Movies

Nasir Hussain: The Visionary Behind Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor’s Iconic Screen Persona

The history of Indian cinema is adorned with legendary filmmakers, but few have shaped the image of Bollywood’s leading men quite like Nasir Hussain. Despite his significant contributions, he remains one of the most underappreciated filmmakers in the industry. Known for his breezy musical entertainers, romance-infused narratives, and trendsetting storytelling, Hussain played a pivotal role in defining the onscreen personas of Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor—two of Bollywood’s most beloved stars.

While Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor were immensely talented, their careers skyrocketed after starring in Hussain’s films, which cemented their distinct styles—Dev Anand as the charming, fast-talking, stylish lover, and Shammi Kapoor as the rebellious, energetic, flamboyant heartthrob. The way we remember these stars today is largely because of how Nasir Hussain envisioned and presented them on screen.

Who Was Nasir Hussain?
Born in 1926 in Bhopal, Nasir Hussain grew up with a deep love for cinema and storytelling. After completing his education at Aligarh Muslim University, he moved to Mumbai and began his career in the film industry. Starting as a writer for Filmistan Studios, Hussain quickly gained recognition for his knack for crafting lighthearted, engaging stories that resonated with audiences.

His first major breakthrough came as a writer for Anarkali (1953) and Munimji (1955), both of which were major hits. However, it was his directorial debut, Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), that cemented his reputation as a filmmaker who understood youth, romance, and music better than most. From there, he went on to shape the landscape of Bollywood’s musical entertainers, directing and producing some of the most iconic films of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

His career spanned multiple decades, and while he eventually transitioned to mentoring the next generation of filmmakers—including his nephew Mansoor Khan, who directed Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)—his early work continues to be his most influential.

Nasir Hussain and Dev Anand: The Birth of the Suave Romantic Hero
Dev Anand was already an established actor, but it was Nasir Hussain who honed his image into the quintessential smooth-talking, debonair lover with impeccable style and effortless charm. The two worked together on:

Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)
While the film ultimately starred Shammi Kapoor, it was initially written for Dev Anand. The stylish, Westernized hero—a trope later popularized by Hussain—was meant to be Dev’s role, but he couldn’t commit due to scheduling conflicts.

Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961)
This film was a defining moment for Dev Anand, showcasing him as the modern, flirtatious, yet sincere romantic hero. Paired opposite Asha Parekh, Dev’s character was lighthearted yet deeply emotional, a balance that became a staple in Nasir Hussain’s storytelling. The film’s music by Shankar-Jaikishan, including the evergreen hit “Jiya O Jiya O Jiya Kuch Bol Do”, further established his charming, carefree image.

Hussain’s style of filmmaking, which blended humor, romance, and catchy music, fit perfectly with Dev Anand’s persona. He reinforced Dev’s signature mannerisms—his rapid-fire dialogue delivery, stylish hair flips, and effortless charm—traits that became synonymous with the superstar.

Nasir Hussain and Shammi Kapoor: The Birth of the Rebellious Rockstar
Shammi Kapoor’s transformation from a struggling actor into Bollywood’s ultimate rock-n-roll hero is largely credited to Nasir Hussain. Before Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), Shammi was trying to establish himself but had yet to find his signature style. Hussain changed that forever.

Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)
Originally written for Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor took the role and completely reinvented himself. With a slicked-back hairstyle, stylish Western clothes, and boundless energy, Shammi became India’s answer to Elvis Presley. His energetic dance moves, over-the-top romantic gestures, and playful dialogue delivery made the film a massive hit and gave birth to the Shammi Kapoor persona we know today. The song “Sar Par Topi Laal”, composed by O.P. Nayyar, further reinforced his vibrant, youthful image.

Dil Deke Dekho (1959)
If Tumsa Nahin Dekha introduced Shammi Kapoor’s new image, Dil Deke Dekho solidified it. Pairing him with Asha Parekh in her debut, Nasir Hussain fine-tuned Shammi’s musical, flamboyant lover-boy image. The film’s peppy songs by Usha Khanna, including “Dil Deke Dekho Dil Deke Dekho”, made it clear that Shammi Kapoor was now Bollywood’s new-age romantic hero.

