Fan

My review: Fan

Maneesh Sharma's Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Fan" is a delightful cinema. It has been long since SRK is seen in a movie as an actor rather than a star, though in one of the roles in this movie he portrays a star. Movie has terrific writing diligently supported by stupendous acting by SRK. Though there are gaping logical loopholes in the narration, the screenplay and direction by Maneesh Sharma is such that it gets camouflaged by the proceedings that keeps you hooked to the screen. 

"Fan" is a one man show of Shah Rukh Khan. Both as the dangerously obsessive fan Gaurav Chanda as well as a headstrong star in decline Aryan Khanna, SRK is tremendous. This is one movie in which both the roles in the dual role has generous shades of grey. At one point you root for Gaurav and at others you sympathise for Aryan. But in the end you hate neither of them. Such is the beauty of the narration and performance by the star, SRK. 

We all knew that SRK is a terrific actor but the star in him has overshadowed him for a really long time we have almost forgotten how SRK, the actor is. We get more than glimpse of him here. It is almost a throwback to the days of "Darr" and "Baazigar" where the actor in gay abandon enthralled the audience. Here he has handled both the complex roles with elan and confidence of the veteran. 

"Fan" is a delight of those who are a fan of SRK, the actor and might disappoint those who are fan of SRK, the star, but on the whole it is a wonderful cinema with terrific acting.

Bottomline: One man show

4/5

Mardaani

My review: Mardaani

Pradeep Sarkar's "Mardaani" marks yet another comeback attempt for Rani Mukerji after her not so good returns in the box-office over the past few years. It is essentially a cop story that follows all template studiously with the theme of child trafficking thrown in for novelty. The theme though is topical importance and relevance the manner in which they have milked the issue for commercial purposes is despicable. The director known for his subtle portrayal has missed it this time in his endeavor to present a  commercially viable movie. 

Movie does has its moments, but they are few and far in between. The tempo also wavers and when actually the tempo needs to pick up, the director decides to go about it leisurely towards the end. As a result the movie fails to create the desired impact. The banter between the protagonist and antagonist make for riveting viewing in the middle with some witty lines.  

Movie is well served by terrific performances by its cast. Rani Mukrji spouts fire with her demeanor fitting of a tough cop. Her body language and acting is fine. It is Tahir Bhasin as the main antagonist Walt who steals the show. His casual yet spine chilling performance would sure make him get noticed by the connoisseurs of cinema. Rest of the support cast have performed well to perfection.  

Technically movie is sleek and well made while the talented yet underrated Karthik Raja gives a terrific background score which enhances the tension, the predominant mood of the movie. On the whole, "Mardaani" is a full blown commercial action pot-boiler masquerading as a movie with rich social message.

Bottomline: Brusque and blunt. 

3/5

Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania

My review: Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania

A tribute to the all time cult romantic blockbuster "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge"(DDLJ), Shashank Khaitan's "Humpy Sharma Ki Dulhania"(HSKD) follows the route laid by the former studiously adapting itself now and then with the sense and sensibilities of today's generation and current trend of movies. Thus it can be said it is an updated version of DDLJ but does it create the same impact the former managed is a big question to ponder over. And the answer is no but yet it is not a bad film either.   

Shashank has done a pretty decent job as the script writer and director presenting to us a breezy romantic comedy that is a throwback to the early 90's when the kinds of DDLJ, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", "Dil To Pagal Hain" ruled the roost. He keeps the background strong from those days of lively romantic comedies which gave ample importance to families and relationships but also spices the proceedings up with the contemporary mores and value systems. In the end the two hours that one spent watching the movie just breezes by with qualms absolutely whatsoever. 

Varun Dhawan impresses with his subtle performance though there is ample scope for boisterous histrionics he has dished to us so far. He has shown that he is not just a good comedian but also has potential in him to be a good actor. Alia Bhat just seems to have hit the purple patch in her career so soon. Whatever she touches seems to turn gold and this time too she is too good in her role of a typical Punjabi "dulhania " Kavya. Ashutosh Rana for a change gets a pleasant role who is reasonable instead of one of those cliched roles that he has been getting recently off-late. 

On the whole, "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" is one of those simple romantic comedies that you will enjoy with your loved one no matter how cliched it may seem.

Bottomline: DDLJ reboot 

3.5/5

Ek Villain

My review: Ek Villain

After the last year's surprise blockbuster "Aashiqui 2" Mohit Suri and his team is back with "Ek Villain" which is a romantic thriller. Whether inspired or not, "Ek villain" is eminently watchable. It is actually amusing to see reviewers googling Korean/Iranian/European movies once they suspect a inspiration after a Indian movie release, hurriedly torrent and watch them, before writing a comparative analysis of the two in the name of their review. When such inspiration do occur it is churlish to expect the makers to just reproduce what is there in the original. How can a movie set in say Korea be reproduced as it is in an Indian milieu without any changes to suit the sense and sensibilities of the country. And when one does it the hue and cry from this self-proclaimed saviours of the art is despicable and down right silly. 

I have not watched any Korean masterpiece, but I liked "Ek Villain". Though it has its own share of cliches and contrivances, most part of the movie is a refreshing departure from the movies if this type. When you expect the movie to travel in a particular vein the writers surprises you by the smart variations in the direction the script veers to. Also the understated emotion that is the strength of the movie leaves you touched. Though there were abundant scope for melodrama and one-your-face-emoting, the director and the actors have beautifully exercised restrain. 

