Finally a Salman Khan's movie that touches your heart !!
If you are a emotional person, you will find several moments in the film that will have lump in your throat. And people who are parents of beautiful little daughters would have to try hard not to cry. People around me did !!
It's a bit melodramatic and lengthy but it still does move your heart. One of Salman's best.
The little Shahida steals your heart with her cute and innocent expressions without uttering any words. The random cliches involving different cultures makes you laugh. Especially the way little Shahida puts aside the Veg meal and follows the smell of "Biryani Bukhari, Nalli Nihari".
A Salman Khan movie with almost no gravity defying actions and no "Commitment / Ehsaan" issues punchlines. Its a rarity these days. You feel that you are watching a Raj Kumar Hiraani's film rather than Kabir Khan's. Having said that , credit should go to the director who focuses on story rather than larger than life image of the Superstar.
Ignore the lack of Bureaucracy involved for the International Affairs and you have a movie to cherish.
Its a beautiful film , simple and very well made. And even though we are still in first half of the year , its probably the best . Just like Queen from last year. At no point it lets you loose interest and makes sure that you have a smile throughout the film , while occasionally making you burst into laughter.
Deepika hasn't looked this better before . As a devoted daughter, this is her best performance so far . You can feel her pain and frustration and can relate to many of them. We all have gone through them as sons and daughters. With due respect to my late Grandfather , Amitabh Bachchan's character made me remember him with a smile . Could relate to many his habits. The "I am always right" , "Your generation does not know anything" and "I love you but I am highly critical person" smile emoticon
Coming to the theme of the movie, Constipation, images from the past, just flash before you . All of us had friends who had this 'emotional' issue and would make you remember those mornings when they would hold on to their 'Sutta' and wait for their 'right' moment .
A loving daughter, an old man as a child , a man looking for solace , and a Journey across North India ...makes you pack your bags and go on a Trip with your family. Haven't done it in long time. Now its a wish. All the characters stay with you even after the end credits roll on the screen. You feel a sense of time well spent. Credit goes to the director to mesmerize you with simplicity. The beauty of little innocent moments of life.
"Mera Sense of humor Bahot Achcha Hai....Aapko Dheere Dheere Pata Chalega...."
And that's what you realize as you move slowly into the movie. The film is predictable but it is fun. It entertains you. Makes you laugh even with those Santa-Banta jokes. Somewhere you feel its English Vinglish meets Jab We Met but its fresh on entertainment quotient.
Kangana is the soul of the movie. She perfectly essays the role of the middle class Delhi girl who is all excited about her wedding . And later she echoes the pain and uncertainty of the girl who has been dumped by her longtime boyfriend and fiance just before the wedding. The fun starts when she decides to go for the honeymoon that she had planned , alone !!
Rajkumar Rao plays the typical middle class Indian guy who feels that people with whom he grew up are no more suited for his company as his Status Symbol has changed. And at the end of movie is aptly labelled as Kutta !!
The director captures sweet little things about the middle class smartly. You cant stop smiling when Kangana's kid brother companies her to all the places where her parents cant join her. There are many such moments . And don't miss the End Credits ...its more fun !!
The credits goes to Kangana and the director, Vikas Bahl. She would be in contention for best actress this year. And its another solid performance by Vikas Bahl after Chillar Party. But one has to also mention the producer, Anurag Kashyup. There is something about him. The projects he undertakes have something that's missing in most of stereotyped Bollywood films. We have seen that in Lootera, The Lunchbox, Gangs of Wasseypur and others.
Queen is one of them .
So far the best movie of the Year . Do yourself a favor, go and watch it.
Amidst "Several Crore Club" members, few movies do touch us. Strike with our emotional chord. Make us think . Tingle our senses. Make us believe that Cinema is not just a source of entertainment, its an art too and a good one . And its not just about the Paisa Vasool factor in the dark theater, its also about what stays with us when the lights are turned on.
Here are few such Bollywood Films of the year 2013 that moved me as an audience .
