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Kantara (2022)
Kantara - Surreal expreience
Kantara, Kantara ... oh what do I do with you. Do you really deserve 9.0 rating on IMDB? Hmmm yes actually.
First thing first - this review is based on my second viewing of Kantara on Prime on first day it was released.
I did watch the movie first time in a theatre but I feel my movie experience is severely impacted by very noticeable blaring sound, especially for Indian movies - anyone else feel that way?
Anyway, I was eagerly waiting for the movie to come on OTT to watch it again in the comfort of my own home theater with a large screen and reasonable sound system - my den.
People say that this movie is good in 2 parts the first 15 minutes and the last 15 minutes with forgettable in between - I beg to differ.
Actually the main reason for me to watch it second time was to watch closely the whole movie in its entirely and see if its really worth the high ratings - and it is.
This moview is full entertainment - great direction, great story, great music, great cinematography, great editing, great sound effects, great action, comedy (adult) and ofcourse great acting - lifted highly to a different level towards the end.
I have a special connection to the movie since I am originally from Mangalore and my dad has deep connection to his own diava temple in our native.
So this movie touches me at a level which is inexplicable.
To start with, before I knew this movie existed, I happened to visit Pilli Kula this October which is biological park/zoo in the outskirts of Mangalore. I felt a deep connection to the forest area even though I was visiting it for the first time - the whole experience was surreal.
I also happenned to visit Sai Radha Heritage which has used as the landlord's house in the movie - again a queer coincidence not knowing the Kantara connection.
Coming back to the movie - Kantara is not a movie - it is an experience.
However, I was disappointed that they changed the main song on the OTT version but its ok - but it does take away some impact - I am glad I saw it in theater the first time.
Nevertheless, I had goose bumps and tears in my eyes both times towards the end- I felt my roots were calling me - I felt my diava is calling me.
Your diava is powerful, you take care of your diava and he will take care of you - that is the message I heard.
It also made me appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of my dad to uphold these traditions year after year - I feel sad it took me so long to realize what he was doing - he was taking care of his diava.
Hats off to Rishab shetty for sharing Kumbala and bhoota kola rituals to not just India but hopefully to the world (hoping an Oscar nomination)
Operation Romeo (2022)
Intense and engaging
Surprised at the low ratings. Excellent acting by everyone especially Sharad Kelkar. The only other person who could have done as good as Sharad is this guy from Crime Patrol..don't remember his name. But Sharad was awesome and so were the debutant actors. Was happy to watch a good movie after a long time on Netflix..The director may have had many options on how to end the movie but his pick was brave but perfect.
Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Excellent get away movie
I had lowered my expectation after seeing a 7.2 rating on IMDb. I found that this was a great movie - much more than I expected. I almost felt I was watching a Hollywood period movie. Hats off to SLB for creating this masterpiece. You know a movie is good when few scenes give you goosebumps.. you have lump in your throat..you are totally captivated. This movie does that. Great acting by Ranveer, Deepika, Priyanka and supporting actors. Great cinematography.. dialogues and direction. Overall a well made movie on a tricky subject.. I think the Marathas should be very proud of this movie.. period. So coming back to the 7.2 rating (while writing this review).. who is feeding the bad reviews? surely people who have not watched it.. sad. If you are undecided .. please visit your nearest theatre and watch this..
World War Z (2013)
Great Zombie movie !!
First of all I need to admit -I haven't really seen any zombie movie. I try to avoid silly horror movies. But this is different - this one was way beyond my expectations. The story was gripping and I was thoroughly enjoying this visual treat - if I can say that. Brad Pitt was decent but the graphics and the story are the major highlights of this movie. I will be the one waiting for the sequel - hope they do make one. If you are looking for a light 'family entertainer' then this is the one. You may want to warn your little ones though on the horror part, unless you want them to see relive it in their dreams. I watched it at home in HD and loved it.
