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Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
Brilliant...just brilliant.
Brilliant...just brilliant. An exhilarating movie experience which demands to be seen only on big screen for its rustic visuals which takes you straight into raw and rugged heartland. Very very entertaining as well and humor keeps you to the edge of the seat throughout. At times it reminded me of Sholay on epic, comedy and entertainment level.Though not for people with faint-heart, GOW bleeds excellence in almost every frame and every scene. An epic and brutal saga spanning over decades and generations. Its epic, visceral and poetic all at the same time.
Watching GOW on big screen wasn't just watching a movie but an experience. An experience which also proves Anurag Kashyag as the face of new age Indian cinema after GOW, Black Friday, Dev-d. And how can I forget the brilliant No Smoking which was quite David Lynchish. Manoj Bajpayee is impeccable and irreplaceable in his career best performance.
Music is fantastic and specially how well the music have been utilized is another USP of the movie. For example the beautiful "Ik bagal mein chand hoga..ik bagal me rotiya" from Piyush Mishra. Suddenly the mood and visual of the film changes. The song reminds you of some 50-60's lullaby and how poetically it has been shot reminds you of Bimol Roy's classic "Do Beegha Zameen". So many references of the era gone by...from those colorful posters to Bachchan era..to the era of violence and lawlessness of such places..at times it feels like poetry in motion.
Just magnificent...Indian cinema at its best!!
Chak De! India (2007)
Reviving the glory and pride of national game and women---excellent
Excellent flick......and the credit should go to entire team....finally Yash raj have started to experiment.....and kudos to them NOT for making a sports based movie but for making hockey based movie....yes before fabulous reviews and before i watched this one myself i thought cricket/football based movie would have been better specially for box office fate....but after watching the flick i feel like to thanks whole-heartedly to the entire team including every character,technicians and people behind the camera for this applause worthy effort....
And no one should be afraid about its entertainment value....its highly entertaining....
In a nation where "cricket" is like prayer and people eat and drink cricket and where people have forgotten their "national game", its an outstanding effort ...it could have been quite easy to make cricket/football based flick which are more popular....but the entire nation should be thankful to yash raj and entire team for reviving the glory of our national game...at least on screen.....also about the value of females in India and what people in general think about them....it brings moments of honour and glory for them as well....
Excellent performance by Srk....absolutely knockout....in fact everyone have given fabulous performances even if their roles have been short....incredible screenplay by Jaideep Sahni....when was the last time when we saw such kind of screenplay?..perhaps Omkara....and finally thumbs up to Shimit amin for his brilliant direction....
This will be my third favourite flick of the year...after Parzania and Black Friday....and coming close to both of these flicks is not mere achievement....
The crowd was one of the wildest i have seen....clapping,laughing and cheering throughout.....
Brilliant effort by the whole team....it gives many moments of cheer and relish....about hockey and about females....moments of pride and glory....about triumph of human spirit....
Chak De India.....its makes you cheer....its makes you clap....it makes you cry....and.....it makes you "whistle"...
8/10
Parzania (2005)
Parzania-----An emotional tide....
Although the film looks one-sided and blaming mainly Hindus for whatever happened...
But its triumph of cinema......a triumph of film making... I never thought i would have chance to watch a better flick than Black Friday from Bollywood this year....but after watching Parzania i cant tell which one is better.....
Apart from moving storyline and direction what raises Parzania to its zenith is streak of powerful performances.....even the actors who have minuscule role fires energy in his/her role....
But the two actors who stands above all are Naseeruddin Shah and Sarika... Naseer gives one of the finest performances of his career...and when one says one of the finest performance of Naseer career one can wonder how his performance can be....
Sarika----do i dare to say that she is even better than a class actor like Naseer in this flick?? Yeah...i dare to say that she had outdone Naseer's great performance in this flick.....can someone believe that this was the actress who used to come to show her bikini in tiny roles.....where was the talent hidden?
Playing the role of a wounded and sorrowful mother she is simply incredible....she is a complete revelation and no i don't mean like some critics keep using this word every now and then...Her delivery and expression in the emotionally devastating climax of the flick where she narrates the atrocious act before Human Rights Commission left me totally speechless....and when she says "my son had to come back no matter how long it takes...i will wait,i will wait"...i cried up.... This performance should be remembered as one the best performance given by any actress in history of Bollywood....
A must watch for everyone....and if you like quality cinema then you are committing a crime by not watching this flick.....
El laberinto del fauno (2006)
Dark,Brutal,Magical and Emotional....absolute Masterpiece
"A long time ago"....... With this line we are drawn straight towards into.....
Laberinto del Fauno, El(Pans Labyrinth)---2006
Honestly speaking i have always found fairy tales absolutely childish Although there remains some magic and cuteness in the flick but there wasn't any fairy flick which satisfied me or kept totally engaged
Then i came across Pans Labyrinth trailer which caught me and excited me But later i got disappointed to know that its an Spanish flick and its actual name is Laberinto del Fauno, El.
But again when i saw the reviews(130 positive reviews out of 135) which are 96% positive and also the movie climbed at #124 at IMDb top 250 i couldnot controlled myself and downloaded this Spanish flick
Pans Labyrinth is the story of a young girl who comes with her pregnant mother to live with her step-father.Story is set in 1944,at the time when the country was at war.But the girl gets caught in her own fairy and imaginative world
Prior to watching i thought that this flick will be very good but i ended up watching a flick that is downright extraordirany in every aspect
Its a story which also compels that inspite of so much brutality going on in world one tries to find peace and happiness by creating another world
There have been uncountable fantasy and fairy flicks but Pans Labyrinth beats the hell out of every such flicks.This simply blows every others out of the water Dark yet astonishingly beautiful...extremely brutal at times yet deeply emotional and touching.Innocence vs brutality,dark vs light and Fantasy vs Reality all interwooved together this is the fairy/fantasy flick that i had always been waiting for or i had always dreamed of
Performance by Ivana Baquero(young gal) is nothing sort of extraordinary. While her display of a gal caught between real and fantasy world left us stunned,then her emotional display sent us on the verge of tears Ably supported by Sergi Lopez and Maribel Verdu
But above all this is the flick of director "Guillermo del Toro" He haven't only succeeded in making an astounding visually crafted flick but also in unique style of storytelling.And all bow to him for making a fairy flick that is for "grown ups". And one must admire him for his unique vision and imagination and furthermore finally being able to convert his vision into a masterpiece, both as writer and director
Apart from the mesmerizing visuals,deeply touching storyline,extremely brtual and dark scenes i would like to mention about its haunting and sad music. Its one of the best i have heard in years if not the best.
