Movie Review : West Is West

Director : Music : Starring :  Andy Deemmony  Robert Lane  Aqib Khan, Dhanalaxmi Padmakumar, Jimi Mistry, John Branwell, Om Puri, Raj Bhansali, Sanjeev Attari, Sheeba Chaddha, Thomas Russell, Vanessa Hehir, Vijay Raaz and Yograj Singh West Is West Movie Review June 11, 2011 06:14:19 PM IST By myhotgallery.blogspot.com Editorial view WEST IS WEST stills The comic caper EAST IS EAST was a sleeper hit when it released way back in 1999. Now, the promos of its sequel WEST IS WEST gave an impression that it would be a fun ride, full of hilarious moments. But it isn't. And that's not a bad thing after all, as its heartwarming drama more than makes up for the lack of humour. Om Puri plays the authoritarian father George Khan settled in England. His youngest son Sajid, (Aqub Khan) is a victim of racist attacks in his British school as his father is a Pakistani. Even at home, he's constantly at the receiving end of George's wrath. He uses the 'F' word frequently to vent out his frustration. Fearing that he his losing his grip on Sajid, George takes him along to Pakistan. But in the process he has to face his family he had left behind 30 years ago. How the father and son discover themselves all over again is what follows. Director Andy DeEmmony treats a sensitive topic with great maturity and honestly. It's hard not to feel for George, who's torn between his two wives. Even the conflict of Sajid, who's unable to connect with his Pakistani culture and roots, is very well established. It very subtly gives some important lessons about life. The scene in which George's British wife Ella (Linda Bassett) and his Pakistani wife Rashida (Ila Arun) communicate without knowing each other's language is very emotional. Also, the confrontation scene between George and Ella is very touching. The bonding shown between Sajid and his Pakistani friend Zaid (Raj Bhansali) is superb and so is his relationship with a local pir, who helps him in finding his identity. Peter Robertson's cinematography is nice. Jon Gregory and Stephen O'Connell's editing is efficient. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music is excellent and gels well with the film.

 

Movie Review : Shaitan

Director : Music : Lyrics : Starring :  Bijoy Nambiar  Prashant Pillai, Amar Mohile, Ranjit Barot and Anupam Roy  K.S. Krishnan, Sanjeev Sharma, Colin Terence, Abhishek and Shradha  Rajeev Khandelwal, Kalki Koechlin, Shiv Pandit, Rajit Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiya, Kirti Kulhari, Rajat Barmecha and Neil Bhoopalam Shaitan Movie Review June 9, 2011 11:53:08 AM IST myhotgallery.blogspot.com Editorial view SHAITAN videos Debutant director Bejoy Nambiar, in a pre-release interview of SHAITAN revealed that he was in the process of making the film since four years. Reason? Because no producer was willing to produce the film. Finally, just a week before the film went on floors, Anurag Kashyap decided to co-produce it and things started falling into place. It's baffling to know why producers turned down a script like SHAITAN, which had all the ingredients of a taut thriller. Anyway, the film is finally releasing. And that is the good news. 'It's not mischief... It's not lust...It's not rage....It's not excess... It's that moment...that brings out the SHAITAN in you' read the text in SHAITAN's promo. This line aptly describes our five youngsters, who live life as if there's no tomorrow. Amrita Jayshankar aka Amy (Kalki Koechlin), Dushyant Sahiu aka Dash (Shiv Pandit), Karan Chaudhary aka KC (Gulshan Devaiya), Zubin (Neil Bhoopalam) and Tanya (Kirti Kulhari) just want to have fun. All's hunky-dory until they meet with an accident and kill two people on a two wheeler. Their attempts to cover up the incident turn futile as they find themselves in a deplorable situation. Inspector Mathur (Rajeev Khandelwal), who has been suspended for throwing a high-profile person off the first floor for cheating his wife, is handed over the responsibility to fetch the youngsters. Bejoy has come up with an ace in his very first film. Right from the script to direction to narration to execution; everything is just about perfect. There's hardly any dull moment throughout the narrative. The riveting plot offers copious twists and turns which are shrewdly done. There are enough light moments to make sure that the proceedings don't get too heavy. The way the story unfolds in the end is very convincing.