In spite of a poorly written cliched role, Shradda Kapoor with her charm and charisma makes Aisha endearing. Even when she mouths ridiculous of lines her sincerity keeps you going. Sidharth Malhotra is good, better than his previous outing, though he has scope for improvement in showing variation in his emotions. Riteish Deshmuskh steals the show with his best role so far in his career. The evilness that he espouses with his eyes in spite of his naive demeanor is spine-chilling. Aamna Sharif as a nagging wife is terrific. 

As with any Mohit Suri's movie, the music is top notch. It is a power-packed album from Ankit Tiwari and Mithoon. 

On the whole, in spite of its imperfections, "Ek Villian" is an engrossing thriller with power-packed performances and exquisite musical score. 

Bottomline: Neat romantic thriller 

3.5/5

2 States

My review: 2 States

After Chetan Bhagath’s novels were successfully made into feature films with “3 Idiots” and “ Kai Po Che”, now third in the line is his debut novel “2 states”. Adapted on the screen and directed by Abhishek Varman “2 states” deals with the clash of cultures, ethos, mores, customs and lifestyles when two people who belong to different regions of the country fall in love. Though this is not the first time theme of this type is dealt with onscreen, like Chetan’s previous works, the subtle humour (though there are generous dose of racial slurs and cultural stereotypical jokes) laced with impactful emotional connectivity the script has with the audience bodes well for this movie too. 

Abhishek Varman has adopted the novel well onscreen. Many script-writers lose out on the intensity and emotional connect a novel might have with the readers but here Abhishek has managed it very well. The central idea of a Tamil girl and a Punjabi guy falling in love and wanting to get married with the approval and blessing of their parents by trying to make them see eye to eye is in itself a subject inherent with lots of firework. The writer has to just channel it in a proper manner so that the impact is maintained throughout. Abhishek has sure done it with aplomb making it a thoroughly enjoyable fare. 

Alia  Bhatt after her immensely impressive performance in “Highway” has again carried this movie on her shoulders with ample support from Arjun Kapoor. She has gotten into the skin of the character of Ananya Swaminathan, making her detractors eat humble pie who espoused reservation on her essaying the role of a Tamil girl. She gets her Tamil right in those places where she mouths them though they are few and far in between. The amazing transformation from Alia Bhatt, the person into Ananya Swaminathan on screen is amazing. Arjun Kapoor plays second fiddle to Alia though he is the narrator and has more scope. The support cast led by Revathi and Amrita Singh spice up the proceeding.

On the flip side, the number of ethnocentric jokes and dialogues could have been toned down a bit. Though the makers have aspired for realism on screen it may raise a few eyeballs down south especially those slurs on the colour of the skin. Especially the dialogue in response to “90% of the Tamilians are better qualified to marry my daughter”, “...but 90% of the Tamilians are dark-skinned no..?!”.  By trying for humour at the expense of skin colour, the makers have once again proved how regressive their thinking is.

On the whole, “2 States” is entertainment guaranteed if one is prepared to overlook minor insensitivities on the part of the makers.

Bottomline:  Triumph of  love.

3.5/5

                                                                                           

O Teri

My review: O Teri

If not for the dearth of movies at the particular time slot and desperation of me and my wife to watch one or the other movie on that fateful evening, I would have not even glanced at the poster of this sham of a movie  titled "O Teri". That some one had the audacity to make this movie, if not for the tax purposes, makes me sheath in anger at the money that they are able to waste like this. Unless one is intellectually challenged it would be difficult to follow this movie, leave alone enjoying it. 

What would have made good actors like Anuphem Kher and Vijay Raaz to sign this movie, I  didn't know they are so desperate for the dearth of opportunities. At least Vijay Raaz gives the ones who have paid their hard earned money and their valuable time some respect with his sincere effort, as usual. Others in the cast are despicable to say the least. Mandira Bedi and Sarah Jane Dias......Lol. Pulkit Samrat has the same expression throughout like a kid auditioning for the child part of Lord Krishna with stolen butter in his mouth. Bilal Amrohi is not meant to be an actor, but yet the makers have unleashed him to terrorize the viewers. 

On the whole, we could have spent our time arranging and re-arranging our home time and again on that fateful evening than having seen this bull crap, that would have been more entertaining and less injurious to our mind, body and soul.  

0.5/5

Highway

My review: Highway

Two movies over the past two months have got released with almost similar theme of self-actualization of the female lead, though the settings and the socio-demographics are totally different. And both these movie in their own way have dealt with the theme adeptly. "Highway" is Imtiaz Ali's 5th movie as a writer-director and most impressive of his so far. The other movie I was talking about was Vikas Bahl's  "Queen". 

It is so bold of Imtiaz Ali to touch upon child sexual abuse in such a matter-of-factly manner that is so rare in mainstream movies made in India. He aims at not only espousing the horror of the same that leaves a indelible mark in the victim's personality but also unravels the hypocrisy of the society which tries to wish-wash it from getting prominence rather trying to hush it up. Thus instead of emotional emancipation the victims get bogged down by the horrors of the experience and inaction of their saviors. Hence when they finally get chance for catharsis even the most dangerous of situation might become abreactive like what the protagonist of this movie Veera Tripathi finds herself in. 

Movie works to a great deal mainly due to its lead pair's terrific screen presence and performances. Randeep Hooda is fast building up a reputation for himself as a power-packed performer to look out for. As a ruffian Mahabir Bhati he is rock solid. Alia Bhatt is brilliant in only her second movie. She owns the screen with the confidence of a veteran. It is clearly one of the most memorable performances this year thus far along with Kangana's. 

