Murder 2: Murder of a great concept.

Directed by: Mohit Suri
Release date: July, 2011

The team with the golden vision is back. They don’t need big budget or a famous foreign locations or a super start for their films. They make super stars. Sanjay Dutt and Emraan Hashmi are the HEROS which they have given to our industry. If we talk about off-scene heroes, we have Mohit Suri and Anurag Basu and number of editors/ cinematographers/singers/music directors etc. You name any department in filmmaking and we will find their contribution in it.  But this time they miss and land up nowhere. The movie may be a HIT but will not satisfy the audience who follow cinema regularly.

This team is back with Mohit and Emraan under a very successful name – MURDER.

First of all, it’s not a sequel for Murder (2004). The story is totally different and has no connections expect the name and the team behind it.

About the Story – Emraan Hashmi is an ex-cop (GOA Police); he left the service because he needs more money for himself (I don’t understand why can’t he makes money while being the system, everyone in India does the same). As usual (like his previous films, he does not believes in GOD). Jacqueline is a model and in love with our hero. One of the gangsters gave the task to find the missing girls from his business. And here comes or Villain Prashant Narayanan, who is psychopath killer. No chocolates to guess the end J

It’s a great concept, but very normally written, edited and presented. Actually I would say a milestone from the Indian cinema has been wasted. The team has so much potential that they can make a normal love story to look like a classic. But they miss on this masterpiece. The story (Mahesh Bhatt) is not at all appealing. There are not interesting events or twists. Screenplay (Shagufta Rafique) is like I am watching a horror serial on TV. Nothing new, you can actually tell what is coming your way. Chalo, agar humme pata bhi ki story me kya hona walla hai to bhi mere bhai make it interesting. Cinematography is again normal. This time Ravi Walia took some inspirations from Tony Scoot (in camera) and use rolling/moving cameras in couple of scenes. That’s all, nothing else to mention about the camera work.

Special Mention – The only thing to cheer about is the song/music. They are awesome; at least 3 songs are on the chartbusters these days - Haal-E-Dil, Aa Zara, Aye Khuda are among them. “Phir Mohabbat” will work like a slow poison.

Bhatt camp needs to understand that we are living in a world where – SAW, final destination, wrong turn, Hostel etc are already made a mind set in the audiences. We are not comparing our cinema with the West, but in the world of Internet when films of every region are readily available. So, the challenges are rising for in-house film makers as well. Moreover – common things are getting repeated like – hero does not believe in God, so we will have a song for it and in the end he realizes that he is wrong. The whole system can’t do it (though they want to) and they need to rely on an ex-cop.

So, why it is not a good film? When I went to watch the movie I was not there to see Emraan kissing Jacqueline. I was there to watch brutal, erotic, dark, corrupt and bad movie. Why the hell it’s not there. Why the hell heroin was not beated or raped or at least tortured badly. Why Prashant was not asked to cross his limits in acting. You have a Villain which can bring terror in each scene. Though he was good but we know he can deliver a national award performance (bagwaan jaane kis baat ka intezzar kar rahe hai bhatt camp waale). Moreover the end is so much predictable that you will hate it.

You can watch it once, but unfortunately don’t expect anything exceptional in it.

Dum Maaro Dum: picture mein DUM hai...

Directed by: Rohan Sippy
Release date: April, 2011

I heard many people saying that they are going to watch this movie just because of Deepika’s song. They don’t have any hopes from Rohan or Abhishek. But I strongly believe that Rohan is among those filmmakers who see their films in their own style. Else most of the filmmakers in India do not have a style or what we can call as a “signature”. After watching “Bluffmaster” I was clear that I need to watch this man again in action. So, get ready to watch a thriller in 70’s style with tadka of next generation.

