Problematic as the exercise is, the appraising of actors isn’t all that difficult when the acting touches you, when you feel what you’re supposed to be feeling (or, sometimes, when you feel something else altogether) as the actors hit their marks. But how do you evaluate the performances of, say, Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep, the most widely acclaimed actors of our time, and whose exertions on screen – almost always – have left me confused about how to respond? It isn’t that they haven’t given great performances – or, at least, performances that I rate as great – in The Godfather Part II and The French Lieutenant’s Woman. But more often, I am aware of their acting, and how do you account for that? Do you marvel at the weight gain and the mastery of the Lithuanian accent and the precise angle with which the elbow is raised in proportion to the torso, or do you sigh that this is “acting” but not acting in the sense of sublimating the actor in service of the character?
My mind couldn't help toggling between the piece and two movies from 2009 - 3 Idiots and Rocket Singh
While most people saw Rancho, I couldn't help seeing Aamir Khan. Every twitch of the muscle, slack in the walk, squinting of the eye told me it was Aamir acting as Rancho. The problem aggravated since I couldn't find faults with his acting. As a 40+ actor he had pulled off a teenager's role rather well. But, it was still, an act.
Compare it with Ranbir's act in Rocket Singh. I haven't always been favorably placed to Ranbir. But his act in Rocket Singh, in my opinion, is light years ahead of many senior performers in the industry. Ofcourse the writing was crisp and full of wit. Yet, it was Harpreet's charm and innocence that stayed with me a viewer, not Ranbir's cool mannerisms. That the movie didn't work will be a peeve I shall hold forever.
Got a chance to watch Harishchandrachi Factory and Ishqiya this week.
I recommend Ishqiya for its rustic setting, unusual story, witty writing, fresh lyrics and Arshad. Vidya Balan has been a favourite since day 1, still, Arshad wins hands down in this one. I often wonder, how many more years before this versatile performer gets his due.
Harishchandrachi Factory is a commentary on Dadasaheb Phalke and the roots of Indian Cinema. The movie is very well made and has some hilarious moments. Apart from strong performances, it essentially outlines one man's vision. He sees gold where others see zilch. Finally it does boil down to acting upon ones convictions.
Please don't kill me for writing yet another review.
Normal blogging should be back in a while.
For now, I really have to spread the word for Harpreet Singh Bedi, errr.... apna Rocket Singh Yaar !
Yashraj isn't paying me for this. Heck, I had developed a strong dislike for the kind of cinema they were churning out.
But after a long time, I saw a movie that I could discuss long after the credits had rolled.
Don't get fooled with the title. The movie is about a salesman and more.
Apna Harpreet puttar is a "just pass" fresher who, for lack of greener pastures, joins a Computer Firm as a Salesman.
CAT mai toh baithne se raha. Baap Dada ke paas zyada daulat bhi nahi. Toh Chalo Ji, Sales kar lete hain.
He brings excitement, idealism and a naivete to the workplace. As expected from a novice.
So far so sweet.
But just how far can an eager, hardworking and idealistic guy really get?
Are the values he brings to the table enough to survive in the The Big Bad World of Sales?
Will the duffer who hates numbers survive in a game that thrives on daily graphs and charts?
That's really for you to find out.
I will only tell you what you should expect from this package -
- A fresh look, an unexplored plot
- Crisp writing. Killer dialogues. Jaideep Sahni keeps up the great work !
- Great Humour
- Finely sketched characters
- Tight editing
- Amazing performances from an ensemble cast
I eat my words. The guy is definitely on to bigger things. Perfect hai.
I won't say the movie will dramatically increase your respect for sales people. It doesn't have such noble intentions.
It will however, make you look at mundane things, often overlooked, in a new light.
It may not tell you what is right or wrong, but might just help you to take that leap of faith.
A feel good movie that will fill you with smiles and then, some thoughts.
My Thumbs Up to this lovely movie.
Waise, First Day First Show movie dekhna ke mazaa hi alag hai. And if it's a flick like Rocket Singh... Tab toh Sone Pe Suhaga ho jaaye.
Go Rocket Go !
The other day IndiaUnbound was thrilled after watching "Me Shivaji Raje Bhosale Boltoy".
After he was done, he sms'ed all friends about this little known movie.
A week later the fire had caught on, the cash registers were ringing and this movie was enjoying a full house everywhere !
Now, the movie buff in me just couldn't stop from going for this one !
So, kal shaam, I went for "Me Shivaji..." with a friend. I did have my reservations as rumours about it being a rip-off of the Munnabhai series had been floating around.