On the whole, "Highway" is a powerful movie that is not only entertaining and engaging but also handles an important issue to ponder over adeptly.

Bottomline: Bold attempt.

3.5/5

Queen

My review: Queen

First things first. Vikas Bahl's "Queen" is undoubtedly the movie of the year although it is too early to tell but I doubt any movie will come close to challenge the claim. Written and directed by Vikas movie is a fine example of how masterful restrain in writing as well as performance might elevate a movie to greater heights. Notwithstanding the brilliance of the script which unfolds on screen seamlessly, adept direction keeping the viewers interested without any facade of emotional exploitation and exceptionally power-packed performance from Kangana Ranaut, it is this almost monk like restrain that pervades through the movie that makes this an enriching movie watching experience.    

To the best of my memory I have not watched a movie that has the heartbroken heroine snubbing the overtures of her sleightful fiance in such a decent and subtle manner yet hard-hitting all the same. She just says "thank you" after returning his engagement ring and walks away nonchalantly as if a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders. This is one of the best written scenes you would get to watch in a Bollywood movie where opulence of emotions and words rule the roost. That two words and few shots following it convey voluminous emotions more than any number of dialogues or condescending would have. The maturity with which Vikas as handled the script is exemplified by that scene. 

But it is not an isolated occurrence for movie has far more number of such instances of excellence. Enumerating each one of it would kill the thrill of watching it on screen. One thing I can vouch for it is that in numerous occasions you would fell ecstatic seeing Rani unlearning and keep rediscovering herself through her "honeymoon" trip.  

No contemporary Bollywood actresses could have managed to do this role with precision, maturity and restrain as Kangana Ranaut has done. She carries the whole movie on her shoulders by her superlative acting. Be it her predicament in the aftermath of her fiance breaking-up with her or her nonchalant yet endearingly non-offensive rebuttal in the climax, she once again prove how precious and exquisite a talent she is. The gradual transformation of her self-discovering herself that happens through the narration is a treat to watch it unfold on screen. The minute of expressions, slight differences in the body language and non-verbal communications are all mark of a born actor.  Though it may sound cliched it would be apt to say she lived the life of Rani on screen. 

Kangana is supported by power-packed performances from splendid support cast which include Lisa Haydon, Rajkumar Rao, and all those lesser known actors. Amit Trivedi's music is yet another pillar of strength for this movie.

Vikas Bahl has shown that in order to make a hard-hitting female oriented movie one need not indulge in loud and lengthy sermonizing and demonizing of the male characters yet deliver a meaningful at the same time entertaining movie. As the "Queen" Rani rediscovers herself one can't but help noticing the ripple effect that can be felt in the viewer's mind. 

On the whole, "Queen" is one cathartic experience everyone should go through. Kudos to its maker Vikas and its soul Kangana. 

Bottomline: A superlative effort 

4.5/5 

Shaadi Ke Side Effects

My review: Shaadi Ke Side Effects

This dangerous trend of making fake movies following the template of Hollywood is plaguing Bollywood since long. "Shaadi Ke Side Effects", written and directed by Saket Chaudhary strictly follows the Hollywood's template for this type of comedies that focuses on married boy becoming married man. 

Movie has some moments which brings out genuine laughs but these are few and far in between the overall mediocrity and kiddishness that rule. Only reason to watch this movie is Farhan Akhthar who carries this movie on his shoulders. His indomitable comic timing as well as the effortless histrionic abilities make it an endearing experience watching him perform onscreen. Vidya Balan on the other hand looks least interested in the proceeding, not that the script has much to offer. She comes to her own towards the end though. 

 

One wonders when the Bollywood directors start thinking realistically. Leave alone the story and script, even simple things like the sets and the props are taken for granted. The lead couple live in a posh apartment that even  a high earning professional would find difficult to live in especially considering the fact that the  husband is a struggling musician and the wife just left her job. And how he foots the bill for staying in such high end hotels leaves a lot to be desired. For him even the stay in PG accommodation must be difficult. Such careless scripting where the showcasing of richness and luxury takes the forefront is the bane of Hindi movie these days. 

On the whole, watch "Shaadi Ke Side Effects" if you like Farhan Akhtar performing on screen. Else give it a miss. 

Bottomline: Compilation of scenes from Hollywood DVDs. 

2.5/5  

The Lunchbox

My review: The Lunchbox

There are films that you watch, only a few you experience. Most of the time you see actors enacting the roles written for them, only rarely you forget that it is "actors" who are enacting roles written for them. Whenever a movie evokes your interest you get hooked to it  but very rarely you become part of the it. Even the best of movies will make you laugh or cry at the proceeding but once in a while you come a movie that makes you laugh or cry along with it. "The Lunchbox" is one of those rare movies that befit the later descriptions.   

In the days of texts and emails the main theme of two totally strange and diverse persons sharing a beautiful serendipitous relationship through letters right away gets you sucked into the narrative. Once you do then it is two hours of once in a lifetime experience through the gullies, crowed trains, busy roads, and mundane government offices of Mumbai along with the protagonists. You actually get to smell the sabjis when Imran takes a sniff at the lunchbox or when Nimrat prepare them under the tutelage of her neighborhood aunty. That is the power of Ritesh Batra's writing which transforms an obscure chennaiaite watching the movie in a multiplex into a Mumbaikar. 

