sandhirflora Reviews

Meeruthiya Gangsters (2015)

Crime of Filmmaking ??

[6/10 · 23 September 2015]

Agreed that film MEERUTHIYA GANGSTER is a film for niche audience & cinematically it's not a very polished product, yet it is a content- rich, gritty, quality cinema, one of the better films this season. The Debutant Director has attempted something praiseworthy though nothing new and that is he has not gone into the dark zone of criminal thrillers, instead he kept the treatment light, interspersed with good, realistic comic elements. Plus he attempted to make a crime film that can be viewed with the family ( & i think it is the first time ever in the history of Indian cinema?) Yes, the film has saved itself from cuss words, filthy language, objectification of women, bar dancers-pimps- prostitutes, vulgar scenes, excessive violence & blood shed. Kudos ! I wonder, how come a whole lot of critics went against this film and has given it low star rating. Is it just because apart from Anurag Kashyap as a presenter, there is no big name attached with this film ? I smell a rat.

Haider (2014)

A Relevant Cinema

[8/10 · 4 October 2014]

When you go to see a Vishal Bhardwaj film you know what to expect and this film do not disappoint on that front. It is one of the better works of Vishal Bhardwaj though Maqbool (2003) remain his best and with this film he completed his trilogy of Shakespeare tragedies with a Omkara (2006)in between. With the backdrop of Kashmir insurgency, military invasion & terrorism, this adaptation is not just contemporary but has merged well with the Shakespeare's original Hamlet. Hamlet is known to be most complex work as it also has controversial overtones of Oedipus complex, a much taboo subject till today. Vishal dedicated this film to his father, Late Mr. Ram Bhardwaj, a lesser known film lyricist who never got his due and died a premature death. The problem of Kashmir though extensively but half-heatedly covered in so many films but here with the problem actually forming the backdrop and with few scenes & dialogs, it conveyed much more than all those films put together. The backdrop is violent and scary but rather than depicting excessive violence the focus is more on the impact it creates in the lives of people & thus makes a bold statement. The film is a winner on many fronts- Camera-work, Art Direction, Performances, Costumes etc, thus the craft is in full form. Yes, overall it is dark, depressing, gloomy and not meant for those looking for conventional entertaining cinema. With 2.42 Hrs, it is slightly lengthy. Overall it is a relevant cinema, a good piece of art.

Ship of Theseus (2012)

Gem of a Cinema

[9/10 · 21 July 2013]

Anand Gandhi's SHIP OF THESEUS is in one sentence an amazing story, amazingly shot. One rarely came across a film where narrative is powerful but the visuals add a whole new subtext, a new dimension to the overall experience. Without being too arty, intellectual or surreal, it is an original piece of cinema, where there are moments when you wish your characters to stay silent and they get into arguments and when you expect them to say the things, they stay silent yet speak a lot. It is a classic example of a wonderful use of the language of cinema. It engages your mind provided you have not left it at your home to watch a mindless entertainer. It is intense, sensitive thus overall a rare gem of cinema. Overall Good.

Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)

Talaash of a decent story

[6/10 · 5 December 2012]

It is not your usual masala entertainer but on the contrary a dark, brooding slightly depressing psychological-suspense thriller. Contrary to most of the releases these days, the pace is slow & more character driven, performance-high which works well once you get hooked to the ambiance of the film but surely it is not a film for everybody. Story does not have too much of surprise element & just one twist in the climax. It is a simple story told in a way such that it unfolds step by step till end. Therefore in this plot-driven film the way the story is told is its unique factor. The treatment is realistic, not stylish without an element of forced comedy, item songs, romance or even other masalas. At no point the film is distracted from its central point. Quite a daring effort considering that this film is made with commercial cinema stars, keeping commercial parameters in mind, on a big scale, yet no compromises are made on the treatment. The haunting background score is another highlight beside performances. But Dialogues could have been better. All in all, it is a fairly decent attempt.

Mausam (2011)

Old Vintage Wine

[25 September 2011]

The critics of the nation has a definite agenda and that is to force only a certain category of films to the audience as general entertainers that have crude, loud comic situations, stupid one liners, mindless action & item numbers. MAUSAM thankfully does not have any of these and therefore for them it does not qualify for "General Audience" and thus is not a part of "Mainstream cinema". It surely does not have outstanding content and is not a masterpiece but rather a sensible film having good music, restrained performances & an original, gripping narrative, which can be viewed more for an experience. The film unfolds like a visual poetry on celluloid. The film can be compared to old vintage wine, those who know the taste will get it. It surely is one of the better films to come out this year.

Aarakshan (2011)

Reserve the seats but for whom ?

