sulemanashiq2 Reviews

Tiger 3 (2023)

Democracy vs Dictatorship: Pakistan Political Opera

[10/10 · 12 November 2023]

Tiger 3 is the phantom of Pakistan political opera, it borrows the story line from the current mayhem of "democracy" Vs "dictatorship", it didn't solely attack on Pakistan Armed forces, but clearly points the idea that Pakistan is run by dictatorship and whenever they find a genuine leader to sort them out of all the crises, somehow the millitary steps in and put the PM behind the bar. That's the theme of Tiger 3 that they have executed perfectly.

Being a Pakistani, I felt that If the character of Salman Khan "Tiger" wanted to liberate our ex prime minister "Imran Khan". He couldn't do it realistically so he made a film to entertain that Idea, which I think will be likely followed by all the Pakistanis as we all want "democracy" to win in the end. Unfortunately, Tiger Mian, the things are not as simpler as you had depicted in the film. It's a toll to catch up!

If I talk about Tiger 3 as a film, then I have to say, It's a complete package, the first is edgier, the ark of the story build up strongly, and It's like a political carnival, Tiger was put on a burner by Aatish, but somehow Tiger escaped it. Without revealing much, If you like action thrillers, you will like Tiger 3.

SALMAN KHAN IS OG OF ACTION THRILLERS IN INDIA, and he have proved that in Tiger 3, whenever he is onscreen, you will cherish that moment, It's like a man with action poetry. Katrina is good as Zoya but her dialogue delivery is terrible, the film was centered on Pakistan but she lacks the emotions to portrayed on screen. She was stoned face in scenes with Emran Hashmi.

Emran Hashim as Aatish is Aatish (Fire). I would like to see the more of him with Salman Khan has they have a real intensity whenever they face off, It's like putting two Tigers in a den to sort out who is best. If YRF wanted to make a villain verse, they should make a film with Jim and Aatish, I would like to see them collaborating as both of their agencies disowned them and they lost their families in the end, and Emran is more evil than Jim in terms of his stringiness and rawness of the character. The rest of the cast members did a commendable job especially Anant Vidhant, Gauvie Chahal & Kumud Mishra.

Music is average & the BGM elevates the action sequences.

Tiger 3 is a treat for all those who love Salman Khan as It is the best film of Spy Verse.

Hansie: A True Story (2008)

It's a film for those who celebrate sports, faith, love, friendships and life.

[8/10 · 13 September 2023]

I am kind of tired of watching films, because the quality is graded down with overly hyped storylines and cringe CGI, Platforms like Netflix, and Amazon enhance the quantity of the films but quality zeroed down.

I was perplexed and browsing the movies on Netflix until I came to the word Hansie Cronge, At first I was surprised there was a film about him as being a freak cricket fan, I never heard of it. Anyway, I clicked on the title and started watching it, Unfamiliar to the actors, I tend to feel attached to the narrative.

To clear the air, Hansie is not all about cricket, It covers some harsh facets of his life, I didn't know the man but heard a lot about him. He was a legend, praised by Icons like Imran Khan as he changed the dynamics of cricket in South Africa after the Apartheid era. He was alleged of thrown matches, a controversy which shook the highest tables of ICC as their favourite child India was involved in it. Hansie was dethroned, he tried to recompense his life and during all those struggles, he died in a plane crash, and left for the heavenly abode.

As soon as I finished the film, I read some reviews which tarnished the film, but contrary to them, I found a slice of life in it. A unique way of presenting Hansie with minimal resources, one reviewer mocked the cricket matches displayed in the movie, well Mate if you're reading this then Hansie was not about his cricket, it was about his attitude towards his dream, It's about the temptations which challenges his faith, it was about the traps which ended his career. It was about the betting world which destroyed the careers of talented men, I recounted 2 people, who lost to temptations one of them is Salman Butt, a young left-handed opener who destroyed his life after getting the bait.

Yes, I truly agree, the film was not a spectacle like other cricketing films, but it has the soul to hug you and show you the many emotions and tragedies of life. It's a film for those who celebrate sports, faith, love, friendships and life.

Jawan (2023)

Gabbar is Back + Aakhiri Raasta = Undercooked Jawan

[5/10 · 7 September 2023]

The theme of Jawan is based on a "revolution" where oppressed souls form a lethal team and revolts against the corrupt system of the country.

Jawan has its moments, but the film is average with over the top action sequences, Atlee missed the trick, If he have stick towards the drama tone, the film could have been the best film in the history of Indian Cinema, as he had Shahrukh Khan but he opted to choose the route of mass action Entertainer, which is a total miss with me as I had already watched Gabbar is Back with a little bit flavour of Aakhiri Raasta.

Coming to the hysteria which Shahrukh Khan created, I find him exaggerating the Pathan phenomenon, his dialogue delivery is same with the tone of voice which irked me to the core, a deep throat to make it like aggressive. He had two characters in the film which he nailed in some parts and totally flat in other especially with Azad.

Vikram Rathore was force to reckon, but I was thinking that If Salman had done the same, he would be trolled with all the "Bhai - Verse" memes but as he is Shahrukh Khan, he is spared.

Action Choreography is good but not that spectacular as it is presented to be expected. Music kills the momentum of the film & Vijay Sethupati was under utlulized.

Don't expect anything spectacular and you'll enjoy the film.

Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023)

Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is a family entertainer, purely made for entertainment purposes!

[8/10 · 22 April 2023]

It's not the Masterpiece like Bajrangi Bhaijaan but an entertainer like "Ready".

Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan works on the charisma of stellar star cast. The plot could have been tighter by adding elements of suspense & drama but the story teller opted the humorous side with a dose of action which makes it stale in the first half.

I am kind of disappointed with Salman Khan look throughout the film until the finale where he was total badass. He nailed it in the end. His chemistry with Pooja Hegde was electric, thoroughly enjoyed their spark which was lackluster in Khan recent films like Radhe and Race 3. Jagpathi Babu and Venkatesh were impactful in their roles especially Jagpathi, I think if they introduced him a bit earlier with more greyish shades, the film would have been masterpiece.

