Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai: is an exhausting watch.
The excitement surrounding a gangster flick is colossal especially when you have a supreme star cast and a production house which has given us films like Shootout at Lokandwala. It is always fascinating to watch a violent mafia flick. To start off with Once upon a time in Mumbaai, firstly it lacks the violence, which is to some extent mandatory in a gangster film. Secondly, and the most irritating part of the film is the dialogues are full of proverbs and they make you laugh at them.
The film starts with a police officer, Agnel Wilson (played by Randeep Hooda) committing suicide blaming himself for the state of Mumbai, takes the story into flashback, narrating his senior officer a story of a smuggler Sultan, (Ajay Devgn) and his rule on the underbelly of Mumbai. Sultan, basically a good guy, but running an illegal business makes him a criminal by law. Simultaneously, another bad boy Shoaib's (Emraan Hashmi) story is told. Shoaib is a local burglar wanting to make it big in the underworld. He is shown as the kind of a guy who could do anything to achieve his goal, betray anyone or even kill for money and fame (in the underworld). Seeing the young blood pumping and a never die attitude of Shoaib, Sultan hires the chap. The rookie thief dreams of ruling the city, wants to beat down sultan in his plans and get ahead even while working for him. The film depicts the personalities of both the protagonists and how they end up making Mumbai a hub for all underworld dons.
The acting department is the plus point of the film. In the beginning, I thought Emraan would take the movie by storm but he falls a tad short. He just couldn’t win the race with Ajay Devgn, who delivers a stellar performance. Kangana ranaut is tolerable. Prachi Desai gets a small role, not enough to show her caliber. The surprise package is Randeep Hooda, putting up a high on attitude show.
The film misses out on the rawness of a violent underworld entertainer, which is disappointing and it moves at a leisurely pace which is unfamiliar in such movies. It’s a low on content, high on treatment film.
Music is good by Pritam, a nice mix of songs consisting of a cabaret, a love song for each pair, another love song which is not in the film and “Baburao” which shares resemblance with “Ganpat” from “Shootout at Lokandwala”.
It’s a disappointing effort by director Milan Luthria, some might love the film just for its appearance or the treatment given to it, but for me that wasn’t enough. Still a watch won’t harm you.
Rating:2.5/5
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
SALT movie review
Salt: A salty affair.
With “Inception” still fresh in everyone’s mind, you really need something nifty to keep the viewer’s mind occupied. Well, this Angelina Jolie starrer falls way short of audience expectation despite of some good action sequences and Angelina Jolie.
Tom Cruise was the first choice for this action thriller, but then the script was modified and offered to Angelina Jolie after Cruise opted out.
Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent who is accused of being a Russian spy. She rubbishes this accusation but her bosses do not seem to believe her. Soon, you find Jolie on the run, jumping over trucks, dodging bullets, doing mostly everything to escape.
“Salt” is merely engaging and least thrilling, thanks to a senseless screenplay and some over the top scenes. If it weren’t for some good action and Jolie, this would have been an unwatchable film.
I’m going with a generous two out of five for this salty action flick, hope it’s much talked about sequel has the salt in proportion.
Rating: 2/5
With “Inception” still fresh in everyone’s mind, you really need something nifty to keep the viewer’s mind occupied. Well, this Angelina Jolie starrer falls way short of audience expectation despite of some good action sequences and Angelina Jolie.
Tom Cruise was the first choice for this action thriller, but then the script was modified and offered to Angelina Jolie after Cruise opted out.
Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent who is accused of being a Russian spy. She rubbishes this accusation but her bosses do not seem to believe her. Soon, you find Jolie on the run, jumping over trucks, dodging bullets, doing mostly everything to escape.
“Salt” is merely engaging and least thrilling, thanks to a senseless screenplay and some over the top scenes. If it weren’t for some good action and Jolie, this would have been an unwatchable film.
I’m going with a generous two out of five for this salty action flick, hope it’s much talked about sequel has the salt in proportion.