Hollywood still not READY for Bollywood!

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June 11, 2011 03:09:03 PM IST myhotgallery.blogspot.com Editorial

The whole month of May saw well known Hollywood sequels of films like FAST AND FURIOUS, PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN, KUNGFU PANDA and HANGOVER dominating small Bollywood films, as we had said last month end.

However, with the first Bollywood biggie of the month of June, READY, hitting the screens (on 3rd June), Hollywood's X- MEN: FIRST CLASS (a well known brand in itself) decided to come a week later as compared to it's international release, something that does not quite happen these days.

	X MEN:FIRST CLASS and READY

Unfortunately even the week old Salman-Asin starrer, READY, proved to be too hot for X MEN to handle and although it opened to a decent 50-55 percent at metro multiplexes it was READY which remained the first choice of the audience even during its second weekend!.

The other two Bollywood release, Anurag Kashyap's SHAITAN and Subhash Ghai's LOVE EXPRESS fared worse but as expected.

Coming back to READY, the film saw a very steady weekday run after a huge weekend during the school-college vacation period. As per the initial estimates READY has netted around 67-68 crores, the third best opening week ever after DABANGG and 3 IDIOTS.

CRACKERS set to release on June 24

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June 11, 2011 01:14:33 PM IST myhotgallery.blogspot.com Editorial

	view CRACKERS poster

Directed & produced by Anil Goyal, animation film CRACKERS is now scheduled to release on June 24, 2011. CRACKERS is India's one of the first 3 - D full length animation feature film with 4D Technology. This project is under the banner of R T M Banner.

The Story of CRACKERS is about today's youth and how they can fight the evil in life. Director Anil Goyal has tried to create a role model from amongst the zealous youngsters of today, the generation X, that can and should stand up to the menace of evil. The strength to fight it is within us and we are the heroes of society.

The film revolves around four characters - Angry Young Man Roxy, Gopu and Sexy Kate along with comic character of Bolly to create the fun in the movie.

Story & dialogues are by Priyank Dubey, music is by Dilip Sen & lyrics by Sudhakar Sharma. Songs are rendered by singers like Shaan, Shreya Goshal, Hariharan, Pamela Jain, Raja Hasan, Jolly Mukherjee etc.

The USP of the movie is its great music and never seen before action sequences in history of Indian Cinema with 4D effects.

Mallika doesn't matter for Jacqueline

Stepping into someone's footsteps and pulling off a successful act can be tough affair at times. Now, look at Jacqueline Fernandez. The actress is being compared to Mallika Sherawat in her upcoming film MURDER 2. Many are curious to know will she or won't she be able to re-create the sizzle on screen like Mallika did.

Though Mallika might have set a tough standard for oomph. But Jacqueline seems to be perfectly at ease with herself in her upcoming film MURDER 2.

	MALLIKA SHERAWAT and JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ

Talking about comparisons with Mallika Sherawat, Jacqueline says, "I won't agree that everyone is considering Mallika Sherawat to be the ultimate diva of oomph. Yes, I had to look like a perfect pin-up girl for my act in this film, but I never did that out of fear of comparison. I am happy the way this film has turned out to be and I am sure the audiences are going to love it as much as they did the earlier part."

Though the audiences surely have high expectations from the film, let's hope Jacqueline's sizzling act won't let them down.

All Credit For Ra.One Goes To Shahrukh Khan?