Action Cinematography is Top notch especially the train sequence, the finale is a bit stale but Seeti Maar if I can elaborate in Urdu. Music is good & BGM is the soul of the film.

Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is a family entertainer, purely made for entertainment purposes, nostalgic in some portions, brilliant in many & few dull moments but It will get you entertained.

Baabul (2006)

Under-rated with a courageous social message to uproot the practice of 'Sati or Sutte' from India

[10/10 · 28 January 2023]

Babul is based on 'Sati or Sutte' a Hindu practice in which a widow sacrifices herself by sitting atop her deceased husband's funeral pyre or to isolate herself from happiness and her family, bound to deceased husband memories by wearing a white clothes (a sign of mourning) all her life. Though it is regarded as a history in Social Studies but it is still commonly practiced in India and Ravi Chopra intended to give a social message through the modem of cinematic world where Balraj Kapoor (Amitabh Bachan) urges his depressed daughter-in-law (Rani Mukherjee) to marry a man (John Abraham) who has long loved her in silence after his son (Salman Khan) died in a car accident.

Baabul is an offbeat film, and due to this, it has diaster run at Indian Box Office, but worked phenomenally overseas which defined the mental block of the audiences who preferred comedies and action movies over films with social messages, Baghban was exception which clicked with audience.

A film can be evaluated on certain levels, and Baabul was weaker on many fronts, especially the storyline was predictable from the start, and Salman Khan build the ark of story with his wittiest humor as Avinash 'Avi' Kapoor and then he died in an unrealistic scene though emotionally it deepens the theme of the story. In my childhood, the film was ended where the Khan character got screwed, but rewatching this melodrama in my 26th year of life, I realized that the actual story was started after Salman character died.

Amitabh Bachan delivered another rightfully contended emotional performance, his onscreen chemistry with Salman Khan was remarkable, they showed great affection for their characters but the 2nd half was the lightening with bolt for Bachan as he has a terrific monologue to confront OM Puri, and to bashed the practice of Sati, a courageous message to foretold with great conviction. Salman Khan was witty as Avinash Kapoor, he delivered with his charm without any hindrance, personally I got emotional when his character died, It never lingered my watchlist, his chemistry with Rani Mukherjee was symbolic though they had a limited screen presence as husband and wife. The role of John Abraham was offered to Sharukh Khan and I totally envisioned Srk whenever John appeared so, I am not going to rate his performance. Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav & Hema Malini were graceful in their parts.

Music was fitted to storyline, but Wada Raha Payaar Ka was melodic & Direction of Ravi Chopra was aesthetic, you can feel the chords of the story, tragically winging your heart.

Baabul is a film, which was under-rated with a courageous social message to uproot the practice of 'Sati or Sutte' from India. Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachan & Rani Mukherjee lifted the content with their impeccable performance, especially Bachan was untouchable in the climax where he confronted Late Om Puri with a thought provoking monologue!

Pathaan (2023)

Raw Saga of Patriotism minus the Spy Genre!

[6/10 · 25 January 2023]

Yash Raj Films cashed on the 'Civilian Vs Military' hysteria of their neighbouring country and produced a film which heavily relied on the charisma of ShahRukh Khan & massy cameo of superstar Salman Khan, who reprised his role from Tiger franchise.

If you're looking for a depth or traditional spy genre movie, then Pathan is not your cup of tea, It's plain and predictable with the brand of cinema you have already seen in many Bollywood films especially when they integrated "Pakistan" as their nemesis.

John Abraham played "Jim" an ex Raw officer, who turned into a monster after a he lost his wife and children during a mission. He blamed Raw and turned havoc over his motherland adjoining Pakistani general "Qadir" carbonated from the ex COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa, then Raw/JOCR turned to "Pathan" who was exiled purposely after he messed up a mission in Russia. Abraham got some depth and his presence was felt through first half after that his character lost depth and he became predictable.

Khan played Pathan, the man with no roots, his character was not justified though SRK aced whatever the script offered him. He was massy, witty and grimacing brilliant as Pathan, which never connected to his ancestral roots which I imagined before the release of the film.

Deepika played an ISI agent, totally distorting the "Islamic Republic" image of Pakistan. Though Rubina/Rubai was a fictional character but it was trash to reality specifically when they linked it to a Pakistani woman. They disgraced the honor of Pakistani woman brilliantly.

Mass factor of the film was Salman Khan cameo as Tiger, he owned Khan for a sequence, totally outshines SRK for a while. It was great to see, both khan's lighting the screen with hotness and swagger.

Don't expect something marvellous, the movie will never disappoint you!

Love (1991)

A love story for every generation..!

[10/10 · 22 January 2023]

It is a story of two different humans entwined in an emotion called love, mainly focuses on the 🔥 of the young souls, and the solace they attract in the world of envy and materialism.

It was captivating, the style was simpleton and dialogues were too clean, symphonic with the BGM, there were impactful scenes where cruelty of the world presented smoothly especially the dialogue "Har Majboor Aurat Meri MAA Hai"!

Love is not a disbanded story as it title suggest, It focuses on many themes especially domestic violence which triggers to a distortated childhood, character assassination & patheon to live in the shade of a past trauma. All these ingredients in the story line lead to a brilliant picture with spectacular outdated cinematography of the early 1990s by S. M. Anwar who captured the ethereality of that era.

Salman Khan played Prithvi, a demented young man, who live in the shadows of his traumatic past. It was the early phase of his career and Salman chooses a role which was too emotional to portray for a young man like him. He was soft and powerful in his dramatic scenes, his chemistry with Revathy was refreshing. Amjad Khan supported him beautifully, alas he has limited screen time, If I was the director, I would have casted him for a full fledged role as he was powerful. Revathy Menon played "Maggie" a collegian with high spirits, she showed light to Prithvi (Salman Khan). Her performance was believable. Rest of the cast supported beautiful.

