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Reviews
Chhalaang (2020)
Super cast, no story
A movie I set forth watching with really high expectations. Rajkumar, Luv Ranjan and Hansal Mehta. Rajkumar is always sincere as an actor but even he can't carry a no story movie. Luv Ranjan who shares writing credits is known for vibrance and lively stories fails to inspire. You keep on waiting for something worthwhile to happen something inspirational so much so that it becomes a drag and you are glad it's over. Out of six, two stars are for one liners and some quirky laughs in the first half.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
Remove fast and furious from the title
I have been a shameless fan of Fast and Furious series with one disappointment so far Tokyo Drift. This one is neither disappointment nor meets the expectations. It's a typical Hollywood masala action movie. If you can enjoy the buff and stunts with baseline story then go for it on a lazy afternoon with minimal expectations!!
Shanghai (2012)
A Political Drama Based in India
There are few directors with the capability to pull audiences on their own, irrespective of the cast and story. Dibakar definitely makes the cut. To add to it the promotion and music were hugely popular making it one of the highly anticipated movies of the year.
Abhay Deol once again proves his mettle as and off beat actor in the role of an IAS officer Krishnan. However, the real revelation of the movie is definitely Emraan Hashmi, who as Jogi is fabulous. His expressions and acting seems to have miraculously reached new levels. Keep it up. Kalki didn't have much to do and so fits the bill.
The story is not new. Set in Bharatnagar, it explores the political and business manifestations about land acquisition and development. What are the games played for profit and how the common man suffers? It makes us think how corrupt the system around us is. However, the brilliant ending does give us hope. There are good people as well.
So, I guess the question to answer is "Was it worth it?" The answer is a dicey one. The storyline was definitely engrossing but the pace could have been better. The sub plots were introduced beautifully but their significance and integration with the main story left a lot to be desired for instance the case of Shalini's (Kalki) father. The political equations and repercussions are very well highlighted though and at no point of time it escapes the realms of reality. It stays very true to politics and to India.
Kahaani (2012)
Nothing can come in the path of a determined woman
What does a woman do when her husband disappears a couple of months before she gives birth to her first child? Is he alive? Has he been kidnapped? Has he left her? Was she never a part of his life? There comes a stage when none of the reasons matter, the only thing which remains of any value is to know the truth, whatever it may be. When you reach that stage no eventuality can hurt you, and only the truth can comfort you.
Kahaani is the story of one such woman (Vidya Balan) and her quest for the truth. Everybody plays a role in the movie and has acted superbly but this is Vidya's movie inside out. All through the movie we wonder what is the driving force behind this lady's determination. How the hell can she handle so much? Her whole world is crashing and yet she stands tall, unfazed. The answer is revealed in the penultimate minute of the movie and the sheer realization of the truth which was keeping the woman going on and on makes you applaud. It comes naturally. It is worth every penny. Go for it!!
Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
A Summary of All That is Wrong in India
First of all, there are two heroes in the movie. One is the inimitable Irrfan who has always left an impression on his fans and critics alike right from his first movie. The second hero of the movie is its script. The story of an army athlete who decides to participate in sports for the sole reason that he could eat full stomach, a man who prefers to run bare feet in an international arena and finally has to take up arms to protect his family and property when the government and administration fail to act. The transformation is so pure and natural that we all ended up feeling I would have done the same in the situation. That's the strength of the story and the character.
The movie goes on at an amazing pace without a dull moment, the one liners are so witty that even while empathizing with the situation you can put a curve on your lips, and the entire supporting cast just gels around the story as if its their story too. Special mention to Mahie who displays superb acting skills yet again in the limited opportunity she gets. She has an amazing screen presence and you end up wanting for more...and more.
All in all a superb movie and a must watch for everybody!!
Bridesmaids (2011)
Another case of nice story bad execution
Mediocre by any standards. When Annie's best friend Lillian decides to get married she is entrusted with the responsibility of organizing things, the catch being she has to do it with a group of 'not so cool' girls. What follows is an attempt to prove who is closer to the bride to be and a bizarre sequence of events which neither make you laugh nor you can connect to. The fact that Annie has a weird mother, weirder roommates and with no job security fails to evoke any sympathy. The only bright spot in the movie is definitely the subtle but surely there romance between Annie and the cop. Its cute. Kristen does nothing exemplary nor does any of the others in the cast, though Melissa does make you laugh and is definitely the pick of the lot.
Vicky Donor (2012)
Character defining role for 'the sperm'
This movie has managed to pleasantly surprise millions of people. The secret of its success lies in fresh faces, awesome script and flawless storyline. It begins with the quest of a infertility specialist (Annu Kapoor)to search for a sperm donor of a superior quality. Enter Vicky (Ayushman)who is an unemployed, college pass out, typical flirting guy. He is a breathe of fresh air and the conversations between him and Annu Kapoor are hilarious to the hilt. His love interest (Yami Gautam) does an excellent job of an independent Bengali girl and her chemistry with Ayushman is really cute. The film also explores fertility issues, cultural differences and the taboo around sperm donation but the beauty of it lies in the humorous subtext through it all. The supporting cast made it all the more memorable experience and I wouldn't mind going for it again...
Marley & Me (2008)
Story of the ups and downs of a family with a dog
This movie is only meant for die hard animal lovers. The essence of the movie is bonding of a family with a dog. However, the movie has every other thing except that. Jennifer and Owen are ordinary. The movie fails to give a home carry message.
Owen is a columnist who aspires to be a reporter. Jennifer is a reporter for whom family comes first. Marley is a dog who is only interested in fun. However they fail miserably to come together as a unit in the story. None of the characters even vaguely wanders near the boundaries of emotions, forget about raising questions and provoking thoughts. The plot seems meaningless at times and the characters are not well defined. All in all, average stuff.