Dabangg: A Salman Khan vehicle
Last year it was Boney Kapoor who brought us the immensely successful “Wanted”, this year Arbaaz Khan along with Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision is trying to create the same magic all over again. Are they successful in doing it? Yes, their brilliant marketing strategy has worked, packing the theatres in advance bookings itself. Do you need a mind frame to go for this movie? Yes you do, you can’t complain about the senseless, over the top action and the predictable story.
Set in Uttar Pradesh the story is about a fearless, corrupt cop, Chulbul Pandey (Salman Khan) who thinks that he is Robinhood and likes to call himself Robinhood Pandey. Beating the bad guys in a style that only Rajnikanth can do is Pandey’s forte. A mother , a step father and a step brother is only what pandey has until he finds a village damsel, Rajjo(Sonakshi Sinha). Pandey has his own funny way of dealing with love like he does with every other thing. Like every other masala film, Dabangg also has a villain played by Sonu Sood (Cheddi Singh), a corrupt politician, who messes up with our fearless protagonist.
The story is nothing but of an out an out action flick having the same ingredients. But you don’t go for the story in such kind of film. Here comes the role of Salman Khan and boy oh boy, Salman takes the film to such heights that such repeated cinema becomes a joyful experience. May it be the pedestrian dance portions, the funny-serious dialogues, the style of keeping his ray ban’s, Salman carries everything and every moment in style.
Another ace is the film’s music, by the duo Sajid-Wajid giving the audience more reasons to whistle and squall. Munni badnaam stands out of all the tracks primarily because of Maliaka Arora Khan. The crowd is sure to go crazy for this one.
Sonakshi Sinha is static in her acting but no one really is interested in anything other than salman khan. Sonu Sood is merely passable. Nothing great about rest of the cast.
If it wasn’t for Salman Khan than this would have been just another crappy bollywood film. Go for it, solely because of Salman
Rating: 3/5
Friday, September 10, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Aisha movie review
Aisha: has nothing to offer apart from its fashion.
Aisha, directed by Rajshree Ojha, is a modern day adaption of the 19th century British novel, Emma, by Jane Austen set in the upper class society of Delhi. Expectations were of a light hearted comedy but like most films, it didn’t quite work well. With a predictable story, you have to excel in other areas which Aisha has failed to do, leaving the audience high and dry.
Aisha (Sonam Kapoor) is a Delhi girl having one problem that everybody’s problem is her problem. Sonam plays a very judgmental character, interfering in other’s life and influencing them. Basically, the film has no story, its just about this bratty, rich Delhi girl and the silly things that almost high society girl does. Louis Vuitton , Christian Dior designer clothes, stilettos, L’Oreal cosmetics, parties, picnics are Aisha’s daily routine. Her two sidekicks and her best friends, (Ira Dubey ) Pinky Bose, a sarcastic rich brat and (Amrita Puri) Shefali Thakur, a simple middle class Haryana girl, whom aisha’s wants to change into her Xerox. There is Abhay Deol (as Arjun Burman), who is Aisha’s sister’s brother in law, who always stops her from interfering in other’s life. There is Cyrus Sahukar (Randhir Gambhir), the foolish mithai shop hier who is in love with Aisha, but Aisha’s tries to set him up with her Haryanvi best friend. When things go awry, Aisha is made to rethink about the idea of mis-matching when another endeavor of her mis-matching plans goes down.
The first half is fresh and refreshing with Cyrus Sahukar’s great comic timing but it story drags in the second half having nothing to offer. Abhay Deol is completely wasted, though he is spontaneous, Sonam Kapoor is good not great. Amrita Puri is very good as the middle class Haryanvi girl. Cyrus Sahukar is great with his comic timing as earlier mentioned. Rest of the cast is passable.
The film has got some very fashionable moments styled by Pernia Qureshi (the designer). Apart from the fashion, it has nothing special and at the end you lose interest in what’s going on. Go for it if you are a Sex And the City fan or if you have a stomach for chick flicks, otherwise it’s definitely a pass.
Rating: 1.5/5.
Aisha, directed by Rajshree Ojha, is a modern day adaption of the 19th century British novel, Emma, by Jane Austen set in the upper class society of Delhi. Expectations were of a light hearted comedy but like most films, it didn’t quite work well. With a predictable story, you have to excel in other areas which Aisha has failed to do, leaving the audience high and dry.
Aisha (Sonam Kapoor) is a Delhi girl having one problem that everybody’s problem is her problem. Sonam plays a very judgmental character, interfering in other’s life and influencing them. Basically, the film has no story, its just about this bratty, rich Delhi girl and the silly things that almost high society girl does. Louis Vuitton , Christian Dior designer clothes, stilettos, L’Oreal cosmetics, parties, picnics are Aisha’s daily routine. Her two sidekicks and her best friends, (Ira Dubey ) Pinky Bose, a sarcastic rich brat and (Amrita Puri) Shefali Thakur, a simple middle class Haryana girl, whom aisha’s wants to change into her Xerox. There is Abhay Deol (as Arjun Burman), who is Aisha’s sister’s brother in law, who always stops her from interfering in other’s life. There is Cyrus Sahukar (Randhir Gambhir), the foolish mithai shop hier who is in love with Aisha, but Aisha’s tries to set him up with her Haryanvi best friend. When things go awry, Aisha is made to rethink about the idea of mis-matching when another endeavor of her mis-matching plans goes down.
The first half is fresh and refreshing with Cyrus Sahukar’s great comic timing but it story drags in the second half having nothing to offer. Abhay Deol is completely wasted, though he is spontaneous, Sonam Kapoor is good not great. Amrita Puri is very good as the middle class Haryanvi girl. Cyrus Sahukar is great with his comic timing as earlier mentioned. Rest of the cast is passable.
The film has got some very fashionable moments styled by Pernia Qureshi (the designer). Apart from the fashion, it has nothing special and at the end you lose interest in what’s going on. Go for it if you are a Sex And the City fan or if you have a stomach for chick flicks, otherwise it’s definitely a pass.
Rating: 1.5/5.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
"Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai" movie review
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
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
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
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