Teesri Manzil (1966)
Perhaps the most iconic film in Nasir Hussain’s filmography, Teesri Manzil elevated Shammi Kapoor’s persona to a cult level. Blending mystery, romance, and music, the film was an absolute game-changer. Shammi’s stylish swagger, his intense yet playful chemistry with Asha Parekh, and R.D. Burman’s electrifying soundtrack (including “O Haseena Zulfon Wali” and “Tumne Mujhe Dekha”) turned him into the ultimate rock-n-roll star.

By this time, Shammi Kapoor was no longer just an actor—he was a phenomenon, and much of that success can be traced back to Nasir Hussain’s vision.

Nasir Hussain: The Architect of Bollywood’s Musical Blockbusters
Beyond shaping Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor’s screen personas, Nasir Hussain revolutionized Bollywood’s musical romance genre. His films were the blueprint for what we now recognize as the quintessential Bollywood masala movie—a trend that influenced filmmakers for generations.

His ability to combine catchy music, romance, and youthful rebellion gave Indian cinema a fresh identity in the 1950s and 60s. His collaborations with music composers like O.P. Nayyar, Shankar-Jaikishan, and R.D. Burman created some of the most memorable soundtracks in Bollywood history.

Why Nasir Hussain Deserves More Recognition
Despite being one of the most influential filmmakers in Indian cinema, Nasir Hussain remains underappreciated. His films set trends, launched careers, and defined eras, yet his contributions are often overshadowed by the stars he helped create.

Without Hussain’s vision, we might not remember Dev Anand as the effortlessly cool, stylish lover or Shammi Kapoor as the wild, rebellious rockstar. He didn’t just make films—he built legends.

In an industry where directors are often remembered for their grand, artistic storytelling, Hussain’s fun, musical, and trendsetting approach to filmmaking is often overlooked. However, his impact on Bollywood is undeniable. His ability to shape the personas of two of India’s biggest stars is proof of his genius.

It’s time we celebrate Nasir Hussain for what he truly was—a pioneer, a visionary, and the man who redefined Bollywood’s leading men.

JPS Nagi
March 23, 2025

The Many Faces of Sauron: Understanding the Dark Lord’s Ten Forms in Middle-Earth

The Many Faces of Sauron: Understanding the Dark Lord’s Ten Forms in Middle-earth
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and its related works present Sauron as one of the most complex and multifaceted villains in fantasy literature. Unlike many one-dimensional dark lords, Sauron’s ability to change form and deceive his enemies allowed him to remain a looming threat for thousands of years. His various manifestations were not just disguises but strategic choices, each serving a specific purpose in his ultimate goal: absolute domination over Middle-earth.

From his origins as a Maia to his final incarnation as the ever-watchful Eye, Sauron’s journey through these ten forms showcases his adaptability, cunning, and relentless ambition. This article explores each of his forms in detail, shedding light on how he evolved from a benevolent spirit into the ultimate personification of evil in Middle-earth.

Mairon the Admirable – The Innocence of Power
Before he became Sauron, the Dark Lord was known as Mairon, meaning “the Admirable.” In his earliest days, he was a Maia—one of the lesser Ainur—imbued with great wisdom, skill, and power. Mairon was not inherently evil; in fact, he was one of the most gifted spirits, particularly in craftsmanship and order.

Unlike Morgoth (formerly Melkor), the first and greatest Dark Lord, Mairon did not initially seek destruction. Instead, he was drawn to the idea of perfection, structure, and control. He admired power and efficiency, preferring order over chaos. This very desire made him susceptible to corruption, as Morgoth’s promises of greater authority and mastery over the world lured him away from the service of the Valar.

As Mairon fell under Morgoth’s influence, his noble aspirations were twisted into a hunger for domination. He abandoned his old name, taking on a new one: Sauron, meaning “the Abhorred” in Quenya. From this point on, he would cease to be a mere servant of order and become a master of tyranny.

