Author: ashokkarania

  • Srikanth: An Inspiring Eye-Opening Heart-Warming Movie

    Srikanth: An Inspiring Eye-Opening Heart-Warming Movie

    Srikanth: An Inspiring Eye-Opening Heart-Warming Movie

    Srikanth – A Cinematic Triumph! A Must-Watch!

    Srikanth is based on the extraordinary life of Srikanth Bolla – an inspirational figure with hordes of achievements that even fully abled can only dream of! Srikanth is a visionary who happens to be visually impaired. 

    Srikanth’s life is indeed extra ordinary and it provides director Tushar Hiranandani with a solid material – an ecstatic father names his son after legendary cricketer Srikanth but is shattered to see a sightless baby. He is about to be buried alive, but mother begs for his life and saves him. The bullying in school, the rise in a special school, fighting and winning the case against Indian education system for not allowing visually challenged students to study science, getting a place in Indian cricket team, rejection by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), selection by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), life in America, return to India, struggles for setting up his business and his entrepreneurial success – all captured beautifully. 

    The best part of the movie is that it is showcases Srikanth’s mistakes and follies – when he takes his success and well-wishers for granted – the movie thus not ending as a sugar coated sycophantic hagiographical movie.  

    Rajkumar Rao shines with his sincerity and authenticity. His dives into the mind and heart of Srikanth and gives a nuanced performance. His snapping of fingers, arrogance, emotional speech – he balances all emotions and there is not a single false note. He is confident – I am not trying to be a hero,  I am the hero! Rajkumar takes his own craft to next level and this is indeed an award winning performance. 

    Sharad Kelkar is rock solid and makes a tremendous impact as a loyal friend and well-wisher of Srikanth. Lovely act. Jyothika impresses with her compassionate and understanding where she becomes Srikanth’s backbone. Their performances are a vital strength of the movie. Alaya has a small but charming role as Srikanth’s love interest. . 

    Strong script and nice story telling. Full marks to the director Tushar Hiranandani. Cinematic liberties are indeed taken to elevate certain events and drive home certain points but Srikanth does not get boring or preachy at anytime. No bechara – Only barabari! 

    The songs are beautifully composed and strengthen the story. Tu Mil Gaya and Jeena Sikha De are romantic beauties but the recomposed Papa Kehte Hai fits very aptly with the storyline. 

    Srikant is an inspirational, positive and spirit lifting movie that deserves to be watched with the full family! 

    If Sri can, so can you!

    #srikanth #srikanthreview #srikanthmovie #srikanthbolla #rajkumarrao #bollywood #newrelease #weekendwatch #biopic #hindicinema #indiancinema #inspiration #motivation #visuallychallenged #tseries

  • Laapataa Ladies: A Simple & Heartwarming Classic!

    Laapataa Ladies: A Simple & Heartwarming Classic!

    Laapataa Ladies: A Simple & Heartwarming Classic!

    Gentle and charming unveiling of patriarchal and socially blinding veils! A must watch!

    Kiran Rao’s Laapata Ladies is an authentic, sincere and original story showcased in a very beautiful and warm manner. Like 12th Fail, this is a big-hearted story of small-town India.

    The feel-good satire tells the tale of two brides who are swapped accidentally and how they find themselves while lost. As the story progresses, lot of societal issues are addressed but with humour and gentle treatment – never preachy! A warm hug is stronger than long conversations!

    Women empowerment, role of education, patriarchy, female bonding, political games, outgrown customs and traditional woes – all are beautifully interwoven. But the movie is never boring!

    The actors are outstanding. Phool and Jaya as the lost brides, the melancholic Deepak, the railway platform samaritans including Manju and the extended family – all are spot-on. The most impactful character is actor Ravi Kishan as the policeman who is scary, corrupt but finds his conscience – the most layered, balancing and impressive act.

    The story and screenplay is top-notch. The writing and direction is so perfect that no dialogue or scene feels out of place. Phool hiding behind “Use Me” dustbin, Manju’s fraud theory and changing names of villages – all are subtle and smartly intelligent.