[13 August 2011]

Undoubtedly it is a sensitive issue and it would always require some guts to film this subject. Therefore Director Prakash Jha definitely delving on a solid burning issue rather than taking up an easy route full of silly romances, forced comic events and mindless action sequences. But the real question is- does this film serve that very purpose which it starts with ? This film surely does not fall in the same league as Filmmaker's previous successful attempts viz. Gangajal/ Apaharan & Rajneeti. The film is not centered or crafted around the subject of Reservation but just touches it on the surface. In second half, it is rather a good vs. evil common conflict i.e. fight between a Principled Professor against the present education system. On Plus side are a couple of scenes, few dialogs & a handful of performances that strengthen the film. Pre-interval film touches upon the sensitive topic but rather shyly, and instead of trying to find a balance between the two opposite ends it is tilted towards the Govt. Policy of Education based Reservation. If such was the intention, then it would also have showcased the solution to the problems of those who got affected due to implementation of Mandal Commission. Not every body is as lucky as the character of a Brahmin student shown in the film who got financial help from his mentor to pay for a donation seat. Anti-reservation sentiments should be given an equally strong voice rather than a weak voice like Prateik Babbar. The problem lies in the plot itself where issue has dealt in more one-sided way. If film- maker want to avoid a debate/ controversy by just stamping approval on Govt. policies then he should have chosen to make entire film on other related issues that this film later takes up without addressing the first cause viz. ill effects of growing Pvt coaching centers or reforms needed in current education system. But when one has to touch a political issue, leave apart taking a stand at least film should have a perspective, should have its own say and just not revolves around the same dispute, that everybody is aware of and just leave it at that. In all such matters the film comes across as a confused, half-hearted, half-baked product, which though brought the issue to forefront but leaves it without addressing it heads on. The very fact where protagonist Mr. Bachchan declares : " Grassroot level education par equality on education mein HUM fail ho gaye isliye aaj ye stand lena padh raha hai" come across as a statement from the mouth of a Govt. spokesperson. State clearly who are those "HUM" ? Who has given right to this "HUM" to create a mess out of an education system ? Anyway, all said and done this is more a pro-reservation film. The major part of this film is being shot on the erected sets and therefore production values remain tacky. A suppose to be "Tabela" looks more like a "Farmhouse" or "resort". Even the execution has its pitfalls : Too much unnecessary drama, too loud, noisy, over the top and too filmy. My overall verdict : Poor. Still wish to go for a relevant film.

If you really wish to watch a controversial issue based film which covers up a burning topic, addresses both sides, take a perspective, look for a resolution, plus a warning even on the after effects of resolution, then watch small,. non star cast, 1 hour film : Kya Main Qaafir Hoon? " (2009)directed by Sandhir Flora.

Delhi Belly (2011)

Refreshing & different

[21 July 2011]

Smart, sassy, intelligent, wicked, hilarious- these are few adjectives to describe this offbeat, path-breaking film. It is quite a task to be offbeat as well as entertaining and this film strikes the right balance. Though it belongs to same genre or type of black comedy cum thriller that one has recently seen in Yeh Saali Zindagi & Shor In The City. Plus one big difference is there- while those two are made on modest budgets but this one has a decent budget and that difference added up in this one being well shot with high production design. A sharp script, witty dialogs, good camera work, and catchy songs are few things that give film that extra edge. No I am not going to mention anything about the filthy language in dialogs as enough has been said about it giving this film that extra unnecessary publicity, which in anyway is no big deal. Though film is marketed as a youth-centric film due to commercial reasons but the fact is there is no specific orientation or connection one can find in the film. In fact it is a film for film buffs of all ages.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

A take on living life to fullest

[21 July 2011]

Want to know how super rich kids of the country spend their vacations at foreign shores? You can have peek-a-boo at them in this film. Director Zoya Akhtar's second film takes a road- trip to the exotic, picturesque locations of Spain, with the high dose of adventure tourism & events, through the eyes of three bachelor friends. This film does same service to Spain Tourism Board that Mr. Yash Chopra's Films has done to Switzerland in past. It is a film about male bonding written by two females- Zoya Akhtar & Reema Kagti. The good part is that it is unpretentious, and does not follow the forced route of dramatic, or stupid hilarious situations, the usual highs and lows of the plot, that today's audience call it their dose of "entertainment"/ stress-buster, or rather their escape route. Yes, the film is daringly different from run of the mill as there is little conflict to move the story forward. The events come like a chapters in the textbook or like episodes. In this age and time, when in order to get a film noticed one need to have a unique packaging and a different look. The film in this department stays honest and delivers what it intends to deliver, a neatly packaged, well shot, designer film. A rather smart Product targeted specifically at urban audience. There isn't much of a script either and it is not required. In fact this is one area where another film called BLUE (2009) failed as instead of keeping story & narrative simple and craft it around just deep sea diving, that film gets into a very make and believe masala plot, which definitely was not required, and was superfluous and thus it failed. On the contrary, this film just follows one straight track, where by the end the three friends not just discover a new foreign land but also led to their self-discovery. Sounding philosophical and too heavy?? nah ! the film steer clear of too much gyaan, on the contrary it is a light, feel good film, miles away from the drudgery, daily routine, life of middle class. On positive note, the three major characters look life-size not larger than life & therefore relatable. The middle class of this country who rarely get such experiences can experience such life at least from the confines of cinema hall. After all perversion is a new form of entertainment. The locations are well captured especially the camera work of sky-diving & bull-chasing sequences which are sumptuous and breathtaking. An interesting part about Katrina Kaif's character of diving instructor- one who easily forms a close-knit friendship with three testosterone heavy young males in a quick span of time as if some smart cookie waiting for one such life time opportunity of hooking one such fellow & impressing him with her "exclusive" pop-gyaan so that she herself can get rid of her "hard" life of diving instructor and can enjoy the luxuries of future life from this "with benefits" friendship. But again, thinking from a stupid, middle class perspective, has no place in such premise. Overall Film is above average. Watch for an experience if not for narrative or style. A word of caution for those males who are about to get married: Stay away from this film and watch it only after your marriage.

