Over the last few years, Yashraj seems to have lost its sheen and credibility owing to some ridiculously mind-numbing films and this time they try to salvage their position with what they know best, a romantic comedy. Does the pair of newbie Ranveer and Anushka do the trick?
Though predictable, this ones a fresh entertainer recommended to all.
Set in the heart of Delhi, the story revolves around two characters. Bittoo Sharma(Ranveer Singh), a college grad looking to find work so as to avoid going back to the village and working at his fathers farm and Shruti Kakkar(Anushka Sharma) a spunky girl who's dream is to start Shaadi Mubarak and become the best wedding planner in her area. They cross paths and team up to start the business which eventually gains a lot of popularity. What follows is the age-old Yashraj plot of love-fight-split-love-happy ending.
The first half of the film is superb with some sharp writing from Habib Faisal(screenplay). It moves swiftly and keeps you highly entertained. The latter stretches a bit and could easily be trimmed by 15 minutes.
The music by Salim-Sulieman is a winner. A film like this warrants some good music and it doesn't fail.
Of the performances, debutant Ranveer Singh steals the show. Though unconventional looking, he exudes energy and brings life to Bittoo Sharma. Definitely a find.
Anushka Sharma too, delivers her best performance to date and looks fabulous. The chemistry between them is crackling.
First-timer Maneesh Sharma has a winner on his hands, though the film could have been so much more if he hadn't trodden down the moldy Yashraj path in the second half.
To sum it up BBB with its rustic Punjabi flavour is a good watch. Walk in with no expectations and you'll walk out pleasantly surprised. This is one shaadi you should attend.
Rating: 3/5
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Phas Gaya Re Obama - Review
In a year filled with smaller films(Peepli Live, Udaan) making a notable presence in the Indian film industry, here comes another unusual fare of an interesting story mashed up with a lot of brilliant actors. Does it pack the right punch?
While it does have quite a few laughs, it isn't a winner all the way.
PGRO tackles the problem of recession in an comical manner. Sanjay Mishra is a village goon who kidnaps people. Sadly, none of them have the money to pay him hence he's left sitting with his gang plotting a big coup. In comes Rajat Kapoor, an NRI who's lost it all in the global meltdown. He's come back to sell his ancestral property to salvage his life, only to get kidnapped by the gang. Then start the crazy shenanigans where Rajat goes from one place to another, encountering man-hating Munni Gangster(Neha Dhupia), corrupt politician Amole Gupte and an Obama loving croonie to keep him company.
The film, while packing in doses of laughter does tend to drag a bit. With clever writing, it does have all the ingredients for a great film but something is missing. A little more spunk coupled with better dialogues would have added superb value to the well written situations.
The film has some superb performances. Sanjay Mishra is astounding as the frustrated gangster with no money. Neha Dhupia is ok. Amole Gupte and Manu Rishi are great. A few smaller cameos are brilliant, especially the english teacher and the policeman. The leading man Rajat Kapoor is good, though he shows no difference in performance to any role played by him till today.
Director Subhash Kapoor has a well written & well executed product which works in many areas. Though the promos didn't quite enthrall movie, the film by itself was much better. Somehow it is a bit stretched and 10-15 min of trimming would have made it a great watch.
To sum it up, Phas Gaya re Obama is your perfect DVD watch. It has sequences that make you hold your stomach and laugh but also got portions where you're left simply bored. I recommend all to watch this, though it can be given a miss in the cinema halls.
Rating: 3/5
While it does have quite a few laughs, it isn't a winner all the way.
PGRO tackles the problem of recession in an comical manner. Sanjay Mishra is a village goon who kidnaps people. Sadly, none of them have the money to pay him hence he's left sitting with his gang plotting a big coup. In comes Rajat Kapoor, an NRI who's lost it all in the global meltdown. He's come back to sell his ancestral property to salvage his life, only to get kidnapped by the gang. Then start the crazy shenanigans where Rajat goes from one place to another, encountering man-hating Munni Gangster(Neha Dhupia), corrupt politician Amole Gupte and an Obama loving croonie to keep him company.
The film, while packing in doses of laughter does tend to drag a bit. With clever writing, it does have all the ingredients for a great film but something is missing. A little more spunk coupled with better dialogues would have added superb value to the well written situations.
The film has some superb performances. Sanjay Mishra is astounding as the frustrated gangster with no money. Neha Dhupia is ok. Amole Gupte and Manu Rishi are great. A few smaller cameos are brilliant, especially the english teacher and the policeman. The leading man Rajat Kapoor is good, though he shows no difference in performance to any role played by him till today.
