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Showing posts with label Movie Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie Reviews. Show all posts
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Movie Review: Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai

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A love story between a human and an alien from Mars- it sounds really interesting on paper but for making a film out of it, one needs to have strong writing abilities. And when you have a writer who has written films like Heyy Babyy & Masti making his debut as a director, you automatically look forward to a "comical entertainer" along with some over the top jokes & dialogues.

Rajesh Parekh (Ritesh Deshmukh) is a simple Gujarati boy who's been looking for love since he was a baby. Thoroughly unsuccessful in his endeavors, he nearly gives up till he meets Natasha (Sonal Sehgal), the girl of his dreams. Desh (Ruslaan Mumtaz) is the youngest superstar of the country and Mothers want to adopt him and their daughters want to marry him. But when will he find the girl of his dreams? All of their worlds turn upside down when Tara, an alien from Venus, lands on Earth in the search of true love. Rajesh and Tara meet & become good friends. What happens next? Does Rajesh, Tara & Desh find true love?

The first half is extremely well made with a lot of comical scenes, some of them being so hilarious that you almost start enjoying the film to the core. The brilliant cameos by Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Farah Khan, Sajid Khan & Priyanka Chopra add value to the first half. Scenes between Ritesh & Vishal are top notch! The film takes a dig in the second half with some dull/boring moments. At the end, the film turns out to be another love triangle kind of a movie with painfully predictable end. Dialogues are witty & exciting.

Ritesh Deshmukh yet again plays a lovable loser after last years Aladin but looks as if he's tired, especially in the close up scenes. Jacqueline is masculine yet so cute. Ruslaan Mumtaz looks good in whatever role he has but his voice has been dubbed :( Vishal plays his part well as a horny friend we usually see around! Satish Shah as Ritesh's dad is fantastic and Sonal Sehgal is soo beautiful, I wish she was seen more and more in films. Ritesh & Jacqueline share amazing chemistry on screen.

Music by Sajid Wajid is good and I love Keh Do Zara & Koi Rok Bhi Lo the most. Background score is good too!

Milap Zaveri does well with his debut film with some amazing moments. One should surely look forward to his next and expect something better than this!

The final verdict.
Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai is yet another romantic comedy which works well in parts and disappoints in the rest. Watch it for the Comical situations, Ritesh & Jacqueline chemistry, Good Music & Awesome Cameos.

Rating: 2.5 (Average)

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Friday, April 2, 2010
Film Report- February, 2010 (Part 2)


This post is in continuation to the Part 1 of the February films which can be read here.

I always try to watch new films & write about them on Friday itself but somehow fail being consistent so coming up with short reviews for people who haven't seen the February releases.

1.) Striker- (Thiller/Drama)
Rating: 3 (Good)

Starring Siddharth (RDB fame), Padmapriya, Aditya Pancholi, Ankur Vikal, Anupam Kher and Seema Biswas, Striker is a thriller set in the Mumbai ghetto in the mid '80's and is based on true life accounts, it is a story about triumph of human spirit over indomitable odds. Striker is written, produced & directed by Chandan Arora who earlier made Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005) & Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon (2003).

Striker starts off well but somewhere drops in between which makes it a little boring and also the theme of the film attracts a limited audience. Nevertheless, it certainly works well considering the previous work of the director. Siddharth has given a wonderful performance and the music of the film is also good in parts. "Cham Cham" sung by Sonu Nigam is brilliant and everybody should listen to it once.

2.) Click (Horror)
Rating: 2 (Average)

Starring Shreyas Talpade, Sadha & Sneha Ullal, Click is a story about haunted pictures. Directed by Sangeeth Sivan (Apna Sapna Money Money, Kyaa Kool Hai Hum), Click look very similiar to the Thai film "Shutter"

Click is a below par film which has a lot of flaws but is still watchable once. A couple of scenes do scare you and only people who have nothing better to do should watch this film.

3.) Teen Patti (Thriller)
Rating: 2.75 (Above Average)

Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ben Kingsley, R. Madhavan, Saira Mohan, Raima Sen and others, Teen Patti is about greed and deception. The film has a super exciting 1st half but drags down in the second half.

Super performances by all and showing underground Indian casinos works well! Direction is good too and the music is so-so. The film didn't connect well to the audiences may be because of its advanced theme, watch it if you like thrillers.

4.) My Name Is Khan
The full review of the film can be read here.

5.) Karthik Calling Karthik
The full review of the film can be read here.

Yet to see the 6th release Toh Baat Pakki.

Let me know what you people liked and disliked. :)



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Saturday, March 6, 2010
Movie Review: Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?

