The8thone00 Reviews

Gangaajal (2003)

Essence of democracy is shown in Gangaajal.

[4 August 2005]

Movie is amazing, the movie depicts what actual liberalism stands for. What democracy stands for, and depicts the advantage of living in a civilize form of government. If we do not take care of the values that make us unique we can turn into savages as well. We do have such tendencies. There are on going debates about criminal justice system being broken in democracies. The golden rule of law, rich people have better chances of getting away with a crime. Although film shows that law or constitution is not weak in sense, but it is lack of good citizenship by us that makes it weak. Faith in the civilization, law, constitution, and democracy. The rights like freedom of press, and speech. The movie is all about that. It is finely depicted. Prakash Jha is an admirable director and good story teller. Ajay Devgan's enaction of the main role is wonderful. He deserved accolades or awards for his role. It was played with maturity and sensibility. He didn't go over the top as most actors do when they get a powerful role. He played it real and controlled. Gracy singh was OK. Mukesh Tiwari was quite good too, he wasn't loud as his other movies, he was quite controlled too. Mohan Joshi played a typical villain, he did it probably millions of time. Yashpal Sharma too was simply just OK. There was nothing amazing to do for villains other than what they did in other movies. The cop gang was good too. The jail cell incident gave me goosebumps because it was based on real incident, it was barbaric. it was funny to me how they only had one curse word allowed in the whole movie. haha. The movie was not just a cop movie about anti corruption. The message hidden in it was far greater. It was about a death of human civilization, and how when it dies the fundamental rights are crushed with it. The rights of freedom of press and freedom of objection to majority. Movie showed transformation democracy to anarchy back to democracy at the end. It was simply great, I didn't expect to be such a good movie but it is. Faults in society is curable, but the cure starts within ourselves first.

Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005)

It didn't make me laugh? Kyun? haha

[5/10 · 28 July 2005]

MOvie is not bad, but not good either. Confusion and Chaos creates comedy, but I think bollywood has overdone the formula. It was funny in Golmaal and even other David Dhawan flicks but this one just didn't make me laugh. Maybe all the controversy surrounding it. I thought movie was ordinary,not a laugh riot like his previous comedies. Movie had certain predictability to it too. Sush ending up with salman khan. The performances were OK. Salman's best comic film was Andaz apna apna. In other films he went over the board. This one he was OK, though he did manage to keep a confuse look on his face throughout. Just like he was constipated or was it expression of confusion or distress? Hhaha. Sohail Khan, whats up with that voice? He goes over board on most of the scenes, well not his fault, probably Salman taught him to do it like that. If you see Hello Brother, you know what i mean. Katrina Kaif was not that great. She seem like a robot with no expressions. I don't think she knows Hindi,she didn't even open her mouth in most of the dialogues. She was dubbed for sure.Finally, Sushmita Sen was good. She is hot, graceful, magnetic, and when she talks she carries great confidence. She is a good actress in my mind, she has a wonderful body, great voice, great charismatic approach to each character.She is good to me all the movies she does. Arsad Warsiwas good too, funny, but he had great comic timing since Tere Mere Sapney. He is a great actor. fine performances in all the films he does, at least ones that i have seen. I hope Bollywood don't type cast him to being a comedian. I think he can be a great all around actor. Beena Kak as the mother was OK. Rajpal Yadav is a funny man, he too is a great actor. the movie was disappointing for me, although its bearable watching once. I would not say its gonna be a classic as some David's films were. The Salman controversy didn't help it either.

Sarkar (2005)

Sarkar is not a copy, but an inspired version of Godfather.

