Dangal: review

Watched a movie after a long long time. Many things made this movie mandatory to watch. Its a sports based movie. I am a big fan of this genre. I have, infact, searched all the list of such movies made across the world and have seen atleast 80% of them. Back then, I used to wonder, why no sports based movies are made in India. But, then came "Chak De" and later few more to follow.

Another reasons to watch the movie, were the ratings given by Times of India review ( 4.5) and huge income made by the movie (155 crores) in just 4 days. Every other person, ended up recommending me this movie. 

But, one of the most significant reasons that pushed me to book the ticket was an attempt to try out the offer given on ICICI credit card of one free ticket for one ticket bought using the card. Apparently, it doesn't work. Every time you try to avail this offer, it says " You just missed it. Try again at 3.00, or 7.00, or ----". So, it was a mistake to get a credit card just to get those free tickets. Luckily, an ad about movie floating on my facebook helped me get me a discount of ~ Rs.150. So, some benefit.

So, finally I gave in, and watched this movie yesterday evening. I must say a commendable attempt in making this movie. Its visible, how much efforts have been taken to make this movie. It also makes me wonder, how Aamir Khan ends up making movies on odd stories, but still manages to be the center point aka hero of the movie. 

To talk in more details, I loved the first half of the movie. It seems like a genuine story. A person, failing to fulfil his dream, tries to follow it again using different route, making girls enter the Dangal. The efforts taken makes it feel realistic. The characters of young Geeta and Babita  played by two girls are awesome. It presents their journey to Akhada in a comical way. The song during their practice session is just phenomenal. The making of Geeta and Babita into wrestlers, that makes the major part of first half is really wonderful and worth watching.

In the second half though, the story kind of become an Indian movie. Quite a lot of cinematic liberty seem to have been taken. The story seem to have been exaggerated a bit to portray better sides of Mahavir Phogat over others. Putting some words in the Australian wrestlers mouth also seemed unnecessary. The story of the coach might partly be true. Having myself played Badminton and seen the altogether different work culture of two coaches, makes me believe it. The real wrestling action has been shot in a most authentic way. While watching those bouts, it felt like we are watching some real wrestling match. Somewhere, I felt, the movie ended up with concentrating  on Mahavir Phogat's attention on Geeta only. It kind became a two character story. Babita is completely sidelined. While there were worries and discussion shownabout Geets's matches, Babita's matches were never discussed, although she also won a silver in the same tournament. How did the coach treated Babita, and how did she responded to that treatment (while strongly believing in her father unlike Geeta). Nothing about it.

Ofcourse Aamir has done everything to fit in the character. But somehow, I could not unsee him while watching Mahavir Phogat. In every screen, I found him Aamir Khan only. Incontrast, when I saw "Chak De", I found Kabir Khan there, and not Shahrukh Khan. But that is my perspective.

So, over all recommendation. It is a worth watching movie. Must see and must shown movie. I don't agree with 4.5 star rating of Times though, I will give 3 - 3.5 stars to the movie.Watch it for the love of sports and upliftment it might bring to the situation of Women in India.

Independence Day: Resurgence, movie review

Watched Independence day: Resurgence last week end. It was different experience, as there were hardly 15 people in a hall with the capacity of around 300. It was also not difficult to also realize that, probably the 15 people who came to watch the movie, were in a age group, who watched the first part Independence day, way back in 1996, probably as the young generation back then. I wanted to watch a  movie, and definitely, not Udata Punjab, so, we tossed between this movie and Finding Dory. The timing of this movie kind of matched, and so we finally opted for this movie. 

 

 The movie started on a good note, introducing us once again to the futuristic world, portraying the World as one unit, with advance technologies to save us from any new alien attack. Surprisingly, I still can not find Indians in such movies. That too, when a concept of World with out Indians, is like reducing it by 1/7 ratio. Anyway, a change in here, we have Madam President this time, kind of suggesting US having Hillary Clinton as next president. The character played by Sela Wards reflects similar features as Hillary Clinton. Now, with so many disaster movies, it was little confusing. For some time we were confused that she played a role of Doctor in earlier movie. But later realized, she acted as Dr. Hall in "The Day after Tomorrow"- another disaster movie. Funny thing is, the kind of story line of the role, she played in The Day after Tomorrow, a Doctor, who stays behind to take care of her patient, was picked up in this movie. But this time, it was played by the Vivica A Fox, the character name Jasmine Dubrow-Hiller, the widow of the late Hero character played by Will Smith and mother of present movie Hero, Dylan. Back then, she was a dancer, but, here, she becomes a Hospital administrator.  I wonder, if such kind of career changes are really possible, because, I am myself thinking to have one. 

The movie was over all fine in the first half, where lots of new things were getting introduced, with many romantic tracks running, some past year issues between the heroes, the head quarter on Moon and Mars and what not. There is a big use of computer graphic simulations, which at times looks really interesting. Unfortunately, we have kind of visited most of these type of graphics in many movies by now. 

The second half is pretty much disappointing. Here, the movie, fall back on the same story line, shown 20 years back. In fact, it is very much predictable. We kind of just got through the second half to make it put of the hall. I had so many questions in mind after the movie ended. But, unlike earlier cases, I don't want to know the answer to those questions. They are just questions.

What kind of President is this, who only work in the movie is to deliver some senseless commands to attack. It really never occur, that the president is going through some thought process, before taking the decision.

Why is it always kind of queen centered story, where every thing relies on killing the queen. Does the said queen never think of any action plans, in case it gets killed.

There are many more questions, but really, they don't need any answer.

The movie hints at going for one more sequel, but I am not sure, anybody would really want to watch that part.

Off late, such disaste movies are themselves becoming disaster. We now need some really new concept to get hitched to such kind of movies. The days of attracting people with awesome computer graphic simulations is over. The story lines have also digged to all the known possible depths. Can some body taken us on some really new ride?

Spectre: Review

Recently, I watched another movie. Immediately, after watching Katyar Kaljat Ghusli. The decision to watch this movie was instinctive. Since, I had seen a Katyar Kaljat Ghusli after a long gap, Somewhere, I felt like giving a try to another movie. And, I thought, which other movie I can opt than a bond movie.

