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Reviews
Dunki (2023)
Decent, but not a trademark RKH film.
Dunki is a good comedy drama film by director Rajkumar Hirani but personally it wasn't his best. Some of his storytelling magic is visible throughout the screenplay and editing. Hirani's handling of emmotional scenes are very good in parts and can make general audience tear up but there are some underwhelming points in in the film with the connection and moments with the characters.
The characters remain with you but it's the story and execution which I felt let me down. The progression of the story felt shallow and I just didn't feel the desperation and need of the characters as to why do they go to the levels of going to a foreign country taking the Dunki route. The whole process looks oversimplified and I just couldn't feel the agony of the characters. That emotional connect showcased in Hirani's previous films like 3 Idiots, PK and Munna Bhai is missing.
The cinematography of Dunki is beautiful showcasing captivating and diverse landscapes that enriches the storytelling experience. The soundtrack and background score though effective, could've been better.
Performances were good. SRK did well in the emotional scenes and we've seen this version of him in most of his previous films, though in some scenes it did seem he tried too hard. Tapsee performed wonderfully and her emotions stay with you. Vicky Kaishal had limited screen time but nailed it. Boman Irani was just shoved in the film and wasn't utilized properly.
Overall Dunki is a decent/average film but it felt like a 60% Rajkumar Hirani film - and expectationsare always very high for a director of his level. Dunki is no where near the level of his previous films - 3 Idiots, PK, Munna Bhai.
The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
Thoroughly enjoyed EB!
Despite majority of negative reviews, I went ahead and gave this movie a shot and I'm glad I did! Being a huge fan of the 1973 film, I felt The Exorcist Believer was well written with a good back story. The screenplay did not bore and the build up of events leading to the possessions were well executed.
Not as scary as the original but this film still had some decent jump scares and holds its own. The exorcism part should have been a bit more intense and scary, but it is still good for what it is. People have to remember that the original Exorcist released 50 years ago and it shouldn't be a direct comparison. Times change and every director has their own vision and story telling and I feel David Gordon Green did a good job of presenting this story.
Excellent performances by the cast, especially the two young girls possessed girls. Ellen Burstyn had a very small role but her presence was commanding. Thoroughly enjoyed this movie!
Expend4bles (2023)
Old school action extravaganza
This fourth entry has some great action sequences and it's a very entertaining film. E4 is fast paced and didn't bore. The sound effects and mixing sounded great in Regal Cinema's RPX screen. The acting of the cast wasn't good with some corny one liners, but I guess it doesn't matter for a film like this because it's just a fun, mindless action film. EXPENDABLES 4 is an old fashioned, hard hitting action extravaganza that many fans still crave for and enjoy such as myself! Statham and Stallone are obviously the highlights of the movie, even though Stallone had a very short cameo. Overall a good movie.
Fanaa (2006)
One of the finest Indian films!
Fanaa is a wonderful romantic film with tragic events. Kajol plays the role of a blind girl so beautifully and with such grace and conviction. One of Kajol's best performances! Aamir Khan as Rehan had such charm and charisma. We also got to see a more serious and intense side of Rehan in the second half. Aamir's performance was outstanding! It was almost as if we saw two different characters played by Aamir. The pairing of Kajol and Aamir on screen was magic! Kunal Kohli did a fantastic job directing and the screenplay was good. A great entertaining and emotional film with beautiful cinematography and background score.
Salaam Venky (2022)
Beautiful film - an emotional rollercoaster!
Just saw Salaam Venky and it is an emotional rollercoaster and beautifully told film! Despite box office numbers, the film is fantastic. Kajol was superb and her son with the terminal illness performed wonderfully. Aamir Khan had an extended cameo; his scenes had a very powerful impact and his performance is outstanding! Loved the scenes with Aamir and Kajol, they both are such a great pairing on screen. Enjoyed Revathy's direction and storytelling. Though some parts are a bit slow paced, it is a must watch film for all ages. I'd highly recommend watching at night alone or with family. Hats off to the team of Salaam Venky.