[8/10 · 14 July 2005]

Sarkar is actually a story based on Bala Saheb Thackrey, who is the real life Sarkar. Sarkar who runs the whole state without holding any governmental position. It is true Sarkar has few points from Godfather,but you can call it an inspiration but not a copy. Sarkar tells a story of Bal Thachrey, an obedient son and a disobedient son who runs the movie business. The older son is dead, and now his wife smita Thackrey runs the production house & you see her in many film functions. OK enough of that. I just wanted to talk about the misconception of the story. It is not copy of Godfather. If you want to see frame to frame copy of Godfather. YOu got to see Amir Khan's Aatank hi Aatank. This movie was great. It was treat to watch. I thought Abhishek stole the show in the second half. He looks more mature and he matches his father well. I would say this he will be really great in coming days. Only thing he has to worry about is the people he works with and movies that he chooses. He needs to be in top batch of people. Yash Chopras Johars for family popcorn flicks and Ramu for acting showcase. I think Bachchan was good too. So was Kay Kay. Every thing was good about the movie but I just think Abhishek stole the show and all applause to him. Now he is successful at the box office and got back to back hits with good performance so now he got his own identity. Sarkar shows that he got talent, he is not in the business because of AB sr. courtesy. Sarkar was a great fun to watch. RGV is the man.

Unleashed (2005)

Fights are good. Movie was average/good.

[8/10 · 13 May 2005]

Unleashed from the promos seem like an action flicks with no heart(popcorn movie) involve in it. Unleashed is an action flick with some good heartfelt sequences to it. Performances are good,topping the list is "Bart" (the bad guy). Freeman was equally good. Jet Li was a surprise for me, he played his character to the T. Movie was good only because the action was good and balanced and the drama was equally balanced. Fights were amazingly choreographed. the audiences were reacting to every kick, move, and punch. People were also laughing at some underlying humor in the story. So its a good movie to take a date, action with drama. Movie is not a disappointment, if anything it will extend your expectations.

Zeher (2005)

Just Watch Denzel's Out of Time.

[26 April 2005]

I get very ticked off when Indian filmmakers take a Hollywood movie and give it their own spin and call it their invention. In reality all they have done is added some songs in the midst. The master of Plagarising is Bhatt Camp, I could name all of their movies being copies of Good Hollywood movies. Murder-- Unfaithful, Paap--The witness, Awara Pagal Dewana--The whole Nine Yards, Saaya--Dragonfly, Zeher--Out of Time, I am telling you all of Bhatt's movies can be linked to a Hollywood flick. The funny thing is nobody is catched on to it yet, the movie is a frame to frame copy. After couple initial frames it clicked right away. Zeher is a good remake, usually they screwed it up big time. It just bothers me when people give credit to people who have done nothing but watched a English version on their DVD player. As far as the performances go, Emraan had big shoes to fill considering he was playing Denzel's part, he tries but at times in comparison he does not get the same impact as Denzel. Shamita played her role the best but then she was playing Eva Mendez's part, she is not all that known for acting. Udita looked cute in paap, here she looked awful to me. She didn't impress me as far as her performance was concerned. Ninad Kamat played a good part. If this movie was a hit then I feel bad because the audience has been cheated of their money, just go to a video place and get out of time, 2003. Much better movie with a treat of watching Denzel act. If Indian audiences are filled in theatres for some teaser nonsex scenes, might as well watch Hollywood flicks, they show more, do more, and have hotter chicks. I hate Mahesh Bhatt, He is a thief, i don't mind remaking a film, but don't give yourself credit for writing the story or concept, which he does every single time. Although, I would give Zeher a good score, just because its different than other bollyflicks.

Elaan (2005)

Elaan-Waste of Time

[2 February 2005]

