Category: Reviews

  • Evening @ Summer Funk

    I got hold of a pass for the Summer Funk, the dance show by students of Shiamak’s Dance Academy. And it did cost me a good 300 bucks, but was worth it. It was really awesome.

    This dance show is organized so that students can get their taste of a stage show after learning the dance for the first time, and for the old timers it gives more experience. There are different categories under which performances were sorted and the one liked the most was the dance done by Victory Arts Foundation which is not – for – profit academy which teaches dance to those who are physically disabled.

    When I saw deaf people dancing, I was taken aback. How in the world do they do it? And such coordination of steps left my mouth opened for minutes!  Though I had visited Summer Funk last year as well, this time it was different. It was 15th anniversary of Summer Funk and Shiamak himself was there.

    Some funny events also did happen. Barclays had organized a lucky draw where two set of DVDs were to be awared and the winners choosen in the lucky draw were two Mehtas from the same family.  One mom, other was her child. The other prize went to Poonam Davar, Shiamak’s mom. She herself then nominated another women to be chosen as the lucky one than herself.

    All in all, it was a great evening.

  • Bajaj New AD: Robots

    Bajaj New AD: Robots

    A brilliant adaptation. Remember the Citroen Ad? Bajaj has come up with this brilliant ad. Hats off to Bajaj.

    The concept is a hive off from the Citroen ad which again was inspired by the movie Transformers. However, this time around, the transformers are Bikes and the bikes are Bajaj Pulsar 180, Bajaj XCD 135 DTSi and Bajaj Discover.

    These bikes transform themselves when every body’s out and start playing basketball with the ball created on the spot using the spare tires lying around. I would like to rate this advertisement from Bajaj very high.

    Rating: 4.9/5

  • LMN or Nimbooz? Which one will you prefer?

    LMN or Nimbooz? Which one will you prefer?

    In the summer, Pepsico could not have found a better product than producing the classical Indian Lemonade. Yes, you might have already seen the adverts, but there is a new rival in the market already.

    Parle Agro launched LMN [short for Lemon] just a week after Nimbooz gone live. Nimbooz createad a stirr in the market where people who normally prefer to have an arreated drink switched back to the age old formula of Lemonade.

    Lemonade helps you during this tough summer season, especially if you are a guy who is always on the field.

    I have tasted both the products and I have to say that Nimbooz a much better product than LMN. The package quality of Nimbooz is also much better than LMN. Did you taste it? Write in your comments.

    Advertisment Review

    While both the advertisment are good, LMN stands out because the idea creating a Lilliputian on the beach of full Gaints. It creates exitement. Dirnking LMN changes your energy levels, which is exactly what is potrayed in the advertisment.

    The background score of Nimbooz stands loud and clear than that of LMN. I liked the hint of Indianess in the Nimbooz advert.

    My Rating:

    Nimbooz: 2.5/5
    LMN: 3.5/5

  • Tata Nano’s Copycats – Ferrari’s and Fiat’s Nano? Scoop Pictures of New FIAT 600 and Ferrari F634

    Tata Nano’s Copycats – Ferrari’s and Fiat’s Nano? Scoop Pictures of New FIAT 600 and Ferrari F634

    Are Ferrari and Fiat planning to create their own Nano iterations? That is exactly what these scoop pictures revel. Tata and Fiat’s relationship

    Believe it, this is the first Ferrari hatch back car. Ferrari is named this little wonder F634 and code named it one, while Fiat is planning to use it to create a sequel Fiat 600 to its successful and legendary Fiat 500. Enjoy exclusive scoop pictures.

