Manuja Reviews

Superstar (2008)

Plot Driven... Superstar Delivers

[8/10 · 30 January 2011]

I watched this movie coz I recorded it off a TV channel. I didn't expect much from it, but was VERY pleasantly surprised! This movies stars mostly "non major actors", and relied on the plot and story more than the star power of any individual to make the movie a success.

This movie had it all, drama,romance,action,and emotion. Music was good. Loved "Mann Tu Talbat", will be listening to it again. This movie had a moral message as well as being entertaining. It showcases the greed of people at the top and how they use their power to exploit.It also showcases ambition, and how the price of success can sometimes be higher than what we are willing to pay for it.

What I loved about the movie were the poignant moments it had.....

The scene where Karan is sad because only the housekeeper remembers his birthday,(we see how lonely he is even surrounded by people) the scene when Bharka realizes that the man she is with is Kunal and not Karan. (Her single tear shows us her pain without making a big production out of it). Another memorable scene was the one where Kunal realizes that he is trapped and cannot be with the women he loves, or his family and friends anymore. (followed by the song "Mann Tu Talbat") The movie was made of some really beautiful scenes like this which are a compliment to it's director. Hats off! The star of this movie is undoubtedly Kunal Khemu. He carried a dual role with great confidence! (I was surprised to realize I had seen him in old movies as a child star!). The performances by actors playing his parents, Bharka and also Tulip Joshi were good.

All in all, this movie was a departure from your usual Bollywood fare and I highly recommend it! Watch this movie, you wont regret it, I certainly did not. Want to see more of Kunal Khemu. He bares a resemblance to the late Heath Ledger who was one of my favorite actors. Hope Kunal has the same acting chops too. Good luck Kunal! Also watch for the cameo by Sanjay Dutt. Was good.

I Hate Luv Storys (2010)

Middle Earth Girl...loved this story!

[7/10 · 20 October 2010]

I watched this movie, coz I knew it was partly shot in NZ, and the actors gave interviews when they came here to shoot.... I didn't have ANY expectations at all, as I had only seen Sonam in "Sawariya" and never seem Imran in anything! I agree to a point with some who say that the movie played on Clichés, but we have to realize that this is deliberate.

The thing is.... this movie is trying to say the same thing those melodramas did, but with a lot less embellishments and in a more straightforward sense. It does not ALWAYS succeed in this, but it did not have any of the over dramatized love scenes or nauseating dialogue of some old movies. Instead, it tried to tell us that falling in love is ALWAYS somewhat dramatic, but try to break it down to a more believable level. Lets be honest... who here has not got drunk and called someone you liked? or made a fool of yourself falling for a co-worker etc? It's believable. The two characters had differing beliefs, but find common ground while working together and they start to rely on each others company without even realising it. Love creeps up on them and Simran being an incurable romantic accepts and understand this first, but Jay does not. It takes her extricating herself from his life, for him to realize how important she had become to him, and his journey to this realisation is painful for him. (We realize that his dislike of love and relationships does not just come from a superficial level, but from his parents failed relationship that contributes to his cynicism).

As for the actors….Imran was a BABE, could not take my eyes off him.... and Sonam was sooo pretty. They lit up the screen; the chemistry was electric in some scenes. I disagree with those who say that it was not there? Where were you? They were hot, and never hotter than in those scenes in Queenstown! LOVED them! There was a natural, un-tried chemistry between them that was really enjoyable to watch. You can totally believe them just hanging out on a set, in bars and coffee shops.

I found the character Kunal hilarious, he had the BEST lines in the movie and even Giselle was very funny! The perfect BF wearing the same colour…..? Maybe a bit overdone, but it was trying to make a point of how hard he was trying and how badly he was failing. Mr Wrong NEVER tries so hard, but this is what makes him so lovable.

The music was good. My favourite songs being "Sadka Kiya", "Bin Tere",& "Jub Mila Tu".

Favourite line in the movie…. (After a drunken night out on the town with Jay) Simran: "That's it? Jay: "Aur Kya karna chati ho? (Tanslates- "what more to you want to do?")

I give this movie chops for irreverent humour!