Let me tell you two things -
- It is NOTHING like the Munnabhai saga
- After ages, a movie has made me feel that every little buck spent on it was worth it
I LOVED IT.
I LOVED "Mee Shivaji Raje Bhosale Boltoy" !!!
Phewww....Let me tone down my excitement and thrill. The movie has had a domino effect :D
Ok -
The story - It showcases the life of an ordinary, middle-class Bhosale family. The Head of the family, DinkarRao Bhosale (superbly enacted by Sachin Khedekar) is a simple man haunted by his "Marathiness".
Day in and day out, he is bullied by various people and communities that have taken over Mumbai.
Ridiculed for being a "Ghaati" and a fakeer he is made fun of by everyone.
He is admonished for having dreams for himself and his family and is made to believe that he shouldn't aim for the stars.
Gadha Mazduri karo, pension khaao aur mar jaao.
Isse zyaada paane ki aukaat nahi hai tumhaari isliye umeed rakhna bekaar hai.
Ab apna hero bechara kab tak sehta? Andar hi andar ghut ta raha.
Finally, there is an emotional breakdown.
He feels ashamed of being a Marathi. He cries and laments the state in which Maharashtrians are in today.
Society has been un-fair to the community and how it has become the laughing stock everywhere !
Raj Thackeray would have felt proud at MNS and it's ideology being espoused by this movie.
Little would he have known ki Film ka asli hero toh kisi Fort mai baitha hai...
Aapla Shivaje Raje baba :)
Hero ki dard bhari cheekh Shivaji Maharaj ke kaan tak pahuchi. The movie then takes a pivotal turn.
Now, whether you are a Maharashtrian or not, whether you have been born and bred in Maharashtra all become insignificant.
You are bound to cheer on from this moment in the movie.
I would say it's a MUST watch for all communities.
The movie has a very strong message and is fast paced too. It very finely shows that -
"Believe in Yourself. You are your best friend an you alone are your worst enemy"
No lengthy monologues, no preaching.
Riveting performances by Sachin Khedekar and Mahesh Manjrekar.
Go For It !!
The reviews and ratings were right. Sad, but true.
Though I knew what I was getting into, I was very keen to watch Abhishek & Sonam and hoped they would bring to life the so called "Modern India"...
I wouldn't want to review the movie as it would be as taxing as the actual experience...
I just have to thank my lil bro - he has often been a life saver...always accompanied me to the dumbest of bollywood capers when everyone else has backed off...
This time though, he had enough too. He thanked God that I had no BF/Hubby - else I would have been dumped for expecting my guy to bear with such torture...
All I can say after watching the movie is that one hopes Abhishek takes a long, hard look at where his career is headed before it's too late.
I fail to understand his reasons for accepting roles which require absolutely no efforts or thoughts by way of inputs...
He is better of doing a Sarkar or a Guru - far meatier than his recent lame caricatures.
I love this trailor....I think Sonam looks very graceful and playful with the kabootar on her head...
I am eagerly waiting for this flick...not because of OmPrakash and the RDB magic...
But for Abhishek...I think he is far more capable than the movies he has been doing lately...
This has definitely been my personal "most awaited movie" of 2008.
I had wanted to catch a first day preview of this one. However, prior commitments held me back !
Later reviews flew thick and fast. Everyone had something or the other to say - a disappointment to a masala flick to a blockbuster !
I wanted to find out for myself.
I must say - I was absolutely enthralled by the movie.
Nope, unlike other Aamir movies - this one doesn't boast of a strong storyline. Also, it is a complete bollywoodish masala flick, with Aamir in a never seen before avtaar.
Yet, what clicked for me was the effort and sincerity of the movie !
Always known for his softie/boy next door roles, Aamir sure was a revelation in this one !
Apart from a body to die for, Ghajini brings out the "Animal" in Aamir !!
His metamorphoses from an introverted, high flying tycoon to a man blinded by rage and revenge are
spellbinding !
Being an Aamir fan - I was delighted to see my fave actor do something diabolical yet again !
He makes you want to smile and cry at the same time ! This is the power he holds over the audiences !
OK. Enough about Aamir !
Now, the story - The movie revolves around a man's search for the murderer of his beloved.
The twist here being that the protagonist has to live with his "short term memory loss" and fight the goons !
I found the movie to be loud in many places, first & foremost being Asin !
I wasn't impressed by the lady and felt she could have given a far better performance had she restrained her histrionics. You see, Bollywood audiences have outgrown Garish laughter and nakhras that are still a rage down south.
Jiah Khan was wooden.