It would be still too early to say that the countdown has begun for RA.ONE. However the way film is already in news in a big way, one can be rest assured that by the time it would be just 50 days away from the release, RA.ONE would be the most talked about film of the year. Another fact that cannot be ignored is that if RA.ONE is a success, there would be talks of how Shahrukh Khan master minded it all. And if it fails, Anubhav can well be expected to turn into the scapegoat. One wonders whether this would be too disheartening for the film-maker here?
“But isn’t that the way film making should always work? I would rather believe that if film is a success then it is a team effort and if it isn’t a success then it is my failure I don’t know about other directors but I have always believed in it. And mind you, I am not saying this just for RA.ONE; I would have said the same for my earlier films as well,” Anubhav keeps it light here.
One waits to see whether Anubhav maintains this statement after the release of the film as well. Reason being that after quite some time that was spent in the actual shoot of the film, there is extensive effort on the post production of RA.ONE as well. With a huge budget (in the vicinity of 150 crores) and the biggest superstar in hand, isn’t it agonizing for Anubhav to wait for his film to be made frame by frame for next so many months before it actually hits the screens? Isn’t anxiety setting in for him already?
“No, I am not anxious at all because I know what I am striving to do here and what’s the magnitude of this creation,” says Anubhav with a straight face, “I am well aware that something like RA.ONE can’t be made in anything lesser, be it money or patience. I have been a part of the industry for a couple of decades now; a few more months is nothing to wait for your creation to unfold on the big screen.”
With Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal playing the other principal roles, RA.ONE releases all over on 26th October.

Sameera Reddy Becomes An Action Star

As its title denotes, Priyadarshan’s forthcoming venture ‘Tezz’ is expected to be quite racy and filled with high-tempo actions.
Recently the leading lady Sameera Reddy had a taste of danger while shooting for the multi-starrer. The actress said to have shot some risky, action sequences - which included whitewater rafting and under water bike ride! Interestingly, in this process Sameera who has phobia for water, overcame the hydro fear.
Some sources revealed that in fact the director wanted to shoot such stunt scenes using a body double as they all were aware of Sameer’s fear. But surprisingly, the beauty turned out to be such an adventure junkie that she took it up as a challenge to shoot the scene herself!
Not only she did rafting, Sameera also shot for the underwater scene in the freezing temperature. Sources from the unit shared that the actress stayed in the freezing cold water for 15-odd minutes pulling off the sequence to perfection. But when she came out she couldn’t stand on her feet and her body had gone completely numb. Thankfully the unit brought back her to normalcy in an hour by keeping her warm and giving lots of hot drinks.
Besides these sequences, Sameera shot a chase scene on bike few days ago, that is said to include high defined stunts. The film’s team - with cast Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan and also Sameera - is currently shooting in London.

Kangna Ranaut Is Fighting For Her Dates

Kangna Ranaut seems to be caught in the clash of producers, Ratan Jain (Tez) and Bhushan Kumar (I Love NY), over dates.
According to a source, the actress, who is currently shooting for Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru’s I Love NY (earlier titled Happy New Year), was urgently required for a day on the sets of Tez in UK.
Jain requested Kumar to give a day out of her current schedule, but he didn’t oblige. As a result the Tez unit will have no choice but to shoot without their lead actress,” the source informs.
BK confirms, “We are shooting with both Sunny Deol and Kangna till June 20. Jain required Ranaut for a day. We tried our level best but we couldn’t match our combination dates.
Her traveling to London will be another two days. It was difficult for us to let her go for three days altogether. Moreover, both Sunny and Kangna are leaving on June 20, for IIFA. So we can’t even extend the shoot.”
The producer adds, “We are all part of the same industry and should be there to help each other. I have a huge respect for Priyadarshan (director of Tez) and Jain but unfortunately, it couldn’t be worked out. They will have to manage without her.”
Will the other producer be upset with him? “Why would he be? The dates are with us and not with him. We hope he understands. And if he doesn’t then I can’t do much. I tried really hard.”
Kangna Ranaut and Ratan Jain remained unavailable for comments.

Vidya Balan Was Deeply Hurt By MF Hussain’s Demise

Vidya Balan, who is currently out of the country shooting for her next film, was deeply hurt to come to know about the sudden passing away of the Indian Picasso MF Husain.
Talking about the legendary painter, Vidya said, “What a celebration of life, colour and glory. Having said that, however long a life, for an artist as great, it still seems short. May Husain saab’s soul rest in peace.”
The actress was one of the Bollywood actresses that awed the great artist. Vidya is sad on the sudden demise of the great Indian artiste said that, ” I will always cherish the fact that he wanted to make a film with me’.

