tulsi-das-khan Reviews

Apurva (2023)

Menacing!

[8/10 · 15 November 2023]

This was indeed a surprise package. I was expecting a shoddily done half baked crime thriller movie which sort of has been the 'speciality' of Disney HotStar in recent times. But luckily this wasn't the case with Apurva. First of all, the cinematography of the movie is top notch. It has been shot on real locations and the scenes are brilliantly shot. Even the BGM is good, it's not overdone.

But the main reason why this was such a good watch was because of the three menacing characters played by Abhishek Banerjee, Sumit Gulati and of course Rajpal Yadav as 'Jugnoo'. They ooze terror throughout the movie. It was great to see Rajpal Yadav doing a dark and negative role and he aced it. He's such a versatile actor. Also the movie keeps you on the edge of the seat throughout but the story and the plot is similar to NH10 starring Anushka Sharma.

Some of the negative aspects are continuity issues in some place, the actors not speaking in the chambal accent and few stretched scenes here and there.

Overall a good watch. Highly recommended.

Khufiya (2023)

How Not To Make an Espionage Thriller

[1/10 · 6 October 2023]

Vishal Bharadwaj has hit a new low with 'Khufiya'. After the underwhelming Charlie Chopra I was hoping that he will make amends with this movie. I was so wrong. This movie has one dimensional characters and a predictable plot. The intentions of the antagonist and made clear in the first half but as there is no character depth given to any of the characters, you'll just get bored in the first hour itself. To keep the audiences hooked VB has also added a gratuitous Wamiqua's bold scene which adds nothing to the plot.

In the end there were only unanswered questions, big loopholes and poor writing. It feels like the plot was written by a 12 year old. This film is another reason why Bollywood's mystery/thrillers are not at par with Hollywood. Avoid this movie at all costs, its just a waste of time. Rewatch 'Raazi' instead.

Kooman (2022)

Great blend of superstitions and human psychology

[9/10 · 9 January 2023]

So Kooman starts off as a story about an egoistic policeman named Giri and a few incidents happening in and around his village, how Giri's abilities and respect in the society is challenged and how he reacts to it. The second half takes a completely different turn and turns into a murder mystery thriller.

This is another masterpiece from Jeethu Joseph, the twists in the second half will keep you on the edge of the seat. What adds value to the movie is the BGM. It is outstanding and complements the movie. The climax was a bit stretched but man what a reveal in the end! It will blow up your mind. Can't believe it is rated so low, it should be much higher.

House of the Dragon (2022– )

Predictable plot, one dimensional characters

[3/10 · 22 October 2022]

I have completed all the 9 episodes so far and I can definitely say I'm not all excited or thrilled for the finale. In fact I don't care how the season is going to end, the writers of the show have done such a bad job.

There is no character development, the story is predictable; it's like watching a paint drying. To make matters worse, there's no chemistry between the characters so you don't feel connected to the show. The conversations between the characters are boring. The only positive point about the show is the performance of Milly Alcock as the young Rhaenyra Targaryen and Emily Carey as Queen Alicent. They were really good. They should've worked more on the character development and writing rather than VFX.

But do not watch this show, instead watch the first 4 seasons of GoT again.

Forensic (2022)

Not as gripping as the original, still a decent attempt

[6/10 · 24 June 2022]

I watched the original Malayalam movie a few months ago and was really impressed. The hindi version is good too even better if you haven't watched the original. The writers have also tweaked the storyline. Radhika was brilliant for the role; can't believe we see so less of her. Vikrant Massey could've done a better job as the easy going yet genius role of the forensic expert. Vindu Dara Singh was a waste and Prachi Desai was decent in her limited role.

Talking about the negatives, there are quite a few moments where the movie loses its grip and you'll be yawning. The screenplay could've been tighter and the unnecessary drama which had no relation to the story should've been avoided. The eerie backdrop of Mussoorie was perfect for the movie but the BGM sadly doesn't match with it.

It is still a decent watch, do give it a shot if you have nothing to do this weekend.

Watcher (I) (2022)

Overhyped

[1/10 · 21 June 2022]

I was pretty excited to watch this movie as I read some amazing reviews online. I'm still wondering what the hype was all about. The movie is overloaded with all kinds of cliches from beginning to the end. You name it all, this movie has it. Husband not believing what the wife says and thinks she's not well, someone following/watching the protagonist, slow build-ups which lead to nothing etc. Also you'll guess the ending of the movie by 30 minutes mark. Nothing new in this one, watch a Hitchcock movie instead.

Bestseller (2022– )

What a joke

[1/10 · 18 February 2022]

Bestseller is one of the worst series made this season. The plot was already weak and Arjan made sure to ruin the remaining good bits with his awful acting skills. Mithun Da and Shruti are are good actors but they didn't have a solid foundation of their characters. This was just lousy writing and no character development. This was destined to be a train wreck because of the backend crew. It is written by Anvita Dutt who is infamous for flops like Phillauri and Baar Baar Dekho. Director Mukul Abhayankar doesn't know how to make a thriller as he gives away the majority of the suspense in the opening few episodes making the rest of the episodes predictable.

