Do Patti Review: Falls Like A House Of Cards – Avoid It!
Kriti Sanon’s Veronica Style Cocktail Of Crime Thriller, Mental Health & Domestic Abuse Is A Big Letdown
Soumya and Shailee are twin sisters, who not only are as different as chalk and see, but also do not see eye-to-eye. Both fall for a cool charmer Dhruv- Aaina in Seeta Aur Geeta & Chaalbaaz mode. The troubled trio tale gets a twist as the stud has anger issues and he resorts to violence since he suffers from a patriarchal hangover. Key topics of mental health and domestic violence are diluted in an overzealous attempt to be a cinematic artwork.
Kajol is wasted – her Dushman was a better fare. Producer Kriti Sanon gets to show her acting skills in a double act including a complete tribute to Cocktail’s Deepika Padukone Veronica avatar. Rest of the act fail to redeem the poor screenplay and poorer direction – A better sensitivity was expected from Kanika in a women-produced film.
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!
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!
‘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.
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…
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!
