Bewakoofiyaan Review

On face-value, BEWAKOOFIYAAN may pass off as yet another love story in a middle class setup, with the [tyrannical] father of the girl throwing a wet blanket on their plans. While the subject matter is as old as the hills -- haven't we watched a concerned/over-protective parent opposing his kid's choice of spouse in dozens of films earlier? -- BEWAKOOFIYAAN also drapes a thorny issue that plagues the world: Recession. However, what could've been a serious take on relationships and economic decline is punctuated with several laugh-inducing moments by Nupur Asthana.



One expects BEWAKOOFIYAAN to be a joy-ride, since Nupur's big screen debut MUJHSE FRAAANDSHIP KAROGE was padded with intelligent humor, clever lines and charming moments. And Nupur and writer Habib Faisal make sure they give the cliché-ridden plot a new spin altogether.



Mohit [Ayushmann Khurrana], a marketing whiz kid, and Mayera [Sonam Kapoor], a financial brain, are a much-in-love couple. They work hard, they party harder. Their belief is simple: You can live on love and fresh air… But there's an obstacle: Mayera's wilful bureaucratic father V.K. Sehgal [Rishi Kapoor].



The obstinate man believes that only a rich man can bring Mayera happiness and a mid-level executive like Mohit simply isn't good enough. Who gets the last laugh when recession strikes and the lack of money tests love?



BEWAKOOFIYAAN brings back memories of Anubhav Sinha's AAPKO PEHLE BHI KAHIN DEKHA HAI and Rahul Dholakia's KEHTAA HAI DIL BAAR BAAR, besides FATHER OF THE BRIDE and MEET THE PARENTS, of course. Having said that, Nupur and Habib pepper the plot with some cleverly penned sequences, but stray episodes apart, the writing maintains a strong grip from commencement to conclusion [the run time -- less than 2 hours -- makes sure the film never overstays its welcome]. Also, the writer slips the after-effects of recession smartly in the proceedings, without deviating from the core issue, that of a love story.



There's a lot to like in BEWAKOOFIYAAN. The makers know well the flavour of humor they wish to peddle to the spectator -- witty and subtle -- shying away from the slapstick and buffoonery one has come to expect in Bollywood comedies. It won't be erroneous to state that BEWAKOOFIYAAN makes a genuine attempt to entertain beyond tested flavours and it succeeds in evoking genuine laughs at regular intervals. Also, Nupur and Habib invest heavily into the characters and the screenplay to keep the interest alive. Additionally, the film works for two more reasons: Sharp dialogue and spot-on performances by its protagonists.



However, there are hiccups too. The conclusion is foreseeable given the genre of the film, hence Habib should've ensured that the sequences leading to the climax were hatke completely. The soundtrack [Raghu Dixit] is plain ordinary and though it's not right to draw parallels, one misses a 'Paani Da Rang' kind of haunting melody from Ayushmann yet again [that song has become a yardstick, frankly]. Notwithstanding the blemishes, what needs to be appreciated is the chance YRF has been taking lately. While the premier production house is synonymous with biggies like JAB TAK HAI JAAN, EK THA TIGER and DHOOM: 3, they aren't shying away from making 'smaller films' with interesting concepts such as ISHAQZAADE, MERE DAD KI MARUTI, SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE and now, BEWAKOOFIYAAN.



Editing [Antara Lahiri] is crisp, while the DoP [Neha Parti Matiyani] paints a vivid portrait of the capital as well as Dubai.



The film relies completely on three central characters -- Rishi Kapoor, Ayushmann and Sonam -- and the performances are indeed commendable. Especially Rishi, a gifted actor, who's finally getting roles that do complete justice to his talent. Ayushmann is charming, confident and far from shaky in sequences with the veteran Kapoor. That's no mean achievement! Sonam has evolved tremendously as an actor of late. Films like RAANJHANAA, BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG and now BEWAKOOFIYAAN only cement her status as a fine talent. Also, she goes all out this time around, flaunting the oomph factor quite abundantly. The supporting cast, in limited roles, deserve a special mention too, especially Gurpal Singh [as Gursharan] and Pratap Hada [as Immy].



On the whole, BEWAKOOFIYAAN springs a pleasant surprise. Watch this wonderful slice of life film for the super performances of Rishi, Ayushmann and Sonam, watertight writing, skilled direction and dollops of humor.

Are shoppable videos the future of fashion?

The fashion world is made of trendsetters, early adopters, and well, we’ll just skip all the rest. Without us, sneakers would be for gym use only and wearing white after Labour Day would still be considered taboo. When it comes to technology, recent developments (Opening Ceremony’s collabo with Intel for one) have shined a light on our innovative knack as well. But amidst all this forward thinking, one element still has a big question mark hanging over its head: video. First came the fashion week livestream. Then came the fashion film craze. Now, there’s another burgeoning fad: the shoppable video. What does it all mean for fashion’s tech future?