Kai Po Che
Cinema,Cricket, Friendship & The Three Mistakes .... What more I could have asked for. The movie came in the second month of the year and I had a feeling that I have watched the best of the year. And I was right ...almost.
The story of An emotional friend, An economical friend and A political friend. The Gujarat, The early years of 2000s and The Tragedies. A very sensible movie. Dealt with care and made from the heart.
Dil Chahta Hai , Rock On!! , 3 Idiots , Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. All of these movies about friends and friendship have made lasting impact. Kai Po Che falls in the same league. But it seems to more closer to the reality.
The Lunchbox
A heart felt movie. So quiet and so pleasing as an audience . Probably best of the year along with Kai Po Che.
The story of Two Strangers, One Lunch Box, Several exchanged Letters and A beautiful Relationship. How simple a movie can be to engage your senses !!
A lonely retiring Man. A neglected Wife. A flawed Rookie. And lots of unspoken feelings. The love story of the year. Simple, Caring, Mature and despite its open ending you feel the urge to see the lovebirds together.
Irfaan Khan is steals the show and so does the Nimrat Kaur as a housewife who is willing to spice up her loveless married life.
This Lunchbox is surely something to be craved for !!
Shahid
A hard hitting and fearless movie about a subject that has been rarely given the right treatment. It is not an easy subject to talk about. And it again took Anurag Kashyap, the maker of "Black Friday" to produce this one. The real story of a Lawyer who fought for the injustice done to innocent Muslim youths in the name of terror.
The film showcases so much sincerity that you are instantly with the characters either it is court room arguments or the indoor small conversations. There is no melodrama involved when Shahid is taken by police or when his brother visits him in jail or when his face is blackened. RajKumar Yadav gives another solid performance after Kai Po Che.
Lootera
Not until the climax did I know that it has been inspired by "The Last Leaf", the short story I loved when I was in 9th grade. A beautiful film from the director of Udaan. Something to treasure in your DVD Collection and do a repeat watch over a summer afternoon. The Cinematography. The setup , The Music and The sincere performances .... by everyone. Everything about this film is so poetic and so simple.
So far best performances by Ranveer and Sonakshi.
Jolly LLB
A satirical take on our Judicial system. The film breaks away from the stereotypes portrayal of court rooms, lawyers, judges and everything you have been watching in Bollywood films over these years. The film shatters all your childhood fantasies about court rooms hearings.
Along with Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Sukla, as the an under achieved judge give a very sincere performance. He has also got some of the best lines "Judge ki izzat nahi , Kanoon ki to kar lo " & "Court me Jhooth bolta hai . Murga ban jaa ".
A very well made movie which gives a message without preaching and at the same time entertains you.
Other notable movies which had potential to leave a lasting impact.
Go Goa Gone, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Fukrey, Special 26, Raanjhanaa, Bhaag Mikha Bhaag, Madras Cafe.
While choosing a film for "best films", the dilemma that one often comes across is that whether or not to consider its "Entertainment Quotient" or its "Box Office Performance". But for me, a good film will always entertain you, in some way or other. Make you laugh. Make you cry. It will Thrill you. It will Provoke Thoughts. It will make you retain some part of it, even after you walked out of the dark theater.
And this year too we had such movies. The films that made sure that 2012 wont be just about the ever increasing Club of 100 Crores. Each of these films made an impact on Indian Cinema . Made us realize that Film Making is an Art of Story Telling on Big Screen along with providing Entertainment and not just a Gold Rush. Some of these films weren't made to appease the box-office, but cater to a different audience and are ought to be encouraged.
Here are the Best Movies of 2012, in Chronological Order.
Agneepath
A good attempt from a debut director who never competes with Original Cult Movie.It has all the cliches of revenge dramas of 80s & 90s. An Anti Hero, An Ideal Mother, An Exploited Sister, A Psychic Over the top Villain, An Item Number in Villain's Den. Lots of Gore and Violence. The kind of Cinema we have grown up with. The film has got rid off many scenes and characters from the original but The Iconic dialogue,Vijay Dinanath Chauhan...Poora Naam, stays. It is well delivered in an original style. And It works.