Lieutenant of Morgoth – The Shadow Emerges
During the First Age, Sauron became the most trusted and powerful lieutenant of Morgoth. He took on a fearsome form, one befitting his new role as the commander of dark armies. Though he was not yet the Dark Lord of Middle-earth, he was a formidable force, wielding both physical strength and an unmatched intellect.

Sauron’s role in this era was akin to a dark strategist. He oversaw fortresses, devised plans, and led vast hordes of orcs and other monstrous beings. His most infamous stronghold was Angband, the seat of Morgoth’s power. Here, Sauron’s cruelty and mastery of sorcery flourished, and he began experiments in shape-shifting that would define his transformations in the future.

Despite his power, Sauron was ultimately forced into hiding after Morgoth was overthrown and exiled from the world at the end of the First Age. This would not be the last time he would need to retreat and rebuild in the shadows.

The Werewolf of Tol-in-Gaurhoth – The Beast Within
One of Sauron’s most terrifying forms was that of a werewolf, which he took on during his time as the master of Tol-in-Gaurhoth (The Isle of Werewolves). This fortress was a place of nightmares, filled with dreadful creatures under his control.

It was in this form that he confronted Lúthien Tinúviel and Huan, the Hound of Valinor. Huan, a legendary wolfhound, was fated to defeat the greatest werewolf of all time. Despite Sauron’s immense power, he could not overcome Huan and was ultimately forced to flee, abandoning his stronghold. This defeat foreshadowed his growing tendency to rely more on deception and manipulation rather than brute force.

The Serpent – The Symbol of Deception
Sauron was not just a warrior or a warlord—he was a deceiver. At times, he chose to take on the form of a serpent, a creature that symbolized cunning and treachery.

Though not much is written about this form, it likely represents his ability to manipulate others through words rather than combat. The serpent form may have been used to tempt and corrupt men, elves, and even the Maiar themselves.

The Vampire – A Dark Escape
After his defeat at Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Sauron was left weakened. He needed a form that could allow him to escape unnoticed. Thus, he transformed into a vampire-like creature, shrinking himself into a shadowy, winged figure and fleeing into the night.

This form showcases Sauron’s adaptability—when he could not fight, he would flee, only to return stronger. Unlike Morgoth, who was brought down by his arrogance, Sauron knew when to retreat. This trait made him far more dangerous in the long run.

Annatar, the Lord of Gifts – The Master of Lies
Perhaps Sauron’s most infamous transformation was into Annatar, the Lord of Gifts. In this form, he appeared as a beautiful and wise being, seemingly benevolent and full of knowledge.

It was as Annatar that he infiltrated the Elven societies, particularly those of Celebrimbor and the smiths of Eregion. Under the guise of a teacher, he guided them in crafting the Rings of Power, subtly weaving his influence into their designs.

However, his true intentions were revealed when he secretly forged the One Ring, ensuring his dominance over all other Ring-bearers. This treachery led to the destruction of Eregion and the eventual decline of Elven power in Middle-earth.

The Dark Lord of Mordor – The Rise to Power
With the fall of Númenor, Sauron lost his ability to take fair forms. No longer could he deceive with beauty and charm—he now had to rule through fear and brute force.

In this new era, he adopted the form of a towering, armored warlord, leading his armies from the volcanic land of Mordor. With the One Ring in his possession, he became nearly invincible.

His dominion was absolute—until Isildur, the heir of Elendil,cut the Ring from his hand, stripping him of his physical form. This marked the beginning of his long, slow return.

The Eye of Sauron – The Watchful Tyrant
By the time of The Lord of the Rings, Sauron no longer had a physical body. He existed as a great, lidless eye, wreathed in flame, watching tirelessly from the tower of Barad-dûr.

Though this form was symbolic, it represented his omnipresence. Every corner of Middle-eHarth felt his gaze. Though he lacked a corporeal form, his power was still immense—until the One Ring was destroyed, finally breaking his spirit.

