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Sometimes, the best things in life come free. And if you’ve ever scrounged through the endless content available on YouTube to find a good movie through all those clickbaits and misleading titles, you’ll surely agree. The same thing happened to me this week. A recommendation led me to the somewhat obscure “404: Error Not Found” movie on YouTube—and I was surprised I had missed this Hindi-language psychological thriller in the first place.

Released in 2011, the independent movie apparently did not shake the box office much. But it did surely gain critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Even now, the film is contextual and not outdated, unlike most movies made almost a decade ago.

404, which in the first quarter presents itself as a supernatural/paranormal movie, is actually a peek into human psychology. It also attempts to raise the issue of ragging in Indian colleges and its severe repercussions on students at the receiving end of verbal and physical abuses by the seniors.

Abhimanyu (Rajvvir Aroraa) is a fresher at a medical school who gets into trouble with his bullying seniors, led by Chris (Imaad Shah), right from the start of the session. Harassed by seniors who also vandalize his room, Abhimanyu decides to shift to the infamous room no. 404. The room has been locked for three years, after its previous occupant Gaurav (Ruchir Raj) died by suicide and rumors began spreading around the college that the room is haunted. Neglecting the advice of the college management and his friends, Abhimanyu decides to stay in the same room.

Troubles start for Abhimanyu when he starts seeing the deceased Gaurav in the room. Abhimanyu seeks help from Professor Anirudh (Nishikant Kamath), who believes in nothing but science and dismisses all explanations of paranormal activities. Abhimanyu, however, is sure that Gaurav’s ghost inhabits the room and is deeply disturbed by the fact. Now whether Gaurav is a ghost or is Abhimanyu only hallucinating due to some psychological problem is what the film is all about—albeit, with a twisted ending.

With only a handful of recognizable faces and the rest of the cast newcomers and debutants, the filmmakers had to capitalize on their skills and ingenuity to make it an above-par movie. And they do. Prawaal Raman, the writer/director, and also an activist against suicide, puts in a lot into the film. Unfortunately for him, without big names and recognized faces, 404 did not get the attention it deserved.

And despite the creativity flowing through 404’s 2hrs 1mins, the length itself is somewhat of a problem. For 404’s story and the cast it features, the length of two hours feels stretched, along with the climax, and that somehow takes away from the impact the film’s shocking ending could otherwise have had. There are times when the audience will probably have to use the skip button on YouTube to make the film progress faster.

But in all fairness to filmmakers, the low-budget movie has more pluses than minuses and that wins audience affection. The cinematography is excellent and makes use of CCTV camera footages and other tricks to give a haunted feel on screen. Also the cast, though inexperienced, manage to pull off what is required in most scenes. One can think of 404 as one of those DIY movie projects that made it to the theaters.

Who should watch it?

It’s for free! So anyone can watch it. But if you think it’s an out-an-out horror movie or if you like fast-paced mainstream thrillers, you might want to leave it alone. Otherwise, 404 is definitely an enjoyable watch.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Genre: Thriller

Cast: Rajvvir Aroraa, Ruchir Raj, Imaad Shah

Director: Prawaal Raman

Run time: 2hrs 1 min

Although released in 2018, Jason Statham starrer “The Meg” only recently popped up on Netflix’s notification, as one of the top 10 movies to watch—in Nepal. Couldn’t be more thankful to Netflix for the recommendation when finding a movie worth watching was getting difficult, especially with the influx of boring Halloween-targeted horror/thrillers.

The Meg—loosely based on the 1997 book “Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror” by Steve Alten—features a gigantic megalodon, the largest shark ever discovered and thought to be extinct for two million years. Like most action, sci-fi, adventure movies that deal with gigantic creatures, the plot is simple and predictable. But there are definitely twists that demand the audience’s uninterrupted attention—the giant creature can be suddenly on-screen to scare you out of your wits.  

Retired after a botched rescue attempt that caused the death of his colleagues, rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) is called back for another mission by an underwater research facility called Mana One. Reluctant to take up the mission at first, Taylor finds more than one reason to agree to the deep-sea rescue, below the Marian Trench. First, his ex-wife Lori (Jessica McNamee) is among the stranded crew. Second, the creature that attacked his vessel in the first mission seems to be back.