I loved Imran and Sonam together in this movie. It was a great pairing. Good luck to you both!

Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

Absolutely Fabulous!

[9/10 · 2 September 2006]

I first saw this film 5 years ago as a University student when it originally came out. I still remember how impressed I was afterward. I told my sister who was with me at the time, "I think that is the BEST Bollywood film I have seen so far". I recently saw this film again, and I remembered again why I loved it SO much the first time. This movie is a credit to Farhan Akhtar who has since directed the spectacular movie "Lakshya".He is a true talent to contend with in Bollywood,and certain more experienced directors, can take a leaf off his book.

"Dil Chata Hain" works on SO many levels. It's an attempt at telling a mature story. NOT the same old plot exhausted to death, and no "over blown" Bhangra numbers either! The movie was content and script driven. It explores the many faces of love, and the changes that occur in friendships as people mature and move on with life. But what it shows also is that true friendship can overcome many an adversity, misunderstanding, and even time.The first movie about "Male-bonding" to come out of Bollywood!

So beautifully told, this story captures the lives and loves of Akash, Sameer and Sidhart (Sid). Played brilliantly by Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshay Khanna.They are supported by Dimple Kapadia, Preity Zinta & Sonali Kulkarni. All the main actors give their best in this movie, and I cannot say one thing negative about any of their performances. (Except maybe that Sonali didn't have enough to do). The movie also includes a few characters that have only a few scenes to play but they play them well, and they ALL add value to the story.

This movie was the turning point in Saif's career. Since DCH, he has gone from strength to strength, and his versatility as an actor has finally been recognized. As for Aamir Khan... what can I say? His performances are always stellar,as he is a "thinking" actor who gives his all to a character he plays.I have yet to see a "bad performance" given by Aamir. He never does things by half. Akshay is great and he too has always given fine performances in all his movies to date! Preity and Dimple play the next most prominent characters in the movie. Preity gave a very controlled performance, and Dimple was superb. She gave this movie that extra bit of "Oommf". I also love the way the story did not portray a clichéd relationship between an older women, and younger man, and how they kept both the characters dignity in tact.

The Akash-Shalini love story was touching too,as these are two people who never intended to fall in love with each other,but did.Akash,who does not believe in love, and Shalini, who is engaged to her surrogate parent's son.The scene in which her father tells Akash, "please look after her, as she is my daughter" was very emotional.But the best part was that it was not "over-dramatized".The emotions of the moment created it's own drama.

All in all, this was a "coming of age" story.In the end, we see the three characters two years later, in the same place in Goa where they spend that last summer of youth together.At this point though,they have come full circle, and have moved on from "boys to men".We feel their maturity come through as they sit their talking,even though non of them say anything profound.

In conclusion,all I can say is PLEASE make more intelligent and enlightening movies like this one!

Farhan,very well done indeed!All the best!

Before Sunset (2004)

One Perfect Day In Paris

[10/10 · 28 August 2006]

I saw this film 4 weeks ago on a Cable channel in Australia. I just happened to watch it on an off chance, and within minutes of the movie starting,I got completely absorbed in it. The movie was simply told, but the story was anything but simple. It was one of the best films I have seen so far! The entire movie was shot in a few scenes, and with a moving camera. All the two characters do is talk to each other.

Jesse and Celine have met after a 9-year hiatus. Jesse is an American and Celine is French. They met in their early twenties in Italy. After a brief Romance, they agree to meet again in 6 months in the same place, but due to Celine's grandmother passing away she is unable to make it. But we find out that Jesse did come, and years later he writes a book about the incident. This compels Celine to come to his book signing in Paris,(which is where she lives),as she identify's that the story he wrote is about their liaison.

After they meet they start talking about their current lives and it is revealed that neither of them are blissfully happy in their respective circumstances. Jesse who is married, obviously is not in love with his wife anymore IF he ever was, and appears never to have got over Celine, and Celine, who never got married, appears never to have got over Jesse either. Neither of them where able to forget the romantic ideal that they had held for the other.