The Necromancer – The Shadow Returns
Before his resurgence as the Dark Lord of Mordor, Sauron spent centuries regaining his strength in Dol Guldur. Under the name the Necromancer, he operated in secrecy, avoiding detection by the free peoples of Middle-earth.

This phase of his existence is explored in The Hobbit, where Gandalf investigates Dol Guldur and realizes that the Necromancer is, in fact, Sauron.

Halbrand – The Modern Reinvention
In Amazon’s The Rings of Power, Sauron is reimagined as Halbrand, a mortal guise he uses to interact with humans and elves alike. While not part of Tolkien’s original lore, this portrayal aligns with his deceptive nature.

Sauron’s ability to take different forms is a testament to his cunning and resilience. Unlike Morgoth, he was willing to adapt, retreat, and deceive, making him one of the most formidable villains in fantasy history. His many incarnations reflect his strategic mind and relentless pursuit of domination—making him an enduring and terrifying presence in the world of Middle-earth.

JPS Nagi
February 6, 2025

Further readings/ bibliography of Sauron’s Ten Forms in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium (Amazon affiliate links)

Is “Kalki 2898 AD” a Game Changer for Indian Cinema?

First of all, let me address the fact that I love Pan-Indian Movies and thoroughly enjoyed Kalki 2898 AD. The film’s release has sparked a lively debate: Is it a game changer for Indian cinema?

The discussion reminds me of the transformative impact of Bahubali (1), which marked a significant shift towards Pan-India movies. With each new release, there’s a surge of excitement with phrases like “India’s answer to Hollywood,” “Indian cinema on the global stage,” and “transformative for the Indian film industry” being thrown around.

India boasts a rich history and mythology, providing a wealth of stories to tell. However, the question remains: “Is the world ready to embrace these narratives?” In my view, the answer is not straightforward, and we face several challenges:

  1. Domestic vs. International Appeal: Indian films primarily cater to a domestic audience of 1.3 billion, with international appeal being a secondary consideration. This focus often results in films that may not resonate with global audiences.
  2. Song and Dance Sequences: While beloved by Indian audiences, the ubiquitous song and dance sequences can be off-putting to international viewers. These elements are often seen as interruptions to the storyline. For instance, the dreamy sequence at the Complex in Kalki 2898 AD felt like a diversion designed to showcase some skin rather than advance the plot.
  3. Writing Quality: There is a pressing need for stronger writing talent. Language barriers and cultural nuances impact how jokes and narratives translate across regions. As someone who does not understand or speak Telugu, Tamil, or Malayalam, I hoped that Prabhas’s jokes in the first half of Kalki 2898 AD were better in the original Telugu. In Hindi, they were disappointing. India is full of talented writers; we need to tap into this potential to enhance our storytelling.
  4. Originality and Copyright Issues: Concerns persist about copyright issues, with instances of scenes resembling those from Hollywood films. This can detract from original storytelling. There is a cartoon circulating in WhatsApp groups suggesting that Kalki 2898 AD copies elements from Star Wars, Dune, Mad Max, Transformers, Avengers, and The Matrix. The first comment my American friends made was, “Are those light sabers from Star Wars?” or “Wasn’t the Shambala sequence a copy of Zion from The Matrix?” We must find our unique way of depicting our stories.
  5. Music Composition: Music in films also faces scrutiny for originality and global appeal. While Indian music has a unique charm, it needs to evolve to meet global tastes without losing its essence.

While films like Kalki 2898 AD create spikes of interest and contribute positively to the Indian film industry, they fall short of being true game changers. They highlight the potential and creativity within Indian cinema but do not fundamentally alter the landscape of global cinema.

In conclusion, while Kalki 2898 AD is a step in the right direction and a testament to the potential of Indian cinema, it is not yet the definitive game changer. The journey towards global cinematic dominance requires addressing these challenges and consistently delivering content that resonates universally while retaining our unique cultural essence.

JPS Nagi
July 2024

Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power – Reading Recommendation

With the release of the Amazon Prime show “The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power” many people are looking to return to, or start reading, the books that started it all. Of course, the main books are The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Silmarillion. Then there are others like the Unfinished Tales. For those who wish to dig deeper into the core of the Middle Earth lore, you have the 12-volume The History of the Middle Earth and the new The Nature of the Middle Earth.

