BollywoodReviews
Alpha Beta Gamma Movie Review Abhishek Srivastava, March 8, 2024, 6:30 PM IST critic s rating: 3.5/5 Story: Following the Covid-19 pandemic, a woman, her estranged husband, and her soon-to-be-husband discover themselves confined in an apartment, sealed off for a 14-day quarantine period.
Review: Alpha Beta Gamma explores an innovative theme set during the Covid-19 pandemic, where a woman, her estranged husband, and her soon-to-be-husband are confined in an apartment for 14 days. This premise offers immense creative possibilities for both the writer and the filmmaker and, fortunately, the film succeeds for the most part and remains engaging throughout. While labelled as a comedy, the humour in the film tends to be more situational than intentional. Though, with some additional effort to develop the male characters, the film could have been even more enjoyable.
The film opens as Chiranjeev (Amit Kumar Vashishth) makes the difficult decision to separate from his wife, Mitali (Reena Agarwal), despite her pleas to salvage their relationship. Fast forward two years, and we find them leading separate lives while maintaining a friendship. Mitali has found love with Raviraj (Nishan Nanaiah), whom she plans to marry, while Chiranjeev is focused on his upcoming film project. When Mitali requests a divorce to pursue her future with Raviraj, Chiranjeev, sensing the urgency, decides to visit her. His visit takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Mitali s lover at her home and learns of a 14-day lockdown due to the Covid pandemic. What ensues for the three characters is a journey fraught with bitter truths and revelations.
Director Srikumar Shankar infuses the film with a modern and contemporary vibe, crafting situations that feel plausible within a couple s dynamic. The dialogues ring true and relatable, adding authenticity to the narrative. Shankar introduces a fresh twist to the classic theme of triangular relationships, relying heavily on how characters respond to various situations. He manages to keep viewers engaged, navigating the complexities adeptly. However, the film falters in characterising its male leads. Chiranjeev, despite the separation, remains unchanged from his married self, lacking maturity and growth. Similarly, Raviraj s portrayal lacks the expected bouts of anger and resentment toward Chiranjeev, making him seem too rational in matters of love, existing almost in a utopian state. These character discrepancies question their authenticity and depth.
The gradual onset of envy within Chiranjeev s character following Raviraj and Mitali s decision to be together, along with the bouts of jealousy that consume him, feels authentic. Similarly, the scenes where Chiranjeev attempts to steal moments to converse with Mitali after Raviraj becomes drunk are executed effectively. The theatrical tone present in the opening scene, where Mitali attempts to convince Chiranjeev to stay in the relationship, falls flat, but fortunately, the rest of the film isn t affected by this flaw.
Reena Agarwal delivers a poised performance as Mitali, commanding the spotlight with her controlled portrayal. Amit Kumar Vashishth captures the essence of Chiranjeev with confidence, portraying myriad shades within the character. While Nishan Nanaiah s performance is commendable, a touch of added energy would have enhanced his portrayal. Alpha Beta Gamma stands as an indie film that thankfully doesn t challenge its audience excessively, making it an interesting watch.
Shaitaan Movie Review Dhaval Roy, March 8, 2024, 12:30 PM IST critic s rating: 3.5/5
Story: When a family lets a stranger into their farmhouse, the man mysteriously controls the teenage daughter. She does every bizarre and life-threatening thing he commands her to. What dark secret does the stranger possess, and can this desperate family escape his twisted game?
Review: A good supernatural thriller typically relies on elements of horror and suspense to keep the viewer hooked. Even if it skimps on jump scares but provides an unsettling experience, it’s a job well done. In that sense, director Vikas Bahl has got it right with Shaitaan.
The movie introduces one to Kabir’s (Ajay Devgn) happy family, which includes his wife Jyoti (Jyotika), teenage daughter Jahnavi (Janki Bodiwala), and nerdy son Dhruv (Anngad Raaj). The film quickly builds a sense of unease, as a stranger, Vanraj Kashyap (R Madhavan), enters their lives. He mysteriously gains complete control of Jahnavi, so much so that she obeys every command he gives. Unease soon turns to dread as Vanraj’s orders become increasingly awful and dangerous to Jahnavi herself and her family members. The rest of the story unravels the mystery behind what makes Vanraj powerful, his motive, and if the family will escape his torment.
Shaitaan’s appeal lies in the atmosphere it creates, especially without the use of CGI. It mostly hinges on the antagonist’s sinister intentions and games, which leave you with an unsettling feeling. Written by Aamir Keeyan Khan and Krishnadev Yagnik, the film sidesteps usual horror tropes. But it does touch upon the ageold supernatural versus science debate and human crudity that makes the species as basic as malevolent forces.
The narrative maintains a good pace and the treatment makes the movie gripping for the most part, although things gets a tad monotonous in the second half. Albeit not too suspenseful, the buildup is unnerving. The story has some unconvincing elements, and one scene gives away a pivotal plot point, which makes the climax predictable. Cinematographer Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti excels in creating an atmosphere of dread and darkness, further enhanced by Amit Trivedi’s music.
Madhavan is outstanding as the malevolent figure and pulls off every sinister deed perfectly. Ajay Devgn delivers a powerful performance as a helpless but determined father. Jyotika stands her might, too. Janki Bodiwala deserves to be lauded for her pitch-perfect performance as the young girl under a devious spell. She laughs, cries, dances, and attacks on cue in immediate succession perfectly. Anngad Raaj as the son performs well, too.
Even though Shaitaan’s narrative stumbles at times, the masterful use of atmosphere and top-notch acting elevate it into an unsettling experience worth having.
Laapataa Ladies Movie Review Renuka Vyavahare, February 28, 2024, 6:30 AM IST critic s rating: 4.0/5
Story: Trouble ensues when two young brides Phool Kumari (Nitanshi Goel) and Pushpa (Pratibha Ratna) get accidentally swapped during a train journey. Phool’s hapless husband Deepak Kumar (Sparsh Shrivastav) seeks help from a corrupt cop Shyam Manohar (Ravi Kishan), adding to the chaos.
Review: Kiran Rao’s directorial debut ‘Dhobi Ghat’ was a haunting, almost voyeuristic portrait of shattered hope, and dreams in Mumbai. Set in rural India, Laapataa Ladies, a sharp satire, is her return to direction after 14 years and the dramedy stuns you with its clever social commentary and heartfelt sisterhood.
Laced with delightful moments, the messaging isn t overbearing. It never overshadows the entertainment quotient as Rao masterfully uses humour and veiled identity (ghunghat) to reflect upon deep-seated patriarchy and its repercussions. Her light-hearted, slice-of-life storytelling makes a solid case for women empowerment, education, and equality without disparaging men or succumbing to prejudice. “Dowry nahi liya toh ladke mein khot hogi”, comments a female character mocking a liberal man.
Family friendly and acutely observed, Biplab Goswami and Sneha Desai’s story and script provide food for thought. Every character is flawed but likeable, especially the corrupt but conscientious Shyam Manohar. Ravi Kishan is outstanding in his portrayal of a man, who is both greedy and just. The lead new faces do a commendable job, too.
The film’s most memorable scene sums up the movie’s intent perfectly. Hardened by life, a middle-aged tea stall owner Manju (an impeccable Chhaya Kadam who sort of replays her Sairat character) chooses to live alone instead of tolerating disrespect and domestic violence. She tells Phool, “If those who love you have a right to hit you, I exercised my right, too. (mic drop! No Animal was harmed in the making of this one liner).”
A girl is never smart, she is over smart. A woman is not clever, she is cunning. Laapataa Ladies tramples these age-old narratives by stating loud and clear, “A ‘respectable’ girl is the biggest fraud in society’, as it conditions her to not question the status quo. The story doesn’t allow women to play the victim card either. It sternly says, “It’s not shameful to be a fool but being proud of one’s ignorance is a shame.”
