karun_kumar Reviews

Dedh Ishqiya (2014)

Dil ka mijaaz Ishqiya

[10/10 · 14 January 2014]

A rollicking fun-filled ride adorned with beautiful sets, drop dead gorgeous beauties, some breathtaking 'shayaari' & some of the finest performances by actors who can actually act. The story abounds in hilarity and dark humor & culminates in an astounding climax which leaves you captivated in your seat for long even after the end credits roll. It bears the unmistakable stamp of a one-man army Vishal Bhardwaj sir (credited to story, music, screenplay, dialogues, production, etc.) & reaffirms the fact that till date, why is he still considered as one of the most "avant-grade" filmmaker in the annals of Hindi cinema coz it takes great amounts of gutso to attempt a genre that is in an entirely different area & to swim against the tide. Regarding performances, it's a pleasure to see the ethereal Madhuri Dixit making a comeback on the silverscreen after a long hiatus & God does shine in her performance. Naseerudin Shah, Arshad Warsi, Vijay Raaz & Huma Quereshi are as usual exemplary & effortless & make sure not a single scene is contrived. Strongly recommended. One of the best films of 2014. What a way to start a new year. As the song goes, "Dil ka mijaaz Ishqiya…….". Eagerly awaiting a third sequel from Robert Rodriguez & Quentin Tarantino of Bollywood. Hindi cinema rocks. Yeah baby !! n that too when it's original & has the quality of earthiness within.

Gravity (2013)

After seeing it u will wonder if u r on earth or in space !

[10/10 · 8 December 2013]

GRAVITY – A technological marvel. An unnerving, unforgettable and devastatingly overwhelming experience. A cinema lover's delight. A hell of a movie ("a hell of a story" those who've seen the movie will comprehend) that makes u go "WOW !!". Alfonso Couron's brainchild is a masterpiece directed with such technical wizardry n finesse that it is worthy of an Oscar nomination. The moment the film was over and the lights came back on, I was all overwhelmed, reverberating n heavy headed. It took me a while to realize that I'm on ground n not in space ('Tis that good). The movie touches the very core of your soul. It tugs at your heartstrings, makes u teary-eyed, makes u quiver with fear n fills your heart n body with unimaginable and intangible depths of an emotion called "HOPE" which is the central theme of the film; the struggle to survive n emerge triumphant despite all odds. I'm running out of words. In fact, words can't do justice to such a film. 'Tis an experience of a lifetime that not needs; but deserves to be seen to be cherished n treasured. Hats off Alfonso Cuaron sir n expecting many more of such mind bending stuff from u. As for the lead actors, George Clooney n Sandra Bullock are as usual, exemplary. George Clooney gets the timing of his deadpan humor right and Sandra Bullock hits off all the right emotional notes. This movie is not recommended, 'tis a must watch. Period.

The Lunchbox (2013)

U have to see it to believe it that such a product has been dished out of Bollywood

[10/10 · 22 September 2013]

THE LUNCHBOX- A poignant and heart warming tale that seems like a whiff of fresh air amidst all the hullabaloo the audiences have been exposed to in recent memory. It has depicted the pathos of 2 principal characters with panache n each n every single frame of the film seems to have been meticulously dealt with. One dialogue still lingers in your mind long after the film has finished "Sometimes the wrong train takes u to the right destination". It's so so good to see good ol' letters being exchanged in an era of e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp n mobile phones. Somewhere it touches the very core n essence of that golden era which I had never been born in but now surely have the experience to cherish it via such gems which come once in a long, long while. The best part is that all melodrama has been avoided except for the cameo by Lilette Dubey. All the emotions have been expressed in a very subtle manner in contrast to over-the-top melodrama which has been the staple diet of Bollywood films n how they play with our emotions by being tearjerkers. This film pricks your conscience n compels u to think. It makes u root for the protagonists even as they march onto their respective destinies. It makes u realize there's a silver lining of hope that really makes u fly. I really wish if it could be India's official entry to the Oscars for 2013.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)

Horrible, obnoxious, quite possibly one of the worst films of the year !!