Director Subhash Kapoor has a well written & well executed product which works in many areas. Though the promos didn't quite enthrall movie, the film by itself was much better. Somehow it is a bit stretched and 10-15 min of trimming would have made it a great watch.
To sum it up, Phas Gaya re Obama is your perfect DVD watch. It has sequences that make you hold your stomach and laugh but also got portions where you're left simply bored. I recommend all to watch this, though it can be given a miss in the cinema halls.
Rating: 3/5
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Guzaarish - Review
The much anticipated flick from the Sanjay Leela Bhansali stable hits the screens this weekend. With Hrithik-Ash at the helm of affairs, does it make you forget the questionable Saawariya?
While not the best film, its got some beautiful visuals, heart-warming moments and astounding performances.
Ethan Mascarenhas(Hrithik) was a star magician till one day a freak accident confines him to his bed and thus he faces the difficulties of life as a quadriplegic. His caretaker Sofia D'Souza(Aishwariya) has dedicated her life in looking after Ethan and cares deeply for him. Tired with his obscure illness, Ethan files a plea for Euthanasia(mercy killing), as he wants to end his suffering. The film deals with the problems he faces, his approach to life and the eventual outcome of his prayer.
At just about 2 hrs, the film is crisp. Furthermore, it is a visually stunning film, almost like art on a canvas. The cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee leaves you with a smile on your face.
The area where the film suffers is the rather mediocre screenplay and plot-line that borrows from other films (The Prestige). The music, by SLB himself, is simply ok, leave alone a couple of melodious tracks.
What this film shows us though is the powerhouse that is Hrithik Roshan. He delivers what can arguably be called as one of his finest performances ever. Emotional, witty or downright angry, he displays every emotion that one would imagine. Aishwariya too springs up her most real & believable performance in years. She looks stunning, in character and not plastic. Aditya Roy Kapoor is good, rest satisfactory.
SLB tries but fails on a few counts. The lack of a positive message being one and the extremely dark tone of the film the other. His attempt is genuine but the outcome is half-baked.
At the end of it, Guzaarish truly defines arthouse/alternative cinema and is a far cry from the commercial jungle. A genuine effort with some soul, certain scenes (like the one where water drops on his head, or when hes angry) are just brilliant. Other than that, its a lot of heavy emotion and some exemplary acting. Watch this if you want to sample some Hrithik genius.
Rating: 2.5/5
While not the best film, its got some beautiful visuals, heart-warming moments and astounding performances.
Ethan Mascarenhas(Hrithik) was a star magician till one day a freak accident confines him to his bed and thus he faces the difficulties of life as a quadriplegic. His caretaker Sofia D'Souza(Aishwariya) has dedicated her life in looking after Ethan and cares deeply for him. Tired with his obscure illness, Ethan files a plea for Euthanasia(mercy killing), as he wants to end his suffering. The film deals with the problems he faces, his approach to life and the eventual outcome of his prayer.
At just about 2 hrs, the film is crisp. Furthermore, it is a visually stunning film, almost like art on a canvas. The cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee leaves you with a smile on your face.
The area where the film suffers is the rather mediocre screenplay and plot-line that borrows from other films (The Prestige). The music, by SLB himself, is simply ok, leave alone a couple of melodious tracks.
What this film shows us though is the powerhouse that is Hrithik Roshan. He delivers what can arguably be called as one of his finest performances ever. Emotional, witty or downright angry, he displays every emotion that one would imagine. Aishwariya too springs up her most real & believable performance in years. She looks stunning, in character and not plastic. Aditya Roy Kapoor is good, rest satisfactory.
SLB tries but fails on a few counts. The lack of a positive message being one and the extremely dark tone of the film the other. His attempt is genuine but the outcome is half-baked.
At the end of it, Guzaarish truly defines arthouse/alternative cinema and is a far cry from the commercial jungle. A genuine effort with some soul, certain scenes (like the one where water drops on his head, or when hes angry) are just brilliant. Other than that, its a lot of heavy emotion and some exemplary acting. Watch this if you want to sample some Hrithik genius.
Rating: 2.5/5
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The Social Network - Review
After garnering rave reviews worldwide, The Social network hits screens this weekend. The true story of the worlds youngest billionaire, does this pack enough punch to be called a winner?
This is one brilliantly written, riveting experience that NO ONE should miss.
Mark Zuckerberg is your stereotypical geek. A Harvard grad who's great with the tech stuff, Mark starts a site facemash which draws everyone's attention. He gets called upon by individuals who want to start as social networking platform but he eventually builds his on. This true story is about the inception of facebook, the legal battle that ensued and the psyche of this prodigy.