Rating: 2/5
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Udaan movie review
Udaan: is an inspiring film.
In an interview Anurag Kashyap said that “Udaan” is very close to him as it draws references from his past. Really, it’s a film to which every individual can relate his teenage years. When you have Anurag Kashyap’s name associated with a film, you can be sure of some quality cinema. Stepping into the shoes of a producer, Anurag gives you just what you had expected. It’s a moving film, beautifully crafted by debutant director Vikramaditya Motwane, who has also co-written the film along with Anurag Kashyap.
The protagonist, Rohan (played by debutant Rajat Bharmecha) who is expelled from boarding school, moves to his hometown Jamshedpur, his first visit in eight years. Confronting a dominating, uncaring father (played by Ronit Roy), a 6 year old step brother (Aaryan Boradiya) which he had no idea of, makes the home coming experience a very unwelcoming one. Having an urge to become a writer, Rohan gets no backing from his father and is forced into working at the his father’s factory up till afternoon and going to engineering college after that. The only person who understands this motherless teenager is his uncle (Ram Kapoor), but is helpless. Other than showing a father-son relationship, it also depicts the bond between Rohan and his half brother.
New comer Rajat Bharmecha (Rohan) delivers a heartwarming performance. Ronit Roy succeeds in putting up his best as a harsh father, Bhairav. Aaryan Boradiya as Arjun comes as a surprise package with his spontaneous acting.
Yet another brilliant score by Amit Trivedi, the music goes so well with the film, it never deviates you from the gist of the film. The script is rock solid and so is the climax, that doesn’t falter at any time.
It’s a sincere attempt by director Vikramaditya Motwane, who has succeeded in making a moving film. Go for it, it’s one of the finest bollywood films made in recent times.
Rating: 4/5
In an interview Anurag Kashyap said that “Udaan” is very close to him as it draws references from his past. Really, it’s a film to which every individual can relate his teenage years. When you have Anurag Kashyap’s name associated with a film, you can be sure of some quality cinema. Stepping into the shoes of a producer, Anurag gives you just what you had expected. It’s a moving film, beautifully crafted by debutant director Vikramaditya Motwane, who has also co-written the film along with Anurag Kashyap.
The protagonist, Rohan (played by debutant Rajat Bharmecha) who is expelled from boarding school, moves to his hometown Jamshedpur, his first visit in eight years. Confronting a dominating, uncaring father (played by Ronit Roy), a 6 year old step brother (Aaryan Boradiya) which he had no idea of, makes the home coming experience a very unwelcoming one. Having an urge to become a writer, Rohan gets no backing from his father and is forced into working at the his father’s factory up till afternoon and going to engineering college after that. The only person who understands this motherless teenager is his uncle (Ram Kapoor), but is helpless. Other than showing a father-son relationship, it also depicts the bond between Rohan and his half brother.
New comer Rajat Bharmecha (Rohan) delivers a heartwarming performance. Ronit Roy succeeds in putting up his best as a harsh father, Bhairav. Aaryan Boradiya as Arjun comes as a surprise package with his spontaneous acting.
Yet another brilliant score by Amit Trivedi, the music goes so well with the film, it never deviates you from the gist of the film. The script is rock solid and so is the climax, that doesn’t falter at any time.
It’s a sincere attempt by director Vikramaditya Motwane, who has succeeded in making a moving film. Go for it, it’s one of the finest bollywood films made in recent times.
Rating: 4/5
Friday, July 16, 2010
Inception movie review
Inception: A phenomenal thriller.
You definitely expect something extraordinary from a film when you have names like “Christopher Nolan” and “Leonardo DiCaprio” associated with it. "Inception" gives you so much, that you just can't ask for more, except for another watch
Nolan, who has made “Mememto”, “The Prestige”, “The Dark Knight” comes with a brilliant concept of dream-sharing in “Inception”. It takes a genius to execute such an ambitious and multiform project and Nolan undoubtedly does an exceptional job.