Akshay Kumar Performs Live Stunt In Khatron Ke Khiladi 4

Having started his career with action movies, Akshay Kumar has always been instrumental in raising the bar where action scenes and stunts are concerned. Hence it came as no surprise that when a show based on action and daring sequences was formulated, it was Akshay’s name that popped up for the host anchor. Khatron Ke Khiladi, a reality action-based T.V. show saw its first two seasons hosted by Akki with success. The third season which was hosted by Priyanka Chopra saw a drop in the TRPs which is why the makers decided to go back to Akshay for the 4th season.
And to kick start this daredevil show with a bang, Akshay performed a live stunt at Filmcity, Mumbai on 2nd June fully enforcing his action-man image. “I am doing something this sort of stunt after almost five years so I was little apprehensive. It was the most difficult act I have ever done in all these years so there is a feeling of satisfaction. By doing a live stunt, all I wanted to prove was that whatever stunts we do in our show is real and no double is used,” clarified Akki to the gathered reporters. He added, “Also, while doing the stunt I was reminded that I would be the driving force for my contestants during the show. The stunt I did is special to me.”

Cong hits back at Hazare, Ramdev, BJP, launches campaign

Kolkata, June 12 : Congress today hit back at Anna Hazare and Ramdev accusing the civil society of working to undermine democracy backed by BJP which was using "unconstitutional" methods in the anti-corruption movement.

Senior Congress leader and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee also took on RSS saying it was raising the corruption issue because it had become "jittery" after the Congress accused it of having links with the Malegaon blasts.

Mukherjee while announcing Congress' plans to launch a nationwide anti-corruption campaign took on BJP, saying it was backing Hazare and Ramdev to gain support of people after it was "rejected" in the recent Assembly polls and accused the party of providing "logistic support" to their agitations and resorting to "unconstitutional practice".

"The Constitution has given the power to legislate only to Parliament and the state Assemblies. If 5,000 or 6,000 people dictate from outside what the Parliament ought to do, this will weaken democracy," he told a press conference. The campaign is seen as a bid by Congress to counter the movement by Hazare and Ramdev.

In hard hitting remarks targeting BJP, Mukherjee said, "when the parties are rejected by the people and if they want to resort to unconstitutional practice it is totally unacceptable. They are providing logistic support to all those agitations." He however did not name the party.

BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad in his response asked Mukherjee not to shift anger on BJP and RSS.

"He (Pranab) must be angry because of the stabbing he received from his own party for going to the airport. But don't shift anger on BJP and RSS," he said."In a democratic system, in a democratic society, everybody has a right to agitate on certain issues which he feels right or wrong....Those who want to dismantle the process of Constitution, Congress party will fight against them," Mukherjee said.

Mukherjee also ruled out acceding to Hazare's demand for videography of the drafting process of the Lokpal Bill, saying this was not possible in view of the fact that the drafting committee members will express their views "freely".

Their views, however, would be available on audio recording, he said.

Referring to Hazare's deadline of August 15 for passing the Lokpal Bill, Mukherjee said the Centre had suggested that the draft Lok Pal Bill would be placed during the monsoon session of the Parliament.

It was not possible, however, to give a timeframe by when the bill would be passed, he said.

"We have suggested that the Bill be tabled in Parliament during the monsoon session. But who can say when the House will pass it? The Parliament is supreme."

Asked why the government had initiated dialogue with Hazare and Ramdev, he said, "We wanted to give them a chance. If we did not talk, we would be accused of arrogance. Now that the government has talked, it is accused of being weak. Like questions are being raised as to why four ministers went to the airport to talk to Baba Ramdev and not to receive him."

Mukherjee, who circulated a note in English about his party's views on the issues, said that debates, discussions and seminars would be organised from the district to the block levels to put forth the party's views.