About the Story – Four lead characters i.e. Abhishek as a Cop, Prateik Babbar as a student who wants to study with his girlfriend in US, Bipasha Basu as an air hostress who get caught while carrying the drugs and now works for Biscuit (Aditya Pancholi – who runs the whole racket for drugs in GOA) and Rana Daggubati as DJ Joki (who once was the boyfriend of Bipasha). Four different lives – one common evil: DRUGS. This white powder brings them in one place; rest is a stylish, dark and mind blowing drama of 2 hrs.

Story and Screenplay are awesome, Shridhar Raghavan is famous for his twist in the tale and he proved it again here. The story has so much to offer that sometime you will feel you missed something. The best part Director tried to explain how the drug mafia works in Goa, something rare to find in Hindi movies. How the story unfolds throughout the film and the climax is a delight to watch. I didn’t expect something like this in Bollywood. Next thing to cheer is the Cinematography of the film, its stylish, different and very effective. It’s actually required for a film like this and Amit Roy didn’t make any mistake here. The way hand-held camera is used, it showcases how much talent we have there. Though, sometimes it seems to be a bit dark in night scenes. Editing is also perfect. Mainly the Airport scene where different stories meet is perfectly edited.

Pritam music is already in the buzz. All the songs in the movie are good and placed correctly in the story. Background music is new and innovative. Director tried something different this time in background score and it works as well.

If we talk about performances – Abhishek is first rate. It can be consider as his best performance in recent times. Prateik Babbar is also good. Bipasha Basu is ok. Aditya Pancholi is like he used to be in Sanjay Gupta’s films. The surprise package of the film is Rana Daggubati. This tall and cold expression look guy will make a big impact on the audience. Rest of the cast is also as required.

Rohan Sippy have Bollywood in his blood and it shows in his latest film as well. He mixed the 70’s style cinema with the ingredients of today’s technology and equipments. From storytelling to screenplay, from camera to chase sequence, from songs to climax everything is presented in a very unique style and all these things makes it a must watch for all of us. Very few people in the industry are capable of mixing different themes/stories and present in such a manner that it will blow your senses.

Get hold of a beer and watch it with your friends this weekend!!

Game (movie): It’s all about money!!

Directed by: Abhinay Deo
Release date: April, 2011  

Two visionary young people made a production house in 1999 and promised stylish, innovative and trend setting cinema. Yes, I am referring to Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. People who gave us movies like Dil Chahta hai, Lakshya, Don, Rock On (though I didn’t like it so much) and Luck by Chance.  This time they are introducing a new name to us, a name from advertising industry - Abhinay Deo. If I am not wrong it is going to be there first suspense thriller (we leave Don here) and the expectation were high with it. But unfortunately it’s a non-sense Game to watch.

About the Story –   Kabir Malhotra (Anupam Kher) is a billionaire who invites four different people i.e. Abhishek Bachchan, Jimmy Shergill, Boman Irani and Shahana Goswami to his island in Greece (they all have their past). Reason – they are responsible for his daughter’s miserable life and death. He has evidence which he will produce to Kangna Ranaut who works for International Vigilance Squad, but he shot himself before the IVS arrives. Now the GAME begins as everyone present in the house is a suspect.

Abhinay tries to make it stylish; but I won’t say that it’s a stylish film. I don’t know what people mean by a stylish film… Every director has his own style of making films and that’s become is signature. The first name which comes to my mind is RVG. Shooting some landscape in Greece, Turkey or make actors wear some lavishing clothes (or less clothes in songs) is not what we call stylish. You need to be stylish in the story or to be more specific in screenplay. That’s where you get full freedom to your creative side and make a stylish film. People also consider a film stylish if it have hyper editing stuff or different cinematography concepts. At least I agree to the cinematography part.

Story is not at all appealing; director used several stories under a main story to make it interesting but didn’t work. Neither the story was interesting nor the facts explained in end. The turning point in Abhishek’s story was really pathetic. It doesn’t make any sense (watch the movie to relate to this point). None of the actors were able to leave a mark on acting side. Songs are also just ok types, there’s nothing to mention about. “tu mekhi mehkri tu jawa jawa” is somewhat delight to watch (actually that’s the only song which will you a feel that you are watching something different). No score on background music. Cinematography is as required (if I am not wrong hand-held shooting style has been used for action scenes). What we called a “hyper editing” is also used in action sequences. Apart from it, camera and editing is fine throughout the movie.