A delectable blend of heart, mind, and humour, this one’s an absolute winner.
Crakk Movie Review Dhaval Roy, February 23, 2024, 12:38 PM IST critic s rating: 2.5/5
Story: An adrenaline junkie journeys from Mumbai s streets to the extreme sports arena in Poland, fueled by a dream: win the championship and honour his late brother. His path is riddled with danger, a ruthless rival, and a secret threatening to turn the competition deadly.
Review: Opening with Siddharth ‘Siddhu’ Dixit (Vidyut Jammwal) performing electrifying but dangerous stunts on a moving local train in Mumbai, Crakk throws you into a world of high-octane action. As you hope no youngster is inspired to attempt such derring-do, the sequence sets you up for an edge-of-the-seat ride. Initially, director-writer Aditya Datt delivers that, as Krakow, Poland, becomes the backdrop for Siddhu s journey, where he navigates the treacherous extreme sports arena, Maidaan, not just to win but also honour his brother Nihaal’s (Ankit Mohan) memory.
While the film delivers visually stunning action sequences, Datt, Rehan Khan, and Sarim Momin s story and screenplay lack depth. Siddhu s underdog journey, romance with a social media influencer, Alia (Nora Fatehi), predictable clashes with the villain Dev (Arjun Rampal), and camaraderie between the contestants follow a familiar script. Even a subplot involving a cop, Patricia (Amy Jackson), chasing after plutonium smuggling feels like an unnecessary detour.
Despite the narrative shortcomings, Crakk shines in its action choreography (by Kerry Gregg) and cinematography (by Mark Hamilton). From gritty Mumbai streets to Mad Max-inspired landscapes, the visuals are captivating. The film also excels in showcasing daredevil moves, making you gasp and hold your breath. Daredevils evading swinging wrecking balls, escaping deadly hounds, etc., are captured well. However, the constant barrage of stunts can feel overwhelming, overshadowing the plot.
Vidyut Jammwal is in top shape and form as an action hero. He owns the pulse-pounding sequences and Mumbai slang, though he may not pass off as a lower-middle-class guy convincingly. Arjun Rampal brings menace to the villainous Dev and gets enough opportunity to show off his brawn and stunts. Nora Fatehi is passable in her limited role, though she has a few action sequences that she performs well. Ankit Mohan looks good and stands his might in the action department. Amy Jackson delivers a serviceable performance.
Crakk: Jeetagaa Toh Jiyegaa delivers on the thrilling action front, offering a refreshing glimpse into the world of extreme sports on the big screen. However, its reliance on predictable tropes and a somewhat underwhelming storyline might leave you wanting more.
Article 370 Movie Review Abhishek Srivastava, February 23, 2024, 2:24 AM IST critic s rating: 3.5/5
Article 370 story: Zooni Haksar, an Intelligence Field Officer, is recruited by the PMO Secretary for a classified assignment aimed at dismantling the conflict economy and combating terrorism in the Kashmir valley, just before the implementation of the abrogation of Article 370.
Article 370 review: Despite its lengthy runtime of over two and a half hours, ‘Article 370’ remains engaging for the most part. This drama, inspired by real events yet embellished with creative liberties, underscores the necessity of abolishing Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu & Kashmir. The film asserts that the current government s decision to revoke the article was justified. In its portrayal, the filmmakers strongly emphasize that the suffering of Kashmiri residents stemmed from the collusion between corrupt local leaders and militants. The first half is tense and skilfully sets the stage for the plot. However, the intensity somewhat tapers down in the climax, which leans towards overly dramatic cinematic tactics rather than realism.
The film s storyline follows Zooni Haksar (Yami Gautam Dhar), an intelligence field officer, who is relocated to Delhi following a ‘botched’ encounter despite its success, as deemed by his superior. As the government moves to abrogate Article 370, PMO Secretary Rajeshwari Swaminathan (Priyamani) shoulders much of the groundwork. She assembles her team and appoints Zooni to spearhead the NIA operation in Kashmir. The journey to preserve peace and unity in the valley navigates through the obstacles posed by corrupt local leaders and militants.
It s heartening to witness two actresses commanding the spotlight and carrying the entire film with their performances. Yami Gautam, portraying Zooni, delivers a commendable performance with her no-nonsense demeanour, showcasing the evident dedication and reaping deserving rewards. Priyamani, portraying an IAS officer, embodies the role convincingly with a controlled performance that hits the mark. Raj Zutshi, portraying a Kashmiri leader and thrice former Chief Minister of J&K, along with Raj Arun as Khawar Ali and Vaibhav Tatwawadi as Commandant Yash Chauhan, offer dynamic support to the ensemble cast.
‘Article 370’ attempts to evoke a sense of nationalism, taking creative liberties along the way. One fails to comprehend the necessity for Zooni to resort to impersonation to access amended documents from the J&K Secretariat, as accessing those documents could have been a straightforward job for her. Nonetheless, this film marks a promising debut from director Aditya Suhas Jambhale, a two-time National Award-winning director, hinting that a lot can be expected from him in the future. ‘Article 370’ proves to be a worthwhile watch, offering enough substance to keep viewers engaged and invested.
Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay Movie Review Dhaval Roy, February 16, 2024, 4:02 PM IST critic s rating: 2.5/5
Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay story: A young couple ties the knot to escape familial pressure. As the girl aspires to be an IAS officer, her husband pledges to support her in every way. However, a misunderstanding makes the family believe she’s pregnant, and confusion ensues.
Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay review: The film primarily revolves around three characters. Ira Mishra (Saiee Manjrekar), a bright, aspiring IAS officer, a happy-go-lucky Heer Chawla (Guru Randhawa), and his grandfather Brij Bhushan Chawla (Anupam Kher), whose only dream is to become a great-grandfather. The young couple is pressured to marry and take the family line forward. The duo comes up with a perfect plan — faking a pregnancy so that Ira is relieved of household duties to focus on preparing for her exams. The story then moves to a fake miscarriage after an accident, Ira’s inability to conceive again, and what it means for the couple and the family.
A big haveli with quirky and loud family members, outlandish situations, and over-the-top drama make director G Ashok’s comedy-drama formulaic in both content and characters. Written by Raj Saluja, Niket Pandey, Vijay Pal Singh and Shobhit Sinha, the narrative is peppered with slapstick humour, primarily through puns and funny one-liners such as “Stent lagane ki umr mein stunts kar rahe ho.” Some scenes with entendre, like the drunken men of the family mistaking an artificial baby belly for an adult diaper, appear more farcical than funny. Many tracks offering solutions to absurd situations seem forced and too convenient, making the narrative unconvincing.
The story is set in Agra, giving the cinematographers Jayesh Sen and R M Swamy an opportunity to show their prowess. From Fatehpur Sikri to the sunset at the Taj Mahal, the duo captures the city’s beauty well, along with some wonderfully shot songs. Guru Randhawa, Sachet-Parampara, Meet Bros, Nilesh Ahuja, and Sadhu Sushil Tiwari deliver an eclectic soundtrack with club bangers like Ishare Tere and romantic numbers Jeena Sikhaya.
While Saiee Manjrekar delivers a serviceable performance, Guru Randhawa is likable as a young and goofy guy. The duo has a breezy on-screen chemistry. Although the Punjabi singer is passable in light comedy, he is green behind the ears in emotional scenes. Anupam Kher as a loving and full-of-life grandfather and Ila Arun as a loud and motherly chachi play their parts well. Paritosh Tripathi as a snarky adopted son ably adds to the outrageous comedy. Senior South Indian actor Brahmanandam also makes an appearance as a mafia don and pulls off his role with the slapstick panache he is renowned for.
