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Shaun of the Dead (2004)
A brilliant Fusion.
Edgar Wright did a brilliant job. He mixed funny with horror in exact proportions. It's not simply both genres fused in raw but critically scrutinized to make a meaningful story. Edgar Wright's direction is appreciable. The script writing and execution is brilliant.
Shaun, a lad of 29 worried about his professional issues and personal issues just like people at the time of Noah (Old testament character). Then all of a sudden the kinda judgement day appears in the world (self understood) but the film shows only a small town in england, where Shaun and his friends faces the dawn of the dead. The dead were bought to life and judgement showered upon the living. Uptil then everything was funny. Whether it be Shaun's girlfriend or his lazy roommate or his colleagues or his step father's issue and so on so forth. Suddenly the world changes around him where people turns to zombies in contagious way. And the funny themes starts fading. Nevertheless the people tries to stay motivated in happiness despite violence but the horror is greater than one would ever imagine.
Towards the climax the film becomes fully serious where friendships are shattered, people eaten by zombies and even people kills their loved ones. Tears replaces the smile and fun by the fear. Despite all horrific events the world is saved by the right government strategies. And then Shaun's plus the rest of the world again riddles with normal environment of acceptable issues. Edgar Wright perfectly depicted the realism of the spiritual end of days in a fun but fearful way through a decent storyline imbibing some common character of the society.
Technically its detailed too. Shaun gradually experiencing the shift of social dynamics, his problems amidst that and imbibing indian song too in England environment, all that within first 28 minutes. The last twenty minutes is horror striken though comedy still persisting well. Though not rating it due to dark content with gory scenes but still it's a brilliant film, of epic status to say atleast . Watch it and you will both laugh and turn serious. It's a brilliant Fusion of few genres.
Anniyan (2005)
Strangest film in India.
This movie is brilliant. There is brilliancy in storyline, in scripting, in acting and in delivering messages. The film is unique, making it unconventional by Indian standards. Anniyan is one of the strangest film in India, imbibing perfectly the themes of suspense, action, romance, nationalism, science, spiritualism and so on. All these were imbibed with a definite sense of purpose, not for spicing the film experience but for justifying each and every nook of characters. Shankar is always top class in direction, as evident from his other works. His unique innovative ideas along with detailed but fast narratives never fails to get the viewer's attention.
Ramanujam is a middle class lawyer, always complaining about little errors in lives, always in tension but unable to do anything. He just argues with people and does nothing more than that. This attitude pushes away the girl he has been pursuing secretly unnoticed by anyone. Facing rejection he undergoes psychological transformation and becomes Remo, the lover. He succeeds in wooing her though but his multiple personalities comes to light. He also sometimes turns to a psycho killer cum programmer, avenging those who don't think about their country, by designing a website for smooth execution of his bloody agenda. This is his another character. All these are rationally combined and crafted by Shankar to progress through various tragedies and aspirations of Ramanujam's personal life. The spirit of restless excitement is not only bought to screen at best through this film but also goes beyond that. It connects viewers with trending psychological problems MPD, apart from traditional hinduism. The film finally shows conflict between the sage like figure and law.
The film is fast, doesn't stop or think or even allows you to comprehend but takes you through the concocted characters and events in a stylish way without violating any intellectual flow. Even if you don't know the language still you will understand the sinister issue going on in it. It is like a fantastic thriller with realistic appeals, has some action which may seem unrealistic to most as similar to Shankar's other films, satisfying some of viewer's fantasy. When all the depicted characters intertwines in complex ways, things becomes highly complicated, all things comes to normal, unusually in a strategic manner. This is surprising too but also evident. Ramanujam still complains until the last but no body listens, Remo disappears because Ramanujam gets the girl, and the psycho lives forever until the end of life. So ultimately the film is like a romantic film having cent percent success in romantic angles and not whatsoever in other themes. The psycho is lastly forgiven by the court and the psyho plus complainer continues n parallel, keeping viewer's confused about its sequels.
The most epic scene where Ramanujam shakes hand with the villain. Violence is justified and corruption are honestly shown. The scenes between Nandini and Ramanujam/Remo are hardlined realistic as it could get. Summing up, it's strange. The strangest film in India. The film will make you confused, crazy, restless but will slow you down, make you stable and bring to point zero. But you cannot forget the craziness it gave you, neither the reasoning it delivered nor the stability you experienced. Such is this movie.
Rain Man (1988)
Tom Cruise in a drama
Rain man is a film of brotherhood, an adventurous but family story between two brothers. One who tries to make big in life even through selfish means and other as simple and unworldly as it could be. It takes the viewers on a journey of selfishness, adjustment, finally realization of what family really means. It ends in an optimistic note where brotherhood is emphasized than just filling the materialistic pursuits. Barry Levinson has told the story in a fast narrative, which depicts Tom as the antagony turned protagony, who finally understand the reality of his life.
This is one of the best of Tom Cruise acting debut. He performs the role of a selfish man, who didn't care for his father, his family instead returns to take his share of property from his father after his demise. To his surprise he is given nothing but a car for which he fought with his father at young age and all the fortune was given in the name of his elder brother who is autistic. How Tom manages to take his share out of his autistic brother is the storyline. Despite his sudden and selfish agenda to take care of his brother, he fails in his intention. He gets nothing out of his brother but learns something good through the process. His role reminisce to me parallely about the ugly role of the 1966 classic The good bad and Ugly. Dustin Hoffman played the autistic role very convincingly, which even forced Tom to learn about his family, about his childhood memories and think about his own actions. It's very good that he realized the truth which is not the case in most situation. The film in this respect seems to be unreal and biased towards positiveness, leaving out the real scenario. Nevertheless it's a feel good family drama film showing family union in the end, brothers united through various shared experiences, teaching each other about themselves.
Perhaps his father was right about Tom, who will one day mature and learn about family relationships, stay united with family and be happy. This even make the father a righteous one who chose the right decision of dividing his will. An ethical decision by head of family has positive influence upon the generations to come. It's a strong point in film which will perhaps be last in line of thought but not the least in quality.
