Friday, 17 February 2012
EKK DEEWANA THA Movie Review: An archaic concept laced with boring dialogue
Bollywood News , Movies Reviews 0
Watch Ekk Deewana Tha only if you have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for something to do
Making love stories has clearly become a challenge these days. And when you see filmmakers working really hard to add a flavour of uniqueness to their romances so that people watching can figure out the difference between the usual banal love flick and their diligently created love-with-a- twist product….it’s just a li’l annoying when you see someone not trying that hard. Gautham Menon’s Ekk Deewana Tha is only the most recent example.Thursday, 16 February 2012
Vidya Balan launches Gulzar’s album ‘Tera Bayaan Ghalib’
Bollywood News , Movies Reviews 0
Though busy with the promotions of her film Kahaani, Vidya Balan was present at the music launch in her trademark desi avatar
The launch of Gulzar’s musical dedication to the legendary poet Mirza Ghalib and late singer Jagjit Singh wasn’t a typical filmy event. It was more like a family gathering, albeit in the presence of the media. Tera Bayaan Ghalib was the brainchild of renowned theatre persona Salim Arif. Tera Bayaan… is a collection of letters and ghazals written by Ghalib, recorded in the voice of Gulzar and Jagjit. The album was supposed to be the late singer’s birthday gift, but his sudden demise last year changed the scheme of things. Tera Bayaan… was initially supposed to be shelved, as Jagjit hadn’t recorded the new ghazals for the album, but Gulzar and Arif didn’t want his last wish to remain unfulfilled.Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Will You Marry Me? Review
Movies Reviews 0
EXPECTATIONS
It is easy to dismiss the soundtrack of a film which doesn't quite boast of superstars. However closer look at Will You Marry Me? reveals a couple of interesting facts that makes one curious to check out what the music has to offer here. First and foremost it has Sharib-Toshi along with Sachin Gupta as the composers here who have time and again scored whenever given an opportunity. Secondly, the director here is Aditya Dutt whose last film Good Luck may have been a forgettable affair but still holds the claim of making a film like Aashiq Banaya Aapne that gave Himesh Reshammiya a platform to be a huge sensation back then. Expecting that the magic is repeated with Aditya pairing up with new composers here, one plays on Will You Marry Me? which has lyrics by Shabbir Ahmed.
It is easy to dismiss the soundtrack of a film which doesn't quite boast of superstars. However closer look at Will You Marry Me? reveals a couple of interesting facts that makes one curious to check out what the music has to offer here. First and foremost it has Sharib-Toshi along with Sachin Gupta as the composers here who have time and again scored whenever given an opportunity. Secondly, the director here is Aditya Dutt whose last film Good Luck may have been a forgettable affair but still holds the claim of making a film like Aashiq Banaya Aapne that gave Himesh Reshammiya a platform to be a huge sensation back then. Expecting that the magic is repeated with Aditya pairing up with new composers here, one plays on Will You Marry Me? which has lyrics by Shabbir Ahmed.
