Dabangg

The Lokhandwala Laughing Club descended on Cinemax this morning to watch Salman Khan in Dabangg – with a double ‘g’. In a scene reminiscent of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (remember when Jack Nicholson took the inmates of the asylum on a day out?), Yusuf Rassiwala could be seen around 11.00 a.m. herding the members, old and not-so-old, into the glitzy multiplex for what was to be their first big day out together at the movies.
The movie was inconsequential. A mindless potboiler about a corrupt cop with the heart of Robin Hood, it elicited the right responses, including all the claps and seeties from those it was meant for. But our members were above the front-benchers (literally). Tara Chand, Grover, Razia Khan and others watched in dignified silence, appreciating the finer nuances of film craft and emerged wiser and well-entertained. The only voluble response came from Rehana who clapped along with the Munni badnam hui number.
Regardless of the merits (or otherwise) of Dabangg, an occasional outing of this nature has its benefits for senior citizens. It was an opportunity to break out of the humdrum of their daily existence. The movie had given them a reason to step out of their homes at an odd hour. If it were not for Yusuf-bhai’s (right) initiative, many would probably have not got to see Dabangg. Watching a movie with one's peers is always different from sitting through in the presence of family members.
The other big news of the day was Shekhawat-ji postponing the Lonavala picnic by another week – to October 2. It seems that for September 25, there’s an invite to hitch a bus ride to Shanmukhananda Hall, Sion, where a Rajasthani cultural show would be staged. Some political dignitaries and film stars are likely to be present. If that does not sound enticing enough, well, there’s dinner on the house.
Effectively, Lonavala can wait till Bapuji’s birthday!

Renu Babani says:
The picnic somehow gets postponed for certain reasons. Hopefully we do go for it in the end... that is the question! Yes, outings like this are fun, in regards to going for the movie this morning, because you are in the group and can enjoy each other's company as well. I had seen the movie before, otherwise would have joined in as well. Maybe next time. The movie is basically just for entertainment and if one goes to question certain scenes, no one will ever watch movies. The downpour this morning made us do our exercises at the Chinese Hut once more, but hopefully tomorrow will be another day!
--Renu

Bhaswati Bose says:
I really enjoyed watching Dabangg. All you have to do is leave your brains at home. Am looking forward to more such "mindless potboilers" organised by Yusuf-bhai. Salman Khan zindabad! Watching a movie with a group is always more enjoyable. You can laugh, cry, clap and even whistle and dance in your seats together. So all you couples who make a dash for the Friday first show, please rethink!
--Bhaswati