Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Jaane bhi do Yaaro: media coverage, feedback

The Jaane bhi do Yaaro book was mentioned in a preview column in the Sunday issue of Mail Today; here's the scan, which Sundip Gorai was kind enough to send me:


- Nilanjana S Roy also included it in her non-fiction wrap-up for Business Standard (blog link here).

- Got an SMS from Kundan Shah the other day, saying "Your book is as honest as the film", and he isn't a man who goes out on a limb being diplomatic or fulsome, so it felt nice.

I also really appreciated this comment from Nilesh Bhojani - especially the observation about the enthusiasm in the early stages of the film's making gradually giving way to ennui once it was released. Having met the cast and crew, I can vouch that while most of them love talking about the madness of the shooting, they also tend to be perplexed about how big the Jaane bhi do Yaaro cult following eventually became. One gets the impression that they still can't quite reconcile the chaotic, low-budget little movie they made (which they didn't even expect would get released) with its present-day reputation.

In other news: I'm told Flipkart finally has copies of the book. Anyone who's pre-ordered from there and still hasn't received it, please let me know and I'll do some serious butt-kicking (or whatever butt-kicking a poor, inconsequential author is allowed to do once the Product hits the Market).

I'm told the book will be in stores around December 20. Do please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested - fans of Jaane bhi do Yaaro or people more generally interested in narrative writing about cinema.

[Earlier coverage: Time Out magazine, Mint Lounge]

10 comments:

  1. Oy, that's my Guy up on your blog!

    Anyway. I got the book last week (maybe because I'd pre-ordered it early? Yay for me!) But I haven't read it yet. Now that the Guy has let go of it...

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  2. Just got the book yesterday.. Haven't kept it down since.. reached home at 2 in the morning and in spite of dying to sleep.. read for an hour.. loving the book.. just the way you have written it.. it's interesting, it's engaging.. so much information and it feels like a book written with full justice and honesty to anything and anyone involved in the making process.. didn't really know what to expect out of this book considering this is the first of it's kind i am reading.. a full length book on a movie.. but the fact that the movie involves and has so much history to it and how you have been bringing out all the right aspects of the movie is making it one of the best reads for me in the recent time.. I really do hope this book gets it's due justice specially by all the movie buffs because this is definitely not one book to be missed if you love cinema.. :)

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  3. Tanaya: thanks muchly - lots of blurb material in that comment! And I'm very relieved when someone who actually spent money on the book says they liked it.

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  4. any chance of a book reading / launch in Chennai? Would have been nice to launch it at the ongoing Chennai Film Festival w/ Brangan hosting a book reading / Q&A session

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  5. Anon: yes, that would have been very nice, but right now I'm not even sure when/if the Delhi event is going to be - probably only after the Jaipur Literature festival in Jan. Will keep posting updates here.

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  6. Jai, I am out of options. Can you please help me get a copy?

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  7. you have no idea how eagerly i'm waiting for the book. i've booked it at the neighbourhood store. i love your writing. i love your blog. and i love the film. stands to reason i'll love the book too!

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  8. Jai thanks for mentioning my website - it is an honour to find myself mentioned in your site

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  9. Pre-ordered on Flipkart, received it on Monday! :) :) Didn't know it wasn't in stores yet...haven't been able to read it yet, though - significant other's bagged it and carries it around, so won't be able to lay my hands on it for a bit...! :(

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  10. jeez, next to hayden.

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