POPULAR BOLLYWOOD
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VIKRAM VEDHA: 3.5 Stars. PG.
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Directed by - Pushkar–Gayathri
Starring - Saif Ali Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Radhika Apte, Rohit Saraf, Yogita Bihani
The Story - A la Vikram Betal stories. Vikram is tasked to capture a criminal Vedha, but whenever he catches him, Vedha tells him a story and gets away. All typical south Indian movie clicehs galore but the taut script and high voltage action keeps it entertaining. Last 30 mins have enough twists for you to start thinking hmm... the movie is not that bad!
The Characters - Hritik has aced the superstar look. He has a mesmerizing screen presence and his modern day bachchan-esque presence works. He knows where to pause and how to swag. Saif has his patented confused look on his face and you feel he can do better. Others fill the space pretty well.
Verdict - Yes it just came out and yes I saw it. Don't be surprised I watch all movies First Tuesday, Last show. This is a scene to scene copy of a South Indian blockbuster. It has all the ingredients of South movie. I have started to wonder if South movies will ever progress. Again I will ask - How much testosterone is too much testosterone? The only thing different was - thankfully there was no Item song or love interest for Vikram. There was a south patented slap to show love. There was over the top action. A very fast paced badly done Dance (and they had Hritik at their disposal). For North - movies are entertainment for south - they are Religion. Like all religions, the followers don't want to change anything and hence these movies are stuck in machoism and misogyny of 80s. Don't get me wrong it is good nice action thriller but come on guys take some baby steps towards progress.
BRAHMASTRA: 3.5 Stars. G.
Directed by - Ayan Mukerji
Starring - Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Mouni Roy, Nagarjuna Akkineni
The Story - The First Marvel-ish Bollywood version of superhero trilogy. Story is very dense, and surprisingly all the Hindi movie buffs are asking for more? When was the last time a Hindi movie had such a long story that needed 15 minutes in second half just to narrate the entire story? I will prescribe Dabbang, Race, Golmaal and many other 3-4 movie franchises to whoever complains about story of this one. Story is simply about a lot of make believe 'astras' and biggest one being 'Brahmastra'. Obviously whoever has it, wins all the marbles. A la-Avengers kind of theme but with Indian superstars. We already have 3 planned and if done right I guess there could be a lot more. This is a big canvas and you can keep painting whatever you want. Finally Bollywood realizes how to keep extending one story forever Hollywood style.
The Characters - Cameos from superstars like SRK, Bachchan and Nagarjuna lends it a tag of a Big Movie along with all the special effects. Ranbir and Alia surprisingly look bored mouthing dialogues like they are reading from a white board held in front of them. I will blame it on the pandemic. The teaser on who will be starring in the next sequel bodes well for this franchise. It may not be at the level of Bahubali that created the buzz with - Why did Katappa kill Bahubali. But still it does keep you interested.
The Verdict - I hear that after solving all problems, now a days Indian government is into movie business. Indian right wing has now put all their ego on trying to make sure all movies are a flop. Well this one slipped by. It is pretty entertaining including all it's shortcomings. Negatives are Alia and Ranbir's acting. Positive is lot of masala in the script. The movie starts as a zero starrer with cliches after cliches on how Ranbir is poor falling for a rich girl and feeds orphans and guess what, he is an orphan too!! and I was like oh god save me... but thankfully Astra Gundi Mouni Roy came in and movie took a turn for the better. Next time, add more one liners and comedy and this is going to go on and on.
SHAMSHERA: 2.5 Stars. G.
Directed by - Karan Malhotra
Starring - Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Vaani Kapoor
The Story - As is the need of the times is you have to create a fantasy with British as the villain. It works for everyone. फैंटसी की फैंटसी हो गयी रियलिटी की रियलिटी। They packed everything in it again trying to copy the Bahubali / RRR model, low caste vs British, India Vs British, Poor Vs Rich, Bad Vs Good. All stuffed in this masala filled entertainer. Story is about a freedom fighter 'shamshera' who will right all wrongs and give freedom to his people by stealing from the British. This long drawn affair is a little too old school but it's not boring.
