Aashiqui 2

My review: Aashiqui 2

"Aashiqui 2 " heralds the arrival of the next big star of Hindi cinema Shraddha Kapoor. She is bundle of talent and after couple of also rans, she has finally arrived with a bang. Her sparkling onscreen chemistry with her co-star Aditya Roy Kapoor elevates the movie to a much higher plane altogether. It is easily one of the best romantic movies in recent times.

Right from the days of "Abhiman" the romance between a struggling established singer and an upcoming talent has time and again proved to be a perfect recipe for  immortal love onscreen. Shagufta Rafique has borrowed the nucleus from this and numerous other classics of yesteryear but spiced it up with contemporary thoughts and lifestyles to suit for today's audience. Though there are tiring cliches here and there which mars the proceeding, overall the movie is well written with primacy given to human emotions in general, and chaste love in particular.  

Mohit Suri is the director who has succeeded  in instilling heart into the movie. Movie right away evokes interest and keeps the audience engaged right through the two and odd hours. It is to his credit that audience end up getting so much involved with the movie that I can see many of them breaking down towards the end. It has been a long time since that has happened in a Hindi movie. Also the chemistry between the lead actors which he is able to extract is on par with the original "Aashiqui" and many other classic romantic movies of the yore.

As said earlier the movie belongs to Shraddha Kapoor. She has carried the whole movie on her tender shoulder with confidence of a veteran. Emotions and expressions come so effortlessly to her that by the end of the movie it is hard to forget Arohi K Shirke. Her Arohi is innocent, sprightly, confident, loyal and down to earth, dream of every men. She exudes innocence and confidence all at the same time which is what make this character one of the memorable ones in recent times.

Aditya Roy Kapoor starts of in a lackluster fashion but later finds his footing in the second half but he comes a distant second. Others in the support cast have done their parts well.

Album of "Aashiqui 2" is already a huge hit with "Tum hi ho" setting the charts on fires. Since the movie is based on the lives of singers musical score is very crucial. Be it "Sunn raha hai" or "Hum mar jayenge" each and every song is haunting. Mithoon, Ankit Tiwari and Jeet Ganguly have composed the songs.

Don't think twice, grab your loved one and hit the theater running "Aashiqui 2" without much ado. Don't be surprised if it becomes one of the biggest hits of the year.

Bottomline: Come and fall in love...!

3.5/5 

Settai

My review: Settai

 

While watching this Tamil remake of "Delhi Belly" one can experience not even one percent of fun one had on watching the original. One wonders what went wrong. May be the ridiculous choice of cast, inept execution or ambivalence of the makers in trying to make it suit for the family audience which is like trying to make "aatu-kaal soup" suitable for the vegetarians. "Delhi Belly" is clearly not for the family audience and there was no pretensions about it. When you try to remake it one should have courage to do it accordingly instead of hobnobbing with the idea of petering it down so that families can come and watch it. In that case it is inevitable that the makers will get egg in their face.

"Yaaruda Mahesh " is a recent Tamil movie in which atleast the makers were courageous and convincing in what they were doing. However "Settai" though backed by a big corporate company, the trepidation of the makers in trying to water it down is pathetic. In the end they have ended up neither satisfying the family crowd nor the target audience this subject is tailor made for, the youth. 

Movie boasts of numerous ridiculous dialogues which tries hard to tickle the funny bones but fails miserably in that endeavor. John Mahendran is the dialogue writer. 

Arya looks disinterested in the proceedings, Shanthanam tries his best to keep the sinking ship afloat but the hole is too big to prevent it from sinking. Premji Amaran and Anjali are miscast, though Anjali has tried hard to look convincing in her role. Hansika Motwani is earnest but she needs a better director to extract better job from her. It is really sad to see such a talented veteran like Naseer being wasted in such an inane roles.

In Thaman's music "Agalathey agalathey" is a hummable number while his below-average background score does little to make this poorly made remake any better.

P.G.Muthaih is the cinematographer, he has done a good job. Movie is technically sleek and stylish.

On the whole, "Settai" joins the list of poorly made remakes.

Bottomline: Anything but humorous..!!!

1.5/5

Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga

My review: Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga

Ever since the critically acclaimed "Pasanga" it has been downhill for Pandiraj. His second movie "Vamsam" was a washout while he managed to salvage some pride in "Marina". Now he has come up with "Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga" (KBKR) which is far cry from his splendid debut. One wonders what was he thinking. A hairline story, couple of gags here and there, Shivakarthikeyan mouthing his typical "Adhu, ithu, ethu" ispired oneliners is not a perfect recipe for success. If he thinks it is then he has seriously mistaken the intelligence and taste of Tamil audience.

