Change Your Image
connecttoaakash
Reviews
The Equalizer 3 (2023)
I was exactly where I was supposed to be
I approached the theatre with minimal expectations, given that "Equalizer 2" had failed to live up to its predecessor's standard. Nonetheless, watching seasoned actors like Denzel Washington and Liam Neeson, both in their 70s, deliver relentless action remains a guilty pleasure of mine. Denzel's films consistently resonate more deeply with me, thanks to the emotional depth he brings, which is sometimes lacking in Liam's recent work.
To my surprise, this sequel exceeded my expectations regarding its grounded and gritty nature. Denzel, a once-in-a-lifetime actor, excels at conveying vulnerability and loneliness through his expressive eyes and facial expressions. In this movie, he expertly portrays a character torn between conflicting emotions - doing the right thing or walking away.
Director Antoine Fuqua, renowned for his ability to depict violence and its consequences, doesn't disappoint in this regard. The screenplay is tightly woven, with the first half focusing on the protagonist's quest for community and a sense of belonging.
The cinematography is exceptional, beautifully capturing the picturesque Italian towns.
A special mention goes to Dakota Fanning's inclusion despite her limited screen time. Her chemistry with Denzel shines, evoking nostalgia for their previous collaboration in "Man on Fire."
Throughout the film, a recurring dialogue emphasizes that "you are where you were supposed to be," while Denzel's character grapples with feelings of being lost. Strangely, after the movie's conclusion, I reflected on the same sentiment.
Yudh (2014)
The Legend can still pack a punch
We live in a country where stupid and meaningless 'Saas-Bahu' serials have been ruling the roost on small screen for nearly a decade an a half. Then came Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in 2000 with 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' and he changed the TV industry. Now he comes with another gem.
I had lots of expectation from the show and after watching the last episode, I can proudly say that the show has exceeded that.
Kudos to Anurag Kashyap for venturing into finite TV series (fictional). The guy has a creative eye an it is pretty evident from the show. He takes some of the best actors from India in the field of theater and cinema and convinces Mr. Bachchan to play the lead protagonist (Yudhishthir Sikarwar). The show is fast paced (except for the 1st episode) with lots of twist and turns.
The Legend of Mr. Amitabh will only get bigger after the show. He is flawless while portraying a character of a businessman suffering from a terminal disease and battling some personal issues, a man who just wants to do the right thing, a man who is fighting his inner demons (in this case a Joker played superbly by Mr. Ishtikya). Mr. Bachchan does a small fight sequence at the end which will ignite memories of his 70s and 80s action movies.
Zakir Hussian impressed me first when I saw him play a negative character in 'Sarkar Raj' and here plays a character of a fixer. His chemistry with Mr. Bachchan is a highlight of the show. Pavail Gulati plays Mr. Bachchan's son. His character evolves during the show and you end up liking him as the series reaches its climax. Aahana Kumara plays Mr. Bachchan's daughter who is level headed and wants to help her father. She is graceful as well as beautiful (got a crush on her). Kay Kay Menon, Nawazuddin, Sarika and Tigmanshu Dhulia play important characters and leave an impact. Though I wish Nawazuddin had played the villain's role. The main villain gets over shadowed by Mr Bachchan's charisma in the finale but does a decent job in the 18th and 19th episode.
There is no melodrama or overacting and has some of the finest performances you will ever see on Indian Television.
The show lost the ratings war against 'Saas Bahu' serials but then we Indians take time to appreciate the good things in life.
The only negative is that it has just 20 episodes and for me it is the finest fictional TV show ever made in India.