35 killed, over 100 injured in blasts in Peshawar, Islamabad

Islamabad/Peshawar, Jun 12 : Thirty-five people, including two journalists, were killed and over 100 injured when twin bomb blasts ripped through a crowded Peshawar market followed by an explosion in Islamabad, the latest in a series of attacks after the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. A first explosion lured in onlookers and emergency services before a second more powerful blast, believed to be from a suicide strike, went off in Khyber Super Market area in Peshawar, provincial capital of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, police said today. The first explosion at late last night was a low-intensity one caused by a timed device hidden in the bathroom of a hotel. The second blast was triggered by a suicide bomber on a motorbike, bomb disposal squad chief Shafqat Malik told reporters. Police said they had found the head and body parts of the bomber. Senior police officer Dost Mohammed said the blasts caused 34 fatalities and injured 100 people. The attack, one of the deadliest since the May 2 killing of bin Laden in a US raid, occurred in an area with popular eateries, hostels for students and residential flats. Those killed included two journalists working for English-language newspapers Pakistan Today and The News. Over 100 people, including eight policemen, were injured, some of them seriously. Hours later, an explosive device buried on the edge of a road outside the Pakistani capital Islamabad detonated, wounding three men, police said. Three persons, including a teenage boy, were injured in the Islamabad blast, police said. "It seems to be an old explosive device buried long ago under the bush and garbage," senior police official Bani Amin told reporters. "A father and his son riding a motorbike and a man travelling in a car were wounded in the blast," Amin said. Police said they are trying to ascertain the nature of the blast. The injured were taken to Polyclinic Hospital. Though al-Qaeda and militant groups have vowed to avenge bin Laden's killing with attacks in Pakistan and the US, Taliban denied they were involved in Peshawar attack. Taliban spokesman Ahsanullah Ahsan told reporters in the northwest that his group was not behind the attack in Peshawar. He claimed his group targeted only the security forces and not innocent people.

Karat rules out changes in party leadership

Hyderabad, June 12 : Ruling out any changes in the party leadership, CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat today admitted that policy shortcomings and mistakes in the handling of Singur and Nandigram proved costly to the Left Front in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

"Notwithstanding the big achievements of the Left government, over the last three decades, there were shortcomings and weakness in some of the policies and measures adopted for the welfare of the people, the mistakes with regard to Singur and Nandigram proved costly to the party," he told reporters here.

Speaking after the conclusion of the 3-day meet of CPI(M) Politburo and Central Committee, he said "Election outcomes do not determine leadership changes in CPI(M)."

The meet assessed results of recent Assembly elections in five states with special focus on West Bengal and Kerala, where the party was in power.

He blamed the ganging up of political forces ranging from rightist forces to the Maoists behind the Trinamool Congress, for the Front's performance.

"The people voted for change," he said.

"In Kerala, the Left Democratic Front(LDF) lost narrowly, in our review the Central Committee appreciated the work of the CPI(M) and the LDF in the election campaign. The Central Committee has directed the Kerala unit to ensure various aspects of election results and take steps to further strengthen the party in Kerala," Karat said.

Karat said corrective measures will be taken to strengthen the party but did not elaborate on what they would be.

Mixed feelings among followers as Ramdev ends fast

Dehradun, June 12 : The end of Ramdev's nine-day-old fast against corruption and black money today evoked mixed feelings among hundreds of his supporters with a section of them unhappy with the yoga guru's decision.

While many of his followers supported Ramdev's decision, some were disappointed and wanted Ramdev to go ahead with his fast till the Centre accepted all his demands.

"Ramdev should have continued for some more days as he was able to successfully wake up people over the issue of corruption. I am unhappy over his decision" said Lakhan, one of his followers, who had come from Muzzaffarpur.

"I am with the yoga guru. I have come from Andhra Pradesh to pledge my support. I am slightly disappointed over his decision. But whatever it is we will support it happily," said Hyderabad-based businessman Lalit.

Ramdev, along with his confidant Balakrishna, today ended his fast heeding the appeals of various spiritual and religious leaders including Sri Sri Ravishankar.

The duo had been brought to the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences near here after Ramdev's condition worsened on the seventh day of his fast at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar on June 10.

"It is good that he has broken his fast. It is a matter of happiness for me. I will also have food now. Our fight will continue till central government accepts all his demands," said Rukmani, who had come from Motihari district in Bihar to fast with Ramdev.

Ramdev was fasting from June 4. Today was the ninth day of his protest.

