What are some major movies that have been shot without a script?

 

Mr. Natwarlal (1979)

When the film started Amitabh had become the numero uno actor of Bollywood. And he was paired with Rekha. Music by Rajesh Roshan the songs were recorded and shooting commenced. Except that there was no script. They just hand a few scenes in their mind that sounded exciting but nothing concrete on paper. But the producers didn't wanted to loose the dates of Amitabh so they began shooting without a script. So they shot the songs first and by the time they shot the songs they put together scenes to go with the songs and that's how the film was made where the script came after the songs and was made in a improv rather than bound script. The film was inspired by a real life thug but was made as a comic masala movie. Even then the film was a major commercial success.

Ugly (2014)

The script or Ugly was written but never shared with the actors. The film involved a lot of improvisation and actors were supposed to interpret the scene on their own. The actors were given plot outlines and character sketches but not a proper script. One of the most powerful scene of the film is in the police station where the protagonists and police inspector engage in a dialogue over a mobile phone rather than looking for the lost girl, was completely improvised. The whole film was shot in a way that the actors themselves were suprised when the story got a twist or suspense is revealed. It helped the director Anurag Kashyap get real emotions out of the actors rather than rehearsed ones. And Ugly is considered one of the best films of Anurag Kashyap as a director.

Hamshakals (2015)

If there is any hall of fame for bad directors Sajid Khan deserve a place in that for making the abysmal films Himmatwala and Hamshakals. Hamshakals was so bad that the actors working on it denounced it. Bipasha Basu and Saif Ali Khan outrightly told the pathetic way the movie was shot without any script. For the heroes the one liner way- Do as I keep saying and for heroines- just look good. Actor Saif Ali Khan has said that the film was based on the director's imagination, as it "didn't have a script as such". The result was cringe and offensive script and puke worthy dialogues that made the film one of the worst of all times.

Major Alliances Between Kingdoms During the Mahabharata Period

Introduction

The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of ancient India, presents a detailed account of political, military, and dynastic alliances that shaped the course of the Kurukshetra War. The alliances among kingdoms were forged through marriages, diplomatic relations, and mutual interests in power dynamics. These alliances played a crucial role in the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, determining the composition of each side's army and influencing the war’s outcome.

This analysis explores the key alliances during the Mahabharata period, their political motivations, and their significance in shaping the conflict.

Political Landscape Before the Kurukshetra War

Before the war, the Indian subcontinent was divided into several powerful kingdoms, each having its own rulers, interests, and conflicts. The two dominant factions, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, sought to strengthen their positions by forging alliances with various rulers.

The alliances were built on factors such as:

1. Dynastic Marriages - Strengthening ties through matrimonial relationships.
2. Military Support - Gaining warriors and armies for the impending war.
3. Political Strategy - Aligning with kingdoms for mutual benefits.
4. Old Friendships and Rivalries - Choosing sides based on historical relations.

Alliances of the Pandavas

1. The Yadava Alliance (Krishna and Balarama)

The Yadavas, led by Lord Krishna and his brother Balarama, were among the most powerful clans during the Mahabharata period. Krishna, an ardent supporter of the Pandavas, played a crucial role in guiding them throughout their struggles. Though Krishna refused to wield weapons, he became Arjuna’s charioteer, acting as a strategist and counselor.

However, the Yadavas remained divided, as Krishna supported the Pandavas, while Balarama, adhering to neutrality, refused to fight.

2. The Panchala Kingdom (King Drupada and Draupadi)

Drupada, the king of Panchala, initially had a rivalry with Drona but later allied with the Pandavas after Arjuna won Draupadi’s hand in marriage. Draupadi’s swayamvara served as a pivotal moment, cementing Panchala’s support for the Pandavas. Drupada’s son, Dhrishtadyumna, was born from a yajna specifically to kill Dronacharya, making him a key commander in the Pandava army.

3. The Matsya Kingdom (King Virata)

The Pandavas spent their final year of exile incognito in the kingdom of Virata. After their identity was revealed, Virata aligned with them, offering his son, Uttar, and a large army to their cause. Virata’s daughter, Uttara, was later married to Arjuna’s son, Abhimanyu, further strengthening this alliance.

4. The Kekaya Kingdom

The Kekaya brothers, strong allies of the Pandavas, provided substantial military support. They were related to the Pandavas through their mother, Madri, making their loyalty stronger.

5. The Chedi Kingdom (King Shishupala and Dhrishtaketu)

Although Shishupala, the former king of Chedi, was an enemy of Krishna, his successor, Dhrishtaketu, was a firm ally of the Pandavas and fought on their side in the war.