This was a bad movie, it was my time wasted but it was also producers money wasted. Why would you not do little homework before making a Film. Some sequences just leave u dumbfounded not because they are marvelous but because they are not entertaining. Film maker has spent money in shooting outdoors but what does he bring to his viewers despite that. The answer is NOTHING. Movie has no story, some scenes are just simply stupid, it feels like this movie was completed in a hurry. Director goes back to old bollywood formula of revenge films, which made no sense at all. Heroes will fly, cars will fly, and also beat up guys with better gun yet end up victorious at the end. Every time a car crash in the movie it was big fire ball, how come. They said in the promos it was a Hollywood style movie yet the action scenes were horribly shot, the sound was horrible, music was below mediocrity. The characters looked misplaced. Some were good and most of them were not good. Mithun was good, but disappointing because he just sat there and talked on the phone, he should've bagged out some of his old karate chops. Rahul kHanna could act nice and controlled performance. Arjun Rampal was OK, he was there in the movie but he was pushed all the way to the side by the story. John didn't fit the character, his tapori dialogue delivery was bad, and comic timing was awful, and he did overact most of the time. There is not much to talk about the ladies as i said this is re-visitation to old bollyflick where ladies sing, dance and look pretty. No Acting talents require. OVerall story was horrible because it had too many loopholes. ITs too many to write about, see it to believe it. I feel bad for the producers cause there money is put to waste. And advice to action filmmakers chill with the wire action sequences beats the whole purpose of watching a good movie when guys start flying for no reason whatsoever out of no where. Thats not Hollywood style of ACtion.

Dev (2004)

thought provoking cinema for once from Bollywood!!!

[23 June 2004]

Dev storyline is so ordinary but the packaging and the cast makes it so extraordinary. Movie's title character has been inspired from the verses of Gita. A man not worried about the outcome but only believing onto doing his duty. As far as the director to goes, I had heard so much about him but only got to see few of his films. He is truly a genius when it comes to portraying real life issues on the celluloid. As far as the acting is concerned, the Dev belonged to the Dev (Amitabh Bachchan), some scenes that he had given were marvelous and moving. One where Dev seems disgusted when they burned the Muslim building down, and he goes back and sits and chats with his wife is the highlight of the film. All the scenes, where Om puri and Bachchan both talks about their ideologies and conflicts are beautifully executed and dialogues and written so well that it compliments each scene well. Om puri was good and complimented Bachchan well on each step. Kareena plays her part with maturity and confidently. Fardeen tries real hard to match up to the stalwarts in front of him, but fails in several sequences, but his sincere efforts were showing on the screen. Spoilers*** Despite the great story telling, realistic sets and cinematography, thought provoking dialogues and instrumental direction the movie lacked the pace. Nihalani went for realism to the core, which evidently does not bring out the entertainment one seeks when going to the cinema houses. At last, if the movie had masala bollywood entertainment it wouldn't be Govind Nihalani's Dev would it. A nice movie which asks it viewer a question, where do you stand with your ideologies and your gita? One just wonders, if Bachchan were to work with such profile directors again and again then what will we may get next time, as far as the "actor" within the Bachchan is concerned.

Man on Fire (2004)

Washington and Dakota fanning rule this one...

[8/10 · 25 April 2004]

This movie had an ordinary story but the film has credit through my view by the screen presence of Washington and acting sense of 9 year old Fanning. Its hard to believe a nine year old girl has so much understanding of emotions and drama, but she is good and she will be spectacular in years to come. Denzel washington is a fine actor, his ability to capture anger is great, I saw it in training day. He got an award for this one. I don't where this one will land him. however, it was good. This is a good movie. This movie has everything drama of relationships, action, suspense, variety of mexican culture, and ofcourse good reliable lead. I recommend this movie, must watch it once atleast. Because the man sets the screen on fire.

Khakee (2004)

Amitabh v/s Ajay = A blast, terrific executed film

[9/10 · 27 February 2004]