Music was nostalgia especially the song "Saathiya Tune Kya Kiya" feels like a Therapy in the modern times, when melody totally relied on softwares and auto-tunes.

Love is not outdated, It is a love story for every generation, even If you're watching it in 2033, I am damn sure, It'll connect you to the souls of Prithvi and Maggie or atleast give you the idea how love was angelic in the old times, when people chased honor and dignity for their soulmates.

Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995)

Sentimental transition of a aspirant young man to fatherhood!

[10/10 · 11 September 2022]

Akele Hum Akele Tum is a vivid memory of childhood, and to be honest I didn't enjoyed it back then as it was too emotional and dull to be entertained but the year 2016 turned the fate of this film in my verdict as I loved it a lot. It happens to be hot and humid and I spending my summer vacation at my grandma house, and to pass the miserable day, I searched the old boxes of my DVD set and got this film to rewatch with a new mindset and perspective, and while watching the film I realised that there are films which are not celebrated as they should have for the package they deliver and Akele Hum Akele Tum is one of those under-rated films of Aamir Khan which was way ahead in terms of content and creativity. It was a simple story of young love birds who got married and then suddenly their lives go haywire and their marriage heads towards separation. There were many themes in AHAT but I like the transition of Rohit Kumar to fatherhood and Aamir Khan nailed it.

He carried plenty of emotions on screen but I like the helplessness, sentimentality and passion of a father he delivered for his young son in the film, there were some standout scenes, which proves the meatle of young Aamir Khan, and that was the first glimpse of him being a Mr. Perfectionist as he chooses a role which was multi-dimensional unlike his fellow actors who were busy doing massala, comedy and action films, Aamir was courageous to choose a script which was devoid of any romantic/action scenes, though it was full of societal theme like failure of young couples to make compromise in parenting or to hold the institute of marriage.

From scene 1 to last scene, Rohit Kumar was a totally changed personality and Aamir showed the growth of a actor, which wasn't stagnant!

For the evergreen music, traditional direction, realistic dialogues, I'll give this film perfect 10! One of the gems from Aamir Khan to his audience.

Jersey (2022)

Jersey is an ode to fatherhood from Shahid Kapoor

[10/10 · 25 May 2022]

It's a special film, a story of every father, a deeply rooted connection of a love bond which was never explored in such a tragic way, yes there are films like Baghban, KKKG etc etc, but Jersey is a story which depicts emotions of a fatherhood in a gritting manner.

Coming to the storyline, It's a simple tale of a struggling father who wanted to present the Jersey of Indian National Cricket Team to his son after he wished to have it as a birthday present, and after that the actual struggle takes place, and it was driven emotionally, with many perks of reality.

Shahid Kapoor relived glory through Arjun Talwar, a character he played with agression, and pity! You can feel the pain in his eyes, there were some massive moments in the screenplay where he nailed it, especially the shout-out at railway station, his confrontation with Mrunal Thakur at local cafe and his last scene before the climax, he kept the heartbeats of his viewers at the mercy of his emotions, he truly make it memorable & Pankuj Kapoor supported him well in the arc of a father tale, wonderful chemistry between the two, and Mrunal Thakar handeled her part wonderfully, and the rest of the cast was equally good.

Music is situational & motivational, If you're struggler, it will pump your adrenaline otherwise fitting the film story line.

Last Word: Jersey is an ode to fatherhood from Shahid Kapoor, though it was a remake but it's still play with your emotions and It deserved to be recognized for the story it delivered, it should be celebrated for the performance of Shahid Kapoor.

In Your Name (2003)

Masterpiece, an Epic and frighteningly realistic love story!

[10/10 · 12 January 2022]

TERE NAAM is not a film, It is a tale of LOVE.

An emotion which is religion in itself.

Radhey and Nirgira are two disciples of LOVE, totally opposite to each onther.

Nirjira is spiritual and pure, Radhey a flamboyant and wayward young man. He is twisted and spiral in life. When these two opposite attracted, they weaved a tale of love which is sacred and magnificent.

On DVD covers, under the film title it was written that "Unfortunately, based on a true story" though the end credits declines that claims but the film was based on a real life incident of a friend of the film writer Bala, who had fallen in love, lost his mind and ended up at mental asylums'.

Tere Naam belonged to the Era of my Childhood and It was one of those films, which I avoided after it interval even the first time watch was tormenting and harsh that I couldn't digested the end .I know sadness was gloomed in every frame of the film. But, As I started to understand world and its complexities especially love and tragedies, this tale of love got special. Every frame was an art, emotions were pure. Bondage between the characters were realistic.

Salman Khan as Radhey Mohan is the true essence of this film. He played the character with heart n soul, which is quite unusual for his critics. His agony, misery, coolness, bullieness seems like he breathed the character. Like, he was born to play this character. Whatever he has suppressed in his nature after the break up with Aishwariya Rai, Black Buck & Hit and Run case, he lashes out there and the that scene where he abducted Nirjira was one of the finest tragic proposal I had ever witnessed onscreen, comparable to his contemporizes, Salman range of emotions are very limited and he's one of those actors, who played himself onscreen, most of them were criticized by many sects of critics but to a wider audience they were appreciated, so Salman adapted a smaller and simple route which was his own and simpleton.

Back in those times, people used to enjoy films, there were no netflix, TV series or philosphical socrates, so Radhey Bhai became an instant with generation, a new trend of Radhey Bhai hairstyle started and that's speaks the voulme of this character success.

Coming back to Radhey, he essayed the romantic and emotional side of the character effortlessly. Action scenes suited him, I still prefer these action scenes over DEVIL stunts from Kick or Sikander from Race 3.

Bhoumika Chawla was loveable as Nirgira. She's charming, Innocent. Her range of emotions were limited. The character has boldness as well as shyness (a traditional trait in asian womens) which she essayed superbly.

Sarfraz Khan as Aslam is loveable. His character is the backbone of this film.

