Margan Meadows
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 24, 2014 (PAGE-4) MOVIE- REVIEW HERITAGE A fight against human trafficking Taran Adarsh takes an altogether different route as it moves forward. Margan meadows Sarkar doesn't really venture into a new terrain frankly, No one would've ever imagined Pradeep Sarkar -- since LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG did narrate the director of films such as PARINEETA, LAAGA CHU- story of a call girl who supports her family financially. NARI MEIN DAAG and LAFANGEY PARINDEY -- to However, LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG did not throw plunge into the dark world in his new outing. Likewise, light on the dark side of flesh trade, like this one does. no one would've ever envisaged Rani Mukerji -- having MARDAANI grabs your attention from the com- proved her mettle in diverse characters -- to portray a mencement and never relents. Padding the proceed- tough-talking cop in a violent movie. MARDAANI, which ings with several intense episodes, MARDAANI even- teams Sarkar and Mukerji together after LAAGA CHU- tually becomes the good versus evil fight as the protag- NARI MEIN DAAG, goes beyond the glitz, glam and fluffy onist makes her way to the baddie behind the baddies. entertainers synonymous with Bollywood, drawing your The simmering rage of the protagonist, as the mystery attention to the dark and murky world of human traffick- behind the kidnapping deepens, is illustrated convinc- ing. ingly, while the director also incorporates ample emo- Tackling a pertinent topic, Sarkar makes sure he tional baggage that would make you connect with the stays faithful to the essence by not deviating to unwant- on-screen characters. ed tracks, till a formulaic climax takes over [more on that However, you cannot turn a blind eye to the blem- later]. The question is, does Sarkar make a point? Or is ishes. Sarkar knows the necessity of keeping the thriller MARDAANI yet another film that attempts to 'entertain' moving in those 113 minutes, but there are times -- in under the garb of realism? the second half specifically -- when the film slows a lit- The premise of the film, first! Shivani [Rani Mukerji], tle, before the protagonist zeroes on the kingpin. More- over, MARDAANI adopts the standard route towards the penultimate stages, when Rani and the baddie come face to face. The culmi- nation, although well executed, could've remained realistic, like the rest of the film. In OP Sharma Vidyarthi mir creeping Primula, Primula reptans seen around Chohar- fact, Sarkar manages to keep you hooked for nag lakes was again first sighting of great thrill, purplish Margan a well known ecotourism spot in Anantnag Kash- blooms on a tender stalk nurtured by tiny deeply toothed most parts, but why this need to get formula- mir, previously known as Valley of Death due to its treach- recurved leaves clustered at the base. In addition to two ic in the concluding reels? erous approach and fatal snowstorms and blizzards caus- lesser known blooms of Primulas, many other fascinating Sarkar's stance to sidetrack the sound- ing death and destruction of travelers, trekkers, nomadic flowers made our visit more purposeful. Pink carpet spread track is indeed courageous. The convention- graziers and their herds of sheep and goats, now connects on drier grazinglands proved a feast to eyes ,buds and al entertainment-seeking spectator, so used Kokernag to Inshan Aftee of Marwah Kishtwar of Jammu, blooms of Pink Rock Jasmine Androsace studiosarum nur- to the mandatory songs every 15/20 minutes, so at present it is no more a valley of death but a paradise tured a lovely pink welcome to all of us, we had floral pho- may whine initially, but let's face it, the same for the botanists, nature lovers, trekkers, wildlifers and eco- to session amidst a sea of fascinating flowers usually seen people also grumble if a song derails the sto- tourists . in isolated patches but here thousands of them bloomed ry when the drama intensifies [there's just one Margan landscape is colourful and enchanting due to together. song that appears towards the conclusion lush green verdant conifer forests, purling mountain brooks, Margan mountain beauty seen further enhanced by pic- thankfully!]. Also, Sarkar steers clear of graph- sparkling streams, beautiful blooms, magnificent birdlife, turesque lakes of Choharnag ,one near to another at a ic violence, avoiding excessive blood and diverse kinds of mammals.Alpine areas around stand closer distance of 1-3 kms ,snowfed brooks emanating gore. The background score [Julius Packiam] bestowed with mesmerizing beauty of high altitude lakes sweet melodies amidst flowery congregation of seasonal is perfect and the composer makes sure he and flower filled grazing lands. Margan pass at 11000 ft ele- herbs dominated by Forget me nots, Rock Jasmines, doesn't go overboard. The DoP[Artur Zuraws- vation leads to snowclad mountains and lovely lakes situ- Cinquefoils, Buttercups, Meadow rues, Columbines ,prim- ki] depicts the gritty environ with striking visu- ated between 12000-14000 ft . roses ,Crane's bill flowers, Knotweeds, Loseworts, Marsh als, closing in tight on the protagonist in dra- To trek Margan for its rich splendor and diversity of land- marigolds, Kashmir Lagotis, Kashmir Borage, Gentians, matic moments. scapes that too during Ramazan need passion and perse- Aconites, Felworts, Fumitories and others .Area found Enacting the part of the tough-talking cop verance to adore and explore creativity of God. On 27th July perfect Ecotourism destination and called for collaborative who goes in pursuit of those who run the sex 2014, one such group of nature lovers and trekkers lead by efforts with locals to popularize the locale in an ecofriend- trafficking ring, Rani strikes a true to life, force- Baba Methesir and Tahir Gazanfer allured me to enjoy ly manner. ful pose and also lends her character the enchanting beauty and explore lesser known treasure of Among wildlife wonders, Mormots, Foxes, Black and much-needed intensity, strength and dignity. medicinal cum decorative blooms beside picturesque clus- Brown bears, Ibex, Weasels, Pheasants, Snowcock, Senior Inspector, Crime Branch, Mumbai Police, sets The agony that drives her forward is visible on her face ter of four lakes called Chohrnag. Getting up early in con- Thrushes, Finches, Warblers ,Accentors ,Red starts , out to confront the mastermind behind the mafia, which and is one of the prime reasons that makes this story sonance with time of whistles of Hazar Dastan i.e Whistling Eagles, Merlins, Bearded vultures, Choughs, Dippers, makes the mistake of kidnapping a young girl, Pyari easy to swallow. In a lesser actor's hands, the written Thrush Myiphonus caeruleus, Baba Methesir, Tahir Gazan- bumble bees, Butterflies and beetles of varied camouflage [Priyanka Sharma], out of the city. Pyari is close to Shiv- material would not have been so competently delivered. fer and others took me along to picturesque valley of beau- and attractive attire reported from the area has lot to offer ani and her family and in her obsessive hunt for the girl, Tahir Raj Bhasin, who portrays the antagonist, is ty and charm. Our group was joined by Manzoor Javaid at to the visitors especially during morning and evening hours she stumbles into the world of decadence and debauch- intimidating. Despite being pitted against a powerhouse Achhabal, garden of Nurjahan and many villagers at Larnoo when wild denizens and creatures are more active. Among ery, cruel desires and exploitation. performer like Rani, Tahir makes sure he leaves an for 300th Tree Talk interaction focusing on mountain crops, entomoFauna, Kashmir Tortoise shell butterflies Aglais What follows is a cat and mouse game between a ineradicable impression, playing a cold blooded crimi- fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. cashmirensis were seen feeding on the blooms of diverse fearless cop and a young and ruthless mafia kingpin nal but maintaining a cool demeanor wonderfully. Jis- Just short of Margan, high altitude mountain cliffs greet- kinds, Red Cotton Bug Dysdercus koenigii was seen busy [Tahir Raj Bhasin]. shu Sengupta gets limited scope. Priyanka Sharma ed us with fascinating blooms of Himalayan blue Poppy in a group of six licking protein rich yellow Lichen growth Unlike the female cops portrayed in Bollywood thus doesn't get much to do either. Mona Ambegaonkar is Meconopsis aculeata, four petals of sky color with a tender of Rhizocarpon lithographicum. On way back Mormots reg- far, the cop in MARDAANI is as real as real can be. Sure, convincing. Anil George is first-rate. look enchanted our emotions, only habitat in Kashmir where istered their presence all along road at Margan Pass and the plotline may bear similarities with the Liam Neeson On the whole, MARDAANI is relevant, powerful and so rich population of such a magnificent Gul e neelam is across mountains thick shrubbery of Rhododendron laden starrer TAKEN [2008], but Sarkar steers clear of repli- inspiring with a top notch performance by Rani Muker- encountered. Blue poppy otherwise seen sporadically at with bell shaped blooms made our trip enjoyable and mem- cating the Hollywood movie or for that matter, Nagesh ji. Worth a watch! locations like Rajdaan, Jajinad, Gangbal, Synthan Top, orable . Kukunoor's LAKSHMI [2014], making sure the story During our joyful but hectic trip to Margan mountains http://www.bollywoodhungama.com Kaunsarnag but here blooms appear in great abundance. Red corn poppy Papaver macrostomum seen in Kashmir amidst clouds and mists ,group of nature lovers shared inno- orchards is its nearest relative and familiar to all. vations to further boost ecotourism in the area ,to have Eco- BEAUTY TIPS Primroses, Primulas of diverse kinds grow in sub alpine tourism camps in the area by roping in locals ,nomads , offi- and alpine mountains and are first to appear in spring to cers of tourism ,wildlife ,forest ,Floriculture ,Culture and His- decorate snowclad peaks and meadows.