Kahaani Review
Movies Reviews 0
EXPECTATIONS
You expect a good quality soundtrack from Kahaani. After all, it was Sujoy Ghosh and Vishal-Shekhar who had started it all with Jhankaar Beats and while the album grew on to be an anthem of sorts, comparisons were inevitable when they collaborated for Home Delivery and Aladin again. For Kahaani though any such comparisons are futile since this one has a different milieu, setting and situation. However what you do expect to hear is a soundtrack that won't compromise on the sound and would stay true to the film's theme
You expect a good quality soundtrack from Kahaani. After all, it was Sujoy Ghosh and Vishal-Shekhar who had started it all with Jhankaar Beats and while the album grew on to be an anthem of sorts, comparisons were inevitable when they collaborated for Home Delivery and Aladin again. For Kahaani though any such comparisons are futile since this one has a different milieu, setting and situation. However what you do expect to hear is a soundtrack that won't compromise on the sound and would stay true to the film's theme
Thursday, 9 February 2012
EK MAIN AUR EKK TU Quick Movie Review: Kareena is good, Imran is decent
Movies Reviews 0
The first half of the film follows the typical romcom pattern, but it manages to hold interest
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Karan Johar produced and Shakun Batra directed Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu starring the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor and the boy-next-door Imran Khan might just be the perfect film for you to take your guy or gal to the theatre for this weekend. Our reviewer who is currently watching the film texted us during the interval saying, “Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu might remind you a bit of other romcoms, but has managed to hold the viewer’s interest until now.Wednesday, 8 February 2012
London Paris New York is a slice of life film" - Shrishti Arya
Movies Reviews 0
On meeting Shrishti Arya, this is what you'll notice - She is fast, actually too fast. She is busy with someone else in her cabin, but won't make you wait in the reception area. She'll not take more than ten minutes to call you inside her cabin. Then she'll order some black coffee for you but before the coffee arrives, she'll have some time to burn that nicotine. Then she talks about the recent movies with you and a bit of trade and gossip. Then a quick sip of her coffee and this, "Let's not waste time. What are we talking?" You love her right away. I love Shrishti Arya. That's what Producers should be doing. Not wasting time and no bullsh****g. Then she adds, "You know what the most important task of a producer is? It's to budget the movie properly and give the entire creative freedom to their director". Movies and Money talks done. Now for some humour. Here's what she has to say when I asked her about her brother and producer Goldie Behl, "I always say that in-between Goldie and I is a perfect human being. Goldie is everything I am not but we share one thing in common and that is our passion for movies". Yes, you'd be shocked but a producer who is humorous is the best one to do business with. Why? Because you'll surely be laughing on your way to the bank. Meet the rose of Rose Movies, Shrishti Arya, in this Rose Day special on London Paris New York.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Chaalis Chauraasi
Movies Reviews 0
Released On: 13 Jan 2012
Directed By: Hriday Shetty
Starring: Naseeruddin Shah, Atul Kulkarni, Kay Kay Menon, Ravi Kissen, Shweta Bhardwaj, Rajesh Sharma, Zakir Hussain, Manoj Pahwa, Reetu Jain, Arbaaz Ali Khan, Yuri Suri, Pradeep Kabra
Naseeruddin Shah. Kay Kay Menon. Atul Kulkarni. Ravi Kishen. Zakir Hussain. A dream cast, isn't it? When such talented actors, especially the very first name that I've cited, green-lights a project, the expectations sky-rocket dramatically. You can't afford to go wrong. The talent has to be utilized to the optimum. Wasting it in an ordinary script would be sacrilegious.
On paper, after the actors must've read the script, I am sure they must've exclaimed, 'What an idea, Sirji'! But interesting ideas don't necessarily translate into interesting films. CHAALIS CHAURAASI proves it yet again. Problem kya hain? It's an ordinary screenplay that relies on the customary masala to make things work. But when you cast actors of such calibre, you can't afford to go for the tried and tested stuff. You've got to be innovative, you need to take risks, you need to walk the untrodden path, you need to defy the norms… which, unfortunately, CHAALIS CHAURAASI doesn't.
The story revolves around four people -- Sir [Naseeruddin Shah], Albert [Kay Kay Menon], Bobby [Atul Kulkarni] and Shakti [Ravi Kishan] -- who see an opportunity to a great future when they are given a mission to pull off. Things take a twist when another cop [Rajesh Sharma] stops their van en-route and takes them as his backup to catch a dangerous gangster [Zakir Hussain].
On paper, after the actors must've read the script, I am sure they must've exclaimed, 'What an idea, Sirji'! But interesting ideas don't necessarily translate into interesting films. CHAALIS CHAURAASI proves it yet again. Problem kya hain? It's an ordinary screenplay that relies on the customary masala to make things work. But when you cast actors of such calibre, you can't afford to go for the tried and tested stuff. You've got to be innovative, you need to take risks, you need to walk the untrodden path, you need to defy the norms… which, unfortunately, CHAALIS CHAURAASI doesn't.