Paan Singh Tomar
One of the Best Performance of Irfaan Khan. And one the meticulously filmed movie of the year. Right from the dialect to the location everything seemed so realistic. Anti System stories have always been loved by Indian Audience. And being a Real story it does strike a chord with the audience (those who watched it).
Tigmanshu Dhulia delivers another hard hitting film after his directorial debut "Haasil".
Kahaani
One of the very taut thriller in long time from Bollywood. Realistic, Original and never goes over the top. The investigation unfolds in the way our good old Byomkesh Bakshi would have done it. And suspense is successfully maintained till the end. Need more of these.
Vicky Donor
Like one of the movie in this list, it dealt with topic so closely guarded in our society. No one talks about it openly and even hesitate to discuss it with friends but the film presents it in such a lighthearted way that you are bound to be impressed by its story telling. Fresh Topic. Fresh Movie. Fresh Actor with Fresh Music. And Paani Da Rang surely must go as most beautiful song of the year.
Gangs of Wasseypur
Shahid Khan, Sardar Khan and Ramadhir Singh. And "Hamri Zindagi Ka ek hi Maqsad hai .... Badla". Had lot of expectation with Anurag Kashyap's epic. And it turned out to be a very riveting cinematic experience. Depth of each character mesmerizes you . Second part of the epic may not have the same intensity but this piece of art will surely be remembered .
Supermen Of Malegaon !!
The documentary is about a local videographer, Sheikh Nasir, from Malegaon, a small town in Maharashtra. Its about his life and his devotion for movies. This documentary follows his hardship to make 'Malegaon Ka Superman', a parody of "Superman". And your heart goes out for him when you see his optimistic attitude despite the hiccups and genuine film making issues. Sheikh Nasir always gives you Positive Vibes, simply because he is in love with Cinema. One of the best documentaries in recent times.
Just like last year's Stanley Ka Dabba, this one very heart warming movie. A simple story of a boy , his life and his love of Kite Flying. And how prepares for the challenge of another Kite "Kali" and finally wins the battle against it. The films beautifully present the world of children where there is thin line between truth and lie, reality and fantasy. It was named Best film at New York Indian Film Festival 2012. Not to be missed.
The movie is a treat to your senses with very believable acting performances. Your heart goes for Priyanka’s Jhilmill and at the same time you feel sorry for Ileana, a beautiful girl who can’t get over her first love. But Ranbir is the soul of the Movie and his funny acts just ensure that you have lots of genuine laugh, just like good old days of Charlie Chaplin. The simplicity of the movie could be best described with the "Love Letter" that Barfi Friend's writes for him and it starts with "Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana......"
Oh My God
One of the underrated movie of the year. Underrated , because it was assumed that it would be another Akshay Kumar-Paresh Rawal routine comedy. But strangely it turned out to be some serious thought provocative one. And at the same time it din't loose it's comic moments. The biggest triumph of the movie was the way it talks about such a serious topic with such an ease. Paresh Rawal got all the right dialogues to put a very fine performance and a solid case.
English Vinglish
Another directional debut. Another fresh approach and another new idea. And a proven old horse, Sridevi, to take that idea forward, all the way. Such was her performance that you can feel the pain she goes through, every time, because of her lack of English. And you are truly with her when she asks "Why India,why not The India.Why America,"The United States of America"?
You might have seen some similar movies in Hollywood. May be better ones. But this is our own. That's what makes it special. Filmmakers like Reema Kagti should be encouaraged for taking the Road Less Traveled in Bollywood. The film grows slowly on you as it takes you to after dark lanes of Mumbai. Investigation unfolds in good old fashioned way. Similar to what we have seen earlier this year in Kahaani. But its the complexity of characters that makes a difference here.
And as the year ended, amidst Christmas Holidays, Chulbul Pandey arrived again. This time as Kung-Fu Pandey. Dabangg 2 may not take Indian Cinema forward, but will provide with you Paisa Vasool Entertainment with Naughty and Funny acts of Chulbul Pandey & Associates . And despite the criticism for lack of artistic values or lack of anything new, sometime you need this kind of escapism cinema.