Dom Cobb (DiCaprio) is a skilled thief in the world of dream-sharing and excels in a dangerous art of extraction of secrets and ideas in the subconscious of an individual’s mind. This has made him a fugitive worldwide costing him access to his dear ones. He has one last chance, when a business man, Saito (Ken Watanabe), promises to get him out of all this if he completes a final job. He (Saito) asks Cobb to pull off a merely impossible act, not stealing but planting an idea into his rival’s mind.
The groundbreaking ideas that Nolan has introduced in the film earns him full points and supporting the ideas are the stunning visuals, making this one a cracker of a film. The concepts, by Nolan has a lot gravity and are not just thrown at you, it’s the viewer’s job to grasp them before any new rule has been introduced, so one cannot afford to dig into a tub of popcorn.
The first half builds the story, so it might get a tad boring but once you come into the engaging second half of the film, you understand why such a built up was required. It’s the most intelligent film I have ever seen and a thrilling one too. The ending is blurry and can be predicted in different ways. Just as you think there will be a sweet ending to this mind bending thriller, the last scene proves you wrong.
The film certainly deserves a standing ovation, like it did in the theatres in which I was watching it. Nolan makes you rethink about life and a question pops up in your mind, IS THIS LIFE REAL OR JUST A DREAM?
Rating: 5/5
You definitely expect something extraordinary from a film when you have names like “Christopher Nolan” and “Leonardo DiCaprio” associated with it. "Inception" gives you so much, that you just can't ask for more, except for another watch
Nolan, who has made “Mememto”, “The Prestige”, “The Dark Knight” comes with a brilliant concept of dream-sharing in “Inception”. It takes a genius to execute such an ambitious and multiform project and Nolan undoubtedly does an exceptional job.
Dom Cobb (DiCaprio) is a skilled thief in the world of dream-sharing and excels in a dangerous art of extraction of secrets and ideas in the subconscious of an individual’s mind. This has made him a fugitive worldwide costing him access to his dear ones. He has one last chance, when a business man, Saito (Ken Watanabe), promises to get him out of all this if he completes a final job. He (Saito) asks Cobb to pull off a merely impossible act, not stealing but planting an idea into his rival’s mind.
The groundbreaking ideas that Nolan has introduced in the film earns him full points and supporting the ideas are the stunning visuals, making this one a cracker of a film. The concepts, by Nolan has a lot gravity and are not just thrown at you, it’s the viewer’s job to grasp them before any new rule has been introduced, so one cannot afford to dig into a tub of popcorn.
The first half builds the story, so it might get a tad boring but once you come into the engaging second half of the film, you understand why such a built up was required. It’s the most intelligent film I have ever seen and a thrilling one too. The ending is blurry and can be predicted in different ways. Just as you think there will be a sweet ending to this mind bending thriller, the last scene proves you wrong.
The film certainly deserves a standing ovation, like it did in the theatres in which I was watching it. Nolan makes you rethink about life and a question pops up in your mind, IS THIS LIFE REAL OR JUST A DREAM?
Rating: 5/5
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Anurag Kashyap's unreleased Paanch(2003)
Paanch: is a raw and gloomy crime flick.
Unreleased till today, this Anurag Kashyap’s debut venture is worth a watch. Slated to release in the year 2003, the movie ran into trouble with the censor board for excessive violence and demanded many cuts.
The film narrates the story of a rock band named “Parasites”, a group of 5 dope heads namely Luke (Kay Kay menon), Murgi (Aditya Shrivastav), Joy (Joy Fernandes), Pondy (Vijay Maurya) and Shiuli (Tejaswini Kolhapure), who desire to make it big in the music industry. A longing to record an album makes this penniless group fall into life of crime. Then comes the phase of double crossing, murders and falseness, devastating their lives.
Coming to the performances, Kay Kay Menon is outstanding as the hot headed, impulsive guy. Aditya Shrivastav has great potential as an actor, I really liked him in Gulaal. Joy Fernandes and Vijay Maurya are good, Tejaswini Kolhapue is passable.