Kudos to Guillermo del Toro for creating a dark,beautiful,brutal and deeply emotional fantasy flick which connects with our heart
Apparently Pans Labyrinth won over 20 minutes of standing ovation at Cannes,after the flick ended.That says something
Finally,Pans labyrinth should definitely win Foreign language Oscar for best flick if not the best Oscar in Hollywood category
Stunning,amazing,spectacular,instant classic,extraordinary,masterpiece are some of the proverbs that can be attached with Pans Labyrinth Its sensitive as well as shocking
Pans Labyrinth is such a magical labyrinth which viewers don't want to leave even after the flick gets over.
Some scenes and dialogues are just out of the world...like when Doctor replies "But captain, obey for obey's sake... That's something only people like you do" Another one is when Ofelia talks with her unborn brother.. "Brother...little brother...if you can hear me..things here aren't good.. but soon you'll have to come out.You have made Mama sick...I had to ask you one favor for when you come out,just one....don't hurt her....." The above mentioned scene was so much natural that it had everlasting impact
Bottomline:Its not only magical and visually appealing but it connects with our heart and its deeply touching and emotional.A not to be missed by viewers who loves quality cinema.A prime example of cinema which have got amazing direction,brilliant execution,astounding screenplay and a powerful script
A real cinematic masterpiece in true and every sense
Don (2006)
Why Farhan Why(DON-My Review)
When the rumours started about SRK working with Farhan i was quite happy. But later when i heard he was going to remake i was shocked and surprised I never even thought that someone will make a remake of a good masala entertainer That too remake by Farhan was more surprise.Later on people started calling it classic Classic??....I can only laugh.Since when a good masala entertainer started to became classic.I was never a big fan of DON.In my book it was good entertainer. And i have not watched old DON in years.I remember the basic plot of the movie I remember old DON mainly for Khaike Paan song and BigB performance Moving further it was not a good step by Farhan cause DON is not a flick like old DEVDAS. DON keeps coming almost every month.But Farhan was bent on making this flick.He promised us that this will be a cool and stylish flick I imagined bollywood cant make MI-2 but yeah MI-1 is quite possible But after the gripping theatrical trailer nothing kewl action or stunts were shown.I was surprised So as now the film had released...whether its a good film??....i am extremely sorry but its not...
Rather.......its a Brilliant film.......a kickass thriller.... Farhan had delivered what he have promised.This is as stylish as u can think of any bollywood flick on par with Hollywood standard.The look,background music everything gives u a Hollywood feel
OK...as far as story is concerned.1st half is almost similar to the original DON. But contrary to many people i liked 2nd half more.Its more thrilling and gripping and with a lot of twists and turns I liked it more than the original whose second half was plain average without much twists and turns And in that part actually Farhan had made changes in the script.And many people and critics seems to be angry that farhan should have stuck with the original script.But tell me if this one had exact similar story who would have watched this Why should someone watch the same story which keeps coming very often on TV.
And i am surprised to see people not liking this flick.I will list few reasons....
1.U are die hard STUBBORN old DON fan 2.U are big BIGB fan who don't want SRK to play this role 3.A stylish thriller on par with Hollywood standard is not your cup of tea
Now..moving onto critics...whether not the critics job is to give review only. But few critics are bent upon to break this movie.Which frankly will lead to audience lost. I have never seen so much arrogant media who is not letting any stone turned to keep the audience away from this flick
Critics are saying that this flick had style but no soul.Gimme a break but i din see media commenting so much on DUS which was good flick but turned out average cause they forcefully tried to interwoov the emotional moments A thriller should be like thriller which keeps u guessing and surprises you rather than to try to have interwooven touching moments Go watch 'The Usual Suspects' and bring me any soul in the movie.But it is considered to be greatest thriller ever of Hollywood alongside The Sixth Sense. But i am not surprised cause thrillers are mostly received badly by critics in bollywood
Negative things...... Well sometime u feel like the movie is getting a bit slow But its surprising that i don't find that movie needs any editing
Performances.... Ompuri---Totally wasted
Isha----Again wasted
Kareena Kapoor---Doesn't have quite much role.But she looks real HOT on screen
Arjun Rampal----He acted well.But frankly he have very short role to notice.But he was really good whatever he was offered
Priyanka Chopra---She looks fabulous.But please when you start to act which seems u have forgotten since Aitraaz.An OK performance
Boman Irani-----When i first heard about his role i was not convinced that he can put off the role. But surprisingly he is nothing less than Brilliant.He proved if he can make u smile then he can also send a chill too
SRK----Vijay----Though his role is short he is quite good Look at him in 'Khaike Paan' song.God...SRK where u have left this energy while working with Johars And he have put really a great effort in khaike song
DON----I always wanted DON to be cruel,stylish,evil and intelligent.And this character does the same People should really feel that 'Don Ko Pakadna Mushkil Hi Nai Namumkin Hai'.His dialogue delivery with bit of bitterness is great to see.And i forgive him for his dismal and sleepwalk performance in KANK A surprise job well done
Special mention to "Mai Hoon DON" song......The way it starts...the way SRK's back is shown and the way he walks. Nothing less than spectacular."Khuli Kiski Khaatir Hai Baahen,Jami Kispe Hain Sab Nigaahen".He really makes feel like to welcome this DON of new Era
Actions.... Car chase sequence is stunning and its roller coaster ride... Aeroplane diving sequence is BREATHTAKING.....absolute treat to watch....
Farhan---"Why Farhan Why...why why...why u have made such a good thriller like Hollywood.You don't know we are still living in old age.We are not ready for this.Damn it" But THANKS---U have really delivered what u have promised.But please next time come with new thriller so that sick minded will not be ready to compare and backfire on you.Great job Farhan.U have completed hatrick of good flicks
Visually film is stunning.Background music is amazing as well. And please everyone who like thrillers must watch this especially if u like Hollywood kinda thrillers
And this flick is really needed to work on Box office cause more and more producer/directors will come upfront to make such stylish flick of holly standards.For a 30crr budgeted flick u cant expect more stylish and kewl flick from Bollywood
Again Farhan...please make your next flick thriller as well..of such standard but with original story
.....8/10
Bring on DON-2....
