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Category: Cinema & Storytelling

  • 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

  • Bhakshak: Bhumi’s Stellar Performance In A Hard-Hitting Expose! But Who Cares?

    Bhakshak: Bhumi’s Stellar Performance In A Hard-Hitting Expose! But Who Cares?

    Bhakshak: Bhumi’s Stellar Performance In A Hard-Hitting Expose! But Who Cares?

    Based on the horrific Muzzafarpur shelter home case that rocked the nation in 2018, Bhakshak is a gripping tale of a fearless small town journalist Vaishali. She follows a tip of horrific crimes and painful realities of a shelter home and pursues it relentlessly. The politicians, corrupt cops, bureaucrats and ’system’ live up to their cliche of blocking justice, abusing power and being partners in crime but Vaishali manages to release the victimised girls and ensure justice. 

    Bhumi Pednekar gives a solid performance with her driven and empathetic approach – Afwaah, Bheed and now Bhakshak. Sanjay Mishra as her cameraman and Aditya Srivastava as the criminal perpetrator give a praise worthy performance. 

    The screenplay is solid but editing and writing could be crisper. Clear loopholes and gaps exist but the overall honest intentions overshadow them. 

    The biggest challenge for the movie is the lack of interest and audience fatigue – who cares about child abuse, sexual torture, rape, and murder crime in shelter homes of Bihar? As Bhumi asks: “Doosro ke dard mein dukhi hona bhool gaye hain kya?” Scrolling continues… 

    #bollywood #netflix #netflixindia #moviereview #ott #newreleases #bhakshak #bhakshakreview #cinema #hindimovie

  • Shri Ram & Bollywood

    Shri Ram & Bollywood

    The great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata have inspired several Hindi movies, regional movies, TV serials and even Hollywood movies (Think Matrix).

    As we gear up for one of the most important events of the great Indian nation, let us recap how Ramayana has influenced our screens.

    Quick points:

    1. As noted in my PhD thesis, ‘Ram Leela’ plays have been an integral part of our entertainment history. The early films were dominated by religious and mythological stories, littered with special effects and relating tales based on the great Hindu epics, ‘The Mahabharata’ and ‘The Ramayan’.

    2. Lanka Dahan – One of India’s first superhits: The 1917 movie on Ramayan by Father Of Indian Cinema, Shri Dadasaheb Phalke, was a cult hit. The shows ran every hour from 7 am to midnight making it one of the most watched movies of the early Indian Cinema. Shri Phalke was inspired to make the movie after watching ‘The Life Of Christ’ and felt a strong urge to tell the Indian mythological gem.

    3. Seeta: The first significant talkie was Debaki Bose’s Seeta where Prithviraj Kapoor played Ram and Durga Khote was Seeta. Another movie of same time was Ram Janma.

    4. Ram Rajya: Vikram Bhatt’s grandfather Vijay Bhatt made couple of movies on Ramayana – Bharat Milap and Ram Rajya. Both were super hits.

    5. Ram Rajya was one of the only two-three movies that Mahatma Gandhi watched in his lifetime. Gandhi started using the word Ram Rajya as a welfare benign state.

    6. Sampoorna Ramayana: The classic of the 60s is still one of the popular movies for legendary epic.

    7. Bajrangbali: Lord’s biggest bhakt Shri Hanuman takes centre stage in the movie. Dara Singh is Hanuman in this epic. Mahabali Hanuman, Hanuman Paatal Vijay & Shri Ram Bhakta Hanuman are other representations of Shri Hanuman.

    8. Luv Kush: Jeetendra & Jaya Prada starrer focusses on the Lord Ram’s two sons after the Lord sends Sitaji to exile

    9. Ramayana – The Legend Of Prince Rama: The India-Japanese anime movie has been a favourite with the 90s kids.

    10. AdiPurush: One of the most disastrous movies of recent times which was criticised across the board for damaging our holy imagery of Ramayana and the crass treatment.

    Similarly, several regional movies are inspired by Ramayana and the legendary NTR’s work is very prominent.

    The epic Ramayana has influenced the Indian cinema in other indirect representations:

    1. Hum Saath Saath Hain: Trust Rajshri to give us a perfect family values packed entertainment. This is the most popular replication of Ramayana in a modern context. Shobhana Samarth’s grandson Mohnish is the Ram like figure in the movie. Incidentally, Shobhana Samarth was Sita in Bharat Milap (She is Nutan’s mother and Kajol’s grandmother).

