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Kaatru Veliyidai (2017)
Disappointing
How long will ManiRatnam keep spinning the same yarn? Two Lovers of different personalities, a conflict in the background (Kargil here), beautiful scenery/photography, Warm fuzzy music - these are the main chess pieces around which he tries to sugarcoat and spin different movies. Roja was cute, because it worked at various levels. Geetanjali (Telugu) was all IlaiRaaja show; Bombay, we nodded our acceptance despite its flaws, because the music was going for it big time; Dil Se was further slide down, but the music, photography and other assorted stuff sustained it as a well-received hit. If we really observe, we see this pattern, the above formula packaged with songs, technical brilliance as some great movie.
Same trend continues in this movie. There is literally no story here. It's Mani's self-indulgence of two characters from his imagination taking form and doing illogical things. And to make it worse, Karthi with his weird facial expressions (sometimes like a Rapist, sometimes like a goon) to bring Mani's PC character into flesh is unable to do it. It's a pity, because Karthi can act and unfortunately not able to pull it off here. And AditiR - she with delightful look which the camera seems to be kissing all the time in frame after frame - it gets too repetitive and at times it seems we are seeing DeepikaP or a Aishwarya Clone. Apart from this two characters, rest of the cast are mere props and have no connection to the story in any way. Less said about the escapades of Karthi and his buddies from Pakistan/Afghan prison, the better. Maybe ManiRatnam should be sent by Army to plan our release/escape of Kesh Jadav! Totally illogical.
Overall, a big letdown.
Begum Jaan (2017)
Different movie, but belies expectations
OK, first thing - Full marks for a different theme! All the promos promised something different and kickass fare. But, only the "different" part holds true. The overall feeling is of being let down. The director and script writer couldn't possibly figure out what they want the movie to be; and so it waffles with few good scenes punctuated by long meandering where nothing really happens. Rather same scenes seem to repeat with different camera angles.
There was potential here to make a a terrific movie, despite the basic flaw in the premise (why wouldn't the Prostitutes simple move out and make life elsewhere; they have no attachment to that piece of land and are not attached to specific country, as they keep stating; also why wouldn't the Babus rearrange the border to allow the place to fall in one of the countries?). Unfortunately, despite a decent star cast, background score, location etc - it falls flat.
Vidya Balan tries hard and is adequate. The other girls give good support.
Just passable fare.
Trapped (2016)
Good acting keeps it afloat
We know what we are going to get into when watching the movie. It's not going to be the typical "entertainer" or "Masala" popcorn fare. It's for the discerning and viewer who likes to watch something different and gritty, similar to the so-called "art" movies of the yore. So, for the average viewer looking for kicks a minute entertainment, it is going to be ZERO rating. But, getting that out of the way, for the rest of the viewers, how does it work out?
I liked the acting of RajKumar. Very nicely done. To carry an entire movie frame to frame and not interacting with anyone is a huge challenge. There was another similar movie called Phobia, whether the lady who did the role, overacted beyond tolerance. But, here, the acting was terrific and real and in fact carries a weak script to something believable. The photography aspect is another key element in such movies (any movie, but here it needs to take the viewer in to the proceedings without any crutch such as beautiful locales, or people or outdoors etc). And it is good here, without resorting to any fancy gimmicks. No weird angles, claustrophobic inducements or other fancy stuff. Minimal, but works well.
I loved the previous movies of this director (Vikram M) and full credit to him to make something different from his previous fares.
I gave it 5 stars, because i think the script was weak. It's possible to get locked in (i did), but somehow it feels convoluted that one can't escape for so long; and when he escapes it seems unreal, that he has the strength to trapeze like a tight rope artist down five balconies after starving for days.
Adhe Kangal (2017)
Decent mystery movie
This is an off the beat Mystery movie. Though, the tempo and overall proceedings is low key with a "TV serial" feel to it at times (though definitely not shrill!), it keeps ones attention engaged thru the end. It starts of innocuously, with a blind Chef getting besotted by a lady customer who mysteriously visits him at the closing time of the restaurant. A lady journalist who is in love with the chef forms the third character of this plot, but this is no triangle. Without giving too much of the plot away, interesting things happen with an accident to Chef recovering his sight, the lady customer vanishing etc. All leading to a hunt to find out the truth. There is a supporting act by a cop, whose characterization is interesting and well acted too.