The Characters - This Ranbir is better than the Brahmastra Ranbir. He is trying to work with whatever he has, his getups are good and he has good horse ride and action scenes to show off. Sanjay Dutt has now overdone his Khalnayak, Agneepath-2 crazy man thing. Like Aamir needs to stop with PK, Sanjay needs to stop with the crazy guy eye popped out look. Vaani has not much to do but does it well though she does not look like one of the low caste poor girl, but hey! It's commercial Bollywood our female lead needs to still look a certain way .. right?
The Verdict - Not as bad as I thought it to be. The Music is a huge plus, the treatment is grand and feels like a huge fantasy period drama. Looks top class expensive movie but same old theme may have gotten a little old. You can watch it with a fast forward button.
LAAL SINGH CHADDHA: 4.0 Stars. G
Directed by - Advait Chandan
Starring - Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Naga Chaitanya, Mona Singh
The Story - Everyone and their grandma know about the story. It's an Indian adaptation of Forrest Gump. Contrary to everyone's expectations it has been done well. It works through Indian history from 1980s to 2020s. Yes, it is a drag and many events are pushed into the script but they did the best they could. Laal Singh our Forrest is a dim witted kid who grows up through Emergency, PMs murder, Riots, to Kargil War to present day. We never know what ails Laal but all we know is he is 'slow'. He keeps going at it and succeeds in life. Pretty uplifting eh? Nope, it also is pretty sad.
The Characters - The biggest negative and positive is Aamir. As mentioned earlier his PK and Dhoom high eye brow look needs to be put in cold storage. That itself brought the movie down a notch. every time he did that it took something out of the movie. Well, Aamir Khan also makes mistakes and he did not realize he should have played the young Aamir a little toned down. Another huge negative is worst punjabi ever spoken in a movie (By Aamir). I think they did it to make him look 'slow'? I don't know but that was a horrible effort at speaking Punjabi. Positives are the 'Sikh' Aamir in second half, the guy makes you cry and cry more, he was in form in second half! Kareena was pretty good in most scenes, it was weird to see her in a movie after so long but did a pretty good job. Naga as Bubba was handed the most difficult part of the movie and he did a good job but the character itself did not work in this version.
The Verdict - So why would I give it a 4 star? Good question. I would actually give it a 3.5 stars but I am still listening on a daily basis to the songs. This has not happened for years, so it does deserve an extra half star. Do me a favor Click here and if you don't like it. Don't talk to me again.
EK VILLAIN RETURNS: 3.25 Stars. PG.
Directed by - Mohit Suri
Starring - John Abraham, Arjun Kapoor, Disha Patani, Tara Sutaria
The Story - The first one probably was a tab bit better. A villain in form of a serial killer is out there killing girls who ditched their BFs. Who is it? An edge of the seat thriller! ... well I just wanted to say that, it's not exactly 'edge of the seat' but its still an 'eating papad and enjoying the serial killer mystery' that is more apt description.
The Characters - This is a historic ensemble of the greatest non actors in one movie. I mean you are talking about Mr Arjun Kapoor who peaked in his first film, to be honest he threw everything at his role and we commend him for his effort. This blog is a big fan of Mr Great John 'non-acting' Abraham, he has mastered the "look" the sad, depressed look. He looks straight at the camera with a blank face, with no expression, somehow it works for him. Then we have Disha Patani who somehow is the best actor on paper in this movie. Tara is a historically great non actor we have known for sometime. When you throw all of them in one movie you would expect a horror show but that is the greatness of movie making. No matter how much you try sometimes the product does not turn out to be bad and vice versa.
The Verdict - The script has ridiculous twists and turns it never stops giving. Villain keeps changing hands and we end up with a good tight impossible script. Try it ... you may like it.
HIT: THE FIRST CASE: 3.0 Stars. PG.
Directed by - Sailesh Kolanu
Starring - Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra
The Story - The heart is at the right place and the movie has a good script. But sometimes things just don't gel together. A decent attempt at a taut thriller but something is amiss. Hero is sad from his past, he is solving a serial killer mystery of teen girls. The problem is we do not have suspects and something to look forward to. Not a bad effort though.
