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yasachandra
Reviews
Munjya (2024)
Neither comedy nor horror
**Movie Review: A Visual Spectacle Without Substance**
In an age where visual effects (VFX) can carry a film far beyond its plot, it's no surprise that some filmmakers lean heavily on spectacle to dazzle audiences. Unfortunately, the movie in question here is a textbook example of style over substance. While it does manage to deliver stunning VFX shots that would make any sci-fi or fantasy fan sit up and take notice, the rest of the film feels like a hollow attempt to cash in on visual grandeur with little concern for storytelling, character development, or originality.
**Overacting at Every Turn**
Right from the opening scene, it's apparent that subtlety was not on the director's checklist. The performances range from dramatically exaggerated to outright theatrical, leaving little room for nuance. The actors, though talented in their own right, seem to have been directed to go overboard at every emotional beat. Rather than connecting with the characters or empathizing with their struggles, the audience is left cringing at the over-the-top expressions, loud proclamations, and exaggerated gestures that plague nearly every scene.
The lead character, in particular, feels less like a real person and more like a caricature of a hero, constantly throwing dramatic stares into the distance and delivering lines with an intensity that the thin plot doesn't warrant. Supporting characters fare no better, often becoming victims of melodramatic overacting, which only amplifies the film's overall sense of artificiality.
**VFX: The Only Saving Grace**
If there's one aspect of the movie that deserves praise, it's the VFX. The visual effects team clearly put in a lot of effort, and it shows. From breathtaking action sequences to meticulously designed fantasy worlds or futuristic cityscapes, the visual spectacle is stunning. These scenes are rich in detail and beautifully crafted, and for a moment, they offer a welcome escape from the film's otherwise painful execution. The explosions, the space battles, or the creature designs-whatever the genre-stand out and provide fleeting moments of excitement.
However, even with these beautiful VFX shots, the problem is that they don't serve any deeper narrative purpose. They are there to distract, to make up for the shortcomings in every other department. It's a classic case of using visual marvels to cover up the cracks in storytelling, and while this might work for some, the charm quickly wears off once you realize there's little substance holding it all together.
**A Plot Thinner Than Paper**
The film's biggest downfall is its wafer-thin plot. It's so predictable that after the first 15 minutes, you can pretty much guess how the rest of the movie is going to unfold. There's little in the way of twists or surprises, and even when the story attempts to throw in some "big reveal," it comes off as tired and cliched. The stakes feel low throughout, and the conflict never really engages the audience. At times, it seems like the filmmakers assumed that the spectacle of the VFX would compensate for the lack of narrative depth, but it doesn't. The story is simply too generic to hold anyone's attention for long.
**Too Predictable to Be Enjoyable**
Predictability in films is not always a bad thing; many successful movies follow familiar structures or tropes. However, the issue with this particular film is that it telegraphs every plot point well in advance. There's no tension, no mystery, and no intrigue. The characters move through the motions as though they're on autopilot, hitting all the usual beats you've seen in dozens of other movies-just done worse here. As a result, the film never surprises or challenges the audience, and it becomes more of a chore to sit through.
**A Waste of Time**
Ultimately, despite its visual splendor, this movie feels like a waste of time. With its heavy reliance on overacting, a plot that's barely present, and a predictability that drains any potential for excitement, the film fails to deliver on the basic elements of good storytelling. The VFX team might have delivered some incredible shots, but even they can't save the movie from the flaws in writing, acting, and direction. Unless you're purely in it for the spectacle, this is one film better left unseen.
12th Fail (2023)
Movie of the decade
Movies like this comes once in a decade.
The movie of last decade was "Pursuit of happyness"
The movie of this decade is "Twelfth Fail".
It is an inspirational movie about how a poor guy with honesty and nerves of steel changes his life around to become an IPS officer.
The characters, the direction, the acting, everything is superb.
This movie will change lives of many people.
This movie is not for just entertainment or timepass. This movie is a motivational life changing story which will make you reflect upon every failure you encountered in life and draw inspiration from characters of this movie to change your life or "Restart"
The Vaccine War (2023)
A nationalist realist patriotic movie
I don't really like Vivek Agnihotri and his movies. So, I didn't watch this movie for a long time after it's release. One fine day I was bored and saw this movie flashing in front of me on the home page of hotstar. I thought I will just watch it for 30 min and then move on. But I was wrong. This movie is truly amazing. There is so much I didn't know about how our country made this vaccine and why we made it. This is truly worth watching. Although, there were overdramatic scenes here and there due to which I don't like the direction by Vivek Agnihotri. But apart from that, this is really a great movie. And I am so happy that big actors like Akshay Kumar were not in it or else they would have ruined it the same way they ruined Mangalyan and Adipurush.
Thanks for casting truly great actors like Nana Patekar.
Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022)
Just another hero centric series
The hero here is shown as some god like personality without whom the whole police system in Bihar would collapse. It's like one of those films where hero writes the whole script and shows himself as a man without whom nothing in this world would work.