Sachin Khedkar and rest of the cast is amazing in their respective roles.

Music by Himesh Reshammiya is soulful. I've been listening to the song for years and still got the same feelings when i listened it for the first time. Background Score is breath taking. T series should realease it online. It will earn them a good fortune.

Satish Kaushik direction is stunning, he captured Hyderabaad beautifully, and it was the very first time Hyderabaad was shown in the mainstream cinema, and mostly characters are relatable to the walled city of Lahore.

Tere Naam is a film for all the passionate and obssesive lovers. A film for those who love to watch Tragedy.

Kyon Ki... (2005)

Anand, the under-rated character of Salman Khan's career, the finest spectacle of his acting prowess!

[10/10 · 30 September 2021]

Released in 2005, Kyon Ki was the unofficial remake of Hollywood Classic 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and the cinematic world was catapulted with a legend named Jack Nicholson. In this Indian adaptation, flavors of genuine love story, emotions, and touches of humor were added and Salman Khan was roped to play the central character 'Anand', and It was directed by Priyadarshan. The film tanked at the box office in a clash with 'Garam Masala' which was a complete adult slapstick comedy, also directed by Priyadarshan.

Honestly, when It was released, It was the days of my primary schooling days and I never liked the ending of this film though thoroughly enjoyed the first 2 hours, always skipped the end but the lines on the poster 'Kyon Ki...Its fate' serves the ending of this film as I have solved out myself, life is cruel and harsh without any happy ending, the act of Justice prevailed by Jackie Shroff 'Dr. Sunil' is justified.

I can understand his emotions, and It was sheer brilliance by him especially by Shroff to make it realistic.

Anand was the under-rated character of Salman Khan's career, the finest spectacle of his acting prowess, unlikely to his counterparts he opts basic layers of emotions for his portrayal, I mean the eyes were the windows to his soul, If Jack Nicholson performance was absolute lunatic and eccentric, Salman was Midas cute and innocent, he gets under the skin of Annand in the last 20 minutes.

Jackie Shroff blew me away as Dr. Sunil. He was unrecognizable, I mean to say that I've mostly envisioned him as a tough guy and kind of Tapori Jagu Dada Dude, but here he was playing a character riding high on a magnificent performance. Kareena Kapoor was adorable as Dr. Tanvi, really likable.

Om Puri was a hell of a performer, the confrontation between him and Salman and then with Jackie Shroff was a treat to watch, the dialects the photocopy, everything on the table to pull out Dr. Khurrana as a living monster.

Rimi Sen was the weak link and Suniel Shetty was wasted in an adorable cameo.

Coming back to the direction and story, Priyadarshan finely built the arc of the story and then he abruptly ends it, without any explanation! Seems like he was more interested in Garam Masala as he abruptly ends the film after a strong build-up to the ark of the story. Cinematography is praiseworthy, the beauty of Romania and Ooty is breathtaking!

Music was the soul of the film, every track has a melody to cherish, note to remember!

Last: Kyon Ki is heavily driven by the strong performances of the leading cast members especially Salman & Jackie with ruthless Om Puri, its another tragedy after Tere Naam which proves the mettle of Salman Khan, the actor.

Wheels on Meals (1984)

'Wheels on Meals' is the best entertainer in Jackie Chan's world.

[10/10 · 16 September 2021]

It was the year number 2011 and winter was heavily knocking at the door with December rain, and my brother and I were exploring the nearby (Kotha Pind) DVD shops to find some new films of our favorite action superstar 'Jackie Chan' and that day we got this gem in a 2 in 1 pack! We were elated as we discovered a gold treasure, all the way home, we were envisioning Chan in different threatable scenarios with hilarious escapes!

Asap reached home, get into the warm blankets turn on the Television, and play it on the Dvd and since then 'Wheels on Meals' is the best entertainer in Jackie Chan's world. It introduced me to the legendary Sammo Hung!

I don't know, If it's about nostalgia or something else, but Wheels on Meals was a hell of an entertainer, It got a story, a setting, and some top on comedic sequences, where you laugh heartily, it's the warm lullaby with execution and yeah, Lola Forner, take my breath away 😆 I was charmed by her innocence.

No words for Chan, Biao, and Hung! They were matchless! As I am getting old, so does this film and the star cast which have created this world.

Thank you, Sammo, for making this film, due to you millions of families have spent a wonderful time together, millions of mothers have smiled at your comic timing with their kids!

Thank you, Jackie, for making my life memorable! You're the nice guy, our reel family guy, the one who makes us one unit.

PS: It's a great film and I've written a personal review, after all, it's my mother's favorite Jackie Chan film, seeing her smiling is a pleasure!

Reminiscence (2021)

a tale of CGI romance with no emotions.

[2/10 · 22 August 2021]

'Don't look back', that's what the poster says but my simple advice is don't look at this film, as it was just a brilliant idea poorly executed, the world of 'Reminiscence' is distant and unknown with a blending and bored story.

Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson acted to their cores, but when the story is lousy, no one can save the tanking film.

Another trash of the year 2021, and I hope we could hook on the filmmakers who were original in their cinematic approach where they covered the emotions realistically. It was an emotional love story but due to the heavy effects, CGI, it looks stale and artificial.

Watch some Abbas Kiarastomi, Roman Polanski, Sidney Lumet, David Lean kind of cinema, where stories were from present and earth, not from some un-discovered apocalyptic world.

Hello Brother (1999)

Cult snapshot of timeless comedy 😎

[10/10 · 14 July 2021]

It's almost 22 years and I still find this film as refreshing as the first time I watched it on Doordarshan in 2003. Afterwards, I've rewatched it bazillion times and enjoyed it a lot. To me, Hello Brother is the cult snapshot of innocent and timeless comedy, sets in a world that never exists in reality. It takes me away from the rollercoaster of life and alleviates stress and depression.