Comedies are always seen as a safe bet in Bollywood and Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? is yet another comedy film which deals with a social issue of Indian Hospitality. Starring Ajay Devgn, Konkana Sen Sharma & Paresh Rawal, ATKJ? is directed by Ashwni Dhir (who earlier made One Two Three) and produced by the young actress Amita Pathak (Haal-E-Dil), daughter of film producer Kumar Mangat. ATKJ? is presented by Warner Bros and has music by Pritam.

Story/Screenplay/Dialogues
The movie is about Puneet (Ajay) & Munmun (Konkona), a happily married couple living in Mumbai whose lives take an interesting turn when a distant relative, Chachaji (Paresh Rawal) turns up unannounced at their doorstep from a far off village. The guest overstays his welcome so much so that the exasperated couple come up with various ploys to hasten his departure to hilarious results.

ATKJ? is based on Sharad Joshi's novel Tum Kab Jaoge Atithi and the screenplay by Ashwni Dhir, Robin Bhatt & Tushar Hiranandani makes the film majorly watchable due to the simple comic situations & social message imbibed in them. Some sequences like the "entry of Chachaji", "Kitne aadmi the", etc., are damn hilarious and make you go crazy laughing. The film starts with a bang and has a solid first half but from there on falls little flat although it finishes up by a wonderful ending. The comedy & the preaching "that we should not think bad about guests" works well which works for the film.

Acting
Ajay Devgn, a two time National Award winner, makes sure that he continues his brilliant run with comedies after Golmaal series & All The Best. He is so brilliant and mind you not just with comedy but also gives an outstanding emotional touch to his performance at the end. Another two time National Award winner Konkona is first rate and looks amazingly beautiful. Paresh Rawal (another National Award winner) is the man who outperforms all and gives yet another wonderful performance after last month's Rann. Supporting actors such as Satish Kaushik, Akhilendra Mishra, Sanjay Mishra have done good.

Music
I am usually hooked to the music of a film 1 week before the release but the music of ATKJ? sounded really bad when I first heard it. Surprisingly, with visuals, the music is better infact I loved the way the song Beedi Jalaile was changed into Jyoti Jailaili. Innovative is the word which can describe the totally situational songs of ATKJ?

Direction
Although I am a big fan of "over the top comedies" but its always interesting to see a film with simple & realistic comedy, all thanks to this guy called Ashwni Dhir who makes a good film after a not so good One Two Three. I would like to add here that the Ashwni Dhir, the writer still outperforms Ashwni Dhir, the director because some stupid silly direction mistakes are not expected from a good director.

Overall, Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? is a good film with beautiful performances, nice story and an important message. Comedy film with the humor that it real and true is something rare today which gives this Atithi a warn welcome to your homes. Don't miss it!

Rating: *** (Good)

Story/Screenplay/Dialogoes: ***
Acting: ****
Music: **1/2
Direction: **1/2

Click here for Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? Picture Gallery

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Saturday, February 27, 2010
Movie Review: Karthik Calling Karthik


Karthik Calling Karthik is yet another different film from the makers of Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Don, Rock On, Luck By Chance, etc.,

Starring Farhan Akhtar & Deepika Padukone, It is directed by debuntant Vijay Lalwani Farhan Akhtar has just done two films as an actor which now have cult following of their own. Let’s find out if Karthik Calling Karthik joins the league.

Story/Screenplay
Karthik Calling Karthik is a story about this introvert guy named Karthik who lives a life that nobody would want to live. He lives a life of a loser and admits it to the core. One day suddenly things change and he gets a call from a person who also claims to be Karthik. How tables turn and Karthik gets the life he had never dreamt of. He gets an upper position at work, 4 times the salary, respect and lastly his girl.

What follows’ is a thrilling, romantic & soulful ride of this man's victory & defeat.

Well... I think the story is brilliant but the screenplay lacks what a film of this genre should have had. There are a lot of unanswered questions which makes you sad that a very beautiful story is wasted due to the somewhat average screenplay.

What works for the film is the first half which is so fast paced and interesting that by the interval you expect the film to be nothing less than a cult film and what is delivers from thereon is a little disappointing. Second half is a little boring, slow paced and leaves manyy questions unanswered.

Acting
Calling Farhan Akhtar the most talented young filmmaker/actor won't be an understatement because he's proved his worth twice before as an actor and double that times as a filmmaker. He has portrayed a difficult character with so much ease that you just completely get into it. I think it is an important film for Farhan who deserves accolades for this performance. Deepika Padukone is brilliant again after Love Aaj Kal. She is so natural yet loving. Ram Kapoor is good & Shefali Shah is okay.

Music
Shankar Ehsaan Loy have recently given music to a very important film "My Name Is Khan" and carry out the form in Karthik Calling Karthik but they somehow lack the magnetic quotient which could attract audiences. Uff Teri Ada & Kaise Main Bataun should be the best pick which are sheer melodies with brilliant lyrics. Background Score is also okay.