If you are familiar with the material, I have seen a reference guide put together to get you up and running quickly. Below is the list of essential reading to understand the Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power story.

Please do note that the showrunners have rights to limited material from the Tolkien Estate, and the histories (from The Lord of the Rings appendices) do not always tell a story. In order to tell a cohesive story, there are some original characters introduced, timeline compressions, and other adjustments made for the medium of television. In my opinion, I am glad I am living in an age where an attempt is made to bring the world to this medium to bring new people to the journey through the Middle-Earth.

Without further adieu, here is your reading list,

The Lord of the Rings:

  • Volume 1, Book 1, Chapter 2: “The Shadow of the Past“
  • Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 2: “The Council of Elrond“
  • Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 5: “The Window on the West“
  • Appendix A, “The Númenorean Kings“
  • Appendix A, “Durin’s Folk“
  • Appendix B, “The Second Age“
  • Appendix D, “The Calendars“
  • Appendix F I, “Of Men“

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien:

  • Letter 131
  • Letter 144
  • Letter 154
  • Letter 181
  • Letter 211
  • Letter 227

The Silmarillion:

  • Part 4: “Akallabêth: The Downfall of Númenor“
  • Part 5: “Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age“

Unfinished Tales:

  • Part 2, “The Second Age“
    • II “Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner’s Wife“
    • III “The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor“
    • IV “The Historv of Galadriel and Celeborn“
  • Part 4,
    • I “The Drúedain“
    • II “The Istari“
    • III ‘The Palantíri‘

The History of Middle-Earth:

  • Volume 5: The Lost Road
    • Part 1 The Fall of Numenor.
  • Volume 9: Sauron Defeated
    • Part 2 The Notion Club Paners
    • Appendix on Adûnaic, the language of Númenor
  • Volume 10: Morgoth’s Ring
    • Part 4, Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth
  • Volume 12: The Peoples of Middle-earth
    • Part 1, Ch. 5. The History of the Akallabêth”
    • Part 4 Ch. XVII Tal-Elmar

The Nature of Middle-earth:

  • Part 1, Chapter XVII
  • Part 3
    Many chapters touch on Second Age, directly or indirectly in part 3

There are few things as rewarding as losing yourself in a great book series. With its expansive worldbuilding and complex characters, Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of those series. If you’re planning on binge-watching the television adaptation or are just looking for background material to expand your knowledge of the lore of the Middle-Earth, you can’t go wrong with the above list.

Happy reading! And Happy Watching.

Update:

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fall of Númenor: And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-earth book by Brian Sibley & Alan Lee was released on November 15, 2022. You can get it from the link above.
In this book, editor Brian Sibley has assembled a single-volume chronicling the history of the Second Age of Middle-earth. It is told in the words of Tolkien from above mentioned as well as other published texts, includes new illustrations in watercolor and pencil by Alan Lee.
Brian Sibley has also added extensive footnotes and commentary throughout the book.
This is the one book to rule them for the Second Age History of Middle-Earth.

JPS Nagi
Sept. 6, 2022/ Updated Nov. 20, 2022

Marvel Civil War II (2016-2017)

Marvel launched the second Civil War within Marvel Universe last year. The lines were drawn and the sides chosen. And the fight began with Captain Marvel and Iron Man on opposite sides this time. I went through the comics in the main series and all the in between fillers. So here is the list for Marvel’s Civil War II.

Civil War II is a 2016–2017 Marvel Comics crossover storyline built around originally seven, extended to eight and now a nine part series (if you consider The Oath 001) limited series. It ran through almost all other titles published by Marvel. The tagline for the series is, “Choose your Side “

And as usual, here is just a list.
Click here to get a printable check list and reading order.

Marvel’s Civil War (2006-2007)

Marvel Civil WarWith the launch of Captain America: Civil War, my household is now going through devouring the comics of the series. Of course, I was asked the complete reading order of the whole series. And here it is – Marvel’s Civil War.