After couple of hectic weeks in Office , Thanedaar Pandeyji and especially his Hawaldaar Chaubeyjii, bring smiles. Just the way “Bhaiyaji Esmile” did 2 years ago.
Going by the number of whistles in the full house auditorium and actions on the screen, Salman Khan seems to be the new Rajnikant.
Dabangg 2 may not take Indian Cinema forward, but will provide with you Paisa Vasool Entertainment with Naughty and Funny acts of Chulbul Pandey & Associates . And despite the criticism for lack of artistic values or lack of anything new , sometime you need this kind of escapism cinema.
Even if you are in New York City. Even if you are in the Biggest Multiplex at Times Square, you may want to watch a film sitting on the Stairs of full house auditorium rather than to wait for the next show. That's what Shahrukh Khan can make you do. Sheer Charisma !!!
And as Superman's uncle might have said, "Great Charisma brings Greater Expectation".
When People like Yash Chopra , Shahrukh Khan , A R Rahman & Gulzar get together you don't expect anything less than Brilliant. And that's where the film disappoints you .
Despite Beautiful People , Beautiful Locales , Decent music and Decent performances, film fails to touch your emotional chord. Everything on the Screen remains on the screen , it never reaches you.
There are hardly any moment in the movie when you are touched. You keep on waiting for the moment when you want to empathize with the pain of the lead actors but you couldn't. The moment never comes. Not for the people who have seen KKHH, Veer Zara or even Tum Bin.
When credits roll with SRK on Royal Enfield reciting Yash Chopda's poetry, against the scenic backdrop of Ladakh, you start expecting something special in offering. Later in the first half the dance sequence before Isqh Shawa excites too. But these are rare moments in the movie.
The Bomb Disposal scenes lack the thrill that they should have. And if you are fan of The Hurt Locker (the little Oscar winning movie), those scenes may bring unintentional comical relief to you. And when SRK returns to London , you expect a climax but the film drags using good old formula from 80s.
Being great admirer of Deewar and Trishul and being part of a generation who has learnt romance watching Yash Chopra & SRK movies , this was not a fitting Swansong .
A film with lots of sensibility that
brings smile on your face. Amidst films of
these days like “Rowdy Rathore” and “Ek Tha Tiger” that aim for 100 Club, Burfi
comes as fresh air.
The movie is a treat to your senses with very believable
acting performances. Your heart goes for Priyanka’s Jhilmill and at the same
time you feel sorry for Ileana, a beautiful girl who can’t get over her first
love.
And funny acts of Ranbir just ensure that you have lots of
genuine laugh, just like good old days of Charlie Chaplin.
After “Wake Up Sid”
and “Rockstar”, Ranbir again delivers a performance that ensures that sooner or
later he is going to be the next Superstar.
Its has been 2 decades since we first heard those mesmerizing songs from Roja. We may not have realized but A R Rahman has been stirring our Body and Soul with his music since last 20 years. Today he has almost every awards and recognition that a Composer would wish for. Much has been written and said about the 'Mozart' of our time. Not sure if one would be able to add more.
The Journey of 2 decades had many highs starting with Roja in 1992 and peaking with Slumdog in 2008. He has his share of lows too with 'Chiggiy Wiggy', 'Raavan, 'Robot' and controversial 'Commonwealth Games Theme Song'. But the highlight of his illustrious career was the year 2008 when he gave chart-busters albums with Jodhaa Akbar, Jaane Tu ...Ya Jaane Naa, Yuvvraaj, Ghajni and finally Slumdog Millionaire.
Work of genius don't come without fruitful associations. And A R Rahman gave some really great music in company of Jawed Akhtar, Shukwinder Singh, Chitra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. But the most illustrious association came with Gulzar which rightly took him to Oscars. And despite his long collaboration with the director Shankar, none of the songs ever made significant impact, at-least the Hindi Versions.