Tom cruise is generally associated with the action packed MI franchise and is lessly seen in dramatic films. This film is one of those drama which is not only perfectly crafted in characters but also is entertaining at the same time. A straight 9 out of 10. A 90/100.
Nil Battey Sannata (2015)
A film with a unique colouring of thought.
NBS is a film that is inspirational in nature. It aims to inspire and has won public approval for that. Indian films are really unique in the sense of exploring genres. NBS is a dramatic film portraying the study life of a socially disadvantaged girl who clears public service exam. It is good themed movie nevertheless but highly deviated from reality. It is a fantasy film but set around genuine situations. That makes Indian films unique in colouring the thoughts. How we generally perceive fantasy films is mostly shaped by the Hollywood big budget production like Avengers or LOTR. But this strategy is simply unrealistic in Bollywood. In India we have Nil Battey Sannata satisfying both realism and imagination in fusion.
NBS delivers an unconventional experience for it's spectators exploring the dimensions of parent- child relationships. It is about a girl who don't aspire to be successful and be satisfied with the disadvantaged lifestyle. Her mother challenges her and it leads to several ups and downs, finally forces her to change her mind and she achieves the great. NBS is basically about mother-daughter relationship. Things like the competition between them, the mother's sacrificing her moments for daughter etc will connect you with reality. But the step that the mothers took to motivate her daughter is hard to believe. Nevertheless the film is clear in its message of hard work against stereotyping, apart from giving us a good time of fun and enjoyment. The acting are all good, not masterful but ok, narratives clean and slow paced. BGM has also done it's part well retains the mood.
Stereotyping is a common issue, sometimes it feels right. We need a lot of courage to stand against stereotyping with or without support. For NBS, it's a 7/10 due to strong content and fantasy based theme. A 65/100.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Some people just want to see the world burn.
TDK is a simple Comic book story of Batman vs Joker, a modern and realistic retelling of Tim Burton's film, visualized with intense adrenaline thrill, some genuine actions and a believable world. TDK engages us not in fantasy but with a down-to-earth superhero, having personal issues or professional plights who strives hard throughout to find a way out. TDK also manages to address the corrupt system and how we all are influenced by it. Nolan has successfully crafted a simple cop-crime story into a multi layered thought provoking set of events that will undoubtedly wins mass approval. I am reviewing it after 16 years due to fact that it mesmerized me and I eager to watch it again and again.
Zimmer's music has a very strong role in it. He captivates the interest right from the beginning pouring the dashing flavor, the thrill of challenging times and the uncertainty of events. The Joker is just spectacular to watch, a unique memorable antagony irreplaceable for many decades in films. The money burning scene was exceptional. I never saw such thing in movies previously.
Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine are both solidly chosen for this. Their strong presence makes the film heavy, filling the void of knowledge and wisdom. All characters are properly built and lined up, the two faced politician, a confused wealthy hero and a determined antagony who tries to show where the world is wrong. The film explained that it is futile to rationalize with evil as some people just simply want to see the world burn. The Joker is not insane as depicted, has a rational outlook on destruction, not succumbing to passions. He makes you think too but with destruction. The continuous victory of the Joker makes you seated to it until but the end.
TDK is a masterpiece weighing equally in amount of suspense and actions, well knitted storyline, character built ups, some exquisite tech, upgraded criminal strategies all tied together in fast paced narratives, detailing all the aspects without a single dull moment. The short but flowering romance between the girl and Harvey also is a treat to watch.
Sometimes I feel TDK is philosophical. I couldn't rule out the issue that - if Batman had exemplified himself as a pious guy with all of his money then all the menaces wouldn't have existed. It's actually the lack of it that is the case. As well know that man is flawed and man created money for smooth working it's implication are obvious to the world now. It is central to the corruption as usual and it set the balls rolled on. The Joker is just a guy who completes Batman, to fill up the balance of moralism. If batman isn't a perfect guy who thinks only for richness of the world why would The Joker care ? It's just a thought btw that crosses the mind when Isee TDK. Nevertheless it's a classic in action genre, a complete whole in itself explainingthe menace of the Joker in Gotham. A 98/100 due to few but insignificant flaws. A straight 10.
Hiya Diya Niya (2000)
Trendsetter in Assamese Films.
Hiya Diya Niya is a romantic film in Assamese language showcasing the complexity of romantic relationships among the matured youths. It starts with a typical Assamese middle class family who aspires higher, then gradually progressing towards the centre of attention of a damsel having exquisite qualities of beauty with intellect. She questions things, enquiries and seeks knowledge through her innocent approach, though stern in outer but pacifier at heart if given a chance. She reflects without flaws to both social and personal circumstances which earns her the best option of a successful Assamese groom living Abroad.
The groom in his full maturity even has social approval to any girl he chooses, seeks for the perfect match. This wins the heart of all Assamese viewers as it's appealing to wider circle. He falls for this damsel but is also conscious of family dignity, personal dignity, if not may change the situation for worse. He is not alone, rather accompanied by his most dear friend who also is seeking a bride. They hide their identity as part of better inspection of the bride. Who is the NRI is the most unsolved question through the film. Munin baruah cleverly built the storyline upon this and it gripped the viewers throughout.
The hero attempts well to match his friend's love life but his own love life becomes challenging, which he has to prove by being a morally sound person. Lastly Almighty gives him the chance to prove his physical strength at the cost of saving his love life's respect. And he does the inevitable act, the most primeval thing a man could do for his loved one. This earns him the special status from the damsel and she thinks for him. This leads to unification of the most desired for about 2.40 hours that finally climaxes at the happy ending of both him and his friend.
The film ends in understanding all the familial situations, all the secrecy and funny agendas behind choosing bride and family beings united with joy and laughter. The songs all still memorable to the Assamese audiences reminisce the 90s flavour of romance and innocence. Zubeen's greatest is among them still. Nohole porisoy is still heart touching. It's really a trend setter in Assamese films esp in Romantic genre. Besides Daag this is another most popular films from the decade. A rating of 85/100 is good for it and a straight 9/10.
Virumandi (2004)
A Tamil classic.