The day that they spend together walking around Paris gives us an insight into the characters and their mindsets. It also fills us in on their first meeting, and what happened consequently, and also their present lives and the dissatisfaction they have in the same. I just loved the way this story was told, one afternoon, two people, good conversation, and no embellishments. Some of the conversations where SO normal, that you didn't feel like they where constructed dialogue at all. As the day progresses their conversations become increasingly honest. Almost painfully so, and many things about their depth of feeling for each other is revealed.

Ethan Hawke was at his best in this film. His performance was honest and heartfelt. I loved it, and Julie Delpy's performance was equally good. They had a great on screen chemistry that added to the authenticity of the story.

The story basically ends ambiguously, and it is up to us to decide if they are going to get together this time or not? We are convinced by the end of this afternoon that Jesse and Celine are meant for each other. We are left hoping that they feel the same!

Mr Ya Miss (2005)

Stop Ripping Off Hollywood, and get an original idea please!

[3/10 · 15 June 2006]

Where the heck does "Antara Mali" get off taking the writing credits for this movie when this is a rip off from a Hollywood film "Switch" (1991), starring Ellen Barkin, and Jimmy Smitts?

I am personally fed up with this trying to pass off someone else's work, and original ideas as one's own that Bollywood has been indulging in for years! STOP the plagiarism, and get a clue! I am surprised that someone in Hollywood has NOT clued up and sued the pants off some of these Bollywood producers for this blatant stealing! Bollywood dares to talk of "Stopping the Piracy"! Well first start with cleaning up your OWN act!

I feel very strongly about this,as the movie "Switch" was one I really enjoyed, and to see someone coming along, and trying to take the credit for writing a story which is actually the brain child of someone else is despicable. At least give credit where it's due, and be honest enough to admit that the movie is inspired by another production!

There have been many movies made that have been "inspired" by some other play, movie,or book etc.If you admit it, there is no shame in it. At least it will be better than blatant plagiarism bordering on stealing. Shame on you Antara!

Take a leaf off the book of an Indian movie maker like Nagesh Kukunoor who's work is original, and like he said at the IIFA Awards in Dubai this last week, "There are 1 billion Indians, and between us, we should be able to tell an original story"!

Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003)

This movie was shot in New Zealand!But it's still bad!

[2/10 · 15 June 2006]

I just wanted to set the record straight once and for all!This movie was shot almost entirely on location in the South Island of New Zealand.I saw someone commenting on this page that "Sundarnagar" (which is where this film is supposedly based)looked a lot like Switzerland! Plus many people have wondered aloud about the "coordinates" of "Sundernagar? Well it's actually New Zealand! :)

The bulk of the movie was shot in Christchurch.(I know this because a few of my friends who were living there at the time, saw some of it being shot).Even if they had not seen it, one look at it, and anyone from this part of the world would recognize it as Christchurch.

From the scenery I know that most of the "action adventure" stuff,which was "jet-boating, bungee jumping, sky diving, and white water rafting", where ALL shot in Queenstown, which is considered the "Adventure Capital" of the Southern Hemisphere.(I have actually been on "Shotover Jets" which were the jet-boats that they hired for this film.)

That's some "Location" trivia for anyone who cares to know!

Moving on to the film, the most disappointing performance from Hrithik Roshan to date. I don't think he has done anything this bad before or since. WHAT was he ON when he did this film? The overacting is taken to such absurd lengths. Kareena as Sanjaana is over-acting as well.The role was played rather "one dimensionally". But she is not entirely bad. The best acting in this movie is by Abhishek Bachchan who plays the "introvereted Prem" to Hrithik's "Extrovert".The supporting cast was adequate, but nothing too special. I liked Pankaj Kapur's rendition of the "long suffering Dad".

The music was actually quite good. Few songs too many. Many of the video's have Hrithik Roshan SANS shirt, prancing around,(I swear sometime he just looked plain "Gay")! and Kareena Kapoor wearing her signature "strappy top and tight pants"!The best song was "Bani Bani" accompanied by a nice dance from Kareena.I also liked the songs "Aur Mohabat Hain", and "Kasam Ki Kasam".