As a tribute to the great Man , here is my attempt to list his best songs. Initially a list of 10 was the proposition , but restricting Rahman's genius to just 10 pieces of work wasn't possible. Even this list of 15 wasn't without some compromises. It was sad to miss award winning songs from Guru, Yuva, Jaane Tu..Ya Jaane Na from this favorite list. Especially the last one. Equally tough was to miss out the melodious songs from Sapney, Ghajini, Jodha Akbar or foot tapping music from Humse Hai Muqabla, Meenaxi.
Some of the popular songs we grew upon in the late 90s couldn't make the cut too. Roop Suhana Lagta Hai, Urvasi Urvasi, Kay Sera Sera, O Bhavre, Rang De & Piya Haji Ali are sadly missing here.
Here is compilation of my favorite Rahman's song , in chronological order: Yeh Haseen Wadiyaan [Roja - 1992]
Roja was a Landmark in Indian Musial History. Not only it did catapulted Rahman to fame but it gave a whole new dimension to Indian Music. In 2005, the album was chosen as one the 'All Time Best Soundtracks' by TIME magazine.
One of the rare song which really makes you feel that you are in 'waadiyan' as soon as the music of starts.
Dil Hai Chhota Sa [Roja - 1992]
Along with 'Yeh Haseen Waadiyaan..','Bahrat Humko..' & 'Roja Jaaneann' this was song that made 'Roja' one of all time selling album. Rahman made huge impact with these 'light' tunes. And the joyful voice Minmini represents the freshness that's always associated with Roja.
Kehna Hi Kya [Bombay - 1995]
One of most Romantic Composition by Rahman . The song as chosen by 'The Guardian' among '1000 Songs Every One Must Hear'. And the album itself was chosen among '1000 Album to Hear Before You Die'.
Bombay Theme [Bombay -1995]
My personal favorite. A very heart stirring. The Instrumental is amazing and better than lyrical 'Tu Hi Re' and has been used as background score for few Hollywood movies.
If anyone ever gets confused between Good Song and Good Music, this is the answer. No Lyrics, No Vocals, No Choreography, its just Pure Rahman Magic.
As I was searching for a YouTube link for this gem , I saw couple of interesting comments by the users:.
User 1: 2:15 The moment even the strongest of hearts would loosen up and cry out. User 2: The first half is just a build up to the awesomeness that is 2:15 on-wards. User 3: Dude the awesomeness starts at 00:01
No prize for guessing which comment got the maximum 'Likes' . Of-course the last one !!
Tanha Tanha [Rangeela -1995]
Rahman's debut album in Bollywood. Asha Bhosle made a comeback to playback singing with this song, at the age of 62, to sing a song for 21 year old Urmila Matondkar. And she sang a song that would be remembered as one of the Asha Bhosle's best. Mehboob's lyrics add more depth to the song as Rahman breezes freshness. And the sight of Urmila Matondkar's running down the beach just sets the moood.
Chaiyan Chaiyaan [Dil Se - 1998]
BBC featured Chaiyan Chaiyan among the Top 10 songs of All Time. And 'Chaiyan Chaiyan' could end up as one of the most 'Complete Song' ever in India. A Passionate Shukhwinder Singh giving voice to Gulzar's incredible poetry.
Taaveez banaake pehnoon usay, Aayat ki tarah mil jaaye kahin Gulposh kabhi itraaye kahin, Mehke to nazar aa jaaye kahin
And top of it 'One of Best Choreographed song ever'. Farha Khan's best work till date. The sight of super energetic Shahrukh and Mallika dancing on top the Ooty's Hill Train is one of the most amazing sight seen over silver screen.
Dil Se Re [Dil Se - 1998]
Dil Se would be among the best Soundtrack ever composed in India. Probably one of the most heard album. The album was a tribute to '7 Stages of Love'. 'Jiya Jale', 'Ai Ajnabi' and 'Satrangi Re' are simply awesome.
And the way Rahman croons the words "Dil Se Re...." makes you believe that this is his best work as a Singer.
