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Tag: Bollywood Review

  • 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!

  • Tiger3: Timepass Mission

    Tiger3: Timepass Mission

    Serial Kisser Emraan Hashmi’s Kisses. No

    Salman Bhai’s Shirtless Moment. No

    Foot Tapping Music. No

    Unique Story. No

    Noteworthy Performances. No

    Rejuvenated Bollywood. No

    Must Watch. No

    Tiger 3 – The usual glossy spy thriller with Hollywood style action and mind defying stunts. The usual Indo-Pak storyline with usual Salman-Katrina proceedings. Nothing new to inspire or engage beyond the Shahrukh Salman bromance!

    The Yashraj Spyverse runs the risk of being stale and predictable saga. Jawan was different from Pathaan and hence it worked! Time to rejuvenate! Time to get Alia!

  • Trial Period: A Heartwarming Family Movie!

    Trial Period: A Heartwarming Family Movie!

    Trial Period: A Heartwarming Family Movie!

    Father on rent for a thirty day trial period!

    A child forces her single mother to get a father on rent for a month. She agrees to get one but strategises to bring a misfit father that the child will hate. As expected, the plan fails with the father and son getting along pretty well. Emotions emerge, love creeps in and things become complex. How do they navigate this?

    A highly predictable movie with nice warm moments and weak screenplay. But it still sticks! Especially due to excellent performance by Manav Kaul – who is charming and impressive and funny! Genelia as a modern single woman and Manav as a closet romantic have a good chemistry! Zidane Braz and Gajraj Rao provide strong anchor to the movie.

    Nothing extraordinary! If you are looking for a clean wholesome family entertainer, Trial Period is a good watch!

  • Bawaal – When Hitler Saves A Failing Marriage!

    Bawaal – When Hitler Saves A Failing Marriage!

    Bawaal – When Hitler Saves A Failing Marriage!

    Bawaal is an interesting attempt where a couple in troubled marriage discover love over a World War 2 honeymoon trip. Arjun is a highly image-conscious and fake braggart who treats his intelligent, pretty and talented wife Nisha like a piece of dirt. Arjun invites trouble at his school job and finds a novel way to change the narrative. Nisha accompanies her and during the European trip covering Holocaust, Arjun realises his follies. 

    The story of a rustic uncivilised man redeemed by a brilliant and wise woman is an interesting take and explored before. The movie fails to build on a great premise. And zero marks for the attitude towards Epilepsy….

    The attempt to infuse Holocaust is a brave attempt but it fails…especially dialogues like – Every relationship goes through their Auschwitz. Or reducing Hitler’s evil to greed. Expect a big roasting here for the movie!

    Varun Dhawan is class apart and is the highlight of the movie. He is effortless and impressive. The supporting cast is wonderful. But Janhvi Kapoor fails to exploit the great character. 

    Bawaal has wonderful music and smart dialogues. Trust Dangal’s Nitesh Tiwary for a great movie but he could have done much much better!

    Bawaal is a decent one time watch – Watch it for Varun Dhawan!

    #bawaal #bawaalreview #bollywood #hindifilmindustry #primevideo #amazonprime #indiancinema #romance #newreleases

  • Afwaah Review: A Political Thriller Of Modern Times!

    Afwaah Review: A Political Thriller Of Modern Times!

    ‘Achhi kahaniyaan woh hain jisme tark ho, jo aapko provoke karein to ask why’.

    Writer of ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron’ and Director of ‘Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi’, ‘Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin’ brings a dramatic commentary of the modern times! A strong telling of how unverified chat forwards and social media rumours trigger unrest and create destruction! 

    Mob Lynchings, LoveJihad, Social Media Factory, Chat App Crafted Realities, Cattle Killings, Election Build Ups, Patriarchy, Communalism, Politics Of Hate – All feature in the relatable thriller.

    A political rally in Sawalpur, Rajasthan goes out of hand and rising leader Vikram Singh (Sumeet Vyas) faces the heat. His defiant and disapproving fiancee Nivi (Bhumi Pednekar) decides to run away and is saved by a NRI returned Muslim adman Rahab (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). Rahab is on his way to meet his wife’s book launch at a high society literature festival. But the trip becomes a hell of an adventure ride when he becomes the face of LoveJihad, thanks to social media alchemists. 


    Nawaz is very cool and shines in a very restrained and understated manner. Bhumi and T J Bhanu are the real stars – strong women who fight back, defy patriarchy, listen to their inner voice and keep the moral sanity alive. Sumeet Vyas is stellar and very convincing as suave, polished politician! 

