The central narration of the movie that follows the ‘suicide threat’ of an Indian farmer is important, serious and strong but the integration of other issues like the political blame game, TRP friendly journalism,  the great urban rural divide, lack of materialistic emotions in the rural context and even the enterprising nature of the nations people make this a unique movie – almost like the movies of yesteryear that found comedy in the middle class plight.

The ‘emotionless’ approach to suicide for gaining money, visuals of the urban brigade departing leaving behind a pile of garbage and the ride from rural to the urban stopping for just a second at the billboard “More space, more luxury” are memorable and hard hitting shots.

Although, the issue of farmer suicide is no news for India, no real reform or relief seems to be in sight. Incidentally I had written about this very same topic in 2006 , the context and content of which are just  as relevant 4 years hence.

Entertainment or serious cinema Peepli Live is a must watch, and I hardly ever say that.

The entire spa was fresh with the aroma of rose petals and I could already feel relaxation setting in as I waited for the ‘herbal facial therapy’ to begin.

As the relaxing music of the spa was turned on and the cubes of ice placed on my eyes I was so glad that I choose to finally come here.

A thought too soon – just when I was feeling that the therapy was worth every penny,  I got a little more herbal treatment than I had paid for.

The message therapist’s hand reeked of all kinds of spices – almost every pungent kind that I have encountered in my entire life. Definitely not the kind of herbal facial I had in mind, I had to close my nose and run out before I started smelling like meat ready to be barbecued.

These video promotions may not be of much relevance, or even innovative in their approach yet they spread because of the ease of forwarding and zero monetary investment on the part of the viewer.

Possible reasons why such videos work:
1. The source of the video is reliable and hence probably worth the effort
2. It presents a intriguing enough setting to entice the passerby to click
3. Invariably placed at login pages of the site (where the page takes some time to load)
4. Unpredictability of the story line
5. Ease in understanding the concept
6. Hope that one viewer will find it interesting enough to pass on to friends

The formula to trigger a chain reaction for online word of mouth is no rocket science. Get the elements right and you are set to go. This mode of advertising however comes with its own share of downside: firstly there is no way to measure how many of the ‘views’ actually translate into ‘customers’ , secondly such concepts work as long as there is a balanced mix or entertainment and advertisement, change that equation risk equating the brand to shallow humour.