"It is good that Ramdev tried to do something for the welfare of the country. But it should be the government's duty to remove corruption from our country and bring black money stashed in foreign banks," said Mukul, who runs a small eatery outside the hospital?s main gate.

The hospital compound was the centre of attraction for past three days as locals were amused and excited over the presence of a huge number of mediapersons from both print and electronic media who remained at the spot 24x7 ever since Ramdev was admitted to the hospital.

"I have never watched mediapersons so closely. It was exciting. I was getting first hand news on Ramdev," an exciting Renuka said.

Ramdev breaks fast, vows to continue campaign again corruption

Dehradun, June 12 : Yoga guru Baba Ramdev today broke his nine-day-old fast that sparked a political slugfest heeding appeals of spiritual and religious leaders but vowed to continue his campaign against corruption.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar, who met the 46-year-old yoga exponent for the third day at a Dehradun hospital to persuade him to give up his fast said, "Ramdev has broken his fast by taking juice."

"He ended the fast in the presence of various religious and spiritual leaders", The Art of Living Founder said.

Doctors said he will be discharged from hospital in two-three days though his condition is "stable".

The Congress and the BJP welcomed Ramdev's decision to end the fast. Congress General Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi said it is "good news" while BJP spokesperon Ravi Shankar Prasad said the party had a "sense of satisfaction".

Ramdev, who went on a hunger strike to protest against corruption and black money issues, was admitted to the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences here on Friday after his condition deteriorated at his Patanjali Yogapeeth ashram in Haridwar.

Vijay Dhasmana, the hospital director, said, "I am thankful to everyone who came here and helped Ramdev to break his fast. His health is not such that he can be discharged today.

"It will take two-three days for him to be out of this hospital. By evening he will be shifted to a deluxe general ward. His condition is stable and he has broken his fast," he said.

The yoga exponent's close associate Balakrishna, who also ended his fast at the hospital, said, "Ramdev has considered the request of hundreds of his followers and people from the saints' fraternity".

Balakrishna said, "He (Ramdev) will take this satyagraha forward till his last breath."The protest will continue till our last breath. Ramdev wants black money to be declared as national wealth constitutionally. We appeal to all our followers and other people to break their fast as well," Balakrishna said.

Earlier in the day, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala and Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy had met Ramdev.

Asked if the battle against the government was lost, Balakrishna said, "It is not a a matter of who wins or who loses. The aim was to wake up the nation against corruption and now people have woken up and the fight will continue."

Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy said, "It is a matter of great satisfaction for the whole nation. Protests should be done in front of people who have a heart. Protests against corruption will continue. We all are with him." Swamy was present when Ramdev took the juice.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had been meeting Ramdev at the hospital to persuade him to end his hunger strike. He had come from Haridwar where he had gone to immerse the ashes of his father who died recently.

Morari Bapu, a religious leader, said, "I came to meet him and to take stock of his health. I am happy to note that he has broken the fast and taken juice. Whatever message he wanted to give has been given."

Soon after the announcement was made that Ramdev had ended his fast, a number of his supporters shouted anti-government and pro-Ramdev slogans.

"We all are happy that Ramdev has broken his fast and we all are with him to fight corruption and to bring back black money," said Rajesh Kumar, a follower who came here from Jharkhand along with 50 others.

Earlier doctors attending on him had said, "His condition is stable. Ramdev's blood pressure and pulse rate and all other parameters are the same. There was slight variation in his BP. It has tripped thrice today."

Ramdev's fast had a violent start following a post-midnight crackdown on him and his followers in Ramlila Maidan in Delhi last Sunday.

Rohit guides India to 3-wkt win as visitors clinch series

Antigua, Jun 11 : Rohit Sharma scored a fantastic unbeaten 86 under pressure as India beat West Indies by three wickets to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series here today.

Chasing a target of 226, the visitors were reeling at 92 for six but Rohit (86 not out, 91 balls, 5x4, 2x6) along with senior-pro Harbhajan Singh (41, 64 balls, 1x6, 1x4) added 88 runs as India finally got home rather comfortably with 22 balls to spare.