Frankly speaking, while, Pierce Brosnan was playing Bond, I used to feel, what bullshit movie are these. I just couldn't digest the idea of a person trying to sail over a wave made out of a breaking glacier with the help of a parachute, out of a racing car, and then even landing safely on the other side.  It was an overdose for me. I even equaled bond movies to a crazy movie like "Shoot 'Em up".

But then came, Daniel Craig as a new bond in Casino Royal. He brought some realistic sense to the bond movies, although, that goes against the normal expectation from the figure of a bond. Just in first 15 minutes in Casino Royal, and I confirmed, Daniel Craig is the best bond, I have witnessed. But that was it. While bringing the image of Bond closer to the reality, somehow, whole notion of an awesome spy, who could charm anybody by his skills and looks, and get the work done, just vanished.

This Bond became more vulnerable. Physically, mentally as well as emotionally.

Then came his next segment "Skyfall". I missed it for some reasons, I ccan not remember now. When I watched it later on, I got disconnected with the Bond movie. I thought, its over. The aura of Bond movies is gone.

Somehow, probably, I don't wanted to believe it and so instinctively, I went to watch Spectre. Now, I feel, I could have saved some money. The movie really disappointed me. The physical strength of Daniel Craig, which got connected to the image of Bond, is not visible here. The first 15 minutes of the movie, are disappointing. It is nowhere near the 15 minutes of Casino Royale. It also confirmed that this bond has become less smart and end up taking hasty decision. The way, he wasted an awesome car was painful. Earlier Bonds did not need to be introduced to the features of car, they knew it some how. This Bond is praying, let there be any helpful feature in the car.

The story is interesting. In context with present scenario, a competition between drone and spy, is something new to watch, rather than same old story of a terrorist group trying to take hold of a nuclear bomb, or a plant.

Work is, it was fine. It is good to Monica Bellucci in the Bond movie.

Music is disappointing. The famous Bond music is used very rarely, very subtle, so much that we just don't realize it.

Initial credit score music piece is not at all impressive.

All in all, a disappointing movie. I could have and should have for the movie to be released on TV. 

I should have preferred Hunger Games, a new series, that I found really exciting.

But anyway. If you haven't watched the movie yet, save your money.

Katyar Kaljat Ghusli - review

Katyar Kaljat Ghusli is the first Marathi movie, I have ever watched in theater. It is also my first movie watched after a break of almost 2.5 years in theater. Last movie, I watched was Ironman III. And it was not a great experience to spend money on.

So, after reading many reviews, listening to experiences of those closed ones who watched it, I, one fine day, decided to watch this movie.

Now, I have seen this play earlier, where Rahul Deshpande plays the role of Khan Saheb, and it was an impressive performance. Subodh Bhave, there, played the role of Kaviraj, and he made that role look significant. A comparison between the play and the movie is thus inevitable.

Let's talk of movie first. Songs are all awesome. The most beautiful part of the movie. Surprise package:  Shankar Mahadevan. He has really brought the character of Pandit ji in reality. Ofcourse, he must not have to take any extra efforts for the lip sinking on his own songs. But, he managed to protray different age shades of the character very well. I actually believed him as an old Panditji from his body language. Only scene, where I didn't feel connected is the one where he looses his voice near the lake. There was too much of special effect tried in there.

Subodh Bhave has also done a fantastic job. He has actually enacted the singing style of Mahesh Kale, who has given him voice. A similarity I found between movie and play where Mahesh Kale himself played this character. What I couldn't digest is a slight aggressive nature induced in this character. The play protray this character as a person, who just want to learn music. The feeling of revenge, never appears in the play for this character.

The weak link of this movie, according to me is Sachin's Khan Saheb. People may say, that he has done an awesome job, but I personally felt it more of overacting. After watching Rahul Deshpande as Khan Saheb, I just couldn't digest him in the character. I feel he was supposed to induce egoistic nature in the character because of the singing prowess he has achieved over the years. But, here, it seems like a mixture of hatred, revenge and egoistic nature ( without even actually  defeating Pandit Ji). Sachin has survived only because of dialogue delivery in Urdu, else, I consider him as a weak link here.

All other characters are fine. Mrunmayi Deshpande and Amruta Kahnvilkar are ok.

I felt bad about the character of Kaviraj. Compared to the play, his character in the movie has been degraded badly. It has been made pretty much unwanted.

Inspite of this, over all, the movie is good. It is worth spending money on. It does not give you complete satisfaction, but it provides you some old tunes ( redone here) to humm in spare time.

Movies - disappointing day by day

There was a time when a bunch of people preferentially chose to watch Hollywood movies over Bollywood movies. I belong to that bunch. The main reasons for such a preference included good story, better presentation, no songs! and short time (almost half of any Bollywood movie). Most of the Hollywood movies I watched back then used to grip me to the seat right from the beginning till the end. I came across first part of Lord of the Rings and it made me voraciously read that huge book of almost 1200 pages with font 8, just because I could not wait long for the second part of the movie to know the story. Movies like Gladiator, Brave Heart, still have a great impression on my mind. Jurassic Park really opened a new chapter of imagination for us. Movies like Day after Tomorrow introduced to the concept of probable extinction of human race. And who can forget the series of Harry Potter movies who took every body right from a small kid to a Grand father for a joy ride.

When I used to once in a while watch a Bollywood movie, my time was spent looking at the watch. Except for a few movies like Tare Zameen Par or 3 idiots, watching a hindi movie is most of the time a torture. I enjoyed watching Chak De movie though. It was so good to watch a sports based movie in Hindi which was a rare case till then. Fortunately there weren't too many songs (specifically some romantic song) to unnecessarily stretch the movie. But then " Bhag Milkha Bhag" was little disappointing, though, Farhan Akhtar has taken some real efforts to get in the character. At the same time, I wonder how few movies cross 100 crore mark so easily when it is not even worthy of even 1 crore. Recently released movie "Happy New Year" has crossed  100 crore mark in just 3 days. I wonder if that movie is so good. All such movies ride on publicity stunts.