In 2012, Ssense launched the “world’s first shoppable music video” starring Iggy Azealia, Diplo and Fki in the shopping site’s designer wares. Since, its been tried by Gucci, Juicy Couture and last year, added as a functionality on Youtube. And while one would think this technology would have major retail implications (if someone had given me the direct path to Gwen Stefani’s bindi, lord knows I would have traded my life’s savings), the shoppable video still seems like somewhat of an enigma. Are people actually clicking?



According to Google, 1 in 3 shoppers use Youtube to shop for apparel and 4 out of 10 people who watch a shoppable video will check the items out online or in-person.



Recently, Sport Chek partnered with YouTube for a shoppable video featuring Team Canada athletes Jon Montgomery, Maëlle Ricker and Meaghan Mikkelson in Olympic performance wear. “Our goal was to create an online experience that combines our brand messaging and product support in a more dynamic way for the customer,” says Frederick Lecoq, VP marketing and e-commerce at FGL Sports Limited (The umbrella of Sport Chek). “Our use of experiential videos was so successful that we’re already looking for the next evolution of shoppable integration–one that creates an even more seamless connection between Sport Chek’s brand and the products we sell.” Did it work? “Canadians have responded well to the shoppable video and it has surpassed our expectations from a measurement perspective—three times the average click through rate of the average digital media banner,” he says.



Adding fuel to the fire, LVMH-owned content site Nowness launched a balletic shopping video this week featuring dancers moving through looks by LVMH-owned brands Maison Martin Margiela, Haider Ackermann, Kenzo and Louis Vuitton. It’s a creative feat that gives readers insights into fit amongst other vibe-y qualities. It’s also a pretty slick way of tying it all back to monetization, while keeping things interesting.



So, are there silver screen fashion automats coming to a mall near you? With so many big named businesses behind the shoppable video, its rise seems inevitable. However, as demand for high quality video production also rise, it remains to be seen whether such intricate works of tech art will become mainstream.



If the future is defined by the past, here’s hoping Clueless is shoppable.

Pizza, Perfume And Pinterest: We chat with Amy Adams about her red carpet beauty secrets and more

Should you click over to Amy Adams’ IMDB profile, it’s pretty clear why she’s been such a staple at awards shows for, oh, the last seven years. From her first Oscar-nominated role in Junebug to this year’s award-winning double header (American Hustle, Her) Adams’ resume is dotted with critically acclaimed films that include a range of compelling characters.



It’s this versatility that landed Adams a contract with Lacoste as the face of its women’s fragrances, including Eau de Lacoste Pour Femme and Eau de Lacoste Sensuelle. It’s a seemingly perfect match: the fragrances are all about femininity, confidence and natural elegance—which could just as easily describe Adams’ own effortless style. But don’t let us convince you! We caught up with Adams last week and after chatting about everything from red carpet style secrets to fragrance facts, it’s clear that she’s as charming and down-to-earth as they come.



I mentioned to a few friends that I was talking with you and almost every single one gushed about your glowing skin. So! What are your skincare secrets? Are there any products that you’re obsessed with?

Thank you! I’ve been a long time user of La Mer, I have to say. I have really tricky skin. And there was a period of time I was having a hard time keeping it balanced and I was getting really dry skin. Someone recommended La Mer and I started using [the cream and the lotion] and it kind of saved me. I was shooting in New Mexico at the time and I’ve kind of been a loyal user of La Mer since.



Are there any skincare rules that you follow? Like never going to sleep without washing your face or always wearing sunscreen?

All of those. I tend to follow the traditional ones: wearing sunscreen, drinking water and washing your face. But, you know, I make mistakes, sometimes it happens—I fall asleep with my makeup on, the night gets away from you.



Do you enjoying wearing and applying makeup?

I do, I have fun with it. But on a day-to-day basis I tend to get really busy so I try to just have my core products that I use.



I’ve heard other actresses say that makeup now seems like more of a job-only thing.

It’s funny, when I put makeup on now, my daughter asks if I’m going to work.



When it comes to red carpet hair, do you let your stylist determine the look or do you have, say, a secret Pinterest board of hairstyles that you want to try?

Pinterest is awesome, isn’t it? I’ve definitely gotten ideas from Pinterest, but I get inspiration from lots of different places. Sometimes I tell my hairstylist it’s a freebie, do whatever you want—which I think I’m probably going to start doing more and more. I feel like I’ve tried everything I’ve felt like trying and they’re such amazing artists. I’m curious to see what their vision is now.



Is strawberry-blonde your natural colour or do you do anything to enhance or brighten it?

I do. My natural colour is strawberry blonde but it’s a lot ashier now because I’m a normal human being (aging!) and so I do, I get an assist with the hair colour. To brighten it, I use a semi-permanent or temporary, I like that. It washes out, it’s more natural.

You’ve been working with Lacoste since 2013. What have you enjoyed the most about being the face of their fragrances?

They’ve really taught me a lot about how you build a fragrance and it’s been really fascinating to learn. [Also] their approach to femininity: how much they really protect the Lacoste woman [and how they see her] as being confident and driven by simplicity. I really respect how much they value that ideal of woman. It’s attainable.