    Even Manju’s frustration “Bhawra bana ke rakh diya hai sabko” is beautiful. Or this dialogue of Deepak: “Jevar chori doi dukh paana; chhota dukh chori, bada dukh thaana – wow!

    Ram Sampath knows how to complement the simplicity with beautiful music.

    Full marks to Kiran Rao! Watch this beautiful tale of positivity, emotional intelligence and hope that challenge the status quo!

  • Paper Napkin – The Hottest Programming Platform

    Paper Napkin – The Hottest Programming Platform

    Imagination and creativity are the only passports for a meaningful future in the AI driven world!

    Paul Daugherty, Accenture Group Chief Executive & Chief Technology Officer , is spot on when he says: “The hottest new programming platform is the napkin.”

    Focus on the vision and leave the execution to AI enablers!

    Image: Alex Padurariu

  • Are You A Giver Or Taker?

    Are You A Giver Or Taker?

    Are you a spectator or doer?

    What is your default position?

    The roles may differ as per life stage and situation but leaders drive change and are always willing to share. Influencing change, driving action, defining trends and making things happen!

  • Amar Singh Chamkila: Outstanding Diljit Dosanjh In A Triumphant Imtiaz Ali Musical

    Amar Singh Chamkila: Outstanding Diljit Dosanjh In A Triumphant Imtiaz Ali Musical

    Amar Singh Chamkila: Outstanding Diljit Dosanjh In A Triumphant Imtiaz Ali Musical

    Amar Singh Chamkila Is An Amazing Electrifying Live Street Concert – Mastila, Rasila, Chamkila

    Jis wajah se chamka woh, uss wajah se tapka woh’

    Imtiaz Ali Mojo is back!

    Amar Singh Chamkila is the biopic of the legendary and popular singer Chamkila, who rose to fame with his raunchy double entendre songs and was shot down at the age of 27 years in Mehsampur. Born as Dhani Ram Sandila, Chamkila is a Dalit Chamar who wins everyone’s heart with his music but faces threats from religious groups as well as militants. Popularly known as the ‘Elvis of Punjab’, he lives and dies for his art and beliefs.

    Diljit Dosanjh is the perfect fit and he gives a stellar performance. He is sincere, authentic and he internalizes Amar Singh Chamkila to win our hearts. From flawless mannerisms to energetic songs to passionate emotions – he aces the Chamkila character. Being a singer, he brings life to the songs – all of which are performed live.

    Parineeti Chopra and the ensemble cast provide a great support. A R Rahman’s music and Irshad Kamil’s lyrics provide the perfect magic to the movie – an important accomplishment as the movie is full of original Chamkila songs. While Ishq Mitaye, Vida Karo, Tu Kya Jane and Baaja are great, Naram Kaaljia is an absolute fun statement!

    Imtiaz Ali creates a wonderful and nostalgically beautiful narrative. He is confident and it shows in the creative mix of flashbacks, real video footage, original pictures, graphic style animation and multiple story tellers. I loved the on screen dance of phrases and lyrics whenever Chamkila songs came to life – though it some created distraction. Imtiaz is in his top firm. ‘

    One of the strong points of the movie is avoidance of airbrushing and whitewashing Chamkila’s story – His mistakes as well as pragmatic choices are showcased. Even the greed of the near and dear ones is not hidden. Yes, his first marriage was conveniently defocused.

    Amar Singh Chamkila – A must watch Imtiaz Ali – Rahman earthy folk musical!

  • Bramayugam: Macabre Mammootty’s Masterclass In Marvellous Horror Folklore

    Bramayugam: Macabre Mammootty’s Masterclass In Marvellous Horror Folklore

    Bramayugam: Macabre Mammootty’s Masterclass In Marvellous Horror Folklore

    After a terrific performance In Kaathal – The Core, Mammootty outdoes himself in a pure evil avatar in a black and white gem Bramayugam. His ghoulish laughter, terrifying presence, deep voice and authoritative mannerism are simply brilliant! 