Bhuddah Hoga Tera Baap (2011)

For fathers only

[3/10 · 3 July 2011]

One can expect at least half a decent stylish action and a racy thriller from South import Puri Jaganndh, who is real brain behind super hit WANTED (2009) but what one get to see is a film which is again heavily borrowed or rather influenced from his earlier film minus the chutzpah and energy. There are some funny moments and overall film moves at brisk pace with a few and far fetched well executed Action scenes but overall the film fails to make the required impact and scores just a notch above the run of the mill. There is no freshness in narrative as audience has seen all this in last couple of years. The idea might have some potential but is not given a shape of a proper story and therefore is not exploited properly. The director seems to have lost in the bargain and piece together some action, comic scenes & songs with famous dialogs from Superstar's earlier film rather than putting it in a fresh perspective and make something interesting from it. Bachchan Sr. has played the character of "Angry Old Man" better and with much restraint in 2004 film Khakee. Here the whole effort appears like a half baked attempt between a spoof film and an action-thriller. Overall Below Average i.e. weak.

Shaitan (2011)

For the devil inside you

[5/10 · 3 July 2011]

This thriller is shot stylishly and débutante director Bejoy Nambiar has crafted some stunning visuals that break the norms of conventional cinema and sets a narrative that is very much a new age bold cinema, a far cry from run of the mill. Camera-work and action sequences need special mention. It is offbeat, unconventional and has a pace … yes but the overall result looks like a half baked product. The reason- the film has no clear motive, thus narrative suffers after a point. The statement of filmmaker is not very clear therefore the characterization is incoherent. The film has its interesting moments & there are some fine performances also but the film culminates to a climax which is obscure. Overall, Average.

Thank You (I) (2011)

For your encouragement

[3/10 · 25 April 2011]

With such a title Director Anees Bazmee expresses his gratitude towards that limited loyal audience who came to see this film by saying –Thank you which means- "You again tolerated my same routine stuff without much of a complaint. Good, I will continue making remakes of my own film No Entry (2005) as well as David Dhawan's Shaadi No.1 and you please don't stop watching them." My suggestion to Anees Bhai is make one more such film with Akshay Kumar and keep its title as SEE YOU AGAIN. I bet, people will again take title of your film seriously though not your film and will throng the theaters. But please don't forget to send me a cut in the profits of your next film as for the same content, I am suggesting you a fresh title at least.

7 Khoon Maaf (2011)

sacred sin of filmmaking

[7/10 · 2 March 2011]

Choosing saat khoon maaf to be made into a film itself is a bold decision because this original Ruskin Bond story ( Susanna's seven husbands) is daringly different and a difficult stuff and to adapt it to popular taste is a mammoth task which only a master craftsman like Vishal Bhardwaj can pull off, and that too on a big budget/ decent production values and with a top actress plus cameos by top other male stars. He tried to adapt it slightly for popular taste which i think he should not have done. The premise of this film is deadly/ macabre and depressing which shows the other/ darker side of popular emotion called love. For masses it was difficult to imagine why a person keeps on killing someone when got spurned in love as they are used to watching those sugar-coated fake Yash Choprasque romances where love always gives positive results/ transforms life for better & wins against all odds. But how many really give a thought to the fact that in reality it does not happen that way always and it drives people to extreme measures where many times passionate people take lives/ give their own lives. Yes, firstly Bhardwaj has the daring to take you cinematically to that other side of the fence. But Bhardwaj has his own reasons for choosing a very direct/ straight and linear fashion of story telling, one which is less in content, but surely the audience who admire his kind of cinema ended up asking for more. Little more of the angle of romance between the servant boy and lady Sussanna should have been highlighted or rather revealed. Performances are average A positive side is there is ample use of dark images with the superb play of shadows which ultimately keep the ongoing interesting as well as mesmerizing. It is backed by good music & exotic locations. In all if one is watching films for experience, yes here is something to look for but if cinema means only popcorn entertainment, i can't say much, you understand better.

Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011)

Ye saali film

[4 February 2011]

FILM REVIEW: YEH SAALI ZINDAGI (2011)

It is a refreshing, quirky, roller coaster ride, a hilarious take on life, loaded with crime, deceit and wry, black humor. It does not offer anything very new yet the best that 2011 has offered so far.

It falls under the same genre as film "Kaminey", but is made on a modest budget. It is colorful, wild and wicked with songs used in an innovative way that does not distract story telling. Cinematography is good. editing is crisp. First half an hour of the film baffles you. But once the film gets its groove it moves at a slick pace. All Actors are perfectly cast but above all it is writer director Sudhir Mishra's film who is again in his best form.