So our hero undertakes the rescue mission and successfully brings back the crew. The story doesn’t end there though. This is not a one-time rescue flick. Later, Taylor and the crew of Mana One find themselves engulfed literally between the devil and the deep blue sea and getting out alive becomes their biggest obstacle.

Directed by Jon Turteltaub, The Meg was a box office success following its theatrical release in RealD 3D. Even without the 3D on our computer screens, we can only imagine how terrifying the 75-feet-long megalodon would have looked on the big screen. The film’s special effects and CGI are top-notch, and go well with an evenly paced script and disciplined direction.

But as enjoyable as it is, this movie is not to be confused with the sci-fi masterpieces that created benchmarks in global cinema. The Meg is more like a cross between “Jaws” and “10,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, with improved cinematic technology. The acting is basic, the dialogues simple, and subtitle eye-friendly, and the plot is mostly one-way with no backstories or sub-plots to alleviate the monotony.

But again, The Meg makes up for all its simplicity with great visual effects and straightforward screenplay. Unlike most sci-fi films that fail miserably because of way too much melodrama and human interest stories, The Meg refrains from overdoing this bit. In any case, it doesn’t give the audience much time to think about what’s wrong with the movie through most of its 1hr 5 mins runtime.

Who should watch it?

The Meg is a movie made for a wider, global audience. It may have taken many liberties in explaining the science behind its story. Still, it is definitely entertaining for most of the audience and although it may not have as big an impact as the groundbreaking “Jurassic Park” series, its sequel titled “Meg 2: The Trench” is already in development.

Rating: 3 stars

Genre: Action, sci-fi

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Cast: Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Jessica McNamee

Run time: 1hr 53mins

‘A Little Life’ by Hanya Yanagihara will break your heart into a million pieces and, as theatrical and clichéd as it may sound, you will feel like life will never be the same again. There is no way these characters are leaving you. They will inhabit every possible space in your head and whenever someone says you look a little lost, it will be probably because you are thinking of them, wistfully, and brimming with love.

Ever since I finished it a few days ago, I’ve recommended it to most of my friends, asked my husband to read it at least twice a day, and picked it up numerous times just to hold it and stroke the pages. This, I know, makes me sound like a lunatic, but Yanagihara has really messed with my head.

The book had been on my bookshelf for over four years. Meanwhile, I read everything there was being written about it, watched booktubers bawling their eyes out while reading it (check out paperbackdreams on YouTube), and low-key stalked Yanagihara on social media to try and find out just how her brain functions. Recently, a friend/reader/writer I admire (find her @15n3quarters on Instagram) mentioned Hanya Yanagihara as her favorite author and I finally dusted the book—shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2015—off my bookshelf.

A Little Life is about four friends—Jude, Willem, Malcolm, and JB—who move to New York after college. They are broke and clueless but all are ambitious and have one another for support. The story revolves around how their lives and friendships change over the years. However, for the most part, it’s about Jude who goes on to become a successful lawyer but is traumatized by his abusive past.

There are also other characters like Harold and Julia, Andy, and Richard whose backstories we never get to know much. Though the book isn’t essentially about them, Yanagihara hasn’t crafted characters without making them imperative to the narrative. So they too end up taking up considerable mind-space once you finish the book. It’s not often that a book has had this kind of effect on me. But A Little Life had me thinking about its villains as well and contemplating why they did what they did.

At 700-odd pages, the masterpiece is a long read. But the character-driven book, typeset in a font that’s not really friendly to the eyes, will consume you, and when you get to the end, you will want to hug the book and sob your heart out. Then, randomly flipping the pages, you will hunt for clues you might have missed, and wish you could have saved at least one character, and wonder how that might have changed things for all of them. This is where I am at. And this is where I will probably be for the rest of eternity.

If all that I have said here sounds melodramatic then read A Little Life and I’m sure you’ll see where I’m coming from.

Fiction

A Little Life

Hanya Yanagihara

Published: 2015

Publisher: Picador

Language: English

Pages: 720, Paperback

The ultra-competitive 150-160cc segment has a lot to offer. Long gone are days when you had to content yourself with conventional machines designed to take you from A to B with nothing to tap. But with the growing popularity of premium sports motorcycles in this segment, you are spoilt for choice.  