It is pathetic movie which tries hard to make people laugh but fails miserably. The afterthought of the climax only makes the matters worse. There is no logic whatsoever why the lead trio act the way they do in their life. Still more ridiculous is the manner in which they keep on believing that they have  future in politics even after getting exposed to it for a considerable period of time. And still more bizarre is the easy manner in which the ladies in the movie fall for these wastrels. Pandiraj, you can do better.

Vimal sleepwalks his way to glory while Shivakarthikeyan is okay with his comedy oneliners but after a point it gets redundant. Regina Cassandra is cute and done her part well while Bindhu Madhavi is wasted in a poorly written role. One wonders what was the intention of the makers while they made her over-the-top action sequences. It was heights of irritation.

Yuvan Shankar Raja's songs are too good for this substandard movie. "Oru porambokku" is fast turning to be this year's youth anthem. "Sudasuda thooral" and "Konjum kili" are signature Yuvan melodies.

Vijay is the cinematographer, nothing spectacular.

On the whole, "Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga"  irritates you more than anything else.

Bottomline: AVIOD.

1.5/5

Bachchan

My review: Bachchan

Sudeep's Ugadhi special "Bachchan" starts of with a bang only to meander through to the intermission but more than makes up for it with a riveting and engrossing second half. In the end one when one comes out of the theater there is a sense of satisfaction. 

Written and directed by Shashank, "Bachchan " touches upon may topical issues albiet within the constraints of  a commercial cinema. Shashank seems to have done lots of homework in the medical subject that he has dealt with in this movie. Especially the scene where a psychiatrist explains about Paranoid Schizophrenia is one of the best I have seen in a movie, wonderfully written in such a simple manner. Kudos Shashank !

Shashank could have done a better job in the first half. It is sluggish with nothing much happening. Few comedy scenes does make the viewers laugh out loud, but by and large it is stale. The second half is altogether a different story. It starts with a bang with numerous twists and turns, hard-hitting flashback and a nice culmination. (Watch out for the references of "NIMHANS" in the second half.)

Action sequences are well choreographed and picturized, though tacky computer graphics watering down the impact a bit. Shekar Chandra is the cinematographer and he has done a decent job. Especially the "Saada ninna" song is picturized excellently.

Sudeep rocks one more time with his excellent acting which come to fore in the second half. He is excellent in action sequences as well as the emotional ones. It is a treat for his fans. Paarul Yadav is getting better with every one of her movies. She emotes well but needs to work on her Kannada lip-sinc. Bhavana has a dignified cameo which forms the nucleus of the story. Tulip Joshi comes in an insignificant cameo. The villian gang of Pradeep Rawat, Ravishankar, Ashish Vidyarthi and Naseer does the routine ham act.

V.Harikrishna is the composer of the movie. "Saada ninna" in Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal's voices is an awesome melody number. Background score enhances the mass appeal.

On the whole, "Bachchan" may seem like a routine commercial action masala, but it is one of the better ones  backed by a solid story, rocking second half and power-packed performance from Sudeep.

Bottomline: Entertaining actioner.

3.5/5

I, Me Aur Main

My review: I, Me Aur Main

Most striking aspect of "I, Me Aur Main" is that no other movie in the recent memory had so many strong female characters in it. In the days of "Himmatwala" and "Dabaang" where the female characters are just either cardboard caricatures or doormats, it is a refreshing change. Kapil Sharma is the director and he deserves plaudits for the same.

Be it the refusing to be treated badly Chitrangada Singh, the snobby boss Raima Sen, fiercely independent and empathetic Prachi Desai, head strong sister Mini Mathur or the over-involved mom Zarina Wahab, all the well written female characters that defy cinematic stereotypes is a big relief. Movie traces the life of Narcissistic Ishaan (John Abraham) through the eyes of the females who form the significant others in his life and he finally grows up.

Though movie moves mostly light-heartedly there are few telling scenes which would move the viewers. But the problem with the movie is that director fails to sustain the intensity. As a result the movie fails to create the kind of impact otherwise a better writing and direction would have created. Nonetheless it is one of the better movies when compared to all those wannabe romantic comedies we are treated to in the recent times.



John abraham has tried his hands at acting this time, he does a decent job of it. Prachi Desai is sprightly, Chitrangada is dignified and matured, and Raima Sen is fiery. Others lend good support.

"Saajna" composed by Falak Shabir is a lovely number.  Background score is adequate while movie is  technically chic and sleek.

On the whole, "I, Me Aur Main" is definite one time watch if you go without expecting a "Wake up Sid".

Bottomline: Good intentions..

