News Pictorial

The Prime Minister lays foundation stone of development projects at Bikaner, in Rajasthan on July 08, 2023

72 Hoorain l Not Just A Review

By: Amit KumaR Agarwal
'72 Hoorain' is a very important film, not because of some cinematic genius, but simply because it is a tight and resounding slap across the face of all those that called 'The Kashmir Files' and 'The Kerala Story' propaganda films. A video on why TKF or TKS are not propaganda films and quite ironically, it is the people that are calling them 'propaganda films' are running their own agenda and propaganda will follow soon.
 
72 Hoorain has a very topical premise, with a great idea, but the narrative lacks the punch a film of such importance ought to have; when the entire world including muslim dominated nations, is reeling under islamic extremism.
 
The story is about two suicide bombers carrying out a dastardly suicide-bombing waiting for the bahattar hoorain (72 virgins) hence the title. The film borders on black-comedy with a very farcical-arthouse feel (almost entire film is in monochrome), many in the audiences won't get the humor. Even those that will get it, after a point will get bored with the long dialogue exchange between the lead characters.
 
Here is where the writers could've infused creativity. Instead of the lead characters talking about being conned by the maulana, slain terrorists like Ajmal Kasab, Osama or Burhan Wani would've more effectively conveyed the message.
 
The realization of the character of Haakim in the end that terrorism was just a business for Maulana is too feeble to connect with the audiences.

In the end, what could've been a very hard-hitting film is reduced to a lame effort; still the subject is so topical that it can be and must be explored again with a better writing and sensitivity.

Since the film fails to connect, the business of the film will be very dull.

News Pictorial

PM interacts with the beneficiaries of PMAY Rural and Ayushman Bharat, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on July 07, 2023

Salaar Teaser l The film is everything a commercial film ought to be


By: Amit KumaR Agarwal
 
The biggest myth of the film industry is 'good film' or 'bad film' - who will define it and what is the criteria?
 
The fact is there are only two kind of films 'films that make money' and 'films that don't make money'. All studios strive to make films that make money - ask the Marvel bosses.
 
Much hullabaloo over Hindi Film Industry losing money - fact is the films made here have lost the emotional cord - get the cord and the look right and you will get a money-making film, Pathaan, earlier in the year got it right.
 
The latest pan-Indian film Salaar's teaser unveiled recently and the teaser is proof enough of a hurricane at the BO on September 28.
 
The teaser has the right mix of look, heroics and the build-up to a film that is a sure-shot box-office spectacle. Only thing, Producers must get Sharad Kelkar to dub for Prabhas for the Hindi version. Audiences identify Sharad's voice as Prabhas'.
 
Have a look at the teaser and wait for the trailer.
 

Satyaprem Ki Katha l More Than Just A Review

By: Amit KumaR Agarwal


Week after week, as I watch films, one question that rankles is, is writing such a tough job?

Two weeks back we had one of the best writers in India, Manoj, rendering one of the most revered Indian texts, Ramayana, ineffective in Adipurush and now we have this film, Satyaprem Ki Katha.

On paper the story might seem novel, the fact is, it isn't. We have had films on date-rape in the past, yet the idea might seem novel - but the screenplay and running time reduce it to a narrative that drags on for 150 minutes.
 
The tom-foolery in the first half with Kartik Aryan falls flat, add to that 'n' number of songs just thrown in. Why? The second half turns all drama with a good amount of preaching that hardly registers. Plausible screenplay, dialogues with more sensitivity and trimming the film by about 20 minutes would have worked as a Sanjeevani Booti for this film.
 
A film that the makers ought to have seen for reference is Jab We Met.

Of the leads Kartik Aryan tries hard to play to the gallery, all he does is overact. Kiara Advani tries to infuse life in a botched-up role, and it is to her credit that she is very good in some of the scenes. Gajraj Rao is wasted, while Supriya Pathak and Anuradha Patel are fine.
 
All in all, the film had a great potential if two things writing and sensitivity were taken care of.

PM Narendra Modi's Egypt Visit l A Report

PM pays floral tribute to valiant Indian Soldiers at Heliopolis War Memorial in Egypt on June 25, 2023

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was received by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace on 25 June 2023.

The two leaders warmly recalled the State Visit of President Sisi as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations in January 2023, and welcomed the momentum it has imparted to bilateral relations. They agreed that the newly established ‘India Unit’ in Egyptian Cabinet was a useful tool in steering bilateral collaborations.

Indian PM, Narendra Modi and Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Exchange of MOUs Strategic Partnership document, at President House in Egypt on June 25, 2023

The leaders discussed ways to further deepen the partnership between the two countries, particularly in areas like trade and investment, information technology, defence and security, renewable energy, agriculture, health, culture and people to people ties.