Overall, a good watch, without any vulgarity, violence. Well-acted with a bare minimum star cast, technical credits just good enough to keep things moving, background score staying in the background (not creating artificial noise). I liked all the three lead actors doing their part well to sail the movie thru.
Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (2016)
Gripping
Lovely murder mystery. Nice to see a movie with suspense being the theme with perfect pacing, enough eye for details, solidly enacted, no distractions of songs etc. Pretty much whatever makes a good solid yarn of a suspense from the good old school is in here.
Two deaths, missing woman, disappearing witness and a Cop led by his assorted bag of assistants, including a new recruit in the hunt.
I loved the way the story dealt in small details, especially at the police station, the new cops, the stress around their work etc. Rehman plays his part well.
Definitely worth a watch.
Pink (2016)
Well made but preachy feminist nonsense glorifying everything wrong
Another giant leap to cheapen women in the name of equality. In the guise of a movie which supposedly is a statement against female sexual harassment, it actually does the opposite and glorifies the following in the shell of a court drama:
Female Pre-marital sex : Check (Yes Girl! say it with pride! losing virginity is the coolest thing ) Female having Multiple sex partners : Check (Even better if it's before marriage!) Female drinking : Check (Making drinks is added bonus) Female extra-marital affair: Check (getting money in exchange is a future investment) Females accompanying strangers to a resort - for what? - of course to just have some harmless drinks, food, music, share ribald jokes - right?
The three women in the center of the plot do all of this and in the last step of this "harmless night out", they run into some louts. When things go out of hand with the louts wanting to go the extra yard, they just say NO! (yes NO!) and expect the charged up-drunk louts to zip up in gentlemanly fashion. And when he doesn't, the brave girl, who is very familiar with bottles, takes the nearest empty bottle in hand and smashes it on his head and flee the scene in anguish.
So, the whole premise of the movie is based on a "NO" is a NO is a NO. That is a fair statement. But, the movie doesn't ask the question on whether the women themselves don't have any responsibility in trying to get themselves into such situations by openly going out with guys, drinking with them, passing lewd jokes etc. In fact the message which comes out strongly is that, it's absolutely OK for Woman to be all the above and if not, it's a regressive society which doesn't think it's OK for women to drink, have premarital sex, be flirty with guys etc.
It's a very cheap movie, made with pretensions of class. The director cleverly avoids showing all the above, except by allusion and sample in end credits. Otherwise, the audience would not have felt too much empathy with the girls.
Leaving aside this flaws, it's a Engaging movie. The taut screenplay with slick editing makes it a racy drama, even though there is hardly any action or progress in the story. What makes the movie really work is that it has such a tight script without allowing any scene to linger longer than needed. Its been edited excellently to keep the engagement factor high. Picture this, right from start to finish, the story hangs around the three women trying to defend themselves, first on their own and then in the court. Nothing really happens outside the court. There is no side track or any other plot element.
Acting by all the three women is natural. Being relatively unknown faces, works to the advantage of the movie. Amitabh gives the big name attraction, acting as the senior lawyer playing the dark knight in taking up the case to defend. I know people may rave about this acting, but frankly i think any other decent actor would have done the same What he brings to the movie is the name recognition. The guys who played the assaulters were natural too.
This movie is another step in popular culture to subtly push the agenda of gender equality that it is passe and normal for girls to drink and flirt, have unrestricted sex as per their wish with multiple partners and more. And this is done by cleverly mixing up women safety and feudal mindset with women's "liberation" and "equality" and extending the right of NO to ridiculous extent.
Joker (2016)
A Must watch movie!
This is a tour-de-force of movie experience. Simply put, one of the best movies where everything comes together - Story, acting, direction, music, scripting, camera work. Just phenomenal. And the most important thing is - this has a soul which hits a raw nerve by its grim realism. The nativity of the location, milieu, the support cast is amazing. Shows the eye of detail of the movie makers. It also avoids the pitfall of being preachy or melodramatic or over the top. A pity that movies like this don't get a larger audience outside the region. There is so much of garbage movies which is produced nationally which gets reams and reams of media coverage but which everyone forgets immediately after the show itself.