The Characters - Rajkummar Rao tries his best to look the Sad, Angry detective but this time the talented actor can't pull through. Relying on too many gimmicks, suffering from PTSD, chain smoking and being fired from job. All clichés about a sad angry detective. Sanya another brilliant actor also looks pale shadow of herself and can't add much.
The Verdict - Sadly the first case may be the last in this franchise. Watch it for the good script (I think it is copied) and it does work on and off. I am a little tired of serial killers killing kids and teen girls. This has become another cliche that needs to stop.
BHOOL BHULAIYA 2: 2.0 Stars. PG.
Directed by Anees Bazmee
Starring - Tabu, Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani
The Story - A ghost story that has comedy and some bhoot type stuff. Not my type of movie but I am trying to judge it without bias. Nah! Forget it. If I don't have a bias what it even means to review a movie? Kartik Aryan another great 'non actor' of bollywood comes to town with his GF Kiara Advani (wasted in another movie), town is possessed with Bhoot (you think obviously Tabu, who else can be a Bhoot. Don't be so sure). Wait a minute there are twists and turns and some comedy. Not that I find it funny.
The Characters - This Kartik Aaryan guy has perfected the look of non-showered dirty half shaven guy AND that's all. THAT is his selling point. There are lot of attempts at comedy and yes there is Tabu who looks spooky all the time and scares you. I am not sure what I will do if I meet her, will I just run away from her?
The Verdict - I did watch it, did not get mad so that's a positive.
CHUP: 1.5 Stars. PG13
Directed by - R. Balki
Starring - Sunny Deol, Dulquer Salmaan, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Pooja Bhatt
The Story - Believe it or not it is a serial killer season. Another serial killer is on the lose, the only creative difference is - he kills Film reviewers! There ends all creativity for this film. Story is boring and bland, from first scene we know the killer, so there goes the suspense. There is not much of thriller part either when you have a non yelling Sunny Deol.
The Characters - Dulquer Salmaan tries his best but falls short of looking the part. The best part of the movie is Shreya, she is the savior and carries the movie. Good job Shreya! Pooja Bhatt makes a return and is the reason for the only funny moment in the movie. Good Job Pooja. Then there is Mr Sunny Papaji, let me ask you a question. When you think Sunny what do you think? Yes! Exactly... an angry Sunny running into an army of people. If you are not going to make him do that what are you expecting? He will act? His facial muscles will change? Your fault Balki.
The Verdict - Not only is the movie boring and predictable, what grates on your nerves is the undercurrent of greatness that the Maker (Balki) has about himself. It was pretty clear he has bought into this whole idea that mentally disturbed people are art geniuses. No Mr Balki Artist like other people can also be mentally disturbed. Let's get this straight - someone committing suicide is not because of their artistic genius it is because they were sick and they could not get help. DONT blame it on the world! We already got an entire nation taken for a ride on suicides of actors. There are suicides out of compulsion but that is not an artistic problem that is a farmer problem. I guarantee people like Mr Balki would never care about Kaagaz ke Phool if Guru Dutt did not commit suicide. Enough of my rant, watch it if you want to understand what I am talking about. Don't watch it if you want to watch a suspence thriller.
CUTTPUTLLI: 2.0 Stars. R.
Directed by - Ranjit M. Tewari
Starring - Akshay Kumar
The Story - You want another Serial killer? No? OK. Here you go. Another serial killer dud for you. At least this one does have an illusive killer but guess what he also is killing teen girls. Where are all these people getting these scripts? I am pretty sure all these serial killer movies are copied.
The Characters - Akshay at this point probably gets out of the bed and start mouthing dialogues, he doesn't even need to wake up. Didn't he say he no more wants to work for money? Please Akshay if this is what you got when you do your job for creative satisfaction, please go back to working for money.
The Verdict - Movie has a good story, probably stolen. But the killer is too illusive and still we kind of guess it during the movie. The movie also has the oft repeated sexual abuse situation in a movie. The more hindi movies show sexual abuse, more it seems to become normalized.
SAMRAAT PRITHVIRAJ: 0 Stars. PG.