3/5

Amen

My review: Amen

It has come to a point that if you have Fahad Fazil in a movie then it is implied that the movie will be good. "Amen " too lives up to it. Written by Rafique and directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, "Amen " boasts of well written screenplay, power-packed acting, tastefully shot visuals and well executed direction. Non-believers would like it (though the climax is a big ROFTL ) and the believers even more.

Screenplay has many layers in it with numerous small stories weaved into the main one, all getting a fitting end in the climax. The manner in which the writer and director have approached the movie is different. Part comical, part spoofy, part serious and part musical, "Amen" is cocktail that is intelligently mixed. Though the movie is sluggish in the beginning taking its own sweet pace to get the things going, once the mood is set and the direction in which the movie is going to go is established, there is no looking back. 

Comedy works so well without any contrived sequences or undue slapstickery. It is more of situational and dialogue driven. 

Cinematography is one of the best in recent times. Abinandham Ramanujam has done a fabulous job. His shots are a treat, be it the night effect silhouettes or the picturesque backwaters, he has caught them all with aplomb. Especially the boat shots are mind-blowing. Technically it is one of the best movie in recent times.  

 
Coming onto the acting department, Fahad Fazil is top class once again. It is astonishing how adeptly he manages to get into the various characters that he chooses effortlessly. This time it is more of a restrained performance from him. Indrajit is good. Being the narrator of the movie and the central character with a big twist in the end, he is dependable as ever. Swathi Reddy is bubbly and gorgeous. She is a good actor too.
Movie boasts of a lot of talented supporting actors like Kalabavan Mani, Makarand Deshpande, Rachana, Nandhu and the rest.

Prashanth Pillai has the composed the music and background score which are good considering the fact that it is part musical and music plays a important role.

On the whole, "Amen" is high on content and insanely entertaining at the same time. Go for it.

Bottomline: Alelouya

3.5/5

Yaaruda Mahesh

My review: Yaaruda Mahesh

Finally Tamil cinema gets its first unpretentious, bold and daringly crass adult comedy. Madan Kumar who has written, directed and produced the movie deserves credit for his boldness. Only that he could have honed his writing skills a bit better, both in terms of screenplay and the timing of the dialogues, before trying his hand at this movie.

Screenplay which is disjointed and meandering does tests one's patience a bit. Also many scenes seemed forced in or written in a loose manner as a result most of the gags looks contrived. What could have been a no-holds barred adult dialogue comedy on the lines of many Hollywood movies of this genre ends up like a college cultural skit. ( In the college in which I did my UG, we used to have more crude and crass skits which were way better in timing and the amount of humour it created in the audience)

Nonetheless there are many scenes which would make you laugh out loud only that one should be prepared to keep  his/her "super-ego" aside and let the "id" enjoy the moment. Anyhow those who have seen the trailer would have come prepared what to expect from the movie and hence no point in harping at the crassness of the product.

Sundeep Krishna who did a decent job in "Routine Love Story" has done a good job here too. He seems to be a natural when it comes to expressions and comedy. Dimple Chopade is pleasant looking and has surprisingly done a good job in the acting department too. She manages well with the lip-sinc too. Jagan is full fun and has used his opportunity well. Livingstone is too loud and irritating in a role tailor made for someone like "Delhi" Ganesh.

In Gopi Sunder's music, couple of songs are hummable while his background score is adequate with considerable help from songs from yesteryear. Raana is the cinematographer and his talent comes to the forte in the song sequences which he has shot tastefully. Especially "Yaaruda Mahesh " songs is stylishly shot like a music video.

On the whole, "Yaaruda Mahesh" is a watchable movie provided one is prepared to lose their conscientiousness and anankasm. Expect more bolder and funnier movies in the future.

Bottomline: Could have been better.

3/5

Mere Dad Ki Maruti

My review: Mere Dad Ki Maruti

"Mere Dad Ki Maruti" is a comedy movie on the lines of "Dude where is my car". (though except for the premise the story here is totally different catering to the Indian milieu) The writing is good, seamless and effortless manner in which humour comes through is the testimony to the fact. Neeraj Udhwani, Pooja Desai and Ashima Chibbar have jointly written the screenplay of the story by Shreyash Agarwal.

Set in Chandigarh, the Punjabi flavor of the movie itself pumps in adrenaline, color and sound. The energy is infectious and humor natural. Ashima Chibbar who is also the director of the movie has done a decent job in translating the subject matter from paper on to screen. Though there are stereotypes and mockery, those gets subsumed under the largely well written movie.

Movie boasts of largely unknown actors who all have done fabulous jobs. Saqib Saleem is top-class as the impulsive and inattentive Sameer. His body language, dialogue delivery, and timing sense are too good for such a young actor. Prabal Panjabi, as Gattu is excellent. He has more scope than others in delivering the funniest lines and getting involved in funniest situations. Ram Kapoor as Sameer's father lends more than a decent support. Rhea Chakraborty as the pompous yet naive Jasleen is adequate. 