I hate to give anything out about the story. It is better to watch this with no idea of the plot to heighten the cinematic experience. Even the very idea of having something like "this" (suspense) as fulcrum of the movie may seem a joke, but it is fitting.
And in all that grimness, there is also a very nicely played out love story where lot is said and exchanged by shy glances and slight chivalry.
Special kudos to the actor who played the lead role of Joker - Guru Somasundaram. He lives the role. All the useless Khans and big mouthed "heroes" should take note on what acting means. Nothing less, nothing more. The supporting star cast are no less behind.
Music including the background score is flawless! That is saying a lot.
Camera work is spectacular. Right from the first shot where it lovingly shows the rural place, not leaving even the minutest detail and continuing the same form till the end. Brilliant.
Dialogues are terrific. Again, not over the top, but very appropriate. Especially the climax.
Great work by Director! Do not miss it.
Meendum Oru Kadhal Kadhai (2016)
Feel good, clean romantic entertainer
This is another love story, which we have seen numerous times before. But, there is no pretension about it. In fact, in the first few minutes itself, the characters refer to watching "Bombay" movie about a Hindu-Muslim love story and state this would be similar to it, making a oblique reference to the sources of inspiration. That being said, the movie is surprisingly pleasant watch without any vulgarity, violence or needless sidetracks. Being a remake of Malayalam movie, we can see that the makers have tried to keep the spirit to the original.
The lead pair do their roles well with Walter playing the earnest Vinod who is trying to figure out his own feelings. He could have easily come out as a caricature, but due to some deft acting and careful characterization, the role retains some sense of normalcy. So, we have the lead for change, who doesn't have heroic gimmicks to win the girl. And then, on the opposite side, the girl who played Ayesha, shows a nice innocence, demureness and even her "rebel" aspect is also within the boundaries and not over the top. Good solid underplaying of the character.
The supporting act of Naseer and the Hero's friend , Inspector etc are able.
Technical aspects - Photography, Background score, Songs - work out well.
It's a nice feel good movie. Worth a watch.
Phobia (2016)
Overrated
I see this movie has got great reviews by critics and glorified as a very different, intelligent, horror/suspense, layered, textured, trend setter, daring, best and many other ephitets. And Radhika Apte was glorified as giving an Oscar winning performance which would put even Meryl Streep to shame (or words to that effect).
The reality - Movie is boring and the same scenes seem to keep repeating again and again, because the movie is all shot in one place indoors. Director has mixed up Agrophobia with psychic nonsense to come up with a movie which is hard to dive inside and feel any empathy with the so-called victim played by Radhika Apte. It is too much to see her continuously for 2 hours making various weird faces, searching under bed, poking thru bathroom holes etc. And all this glorified as a great movie, great direction. Ridiculous. I love watching so-called art movies and even bear thru "heavy" movies, but this was just too much to tolerate. With the benefit of remote, i could barely see thru the whole nonsense. Probably, the high expectations raised by glowing reviews made it more disappointing.
I would suggest to watch "Kaun" (from Ram Gopal Verma, during his glory days), to which this movie is being compared. The comparison of course is unfair. Kaun was fun to watch. Not much to see about fun here.
Sanam Teri Kasam (2016)
Mushy Romantic movie
Now, there is lot going against this movie - Very loose screenplay, routine predictable story which has played out so many times before (heroine dying of cancer) being very prominent among them. No doubt, it has been panned harshly by critics in formal reviews and not giving it much change of playing out. BUT, BUT, at the same time, it does few things going for it, which makes it a sweet, emotional watch. Firstly, the lead pair - Harshvaradhan and Mawra - both new to the Hindi movie scene - lend the story a freshness and their acting and chemistry makes it a joyful watch. Mawra imbues the role with vulnerability and sweetness, which makes one overlook the glaring flaws in her character. And playing her opposite, HarshaV as the brooding hulk with problems of his own (again, very weakly scripted), rises above the script to complement the pair. Songs are terrific and fleet in and out at the right time and not like fillers to the story. Thankfully the directors don't stretch out the climax or make the events around the cancer too dragging. There are no spoilers here, since the movie itself is told in flashback.
Overall, a nice romantic mushy watch with nice songs and well acted by lead pair.