Civil War is a 2006–2007 Marvel Comics crossover storyline built around a seven-issue limited series of the same name written by Mark Millar and penciled by Steve McNiven, which ran through various other titles published by Marvel at the time. The storyline builds upon the events that developed in previous Marvel crossovers, particularly Avengers Disassembled, House of M, and Decimation. The tagline for the series is, “Whose Side Are You On?”

And as usual, here is just a list.

I addition to the reading order, I also wanted to know,
– Main Event.
– On going comic book series along with the number.

Click here to get a printable check list and reading order.

Marvel’s Secret Wars (2015)

MarvelSecretWars[1]Earlier this year, I got to relive my childhood through my daughter. She got interested in comics.

In 2015, Marvel decided to end their comic book world through Secret Wars. Just like past Secret Wars, the 2015 Marvel’s Secret Wars is also a huge event. During this event, many series will be brought to the end and the genesis of new Marvel Comic Book Universe will take place as a result of that.

We have been getting comics on a weekly basis, but we found that it is a bit difficult to follow without a good reading order. There are websites that do provide reading order, with lot of details about plotlines, ratings and how well does it fit in the timeline. Sometimes … you just want a list. So I decided to make one for ourselves. I spent many hours making this list, and decided this may be useful for others who are in the same boat as us.

I addition to the reading order, I also wanted to know,
– Event within the Secret Wars (for example Main, Last Days, Battle World or Warzones).
– On going comic book series along with the number (for example, The Punisher # 019).

So I created a way to organize name of each entry in the list.Naming

Then I created color coding, so that it is easy for me to quickly pick up the event; this will be particularly useful if I wish to read only the Main Event, or say only the Battleworld.

Click here to get a printable check list and reading order.
This list includes releases up to September 19, 2015. Come back for updated list every week.

Punjab 1984 – Ballewood Arrives !!!

Finally, punjab-1984I watched Punjab 1984. And here is what I think of it. This is an intense movie. The performances were good. There is a triangular conflict in the movie; Diljit shows great potential as an actor in the new generation. Pawan Malhotra, who is main antagonist in the movie, fits the role like a glove; his grins, smiles and expressions makes you hate the character, which shows how good job he is doing with the role. And the third apex of the triangle is played by Kiron Kher as a mother; she pretty much carries the movie on her shoulders. She is relatable as a mother, and portrays a very complex role with ease of an experienced actress (which she is). Diljit and Kiron’s scenes of a other-son bond are a treat to watch. The dialogues are very well written – they work at the surface level and also at a deeper emotional level. I also loved how the writers treated the story; the topic is extremely sensitive, and the treatment is excellent – instead of targeting a group, religion, or pointing fingers, it is a human story – rising above the limits and boundaries. It is a story of a mother looking for her son, who because of circumstances ends up at odds with the then prevalent law of the land. The story moves back and forth in time with flashback, which are very well edited.  It is a coming of age story of a son, who makes some choices under circumstances, and traces his path to redemption. It is the story of a man cornered, and how he stand against the ones who cornered him. If you are one of those folks who do not like the fact that Indian movies have music where the whole casts stops and start lip syncing to the song and dance to the tune, then you are in for a treat. Music of this movie adds layers to this movie. The songs are playing in the background, and they take the story forward. They are all situational, and most of the time, you will not even realize that you a song just started. They are essential and compliment the progression of the story. Watch out the lyrics for Swaah Ban ke, Lori and Ammi Udeek Di – they bring the sensitivity of poetry to this movie. they will bring a year or two to your eyes. The lighter songs Channo, Rangrut keep the happier parts of the story happy. Kudos to the music directors; yes there are few. And then there is Anurag Singh, the director. I have to say, I am impressed. He has proven to be one of the better directors in Punjabi Film Industry and deserves all the laurels to get the kind of performances he got out of the actors, and to keep the heart of the movie alive throughout on such a subject. With this movie he proves his range from being able to handle movies like Jatt & Juliet series (which were OK, I think) to a serious drama like Punjab 1984; and he does not misses a beat. This is his crowning glory so far. The movie is intense, emotional, and a tear jerker. Get ready with those tissues, and think about the questions raised by this movie, which are many. Lastly, story, scenes, and cinematography reminded me of Maachis (another well rounded director Gulzar) throughout the movie. It feels like either a homage in style or deeply inspired by it. I had to go look for the Maachis DVD after watching Punjab 1984. All in all it is good movie. I would call it 9/10 on the scale of good dramas. Go watch it ! JPS Nagi July 2, 2014