In this review, I will not defend this film as Salman Khan himself declared his dislikeness towards the content but I found out this film extremely funny, the chemistry between Salman, Arbaaz, Johnny, Neeraj Vohra, and Razak Khan was impeccable, the action sequences were hilarious and the screenplay was mind blogging. It was a film made with a good heart. Humour doesn't need logic and so does Hello Brother 😀, It's a free ride to Funland, the good old times.

After the magical spell of "Pyar Kiya tu Darna Kya", Sohail tried to present another story of sweetness & innocence with the stroke of supernatural comedy with cheap thrills, and in my opinion, he was successful as Hello Brother was the most likable film of our school life. We as a kid loved Hero aka Salman Khan and now as a Youngman, I want to have the childish and positive attitude of a hero in my life. I am critical but sometimes I want to lose myself and laugh out hard at battles of life. I want to defeat the trolls and stand out. So, thank you Sohail Khan for making the world of Hello Brother, It's a perfect escape from reality for at least 2 hours and 13 minutes.

I known the film was bombed at the box office but I always had a good time while watching this especially with my wife though Salman was overacted but we laughed at his comical act, he was matchless. Arbaz, Johnny, and Neeraj complimented him with their sarcastic performances with equal melodies and a catchy soundtrack.

Last Word:

Cult & all-time favorite comedy, a trapdoor to innocence and madness for the generation and kids of 1990s.

Paper Lives (2021)

More like a soul than a film, Masterpiece

[10/10 · 29 April 2021]

A brilliant heartwarming story strongly transformed into film, which is explicit like a tormenting soul, a vessel that covered up all the harsh realities of street kids and how this world turns them into miserable creatures.

As I said, It's more like a soul than a film, so I am not going to disclose anything about the plot in this review, because I want you to experience the drama, I want you to feel the pain, It's something different from usual trends of film-making and It offers no fairy tale, nor happy ending, It's a harsh take on life, I mean the real-life, the hard pill we digest every day.

CAGATAY ULUSOY is a freaking legend, he did a fantastic job to play Mehmet, I am in love with every fame, he truly speaks through the character! His aura is larger than life and honestly, till now I've seen the best performance of 2021 so far, just magnificent. Take a bow, Man.

On a lighter note, I think Salman Khan has to remake it, the only concern I've is the acting as the role demands a lot of transformation both physically as well as mentally, but this subject needs to be discussed in our Asian territory, and with such a mass fan following he is the right candidate to pull it off, and also It can recreate the magic of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, anyways, Salman is still chasing the goons but whenever you'll watch this film, you'll be agreed to what I've said.

Music is melancholic yet sweet and cinematography is a masterstroke.

It's another slice of life from the land of Turkey and I want you to have it.

Trust me! You'll reflect on life and you want to thank Almighty for all the benevolence and bounties you have in your life.

Abdullah: The Final Witness (2015)

For Hameed Sheikh and masterstroke of Cinematography of Rural Balochistan.

[7/10 · 19 April 2021]

Based on Kharotabad Killing Incident where 4 Russians and 1 Tajik citizen at a Frontier Corps (FC) checkpoint in Kharotabad in May 2011 were shot based on reports that they were suicide bombers, Abdullah: The Final witness takes you to Balochistan with spectacular cinematography, carried by strong and equalized performance of Hameed Sheikh.

The directorial debut of famous Urdu novelist Hashim Nadeem of Khuda Aur Mohabbat fame presented a story, which takes on the modern world venom "Terrorism", a rattlesnake which slithers on the land of most frontiers. Nadeem kept things simple, he heavily relied on Hameed Sheikh, which is the sole reason to watch this film, Sheikh was larger than life as Abdullah Khan, he carried simplicity and ambiguity throughout the film, and in some scenes at a mosque with a cleric, he was eloquent.

Within Abdullah: The Final Witness, Hashim's trespasses a romance blossomed between Abdullah's son Gullalai played by Imran Abbas, and Zarmina played by Sadia Khan. This love story has the traditional elements and predictable to its core and me It was poorly presented by both the lead actors, eyeing the Khuda Aur Mohabbat chemistry, there was nothing in it especially the enunciation. Abbas and Khan bedazzled with their traditional attires by disappointed with their acting chopsticks.

Not a masterpiece nor a dud, It's a story loosely wires around a true incident, banned for years then released, and currently available on Netflix.

If you love to watch characters truncated from everyday life then give it a watch.

And if you wanna be a vagabond, I'm sure the cinematography will glue you 1hour and 27 minutes.

For Hameed Sheikh and masterstroke of Cinematography of Rural Balochistan I'm giving it 7/10 otherwise I'll like to settle for 4/10.

I - Proud to Be an Indian (2004)

A film with great potential, a good entertainer, with a minimal budget.

[8/10 · 5 February 2021]

It was the year 2005, and my friend father got killed in a heated humiliated ethnic brawl in America plus he was looted of all the hard-earned money, and when his dead body deported to Pakistan, I can't get over the miserable look of his mother, wife, and father. It's been 15 long years and with life, I forgot about the whole incident but the opening dialogues of this film bring back all the flashbacks.

Released in 2004, "I - Proud to be An Indian" is a story of "I" who is an Indian. He travels to London for a family wedding and finds his family live in fear of the terrorism by National Front Skinheads and finds he has to become involved which escalates the situation.

Written by Sohail Khan, this film is about racism against Asians in London, a sensitive issue that was neglected by the mass media in the previous decades. Khan covered every aspect of the heinous brawls which normally an Asian has to face towards its ethnic roots.

Direction from Puneet Sira was Okayish, and unlike other Indian directors who love to explore London, he sticks to his story which was a good sign plus the songs were played in narrative style and mostly suited up the story with some great bhangra numbers.

Sohail Khan was the main man, he lived up to it. He got the right attitude from frame A to Z. He was masculine, expressive, and badass with equally good action choreography. It was looking like a tale from the 1980s Hollywood cinema. Sohail was paralleled by his supporting cast especially Kulbushan Kharbanda & Asif Sheikh.