Direction
The new director Vijay Lalwani has done well with his debut film, he has dealt with minute details about the character of Karthik which works for the film. I also loved the romantic angle of the film which shows the versatility of the filmmaker.

Overall, Karthik Calling Karthik is a good film with outstanding performance by Farhan Akhtar. It has its share of loopholes but is still amazingly beautiful because of its superbly handled 1st half and moderately good 2nd half.

My Rating: *** (Very Good)

Story/Screenplay: ***
Acting: ***1/2
Music: **1/2
Direction: ***
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Friday, February 12, 2010
Movie Review: My Name Is Khan


"My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist"
No film in the whole world has made such a statement for Muslims who are mostly seen as anti-social.

"Time was divided by only two designations B.C and A.D. Now, there a third designation-9/11"

There are just two sets of people in this world, the good and the bad. No matter what, good people always shine.

Expectations
Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar & Kajol together in a film, the expectations had to be nothing less than humongous

Story
The story begins with a child, Rizwan Khan (Tanay Chheda), a Muslim who has Asperger Syndrome, growing up with his mother (Zarina Wahab) in the Borivali section of Mumbai. Later as an adult (Shah Rukh Khan), Rizwan moves to San Francisco and lives with his brother Zakir (Jimmy Shergill) and Sister-in-law Haseena (Sonya Jehan). While there, he falls in love with a Hindu woman, Mandira (Kajol) who has a six year old child. They eventually marry and begin a business.

After the events of 9/11, Rizwan and Mandira begin to face a number of difficulties due to their religion. Following a tragedy, they sperate. In order to win her back, Rizwan embarks on a long journey across the United States.

Screenplay/Script/Dialogues
When we think about journey across United States, immediately Forrest Gump is what we remember but I would like to add a point that My Name Is Khan is a completely different film in every context. To be honest, there is no other film that can be seen as a benchmark or target for My Name Is Khan.

The Screenplay, Script and the Dialogues are top class and the best work of Shibani Bathija. Although, some sequences looked unreal but with such a canvas and message, everything works for the film. Another negative thing about the screenplay was that the last 15 minutes were little dragged. But, kudos to the writer who made so many mentions like love, tragedy, emotions, drama, social messages, etc., with such ease.

Acting
Shah Rukh Khan makes you speechless all through the film with such a different role. His career best performance which can well get his long-due National Award. He seems to have researched so much about the character that it is not just close to perfection but more than that.
Kajol has given a remarkable performance which makes you wish to see her more often. It is definitely her career best performance.
All the supporting characters have performed really well and somebody who deserves a special mention is Zarina Wahab who played Rizwan's mother.

Music
Said a lot of music before in the music review. Personally, it is a little disappointing to see that the music is not so properly used in the film. It could have been way better shot but nevertheless the music of the film is outstanding and suits the theme of the film. Read the music review here

Direction
(For a matter of fact, Karan Johar is my favourate director, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna is my favourate film) Leaving these biases, I truly believe that Karan Johar is certainly the best young filmmaker of our country and My Name Is Khan proves it further. His direction is just out of this world. This is the first Hindi film to be shot on such a huge canvas and has the international vibes to it. This is Karan Johar's further step into mature filmmaking after the very bold themed "KANK".

Cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran is brilliant and Editing by Deepa Bhatia makes it crispy yet lovable. Choreography by Farah Khan is good but had less scope.

Overall, My Name Is Khan is a legendary film which has the tendency to call in for a moment, a moment of peace and harmony. Watch it for Peace, Love, Goodness and offcourse the trio "Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol & Karan Johar".

Rating: *****

(Rating based only on merits)

P.S. I strongly believe that the film has chances of making it huge internationally because of its excellent theme and execution.

Box Office (Prediction): Blockbuster/All Time Blockbuster


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Thursday, February 4, 2010
Movie Review: Rann

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Rann starring Amitabh Bachchan, Sudeep, Ritesh Deshmukh, Paresh Rawal and others released last friday.

It is directed by Ram Gopal Varma and produced by Madhu Mantena (Ghajini) & Sheetal Vinod Talwar.

RGV is one director who is hated by all and still maintains a cult following. Rann is a film based on Media and its functioning. I always expected the film to be intense & serious exposing a lot of scams & scandals. Lets see if it is able to fulfill that.

Story deals with a person Vijay Harshwardhan Malik (Amitabh Bachchan) who is the most famous journalist of the country and also the owner of a new channel. During the current scenario, "where news is not what we see but what me make", he is suffering a setback where he faces declining TRP's, low revenues & opposition from his own people. And, then how his own son Jai Malik (Sudeep) sells off himself to a corrupt politician which in turn leads to forgery, corruption and ultimately murders.

