Dum Maaro Dum 2011 Hindi Movie Review

Behind the Movie Dum Maaro Dum: This movie is more publicized in our Andhra Pradesh as Bollywood debut of Daggubati Rana. We do have Abhishek Bachchan, Prateik, Bipasha Basu and Deepika’s special item song to make this flick most awaited for release. Let us see, how great is this?

In the Movie Dum Maaro Dum: Story revolves around drug mafia of Goa. Lawrence aka Lorry (Prateik Babbar), a young graduate planning to fly USA on education visa finds it difficult to adjust the finance. Rocky, a friend of Lorry recruits him into drug mafia by providing the required financial support. In turn Lorry needs to safely cross the drugs from Airport security. ACP Vishnu Kamat (Abhishek Bachchan) on special duty to clean Goa from drugs red handedly catches Lorry. On the other side Vishnu has a tragic flashback where his entire family was killed in an accident and reason for this is again related to drugs.

DJ Joki (Rana) is a friend to Lorry. He too has a similar flashback when his lover Zoe (Bipasha Basu) aspiring to become air hostess falls into the trap of Lorsa Biscuit (Aditya Pancholi), the man behind every illegal business in Goa. Joki doesn’t want one more of his friends to get victimized in hands of Lorsa join hands with ACP Vijay Kamat to search the secret man Michael Barbosa, who is a key to Rs.970 Crore drug deal.

In this fight against drug mafia, Zoe and Vijay sacrifice their lives while Joki succeeds in bringing his friend Lorry out from clutches of police. Who is Michael Barbosa? How Lorsa gets killed? form part of a lengthy climax.

Values and Out of the Movie Dum Maaro Dum: This is a perfect thriller with riveting plot that can leave a big impact on audience. Entire film is shot in Goa with major focus only on how drug mafia functions and how cops run behind it. Betrayal, love, sex, dreams, ambitions, mystery, thrills, frills and many more are well mixed in Dum Maaro Dum making it a full meal. Biggest drawback from director Rohan Sippy is that many key characters are left unestablished but take part in core plot actively. Narration was pacy in first half but second half is dragged. Amit Roy’s cinematography can be rated as top notch but many scenes are picturized with night or dim effect that would strain the eyes. Music from Pritam is really gripping. Even dialogues are quite interesting. Editing could have been still sharper in second half. Production values of Ramesh Sippy Entertainments are also top notch.

Performance wise Abhishek Bachchan as tough cop with cool attitude impressed. Next to say about is Daggubati Rana who got good screen time but his importance grows only in second half. Unfortunately both Abhi and Rana have got raw faces that failed to emote any expressions. Bipasha is smoke hot with tempting outfits. Prateik has got ease in acting but his overdosed cowardliness gets irritating some time. Aditya Pancholi is usual best with his villainy while Govind Namdeo and others did their job. Special appearance of Vidya Balan is good while most talked about item song of Deepika Padukone didn’t live up to the standards.

For regular Bollywood thriller lovers, this flick may not serve anything great except the plot based in Goa. Overall there are as many negatives equal to as many positives. It is presentation and keeping the feel alive that makes Dum Maaro Dum, a trendy work. In fact there is novelty in treatment but not in story. BO wise, film might attract audience in metros while in B and C centers, there is no way this would click.

www.Ayeshaweb.Blogspot.com Verdict of the Movie Dum Maaro Dum: Try it if you have extra time to kill.

"THANK YOU" Hindi Movie Review

Film: THANK YOU
Banners: UTV Motion Pictures, Hari Om Productions
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Suniel Shetty, Celina Jaitly, Irrfan Khan, Rimi Sen, Mallika Sherawat, Vidya Balan, Mukesh Tiwari, Rakhi Vijan, Ranjith, Smita Jayakar and others
Music: Pritam Chakraborty
Cinematography: Ravi Yadav
Director: Anees Bazmee
Producers: Ronnie Screwvala, Twinkle Khanna
Release Date: 08/04/2011

Story: 
A good tale gone sour, the story is set on the backdrop of Canada and here live three best buddies and business partners- Raj (suniel), Yogi (bobby), Vikram (irrfan). The trio is also good at womanizing and the other highlight is, all of them are married and their wives (sonam Kapoor, Celina, rimi sen) are unaware of their hubbies activities. The story takes a turn when Sanjana (sonam) hires a private detective Kishan (akshay) for investigation. Kishan holds a reputation for uniting couples but this time he falls for Sanjana's charms. What happens from there forms the rest of the story.