In between, few Marathi movies also started making a mark. People started talking about these marathi movies. So, I also took a dip in this ocean. But, I am mostly disappointed. Recently, a movie named "Duniya dari" became a big hit among Marathi movie fans. Even financially, it was very successful. It crossed  28 crores scale as I had heard reports. So, when it was released on TV, I decided to watch this movie. I am yet to understand what clicked in this movie. I found it really difficult to continue watching it after 45 minutes ( with first 45 minutes spent in some hope of good story further).

So, with such reasons, I was reduced to watch only Hollywood movies for my entertainment. I was fascinated by Iron man series. First part was just awesome. The way it built up was fantastic. Its second part was also interesting, but by the time third part arrived, the series lost the touch. Same thing happened with Trasnformer series. First and second part were mind blowing but then it kind of lost the plot. By the time fourth part arrived, I guess the main character changed and it suddenly become alien. Same way, I was disappointed with the Bourne Series. I thing first three parts of the movie are the most fast pace movies I have ever seen. But, the fourth part took another turn, changing story a bit, the main character and it lost its touch. 

I was so looking forward to the new Godzilla version. For some reasons, I could not watch that movie when released. yesterday, I happened to watch it and felt good, not spending money on it. Are you kidding? 2 mutant creatures trying to reproduce and Godzilla comes to save us by killing them in a fierce fight! What kind of story is this.

I liked Thor, to some extent. And hoping that second part won't be a disappointment. I have the movie with me, but, wondering, should I spend my time watching it!

Avengers was a series which did not attract my attention at all. I think, the movie arrived when we were too much saturated with the super heroes and so, it could not make an impact, though, it is one of the most watched movies.

I liked Avatar and I heard they are bringing the next part. I hope it is not true.

I liked Spiderman with Toby Mcguire. Believe all the movies in the series. But then, they converted it into Amazing Spiderman with new hero and it lost all.

One movie that amazed me was "Planet of the apes". Its second part is released. I haven't watched it, but I am looking forward to get a copy of it and watch how the movie progressed.

Overall, I have realized that over the time, even the Hollywood movies have become predictable. Either, the movies do not have very high standards, or we have matured enough to not just get impressed by any thing that comes in front of us. We have started finding mistakes in those movies. We have started pointing out " How can they miss this? ". We have started wondering " Isn't it that obvious!". If this is a case with Hollywood movies which surely keep much high standards compared to our Hindi or Marathi movies, there is not surprise when we find it difficult to get through a Hindi or Marathi.

I just hope, we don't see a day when movies become totally insignificant

Bobby Jasoos - An entertaining movie

Now a days I have kind of visiting Cinema Halls for movies.It is painful to spend Rs. 300-400 and end up with disappointment. My last movie in theatres was IronMan-III. That is what almost 2 years back I guess.

Anyway, I happened to catch a recently released movie "Bobby Jasoos" on TV. 

We were apprehensive to watch the movie considering it was recently released and now it is on TV with in few months. But then there was nothing else worth watching on other TV channels, we ended up watching this movie. And for a change, it was a good decision. Some how, the movie managed to kept us connected to it for whole time. Good thing is even whole time was hardly one hr and 30 minutes.

Movie started OK. But the Hyderabadi style started taking grip slowly which it could hold till the end. Well ofcourse there were many visibly lacunae in the movie but still it was entertaining.

For a change there were a few songs in the movie. And even the songs were bad. In stead of regular "Dinkachika" kind of lyrics and music, the songs carried some beautiful words which went well the melodious music.

Vidya Balan really pulled the movie. One doesn't feel, but her acting skills slowly takes hold of your attention. And then there were some strong actors working as side actors. This is one movie which I found clean and cool to watch. Its entertaining and surely is not disappointing. If you haven't watched this movie yet, so find some time and take a look at it. You will surely have a good time for atleast one and a half hour.

Dhoom 3: Should you go for it?

The most awaited movie of the year is here now.

Dhoom-3 released on  20th of December.

People had lots of expectations from this movie for many reasons.

Dhoom series is one of the first, to begin the trend of successful series. It is more famous because of the villain characters rather than the hero Abhishek Bachhan. While John Abraham set the foundations in the first movie, Hrithik Roshan made it large in the second movie of the series. Keeping in line with the newest and best presentation for villains, the third movie in the series included none other than Aamir Khan. It can't get better than this.

Aamir is known for his perfection to the finest details. He creates an expectation even if he is working in a 30 second commercial. So, it is justified that the movie hype would increase multiple times if he is playing a villain's role.

Another interesting character is Katrina Kaif. She would take care of glamour part of the movie. Even here, the series has tried to improvise. Going from Isha Deol in first movie directly to Aishwarya Rai in the second was a big jump. The series needed some one to fill in those shoes. I guess Katrina Kaif would do justice. Not every one would expect her to actually act in the movie, because there hardly will be anything to act for her. The movie is all about bikes, chases and speed. So, probably Katrina Kaif just have to look good and dance around. There might be some emotional touch to her character, but seriously nobody cares.

I wouldn't say anything about Abhishek Bachhan. I don't expect anything from him.Except for movie Yuva, he hasn't really impressed me as an actor.

The weakest link and the one that makes this movie series look bad is Udya Chopra. In spite the case that it is their home production, he should have been cut loose.

Early reviews from the viewers apparently are not that great. Many complaints came:

The movie is a copy of "so and so Hollywood movie".

The action sequence are repetitive. No newness.

It is just a run chase movie. No details of Bank robbery given. Something not expected from Aamir Khan.

Some commented that why Indian Police were called for bank robbery in Chicago. Are they worse than us?

One comment on the movie review on Times of India made me really laugh. I will copy paste a part of it here.

" I thought the target audience for this film are the people who were in deep cryogenic sleep for over a century and never seen a motion picture."

After all reading all this, I am thinking to wait a little  long before I may think of watching the movie. If you have watched it or surely planning  to watch, then do write here, your views about the movie. Lets see, our expectations were right or the reality is different.