Ishwar Allah [Earth -1998]
A lesser heard but an important piece of work by Rahman and Jawed Akhtar. One of the song along with 'Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara', 'Chale Chalo' & 'Ye Jo Desh Hai Tera' which proves his mastery in Patriotic genre.
Taal Se Taal Mila [Taal -1999]
Another gem from Rahman Sahab. Easily one of best Album in Bollywood.
Ghai remarked, "I credit the name of the movie to composer A. R. Rahman. This movie is a romance and I could have called it any thing - Dil, Pyaar, Hum Bhaag Gaye, but it was A. R. Rahman's presence in the movie that gave me the confidence to call it Taal. Taal means music and music means Taal."
The sound of 'Drop Of Water' has never been so beautifully captured as in this song.
Mehndi Hai Rachnewali [Zubeidaa - 2000]
One of the rare composition of Rahman based on Indian Folk songs. And a perfect one for Indian weddings. The highlight of the song is its simple lyrics of Jawed Akhtar and beautiful voice of Alka Yagnik.
Ghanan Ghanan [Lagaan -2001]
The soundtrack was ranked #44 on Amazon.com's "The 100 Greatest World Music Albums of All Time. From the Patriotic 'Chale Chalo' to the Spiritual 'O Paalanhaare..' and romantic 'O Re Chhori..'.. the album had everything. 'Mitwa' and 'Ghanan Ghanan' set courageous and joyful mood of the film.
Saathiya [Saathiya -2002]
One of best by Gulzar & Rahman combination. Gulzar's poetry just provide the freshness Rahman's tunes were looking for. And would be easily be one of the best by Sonu Nigam. When it was released this song was very popular Ringtone.
Taazaa gire patte ki tarah sabz laal par lete huey Saat rang hain bahaaron ke ek adaa mein lapete huey
Barf giree ho vaadee mein aur hansee teree goonjee Oon mein lipatee simatee huyee baat kare dhuaan nikale
Ye Jo Des Hai Mera [Swades -2004]
One for the patriotic gem from Rahman. Since 'Chitti Aayi Hai' by Pankaj Udaas, no other song has captured the emotions of people living outside India. The song seems to be anthem for NRIs now.The Shehnai version of this one is amazing too.
Luka Chuppi [Rang De Basanti -2006]
'Masti Ki Paathshaala' or the Title Track could have been very easy choice from this album, but Lataji echoing the pain of a Mother losing her son was a superior composition. The sight of Waheeda Rahman collapsing on the door when collecting her Son's belonging while the song is being played in the background can make even the hardest of heart feel the pain.
The song was considered for an Academy Award for Best Original Song nomination. This could be last time we might have seen a Rahman and Lata combination.
Jai Ho [Slumdog Millionaire -2008]
Before this album, to the West, Rahman was a new name, despite being known as a tunesmith of the highest calibre with near-legendary status in the East. This song made sure that A R Rahman is recognized all over the world. Without Exception !!
Despite the Oscars and Golden Globes , one can argue that this one may not be the best of Rahman, but its right up there . Rahman is again accompanied by his two most fruitful companions. Evergreen Gulzar & Vibrant Shukhwinder. And as the lyrics says its about Celebration, Happiness and Joy. And the world rejoiced every second of it. No wonder that the song created history.
Mausam & Escape [Slumdog Millionaire -2008]
Mesmerizing !!! Arguably the best instrumental by Rahman after Bombay Theme. The music makes your Body and Soul shivers especially when the fusion of classical Indian sounds and contemporary flavor starts. The sound of Sitar, when Jamal and Latika see each-other on busy Mumbai Staion, takes you to a different world. And the fusion echoes Jamal's emotions when she is taken away, just before lovers can meet.
Arziyaan [Delhi 6 -2009]
Rahman has composed some very beautiful Spiritual and Sufi songs. All of them have been soulful . Be is 'Piya Haji Ali', 'O Paalan Haare', 'Khwajah Mere Khwajah', 'Ishwar Allah', or more recently 'Kun Kya Kun' but Arziyaan is just at a different level in this Genre . The depth of song is amazing . Gulzar again seems to have saved his best for A R Rahman.