La vita è bella (1997)
When the end credits rolled on...i was stunned and deeply moved...
Vita è bella, La(Life Is beautiful)-----1997
Made in Italy by actor and director Roberto Benigini This flick is not about racism but about the human spirit Life Is Beautiful shows how humour can set the spirit free even in the most darkest circumstances of life.
In 1939 Italy,Guido(Roberto Benigni) is a carefree Jewish person who wants to open bookstore With his amazing sense of humour he woos a beautiful school teacher Dora(Nicoletta Braschi) Later on they marry and story moves to 5 years later.Now they have a son Joshua(Giorgio Cantarini) 1945 during WW2 they all are captured by fascists and sent to death camps.Guido makes his son believe that this is actually a game of 'hide and seek' in which one have to get 1000 points to be a prize winner which is a tank
The first half is full of comedy and humour and one might think its romantic comedy But second half takes a u turn and makes the movie intense and tragic yet lighter The second half gives a feeling of 'Schindlers List'.But this movie is not as brutal as that rather we see a deeply touching story told with imagination and humour Inspite of second half being dark and grim,light and comical moments are interwoven with death and misery all around
Life Is Beautiful is a daring,original story As an innovative director and a supremely talented actor. Critic Roger Ebert,the first person ever to win Pulitzer Prize for film criticism says ...Guido uses the only gift at his command to protect his son. If he had a gun, he would shoot at the Fascists. If he had an army, he would destroy them.He is a clown, and comedy is his weapon.
I couldnot have agreed and described it more profoundly
Guido in profound fashion, Guido personifies the axiom "Life is what you make it". It is an unexpected,oddly passionate yet deeply emotional portrayal of a father's sacrificial love for his son.
Roberto Benigini popularly known as Jim Carrey of Italy gives his lifetime performance Its unimaginable to believe the way he portrays humour even in heart wrenching and emotionally driven scenes which can put many audience on the verge of tears He got well deserved best actor Oscar that year
Roberto Benigini...again triumphs as a writer and director.The scene where he is caught and sees his son hiding leaves you just speechless.Even in that haunting scene by dispalying humour he makes his son believe its part of the game.A class act
Life is beautiful is not about barbarism and brutality but about human spirit.About hope for future Its about victory of hope over despair,light over dark and also this deeply affecting film triumphs humour over hatred In the battle against barbarism,Benigni is saying, there are also the weapons of joy and imagination. It makes u believe that life is not what happens to us,but how we react to it.We must learn to enjoy every moment of our life. It is up to us to make it beautiful.
And one can assume the greatness of flick as inspite of being made in Italy this timeless classic doesnot only got Oscar nomination for 'Best Foreign' language film but it got 7 Oscar nominations in leading categories out of which it won 3 Oscars.
Winner of Grand Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival 'Life is Beautiful' poignantly shows us that in the midst of dark ugliness of death the light of life shines at its 'Most Beautiful'
The movie is light but when the the credits at the end of flick rolled on....i was deeply touched and could not move for few moments.....
Unarguably among the greatest flicks.....
..........9.25/10
Kisna: The Warrior Poet (2005)
Hum hai is pal yahan...
Just came back after watching Kisna...and it was a bit disappointment..however the overall movie is good.. Story u have known so far...the love story is refreshing...but the movie drags sometimes.. and i was surprised i din saw Subhash Ghai in movie... Ashok Mehta have done brilliant cinematography..its the best thing of the movie...really awesome... music is good as we all know but a English song is in movie... Ghai had tried to make this movie great but he is unable to match up with the expectations... Coming to performances...Isha Sharwani seems to be in gymnastic earlier..her flexible body is flexed more than we expect...not much to do in acting department..but have done good job what she have been offered..
Antonia had surprised with her acting...her tuti futi Hindi is delightful... she is the winner in this movie...absolutely damn good performance and she is the show stellar...
Now Vivek Oberoi:He looks cool...but below average performance..totally forgettable..the movie being named on him and only established star among three he should have come with electrifying performance...but he gives just passable performance and one major drawback of the movie...
And its being 25 crr movie it ud be very tough for KISNA to get successful...
Sorry GHAI sahab u need SRK,AAMIR OR HRITIK in this movie to make it an epic...
Overall its good... 3/5....peace
Black (2005)
Black magic...
Just cameback after watching BLACK.... And this movie is a masterpiece by BHANSALI... another realistic movie...another realistic story... with top class performances.... but people who only love to watch entertaining and masala movies cant know the quality of this movie.... with two hrs of duration this movie takes bollywood cinema to another high level which we can be proud of...without any songs... this is bhansali's black magic... pace of the movie is through constant... and coming to the performance...AB has given a very sincere and good performance...not his best but very good performance... and ayesha kapoor playing rani's childhood is outstanding...she really surprises with her powerful performance...
and if some people think Hritik's acting in Koi mil Gaya was one of the best played by any actor of Bollywood then the same goes for Rani.... totally amazing powerpacked performance by her..... without any doubt its her career best performance....a performance even her haters have to praise it...
but handling all of them like captain of the ship is SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI who takes Indian cinema to another level....hats off to u...
Rang De Basanti (2006)
Mohe Rang De Basanti........
Well from the first trailer i have the feeling this movie is like DCH meeting Sarfarosh and after watching it remains the same
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is back with a more powerful will than Aks
Rang De Basanti tells the story of five people who only know to do masti all time and how in the end their life changes.
It tells the story of patriotism in a different way.We have seen many movies on Azad and Bhagat Singh.Mehra blends this one in his own intellectual style
So now critics... Well starting from negative points.. Rang de Basanti was a lil bit short of expectations especially cause of sky touching expectations
The movie drags in some parts and even while the muvy is moving you feel the story has got bit stagnant
Music could have been better.