Far Over The Misty Mountains Cold

I am watching "The Hobbit: An unexpected journey" movie at the moment. I wanted to watch this movie but somehow missed it when it was released. Today, it is premiering  on TV and  I am not missing it this time. Well the story is just taking shape while I am watching it now. But what struck me strongly is this song. As soon as this song started, it made shivers go down my spine. Listen to this song. It is very effective. The voice is so deep, it mesmerizes you and you will surely loose yourself for next one and a half minutes. Just after the song finished in the movie, I kind of came out of trance and first thing that came to my mind was to share it with all.  I am embedding a video I could find on Youtube for every one to hear. The lyrics are given along with. Enjoy.

PS: If want the complete song that I guess is played as the end credits, follow this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqnSoTgjBrg

Chennai Express : A movie worth watching?

Chennai Ex press: most recent released movie starring  Shahrukh Khan and Dipika Padukone.Few years back I watched Shahrukh Khan's movie "Main Hun Na". Now if you have watched that movie, you probably would agree that the movie actually had nothing new to offer. But it was a well made movie and that's why I actually enjoyed that movie. It was melodramatic. Story of two brothers who unite to over throw the wicked plans of anti national elements. What I liked at that moment was the pace of the movie and good actions plus some good songs. Shahrukh back then was the real badshah of Bollywood and what ever he tried would surely work.I am getting pretty much similar feeling about his recently released movie "Chennai Express". It is a Rohit Shetty movie. Obviously one would expect some actions like Singham movie which actually makes no sense but some where one enjoys those unimaginable shots. Then there surely are some funny songs that makes you to pick the beats and shake your legs.

I initially had some good expectations  from Dipika Padukone as an actress but then those hopes are not there any more. To add to that she is trying Tamil accent that would make it more unbearable. I am hoping  that Shahrukh Khan is doing some miracle to turn this movie in to a good one. Now it already has turned in to a hit by grabbing around 40 crores in just 2 days. It is bound to cross the so called 100 crore boundary with in next few days.

I saw some clips of the movie and what I liked what I saw. For example in a shot Shahrukh says to Dipika that "There is no word as impossible in his dictionary". Other wise such a dialogue would remind one of his Don's character. But what follows then turns it into a hilarious shot, as Dipika asks "Which bakwas dictionary do you use".

I hope the movie does not have only a few such hilarious scenes. This probably is a one time watch and forget kind of movie.

Some reviews I came across about the movie:

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/chennai-express-dialogue-promos/1/296093.html

http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/1872682/report-chennai-express-mints-rs33-12-crore-on-opening-day

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/movie-review/21705390.cms

Bhag Milkha Bhag

I am pretty sure most of movie  buffs are waiting for today for the release of movie, "Bhag Milkha Bhag". There are many reasons for that. But I will talk about why I am waiting for this movie. The list of reasons could be a bit long.

To begin with, I am a fan of real life stories. I have searched wikipedia many a times for the list of movies based on real life incidents and then search them online or any where I can get it and watch it. Here is a list for you:



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_based_on_actual_events

Then, I am a big fan of sports based movies. Following the same formula as mentioned earlier I found out most of the sports based movies and watched them. May then it be Miracle, Invincible, Remember the titans, We are Marshall, Gridiron Gang, The Blind side, Profantine and many others like that. I am watching Cinderella Man just now while writing this post.  Here is a list if you are interested

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports_films

 Third thing is the central character of the movie. Milkha Singh is one name which every Indian knows very well. Although not many actually knows what good he performed to  make it such a big name. I am curious to know all the history. Given the fact that Milkha Singh has appreciated this movie and complemented Farhan Akhtar is a receipt that the movie goes very close to the history and not very away from real incidents.

I like Farhan Akhtar over all. He is a good actor, singer, director and what ever else he might be doing. After Aamir Khan, I find Farhan Akhtar as one person who really put his heart in the work and try to give justice to the role he is playing. Just look at his built for the movie. He has really taken great efforts to get in the role of Milkha Singh. I am sure he will give justice to the role.

In India, real life and that too sports based movie is a rare thing. I can only remember only 4 movies on sports in recent future. Iqbal, Lagaan, Chak de and now Bhag Milkha Bhag.  There was one movie called Ashwini based on Ashwini Nachhappa but I could never find it to watch. (Remind me if you remember any other). I guess Chak de was little inspired by a hockey coach but other wise most of these movies probably are product of imagination. But, this time we will watch a movie we can actually relate to.

 I hope this movie succeeds in reaching as many people  as possible and it rejuvenate the spirit of athletic games in the young generation. So, do watch the movie, get inspired and let me know your views about the movie.

Photo courtesy : http://www.santabanta.com/photos/bhaag-milkha-bhaag/13193004.htm

Iron Man 3

Watched Iron man 3.

Before going for movie I went through few reviews. It has received lot of positive reviews everywhere, with ratings between 3 and 4  out of 5. Naturally, expectations were high. Besides, I am a big fan of Iron man series. Its first movie, making of Iron man is one of my favorites.

Movie begins on a positive note giving a background of the upcoming story and linking Tony Stark to it. It goes on to show new developments that Tony Stark is adding to the quiver of Iron man. The story sails smoothly on the support of fantastic visual effects, witty nature of Tony Stark, humorous conversations and otherwise damsel in distress Pepper Potts turning superhero scenes more than once by different means. The room size 3-D visualization(within the movie) of brain is awesome and cool.So, if you are planning a fun weekend watching a movie, I would recommend Iron man 3. If you need one more reason to watch this movie, this probably is the last movie in the Iron man series. Why? Go check yourself.

But there are few disappointments too.

For the first time, I found Iron man vulnerable and pathetic in the whole movie. I hardly found him confidently controlling the situation. Even Pepper Potts turning Iron man (or woman) or Superhero by other means looked more promising than Iron man.That's not something one expects in this series.

The Mandarin character played by Ben Kingsley could have been real and not just a dummy. It could have been more promising had they kept the character in its skin. By giving a twist to his character, they really disappointed me.

Opposition this time to Iron man comes basically from the people with some mutation. If you keep the associated science aside, you have already seen a lot of such adaptations in X-men series or Fantastic four series. I was not impressed. 

