Re booting a franchise (any franchise – political party, leadership, movies – TV show) isn’t any easy task. We live in a society where we often focus more on the hardware and less on the software. But now with a new President, a re- vamped political party leadership and a new movie, interesting times are ahead. The past few weeks have been fascinating for different reasons in different set of circumstances. The Congress party won the Indian elections in a landslide victory re emphasizing that dynasty rules and secularism prevails. But the most interesting part of this election was a re booted Rahul Gandhi. Anyone who has closely followed this election will agree that Rahul was the star puller. Rahul’s role was not just limited to being a campaigner but also a strategist and a dam good one. This of course came with a lot of scepticism and criticism, the media and pundits had their own theories, inexperienced – surely, naïve – you bet, tactical – most certainly. But the important question did this work, nah it rocked! Rahul’s press conference was an open declaration to potential allies, more like - hey come along we’ll have a nice ride. Invitation for an alliance was covered with public admiration, smooth. But more than that it was his ability to impress his target electorate, he campaigned vigorously, was candid about his intent and began from the grass roots level, siding with the marginalized.

I can’t help but draw references between Rahul Gandhi and Obama as they both campaigned from the grass roots. While Obama is far more superior and sophisticated, Rahul exhibited a zeal that was faintly similar. Obama said why should mean streets suffer because of Wall Street. Rahul declared that he would work for the poor and the youth as that is the section of society that needs an upgrade. Why not? After all it is them who voted for him, not the people in their ivory towers driving air conditioned cars. Obama was eloquent and agile with his hope for change. Rahul was ferocious (when needed) and charismatic with his focus on development. I for one am not a big fan of the Congress party, they are corrupt, careless and incompetent. But I have to say that their new upgraded systemic form is impressive.

Speaking of leaders, another star winner in this election was Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. Nitish won purely based on his merit and administration skills and not with the any charisma, flamboyance or offensive attacks. He was measured, guarded and focused. Bihar once notorious for corruption, kidnapping and societal decadence is now reinvented with development (though at its own pace) under Nitish Kumar.

Now rebooting a movie franchise is a tough one, especially one which has an interesting history and is a part of popular cultural at a universal level. But the new Star Trek movie is a live-wire. JJ Abrams has made a marvel movie with style, substance, humor and gut. This new model comes with an upgraded software (great story content, solid performances) and slick hardware (visual effects - devastatingly spectacular, production design - splendid). What makes this movie good is not only its craft but also the respect it pays to the original TV series. There is also a new found respect and love for its audience. Fatigued by previously made mediocre movies of this franchise, this new movie has a kick of a vintage Scotch. Then there is also an audience intrigue as the story unfolds with a time travel from origins to present to future. Christopher Nolan began this trend when he competently rebooted the Batman franchise with Batman Begins. Martin Campbell followed the trend with Casino Royal, a Bond with vulnerability, character and emotion, both physically and mentally.

One can only hope that this trend continues and we are not fatigued by watching something regular. In any capacity or space, we need something different, something fascinating. But it needs to have substance and needs to be real. I simply relish a Kahani mein twist!