The story revolves around four people -- Sir [Naseeruddin Shah], Albert [Kay Kay Menon], Bobby [Atul Kulkarni] and Shakti [Ravi Kishan] -- who see an opportunity to a great future when they are given a mission to pull off. Things take a twist when another cop [Rajesh Sharma] stops their van en-route and takes them as his backup to catch a dangerous gangster [Zakir Hussain].
Sadda Adda
Movies Reviews 0
Released On: 13 Jan 2012
Directed By: Muazzam Beg
Starring: Karanvir Sharma, Rohin Robert, Bhaumik Sampat, Kunal Pant, Rohit Arora, Shaurya Chauhan, Kahkkashan Aryan, Parimal Aloke, Maryam Zakaria
Now this is a coincidence. This week's SADDA ADDA as well as TUTIYA DIL seem inspired, to an extent, by last year's sleeper hit PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA. Not TUTIYA DIL as much, actually. But one can draw parallels between PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA and SADDA ADDA for sure. Thankfully, one can't label SADDA ADDA as a mere imitation, since the film has its moments of sunshine and glory.
Like most films that focus on Gen X, one may assume that SADDA ADDA falls in the category of coming of age film with liberal doses of sex. Writer-director Muazzam Beg sets out to narrate a story about six buddies and how each of them encounters roadblocks and barriers, personally and professionally, while chasing their dreams. One of them, sadly, has a bitter end. It's more of a slice of life film that mirrors the hardships of the urban youth. Having said that, I'd like to add that SADDA ADDA isn't without its share of blemishes. More on that later!
Like most films that focus on Gen X, one may assume that SADDA ADDA falls in the category of coming of age film with liberal doses of sex. Writer-director Muazzam Beg sets out to narrate a story about six buddies and how each of them encounters roadblocks and barriers, personally and professionally, while chasing their dreams. One of them, sadly, has a bitter end. It's more of a slice of life film that mirrors the hardships of the urban youth. Having said that, I'd like to add that SADDA ADDA isn't without its share of blemishes. More on that later!
Ghost
Movies Reviews 0
Released On: 13 Jan 2012
Directed By: Puja Jatinder Bedi
Starring: Shiney Ahuja, Sayali Bhagat, Julia Bliss, Tej Sapru, Deepraj Rana, Gulshan Rana, Sandip Soparrkar, Tabrez Khan, Bijayata Pradhan
A horror film ought to spook the daylights of the moviegoer. Sweaty palms, heart skipping a beat, occasional shivers... in short, the eeriness should give you those heebie-geebies or make you uneasy if you walk into a dark room in the middle of the night. Puja Jatinder Bedi, the first-time director of GHOST, opts for the most appropriate title [it conveys what the film is all about], zeroes on a plot that's tried and tested since Ramsay days [the spirit seeks vengeance], has some spooky moments [the back-story of the spirit], but runs out of breath as it reaches the finale.
The problem with GHOST is that the scares are scarce, despite some twists and turns injected in the plotline. Regrettably, the story goes for a toss thanks to the interrupting song and dance routine [with autopilot choreography], the listless romantic track between the lead pair [looks completely forced in the narrative] and a patchy screenplay. In fact, Puja takes the film to another level as she unravels the mystery, but the end is so tame that it leaves you with a feeling of uneasiness.
The problem with GHOST is that the scares are scarce, despite some twists and turns injected in the plotline. Regrettably, the story goes for a toss thanks to the interrupting song and dance routine [with autopilot choreography], the listless romantic track between the lead pair [looks completely forced in the narrative] and a patchy screenplay. In fact, Puja takes the film to another level as she unravels the mystery, but the end is so tame that it leaves you with a feeling of uneasiness.