    2. Raavan: Maestro Mani Ratnam gives the perspective of Raavan in Abhishek – Aishwarya movie starrer.

    3. Baahubali & RRR have episodic influence of Ramayana. Even Ram Teri Ganga Maili as well!

    4. Ram Setu, Rudraksha are other movies linked to Ramayana.

    5. Hey Ram is not about Ram, it’s about Gandhi.

    6. The message of ‘Victory of Good Over Evil’ has been central to the innumerable movies.

    Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana remains the most popular and Ramayana – a cult whose telecast timing stopped the nation. Its repeat telecast broke records in Covid times.

    Shri Rama has remained in Indian consciousness since ancient times and Indian Cinema has continued to revisit Shri Ramayana and bring it in the main discourse in multiple ways. The trend will continue…

  • Saptak: A Soulful Divine Music Pilgrimage

    Saptak: A Soulful Divine Music Pilgrimage

    Divine Meditation

    Deep Vipassana

    Refreshing Nature Bath 

    Digital Detox

    Happiness Cruise

    Enchanting EBC

    Saptak Is A One Of Its Kind Soulful Musical Experience – Notwithstanding The Above Expresions Of Ectasy Of Bon Vivants

    The Thirteen Day Musical Festival Celebrates Indian Culture & Art While Elevating The Spiritual Euphoria Of The Grateful Connoisseurs! 

    The 44th Saptak Musical Festival Continued To Enthrall Patrons With Uplifting Performances By Legendary Maestros – The 85 Year Young Energetic Shri Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Shujaat Khan, Shri Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Shri Amaan Ali Bangash, Sushri Shubha Mudgal, Ustad Fazal Qureshi, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Shri Rakesh Chaurasia, Shri Gundecha Family, Shri Sajan Mishra

    The Standout Performances Included Sushri Malini Awasthi, Shri Rajendra Gangani’s Rasila Shiv Kathak,  Shri Anindo Chatterjee, Sushri Parveen Sultana, Sushri N Rajam, Shri Rahul Sharma, Shri Ronu Majumdar & Ustad Taufiq Qureshi

    Cheers To The Amazing Team Of Saptak & Sushri Manju Mehta For Organzing One Of India’s Best Musical Fest Since 1980. Special Thanks To Volunteers. The Acts Of Generosity & Affection Are Often Simple – The One Last Kulhad Of Malai Doodh Reserved, Or Bell Paan House’s Ready Paans!

    Snapshots Of The Festival With Musical Pundit & Unilkeliest Builder Sanjay & Soft-Spoken Charming Techie Partner In Crime Paras

  • The Annual Bollywood Review – 2023

    The Annual Bollywood Review – 2023

    The Annual Bollywood Review – 2023

    The Quick Summary:

    1. Bollywood Bounces Back: After Being Challenged By The Southern Spice, Bollywood Regained Its Chutzpah – On All Fronts. The Purple Patch Was Reflected In People Presence At Theatres, Single-Screen, Multiplex & Digital Screenings & Of Course, Profits. Bollywood Was In Conversation Throughout The Year – Pathan’s Deepika Bikini, Animal’s Jamaal Kudu, Misogyny & Violence, Jawan’s Impact, Gadar 2’s Success, Rocky Rani’s Kiss, 12th Fail’s Warmth.

    2. Santa SRK Shines: Badshah SRK Set The Stage With The YRF Spyverse Actioner Pathan, Scaled Success With Southern Style Jawan & Balanced The Mega Run With Hirani’s Dunki. SRK’s Impeccable Market Sense Showed In His Reinvention As An Action Hero To Be Relevant To Today’s Audience. And His Twitter Rizz.

    3. Entertainment With Progressive Messages: Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, SRK’s Jawan Or Hirani’s Dunki – The Mainstream Bollywood Packaged Entertainment With Socially Relevant Themes & Messages. Ranveer’s Dance & Lingerie Shopping Act With Citizen Khan’s Voting Gyan & Farmer Suicide Angle In Jawan Resonated Impactfully. Make No Mistake – Karan Johar’s Rocky Rani’s Influence Will Show In Days To Come.

