lgaur Reviews

Baghban (2003)

Original movie -- Badi Pantulu in Telugu (NTR, Anjali Devi and Sridevi)

[7/10 · 24 January 2010]

Yes the film was an aesthetic success. I just loved the wonderful chemistry between Hemaji and Amitji. Hemaji looked better than any of her previous films I have seen. It is not just the beauty. It is that she lived that life for the span of this shooting, I felt. If everything is the same but without Hemaji in the film, I'm not sure of the product.

I wondering if the creators gave credit to the Telugu film makers anywhere in the credits, because I have not seen it. If they did not, FYI, this is lifted from a Telugu movie; completely, including the phone (there was a cute song -- by then baby Sridevi, that we all Telugu people adored); I wish the producers and director acknowledged the fact that this is remake of NTR and Anjali Devi film, Badi Pantulu (1972). Even the role played by Salman is not a new idea.

This is like the lifting Khilona, Kora Kagaj or many others in the past, as well. I thought, I just mention that.

However, I must tell you, the Hindi remake is made in a grandiose scale. Awesome!

Vivaha Bandham (1964)

One of the best movies I have seen

[9/10 · 6 January 2007]

I watched this film when I was very young, yet the film made a lasting impression on my mind.

Bhanumati Ramakrishna is one of those actors who have the privilege of acting in a lot of movies that make social comment. This film is a social comment on divorce in 60s. Though, the film had blamed the heroine and her mother's arrogance for divorce, it still brings the marital problems to the forefront and divorce may be the resolution.

This is one of those. As per acting prowess, she easily overshadowed her male counterparts in her movies. However, in this movie NTR stood his ground. She has that ability to challenge and bring best out of her heroes. This film was made so well that the Hindi version (YES, Korakagaz )is almost literal translation! Even Vijay Anand didn't tinker with the plot a whole lot. In both versions I didn't like the ending -- to me that's the flaw.

Great movie!!

Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998)

Well made film -- must watch if you are fans of good film making

[7/10 · 29 May 2005]

I did not come away thinking that the director wanted to preach Marxism (like some comments indicated), but told a story about some that strongly believed in it. He told the story of those that embrace a movement and by doing so, they have involved their entire family one way or other. The shadows of their sacrifices are long; character Nandini talks about it. The survivors deal with differently -- here the mother is running around her sons memories. She is reaching out to the places that he ever touched. This kind of intelligent film making, simple story lines, characters with depth are not everybody's cup of tea.

I'm not going to say I agree with the story premise but I loved the film, characterization. No actor went for a grandiose performance; dialogues were simple, no punch lines. Hence a very simple film. I would suggest people watch the DVD; the film does a wake some emotions in you.

Performances: What can I say? I have not seen one actor that performed better or worse. Every one lived in their roles, hence the credit goes to the Director. But, I just have to say this... I loved Jaya Bhaduri in Guddi, Uphar, Kora Kagaj ... the lady is natural. She never acts - Amitabh acts -- Jaya just lives in her roles (even in KKKG in few scenes that were not artificial).

Baseraa (1981)

This is an excellent movie - Story of love and circumstances!

[10/10 · 5 January 2004]

There are no villains and no heroes. Circumstances have dictated their lives as is in any real life. This may be one of Rekha's best movies. She just looked like a million bucks and acted like an Oscar winner. Not only Rekha but the entire cast lived in the film (I wish they could have selected different kid). I especially enjoyed not having "specialty comic relief nonsense" that Indian movies can't do without. Delicate story line told in a no nonsense manner. Screen play is Gulzarish, with heart poured out in every dialogue -- nonfilmi dialogue. Gulzar's lyrics enhance the mediocre music. The title song (not the tune) is just great. But then this movie is not about the songs, it is all about feelings and how each character expressed them in their own special way. A must see.