[1/10 · 7 January 2013]

Is it a Yash Chopra film ? Seriously ?

I was bored to death and am falling short of words at expressing my extreme displeasure at watching such a movie which came after 8 LONG years !! I mean is this the result of waiting for 8 years ?

Nope, this is not the way for Yash ji to go and definitely not the swan song I was expecting from Yash ji.

May he rest in peace but this is an apology of a film.

Songs are below average (no hummable soundtracks) and the film is SOOOO SLOOOOW !!

There is hardly any movement in the first 2 hours. Things start to get a bit interesting for about fifteen minutes or so and after that, it's all downhill.

Extremely disappointed in Yash ji but lesser said about it, the better.

SPOILER:- To conclude, I would like to quote SRK's statement made to Katrina in the end,"Pehle nahin soch sakti thi"(meaning couldn't you have thought of it earlier instead of making me wait 10 (TEN) years for it) lest it would have saved me(and the viewers) the torture.

I wanted to give it 0/10 but I guess that is not possible in minimum star rating.

Also, I am writing this review because it's amazing as to how everyone is praising this film.

I was myself stunned at the disgusting and pathetic piece of work this film is.

The Number 23 (2007)

Why so many negative reviews ??

[9/10 · 8 March 2012]

I generally very rarely write movie reviews.

But when I saw the amount of negative responses this film garnered I felt very bad.

I mean, come on guys !! It was an awesome movie.

A crime thriller superbly made with good acting, good script and excellent direction. Jim Carrey had superb acting. The ending was simply wonderful and the film kept me guessing till the end. I am simply writing this review because it is disheartening to see rotten tomatoes giving it a meager 8% (that's 8/100 !!) meaning even less than 0.5/5 !! It deserves at least above 70% ! Please guys, just watch this movie. Trust me, you won't regret it !!

Soul Surfer (2011)

Soul Surfer ............ a movie that's totally worth your time

[10/10 · 3 August 2011]

Hi every1 !! I write reviews very rarely ; usually I do not but rarely do I across such a movie which completely blows me apart. Yeah u guessed it right; this is that film !! It compelled me to write a review seeing all those negative ratings on IMDb and rotten tomatoes; I just love inspirational and motivational movies and when I saw its ratings, I still decided to give it a try and boy was i pleased !! It is movies like these that make the whole movie going experience worthwhile.

Seamless direction by Sean MacNamara coupled with dazzling cinematography, some fantastic visuals and brilliant music; I mean what's not there to like in this film. The angst of the family is depicted with great flourish and the acting of Anna Sophia Robb (playing the role of Bethany Hamilton) is worthy of a praise. While viewing this movie just keep 1 thing in mind; it is slow to pick up so just bear with it for about the first 15-20 minutes and after that it's a visual treat. The movie made me moist eyed at several points in the film. It gives hope an all new meaning. There are several noteworthy sequences which left an indelible impression on my mind and I would like to mention but will not because it'll spoil the fun of viewing this movie.

This movie really shows the importance of family support. If u have a strong family backing n have full faith in yourself then nothing's impossible. It gives u that extra bit of encouragement when u just need to go and push your limits a little more.

P.S. :- Keep an eye out for the end credits; they're not to be missed !!

7 Khoon Maaf (2011)

And the award for the best movie for the year 2011 goes to 7 Khoon maaf !!! (hands down)

[10/10 · 18 February 2011]

Just came back after seeing the first day first show of the movie and boy was I lucky !!!

At this moment, just 2 incidents I can recall. First was the unforgettable expression on Priyanka Chopra's face when the film started; and the second was when the end credits rolled and I was sitting in my seat thinking "This is marvelous and intelligent filmmaking at its best !!"

Blow out the bugles for the greatest director India has been blessed with – Vishal Bhardwaj Sir.