Movie's characters are not that unusual or obscure beings. These are the people you and me come across everyday in our work place, neighborhood, and the public transport. A lonely grumpy widower yearning for company, emotionally dissatisfied taken-for-granted housewife, an young at time annoyingly sweet intern, intrusive at the same time helpful neighborhood aunty are the ones none of us are oblivious to have known. Especially the neighborhood aunty whom we only get to hear is one of the best supporting cast in films recently. We don't feel like we have not seen her face, Bharati Achrekar is simply awesome with her voice acting. Don't be surprised if she gets an award or two for the best supporting actress and if she gets it would go down in history as for first time any one would get award without even appearing for a second on screen which she truly deserves.  

Irrfan Khan is simply superb as Saajan Fernandes, a brooding grumpy old man on the verge of retirement. His body language, voice modulation and demeanor, everything about his Saajan is memorable. Watch out for the subtleness in his acting whether when he consciously takes a sniff at the lunchbox in the middle of a busy office or when he realizes that he is too old to play this romantic game. 

Nimrat Kaur is an excellent and exciting find to Indian cinema. She seems to have a natural flair for acting, her theater background comes to fore here. Her portrayal of Ila is so casual and effortless. Both the writer and the actor have restrained themselves from melodrama though there is ample scope for it which is a huge relief. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a bundle of talent and once again he rocks the screen. What an actor he is turning out to be. In each every frame he is on screen he grabs the eyeballs which is no mean feat considering the stature and the performance of the co-star he shares screen space with.

Max Richter's background score adds soul to the story. Michael Simmonds' camera work captures the hustle and bustle of Mumbai's crowded trains, the route traversed by the dabbawalas, their lifestyle and the interiors of  Mumbai's middle-class households.

Ritesh ends the movie with a poetic happy ending that is open to the interpretation of the viewers. Thus rounding of a well made movie that is bound to find its place amongst the best of Indian cinema.

Bottomline: An exquisite lunch.

4.5/5

Shuddh Desi Romance

My review: Shuddh Desi Romance

Director Maneesh Sharma seems to have caught up with his "Band Baaja Baaraat" mold. Bands, Baajas and Baaraats form the backdrop of his third movie "Shuddh Desi Romance" as does the bathroom and toilets. As the movie happens in Jaipur, every other scene you see the actors savoring various signature delicacies of the region. Maneesh seem to have oral fixation for either his characters are shown munching the street food or each others lips in alternate scenes. And after that they end up in the toilet as expected which plays an important part in the movie. 

"Shuddh Desi Romance" focuses mainly on the commitment phobia that is fast becoming very common among the urban youth of our country. Just a couple of weeks back a Telugu movie "Anthaka Mundu Aa Tarvatha " handled the subject beautifully But here Maneesh seem to have taken the convenient route  and hence as result the movie fails to make the desired impact it ought to have created otherwise if he has threaded with more seriousness. In the end the movie just passes muster ending up as an average fair, almost a comical documentary on the commitment phobia. 

Initially the language, the backdrop, the setting  and the light-hearted feel kindles interest in the viewers. But as the movie progresses into the second half, everything becomes repetitive, monotonous and redundant, hence movie gets a bit boring. In the end, the  makers have opted for a convenient ending which totally goes out of place from the promising start.   

Sushanth Singh Rajput is good as a naive, confused and at times irritating Raghuram, a small town youth in eternal state of dilemma. Parineeti Chopra actually steals the show, overshadowing everyone else with her sparkling screen presence and  performance. Vaani Kapoor is pleasant looking and does her part credibly. Rishi Kapoor gets lots of good one-liners that makes the audience laugh at many places. 

"Gulabi" is an awesome melody that is already ruling the youtube and the music charts. Rest of the songs are usual routine Bollywood fare. Music is by Sachin-Jigar. 

After a slew of impressive line-ups Jaideep Sahni's writing slips a bit this time. Though the movie somehow manages to grab the eyeballs throughout the length of it, one does gets a feeling of missing something in the end. May be this itself might eventually be enough for the movie to click at the box-office, considering some of the most awful movies like "Yeh Jawani hai Deewani" and "Chennai Express" have made it big this year already.

On the whole, "Shuddh Desi Romance" is better then some of the dreadful blockbusters of the year so far but still falls way short of what it promises in the beginning due to a redundant screenplay.

Bottomline: A story of bands, baajas, baaraats and toilets. 

3/5

Chennai Express

My review: Chennai Express

 One is the biggest superstar of Bollywood while the other is the most sought after director who has given three 100 crore movies on the trot. What happens when they decide to do a movie together. "Chennai Express" is the answer. How good is the answer is for all to decide but whatever the result is, it is not original (one might ask which Rohit Shetty movie is..??!!). 

Scenes blatantly copied (which some hypocrites may christine it as "Tributes", Bulshit...!! ) from Tamil movies "Muthu", "Ghilli", "Alexpandian" to name a few. Most asinine of lines which are supposed to make the audience laugh (which many did, wonder what might be their IQ levels..!) like "I am from Punjab", "Which part ?" , " Whole body"...or the reply of SRK to Sathyaraj's "Unaku Tamil Theri'ma ?? " which one gets to watch every week in the comedy circus. (Since Rohit Shetty is a judge of the show he must be unconsciously gotten inspired by the performers in that show). 

Slipping on the grass by SRK, weird somniloquist attempt by Deepika (which is an amalgam of "Chandramukhi" Jothika and "Anjali" Baby Shamili :P) or exchange of messages through hindi songs (which was really comical the first time but when it gets repeated often it gets irritating) are things which are supposed to tickle one to laugh out loud which does happen for they were many people who seem to have come determined to laugh at anything that they come across today no matter how infantile it may be. 

