Wah Aamir Wah!!

It seems perfection is associated with the name Aamir (okay lets forget the rash Paki opener Aamri Soheil). This movie is simply perfect. I couldnt find any flaw even after spending one night think about the movie. Its just the perfect thriller India has ever produced. Ekdum hollywood estyle picture hai baap!
The story starts with a wonderfull casting song and some nicely taken shots of Mumbai. And then one great scene starts following another. Unfortunately I can not tell any more about the story, it will spoil every thing but surely some extremely splendid scenes can be discussed.
1. Small Victory Scene: This scene comes up when everything is going wrong in Aamir's life. The way he beats up those thugs is awesome and the audience also feel like kicking their asses. This scene is enhanced by the beautiful Qwalli which goes on in the background. When the scene end I felt like clapping for the person "Aamir" , he seemd so real!
2. Realization Scene: This best part of the scene is just for a second when Aamir realises what has actually happend to him. This time I felt like clapping for Rajeev Khandelwal, the actor this time. His emotions are simply outstanding.
Actually there are many more such scenes like when Aamir goes to the public sandaas, the power of the scene is so much that the audience also feels like pukinh when Aamir does. As I am trying to remember such scenes, the more scenes are cropping up in my mind, but such aalsi I am, I can't describe any more scenes.
The direction of the debutant RK Gupta is awesome, infact awesome is also an understatement. My vocabulary is too small to describe the art of this man. The cinematography by Alphonse Roy is out of the world stuff. The OST of the movie is brilliant and I wonder why such beautifull songs were not promoted. Seriously bad marketing of such a good product. Editing is perfect, the movie never drags and it ends exactly when it had to end. Total 1 and a half hour paisa wasool. Finally some words for the splendid actor, Mr. Khandelwal. He, along with the director, deserve standing ovation whereever they go. Rajeev could have done atleast a dozen TV soaps uptill now and could have married 19 times but he chose to be a part of this movie. I hope a certain Ms. Kapoor is watching this movie and think of funding these kind of movies, not the ones in which her brother plays a dreading don.
This movie is a must watch and that too ONLY in theaters coz the only thing that I found disappointing was the 3 quarter empty cinema hall.

One, Two, Blah Blah

Finally I am back to blogging after loooong. Thnx Smokerjoe for keeping my blog uptodate. Khair coming to the point, One two three is NOT worth wasting your money in a multiplex but if you are a chiller party like yours truly and dont mind the single theater charm then this movie is a must watch!! (BTW I watched it thanx to the piracy, not much single theaters in Gurgaon). This movie is about three idiots named Lakshminarayan and the usual Priyadarshan type confusion that occurs. The plot ends here, yes there's nothing more to write about the plot instead the director Ashwini Dhir needs some mention. It seemed the final output was far from what he wanted to show. I believe it because of the fact that this is the same man who gave us Office Office. The glimpses of such artist is seen in the scenes between Manoj Tiwari's gang and Anna Shetty. Special mention to ever underrated Sanjay Mishra (As Pintos) who does a Jeevan impersonation brilliantly. If I had to pick two performs of this dim wit movie, then they have to be Manoj tiwari and Sanjay Mishra. Rest all are plain and simple BAD. Yes to add to misery of the viewer, Upen Patel and Tannissa (or whatever her name is) are also there in a role which would have been rejected by umpteen junior artists. Apart from few genuine moments, this movie is full of double meaning jokes and corny dialogs. Whatelse we could have expected from a movie which had a leading character as a lingerie supplier. Background score is also a minus point, the behan de takke track which keeps on playing during Anna's scenes is simply irritating. Music is poor, cinematography poorer but a good comedy need not have these two things still it can be successful but this movie isnt good comedy either.
Now coming to the point why this movie can be enjoyed in single theater cinema halls. Firstly in that sort of ambiance, you will certainly laugh on 80% of the gags in the movie. Afterall its jokes are better than Anil Kapoor jokes in Race, which is running to packed houses. Secondly when the ticket costs you just 40 bucks then you dont mind sitting through any movie :D.
I am still hopefull for Ashwini Dhir and his second outing as writer, Krazzy 4. In One two three it seems he wanted to make an Andaz Apna Apna but ended up making a Priyadarshan remake instead.

