Made in India, by Indians for Indians.

Keeping with the movies theme, wanted to document two Indian films, done in India by Indian directors, that were outstanding. For reasons that are truly Indian like culture, sentiments, anger, compassion and for reasons that are international like brewity, clarity, style, casting and simplicity.

Both films have lot in common. Not big money stars or higly recognizable stars, no commerical Compromises, very small budgets relatively speaking, no big marketing stunts. 'Honesty' is what they are made with.

A WEDNESDAY: Two incredible actors whose characters have triumphed over their actor throughout their career. There are lots of Indian films centred around 'terrorism' with a hope that each film will inflict an impact, small or big. Invariably they all show blood, death, sadness, injustice, anger. In all of 100 minutes, this film doesn't show any of those and still has a very intense style of story telling. 'Casting' as a function is highly underrated in Indian cinema for a simple reason that the actor is chosen even before the script is being written, with very few exceptions Of course. This film definitely belongs to the exceptions.

ROCK ON: Another film brilliantly written and directed. May be a 15 minutes too long but the settings, characters, plot all exquisite. Music bands in India are not a household item, yet. This film is about a music band that involves 4 characters. They come together during their days at college. All of them share the passion for a specific kind of music. They get a big break to produce a music video for a popular channel after winning a contest. Even before the making the video, differences between two protagonists creep in and they break up. They drift as complete strangers in seperate directions for almost 10 years. Accidentally they are forced to deal with the past and they find it difficult to come together. What brings them at the end is 'human spirit' and 'sincerity in their friendship'.

'Children of heaven', 'Colour of Paradise' are two great Iranian films won accolades being Iranian and done by a local director. Day will come when Indian films made by indian directors will get its due at these awards.

8 big mistakes.

Recognition is about setting precedence for good things to come. Its about acknowledging a piece of work which is unique among equals. Its about appreciation for something this is extra special. Slumdog Millionaire(SM)is anything but. Probably the most inappropriate winner at this year's Academy awards.

For me, an Academy award winner has to be awarded to work that either defines that period, that leaves an indelible mark, that is honest to its subject, that stands with time. If Slumdog is about 'hope' or about 'feeling good', then either I don't understand those words or it must have been recently redefined. The Shawshank Redemption, to me, is the one of the best work ever done with 'hope' as its central plot. It didn't win any award at any level but will remain to be one of the best films ever done. Agreed that it didn't directly compete with SM.

Milk is probably the best film done in 2008. If that doesn't transcend hope, not sure what else will. Sean Penn's acceptance speech was a testament to honesty, integrity and determination of the entire crew. I have never seen an acceptance speech like that before. Credit to Gus Van Sant and Sean Penn to have made such a compelling film and hope they will continue to make some inspiring films like MILK. Thank heavens that awards are not their primary motivation.

I guess a little, very little, sense prevailed amidst those mistakes by awarding Sean and Kate Winslet for leading performances. I would have stopped watching these awards if the pretenders in SM laid hands on those silouettes.

8 big mistakes committed in one day went truly unpunished.