Movie miss out not only in logic (any how if you look for logic in a Rohit Shetty movie then you must get tested  first ) but what about the geographical landscape. It was really laughable when the famous Dhood Sagar falls is passed off as the railway station of the Heroine's village. Many parts of Karnataka and Kerala are passed of as Tamil Nadu. 

Language is another casualty. Someone was credited as "Tamil dialogue trainer/supervisor"  but he must have been on grass while they were filming the movie I guess. When there are numerous talented voice artists around why should the makers make us endure the torture of non-Tamils trying to murder the language. It is really funny and at the same time irritating to hear Nikitin Dheer mouth Tamil dialogues many of which are in now redundant chaste Tamil. Deepika mishmashes Tamil,  Hindi and English all with weird accent. When she says that she will teach Tamil to SRK one does shirk in the seat with irony but the wretched result of the same when it appears in the climax when SRK tries his hand (mouth rather) on Tamil one can't but help the profanities from coming out of one's mouth. Why does she has that constipated look when she speaks in Hindi by the way..???

What made Sathyaraj sign this movie is anyone's guess. A cartoonish caricature, he too gets boringly repetitive with "ennamma kannu" routine of his. 

Movie is at times comical, very next scene it turns serious, then gets slapstick followed by a scene which works out more as a spoof which is again followed by a sentiment scene. The writers clearly have lost focus in what they were writing which in no way saved by the lousy direction. All of a sudden hero is in the international waters gets caught by police as a refugee, and in next scene he does this "Ghilli" impersonation. Clearly overdose of dopamine at work.   

Redeeming aspects of the movie (apart from the nice air-conditioned cooling in this dreadful Chennai heat, and hoards of good looking lasses around ) are Dudley's cinematography and Vishal-Sekhar's music (only songs mind you, their background score is very ordinary ). The video and audio of "Titli" and "Kashmir main tu Kanyakumari" are worth the 20% of the money spent. Rest of the money is what SRK does to his "daadaa's" ashes. 

Leave aside the logical, linguistic, geopolitical and ethnographic inaccuracies and insensitivities. Even otherwise "Chennai Express" is a pathetic movie lousily made. It is strictly for those pea-brained juveniles who are game for cheap jokes and (like SRK says in the movie ) "single screen humour". 

Bottomline: Survived 2 1/2 hours surrounded by 500+ imbeciles and a migraine. 

2/5

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

My review: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra's biopic based on the life of "the Flying Sikh" Milkha Singh, "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" is a long movie running for more than three hours. Though one hardly notice time flying by in the first half, in the second half one does get restless as the movie goes on and on. May be the movie should have ended with the Rome Olympics but then it is a Bollywood mainstream movie in which the hero should go down with all guns blazing as well as conquering his old demons. As a result movie gets unduly stretched for 30 more minutes which lead to all the restlessness.

In spite of the length and the exaggerated theatrics fitting for a mainstream Hindi movie, "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" is enjoyable considering that it is based on the life of one of the most celebrated athlete India ever produced. And when film of this magnitude is made and makers want it to reach as many people as possible, one can't avoid the cinematic liberties that the makers have chosen to take. So when the young Milkha stares at his cousins who chase him from above the cliff surrounded by his new found friends with "Zinda" blaring in the background one would surely start enjoying the heroics in spite of the silliness of the idea as we are fed with these kind of scenes all our life.

Or for that matter can we imagine a Bollywood movie trying to showcase patriotism without Pakistan bashing or showing the Pakistani sportsperson as haughty and arrogant. However here the makers have redeemed themselves by showing the then Pakistani president Ayub Khan impressed with Milkha and bestowing upon him the title "Flying Sikh".

Also it is often irritating to see makers of such kind of movies demonizing other contemporary sportsperson in order to extoll the heroism of the protagonists. Shots of the competitors grinding their teeth with  anger or bashing the fellow athlete trying to strip him are all over done and in bad taste. May be there is some truth in what might have happened but to show them in such a crude manner in inexplicable. In the effort to pay tribute to one legend they have tarnished the image of his contemporaries which is despicable. 

In spite all these efforts at jingoism movie fails to elicit goosebumps even once unlike movies on sports previously did, be it "Lagaan" or "Chakde India". Whether the makers refrained from attempting one or they failed to create one is any one's guess. But when you look at it as a regular mainstream Bollywood movie, "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" is a well written and executed movie with good performances from most of its cast members.  

Farhan Akthar has given his all, put in his heart and soul, sweat and blood (literally). He has lived the character and looks every inch an athlete.He has done full justice to his role. Other actor who has done exceedingly well is Divya Dutta as Milkha sister Ishri Kaur. Watch out for her in the scene she sees Milkha in India blazer for the first time. Sonam Kapoor's extended cameo fails to create any impact mostly due to her overt cutesy attempt which plain irritating. Others in the cast Yograj Singh, Pawan Malhotra, Prakash Raj and the rest have done their part well. 

Shankar-Ehsan-Loy's music is good with background score mostly supportive of the narrative while technically too movie is good. Various colour hues used in accordance with the time period in which the story happens is good. 

On the whole, "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" is a well made movie that is enjoyable especially if you are one who gets easily smitten by the Bollywood's attempt at overt glorification of the patriotic heroes.

Bottomline:Biopic, Bollywood ishtyle.

3/5

Shorts

My review: Shorts

 Compilation of five short films in a span of 90 minutes with approximately 20 minutes per story, "Shorts" is produced by Anurag Kashyap and Guneet Monga. Of the five short films, "Mehfuz", "Sujatha" and "Shor" stand out for both the content and the performances in that order. Other two, "Audacity" and "Epilogue" fails to create the same intensity of impact the other three generated. 