During its 125-minute runtime, Kuchh Khatta Ho Jaay provides enough comedy and funny one-liners. However, the main plot and bizarre events leave much to be desired.
Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay Movie Review Dhaval Roy, February 16, 2024, 4:02 PM IST critic s rating: 2.5/5
Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay story: A young couple ties the knot to escape familial pressure. As the girl aspires to be an IAS officer, her husband pledges to support her in every way. However, a misunderstanding makes the family believe she’s pregnant, and confusion ensues.
Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay review: The film primarily revolves around three characters. Ira Mishra (Saiee Manjrekar), a bright, aspiring IAS officer, a happy-go-lucky Heer Chawla (Guru Randhawa), and his grandfather Brij Bhushan Chawla (Anupam Kher), whose only dream is to become a great-grandfather. The young couple is pressured to marry and take the family line forward. The duo comes up with a perfect plan — faking a pregnancy so that Ira is relieved of household duties to focus on preparing for her exams. The story then moves to a fake miscarriage after an accident, Ira’s inability to conceive again, and what it means for the couple and the family.
A big haveli with quirky and loud family members, outlandish situations, and over-the-top drama make director G Ashok’s comedy-drama formulaic in both content and characters. Written by Raj Saluja, Niket Pandey, Vijay Pal Singh and Shobhit Sinha, the narrative is peppered with slapstick humour, primarily through puns and funny one-liners such as “Stent lagane ki umr mein stunts kar rahe ho.” Some scenes with entendre, like the drunken men of the family mistaking an artificial baby belly for an adult diaper, appear more farcical than funny. Many tracks offering solutions to absurd situations seem forced and too convenient, making the narrative unconvincing.
The story is set in Agra, giving the cinematographers Jayesh Sen and R M Swamy an opportunity to show their prowess. From Fatehpur Sikri to the sunset at the Taj Mahal, the duo captures the city’s beauty well, along with some wonderfully shot songs. Guru Randhawa, Sachet-Parampara, Meet Bros, Nilesh Ahuja, and Sadhu Sushil Tiwari deliver an eclectic soundtrack with club bangers like Ishare Tere and romantic numbers Jeena Sikhaya.
While Saiee Manjrekar delivers a serviceable performance, Guru Randhawa is likable as a young and goofy guy. The duo has a breezy on-screen chemistry. Although the Punjabi singer is passable in light comedy, he is green behind the ears in emotional scenes. Anupam Kher as a loving and full-of-life grandfather and Ila Arun as a loud and motherly chachi play their parts well. Paritosh Tripathi as a snarky adopted son ably adds to the outrageous comedy. Senior South Indian actor Brahmanandam also makes an appearance as a mafia don and pulls off his role with the slapstick panache he is renowned for.
During its 125-minute runtime, Kuchh Khatta Ho Jaay provides enough comedy and funny one-liners. However, the main plot and bizarre events leave much to be desired.
Bhakshak Movie Review Renuka Vyavahare, February 9, 2024, 4:02 PM IST critic s rating: 2.5/5
Story: An independent TV reporter Vaishali Singh (Bhumi Pednekar) and her only colleague Bhaskar (Sanjay Mishra) stir up a hornet’s nest. In pursuit of truth, these small-town journalists strive to expose a human trafficking racket in Bihar.
Review: The two member media house hopes to rescue minor orphan girls from an abusive shelter home in Munawwarpur, Bihar, owned by the powerful Bansi Sahu (Aditya Srivastava). However, the state’s law and order are drenched in corruption, rendering the police helpless. Can two ordinary people withstand political intimidation, threats, and societal pressure that compel us to mind our business in order to stay safe?
Even as the rich and powerful are busy toeing the line, director Pulkit hopes to celebrate the unsung warriors of smaller towns. They might exude a certain naivete, but they dare to speak truth to power. He addresses growing apathy in a shrinking social media world.
The subject is important and the lead performance sincere, but execution has a 90’s melodramatic hangover. Everyone mouths Bansi Sahu’s name at least 100 times in the movie and he doesn’t seem as menacing or influential as he is made to look like. Strangely, everyone has access to him at all times. The investigative-crime thriller lacks both investigation and thrill, making the film more exhausting and less gripping. The storytelling lacks a sense of urgency or even fear that are essential to make a hard-hitting issue like this deeply engaging. At no point are you emotionally invested in the characters or their trauma. Vaishali s supportive husband too doesn t get enough scope to express his inhibitions.
At one point a lady supercop tells Vaishali, “My hands are tied. You get me the evidence and I will make arrests.” Cops are also supposed to gather evidence and journos are supposed to inform and alert society through their responsible reportage. Passing the buck solely on journos doesn’t work, as freedom of press is stifled, nor do they have the power of uniform.
Bhumi Pednekar has emerged as one of the most bankable performers, who has consistently portrayed strong female characters. The Marathi girl from Mumbai has her north Indian accent on point and it is her fearless presence that fights patriarchy in the movie more than the writing. Sanjay Mishra feels wasted and CID fame Aditya Srivastava isn’t as convincing as the evil antagonist. Sai Tamhankar makes a crucial special appearance, but her character lacks nuanced writing.
Bhakshak’s fight for justice feels long-winded and simplistic. You feel for the plight of the girls trapped but the film does little to embolden that fire in your belly.
Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya Movie Review Dhaval Roy, February 9, 2024, 1:30 PM IST critic s rating: 3.0/5
Teri Baaton Mein Aise Uljha Jiya story: A robotics engineer unknowingly becomes part of a project to test a human-like female robot. Things take a twist when he falls in love with her and can t get her off his mind. Can man and machine form a bond of partnership and marriage? The film takes you into that zone with laughs and surprises.
Teri Baaton Mein Aise Uljha Jiya review: The hot topic lately has been whether artificial intelligence (AI) matches human intelligence and if it will eventually steal our jobs. Writer-director duo Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah s romantic comedy explores how close to reality a romance with a robot can be and whether any of this is real.
A robotics engineer, Aryan Agnihotri (Shahid Kapoor), goes to the US to work on a new project for his maasi and boss, Urmila (Dimple Kapadia). There, he is looked after by her manager, Sifra (Kriti Sanon), the robot programmed to make him fall in love with her. And he does. But when he discovers her reality, he is outraged at being used for a lab test. However, he feels drawn towards her and convinces his maasi to send her to India so that she can go through the ultimate test — surviving a big, crazy Indian family (that s obsessed with Aryan s marriage). Whether he will have his happily ever after with the almost-perfect robot forms the rest of the story.
Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah serve a novel, breezy, and fun concept with a quirky situation. The laughs here are in the absurd situations that the human-robot couple encounters along the way. However, the story takes a while to build up, and the scenes where Aryan s family warms up to Sifra are overstretched. The story picks up steam almost towards the end after a big twist.
Although the concept is unique, the narrative often finds itself going around in circles while trying to build the story around it. The movie also touches upon the man vs machine debate, and using AI and robots responsibly. This aspect seems rushed and wraps up too quickly.
The film elicits quite a few laughs, mainly owing to the characters reactions. The humour is not so much in the dialogues but in their delivery and timing — especially Aryan s interaction with his friend and colleague, Monty (Ashish Verma), who pulls off his goofy act very well.
The movie s appeal lies in romance, and Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon have a smashing on-screen chemistry. Kriti s poker-faced robotic act and on-cue laughter are hilarious, and she delivers every scene where she glitches in the human world with aplomb. Shahid breezes through the role of an irreverent guy hopelessly in love. Dharmendra as Shahid s grandfather is adorable, and Dimple Kapadia is a treat to watch. Sachin-Jigar, Tanishk Bagchi, and Mitraz deliver a banger of a soundtrack, especially the title track (redux of Raghav s Angel Eyes) and Laal Peeli Ankhiyan.