It is shown that Iron man tries to understand the mutation but he doesn't come up with a concrete solution on how to control these people. Lack of strategy to defeat the mutated army is another reason for disappointment. Well calling his own Iron man army was a strategy, but a general one against any big attack, not specific. That made Iron man look vulnerable and pathetic.

In spite of all these reasons, Iron man 3 is a watchable movie. Unlike me, if you do not follow all the super hero or mutation based, or magical power based movies, then, you would surely enjoy. If I compare the ending of Iron man series (which apparently ends with this movie) with Dark Knight series, I feel Iron man has been treated in better fashion. 

So, do watch Iron man 3 and write back your view about the movie here.

Himmatwala: Show Himmat to watch Himmat - wala

 All movie lovers must be aware of the today's release an old movie "Himmatwala". I haven't watched this movie, neither the remake not the original. So, all my views expressed here are out of the impression I received from people around me and critic's views I came across.

I was wondering what is a criteria for a movie to be remade. For me, if there is a story which can be told again by molding it in real time situations. The story will then get accepted. For example a movie like "Don". I think it is a movie that one can remake many a times since the story can be adapted to real time situations. I am not sure if "Himmatwala" fall in the same category.

I haven't watched the original "Himmatwala", so, I am not really sure why this movie made it big back then. Personally, I am not a Jitendra fan. I fall in Amitabh category. So, no question of watching his movies. Second, as far as I understand, this movie had good songs that was the USP of the movie. But, I did not liked the songs of old  "Himmatwala" either. Back then, while watching these songs on "Chitrahaar", I could not understand why those songs were filmed keeping so many Tamboras around and what not. 

So, I am not sure why this movie is remade. To add to that, the ingredients of new "Himmatwala" doesn't appear impressive. Movie director is Sajid Khan. I did not liked any of his movies. Jitendra' role guess is played by Ajay Devgan. I am not sure what criteria he uses to select his movies. As far as I feel, he is an impressive actor with some very good movies and also national award in his kitty. How does he manage to slide down from his fascinating roles in movies like "Gangajal" to this role in "Himmatwala"?  I have never watched Tamanna's movies,  so do not really know what to expect from her. I guess the only thing that could be little relieving is the character played by Paresh Rawal. I guess he is playing the character played earlier by Kadar Khan in old "Himmatwala".

I went through some reviews about the movie and the comments on it by people. Based on that, I would wonder if watching this movie, even if some body pays you for that will be wise decision. Just read the comments on this review:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/movie-review/19255289.cms

I also heard a review on a TV channel. I have never seen anybody bluntly criticizing any movie so badly as this movie. I remember hearing a sentence some thing like "It would require lot of courage "Himmat" to watch this movie "Himmatwala". I would wonder if even Jitendra and Sridevi would want to watch this movie.

If anybody of you could gain enough courage "Himmat" to watch this movie, kindly share experience here and let us also know if there is really any thing worth watching.

Son of Sardar

Two movies Son of Sardar (SOS) and Jab tak hai Jaan (JTHJ) were released on the same day, recently. There was some controversy over the booking of theaters by Yashraj films producing JTHJ. But that is not the topic being discussed here.

Over the weekend I wanted to see a movie and it was a big question which one to go for. On one side JTHJ is produced by big banner Yashraj films, with it becoming the last movie directed by Yash Chopra, on the other side, all I know about SOS's director is that his last movie was Atithee kab jaoge.

While the star cast in either movies is strong, the story of JTHJ was known to be a romantic but there was no clear idea about SOS's story. I used to like Shahrukh Khan's movies earlier, but none of his recent movies have done well to impress me. I have never been a fan of Ajay devgan's movies. Although some of his movies have been hard hitting with an impressive acting, but I could never blindly follow his movies.

In spite of all the facts, I don't know what inspired me to choose SOS over JTHJ. And I think my decision never was so right earlier. It was totally a fun time watching SOS. Agreed it faltered a lot on the laws of sensibilities and also physics, but who cares if the movie entertains you. Moreover, after a long time I guess, a movie can be considered as a family movie. It will be really difficult for one to find an awkward scene in the movie.

To begin with, Ajay Devgan fits perfectly as a Sikh guy. I think after Sunny Deol, his portrayal of Sikh was believable. He pulled very well different aspects connected with Sikhs like being very strong and at the same time very funny. The scenes like him helping Sonakshi getting in the train, or in the scene trying to get the Coconut inside window, have turned hilarious.

I am not sure what is it with his entry in a movie always, that many a times he has been shown arriving as standing on things, either 2 bikes, 2 four wheelers or on 2 horses as in this movie. I don't know about Ajay, but the two horses appeared little uncomfortable running parallel and so close to each other. All the time of Ajay's entry, I was only watching at 2 horses.

Cameo by Salman Khan was unnecessary, or may to pull some of his fan crowd to movie, or to justify his appearance in end of movie song “Pon Po Po Po Pon'.

Sonakshi Sinha was OK in the movie, nothing great to act in the movie for her. But she has overused the words like “Chal Jhuta” or “Kutte Kamine” in the movie and after an interval starts irritating you. I am not sure if she on her own did the bike stunt, but she appear to be fit to do that stunt.

Most interesting make over in the movie is of Sanjay Dutt. He has really pulled off a fantastic character once again in this movie. I never liked him as a hero, but since the time he has shifted towards doing other roles, he appears to be doing great job. Whether it is the “Kancha China” of Agneepath or the character played in this movie, his get up has been awesome and he really made those characters look actual and real. I believe, Sanjay Dutt has now started growing as an actor and he should really explore more of such diverse roles.

Another interesting character in the movie is Juhi Chawla's. She seems little old here, but still looks beautiful. It was good to see Juhi in this movie.

Overall the movie was well made. It makes you laugh. Though the stunts are way over real to believe, you won't mind. You know that a back sack carrying some property related documents is not a good weapon to hit people hard enough to throw them in air, but, that's OK. 

