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Tag: Movie Review

  • 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!

  • Avatar – The Way Of Water: Breathtakingly Immersive Experience Of A Disappointing Movie

    Avatar – The Way Of Water: Breathtakingly Immersive Experience Of A Disappointing Movie

    Avatar is one of the greatest cinematic experience. A game-changing visionary movie. Apart from pathbreaking technology, it introduced us to the blue bodied Na’vi of Pandora moon, raised our environmental consciousness way before Greta Thunberg and made us feel ‘I see you’. It reigned as the highest grossing movie for a decade since its release in 2009.  

    Avatar 2 is called Avatar – The Way Of Water. It is second of the five instalments that will continue to be released every 2 years till 2028. 

    Jake Sully and his family flee the forest to take refuge with amphibian tribe Metkayina. The green canvas turns to turquoise Maldives like pristine waters. After the initial tense proceedings, things settle down and they together fight the common enemy – sky people – the humans. 

    The aquatic flora and fauna is the best part of the movie. Dazzling and enchanting! The whale like tulkun is the showstopper – gentle giant that is bigger than Mumbai flats. The climax is a return to Titanic world for James Cameron – even Kate Winslet joins the reunion! 

    Avatar 2 is a beautiful spectacle but too long and has no gripping plot to speak of. New owner Disney add family dynamics to the environment and imperialism themes. One can give James Cameron the credit to be singularly focused on the simple narrative. 

    Avatar – The Way Of Water is a one time big screen watch. It is debuting in more 50,000 screens at the same time across all major countries. If you do not watch it, our hearts will still go on….

  • 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!

  • ‘Monica O My Darling’ Review: Womaniya Blast In A Musical Comic Thriller!

    ‘Monica O My Darling’ Review: Womaniya Blast In A Musical Comic Thriller!

    A taut pop culture rich thriller with unapologetic eccentric characters! A social climber has it all – great job, beautiful fiancé and a bright future – till things go south! A femme fatale secretary and a kick-ass police officer create a mad energy of its own! And there are murders along the way!

    Huma Qureshi & Radhika Apte have a blast in the intriguing murder mystery! Huma Quereshi is a riot. Radhika Apte is completely sassy. Lovely to see them enjoying in their well-written characters. Rajukumar Rao does a great job but he has been there, done that. A great ensemble cast.

    The music is terrific and adds to the quirky fun. Songs like ‘ Yeh Ek Zindagi’, ‘Love you so much that I want to kill you’ ‘Bye Bye Adios’ etc are a character in itself!

    Smart writing, strong screenplay, fabulous dialogues, marvellous acting and outstanding music make it a nice watch. Editing could have been better. Director Vasan Bala creates a cool cocktail of Johnny Gaddar, Sriram Raghavan and James Hadley Chase novels.

    Worth a watch!

  • ‘Rorschach’ Movie Review: Deeply Intriguing Psychological Neo Noir Thriller

    ‘Rorschach’ Movie Review: Deeply Intriguing Psychological Neo Noir Thriller

    ‘Rorschach’ Movie Review: Deeply Intriguing Psychological Neo Noir Thriller

    A bewildering movie that justifies its title – Rorschach means a projective psychological test that uses a subject’s interpretation of 10 standard black or colored inkblot designs to assess personality traits and emotional tendencies.

    The movie tests your perception of the film? Your feelings, your characteristics and you! The movie also tests the key characters in the outstanding drama – all of who showcase numerous shades of grey.

    A rich businessman for Dubai arrives in a tranquil village and sets a chain of interesting events. Gradually, the pieces of puzzle unearth and we get a sense of protagonist’s true intentions arising from a mental state. I am resisting the temptation to leak the big story!

    The revenge drama keep you on the edge of the seat. One is attracted to the maze and gets deeper and deeper! Though the pace gets little slow after half time when the real plot is revealed!

    Mammootty shines and does full justice to the movie! What a layered and smooth performance where he surrenders to the script – you become part of his insidiousness! Acting masterclass! Hats off! But it is Bindu Panicker who outshines seething Mammootty for me – her menacing matriarch act of self-preservation is outstanding!

    The movie is technically superb with music, car, house and village as impeccable components. Loved the English tracks of the movie – enhanced the mood of the film. Full marks to the director!

    Watch it – A very unique slow burn!

  • 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!!

  • Chhapaak Review: A Courageous Act!

    Chhapaak Review: A Courageous Act!

    Chhapaak Review: A brave movie that celebrates life and inspires us to keep going! A sensitive portrayal of a barbaric crime against women – which we do not care about! 

    The story of Laxmi Agarwal – a teenager who is attacked with acid by an acquaintance for ignoring his advances. The glamorous Deepika glides into the character of a very simple Malti and delivers a strong and sensitive performance. Malti’s trial and tribulations are shown without any melodrama or preachiness – an important point. 

    Strong moments exist. The importance of a ‘Jhumka’ (ear-ring) to girl is known but Malti cannot wear it – it hurts!  The first time she sees herself in a mirror and cries – heart-wrenching. Or a lady tells Malti – ‘beauty parlour mein kaam karne ke liye beauty ka hona zaroori hai’. The dialogue that hits me is the one that Malti delivers to her ’special’ friend Amol: ‘Acid aap pe nahin, mujh pe phinka hai. Aur mujhe party karni hai’. Inspiring!

    And Gulzar Sahab’s lyrics are awesome, as always! I liked the title track ‘Chhapaak se pehchaan le gaya’ and ‘Khulne do’. Strong supporting act by the lawyer Archanda (Sarghi) and Amol (Massey). Full credit to Deepika Padukone and Meghan Gulzar for making the courageous movie! Respect for people who stand for ideas, stand for causes and stand for something! 