    What is unclear whether this attempt is to make just a Concepts or actually make it to production. Watch this place for more…

    Ferrai F634 one

    FIAT 600: Based on Tata Nano, £8000 . Quality, upmarket feel, luxurious interiors. Click on the picture for Bigger Picture

    Tata has got Ferrari to design & use the Nano platform for a Nano sized sports version, which of course would not be cheap. This Ferrari will use the 500 Abarth’s engine and will be built in limited numbers. F634 is based on the platform that underpins the Tata Nano, so it would be some what similar to Nano in its dimensions. However, it would look different. The scoop pictures have only revealed the back side, keeping the Front and Side design under wraps.

    Design house Pininfarnia which got its hands on the First Nano recently, has been assigned the responsibility for designing this cute little hatch. Ferrari has a long association with Pininfarnia, and Tata Motors is also a share holder.

    What makes me wonder is that Ferrari is moving away from it sedan and moving to Hatch back!!!

    Vehicle type: back-engine, front-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 3-door hatchback
    Estimated Base Price: $23,000
    Esitmated Launch: 2011
    Engine: Turbocharged DOHC 16-valve 1.4-liter inline-4, aluminium block and head, port fuel injection
    Displacement: 83 cu in, 1368cc
    Power: 135 BHP @ 5500 rpm
    Torque: 152 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
    Transmission: 5-speed manual
    Dimensions:
    Wheelbase: 90.6 in Length: 139.8 in Width: 65.0 in Height: 58.2 in
    Curb weight: 2282 lb
    Performance (Est.): Zero to 62 mph: 7.9 sec
    Fuel Economy (Est.): 8 Km. /litre

    FIAT 600 Seicento

    FIAT 600: Based on Tata Nano, £8000 . Quality, upmarket feel, luxurious interiors. Click on the picture for Bigger Picture.
    FIAT 600: Based on Tata Nano, £8000 . Quality, upmarket feel, luxurious interiors. Click on the picture for Bigger Picture.

    Fiat has got rights to use the Nano Platform to produce the sequel to Tata Nano. However this Nano will be different. It will not be tall as Nano, but will be better and cuter. As seen in this artist’s representation here, it certainly looks cool in 3 door format of Nano which is not seen yet, however if you notice the height is down by 100 nm. Read Wiki about Fiat 600 Seicento here.

    Similar to FIAT 500, FIAT 600 Seicento was produced last from 1955 to 1969.

    Understandably, the front will go extensive overhaul to give it the 500 family look, how side is expected to remain same. This Fiat will sport a mid – engine.

    An ideal choice for Fiat to go ahead and give the people a sequel to 500, however expect this to be cheaper than 500. The Current 500 available in UK costs £8,100 OTR Price so expect this one to cost between £7000 – £8,300.

    Specs:

    Vehicle type: rear-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 3-door hatchback
    Estimated Base Price: £7,000 – £8,300
    Esitmated Launch: 2012
    Engine: Pop 1.2 litre, port fuel injection
    Displacement: 65 cu in, 1242cc
    Power: 69 BHP @ 5500 rpm
    Torque: 132 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
    Transmission: 5-speed manual
    Dimensions:
    Wheelbase: 2300 mm, Length: 3546 mm, Width: 1627mm, Height: 1485 mm
    Curb weight: 865 Kgs.
    Performance (Est.): Zero to 62 mph: 12.9 sec
    Fuel Economy (Est.): 8 Km. /litre

    A Very Happy April Fool

  • Tata Nano to be launched: Some Loan specific details

    Tata Nano to be launched: Some Loan specific details

    Ratan Tata will be marking a historic event in India, and its motor industry.

    I have compiled a few information which should assist any Nano buyer.

    Loans from Bank:

    Nano is targeted at a group where most of the people will be choosing for a loan that putting cash on the table.

    SBI group may be the leading lender for Tata’s Nano, but it may not be offering the cheapest interest rates. SBI and associated banks may be offering loans for Tata Nano at the prevaling interest rates, at around 11.5 – 12 %. At the same time, taking a loan from BoI (Bank of India) may be much affordable, since loans interest rates for the Nano’s perspective customers of Nano would be around 12.5 %.

