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October (2018)
Its all about the feeling!
The first thing I noticed in October is the name of Banita Sandhu and Geetanjali Rao before Varun Dhawan in the opening credits. Its only towards the end when I realised why did it really matter. Varun Dhawan plays "Danish" aka "Dan", still in his training period in a 5-Star Hotel, who does all kinds of chores from room cleaning, vacuuming, laundry, pest control and more. What makes him anomalous from others in the hotel is his temperament and his idiosyncratic attitude towards his work and every other thing that he sees around him. In the initial minutes of the film, he is seen as a man who remains irritated all the time, and irritates others around him. It is with every passing minute of the film that he grows and matures in a soul-stirring way. The trailer for the film did not reveal anything specific, which in a way served as a boon. What I meant by this is, had the trailer been a bit specific about what was going to happen in the film, the impact which director "Shoojit Sircar" and story and dialogue writer "Juhi Chaturvedi" were going for wouldn't have been half as effective as it is now.
The film is a testament to the genius that is Juhi Chaturvedi. The film is her brain child. The way she deals with the sensitive topic of "Euthanasia" through an accident faced by Shiuli (played earnestly by Banita Sandhu) without being preachy about it, is in itself a victory on her part. October is not just about that accident and how it affects Shiuli and her family members and especially Dan but also about other deeper tropes to which the director only makes a subtle reference and leaves most of the things for the audience themselves, to interpret it on a personal level. The only reason why Dan starts caring about her is when one of their friends tells him that Shiuli's last words before the accident were, "Where is Dan?" Just the answer to this one question leads him as well as the audience to a journey, aptly put in the trailer and is also the film's tagline "This is not a love story, this is a story about love". One more thing that was refreshing about October was the choice of not putting any unnecessary songs or musical cues (except just one theme music) and let the viewers feel the emotions naturally rather than it being forced.
One of the recent films which came to my mind while watching October was Kumail Nanjiani starrer "The Big Sick". While the latter was a true story and ended on a happy note, October does it differently. It makes you think about so many different issues ranging from love, life, empathy, fear of losing our loved ones and finally death. In a way; if you see in hindsight, one of the scene from the trailer where the character of Dan and Shiuli are sitting on a log could be said as an alternate ending to the film (the 'what if' scenario). So in my opinion, the decision of not putting some of the sequences from the trailer and the music videos for film was a conscious one; for if it weren't so, it would have been a completely different film.
Coming back to one of my previous points, of all things why the name of the film was "October". It can be reverted back to the character of Shiuli and why she is so important to the point which the entire film is trying to make and the type of story it wants to convey. Not going into the details, as it is always better to conceive it on a personal level.
The only thing I was sceptical about in the film was Varun Dhawan as the main lead. Will he be able to carry a film like he always does, without the usual elements of "the masala entertainer"? Well, he does it quite admirably. His character is very restrained in the sense that he doesn't show much and gives the audience time to feel with him and for him. For it is through the perspective of his character that we see everyone else around him. Also not to forget "Geetanjali Rao" as Shiuli's mother, who is stupendous in her depiction of a single mother and her bond with Dan brings some of the most inimitable moments in the film.
All in all, October asks some uneasy questions and its between the slow pace and silence of the film that we find our solace.
Global Baba (2016)
It requires courage to make such movies in India
Global Baba mostly went unnoticed because of lack of marketing and also its title was not the kind which we expect a good movie to have. But despite all this, it was a fine film. Though it had the same premise of God Men and blind faith, as we have seen in films like OMG! Oh My God or more recently Pk but it was tackled in a totally different way. It was a loud and serious film and remained so throughout its length. Towards the end a line flashes on the screen saying 'Let the Godmen earn your trust, not earn from your trust.' It is then, when you realise that the entire film has made the impact and has succeeded in giving the message it wanted to give. I will highly recommend this as it is one of the better films of 2016. I would give it a 9/10.