Presentation: 
The director has come up with an interesting storyline and while the presentation was rich, the narrative was good in parts. The dialogues were witty, the script was having few loopholes but the screenplay was moderate. Background score was alright and two songs were good. Cinematography was breathtaking along with the locations. Editing could have been better especially during the second half. Costumes were stylish and impressive while the art department was matching the situations and looked royal. Akshay Kumar steals the show with his sense of comedy and performance, Suniel Shetty was standard, Bobby was just okay, the real show stealer was Irrfan Khan with a top notch performance. Sonam Kapoor was alright but not that appealing, Celina looks sexy as usual, Rimi was ravishing. Mukesh Tiwari made his presence felt. Rakhi Vijan could not do much while Ranjeet was muted.

Conclusion:
The film finds its traces of Hollywood and bit of Bollywood flicks but then it has been packed differently. While the first half was hilarious and sets the right momentum for the film, it is the second half that disappoints completely. The writing goes poor, there were unwanted songs and the comedy was silly. If only the makers focused on the content part during the second half, this would have been a sure shot blockbuster. Overall, the film is good in parts and at the box office, it will have strong openings due to the star power and the first half but success is highly unlikely.

www.Ayeshaweb.Blogspot.com verdict: Good first half, bad second half

GAME 2011 Hindi Movie Review

Film: GAME
Banners: Excel Entertainment, Eros International Media Ltd
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Kangna Ranaut, Sarah Jane Dias, Jimmy Shergill, Gauhar Khan, Shahana Goswami, Boman Irani, Anupam Kher
Music: Shankar- Ehsaan - Loy
Cinematography: Kartik Vijay
Director: Abhinay Deo
Producers: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani
Release Date: April 1, 2011

Story:
A good thought gone bad, the story begins with four strangers - Neil Menon [Abhishek Bachchan] who owns a casino and has been into legal and illegal stuff, O.P. Ramsay [Boman Irani], a powerful politician in Thailand, Tisha Khanna [Shahana Goswami] a journalist with a fading career and Vikram Kapoor [Jimmy Sheirgill], a Bollywood superstar. All of them are invited by a billionaire Kabir (anupam) to an island an none of them know each other. However, after coming there, they regret their decision. What happens from there forms the rest of the story.

Presentation:
The director has come up with an interesting storyline and while the presentation was colorful, the narrative was not adequate. The dialogues were good at places, the script was below average and the screenplay was not that supportive. Background score was nice but songs were not upto the mark. Cinematography is the saving grace for the film. Editing was average. Costumes were excellent while the art department was appealing. Abhishek Bachchan carries out his role with élan but his character was not etched well. Sarah Jane looks pretty but she must work on her facial expressions, Kangna was good but she must work on her diction, Boman Irani was a showstealer while Anupam Kher was riveting. Shahana was not used to the fullest. Gauhar was alright. The others didn't have much to offer.

Conclusion:
The film seems to be a pick from the Hollywood slick thrillers and while the focus was more on presentation and style, the basic fundamental of a convicted plot and nice content was missing. The first half takes off breezily and there are some real good moments but things begin to fizzle after the first hour. At one point, everything becomes predictable and monotonous. Few sequences are good but overall, the film lacks the material to keep the audience engrossed apart from the visual appeal and grandeur. At the box office, this might have good openings but will suffer due to the World Cup final and negative word of mouth.

www.ayeshaweb.blogspot.com verdict: Good package with hollow content

F.A.L.T.U 2011 Hindi Movie Review

Film: F.A.L.T.U
Banner: Puja Entertainment (India) Ltd.
Cast: Jackky Bhagnani, Pooja Gupta, Boman Irani, Riteish Deshmukh, Mithun Chakraborty, Angad Bedi, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Akbar Khan, Arshad Warsi, Darshan Jariwala
Music: Jigar- Sachin
Cinematography: Vijay Arora
Director: Remo D'Souza
Producer: Vashu Bhagnani
Release Date: April 1, 2011

Story:
A fun filled tale, the story is about three friends Ritesh (jackky), Pooja (pooja) and Nanji (angad) who are good for nothing. As expected, they fail to do well in studies as well and they don't get admission in any college or university. Suddenly, Ritesh gets an idea, to start a university on his own with the help of friends. For this, he takes the help of his friend Google Chand (arshad) who in turn gets his friend Baaji Rao (ritiesh) to be the principal. This gives rise to Fakirchand And Lakirchand Trust University [F.A.L.T.U.]. What happens from there forms the rest of the story.