    The 17th century film revolves around a dilapidated mansion in middle of a jungle. Kodumon Potty (Mammootty) is the owner of this mysterious eerie place and stays there with his servant. One day, an escaping slave Thevan lands up at the mansion for food and survival and Potty welcomes him. Thevan is happy initially but soon the secrets unfold and he is unable to escape. 

    The movie is a strong commentary on the class, social divide and the nature of power. Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. 

    Watch the movie for Mammootyy’s mind-blowing acting, technical finesse and excellent treatment. The black and white movie gives the chills! 

    And yes, Tumbadd still remains one of the best movies of all time!

    #bramayugam #bramayugamreview #mammootty #sonyliv #indiancinema #movies #newreleases #horror #thriller #bollywood

  • Which Is Your Favorite All Time Indian Movie?

    Which Is Your Favorite All Time Indian Movie?

    Pather Panchali – The Only Indian Movie To Feature In Time Magazine’s 100 Best Movies Of Last 100 Years. The Satyajit Ray Masterpiece Is Always Featured As The Indian Classic In All Such Global Lists – Often The Only Indian Movie.

    Have You Watched It Yet?

    The Financing Of Movie Is One Of My Favorite Anecdotes Of My PhD Thesis

    Which Is Your Favorite All Time Indian Movie? The Only That You Would Cast Your Vote For?

    Andaz Apna Apna Is As Important As Mughal-e-Azam

    Jab We Met Is As Entertaining As Dil To Pagal Hai

    Roja Is As Wonderful As 96

    Shwas Is As Amazing As Court Martial

    What Is Your Favorite Movie Of All Time?

    Pics: Pather Panchali, 3 Idiots, Sholay, Mother India, Guide, Swades, Gandhi

  • Murder Mubarak: Social Satire Meets Ensemble Whodunnit

    Murder Mubarak: Social Satire Meets Ensemble Whodunnit

    Murder Mubarak: Social Satire Meets Ensemble Whodunnit

    A murder of the gym trainer Leo at a posh Delhi club opens a can of worms. Everyone is a suspect where the dark secrets of Delhi High Society Club patrons are at stake. A charming outsider ACP Bhavani Singh investigates the case in Agastha Christie’s desi Poirot style.

    The best part of the movie is the ensemble cast and loyalty to Anuja Chauhan’s brilliant writing and class satire.

    Pankaj Tripathi is back in action and is effective – just another day for him at the office. Sanjay Kapoor is brilliant and continues his Merry Christmas form as a royal Rannvijay Singh – tipping 20 rupees but packing food to cover his dilapidated ruined status. Karisma Kapoor is equally magical as a former diva and B-grade movie star of C-grade movies. Vijay Varma and Dimple Kapadia are not given due justice and feel wasted – their arc should have been stronger. Sara Ali Khan tries up to keep things moving but she has a long way to go. A lot more characters like Tisca Chopra add colour to the proceedings though in a very fleeting manner.

    The Delhi class divide is beautifully portrayed. “Poor people should die young!” announces Tisca Chopra or the fact that two trainers from Arunachal and Karnataka are called twins. Smart writing exists – ACP Bhavani says “It’s easy to be branded anti-national these days!”

    The movie sticks to its genre and the secretive layers get unveiled gradually to keep us hooked. Though the movie could have done with sharper editing and crisper execution.

    This is no ‘Knives Out’ nor Homi’s own ‘Being Cyrus!’

    Watch it once for Pankaj Tripathi and Idiosyncrasies of Delhi Gentry!

  • Kaathal – The Core Review: Masterpiece! 

    Kaathal – The Core Review: Masterpiece! 

    Kaathal – The Core Review: Masterpiece! 

    Kaathal is a ground breaking and bold movie that makes a case for the acceptance of homosexuality in a traditional and conventional society. 