Last Word: "I - Proud to be an Indian" is a film with great potential, a good entertainer, with a minimal budget. It was an experiment to deviate from usual Hindi films which never paid off, but I loved its theme and message. I learned a lot of things, and one of them is your "dignity" and the other is "self-respect" and in real life, we easily compromise on these things and let the evil sail through victory.

Recommended to Actioners, who want to have some different flare.

Vaada Raha... I Promise (2009)

Nor epic nor bad, Vada Raha is a decent and emotional story of faith and hopes with sparking chemistry of Bobby and Dwig Yadav

[8/10 · 3 December 2020]

Rab Na Kare Ke Yeh Zindagi Kabhie Kisi Ko Dagha De, there are some films, which are simple, sweet, and motivating that you overlook all the niches and cliches in the storyline, and "Vaada Raha, I Promise" is one of them. Story of faith, hope, and belief perfectly presented by Samir Karnik.

From a modernist point of view, this story has some faults but Bobby Deol and Dwig Yadav's performances have taken over the cliches and make this film a melancholic motivative drama. Emotions were the main ingredient of Samir Karnik films and with Vada Raha, I promise, he expanded the verge of emotional ebb flow though from a medical point of view the film is a lackluster affair. Bobby was phenomenal in some scenes, the man nailed as Dr. Duke Chawla.

Apart from "Rab Na Kare Yeh Zindagi", the rest of the album is passable.

Last Word: Nor epic nor bad, Vada Raha is a decent and emotional story of faith and hopes with sparking chemistry of Bobby and Dwig Yadav which taught us that it is difficult to act, what we preach to others.

Rating: 8/10

24 Frames (2017)

Silence is the best Alchemy

[10/10 · 14 July 2020]

"I always wonder to what extent the artist aims to depict the reality of a scene. Painters capture only one frame of reality and nothing before or after it.

For "24 Frames" I started with famous paintings but then switched to photos I had taken through the years. I included about four and a half minutes of what I imagined might have taken place before or after each image that I had captured"

Abbas Kiarostami

24 Frames is an experimental film and was the final film of the Iranian legend "Abbas Kiarostami" which was released after his death in 2017. Those of you, who have seen his work, you may know him that he was a film-maker, photographer, and philosopher and this film was the final and last stroke of his mastery combined with all the metaphors of his personality and aura.

In this review, I will embark on personal exploration, as I've watched this film with my mother and for us, it was a one way trip to an art gallery, we both amazed and relished on the aspects and possible themes of all the "24 Frames". Throughout the film, I had an endless discussion with my mother, we detailed and professed every minute scene of this film, I can't relate you the elation I felt. There were 24 photographs, no characters, no dialogues, and yet we were mysterious about the frames, and happily, every frame ended with a sense of mediating, revealing something unique about this life and the world.

It's an open invitation to a free webinar for the distressed soul to enjoin on a meditation which brings prosperity and peace to your life,

an open invitation to an art gallery which gives you the perception of what happens before a photograph taken,

an open invitation to art students to let them learn the art and craft of filmography,

or an open call for people who are observant and deep about nature and surroundings.

It's a simple and unique film, which has the power to entangle your intellect and makes you think about small things, birds, ocean, places. As Rumi Said, "Silence is the best Alchemy", this film is class, which taught you to learn the language of silence and to enjoy life.

If you love myths, philosophy, art, and literature then "24 Frames" is the right door to bang in, and if you're a modern geek with superheroes and Nolan stuff, It would be a boring frame of life.

Wanted (2008)

Orchestra of Action

[10/10 · 13 July 2020]

Masterpiece, It was released at a time when I was unfamiliar with most of the global market. It has a diversity of genres mixed together. It started with comedy then in the next few scenes shifts the gears toward action then violence knocks out at the door then It became a philosophical journey to know the purpose and identity of your life and finally outta nowhere tragedy and suspense befallen, overall a masterpiece.

Wanted is known for Its stylized action sequences and fast pace thrilling tone with some wonderful performances from the leading cast especially James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman & David O Hara.

At first, McAvoy was rejected after screen test for his short stature and unconventional looks contrasting to the Macho Man and desirable books of Hollywood conventional actors but studio failed to find someone who could actually pay the bill of "Wesley Allan Gibson", so they recruited him and Oh boy, this man gives a hard wrecking performance, his act was believable from miserably p****y to the death-defying superhero who can dodge bullets. "Fox" was a tailor-made role for Angelina Jolie with all the desirability and the most memorable thing about her performance was the "Violent Silence", limited dialogue delivery, and more action on the platter. Morgan Freeman was typical as "Sloan" and David O Hara as "Cross" surprised me in his limited role.

Direction by Timur Bekmambetov is flawless, and he has every muscle of the Russian approach in his storytelling and visual effects were his heavy alliance with sharp and spectacular cinematography, It is is very difficult to take 800 different shots of same action sequences which Timur had directed. Through wanted he has really transpired the "Action" Genre in Hollywood.

Wanted is an action orchestra and Dany Elfman has rightfully brought the "Heavy Metal" approach to increase the intensities of sarcasm, weirdness, and action, and the film's main title track "Little Things" just push the adrenaline to another level.

Last Word: Wanted is an action orchestra of different genres spiced up by the brilliant performances of its leading star cast especially James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie and further elated by the stylized direction of Timur Bekmambetov.

School Ties (1992)

Perfect and most influential film which introduced me to the "Coming of Age Genre"

[10/10 · 4 July 2020]

School Ties is one of the finest reflection of my adolescent life, It was the perfect and most influential film which introduced me to the "Coming of Age Genre". It gives me the sneak peek to the politics I've faced in the coming years of my university life. This film taught me, how can a "girl" screw two friends and how jealousy rot a relationship and It is one of those films which professed how racism destroys the truest potential of a person abilities as the plot of the film was mainly focused on racial segregation in 1950's America.

