Worth It !!!

I had been working as software professional since two long years and I had been bored up to my nerves since the first day I started my work. That’s the reason, I was immensely happy to start my part time journalism course in Ranade Institute, Pune. I started enjoying the classes greatly where the veterans would talk on various subjects and enlighten us students. Even though I was not at all a star performer in the office, I had made sure that I delivered my objects and programs on time, so I would often find time to surf and search for my subjects in the office. That’s why; I was a bit surprised when I was assigned in a new project from the United States with a high priority. Others in the software field would have jumped at the opportunity. The project promised a chance of going to the US and some of my colleagues had already started teasing me about my future ‘Onsite’ trip. But I was fairly disappointed by this sudden change. US project meant more responsibility, late night calls, work pressure extending till long but my most critical fear was that I wouldn’t be able to give proper time to my classes and studies. I decided that I would come early in the morning and complete my work before class. The project started and as expected it started draining out my reserves of energy. I would go to the office at 8 in the morning, work till 5.45 then rush to class and again come back at 8.30 in the evening for client call, which extended till 10.30pm sometimes. I was left with no energy at all to study and it had started taking a toll on my health as well as my performance in class. Even so I kept my work fairly satisfactory. At one such tired moment I confessed to my Team leader that this hectic schedule is getting very tough for me. At this he rudely told me to forget my class and pay attention to the project as its very important. I was so hurt, I told him straight that I would not miss the class even if I had to quit my job. What I expected was a certain level of understanding from a person so senior and experienced than me. But I forgot that I was expecting it from an IT professional who can’t think beyond codes, deadlines and money. We were supposed to come to office for the weekend too, but I was so upset that I took an unplanned leave for three days. As expected, I got a call from my Project Manager (Boss ka big boss) and he immediately started shouting about how irresponsibly and immaturely I had behaved by taking leaves. This was pretty much expected.
But I was shocked when he asked me how did I go to the classes when I had so much of work left to do. I had never told my PM about my classes neither I had delayed any work object due to the time I spent in classes. More than the work, my studies had been badly affected, so I was in no mood to take it from PM that I had neglected my work due to classes. But he was not to be convinced. He bluntly told me to immediately stop the classes. “ How can you go to the class if the client expects you in the office” was his point. I told him that I would complete all my work on time, and I would come early but I can’t stop my class. But he had just one thing in mind – Client and Project as if the entire world depended on the silly project. I tried explaining him that I had come early in the last 15 days, completed my work and then again I had even come to attend the client calls till 10.30. Even after doing so much, if I am not able to claim two and half hours from my own day and own time then what’s the use?? Is this all worth it?? No no no – My mind and my heart were screaming to their limits and I was feeling like going to the office and just throwing my resignation at his face. But I decided to keep my cool and act with a thought. The next day I went to the office and drafted a mail to relieve me from the project. As expected, my request was granted and now I am happy to be on one month’s leave away from that crazy schedules of project. I am free and i am studying - giving full justice to my studies which had taken a backseat in recent days. This is really worth it.

Some - ANTAR

When you go to watch an Amol Palekar's movie, you expect it to be good or excellant. But Samantar is unfortunately neither. This is a story of Mr. Keshav Vaze, who after a suuceesful stint as a progressive businessman suddenly wants to end up his life at the age of 60. Reason - He feels life is not worth living anymore and so should be ended with dignity and respect. In a desperate attempt to bring back his interest in life, Keshav's daughter takes him to Kolkata for a psychiatric treatment. There Keshav comes face to face with Shama - his long lost love. A past tragedy had made it impossible for Keshav and Shama to stay in touch and that has turned Shama into reclusive and silent woman who hardly speaks even to her son. Keshav, who is confronted with such an unexpected turn of event is confused how to handle it and is scared to face Shama. So he is in dilemma including his quest for ending is life and his relationship with Shama.
Just like the name, Samantar, the movie runs with two stories parallel to each other.
One - About Keshav's quest for choice death or "Iccha Maran" and
Two - His relationship with Shama and its present possibilities.
Due to this, i found the movie a bit scattered all throughtout with a very weak thread connecting the events that take place. The content was interesting enough but if more efforts were taken on screenplay and editing, this would have been a really a good watch. Dialogues are good enough but the thing is, when the screenplay is sloppy, even good dialogues fail to have that "punch" effect.
This film, it should be said, belongs wholely to Mr. Amol Palekar. As expected, he has given a splendid performance. His brooding, intelligent persona has best suited for this role. But sadly, the veteran Sharmila Tagore is wasted in the role as she doesnt have even a single good dialogue to utter and the scenes dont have much to emote. Other actors are not even worth mentioning except Sameer Dharmadhikari , who has done a good job with the limited scope.
But i did find the cinematography to be up to the mark. There were some amazing shots from Kolkata captured which makes you take notice.
Conclusion : Go for the movie just to watch Mr. Palekar. If you want something serious to think - no chance.