Gehraiyaan (2022)

Absolutely brilliant

[9/10 · 12 February 2022]

Shakun Batra's forte is making engrossing films. Never during the 2.5 hours of the movie did I check my phone or moved from my seat. 'Gehraiyaan' is NOT just about infidelity; it deals with how a person's identity is interwoven with the family's history. The screenplay, direction, BGM is spot on. The story is pretty engaging and every frame is worth watching; a very deep movie which requires your full attention. The last 20 minutes of the movie is some of the finest story-telling I've seen in a long time; the twist in the end will blow your mind. The movie ends on a very interesting note too.

I'll be very disappointed if Deepika and Rajat Kapoor don't bag awards for their performances. Siddhant was good but they could've casted someone else in place of Ananya. She was unconvincing especially in serious moments, she can't act.

Take a bow Shakun Batra; you've created a masterpiece. Arguably the best director in KJo's camp. Deducting 1 star because of Ananya's pathetic performance.

The Great Indian Murder (2022– )

Boring, lazy and amateurish. Writers literally forgot about some characters and subplots midway

[1/10 · 5 February 2022]

When Prithvi is killed by Shabnam's sister, did Jagannath completely forget about him especially when he needed Prithvi the most? The writers completely forgot about Shabnam's and Debu Da's subplot. Why was Ashok not a suspect when the CBI officers knew he was present at the party? Who were the kids in the trunk? What happened to the body of the Nigerian officer found in the victim's room? There are many such loose ends throughout the series which the writers completely forgot. Shocking.

This is not an all out suspense series, it's more on the lines of Patal Lok. But please completely avoid this; besides all the plotholes and continuity the ending is too childish.

Looop Lapeta (2022)

I'd rather watch 'Run Lola Run' twice

[2/10 · 4 February 2022]

I'm simply fed up of Bollywood's petty remakes. Where is the originality? Looop Lapeta is another lame remake of a very entertaining German thriller 'Run Lola Run'. Even the dialogues are the same; they've translated the German dialogues in Hindi without even thinking for a second that they don't seem to fit the Indian context.

Tahir deserves better movies/shows.

The Woman in the House (2022)

Kristen Bell was the only savior in this failed parody

[4/10 · 29 January 2022]

It gets silly, it gets predictable and the jokes fall flat. The dry and dark humor looks forced. Its like the writers were confused as to whether the show should be an all out thriller or a spoof. The ending will be the stupidest thing you've seen in a long time; even as a parody. It's another big let down by Netflix. Kristen Bell was superb though.

Mr. Robot (2015–2019)

If you survive the first two seasons, you're in for a treat

[9/10 · 9 January 2022]

Great story, great acting, great character build ups. Prepare to get your mind blown in almost every episode of season 3 and 4. But here's the catch : you'll have to survive the first two seasons. S01 is a decent watch, but quickly becomes straight outta Fight Club. S02 is the most boring season of the lot. Could've even reduced it to 10 episodes.

Just be patient and trust me the rewards that you'' get are fantastic.

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021)

Plays it too safe

[4/10 · 7 January 2022]

When you are making a movie on such a sensitive issue, you have to go all in. Unfortunately CKA fails to do that, it only revolves around the topic but does not go to the core of it.

Another issue with this movie was the lead actress. Vaani plays a trans woman and she fails miserably. The character needed a very strong acting base and Vaani Kapoor falters in those few powerful scenes.

Ankahi Kahaniya (2021)

Ankahi hi rehne dete Kahaniyo ko to sahi rehta

[1/10 · 19 September 2021]

Netflix literally burning subscribers' money by giving us such poor shows all over the year. Nothing good about the stories, Abhishek Chaubey's story was watchable but that's about it.

The Gateway (I) (2021)

Painfully boring

[2/10 · 3 September 2021]

The makers took a great concept and butchered it by making the movie painfully slow with meaningless conversations, unnecessary buildups which lead to nothing toppled with poor cinematography. And the ending made no sense whatsoever.

The only saving grace of the movie is Olivia Munn. She's brilliant as the emotionally vulnerable and timid Dahlia.

Helmet (I) (2021)

Great concept, average execution

[6/10 · 3 September 2021]

"Medical store se nirodh khareedna ek rashtriya samasya hai". The makers have taken this national problem and made a movie out of it. It was such a promising plot but Satram Ramani has not capitulated on the script. Yes there are some really funny moments but a good portion of the movie was predictable and straightforward. Even the ending could've been tighter.

We finally get to see Aparshakti Khurana in a lead role and he has done a good job. Pranutan Bahl was also good in her limited role. What works for the movie is the great supporting cast especially Abhishek Banerjee and Ashish Verma. Just hope to see them in more projects.

Watch it if you have nothing to do this weekend.

Hostel Daze (2019–2023)

The impact of TVFs core team quitting is pretty evident in Season 2

[1/10 · 25 July 2021]

Season 1 was pretty solid, hilarious joy ride. What a let off Season 2 has been. The quality of jokes dropped harder than my CGPA. Jhatoo aka Jatin was the only savior of S02. They haven't even kept the consistency in storyline. Ankit was a civil engineering student in 1st year but in 2nd year he's a CS engineering student. Did not expect this from TVF.