Jolly LLB (2013)
Good direction - excellent performances
I normally never watch unknown film on a Saturday but this one caught my attention and managed to make me watch the full thing !! I simply loved the direction and the performances. Though it was not a great story to begin with but the performances of Boman Irani and Saurabh Shukla makes it a worthwhile experience. I have a renewed respect for Saurabh Shukla. Boman is as usual clean as water - he is a born actor. Arshad was also convincing. Kudos to the director for pulling of a decent movie with some excellent direction !! The state of Indian judicial system is in full display. Amrita Rao had a small role but she was good. The other character actors were too good and refined in their performance. The only thing that seemed out of place was the songs - could have been avoided.
3 Idiots (2009)
Superb movie
I don't remember the last time I saw a movie and sad to myself - 'This has to be the best Hindi movie I ever saw' - that is exactly what I felt when I saw this movie. Good job by all involved. It was nice mix of comedy and emotions churned into an excellent entertainer with a nice message. Boman and Sharman were outstanding. Kareena and Mona Singh were adorable.. Aamir was superb.. Go and watch this movie.. you will not be disappointed. One word of caution though.. if you have small kids.. you may want to leave them at home.. there are some crude scenes too.. which maybe thoroughly enjoyable for grown-ups but you may not want your kids to see it.
Saawariya (2007)
Excellent movie .. sheer poetry
I strongly disagree people who have slammed this movie. This movie is a piece of art.I had heard bad review of this movie but wanted to see it myself to decide. Sadly I didn't see it on the big screen to maximize my enjoyment. Nevertheless it was sheer joy to enjoy it on my big screen TV. From the moment I sat down till the movie ended it was non stop poetry. The songs, the acting , the back drop - it was like watching a live play - simply beautiful. The songs are one of the best compositions.. the newcomers were okay but Rani was superb. If you see from the directors eye this movie is sheer brilliant work. The concept is novel the execution is methodic and clean. Overall a nice watch. Highly recommended. Well compared to watching Om shanti Om on the big screen I regret giving this a miss which was playing in an adjacent theaters.. sadly with empty seats. I think bad publicity and do I say negative publicity killed this movie. Well it was a gem of a movie which many sadly missed or just didn't get it.
Traffic Signal (2007)
Almost a documentary
I think Madhur has excelled once again with traffic signal. Be warned this is a not your regular Bollywood movie but a very different affair. Unlike Page3 and Corporate this one walks one the edge of being a serious documentary which is almost realistic and immensely enjoyable. It does make you think how fortunate you are for not being where the characters in the movie are. Having stayed in Mumbai for almost 25 years before moving to the states, I can really appreciate the work that has been put into it. Seeing foreign locales in every second movie that comes offshore (I am sick of it), it is nice relief to see Mumbai (even if it is elaborate stage) at its raw best (or worst?). Excellent acting by everyone but a special mention of Ranbeer Sheorey(I hope I got the name right). You can almost feel the character and feel relieved that it is just a movie. I think this guy deserves stronger roles similar to this. he is by far one of the most talented new faces that has come to Bollywood. I am trying my best to not give away any of the movie because I want people to be hit by it when you see it. To make long story short - you will not feel that you wasted your money if you see this movie in theater or at home. It is much better than many of the movies that you must have seen in recent times. Madhur - take a bow - you have more talent in you than you know - just needs a little bit more polishing and then you on par with any of the Hollywood directors. Highly recommended - stark reality !!!
King Kong (2005)
On of the best thriller seen till date.
This movie is long - Its like watching three movies but you won't really realize it until you glance on your watch. If you are sci-fi fantastic and can lap up every CGI graphics stuff then you will love it. I am one of them. The middle hour in the one for you. Kingkong v/s T-Rex - fabulous and at times quite scary. The gentleman sitting next to me screamed at least two times during one of the encounters :) Great movie. I haven't seen the original King kong but I guess I won't bother. I love Peter Jackson's work. My only complaint - they didn't show how Kong was taken to New York - I was looking forward for it.
Enjoy only on the big screen - don't wait for the DVD - you will miss one of the big events in cinema history.