Directed by - Chandraprakash Dwivedi
Starring - Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Manushi Chhillar
The Story - Akshay had more free time so he did one more great Hindu king historical. It's a safe bet now a days, no not a safe bet if you show real facts. It is safe if you make a superhero movie passing it as a historical. I am sure Prithviraj Chauhan was a great ruler and must have a great reign. If you think you will learn anything from this movie, you are wrong.
The Characters - Just like Akshay, Sanjay needs a long break. It's ok to take a break relax and chill. Just don't do movies. Comeback refreshed we all like some version of you, but not this one.
The Verdict - A lot of money wasted in making a fantasy. Nothing works even the fantasy falls flat. Akshay romancing a 20 year old is cringe but there are many cringe moments in this historical.
BUDGET MOVIES
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JOGI: 4.0 Stars. PG13
Directed by - Ali Abbas Zafar
Starring - Diljit Dosanjh, Amyra Dastur
The Story - Based on the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots post Indira Gandhi's death. The movie manages to disturb you as the movie shows one riot, but shows how all riots are similar. They all have a minority in line of fire. What it is to be sitting ducks waiting to be slaughtered by mobs. Not angry mobs but politically motivated hate mobs. That is the key, these riots are all planned and created but it always looks like it was a spur of the moment angry people. I was a kid when I saw people looting shops of neighborhood uncle, till yesterday he was our uncle today even kids were looting his shop. Obviously we know that, Humans are not very good people. The story is about Jogi who has taken upon himself to save his neighbors from marauding blood thirsty government machine.
The Characters - Diljit gives in a strong performance, he has limitations as an actor but he does the best he can do. He is definitely inspired to do this movie and it shows.
The Verdict - An organized crime shown the way it is. Watch it and get a little disturbed, it is sometimes good for you.
NIKAMMA: 2.5 Stars. G.
Directed by - Sabbir Khan
Starring - Abhimanyu Dassani, Shirley Setia, Shilpa Shetty
The Story - This Nikamma kid suddenly becomes useful hunk who can beat up all the bad guys in the town. He lives with his family especially his brother and his bhabhi. He has a special love-hate relationship with his Bhabhi and in the end they need to be a family to win. It is kind of a unique story but it could have been done better.
The Characters - Abhimanyu who this blogger likes a lot, mostly due to his choice of unique cinema does not disappoint in his choice but does disappoint in his growth. His acting limitations have started to show and he needs some work on it. Shirley Setia is not an actor, she is a you-tuber who got a role in this movie for reasons unknown. She pulls the entire movie down due to her wanted skills, though not her fault. Shilpa Shetty is still hell bent on proving she will never age, but in the process she is almost plastic doll who will never look or act real. Come on Shilpa it's ok to look real and just let your hair down and get down to dirty business of acting.
The Verdict - Could have, would have, but was not. The one liners and some action sequences were good but overall we all knew what's coming and going through the motions.
SHABAASH MITHU: 2.5 Stars. G.
Directed by - Srijit Mukherji
Starring - Taapsee Pannu
The Story - Story of the greatest female cricketer - Mithali Raj. Another sports movie that does not work. All sport movies follow a predictive pattern and they become boring. Do we have to tell story of every great sports person? They all look same after a while. Mithali had a to fight for respect of women's cricket in India as well as fight for her own place in the team along with fighting with her family. When you are a woman you double your fights to get anywhere, somehow the story did not have hooks to keep you glued.
The Characters - Taapsee who is one of the finest actors we have, has been churning out movies like Akshay Kumar. Both look jaded and tired in their movies and both need a break. This feels like 100th Sports movie for Taapsee and she needs to stop.
The Verdict - Give it a try with a fast forward button. There are moments and at least you learn something about the greatest women cricketer of our times.
DARLINGS: 3.5 Stars. PG.
Directed by - Jasmeet K. Reen
Starring - Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma, Kiran Karmarkar, Roshan Mathew
The Story - A story of an abusive husband is old, but the treatment is fresh. With a backdrop of economically backward class along with being muslim and saddled with an abusive husband, mom daughter duo have their hands full. They fantasize unique ways of getting rid of the problem and try to implement a few sometimes quite hilariously. A true dark comedy that sometimes is funny and sometimes it goes dark.
