India's first TV show to Movie is here. After developing a cult status few years back,t he hilarious Khichdi family is back to entertain us all. Does it work?
It has some great doses of laughter and is reminiscent of the show.
Few points to note before buying your tickets:
1. Are you a fan of the show Khichdi - Yes
2. Are you a proud Gujarati or one who loves the race - Yes
3. Do you love mindless, stupid, nonsensical humour - Yes
If all 3 match, go for this one. If you don't know the characters, I wouldn't suggest this comic caper.
The plot(if any) is simple. Himanshu(J.D) wants to get married and finds his love in his neighbour Parminder's sister Parminder. The twist is, he doesn't want the simple happy ending, he wants it filmi style. i.e. with song, dance, fights, separation and climax. His dysfunctional family decides to assist him in making this happen, setting the film up for some Hansa(Supriya Pathak), Praful(Rajeev Mehta) & Babuji(Anang Desai) mayhem.
While the story is hardly ever making sense, the film works in its punches. Time and again there are howlarious sequences that will have you in splits. The scene where a condolence meet becomes a song-affair with Paani puri being served is stupendous. The way the characters have been created is praise-worthy.
Though the film stands at only 2 hrs, it does feel a tad bit stretched. The gags do get monotonous sometimes and one feels it could have been much better. The absence of Vandana Pathak as Jayshree is a big downer as well.
Where the film shines is in its performance. Seasoned veterans of the game, each one of them deliver. Supriya Pathak delivers a knockout performance in her vintage style. Rajeev Mehta and Anand Desai are stellar as well. J.D is great while Aatish Kapadia sneaks in a rib-tickling cameo.
Writer-Director Aatish Kapadia deserves credit. His characterization is so strong that one remembers the cast by their screen names. Though the film is good fun, one feels he could have done way better. The plot could have been much stronger and imaginative.
All in all, Khichdi is for those who fancy the show. Visiting the same family is entertaining, albeit a bit disappointing if you expect too much. With lots more to watch this weekend (read: Robot, Anjaana A), this ones your mid-week family watch.
Rating: 3/5
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Dabangg - Review
The most eagerly awaited film of the year is finally here - DABANGG
Few points to note before buying your tickets:
1. Will you look for logic - NO
2. Will you love seeing action that will put Rajnikanth to shame - YES
3. Will you whistle when Salman enthralls you with his performance - YES
4. Will you dance to "Munni Badnaam hui" - YES
5. Will you watch this at a multiplex - NO
-if 3 answers match, buy now !!
Salman returns this EID with what can arguably be called his most explosive performance to date. If Wanted was of your taste, Dabangg will be too. If not, do not read further.
Set in Uttar Pradesh, the film revolves around the life of Chulbul Pandey(Salman.K) a fearless cop with an attitude. He pummels people with ease, makes away with the loot and mouths one-liners with panache. He doesn't get along with his step father(Vinod Khanna) and wasted-unemployed brother Makhi(Arbaaz) but loves his mother(Dimple) dearly. Set almost in a Sholay-like village setup, the goons fear Chulbul and their leader Cheddi Singh(Sonu Sood), a young politico wants to have him dead. There's also his love interest, the reticent Rajo(Sonakshi).
Though there's no compelling plot here, its just the way all these characters play off each other that's a joy to watch. The film starts off with a bang, drawing you into the story in minutes. The only negative is that it dips sharply before the interval but makes up in the second half. At just 2hrs 5min, its crisp.
The action sequences by Vijayan are stupendous and are sure to send the crowd hollering. Most songs are average but Munni Badnaam Hui is definitely the highlight of the film.
But what is Dabangg? Its Salman Khan. He looks outstanding, into the character and plays Chulbul Pandey with flamboyance. His screen presence is towering and he tears apart this tailor made role. People might question his acting prowess, but none would argue that he roars through Dabangg, in every single frame.
Sonakshi Sinha has an earthy, old-school sex appeal and looks beautiful. Her acting mettle doesn't appear tested as you can count the number of dialogues she has.
The supporting cast has noteworthy performances from Mahesh Manjrekar, Dimple and Sonu Sood.
Debutant Abhinav Kashyap delivers. While the direction might not be the best, his dialogues are brilliant. He has an interesting style, reminiscent of the films from the 70's.
To sum it up, Dabangg doesn't pretend. Don't look for whys and hows, just take it all in. Soak in the unreal action, over-the-top dialogues and a Salman Khan experience that won't long be forgotten. At the box office, this one should be huge.
Raing: 4/5
P.S - If you don't like Salman, do not watch Dabangg.
Few points to note before buying your tickets:
1. Will you look for logic - NO
2. Will you love seeing action that will put Rajnikanth to shame - YES
3. Will you whistle when Salman enthralls you with his performance - YES
4. Will you dance to "Munni Badnaam hui" - YES
5. Will you watch this at a multiplex - NO
-if 3 answers match, buy now !!
Salman returns this EID with what can arguably be called his most explosive performance to date. If Wanted was of your taste, Dabangg will be too. If not, do not read further.