How do you choose? We get stressed out when someone asks us what we want for lunch, much less when queried about buying a new 150cc motorcycle. But when you have an admired machine like the new Suzuki Gixxer facelift, you already have an excellent package in terms of styling and performance.     

The earlier Gixxer did create a new benchmark in the segment with its unique styling and excellent performance: a value-for-money package for riders who were after modern looks, comfortable ergonomics, and reliable performance.  Now, the new enhancements will continue to take it even further. Can the updated Suzuki Gixxer 150 still make it big in this highly competitive segment? We find out…

First impressions matter…

The new Suzuki Gixxer 150 facelift ranks among the most handsome bikes in its segment. With its sharp styling and low crouched silhouette, it looks even more stylish than the outgoing model. The new Gixxer is aggressive and muscular from all angles and the trapezoidal body proportions complement its sleek styling.

You get a compact oval-shaped LED headlamp, edgy fuel tanks and extended arrow shaped tank shrouds, updated body graphics, stubby dual exhaust, and a neatly laid out rear. The compact rear gets new LED lights, split-seats, alloy grab rails, and a purposeful rear tyre hugger. Other neat touches include the new end cap design for the dual exhaust as well as the blacked out alloys.

The new Gixxer carries forward the full-LCD instrument cluster from the SF150 and displays all basic information such as current speed, RPM, fuel level, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, and gear position indicator. However, unlike the Gixxer SF, the naked Gixxer misses out on the clip-on handlebars.

The most dominant factor in this ultra-competitive segment is styling. Compact body-size, well-proportioned panels, and modern features appeal to a big chunk of potential buyers. So, if you are someone looking for a stylish street sport motorcycle, the new Gixxer has plenty to offer.

A consistent performer…

The Gixxer facelift carries forward the updated 154.9cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine from the previous BS4 model. However, it now comes with a fuel-injection system replacing the carburettor from the previous model. The engine churns out 14 bhp of maximum power at 8,000 rpm, and 14 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. It continues to be powered by Suzuki’s SEP technology to strike a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.   

The bike uses a five-speed transmission in a smooth shifting gearbox. Clutch feel is light and the throttle response is likewise—brisk. Open the throttle and power feeds in rapidly throughout the rev band. The motor is known for its broad low-end torque and dynamic mid-range power. The punchy engine truly comes to life between 4,500-7,500 rpm before the power band maxes out at 9,500 rpm. It is suitably tuned for lower and mid-range grunt, adequate enough for a 150cc motorcycle to negotiate urban Kathmandu traffic.

Handling and dynamics…

The Gixxer’s ergonomics have always been comfortable despite its aggressive design language. The well-positioned handlebar and footrests result in a relaxed riding position, and the bike’s compact proportions make it nimble to manage in heavy city traffic.

While the wide handlebars promote a light feel, it does restrict stress-free manoeuvring in tight spaces. Although the new Gixxer is four kg heavier than the previous model (136kg), it is still a very agile motorcycle. Compared to the outgoing model, the seat height has been reduced by 5mm, to 795mm. However, the split seat setup lacks cushioning, and it isn’t spacious either.

Ride quality on the Gixxer is somewhat iffy. Suspension is telescopic forks in front and a monoshock at rear. Although the suspension works well to soak up minor undulations and potholes, it may get bumpy on large uneven roads. However, the new Gixxer offers a good mix of ride and handling, and is stable in a straight line even when you’re overtaking at high speeds. It does feel exhausted when revved hard, with mild vibes kicking in via the handlebars and the footrests. 

The Gixxer facelift rides on grippy 17-inch MRF tires that feel reassuring when you are riding into corners and braking hard. Braking is handled by discs, and supported by a single-channel ABS. The brakes have progressive feel and the single-channel ABS does its job perfectly.

Final thoughts…

Ever since its launch, the Gixxer has gained immense popularity with its powerful performance, and sporty style, making it one of the most successful products in the 150cc segment. The new Gixxer facelift exhibits these attributes perfectly. And the addition of LED lights, fuel-injection system, and a single-channel ABS system makes it an even more attractive.  

Although the Rs 3.24 lakh price tag makes it the most expensive of the lot, the Gixxer facelift is so much more fun and contemporary than its rivals, making it an enticing proposition. In the segment, the new Suzuki Gixxer competes against the likes of TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Yamaha FZ-S FI and Bajaj Pulsar NS160.