6. The Nagas (Ulupi’s Support)

Ulupi, a Naga princess and one of Arjuna’s wives, ensured the support of the Nagas, who played a minor but significant role in supporting the Pandavas.

7. The Rakshasa Kingdom (Ghatotkacha and the Rakshasas)

Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima and the Rakshasi Hidimba, led a contingent of Rakshasas in the war. His formidable skills significantly weakened the Kaurava army before he was slain by Karna using Indra’s celestial weapon.

8. The Magadha Kingdom (King Sahadeva)

Sahadeva, the ruler of Magadha (not to be confused with the Pandava Sahadeva), aligned with the Pandavas and provided military assistance in the war.

Alliances of the Kauravas

1. The Hastinapura Allies (The Kuru Dynasty and Their Supporters)

The Kauravas, being the ruling faction of Hastinapura, commanded significant influence over many kingdoms, gathering a formidable army under Duryodhana’s leadership.

2. The Anga Kingdom (King Karna)

Karna, the foster son of a charioteer but later crowned the king of Anga by Duryodhana, was one of the strongest allies of the Kauravas. His unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana was crucial for their cause.

3. The Sindhu Kingdom (King Jayadratha)

Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, was married to Duryodhana’s sister, making him a natural ally of the Kauravas. He played a pivotal role in blocking the Pandavas on the thirteenth day of the war, leading to Abhimanyu’s tragic death.

4. The Kamboja Kingdom

The Kambojas, known for their fierce cavalry, sided with the Kauravas and provided an excellent contingent of warriors.

5. The Gandhara Kingdom (Shakuni and His Influence)

Shakuni, the king of Gandhara and maternal uncle of Duryodhana, was a key strategist for the Kauravas. His influence extended beyond warfare, as he was instrumental in orchestrating the infamous dice game that led to the Pandavas' exile.

6. The Madra Kingdom (King Shalya)

Shalya, the ruler of Madra and the brother of Madri (the Pandavas’ mother), was initially inclined to support the Pandavas. However, through clever diplomacy, Duryodhana managed to secure his alliance, making him the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army after Karna’s death.

7. The Pragjyotisha Kingdom (King Bhagadatta)

Bhagadatta, the ruler of Pragjyotisha (present-day Assam), was an ally of the Kauravas and contributed a significant elephant force to the war.

8. The Bahlika Kingdom

Bahlika, the elder brother of King Shantanu and granduncle of both Pandavas and Kauravas, fought on Duryodhana’s side despite his advanced age.

Neutral Kingdoms and Their Stance

Some powerful kingdoms, like the Vrishnis (Yadavas), remained neutral despite their internal divisions. Balarama chose to abstain from the war, opting for pilgrimage instead. Similarly, Rukmi, the brother of Rukmini (Krishna’s wife), offered to join the Pandavas but was rejected by Arjuna, leaving him out of the conflict.

Significance of These Alliances

The alliances formed before and during the Kurukshetra War illustrate the complexity of ancient Indian politics. The war was not merely a battle between cousins but a full-scale conflict involving nearly every major kingdom of the time. These alliances influenced the strategies, strengths, and eventual outcomes of the war.

• Strategic Marriages played a key role in forming bonds between kingdoms.
• Diplomatic Maneuvering determined who joined which side.
• Loyalty and Betrayal were seen throughout, with some kings switching sides or being tricked into alliances.
• Divine Interventions such as Krishna’s presence on the Pandava side added another layer to the war’s significance.

Conclusion

The Mahabharata war was a culmination of intricate political, familial, and military alliances that had been brewing for years. The Pandavas, despite being outnumbered, secured key alliances that helped them triumph. Meanwhile, the Kauravas’ over-reliance on certain warriors like Karna and Bhishma ultimately led to their downfall. These alliances provide deep insights into ancient Indian warfare, diplomacy, and governance, making the Mahabharata not just a story of conflict but a detailed study of power dynamics in ancient India.

The Major Realms and Dimensions in Hindu Mythology: A Detailed Analysis

Hindu mythology presents a complex and multi-layered cosmos, teeming with diverse realms and dimensions that transcend the material world. These realms are broadly categorized into three primary worlds (Lokas) but extend far beyond, into multiple planes of existence where divine, demonic, and mortal beings reside. This analysis explores these realms, their significance, and their interconnections within Hindu cosmology.