Presentation:
The director has come up with an offbeat storyline and while the presentation was colorful, the narrative was adequate. The dialogues were good at places, the script was above average and the screenplay was supportive. Background score was nice but only two songs were upto the mark. Cinematography is top notch. Editing was alright. Costumes were trendy while the art department was appealing. Jaccky has come up with a confident performance and makes his presence felt at many scenes. Pooja looks pretty and has good sex appeal. Angad Bedi was apt. Arshad Warsi was hilarious while Ritiesh Deshmukh was impressive. Boman Irani was excellent. The others did their bit as required and added value to the film.

Conclusion:
Though the theme might be little unusual, this is one of those fun filled college movies that is filled with innovation, comedy and some peppy moments. While the first half goes about with the regular elements of fun, the second half gets a bit groggy. If only the makers concentrated on trimming the script and making it much crisper, the fun would have been more. At the box office, this will appeal to the college and youth audience and success looks strong.

www.ayeshaweb.blogspot.com verdict: Fun filled and entertaining, recommended for youth audience!

Synopsis : LUV KA THE END

Rhea is the quintessential girl next door, in love with Luv Nanda, the richest, most popular boy in college. On the eve of her 18th birthday, they plan to take their relationship to the 'next level'.  When accidentally she finds out Luv is not as nice as she thought he was.

Rhea decides to not get mad, but to get even and bring Luv Nanda down! All in the span of one night with the help of her friends.

Buckle up for one crazy night as the girls discover the meaning of love, life, friendship and more...

"Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" Hindi Movie Preview

Banner:    Excel Entertainment
Cast:    Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin and Ariadna Cabrol
Direction:    Zoya Akhtar
Production:    Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar
Music:    Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy

It has an interesting ensemble cast and is made by a filmmaker who has shown depth and insight in her debut venture, 'Luck By Chance'.

In ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ she traverses through the landscapes of Spain. This is a Zoya Akhtar road movie that is sure to be peppered with quirks, slice of life nuggets and loads of drama.

Starring Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin, Farhan Akhtar and Naseeruddin Shah, the movie is slated to release by May 2011.

"Patiala House" Hindi Movie Preview

Banner:    T Series & People Tree
Cast:    Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia
Direction:    Nikhil Advani
Production:    Bhushan Kumar, Mukesh Talreja, Kishan Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, Zoeb Springwala
Music:    Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, Loy Mendonca

What is it?

The movie is a father son drama set in London has all three generations living together under one roof. Ruled over by the head patriarch, and has all three generations living together. B-town’s entertainer Akshay after a hand in comedy will be a role close to reality. His character Parghat Singh Kahlon is inspired from the England bowler Monty Singh Panesar’s life. Monty Singh Panesar is the first Sikh to represent England in cricket.

The Story

‘Patiala House’ is about the Kahlon family ruled by an autocratic and stubborn patriarch Bauji (Rishi Kapoor) the members of this household have no other choice but to adhere to his ways, his whims, his rules…

Scarred by a racial incident that took place 20 years ago – an incident that led to the murder of his mentor and guardian, the senior advocate leader Mr. Saini, Bauji began hating the British and everything that the country and its people stood for.

Akshay Kumar (Parghat Singh Kahlon) plays a Sikh, an England Citizen who is talented and has always dreamt to be a Pace bowler. His parents have migrated years back to London.

The movie is a conflict between the father and son.

It’s about a patriarchal family that has to bow down to the wishes and dictates of the head patriarch.

The Arrival
Directed by Nikhil Advani and starring Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia, ‘Patiala House’ is slated to release on 11th Feb 2011.

"Game" Hindi Movie Preview

Banner:    Excel Entertainment
Cast:    Abhishek Bachchan, Kangana Ranaut, Sarah Jane Dias, Jimmy Shergill, Shahana Goswami, Gauhar Khan, Boman Irani and Anupam Kher.
Direction:    Abhinay Deo
Production:    Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar

What is it?