The music by Vishal Bharadwaj is a let down, may be 7 years before it would have sounded a tad better. Anurag Kashap’s writing and direction is good considering it was his debut. It’s a dated fim so you wont find another Dev-D or Gulaal in it. One more thing, I really didn’t find anything brutal for the censors not to clear it, hope it sees the light of day soon. Finally, don’t expect it to be a cracker, but it’s worth a watch.
Rating: 3/5
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Toy Story 3 movie review
Another masterpiece from the big daddy of animation films, Pixar. A decade after Toy Story 2 , Pixar brings to us the 3rd installment of the Toy Story franchise. The animation studio that gave us films like Wall-E, Up, Ratatouille and many more comes with their best this time.
Now lets come to the plot, Andy has grown up and is going to college. He chooses to keep his toys in attic except Woody the cowboy, whom he wishes to take to college. Then a series of bad acts sends the bunch of toys to a day care center. The toys finds the day care very welcoming at first, rather that getting dumped in the attic until they find out the dark side of the toys in center. Things turn out worse when when they get locked up in cells until they plan a fantastic escape when Woody comes to the rescue.
Toy Story 3 introduces some new characters, the big baby which is a scary little baby doll, you have Ken, the fashionable male doll who falls in love with Barbie and the stuffed bear Lotso who is like a chief at the day care and is responsible for the bad stuff going on in the center.
Watch out for the Buzz light year turned on to Spanish mode and Mr. and Mrs. Potato head, hilarious!!!
I don’t need to mention the animation in the film, with Pixar it is always top notch. The film is packed with some memorable moments, the last 15 minutes are touching and are sure to water your eyes. There is something for everyone in this one. Doesn’t matter if you are a 60 year old or a college teen, this is a Must Watch!!!
Rating: 4.5/5
Now lets come to the plot, Andy has grown up and is going to college. He chooses to keep his toys in attic except Woody the cowboy, whom he wishes to take to college. Then a series of bad acts sends the bunch of toys to a day care center. The toys finds the day care very welcoming at first, rather that getting dumped in the attic until they find out the dark side of the toys in center. Things turn out worse when when they get locked up in cells until they plan a fantastic escape when Woody comes to the rescue.
Toy Story 3 introduces some new characters, the big baby which is a scary little baby doll, you have Ken, the fashionable male doll who falls in love with Barbie and the stuffed bear Lotso who is like a chief at the day care and is responsible for the bad stuff going on in the center.
Watch out for the Buzz light year turned on to Spanish mode and Mr. and Mrs. Potato head, hilarious!!!
I don’t need to mention the animation in the film, with Pixar it is always top notch. The film is packed with some memorable moments, the last 15 minutes are touching and are sure to water your eyes. There is something for everyone in this one. Doesn’t matter if you are a 60 year old or a college teen, this is a Must Watch!!!
Rating: 4.5/5
Friday, July 9, 2010
Aisha soundcheck
This one is a good album but not Amit Trivedi's best work...The composer who gave us some good unconventional music in the past (Dev-D, Aamir, etc) manages a decent offering this time...
The album kicks off with "Suno Aisha", a nice peppy track sung by a bunch of singers including Ash King who gave us the brilliant "Dil Gira Daftan" from Delhi-6 and Amit trivedi himself....The song has a Vishal-Shekhar touch to it...
Then comes "Gal Mitthi Mitthi" a punjabi track with a sparkling orchestration and shehnai that accompanies throughout the song...Reminds me of Dev-D...
Next up is "Shaam", a soulful track with an acoustic feel to it, typical Amit Trivedi stuff...
"Behke Behke" comes next but this one is a experimental track with lot of unusual sounds used, did not work for me...
"Lehrein" is winner from the first listen, beautifully sung by Anushka Mani...this one is sure to move you...
"By The Way" is a fast paced dance number sung by Anushka Manchanda, strong vocals by the singer, its an okayish track...
All in all the music is different and some tracks might not appeal to the audience but I think it is a good album by the talented Amit Trivedi
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)