Tutiya Dil
Movies Reviews 0
Released On: 13 Jan 2012
Directed By: Amit Khanna
Starring: Suzanna Mukherjee, Sidhant Kapur, Nikhil Sabharwal, Iris Maity, Ankit Gupta, Jyoti Bhardwaj, Chiragh Farmahan, Darpan Malik, Navin Kaushik
Films like DELHI BELLY, PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA and MUJHSE FRAAANDSHIP KAROGE spoke a new language. The last two films in particular reflected the lives of Gen X living in a metropolis. TUTIYA DIL is a new era love story that attempts to pursue the same path. It talks of love, sex, heartaches and fragile relationships, albeit half-heartedly.
First-time director Amit Khanna, who has also penned the screenplay, doesn't really opt for a path breaking concept. Instead, he compensates it with some poignant moments in the narrative. What also ails the film is the fact that like most first-time enthusiastic storytellers, Khanna overstays the hospitality by dragging the film in its second hour. If it were shorter in duration, with more dum in its screenplay, it might've cut ice with its target audience -- the youth. At the end of it, as a result, TUTIYA DIL descends into a standard film on relationships. Also, it lacks the sharp wit of PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA and MUJHSE FRAAANDSHIP KAROGE.
First-time director Amit Khanna, who has also penned the screenplay, doesn't really opt for a path breaking concept. Instead, he compensates it with some poignant moments in the narrative. What also ails the film is the fact that like most first-time enthusiastic storytellers, Khanna overstays the hospitality by dragging the film in its second hour. If it were shorter in duration, with more dum in its screenplay, it might've cut ice with its target audience -- the youth. At the end of it, as a result, TUTIYA DIL descends into a standard film on relationships. Also, it lacks the sharp wit of PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA and MUJHSE FRAAANDSHIP KAROGE.
Agneepath
Movies Reviews 0
Released On: 26 Jan 2012
Directed By: Karan Malhotra
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra, Rishi Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Om Puri, Zarina Wahab, Chetan Pandit, Sachin Khedekar, Rajesh Tandon, Deven Bhojani, Rajesh Vivek, Banwarilal Taneja, Pankaj Tripathi, Brijendra Kala, Ravi Jhankal, Suhita Thatte, Sunil Chauhan, Neeraj Sood, Arish Bhiwandiwala, Kanika Tiwari, Ayesha Kaduskar, Ali Asgar, Rajendra Chawla, Aditya Surve, Agasthya Dhanorkar
While partaking in a debate on remakes for a leading news channel, the host posed a query to me: Do you think that a cult movie should be remade? Why restructure or revise the sacredness of a film that's so perfect? I instantly put forth my perspective and responded that if a brand is remade with a contemporary approach and in-the-running stars and if there is an enthusiastic audience to watch the cinema, I don't see any harm in recreating a famed work of genius. All I expect is the makers don't make a mishmash of the cult movie. It should come across more as an acknowledgment to the masterwork.
But there's a flipside to what I mentioned above! The actors and film-makers involved in remaking a classic cannot escape minute and meticulous evaluation and comparisons because cineastes are going to walk in with predetermined conceptions. Remakes come with a certain baggage. Matching the standards and aesthetics of the original is the prime criteria.
But there's a flipside to what I mentioned above! The actors and film-makers involved in remaking a classic cannot escape minute and meticulous evaluation and comparisons because cineastes are going to walk in with predetermined conceptions. Remakes come with a certain baggage. Matching the standards and aesthetics of the original is the prime criteria.
Staying Alive
Movies Reviews 0
Released On: 3 Feb 2012
Directed By: Anant Mahadevan
Starring: Anant Mahadevan, Saurabh Shukla, Chandan Sanyal, Sanjay Swaraj, Navni Parihar, Ranjana Sasa, Khan Jahangir Khan
There's a drought of writers. Good writers. Screenwriters who bring substance and value to writing. The absence of a talented name like Sujit Sen, who wrote a number of films for Mahesh Bhatt and who penned the script of STAYING ALIVE, makes you recognize this fact all the more. STAYING ALIVE, a black comedy that borrows from real life, may not be riveting in entirety, but it makes an effort to say something novel, something inventive.