School Ties is based on the personal experiences of writer and television producer Dick Wolf. Set in the 1950s, a star-quarterback is given an opportunity to attend an elite preparatory school but must conceal the fact that he is Jewish.

Honestly, I watched this film for Brendan Fraser. At that time, I thought him to be the biggest star of Hollywood and that's what he has proven in the earliest stages of his shaken career. Fraser as David Green was fabulous, I've through the emotional depth of his character that I've seen the film 3 consecutive times, he was magnificently intense, innocent, and brilliant. It was way before, his introduction to the comedic genre.

At times, I was alienated with Matt Damon, Chris O' Donnell, Cole Hauser and Ben Affleck but they were outstanding in their respective character especially Matt and Chris, I was heavenly impressed from their performances that I decided to watch Chris O'Donnel in "The Scent of a Woman", another heart-warming film and to watch Matt, I downloaded "Good Will Hunting". So, School Ties sets the tone of my Hollywood filmography as a viewer.

The sad part, this film is highly un-rated due to highly unpopular opinion, this is a story worth to be retold so, no one has to suffer due to his Religion, Race, and Creed. This film was segregated due to the content, It has but 3 years later, a film on the same subject with historical accuracies and way more meaning and tense plot named "Scindlair List" won accolades.

The direction of Robert Mandel was a reflection of American elite school system, a passageway to all the stimulant stressors of teenage, the way he handled upcoming royalty of Hollywood was a treat to watch especially the way he captured Brendan Fraser intensity and innocence was something, his recent directors failed to do so, Robert has given everyone an equal share of screen space to shine in their roles.

Cinematography is heavenly, the era of 1955 was captured beautifully, Music is melodic especially the main theme of "the school ties".

Last Word: The School Ties is an under-rated film and It should deserve to be spotted with the giants like, "Dead Poets Society, The Breakfast Club, Good Will Hunting, Finding Forrester" and other great films focused on youth and fire.

Permanent Record (1988)

Song of the Life

[10/10 · 1 July 2020]

A brilliant and talented young man, full of life, aspiring to be a musician opted to end his life after failing to cope up with trials of teenage and the unwinding world. His 3 best friends went beserk to know the answers that why he ended his life? For some of them, he was an inspiration and for others, he was perfect, calm, and composed so, why? did he do it in the end? Permanent Record is their journey to unreveal the truth.

Starring Keanu Reeves "Permanent Record" is a forgotten gem that resurfaced in my mind after the suicidal demise of an Indian Actor "Sushant Singh Rajput". It was one of those films, which have the tenacity to override your mind emotionally and to give you the parabellum of the human psyche.

Marisa Silver has a story, which is harsh and simple, It advocate a case, every teenager has to face or fight, once in a lifetime. According to Sigmund Freud developmental theory, an adolescent stage is a very fragile stage of human development, the world is unwinding, there's societal pressure, educational pressure, economical pressure, a formula of success and failure burst up and 70% of teenagers or individuals came under the knife of mental pressure and when the equilibrium of human intelligence degraded, suicide is the only option and that's what "Marisa Sinclair" has presented in Permanent Record.

Coming back to the film, It is a very heartwarming tale and in the end, you can't hold yourself and your tears are the only option to pay tribute to Marisa, Keanu, respective cast, and to their creativity. It is a plot of 3 best friends, who quest on an emotional journey to find about the events which lead "David Sinclair" their best friend to take their life. As they found out the factual truths, they pay a tribute to him in a song (as David, was a talented young musician) through a song, and to me, that was the "Song of the Life".

I never would have thought that Keanu Reeves would ever be able to make me cry, I mean how could he after becoming Neo or Baba Yaga but to prove me wrong, he did. He has a remarkable, heartfelt performance. It was his best character, he has depth and emotion and he acted brilliantly. Music has calm and soothing effect.

If you watch movies on the basis of ratings, then this film is not for you, as rarely people got connected to these kinds of stories but If you want to watch the aftermath of suicide on the deceased family, friends, and community, then "Permanent Record" is your record to experience it all.

Rating: 10/10

The Shining (1980)

Full of metaphors and interpretations

[10/10 · 27 June 2020]

Redrum, Here's Johnny, Danny Boy and All work and no play makes Jack a Dull Boy.

Yesterday was the 2nd coming of "The Shinning" in my life and It was way more exciting than the first one in terms of psychology to understand "Jack Torrence", the mystery of supernatural events at "Overlook Hotel" and the special gift of "Danny Torrence" which helped him throughout the film.

Loosely based on Stephan King's 1977 novel of the same name "The Shinning" was a psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980 with mixed reviews but over the years acclaimed a cult status among the audience of the world.

The film was very different from the novel, so much that Stephen King has expressed his dislike towards it many times, and it's understandable. Kubrick asked for freedom to change whatever he wanted, and he wasn't kidding. Although King didn't oppose to that at the time, he wasn't expecting Kubrick to go as far as to change the essence of the book. Because of that, the novel and the film are two very different entities, and details that are explained or at least easier to interpret in the novel are either not included or left very ambiguous in the film. Kubrick has co-written this film with the novelist Diane Johnson and made it a film full of metaphors and interpretations.

The story was solid and full of interpretation and different scenes of the film equally supported it. The most memorable scene of the film was blood coming from the elevator, It was shown to Danny through the ability of shinning when jack got the job, so whose blood it was? It was shown at different intervals, with the strong force. According to the manager of the hotel, the overlook hotel was built at Indian Burial Ground, so maybe it was the blood of those buried Indians, maybe their souls are trapped in the hotel which makes caretakers go haywire. The other iconic scenes were Grady Twins and how they informed Danny about "Redrum" which actually means, and then Danny told his mother that something terrible is happening to them and the most famous and debatable was the last scene, an open ending, how Jack ended up in that photograph, is he was reincarnated? There are different theories about it and I want to listen to yours. Let my insight into your theory.