Songs are OK probably, may be listenable, but I did not took efforts to give an ear to those. There was some cry over the song “Pon Po Po Po Pon” I read about. But it was OK, considering it was at the end of the movie, with no connection to movie, and with Salman Khan appearing as main act, who normally pull off such songs with some ununderstandable acting skills.

At times,the movie slightly reminded of another Punjabi family related movie “Jab we met”. Other characters like Tanuja, Vidhoo Dara Singh and Mukul Dev also take credits for some good moments in the movie. Overall, the movie is refreshing and enjoyable. I would suggest, although it can be a family watch movie, it will be more interesting to watch with friends in theater.

Agneepath watched

So, as  mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I wanted to watch new version of Agneepath.

Overall the movie is disppointing but it has few interesting moments in it.

Interesting moments:

I liked the background of Mandwa picturised in the movie. It not only attracted eyes but it also had a grey shade. The spot with "Bargad ka Ped" was the icing on the cake.

The get up of the two villians Rauf Lala and Kancha was awesome. While Kancha was known scary right from the time he appeared in Agneepath trailors, Rauf Lala was a surprise package. It totally changed the way one would normally imagine Rishi kapoor.

The song "Deva Shri Ganesha" was exciting.

I totally liked some of the dialogues delievered by Sanjay Dutt aka Kancha. Take this one towards the end of movie for example: "Are are, thodi sans baki rakh, abhi to Bargad ke Ped pe jana hai" (I had a good laugh at it instead of feeling pity for Hrithik's character).

Disappointments:
Movie begins very well and keeps its grip on the viewer, till the point where Hrithik Roshan is introduced. Then it starts loosing slowly.

Did Master Dinanath had no relatives where his wife (Zarina Wahab) and son could have taken shelter in such tragic situation? Instead they end up in a red light area in Mumbai.

It was difficult to understand why Om puri was so supportive to Vijay all the time in the movie.(Being in such a high position,why was he so much desperate to save  Vijay's sister when Rauf Lala abducted her?)

Priyanka Chopra is totally wasted. I guess there was no need of that character in the  movie.

Director spent too much time trying to develop emotional attachments of Vijay with his mother and sister.That was one main reason where it lost the grip.

Vijay at no point appeared a master player in getting his enemies down.All I remember is he getting beaten up every now and then and surrendering to either Rauf Lala or Kancha.

Why did Vijay decided to use that famous dialogue of Amitabh about his name during the Ganesh procession? The dying guy in addition to dying must be having hard time trying to understand what Hrithik was muttering  while getting stabbed, which by the way nobody around realised. Vijay actually should have used it to tell Kancha his identity, but yes I forgot, he was all the time busy getting beaten up from Kancha in different styles.

I remember Kancha stabbed Vijay atleast 3-4 times in stomach. But in the end when near the "Bargad Ka Ped", Vijay's shirt is torn, all I could see was clean 6 or 8 pack abs and slight cut on his chest which was not bleeding.

In the end I was all worried whether the rope has enough strength to bear the weight of Mighty Sanjay Dutt.

Finally Vijay did not suceeded in his mission. He wanted Mandwa back. But that was a very short time success while he died too immediately after Kancha.
So was it all worth to spend all his life time planning( if at all!!) the revenge.

I earlier had planned to compare the two versions of Agneepath, but looking at the number of disappointments compared to interesting moments, I guess making that comparison is not worth enough.

Agneepath and Chikni Chameli

Remake of Agneepath is released.
Haven't yet watched the movie. But I have good feeling for the movie and expecting that it is atleast one time watch. Well the reviews aren't that bad.

 

I am no great fan of old Agneepath. Hardly remember the movie as a whole. Only thing that I remember about it is the way Amitabh said "Vijay Deenanath Chauhan, Haai".
Rest I was not even impressed by Amitabh in it. His overall getup in the movie did not matched the image of Amitabh I had in my mind at that time .
 Further the voice was horrible. One thing I liked till then about Amitabh was his dialogue delivery and voice quality. Both  were absent from the movie.

Recently I heard a joke: If the director so desperately wanted that kind of voice in Agneepath, he should have taken Rani Mukherjee and not Amitabh.I just wondered when I read Amitabh received National Award for that role.  I don't even remember the female cast in the movie forget talking about heir acting.



Rohini Hattangadi playing Vijay's mother reminded me of her role as Kasturba Gandhi in the movie "Gandhi".

 

I know Danny normally play villian well in his movies. But hardly remember his Kancha china in Agneepath


Coming to new version of Agneepath, most promising thing I found about it is Sanjay Dutt's get up. He looks scary, hope he has acted well enough to make one feel scary.

Another interesting piece is Rishi Kapoor's role. I am expecting some good shades of villianness in his role.

Overall Hrithik Roshan appears good. He looks angry, but is he angry enough?
Action sequence or the environment and sound track during Ganapati procession did make an impression while watching the trailor.
I hope Hrithik has worked on his dialogue delievery which otherwise I don't find effective. I am just wondering and curious how spelled the magic words "Vijay Deenanath Chauhan" . Did he add "Haai" in the end like Amitabh.

Fortunate that there is no counter role of Mithun or Neelam in this version.

I heard a lot about "Chikni Chameli". Today checked the song on Youtube. But it was a total disappointment. Its just the same marathi famous song "Kombdi Palali"!  There is no fun in listening this song, infact it is lot troubling to ears since we already have  enjoyed "Kombdi Palali".

It was a total appointment. Plus I just wondered why Hrithik is so angry while listening to Katrina singing "Chikni Chameli". I guess even he did not liked how she brutely dissected the famous "Kombdi Palali" ending up with hopeless "Chikni Chameli".

Except for this song, I am really looking forward to this new version of Agneepath.