Even the antagonist, Mr. Ghajini's role could have been given more depth. I say so because, Aamir sets a standard so high, that we need an extremely tough opponent against him.
Anyway, I was far too engrossed watching Aamir emote and flex his muscles than bother about a half convincing villian.
All said and done, I would recommend Ghajini to one and all - go and watch the power of this Khan !
Complete Paisa Vasooooolllll !!!!
Had a peek at Maharathi last night...
I call it a peek because I wasn't really watching the movie...went along with a friend who I had met after months and so there was lots of catching up to do...
So between our chatter, what I could make out of the movie was -
A shoddy attempt at making a thriller... outlining lives of an old producer, his pretty but greedy wife, their servant and a bunch of other couldn't care less for characters...
An amazing star cast, all keen on bringing to life - oddly sketched characters...
I was told that Maharathi had been adapted from a play and hence looked forward to the experience. However, the movie moved at a snail's pace with no clear end in sight...
One moment there is a murder investigation at hand and then suddenly there is "The End" !
My friend and I were surprised at such an abrupt end...he, more than I, since he felt cheated on paying for such a "Bakwaas" caper :D
What I loved though was Paresh Rawal's act...he had the best punch lines and seemed to the be the only saving grace of this "childish" thriller.
Naseer, Om Puri & Boman Irani have all been wasted in the movie and probably should avoid such capers in future.
Nothing to say about Neha & Tara, though my friend found them to be perfect eye-candies and "Hot".
I am here to complete a trilogy now…
Watched Mumbai Meri Jaan yesterday…
As you must have guessed - Here come my thoughts on the movie…
I wouldn't call it a review…as I feel some movies can never be sifted through the lens of objectivity…
I also wouldn't get into details and talk about the plot…In short, the movie sketches lives of 5 individuals and how their lives changed forever after the train blasts.
The script manages to get across many an insightful points - all in a poignant manner.
It is multi layered in its approach and brings out different shades that colour Mumbai and make it what it is.
Though, I am sure that the theme is now not pertinent only to Mumbai but spans all cities and towns that have been marauded by Terrorism and its aftermath. Yet, there is an uncanny spirit and attitude that one can associate with Mumbaiites !
The best thing about "Mumbai Meri Jaan" is that it leads without being judgmental and moralistic. There are no emotional outbursts/community bashing/unity/heavy duty dialogues on patriotism…yet it manages to drive all these sentiments subtly…
One revisits the anguish and turmoil faced by thousands on the ill-fated day…it gives you Goosebumps…
The movie is also a telling comment on growing greed and consumerism, media frenzy and insensitivity and the Mumbai Police…
It offers one loads to mull over without morose lecturing…it's straight-forward and unpretentious - much like an average Mumbaiite…
The performances are all A grade and inspire various emotions in the viewers.
All in all, a must watch for all !
I am afraid Anil shall win this argument.
Its seems am writing more movie reviews than most professional critics :D
But can't help it guys!
A few "Dildaar" friends have written loads of movies for me and other few always share their movies on pen drive.
Must say this is very beneficial - get to save money and watch world class cinema at home with Mom !
Ek teer se do nishaan ! :)
Anyway, watched "A Wednesday" today.
That the movie has stalwarts like Kher and Shah raised expectations sky high. Yet, nothing to worry about...the movie hits the jackpot for sure!
"A Wednesday" is a well crafted and a fast paced thriller !
From the word go - the viewer is entangled in the Chakravyu created on screen.
The movie is an addition to the "sleek and minimalist" bandwagon that has hit Bollywood recently.
Low budget, tight narration and commendable performances - this pot boiler packs in all and a LOT MORE !
The Climax is sure to raise lots of eyebrows and quite a few sighs !
An intelligent movie after quite some time ! I loved it so much that am ready to Forgive Kher for doing a "C Kkompany" !!
Anyway, I wouldn't want to spoil the fun for you - hence - go and watch it for yourself !
As IndiaUnbound would say - "Watch A Wednesday, Anyday !" :)
Friends had been going ga-ga over this movie ever since it released. A few had seen it thrice already...
And here I was - working away - not finding time to experience this great "commentary on friendship".
Finally, I did go for this one.
The movie revolves around 4 guys and their camaraderie. How things go wrong in their relationships and how each one licks and mends his wounds is all that the movie is about.
Rock On relies more on the performances than the story line.
A few scenes and the re-union seemed make believe to me... there wasn't anything new for the audiences apart from fresh faces and good music.
Yes, Good Music ! The lyrics were original and the music very fresh. Though I learnt later that a few tunes had been "Lifted" from here and there...
