Spellbound!

All of last week,13-year-old Ananya Shergill has been a restless soul. And its had little to do with the muggy monsoon weather or the busy scene at school.

All of last week,13-year-old Ananya Shergill has been a restless soul. And its had little to do with the muggy monsoon weather or the busy scene at school. I just cant wait any longer, says Shergill who going by the symptoms – Harry Potter posters on her bedroom walls,the books on her shelves,searching the Internet every two hours – has been diagnosed to be suffering from Pottermania! I have read all the Harry Potter books,watched all the released movies a million times and cant wait to see him onscreen again, squeals the teenager who like many others cant wait to witness the latest installation from the Harry Potter series. Come Thursday July 16 and movie halls in the city will screen multiple shows of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and fans like Shergill are eager to give their verdict. I have read international reviews saying its the best so far and I hope the film lives up to my expectations, remarks the youngster.

Four years ago,the J K Rowling book,on which the film is based,sold nine million copies in the first 24 hours after its release a record which was broken by its sequel,Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. But the film releasing in India in four languages,English Hindi,Tamil and Telugu,across the country on Thursday has probably been accorded its most lukewarm reception in India till date. Actual publicity of the film will happen after the film releases. The Potter fans will be back in the theatre, says Devang Sampat,Vice-president of Cinemax India. Yes,despite stories coming in from other cities suggesting the traditional fever that precedes the release of a Harry Potter film has been strangely missing,closer home in Chandigarh everyones excited and eager.

Even though I have been busy with classes and swimming lessons,I made sure I re-read the book so as to make the most of the film version, says 12-year-old Harkirat Singh,a student of Vivek High School,Sector 38. Having eagerly waited for the release,Singh has got his parents to take him for the films special paid premiere this Thursday. I cant wait to see the gang – Harry,Hermione and Ron – in action once again, he smiles to say. Interestingly,the action apart,most Potter fans are eager to witness love bloom in the life of the teen wizards. The book had many instances and I hope the film will live up to it, remarks 24-year-old BPO executive Neharika Gupta who has been catching up with the news and views online. Im waiting to watch Daniel Radcliffe as Harry date Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) while Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) kiss Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), says Prerna Mehra,a media professional.

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Despite the budding romance,the sixth film in the Potter series,directed by David Yates,promises to be darker than previous ones. The Death Eaters threaten Hogwarts,Lord Voldemorts past is revealed and Albus Dumbledore dies to protect Harry,who gets ready for the final showdown. City-based entrepreneur Vikas Singhal,who was though a tad disappointed with the book,is looking to see what the film holds. I will definitely watch the film. I am curious to see the visual presentation, he adds to say.

The best part about Pottermania is even those who havent read the book are big fans of Harry. Like Aditi Srivastavas nine-year-old son Arsh. He hasnt read the books but has caught the movies and is clued in about whats going to happen next, says Srivastava,Vice President (Corporate),INIFD who has promised to take

her son to watch the film over the weekend. So let the magic begin…

(with inputs by Alaka Sahani)

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Spellbound!

All of last week,13-year-old Ananya Shergill has been a restless soul. And its had little to do with the muggy monsoon weather or the busy scene at school.

All of last week,13-year-old Ananya Shergill has been a restless soul. And its had little to do with the muggy monsoon weather or the busy scene at school.