From a director like Suraj Barjatiya, this is a HUGE disappointment. The story could have worked with a better script, and a more tight reign on the performances. But that didn't happen! Too bad!

The best thing about this movie was the "scenery", but then I would say that. After all, I AM a New-Zealander! :)

Dhoom (2004)

"Dhoom" is the genesis of the new "Indian Action Film"!

[8/10 · 9 June 2006]

The film starts with a bang, and ends with one.I was really impressed by the fast paced nature of this film.It was like watching "The Fast & The Furious. It's not the most realistic movie I have seen, but I believe the objective was not realism but entertainment,& when it comes to entertainment, Dhoom really delivers.

The bikes were the stars of this film, and I believe this movie made the careers of Esha Deol and Rimi Sen, not to mention the exposure it bought for actors such as Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra,and John Abraham who really impressed with the portrayal of the smart and smarmy thief you love to hate.

I think "Dhoom" is a turning point in Indian cinema. It is a reversal to a style of movie making which saw the making of cult classics, such as Sholay, Namak Halaal and Don. Movies that have memorable characters and well crafted plot lines. Even though the above-mentioned films and Dhoom are not necessarily in the same genre, Dhoom will be a cult classic in the future. The beginning of the true "Indian Action Film", which has fast paced vehicles, cool and insightful criminals, and daring, intelligent, yet entertaining law enforcement.

There are no "over-blown" sentiments. No revenge plot and no long lost Mother/Father/Sister/ Childhood sweetheart etc. The film concentrates on the moment it is in, and only involves people that need to be there. The story is executed with great economy. Nothing is superfluous. The dialog was appropriate, and amusing. The music catchy and memorable. No unnecessary songs and the dance sequences where well choreographed.You can always rely on Yash Raj Films to come up with the goods when it comes to production quality.

The acting was good. Uday Chopra's character Ali stole the show with his comic lines. The misadventures that he finds himself in the middle of, create a range of comic situations. The most touching scene he was in was the one where he asks Esha's character if she could really shoot him? No jokes in sight, Ali is deadly serious for one moment in the film.

Abhishek was great as the very serious and slightly anal detective "Jai Dixit".Jai is a man who first and foremost loves his job.The only exception to this is his wife Sweety.He can't stand to loose, and this is what motivates him in his relentless pursuit of Kabir and his gang.

John Abraham was cool and sexy as "Kabir".He's very disciplined and goal orientated, and he expects the same from the people around him and will not suffer fools gladly. In this sense he and Jai are the same. Possibly the reason that they start enjoying the "Cat and Mouse" game that they indulge in through-out the film.

The girls where good too.But served more as "Eye candy" than aything else!Who on earth knew that Esha could look like that?She's really come a long way since her first few films,and she brings glamor to the role of sexy female thief.Newcomer Rimi is cute,and really suits the character Sweety.Her constant reversal to her native Bengali whenever she is emotionally disturbed made her character even funnier and more memorable.

All in all, this movie is a 10 for entertainment value! Highly recommend it to anyone who loves action, or even comedy, because this movie has both in spades. It's the fine balance between the two that has made Dhoom this successful, and having some sexy beautiful people and damn fine looking bikes don't hurt! Can't wait for the sequel!

Mere Jeevan Saathi (2006)

"Fatal Attraction" Meets "Aitraaz" & it's NOT a pretty picture!

[2/10 · 21 May 2006]

I am sorry to say that I actually had some expectations of this movie. Being Karisma's first film in some years.

BUT this film did NOT DELIVER! I was disappointed with the plot, and the way that the story unfolded. The story could have been a real success if the script had been better. The characters where dull, accept for Karisma who does the Glenn Close/Fatal Attraction thing, quite convincingly.

I thought that if they had not made the movie such a cliché it would have been better. It would have been far superior if the guy went to NYC, and finds himself attracted to another women, and starts a relationship with her. (NOT have a one night stand, and then start wondering how he's going to get out of it!) If he's torn between his love and loyalty for his long standing girlfriend and his attraction and passion for a stranger,it would have made the story more interesting.