The screenplay by veteran Aaron Sorkin is just fabulous. Moving back and forth, it keeps you at the edge of your seat and doesn't loose you for a second. The story is so taut that you don't realize when the 2 hours fly by.
Jesse Eisenberg as the protagonist Mark is stellar. Geeky, possessed and driven, he drinks the character and delivers. Justin Timberlake as the charming Sean Parker is superb as well.
Director David Fincher creates celluloid magic again. Se7en, Fight Club, Benjamin Button, Social Network. His treatment on taking a topic like facebook and making it into an edgy-dark experience is laudable.
So the verdict is out, The Social Network is one of the best films of the year. The biggest networking platform which tears apart the people who create it, this one is unmissable. Run to the theaters now !!!
Rating: 4.5/5
This is one brilliantly written, riveting experience that NO ONE should miss.
Mark Zuckerberg is your stereotypical geek. A Harvard grad who's great with the tech stuff, Mark starts a site facemash which draws everyone's attention. He gets called upon by individuals who want to start as social networking platform but he eventually builds his on. This true story is about the inception of facebook, the legal battle that ensued and the psyche of this prodigy.
The screenplay by veteran Aaron Sorkin is just fabulous. Moving back and forth, it keeps you at the edge of your seat and doesn't loose you for a second. The story is so taut that you don't realize when the 2 hours fly by.
Jesse Eisenberg as the protagonist Mark is stellar. Geeky, possessed and driven, he drinks the character and delivers. Justin Timberlake as the charming Sean Parker is superb as well.
Director David Fincher creates celluloid magic again. Se7en, Fight Club, Benjamin Button, Social Network. His treatment on taking a topic like facebook and making it into an edgy-dark experience is laudable.
So the verdict is out, The Social Network is one of the best films of the year. The biggest networking platform which tears apart the people who create it, this one is unmissable. Run to the theaters now !!!
Rating: 4.5/5
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Golmaal 3 - Review
Its Diwali time which means Rohit Shetty and his motley crew are back for some mind-numbing nonsensical humour. After 3 consecutive hits, does the entertainment package deliver?
This is a laugh riot for the brainless.
Few points to note before buying your tickets:
1. Did you enjoy Golmaal, Golmaal 2 - Yes
2. Do you love garish colours and sets that look like a kids party - Yes
3. Do cheesy one-liners do the trick for you - Yes
4. Do you think a movie should have a story - No
If 3 points match, run to the halls now !!
So the Golmaal team returns with some casting changes. Ajay Devgn-Shreyas Talpade are brothers who are mothered by Ratna Pathak. Warsi-Khemu-Tushhar are brothers fathered by Mithun. There is an old romance angle between Ratna-Mithun. The two factions don't get along but once their folks decide to tie the knot, the families have to live with each other and all the mayhem that goes along with it.
Throw in a Don with memory loss(Johnny Lever), his madcap sidekicks and a spit-fire heroine in the form of Kareena Kapoor and you have your ingredients. This is a recipe served specially for the masses, and they will love it.
The film plays out in almost 2.5 hrs and is an endless showreel of gags and hilarious one-lines. There is an absolute disregard for any story or semblance whatsoever. The production designs are loud and colourful, akin to the directors previous work.
The showstealer of this film is Mithunda. He has the most hilarious lines and plays to the gallery in fine fashion. Kareena too is superb as the foul-mouthed Daboo. Devgn is strictly ok, Talpade hams, Lever is funny and Khemu has a great character with rhyming lines.
As a director, this wouldn't classify as Rohit Shetty's best work. Far from the knockout that was Golmaal, this is definitely better than the second installment. He tries to play in some emotions, but one thing is certain, this film works.
All in all, Golmaal-3 is the perfect Diwali film, one that will entertain the masses to the fullest. The theater halls are in raptures as cheesy lines like, "Jiske ghar sheeshay ke hote hai, woh basement mein kapde badalte hai" are belted out. Rohit Shetty knows what the janta likes though I wouldn't suggest this for those looking for a quality experience. The pick of this Diwali, watch it if its your drift.
This is a laugh riot for the brainless.
Few points to note before buying your tickets:
1. Did you enjoy Golmaal, Golmaal 2 - Yes
2. Do you love garish colours and sets that look like a kids party - Yes
3. Do cheesy one-liners do the trick for you - Yes
4. Do you think a movie should have a story - No
If 3 points match, run to the halls now !!
So the Golmaal team returns with some casting changes. Ajay Devgn-Shreyas Talpade are brothers who are mothered by Ratna Pathak. Warsi-Khemu-Tushhar are brothers fathered by Mithun. There is an old romance angle between Ratna-Mithun. The two factions don't get along but once their folks decide to tie the knot, the families have to live with each other and all the mayhem that goes along with it.