  • Joker: A Cinematic Experience Par Excellence

    Joker: A Cinematic Experience Par Excellence

    Joker movie is a cinematic experience par excellence.

    Director Tod Phillips has reimagined the classic character and presented a very gripping tale.

    Joaquin Phoenix is Arthur Fleck – the clown on hire and a struggling stand-up comedian. He lives with his mother in a rat-hole apartment in Gotham city. He adores the celebrity TV comedian and talk show host Murray Franklin. He wants to be famous like him. He has a silent crush on his neighbour. He has mental health challenges and he finds an unlikely connection with one of the most powerful man in the city. The story unfolds and slowly showcases his rise as Joker.

    The beauty of the movie is in details….Cinema at its best!

    The moment of Arthur trying to be friendly with a boy in the bus. The scare of the dwarf clown trying to open the door. The pain of unconquered love when he visits his desired love. The sadness of funding cuts. The despair of being fired. The anger and cries of unravelling a difficult past.

    Joker’s dance on the steps – Oh my God! What a capture!

    Director has captured the loneliness and despair in beautifully captured shots. The lonely steps. The lonely train on a dark night. The flickering lights. The dull apartments. The empty lives. The dark people. Everything he shows has a meaning. Everything he has shown has a context. Even the ‘Charlie Chaplin’ movie in the theatre.

    The world is falling apart. The garbage collectors are on strike and streets are stinking. The funding for social services is down because “they” do not care about such things. The divide between rich and  have-nots is widening. The powerful Thomas refers to the have-nots as Clowns. Arthur beautifully asks: Is it me who is crazy or the whole world is getting crazy?

    Eventually the clown’s actions start resonating with many in the world!

    Ambition. Love. Illusion of Love. Failure. Loneliness. Grief. Struggle. Celebrity Cult. Power. Pain. Everything is captured and shown subtly.

    Joaquin Phoenix gives a masterclass in acting! The way he has sunk into the character and portrayed all the emotions – too good! He rules the screen. He owns the movie.

    Director Tod Phillips has challenged the citadel of great directors with this movie. Oscars all the way!

  • Bhaag Milkha Bhaag – Worth A Watch !

    Bhaag Milkha Bhaag – Worth A Watch !

    Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a dramatic Bollywood experience with moments of magic. It is an inspirational tale of the Flying Sikh Milkha Singh. Farhan Akhar has given a towering performance in a career best role.

    Everyone knows that the movie is the story of a popular athlete and hence there are set expectations. The challenge is to present a large than life aura of the star yet remain authentic. Rakesh Mehra’s partially succeeds in achieving the difficult balance but he could have done better for sure. The film’s length of 3 hours plus clearly expresses his struggle.

    The film is the journey of Mlikha Singh as he conquers the world. His unhealed wounds of partition, his growing up years, his incomplete love story, his rise as an athlete, his brief flirtation and his pursuit of world record is beautifully captured. Milkha’s early years represent the idyllic life in beautiful village in the pre-partition days. The move to India is painful but he adapts to the environment and grows into a lawless mischief. His relationship with sister is touching. The entry of love in his life inspires him to become responsible and amend his life. The salvation is in an army job where the glass of milk incentivizes him for a running career. His talent leads him to the glories inspite of the petty jealousies, setbacks and brief deviations. Milkha runs with fresh wounds after an attack by competitor and breaks the national record. He breaks the 400 m world record with his sheer persistence and passion. The movie ends with a typical India and Pakistan competition.

    There are two heroes of the movie: Prasoon Joshi and Farhan Akhtar. Prasoon’s lyrics are pure magic. The songs really touch your heart. He seems to be a worthy successor to Gulzar style of poetry. He has even written the story, screenplay and dialogues for the movie. Farhan Akhtar plays the character with pure conviction and his hard work clearly shows. He has not only build his muscles but only reconstructed himself with the movie. He is going to busy in the awards season. Divya Dutta is brilliant as always and Rebecca Breeds is charming. Sonam has nothing to do in the movie. Pawan Malhotra, Prakash Raj, Yograj Singh, K K Raina are all brilliant in supporting the main cast.

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    Inspite of its flaws, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a good movie. The movie is a lesson in pursuit of excellence. If the movie even inspires a few Indians to take sports seriously and live life with determination and will power, it will have ensured its place in the history.

    Bhaag Milkha Bhaag – A Good Watch !

  • Excellent Movie – The Kite Runner

    The Kite Runner is one of the best movies of the recent times. It is based on Khalid Hosseini’s best-seller. The Marc Forster directed movie is all about second chances in the life. The film’s tagline says – There is a way to be good again !

    The movie is about friendship and betrayal but it also touches upon the relation between father and his son.

    The protagonist is a novliest Amir, who gets a chance at redemption from guilt which has weighed him down since the time as a child he witnessed silently the brutal rape of his best friend Hassan. The path to contrition involves confrontation with the mighty Talibans who have taken over Afganistan and securing freedom of Hassan’s son Sohrab from the clutches of Taliban. Incidentally, Sohrab is also sexually tortured by Taliban.

    The movie is full of moving scenes including Sohrab’s escape from the hotel and the talk thereafter. The last scene of the movie is touching as well. Whe Amir offers to run the kote for Sohrab by echoing Hassan’s words, ‘For you, a thousand times over’, it purges him of pent-up guilt and signifies the sense of atonement that permeates the story.

    Go watch. This is cinema at its best !

    Check the wonderful site of the movie – http://www.kiterunnermovie.com/