The beating of people while peacefull demonstration seemed to be forced..India is not that much rude now..it was just like people got beaten up during British rules.. Rolling Eyes
And the biggest letdown was ending.It should have been a logical ending.There was no need for 'khoon kharaba'.And the radio scene should have been handled by Aamir himself.Siddarth was quite good in the whole movie but in that scene we needed a powerful punch and dialogues and it could have been done by Aamir only
Now the positives.. A good noble and intellectual story especially for the youth
Patriotism in a new flavoured style
Top class performances by all the star cast.Alice Patten looks cute and acts good.Soha is complete revelation.She looks stunning and acts well Siddharth is quite good with cigarette in his mouth and some pain in eyes.Kunal Kapoor is efficient.Sharman Joshi surprises with his performance.While Atul Kulkarni is brilliant like always
But its Aamir Khan who comes out with a knockout performance.Credit should be given to him for letting all actors so much scope.From the beginning to the end inspite in a streak of powerful performances by others he stands taller than all.After a not upto the mark performance in Mangal Pandey Aamir comes with a vengeance.He makes you sing,laugh and cry too.Bravo Aamir bravo
And thanks to Mr Mehra for making such a nice movie.After a flawfull and overboard Aks this is a welcome back for him.Kudos
From the beginning you will listen a dialogue like this...
'I always believed there are two kinds of people...one who dies screaming and other who dies in silence'
In the end the dialogue changes like this which i don remember exactly but its something like this...
'I always believed there are two kinds of people...one who dies screaming and other who dies in silence'...then i came across the third kind..one who dies laughing...
awesome really awesome dialogue..
And coming to the bo cant say much but i feel it depends much on youths. ....3.5/5
Gangster (2006)
Impactfull...
Finally watched gangster last night Remember Mahesh Bhatt..the writer,director and great story teller of 90's In last few years he got lost somewhere But with gangster he is back with a powerful and heart touching script Well all said and done whether Gangster lives upto the expectations? Yes in someway and no in someway
Story: As every1 knows.Most of the story is in flashback Aakash loves Simran but Simran hesitates cause of her past.Later we come to know Simran had an affair with Gangster in past. Just when Aakash and Simran make love 'gangster' comes back and simran had to make choice.Whether to go with gangster or to stay with Aakash
Critic: Negative points: 1.The most negative aspect of movie is its slow pace.Sometimes when Kangna narrates the story you might feel lost somewhere And to be frank we went for the movie with 12 friends and more than half of them didnot liked the movie mainly due to slow pace which forced to boredom 2.Kangna is in a lifetime role.But her voice really don't suit much and don't make much impact 3.Kangna is brilliant sometimes and overboard and irritating sometimes especially in crying scenes 4.The portion where Shiny pleads Kangna to give him one more chance is just crap and over melodramatic.Especially when shiny tries to cry.I was not expecting such from Shiny Ahuja U can listen many people laughing in that scene although it tries to be emotional one 5.The scene at seoul station in climax.Shiny tries to cry too much.I was expecting to see his expressive eyes again in that scene rather than crying
Positive points: 1.Brilliant Music 2.Splendid performances 3.Well twists and turns 4.This movie has soul and heart 5.Classic ending
Well don't know whether Kangna will get such a role in lifetime or not.But this is a role which any actress should die out to work for. She is incosistent.She goes overboard in crying scenes and her voice had negative impact.But she had done a wondefull job looking that its her first movie.She is brilliant in some scenes Especially she is quite good post interval.A talent to watch out for.
7/10 for her performance
Emraan Hashmi is good.He had done what he was given.5/10 for his performance
Now the show stealer Shiny Ahuja.Well apart from the two scenes which i mentioned in negative points he was just outstanding An actor to watch out for.Needs to improve in crying scenes.He lits fire whenever he comes on the screen.With his expressive eyes he says all.The anger,emotion and the unconditional love for Simran comes out through his eyes.Gangster rocks cause shiny ahuja rocks.He is just brilliant. 9/10 for his performance
Gangster is story of love,betrayal and sacrifice.Definitely a powerful story and could have turned classic if it had been managed better and could have been a little fast
Ya ali song and the shootout is just perfect and shiny's expressions are brilliant U get shock in the opening scene of movie itself.In the very beginning Kangna says she wants to live anyhow till morning.And u will keep guessing what she wanna do in morning And u will get the answer in the end only.The end is indeed classical and touches your heart and leaves u speechless
Gangster takes the deeper look inside the heart of gangster.They are human beings and every1 wants love.
Cant tell much about BO cause of its slow pace.But thanks Bhatt Sahab for coming back with a powerful script and which is not a Hollywood copy This Gangster had heart and soul
Kuch Jyada Nahi Manga Tha Zindagi Se Par Zindagi Badle Me Hamesha Mujhse Kuch Kyada Hi Mangti Rahi(Kangna)....Gangster
Bluffmaster! (2005)
Enjoyable
While Rohan Sippy was written off for his 'Kuchh Na Kaho' this time he returns with Buffmaster..and from now onwards u can expect only better from him As we all know the story Bluffmaster is about 3 Conmans.While one is in deeply love.
The triumph of Bluffmaster lies in its style and fresh story.The only thing which went wrong is love story.It drags the movie sometimes.Otherwise the movie is fast paced and stylish.Some scenes are beautifully placed like first encounter between Abhishek and Ritesh,hospital scene between Boman,Abhishek and Ritesh..and when Nana asks Priyanka..'kis kis position me kaam kar sakti ho'.. Laughing Abhishek Bachchan is improving with each film.His role is similar to Bunty aur Bubly.But here he needs to be emotional as well cause he is a loser in love.And he carries the role like a matured performer Ritesh Deshmukh is excellent again.The actor have gr8 coming timing.And almost all the scenes between him and Abhishek is excellent Priyanka Chopra doesnot have to do much in such movie but the story revolves around her.Inspite of not so strong role she sparkles the screen whenever she comes.
Boman Irani is just passable But the real scene stealer is Nana Patekar.After his rocking performance in Apharan he is back again.He lits fire on the screen whenever he comes.He can be called 'powehouse of dilaogue delivery'.Its good to see he is coming back in form With fantastic music,good performances and nonetheless with its surprise and shocking end this is entertainment .You come to know Mumbai is beautiful too
Fanaa (2006)
Passable
Well finally i watched....