Khakee had big names to its credit Amitabh, Ajay D. Aishwarya R., Akshay Kum., Tusshar, and above all Rajkumar Santoshi. Santoshi is so consitent with making good movies and making his performers give career best performances. The movie is not a routine cop drama or to best of my knowledge its not stolen of any Hollywood movie, but one may have an idea earlier in the film that it kind of looks like Swat but its not like Swat at all. It is an example of what a nice action thriller should be, it doesn't give its audience time to blink while the movie is going on. It surprises at every new scene. The movie is also a prime example of why Amitabh is till date consider a legend in Bollywood. There were couple scenes that he shows his skillz but some were simply best for example when he reminds the police officer in the police station of his duty was just so text book, No wonder he is called Mr. Institution. Amitabh gives a glimpse of Old Amitabh "Angry young man" in this case "Angry Ol' man" at the climax point when he beats Ajay down. It is undisputed actor is one of the best in the buisness despite of his age, he can still make his fan following grow. The story, direction and screenplay was really hot. The best man in the film was Amitabh B. but other performers were surely upto Bachchan's calibre. Ajay D. in a negative role was smashing, I liked his name "ANGRE"! The sequences amongst Ajay and Amitabh was so hot and best part of the whole product. Ajay with great performances one after another, he is sure one of the best emerging actors in Hindi Cinema, if continued with such performances he will be called among the best of all times.(in Hindi Cinema) Akshay Kumar had a career performance in the movie. Tusshar was alright but Akshay Khanna would have been lot better in his shoes. Aishwarya Rai was simple gorgeous and she too was alright. Atul Kulkarni had very little to say but lot to tell. He was just right for the role. Overall, as on behalf of Hindi cinema viewers i would like to urge Mr. Rajkumar Santoshi to make films that's as crafty as this (entertaining). I really liked it because it was out of the norm yet very effective and with master performers giving good performances. I would recommend it to any one who likes Amitabh B. or even who is a fan of Ajay D. must see cinema!!! Yep Amitabh rules No competition matters when it comes to Amitabh B. Still standing Tall.

Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

A Reminder of a classic, filled with Wonderful Performances. In all a nice entertainer!

[7/10 · 11 December 2003]

Despites of all denials from Karan Johar, the movie does have a quite a resemblance to Indian classic Anand. Srk playing Rajesh Khanna's role, Priety playing Amitabh Bachchan role, Saif Playing the lady who was the love interest of Bachchan. I repeat it has quite an resemblance. The Performances were great, maybe sharukh get the praises but I personally appreaciated 2 performances. One of Priety and Saif's. Saif is really funny, and the best thing about him is he doesn't overact to make people laugh. I am just wondering how long does he have to wait till people start giving him credit for what he deserves, Saif carries his role wonderfully. Priety is like Julia Roberts of Bollywood, Preety woman. She could act, she proves yet again that she is not just a cute girl with a dimple on her cheek. The highlight of the movie is the funny moments of the movie, and it is filled with them. Shahrukh was good, yet again but Saif is the surprise. The movie was specially interesting with glimpse of all the stars; Sonali Bendre and Sanjay Kapoor, Rani and Kajol, Uday Chopra, Farah Khan. The supporting cast was very good too. Jaya Bachchan proving as her husband Bachchan that despite of her she still one of the best actresses. Lillete Dubey is a M.I.LF. Rajpal Yadav should overtake Johnny Lever any time in Bollywood top comedian slot. Sushma Seth, Dara Singh, the eternal macho man. Reema is nice. Satish Shah and Katki Dave are delight to watch as Gujus. Harry Potter look alike kid and her baby sitter were cute and ofcourse THE KANTABEN, homophobic maid was very funny. It was nice entertainer, nice fun, more funny then emotional. 7/10

Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost (2003)

Big disappointment!!!

[4/10 · 9 September 2003]

There were lot of expectations from this film and all went down the drain as every moment of the movie I saw. Expectations reaches sky high because Apoorva Lakhia, assistant director of Lagaan an epic movie would atleast make a good effort for his debut film as a director. This was not true, film was a complete waste of time of its viewers. There was no story, Abhishek was shaky on most of the sequences, he still needs to work on his acting. It wasn't abhishek or Lakhia who ruined the movie. In the whole movie had a weak topic tell a story on supported by a weak screenplay. 80 to 70 percent of the movie was about villagers sitting in front of a tv set and acting like a primates. This is not believable for me because i live in 2003 in a culture where technology is very advanced. Lakhia really tried to give it a lagaan look and even in its songs he tried to give it a Lagaan kind of feel but the maker terribly failed in all aspects of making a film good. I wouldn't say that film wouldn't be better if somebody else was directing or if Vivek Oberoi or Hrithik Roshan was playing abhishek's part because in reality the fault lies in the subject, the story. A 25 minute story subject was dragged and dragged for 3 hours and even as a viewer one can tell that the story teller himself is running oout of stuff to show. In all I thought this was Abhishek's turning point, but it was a big disappointment, in the story as well as in abhishek's acting, even though he shares some expressions with his dad but his dad atleast makes it believable and enjoyable. My only recommendation for this movie is Please don't watch it!!!