Sanam Re (2016)
What a Joke!
I am 45 minutes into watching the movie and can't stop laughing at this joke of a movie. Random events,songs, nonsense like the Yoga camp in Canada (where crazy things happen) and more nonsense. And this is just 45 minutes into this so-called movie. Acting by lead trio is rubbish. Only silver lining in this horrible fest is the Locales - absolute gorgeous scenarios, beautifully captured, simply lovely. And couple of songs are melodious.
Not sure how Rishi kapoor got into this mess with his fake getup as a very old man ;-) Another tidbit is the Woman director herself leads the way in dancing for a item numnber and it is obvious that she is directing only because of being the wife of T-Series owner!
Don't get fooled by some good reviews here, which are clearly fake and planted by the marketing folks. Wish they had shown that sense in making a half good movie in the first place.
It is one hour in to the movie and i give up! Better to just listen/watch the songs on Youtube and get done with it! Watch it at your peril ;-)
Kabali (2016)
Thalaiva rocks
Any movie which gets such unimaginable hype and hysteria puts the viewer (and that a too a first day first show viewer) going in with lot of expectation. So, to be fair, i tried to view it as a regular movie. Overall, this is well-executed movie. Superstar Rajnikanth pretty much carries the movie in a role which obviously centers around him as an aged do-gooder Don. Only, with his larger than life image could have pulled off such a role. Unlike his movies in the past few years, he plays his age throughout the length of the movie (except few flashbacks) san much makeup. There is lot of paisa- vaisool for his fans - the punch dialogues, the mocking laughter, the mannerisms - should make them happy. The supporting cast including the junior cast (goons, students etc) put up a good show. There is also a Chinese actor as the main villain mouthing tamil lines. Background score shines trying to balance between not being loud and adding weight to the action scenes. Couple of songs are good, but given short shrift by editing. Yes, this is a Rajni way all the way, but at the same time, the pleasant surprise was the direction and editing. It's an extremely well shot movie weaving between Malaysia, India and other locations. Director Pa Ranjit does a good job helming this show, weaving the flashbacks in and out of the present, not lingering too much in a scene, not getting too carried away in the aura or Rajni, adding the right mix of action, sentiments and using the editor cut to present a slick package at the end.
Overall, thumbs up! Thalaiva rocks. Definitely not to be missed by Rajni fans. And for others, try to forget the massive expectations and enjoy the movie for its good moments and there are many.
Baaghi (2016)
Good action flick
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. The first half of the movie is a throwback to the 80's style of movie telling, almost straight out of Subhash Ghai type of stable, with the lead pair meeting in a train, some corny dialogues, rainfall followed by Song, heroine giggly, hero heady. It was almost a relief to just throwback to old times for a change. But, then the Action part comes on and from then it gets better, especially for all the action fans. The story is really not much to crow about and is basically an excuse for the action and fights. The good part is, it has been shot decently well. Tiger Shroff carries the movie on his own by his terrific flair for action and fights. It was refreshing to see a new face and a no- holds barred action actor after a long time. His uncanny resemblance to Jackie shroff evokes older Shroff's movies. Shradda Kapoor plays an ideal foil to make up the romantic pair. Her attempt at action though falls flat. The support cast are excellent, including the actor who plays the Martial arts teacher and the guy who plays the villain. Photography is terrific capturing the backwaters of Kerla to the the streets of Bangkok. Music is surprisingly good, including couple of hummable songs and a background score which is fitting to the action. Overall, a must watch for desi action fans.
One Night Stand (2016)
Nothing movie
Why the hell was this movie made? Why the hell did i bother to even watch it (even though i had the comfort of FFwding thru it). Some questions in life have no answer. This is one of them. Like the title, the only action which takes is place is in the one night stand, which basically seems like a condom ad. And after that movie meanders on horribly. Will it go the Basic instinct way? no. Will it go the stalker way? hmm, no. basically nothing happens. and the ending also is tame. Sunny Leone is hopeless. Rest of the cast don't make any impact either. Technically it's nothing. No songs. This must be one of the few Nothing movies. Simply nothing stands out. Just a waste of time. Don't bother, unless you want to get some sleep.