1. The Three Primary Worlds (Trailokya)

Hindu mythology classifies the universe into three fundamental realms:

1.1 Bhuloka (The Earthly Realm)

Bhuloka, or the terrestrial world, is the physical realm where human beings, animals, and other life forms exist. It is the plane of action (Karma Bhumi) where beings undergo cycles of birth and death, driven by their karma. Bhuloka is considered a temporary plane, where individuals must strive towards spiritual enlightenment to transcend the cycle of Samsara.

1.2 Antarloka (The Intermediate Realm or Astral Plane)

Also known as Bhuvarloka, this realm is where spirits, celestial beings, and semi-divine entities dwell. It serves as the intermediary space where souls travel after death before moving to their designated realms based on karma. It is often associated with Pitru Loka, the abode of ancestors, and the realms of lower celestial beings.

1.3 Swarloka (The Celestial Realm)

Swarloka, also known as Svarga Loka, is the heavenly plane where righteous souls enjoy the fruits of their good karma. It is ruled by Indra, the king of gods, and inhabited by Devas (gods), Gandharvas (celestial musicians), and Apsaras (celestial nymphs). However, it is not eternal; once the accumulated good karma is exhausted, souls are reincarnated in lower realms.

2. The Fourteen Lokas (Cosmic Planes of Existence)

Hindu scriptures elaborate on fourteen worlds, divided into seven upper and seven lower realms.

2.1 The Seven Upper Lokas (Vyahrtis)

These are higher realms associated with divine beings and spiritual enlightenment:

1. Bhuloka – The earthly plane.
2. Bhuvarloka – The intermediary realm.
3. Swarloka – The heaven of Indra.
4. Maharloka – The realm of great sages and rishis who have transcended material existence.
5. Janaloka – The world of advanced yogis and enlightened beings who await ultimate liberation.
6. Tapoloka – The abode of great ascetics engaged in intense meditation and austerities.
7. Satyaloka (Brahmaloka) – The highest realm of existence, ruled by Brahma, the creator, where souls may attain Moksha (liberation).

2.2 The Seven Lower Lokas (Patala Lokas)

The lower realms, often associated with demonic beings and suffering, are:

1. Atala – Ruled by Bala, the son of Maya, inhabited by mystical sorcerers.
2. Vitala – Home to powerful beings and controlled by Hara Bhairava, a fierce form of Shiva.
3. Sutala – The realm of the virtuous demon king Bali, granted as a boon by Vishnu.
4. Talatala – The domain of the Asura (demon) architect Maya.
5. Mahatala – Populated by fierce serpent beings (Nagas).
6. Rasatala – Home to the Danavas and Daityas, races of powerful demons.
7. Patala (Nagaloka) – The lowest realm, ruled by Vasuki, the king of serpents.

Despite their dark reputation, these realms are not purely places of suffering but rather realms governed by different beings and forces.

3. Unique Dimensions in Hindu Cosmology

3.1 Vaikuntha (The Abode of Vishnu)

Vaikuntha is the supreme celestial abode of Lord Vishnu, where souls liberated from the cycle of rebirth reside eternally. It is described as a blissful realm, beyond material existence, filled with divine beauty and transcendence.

3.2 Kailasha (The Abode of Shiva)

Mount Kailasha is considered both a physical and metaphysical realm where Lord Shiva resides with his consort Parvati. It symbolizes ultimate renunciation and the pinnacle of spiritual knowledge.

3.3 Goloka (The Abode of Krishna)

Goloka is the highest spiritual realm associated with Lord Krishna. It is distinct from Vaikuntha and is described as a transcendental paradise where Krishna eternally engages in divine pastimes with his devotees.

3.4 Naraka (The Realm of Hell)

Contrary to the eternal concept of hell in some religious traditions, Naraka in Hindu mythology is a temporary purgatory where souls undergo purification for their sins before rebirth. Yama, the god of death, governs this realm, assigning souls their fate based on karma.

4. Multidimensional Aspects of Hindu Cosmology

Hindu mythology presents a dynamic, cyclical understanding of reality with overlapping realms:

1. Time as a Dimension: The Yugas (Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali) represent cosmic cycles influencing different realms.
2. Parallel Universes: The concept of infinite Brahmandas (cosmic eggs) suggests multiple universes exist simultaneously.
3. Spiritual Hierarchies: Different beings (Devas, Asuras, Rishis) operate at various levels of consciousness, influencing realms.

Conclusion

Hindu cosmology presents an intricate vision of reality where realms and dimensions coexist in a vast, interconnected web. These realms serve as moral and spiritual waypoints, guiding souls through cycles of karma and reincarnation toward ultimate liberation. Understanding these dimensions enriches our appreciation of Hindu philosophy and its profound metaphysical depth.