    (more…)

  • Tata Nano: Accessories

    Tata Nano: Accessories

    Ah, finally you can customize your Nano for a few thousand rupees and make it your unique one. That does not come cheap, but is far more satisfying to know that you bloody, can.

    Luggage carrier for space consious.

    Colored Bumpers for looks

    Radio / Audio Player for those looking for solace in music

    Body color, side skirts, alloy wheels… glore…

    You get more options and it is not that you have to visit the Tata dealer to get these fitted. As confired in a report by Zee Business, you can get accessories in the market starting day three after the launch of a automobile product.

    Fully Loaded Nano

    What will a fully loaded Nano come with?

    It comes with all the usual bells and whistles of a standard version but adds some of the following add ons.

    Air Conditioning, Body Colored bumpers, Power stearing, Power Windows

    What you can add on?

    A audio player, Alloy wheel and a Luggage carrier.

  • Tata Nano: Space and Interiors

    Tata Nano: Space and Interiors

    The space of the small car is maximized in the inside for comfort, however taking a baggage is a concern. The back-engined Nano does not offer luggage space in the front, but actually behind. This space is smaller and may not gobble up much of your luggage. If you are not having rear passengers, you have an option of adjusting the rear seats to accomodate your luggage. Or if you have, then you are stuck with it.

    The AC has been reported to be good enuf to combat the heat for April and May. As compared to the AC which comes with Maruti 800, it is better. (reports Zee Business)

    Interior plastic is not top – notch and you may feel the cheap plastic keeping in the theme with its cost. So don’t be surprised.

  • Nano Update

    Nano Update

    Tata Motors have announced the domestic launch of the much-awaited car, Tata Nano. Tata Nano will be launched at a function in Mumbai on March 23, 2009. The cars will be on display at Tata Motors dealerships from the first week of April 2009. Bookings will commence from the second week of April 2009.

    Tata Motors are making arrangements for the widest possible network to book the car, so that prospective customers can conveniently avail of booking facilities at their locations, across India. The booking process and other details will be announced on March 23, 2009.

    It is now been confirmed by the company sources that the first Nano to roll out of the Gujarat Plant will be in 2010.

  • New Ad: Maaza Mango Mania & Slice – Rasiya Aa jaa

    Maaza is rival to the Slice who has used Katrina Kaif so brilliantly, was expected to come with a beater.

    In comes Maaza Mango Mania. Its about a story of a dad who is very obsessed with Mangos and his son calls it his Mango Mania. He hurls abuses at the old mango tree the dad helped grow, then calls the Mango dealer at night, secretly. When a politian during his election campagin calls for more benefits for “Aam” aadmi, this dad again is hit by the Mango mania.

    Then the son suggests giving his father a mango to drink rather that eat. He gets Maaza and his dad finds solace for its mania.

    Score: 3/5

    Slice: Rasiya Aa Jaa

    However, with the Slice’s new Kat advert goes a step further on where they had left it last and set the Idiot box on Fire. Unique idea of using the word Kamasutra to rebrand it with a mango as Aamsutra is something which caught my eye. Futher, there is a added erocticity in the actions of Katrina enjoying Slice envokes senses in every one watching it. She is Pepsi’s brand ambassador since March ’08.

    Katrina’s sizzling looks and a good camera close up techniques makes this advert love able. The background score is also perfectly suited to Kat’s actions.

    Score: 4.5/5

  • Vodafone: Amar Chitra Katha

    There are two advertisement released for the monthly subscription of Amar Chitra Katha.

    The first one is a scene in office where a colleague tells a story to a man and women who get so involved in that they react to every move the story teller is making.

    The second advert: A kid sitting on a small round table telling a story in dramatic fashion, keeping the whole camera frame simple and sweet.