The story is good.Muvy could have turned much better but is letdown by poor direction.Special thanks to many over-dramatic scenes.But this is better than all the bunti's,namaste and nikki's lately churned by Yash Raj.I thought to blow away yash raj prior to watching the movie.But Aamir and Kajol saved me from doing that.
Performances are good.First half belongs to aamir.Second half belongs to kajol due to somewhat confused character of aamir.Mostly he keeps tears in his eyes.His performance is good but nowhere close to Lagaan,DCH or RDB.And kajol had never looked so much beautiful before.
Many shero shayaris some heard and some unheard comes in first half.Sometimes good sometimes irritating.The little kid is really cute.And it was surprise to see howcome Shiny accepted such a useless role.Might be looking for any yash raj next flick.Cinematography is just breathtaking It could have turned into another DILSE but poor direction and dramatic scenes ruined it.Second half drags more than you expect.
Anyways.I can call it so so.Definitely not worth of hype I can tell that if this flick would have not made by Yash Raj and saved by the performances of lead actors it would have fallen flat.
3/5
Krrish (2006)
Could have been much better
Krrish the most ambitious project by Rakesh Roshan may open doors for Superhero flicks in Bollywood. But whether the movie is worth hype.Definitely not. I am not in mood to write full fledge review so will write main points.
Rakesh Roshan tries to make this flick mix of 'Superhero' and 'Love Story' and thats where the muvy flatters I have to rethink the movie name while watching whether its name is 'Krrish-Love story of a Superhero' or 'Krrish' Cauz this muvy takes ur almost 2 hrs out of 3 hours in establishing Hrithik-Priyanka love story While the future vision idea was lift up from John Woo's 'Paycheck' but even that doesnot support this mediocre flick cauz that idea is only around for sometime in movie while most of the time movie wanders around Hrithik-Priyanka love story.
Now the actions.There was nothing like never seen before for those who have seen 'Matrix' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' But looking at budget and all i can say that was good attempt.
Superhero flicks needs more to be at point rather than every now n then going into emotional themes. This movie is made for the kids and will be liked mainly by the kids. And inspite of being E.T ripoff Koi Mil Gaya was much better product The biggest disappointment is Rakesh Roshan's direction who tries to mix mag things
Now music.Music is big letdown as we know already.However if u have heard it few times before it will not hamper muvy progress However RR should take care of better music next time.
Acting-Inspite of being good footage Priyanka hardly leaves an impression.Sometimes she looks amazing,sometimes horrible And her friend not only looks horrible but she acts horrible too Hritik's friend whose name is perhaps Hemant Pandey is good Nasruddin Shah overacts and a villain who could have send a chill in blood makes a laughable material by his news act and all. The only actor who leaves most impression after Hrithik is offcourse Rekha.She makes you believe however short her role is written she can act gracefully.
And,i will end on a positive rating due to two reasons.First cause of attempt of 'Superhero' flick which will open doors for more such flicks in bollywood cause of its commercial success.
Second and most strong point is Hrithik's sterling act.He is the heart and soul of the movie. And he is the only reason to watch this flick which is a forgettable and kiddish affair.
3/5
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
Watchable
After a hiatus of 5 years,the director of KKHH and K3G makes a comeback with much awaited Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna Whether the movie lives up to the hype?Its quite obvious that people who like Johar flicks will like it again But the ending may leave different reactions to family audience
Now as we all know the story so moving further...
Negative points.....
Tooo long.....ya way too long....its like a long journey
Bad editing......Veer Zara,Fanaa and even my 'immensely favourite' Kal ho Na Ho suffered from editing The movie should have been at least half an hour short
Also SRK-Rani character swings towards selfishness.Specially Rani not loving Abhishek is big big selfish character And this makes to decrease the impact which could have been gone further
Ufff so much negatives then whats the positives??.....
Mature love story.Johar might not have been able to match to the class of Lamhe or Silsila but KANK have its own moments
Ending....Not a traditional way of ending...although its predictable but Johar have done that well
But the most impactfull and u must watch this movie is due to outstanding performances
SRK----I would not hesitate to admit that this performance is similar to his raj/rahul role.It was a little surprise to see SRK doing similar expressions which he is being accused of.He plays SRK-The Superstar to perfection.. The dinner table scene...srk joke and the way bigb and srk look each other...good quite good
Rani---Great performance by her.And some people complained that she cried a lot.Her character was like that and she played it perfectly
Preity---Good in whatever footage she have got.Looks ravishing
BigB--Just brilliant..From a playboy to serious he rocks.His confession after 'rock n roll' song is mindblowing
Abhishek-----He is the 'Next Big Thing'.....oh ya but for that he have to manage comic roles which is necessary for big stardom which is yet to to be seen by him.He is electrifying in almost every scene.Career best performance by him Outstanding
And as critic NITIN V NAMBIAR from indiatimes movies says
"while it's easy to applaud the writing, it's impossible not to appreciate the effortlessly genuine performance of the entire cast. If the question is 'who's the best among the lot?',the answer simply is 'who's your favorite?' And that's indicative of the real and balanced characterization of the director. "
So it depends from person to person.All have done good in their roles but unarguably srk and rani are the pillars of KANK
6/10
Garam Masala (2005)
Its Garam...
Well..after three hits(Hera Pheri,Hungama,Hulchul) Priyadarshan's latest movie starts with G not H..With a rain stuffed Bangalore we assumed to get tickets easily for Garam Masala..But the heck it was not like that.however we got the tickets and marched towards another comic journey..
Till now we have known the story so i will not discuss here.. Whether the movie is worth the wait? whether the movie leaves upto the expectations?..2005 will be remember as year of comedies
However the weakest point of the movie is its story line.It had one line story or no story at all.What makes Garam Masala garam is the treatment.Its Priyadarshan touch which makes u sit throughout the movie.
First half is just passable..nothing much.And when u think u are losing your bucks comes breezy second half which makes u laugh till u get pain. The confusion,the settings,the arrangements created hold on till the end
Music is another plus point of the movie.But what makes Gram Masala garam is the top class performances.
The three hot babes,Neha Dhupia and Rimi sen have nothing much to do. Rajpal Yadav is good.Paresh Rawal who is Priyans favourite again delivers a top performance.He is angry and frustrated cook still he is so cool.