Abhishek Bachchan plays a cop in this thriller which is tipped to give a boost to his career.

The Plot

‘Game’ promises to be an edge-of-the-seat thriller with some jaw dropping action sequences.

Directed by Abhinay Deo and filmed extensively in Greece, the film has crisp dialogue by Farhan Akhtar. Rest assured this whodunit will pack in enough twists and turns to keep you glued to your multiplex seat.

First timer Sarah Jane is tipped to be a star of the future.

The Arrival

Bannered under Excel Entertainment and Eros International Media Ltd, ‘Game’ unfolds on screens on 18th, March 2011.

"Bhoot And Friends" Hindi Movie Preview

Cast:    Jackie Shroff, Ashwin Mushran, Aditya Lakhia, Markand Soni, Ishita Panchal
Direction:    Kittu Saluja
Production:    Aneesh Arjun Dev








A kids’ action adventure film, ‘Bhoot And Friends’ promises a fully loaded two hours entertainment package for kids and their parents alike. The film is directed by ‘Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii’ famed director Kittu Saluja and produced by Aneesh Arjun Dev.

The Story Outline

An 11 years old boy and his little friends are enjoying their summer vacations. However, all goes haywire when they accidentally get involved in hunting for a lost treasure which is also sought and hunted for by a notorious villain (Ashwin Mushran).

The kids meet a ghost (Jackie Shroff) with magical powers. And thus begins a roller coaster adventures journey that has exciting on the run chase, loads of action and on the edge thrill.

The mystery of the lost treasure has to be resolved to save everyone's lives. Will the Ghost help these four kids?

The Arrival

‘Bhoot And Friends’ is releasing all over on 24th December 2010. Besides Jackie and Ashwin, the kiddie cast includes Markand Soni, Ishita Panchal, Akash Nair and Tejas Rahate

"Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji" Hindi Movie Preview

Banner:    Bhandarkar Entertainment, Wide Frames Films
Cast:    Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Omi Vaidya, Tisca Chopra., Shruti Haasan
Direction:    Madhur Bhandarkar
Production:    Madhur Bhandarkar, Kumar Mangat
Music:    Pritam Chakraborty

What is it?

Produced by Madhur Bhandarkar’s Bhandarkar Entertainment and Kumar Mangat Pathak’s Wide Frame Pictures, DTBHJ is a romantic comedy starring Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, ‘3 Idiots’ famed Omi Vaidya in the male leads and Shruti Hassan, Shazahn Padamsee and Shraddha Das in the female leads. It is for the first time that realistic and hard hitting and National Award winning Filmmaker Madhur, who is known for making out of league films, is directing a Romantic Comedy on the slice of life. The music in the film is by Pritam.

The Story

With DTBHJ Madhur Bhandarkar, for the first time explores the genre of romantic comedy within realistic parameters. It is a slice of life film about three men and their encounters with love. A listless Naren Ahuja (Ajay Devgn), well into his thirties and going through a divorce, falls in love with a vibrant and bubbly June Pinto (Shazahn Padamsee) who has just stepped out of her teens. Milind Kelkar (Omi Vaidya), a naive poet and an idealistic lover, is besotted by an ambitious and practical Gungun Sarkar (Shraddha Das) who is determined to follow her dreams and a charming Casanova Abhay (Emraan Hashmi), starts feeling an alien emotion called love, when he feels increasingly drawn towards Nikki (Shruti Hassan), a modern girl who knows her wants and speaks her mind.

Struggling to cope with modern women and contemporary relationships, these three men go through a fun filled roller coaster ride of emotions with its constant highs and lows that usually accompany love. But will they succeed in their quest for happiness or love? Or does destiny have different plans for them? With its real characters and relatable situations, DTBHJ, takes a humorous look at love and the extent people will go to escape or attain it.

Thus 'Dil Toh Baccha hai Ji', with its real characters and relatable situations, takes a funny look at love and the extent people will go to avoid it or achieve it! It’s a film that promises to bring a smile to your face!

The Arrival

'Dil Toh Baccha hai Ji' is waiting to unfold on screens on 28th January 2011.