    4. Sunshine Success: Everything Worked At Bollywood This Year.

    Pathan Worked

    Jawan Worked

    Gadar 2 Worked

    Animal Worked

    The Kerala Story Worked

    Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar Worked

    OMG2 Worked

    Tiger 3 Worked

    Sequels Like Gadar 2, Dream Girl 2, Tiger 3 Worked. Original Work Like Jawan, Animal, Dunki Worked.

    5. Cinematic Excellence Persists: Among The Business Boom & Cacophony Of Success, Gems Like 12th Fail, Pokhar, Bheed, Three Of Us Also Bloomed.

    6. Beautiful Co-Existence: People Were Back In Theatres. Movies Like 12th Fail And Gadar 2 Continued For Months. Direct OTT Releases Became More Common & Certain Movies Found Their Ideal Audience In Digital Streaming. Everyone’s Happy With The Arrangement.

    7. Southern Movies Are Becoming Mainstream: Jailer, Leo, Salaar & PS2 Showed There Is A Growing Audience For Southern Movies In The North As Well.

    For Annual Bollywood Reviews Since 2012 & Movie Reviews  – Refer To www.ashokkarania.com

    The Top Movies Of 2023:

    1. 12th Fail: The Power Of Dreams. Vikrant Massey’s Emotional & Earnest Showcase Of The Gruesome IPS Journey Won Hearts.  A Sleeper Hit. One Of The Best Movies. The Strong Content, Excellent Screenplay & Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Directorial Treatment Wins The Day. VVC Beats Protege Rajkumar Hirani (Dunki). Special Marks For Vikas Divyakriti’s Inclusion & Great Adaptation Of Anurag Pathak’s Book.

    2. Jawan: SRK’s Massy Bollywood Masala Entertainer For The Political Bharat!  Farmer Suicides To Medical System To Voting – Shining SRK Showcase It All. Deepika, Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara & Sania Shine In The Highest Grosser Of The Year.

    3. Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani: The Karan Johar ‘Its About Loving Your Family’ Get A Socio-Liberal Makeover! Dharmendra & Songs Steal The Show Amidst An Ensemble Cast Of Bollywood’s Top Talent Including Alia & Ranveer.

    4. Sirf EK Bandaa Kaafi Hai: A Manoj Bajpayee Masterclass Where Shiv Bhakt Leads From The Front. A Stellar Court Room Drama Based On The Real-Life Trial & Conviction Of Asaram Bapu!

    5. Three Of Us: A Simple & Moving Tale Of A Dementia Patient’s Revisiting Of Childhood Places, People & Memories. Shefali Shah, Jaideep Ahlawat & Swanand Kirkere Are Terrific In A Tale Of Memory, Friendship & Love. The Gentle, Tranquil, Sensitive Film Is A Soul Sister Of Oscar Favorite Past Lives

    6. Bheed: An Experiential Portrayal Of The Largest Migration Of Modern Time. All Shades Of Emotion In The Black And White Saga.

    7. Dunki: Rajkumar Hirani’s Take On The  Illegal Immigration Practice Spiced With Smart Humour & Humanity

    8. 8 AM Metro: A Heart-Warming Tale Of Two Strangers Striking An Unique Relationship. Slow Burn Movie Of Honest Emotions.

    9. Afwaah: A Political Thriller Of Modern Times – Showcasing The Impact Of Social Media On Gullible Public!

    10. OMG2: Pankaj Tripathi Shines In A Movie On The Important Topic Of Sex Education.

    Honorable Mentions:

    1. Khufiya

    2. Kathal

    3. Jaane Jaan

    4. Pathan

    5. Pokhar Ke Dunu Paar

    6. Ghoomer

    7. Satya Prem Ki Katha

    8. Gulmohar

    9. Goldfish

    10. Joram

    The Commercial Success Stories Of 2023:

    1. Jawan

    2. Animal

    3. Pathan

    4. Gadar 2

    5. Salaar

    6. Jailer

    7. Leo

    8. Tiger 3

    9. Rocky Rani Ki Prem Kahaani

    10. PS2

    The Forgetful Movies Of 2023:

    1. Tejas – Kangana’s All Time Flops Continue….

    2. Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan – Family Productions Of Salman Khan

    3. AdiPurush – The Perfect Spoiler Of Ram On Celluloid

    4. Ganapath

    5. Selfiee

    And Many Movies Were Neither Here Or There: U Turn, Gumraah, Kuttey, Bloody Daddy, Tiku Weds Sheru Etc.