John Abraham doing comedy for the first time does a great job.He matches akshay in every step.But in some scenes he tries too hard.Anyways a very good performance.
And u know what makes everyone so excited about Garam Masala was Akshay in Priyadarshan's movie after Hera Pheri which sparkled the way for akshay as one of the best comic timer.The movie rests on Akshay Kumar. Akshay steals the show from one and all.Garam Masala rocks cause Akshay rocks.From dialogue delivery to facial expressions he is just fantastic.Look at his facial expression in Chori Chori song.He have undoubtedly the best comic timing in bollywood.Akshay had came a long way from Tarazu and Dawa type movies.
Another hit for Priyadarshan..3/5
Forrest Gump (1994)
A timeless classic...
Many of you have heard of this movie.Many of you have seen this movie. Forrest gump directed by Robert Zemeckis is a classic.Winner of 6 Oscar awards including best picture,actor and director this movie takes you to a dream.
I have been big fan of Tom Hanks.I was eager of watching this movie previously too but never got the chance.My friends who have seen it before called it classic some called it slow.But yesterday finally i watched it.
Forrest Gump (Hanks), named after a civil war hero, grows up in Greenbow, Alabama, where his mother (Sally Field) runs a boarding house. Although Forrest is a little "slow" (his IQ is 75, 5 below the state's definition of "normal"), his mental impairment doesn't seem to bother him, his mother, or his best (and only) friend, Jenny Curran (played as an adult by Robin Wright). In fact, the naivete that comes through a limited understanding of the world around him gives Forrest a uniquely positive perspective of life.
During the next thirty years, Forrest becomes a star football player, a war hero, a successful businessman, and something of a pop icon. Through it all, however, there is one defining element in his life: his love for Jenny. She is never far from his thoughts, no matter what he's doing or where he is.
Forrest gump is a masterpiece.A noble and beautiful story which touches your heart.We hardly find any movies in Hollywood which being slow and without special effects becomes blockbuster.Forrest Gump is among one of those rare gems.
There are movies and movies but only sometimes you find a movie which stays in your heart and becomes one of your all time favourites.I have to search for words how to describe such a magical movie.
And finally Forrest Gump would have never been a forrest gump without Tom Hanks.Playing the character of Forrest Gump he is incredible.His performance was just out of the world.One of the best performances given by any actor ever.I cant found out words to describe how great his performance was.Just look at his expressions in the scene in end when he says'I miss you Jenny..If there is anything you need i wont be far away'.Totally unforgottable.Even stone hearted people would melt.
I gave this review here cause i wanted all members to know how beautiful and magical forrest gump is.A must watch for everyone ...........A timeless classic
King Kong (2005)
Amazing special effects...
Director Peter Jackson is back with another 3 hrs extravaganza Well the most crtically acclaimed movie of Hollywood in recent times doesnot seem to meet the hype.But it had enough to grab your attention throughout
Set in the 1930s, this is the story of a young and beautiful actress Ann Darrow from the world of vaudeville who finds herself lost in depression-era New York and her luck changes when she meets an over-ambitious filmmaker Carl Denham who brings her on an exploratory expedition to a remote island where she finds compassion and the true meaning of humanity with an ape Kong. The beauty and the beast finally meet their fate back in the city of New York where the filmmaker takes and displays the ape in quest of his fame by commercial exploitation which ultimately leads to catastrophe for everyone including a playwright Jack Driscoll who falls in love with Ann and plays an unlikely hero by trying to save her from Kong and her destiny.
Performancewise Jack Black delivers good performance.Adrien broody is OK in his role.Naomi watts delivers an excellent performance.Whether its emotional or funny she rocks. But the scene stealer is King Kong itself
If people thought that Jurassic Park adventure was the best of its type think again.The special effects are splendid and rocking than ever.Awesome and breathtaking seems to be too low keywords to explain it.Peter Jackson proves he is not limited to Lord Of The Rings trilogy.And there cant be end of best special effects However the biggest drawback seems to be its length.It should have been cut short.
Inspite King Kong is a mammoth movie in terms of production and you can see the flow of money in movie A must watch.Especially if you like special effects movies then you cant miss this one
Schindler's List (1993)
Among the greatest flicks ever...
I hardly miss any Steven Spielberg Movie.But Schindler list was released in 1993 and that time i din even understood any English muvys.
Story: The true story of Czech born Oskar Schindler, a businessman who tried to make his fortune during the Second World War by exploiting cheap Jewish labour, but ended up penniless having saved over 1000 Polish Jews from almost certain death during the holocaust.
Winner of 7 Oscar awards Schindler's List is story of Nazi barbarism.It shows how mean the human beings can be sometimes.Its the most powerful story ever told about barbarism and brutality.Even the words barbarism and brutality are too less to describe what happened to the jews.Its not only related what happened to the jews but its a slap on face of humanity.How can we call ourselves human beings The duration of movie is over 3 hours still it never losses its hold.
To call Liam Neeson had given outstanding performance would be understatement.From a greedy businessman to a humanitarian he is extraordinary.His broke up at the end of the movie is so touching i lost my words to define them.Incredible.I am surprised how he lost the Oscar Ralph Fiennes have given his career best performance.Playing the role of frightening Nazi commandant he just rocks.
And Schindler's List only proves how great a filmmaker is Steven Spielberg.From making movies like (JAWS) to close encounters of the third world to ET to Jurassic park and recently released Munich and many endless works he is 'God of all Directors'.The way he have shown the brutality and what had happened in past only a great ones like him can do that.
Many of you have seen this movie but i posted review cause i wanted all to know what is called sensible cinema.
With Spielberg's one of the best directed movies and spellbounding performance by Liam Neeson Schindler's List is a must watch for everyone.Especially for them who want to see sensible and meaningfull cinema.