Arziyaan sari mein chehre pe likh ke laaya hoon Tumse kya maangu mein tum khud hi samjah lo
Tere Dar Pe Jhuka Hoon, Meeta Hoon, Bana Hoon Marammat Mukaddar Ki Kar Do Maula....
Sadda Haq [Rockstar -2011]
After a string of albums, including the theme song for Commonwealth Games, that didnt meet his fan's
expectation , Rahman delivered a youth Anthem in 'Sadda Haq'.
Tum logon ki, iss duniya mein, Har kadam pe, insaan ghalat Main sahi samajh ke jo bhi karoon, Tum kehte ho ghalat ! The music make shivers run down the spine as Mohit Chauhan yells "O Eco friendly Nature ke Rakshak..."
The song echoed the emotions of today's youth and was an instant hit.
Kyun sach ka sabak sikhaaye, Jab sach sunn bhi naa paaye Sach koi bole tto tu niyam kanoon batayeTera darr, Tera pyaar, teri wah, Tu hi rakh
The entire album was a geninune tribute to music. One of the highlight was the instrumental 'Dichotomy of Fame'. Tum Ho, Aur Ho, Katiya Karoo were the stuff Rahman has been known for.
Just realized that a list of 15 is now 18. Cant help, 'Waah Rahman Boliye' !!
Had a chance to watch this documentary movie. A very heartfelt effort !!
The documentary is about a local videographer, Sheikh Nasir, from Malegaon, a small town in Maharashtra. Its about his life and his devotion for movies. And how he makes parody movies to make people laugh. This documentary follows his hardship to make 'Malegaon Ka Superman'.
You can feel the passion he has for movies. A hardcore movie-buff with dreams in his eyes, to make movies. And your heart goes out for him when you see him making all those efforts to overcome mundane obstacles in his film making. Whether its a broken camera ..or the lack of female actor to provide Superman's romantic angle or the small matter of how to make superman fly without wires, cranes or crores of special effect. He always finds a way because of his passion for movies.
The documentary shows his struggle without being sentimental or feeling sad about the circumstances that he keeps getting into. Its also hilarious the way he depicts Superman in his parody. A malnourished Superman thin as Stick suffering with Tuberculosis !! And its played a local guy working on power loom who is nobody for everyone in locality.
But more than about the parody, documentary is about his ingenuity and innocent film making. One can feel his pain when he breaks his camera while shooting for a water sequence where Superman sails on Truck Tube and again you can feel his suppressed frustration when he has to cancel 4 days of shooting because his 'Superman' has his wedding. Despite the hiccups and genuine issues Sheikh Nasir always gives you Positive Vibes, simply because he is in love with Cinema.
It's an exciting experience when a Bollywood movie entertains you without a single song and dance sequence. Kahaani falls into that category. A well made thriller with a believable screenplay and without any HiFi Hollywoodish Gadgets and exaggerated action sequence.
Credit should go to the Director and the Cameraman for creating such an ambience for the story-line. Kolkata has been has been captured in the same light as Slumdog Millionaire captured Mumbai. The not so bright side. And it makes an impact.
The director takes the liberty of 'absence of any superstar' to create solid characters. One of the most interesting is the character of the contract killer. You will like him.
Credit should also go to Vidya Balan for making everyone notice that actresses in Bollywood can have more to do than just be a romantic link to super powerful Hero and observe Karwa Chauth for that superhero. Back to Back superb performances. Paa, Ishikiya,No One Killed Jessica, The Dirty Picture and now Kahaani. A female Aamir Khan in making.
One of the very taut thriller in long time from Bollywood. Realistic, Original and never goes over the top. The investigation unfolds in the way our good old Byomkesh Bakshi would have done it. And suspense is successfully maintained till the end.
I never had too many expectations from this one but even then this Rom-Com fails to impress, despite having all the usual ingredients. I was going through the ratings from the leading critics. Most of them rated it with 3-4 stars. But their reviews don't exactly shower the praise that 3-4 star movies deserve.