If you had to pick one of the gowns that you wore over the past awards season to best represent the Lacoste fragrance woman, which look would you pick?

I really did approach this year with a sort of simplicity [in mind] but I wanted to have fun with it at the same time. So although [all the dresses] had this simplistic line, there was something about each one that I found unique. But probably the one that I wore to the Oscars, I feel had something unique about it, but it’s very you know, straightforward and well tailored.



Sticking with the Oscars theme, you’ve said that “fragrance is incredible in how it can instantly trigger an emotion or memory.” Is there a smell or a fragrance that will bring you right back to the 2014 Oscars in an instant?

Pizza! Because they were passing pizza around while I was getting ready to present and I missed the pizza and I could smell it, and I was so hungry.



You didn’t get any backstage?

No, the pizza guy didn’t come backstage! Meryl Streep got pizza. But did I get pizza? No.



Bad pizza timing.

That’s right.



I know that you love singing, so if there was a song that you’d want to film a Lacoste fragrance commercial to—and you don’t have to be the one singing it!—what song would you pick?

It’s probably been done, but “Natural Woman,” has that been done for a fragrance commercial? If no one’s done it, then Lacoste should do that. I would not be singing it, however. I have a friend, Jessie Mueller, on Broadway right now—I’m doing a pull for my friend!—in the new [Carole King] musical Beautiful, who sings it amazingly. So, if anyone gets a chance to go, watch that musical!

The Kaelen Fall 2014 beauty look is all about winged eyeliner that’s “not too girly”

Usually when you picture a ‘downtown girl’ you imagine mussed hair, probably toped with a black toque and slept-in eyeliner that somehow only looks better as the day goes on. Kaelen Haworth’s eponymous line—known for its effortless-yet-edgy aesthetic—usually stays away from such a look, keeping her models fresh faced. But for Fall 2014, the Kaelen collection had a distinctly more feminine feel, which called for a beauty change up.



For hair, this meant a subtle updo that had DIY appeal. It should “look like she dragged [the hair] back herself,” said Pantene consulting stylist Justin German of the half-updo style. After prepping hair with Pantene Pro-V Volume Root Lifting Spray Gel and a soon-to-be-released dry shampoo from Pantene, German teased the top section slightly before pulling hair back into a ponytail, securing it in place with a couple of exposed bobby pins. Tightness was not the name of the game, as per the designer’s desire for ease and edge.



On the makeup side of things, Cover Girl makeup pro Veronica Chu talked about the typical pared-down look of Kaelen and how the designer wanted to do something different for Fall 2014: “This particular season, she wanted to have a graphic edge and we did that with the eyeliner.” Starting at the middle of the upper eyelid, Chu used a felt-tipped Cover Girl Bombshell Intensity Liner, winging it out at the ends but with a square shape for more of a cool-girl effect—and also to keep the eye from looking dragged down. “It was really important for that the look wasn’t too girly. It has a little bit of a graphic, almost tomboy edge,” said Chu. Her insider trick for keeping the winged eyeliner from looking too overdone? Not a lick of mascara or eyeshadow. Cool-girl, indeed!

Antonio Azzuolo Fall 2014: The bespoke men’s tailor delves into womenswear for next season

Tailors tend to breed talented offspring. Dries Van Noten, Domenico Dolce, Emmanuel Ungaro—they’re all cut from families of exacting cloth. Menswear designer Antonio Azzuolo is part of that club, having been raised by two in Montreal. After years in the business (15 in creative roles at Ralph Lauren, Hermès, Gap and Kenneth Cole, and six at the helm of his own bespoke line) he launched womenswear for Fall 2014, bringing old school tailoring techniques into new territory for next season. In his post-show Q&A with ROM curator Alexandra Palmer last night in Toronto, Azzuolo spoke of adaptation—something he’s clearly done in this collection. His full canvas method (all the handiwork goes on below the surface, allowing for the outside to maintain perfect shape) was applied to both men’s and women’s belted coats. Wool culottes were worn overtop loose-fitting trousers for understated statement making effect. Meanwhile, a sixties mod feel was woven through, with graphic alpaca sweaters done in magenta, maroon and white with unfinished hems which were layered over perfect white shirts.



Azzuolo also brought up the kind of buzzy dualities—masculine/feminine, past/future, tradition/novelty, structured/unstructured—often referenced in press releases. But while often they sound like fluff, here they felt earnest connectors to a strong first collection.

Lawn Collection 2014 By Maria.B

7 killed in Peshawar bomb blast

Peshawar- At least 7people were killed and 25 others injured in a bomb blast near a police station today, said police and rescue sources.

The blast occurred in Bhatta-Tall bazaar near Sarband police station. The victims also included women and children. The injured were rushed to Hayatabad Medical Complex and Lady Reading Hospital.

SP Cantt Faisal Kamran said a police armored van was targeted in the attack that seemed a suicide bombing.  About 10 kilograms of explosive material was used in the blast.