.....A True Classic
Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003)
Unforgettable....beautiful...haunting and emotional
Here we go.After a long time finally i watched Haazaron Khwaishein Aisi.Or you can say'Thousand desires such as these'.Sudhir Mishra is a wonderful director.But he seemed somewhat lost during 'Chameli' and 'calcutta mail' when he tried to combine meaningful cinema with commercialism But with Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi he is back in form as he was during 'Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi' and 'dharavi' But most of the dialogues are in English
Story: Sidhharth(kay kay menon) is an idealist. Born to a Muslim lawyer father and a Hindu mother and believes in Marxism.The story traces Siddharth's journey from Marxist jargon to the Maoist (Naxalite) rebellion. His emotional attachment to Geeta does not stop him from his political pursuits. Post-college, Geeta(Chitrangada Singh) is married to an IAS officer but she continues to see Siddharth on the sly. Vikram(Shiny Ahuja) too has always nursed unconditional love in his heart for Geeta. But that's all there is to his soft side. A small town boy once, Vikram climbs the social ladder by networking in the big league unabashedly. Geeta ends her marriage and starts living in the village with Siddharth. This is the time in the film when Geeta's character evolves. From a London-bred girl to teaching village women, or having a child out of wedlock or asking favours from Vikram in hours of need to a lot of other gruesome realities, Geeta discovers herself. The story movies on. The characters mature and move on. They regret. They apologise. They change. Their lives are not the same.
Hazaaron Khwashien Aisi is path breaking cinema in every aspect.There are movies and movies and movies..then comes Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi.Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi..'thousands of desires such as these'. Life is full of desires.We keep on desiring more and more but how much our desires gets fulfilled?
Kay Kay is good as always.Given the screen time he have got he is good in that.His faith..his ideology and to live for a reason makes u think.He is just perfect
Chitrangada Singh playing the central character is even better than a performance what you can call outstanding The way her character shapes up.From a student to a lover and then living for a cause she is simply outstanding. Her performance is totally flawless.And yes she reminds you of Smita Patil.Both in looks and in acting
And now Shiny Ahuja.From a one sided lover to mastermind rich broker and a person who receives the worst fate he is simply 'Incredible'. Your heart will go for him.His unconditional love and the way he helps geeta over and again is simply out of the world. Love should be unconditional..if there are conditions it doesnot remain love.The character of 'Vikram Malhotra' is so much powerful it will left you thinking about him even after movie ends.In the scene in which he says 'I am getting married' and then he starts dancing and the soulful music 'Mohabbat Mein Nai Hai Farq Jeene Aur Marne Ka Usi Ko Dekh Kar Jeete Hai Jis Kaafir Pe Dum Nikle'. The pain,agony and sadness which he delivers through his smile just leaves u speechless
Music is of high standard.Lyrics are so much meaningfull and heart touching
What makes the movie stand out is the subtle way in which the motivations of each of the characters evolve through the story and the delicate and restrained portrayal of their melange of emotions affecting their decisions at different points of time with different political and social contexts. As my favourite movie critic Mayank Shekhar sums up this movie 'It is this most relevant and urgent mirror of our period that makes Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi one of the most significant films of any time. And a film that I think college kids should remember Mishra by. The confrontation between Siddharth and his dad when his dad says 'So u have faith in an ideology that talks about violation and murder of people as a way of changing the system..what gives u that right?'..Simply incredible
Its definitely one of the best films of this decade.Hard-hitting yet so subtle Its a much watch for everyone who loves quality cinema. A thousand desires such as these...left unfulfilled
Finally i would end this review with the incredible lyrics of the song 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi'
A thousand desires such as these A thousand moments to set this night on fire Reach out and you can touch them You can touch them with your silences You can reach them with your lust Rivers mountains rain Rain against a torrid hill's cape A thousand A thousand desires such as these
I loved rain as a child As a lost young man Empty landscapes Bleached by a tired sun And then And then Suddenly it came Like a dark unknown women Her eyes scorched my silences Her body wrapped itself around me Like a summer without end
Pause me hold me reach me Where no man has gone Crossing the seven seas With the wings of fire I fly towards nowhere And you Rivers mountains rain Rain against a scorched landscape of pain
A thousand desires such as these A thousand moments to set this night on fire Reach out and you can touch them You can touch them with your silences You can reach them with your lust Rivers mountains rain Rain against the torrid hill's cape A thousand, A thousand desires such as these ...........
Mother India (1957)
Among the greatest flicks ever
Mother India----
Definitely the greatest film ever made in Bollywood I watched it few months back only.And in many many scenes it almost brought tears in my eyes.The struggle for survival,the fight against injustice and living with moral can melt any1's heart who understands the true meaning of cinema.A helpless mother fighting for survival alongwith her small children's can run any1 in a melange of emotions bringing the worst image of poverty and illiteracy
Mother India was such a flick which have the ability to put many of the greatest cinema from Hollywood into shame.It shows how realistic and impactfull a bollywood cinema can be.Its sad that it only got nominated for Oscar in best foreign language category but was not able to win But i can say with utmost surity if Hollywood's biggest Blockbuster ever 'Gone With The Wind' can win 9 Oscars...then Mother India if made in Hollywood have won at least 3-4 Oscars.....
Mother India seems to be forgotten by the people.They took Sholay or DDLJ name but not this timeless and haunting ground to earth classic most probably cause it doesn't feature Amitabh Bachchan or SRK
With one of the most path breaking climax for a bollywood flick Mother India for a Hollywood fan like me was a dream coming true I can take its name alongside Hollywood classics like 'Gone With The Wind',Schindler's List etc
One such flick which makes me proud that ever i got a chance to show how great a bollywood is then without a blink of my eye i will took Mother India.DDLJ or Sholay are entertainers but they are not totally realistic.
Mother India's each and every frame....each and every shot was realistic and believable
Mother India is a triumph of bollywood in film making and direction Not to forget the unforgettable performances by Nargis and Sunil Dutt
It makes me feel proud for bollywood.I can held my head high in any film festival of the world if i am showcasing Mother India
Only special effects and different stories cant help to move forward.Long live bollywood.We have the potential of world class cinema.We need directors like 'Mehboob Khan'
And its an honour,respect and matter of pride that bollywood made Mother India
Mother India is Mother of all bollywood flicks till date
10/10
Hotaru no haka (1988)
Among greatest soulful flicks....absolute classic
Grave of The Fireflies
Made in Japan in 1988.Also known as 'Hotaru no haka' in Japanese
Is there any bond stronger than 'Love'??.Love which has so much depth that human beings never understand it fully Is there any crime greater than killing humans by humans??