So, not sure when our wait for a TRUE suspense thriller will be over in Bollywood or we need to again rely on foreign films for it. However I strongly believe that Excel entertainment is capable of making, producing and exploring every side of cinema. There are so many people in the industry who have the talent but don’t have the money or what we call resources (take the example of the roof chasing scene in GAME; it’s an absolute waste of resources and money. How many people get an approval to shot such a scene? and when we get a chance, we waste it. Roof chasing sequence was brilliantly shot in Bourne Ultimatum and in Aakrosh). Fortunately this is not the case with Excel Entertainment. The vision and commitment these guys have, make our industry more promising. I hope we will get some meaningful and entertaining cinema from them in near future as Don 2 and Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara is lined up for release this year.

It will be a good decision to watch the highlights of the actual GAME (cricket world cup) than wasting time and money in this GAME (movie).

Patiala House (movie): dreams vs. family @ 89 m/h from over the wicket!!!

Directed by Nikhil Advani

Release date February, 2011

Kabhi kabhi faisle zindagi se bade ho jaate hai aur Kabhi kabhi parivaar sapno ke aage aa jaate hai.. yahi kahani hai Patiala Hosue ki…

It’s a long time I have seen a family drama and that’s why I want to watch this movie. After some mind blowing deliveries by Akshay Kumar in past one year expectations were less with this one. But it seems to be a googly for the family. Younger generation may find it a bit boring/lengthy. It’s a typical 2 hrs 30 mins dramatic bollywood movie which you can watch with your whole family with love/cry/laugh/respect and most important a DREAM. 

About the Story – Akshay Kumar (gattu) lives in Southhall with his family which headed by Rishi Kapoor (bauji). Due to the racism and disrespect which Rishi Kapoor has faced in past he is strictly a anti-gora. He denies Akshay to play cricket for England. Akshay respect his father’s decision and work in a corner shop for past 17 years though he continued practicing in night. Due to his so called chuppi … younger generation in Patiala House dares to DREAM. They all follow bauji’s order whether they like it or not because the eldest son (gattu) does the same. As always here comes the heroine with love, life, dream and courage to ensure gattu fulfill his dreams. No chocolates for guessing the end guys!!!

The story is very much predictable; you will not find anything surprising or what we call new/creative. There are couple of cricketers from the real world which will increase your interest in matches played in the movie. One thing which I like to mention is Akshay Kumar looks like a cricketer and bowls like a bowler. When he on the pitch we didn’t feel that he is acting … that’s Akshay for you!!!!

Nothing impressive on story part, Nikhil Advani has proved himself in his first film KHNH that he can direct a drama. It reflects in his new product as well. On music laung da lashkara and rolla ape gaya looks good on screen. (Special mention: Chorography/editing in roll ape gaya is first class). Kyu main jaagoon is used all over in the movie. Background music is also ok but sometimes I feel it a bit loud. Akshay is good but seems that he is repeating himself again and again. Anushka is first rate; she is a delight to watch. Rishi Kapoor has again done a great job, dimple kapadia is wasted. 

It’s a tradition in Indian Society to sacrifice for our family. Children break their dreams because their parents want them to be someone else.  We give first preference to our family and then to ourselves. This is the culture we follow here, Patiala House shows the same but at the same time it also says that if you will stop dreaming you will stop living. Parents needs to understand that time is not the same always, things change and we have to change with them, Children should also understand that dreams can only come true to when you DARE. 

You can watch it with the whole family on a long weekend and don’t forget to prepare pakoris and grama garam chai!!

Tees Maar Khan: Who said that??