Virumandi is an action thriller film set in Tamil Nadu. It explores the violent traits of the southern peoples, uses Rashomon's narrative styles to depict perspectives of moral obligation and detailing the chosen circumstances as much as it could in screen. The characters are rural based, some even put forehead marks symbolising religiousnes, which is pretty aesthetic to watch despite showcasing the romantic heroism, the ruthless greedy guy and the vengeful confused Naicker.
Virumandi lacks a concrete storyline with a clean beginning and precise ending, rather starts with media persons researching in prison about capital punishments. This leads to Virumandi's story in limelight. Then begins the two fold interpretations where audiences gets engaged intellectually. Kamal Hasan perfectly acted his role which is expected. But the brilliancy he showed in pinpointing the good bad characteristics through the imported narrative is still appalling. It teaches really why the bad is bad and good, the good. Bad are those who lies, who lives on lies, who lacks stability in nature. And good is the exact opposite. All the perspective subplots are well knitted with no flaws, the situations are chosen to be as real as it could gets. Like, Kothalla tying the Mangalsutra forcefully on Annalaksmi by putting his leg on her chest, the drama in Indian courts where ultimately money speaks higher than soul, how matured minds changes their self unexpectedly as per situations, and how they all are doomed finally etc are just awesome. Noting, the honesty in depicting the traits of the corrupt both inside and outside law, the goodness in both rural and urban minds, makes Virumandi a contender for classic. For a second watch you would perhaps fast forward the repetitive parts, which will bore you.
Virumandi is serious but actually reminisce the fun in the aftermath experience. It's so genuine that you will get the laugh. The troublesome family situation of the antagony, and his confidence in evil path well reflects that. The victory of the protagony and his violent acts were justified within the film itself. The good and bad and corrupt are all realistic and shown in a way that will earn your approval and sympathy too. It also showed women will always be women, if you understood.
Virumandi ends in a call for removing the death penalty from Indian judicial system, completely off-track from Nallama Naicker and his rural issues. It feels just like simply the Virumandi's case was limelighted through accident. It feels as if Virumandi was an accidental film or what. Don't worry, you will be entertained, throughout the event. Though it's well built film showing details of the chosen plot, still weighing against the unoriginal narratives, it will be a classic in Tamil industry. It will be a 85/100 from my side. A 9/10 though.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
Fast fantastical and Fun flavoured flick.
J2COE is an adaptation of the Vernian novel of the same name. As it's a science fiction novel, so are the narratives likewise designed. It's a fast paced film, giving less duration to comprehend the depiction, a bit hard to follow the scriptwriter's tellings and packed with some action adventurous moments, which will give you the entertainment that you have been sitting for. It's a film where characterization is ignored to a great extent and emphasized more on scientific possibilities, as guided by Verne. The adventures shared by the famous Uncle-Niece pair along with a dominating but caring lady gives us a slight touch of realism throughout the mysterious world ridden with dinosaurs.
Vernian ideas are really great and opens up the door of Scientific probabilities. This inspires the thinkers as well as the viewers. This film too, visually paints the fantastical aspects of scientific minds in an adventurous manner with a well to plot. The son with the help of his uncle undertakes a journey to inspect the earth's mysterious core and in the process understands his father's legacy. The film also adds a few bit pieces of relationship issues along with the adventure. The journey to the Earth's core is a fascinating one with a lot of theories quite in reverse order and lots of extinct entities being lit up. Just like Branden Fraser said- Didn't all these just blow your mind ?
The idea of zero gravity, the magnesium bursting, the skull of the dinosaur, the world within a world, the ocean in the centre, the paradoxical status quo of the earth are just simply amazing thoughts. The climax is a happy one where they all survive with a lot of priceless minerals in their baggage. The film is imbibed with fun themes too where Niece is smarter than his uncle. Summing up, it's a film with a lot of interesting themes and entertaining angles all put together telling an adventurous story. But there are flaws too, the imperfect VFX that age very badly. Flavoured with fun and fantasy, it's a film told with fast pace. Just sit for total entertainment without any thoughts or judgement and you will get a fun time with it.
A 50/100. A 5/10.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)
But the film is engaging despite criticism.
It's an enjoyable adventurous science fiction visual experience based upon the legendary Jules Verne work of the same name. The film has perfectly assimilated the themes of various genre that makes it a proper entertainer for children where adults could also feel secure and could approve. J2MI is a well time spending film that gives a tour of fantastical ideas imbibing the family values and lovable characters.
The film is fast paced, quickly changing tones and themes to inculcate as much details of the Vernian novel. But it needs the audience quick understanding and fast grasping of things. It however makes you connect the characterial traits of Romance, parents responsiblity and the irresponsible elder who choose adventures to give the younger generation a life of optimism and work. It's a positive film with all sorts of individual natures depicted. The imagination of the novel is really mind blowing- where big turns small and small turns big and so on so forth. The grandfather is a very satisfying character who gives a feel of hope in the growing materialistic world.
I don't feel like leaving the mysterious island but we must return to reality, leaving the island where it belong. So, the narrator very brilliantly thought the idea of submerging Atlantis to the ocean with many paradoxes pointing to its rediscovery. Nevertheless the journey of the audience to the island will be marked by exciting relaxing and spellbound moments, esp transferring Vernian ideas to our lives. Lastly the grandfather appears for the adventurous trip to the moon, which is most awaiting by kids esp by the Verne fans.
Summing up, despite criticism due to it's not being well adapted or, not presented with solid unshakeable narratives, I will say good about it due to the good it delivered. The fun time with fantastic ideas and also helps in escaping the hardline tendency of lives. A 5/10 and a 53 on a scale of 100 due to my approval regarding some of its demerits.
Aitraaz (2004)
Ladies in conflict.
Aitraaz is a bollywood drama, that questions the social stigma of gender acceptance. The common issue, man versus women, where women are often accepted as victims but not the other way around. The film itself speaks the modern flavors flying across the script, which also implies that it is not of Indian origin but from outside. How a women having parasitic tendency could prey upon men for her gain. A much needed film though for Indian audience for broadening the social picture a bit wider, atleast in modern contexts. But nevertheless it remains unoriginal in content. Heard that it's a remake of Disclosure starring Michael Douglas. I haven't seen it though.