The Rise of the Planet of the Apes

The Rise of the Planet of the Apes is one of those movies which received cold treatment from me initially but then made it so large that it has made me wait desperately for the release of its sequel. I always pictured the "Planet of the apes" series as one where humans replaced by apes are struggling for their life and freedom. The theme never attracted me because its difficult to believe that apes can overpower humans. Atleast the history doesn't suggest that way. According to my belief, the earth was earlier ruled by Dinosaurs, presently by humans and for future there are two options. -Either Humans will detriorate this earth to such an extent that nature will have to click the refresh button like bringing Ice age back, thereby taking away powers from humans, giving to others or -the Artificial Intelligence that can take it over, a concept that made roots stronger with Matrix trilogy. In any case, unlike Dinosaurs, this time humans themselves will be responsible for their decline. In the first case scenario, the next creature to be in power could be anything, may be existing one or a total new evolution. In second case, humans make AI strong enough that they will overpower humans. Other than these I had no other possibilities in mind untill I saw "The rise of the planet of the apes".The logic behind the uprising of the apes made total sense to me. It fits the equation perfectly. Humans could be responsible for the uprising of apes. With such an option, not just apes but any creature can overpower humans. The movie just give a glimpse of what can happen in future. The movie is worth watching for the performance of Andy Serkis (one who played Gollum in LOTR) who played Caeser here, the leading ape.

It is also worth to watch the movie for the impressive special effects that diminishes the lines between reality and effects.And if it interests some, there is Freida Pinto (one from slumdog millionaire) in the movie. She has moulded herself very well to fit in the small piece of performance. Finally, I leave it to everybody's imagination: Nature itself destroyed first rulers Dinosaurs, the one with the all the physical power. Humans, the second one with mind power, will be responsible for their own destruction. The next generation of ruler will both be strong with physical and mind power. So, what will be the cause of their destruction?

Inside Man

Imagine a situation where you enter a movie theater to watch a hollywood movie. You are inside the theater initially adjusting to the darkness and then with the seat to get comfortable. Soon, the Universal studios appears in front of you. But something is weird here. You hear some bollywood hit falling on your ears. Then you realize this is a famous song “Chal chaiyya chaiyya” from some Shahrukh movie I can't remember the name though at the moment. Guess it is “Dil Se”.
For a moment, you get confused if you are watching a hollywood movie or a bollywood movie!!
If you want to experience such a situation, do watch Inside Man. The movie begins with this song with a van moving in the streets of I guess Manhattan. They have used almost complete song with slight remix. Believe me, it sounds weird. Either the song selection was wrong or a hindi song altogether does not fit in those frames. After watching movie, I was wondering if the song had any connection with the movie theme too or the director just liked it and so used it.
This weird introduction though made me sit through whole movie and watch it.
Now, I won't write about the movie. It is a watchable movie but does not take hold of you. To cut the story short, a perfect (!) bank robbery plan with some hidden agenda.
But I definitely liked two things in the movie. The beginning and the end. The famous “Chal chaiyya chaiyya” returns again in the end.
All in all it was totally weird to listen “Chal chaiyya chaiyya” with no Malaika arora and shahrukh dancing on train, but listening the song after such a long interval was really worth.

3 Idiots

I finally saw 3 Idiots. After reading so many reviews about the movie by some renowned reviewers and listening comments of close by friends, the movie had become an important issue and I was dying to watch this movie. So, the one chance I got to see the movie, I grabbed it.
So much has already been written the movie that it virtually leaves nothing to write. But among these, only one review was “jara hatke”. (http://shobhaade.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-who-is-idiot-huh.html). And I totally agree with the initial lines. “Okay. I saw it. And liked it. Liked. Not loved.”
Why?
I can give many reasons for that.
One foremost reason, may be, I had too high expectations. But of course one must keep high expectations with a movie that earns 300 crores in just 10 days!
Now I will point out what I didn’t liked and what I did.

The name itself is not correct. There were no 3 idiots. The movie was all about one idiot. Right from beginning to the end, there was only one, Aamir Khan.

The ragging session was bit absurd. Only one senior in charge and rarely any other senior in view! Looked like juniors were doing their own ragging sessions as if it was an assignment. Do you remember any senior fellow actually looking at the James bond act of Chatur. I guess nobody. I found it less of ragging session but more of mental asylum scene.



Making juniors remove all their cloth is I guess the favorite ragging method known to the Bollywood director. We saw the same in Munnabhai MBBS. And I know the director of 2 movies is the same person.

Giving shocking treatment to senior to avoid ragging was interesting to watch. But showing the use of same trick in the end was totally unnecessary and I guess it was boasting idea on kids and young guys.

Zip, unzip to define machine might be acceptable in case of a student, but if a faculty repeating the same act in front of whole class is not. I feel the faculty still is a respectable person in India and doesn't do such acts in class. At least I haven't seen it.

I am still looking for a college, institute where any student directly approaches the Dean, Director, Principal just to ask the date of convocation so that his father could book the tickets in time. He should have contacted the office. Poor guy would have lived few more days and completed his project.

Suicide definitely has become a center point of the movie. Talk about 3 suicides (if I haven't missed any else). I guess only Sharman Joshi's mental situation was understandable to take decision of attempting suicide. Rest two, I guess were unnecessary.

Instead of himself trying and giving surprise to “Joy” with his completed project, Rancho should have been shown helping the guy doing his project in some or the other way. If the guy had so much self respect that he committed suicide just because Virus said he won’t graduate and showed no interest in his project, then I guess he would have discouraged more knowing that a junior without much prior knowledge about project could easily finish his project which he failed. I guess he would then have committed suicide in a worse manner then what he did.



I wonder when these people will stop showing Professor, Principal as an eccentric guy.

I am yet to see a Principal who gives introductory lecture in hostel.

I wonder how Virus must be making use of time he spends in loo, when he tries to use the short span of seven and half minutes of nap for doing unnecessary work. Also, I am yet to come across a professor who shaves in his office. Aren't all these eccentric things shown unnecessarily?



The scene between Madhavan and Parikshit Sahani was a repeat of scene from Lage Raho Munnabhai between Jimmy Shergil and again Parikshit Sahani.

The runaway bride was again a copy of Dil Hai ki Manta Nahi. It did fit well there but definitely not here.



I was thinking what they tried to tell by making guys remove their pants every now and then, anywhere. I just hope I don't witness any such act in real life.

I didn't expected the effect of “All is Well” shown in Delivery scene in Aamir Khan's movie. That was the worst of all above points and brought the movie down to normal level from the perfectionist Aamir Khan's standard.