    Score: 4.5/5

  • New Ad: Suzuki GS150R

    Suzuki GS150R

    The new Suzuki GS150R advertisment does not carry the charm it actually needs. The very concept of a girl going for the bike instead of the guy is now common. What makes this ad different is open show of a foreplay the girl gets involved on the bike. This open show may not be likeable for many, but that what is catching up in this advertisment.

    The Ad clearly lacks the finnesse, sound is actually better, but the hissing sound of foreplay actually kills it. The ad leaves a room for improvement. Conceptually, the Bajaj DTSi advertisments score much better than any other bike adverts currently doing the rounds. And this advertisment is anyday better than the pathetic HH Gladiator advertisment. HH Gladiator has an advert which shows that when you are on the bike, you can guess any girl’s mind seriously fails against this one and the Bajaj DTSi adverts.

    Score: 2/5

  • Do Genius, Ek Taakat: Aamir & Darsheel in Parle Ad

    The TPZ combination of Aamir and Darsheel carries forward the “G maane Genius” theme for the Biscut major.The brilliant combination of both the characters of Taare Zaamen Par movie makes the advertisment stand out, this time with a new titile. Do Genius, Ek Taakat (two Genius and one Power) where the power of Parle.G drives Aamir and Darsheel.

    Parle.G Do Genius, Ek Taakat advert on YouTube

    The advertisment showcases how important it is to have Parle G (the brand) to keep up the memory. The alternative idea which is generated in the kid’s (Darsheel) mind in conveying the name of Gappi aunty. Aamir gets the hits from Darsheel and saves a day!

    Score: 3/5

  • Its History: Resul & Rahman (2) wins the First set of Oscars for India

    Its History: Resul & Rahman (2) wins the First set of Oscars for India

    The List of Awards for Slumdog Millionaire

    Best Picture
    Best Director – Danny Boyle
    Best Music – Song – A. R. Rahman
    Best Music – Score – A. R. Rahman
    Best Film Editing
    Best Sound Mixing – Resul Pookutty, Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke
    Best Cinematography
    Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

    Slumdog Millionaire does a clean sweep at the Academy Awards where it won in all the categories it was selected. 8 Awards out of 9 nomiations (2 nominations in Song category – for Jai Ho and O Saye).

    Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire

    Best Actor in Leading Role: Sean Penn for Milk

    Best Actress in Leading Role: Kate Winslet for The Reader

    Best Director: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire. He really deserves it. He is the Man of the Moment.

    Best Foreign Language Film: Departures

    The Award tally at the moment.

    Slumdog Millionaire: 6
    The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: 3
    The Dark Knight: 2

    Best Music (Song): Rahman Scores again for Jai Ho

    Best Music (Score): A. R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire

    A. R. Rahman at the Oscar

    Its so unfortunate to be living in this part of country. The Power is gone. I can’t see the Oscars. :(:(:(:(:(:(

    Live Report: I am online watching for Slumdog’s achievement… 🙂

    Best Video Editing: Slumdog Millionaire

    History Made: First Indian, Resul Pookutty to win an Oscar.

    Best Sound Mixing: Resul Pookutty, Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke for Slumdog Millionaire

    Resul Pookutty

    Resul after handed over the Oscar: “History has been handed over to me”

    Best Sound Editing: The Dark Knight

    Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

    Best Documentry Short Subject: Smile Pinki

    Best Documentry: Man on Wire

    Best Actor in Supporting Role: Heath Ledger for Batman: The Dark Knight

    Best Short Film: Spielzeugland (Toyland)

    Best Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire

    Best Make up: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

    Best Costume Design: The Duchess

    Best Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

    Best Short Animated Movie: La Maison en Petitis Cubes

    Best Animation Movie: Wall – E

    Andrew Stanton takes the award for Wall.E

    Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy wins Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire.

    Adapted Screenplay – Simon Beaufoy

    Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black for Milk

    Dustin Lance Black at Academy Awards

    Best Actress in supporting role: Penelope Cruz for Vicky Christina Barcelona.

    Penelope Cruz at the Academy Awards