We’re more than animals …

Remember those classic Sci-Fi stories you used to read as a kid where robots are alive and they have turned evil.
Robopocalypse brought those memories back for me!

Daniel H. Wilson’s Robopocalypse is man-versus-machine tale – the story of how the robots turn against the humans. The author weaves a modern and plausible tale, which can happen in next 20-30 years, considering how many smart machines we have in our lives.

The robotic apocalypse is orchestrated by a single central super computer, Archos, who takes humanity by surprise all around the world. Archos takes control over the entire ensemble of machines in the world – smart phones, smart cars, bi-peds, domestic robots, telephones, satellites, machines – anything that has a computer or controller in it. And they start to work against human civilization and start evolving (the learning bots).

The entire novel is in flashback and told from points of views of several survivors from across the world. These survivors start to work on their own in Tokyo, Afghanistan, London, New York, and Oklahoma. As the story progresses, homo sapiens find ways to collaborate against the single enemy that they have created.

The story works at many different levels. Part 1 is grim as humans start to suffer, but engaging. As the story progresses, the action starts to come in. Then the survival instincts kick in, and finally collaboration. But more importantly, it is a tale of humanity and how pressure brings the best (mostly) and worst in people.

I enjoyed the book, because it brings back memories of the Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics, the stories I grew up with and stories that fired my imagination as a kid.

This is also the first book I have read that is written in this style – each chapter is written in first person perspective of different characters. You can open any chapter in part 1 or part 2 of the book and read it. It is later, that all these threads start to come together. Many reviewers mention that this style has been used in few other books, but this was my first book in this style, and I enjoyed it a lot.

Daniel H. Wilson is a Robotics Engineer, a television host and a PhD. So many of the robots used in Robopocalypse are based on (or variant of) real world robots that exist today.

The audiobook is read by Mike Chamberlain who takes the book to whole another level. He changes accents based on the character being a Texan oil driller, a British telephone hacker, or a Native American from Okhlahoma among the few. A very well done audiobook. Available from Audible.com.

I enjoyed this book a lot, a fun to read, and to listen. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of science fiction or to anyone who enjoys reading.
It is available from all major resellers as a book or an eBook.

Lastly, you may want to read this book before Steven Spielberg’s movie based on Robopocalypse comes out in 2013.

Check out Daniel H. Wilson’s blog.

Here is Daniel H. Wilson’s interview on YouTube.

Copyright JPS Nagi
July1, 2011.

Mughal-e-Azam completes 50 years

K.Asif’s Magnum Opus … Mughal-e-Azam. The movie that took more than 20 years in making.
A milestone for Indian Film Industry, with production costs Rs 15 million (this was when a normal film would cost around Rs 1-1.5 million), it broke all records. The tickets sold for 100 rupees, back when the cost of a single ticket was 1.50 rupees. Today, the movie of this value will cost more than Rs 150 Crores ($33M).

The music, the story, the cast, the dialogues – every aspect of the movie was giant. Bollywood’s biggest period extravaganza. Although the orginal movie was black & white (with some colored parts), the movie was colorized recently with the sound converted and re-recorded in Dolby Digital. The new producers brought together the new crew who worked to make it happen, with some of the original cast and crew.

It brought back memories for many movie-goers, and they flocked back to theaters.  Also introduced the next generation to the movie that was, and the movie that is.

Recently, NDTV did a special on the movie as it completed 50 years on August 5, 2010. Here is the special (you would need Adobe Flash to play).

August 14. 2010

JPS Nagi