At a time when mega-scale action films are ruling the big screen, this one comes as a refreshing concept packaged with humour and good music. The situational comedy gets repetitive and doesn t take off as smoothly, but when it lands, it proves to be an entertaining fare.
Fighter Movie Review Dhaval Roy, January 25, 2024, 4:11 PM IST critic s rating: 3.5/5
Fighter story: As India faces a militant attack in Kashmir, the country’s best combat aviators join forces to form Air Dragons. The story chronicles their bravery while protecting India, camaraderie, team spirit, and a top fighter pilot’s redemption after an incident in the past.
Fighter review: Riding high on India’s Republic Day fervour, Siddharth Anand’s outing has all the ingredients of a patriotic actioner. Top-notch aerial stunts skilfully delivered by the performers keep you on the edge of your seat. Sukhoi planes executing daring maneuvers set the tone for the film as the audience is introduced to the Air Dragons.
The squad includes Meenal Rathore, aka Minnie (Deepika Padukone), Shamsher Pathania, or Patty (Hrithik Roshan), Taj (Karan Singh Oberoi), and Basheer (Akshay Oberoi), with Rakesh ‘Rocky’ Jay Singh (Anil Kapoor) as their commander. The palpable tension between Rocky and Patty and a reference to a tragic incident in the past prepares you to expect drama along with thrill.
Director Siddharth Anand, known for action entertainers, treats one to slick sequences and enthralling cockpit drama. Action directors Se-yeong Oh, Parvez Shaikh, and Sunil Rodrigues masterfully captivate the audiences attention with exhilarating stunts and fight choregraphy from start to finish. Cinematographer Satchith Paulose deserves applause for lending the film gravitas, whether amid the mountains, over the valleys, or on the airbases. However, the predictable tracks and cliches take away from its appeal at various stages in the narrative. The film relies on the usual tropes of a dreaded Pakistani militant on a mission to destroy India and how the Air Dragons save the day. Lines reminding one of the true meaning of religion and patriotism have also been done many times before.
Besides the familiar premise, songs, backstories, and romance seem more of a distraction than taking the story forward. The angle of patriarchy and a woman breaking the glass ceiling in a male bastion seems a tad forced. All these elements give the film uneven pacing; the second half gets a bit slow until the climax. But when the real action begins, you will sit hooked to the screen.
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone are at their peak in terms of performances. The former excels as a confident and rebellious squadron leader. The duo has a smoldering on-screen chemistry and does well in emotional scenes as well. Anil Kapoor is as dependable as ever and gets the nuances of his role bang on. Karan Singh Oberoi and Akshay Oberoi also stand their might among these stalwarts. Rishabh Sawhney plays the antagonist, Azhar Akhtar, with sincerity but falls short of being as dreaded as his character demands.
The tactical scenarios and how the Indian Air Force outsmarts the Pakistani defence add to the film’s thrill and make it more appealing. Fighter does not have much new to offer in terms of its plot and narrative. But it is an engaging fare, and if you are an action buff, the killer aerial combat sequences will leave you impressed.
Fighter Movie Review Dhaval Roy, January 25, 2024, 4:11 PM IST critic s rating: 3.5/5
Story: As India faces a militant attack in Kashmir, the country’s best combat aviators join forces to form Air Dragons. The story chronicles their bravery while protecting India, camaraderie, team spirit, and a top fighter pilot’s redemption after an incident in the past.
Review: Riding high on India’s Republic Day fervour, Siddharth Anand’s outing has all the ingredients of a patriotic actioner. Top-notch aerial stunts skilfully delivered by the performers keep you on the edge of your seat. Sukhoi planes executing daring maneuvers set the tone for the film as the audience is introduced to the Air Dragons.
The squad includes Meenal Rathore, aka Minnie (Deepika Padukone), Shamsher Pathania, or Patty (Hrithik Roshan), Taj (Karan Singh Oberoi), and Basheer (Akshay Oberoi), with Rakesh ‘Rocky’ Jay Singh (Anil Kapoor) as their commander. The palpable tension between Rocky and Patty and a reference to a tragic incident in the past prepares you to expect drama along with thrill.
Director Siddharth Anand, known for action entertainers, treats one to slick sequences and cockpit drama. Cinematographer Satchith Paulose deserves applause for lending the film gravitas, whether amid the mountains, over the valleys, or on the airbases. However, the predictable narrative and cliches take away from its appeal. The film relies on the usual tropes of a dreaded Pakistani militant on a mission to destroy India and how the Air Dragons save the day. Lines reminding one of the true meaning of religion and patriotism have also been done many times before.
Besides the familiar premise, songs, backstories, and romance seem more of a distraction than taking the story forward. The angle of patriarchy and a woman breaking the glass ceiling in a male bastion seems a tad forced. All these elements give the film uneven pacing; the second half gets a bit slow until the climax. But when the real action begins, you will sit hooked to screen.
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone are at their peak in terms of performances. The former excels as a confident and rebellious squadron leader. The duo has a smoldering on-screen chemistry and does well in emotional scenes as well. Anil Kapoor is as dependable as ever and gets the nuances of a commander and a patriot bang on. Karan Singh Oberoi and Akshay Oberoi also stand their might among these stalwarts. Rishabh Sawhney plays the antagonist, Azhar Akhtar, with sincerity but falls short of being as dreaded as his character demands.
The tactical scenarios and how the Indian Air Force outsmarts the Pakistani defence add to the film’s thrill and make it more appealing. Fighter does not have much new to offer in terms of its plot and narrative. But it is an engaging fare, and if you are an action buff, the killer aerial combat sequences will leave you impressed.
Main Atal Hoon Movie Review Dhaval Roy, January 18, 2024, 11:41 PM IST critic s rating: 3.5/5
Story: The biopic follows the life and times of the former Prime Minister of India, Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It also chronicles the various facets of his personality and the country’s achievements under his leadership.
Review: Making a biopic on a stalwart like the 10th Prime Minister of India, Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is no mean feat. While the creators must weave a cohesive narrative from an exhaustive chronicle, the actor must portray the role befittingly. Main Atal Hoon stands out in both regards. Pankaj Tripathi delivers a pitch-perfect performance as Vajpayee, a poet, politician, statesman, and gentleman. Besides the mannerisms and speech, the actor perfectly nails the nuances of his personality. On the other hand, award-winning director-writer Ravi Jadhav (Natrang, Taali, etc.) and co-writer Rishi Virmani come up with aces in chronicling the life and times of one of the most admired figures in India.
Inspired by Sarang Darshane’s book, Atalji: Kavihridayache Rashtranetyachi Charitkahani, the movie succinctly covers Vajpayee’s journey from being a freedom fighter to a revered leader. The narrative summarises all the prominent influences, pivotal events, and important achievements under his leadership. From the Kargil War, the bus yatra from India to Pakistan, and the Pokhran Nuclear Test, many crucial episodes have been depicted through archival footage, making the narrative more engaging and authentic. However, the audience may need knowledge of Indian politics to understand a few parts of the movie. Although a narrator sets the context regularly, it would have helped to have some background in these portions.
The film initially moves at a steady pace but slows intermittently until the interval. It picks up its speed again in the second half when the narrative shifts towards the peak of his days as a politico. Besides its writing and direction, the biopic boasts stellar cinematography by Lawrence Alex Dcunha. The movie is a visual treat, from silhouettes to camerawork enhancing important scenes. Salim-Sulaiman, Payal Dev, Kailash Kher, and Amritraj provide a soundtrack that evokes inspiration, and Monty Sharma’s background score makes the narrative more powerful. The use of Vajpayee’s poetry recitation and lyrics in songs also add to the appeal.