Mithya: treat yourself, 2008 for bollywood has started

Finally the year 2008 has started for bollywood. All other movies released before this one in 2008 were not up to the mark and somehow failed to impress. I was waiting for this film since I read about it about four months back. And after watching the film I am glad that I watched this film. My friend was really hesitant about going for this movie (he was insisting on watching Fool's Gold) and I persuaded him and I am glad the movie did not disappoint me. After Mixed Doubles and Bheja Fry, Rajat Kapoor, Ranveer Shorey and Vinay Pathak trio has again done wonders. Rajat was not acting this time and was more keen on making other act.

The movie is about the life of a struggling actor VK (Ranveer), who finds himself in the middle of a gang war just because of his looks. This movie has a lot of twists and it will be unfair on my part to give away those here. In one line, the film is story of a guy who finds himself at the wrong place in the wrong time and how that changes his life. Although the movie is not a remake of Don, but this is how a Don remake could have been.

Rajat Kapoor and Saurabh Shukla have come up with a brilliant script, which is very unpredictable. Although I somehow knew the end, but the way movie reaches it's end is worth watching. The story has comedy, drama, action, romance, love, almost every element of a good script. Arindam Chaudhary has made up for his mistake (Rok Sako to Rok Lo) by producing this film. Rajat Kapoor has presented this brilliant script beautifully.

If we talk about acting, everyone in the cast has played his part beautifully. Ranveer Shorey has performed really well in a very demanding role. Vinay Pathak leaves his mark in a small but significant role. Other actors Naseeruddin Shan, Saurabh Shukla, Iravati, Brijendra Kala, Harsh Chhaya all are good in their part and have been suitably cast. Neha Dhupia has proved that she can act, if she is given good roles. By the end of the year, this movie will definitely find it's name among one of the best movies of year 2008.

I would rate this film as 8 out of 10 and would recommend every cinema lover to go and watch this film. I am sure you will be glad that you watched this film.

Taare Zameen Par

When something is done with heart, it shows. Like everyone else I was also waiting to see Aamir Khan, the Director, since he has already proved himself as an actor and a producer. So it was obvious to have high expectations from the film. The promotions being aired on TV made it clear that it's different and it added even more to the expectations. Finally, after watching the film I can't stop myself from admiring the Director in Aamir Khan.

The film got a lot of media attention when it was being made. The film was supposed to be directed by Amol Gupte, writer of the film. Aamir was criticized by some people for taking Amol's film away, but I think Amol should be happy with the way the film has turned up. Amol would have also thought that Aamir is giving a better shape to the mold he has cast and probably that is the reason he has let Aamir direct the film. By the way, I don't think any other film star of recent times would have backed this idea, but Aamir did (that could be another reason for Amol to stick with Aamir) and has pulled it of well.

The movie revolves around one dyslexic child Ishan (Darsheel Safary) but it is not about dyslexia. Ishan represents every child who is trying to survive in this competitive world. No body wants to have an underachiever in his/her family and when parents think their child might remain an underachiever, they be hard on him without understanding what child actually wants and sometimes the child is not able to survive the hardness. Every parent can relate with Ishan's parents. When 8 year old Ishan is not able to perform up to the expectations in his school, his parents decide to send him to boarding. There also Ishan is not able to survive the curse of being an underachiever and he even stops doing what he used to love, painting. He is noticed by an unconventional art teacher Nikumbh (Aamir) and Nikumbh decides to take care of that boy and presents a different, more confident and talented Ishan to this world and to Ishan's parents. How he does that is worth a watch.

Entire movie belongs to Darsheel and the boy have done a brilliant job. The boy is so good that you don't even realize that Aamir Khan is missing for the entire first half. Second half is a bit slow, but it is bound to happen with this script. Aamir Khan, the actor is good as usual. Direction is first grade, and the way Aamir has pulled of such a difficult subject, hats off to him. All the songs have been picturised very well and help the story. Thanks to Prasoon Joshi for beautiful lyrics. Music is refreshing. Over and above everything, this movie is with a message. This movie should be watched by every teacher and parents to learn how to deal with children. They should not be treated as machines, all they need is love and care.

I would rate this movie as 8 out of 10. A must watch.

Khoya Khoya Chand

Some wise man said sometime back, "Never bite more than you can chew." Sudhir Mishra probably did not hear of this, otherwise his film could have been a masterpiece. It could even qualify for screenings in film academies for teaching students about film making during 50s and 60s. The film actually takes you that era with ease. The only problem with this film is that the director has tried to show too much. He has actually tried to cover entire film industry of 50s and 60s with the help of 5-6 lead characters, which I think is very difficult. He actually succeeds, but in pieces.