Aitraaz is about a common man with common traits, like doing a job, have a family, live happily, earn property and so on. But his ex-girlfriend having a terrible secret with him sues him for a sexual harrassment case. He tries hard to defend himself. He is in the verge of losing but is finally saved by his wife in the end, adding a typical Bollywood message in the climax. The BGM is also fine, sensual imbibing sounds for expressing the feel.
The acting is perfect for Priyanka, who appeals as the dominating, passionate, immoral natured women who will go any length to get what she wants. Akshay is so so, but is good as a playboy only. Kareena is good too as the savior in the end. Others are okay. The story is not original, neither the theme. Sexual innuendos and themes are not at all compromised that makes it not a family film. But still an essential watch for all. The film has portrayed man as inferior, a kind of uninfluential group. Rather ethical conflict is depicted within the womenhood. It's a war between ladies who is bad and other who stood for good. Women who knows her own boundary are deemed good while those who don't are deemed bad.
For this it's a good watchable film. Ethical conflicts are always socially approved. But in this it's between Ladies. With all merits and flaws it's a 59/100.
Pink (2016)
Soojit Sircar's brilliance on screen.
Pink is a film that narrates a war between gender bias and gender equality. It actually takes neither side due to the controversy of the subject matter but enlightens us with bit pieces of remarks that seem highly significant in modern society. The director very realistically has told a story that seem very important not only in contemporary India but also to the world. But I feel it's more appealing to the ultra modern Delhites.
Pink, in short is about 3 modern girls living a modern life in delhi, encounters sexual harassment issue and gets embroiled in court case. The film is optimistic in a sense that it portrayed the situation, ignoring the dangers of the manhood and dangers of society, with slight references though. A rural set up will have responded differently to those 3 girls. BigB is perfect as Deepak Sehgal, the old guy, who focus much on morality than legality. Things legit in social terms may not be likewise in true sense, is what Mr Deepak tried to represent in the film. But Prashant Mehra, a confident but shameless opponent will go to any extent refuting the morality, stressing on his point only so much that it even bored the judge.
Rajveer, a well done act for the biased young man victimised by feudal mentality and the same for Tapsee, the go with the flow character. Falak is a bit strong empowered women among them all and Andrea's the quite victim of circumstances. Nevertheless, Mr Deepak very craftily and brilliantly motivated the opponents, the police, the judge thus bringing to light what actually happened. The truth was never established in the courtroom through rigorous childish efforts but suggestively painted in the minds of the viewers, paving the way for providing justice to the girls. It however showed it in the credits roll that shows the reality of the event.
Our society is gender biased, not easy to change it but we should be mindful of the mistakes of both sides and perhaps dispassionately judge the situation, to find out the best solution for all of us. Rajveer was punished finally for attempting to hide the truth and the girls were taught a good lesson not to go with the flow and remained confined within the safe zones. That's what pink teaches. It's an impressive character study by the way, includes all types of personalities involved.
I liked the film entirely esp BigB and his true performances of the realized old guy. His tricks to provoke the culprit, his stance to speak about sex with a girl of his granddaughter's age, his interest for the cockroach while opponents speak, his realization of the word NO, makes him a character who deserves to be heard and to be remembered for life. Soojit Sircar gave a few impressive flavors of funny themes throughout the serious story. It's his brilliant work portrayed on screen.
For very few insignificant flaws and an engaging experience throughout it would be a 93/100.
A staright 9/10.
Masaan (2015)
A tale of Affliction and Solace.
Masaan is a film, which speaks about the social constructs of Northen India, the lives of the peoples in it and the impact of modernism upon it. It is a realistically narrated tale of two people who face hardships in traditional society and how they are connected through various ups and downs of life. Though Neeraj Ghaywan's work is not much popular but Massan bought him the glitters of fame in Bollywood. It proved him to be director of brilliant calibur and a matured narrator. Masaan is his best work until now.
Masaan is tale of affliction faced by Deepak in a caste ridden Hindu Society and Devi in a society where sex is mostly seen as taboo. Both had to deal hardships regarding their personal choices against the society. It is afflicting in a sense that both had to fail against the social constructs. The social hierarchy and the blind narrow norms are so tightly bounded to one another that it is almost difficult to be free from that prison. It is brilliantly suggested that the social norms are bad and bad for the human development. Devi's father too had to go through the toughest choice due to his daughter, finds solace in the ring, the bright point of Deepak's tragic story. Deepak on the other had gone through terrible heartbreak finds solace in Devi's choice of leaving the job for further study. The director is cautious not to progress it further but showed realistically how people in various circumstances, meet one another, feel the experience and perhaps choose the next step in life.
Vicky Kaushal and Richa fits exactly to their role, a poor boy hoping to secure a job in the Government through the most sought after courses and a woman who is confused about right and wrong regarding social sexual norms. They performed well esp Vicky who I feel is his best performance until now. I feel good for Sanjay Mishra too who were a part of this brilliant film. He gave his simple act of a father who has no high ambitions of material luxury, not being highly dramatic, was neutral to me all the time.
Lastly, the script and the story was heavier than the other aspects. It will tie up the audience with the appeal of realism that we generally want in our experience. The film has both the flavour of positive and negative feel, imply that our lives too, through bitter experience finally meet at a place where hope, understanding and peace awaits us all. It is the place of the divinity symbolically meant by the River Varanasi.
Though rating is not easy but still about unmentioned and insignificant flaws it a 9/10.
An 88/100.
Andhadhun (2018)
Sriram Raghavan's (SR) best film !
Through Andhadhun, SR takes the viewers on a journey of uncertainty, intense suspense and ugly faces of people all concocted through confident in evil characters. Then it's all about their expertise and attempts to deal the situation. Andhadhun differs from traditional film by all standard. The film is not about good vs bad, rather about lies, lies that an artist could deliver, or a killer or a corrupt police or even a medical practitioner. The film is built upon lies, which grips the viewers attention until end and then SR climaxes it without any clear clues, left for open interpretations.