Coming back to Star Performances, Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrence was one of the finest examples to interpret the drastic effects of isolation and how it manipulates human psychology to lead it's astray. Kubrick developed the character intelligently, he was alcoholic, abusive, and intolerant, Nicholson pulled it off with ease, his violent eyes and smiles linger devil on his back. He was cyclical and his performance, a spectacle of physical and psychological abuse. Aham physical abuse, rewatch the scene of that an old man with a bear, It was a revelation that Danny was sexually abused by his father and in defense of this he found tony as his imaginary friend, anyway coming back to the performances, Shelly Duvall, with an average body and face, played a most strong and iron-willed character of a woman in the horror genre. Her character ability to cope with violence and abuse was marvelously shown by a woman and she strongly justified it. And Danny Lloyd as "Danny Torrence" was great, he is the best child artist ever in a horror psychological drama when he acted under as autohypnotic "Tony" was the best part. The rest of the cast justified to their respective parts.

Cinematography and Music were the back core of this film and to support my this point of review I would like to give you the example of the opening sequence, and the hedge maze sequence or the Grady Twins sequence, there are countless scenes, in fact, every scene defines the mastery of cinematographer and music director. Wendy Carlos recorded a soundtrack which is hauntingly beautiful, the opening theme of the film gives you goosebumps.

Last Word: The Shinning is one of the best psychological horror films in the history of cinema. It has the devil work of Nicholson and metaphors and interpretations of Kubrick. It has the iron will of Shelly Duval and "shinning" the gift of Danny Lloyd.

It has violence, abuse, sexual abuse, and a deteriorated human psyche and a concept that what a time period of isolation can do to you If you don't control your mind though Jack was always the dull boy.

Donnie Brasco (1997)

A hard and gritty story of deception with strong performances from Johnny Depp and Al Pacino.

[8/10 · 25 June 2020]

Donnie Brasco is based on the 1988 non-fiction book "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia" by Joseph D. Pistone. It was directed by Mike Newell and starring Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, and Anne Heche in pivotal roles.

Donnie Brasco is a story of two men, who grow up to love each other within the framework of teacher student relationship, It got nothing to do with sex, It was the need of the hour, the survival mode for both the characters. It's a subtle film based on human emotions. Donnie Brasco is a world of friendship, trust and deception, It got nothing to do with violence and mafia though it was the primarily theme of this film. Whenever you try to look a list of greatest mob films, I bet you, you'll never find this film in the leagues of GOD FELLAS or other cinema which covers the mafia as a tough world and according to some viewers Gangsters got nothing to do with emotions and relationships so, this fact extracted Donnie Brasco from their list.

When it comes to the acting part it has two Juggernauts from two different generations of american artists collided in a world of organized crime and from their collision started a ripple of deceptions and produced a fine mafia thriller.

I like the way, Al Pacino shifts his gears of emotions. His joy when he entrusted Donnie (Depp),despair when he found about his son and his cancer, gore when he killed his fellow gang member, violence when they tried to dumped three dead bodies and with his usual credit he take you away far from reality in the last 10 minutes of the film, I mean you're just blown away with his act, tear treasure.

Pacino was equally responded by the emptiness of Johnny Depp. He was young, handsome, bold and wearier. If I've to choose between from Sean Penn from Carlito's Way I would like to go with Depp he was flawless as Donnie Brasco.

The supporting cast was equally great.

Mike Newell's direction was dense and moving, the way he captured the backstabbing, deception, violence, and particularly emotion of mafia world was terrific. His character development was stark and sensational.

The cinematography was brilliant and the Music score was also good.

Last Word:

Donnie Brasco is one of the finest mafia thrillers of recent times, It has a hard and gritty story of deception with strong performances from Johnny Depp and Al Pacino.

Through the Olive Trees (1994)

Another great slice of life from Abbas Kiarostami, a story of love, obsession, innocence and hope with a touch of poetical and subtle Persian tradition.

[10/10 · 22 June 2020]

Through the Olive Trees (Zir-e Derakhtan-e Zeytun) is an Iranian 1994 film directed and written by Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, set in earthquake-ravaged Northern Iran.

It is the last installment of the eventual Koker Trilogy, and it is another spectacle of the neo-realists films, a portrait of everyday life.

Abbas started this trilogy with a simple and beautiful concept and with each film he transformed towards a more complicated subject and this film professes the testament of young love and the veils of innocence it prevails upon the lover.

It's a classical Persian love story, we often read in the poetry of Amir Khusroo, Hafiz Shiraz and Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi and God Bless the soul of Abbas Kiarostami, who dare to present it onscreen. It was festivity for my sinful eyes.

Coming back to the story, Abbas rightfully at the start of the tale breaks the 4th wall and lets the audience marvel at the world of filmmaking with an original story narrated with all the following. After watching this trilogy, Poshteh, Rudbar and Koker becomes my dream destination sites because the landscapes are heavenly, people hospitable and culture vastly enriched.

Every frame of this film is a gem, some dialogues are poetic and lyrical with the complexities of life, some materialistic tensions are innocently put forward in front of the audience with the motive to teach society about the value of simplicity and mortality. For scholars, It can be a healthy debate.

Coming to the performances, the film is based on the love story of two young teenagers played by Hossein Rezai and Taharah Ladanian and what makes it more enchanting, It is an offscreen love story between these two and they played a newlywed couple in "And life goes on", it was an original story and the emotions were real, and that's the best thing about Kiarastomi that he presented real-life stories with real actors.

Hossein, pursued Tahareh and she never responded to him, and that coldness in her behavior makes Hossein restless, and you can sense his misery through his eyes, his whole shook whenever she was in the presence and Abbas captured all the emotions masterfully.

Ray of hope makes Hossein alive and he tried to convinced her till the end of the film and It's still a mystery, what was the fate of their love story as the film ended with a riddle, which of course we have to solve on our own, but I really loved that last scene, one the dynamic moment in the history of cinema.

Last Word: Another great slice of life from Abbas Kiarostami, a story of love, obsession, innocence and hope with a touch of poetical and subtle Persian tradition.