Thakka Thakka (2015)
Doomed
Every character in this film are doomed right from the first frame. And any one who watches this for some entertainment is also going to be doomed in the experience. There is no plot, though the way the movie starts it gives an impression of some type of story. But, at the end of the day, it is just a simple revenge masala movie with lot of violence and characters who are poorly etched. The only aspect which stands out in this dark poor saga is the lead actress played by Abhinaya. She stands out with a decent act as another doomed character. Couple of songs are good and come as some relief from the dark violent proceedings. Overall, this is a fare which can be safely skipped.
Vaalu (2015)
Simbu potboiler
Another goody cool Vagabond hero like umpteen Tamil movies. And he falls for a fair maiden college girl. Situations conveniently conjures up to make girl meet boy (accident, phone misplaced etc as per the imagination- seems like script was written during shooting itself) and boy get close to girl, make friends etc. The usual drill. Without reading too much, one can still see how subtly the movie promotes stalking women, treating the wooing of women as some commodity etc and glorifying it as a love story. This continuously happens in almost every Tamil movie (unless it is a psycho movie, which is another issue). The roadside romeo being projected as cool kid who is just making passes at girls in public places with his sidekicks. In fact, here Simbu's character proudly flaunts this aspect in the climax of the movie.
The positive part of the movie is Simbu's one-man show, where he somehow manages to keep the proceedings from falling apart totally. Giving him good company is Santhanam as the sidekick, with his trademark comedy. Also, the director tries to add some flair to mostly ordinary scenes. For example, even in climax, any potboiling action or fights are eschewed and the end is relatively quiet in sync with the overall tone of the movie.
Overall, there isn't really much to rave about. This is a Simbu show all the way. If you are his fan, you would love it. For others, it may be a drag.
Maari (2015)
Rubbish
Total rubbish of a movie. A supposedly Gangster flick with comic elements, the film falls flat. Dhanush tries to gamely carry this so- called movie on his own, but despite his decent acting and timing, it really doesn't redeem it.
The story is the same masala related to a Don of a area. In Tamil, this guy will be a hero, a Porikki (tapori) type and a well heeled fair girl would turn up to spice the romantic angle. The bad cop item is also there. It was boring. Of course, these movies have audience and make some money. So, if you like Porriki type of tamil movie, this may be your timepass to watch. Otherwise, stay out.
Idhu Enna Maayam (2015)
Average
Some marks for trying a different type of story in first half, though the second half takes us back to the usual boy-meets-girl-falls in love-breaks up type of routine. The premise of a branch troupe helping romantically changed to get their ways (girls) by enacting dramatic situations seemed trite, but it was passable.
The acting from the lead pair is a let down. There wasn't any sense of screen presence to lift an average fare with good performances. Songs are so-so.
Overall, nothing really sticks out in this average fare. Can give it a safe miss,
Jazbaa (2015)
Rubbish
The Director Sanjay Gupta stays true to his mediocre staple of movies. Lot of pretension of being stylish in presentation and zero in screenplay, editing and overall content. By using fancy filters presenting Mumbai in green, dark shades throughout the movie, he may think he has delivered a great visual movie, but it is just plain distracting and repetitive. And all the weird camera angles like an amateur toying with cinematography.
As usual, he also copies from a foreign movie, since he is no original. No problem. At least, he could have made a decent copy, since the story despite its inherent flaws had potential to be a decent suspense drama. But, he makes total mess of it. It is very poorly made, lacking any pull. The first half especially is boring, which is a shaming indictment for a suspense thriller.
Another big let down is Aishwarya Rai. Her screeching acting makes one go for the FF button or flee from the theater. A better actress could have probably made this bad movie tolerable, but not so with Aishwarya. And her role is the heart of the movie. The only saving grace is Irfan Khan, who makes the proceeding bearable. Even Irfran something seems to be wondering what the hell he is doing in this crap movie with his dazed look. Another Stalwart, Shabana Azmi also finds herself in this sorry apology of movie, mouthing inane lines. Even she cannot redeem her poorly etched character.
Despite its flaws,being partial to the Suspense thriller genre, i give this three stars.
Kshanam (2016)
Brilliant
Very rarely does a movie hook you from the first scene and this is one such gem. And it makes even more fun that i watched this by fluke looking at the interesting title, even though it had unknown cast and a so-called low-budget. But as we have seen often, the finest movies have come from little known small budget movies.