    Bollywood Persona Of 2023:

    Alia Bhatt Is The Betaaj Badshah (Undisputed Queen) Of Bollywood & Clearly The Most Influential Achiever But The Person Who Moved The Needle & Transformed Identity To Catalyze & Energize Bollyoowd Was The King Khan – Shah Rukh Khan!  

    Lots of Web Series & Short Movies Are Also Enriching The Bollywood & Entertainment Space – But They Are Out Of Scope For This Current Review.

    What’s Your Take? What You Loved? Hated?

  • Macbeth: Lust for power presented in a power-packed performance!

    Macbeth: Lust for power presented in a power-packed performance!

    Macbeth: Lust for power presented in a power-packed performance!

    Massimiliano Troiani brought William Shakespeare’s Macbeth to Natrani’s Vikram Sarabhai International Arts Festival 2023.

    The prophecies to three witches and his wife’s devilish persistence drives Macbeth to a path of brutal violence in his quest for becoming the King. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are tormented by the evil they unleashed.

    Macbeth is timeless classic and has strong resonance with what is happening in the world today!

    Yadava Chandran as Macbeth and Mallika Sarabhai as Lady Macbeth give stellar performance. Raag Sethi’s music is a special highlight. A mind-blowing act with goosebump moments!

  • Kho Gaye Hùm Kahan: The Insta Movie Of The Goldfish Generation

    Kho Gaye Hùm Kahan: The Insta Movie Of The Goldfish Generation

    Friendship. Ambition. Romance. Heartbreak. Situationship. Adulting. Personal Demons. Coming Of Age. All In The Digital World.

    A story of three buddies Ahana, Imaad and Neil – who face different challenges of life behind the happy shining mobile screens. Smart business marketer Ahana’s boyfriend has broken up with her, Gym instructor Neil is trying to rise above his sub-par existence and Stand-up comic and Tinder addict Imaad has intimacy and trust issues.

    The movie gives a subtle nudge on the perils of fake social media crutches and embrace the no-filter reality with healthy relationships. The constant validation seeking behaviour is as addictive as drugs and causes emotional upheavals and mental health challenges. The non-preachy messages are powered with smart lines and sharp editing. The conversations seem very real and authentic. Special mention for the catchy music – English songs are apt and give the right vibe!

    The trio of Ananya Pandey, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Adarsh Gaurav are relatable and perform with effortless elan. Kalki adds depth to the movie – We might be more connected now but we are lonelier than ever.

    Zoya Akhtar & Team bounce back after The Archies!

    Kho Gaye Hum Kahan – Predictable. Relatable. Relevant. Easy Breezy. Like Insta – Smile, Like & Move On!

  • Dunki Review: Thought Provoking Cinema Spiced With Smart Humour & Humanity

    Dunki Review: Thought Provoking Cinema Spiced With Smart Humour & Humanity

    The First Words From The First Day First Show: Thought Provoking. Beautifully Simple Humour. Amazing Dialogues. Lovely Music. Emotional Roller Coaster. Humanity. Patriotism.

    The Rajkumar Hirani’s Midas Touch Ensures A Hat-Trick For Swades Shah Rukh Khan.

    The Perils, Costs & Empathetic Angles To Illegal Immigration Practice Is The Focus Of Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki. The Movie Is A Triumph Over His Last Outing Sanju But Still Below Par Of 3 Idiots & PK.

    Shahrukh Is An Actor In His Chak De India Avatar, Not An Employee Of SRK Brand. Vicky Kaushal Continues His Purple Patch & Once Again Outshines The Main Lead In Parts – Like In Sanju Movie. Tapsee Has A Meaty Role & Shows A Strong Arc. Boman Irani & Supporting Cast Is Impressive.

    Smart & Sharp Dialogues. Soulful Music That Carries The Story Ahead. The Screenplay Could Have Been Better & Direction Is Superb. SRK Kurtas Make A Statement.

    A Complete Family Entertainer.

    Cinema Par Excellence.

    Dunki – A Must Watch.