The story revolves around Zafar (a budding author/scriptwriter turned director), Nikhat (struggling actress turned star), Prem Kumar (super star), Khosa (producer), Ratnabala (star), Shyamal (AD turned star secretary turned producer), Noni Da (director) and Ravinder (rising star). The whole story revolves around all these characters. I actually got confused, if it was primarily the story of entire film industry or about Zafar and Nikhat. The director has shown all the possible combinations of relationships between the lead characters Zafar, Nikhat and Prem Kumar. At some point of time it starts becoming so complicated that you actually get confused that what these guys really want. The story starts with Nikhat meeting Prem Kumar, and Prem Kumar helping her in her career. During shooting of a film, Nikhat meets Jafar and both fall for each other. But for Nikhat's career it's important to stay with Prem Kumar. Finally they both decide to marry but they don't, again it's career or something else, you don't clearly understand. Nikhat is not able to do Zafar's first directorial venture, and Zafar is not able to handle this fact. He does his movie with Ratnabala and the movie is a flop. Heartbroken Zafar disappears from Mumbai. He comes back again and makes the best movie of his and Nikhat's filmy career "Khoya Khoya Chand", which is actually based on real life story of Zafar.

The movie actually takes you to the 50's thanks to the way it is shot and the set design. All the actors have done good job. Shiney Ahuja has to really learn how to act in sad scenes. Soha Ali Khan looks cute. Editor has probably done overtime for this movie, because the scenes seem to end and start abruptly some times. Some dialogs are really witty like the scene when Prem Kumar finds out about Zafar and Nikhat's relationship. The scene I liked most was where Nikhat and Zafar throw stones at the Producer's house, whom she met at the age of 14. The direction sometimes lack the old Sudhir Mishra of Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi and Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi. The story could also have been more gripping, if they would have concentrated on one of the relationships and tried to make it less complicated for the audience. Music is really good and I liked all the songs. Shantanu Moitra-Swanand Kirkire combination does it again. Overall I would rate this movie as 5 out of 10.

Mr. Gupta & his gang of losers

Mr. Gupta is here again along with the same set of his friends and to embarrass some actors of high caliber, he has made them a part of his loser subset. Afterall what could one have expected of a movie which calls its six directors a "visionary" who actually are below average at the best. Yes the mistake was made even before the movie came into the picture. Its the producer who has to be blamed for the poor show. Can he please tell me why the texture of the screen is coarse akin to hollywood movie? Yes it looked good in Kaante but its like playing Akhtar and Kaneria with same technique. (BTW their performance nowadays deserves one individual post altogether). Second question is why u have such fascination for unnecessary close up shots, that too of the male lead! Thirdly if you are "daring" to make a movie like 10 Kahaniyaan, then please show some respect towards the audience's IQ, you dont need to explain every thing that happened in the story. Audience is not as dumb as you thought us to be.( Yes I have been dumb enough to watch all of your last offerings). All the stories barring 1-2 dont leave any aftertaste, if not bitter. Frankly I have to google now to find out which stories I watched last night.
Since I have opened the official website the movie now and I can see the names of stories, so lets talk about each of them

Matrimony (Dir. Sanjay Gupta): This story deals with a wife cheating on husband with a twist in the end. As soon as I was into the second minute of the stories I realized that I saw it on DD during good old DD days when they used to make adaptation of short stories. A friend of mine then confirmed that he has read the story somewhere. Acting wise OKAY. Direction wise below average.

High on Highway(Dir. Hansal Mehta): Story bad, acting pathetic, direction leading to nowhere. Period.

Pooranmashi (Dir. Meghna Gulzar): This story deals with how situations can lead you to sabotage life of the person you love the most. As soon as the first scene appeared, it was apparent that this story is directed by Chhoti Gulzar. Some good background music, very less dialogs. Nice acting. Better Direction. See Mr. Gupta making short story is kind of easy.

Strangers in Dark (Dir. Sanjay Gupta): This story apparently tells about one horny night of Neha Dhupia, who btw was once not bad. All good but in the end the director messes up all the good work by trying to explain everything. Junta ko kya ekdum *@#$%^ samjhte ho bhidu?

Lovedale (Dir. Jasmeet Dhodi): Story of how once Yash Chopra met Ramgopal Varma. This story is so badly acted that you wonder how bad can you act withing 10 minutes. Scenes between Neha Oberoi and Ajit Agarkar of bollywood, Aftab create such an aura of bad acting that it seems impossible to remember what does the word acting means. The less said about the direction, the better.