Throw in a Don with memory loss(Johnny Lever), his madcap sidekicks and a spit-fire heroine in the form of Kareena Kapoor and you have your ingredients. This is a recipe served specially for the masses, and they will love it.
The film plays out in almost 2.5 hrs and is an endless showreel of gags and hilarious one-lines. There is an absolute disregard for any story or semblance whatsoever. The production designs are loud and colourful, akin to the directors previous work.
The showstealer of this film is Mithunda. He has the most hilarious lines and plays to the gallery in fine fashion. Kareena too is superb as the foul-mouthed Daboo. Devgn is strictly ok, Talpade hams, Lever is funny and Khemu has a great character with rhyming lines.
As a director, this wouldn't classify as Rohit Shetty's best work. Far from the knockout that was Golmaal, this is definitely better than the second installment. He tries to play in some emotions, but one thing is certain, this film works.
All in all, Golmaal-3 is the perfect Diwali film, one that will entertain the masses to the fullest. The theater halls are in raptures as cheesy lines like, "Jiske ghar sheeshay ke hote hai, woh basement mein kapde badalte hai" are belted out. Rohit Shetty knows what the janta likes though I wouldn't suggest this for those looking for a quality experience. The pick of this Diwali, watch it if its your drift.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Action Replayy - Review
Diwali is here and it brings along with it the first of the big releases of the season, Action Replayy. Akshay Kumar, who's had some disastrous releases in the last 2 years dons a retro avatar in this comic caper which takes us back to the Eastman color days.
Is it any good though?
This Back to the Future meets Hitch can well be reserved for a television watch.
Kishen Chopra(Akshay Kumar) is henpecked. His wife Mala(Aishwariya) bosses over him, much to the ire of their son Bunty(Aditya Roy Kapoor) and hence he devises a master plan of going back in time to play out a better future.
Back in time, the bucktoothed, bellbottomed Kishen is scared and bullied over by all pushing Bunty to take on the responsibility of transforming him into the cool, suave man who women would swoon over.
Throw in a ton of songs, random references to the future, geeky humour & some more songs and you give birth to Action Replayy.
Let us put one thing straight, the main plot of AR is a straight lift of Back to the Future and is followed by a Hitch style turnaorund. The movie tries hard to transport you to the 70's but is half-baked. The clothes, colours and dance steps are perfect but songs are amiss.
The major flaw of the film is the script itself, or the lack of originality in it. Another issue is the excessive screentime of Adity Roy Kapoor, which reaches a point of irritation.
On the plus side, the film has some hilarious sequences that literally have you in splits. Akshay Kumar is stupendous. After long, he leaves you spellbounded with his geeky style and one really wishes he had an even meatier role(Yes, its almost the same as the new kid). Aishwariya Rai.B looks stunning to say the least and plays the glam-role perfectly. Aditya Roy Kapoor is decent, but its disappointing to see him have such a humongous role. Rannvijay is patchy but has a well scripted role.
Director Vipul Shah fails again after London Dreams. Far from his earlier work like Aankhen and Waqt, this one is a mediocre effort. Also, for a film where music is so important, the score by Pritam is a disaster.
In short, Action Replayy is a timepass movie which is your perfect cable tv watch on a Sunday afternoon. As the 16 other people in the theater would agree, it is not worth spending your Diwali weekend on. Watch Golmaal instead as this 70's show is a damp squib.
Rating: 2/5
Is it any good though?
This Back to the Future meets Hitch can well be reserved for a television watch.
Kishen Chopra(Akshay Kumar) is henpecked. His wife Mala(Aishwariya) bosses over him, much to the ire of their son Bunty(Aditya Roy Kapoor) and hence he devises a master plan of going back in time to play out a better future.
Back in time, the bucktoothed, bellbottomed Kishen is scared and bullied over by all pushing Bunty to take on the responsibility of transforming him into the cool, suave man who women would swoon over.
Throw in a ton of songs, random references to the future, geeky humour & some more songs and you give birth to Action Replayy.
Let us put one thing straight, the main plot of AR is a straight lift of Back to the Future and is followed by a Hitch style turnaorund. The movie tries hard to transport you to the 70's but is half-baked. The clothes, colours and dance steps are perfect but songs are amiss.
The major flaw of the film is the script itself, or the lack of originality in it. Another issue is the excessive screentime of Adity Roy Kapoor, which reaches a point of irritation.