Set in Uttar Pradesh, the film revolves around the life of Chulbul Pandey(Salman.K) a fearless cop with an attitude. He pummels people with ease, makes away with the loot and mouths one-liners with panache. He doesn't get along with his step father(Vinod Khanna) and wasted-unemployed brother Makhi(Arbaaz) but loves his mother(Dimple) dearly. Set almost in a Sholay-like village setup, the goons fear Chulbul and their leader Cheddi Singh(Sonu Sood), a young politico wants to have him dead. There's also his love interest, the reticent Rajo(Sonakshi).
Though there's no compelling plot here, its just the way all these characters play off each other that's a joy to watch. The film starts off with a bang, drawing you into the story in minutes. The only negative is that it dips sharply before the interval but makes up in the second half. At just 2hrs 5min, its crisp.
The action sequences by Vijayan are stupendous and are sure to send the crowd hollering. Most songs are average but Munni Badnaam Hui is definitely the highlight of the film.
But what is Dabangg? Its Salman Khan. He looks outstanding, into the character and plays Chulbul Pandey with flamboyance. His screen presence is towering and he tears apart this tailor made role. People might question his acting prowess, but none would argue that he roars through Dabangg, in every single frame.
Sonakshi Sinha has an earthy, old-school sex appeal and looks beautiful. Her acting mettle doesn't appear tested as you can count the number of dialogues she has.
The supporting cast has noteworthy performances from Mahesh Manjrekar, Dimple and Sonu Sood.
Debutant Abhinav Kashyap delivers. While the direction might not be the best, his dialogues are brilliant. He has an interesting style, reminiscent of the films from the 70's.
To sum it up, Dabangg doesn't pretend. Don't look for whys and hows, just take it all in. Soak in the unreal action, over-the-top dialogues and a Salman Khan experience that won't long be forgotten. At the box office, this one should be huge.
Raing: 4/5
P.S - If you don't like Salman, do not watch Dabangg.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
We are Family - Review
"yeh mere maa ke kangan hai"
If after 2 hours this line works for you, this is your film.
When you walk into a Dharma Productions film, you know its all about the gloss, glamour and overdose of emotions; but when you walk out of We are Family, its only going to be about anger, frustration and bewilderment. Kajol, Kareena and Rampal come to you in this Stepmom remake, one which requires a lot of patience to sit through.
Story is simple. Maya-Aman(Kajol-Rampal) are divorced. They have 3 "o-so-cute kids" who live with their mom. Aman and Shreya(Kareena) are in love. An attempt to make Shreya interact with the kids doesn't quite work out. Aman tries hard but in vain only to one day learn that Maya is terminally ill and needs someone to take care of the children. Then on begins the transitioning of Shreya into a motherly position with all its hiccups and tomfoolery.
As this is a remake, most of the story holds true from the original; what gets added is the unnecessary masala, illogical lies and sappy dialogues. The first half is quite tolerable with some fun scenes here and there, but its the second half thats the true culprit. The narrative drags to a point of attempted murder.Sure, the film has some brilliant moments, but they are few and hard to come by.
There are a few things that truly stand out in this film. Kajols restrained performance as the broding mother is fantastic. It's pure joy watching her in a role which she nails perfectly. Kareena looks stunning in every frame and plays her role beautifully. It is great seeing her supporting Kajol rather than overpower her. Child actor Diya Sonecha too is fabulous.
Director Siddharth Malhotra disappoints. Just because you take a presumably successful formula with two leading ladies doesn't make it a good film. It lacks soul doesn't maintain the connect.
To end this, i'll just say that We are Family is not a good product. Yes, it will make most women above the age of 15 cry, but chances are it will make anyone who paid for the ticket cry as well. Let this one slip, all eyes on Dabangg for next Friday.
Rating: 2/5
If after 2 hours this line works for you, this is your film.
When you walk into a Dharma Productions film, you know its all about the gloss, glamour and overdose of emotions; but when you walk out of We are Family, its only going to be about anger, frustration and bewilderment. Kajol, Kareena and Rampal come to you in this Stepmom remake, one which requires a lot of patience to sit through.
Story is simple. Maya-Aman(Kajol-Rampal) are divorced. They have 3 "o-so-cute kids" who live with their mom. Aman and Shreya(Kareena) are in love. An attempt to make Shreya interact with the kids doesn't quite work out. Aman tries hard but in vain only to one day learn that Maya is terminally ill and needs someone to take care of the children. Then on begins the transitioning of Shreya into a motherly position with all its hiccups and tomfoolery.
As this is a remake, most of the story holds true from the original; what gets added is the unnecessary masala, illogical lies and sappy dialogues. The first half is quite tolerable with some fun scenes here and there, but its the second half thats the true culprit. The narrative drags to a point of attempted murder.Sure, the film has some brilliant moments, but they are few and hard to come by.
There are a few things that truly stand out in this film. Kajols restrained performance as the broding mother is fantastic. It's pure joy watching her in a role which she nails perfectly. Kareena looks stunning in every frame and plays her role beautifully. It is great seeing her supporting Kajol rather than overpower her. Child actor Diya Sonecha too is fabulous.
Director Siddharth Malhotra disappoints. Just because you take a presumably successful formula with two leading ladies doesn't make it a good film. It lacks soul doesn't maintain the connect.
To end this, i'll just say that We are Family is not a good product. Yes, it will make most women above the age of 15 cry, but chances are it will make anyone who paid for the ticket cry as well. Let this one slip, all eyes on Dabangg for next Friday.
Rating: 2/5
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