Directed by: Farah Khan
Release date: December, 2010

I am sure there is no one in this country who hasn’t heard about the Sheila ki jawani. From day one when the song was on chartbusters we started receiving SMS about this most sizzling song of the year. Song raised the expectations of the audiences and we are all set to again witness the great DRAMA of BOLLYWOOD (as Farah Khan is a master in doing so).  But once again the trailers did their job perfectly. They misguide the audiences!

About the Story – Tabrez Mirza Khan urf Tees Maar Khan (Akshay Kumar) is among the best thief in the country. It was showed in the country that there is not a single lock which he can’t open (though he only opens the door for cockpid in the beginning of the movie). His girl friend Katrina Kaif is a struggling actress. Johri Brothers (the vilan) hires Tees Maar Khan to rob a running train which is carrying some antiques of around 500 corers. TMS makes a plan to shoot a movie in any village near the railway tracks (from where the train will pass) and as a part of the shooting he will rob the train. For completing his task he hires Aatish Kapoor an Oscar-hungry film star (Akshaye Khanna) for the lead role.

Once you come out of the theater you will not remember a single scene on which you laugh loudly. After the release of movies like 3 idiots, Golmaal 3, Phas Gaye Obama etc we have a 3-5 mins shot in which we die laughing. Though I was not expecting the same in this movie but I was expecting the magic of Farah Khan. And trust me it was missing. She is a master when it comes to Drama and we have witness the same in Main hoon Na and Om Shanti Om. The story is very weak (or rather I should say there is NO story). Again, as I believe it’s becoming a trend Akshay is wasted in a meaningless role, Katrina has done superb job in Sheila ki jawani (nothing else to mention). The only surprise of the movie is Akshaye Khanna. In the role of an Oscar-hungry film star he is something we haven’t seen before. I don’t know how but he is hilarious.

Farah Khan is capable of creating a world of dreams though her hold on the dramatic side of the story. As per my opinion she is a perfect example of a typical Bollywood Director.  She can make you laugh, cry and even fall in love whenever she wants. But she has done a blunder this time and lands up in a no man’s land. The movie will not find his audiences. But this doesn’t mean she should go back to SRK for her all future films. She can do it without him as well.

On the Chorography part in the movie, “Sheila” is awesome and “walla re walla re” is energetic. However I felt that the creative side of her (in terms of Chorography) is again missing.  

Songs are good, background score is just OK types, nothing to be noticed in Cinematography, Editing is again as required. The only missing component was – COMEDY.

Suggestion: Do watch it for “Sheila ki jawani”, else save money for next Friday!!!!

The Last Samurai (movie): Loyalty through sword or a way of living?

Directed by: Edward Zwick
Release date: December, 2003

Service, Loyalty, duty, commitment, faith, trust and bravery …. I am short of words in order to describe what all I felt after watching the movie. It was explained in the movie that Samurai means – to serve. Samurai’s were the protectors of the KING. Their ancestors had been doing this for hundreds of years. The same emotion was everywhere in the movie. Every scene, dialogue and conversation in the movie is filled with these not so common emotions. Every word they said or the act they performed is filled with loyalty. It is a slow paced movie but I believe it’s required to make sure that audience understand the depth and the true meaning of the film. Every small aspect related to life, war and duty is explained in a very detailed manner.

About the Story – Tom Cruise is a well known personality in US due to his unbelievable victories in wars. He works for money and has good experience in fighting with tribes. He is hired by a Japanese man to fight with their enemy: THE SAMURAI - Katsumoto! Tom Cruise come down to Japan and trained the army with new equipments. They went to war; however the army was not ready for it. As a result Tom gets captured by the Samurai group and they bring him to their village. Tom was wounded, Katsumoto’s sister take care of him though she was aware that Tom killed her husband. Tom has to spend a whole year there so that he can recover from his present situation. While staying there he finds some special things which he had forgotten long back – discipline and honor. He decides to help them against their king but later he understands that the fight is not against the king, it’s against the corrupt system and bureaucrats around the king. In the final fight sequences all the Samurai’s die but Tom manages to survive. Tom returns to the Samurai village.