Mehfuz: 

Starring Nawazzudin Siddiqui and Aditi Khanna, Rohit Pandey's "Mehfuz" is the best of the five films. Excellently performed by Nawazuddin, the film has lasting impact on the viewers. Exploring the psyche of a loner who longs for human company, when he is about to get one at a striking distance, destiny has other plans. The last few shots of the movie of Nawazzudin caressing the arm of the dead body is impactful showcasing the longing of human mind for company.    

This segment has wonderful cinematography with lots of telling shots. The lighting especially for the night sequences are very good. Since it has very few dialogues, music director has tried to fill in the gaps with music, quiet successfully at that. On the whole, "Mehfuz" is a wonderful exploration of human mind that is lonely and longing for human contact. 

4/5

Sujatha:  

Shlok Sharma's "Sujatha" has Huma Qureshi in the lead with Aditya Kumar having an equally powerful role. 

"Sujatha" tells the story of one of the many numerous silent sufferers of abuse (sexual, physical, emotional and mental ) at the hands of a close relative in our society. Sujatha is the protagonist whose abuse at the hands of her cousin starts early in childhood till she gets to the point of no return. What follows is the extreme measure that she takes when all her hopes are lost. 

                       

Huma Qureshi is brilliant the silent suffer Sujatha. "One can bear the lashing but the hurt caused by the kiss would be unbearable" is the defining line of this movie. Her performance in that scene as well as in the climatic portion of this segment warrants mention. Aditya Kumar is equally as good. His performance is so strong that anyone would easily hate his character and root for the protagonist when she takes that extreme measure. For the protagonist's character to shine antagonist has to be powerful which is the case here too. On the whole, "Sujatha" is hard-hitting short film with superlative performance from the actors concerned. 

4/5

Shor: 

Neeraj Ghaywan's "Shor" is a beautiful story set against the travails and tribulations of the people who live in the slums of Mumbai. With good performances from Ratnabali Bhattacharjee and Vineet Singh and neat writing makes this one among the best three short films of this feature. Natural portrayal of the actors is the main strong point of this segment. Especially Ratnabali is good both when she silently endures all the bashings from her mother-in-law and husband as well as when she retorts back at her husband at the most crucial part of the story. One telling shot of this segment is  when the camera zooms across the city of Mumbai from a fixed point showing the contrast within the city between bustling tall skyscrapers on the left and sprawls of tin shed shelters as the camera moves towards the right, all side by side within short distance of one another. On the whole, "Shor" is an ode to the numerous hardworking women who go about leading a dignified life withstanding the abuse from their husbands and in-laws.  

3.5/5

Audacity :

Only Bengali short film among the five, Anirban Roy's "Audacity" starring Preeti Singh and Shankar Debnath starts of promisingly but fizzles out in the end. Trying to explore the generation gap, parents inability to lead by example and their over-criticality leading to the teenager taking measures to teach them a lesson is all about "Audacity". Nothing can be faulted as far as the performances are concerned. But the story is not gripping and the ending is all too sudden without any twist in the tale. On the whole, "Audacity" had all the potential but fails to sustain one's interest. 

2.5/5

Epilouge: 

The weakest and most abstract of all the five segments, Siddharth Gupt's "Epilouge" starring Richa Chaddha and Arjun Shrivastav is difficult for an average movie goer to decipher what it is all about. It is a story of a borderline, almost psychotic Richa who has a possessive love for Arjun which so suffocating and torturous that it pushes Arjun to the brink. When he finally decides to confront the shackles the borderline impulsivity of Richa comes to his rescue and finally his freedom. This is one of those movies that is open for the viewer's interpretation. Well shot with lots of delusional and hallucinatory effects sprinkled throughout, "Audacity" is technically rich. Background score is good, especially since there is no dialogues in this segment the music director Jaidev Kumar has put on extra effort. Both the actors Richa and Arjun are good in their parts. But somehow one feels something is missing at the end.

2.5/5

Sixteen

My review: Sixteen

There have been numerous movies made on the subject of problems faced by the adolescents but what makes Raj Purohit's "Sixteen" apart is the honesty of the attempt and unprejudiced and non-judgemental stand of the makers. There is no beating around the bush nor overt criticality of certain lifestyles. In that way "Sixteen" is a neat attempt by Raj Purohit and his team which has mostly unknown names in the lead.

Teenage is a tumultuous period where there is high potential for both greatness as well as disaster. Proper guidance as well as innate character traits and coping styles of the person concerned will eventually tilt the scales in one of the two directions. "Sixteen" explores the same with utmost sincerity. Only thing is movie just about loses steam in the second half but gathers itself towards the end. May be the end is a bit candy-flossed so that the audience would leave the hall with some amount of positive energy after all the shocks they have been dished to about today's youngsters. Though at certain points one would feel there is an element of exaggeration now and then but what they have shown in this movie is what is happening around oneself in the society especially in the metro cities and towns.

Izabelle Leite as the feisty and saucy Anu has done her part well in a meaty role. Though at certain points especially in the serious segments she looks lost overall her performance is good. Wamiqa Gabbi is blessed with most well rounded role among the four lead protagonists and she has utilized the opportunity well. Highpill Mathew has almost the same expression throughout the movie. May be the writers chose not to focus their energy on his character that much. Mahak is innocence personified and her character is the one which reminds one of their adolescence which we are used to for other characters may look alien to anyone who are not part of the current generation.  Keith Sequira is good, his role starts of confusing but gets a good conclusion. 