The film inspires a thousands of words to be said. But most importantly it's a negative film showing the dark side of characters that appeals to real life. It's SR credit in all that he captures viewers interests through a tale of deceit, betrayal, lies and corruption with manifold twists in almost at every turning of the visual journey. The twists are appropriately placed, properly lined with the progress of it. The casts are all solidly chosen, all look like real life liars and corrupt guys. SR not only given Bollywood a masterpiece of visual brilliancy but also heightened the status of the performers through Andhadhun.
The film is about a lying blind pianist who was not blind initially, sees a murderer trying to hide the murder and gets embroiled in the event. Through a series of dog eat dog situation finally he escapes the country and his previous life but his blindness remained a secret. The horrifying antagony, Tabu and the hero Akash gets into final war where it is ambiguously climaxed. Akash final testimony to his ex-girlfriend is not believable due to his lying nature, which leads us to conclude that Akash finally took Tabu's eyes and doctor took her liver. Under the sharp scrutiny, it teaches one thing that liars are harassed unthinkably and evil doers meets terrible ending.
It's way darker than you would imagine, with strong pessimism and ugliness. But SR never made it gory. Andhadhun is SR's best film, reflects purely his debut as talented filmmaker in India. The screenplay, the script, the narratives are all top notch. Though not be able to rate it due to its strong dark content, still it's a brilliant suspense film with clean plot makes it worth watching. Recommended for international screening and those who are interested in Bollywood, but a recommended R- rated.
Up (2009)
I didn't liked it.
The film may be good, adventurous and fun delivering for some but didn't work for me at all. It is not for people who are serious film fans. The reason is that the film didn't have a concrete storyline with clearly bounded plots, doesn't progresses meaningfully depicting messages or characters whatever is required and then climaxing it. It simply picks up the story from the frustrated aged man against the multi million corporation and then goes here there without staying connected with it's starting point. It simply narrates an adventure of an old man with a little boy and then ends in somewhere else that made me feel foolish as to why I watched it in the first place. I never could connect emotions or reality or entertainment with this film. It's just passing time without quality.
Up attempts to depict a fantasy film under the umbrella of animated film but it didn't work out. It's fantastical idea of a flying house, stork interacting with humans and then tears of the experienced plus final conclusion of the film all couldn't uplift the film. It felt like unplanned thoughts finally broadcasted to the world. A totally indisciplined and chaotic visual experience. The ending is nonsense. No message or any fun time delivered. It's comic themes doesn't feel comedy at all, not relatable to all, only to some.
The film is like a collage of bit pieces of imagination combined, without any rational framework. It's strange that 1.1M votes bought it 8.3. It's not fair. Toy story was great. But for this, it's not 8.3. I would give it a 38/100. A 4/10.
A Wednesday (2008)
An impressive thriller.
A Wednesday is an example of brilliant thriller that questions the Government, it's working, it's policies. A film that enlightens us about political scenarios, earns the public sympathy and makes us think about our respective roles. We as common man choose govt for what purpose ? If not satisfied what we could do ? Naseeruddin Shah is that person who had the guts to question it, a 60+ old man with a shopping bag in hand and a clearly outlined activity that unknown to anyone but himself.
On a bright Wednesday, an Unknown man under the pseudo name 'A common Man' calls the Police commissioner that he will do exactly he is told or a bomb goes off in town. Just from that moment on the film grips the viewers attention until the climax with twists and turns throughout. Anupam Kher is the commissioner who has to manage this situation. Through various strategies he still fails to stop the common man and its intention but finally had to accept him as righteous guy. Throughout this there are many incidents of ups and downs, that triggers the confusion, curiosity and thrill of the viewers. The film ends though in positive tone which even successfully portrayed a nameless character throughout. But we all know, through a thoughtful guess, why is it so ?
Though it's a brilliant film with a unique unconventional storyline but still it has it's dull moments, has scenes not necessary at all. Scenes like electric baba, hacker's confidence and the police saying about Kaliyug are such. Some characters were heavily dramatised, very unreal. The film intends to deliver the brilliance of thought , I believe, not to depict real characters in real life. It's just a figment of imagination that the anger ridden but calm common man may teach a good lesson to all who need it. Just that, nothing beyond. Neeraj Pandey choses the fast narratives which was well executed though and script well written without leaving the flaws. Both Anupam and Naseruddin gave the best performance which helped in uplifting the film too. It was an impressive thriller made, as the final say with its own moments of cleverness and dullness. An 8/10 though and a 79/100.
Udaan (2010)
The flying Youthful Spirit.
Set in a depressive mood, Udaan tells a poignant 's story of a son's relationship with his father. Rohan, the central character of the film is a student of a boarding school who was expelled due to high mischief done in school hostel. His father Bhairav Singh, a business man, a bit short tempered, rude and hardlined person reflecting the true traits of abusive nature. Rohan returns home to stay with his father and pursue studies. Ronit Roy is so convincing as the rude father that it would be proper to say he alone lifted up the film. It felt like as if he is the bright point of the entire depressive mood. The relationship he and his little brother shares with their father forms the rest of the storyline.
Rohan loves poetry but Bhairav loves hard job like metal-iron work in industries. He want his son to do all that. Rohan is a young teenager, in love with life and the colors of it. Bhairav is in his 50s has left the world's beauty a long time ago, is aware of the truth of human lives, is distasteful for all aesthetics, but is passionate and materialistic. Rohan is caring, social and spiritual but Bhairav is ruthless, reasonable and isolated. Both never goes parallel and clashes in ideology. Rohan even smoked infront of his father to keep his commandments. I will not question it's genuinity but it well explained the abusive trait of his father. The film is a pessimistic symbol of the father son relationship which ends in their segregation. Rohan stood against the abusive attitude, took his younger brother and separates from his father. It is like flying away from darkness in search of light and hope. A very real touching and felt like true representation of human characteristics, light on one side and darkness on the other.
It's an interpretation though that Rohan reflects truly his mother who is not shown in the film. He is very unlike of his father. He decides to leave him when he thinks of remarrying another women. This is exactly what his mother would have responded, if she were in Rohan's place. Though this is not shown still a perfectly thought out trait, that compels viewers to agree with reality.