Also rare is the genre of true suspense without distraction of garish masala and Kshanam fits this bill of a real suspense thriller. No meaningless songs or comedy track etc to play to the gallery. Again, another rare for a telugu movie.
Guy living in US gets called by his ex-Girlfriend for urgent help. Landing in India, he finds himself in middle of inexplicable happenings while trying to help solve her problem. Saying another more will spoil the fun of watching. So, check it out.
The Script and screenplay are the super strengths of the movie. Hardly any dull moment, clever use of flashbacks and revealing just enough at the right time, keeping one step ahead of the viewer in the guessing game of what is really going on. And acting from the new faces is excellent, matching the script. Also, the background score is wisely subdued.
Overall, a must watch movie. Enjoy!
All Is Well (2015)
Decent fare
It is a pleasant relaxed watch. No violence or sleaze. It was nice to watch Rishi Kapoor in a major role pitted against his "screen" son enacted by Abhishek. There is a nice base of melodrama, good chunk of roadie (on the road), dash of romance, some comic villains in the story. The guy who acted in the role of the loan shark along with his sidekicks were hilarious, without being over the top. Asin plays a good foil. Overall, decent fare. Nothing spectacular, but worth a watch when you don't want to tax yourself much. There were other reviews which seemed overtly critical. Frankly it was not bad at all. It is a good family movie.
Oopiri (2016)
Feel good movie
A nice feel good movie which engages the attention for most of the part. Well acted, tightly edited with good screen play, story and minimal masala (but high on Entertainment), this movie has lot going in its favor to make it worthwhile watch.
Unlike many other films, the producers have credited the source as remake of a French movie, rather than lifting and passing it off as their creation.
Karthi as the aimless parolee with a tough exterior covering a caring person is standout. He carries the weight of the movie and is a scene stealer. Giving him good company is Nagarjuna who is charming as the invalid bound to wheel chair. He has to use his face and eyes especially to express the emotions as per the role and greatly complements Karthi. Others in the cast like Tamannah etc give good support.
The scenes in Paris and external locations are well shot and add a interesting dimension to the plot.
Big Thumbs up!
Dirty Politics (2015)
No sense
First question: What the hell where Anupam Kher, Naseerudin Shah, Om Puri and (arguably) Jackie Shroff doing in this movie with a title like "Dirty" politics and so poorly made??
Just a time pass below average masala movie which doesn't make much sense. Obviously there was no script, since the movie seems to go thru haphazard changes throughout the proceedings and characters drop in and out.
Finally, the big question - What is "Dirty" in this DirtyPolitics? There is little bit of sleaze with paunchy Ompuri making out with Mallika Sherawat, which becomes the subject of scandal.
Nothing is really worth homing about in this sorry excuse of a movie.
Can be safely skipped, unless you want to subject anyone to slow torture.
Mr. X (2015)
Lifeless
The idea of the story had enough potential to make a interesting movie. But, the script, screenplay, acting are all below par, making for a stale fare. Nothing is redeeming about this movie. You can probably watch it with the comfort of the remote. Even a bad plot can be redeemed to some extent with good acting, but here both EmraanHashmi and Amrtya are below par. Amrtya is totally wooden and misfit in a already hopelessly written role. Hashmi appears and disappears as the invisible guy, but his presence or lack of it doesn't make any difference. Of course, he does get couple of trademark smooching scenes. One can't help recollect the excellent MR.India movie, a movie based on an invisible lead, to contrast how poor this one fares, even with technology of 30 years forward!
Dolly Ki Doli (2015)
Interesting Premise, flawed execution
Story about a con woman & her motley crew. She does the run away bride act with the moolah of her groom, after marriage. The victims are selected for their gullibility. It starts of interestingly and seems a a different plot. But, it quickly goes downhill after the first "wedding" and even the director seems clueless on how to proceed further and thankfully keeps the movie within 2 hours. Lot of logic is thrown out of the window and the protagonist act of Sonam is wooden which goes against the movie. Somebody like KanganaRanaut would have probably suited the role much better. RajKumarRao stands out with his Haryanvi accent and act.
Overall, it's an OK movie, just for the premise and light viewing.