Prashanth Pillai's background score jells well with the story while he along with three others have scored music for songs which are all fast-paced dance numbers and couple of melodies.

Sriram Ganapathy has done a neat job capturing the emotions of the actors on screen as well the vibrancy of Delhi city, its gullies and landmarks.

On the whole, "Sixteen" is a neatly made film which explores a topical issue without being judgemental and taking sides. 

Bottomline: Vivacity and puerility of the teenage.

3.5/5

Lootera

My review: Lootera

"Lootera" is poetic portrayal of rustic love happening in the 1950's based on the short story of O.Henry, "The Last Leaf". It is a heart-touching story of love, betrayal, repentance and redemption.Though the subject seem a bit mushy Vikramadhitya Motwane, the director who has co-written the script with Bhavani Iyer has kept the mood bright throughout. The final shot of the movie would both bring in a tear or two along with a heart-warming smile in your face all at the same time, a rare feat that can be attributed to the writing and narration of the makers.

Movies like these are to be best enjoyed if they made in the pace that the makers have stuck to with "Lootera". The story unfolds at a slow pace and as it does it grows on the viewers. Though it might not be the cup of tea for the inattentive, restless, impulsive youth of today, but for those who enjoy movies that grows on you and remains in your mind for long after the movie is over, "Lootera" is the movie for you. 

Most of the time classics are those which take up a simple story or a theme, present to the viewers the same in an uncomplicated and lucid manner as a result which instead of being a passive onlooker they become part of the what is happening on screen. And any movie which evokes that kind of involvement from the viewers are sure to be remembered for a long time, irrespective of the its fate  at the box-office. "Lootera" can be classified as a classic in that sense.

A good script needs performers who can translate the maker's vision on screen with as much authenticity as possible. "Lootera" boasts of actors who have done their work brilliantly. Sonakshi Sinha in her best performance till  date is excellent as Pakhi whose character graph is etched out well. From a naive young girl with a comfortable lifestyle who is smitten by the mysterious Varun to a matured lady afflicted with a serious illness stung by betrayal and battered by losses, Sonakshi brings out the various shades of her character well on screen. Ranvir Singh is brilliant as Varun / Nandu, a character with grey shades. Rest of the cast have done their parts well.

Good writing and stellar performance from the cast is ably supported by excellent visuals, captured by Mahendra J Shetty, the cinematographer. Movie boasts of wonderful visuals. As the movie doesn't have much of dialogues, story is told mostly visually. Here the alliance of Mahendra and Vikramaditya has worked out well in presenting a visual poetry on screen.  

Amit Trivedi's background score is another pillar of strength for this movie. 

On the whole, "Lootera" is a must watch. 

Bottomline: Visual poetry. 

4/5

Fukrey

My review: Fukrey

Success of a movie is often related to how the makers are able to masquerade the flaws in their work for not every one can come out with a  perfect movie all the time. Mrighdeep Singh Lamba has done that so well in "Fukrey" which he has scripted with Vipul Vig in addition to directing it. Starring largely unknown and upcoming actors "Fukrey" is fun for the two and odd hours of its running time. 

Though the main theme of the movie which is centered around how the protagonist can tease out clues from his friend's dream and win lottery seems ridiculous, the success of the script lies in its capacity to make the viewers not to question it but to join in the fun. Lucid writing with lots of funny situations spiced further by funnier dialogues makes it enjoyable to the core. Very few dull moments in the movie, good writing is backed by good direction and flawless acting. Mrighdeep has extracted excellent work from all the actors including the extras. 

Among the actors it is Richa Chadda as the fiery Bholi Punjaban and Varun Sharma as Choocha who steal the show. Each and every  sequence in which they come face to face is a scream. Richa is so effortless and casual in her portrayal of a neatly written character while Varun is brilliant in the character whose appearance on screen is just enough to evoke laughter right from his introduction scene.

 Pulkit Samrat as the main protagonist of the movie Hunny is earnest in his work while Manjot Singh and Ali Fazal lend adimrable support. Priya Anand does well in a short and sweet role of her's. Vishaka Singh is good too in more of a serious role unlike others in the lead cast. Pankaj Tripathi as Pundit is awesome with his dialogue delivery especially his use of English words at every opportune moment.  

Ram Sampath's background score amply support the movie's flow with songs helping more in aiding the flow of the movie rather than acting as a speed-breaker. K.U.Mohanan's cinematography does justice to the story that needs to be told in a simple manner. His lighting in certain scenes like the night sequences warrant special mention. 

On the whole, "Fukrey' is the kind of movie that one can enjoy with a whole gang of friends, leave the thinking shoes at home and relax in a laid back manner in the theater. 

Bottomline: Have a blast...!

3.5/5

Ghanchakkar

My review: Ghanchakkar

After two critically acclaimed movies "Aamir" and "No one killed Jessica", Rajkumar Gupta's latest release is "Ghanchakkar". Title somehow justifies the movie as a whole. Advertised as dark comedy, movie's best oneliners and moments are all revealed in the trailer itself. Hence if one goes in with the expectation of wanting more of those stuff they are bound to get disappointed. Otherwise it is quite an engaging heist thriller with comical elements sprinkled throughout. 

The amount of tension that it builds in the viewers slowly throughout the narration reaches a nadir towards the climax. But the revelation in the end is all too abrupt and short that one can't help but get out of the theater earning for a better ending. This kinda waters down the overall impact of the movie in the final analysis. Especially bringing in a supposedly menacing character all of a sudden from nowhere and his end brought about by freakish of accidents (kiddish stuff this) are all too imbecile for a movie which was up till then keeping the viewers in leash. 