While Pankaj Tripathi shines as Vajpayee and looks like his replica, especially in long shots, Raja Rameshkumar Sevak, as LK Advani, looks extraordinarily similar to the senior leader. Other political figures, such as Sushma Swaraj (Gauri Sukhtanker) and Arun Jaitley (Yogendra Patwal), have also been portrayed perfectly. Vajpayee’s relationship with his father, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee (Piyush Mishra), is heartwarming and even elicits a few chuckles. The depiction of his equation with his classmate and long-time friend Rajkumari Kaul, nee Haksar (Ekta Kaul), is pleasant. Although the movie touches upon how Vajpayee met his adopted daughter, Namita Bhattacharya (Kaul), their relationship could have been elaborated.
The film’s narrative, treatment, and stellar portrayal by Pankaj Tripathi will leave you enamoured. Watch this movie that will fill you with admiration for one of the most significant political figures in India.
Merry Christmas Movie Review TNN, January 12, 2024, 1:36 AM IST critic s rating: 3.5/5
Merry Christmas Movie Synopsis: The lives of a woman in an unhappy marriage and a man with a mysterious past are turned upside down on Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas Movie Review: In the coming days, one word that’s sure to be associated with Merry Christmas is slow burn’. In the past few years, we, as an audience, have become so accustomed to a fast-paced narrative that anything remotely unhurried feels like it s demanding a lot from us. In Merry Christmas, Sriram Raghavan takes his own sweet time to tell the tale of a woman in an unhappy marriage and a man with a mysterious past while also making sure that his characters have abundant time to breathe, talk, and even go for a walk around town.
Of course, comparisons between Merry Christmas and Sriram’s last directorial, Andhadhun, are inevitable. But if Andhadhun’s first half was one hell of a ride with a monumental interval block, Merry Christmas chooses to lingeringly unleash its inner demon in the second half. Do the whys and wherefores of it all seamlessly come together at the end of the film? Maybe not. But it certainly keeps you hooked to the screen throughout, even at junctures where you have absolutely no clue what’s going on.
Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif’s pairing has already been discussed to death, but after watching the film, it makes sense why everyone has been looking forward to watching this onscreen couple. There’s a sense of subtleness and a spur-of-the-moment feel about Vijay that directly contrasts with a precise and sophisticated Katrina. But both actors radiate a gentle aura that works well together.
As good as Vijay and Katrina are in their respective roles, Ashwini Kalsekar and Shanmugarajan get the best lines that will leave you in splits. Both of their characters can be added to the list of supporting characters that deserve their own spinoff.
In a scene in the film, one character tells another that there’s no point in watching a movie without popcorn. Similarly, there’s no point in watching a Sriram Raghavan movie without expecting sporadic flashbacks, film references, completely out-there characters, and an edge-of-the-seat experience. All of this is also applicable for Merry Christmas, but in a quieter and lighter fashion.
Written by: Roopa Radhakrishnan
Salaar: Part 1 â Ceasefire Movie Review Paul Nicodemus, December 22, 2023, 3:28 PM IST critic s rating: 3.5/5
Salaar Story: Deva, also known as Cutout (Prabhas), fondly called by children, lives near a coal mine with his mother (Easwari Rao) in the remote village of Tinsukia in Assam. For the last seven years, they have moved from place to place, with his mother keeping a stringent watch on Deva, shielding him from violence. Working as a mechanic, Deva is docile and minds his own business until Aadhya (Shruti Haasan), who is in danger from Obulamma (Jhansi), is brought into the mix by Billal for refuge. Meanwhile, in the tumultuous city of Khansar, Raja Mannar (Jagapathi Babu) prepares to make his son, Vardha (Prithviraj Sukumaran), his successor. This decision triggers a dangerous coup, orchestrated by Mannar s ministers and advisors. The plot thickens as foreign armies from various countries are hired to cause chaos. As Radha, daughter and in charge of Khansar in Raja Mannar’s absence, announces a partial ceasefire of nine days before calling for a vote by representatives of 101 tribes of the empire. Under existential threat, Vardha calls on his childhood best friend, Deva. Will Deva embark on the perilous mission and save Vardha? Will there be a ceasefire or a bloodbath?
Salaar Review: Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, directed by Prashanth Neel, unfolds in the rustic and politically charged landscape of Khansar. This action-packed film, featuring Prabhas as Deva and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Vardharaja, is set against a backdrop of intrigue and rebellion, relying heavily on drama as well as swag and action. Prashanth has meticulously created the dystopian city of Khansar with intricate details, establishing a multitude of characters with a narrative spanning between 1747 and the present times. Reminiscent of Black Panther, the empire boasts 101 tribes with distinct characteristics, divided into three divisions, including Kaparlu (clan leaders) and Doralu (council members).
A man of few words, Prabhas packs a punch with his dialogues and looks slick in action sequences, making the film a feast for his ardent fans. Prashanth leaves no opportunity to elevate the character of Deva aka Salaar, masterfully making his protagonist appear larger than life. The screenplay takes its own sweet time in the first half to establish the character of Deva, creating a slow burn and preparing audiences for what is to come.
Prashanth Neel takes an unconventional route in narrating this dystopian world and its characters, leaning more towards international cinema. Much like the KGF franchise, the director adheres to a dark colour palette. The film eschews typical dance numbers or romantic melodies, instead relying on situational anthems sung by school children in the first half and by children from the Mahara tribe in the second half, which enhance the drama. The film explores themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and the right to leadership, delving into the complexities of political machinations and personal allegiances, offering a compelling commentary on power struggles.
Prabhas, as Deva, is both electrifying and docile, delivering a performance that combines raw power with deep emotional depth. His portrayal of Salaar showcases his ability to balance raw aggression with subtle emotional nuances. Prithviraj Sukumaran, as Vardha, portrays the vulnerability and determination of a young heir caught in a political whirlwind, yet harboring his own strategic calculations. His compelling performance adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. As the film progresses, Prithviraj’s character exudes strength and valour. Shruti Haasan, in her role as Aadhya, brings a sense of balance but is mostly limited to the first half and a few scenes in the second.
Jagapathi Babu, as Raja Mannar, delivers a commanding performance, while Bobby Simha, Tinnu Anand, Easwari Rao, and others contribute significantly to the story s depth. The supporting cast, including Sriya Reddy, Ramachandra Raju, Madhu Guruswamy, John Vijay, Saptagiri, Prudhvi Raj, Jhansi and Mime Gopi, adds layers to the narrative.
The cinematography captures the essence of Khansar s tumultuous atmosphere, immersing the audience in the city s tension and drama. Ravi Basrur’s soundtrack adds a robust layer to the film s atmosphere, complementing the tone and heightening the emotional impact of certain scenes. The editing is sharp in the second half, though it cannot be said the same for the first. The special effects are effective, contributing significantly to the film s visual appeal.
The film does feature a certain amount of violence and bloodshed, which may not be palatable for certain sections of the audience. The first half is layered, focusing on the drama and sense of tension in the air. Audiences expecting a lot of action, comedy, and masala might be disappointed. However, it does score high on drama and action, with a bit of humour created through the delivery of dialogues or the body language of certain characters.
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire combines political drama with high-stakes action and champions brotherhood. It is a riveting watch for those with a taste for grand and epic narratives. Fans of Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran will find much to admire in this intense and captivating film. It s a film that will entertain and impress with its scale, but might require some patience in the initial stages, mostly establishing the world of Khansar and its inhabitants and setting the stage for Salaar: Part 2.