"Bhindi Baazaar Inc" Hindi Movie Preview

Banner:    Picture Thoughts Production
Cast:    Kay Kay Menon,Prashant Narayanan,Piyush Mishra,Pawan Malhotra,Shilpa Shukla,Deepti Naval
Direction:    Ankush Bhatt
Production:    Karan Arora

Director Ankush Bhatt has set out to present a gritty drama, making the ‘pickpocketing profession’ as the backbone of the film. For him, pickpocketing is more heroic to than a gangster killing someone with a gun and he was fascinated by the idea as to how a person is able to flick a purse in the midst of hundreds of people. And thus evolved the storyline of this film….

‘Bhindi Baazaar Inc.’ is written by Ghalib Asad Bhopali and Kapil Gulati while the music is by Sandeep and Surya.

The Story Outline

Set in the underbelly of Mumbai, between the infamous by-lanes where ‘Greed is a Culture’ and ‘Deceit becomes a Compulsion’.

The film revolves around gangs of Mumbai who have embraced pick-pocketing as an art and a means of earning a livelihood. They use their intelligence as a canvas and their spontaneity as a brush to survive in this dangerous profession.

‘Bhindi Baazaar Inc.’ is the story of a pawn and his calculated moves to reach the other end of the chessboard. Revolving around vicious crime syndicates, the film starts with a game of chess being played between two characters - ‘Shroff’ and ‘Darzi’. It highlights the ambitious and planned moves of a pawn to reach the other end of the board. Their every move in the game correlates with life in the real world and how people are used or killed as the game progresses.

The story is based on the quest of a small time pickpocket ‘Fateh’ and his ambitions to become a Mamu (local area Don).

The screenplay underlines the gritty politics, feared hierarchy, unspoken rules, authoritative commands, shrewd intelligence, crafty wit and cold blooded betrayals, within the business.

Character Sketches

Mamu (Local area don) - The white Vazir. Mamu, aged 45, is shrewd, intelligent, and the head of pickpockets for the area Byculla to Worli Sea face.  A man of few words, he always believes in, “Never starting a fight but always finishing it.”

Fateh - A white Pawn, swift, spontaneous, ambitious. Next in line to be Mamu but his ambitions overcome his patience.

Darzi - Another white Pawn, smart, handsome man. There seems no specific why he is a pickpocket. Is always in awe of Fateh. One day wants to become like him.

Bano - The white Bishop. She is a little older than her husband (Mamu). The eldest of her 17 siblings, she has gone through cut throat competition even to eat a meal. Else she would have to remain hungry.

Pandey - The black Vazir. Corrupt, does all things which are illegal. Arch rivals with Mamu. Always has had a vengeance and jealousy for Mamu. He has a small middle class area to rule and pickpocket.

Kanjri - Another white Pawn, also a pickpocket, Kanjri loves Fateh. Though she continuously expresses her love for him, Fateh is never interested in her.

Shabana - Black Bishop, Bano’s sister, she has Mamu trapped by her charm. Fateh and Sankat too have fallen for her. All the three men dance to the tune of her beauty.

Simran - The character who is not on the chessboard. The simple girl next door, she is a lovely looking girl who hails from a middleclass family. Darzi is infatuated by her and she by him. However, she does not know that he is a pickpocket.

Shroff - The big shot, top on the hierarchy list, who holds a position in several businesses and resides in the Posh Malabar Hill area. He has risen from a mere Pickpocket to Mamu and now he is at a position where he can control Mamu. He has seen it all and done it all. He knows what it takes to be the Mamu and he truly can recognize a Pawn becoming a Vazir, his Vazir. Through the game of Chess he tests Darzi, his moves and thus his capabilities to be a MAMU…

John - John is a Narcotics officer by profession. In the game of chess he represents the white horse. Being involved in the major shoot out/killings in the film, he plays a special role in the development of the plot of the film.

The Arrival
‘Bhindi Baazaar Inc.’ is waiting to hit the screens on February 2011. The film is includes eminent actors like Kay Kay Menon, Prashant Narayanan, Pawan Malhotra, Piyush Mishra, Deepti Naval,Shilpa Shukla, Vedita Pratap Singh, Caterina Lopez and debutants Shweta Verma and Gautam.