On the plus side, the film has some hilarious sequences that literally have you in splits. Akshay Kumar is stupendous. After long, he leaves you spellbounded with his geeky style and one really wishes he had an even meatier role(Yes, its almost the same as the new kid). Aishwariya Rai.B looks stunning to say the least and plays the glam-role perfectly. Aditya Roy Kapoor is decent, but its disappointing to see him have such a humongous role. Rannvijay is patchy but has a well scripted role.
Director Vipul Shah fails again after London Dreams. Far from his earlier work like Aankhen and Waqt, this one is a mediocre effort. Also, for a film where music is so important, the score by Pritam is a disaster.
In short, Action Replayy is a timepass movie which is your perfect cable tv watch on a Sunday afternoon. As the 16 other people in the theater would agree, it is not worth spending your Diwali weekend on. Watch Golmaal instead as this 70's show is a damp squib.
Rating: 2/5
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Robot - Review
Mega Superstar Rajnikanth is back with the most expensive Indian film ever made. Does the hit machine Shankar have a winner again?
This is one colossal Rajni-Sir EXPERIENCE !!!!
When one walks in for a Rajni film, they surrender to the star to take them on an a trip that defies all logic and beliefs....Robot does the same on a scale like never before.
Few of the things that Sir entertains us with in Robot:
1. Runs sideways on a train.
2. 100's of Rajni's combine to form a deadly Snake.
3. Shoots bullets from his fingers.
4. Sir fights with himself.
The story is simple. Prof.Dr.Vasi has spent 10 years in creating a Robot - Chitti. Chitti is an andro-humanoid who can do just about anything from dancing, fighting to operating in a hospital. The one thing he can't do is feel emotions. When Chitti starts interacting with Sana(Aishwaria), Vasi's fiance, the enemy(Danny Denzongpa) turns things for the wrong and Chitti falls in love with her. Thus begins the battle between the Creator and his creation which leads to the eventual showdown.
One thing is certain, the film is on a huge canvas. With CG from the same studio which did Avatar & Matrix, the quality is the best seen in an Indian film.
The only drawback of this film is its length. At 3 hrs long, its heavy and the second half is extremely sluggish.
Robot is Rajni, Rajni and more Rajnikanth. If you are a fan, this is your mecca. At 60, he fights, dances and entertains in his charismatic style. His potrayal of the evil Chitti is stupendous and whistles blow from every corner of the hall.
Aishwariya looks beautiful and fits in perfectly. Danny is apt.
Director Shankar has another winner. His narrative is interesting but one just wishes it was tighter. One cannot deny his eye for scale as he imagines and delivers big. If the film were trimmed by 30 min, it would be epic.
One doesn't know if and when we will ever get to see Rajnikanth in this avatar. Although its not the best film in town, one should go to see the sheer imagination of Shankar and the mesmerizing aura that is Superstar Rajni.
Rating: 3/5
This is one colossal Rajni-Sir EXPERIENCE !!!!
When one walks in for a Rajni film, they surrender to the star to take them on an a trip that defies all logic and beliefs....Robot does the same on a scale like never before.
Few of the things that Sir entertains us with in Robot:
1. Runs sideways on a train.
2. 100's of Rajni's combine to form a deadly Snake.
3. Shoots bullets from his fingers.
4. Sir fights with himself.
The story is simple. Prof.Dr.Vasi has spent 10 years in creating a Robot - Chitti. Chitti is an andro-humanoid who can do just about anything from dancing, fighting to operating in a hospital. The one thing he can't do is feel emotions. When Chitti starts interacting with Sana(Aishwaria), Vasi's fiance, the enemy(Danny Denzongpa) turns things for the wrong and Chitti falls in love with her. Thus begins the battle between the Creator and his creation which leads to the eventual showdown.
One thing is certain, the film is on a huge canvas. With CG from the same studio which did Avatar & Matrix, the quality is the best seen in an Indian film.
The only drawback of this film is its length. At 3 hrs long, its heavy and the second half is extremely sluggish.
Robot is Rajni, Rajni and more Rajnikanth. If you are a fan, this is your mecca. At 60, he fights, dances and entertains in his charismatic style. His potrayal of the evil Chitti is stupendous and whistles blow from every corner of the hall.
Aishwariya looks beautiful and fits in perfectly. Danny is apt.
Director Shankar has another winner. His narrative is interesting but one just wishes it was tighter. One cannot deny his eye for scale as he imagines and delivers big. If the film were trimmed by 30 min, it would be epic.
One doesn't know if and when we will ever get to see Rajnikanth in this avatar. Although its not the best film in town, one should go to see the sheer imagination of Shankar and the mesmerizing aura that is Superstar Rajni.
Rating: 3/5
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