M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
The Untold Inspirational Story of M.S. Dhoni
2016 can easily be considered as the year of biopics and real- life stories. Some good ones being NEERJA, SARBJIT and AIRLIFT. And so the tradition continues with NEERAJ PANDEY's M. S. DHONI: THE UNTOLD STORY. As the title suggests, it is the untold story of the Indian Cricketer and Present Captain "Mahendra Singh Dhoni" and how he played a key role as the Captain and a Player to finally lift the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 against Sri Lanka after a long hiatus of 28 years. The running time of the film is 3 hours and 10 minutes which is quite long compared to any of the film released in recent years but even then the drama doesn't falter much and justifies it's length. The credit for this goes to the crisp editing and an equally supportive screen writing by NEERAJ PANDEY and NANDU KAMTE.
The first half of the film is that part of Dhoni's life which we don't actually know. His childhood, his family, friends and the people around him. And the second half is mainly his personal and love life and his International career as the Indian Captain. Coming to the first half, it is comparatively much better than the second half the sole reason of which being; it is the lesser known part of his life. His struggle has been shown to us in a way that is relatable to the people of all age groups. The biggest plus point of first half are the characters supporting MS Dhoni to reach his goal. The cricketing scenes in the film have been handled beautifully and provide the necessary excitement to the audience. Overall, the first half is very good and manages to sustain the interest of the audience.
Then comes the second half, although it is entertaining with the two leading ladies adding up to the romantic life of the Cricketer but somewhat the biography becomes a bit of a hagiography. It portrays MS Dhoni as if he can do anything and that winning the world cup was entirely his effort and only if a bit more of team work and his leadership skills were focused upon; it would have taken the movie to an all new level. But the climax is love 💜, it will give you the goosebumps as an Indian and would take you back to that magical and joyous moment of winning the World Cup.
SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT shines as Dhoni and undoubtedly gives his career best performance. He gives a subtle and balanced performance quite similar to Dhoni in real life. ANUPAM KHER as his father is amazing. DISHA PATANI as Priyanka Jha and KIARA ADVANI as Sakshi Rawat (as the love interests of Dhoni) look beautiful and play their part sincerely. Two of the supporting actors stand out as far as their performance is concerned namely------ RAJESH SHARMA and KUMUD MISHRA. Even in their small roles they make big impact.
Overall, M. S. DHONI: THE UNTOLD STORY is a must watch film and entertains despite a few drawbacks in the second half. I would give this an 8/10.
Pink (2016)
If a girl says NO... It's a NO, no questions asked!
Our Indian society suffers from an age old problem of discrimination between men and women where men are free to do whatever they want, wherever they want, whenever they want. Same is not the case with the women. Her character is judged by the length of her clothes, if she drinks or smokes and other such criteria made by our so called society. Considering this, it took the silver screen a hell lot of time to make a film on this subject. But as the proverb goes, "Good things come to those who wait". So here is PINK.
PINK is all about the double standards of people towards female. Making a film of this sort requires something more than just knowing your craft, it should be emotionally and morally strong so that it can make an impact on the people and it is then that the objective of such a film is fulfilled. Nevertheless, PINK doesn't disappoint at all in delivering what it promises to. The motion picture remains true to itself from the first shot till the end credits. The screenplay is quite impressive as it keeps the audience engrossed from the word go. It is a major plus point for the film as otherwise the drama could have been a bit too melodramatic.
Coming to the actors, AMITABH BACHCHAN yet again nailed it with his scintillating performance. In the role of "Lawyer Deepak Sehgal" he is first-rate. TAPSEE PANNU is the central character and as "Minal Arora" she is fantastic and is the ideal choice for the role. PIYUSH MISHRA, another fine actor and as the opposition lawyer yet again he delivers a fine performance. Other actors worth mentioning are KIRTI KULHARI as "Falak Ali" who gives a relatively strong act compared to her previous outings. ANGAD BEDI as "Ranveer Singh" makes his presence as the offender.
So, I would like to say that PINK is a very important and a well made film that deserves and should be watched by as many people as possible. If it is capable of changing the mindset of even a small bunch of people who consider their female counterparts as inferior to them or the people who are judgmental about a girl based on their own patriarchal thinking and societal influence, it would be a note- worthy accomplishment for the film and it's makers. An important thing to learn from this movie is that if a girl says NO for something IT IS A NO. Which means she is not willing to do that. No one can force her to do anything out of her will whatsoever.