Soundtrack is basically full of Punjabi style songs and all of them are peppy. Sachin Gupta is the music director.

Adil Afsar is the cinematographer who has done a nice job in presenting the movie in a sleek manner with adequate help from Antara Lahiri, the editor of the movie.

On the whole, "Mere Dad ki Maruti" is fun-filled ride for the whole family with unadulterated decent comedy.

Bottomline: Funny

3.5/5  

Chennaiyil Oru Naal

My Review: Chennaiyil Oru Naal

Remake of Malayalam trend-setter "Traffic", "Chennaiyil Oru Naal"(CON) is faithful to the original to the extent possible but lacks the punch of the original. Screenplay is sluggish and most of the cast just sleep walk their way through. For those who have not watched the original, "Chennaiyil Oru Naal" is a good watch, one of those rear movies with a pertinent  message.

Narrated in a hyperlink format, CON weaves several stories together which all meet together at a point after which the movie takes on an altogether different direction. It is an interesting script but the screenplay could have been a bit better. Due to the sluggishness of the screenplay the desired effect gets diluted. Bobby-Sanjay who did a fabulous job in the Malayalam version has not lived up to it in this remade version as far as screenplay is concerned. Ajayan Bala has co-written the screenplay with them. Saheed Kadher is the directer.

Another downside is the acting. Except for Sharathkumar who is full of energy and gumption, rest of the cast fall flat. Prakash Raj is earnest as ever while all other Cheran, Prasanna, Parvathi Menon, Iniya look disinterested. Radhika continues with her mega-serial wailing act. May be this is the difference between the original and this remake.Surya in a guest appearance falls flat, with poor writing making it an unintended comedy.

Background score is good but the songs are not that attractive. Mejo Joseph is the music director.  Shehnad Jalal is the cinematographer, has done his part well.

On the whole, "Chennaiyil Oru Naal" is a one time watch for its novel narrative structure which is not that common in Tamil Cinema and for the message it tries to deliver.

Bottomline: Pale remake

2.5/5

Nautanki Saala

My review: Nautanki Saala

When we saw "Vicky Donor" most of us would have felt bad for Ayushman Khurana, bundle of talent who was till then not given his due. Now when one sees his second movie "Nautanki Saala !" one can't but feel happy for this man who has not only taken advantage of his long overdue success, but intelligent enough to choose movies that are intelligent and at the same time entertaining. Though movie doesn't live up to expectations considering the huge success of his first movie "Vicky Donor", "Nautanki Saala !" is not bad either. It is definitely watchable and at the end one does feel good at the time well spent.

As credited by the team, movie is inspired from a French film "Apres Vous". The team deserves credit for its honesty in these days of "Barfi" and blatant uncredited plagiarisms. Rohan Sippy not only deserves credit for that, the manner in which he has weaved the story suiting the Indian milieu and the parallel allegorical references to Ramanaya which all gets connected well in the end. Movie boasts of sizeable number of  wow! moments with seamless confluence of situational comedy as well as witty word play. The unintended proposal scene is one example of many such.

Ayushman Khuranna is fast developing as one of the most reliable actors who can take up any role with elan and confidence. Here he is first class effortlessly portraying myriad of emotions, body language and timing comedy. His enthusiasm onscreen rubs onto the narration as a result though the pace gets sluggish at many points, his liveliness keeps the movie going. Though it is not that a complicated of roles, one wonders who else would have done justice to it and made the movie pleasant to watch as he has done.

Kunaal Roy Kapur tries his level best to keep his end going but it is always a big ask to compete against such a talent like Ayushman on the opposite end. Among the three ladies, Pooja Salvi has the larger screen space and more scope to perform. She has done her part well like a seasoned performer. She is cute and easy on the eyes. Gaelyn Mendonca is also good, confident onscreen while Evelyn Sharma doesn't have much scope.  Abhishek Bachchan makes a lackluster guest appearance.  

Music of the movie is another highlight of the movie. Ayushman Khurrana composed "Saadi galli aaja" is already ruling the charts while "Mera mann kehna laga" and "Tu hi tu" are good situational melodies. "Dil ki toh lag gayi" is interestingly rendered by Saba Azad matching up with the mood of the situation.  Mickey McCleary is the music director. Overall the album is one of the best in recent times with variety and novelty.

Technically the movie is sleek and of international standards. Overall, "Nautanki Saala" is a definite one time watch, especially for Ayushman Khuranna and his "Saadi galli aaja".

Bottomline: All's well that ends well.

3.5/5