Salaar: Part 1 â Ceasefire Movie Review Paul Nicodemus, December 22, 2023, 3:28 PM IST critic s rating: 3.5/5
Salaar Story: Deva, also known as Cutout (Prabhas), fondly called by children, lives near a coal mine with his mother (Easwari Rao) in the remote village of Tinsukia in Assam. For the last seven years, they have moved from place to place, with his mother keeping a stringent watch on Deva, shielding him from violence. Working as a mechanic, Deva is docile and minds his own business until Aadhya (Shruti Haasan), who is in danger from Obulamma (Jhansi), is brought into the mix by Billal for refuge. Meanwhile, in the tumultuous city of Khansar, Raja Mannar (Jagapathi Babu) prepares to make his son, Vardha (Prithviraj Sukumaran), his successor. This decision triggers a dangerous coup, orchestrated by Mannar s ministers and advisors. The plot thickens as foreign armies from various countries are hired to cause chaos. As Radha, daughter and in charge of Khansar in Raja Mannar’s absence, announces a partial ceasefire of nine days before calling for a vote by representatives of 101 tribes of the empire. Under existential threat, Vardha calls on his childhood best friend, Deva. Will Deva embark on the perilous mission and save Vardha? Will there be a ceasefire or a bloodbath?
Salaar Review: Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, directed by Prashanth Neel, unfolds in the rustic and politically charged landscape of Khansar. This action-packed film, featuring Prabhas as Deva and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Vardharaja, is set against a backdrop of intrigue and rebellion, relying heavily on drama as well as swag and action. Prashanth has meticulously created the dystopian city of Khansar with intricate details, establishing a multitude of characters with a narrative spanning between 1747 and the present times. Reminiscent of Black Panther, the empire boasts 101 tribes with distinct characteristics, divided into three divisions, including Kaparlu (clan leaders) and Doralu (council members).
A man of few words, Prabhas packs a punch with his dialogues and looks slick in action sequences, making the film a feast for his ardent fans. Prashanth leaves no opportunity to elevate the character of Deva aka Salaar, masterfully making his protagonist appear larger than life. The screenplay takes its own sweet time in the first half to establish the character of Deva, creating a slow burn and preparing audiences for what is to come.
Prashanth Neel takes an unconventional route in narrating this dystopian world and its characters, leaning more towards international cinema. Much like the KGF franchise, the director adheres to a dark colour palette. The film eschews typical dance numbers or romantic melodies, instead relying on situational anthems sung by school children in the first half and by children from the Mahara tribe in the second half, which enhance the drama. The film explores themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and the right to leadership, delving into the complexities of political machinations and personal allegiances, offering a compelling commentary on power struggles.
Prabhas, as Deva, is both electrifying and docile, delivering a performance that combines raw power with deep emotional depth. His portrayal of Salaar showcases his ability to balance raw aggression with subtle emotional nuances. Prithviraj Sukumaran, as Vardha, portrays the vulnerability and determination of a young heir caught in a political whirlwind, yet harboring his own strategic calculations. His compelling performance adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. As the film progresses, Prithviraj’s character exudes strength and valour. Shruti Haasan, in her role as Aadhya, brings a sense of balance but is mostly limited to the first half and a few scenes in the second.
Jagapathi Babu, as Raja Mannar, delivers a commanding performance, while Bobby Simha, Tinnu Anand, Easwari Rao, and others contribute significantly to the story s depth. The supporting cast, including Sriya Reddy, Ramachandra Raju, Madhu Guruswamy, John Vijay, Saptagiri, Prudhvi Raj, Jhansi and Mime Gopi, adds layers to the narrative.
The cinematography captures the essence of Khansar s tumultuous atmosphere, immersing the audience in the city s tension and drama. Ravi Basrur’s soundtrack adds a robust layer to the film s atmosphere, complementing the tone and heightening the emotional impact of certain scenes. The editing is sharp in the second half, though it cannot be said the same for the first. The special effects are effective, contributing significantly to the film s visual appeal.
The film does feature a certain amount of violence and bloodshed, which may not be palatable for certain sections of the audience. The first half is layered, focusing on the drama and sense of tension in the air. Audiences expecting a lot of action, comedy, and masala might be disappointed. However, it does score high on drama and action, with a bit of humour created through the delivery of dialogues or the body language of certain characters.
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire combines political drama with high-stakes action and champions brotherhood. It is a riveting watch for those with a taste for grand and epic narratives. Fans of Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran will find much to admire in this intense and captivating film. It s a film that will entertain and impress with its scale, but might require some patience in the initial stages, mostly establishing the world of Khansar and its inhabitants and setting the stage for Salaar: Part 2.
Dunki Movie Review Sreeparna Sengupta, December 21, 2023, 2:53 PM IST critic s rating: 4.0/5
Story: A soldier, Hardayal Singh Dhillon (Shah Rukh Khan) takes on an arduous and audacious mission, of helping a group of friends realise their dream of going to England. It seems like an impossible task because neither do they have a visa or nor can they can afford a ticket. And It is the start of a journey that promises to change all their lives forever.
Review: When an ailing Manu (Taapsee Pannu) wants to return to India, she realises Hardayal Singh Dhillon aka Hardy is the only one who can help her come back to the country she left years back in search of better prospects.
Twenty-five years ago, Hardy arrived in Laltu, a remote village in Punjab in search of someone who had saved his life. Instead, he encountered a group of friends, Manu (Taapsee Pannu), Buggu (Vikram Kochchar) and Balli (Anil Grover), whose sole mission was to make it to the UK, in search of a better life. The committed three try everything to secure an immigration visa - from learning wrestling to fake marriages and degrees, falling prey to scams along the way. Finally, they decide to learn English in the hope of securing a student visa. It is here that they meet Sukhi (Vicky Kaushal), who is desperate to make it to London for his own reasons. Birmingham here I come becomes their motto.
But despite all their efforts when the visa is denied to them, things go very awry. Heartbroken by the turn of events, Hardy takes it upon himself to make a passage for his new-found friends to reach the foreign shores they so desperately want to. They make the hard decision to take the donkey ( Dunki ) route - a way for illegal immigrants to make their way. It s a tumultuous journey riddled with hardships and challenges.
Dunki s story is an emotional one - rolling in friendship, romance, heart-wrenching and heart-warming moments all into one. Manu and Hardy s tender love story unfolds from Laltu to London and back.. And in trademark Hirani style, there are dollops of comedy which is laced with satire to make it an entertaining ride, along with the strong message the film brings forth. Although the take on the issue is simplistic and sometimes the humour is iffy. The expansive narrative (Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, Kanika Dhillon) not only crosses borders and landscapes but also has a 25-year time leap.
Dunki is a film about unfulfilled aspirations and reaching out for dreams beyond means and boundaries. The belief that reaching a first-world country is all about access to a bright future and the desperation to get there by any means. London jana hain, pound mein kamana hain , asserts Manu at one point.
As the film sprawls across continents and changing landscapes, they dodge bullets, risk their lives and more only to realise that their dream destination doesn t hold the gleam they imagined. There is a naivety in their dream oblivious of the reality of living as an illegal immigrant. However, as the screenplay is doused with several emotional wallops, be prepared for some tear-jerking scenes. And it has its share of meandering moments, loopholes and an old-world charm that may not work for some.
After two back-to-back blockbusters, Pathaan and Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan s Dunki comes riding on huge expectations. And it marks the first collaboration between Rajkumar Hirani and Khan. Stepping out of the action-hero mould he donned in his first two outings this year, with Dunki , Hirani gives us a wholesome Shah Rukh Khan - he s charming, romantic, funny and pulls off some mean action sequences too. There are meta references and a hat-tip to some of Khan s iconic cinematic moments.
Shah Rukh Khan as the dapper, younger Hardy is simply sensational, effortlessly sweeping you off your feet with his charm. And as the salt-and-pepper Hardayal, 25 years later, he is just delightful. In a special appearance, Vicky Kaushal as Sukhi impresses with a moving performance with his hold over the raw emotions his character has to portray. Taapsee Pannu shines with a spirited performance. Anil Grover and Vikram Kochchar, both deliver commendable performances.