Raavan (2010)

Analysis of the criticism

[6/10 · 23 September 2010]

I have seen RAAVAN and without being pretentious I can say I find this film thoroughly watchable and interesting, though not a great piece of cinema. What I observed in past few days is- almost all critics of the nation joined hands and together ripped apart a vulnerable film just because it has not given great box office results in its opening day. But honestly, when is a box office report a criteria of a good or a bad film? Yes, this point needs analysis, not the film.

You might find this review biased but so are all the reviews I have read about this film. This is not "Mani-Bhakti" either. But this North Indian vs. South Indian debate should stop. There are elements where this film scores above others. A lot of elements were better than expected and some are less than expected. The only thing is it is a kind of movie that did not met people's expectations. There are certain films which are seen, enjoyed & analyzed not for their content part. Their parameters are different. It is like a book which you read for its use of language and not the subject per se. In any case, why anyone even expects high quality content or great, fresh storyline in any of Mani's films or rather anyone films? Mani's films always have very thin, simple story lines (right from Roja) but very high on visual style & visual Opulence. I think that is his trademark and here it is in plenty. If one is aware of Mani style of narrative & filmmaking, then he should know what to expect from his films. This one is not his best film, neither one of his better films.

It is a film that finds its grammar, its language and its lyricism in an unusual way, of how its visuals are crafted. Though there is an interesting story also but that comes only in the last 20 minutes. It is sublime, with political overtones and context, and yes, one wished if it can be more explored. There is a twist given to the great mythological Ramayana also which might offend few but hey it is just a story. The film stays clear from making any definite statement. Call it if you could, a long, drawn visual gimmick but at least not a superficial one. Who else can take you right in the middle of dense forest, rocks, waterfalls, rivers, mud & make you smell and feel it. How many Indian filmmakers you know, would attempt something like this? The last one such film I can remember is 2000 released RGV's JUNGLE, another not so great film but yes another brave one. As far as performances are concerned, enough controversial statements have appeared and therefore I will not add to it except that actor Vikkram has acted very well. The cinematography and the sound design is world class. The stunt sequences (Sham Kaushal & Peter Hain) especially the pre-climax fight sequence on the bridge, is one of the best that you can ever get to see in any of Hindi film. Sorry, you don't watch films for that. Point taken! One more thing such films can be watched only on big screen but if you are worshiper of this U-tube or DVD fad, then sorry again, this one is not for you. If you are the one who watches a film once in three months in cinema houses (one probably being 3 Idiots & next may be a Housefull or something) again this is not for you. Because if you are looking for your usual territory of a Popcorn entertainment well my advice is watch those tried and tested, reused & recycled stuff like My Name Is Khan/ Atithi Tum Kab Jaogey & Housefull. For just plain entertainment, you can watch 3 Idiots for 10th time; at least a purpose is fulfilled. To me, entertainment is too personal. It is a way, how you define it.

On the contrary, it is one of the better films –better compared to most of the other films released this year. Undoubtedly, it could have been better. Dialogues are weak. But more than film it is an experience and a thorough one. Latest example in this context is - Hollywood blockbuster AVATAR which is more an experience or thrill than a great logical story telling. But it was refreshing. Sorry I was not keeping track of the story or characterization, I don't felt the need for the same. It surely is not the top thing in such type of lively jungle adventure. But I agree it is not a film for everyone. I agree that characters should have more neatly sketched but in this kind of setup I don't mind what I get it. One more thing, this is surely not a film about authenticity or reality. Please don't try to teach a Maestro how to write, shoot or edit a film. Please leave those jobs best in the hands of our capable directors and their efficient crew. In fact cinema is created from the alter-ego of its maker and nobody should be allowed to dictate terms. When he makes his trademark films, Mani or rather any filmmaker does not need to please everyone but only to himself.

To me, when one goes to watch a film and one should get surprises… sometimes surprises in the form of visuals. A good film is about a surprise or a shock element not always story. This film definitely surprises, though for some it may be a shocking surprise is altogether a different issue. I measure the success of a film if that surprise makes you sit through. And that is a winner in true sense. Damn the BO!

I Hate Luv Storys (2010)

How can- I HATE LUV STORYS : Cynical Film Review

[2/10 · 23 September 2010]

One doesn't need to watch this film to write its review. In fact one doesn't need to watch any of Karan Johar's romantic flicks to write their reviews if they have watched any one of his romance film viz. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai etc. etc. The reason for watching this film was entirely different. I would like to narrate that incident related to why I watched this film? Producer Karan Johar ran a campaign where he told audience to watch this film and if they did not like it and can support their disliking with a valid reason, they can get a full refund of their ticket money. I together with four such guys went to Karan's office to claim our refund. We met Karan Johar. Karan Johar asked me first.