The story as it is could have worked too, if the girlfriend had not been portrayed as a saint, and the inevitable "I can die for him, can you"? competition had not irrevocably ruined things! Obsessive love has been portrayed in a very successful way in films many times. There is no reason that it could not have been done here. But the plot and dialogues are too mediocre and aside from Karisma (even though sometimes she was a bit over the top), the rest of the acting was mediocre at best. Especially Akshay who is a talented actor who can do better. He really needs to break free from these "up and coming rock star" roles. He has outgrown them and he's selling himself short by continuing to portray them. Amisha Patel does her worst acting to date in this film, and she looks insipid and down right annoying!

Once again the Indian film manages try to insult and undermine Western Culture by suggesting that "one night stands" are the norm in America. (And consequently in the Western World) which is NOT quite accurate. Akshay's character tells Karisma that she is an American and one night stands are the norm in her country.Therefore, she should stop making a fuss about feeling "used".Karisma has to qualify that she is an American of "Indian" ethnic origin, as a way of justifying her feelings of outrage at being used for sex and discarded. When will Indian films stop undermining Western culture, and portraying the west as morally bankrupt, as means of showcasing their own superiority?

The music was all right. I only liked one song. "Jab Se Mile Ho Tum", which actually took the plot forward and showcased Krisma's character's feelings very well. The lyrics and music of that song are n-sync. The rest of the songs where un-memorable.

My overall feeling about this film is disappointment. At the end of it I was left wondering what went wrong!

Bride & Prejudice (2004)

Hollywood/ Bollywood!

[7/10 · 30 June 2005]

Bride & Prejudice was a very entertaining movie, if nothing else. The story could have done with more development. I am a huge fan of Jane Austen, and have to agree that the script followed the spirit of the story very well. I was most impressed with Martin Henderson. (But I am biased because I am a Kiwi!) Having said that, I think he kept to the spirit of the Darcy character quite well. I also sympathize with him, as Mr Darcy is not an easy character to play, considering the cult following the character has, not withstanding the popularity of the previous and internal Mr Darcy, Colin Firth! I also liked Ashwariya Rai, whose career I have followed since her Miss World days. She made an impressive effort, this being her first Hollywood movie, and of course she looked amazing, which really helps! The supporting cast, Naveen Andrews, Namrata Shikordkar and Indira Verma where very good as well. Nadira Babbar & Nitin Gantara, stole the show for the best comedic lines, and Anupam Kher though strong and steady, did not have as much acting to do. Seeing Alexis Bledel in a cameo appearance was a treat as well! The comedy in the movie was what was done the best. Some of the song sequences where unnecessary, but some were timely, and very well done. The songs would have worked much better in Hindi! The best comedic scene in the movie was the "snake dance" which was side split tingly funny. The expressions of pure horror, on the faces of Mr Darcy & Mr.Kohli made the scene even funnier. The biggest complaint I have is that, the script did not concentrate enough on character development.I was disappointed that the close relationship between Jane & Elizabeth (Jaya & Lalita),which is a very important aspect of the Pride & Prejudice story was not well explored. In terms of plot and character development B & P lacked the depth of Bend It Like Beckham. But having said that, I perceive that Chadha was not attempting to make a similar movie to Bend It. All in all, it was an impressive effort, but I will remain convinced for now, that Bend It Like Beckham is Gurinder Chadha's best work to date!

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

" Rebel", the title says it all!

[9/10 · 31 January 2005]

The movie "Rebel Without a Cause" is a microcosm of youth. It deals with the emotional burdens carried by young people who have a society around them that just don't understand them at all. Anyone who's been a teenager can identified with the feelings of disconnection and frustration portrayed by the characters. "Rebel" ,attempts for the first time to portray teens as they really are, deeply disturbed and searching desperately for a connection. These are the universal malaise of teenagers and young adults. The fact is that no one takes you seriously, but expects a lot of from you nonetheless. This movie is timeless. The first real "teen angst" movie that was ever made. The success of "Rebel", has in my opinion never been matched in any teen movie since. Possibly only closely rivaled by films such as "Fast Times at Ridgemont High". This movie was a very provocative one for it's times. The 1950's where a very conventional time, and this movie's contents where very controversial. The subject matter in this movie is best termed as dark. It deals with subjects such as depression, neglect, violent and suicidal tendencies etc, which where possibly taboo subjects at the time, especially in regards to teenagers. The acting was superb. James Dean especially, followed by excellent performances by Natalie Wood, and Sal Menio, and good performances by he rest of the supporting cast too. It's amazing how James Dean is still a youth icon 50 years after his death. His looks and personality have a timeless quality, and his early death only enhanced the allure, and mystery surrounding him. "Rebel Without a Cause" is a great dramatic movie, with excellent writing and cinematography, rivaled only by the sensitivity of the performances. Its worth a watch and I give it a thumbs up!