The cinematography (Muraleedharan C.K., Manush Nandan, Amit Roy) and background music are top-notch. Dunki s music by Pritam scores high when it comes to underlining every mood, arguably the composer has given the best Hindi movie music soundtrack of the year. Whether it s the mischief and cuteness of Lutt Putt Gaya (Arijit Singh, Swanand Kirkire, IP Singh), the soul-searching Nikle The Kabhi (Sonu Nigam, Javed Akhtar), the deeply romantic Oh Maahi (Arijit Singh, Irshad Kamil) the foot-tapping Banda (Diljit Dosanjh, Amitabh Bhattacharya) or the stirring songs Main tera rasta dekhunga (Shadab Faridi, Altamash Faridi, Amitabh Bhattacharya) and Chal Ve Watna (Javed Ali, Varun Grover) it s a soundtrack that stays with you.
Overall, Dunki is a wholesome entertainer that s rousing, relevant, romantic and about returning to your roots.
Dunki Movie Review Sreeparna Sengupta, December 21, 2023, 2:53 PM IST critic s rating: 4.0/5
Dunki Story: A soldier, Hardayal Singh Dhillon (Shah Rukh Khan) takes on an arduous and audacious mission, that of helping a group of friends realise their dream of going to England. It seems like an impossible task because neither do they have a visa or nor can they can afford a ticket. And It is the start of a journey that promises to change all their lives forever.
Dunki Review: When an ailing Manu (Taapsee Pannu) wants to return to India, she realises Hardayal Singh Dhillon aka Hardy is the only one who can help her come back to the country she left years back in search of better prospects.
Twenty five years ago, Hardy arrived in Laltu, a remote village in Punjab in search of someone who had saved his life. Instead, he encountered a group of friends, Manu (Taapsee Pannu), Buggu (Vikram Kochchar) and Balli (Anil Grover), whose sole mission was to make it to UK, in search of a better life. The committed three try everything to secure an immigration visa - from learning wrestling to fake marriages and degrees, falling prey to scams along the way. Finally they decide to learn English in hope of securing a student visa. It is here that they meet Sukhi (Vicky Kaushal), who is desperate to make it to London for his own reasons. Birmingham here I come becomes their motto.
But despite all efforts when the visa is denied to most of them, things go very awry. Heartbroken by the turn of events, Hardy takes it upon himself to make a passage for his new-found friends to reach the foreign shores they so desperately want to. They make the hard decision to take the donkey ( Dunki ) route - a way for illegal immigrants to make their way. It s a tumultuous journey riddled with hardships and challenges.
Dunki s story is an emotional one - rolling in friendship, romance, heart-wrenching and heart-warming moments all into one. And in trademark Hirani style, there are dollops of comedy which is laced with satire to make it an entertaining ride, along with the strong message the film brings forth. The expansive narrative (Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, Kanika Dhillon) not only crosses borders and landscapes, but also has a 25-year time leap.
After two back-to-back blockbusters, Pathaan and Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan s Dunki comes riding on huge expectations. And it marks the first collaboration between Rajkumar Hirani and Khan. Stepping out of the action-hero mould he donned in his first two outings this year, with Dunki , Hirani gives us a wholesome Shah Rukh Khan - he s charming, romantic, funny and pulls off some mean action sequences too. There are meta references and a hat-tip to some of Khan s iconic cinematic moments.
Dunki is a film about unfulfilled aspirations and reaching out for dreams beyond means and boundaries. The belief that reaching a first world country is all about access to a bright future and the desperation to get there by any means. London jana hain, pound mein kamana hain , asserts Manu at point.
As the film sprawls across continents and changing landscapes, they dodge bullets, risk their lives and more only to realise that their dream destination doesn t hold the gleam they imagined. There is a naivety in their dream oblivious of the reality of living as an illegal immigrant. However, as the screenplay is doused with several emotional wallops, it can be construed as manipulative. Be prepared for some tear-jerking scenes. And it has its share of meandering moments and an old-world charm that may not work for some.
In a special appearance, Vicky Kaushal as Sukhi packs in a moving performance with his hold over raw emotions that his character has to portray. Shah Rukh Khan as the dapper, younger Hardy is simply sensational, effortlessly sweeping you off your feet with his charm. And as the salt-and-pepper Hardayal, 25 years later, he is just delightful. Manu and Hardy s tender love story that unfolds from Laltu to London is one for keeps. Taapsee Pannu shines with a spirited performance. Anil Grover and Vikram Kochchar, both deliver commendable performances.
The cinematography (Muraleedharan C.K., Manush Nandan, Amit Roy) and background music are top notch.
Dunki s music by Pritam scores high when it comes to underlining every mood, arguably the composer has given the best Hindi movie music soundtrack of the year. Whether it s the mischief and cuteness of Lutt Putt Gaya (Arijit Singh, Swanand Kirkire, IP Singh), the soul-searching Nikle The Kabhi (Sonu Nigam, Javed Akhtar), the deeply romantic Oh Maahi (Arijit Singh, Irshad Kamil) the foot-tapping Banda (Diljit Dosanjh, Amitabh Bhattacharya) or the stirring songs Main Tera Rasta Dekhunga (Shadab Faridi, Altamash Faridi, Amitabh Bhattacharya) and Chal Ve Watna (Javed Ali, Varun Grover) it s a soundtrack that stays with you.
Overall, Dunki is a wholesome entertainer that s rousing, relevant, romantic and about returning to your roots.
Kadak Singh Movie Review Sreeparna Sengupta, December 8, 2023, 3:31 AM IST critic s rating: 3.0/5
Story: AK Srivastava (Pankaj Tripathi) an officer at the Department of Financial Crimes (DFC) suffers from selective amnesia after a failed suicide attempt. But as he begins to hear different versions of the events leading up to the day of his attempted suicide, he begins to piece together what might have actually happened and unravel the financial scam case he was working on at the time.
Review: Kadak Singh opens with a hint of what might have landed Srivastava at the hospital. All he can remember is his son who he believes is five years old, his wife and a few colleagues. For the rest of the narrative his family, friends and close teammates relate different sides of his life story to help him rejig his memory. As his adult daughter, Sakshi (Sanjana Sanghi) tries to remind him of her existence, she reveals that while Srivastava may have been one of the best officers at DCF, on the personal front his life was in shambles. As a single father, he barely managed to keep cordial relations with Sakshi (Sanjana Sanghi) and his 17-year-old son, Aditya (Varun Buddhadev). His constantly abrasive and sometimes abusive nature at home led his children to give him the nickname Kadak Singh . In Sakshi s version he is an absentee father, an uncooperative husband and even beats up Aditya for secretly smoking at home. In fact, she blames her mother s death on him. And in a coincidental sequence of events, Sakshi who tries to bail Aditya out of a sticky situation owing to his drug addiction, ends up having a confrontation with her father right in the middle of the streets of Kolkata, with his colleagues watching. An event, that his colleagues believe led him to attempt suicide. But Sakshi believes her father is made of sterner stuff, having seen him not break under the most difficult of circumstances. Even her mother s death or his close colleague s suicide, caught in the middle of a financial scam didn t shake him from his line of duty.
Through the rest of the film, Srivastava is presented with three other sides of his story. Arjun (Paresh Pahuja), his trusted aide and mentee, Mr.Tyagi (Dilip Shankar) his boss and Naina (Jaya Ashan), his girlfriend also meet him at the hospital to give him their takes on his life events. And drawing a link between all the four versions is his nurse, Ms. Kannan (Parvathy Thiruvothu), who listens in on every story.
Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury (whose earlier films like Pink and Lost garnered considerable critical acclaim) tries to bring out different layers in the narrative - Srivastava s failure at being the wholesome family man, his passion for his work that makes him one of the best officers in his team and the ongoing investigation of a major financial scam which seems to implicate him as one of the main accused. And at one point all the layers intersect for the story to come as a whole. Relationships at home and work get re-evaluated.