The last two matches of the series will thus be rendered inconsequential as Rohit kept his composure when the team was in dire straits. He got an able ally in Harbhajan as the two batted with utmost responsbility. They never did anything flashy during their seventh wicket stand that lasted 18.4 overs.

Save Parthiv Patel (46, 56 balls, 4x4, 1x6), none of the top-order batsmen showed intent although Virat Kohli got a poor leg-before decision when the ball seemed to be travelling down leg-side.

Shikhar Dhawan (4) struggled, Subramanium Badrinath (11) went for a non-existent single, Suresh Raina was out to a ugly heave. When Yusuf Pathan was brilliantly caught by Lendl Simmons to reduce India to 92 for six, it looked like all but over for the Men In Blue.

But Rohit had other ideas. Along with Harbhajan, he ran the singles well but didn't forget to punish the loose deliveries in the process. Praveen Kumar (25 no, 14 balls) provided final flourish after Harbhajan was dismissed. It was a tale of batting collapses and late recoveries with for both teams. When West Indies batted, they were tottering at 96 for 7 in the 30th over before recovering to reach 225 for 8 in their 50 overs, thanks Andre Russell's magnificent 64 -ball unbeaten 92 (8x4, 5x6).

West Indies lost six wickets at one stage for 31 runs while India also lost four wickets for 32 runs in the middle overs before making a good comeback.

Interestingly, a run-out at critical junctures in both innings had a huge role in the context of the batting collapse for the teams.

West Indies were 65 for 1 in the 15th over when Ramnaresh Sarwan was run-out and the mini collapse occurred. India was seemingly cruising at 60 for 2 in the 16th over when Badrinath rather foolishly ran himself out which triggered a collapse.

Badrinath drove to mid-off rather firmly and set off for a single and realized late that his partner Parthiv had not responded. He tried to trace back his steps but it was too late?even a despairing dive wasn't of any use.

It affected the concentration of Parthiv (46) who cut at a widish delivery from Devendra Bishoo straight into the hands of Russell stationed at gully.

During India's bowling, leg-spinner Amit Mishra (3 for 28) had once again befuddled the hosts but the bowlers couldn't polish off the tail as it resulted in West Indies crossing 200 from being down in the dumps at 96 for seven.

Largely it was on account of an unexpected hurricane from fast bowler Andre Russell who clobbered the bowlers with utter disdain. Russell shared two important stands of 78 and 47 runs for eighth and ninth wicket with wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh (36) and Kemar Roach (7 not out) to lead the recovery as 47 runs came off the final three overs.

Russell was helped by India's late introduction of their fifth bowler. The part-timers Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli gave away as many 65 runs from their quota of 10 overs.

Russell plundered 42 runs from the final 14 deliveries he faced and smashed 22 and 15 runs off the final two overs bowled by Suresh Raina and Praveen Kumar respectively.

He put a lid on the home innings in style by smashing Praveen for a six and a four off the final two deliveries of the innings.

Earlier, it was Sarwan's dismissal shell-shocked the hosts and galvanized the tourists to the extent that the entire innings came off the wheels in the next few overs.

Mishra built on this breakthrough with three wickets off successive overs.

He first had Marlon Samuels (1) feel for a delivery outside his off stump to be out stumped and then sent down a googly which Danza Hyatt (1) mistook for a leg-break and was bowled off an inside edge.

Top-scorer Simmons (45) then went forward in defence, only to find the big-turning leg break take the edge to first slip.

It brought Kieron Pollard to the crease in the 25th over and demanded some responsible batting. Pollard scratched around for 16 deliveries to score 6 runs before he was caught behind off Harbhajan Singh's bowling. He gave full vent to his displeasure at the decision and took ages to get off the ground.

Munaf Patel came back for his second spell with the wicket of skipper Sammy in the 30th over as he made him edge one behind the stumps. West Indies were certainly down and out at 96 for 7.

However Baugh and Russell made a meal out of India's fifth bowler Yusuf Pathan who was hit for two successive sixes in the 40th over by the latter over midwicket.

Munaf finally broke the stand in the 46th over when Baugh lifted one into the covers for Shikhar Dhawan to take a simple catch.

Russell went on to complete his half century in the 47th over with a single off Raina.