"Yeh Faasley" Hindi Movie Preview

Banner:    Bhawani Pictures
Cast:    Anupam Kher, Pavan Malhotra, Tena Desae, Rushad Rana Kiran Kumar, Suhasini Mulay, Sudha Chandran, Seema Biswas Rajendra Gupta, Jagat Rawat, Satyajit Sharma, Natasha Sinha Mazhar Syed, Rachita Bhattacharya
Direction:    Yogesh Mittal
Production:    Om Prakash Mittal
Music:    Deepak Pandit

Bannered Bhawani Pictures, Yogesh Mittal is stepping into the industry with this debut venture ‘Yeh Faasley’, in which Yogesh is not only the man behind direction but has also done the story, dialogues and screenplay. The debutant is also co-producing the film along with Ved Prakash Mittal.

The dialogue is co-written by Manurishi Chadha and Atul Tiwari who has also done the screenplay along with Rajen Makhijani. Deepak Pandit has done the music while the lyrics are penned by Manoj Muntashir.

The Story Outline

Arunima the daughter of one of the biggest builders in Town has returned home after completing her studies. She is happy that she will now be living with her father Devinder Devilal Dua for good. Arunima lost her mother to a car Accident when she was barely two.

Devinder Devilal Dua is a gregarious man who loves his daughter a lot and wants his daughter Arunima to live as freely as possible. Though he can sometimes be boastful and loud in social situations, which is embarrassing for Arunima. But he is still a nice man as he helps people who are stuck in a situation as is the case with her Best friend Nisha’s marriage, where Devinder Dua foots the entire bill… For Which, Manu, who is Nisha’s brother and also an unsaid boyfriend to Arunima, is very thankful. Life is all well but Arunima just wishes that her mother was alive, as she misses her mother at times, but she is somewhere content that her mother and father had a happy love story As long as it lasted.

But one day to her surprise, Arunima finds a “will” written by her mother. Why would a woman who died in a car accident and that too at an early age of twenty eight, leave a will for Arunima. The presence and the essence of the will raises a few questions in Arunima’s mind. Upon enquiry with the father, it seems that the father is not very comfortable.

Arunima further chances upon a few things from the past and it is a revelation for her that her mother’s personality was very different to what her father narrates. She further meets an old friend of her mother, Diggy and a few people from the past who tell stories that point in the direction that her mother was not a happy as long as she lasted.

With the image of the past being different to what her father has been telling her, Arunima is left in doubt about what really is the past and especially when the father is not giving a conclusive answer. To top it, Arunima starts to learn about too many shades of her father that she has never seen. That he was a very violent man and not only that… Due to his violence he has no friends from the past and the glory to which her father has reached maybe formed on the misfortune of many people that her father may have created.

Arunima is at a loss, as everything that she is learning about the past is in complete contradiction to what she knew and the man she loves the most, her father, has so many shades that she is not even aware of.

Arunima is torn between love for her father and the truth… But she is even more guilty as the needle of suspicion keeps pointing towards her own father. The man she loves the most is that man Arunima suspects. The shadow of doubt becomes a very difficult place to live under.

So Arunima sets out on a journey to find the truth about her mothers and fathers past and more so how her mother died.

Will this search for truth make the bond between the father and daughter strong? Or….

Will it tear up the relationship between her father and her?

Will the truth take her into the unknown?

Will the truth reveal if her father is the kind hearted, jovial person he appears to be? Or…

Will it take her to reveal a sinister figure behind the facade?

Arunima sets out to cover the distance between the past and the present

‘Yeh Faasley’ – You can only imagine the truth…. Where the truth will be uncovered.

The Arrival

‘Yeh Faasley’ unfolds on big screens 7th Jan 2011.

Along with veteran talent houses Anupam Kher, Seema Biswas, Sudha Chandran and Pavan Malhotra, ‘Yeh Faasley’ features bunch of fresh faces - popular model Tena Desae and noted TV actor Rushad Rana in the lead, Rajendra Gupta, Jagat Rawat, Mazhar Syed, Rachita Bhattacharya,  Kiran Kumar, Suhasini Mulay, Satyajit Sharma and Natasha Sinha.

"Turning 30!!!" Hindi Movie Preview

WHAT IS IT?

Bollywood transporter of desi political and crime exotica Prakash Jha’s production company goes urban to explore the feelings of a thirty year old hottie played by the tall and beautiful Gul Panag.