Karan Johar- What is your profession? I- A Film Critic. Karan Johar- See, I understood. Your face only looks like a critical case. Once a critic, always a critic. This film is not meant for Critics… I mean not for any critical acclaim or such. It is just a fun film for "normal" people. Abey, films ko films Ki Tarah dekho yaar. Your claim is invalid. First Guy- But I too did not like the film. I am not a critic. Please refund my ticket money. Karan Johar- Hang on! Are you a teenager or a college student? First Guy- No I am office going. Karan Johar- Then your claim is invalid since this film is targeted to very young people and you are a bit too old to enjoy it. People like you cannot "connect" to the idea of the film. Second Guy- In that case, I should get a refund. I am a college student. Karan Johar- But are you in love? Do you have a girl friend? Second Guy- No Karan Johar- Your claim is again invalid as this film is meant for those guys who are very much in love with either a girl or even a "guy", only then they can understand the idea behind the film. Third Guy- My refund claim is definitely valid. I am a college student and have a girl friend also. Karan Johar- Did you watch this film with your girl friend? Third Guy- No Karan Johar- Your claim is again invalid as this film is meant to be watched with your girl friend only. I mean, "couples together" can enjoy this film as it is "all about loving your lovers". Fourth Guy- Now you can't dismiss my claim as I am not only a college student, but have a girlfriend and I went to watch this film with my same girlfriend. Karan Johar- But did you watch this film patiently, attentively, completely. Fourth Guy- Yes of course. We both watched it completely & attentively. Karan Johar- Then how can you get a claim? If someone goes to watch a film with a girl, is he supposed to watch "a film" or to do his "own" things with his girl Ask those "normal" couples how they watched this film as they came out so happily. I mean, come on yaar. Something is seriously wrong with you. None of the claims of you people is valid therefore how can you say that "I HATE LUV STORYS". Go, have a Kupp of Koffee with Dharma, my peon and forget your claims. Finally, none of us able to prove that we did not like this film and since we did not get our money also we are forced to believe like many others who say- "I LUV I HATE LUV STORYS." Thank you.

Raajneeti (2010)

Raaj at the BO!

[6/10 · 23 September 2010]

Prakash Jha's RAAJNEETI is not a great film, but surely the best film of 2010 among the ones released so far. Thankfully, it also turned out to be the top BO grosser of the current year so far, and is a far cry from the mushy romances that we get to see now and then.

Though, using the old tale of Mahabharata with a dose of Godfather series thrown in between and crafting a drama of conflict for one man up ship in same political family is not refreshing but yes, intriguing. It is not very unusual in its plot, treatment or narrative, rather it followed old school of film making with a voice over going on at times. But due to that, the director cut short some running time and continued the quick pace and the racy drama with a thrill element and able to hold attention, which is the biggest prerequisite for the success of any film. The film has a strong definite storyline and that string together the whole structure. There are pluses and minuses. It sticks to one-track, with lot of characters and lot of dialogs as well as lot of drama, which with some clever treatment saved it from becoming melodramatic, tragic stuff. Few things that worked in the favor of film are -PJ did not kept it realistic and issue based which was not the requirement but kept it like the fable. Secondly, rather than planting his story in the heartland of Bihar, he based it in a general Hindi belt and that saved it from becoming region specific. For political rallies and crowd filled sequences, the effective usage of outdoor locales of Bhopal, instead of staging them at the Film city, that any normal "dumb" maker of bollywood would have done, Jha managed to give a right ambiance to the plot. Production values are high. Background score is good, Screenplay crisp and dialogs are sharp. All this finally results in audience not getting the chance to think and thus film maintains its grip, an old trick in bollywood textbooks.

The story has a flow and unfolds like a game of chess. Characters are well placed with each one getting substantial screen presence. All actors have performed well though Ranbir Kapoor emerged as a highlight in the story as well as in performance. Fresh actors like Sarah Thompson, Nikhila Trikha and Shruti Seth too have given good performances. As far as, Katrina is concerned, she didn't need to act. Just her presence won her accolades from her admirers. Here most of her scenes are kept in groups, thankfully. In her few of small solo scenes such as Political rallies and all, well, that comes towards end and therefore does not matter much.

Now there are some low points. Subtlety is lost in excessive verboseness. Ongoing gets repetitive after a point. Film is a bit long. The romantic triangle in the film slightly distracts the flow. Whole tone of film is serious and dark/ depressing, with no scope of any lighter moments. Good that PJ has overlooked all this and made the kind of film he wanted to. Since the film has so many high dramatic points that climax has not been able to make its impact. It should have been slightly unconventional, rather than predictable. Better if it is kept open.

This again is a film that falls under unconventional category therefore not meant for those who are on a look out for their regular popcorn entertainers (foreign locales, songs/dances et all). There is an age-old saying in filmdom that if you can identify with the characters of a film, only then you can make connect with the story, and that only is a recipe for success. But here surprisingly, all characters are dark in some way or other, and one can't generally identify with any of them. Oh, my God! , another "bloody" myth gets shattered. What are you doing trade experts?

I am not a film trade expert yet, to me, the "Neeti" (Strategy) here is correct so no doubt it is doing "Raaj" (Ruling) at the box office. Congrats!