    Afwaah has cliches as well as smart moments. The butcher scene and a man begging for his life are clearly drawn from one of the biggest riots of India. The Jaipur Literature festival equivalent where all high talks fizzle or the choice of animal at the end of the movie is finest sarcasm. 

    The movie is a courageous attempt but looses grip in some portions and becomes a drag. Afwaah manages to avoid becoming a preachy sermon. But it fails to deliver the punch that was expected from such a film – blame it on the everyday newspapers that we read. Nothing shocks us anymore! 

    But if Afwaah makes one think of verifying the social media post before blindly forwarding, sharing and believing it, Afwaah would have done a great service to the nation and posterity!

  • Qala Review: Visually Spectacular Musical Pyschodrama

    Qala Review: Visually Spectacular Musical Pyschodrama

    Qala Review: Visually Spectacular Musical Pyschodrama

    Qala – Where Guru Dutt meets Bhansali meets Vikramditya Motwane!

    Qala is a work of art! Picture perfect frames, scintillating music, brilliant acting and empathetic treatment make Qala a great watch!

    Qala is the story Qala Manjushree – a famous Bollywood singer and winner of Golden Vinyl record, who is struggling with parental disdain and personal guilt. She has unbridled ambitions in a highly misogynistic society and she actualises her dreams with intriguing choices. The pyrrhic victory takes an epic toll on her. She shines outside but is burning within. She is calm but broken within.

    Triptii is the perfect choice for Qala who shows fragility, ambition, vulnerability, guilt, jealousy, hurt, power and many other colours in a single canvass. She constantly reminded me of Natalie Portman’s Black Swan act – only with Organza Sarees and high neck quarter sleeve blouses.

    Swastika Mukherjee is equally amazing as Urmila – who had learned the hard realities of life and tells her daughter to work harder in a man’s world. Her apathy to Qala and her affection to Sajan are two sides of the same coin. Stoic Swastika!

    Irffan Khan’s son Babil makes a great impact in a brief but significant role. He immerses himself in the character – like his Dad. He and supporting cast uplift the movie.

    Full marks to Anvika Dutta for creating a beautiful dark painting with multiple shades. The icy cold Himachal and warm Kolkata are so strikingly different – even the mood and clothing of characters.

    Technically brilliant, gorgeously shot and strong direction. Loved the metaphors – Moth, Mercury, Snowfall, Cuckoo! Moth embraces Organza saree….Strong screenplay. Loved dialogues – “The times change. This is an old trick of time.” “Naam ke aage pandit lagna chahiye, uske peeche bai nahi”.

    The brilliant film’s biggest star is the music. What a composer Amit Trivedi has become – each and every song is so impeccable and integral to the story line. Shauq is a masterpiece which convey’s heartbreak while Ghode Pe Sawaar brings nostalgia of the past era. Nirbhau Nirvair is awesome! Magical!

    Watch it! What remains with us are handmade painting visuals, mesmerising music, moth motifs, organza sarees and lots of thoughts – Qala is a remarkable movie!

    Caveat: A dark movie – not for everyone! Not a masala entertainer or typical Netflix skin and crime thriler! Qala is an acquired taste!

  • Raat Akeli Hai Review: Gripping Watch!

    Raat Akeli Hai Review: Gripping Watch!

    Raat Akeli Hai Review: Gripping Watch!

    A dark murder mystery of a family with lots of skeletons in the cupboard. Everyone is a complicit in the well-layered locked room crime.

    Nawazuddin shines as a small town cop who unravels the truth – Reminds of his Kahaani avatar! Radhika Apte and all other characters are well sketched.

    Rusty UP feel, nice direction, memorable simple dialogues and engrossing suspense! Reminds us of Knives Out, ChinaTown and Manorama Six Feet Under! Nordic Noir in Desi UP Avatar!

    Raat Akeli Hai Is Worth A Watch!

  • Shakuntala Devi: The Vidya Balan Show! Vidya-Kasam!

    Shakuntala Devi: The Vidya Balan Show! Vidya-Kasam!

    Shakuntala Devi: The Vidya Balan Show! Vidya-Kasam!

    The unraveling of personal life of India’s most famous mathemagician Shakuntal Devi – Who tries to get the mathematical equation of life right – Celebrated career vs motherhood. Why woman cannot have it all?

    Shakuntala is a genius whose aim was clear from day one -become a ‘Bada Aadmi’, not a ‘Badi Aurat’! The prodigy’s difficult childhood gives way to the fame and riches of Shakuntala Devi’s ‘human computer’ cult. The movie takes an emotional turn as Shakuntala tries to focus on family and daughter.

    Its all about loving your parents – famous words from Karan Johar. But Shakuntala Devi has challenges with her parents as well as with her only child Anupama. The movie spends more time on this, leaving other strands ignored.