Udaan is the true story of Anurag as we all heard, the writer of film. V. Motwane has brilliantly crafted the story with perfect casting and exact narratives to tell the tale. The BGM is touching like the vibes of a young wanna be flying teenager, who dreams to break free all bonds of the world. The film is brilliant in showcasing this without losing it at any point of time. Though it depicts the son seperating from the father still it seems it ended in optimistic note implying a bird getting free from cage of fear. My favorite scene is when Rohan sits with his father in park saying his self composed poem. It's just simply ironic and awesome scene that speaks a lot of the characters and film itself.
Lastly it's a pessimistic experience no matter what it's climax. See it if you share similar ideology of saddened experience. But as a film it's brilliant. A cheer up performance for Ronit Roy and a thumbs up for V. Motwane. As a film, showing the spirit of youthfulness and the flying colors of young, Udaan definitely belongs to the group of masterpieces. A 98/100.
Aakrosh (2010)
Atmost average !
Aakrosh 2010 is 1980s masterpiece gone bad. It actually tried to show the same crime in judicial scenarios where corrupt administration stays on one side and good on the other. Rural Police, Politican and socially influential's are shown to be corrupt where the government of centre is showed as just. The set is similar to 1980s Om Puri's epic film but this is nowhere near to it. Not even average. Some things are finely shown which appears here and there with pieces scattered. It is sometimes emotions or camera angles or direction or BGM or performances.
Aakrosh, the word itself implies the intense hatred to connote resistance against negativity. But that intensity didn't appear in it. It attempted but failed. In its older version it was quite convincing, whether it be the content or acting or title. But in it all crimes and corrupt practices felt like an average routine in Indian system, devoid of fear or dark passion. Without that very fearsome and hypocritical traits hiding behind decent faces the so called 'aakrosh' won't be established. It was the very root of the film.
Apart from that the film shows many logical flaws, the Detectives from Delhi behaving like immatured teenagers or the confidence of the villains or the action scenes (train scene). The ending felt like it's a normal film where good wins upon bad like Kudrat Ka Kanoon. Paresh Rawal was good as the exploitive police but not his best. It felt like the 90s film where he used to play antagony prior comedy roles. The movie was also noisy, felt like made from a loud cultural perspective. The shootings and the blood boiling sentiments were showcased through voice not through subplots and brilliant narratives. It's just raw picturization of a rural crime scene without much thought applied on.
Lastly, you may watch it if you are Akshay or Ajay's fan for their duo was good to watch upto the end. 4/10 is for that only. But as a whole it's an average film of crime genre, missing a lot of reality. I haven't watched Mississipi burning but heard it's a complete copy of it. Well I left out that issue in this review.
A 42 on a scale of 100.
Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003)
A captivating tale of passion, confusion and corruption
HKA is a maestro's job of Sudhir Mishra, who hated Jane bhi do Yaaro a lot. Of course his film speaks the standards of serious tones and thoughts. His neutral views of the world and the portraying the present situation by inculcating realism and emotionalism throughout along the remembrance of 1970s insurgencies points his brilliance. He narrates the situations through the experiences of three college going students and their gradual journey to matured adults. The film is captivating in its tale of various incidents surpassing from traditional rural set-ups to modern english thinking urban style. All performances are brilliantly done even the minor roles and special appearances with pure Classical Indian tunes reflecting Indian scenarios perfectly. The title perhaps means Sudhir Mishra's desire to paint a thousand stories fabricate into one.
HKA is a tale of passion, where romance changes its role between Siddharth and Vikram and that too without violence within them. It's due to the educated traits of modern world where passion exists without inciting violence. The girl finally belonged neither to Siddharth nor to Vikram and the director very cautiously constructed the female character, which is not only believable but also impressive. It proves the fact that women sees all equally without bringing the jealousy into the fold.
HKA is a tale of confusion, where the viewers will keep on thinking who is the hero of the film and who, the antagony. Both Siddharth and Vikram faced terrible challenges during their activities. Siddharth is social rebel, kind of social guy with some dangerous ideas and wanna be revolutionary, easily controllable by a beauty. So he gets the girl. Vikram is a job holder with decent attitudes to whom only a fool could
refuse and Geeta was not among them. So it was a mess and passion plus confusion plays its role to teach both of them what they perhaps needed, if not for all then atleast for Sudhir Mishra.
HKA is about corruption where Indian administrative system is shown to be corrupted esp in rural areas. How influentials and rich unite with administration to recover their spoiled children. Police are the really the predators who stood for corrupt practices instead of justice. Vikram was beaten almost to collapsing point where a sheer bit of humanity by-chance saved him.
This film in summary doesn't has a rigid storyline with clear bounded plots. Instead it depicts various circumstances faced by the selected characters and progresses on that line with as much details and realism. Had the runtime been another one hour it would have easily retained the attention. Sudhir Mishra's narratives are impressive, serene and justifying. His diretion is powerful and honest, showing without compromising the mistakes of characters and the system. It's perhaps his best work. A film attempted to show neutrality but has optimistic theme. A straight 9/10 due to no well organised plots but due to perfect narratives of everyday lives.
On a scale of 100 it's a 89.
Omkara (2006)
A brilliant Adaptation of Shakespeare's Tragedy.
I will not review this film under the light of Othello upon which it is based, but rather upon the cinematic narratives of Vishal Bhardwaj who had crafted it in a way suiting to Indian atmosphere. The same characters and the same human situations with the exception of the set designs, costumes, language and other native tastes. Bhardwaj has dug up the jewel of human darkness and ugly side depsite the outer differences that has been blinded people through millenia. His narratives are powerful and are self justifying at every step. His direction is strong and stylishly done too, whether it was the jealousy inciting scenes of Dolly and Omi or the murder scenes or the treachery of Tyagi or the passionate feelings of the couples. It was just pure brilliance.
Omkara is about a man madly in love with a beautiful village girl, wants to marry her, receiving the same passionate love from her. But in this love story the conspiracy and betrayal plays a strong role twisting everything the viewers could rationally think of. It holds the attention upto the end, progresses through a journey of various circumstances involving politics and family issues, ultimately leading to the trauma of heart break. But it also ends with optimistic note when it concludes in the survival of one innocent person who was significant in the film. The movie basically is about the dark and unenlightening characters who thinks less and highly proned to outer influences. They succumb to all that are considered enemies of men, lust ego anger attachment and so on so forth. The messages are two in this film -
One, thoughtlessness ends terribly.