Housefull (2010)

A House Full of Errors

[3/10 · 2 May 2010]

HOUSE FULL (2010): When the maker is desperate for a "Housefull" but he knows there is no chance of it, he can make himself contend by keeping the same in title. It should rightly be called as "House of Fools" instead of Housefull. It is not that the film is badly, shabbily, poorly made or shot. On the contrary, it has high production values with exotic foreign locations, bikini, babes, beaches all quite well presented. To add spice to it, there is some comedy of mistaken identities which is very painstakingly and methodically crafted, so much so that everything looks neatly staged. Yes staged, not happened. This is where the makers failed as they have drawn inspiration from same old stories from old textbooks of 1990s viz. David Dhawan & Inc comedies ( Though in today's scenario, how much they too qualify as comedies is altogether different issue) . Though hilarious moments are there but very little viz. On getting electric shocks Akshay & Reiteish performs break dance on street or presence of a Tiger in house etc One require certain logic even in the mindless situations also, which is totally absent here. The on going is highly predictable. Every recent trick of loud conventional comedy is conveniently used, re-used, abused and that too forcibly. The result is such that the audience will get to see same old things and that too in the same old form with zero imagination. There is no real conflict in the central plot. When all gags on hand are exhausted and makers realized that in this whole 2.30 hrs of exercise nothing much is working out, they actually (not literally) brought a stock of "Laughing Gas" in the dull climax. I wish if the same laughing gas could be brought for audience in theaters also to give them some much needed laughter in the end. In the film, there are a lot of occasions where slaps are used on innocent characters for no reason. Director Sajid Khan would have done a great service if he himself have stepped into one such character and have taken this Honor, then that would have been a real anti-climax and would have given audience some relief !

What's Your Raashee? (2009)

Sunsign of a film

[4/10 · 1 October 2009]

Fate of a person might be determined by his/her stars. But fate of movies are determined not just by stars (the ones on the sky plus the ones on the ground) but by many other factors. This whole idea of making a film version of, Madhu Rye's old classic Gujarati novel 'Kimball Ravenswood", is a smart move. Already there were many versions for theater (a popular one by Naushil Mehta) as well as a hit TV series called Mr. Yogi by film-maker Ketan Mehta, based on the same novel. The idea nonetheless is smart one and contemporary too with the decision of casting same actress for twelve roles playing one girl for each of twelve rashis (sun signs). Now imagine a film which has everything going perfect viz. big banner, top director and a story from a popular best selling novel, is a winner in hand. Right? No, wrong! The positive thing about the film is it is not your run of the mill film but a fresh attempt minus a fresh approach. The screenplay is dull and dragging. The dialogs are uninteresting. It is a half-baked, half hearted attempt. The film not just fails at script level but even the treatment and narrative reminds you of films from 80s. It also has a world record of same actress (Priyanka Chopra), playing twelve different characters but there is not much depth in the twelve distinct characters of the lead actress, in fact many of them look quite similar. It seems the whole effort is gone into giving 12 different get ups to the lead actress rather than infusing some life into the uninspiring characters. . Even if one ignores the astrological features, one would surely be interested in watching twelve different girls who are contrastingly, diverse in characters. It would be interesting if contemporary sex politics would have introduced. To make plot further confusing, a silly subplot of spying on a marriage consultant for extra marital affair, just fails to hold the story together. There are though interesting moments to hold viewer's interest viz. meeting with the jeweler father as well as meeting with prospective bride who asks for pre-nuptial agreement but they are too few and far. A lot more in performances is expected. Other characters too look like boring caricatures i.e. one-dimensional. If that is not enough, the length of 3.30 hrs surely kills you. A lot of trimming is needed. Numerous songs woven in the storyline is an unnecessary measure though songs sound better than the film but in isolation (Music Sohail Sen). If Director Ashutosh Gowariker had attempted a slice of life, subtle, intelligent comedy on the lines of Mr. Yogi, it would have worked better. Worse, the narrative is handled in an old fashioned linear way, whether it is dramatic, romantic or comic, you don't know. It surprises you that this film is coming from the director of brilliant films like Lagaan and Jodha Akbar. It seems makers have more faith in checking the rashi of film rather than checking the pulse of audience.

Wanted (I) (2009)

Wanted Entertainment !

[6/10 · 25 September 2009]

"Wanted a good, plain entertaining film; no baggage attached". The ad is doing the rounds for quite some time but hardly find any takers. But if you keep all mindless and illogical things aside, film Wanted fitted the bill and that too quite perfectly. A remake of Tamil hit Pokhiri, which Producer Boney Kapoor mounted on a large canvass and débutant director (for Hindi films) ace-choreographer cum dancer Prabhu dheva handled deftly, crafted neatly with lot of panache.