Mektoub, My Love: Canto Uno (2017)

Garbage served in the name of art

[1/10 · 22 June 2021]

Abdellatif Kechiche is one of those pseudo intellectual directors. Filming with a shaky camera, hovering the lens over the characters to give the viewers an insight into their predicaments, needlessly, poorly written dialogues which add nothing to the movie DOES NOT make a movie artistic.

Sherni (2021)

Best Movie of 2021 So Far

[10/10 · 18 June 2021]

Amit Masurkar has done it again. Can this be India's official entry to Oscars this year? It certainly has the potential. What works for this movie is the authenticity and the rawness. You'll get transformed into their world. Each and every scene is a gem and does not feel out of place. Intricate detailing has been done for each and every character. The actors have done a fantastic job; especially Vidya Balan, Vijay Raaz and Brijendra Kala.

Full marks to the writers and the director in researching what goes behind the scenes in a forest department and the way the senseless and illiterate politicians are ruining the balance between humans and nature. He has covered the in's and out's of the department and has given us a never seen before, one of a kind masterpiece. Please do watch it!

The Virtuoso (2021)

Yawnfest

[1/10 · 30 April 2021]

I was looking forward to this because I am a huge fan of hitman movies. The trailer was promising, it had Sir Anthony Hopkins and Abbie Cornish; what else do you want? Boy oh boy, they have butchered this. The movie is so boring right from the beginning that you'll find yourself yawning throughout the movie. Endless, poorly written dialogues, half hearted performances. You'll predict the ending within the first thirty minutes. Very predictable. Stay away from this trash.

Kathmandu Connection (2021– )

Bugged with flaws and cliches

[4/10 · 23 April 2021]

The storyline is so shallow that without side stories and fillers, the series would've finished within an hour. I had such high expectations with this because it had Amit Sial and Gopal Dutt in the lead roles. But the show had so many flaws and the typical cliches. To start with, the whole 'connection' with an hotel in Kathmandu is based on a hunch; all the criminal in the series are so stupid that they make the calls using their own numbers.

Regarding cliches, the DCP has a troubled marriage, his assistant does not have a personal life because he is always assisting his DCP, a forced love story, DCP getting suspended for not following orders then carrying his own investigation etc. You've seen everything hundreds of times. I expected better from Sony Liv. This was really poor execution of a promising script.

I'm Not in Love (2021)

Tries too hard to be refreshing, in the end it's just borefest

[3/10 · 13 April 2021]

Here's the thing about rom-coms. You really need to think out of the box, make something creative to stand out. "I'm not in Love" fails to do that. The one liners fell flat, the chemistry between Rob and his friends fell flat, some scenes felt like watching a theater play.

The love story looked forced. The stand out performer was Cristina Cataline. She did a fine job but that's about it. There's nothing new in the movie, you've seen everything before.

Silence: Can You Hear It (2021)

Predictable, feels like a shoddily done CID episode

[1/10 · 26 March 2021]

If you are a mystery movie fan then you'll easily predict what's going to happen next. Amateurish direction, lazy script writing. The Mumbai police station looks like the CIA headquarters, Prachi Desai playing a police officer is shown in tight jeans and top while on duty like she's out for modelling and not solving crimes, they have the state of the art software which can track any device within seconds etc. And many other absurdities.

Then there are the usual cliches. The movie would've been finished within 10 minutes if the police played the camera recording near phone booth LOL! So you can imagine how dumb the plot is. Watch it only for the performance of Manoj Bajpai. He was amazing like always!

Trust (II) (2021)

Awful Movie Exacerbated by the Worst BGM

[2/10 · 13 March 2021]

Here's a snippet of how bad the writing of this movie is :

"Did anything happen in Paris?"

"No"

"With full honesty, all cards out on the table"

"No, I'm not gonna answer that question"

"Well would you please answer that question?"

There's a scene where this presumably attractive Irish dude who goes by the name Ansgar fondles Brooke's thighs WITHOUT her consent and she feels uncomfortable. The very next scene they are both conversing like nothing ever happened. Minimal efforts have been put into script writing and the direction. The performances by the actors were below average. Making matters worse was the background music which had no relation to the story nor was it remarkable. The music doesn't even stop for like 10 seconds throughout the movie!

Not to mention movie is flawed. Please avoid this at all costs. 2 stars for Victoria Justice. She looks stunning throughout the movie.

Behind Her Eyes (2021)

First 3 Episodes : Borefest, Last 3 Episodes : Cringefest

[1/10 · 6 March 2021]

This show starts off as a psychological thriller but turns into a teenage fantasy drama in the end. Why? Why ruin such a strong build up?

I can definitely say the reviewers are 12-13 year olds who think that it was a massive mind blowing twist. It was filled with cringe, full of loopholes and just lame writing in general. I was rolling on the floor laughing during the climax. It was ridiculous.

Please avoid this at all cost. But gotta give credits to the PR team of this series man! Providing the buzz all over the internet to make us watch it.