Veer-Zaara (2004)

Veer Zaara is pure Opera!

[8/10 · 28 November 2004]

I saw this movie last night. Personally I loved the film for many reasons. The only thing that I have to say against it is that it could have been slightly shorter. But this movie had an "egde of the seat" quality that I have not seen in a Bollywood film in a long time. The twists in the film are very good, and highly unexpected! The music was excellent. I have to dis-agree with some comments on this page that criticize the music, and claim it's not a "catchy" soundtrack! I think this music is right for the theme, and the character of this film! This movie has an epic quality to it that requires it to have a soundtrack that reflects this. I think the music is memorable.

This movies has a story which attempts to explore human nature, and what makes it great. The characters develop in the story to exceed their own expectations of themselves. Especially Zaara's character as we first see it, and who she turns out to be in the end. We know right from the start that Zaara is a stubborn person. But we also see her capacity for love when she goes to India to perform the last rights for her nanny despite the opposition from her family. But we see that the strength of her feelings for Veer take even her by surprise. Veer is a carefree and daring character who takes his job very seriously, and is basically a sensible guy. He's not at all "over dramatic" when we first meet him. Yet he falls in love and lets go of everything he holds dear. But this is consistent with his character as we see right from the start that he dosen't do things by half. There where a few scenes in this film where the humanity of the characters are shown in great depth. One of the best scenes is the one between Zaara and her father, when he apologizes to his daughter for compelling her into marriage with Raza Shirazi.But at this point we know what the motivation of both father and daughter is. One other memorable and exciting scene is, Veer and Zaara's meeting in the Mosque when Veer comes to Lahore.

The movie was well cast. Rani Mukherjee as Sammiya Siddiqui was an excellent addition to the story, and she is in more ways than one the "Hero" of this story. The outcome of this story is just as important to Sammiya Siddiqui as it is for Veer and Zaara. In fact they are each other's salvation.Sammiya is also a women who is trying to make it in a man's world,despite being thwarted from the likes of her opposing council.

The acting was excellent. The best I have seen Shah Ruhk do in the last 5 years! I loved his acting. He depicted great depth, and also there was good control in his acting. Very well done. Priety did justice to the role of Zaara Hayatt Kahn.Very convincing. The cameo's where excellent. Amitab Bachchan, Hema Malini, Manoj Bajpai, and Anupam Kher. Kiron Kher as always was excellent in her role. The cinematography was excellent too.

All in all, this movie is worth a watch, and if you have the chance see it on the big screen, because it does justice to the visually spectacular aspect of this movie. Veer Zaara was Operatic in it's presentation and style. It was larger than life!

Jism (2003)

Jaddo Tha.... Nasha Tha..!

[17 October 2004]

Jism is a psychological thriller. NOT your average film where the point of the movie is totally obvious from the start.This movie reminded me a little bit of a film with Richard Gere and Kim Basinger" Double Indemnity" that had the "Married women/ Lawyer" plot line. But that was the only similarity. I think the subtlety in the sex scenes are a lot hotter than your regular "take it all off" scene's. What's so hot about that? As for a lack of sexual chemistry, between the central character's alluded to by a previous comment, I beg to differ with that. The chemistry was most obvious in the song sequence "Jadoo Hain Nasha Hain" which is my personal favourite. The music in that song was excellent and I understand the singer won an award for that song. Well deserved. This song captures the female character's state of mind, while the song "Avarapan, Banjarpan" captures the psychological state of Kabir Lal.(John Abraham).