However, Kadak Singh is no Rashomon. Despite having a compelling premise at hand it fails translate that on screen. The narrative feels overstuffed and the pace is excruciatingly slow. If one were not aware that this is a suspense thriller beforehand, it would be hard to guess the genre till almost forty minutes into the film. Even background score is oddly placid for a thriller. And with a run-time just two hours Kadak Singh still manages to feels like a stretch.
However, the film has to its advantage seasoned actors like Pankaj Tripathi and Parvathy doing what they do best. Tripathi straddles the acutely different notes to his character effortlessly well. Parvathy is understated yet effective. Jaya Ashan makes her presence felt in the limited screen time she has. Sanjana Sanghi has a tough role to pull off and while she does manages to hold her own in some scenes, in a few others she comes across as listless.
The film s momentum picks up in the last half hour as it connects all the dots and Srivastava closes in on the main culprits of the financial scam and the mystery behind his colleague s suicide. But by then one may have already guessed some of the suspects in the game. However, on the whole Kadak Singh does qualify as a decent one-time watch over the weekend.
Joram Movie Review Dhaval Roy, December 7, 2023, 4:33 PM IST critic s rating: 4.0/5
Story: When a construction site worker’s wife is brutally murdered, and his life is in danger, he flees the scene with his three-month-old daughter. Thereon, he fights for survival while escaping a violent past, as well as a system and a powerful person who wants to crush him.
Review: Here’s a movie where you need just a few minutes of viewing to know that you’re in for an intriguing and intense watch along with a stellar performance by its lead, Manoj Bajpayee, who plays Dasru Karketta/Bala. The first instance he appears on the screen, squatting on the floor under the open sky, you are convinced he’s a tribal rooted in culture. He gets the look (with face tattoos) and the demeanour perfectly and has a tight grip on it until the end and through the different phases of his rich character arc.
The opening sequence sets the movie’s tone, with a tribal couple from Jhinpindi, Jharkhand, singing a folk song about nature as the wife sways on a rope swing. As the frame freezes, the swing and the couple have vanished. The unnerving stillness warns you of a storm about to unleash on the screen. Throughout the 121 minutes, the movie consistently builds intrigue, beginning with how the couple ended up in a cramped shanty in Mumbai five years later, or why Bala is unnerved when he comes face to face with MLA Phulo Karma (Smita Tambe D Dwivedi). The film unravels the mystery gradually while serving edge-of-the-seat drama, as Dasru is on the run trying to save himself and his baby, Joram. The chase sequence on a train when he tries to skip the city will totally draw your attention.
Writer-director Devashish Makhija excels in presenting a layered narrative — the super-tense survival scenes, the stark reality of the tribals and rebels, or the man versus nature conflict that’s destroying the ecology. It also depicts how the politicians and authorities are in cahoots with mining companies that relentlessly exploit the tribals. While some of these themes aren’t new, the storytelling is enticing, and although non-linear, the taut screenplay is not once confusing or fragmented. However, the initial thrill tapers off as the latter half of the film, the focus shifts to the socio-political side of the story.
Makhija handles the film’s political aspect well and refrains from overtly taking sides. While he shows how the tribals are being shortchanged and the environment is being destroyed in the name of development, he reveals another perspective, too. The MLA wants her community to enjoy every facility that urban people do, and one of the constables says that rebels and soldiers both wear uniforms for different reasons, but one cannot judge who’s right or wrong. The narrative also throws light on how those on the fence have it toiugh, too, as they are labelled ‘sympathisers’ of rebels or supporters of oppressors. Cinematographer Piyush Puty enhances the drama with his outstanding camerawork, whether depicting tribal life, a father on the run, cranes and diggers marauding nature, or what the verdant land will soon look like.
The film is also loaded with symbolism and meaning, whether Dasru ‘s wife Vaano (Tannishtha Chatterjee) swaying in the great wide open or the swing made of a saree inside the hut. While trying to escape Mumbai, an onlooker asks him, ‘Kuchh dhoondh rahe ho kya? (Are you looking for something?).’ When he reaches Jharkhand, a tribal asks, ‘Kisiko dhoondh rahe ho (Are you looking for someone?)?’ indicating Dasru is running but has nowhere to go. The dialogues are also heartrending.
Manoj Bajpayee is outstanding as the helpless and hapless father running from his dark past and bleak present. Scenes of him bonding with and caring for his baby will tug at your heartstrings. Smita Tambe Dwivedi steals the scene as the coldhearted MLA. She delivers a nuanced performance as an emotionally wounded but conversely unfeeling woman. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is excellent, too, as a conflicted Sub-Inspector Ratnakar Bangul tasked to capture Dasru. Tannishtha Chatterjee plays her part well in the special appearance.
Joram is a gritty tale that will stay with you for a long time. Although it strays from being a survival drama as the socio-political facet overpowers the narrative, it’s a must-watch for its intense storytelling and performances. The poignant movie will also make you think about what we are doing to Mother Nature in the name of development and progress. It deserves to be watched on the big screen.
The Archies Movie Review Dhaval Roy, December 7, 2023, 5:00 PM IST critic s rating: 3.0/5
The Archies story: Set in 1964 in a fictional hill station called Riverdale in India, the coming-of-age story follows Archie and his friends navigating friendship, romance, and social responsibility as their cherished park faces a threat from developers demolishing it to build a hotel.
The Archies review: Director Zoya Akhtar adapts the adolescent-favourite Archies Comics for the big screen and ensures the Bollywood outing is colourful, youthful, and sweet. But above all, she creates it as a teen musical comedy. This is where her latest venture stands apart. There have been few high-school musical dramas in Hindi cinema before. Add to that the nostalgia value - the film s cast have a unique canvas. Right enough, the screen is splashed with a dreampop-like sequences and an endearing retro look and feel. And at its heart are the 90 s kids favourite teenagers — Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda), Veronica Lodge (Suhana Khan), Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor), Jughead (Mihir Ahuja), Reggie Mantle (Vedang Raina), Ethel Muggs (Dot), and Dilton Doiley (Yuvraj Menda).
While the comics are all about the group s goofy shenanigans, the movie falls short of being as irreverent. The characters are almost adulting and making tough choices between passion and practicality or progress. The theme of wholesome friendship is infused with activism, as the gang tries to save the cultural hub, Green Park, from being torn down to make way for a grand hotel. The movie works well and charms as a musical. The tracks by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Ankur Tewari, The Islanders, and Dot (Aditi Saigal) are foot-tapping and fun, especially Dhishoom Dhishoom, Sunoh, and Va Va Voom. Gautam Hegde s choreography in the songs is another highlight that adds to the film s visual appeal.
The Archie world s adorable characters are its strongest point, and it s the same with the posse of fresh faces here. Suhana Khan, as the rich and spoilt Veronica Lodge, pulls off the sweet and sassy girl act torn between her businessman father s shrewdness and loyalty to her friends. Agastya Nanda is charming as the confused Archie, who lives life just for the kicks but must understand that everything is politics and can t choose between Veronica and Betty. Khushi Kapoor impresses as Betty, and has scope to perform with her emotional scenes, which she pulls off with aplomb. While Vedang Raina as Reggie and Dot as Ethel are impressive, Mihir Ahuja as the adorable Jughead is good, too. Yuvraj Menda as Dilton, as the nerdy and cute teenager, deserves special mention. All the newcomers get their moment to shine.
The movie loses steam in the second half and could have been more engaging as the conflict escalates. Solutions are convenient, and the resolution is trifling. Overall, while the era, the look and feel have been created well, the movie ends up a tad underwhelming. What is delightful is watching a bunch of fresh new faces put their best food forward - whether for emoting on screen or doing some rock n roll the 60s tunes.