Finally, PINK in my opinion is easily one of the best films of 2016 and has the power to impact the viewers with persuasion. I would give it 9/10 and recommend it to all.
...Yahaan (2005)
Peace and hope is what Kashmir wants
Some movie genres in Bollywood require a good amount of research and thought process and to weave a fictional story on the reality of a place like Kashmir and to do it to the ambit of precision requires some great competence. "YAHAAN" is one such movie made on the Kashmir incident. It also marked the directorial debut of "SHOOJIT SIRCAR" and his flair to deal with such a sensitive subject in a mature way. The film focuses on Kashmir, and it's beauty can be summed up by Emperor Jahangir's famous lines: "Gar firdaus bar-rue zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast (If there's a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here.)" which now is suffering from fear, turmoil, violence, chaos and bloodshed in the name of a separate state of Kashmir. Amidst all this is the love story of Captain Aman played by "JIMMY SHERGILL" and Ada played by "MINISSHA LAMBA." Talking about Jimmy Shergill, he is a really amazing actor and in this film also he does full justice to the character of an Army officer. Minissha Lamba is fine on the basis of her debut and her casting is appropriate as the premise of the film was such that it required a new face.
The scenes of bombing and attacks in the valley look as real as they can get and the entire credit for this goes to the cinematographer. Kudos to him for a job well executed. Coming to the other aspects of the film which I like, included the supporting cast as without them the portrayal of such a jittery situation would be impossible. A special mention to "YASHPAL SHARMA" who shines as Ada's brother Shakil Ahmed and delivers a performance worth remembering. What more can be asked for when above all this the lyrics are penned by non-other-than "GULZAR". All songs have tremendous potential but my personal favourite is "Naam Ada Likhna". Mentioning all the merits of the film will sound like an exaggeration to many and may spoil its beauty. However, I would recommend all of you to watch "YAHAAN" if you haven't already seen it. It feels more relatable taking into account today's frame of reference as just the times have changed but the gloom of Kashmiris being the same.
I would give 10/10 to "YAHAAN" as such movies come once in a while and have a great impact over the coming generations as well.
Rustom (2016)
An entertaining film which required a better treatment from its makers
"RUSTOM" is another movie made on the premise of 1959's famous Nanavati Case others being YEH RASTEY HAIN PYAR KE (1963) and ACHANAK (1973) which was directed by Gulzar. As the makers have taken the case as their base and have made a more or less fictional story out of it so there shouldn't be any comparison between the actual incident and the film. Talking about RUSTOM, it is an entertaining movie with some really funny moments in the second half. Still, the kind of script it was dealing with; you expect something more. "AKSHAY KUMAR" plays his part well and not being biased but, any type of uniform suits him whatsoever. The whole film moves around him and he does full justice to his character otherwise the supporting cast is just about okay and doesn't contribute as much is required from them. Overall, RUSTOM is an entertaining movie but being released as a patriotic movie it turns out to be just another drama on extramarital affair. Many may differ from my views but I personally expected more from it as the trailer for the same was really appealing. I would give it a 5/10.
Pyaasa (1957)
A masterpiece decades ahead of its time!!!
PYAASA may have released in the late 50s but the real, deceptive, avaricious and greedy world it showed back then makes it relatable to the present generation and even the generations to come. I think this is the reason why Guru Dutt (Director) is considered as "the man ahead of his time". All the songs go perfectly well with the drama and contribute to the screenplay and take the story forward. When talking about the songs, the lyrics should be given a special mention as they are just out of the world. Such well written songs are to die for. The movie tried to question the problems lingering in the society at that time in a way that evidently showed the genius of the director and his clear vision about his perspective of the world around him. It also very well portrayed the turmoil and hardships faced by the people in every sphere of life and that nobody cares about anyone in this self-centered world. At the end I would say that, PYAASA is a genuine masterpiece by Guru Dutt.
And finally, the only obnoxious thing I can think of is that it took decades for the audience to understand and praise this work of his both in reel and real life. So, I would recommend everyone to watch it anywhere in the world and have one of your greatest cinematic experience.
Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
India's gift to world cinema!!!