I have just one sentence to speak "When I watched Kaminey in 2009, I never thought Vishal Sir could reach that standard; but after seeing 7 Khoon Maaf; I'm just like oh my God !! what is this ?? Not only did Vishal Sir reach those expectations, he has surpassed them and according to me has matured tremendously; it can be seen throughout the movie;

whether it is the very minute and intricate details in the movie which one must pay full attention to in order to understand the movie;

or it is the mesmerizing songs with beautiful music

or it is the superbly choreographed songs (The songs which deserve a special mention are "Oh Mama" , "Darling" n the last song "Yeshu" which has great symbolic significance).

The dialogues are witty; the characterisations are excellent and humor has been nicely interwoven into the screenplay. The script is flawless and the very fine nuances associated with each character (specific character traits) has been depicted perfectly.

It is a very good adaptation of a short story by Ruskin Bond and the best part is we even get to see Ruskin Sir in the movie.

Now coming on to the performances !! Priyanka Chopra is getting all awards of best actress next year for sure. She has matured tremendously in her acting skills. Just seeing her in scenes with Naseerudin Shah in which she just about is as good as Naseer Sir is speaks volumes about the actress.

Among the male leads, I found the acting of Annu Kapoor and Naseerudin Shah to be exceptional. In supporting actors, Usha Uthup deserves special mention; she is a surprise discovery by Vishal Sir as was Amole Gupte in Kaminey.

The music, needless to say, like every Vishal Bhardwaj movie is spellbinding. The editing is very tight and the cinematography is also good.

Last but not the least, I would really like to applaud Vishal Bhardwaj sir for taking courage to swim against the tide and in the process making a movie which shatters the stereotypical image of a traditional Indian woman. There are a very few directors out there who really can make such daring attempts.

P.S. – In the end I would like to mention that this film will not find universal acceptance among all Indians because it is a little off-beat.

I am also feeling that Vishal Bhardwaj Sir is not getting the much deserved recognition he deserves because in 2009, 3 Idiots took all the awards ;

Let's hope this year Vishal Sir gets awards for this movie because frankly speaking, the amount of effort he has put in this movie can be seen in each and every single frame.

Waiting eagerly for Vishal Bhardwaj Sir's next movie !!

Udaan (2010)

And the award for the best movie of 2010 goes to Udaan !!

[10/10 · 7 September 2010]

Very rarely have I come across a film which is so captivating that it simply bowls you all over. I was literally enthralled on seeing and was especially overjoyed to see that this is a bollywood film (Yeah, that's right ! Its made in India). I was just glued to my seat for those 2 hours 15 minutes. The debutante director Vikramaditya Motwane strikes gold and has produced the finest film of 2010. (As I had mentioned in my earlier reviews that Kaminey was the best movie of 2009 and now Udaan is the best movie of 2010, hands down ! and no 2 opinions on that !) .

The story has been narrated in the most realistic and simplistic way. The story is very novel and I must comment Vikramaditya Sir that he had taken lots of courage to swim against the tide and attempt such a film and that too as his debut ! This movie just made me clap my hands in joy in the end of the movie. I believe it truly deserves a standing ovation.

Now coming to the acting. I was very much impressed by Ronit Roy as he was given the most difficult role to play and he accomplished it with élan'. The child artists Rajat Barmecha and Aaayan Boradia also acted competently.

P.S.:- This is a must see for every parent and his child

Anand (1971)

A timeless classic that is meant to be seen again again and again !

[10/10 · 7 September 2010]

I cannot believe that 40 years have passed since this movie released. I have seen it innumerable times and consider it to be the masterpiece of Late Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The storyline is fantastic , the jokes are witty, the songs are brilliant (especially "Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli") and to top it all, the power packed performance of Rajesh Khanna simply elevates the film to a very high level.

I had heard that Rajesh Khanna was the reigning superstar of the Hindi films for many years until this film got released and catapulted Amitabh Bachchan into super stardom who took the crown from Rajesh Khanna and reigned the silver screen thereafter.