Grave of the Fireflies tells the story during World War 2.U.S bombers used such bombs against Japanese cities which creates fire storms.Among such cities was Kobe.It tells the story of Sieta a young teenager and his sister Setsuko who is 5 years old.Their mother is wrapped in bandage struggling in hospital.Their home,school everything burnt down Then starts one of the most beautiful and hauntingly emotional journey of struggle for survival And also embarks the faith of love between a brother and sister.
Grave of The Fireflies is an animation flick.But the beauty of story is so much realistic that it leaves even a more powerful impact.
The story of survival gets stronger and stronger as the movie moves on. They are given sheltered and food by a relative.But as we know our shadows even leave us in our bad times The brother and sister moves in a hillside cave and their survival story gets even stronger
The story is not only about survival and struggle but also the evil and ghostly effects of war. The story is about love and caring attitude which Sieta shows towards her little sister
The biggest asset of the flick is that it never tries to be melodramatic but it moves like a poetry Some of the most remarkable moments include when they catch fireflies to light up their cave and next morning Sieta finds his sister burying those dead fireflies Another moment is that when Sieta tells her sister that their mother is in hospital and she starts crying For a moment he keeps quiet and then starts rolling trying to make her sister laugh
But the most impactfull and tearjerking moment comes when Sieta brings many things for her sister to eat while she is ill and founds that her sister had made 'rice balls' of 'mud' and asks him to have it.This was one of the most 'Unforgettable' moment of cinematic experience.The truth,the beauty,the love,the struggle,the hunger and the soon the fate they are going to achieve all involve in this scene makes it 'One of the most haunting and depressing moments of a movie'
As being made in Japan many people haven't watched this.But with release of English dubbed DVD it is reaching to more and more people. Watching it feels like a privilege.
Grave of Fireflies is one of the most haunting war films.And in spite of being animated one can feel for the characters which is the biggest triumph of this flick.Elegance,tearjerking,sad and yet so much beautiful and cute
This is the best animated movie which beats all animated movies without having special effects with its touching storyline.Moments and dramatic events are not forced to create impact.But the story moves with so much elegance that the impact is spellbounding.A story told so beautifully that can melt everyone
To sum up this is the most humanly animated flick which has far more impact than most of our humanly flicks.One of the most beautiful and emotional flicks ever It's a film about death, but the film itself resonates with life. This is not only a flick this is a treasure
10/10
Swades: We, the People (2004)
Why I loved Swades so much
I have never been so sad for a movie failing at BO as i am for Swades.But BO needs some mas-ala,fast pace and some dramatic moments, it may have lacked these things.
But it have the "soul" which is not found in most of the movies.
Swades is about self realization,about our roots,many cultural aspects: both positive and negative.But i loved Swades cause it was absolute realistic.
Remember the scene in beginning when he says about Kaveri Amma that 'Mai Unko Bhul Gaya Tha'(I had forgotten her) this is among the finest moments.We realize that sometimes we forget people with whom we were once closely associated with, we get so much busy in our daily life that we tend to forget them.But sometime when we remember we like to speak to them, meet them, we miss them.It happens, we forget many of our childhood friends, few of our relatives,few of those with whom we were close.
The scene when SRK goes to search Kaveri Amma and finds that she is not there and just when he is turning back the old lady says "she is very lucky that someone came to take her,that day she came..today you,else who ask for old people".Very true.Old people are very much ignored.
SRK's entry in the village and the background music "Aayo re...Aayo re" one of the most beautiful music ever.
The narrow old roads of village, people running after Srk van....surprised,stunned that who had entered our village in such a big van is damn realistic and gives "an essence of our rural India".
SRK's entry in the house...wo aarti ki thaali lana and chandan and all gives an essence of our culture.
In the night when SRK says sorry to Kaveri Amma: "I didn't took care of you" that lady who is like mother figure to him and he had not taken care of her in all these years and now he is realizing his fault.....absolutely touching.
SRK's arguments with Gayatri Joshi at dinner about politics..."Sab Ek Dusre Ki Taraf Ungli Uthate Hai" (everyone keeps pointing fingers on one another). Ye Tara Wo Tara Song and the lyrics "Bund Bund Milne Se Banta Ek Dhara Hai'.
His discussion when he is asked to speak about America.....and his burst up on culture that how can we say that America culture is bad....we have our culture and we respect our culture...they have their too....and "Jis Culture Aur Parampara,Sanskriti Pe Hum Garv Karte Hai Wahi Hume Ek Dusre Se Baate Rakhta Hai"(the culture and tradition which we are proud of is keeping us divided) on the name of caste,religion etc then how come we should be proud of our culture.
Actually the whole scene above was just amazing and deeply touching.
Then the whole scene when Srk goes for "paisa vasooli" and his story was quite touching.
The train scene: An NRI who never touches anything else than mineral water....looking after the plight of the boy he drinks that water, shows he was deeply sad in his heart to the plight of the country.And the way scene was handled and SRK's portrayal can't be put in words.
The scene when SRK is leaving the village and Maya ram refuses to go with him and says "Apne Aangan Ka Diya Giving Light To Neighbours House"...i can just clap.
And the song "Ye Jo Desh Hai Tera".....specially the lines "Mitti Ki Jo Hai Khushbu,Tu Kaise Bhulayega...Tu Chahe Kahi Jaye...Tu Laut Ke Aayega".... I have so much respect for this song.
And in the climax when John says "Mohan you could have gone places." And Mohan replies "I am going places" Well bringing electricity was just to show that every individual can do something for his country and society.....Mohan Bhargav comes....he was alone...then he united many people....and result was for their own benefit......for their literacy,electricity and all.
What Mohan Bhargav gets??....nothing??.
But its not....he gets something which is out of the world.....self realization...self respect....an honor.....not by others but in his own heart.....that he had done something good for his society and country.
All bow to Ashutosh Gowarikar...from child marriage to illiteracy, from caste-ism to poverty, Swades covers all aspects and issues of rural India. Realization and self journey of ones own mind and a heartfelt message of changing our country for good was never delivered in as realistic manner as it was in Swades. Hats off to SRK as well for coming up with one of the finest performance of his career.
Mohan Bhargav's journey from Space Shuttle to Boat....from the glittering lights of America to the lantern of India.....from the mind and money to his heart and soul......incredible....simply incredible.
As the saying goes: "The Greatest Journeys Are The Ones That Bring You Home"