The Story

It’s the story of Naina (Gul Panag) as she grapples with heartbreak and a crisis in her advertising career in the face of her 30th birthday.

And as she fights her anxiety and fears about being 30 years old, Naina realizes there's a lot of growing up to be done.

Set in the heart of urban Mumbai, ‘Turning 30!!!’ Is a humorous and heart-warming take on a single young woman's journey of finding herself, discovering love and blossoming into a woman of substance.

"Tees Maar Khan" Hindi Movie Review

Cast:    Akshay Kumar, Akshaye Khanna, Katrina Kaif, Raghu Ram, Rajiv Laxman
Direction:    Farah Khan
Production:    Twinkle Khanna, Shirish Kunder & Ronnie Screwvala

'Tees Maar Khan' isn't a film where one has to hunt for logic in every scene. Even the humour here isn't the kind where one is required to find any subtle references. In fact every scene that makes you bring on a smile or a laugh is on your face and announces it's arrival loud and clear. Subtlety wasn't expected from this first ever collaboration of Akshay Kumar and Farah Khan and for that reason, 'Tees Maar Khan' stays on to be as unpretentious as it gets.

For conman Tabrez Mirza Khan (Akshay Kumar) aka Tees Maar Khan, it's a challenge to escape with treasure worth 500 crores and weighing around 10000 kgs from a moving train. He has to make the impossible happen and for that he makes a plan which involves running the biggest con job ever. He wears the hat of a movie director, hires the services of a top actor (Akshaye Khanna) and ropes in an unsuspecting set of 200 odd villagers who support him in his game-plan. How he manages to execute his plan takes 'Tees Maar Khan' to its conclusion.

First hour of the film passes away in a jiffy with numerous scenes remaining etched in your memory once the show is over. The opening credits with 'Tees Maar Khan' showing it's true colours inside the womb, Sachin Khedekar's introduction of three top conmen in the country, the con job played by Akshay to make his escape from an airplane, the song 'Sheila Ki Jawani' that follows soon after - all of this manages to hook audience's attention.

What takes the film to a different level though is the introduction of Oscar-obsessed Akshaye Khanna. A long scene where Akshay convinces Akshaye that he is a top director from Hollywood and the latter's 'dance of joy' on being told that he was the chosen one for playing a 'gareeb hindustani' is bound to get the house down. The interval point is well set and one looks forward to the momentum continuing in the second half as well.

The second half continues from where the first half had left with Akshay and his team continuing to shoot a mock film in the village. Yes, not all scenes are funny here and there is also an element of predictability that comes in when Akshay unknowingly ends up helping the villagers. This is when all eyes are set on the moment of reckoning, the train robbery sequence, to take the film to an all time high.

However, the impact isn't as 'zordaar' as one would have expected here as the entire con job passes off way too simply. The courtroom sequence immediately after that is also on predictable lines and one does get a feeling about something being amiss. Thankfully, there is an epilogue soon after that makes one shrug away those 10-15 minutes prior to that. The premier sequence is done well, hence bringing on laughs all over again.

Amongst actors, Akshay Kumar is (obviously) the focal point of the film and he does well while also bringing in a different shade to his own style of comedy. On his part Akshaye too has thoroughly enjoyed the show by letting his hair down (well literally) and he comes with such an excellent job here that one wonders why he hasn't done a full-on comedy along side Akshay yet. Katrina has a minimal part to play in the actual context of the film but is fabulous in 'Sheila Ki Jawani'. Salman's dance number though is forced in the narrative and could have been done away with.

There was one basic expectation from 'Tees Maar Khan' and that was to get entertained in those two hours with worries of the world being left outside the auditorium. You don't want to check your phone calls once the opening credits start rolling, you don't want those emotional moments to make you shed a tear or two and you basically want to have a good time by laughing out loud at places.

Does 'Tees Maar Khan' ensure such an experience? The answer is right. If you want to let go off your stress for those two hours, watch 'Tees Maar Khan'.

"Toonpur Ka Superrhero" Hindi Movie Review

'Toonpur Ka Superrhero' is a visual experience that needs to applauded for the sheer attempt that has gone into it's making. As for the story of 'Toonpur Ka Superrhero', it is the kind that can be instantly grasped by children, its target audience. There is a world somewhere far far away and it is called 'Toonpur'. There are good toons and bad toons. And then there is Ajay Devgn, a screen-hero, whom the good toons rope in to defeat the evil ones.