Sex on the beach (Dir. Apoorva Lakhiya): The Sanjay Gupta award for worst acted, directed, conceptualized story goes to this one. Now there are four reasons why Apoorva should not be allowed to even think about film making, even ban his coming on the sets too. (The other three reasons are Shootout, Ek Ajnabee and Mumbai se aya mera dost). The story is predictable form the word go, the actress (Tareena Patel) seems just out of a Mallu soft porn. And yes, there was spook too, quite Ramsay style. Now i figured out, the actress was the new age Ramsay heroine!
Dino's role was simple, try to be funny at first, then be spooked yet this actor impresses me by failing to do both.

Rice Plate (Dir. Rohit Roy): This debutnt director gave one decent story which was acted averagely by Shabana and Naseer. The direction seems above average and every other thing seems good untill the last minute when the director tries to explain the scenes. I believe that his producer must have told him to do so.

Zahir (Dir. Sanjay Gupta): This story stands out not because it is brilliant but at least for once we are taken as intelligent people and the director doesnt explain the story to us. Story of rejection of Manoj Bajpai by the hands of a bar dancer. Manoj bajpai overacts, Dia has little scope. Direction is better.

Gubbare (Dir. Sanjay Gupta): Simple story which has ability to take you back to star bestseller days but somewhere something seems missing. Yes, Nana is brilliant.

Rise & Fall (Dir. Sanjay Gupta): I waited for this story because I wanted to see what does Mr Gupta do yet again with Sanju baba and Anna. Big Big disappointment. The story had two major points where it could have scored, the confrontation between Anna and Baba, and the action. The confrontation seems thakela, even regular Anna-giri was missing, Sanju baba looked too disinterested to do the role. The action sequence seemes straight out of Marix 3, without the proper budgeting but ofcourse.


One advice Mr. Gupta, next time onwards please watch Star Bestseller or Old DD short stories before making any such movie( which i doubt you will). Those stories did not have much budget and star value but there were actors and directors.

Talking about the less talked about.

I have been reading about movies like RGV ki Aag, LCMD, JBJ etc all over internet (I have also been participating in the discussions in some blogs) and felt bad about movies, which people either chose not to watch or not to talk about, although they are better work of art and far more entertaining than all the films mentioned above and many others being discussed around. There are movies I watched in recent past and really liked them, but when I ask my friends about those movies, they seems to either not have heard of the movie or chose not to watch it, because they were made by some not so famous people and lacked good promotions (may be because of budget restrictions). Here I am listing some of these films, which I think deserved better fate at box office.

Haasil (2003) *ing: Irfan, Jimmy Shergil, Hrishita Bhatt, Ashutosh Rana
Written and directed by first time director Tigmanshu Dhulia, this movie is one of my all time favorite, I have watched it more than 20 times already and I can watch it infinite times without getting bored of it. The movie is a love story in the background of UP college politics. You get to see great acting from Irfan and Ashutosh Rana. The dialogues are so good that we even repeat them in our day today conversations. The language is exactly the same as being used in UP and dialogue delivery by actors is top class. The story is well researched and gripping.
This is one movie I would rate 9 out of 10. I wish Tigmanshu makes many more such movies.

Sehar (2005) *ing: Arshad Warsi, Sushant Singh, Pankaj Kapoor
Written and directed by Kabeer Kaushik (has anyone heard of him ever, what is he up to these days), this movie is one of the best Hindi movies released in 2005. The movie is based on the story of Lucknow STF (Special Task Force) in pursuit of UP railway mafia. This is one of the very few movies showing the Police business in great details and the difficulties faced by them in tracking down and eliminating the criminals. You get to see great performances by Pankaj Kapoor and Sushant Singh. I still can't forget the seen where Pankaj Kapoor's gun hating professor character picks up a gun and shoots Sushant Singh. Today's actors should learn some things from this great performer.
The movie has been made with very limited budget and probably makers of the film did not have enough money to promote it well. It hurts when such movies get unnoticed. Hope someday big banner and stars start supporting such efforts.

There are many other movies in the same category like Manorama SFU, Dil Dosti etc, Johnny Gaddar, Maqbool and many more. I wish after reading this post people go and watch these movies and support these talented film makers in serving the Hindi film industry to the extent they are capable of.

signing off, with best wishes to the talented budding film makers of bollywood and hope they get the support they need from industry and audience.