Salman Khan is in top form and his whole persona is used to the hilt by his trademark mannerisms. In Prakash raj, Hindi film audience has found a new menacing Villain who finally wins everybody's hatred and you want him to get bashed up in the end. Mahesh Manjrekar also played corrupt cop that you love to hate. After a long time, ace stunt coordinator Vijyan from south has done a Hindi film and he surprises you. It is Major a stunt film but the gore, the blood shed and raw violence is spared by executing the action sequences quite stylishly and using good acrobatics & effects. . The best thing is this genre is being re-discovered and some film makers are exploring new dimensions in it. Hence, it is not your routine dhishoom dhishoom kind of yuck cinema. It is feel good cinema. It is fast paced and crisp. The film is again rooted in underworld but rather than going into the usual bhaigiri grim stuff, here whole treatment is light. Nevertheless it is more like stuff from the south but minus the usual melodrama, thankfully. Be it songs or dances (though unnecessary for narrative), humor or drama, there is something for those also who are not die hard action film buffs. The clever, witty one liners are smartly used in dialogs.

All in all a well scripted, directed, photographed & acted film.. Isn't it something that you have always WANTED ?

Kaminey (2009)

Dare you watch this film

[7/10 · 19 August 2009]

This film says to its audience- Kaminey! I will not let you sit idly, brain dead and just savor this film. Instead it will make you sit up almost glued to the edge of your seat and notice every single ongoing. You cannot leave your brain behind, otherwise you'll miss out a lot and yes, the film is not for casual viewing. Wherever, director Vishaal Bhardwaj finds that the next instance is predictable, he cuts the scene, midway, goes ahead and leave the rest for audience imagination to put two plus two. In this whole respect, this fast paced crime thriller succeeds. The film stays one stop ahead of audience thought process, though it tells the same story rooted in the same underworld theme for nth time. There is a novelty in presentation as well as visual style. But where it falters? Well, the plot is wafer thin and till interval, the story hardly moves, but yes it does introduce its multi layered complex characters. Director strikes a fine balance between realistic film making as well as high pitch, larger than life drama. This is the best so far among releases of 2009. The film is dark and gloomy, where most of the frames are under lit. Morality is kept aside. There is a bit of hype around this film. But for such films, not made everyday, each hype is well deserved. So yes, this film would not touch the conventional entertainment territory and does not strike an emotional chord with the normal audience. Therefore, those calling "Love Aajkal" a contemporary, realistic love story or "New York" a realistic issue based film, can take a walk. But you wait Bhardwaj, you raised the bar and next time your audience is thirsty for more and therefore, while telling stories you have to turn more "mean", I mean, more "Kamina".

Sandhir Flora

Agyaat (2009)

For unknown audience only

[2/10 · 19 August 2009]

Film-Agyaat (2009) is made not for normal audience but for some "Agyaat" (Unknown) audience i.e. known only to Director Ram Gopal Varma. For example, when I watched this film, the hall is practically empty, therefore it is confirmed that those agyaat audience were having gala time. The biggest horror that one experiences while watching the film in cinema houses is –"What the hell am I watching? If anybody discovers that I have watched this film, what would he think of me? " If Ramgopal Varma continues to make such films, then I must say one should be scared not from film but from Ram Gopal Varma. See ! there he comes with a sequel !

Hello (II) (2008)

one night @ thanda show

[5/10 · 15 October 2008]

Let's face it. The book is amazing but the film isn't. The film based on bestseller novel by Chetan Bhagat, "One night @ Call center" is also termed as pulp-fiction classic of modern Indian English Writing. The makers deserve an applause for looking beyond conventional Bollywood story lines backed by star-power and instead went for a popular book adaptation depicting a contemporary, burning issue about today's youth. It has everything viz. the conflicts, the love, the breakups, the struggle at various levels, the battle at various fronts and emerging a winner by the end. The basic plot in one line is-six agents working in a call center one night received a call straight from God. Interesting?? The original book though not a masterpiece but has enough material to keep readers glued till the last page and rightly balanced with some concrete message and moral.

There are though few things that worked in film adaptation. Firstly, choosing an interesting subject as film premise since here the plot itself has enough Masala that could give any Bollywood potboiler a run for its money. Collaborating with Chetan Bhagat on screenplay helped in covering all the key contents of the novel. Plus it insures a novelty in story telling. Also the basic plot and premise is not tampered with and is kept intact with an exception of including Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif's unnecessary characters instead of original ones, who are out of place but then being "Sutradhaars" they can't really hamper the narrative. Even the book has an over the top Climax when mammoth problems are resolved in a quick fix way making the boy-next-door central characters emerging as super-heroes. This film does not give you a glimpse of working in call center industry even the book also doesn't but book provides necessary backdrop as it was written with some homework. That homework is not done before filming.

Therefore, the positive things end here. Rest that follows is completely bizarre. It is quite inevitable not to compare the film with the book. Accepted that it is not an easy task to bring the mental state of characters of a novel so vividly described in novel to be brought out by sheer performances with limited spoken words. Firstly, the casting is gone wrong. Either Actors are not briefed properly or simply they did not get it but apart from two performances- Sharman Joshi (Good) and Gul Panag (Average) others just shuffle between high pitch drama to stupid humor with the drop of a hat. They look like they emerge straight from a street Play, including supporting cast of a Boss, a technical supervisor, heroine's mother etc-ranging from funny to caricatures to simply buffoons. The type of houses the agents live in or the type of attitude they portray is quite contrary to the actual ones who slog for that fifteen K a month living in a Metro. See one instance, a slight provocation from a caller leads to an agent jumping on to his Ma..Behan is … the least you can expect for the actual ones in this profession..