This story is about a journey. About choices that take you down paths that you can't re-trace. There was a melancholy feel to this film that gives you the impression that this movie is not about making a "cheap sexual thriller", but it's about exploring the minds of the protagonists. Sex in my opinion is another character in this film, that keeps walking a line between lust and love, and keeps colliding with each other throughout the story. Especially Kabir Lal, who we know feels that the path he has taken is wrong, but keeps going down it anyway, irrevocably drawn down it by the power of lust and love. "Jism" is not about showing "Jism", but about the alluding to it. If you sat down to watch this movie hoping it was a movie about a "down and dirty sexual fling" then too bad, you chose the wrong movie. This was a lot better than that. Bips was a sizzler, and John was quite good actually. Unlike in many other Indian movies, the two central character's carry most of the burden of the film. Without their acting being effective this movie would not have worked. But the supporting cast was very good too. Though their roles where small they where effective. Especially the role of Sonia Khanna's alcoholic sister in law Priyanka who puts a spanner in the works. Kudos to the makers of "Jism" for daring to try something different.

Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999)

A Movie with a Message.

[17 October 2004]

I like this film because it was a true family drama, and a dying genre, even in Hindi movies. The family relationships are well portrayed and often very touching even though they can run to the "too sugar sweet" area sometimes. But this is a very miner concern, because the bulk of the film has a great vibe and a great flow. The story advances with all the songs, instead of detracting from it.

I think what a lot of people have forgotten to focus on is the social message conveyed in this movie. This movie explores the dangers of letting people poison your mind, and how family relationships can be badly effected by one person's wrong decision. The Mother in the story is made to feel insecure after the incident where the daughter's brother in law steals the family business from under them. This incident propels her to look at her own family in a different light, and to heed the machinations of 3 very frivolous women, and a man who wants to see his daughter lead the good life at all costs. The fact that they show us how well the family gets on before this incident shows us that regardless of how well you get on, such things can still happen to tear you apart. But the touching thing about this story is how the brother's and sister's rally together to protect each other, and how the firm love and respect between them swings things back into place. I loved this film. ALL the actor's contributed to the film. The characters they play are different, thus adding to the story in their own ways. I also disagree with another comment on this page that if you like this film you would not like films like "Astitva" and "Chandani Bar". I beg to differ. I liked those films very much. You don't have to be stuck in one genre, and it's better to be able to appreciate many genre's insteas of just one.

Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (2002)

Welcome to the wedding of the "Yaar"!

[7/10 · 14 October 2004]

I was impressed by this movie. The acting was very good, and newcomer Tulip Joshi, or Sanjana??, was quite impressive for a new actor. Uday Chopra is very entertaining as always, and Jimmy Shergill injects some life into the character Rohit, who is supposed to come across as a goody two shoes, but that is part of the charm of his character. He is the "perfect guy", so much so that Sanjay (Uday Chopra) feels unable to compete with him on that level. The music was great, especially the song "Sharrara" which accompanied a great dance by Shamite Shetty, and great choreography. The story moved very well, and the family sequences created a lot of lighthearted fun and comedy. BUT the best part of the movie was Bipasha Basu. I was SO impressed by her acting, and she did such great justice to the role of Sanjay's long suffering friend Ria. This is so unlike the roles she has done in the past, that I was very impressed with her for trying something new, and being intelligent enough not to care about not being "the leading lady" of the film. In some movies the supporting characters are a lot more interesting, than the leading roles, and obviously Bipasha saw the value of this character. Smart girl! The story line was inspired by "My best Friends Wedding", but with gender flips! But beyond that there was nothing in common with the Hollywood version at all, and the outcome of the movie was totally different. All in all I really liked the film, and would recommend it to anyone who thinks that friends make the best lovers!

Chameli (2003)

Oh what a night!