Other, truth ultimately triumphs.
Coming to the technical aspects, Langda Tyagi is the show stealing spot of the film. He is the motivator of evil, the conspirator, the controller of the main story and the most believable antagony of the real world. He speaks lies with comfort defends it and motivates others in executing his plan. He is to be feared for the damage he could do to the world. He is like the devil who silently works behind the scenario. Saif has done it with confidence. Omi is a thoughtless but honest person, who believes in love and in truth, fails to recognize the truth and untruth, which finally leads him to self destruction. Kareena, Bipasha and Kangkana are all same, wants love protection and trust from the world. Firangi is impressively done by Vivek Oberoi, he needs resurrection in Bollywood. The songs, BGM, the camera works, the direction and the script are all brilliantly executed. It retains the serenity of mood.
Vishal Bhardwaj has very neatly adapted Shakespeare's tragedy in the context of Indian settings with flaws as less as it could get. A simply brilliant piece of movie making with all the realistic people and performances. Though it deserves 10, but due to unoriginality of story and expertise of presentation it's an 89/100.
Bãhubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
An epic ending to Baahubali the beginning.
Baahubali : the conclusion is a perfect title chosen where it flashbacks to the beginning of Shivudu's father Baahubali, played by Prabhas himself with the same enthusiasm, vigour and confidence. It is a sequel well crafted by Rajamouli, where Shivudu's family history is depicted, who his father and mother were, what happened to them and mostly the heartbreaking betrayal by Kattapa. Having the exquisite look of historical set-ups, the bravery tones statement deliveries and the realistic characters makes this a brilliant sequel. Simply speaking it's a tale of the enemity between a man and his cousin. But within this simple story a detailed picture of human sentiments, emotions, love, betrayal and mistakes are painted.
Shivudu's (Prabhas) father named Bahubaali himself was a great warrior of Mahismati kingdom, who experienced jealousy from his cousin Bhalladeva. Baahubali had enormous physical strength, could lift up tonnes of weight as easy as pie. He was not only a brilliant warrior but also a moral and good person, helping the poor and needy that brings him social support more than Bhalladeva, who was the soon to be emperor of Mahismati. He marries Devasena who was proposed by his cousin. Soon envies turns the relationships sour. And few series of circumstances lead all this to the murder of Baahubali and rise of Bhalladeva who was the immoral ruler. He captivates Devasena, Shibudu's mother until the end but her son returns, kills Bhalledeva and takes the throne of kingdom. A well knitted story with properly tied up subplots and characters, delivering also the viewers tastes throughout. Few issues just like the part 1, still remains a point of criticism say for immatured VFX and unrealistic set designs. That's not the bright part, rather the characters are, I believe.
The conclusion also depicts the positivity of Kattapa, his loyalty and bravery, also this time for Baahubali's son has earned him much love and respect. The victory at the end implies happy ending and a vibe of optimism. Its entertaining, intriguing and engaging just like part 1. This is the perhaps Prabhas best film. Though not the best in total, but still a brilliant film from Indian soil from historical genres. A 92 /100.
Bãhubali: The Beginning (2015)
Brilliant Historical film from India.
Baahubali : The beginning is not an ancient drama rather an action based historical film narrating history with as much reality as it could grasp. The story may seems fictional but it's characters and their emotions are all convincingly genuine, as if the ancient human personalities were resurrected in modern times. This is a Rajamouli's masterpiece, where he bought back life to the ancient Indian history with vigour, passion and confidence. He brilliantly presented it to the modern audience fulfilling all aspects of viewers tastes.
The beginning is about Baahubali, a young man with tremendous physical strength, who easily lifts tonnes of weight with bare hands, has a princely link with a nearby kingdom Mahismati. He is bought up in a village but at a matured age he learns about his origins and the ugly truth about his past through various circumstances. This basically is the storyline, where then he listens the whole story of his father from the loyal Katappa, a most revered character of the Baahubali franchise. It ends in a question but sets out an interest for the second part. Rajamouli cleverly depicted the exact parallel of heightened emotional deliveries in both words and actions. The brotherhood, the friendships, the bravery, the love-romance, the betrayal, the hypocrisy are all hard hitting and convincingly real. Perhaps the physical strength and the bit pieces of VFX throughout the movie are fake but this could be understood as an entertaining angle rather than serious. We shouldn't forget that history is upto some extent a bit obtuse, somewhat distorted too. Rajamouli's Baahubali fits exactly this issue by means of bodily powers or VFX or heightened emotions. Katappa's loyalty, Baahubali's positivity, and Rajmata's folly are all message delivering plots. They are the brightest points in the film, that will make you remember this film for life.
Technically, the script is brilliant and performances are applaudable. They fits appropriately in those old characters which were perfect and inspiring in everything they do, whether it be war strategies or archery or community built ups and so on. The music too is uplifting, the characters are gripping, and the direction all marks the brilliance. The VFX issue is somewhere fades the truth hence a 9/10. But I feel Baahubali is not about special effects but rather an ancient political game of good vs evil, where the roles plays a strong parts.
In the end, it's a believable, uplifting and engaging historical film of political kingdoms fighting one another and within themselves for the power and greed. Though the ending is pessimistic where Baahubali is killed without any valid reasons shown still, it won't outweighs the positivity of the protagony throughout the film. A brilliantly climaxed film linking properly to its sequel, with brilliant technicals all fitting properly and last but not the least the brilliant script which holds tightly everything you would see in it. It's a brilliant historical film from India from south to be precise. A full 91 on scale of 100.
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Code is for people of light !
It's one of my favorite movie among the low rated collection. The movie touched my soul so book adaptation is left out by me. The movie is special for me. I think about it, watch it whenever I needed to get in touch with western "mystical- spiritual " world. This movie just never fails. Well done Mr Ron Howard but...