Prime Minister Modi and President Sisi also discussed further cooperation in G-20, highlighting the issues of food and energy insecurity, climate change and the need for Global South to have a concerted voice. Prime Minister looked forward to welcoming Sisi in New Delhi in September 2023 for the G20 Leaders Summit.

An agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership" was signed by the to leaders. Three MoUs in the fields of Agriculture, Archaeology & Antiquities and Competition Law were also signed.

Prime Minister of Egypt, Mostafa Madbouly and a number of other senior Cabinet Ministers were present. From the Indian side, EAM, NSA and senior officials were present.

Prime Minister conferred with the Order of the Nile

 
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on his recent state visit to Egypt was conferred with the Top Honor, 'Order of the Nile', in a special ceremony at the Presidency in Cairo on 25 June 2023.
 
In a very special ceremony, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, conferred Prime Minister, Narendra Modi with the ‘Order of the Nile’, the highest civilian award of Egypt.

Prime Minister thanked President Sisi for the honor on behalf of the people of India. It may be noted that the Prime Minister, Modi, is the first Indian to receive the award.

Ministry of Law and Justice Organises Chintan Shivir to Shape Future Action Plan


The Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department organized a Chintan Shivir today at New Delhi.
 
Dignitaries including Arjun Ram Meghwal , Union Minister of State (I/C) Law and Justice; Dr. Niten Chandra, Law Secretary; S.K.G. Rahate, Current Incharge Secretary Legislative Department; G.S Pannu, President ITAT & B.K Vidhatri , guest speaker for the event, graced the event with their presence.

The Shivir commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and a ceremonial honour to the distinguished guests. The department launched a short informative video documentary enumerating the significance and achievements of the Ministry of Law & Justice in the various sectors of life and it's contribution in the overall growth of India.  

Additionally,  a Coffee table Book ‘DoLA at a Glance: 2022-23’ was unveiled during the event, adding to the significance of the occasion. It carries a detailed account of ongoing work and  achievements of Year 2022-23 and  stands as a  testament of employees' relentless efforts and collective success.
 
Dr. Niten Chandra, Law Secretary, delivered a warm welcome address, followed by S.K.G. Rahate, Incharge Secretary Legislative Department, who shared his remarks. The keynote speaker of the day, Arjun Ram Meghwal , addressed the audience and commended the department for hosting the Shivir. He reiterated his dedication to advancing ongoing initiatives and ensuring equitable access to justice for all citizens. Emphasising the need to repeal outdated laws and simplify complex ones, he expressed his commitment to relieving the burden on the courts through these endeavours.

B.K Vidhatri, the esteemed guest speaker, engaged with the attendees and motivated them to step out of their comfort zones, break down silos, and work together as a cohesive team to achieve their goals, and inculcated a  spirit to fight stress and  work pressure.

Following the motivational session, presentations were delivered by the representatives of the Department of Legal Affairs, Legislative Department, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, and Central Agency Section. These presentations encompassed a comprehensive review of the department's accomplishments thus far and deliberated on the future course of action, aligned with the Prime Minister, Modi's vision as India embarks on the Amritkaal of Indian independence to achieve remarkable growth prior to 2047.

An interactive session ensued, enabling the staff members to express their opinions, offer suggestions, and pose questions. Each contribution was given due consideration, fostering meaningful discussions.

Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Additional Secretary and Legal Advisor, concluded the event with a vote of thanks. She extended her heartfelt congratulations to all attendees for the successful completion of the momentous Chintan Shivir and expressed deep gratitude to everyone for their unwavering commitment and dedication.

Press Release l REC Limited to provide financial assistance to Bangalore Metro


REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Union Ministry of Power, has decided to extend financial assistance of Rs. 3,045 crores to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), for establishment and development of Metro Lines under Phase-II project of Bangalore Metro. The decision to extend the assistance was taken at the board meeting of REC, held in Bengaluru on 24th June, 2023, at which the Board approved the proposal of BMRCL.

The Phase-II project of Namma Metro comprises extension of existing two corridors of Phase-I, namely East–West Corridor and North–South Corridor; and 2 new lines, namely one from R.V. Road to Bommasandra and another from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara. These lines will traverse some of the densest and high-traffic areas of the city.

Phase-II of the project will enhance connectivity and ease traffic in the densely populated city of Bengaluru. With completion of Phase-II (72.09 km), the combined network of Namma Metro shall stand at a line length of 114.39 km, with 101 stations.

REC Limited is an NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India. The financial assistance to BMRCL forms part of REC’s foray into funding infrastructure development. Established in 1969, REC Limited has completed over fifty years of operations. It provides financial assistance to the complete power sector value chain; for various types of projects including Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Renewable Energy. REC’s funding illuminates every fourth bulb in India.