Monday 12 September 2011

Toronto International Film Festival, TIFF and Breakaway

Toronto barely recovered from IIFA when along came the TIFF awards . This time the Bell Lightbox is the venue for the festival in Toronto. This skyscraper ,in the entertainment district of city ,occupies an entire block .


The 38 storey and more building is a cultural centre with residences and is the home of TIFF. It has a three storey public atrium with five public cinemas, two galleries, three learning studios , a centre for students and scholars ,a bistro, a restaurant and a lounge .Designed by the famous architectural firm KPMB ,this facility provides a meeting place for film enthusiasts from all over the globe. The Reitman family and Daniels Corporation (acclaimed film maker Ivan Reitman ) have helped TIFF realise the dream of having a building dedicated to films. Running year round it hosts thousands of events .TIFF started out in 1976 as a' festival of festivals' and in 1995 was given it's present name. This place has introduced Toronto film lovers to world's greatest artists. Many of them look back to this 'festival' in Toronto, as a foundation to where their careers took off. Names like Paul Haggis, Jason Reitman, Michael Moore ,David Cronenberg and John Woo come to mind. The festival also happens to be a launching pad for numerous Hollywood and art films. Set in September ,it unleashes the Oscar buzz. The films and international press cover it extensively. With a film library, a film festival for children and a commitment to educating the audiences it has enriched the multicultural fabric of Canada. It can easily be compared to some of the best festivals like Cannes and Berlin.


Hundreds of movies from around the world are screened here for the press and public . Breakaway, starring Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Rob Lowe, Vinay Virmani , Russell Peters, Gurpreet Singh (Ghoogi) and many more of Hollywood and Bollywood fame ,played out to an eager crowd here. It is directed by Robert Liberman of the D3 and Mighty Ducks fame .It is a movie about a south Asian (Punjabi) family living in Toronto. Speedy Singhs is the Indian version of the same and shall be releasing soon in India and the UK ."Indians love their cricket and we ice hockey ." Said Vinay Virmani who plays Rajveer Singh, the hero in the movie.

 A movie about ice hockey and we in North America not watching ? Not possible ! But that is not the only reason for you to go. Picture the frozen waters of the ponds in front of the Taj Mahal and you with your Maharajah or Maharani waltzing away to the tune of the Bhangra dhol ?? Oh did I add you gotta have blades too (ice skates) and the full moon should beam on the intricate patterns you carve out on the ice like "I love you" !! sounds romantic? You betchya !!! You'll wonder why this was never done before.

The movie explores the relationship between immigrant parents and their children .It is a lighthearted and delightful comedy and could be the story of any immigrant family living out it's dream in an adopted land .It is a movie to be enjoyed with the whole family and don't be surprised if any or all of the members of your 'khandan' identify themselves with it. The various bonds are explored and played out in a very realistic way. Set in Toronto it immediately reflects the multicultural diversity, yet maintains the unity inherent in a desi family .Punjabi culture is evident with its warm , open hearted and meaningful dialogues . Anupam kher , Gurpreet and their life partners (on the screen) give an excellent performance .Being a father comes naturally to Anupam Kher since out of the 450 films or so that he has done he remarked "400 were of me playing a dad!".But we know that being a veteran he can play any role .

Russell Peters , a name as common in our households as garam masala , is just himself. Comic, funny, witty and wait ...there is a side of him that oozes out ..his warmth as a friend ,a brother and a loyal boyfriend. The spiritual aspects of the Sikh religion is woven in the tapestry of the script without being overbearing yet very enlightening. The lead role is played by the handsome young star Vinay Virmani (home grown talent from TO) who is the son of the producer Ajay Virmani. Vinay's love and passion for hockey does not sit well with his father (Anupam Kher), a first generation Indian who wants him to join the family trucking business .The beautiful Camilla Belle is his leading lady. Needless to say ,against all odds the young player wins the hearts of all who resist him.

The movie has all the making of a perfect curry that the whole family and friends can savour in the veggie clean cut ishtyle ,tadka markey!

The story will strike a chord and resonate with all who are NRIs and will also appeal to others since in the words of the director Rob Liberman ,being "a parent and wanting what's best for our children and kids wanting to exert their independence is universal."
Rob Lowe as a coach is a perfect guide .

Breakaway (Speedy Singhs) ,the team certainly strikes a goal and many more! Winning all the way the puck never stops here but shoots to your heart scoring everytime ! Keep bringing such movies as we Canadians love to 'pao bhangra' and still feel humbled and blessed when you play our National anthem !

Source: Times of India

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