Aditya [Ananth Mahadevan], a newspaper sub-editor, suffers his third heart attack and finds himself in the ICCU of a hospital. On the bed next to him is Shaukat Ali [Saurabh Shukla], a gangster, who has suffered his first heart attack. While Shaukat is petrified of dying, Aditya scoffs at death. Gradually, Aditya ends up changing Shaukat's outlook towards life. As Shaukat raves and rants through his stay in the ward, it gradually dawns upon him that Aditya is right and the greatest feeling was, simply, to be alive.
Aditya [Ananth Mahadevan], a newspaper sub-editor, suffers his third heart attack and finds himself in the ICCU of a hospital. On the bed next to him is Shaukat Ali [Saurabh Shukla], a gangster, who has suffered his first heart attack. While Shaukat is petrified of dying, Aditya scoffs at death. Gradually, Aditya ends up changing Shaukat's outlook towards life. As Shaukat raves and rants through his stay in the ward, it gradually dawns upon him that Aditya is right and the greatest feeling was, simply, to be alive.
Gali Gali Chor Hai
Movies Reviews 0
Released On: 3 Feb 2012
Directed By: Rumi Jaffery
Starring: Akshaye Khanna, Shriya Saran, Mugdha Godse, Annu Kapoor, Satish Kaushik, Akhilendra Mishra, Vijay Raaz, Shashi Ranjan, Rajat Rawail, Murli Sharma, Mushtaq Khan, Jagdeep, Kailash Kher, Javed Rizvi, Pradeep Kabra
A number of films portraying the common man's fight against corruption have been attempted in the past. But GALI GALI CHOR HAI arrives at the most opportune time. Corruption is fiercely debated and the most discussed issue today and the fight against corruption has already hit headlines, courtesy social activist and anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare.
GALI GALI CHOR HAI throws light on corruption, dishonesty and bribery and also draws attention to the people who have betrayed the society and nation. It tells the story of a middle class family living in Bhopal and how an episode changes their lives. Their lives get entangled in a series of incidents and before they realize it, they become victims of corruption. In short, the movie deals with the corrupt bureaucratic system and sends across a clear message that one needs to fight the deceitfulness and fraudulence to eradicate corruption.
GALI GALI CHOR HAI throws light on corruption, dishonesty and bribery and also draws attention to the people who have betrayed the society and nation. It tells the story of a middle class family living in Bhopal and how an episode changes their lives. Their lives get entangled in a series of incidents and before they realize it, they become victims of corruption. In short, the movie deals with the corrupt bureaucratic system and sends across a clear message that one needs to fight the deceitfulness and fraudulence to eradicate corruption.
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
Movies Reviews 0
Released On: 10 Feb 2012
Directed By: Shakun Batra
Starring: Imran Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sonia Mehra, Ram Kapoor, Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak
For those who swear by sentimental movies and are die-hard fans of rom-coms, who fervently wish Valentine's Day is prolonged eternally, EK MAIN AUR EKK TU is akin to an answer to this yearning. Rom-coms relaxing in the splendor of harmonious compositions, a creative and innovative take on present-day romance, pulsating images and timed during the Valentine week… aah, you can't ask for more!
It's said that that good friendship, by and large, transforms into romance and consequently, marriage. But hold on... what if one marries by mistake? In EK MAIN AUR EKK TU, two responsible adults meet, get married in a jiffy [it's a mistake, they realize the next morning], but this faux pas is the turning point in their lives. That's the essence of EK MAIN AUR EKK TU.
It's said that that good friendship, by and large, transforms into romance and consequently, marriage. But hold on... what if one marries by mistake? In EK MAIN AUR EKK TU, two responsible adults meet, get married in a jiffy [it's a mistake, they realize the next morning], but this faux pas is the turning point in their lives. That's the essence of EK MAIN AUR EKK TU.