The first one

So, Roger Federer wins another Grand Slam. 10th to be exact. 3rd Australian. At just 25 years. How many more he will win, is anyones guess. This Australian Open final was a majestic and elegant display of the repertoire that he possesses. Almost everything in his arsenal was on display. And poor Fernando Gonzalez just had to admit that he was in the presence of greatness, afterall. But he did not just hand it over. He fought for his place in the sun. And very gallantly too. The first set of the final was pure ecstacy. Both players played some great tennis, especially, Gonzalez. Breaking Federer, playing already at a high level, should not be considered mean. Gonzalez befuddled Federer with his heavy spinning, sliced returns, and also peppered him with strong forhand winners. Finally, he was serving for the set, and at 40-15, it sure looked sealed. But then the rise of the master was inevitable. Federer duly broke back and then easily held his serve. But the game of the match was to fol...

Alan Wilkins doesn't make too much of a lawn tennis commentator. Sleepy and irritatingly at loss of words. Of course, he doesn't seem to know the game well enough. V- ee -jay Amritraj is better. Or shall we put him in the cricket commentary box??

Watching the Australian Open final, some physical likenesses regarding the players come to mind: 1. Roger Federer -> Quentin Tarantino 2. Fernando Gonzalez -> Robbie Williams

After having a good night sleep, I am in the mood for making allowances. Or rather putting down these few more thoughts that occurred to me this morning. Firstly, speaking of songs, I do remember one, Tere Bina Besuadi - Besuadi .... Mildly aching and soulful, it was admittedly beautiful and well sung by Rehman . But as I have said before, this song too, is more of a reminder. Remember Swades ?? So, over all the music was routinely good but had a already-heard-before quality. Next, Madhwan and Vidya Balan didn't have much to do. But Mr. Madhvan should believe in his ability and should not look like he is acting. Bit harsh, yes, but after his opening RHTDM salvo, I have become a little circumspect of the guy. STOP COPYING , DUDE!! Vidya is easy on eyes though. Make up was also good. Abhishek looked rather convincing as the paunch flaunting, ageing industrialist. On the other hand, post Dhoom2, Ms. Rai seems to have shed the extra flab and was looking beautiful. These...

While the wife cooks me Sunday afternoon lunch, I am trying to pin down my thoughts on Guru. Pin down, yes... that's it, that's the reason. Guru doesn't leave you uncomfortable, neither here, nor there but comfortably in between. That should account for my lack of strong sense of either acceptance or rejection or invigoration or dejection or liking. Speaking of liking it, yes I did like the film. The experience was pleasant. That's what the film amounts to.. pleasant. And pleasant is gooood :-). The story of a lone crusader rising from the ashes to claim the top prize is not new. But the touch of reality makes it all too believable. And the references to the real person are not concealed either. (Ah... Writing after a long time does leave one searching for correct words..) :-/ Direction was good. I do not understand the need for song placements where they are not required. But amazing rain shots. As usual, in this directors case, I guess. Reminded me of Bombay. An...