    It is good that Shakuntala was not presented as photoshopped and Instagram perfect figure. No one likes hagiography !!!

    Yet one must not forget that this is one perspective and all heavily fictionalised. True life may remain a Paheli – as the song said!


    There has been a discussion on her husband’s homosexuality. Pros and cons of her approach for not sending the girl to school. Yet she should have done a better job – but she was no ordinary lady! Maybe the sheer ambition and storm that she was – helped her to go from an obscure village to a global phenomenon!

    Movies help us to discover these characters and ignite discussions to help us discover our true north. Learn both small things like snowflakes and big things like importance of following your passion! And try to avoid their mistakes! And make our own unique path!

    The movie is a complete Vidya Balan show. Her powerhouse performance is the life of the movie – Showing all shades of Shakuntala – Genius. Ambitious. Confident. Strong. Independent. Vibrant. Charming. Brave. Powerful. Flawed. Imperfect. Human!

    Vidya is ably supported by Sanya Malhotra and others. Strong editing and overall well presented. A good watch!!

  • Gulabo Sitabo Review – A Crumbling Effort!

    Gulabo Sitabo Review – A Crumbling Effort!

    India’s first big brand movie to go direct on a digital streaming platform is an average fare. 

    Juhi Chaturvedi & Shoojit Sircar’s have a history of amazing movies – Vicky Donor, Piku and October. But Gulabo Sitabo falls short. 

    Fatima Mahal is the protagonist of the movie – a dilapidated and forgotten ruin with rich history and past glory. Amitabh and Ayushmann, loggerheads with each other, share a common love for the mansion. Both excel in portraying the flawed characters – emotions, mannerisms and insecurities. Excellent supporting cast with special mention for Shrishti Srivastava – out-spoken and unapologetic! 

    Love the slice of life of Lucknow! Amazing writing, humorous anecdotes, great cinematography and nice direction. But the film is slow and stretched and crumbles like the toilet wall of the falling mansion! Can watch it or can miss it! 

    Wise decision to release on digital platform – movie is not for mainstream multiplexes!

  • Gully Boy Review: A Soul-Stirring Entertainer

    Gully Boy Review: A Soul-Stirring Entertainer

    Gully Boy is a must watch movie!

    Hats off to Zoya for a brave and inspiring movie. How a small Gully Boy (kid from the street) uses his talent to rise in life against all odds. He uses hip-hop as expression of his despair.

    Ranveer’s purple patch continues. He is awesome – again! In complete contrast to Simba and his high-energy self, we see a vulnerable and restrained protagonist. His channelizes his character’s anger and frustration into a productive outlet – rap. He listens to the insults. He maintains his relations and friendships. He makes his point – but never dramatic. He is never over-the-top. Ranveer internalises Muraad effortlessly. He is flawed but honest. He is Dharavi boy with big dreams.

    Alia (Safeena) supports Ranveer’s steel resolve with her solid, energetic and power-punched performance. She is truly bombastic as a ‘tod-phod’ character. Siddhant Chaturvedi shines in a great debut and provides the right momentum to the proceedings. He is leading the charge in the first half. He is a great revelation. Kalki, Vijay Raaz and everyone else provide a solid support.

    Zoya has made a thoughtful movie that is equally entertaining. She has made a compelling argument. She is giving microphone to the less heard voices of Bombay. The less-privileged living next to high rises can also rise high! It is a positive attitude pill – something that everyone will enjoy.

    Zoya probes gently into the souls of each character and presents their conflicts and challenges in a gentle way. It is not just a story of Muraad but also of Safeena, M C Sher, Murad’s mom, Murad’s dad, Sky, Moin etc.

    Small and strong statements exist throughout the movie. Ranveer is measuring the bathroom of Sky’s house and compares with his room. Ranveers sees people dragging on lives in the city of dreams. One of the most beautiful moment was when Ranveer is driving the employer’s daughter and she is sobbing. The class divide is wide enough to drown the humanity. Later in the movie, when Sky bridges the divides, Muraad says: Thank You!

    And yes, the rap songs have wonderful lyrics. They are a character in itself and one enjoys them thoroughly.

    Listen to the great track:
    Apna time aayega!
    Zinda mera khwab ab kaise tu dafnayega?
    Kyun lagta hai yeh bustee ek andha kuan hain

    My beloved Bombay is a character in the movie with its trains, Dharavi, fast life. The film gives a real feel of the “Gully” life.

    The movie has its heart in the right place. Ranveer Ka Time Aa Gaya Hai! It is the first great movie of the year 2019. Do not miss it! Watch it!