When you watch a movie made by a great director or a great actor or actress you get a feeling that is difficult to explain in words. It makes you alive. But then there is a movie like "RAMAN RAGHAV 2.0" which can easily be called as one of the finest movies of Bollywood of all time. Inspired from the life of a serial killer, the film is very intelligently shown from the prospective of an individual who himself is deeply inspired by the acts of Raman Raghav (who killed around 41 people in Mumbai during 1960s to 70s) played brilliantly by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. He is so into his character that even you feel scared by the way a psycho killer thinks. Well to say the least, he deserves all the standing ovations, awards and praises for this role. And India is truly blessed to have an actor like him. Vicky Kaushal in the role of the drug- addict policeman is great. Even if it is an out and out Nawazuddin Siddiqui film, he makes his presence felt in many of his scenes which in itself is an achievement considering it is just his third film. Another great thing about the movie is its direction done by our favourite "ANURAG KASHYAP". His direction is such that the film remains with you for quite a long time, actually it changes you and your way of seeing to things. For example, this film will make you afraid of every random guy who gives you a close look or just a look. The director is greatly inspired from "QUENTIN Tarantino" which is seen in his work. To sum up, this film may not earn the money which is expected due to obvious reasons and its violent content and language of course but I am sure it will surely be in your list when you recommend a film to someone. A 10/10 for this film as there are no loopholes in here.
Ahalya (2015)
Sujoy Ghosh is the master of suspense/thrillers
In general, we are not very used to short films but now as the new filmmakers are full of new ideas and know their craft well enough, it is the right time for this cinema to make a mark. So here it is, AHALYA. Made within a duration of a bit less than 15 minutes, this film is a perfect combination of a good story and reasonably great direction by Sujoy Ghosh. Also, the acting of all the three lead actors goes well with the drama. The suspense which is revealed in the last minutes is breathtaking and beautifully executed. Finally, I would say this film will bring about an era of short films which is here to stay. Overall, 9/10 for this one.
Phobia (2016)
A novel attempt by Bollywood
A few days ago I watched "Phobia". First of all this is new for Bollywood as they don't make much psychological thrillers and Radhika Apte pulls the entire movie on her shoulders with ease. Secondly, it is funny in 1 or 2 scenes which is not very good rather really sad for a horror/ psychological thriller and it is only Radhika Apte's acting which makes you sit in the theater till the end. In the first half, the movie builds with much novelty in it but second half has some instances from a few Hollywood movies but still it keeps you engaged. So, in total it had a few major drawbacks but a good experiment for Bollywood and some really great acting so I would go with 6/10 for this.
Udta Punjab (2016)
Reality of Punjab shown in the most engaging way possible
If you are planning to watch Udta Punjab or even if you have no such plans, this is the most awesome movie of the year so far. So if you have any thoughts about watching this just do it now, do it right now. From the first scene, you become a part of the movie and it never loses you till the climax. That's the best part of Abhishek Chubey's direction. Dealing with such a reality based topic and deciding to make a film on this is in itself commendable. So the research for the subject was another thing which was done by the respective people beautifully. Now this perfect script wouldn't be this perfect if the casting was done with any laziness. All the actors of the film were as outstanding as they could be. SHAHID KAPOOR gives another great performance of his career after his par- excel performance in "Haider". He takes the character of " Tommy Singh" to another level. DILJIT DOSANJH makes a perfect debut into Bollywood. His casting is another thing which gives the film the high which it gets. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN is fine considering her role. But the other actors in the lead have shown such brilliance and they have so much to do that her character is overshadowed by them. Otherwise, she does the best in whatever she has in her part. Last but not the least, ALIA BHATT. Her role gives you the hope that whatever happens "Good Times Will Come". She has played her role rather I would say she has lived the role. Her look, her Bihari accent, her dialogue delivery is such that you can only admire her every time she comes to the screen. At the beginning, it seems like it is only SHAHID's film but after her entry and the scenes where both of them share the same frame is where ALIA steals the show. Overall, UDTA PUNJAB is perfect in all respect and seriously rarely it happens that a Bollywood film enters from one scene to the other matching the level of any top class Hollywood movie. So, it is a must watch, highly recommended. I'll go with 9/10 for this flick