But i would still give it better than 1 start due to the fabulous acting done by villian and other police officers in supporting role. Even the wife of hero was really good in acting. I was able to sit through this series only because of them.
I am still waiting for a genuine movie or series about Bihar as we have seen in case of East UP though Mirzapur.
Rasbhari (2019)
Good casting but storyline is not so good
I liked the acting done by the whole cast. The dialogues were also good in Meerut style (believe me I am from Meerut). Only the ending was very disappointing.
Kesari (2019)
Average movie
I went thinking that I will get to see some logical war tactics like in the movie 300 but it was nothing like that. It's just emotions and feelings using which 21 sikh soldiers fight thousands of Afghans and it turns into ridiculous action in the end like we see in some South Indian movies.
Conclusion is that this movie is watchable but don't expect much from it.
Gold (2018)
Breathtakingly awesome!!!
The story about how India as an independent country, for the first time won Olympics gold medal in hockey. It is amazing to see how much people have sacrificed and been through to see their flag hoisted above great Britain after finals. A truly commendable work by everyone. We need more movies like this.
Kaagaz Ke Fools (2015)
Cute and simple
A very fine casting (except the heroine) has been done for this movie and an equally good performance by everyone. It is a very sweet and simple movie that you can enjoy with your family.
Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain (2018)
A very cute love story
This story is so realistic and so relatable to most of the Indian families.
A husband and wife going through a rush of emotions and feelings of being neglected as soon as their children go out to work or get married.
The casting is also simply awesome. A must watch for everyone.
102 Not Out (2018)
One of the best movies ever made
I am not a fan of bollywood movies for obvious reasons (there is not much good cinema left here). But every once in a while, a soul-searching movie like this comes out which just shakes me to the core of my heart. The great script coupled with the 2 greatest actors of all time, is just simply too good. Everyone should watch this movie.
Gol Maal (1979)
Solid entertainment
A very fun-filled journey through the life of a very clever and lovely man who goes through every hurdle in life with grace and fun. A very laudable performance by the whole team.
Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017)
Light hearted, funny and beautiful tale
A very nice and cute tale about 2 people who live through eachother's life and finally fall for eachother's charms, cuteness and way of looking at life.
You can totally watch it with your family and re-watch it again and again, you'll never get bored of this movie.
Django Unchained (2012)
Don't understand the big fuzz about this movie
I have seen a lot of movies with finer acting and better storyline. I don't understand what's the big deal is about this movie, that everyone is so crazy about it. In truth, I find it a very stupid and illogical ending with the doctor not shaking hands with D Caprio and then this whole nonsense shooting came. The Dr was all cool throughout the movie but right when the man was about to get his wife, he had to open fire. Wow Who wrote this? A six year old?
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
Heart wrenching
It's difficult to understand why really the holocaust happened, why didn't the people stop it. But, this movie throws some light around the people who didn't want it but unknowingly got involved. The tales' end is the most tragic.
Parched (2015)
Captivating
The story of women trapped in the socities' barriers fighting to break free. The cast of the movie is brilliant and the story equally captivating. The movie leaves you in the end with awe. You will be left wondering about the lives of people who live this life as shown in the movie. Really brilliant piece. Very happy to see such potential in bollywood.
Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)
Nice little drama with a touch of romance
The movie is full of drama, shouting, hitting and all the mirch masala you could expect from a bollywood movie and the way the whole cast pulls it off is brilliant. Kudos to the casting and directing team for bringing together this brilliant team of actors. The story centers around the life a frustrated boy which could not be done any better than what Ayushman did. The story has its ups and downs but the brilliant acting keeps you engaged throughout. Totally recommend everyone to watch it.
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017)
Nice little drama
The movie is very loud at times with full of drama but the brillient potrayal of all this drama by the lead actors leaves you all the more enthused and interested. The movie has some very laughable moments. You will like this movie and can totally watch with your family.
Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)
Not bad movie. Just okay okay.
Story of a tomboyish girl in search of a guy who will love her as she is and a boy who has just gone through a breakup with a girl just like her. 2 childhood friends of the hero who help him get the girl. Although a great story, the movie lacked in maintaining the interest of the viewer at times. But still, it had it's moments. I won't say it's a great movie but not bad either. It's watchable and will leave with some very laughable memories to share with your friends.
Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016)
Sweet movie
The potrayal of lives of 4 women living in the same building, in search of love. A very sweet and cute "bua ji" narrating the story of a women in love with her tenant and daydreaming about him and herself together. All characters have contributed immensely to this beautiful tale. Really happy to see good cinema still exists in bollywood.
Dr. Cabbie (2014)
Not worth it
There is simply no buildup of any character or situation. The entire movie is like watching a huge trailer. The basic story and plot is good but a lot of overacting by Kunal and unrealistic scenarios are all just too much to absorb. I didn't expect this, given the popularity this movie has gained. I couldn't even stand it for an hour. So in my opinion, don't watch it, you'll only waste your time.