Darna Mana Hai (2003)

Bravo for the subject, The some of the mini stories were really bad picked?

[6/10 · 3 August 2003]

I was excited to watch the movie because when i read the names of the actors being used in the movie, i'm a big fan of Vivek oberoi and Nana Patekar, i like Saif Ali Khan's spotanuity, so i thought it will be a great experience all of these actors act together, so i was disappointed as soon as the first story started, but i admire that an indian films are turning into Hollywood style flicks without songs and subject that could be different from other movies. This movie cannot be compared with any other indian horror or thriller film. it stands by its own, but some stories were hard to believe and very comical at points. You cannot scare somebody if the story looses its believable factor. Like the first story was alright, it was scary with a twist. So was the School teacher one, it was very good it had a mystery element to it. Vivek oberoi's and Nana Patekar's story was scary and funny at the same time. it was well written i was just upset with their story's length. I thought they would have more of a role in the movie. Other stories were just a joke, The apple one, The cigarrete one and the stupidest of all was the Aftab shivadasani with supernatural powers one. It was hilarious more then it was scary. Scary was the seventh story the real one, with the six friends. At the end the movie had an issue to address that only way to get rid of your fears is to die. The ultimate fear is the death. This point was addressed very nicely. The movie would have been nicer if the stories would have chosen carefully. It would have been bit more scary.

Bad Boys II (2003)

This is what Summer movies should be bout...

[10/10 · 20 July 2003]

True, this was a good entertaining movie i have no idea why all the critics gave it like movie was like the worst movie ever. This movie ruled action was great and so was comedy. You go to movies to have fun and bedazzelled by the thrills. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence do team up great together..movie is being criticized for being too raunchy and rough towards the audience, but it is just being true to its title bad boys, It is not a family movie to begin with its a movie bout Bad boys and yea it is going to have mature hardcore adult fun, to expect it to be a good family action entertainer its being just straight up naive. What is so bad about Rat mating we see that when we flip to Discover or animal planet. i mean movie was better then any other movies this summer or just as good as any other big movies this summer. It does live up to the expectation. it is good to see Martin Lawrence and Will Smith get back to what they do good, make good comercial cinema that hits the box office window right on the target. Will smith as good as ever, and martin Lawrence shows that he could steal couple of scenes even though teamed up with Smith. This summer had lot of disappointments and lot of surprises but this wasn't any of them what i thought i got. great fun.

Saathiya (2002)

A romantic movie with a soft realistic tone to it!!!

[8/10 · 20 June 2003]

Saathiya, a movie that i wanted to see because of its beautiful songs. I never expected that the story would be as enjoyable as the songs. This movie is made as simple as they could and yet made it look nice without any huge sets, or without of having characters in the story who are like supposely equivalent to Bill Gates. This is a movie which most of the people could relate to especially considering most of the indian population living in india lives through middle class values which is addressed in the movie. The romance is not overexaggerated. Basically, talking about the movie a viewer would not be disappointed. The direction was very veteran like considering it was Shaad Ali's first film. He did a fabulous job at the climax point. To bring out the performances worthy of awards and praises from the leading actors, Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukherjee. Rani Mukherjee has done her part better then her male counterpart but I would not dare take anything away from Vivek Oberoi. Vivek lends a good support but it is clear that movie's driving force was Rani Mukherjee, movie belonged to Rani Mukherjee arguably her best performance ever till date. Overall, it is a good heartwarming experience with good tunes to hummm in isolation. Characters will easily relate to you, it is that beautifully played out.