P.S.:- This movie should be seen by adults, old people and even small children as it is a very inspirational and motivational movie that carries the true message of how one should live his or her life (Especially the scene in which Rajesh Khanna meets the Baba who had taken Maun Vrat). This film yet retains the no. 1 slot in the list of my favorite movies although many years have passed since it release.

Bawarchi (1972)

Beautiful !!

[9/10 · 7 September 2010]

It is yet another great movie by the legendary director.

A priceless gem directed by Hrishida.

Rajesh Khanna simply mesmerizes everyone with his performance.

The acting by Rajesh Khanna is itself worth the price of the movie.

The story is great with a very nice twist in the climax.

Enough talking about this film, just go and watch it.

Trust me, you are not going to regret it.

P.S.:-If you like Hrishida's films you can also watch Anand. Sometimes I really wonder if India is ever, ever going to get a great director like Hrishida ! I really hope it gets !

Tere Bin Laden (2010)

Above Average Stuff !

[7/10 · 5 September 2010]

OK to be frank, in recent times after Khosla ka Ghosla (by Dibakar Banerjee) I found this movie to be worth seeing once ! To be honest, it needs to be seen for its sheer inventiveness and creativity. The dialogues are witty and the storyline is quite different and equally is the treatment.

I was pleasantly surprised by Ali Zafar's acting.

P.S.:-A pat on the back for Abhishek Sharma Sir. Expecting more movies like this in future from you ! (My this review is short cause I do not want to tell you anything about this film and I request you that please do not read about it from anywhere as it spoils the fun !)

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010)

Please avoid the movie at all costs !

[1/10 · 5 September 2010]

I only have one word to describe this movie - Abysmal !! Right from the start I knew what was going to happen and it exactly happened just as I had predicted (Utterly predictable and boring storyline !) . OK so you are not going to believe this but frankly, I finished seeing the whole movie in an hour (Guess how, by fast forwarding it at many unnecessary scenes only in an hope that I might get to see something different in the climax, but I was proved wrong !) I normally do not write reviews for bad movies but I am just writing this in order to help you from not watching this rubbish !! P.S.:-I would have given this movie 0/10. The one star is only for the power packed performance by Ajay Devgn and the last 30 seconds before the end credits rolled. I have one request for Milan Luthria Sir : "Please stop making such movies ! I could not believe that you had made this movie especially after that well made taxi no. 9211 (Though it was a rip-off of "Changing Lanes" but the treatment was novel and different)

Office Space (1999)

Gut bustingly hilarious !!!

[10/10 · 5 September 2010]

I have no words to explain this movie. It is just AMAZIIIIIING !!!! I watched this movie with pretty low expectations as the previous film which I watched of Mike Judge was "Extract" and to be frank I did not find it entertaining at all !!(Infact it was so-so !!) So just for time pass I searched for positive reviews of his other films. I saw that Office Space had got a good rating and decided to watch it, and lo and behold !!! I was simply blown over. I mean this is seriously "CLASS A" stuff man !!! When I saw that this movie had released in 1999, I was just simple taken aback !!! How come such a wonderful director like Mike Judge made a movie like Extract ! (I mean c'mon Extract was nothing compared to this !) The direction was spot on. The acting was spellbinding. The script was well written and cohesive and I would like to mention something special regarding the acting.

Ron Livingston, David Herman and Ajay Naidu were Awesome but the person who really steals the show and takes the cake(pun intended !) here is hands down "Stephen Roots aka Milton Waddams".He just sinks his teeth in the role which fits him to the T and which according to me is nothing short at all of an award worthy performance(Meaning just look at him, he is so cute; has an amazing screen presence and the way in which he underplays his role, it speaks volumes about the actor). Jennifer Aniston was okay in a role that did not require her to display ample histrionics.

What to say, if you are a fan of Mike Judge and even have a passing interest in movies related to office life, just give it a go (Trust me, you are not going to regret it!) I cannot remember myself laughing out loud so much at a movie recently and watch out for the rap at the end of the movie !