Performance wise more than the lead pair, it is Rajesh Sharma and Namit Das as Pundit and Idris who steal the show. Spontaneous rendition of such fresh characters with full range of emotions to portray the duo come up trumps. They provide quiet a few laugh-out-loud moments. Emran Hashmi is stoic, having nothing much to express for his character doesn't demand much of emotions to be portrayed. Vidya Balan who's  character was supposedly the main attraction going by the promo and as proclaimed by the makers, ends up disappointing. She looks so conscious about her looks ( or the lack of it), dialogue delivery ( with her annoyingly overdone "OYE") and tries hard to portray herself as crazy and stupid. The spontaneity from her is missing this time.   

Amit Trivedi has given good background score which suits the mood of the movie as does the cinematography of Sethu. Sethu's lighting deserves credit for majority of the story takes place indoors and in the dark. 

Writers Parveez Shaikh and Rajkumar Gupta try their best to keep the mood lighter at the same time not allowing the main plot to get diluted in it's seriousness. But in their quest to have a simple ending, their idea of  a double bluff to fool the audience who by this time must have gone overboard in their guessing game, the climax some how kills the entire mood.  

On the whole, "Ganchakkar" is a definite one time watch just missing the mark to wow the viewers in its quest for over-smartness. 

Bottomline: Less crazy than expected. 

3/5 

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

My review: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

At the outset when one watches "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", one can't help but wonder is it made by the same person who also gave us one of the better movies in recent times "Wake up Sid". One wonders what had gone into the promising Ayan Mukherjee's head this time. May be this time around the influence from the  producer side (Karan Johar) must have so overwhelming for him to avoid it from getting into his head which he astutely stayed away from in his debut film. Movie has lots of Karan Joharisque idiosyncrasies which puts off the viewers.

There seems to be an ongoing battle throughout the movie between the casual, naturalistic writing and characterization of Ayan and the cutesy, overtly dramatic, irritating making style of Karan Johar which makes the movie neither here nor there. A well conceived and enacted scene is quickly followed by an artsy-craftsy, pretentious scene, which is want ruins the impact the movie would have created otherwise. Many characters are typical Karan Joharisque. Evelyn Sharma, Kunal Roy Kapur and parts of Kalki's character to name a few, are plain irritating and imbecile characterizations. These type of characters spring now and then and spoil the good work done by Ranbir's, Deepika's and Aditya Roy Kapur's.

Ranbir Kapoor is good, carries on with his good work he has been doing off late. As a carefree Bunny he comes out with various shades in his portrayal with elan. Deepika Padukone in an almost deglamourised role has got good opportunity to perform which she has done with glee. An unidimentional character with some cliches of how medicos are portrayed on screen, she has left nothing to blame as far her performance is concerned. Aditya Roy Kapur once again shows what a talent he is. He is brilliant as Avi while Kalki is getting a bit typecast in the last few movies of her's. Less said about the rest of the cast the better.

Movie's music is already a huge hit among the youth and it is the main reason why the movie has got a grand opening and is able to sustain the same. Yet another hit album from Pritam with "Badtameez Dil " rocking the dance floor. He scores in other melodious numbers too. 

V.Manikandan is the cinematographer who's hard work is evident on screen. Excellent picturization of the Himalayan snow clad mountains and the royal beauty of Udaipur.

When one comes out of the theater there is a feeling of something missing especially when one ventured into the theater with "Wake up Sid " in the back of the mind. Considering the talent that Ayan revealed to the world with his debut, his second coming is way short of what was expected of him.

On the whole, "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" is a futile union of sagaciously thinking young director and still juvenile in mind middle-aged producer.

Bottomline: For the juvenile minds. 

2.5/5  

Shortcut Romeo

My review: Shortcut Romeo

 Susi Ganeshan makes his Bollywood debut with "Shortcut Romeo " starring Neil Nitin Mukesh, Ameesha Patel and Puja Gupta, which is a remake of his only hit in Tamil "Thiruttu Payale". Story which was told in a powerful manner in Tamil looses steam in Hindi due to poor casting, lackluster direction and wobbly screenplay. As a result movie fails to engage the viewers and create the same kind of impact the original created.

Story is how parents inadvertently corrupt the young one's mind and its repercussions in the future. Though a novel theme, director has hotchpotched his way to boring the viewers with never ending drama of infidelity, blackmail, deceit, and murder. To make the matter worse movie boasts of some of the most terrible actors in Bollywood with Ameesha leading the way. 

In a role in which Malavika did her best in Tamil, Ameesha sleep walks her way to irritation. Wonder what she has learnt after spending all these years in acting business. She looks lost in most parts with inane expressions (or the lack of it) at some of poignant parts of the tale annoying the viewers. Puja Gupta is marginally better though she has a long road ahead as far as acting is concerned. One excuse could be she doesn't have much of a role to play this time. Neil Nitin is earnest and tries his level best to mask the inadequacies of his co-stars but to no avail. Rest of cast are amateurish in their acting skills bringing down the movie to b-grade level.  

Himesh Reshammiya's music is patchy with couple of songs hum-worthy. Technically movie is tacky with at many points the cinematography looking pedestrian. Shabbily made CG shots further bringing down the quality of the movie. Surprising to note that such a talented person like N.K.Ekambaram is the cinematographer of this movie.

On the whole, "Shortcut Romeo" proves once again that there is no shortcut to success which the director Susi Ganshan seemed to have failed to realize himself.

Bottomline: A tacky b-grader. 

1.5/5