The film has some flaws like in the beginning - the murder scene. The film changes its tone in some parts rushes in some and then progress steadily in some. Nevertheless the story is good and thrill is well maintained throughout the film. A completely different perspective of grail quest is shown, imbibing the catholic flavor and the mythical ideas. The film is bold enough to depict some issues like sects believing in blood-shed, self molestations etc. The film grips the attention by showcasing the historical scenarios and then debates that follows, the intellectual discussion and finally the depiction of innocent thoughts prevailing through the faith. Some people comprising both inside ad outside the faith fails to grasp the coded messages and the innocence of faithfuls. Only the people of light could decode it to find the knowledge. Code is for the people of light not for all. That's an impressive idea within the realm of faith.
The film also has a serene narration, which ofcourse is necessary to paint the scenarios of catholic faith. The relation of Langdon and Sophie is also decent in that line. The antagony was unpredictable for me. I never guessed it. The BGM, the performances and the story all were good. The film very cleverly characterizes the people painting the reality of them in the arena of religion and faith. It is actually faith that we all need and politics plays its role in the name of faith, corrupting the minds of both young and aged. Finally the film ends in victory of the faith and faithfuls. The climax too is well justified, open to countless speculations, perhaps motivates viewers to research themselves. I really wanted some of those already mentioned flaws to have been corrected, otherwise it would have been a masterpiece.
I would highly recommend this to anyone with spiritual interest. It is like an attempt to speak in favor of apocryphal thoughts. For scholars it is must watch. Its a kind of classic in Christian apocrypha and this topic is not for all. Only scholars would understand it. For all its merits and flaws it's a 77/100.
Zakhm (1998)
The emotional wound.
Zakhm is an alluring, emotional, realistic and humanistic film ever presented in Bollywood screen. How Mahesh Bhatt presents the ugly side, the ignorant side, the simplicity too of human nature could only be praised by calling it a maestro's job. It's a definite classic having masterful techniques in storytelling and the musical support to it's sentiments. The direction is clean and serene paced and an equal position deserved in acting from the lead roles. Mahesh Bhatt beautifully crafted the progress of the film, gradually disclosuring the mystery of the film. His direction is gripping, engaging and detailed as much necessary. Zakhm really makes us feel the emotional wound of the protagony that shakes him and his family to the root.
Zakhm is about a family which was founded based on humanity, based on trust and based on love. This was not detailed but only referenced throughout the film. But as always there were people who oppsed such union. The film showcases the aftermath of the family where the two sons of the parent grows to be matured adults but one of them is ignorant of his mother's secret. The secret was soon disclosed by his elder brother but the suspicion comes to play, the factor of disbelief that gets close enough to shatter their brotherhood. Through a series of dramatic chitchats and quarrels finally the elder brother saves this relationship and takes the lead in fulfilling his mother's last wish.
Zakhm, as per my personal opinion, stands as the best film on religious dogmatism and politics on religion. Such a sensitive topic needs a brilliant director who could tactfully present it for people. M. Bhatt just proved his intelletual worth through this work. It will be one of his best, apart from Arth of 80s. He very cleverly pointed not only the political agendas behind the so called religion but also the innocent and ignorant people blindly succumbing to those agendas. The technicals like performances and BGM are all brilliant esp Ajay Devgan who plays the elder brother, with as much needed maturity. Ashutosh Rana as the politician and Ajay Devgan as the peaceful protagony are to be remembered for life. The songs are soulful and still beautiful.
Summing up this film is not just for entertainment but for experiencing the truth and reality of the social constructs. It is recommended for all by all standards, to be watched as a serious film. Being a national award winner it is rated only 7.9. A resurrection needed for this film with a rating of atleast 8.5. On a scale of 100 it would be a 97.
Drishyam 2 (2021)
What a thriller !
Drishyam 2 is an excellent sequel, continuing from Georgekutty's family saving attempt, finally ending satisfyingly from all angles. Here Georgekutty's fear comes to life and he deliberately struggles to save his family once again. This time too, all the civil servants of nation loses with an 8 fail cable operator. They were all one step perhaps 5 steps behind him. He thinks, plans, rethinks and executes his plan strategically controlling all aspects of the case. Georgekutty's character is perhaps the most brilliant character ever presented on Indian screen. Mohanlal about 60s bought out that trait in screen exactly as it should be. Love this film.
Technically the film is also perfect, proper scores, proper narratives with perfect timings and covering loose ends throughout without any significant flaws. The reality of human nature, of government officials are not compromised at all, which makes it easily appealing to real lives and so is impressive. The film's storyline is brilliant too, depicting how a common man could be so great mastermind behind a plot for saving his family. He is the culprit plus he is the innocent at the same time time, has a double life and a single life too. What a thriller !
A masterpiece in brilliant film making. The film also recaps Georgekutty's case just as an oral reference but with details clarifying confusion for the new watchers. All the performances are fine. And climax is applaudable. Recommended film and a straight 98 on a scale of 100.
Ishq (1997)
Loudy and Funny
Ishq is a good entertainer, with almost all genres mixed into one. It has romance, comedy, actions, drama, horror and a bit tragedy throughout the entire runtime. A good fun time entertaining film without compromising the loudness at all. The loud cannot be ignored which disturbs the mood if sitting for 2.30 hours, which is the film's length. That what bothers, due to which it's a 6/10.
Aamir, Ajay, Juhi and Kajol all acted well. Kajol is a bit matured than the rest who takes the lead in serious tones throughout. Ajay Samir and Juhi absolutely bought out the teenage restless lovebirds traits to screen. They also did preety good in acting the vengefulness traits of young lovers. Kajol is good as the victimised poor girl, Aamir too as the protagony who defends the poor against injustices of the rich. The comic plots are spotlight for the film and it will be remembered for that purpose. The dramatised parts are also engaging, has messages imbibed. The message of parent child relationships, the futility of wealth in building relationships etc. The presentation is also fast, not serene.
The story is good too. With some of the comic memorable scenes and horror themes the film presents the story of two poor people falling in love with two rich people. Then the troubles and adventures begins, which involves heartbreak, friendship being shattered and trust being broken. The scenes like monkey as 007 or garage scene imply a full fun time as well equally serious. But like usual fun film it ends with an optimistic note where families and friends being united again. For all its flaws and entertainment it's a 59/100. Though not for matured audience still a recommendable for entertainment.