May be its Karan Johar's Brand that's responsible for the mismatch between Ratings and the actual Reviews.
EMAET has nothing new to offer. The best gags of the movie were already shown in the promos. So when the actual movie begins you start looking for more fun. And that's where you get disappointed. Especially when you are watching the movie with just 20 people in the theater.
In the first half of the movie you get an impression that you watching Jab We Met set in a different locale and culture. Kareena plays the hip version of the free spirited Geetfrom the original. And you don't actually sympathize with Imran, in his size-zero avatar, playing Aditya who seems to have lost it all.
And as the odd couple spends time together, what follows next is the usual guy falling for the girl who seems to have changed his life and perception. But I never understood the "You are Perfectly Average" philosophy .
Humor is too subdued . There are very few moments when you are actually tickled. Especially the first few minutes of the Imran's interaction with his Ex Girlfriend. Even there, director drags the scene too long to a predictable end. The scene where Imran vents out his frustration reminds you of better versions from Lakhya and Wake Up Sid.
The film actually scores in its ending. Rarely a Bollywood movie has shown a more mature end to a Rom-Com. I wish they had shown same maturity throughout the movie.
In sync with the film's philosophy , its an average affair.
Agneepath celebrates the revenge dramas of Bachchan Era. A bit unapologetically ..........and totally Bollywood way.
Despite being a remake it has a feel of its own. The best aspect about the movie is that it never compels you to compare with the original.
The film has got rid off many scenes and characters from the original but The Iconic dialogue, Vijay Dinanath Chauhan...Poora Naam, stays. It is well delivered in an original style. And It works.
It has all the cliches of revenge dramas of 80s & 90s. An Anti Hero, An Ideal Mother, An Exploited Sister, A Psychic Over the top Villain, An Item Number in Villain's Den. Lots of Gore and Violence. The kind of Cinema we have grown up with.
As a Kid we used to love these stories.
Hrithik does a good job with his intense act. But at some point you miss the elegance of Mr Bachchan in his white suits. As promos showed, Sanjay Dutt is menacing, even with an over the top performance. He will be among all the awards next year. Its a refreshing experience to see him doing SOMETHING rather than being wasted in the recent senseless comedies. But the surprise package of the film is Bollywood's ever Romantic Rishi Kapoor with Mean act of Rauf Lala. He has been showing some class act recently with Do Doni Char, Chintuji, etc.
The film is bit long with some yawn moments here and there but it is a good watch if you loved the revenge dramas we grew up on. A good attempt from a debut director who never competes with Original Cult Movie.
Recently a Bollywood Award function (read Entertainment Function) got into another controversy. Yeah, that's what these awards functions have become these day, entertainment shows for some TV Channel. More the controversies, better are the TRPs. And awards, who remembers them. They ain't Oscars or Golden Globes !!!
But this time it wasn't any insensitively passed comment or any onstage antics that caused the controversy. This time the so called 'Awards Functions' hit a new low. It was the selection of the Best Film that sparked the controversy and two members of the Jury accused each other for favoring different movies for their own interests.Everyone knew these things happen but it was out in public for first time.
It is well know fact that in the last two decades every award functions is manipulated and favors a certain lobby. Most of people win award for onstage performance rather than the one onscreen. So it was no surprise when Screen Awards Jury ended up giving award for Best Film to two movies.
The surprising aspect of the Controversy was the comment by Sanjay Gupta, one of the Jury Member (Yes, He was a Member of panel to judge movies. Reflects badly on our state of films). He favored "The Dirty Picture" because he thought/learnt/heard that "Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara" is a copy of Hollywood film "Fandango". Weather or not ZNMD is a copy is an another debate.
The other Jury member involved here was Kunal Kohli. Well, not many people know that Kunal Kohli started his career as a Film Critic , anchoring a program 'Hello Cinema' for Lucknow Doordarshan in mid nineties. I used to follow that show. He seemed to be fine critic, at least in his Doordarshan days. Later on he moved to Zee and Star. Its sad to see that even his films are not very original !!!
.jpg)