[11 October 2004]

This movie was one of the best Indian films I have seen! I loved it. Such a well written film, and so sensitively portrayed. The acting was superb. I adore Rahul Bohse, he is always a delight to watch. I agree with another comment on this page, that he would have been ideal for the role in Kal Ho Na Ho, actually he would be ideal for many roles that I've seen being handed over to lesser actor's for their commercial appeal. He is a delight to watch no matter what character he plays. I first noticed him when he played Sunny in "Thakshak". He managed to upstage Ajay Devgan, who in my opinion is one of the best actor's in Bollywood. He proved he could do comedy too, with his role in Jhankar Beats.

As for Kareena Kapoor, she was a pleasant surprise. I knew that she could act,but since she was always being "type-cast", she couldn't do much with her roles. I think she bought a touching sensitivity to the character. The fact that it was Kareena Kapoor acting as Chameli somehow made her plight even more poignant, because we know what she is like as a "carefree" character, and this is a direct contrast from that. This adds to the pathos in my opinion. There was a lot of depth in her performance. Well done Kareena!As for story, it attempts to realistically portray the lives of people in the red light districts, and especially those of women and their plight. The two protagonists are both in pain. They are both going through different types of pain in their lives, and for a moment they stop to share their plight with one another. It's the kind of encounter everyone dreams of. It's a very romantic meeting, albeit in a very unromantic setting. At heart, this movie is about finding love in the most unlikely places, and how a women who has lost faith in men has it restored by a kind and handsome stranger who wanted to help her without wanting anything back. This movie makes you believe that chivalry is not dead after all!

Hum Tum (2004)

From now on will it be "When Karan met Rhea? "

[8/10 · 4 October 2004]

The similarity to When Harry Met Sally is obvious at the beginning of the movie, but besides the plot following a chronological time frame similar to that movie, there is little else in common. The story is entirely different. What I loved about this movie was that it was not a "love at first sight", or your regular "boy meets girl" type movie. It was much more realistic in approach, and a lot more intelligent.

I loved Saif's acting. Saif has finally come to his own. His comic timing is excellent, just like in Kal Ho Na Ho. But you see him portray a touching sensitivity in certain scenes when it is required.Like the scene where he is trying to tell Rhea how sorry he is about her husband dying.I liked Rani as Rhea,her character is both strong and sensitive.

The dialogs where really good. The scene of the argument between Rhea and Karan at Mihir's (Jimmy Shergill), engagement is my favorite scene in the movie, bar the conversation between Rhea and Mihir, when she finally realizes why she and Karan are so short tempered with each other.

This part of the movie has the most depth, when things come to an "anti-climax between Karan and Rhea. Karan offering her marriage after the night they spent together, and Rhea refusing was possibly the most sensitively written scene in the film. It's obvious why Karan asks her to marry him, but only a women would understand why Rhea refuses him. Not your typical Indian movie. Kiron and Rishi add the final touch to the movie. Their characters are well written. The cartoon "Hum Tum" was so funny and innovative, they are the most memorable characters in the movie.

Watch it. It's a heart warming story. Really good for a cold winter's evening.

Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001)

A Story with a twist

[8/10 · 4 October 2004]

This movie was rather different in style and approach. The story was simple, thus adding to the charm of the movie. There where no "goodies" or "baddies", and the characters show some depth time and again. The rivalry between Sam and Maddy being the premise of the movie, made it a lot more interesting than your regular love drama.

I initially took this movie out as I'm a Saif Ali-Khan fan, but at the end of the movie I was a Mahdhavn fan. He is a good actor, and the character "Maddy" was so colorful that you can't help but fall for him. This movie had the best acting Diya Mirza has done to date, bar her performance in Tehzeeb. Unfortunately an actor of Saif's caliber was under-used, but Saif still manages to inject some life to the character Sam which is rather flat in comparison to the character Maddy. The surprising sensitivity that Sam shows at the end of the film was well written.

The only criticism I would have is that the character Rina seemed unable to make up her mind at the end and needs Sam to intervene, but this may be something to be expected as her family's expectations are huge weight on her shoulders. This ad's to the realism of the film.

Another reason I like this film is that it was shot on location in New Zealand, and at one point I see Diya Mirza running down a street I used to live on! They also dance in the Octogen in Duedin which is where I lived during Univesity. So to me this movie holds a special place because of the locations it was shot in, as well as being a thorough entertainer!