The Characters - Alia plays the wife who loves an abusive husband and has differences with her loving Mother. Sounds counterintuitive but that's life. The Mom-Daughter duo of Shefali and Alia put together a great 'jugalbandi' of probably first female dark comedy of our times. A shout out to Vijay Verma who underplays his role to perfection. He brings in the complexity of his life of a minority member frustrated with outside world and is abusive and loving to his wife.
The Verdict - All 3 brilliant performers make it a good watch. It does drag a bit in bits and pieces but overall the freshness of the story and quirky treatment of scenes keeps it afloat.
JAADUGAR (LOVE GOALS): 2.5 Stars.
Directed by - Sameer Saxena
Starring - Jitendra Kumar, Arushi Sharma, Javed Jaffrey
The Story - A beautiful story of small town soccer team who wants to win a town championship in honor of the deceased former captain. Brother of the deceased captain has emotional attachment to winning a trophy but the son has no interest in soccer his love of being a magician clashes with love of his life who is daughter of a magician too. Too much complication? Not really, it is a simple story as all Jitendra Kumar movies are.
The Characters - Javed Jaffrey plays this soccer game to perfection. He has a meaty character and he gives it a honest effort. You feel for him and you laugh at him at the same time. Jitendra Kumar shows his limitations as an actor. He is tailor made for 'Panchayat' but when it comes to playing a lover boy he does not develop the presence on the screen to make magic happen. Arushi fits her character very well and gives a great performance.
The Verdict - You want this movie to succeed, it entertains in bits and pieces but cannot keep your interest alive for long stretches. Surprisingly it's biggest asset 'Jitendra Kumar' is the biggest drag. Soccer team is hilarious and Javed Jaffrey does great but the magic bit and the love story does not evoke the emotions.
WEB SERIES
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NEVER HAVE I EVER: 5 Stars. PG.
Created by - Mindy Kaling, Lang Fisher
Starring - Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Darren Barnet, Jaren Lewison, John McEnroe, Lee Rodriguez, Ramona Young
The Story - Story of an Indian Teen growing up through High School. I love high school dramas, this is very American and yes it is in English and yes it doesn't need to be in this blog. But guess what! It is my blog so I will do whatever I want. AND I love 'Never Have I Ever'. I laughed and cried the most I have in any show. We all are 'Devi' and we all have the insecurities of a teen, come on just because you have grown old physically you think you have grown mentally too? Give me a break.
The Characters - I love every character in the show, from Devi who can do everything wrong and be like what! me!? I love the Indian grandma who admits she does golu only to outdo other women, I love the Indian American professor scared of her. I specially love Fabiola, her wide eyed expression. I love Ben and Paxson. Well you get the point. ok few more loves - I love John Mc Enroe's narration that is priceless and Devi remembering her Dad makes me tear up. OK now I am done.
The Verdict - Don't watch it. Don't come back telling me how it was not worth it because I might kill you.
PANCHAYAT-2: 5 Stars. G.
Directed by - Deepak Kumar Mishra
The Story - Another series that I absolutely love and I have not yet met a person who does not. Season 2 is still fun and still a must watch. A city boy is stuck in a village trying his best to prepare for exams so he can get out. But that does not stop him from getting sucked into everything village throws at him.
The Characters - Raghuvir and Neena are made for this. What great actors these guys are!. Then there are those office assistants. Chandan Roy what an actor. I am blown away.
The Verdict - Obviously you watched it and liked it. If not - go to hell.
INDIAN MATCHMAKING-2: 1.0 Stars.
Created By - Smriti Mundhra
Presented By - Sima Taparia
The Story - First season was breath of fresh air. Even though Indians did not like to see who they really are but it was entertaining and hilarious. Season second - is exactly the same air rebottled and served with zero respect for consumers.
The Characters - Sima Aunty looks tired with same old tired lines. Everyone from first season look more made up and mouthing scripted lines. New people have no stories to tell. This one went down fast.
The Verdict - Don't waste your time.