P.S.: Last words which I would like to say to Mike Judge Sir are:- "Sir please just continue to make movies like Office Space and kindly don't disappoint us with movies like Extract. Thank you !!!!"

Kaminey (2009)

A Visual Masterpiece !!

[10/10 · 2 August 2010]

What to say about this movie ??? I think this is the highest rating I have ever given to a movie. It is, in one word: AMAZZZINGG !! Now coming to the finer points: 1) Storytelling:- Absolutely brilliant and spellbinding ! First of all I would like to extend a big "THANK YOU" note to director Vishal Bhardwaj for acknowledging the fact that this film was inspired by an idea of Cajetan Boy. I absolutely hate and detest those Bollywood movies which become blockbusters and shamelessly copy from other Hollywood movies without even giving them credit and acknowledging them.

2) Acting: What to say about it !!! The actors were exceptional and needless to say Shahid Kapoor topped the list but I would also like to add that all the characters of the film were beautifully fleshed out and according to me, gave their career best performances. The effort from Vishal Bhardwaj is also commendable that how in all his movies he manages to extract such superlative performances from all his actors and actresses (Tabu in Maqbool, Kareena Kapoor and Konkana Sen in Omkara, Shreya Sharma in Blue Umbrella and Priyanka Chopra in Kaminey).

3) Sound: The background musical score and the songs were fantabulous !! Whether its the social message spreading "Fatak!" or the electrifying "Dhan Te Nan !" or even the melodious "Pehli Baar Mohabbat !" all the songs had brilliant lyrics and music. I would like to make a big REQUEST to Vishal Bhardwaj that "Please sing more in movies !!!" I was really surprised and thoroughly enjoyed his singing the title track of the movie.(In fact I think the song of this film which I have heard the most is 'Kaminey' sung by Vishal Bhardwaj)

4) Humor : The lines are very witty and humor is never forced in the movie by performing silly slapstick sequences.

P.S.:- I can go on and on about the movie for hours (maybe even days !!) it is so good. A stunning spectacle ! I wonder how will Vishal Bhardwaj ever surpass it (I hope he does !)

Kick-Ass (2010)

Please avoid the movie !

[1/10 · 2 August 2010]

For the first time in my life do I regret wasting my 2 hours of life on such a bad movie. The movie has got many flaws. OK to begin with :

1)Storytelling:Absolutely boring and predictable. I could predict the particular twist much before it came

2) Action scenes: Absolutely brutal and gory. Besides, I want to ask the film's writers and directors that what were they thinking when they were making an 11 year old child do all those gruesome acts in spite of realizing the fact that the movie would be rated R and children would not be able to see it.

3) Sound: Actually the sound effects of this film were the only high point of this film and this was the fact why I tolerated this film.

4) Violence: I am dead against such acts of violence committed by a child of 11 years of age.I even shudder at the mere fact that what these violent scenes must had an impact on the simple mind of an 11 year old and what bad effect these abuses might have in a later life.I fail to fathom the plight of this child.

P.S. :- I was taken away by all the high Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb ratings and decided to see this movie. Please take heed and avoid this movie AT ALL COSTS !!!!

Swades (2004)

Go and watch Swades today !

[9/10 · 2 August 2010]

Irrespective of the fact whether you are an Indian or an NRI I would strongly suggest you to watch the movie 'Swades'. I have already viewed it 3-4 times and I cannot stop loving this movie. The storytelling is brilliant, the songs are exceptional and the way in which the cultural values and problems of India is depicted is spectacular. It takes great courage to even attempt to make a movie like this. I would like to say 'hats off !' (literally) to director Ashutosh Gowariker's effort. I also liked his 'Lagaan (nominated for the Oscars)' . If you have enjoyed his movies I would also suggest viewing 'Jodhaa Akbar'. He is a director who makes films with all his heart. Believe me and watch it ! You will not regret it.