    A woman (Jyotika) seeks divorce from her husband (Mammooty) due to a loveless marriage, which resulted from his homosexual orientation. All of this happens against the backdrop of a local election, where the husband is the candidate. 

    Jyotika liberates herself as well as her husband by filing for divorce when Section 377 decriminalised homosexuality. 

    Mammooty gives a powerhouse performance with Jyotika – no over the top melodrama. Pure emotions and relationships at work – fragility, vulnerability, complexities shown in no frills manner. Very nice to see the strong friendship and bond between the couple despite filing for divorce – they do not become enemies or haters. Mammooty’s expressions and Jyotika’s silence touch us! 

    Great direction by Jeo Baby and a strong supporting music! 

    Watch it!

  • ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ Review: Shocking & Sensational Series Of Mayhem Murder! 

    ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ Review: Shocking & Sensational Series Of Mayhem Murder! 

    ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ Review: Shocking & Sensational Series Of Mayhem Murder! 

    Glam Gossip

    Media Trial

    Family Secrets

    The Sheena Bora case, yes – Shenna Bora case, was one of the most sensational topics in the media. It was India’s Amber Heard – Johnny Depp moment or our own Kardashian coverage! There were more and more twists and turns as the case progressed – exactly the details that media loves! And the spicier story was even hotter because of the rich and famous media power couple – Peter Mukerjea was the former head of Star TV and Indrani was the INX Media Channel founder. 

    The movie ‘Dark Chocolate’ was based on the same case. 

    How it changed from Sheena Bora case to Indrani Mukerjea story is the magic of the times we live in! 

    ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ is a real true crime docuseries. A 25 year young bright and beautiful girl Sheena Bora is suddenly off circuit. Her fiancee’s tries to find her whereabouts and is not successful. He confronts his dad Peter Mukerjea and his step-mother Indrani Mukerjea, who claim that she has gone abroad for studies. He does not buy it. The interesting part is that Sheena is Indrani’s daughter – even her claims about Sheena’s father are very shocking! 

    Indrani has three marriages – none of which resulted in Sheena’s birth. Earlier, she had claimed that Sheena was her younger sister. After allegations of cover-up by Mumbai police, the case was handed over to CBI. As things stand today, all the four accused – Indrani, Peter, Sanjeev (2nd husband) and driver are on bail. 

    As you watch the series the list of questions are endless – why did she claim Sheena was her sister? Why did she hide that  Sheena was missing? Why and how did she enroll her second husband in the alleged murder of Sheena and torture of her? Why did Peter kept silent? What was the role of Mumbai’s top cop Rakesh Maria?

    Sheena’s body was found in Pen in Raigad district. It was just a conicidence that Indrani and her accomplices visited the same location for exploring farmhouse property. It was just a coincidence that DNA of the body proved that it was Sheena – defence disputed it. 

    Who knows the truth?

    Was there a cover-up?

    Why the expose happened?

    Who knows the real truth? 

    Will Sheena Bora get justice?

    Questions that remain unanswered! 

    The documentary tries to be as objective as possible and gives a well-rounded view of every perspective. The testimonies are complemented well with actual footage and events. Access to Indrani is a big plus and they fact check her claims as well. Her intervention when her lawyers speaks (Alleged) and how lawyer asks her to ‘Chill’ are important unedited footage. Indrani’s bold statements will produce a factory of Instagram reels. She is Sheela of Wild Wild Country!

    Indrani Mukerjea!

    Imperfect Mom!

    Gold Digger!

    Secret Past!

    Social Climber!

    Who knows her?

    Let us not forget that the documentary also has its point of view and soft corners – which could influence our understanding and hence opinion of the actual incident. And that is the intent – the documentary allows the audience to be the judge, jury and executioner. 

    Let’s not forget the ethics and responsibilities in the whole episode. 

    Let’s not forget Sheena in the sensationalism. 

    Peace to Sheena Bora!

    #newrelease #indranimukerjea #indrani #petermukerjea #sheenabora #sheenaboramurder #netflix #crime #murder #docuseries #buriedtruth #buriedtruthreview