Ranchoddas Chanchad( Is it a right name), is a Gujrati (as Karina Kapoor mentioned) who has pushtaini jamin and haweli in Simla!!!

Is it possible to just drag computer and take it near the pingpong table without any wiring issue. Was it all wireless? I spend nearly an hour arranging the wiring if I wish to shift my computer from one corner to another in the same room.

I guess I can continue with some more points. But instead now I will put some (actually very few as compared to above list) points that make movie worth watching.

The movie has a better story as now a day’s seen in many movies.

The movie is well made and keeps you watching.

It doesn’t lose the grip.

No issues about acting skills. Although movie is all about Aamir Khan, still Sharman Joshi, Madhavan, Karina Kapoor and others have done well in their less important roles.

Most appealing part of the movie was the shooting in Ladakh. That was the welcome treat for the eyes and I tried to store every scene in my mind. Ladakh is beautiful.

Rancho teaching how to teach. A very good point made in a very short time.

I cannot think of any other point in support of the movie at the moment. It definitely is not a movie that should break all the records and earn so heavily as it is doing but it definitely is worth watching once. Moreover the message is very loud and clear if understood well:

Follow your Heart and pursue your dreams

Delhi-6

Recently I saw Delhi-6.
Yes I know its too late to speak about this movie.
After the early reviews by newspaper as well as by people around, I gave up the plan to spend money on this movie.
But at the same time I was curious and wanted to see the movie.
My wish is fulfilled. Recently from somewhere the movie itself reached my door steps.
So one day I planned to devote (spend !, waste!!) some time for it.

Without going into much details on the story of the movie, a general impression I made out of the movie.
Well I didn't enjoyed the movie. I just managed to be through whole of the movie.
First of all I feel you don't become an NRI by just changing your accent or by saying “Cool” or some similar prototype word every now and then. I guess Shahrukh was more closer to word NRI in Swades than the Abhishek in Delhi-6.
Second and the worst part is it does not give any sound reason for a person to leave his leisurely life in New York and come and stay in India and that too Delhi-6!!
Of course it showed that India has different facilities like Serving Paan at the arrival on air port, arranging for few people around whole making pickles and dancing at the top of the house.
Yes may be there were many people around the old lady Vahida when she suddenly went unconscious, but wasn't that just because she had recently arrived after a long absence? What would have happened if she was admitted to the hospital for long say 6 months or more? Would you have find all those faces with same feeling about her even after 6 months?
Definetely not!!! that does not happen in India too!!!.
here we forget yesterdays tragedies like bom blast, floods etc and go our way immediately the next day under the name of fight against terrorism etc. The real fact is we are equally selfish and just go to office just because you have (must) follow few dead lines at office or you might get fired or might not get good increments.
Anyways, One more thing that I realized was, the characters get lost in the story. Their presence was not continuous. Rishi Kapoor first appeared serving Pan to Old lady and then after few takes totally disappeared. Same was the case with Sonam Kapoor. After that Masakali song I guess, I totally forgot that she was a part of the movie. Similar were the cases with other characters but less significant.
I wondered what must have made Abhishek to stay back in India? Was it Sonam Kappor that made him stick to this place? Not a single of her qualities were revealed which would make her look so affectionate that some body would leave his luxurious life and live in the mess of Delhi-6.
Was there any other reason you could find to keep the handsome in Delhi-6? Kindly let me know.
I was surprised on one of Sonam's dialogue towards the end where she wondered if he would express his love towards her. Infact she should have been surprised that any NRI would fell for her irrespective how not great her personality is?
One big surprise is how Abhishek managed to arrange for the Kala Bander's dress in place where is no space for privacy?
The list might go too long, but I guess these many reasons are enough to suggest anybody, do not waste your time on this time.
Just to say something positive about the movie, would just appreciate the way they showed how even a small reason could be used to convert into a communal riot. Just out of nothing when the baba declares that there was a temple at the place of a mosque few years back, story takes a different route and whole atmosphere changes there. That was good.
So all NRIs, if you are looking for a Pan at the airport, or if wish to make pickles on the terrace with neighbours while singling and dancing and do some similar funny things, you are welcome to Delhi-6!!!!

The Astronaut Farmer

Last night I watched the movie "The Astronaut Farmer".


As always I missed the beginning. In fact this time a major part of the story was over.
So, will present here what I could make out from rest of the story.
The story speaks about Mr. Charles Farmer who I guess at some point of time was training for a space mission but was discharged out of his services for some reasons.
This puts a brake to his dream of traveling in space.
He then decides to make this dream come true on his own.
Overcoming all the problems appearing on family as well as financial fronts and also facing the opposition from the US government over his personal rocket launching, he finally manages to arrange his first attempt to launch his space journey. But his being solo attempt, thanks to furious fight with in the family the earlier night, something goes wrong and instead of vertical launching, the rocket takes a horizontal route which crosses through the media people standing at the gates of his house. The capsule finally drops at a long distance from the launching pad bringing back Mr. Farmer home with lots of injuries.
With all such things thus happening Mr. Farmer decides to give up his plan to chase the dream. In next few months, things change with all their financial problems solved.
In the mean time Mrs. Farmer realize why Mr. Farmer is chasing his dream. He dont wanted to repeat the example of his father who earlier had failed in the race of chasing his dream.
With better financial conditions and support from the family Mr. Farmer once again decides to make his dream come true.
This time he was not alone. Things all go fine and as planned with every member in the family providing their helping hand.
Finally Mr. Farmer manages to travel to the space.
Just to add some spice, his communication is lost with the base i.e. his home.
He revolves around the earth many times in that lost state.
But he finally gets the connection just when he is some where about his own house.
He decides toget down on earth and accordingly plan with the family so that once he land on earth his family members can come in their car and pick him up and move on to nearest restaurant to eat pizza.
Sounds crazy but looks good while watching the movie.
Billy Bob Thornton played the role of Mr. Farmer. This has been a very different role by him unlike earlier ones in Mr. Woodcock or School for Scoundrels. So was a bit difficult to digest in the beginning.
But overall its a good movie and I recommend to watch it at least once.