Out of the cast - Farhan stands out as expected. Though he has a long way to go as far as emoting is concerned, he does convince us as a No-Nonsense I-Banker !
Shahana Goswami too is very convincing as a dis-satisfied and nagging wife.
All in all - a good watch, though a tad slow.
Recently, I got a chance to catch Tehzeeb - a movie I have been longing to watch since ages.
I had read and heard loads of reviews on the movie. Yet, I remembered none since the movie is an old one now. Good for me, as I went ahead with an open mind.
I must say, I was greatly impressed. Khalid has always been known to direct simple, personal stories.
This one revolves around the estranged relationship between a mother (Shabana Azmi) and her daughter (Urmila Matondkar).
As the story unfolds, the viewer is taken into the peaceful, everyday lives of Tehzeeb and Salim (Arjun Rampal, in an understated and sleek performance). They are a happy couple who also look after Tehzeeb's mentally challenged sister Naazo (well portrayed by Dia Mirza) until one day, Begum Ruksana decides to pay her daughter a visit.
There is palpable excitement and longing on both sides as the protagonists wait to meet each other after long years. Yet, there are raw and hurtful emotions too, waiting to explode !
You see, Ruksana Begum has been the best the industry has seen. However, all the success has come at a price. She is held guilty in the eyes of her daughter - for ignoring her duties as a home-maker and a mother, for being a selfish, emotion-less woman, finally, for being the reason of her father's untimely death (played by Rishi Kapoor).
The story sees two strong-willed woman reason out, blame and fight for what they believe in.
Viewers are blessed with respite when the duo forget their differences, come together and share love and laughter like any parent-child would. However, not for long as there are always dark moments lurking to wash out the temporary paradise. The build up from an anxious wait to meet one's kin to the final explosion resulting in an endless blame game is interesting.
The movie plays on the premise of love being the most important legacy a parent can give to her child. One can't help but feel sad for a child's longing for love, attention and warmth while turning into a bitter, stubborn and a non-forgiving adult.
The movie is brutal, where it doesn't give it's protagonists a chance at redemption. One can only feel sad at a relationship gone awfully wrong.
Both, Shabana and Urmilla give spectacular and restrained performances. Their strength lies in the viewer not being able to decide who to favor and empathize with!
The movie does have a few glitches like forgettable songs, a slow pace and an irritating Diana Hayden. However, that shouldn't stop one from enjoying this otherwise well crafted and intelligent movie.
Have waited eagerly for this one...
Having seen Sarkar, I must say, I expected classic cinema this time around too...
However, this version was hugely disappointing...
I wouldn't want to get into any postmortem as do NOT think it deserves my time.
Just the very basics -
Story - Nil
Acting - Average
Background Score - Average
Characterization - Poor
The movie does not have enough substance to hold a viewer's attention for 3 hours.
The only thing that kept me motivated to get ahead were the wisecracks of my companions in misery :-)
All in all, you won't miss much if you skipped this one.
Mohabbatein
Mujhse Dosti Karoge
Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai
Bunty aur Babli
Neel & Nikki
Salaam Namaste
Ta Ra Rum Pum
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom
Laga Chunari mai daag
Aaja Nachle
Tashan
Can’t believe these mindless capers have come from the Illustrious Yash Raj Banner.
Last two years have seen the erstwhile classic movie maker turning into a warehouse of senseless Cinema.
We still remember Vijay’s angst in Deewar and Chandni’s ethereal beauty. People are still mesmerized by Simran’s innocence and feel nostalgic about Kabhi Kabhie’s lyrics.
Their movies have always entertained both – the masses as well as classes.
However, lately, in the name of experimentation, we are being fed on stupid cinema and lunatic story lines. Just WHAT got into Aditya’s head while making Jhoom Barabar Jhoom??
In this industry, your reputation is only as good as your last film.
People have been a little easy on the banner as they have had a proven track record. However, this won’t last long given the casual attitude that the makers have shown recently.
Most production houses these days put in a lot of money on packaging their product. Why can’t they understand that no amount of gloss, glamour and skimpily clad actresses can save them from doom IF the underlying product is hollow and worthless?
Yes, it’s not that difficult to breakeven in these times of multiplex cinema and popcorn crowd. But then, are we here only to churn out one forgettable movie after another? Or is the purpose to make truly entertaining and memorable movies?
The last Yash Raj movie that entertained me was Chak De. Reasons I can think of are - a mix of good story, strong performances and believable characters. Yes, all old fashioned tricks! Yet it worked.
It’s high time the House pulls up its socks and gets involved with damage control. Else Yash Raj shall soon lose its Raj over Bollywood.