The story is very powerful and also has a RGV touch to it but what I can't digest is the fact that the film gets too real or too over the top. For instance, Mohan Pandey (Paresh Rawal), the prime ministerial candidate is shown in such a bad light that you question if that's possible. It may be but our heart would never believe it. Things like Vijay Harshwardhan being a messiah to the country, etc are little too over the top. And, the inclusion of songs in the film makes it really irritating. Overall, I think the story is good but the screenplay could have been better. Good!

Amitabh Bachchan has once again given a splendid performance. Sudeep (last seen in Phoonk) has done a great job but I still feel Abhishek Bachchan could have been a better choice for this role. Ritesh Deshmukh has done something different from the regular comic characters and given an intense performance in this very serious role. Mohnish Behl, Rajat Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Gul Panag, Suchitra Krishnamurthy have all done well! But, hands down to the winner - Paresh Rawal who has given an outstanding performance which could easily be one of his best. Very Good!

Like majority of RGV films, the music is extremely poor. Infact, it is irritating to have to listen to such plain words by Prashant Pandey & Sarim Momim. Tunes of Amar Mohile, Bapi-Tutal, Sanjeev & Jayesh Gandhi could not make any difference to the film because it is film which would have been better without songs. Background music is okay. Poor!

Direction by RGV is superb and this can be counted amongst his best films. All I can say is, he is in full form after duds like Agyaat & Phoonk. I somehow felt this film is very similar to the "Sarkar films" which can be a compliment or a criticism. I choose it as a compliment! Very Good!

Overall, the film is a gem for people who love "serious cinema" and when RGV is in full form, a few other film lovers who want to see something new should also watch it!

Rating: *** (Good)

Story/Screenplay: ***
Acting:****
Music:*
Direction:****

P.S. Not recommended for entertainment lovers.!

People who do not know, Rann means "Battlefield".

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Friday, January 22, 2010
Movie Review: Veer

One of the most anticipated film "Veer" released this Friday. Produced by Vijay Galani & directed by Anil "Gadar" Sharma, the film stars Mithun Chakraborty, Salman Khan, Jackie Shroff, Sohail Khan and introduces Zarine Khan. The story of film is written by Salman Khan himself who wrote this about two decades ago.

Being a Salman Khan loyalist, I was really waiting for this film for two reasons:
1.) Salman wrote the story and also called it his dream project.
2.) Salman will be seen in a period drama. (Don't remember any other such film of Salman)

Story talks about the Pindari Clan and a warrior "Veer" (Salman) who belongs to this clan. Veer along with the clan is fighting for the justice against the British forces and also to get his lady love Princess Yashodhara (Zarine).

The story by Salman Khan is good but the real culprits are the scriptwriters Shaktimaan, Shailesh and Krishna (Research). The story begins with a bang but somewhere after the first half looses its pace and never catches up. The whole film is painfully predictable which I believe spoils the play. A lot of unjustified scenes/sequences make you feel like you are watching some 80's or 90's film which is illogical and full of flaws! Average!

Salman Khan seems to be going through the one of his best phases of life both personally and professionally. First success of Wanted, followed by excellent performance in London Dreams. Veer is about Salman Khan, his new role as a perfectionist. His involvement in the film pays off well! He gained a lot of weight to look like a warrior. His romantic & action scenes are brilliant. He has a unique presence in the film which somehow rides on his shoulders. Zarine Khan is impressive but her resemblance to Katrina Kaif makes it a tough task for this latest model turned actress. Rest of the cast is just ok. Jackie Shroff looks repeatable to his Eklavya role. Good!

Music by Sajid Wajid is top notch and can easily be called their best work so far. Wanted, Main Aur Mrs Khanna and now Veer, these guys have done a great job. Background music by Monty (Saawariya) is exceptional! Overuse of the Surili Akhiyan could have been ignored and a theme song could have been made instead. My Picks: Surili Akhiyan & Salaam Aaya. Very Good!

Direction by Anil Sharma is mediocre and many times in the film you feel as if you are watching a 80's or 90's film. Lip syncing of songs is not up to the expected standards. The action scenes show the use of wires, the use of animation in war scenes is not up to the mark. Although, the cinematography is brilliant but the film somehow doesn't look like a complete period film! A little more from the director could have done made the film a better piece! Average!

Overall, Veer is a good film if you consider the merits but the film also have some old fashioned demerits which may not be acceptable to many. Watch it for Salman Khan's heroism and you never know you may like the other aspects such as love, war, comedy & music too!

Rating: 2.75 (Above Average - Good)

Story: 2
Acting:3Music: 3.5
Direction: 2.5

Box Office (Estimate): Semi Hit/Hit



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