It’s very difficult for my generation to understand/believe that someone's  wish/command is more than enough for a person to give away his life. I remember this dialogue when Tom Cruise asks Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe): kaya raja aapko maarna nahi chahenge? Katsumoto replies: muhje maarne ke liye unko itna sab karne ki zaroorat nahi hai, unka aadesh hi kaafi hai. Since childhood they were trained to protect their king and obey his every command. They live and die with this very simple but hard to digest (for us) belief.

We are living in a world where personal interest is everything we can think of. There is no value of promises or commitments. People are ready to hurt anyone for small things. We are not ready to listen to our parents because we think we are a cool/new generation and they are old/narrow minded. We don’t think that going out somewhere late is bad. Lying is no crime. Breaking trust is in the fashion. Duty – what’s that? Honor – never heard of it. We run away from responsibility like it’s our birth right. We don’t feel shy or ashamed in doing anything which is in our interest. We can spread bad mouth about our country over corruption/growth but we never think of doing anything to change it.

When we see people dying for their country, for their fellow men, for duty ... we think they are nuts/stupid. We are not able to relate/understand this feeling because we never felt or even tried to feel the same. We do not want to come out of our comfort zone. I believe Edward tried to shake our world of dreams through this movie and has shown us the real meaning of being alive.

Edward Zwick (director) presented it in a very simple yet heart touching manner. You will not find the movie interesting if you are not in a mood to understand it. It’s not very entertaining for everyone but a masterpiece for some of us. But once you start watching/feeling it, you will fall in love with it. It will take you through a journey of the most special feeling (service, Loyalty, duty, commitment, faith, trust and bravery) which most of the movies are not capable of.

It’s a slow poison guys!!!!

Udaan (movie): Little wings to "FLY"

Directed by: Vikramaditya Motwane
Release date: July, 2010

After 8 hours of long journey, 3 large pegs of rum and around 2 am in the morning I watched UDAAN. What attracts me most is the theatrical poster of the movie. A 16-17 year boy sitting confused and all his emotions and fantasies are around him. Everything which a teenage can imagine or desire is written there and why not, it’s written by my all time favorite Anurag Kashyap. I was all set to begin the 2 hours journey of fulfilling dreams. It’s also going to be special because I also have a dream but unfortunately still fighting to achieve it.  

About the story – Fours friends were caught by their warden watching an adult movie in the theater which results to their termination from the school. Rohan came back to his home town Jamshedpur to live with his father. He came to know that he also have a younger brother 8 years old (as his father married again). Rohan wants to be a writer and willing to study Literature but his father forced him to study Engg in morning and work in his Steel factory in the evening. The rest of the film is about the clash of the mindset/ideology between the father and the son, elder brother and younger brother.

As the story was written by Anurag Kashyap, you will expect something mind blowing. We didn’t watch the movie with the mindset that it will be a normal entertainer. We were waiting for the hurricane to blow our minds. However, I believe either the story was normal or it was presented in a very normal manner. You will feel that same scenes were repeated couple of times in the movie. There are no events which will lead to something exciting. The best part of the movie is its ORIGINAL Screenplay. You will love it for sure. Simplicity at its best! May be that’s the reason you will not find the story appealing. But the Screenplay is the back bone of the movie. It’s a slow pace movie and most of movie revolves around 3 characters. The conversation between the father (Ronit Roy) and Rohan is tense (most of the times), however it’s interesting and innocent between Arjun and Rohan. The poems used by Rohan (I guess there are 3-4 in total) are also new and refreshing.

It’s a very simple film about a boy who wants to achieve his dreams. It does not offer any Indian masala to audiences. But still it’s a must watch for the whole family. For parents to understand that sometimes in order to think best for their children they stop thinking what is correct. For teenagers to understand that if you want to achieve what you want than there is no one who can stop you.

Do watch it with your parents or younger brother/sisters.