The call center appears more like a club, where a bunch of employees fool around and flirt, play jokes or talk so casually that it is hard to believe if it is a work place. The sombre, sober reasonable approach of book is replaced with stupid, loud, over the top humor killing all the seriousness about the essential issues that story addresses. The smart witty Characteristic English one liners are replaced by crass filmy dialogs showing there is lot lost in translation. Production values are shoddy. It is perhaps first time that I can't see any breakthrough in the work of ace cinematographer Sanjay F. Gupta. There are item numbers that hamper the pace and still the music is not great. The brisk and lively pace that one finds in the book is replaced with a sluggish one. The book has a sort of socialist-Marxist point of view, which speak against the increasing materialism and capitalism propagated by rich, western world. Expecting the same in a Hindi film is a bit too much to ask for as at this point we can say that book is the writer's medium and film, the director's. Yes, coming to final point, finger for spoiling the show can be pointed at sloppy direction (Director Atul Agnihotri). The sensibility and maturity to handle the subject is simply missing. A lot more careful and sensitive approach was expected.

All in all the film just does not live up to the expectations of an average reader who has munched the book.

Cheeni Kum (2007)

Romance has no age

[4/10 · 24 June 2007]

When you have two tower house of performers pitched against each other, the least you can expect is the superb camaraderie and that is the case in this film where we have a 64 yrs old Amitabh Bachchan romances a 34-yr old Tabu. Wait! In fact that is all there in the name of plot therefore instead of "cheeni" it is the content that is "Kum" in this Adman turned Writer-Director R. Balki's maiden effort..

Trust the two senior actors to bring the house down with their wise-cracks and bitter-sweet moments when love happened in this unconventional pair, and that is all you find in slow but refreshing first half. The locales of London as captured in rainy season are captivating. By the end of first half, romance completed and mission accomplished. There is not much left to be said. Therefore in the second half a strange opposition comes in the form of girl's father to the extent that he goes for a Satyagrah is really a test of patience. There is an equally strange climax about how he gives in. The result, second half is dry, flat with no energy. There is a subplot with a girl child dying of cancer, not making much impact. Nonetheless, the film is recommended for its fresh approach and the performances.

Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii (2007)

charming and endearing

[6/10 · 24 June 2007]

Central character Karan believes in this film that there is some magic in his cricket bat. Similarly there is definitely some magic in treatment by débutant director Kituu Salooja that retains your interest till the end of the movie, which is no small thing in a non-star cast, non-romantic, modest budget film. It qualifies to be a light hearted, fun filled film that promises to break the barrier between the kiddie flick and the adult flick.

Though the background is Cricket, but the film works more for the amazing chemistry, between 13-yr old débutant Zain Khan and Rahul Bose. Another plus point in film is it is devoid of any genre, so no overdose of melodrama, preachings (for kids) or dramatic moments. It is slick and crisp, plain, simple, fast paced, a 96-minute roller-coaster ride. On flip side though, there is scope in development of Climax. The track involving Rahul's strained relations with his father is also under developed. But that can be ignored, as it is a treat for whole family at the end of summer time.

Life in a Metro (2007)

Loveless Life in a Metro

[6/10 · 7 June 2007]

It should rather be titled "Love life in a Metro" or more appropriate " Loveless Life in a Metro". Multiple stories, Multiple tracks and common problem is "Love', especially "illegitimate" or "imperfect" love. The approach is nothing new and result was a disaster in earlier films-Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Salaam E Ishq etc. But here the circumstances, the ambiance is treated with panache making audience relate to the stories and therefore it succeeds. The film is able to catch the pulse of the city quite well for example how monsoon plays a role in getting otherwise reluctant people take notice of others etc. is all quite vibrant. The pace is fast, crisp and handling is taut. The way the songs are used in the form of a rock band with source of songs shown on screen is all very innovative. Another success in films dealing with realistic themes is when they are shot well and here once again Cinematographer Bobby Singh scores. But overall the magic and charisma of Director Anurag Basu in his previous, the superbly crafted Gangster is missing here. First half itself completes the story. Therefore somehow the film is not able to sustain its momentum in the second half and that becomes rather predictable. All lead actors have performed well. Dharminder-Nafisa Ali's love story is under-developed. Shilpa Shetty came across as Ms. Goody two shoes, a custodian of morality and her husband Kaykay as MCP Monster size, so there is some mismatch evident in characterization. My observation- A Wife stylishly dress in designer Kurtis and frocks whose top executive husband travels by business class, pays an EMI of 40K per month for flat, will rarely travel by a bus or a local train. My take is it would have been okay if the film left open ended without resolving the individual crises. The way Irrfan-Konkana 's story resolved is complete bollywood and out of place. Even the way Kangana runs out of a car has more drama than reason. Overlooking all this, nevertheless, it is a sensible cinema though not great but thought-provoking, relevant, contemporary and above all refreshing.