thats my definition of a reality byte. MMJ is an ordinary run of the mill, bollywoodish movie. My views differ to yours and revathy’s on this film. But i am a connoisseur of yours and revathy’s body of work.
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mumbai meri jaan – national award winner (2008), critics choice for all awards & a must go for oscar!!
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Hi Anurag,
I am aspiring filmmaker and am very much interested to work with you as an assistant. Please email your contact details to following email id: sgururaj82@gmail.com
Thanks,
Gururaj
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@gururaj,
and he is going to mail you his contact details.
keep waiting.
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hi anurag…
i am ur servant…
please makeme ur assistant….n a co worker..
please mail me..
i want to be wid u n do ur work
mail me sir
sharmanitin1@aol.in
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happy birthday Anurag bhai……. keep us entertained…. love u drop dead……
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damn good film .. this
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sir……..u have a great collection of movies….just wanna help u .sir…..[Editors Note - Do not post links to illegal download sites on PFC.]
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Hello Mr. Anurag
Can you please send me your email
So that I can share my concept for a feature film with you.
Thanks
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Hi Anurag,
Don’t you think that it makes a lot of business sense to re-release “Black Friday” now with a minimal marketing budget. I feel that the “junta” is ready for a movie of that class NOW than BEFORE. ( Thanks to Amir, Mumbai Meri Jaan and A Wednesday )
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Since its similar to “Crash” it must be one of those ‘hyperlink cinema’. Really wanted to see it but I’m out of the country.
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Hmmm interesting , When it comes to foreign ( especially those indys that are not from the US ) I’m game.
The link is no longer available so I’ll just look around and maybe I’ll get lucky and fine a copy.
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what does one do about movies that dont get released in the theatres in the US, Anurag?
When I see a good movie I wish I had seen it in the theater and if it is running in a theater, I go back to see it, just to feel good about having given it my 10$.
lekin many films are not released here in theatres unfortunately and we have to end up watching them however copies we get.
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neha..MMJ had some decent release in US..off course not in the interiors or small towns..
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