The film is just ordinary when it comes to the scenes involving real characters. The opening action sequence with a motorboat chase belongs to 90s and is hardly thrilling. Also, the sequences involving Ajay, his secretary, his family etc. have a ‘seen it done all’ feel. Frankly, if there was an attempt at bringing on some emotions here, it doesn't quite work. Also, there is no spark that one sees on screen despite Ajay and Kajol coming together.

The world of toons though is better laid out though none of them - whether it is the Gujarati woman, the Sikh kid, the Marathi 'hawaldar', the Bengali performer, an Einstein kinda scientist or the Christian hottie - have much character depth to them. Of course no one expected a full-on detailing around their past, present or future but still there could have been something about these characters that would have made audience emotionally connect to them.

This is the reason why the second half of the film works because while emotions just didn't work in the first hour of the film, action dominating the second half more than makes up for it. A massive first step in this direction is taken with the song 'Rubdoot'. This is when you actually clinch your fist and exclaim - 'Yes, we have arrived when it comes to world class animation'. In fact portions in and around this scene leave a major impact as well. The villain's den, his bunch of 'goondas', the fight that takes place soon after and then the announcement of battle lines being drawn between Ajay Devgn and Toonasurs - there is a promise of some superb action ahead.

In fact there is much more delivered with the entire climax made of three stage gaming. Watch out for the manner in which Ajay Devgn (who is later joined by Kajol) wins his first two rounds. However the final combat (set in an arena) could have been better. It turns out to relatively easy, hence leading to a climax that also seems like a little abrupt.

Nevertheless, in the times when all that one gets to see in the world of animation films are one mythological tale after another, it is wonderful to see someone (Ajay Devgn here) backing a project like 'Toonpur Ka Superherro'. Now if only the film would have been as exciting from start to finish, it may just have been the perfect outing that a family may have been looking for.

Isi Life Mein Hindi Movie Review

Major most culprit of 'Isi Life Mein' is that the love between the protagonists can hardly be felt. What adds salt to the injury is the fact that even while her marriage is on, Sandeepa is shown to be quite happy and doesn't once express any emotion whatsoever for Akshay. On the other hand the boy too just about gives up and never reaches out to her. When the so-called lovers in the film are shown as only friends, how can audience be expected to carry any emotions for them to be reunited (if at they were united in the first place)?

For Akshay Oberoi and Sandeepa Dhar, life is being exposed about seeing two different worlds. When Sandeepa comes from her small town to Mumbai, she is amazed at how college-goers behave, how couples kiss before marriage, short clothes being in vogue and youngsters screaming at their parents. On the other hand for Akshay, Sandeepa is an epitome of a small town girl who just doesn't know how to dream and is unaware about her hidden potential.

 Honestly, you don't quite warm up to the proceedings of 'Isi Life Mein'. The college sequences are straight out of 90s and reminds one of the kind that have hardly been in fashion since the 'Khiladi' or 'Jaan Tere Naam' days. In fact there are some scenes which are straight out of 'Maine Pyaar Kiya'. A girl having hots for Akshay tries to steal him away from Sandeepa but he rebukes her. The sweet nothings shared between the couple where eyes do all the talking also belong to the world that Salman Khan & Bhagyashree had left behind.

Thankfully what keeps the audience engaged to some extent are performances by Akshay and Sandeepa who are good for their first film. While Akshay still has a straight forward part to play, Sandeepa is required to be a girl who is being 'reborn' and is seeing a transformation in her mentally as well as physically. Her expertise at dancing is another asset.

 The second half also moves ahead on predictable lines and as soon as Akshay and his bunch of friends enter Sandeepa's household while preparations for her marriage are on, you know that it is 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge' revisited. There is a twist in the story though with the entire dowry angle coming in and though there are a couple of decent moments that do come in (friends pooling in with their belongings to keep the marriage afloat), one can see the culmination around Mohnish Behl (Sandeepa' father) calling off the marriage from a distance.

What only extends the length of the film are the portions thereafter where one gets to see an entire song and dance affair with an ending which is exactly on the same lines as 'Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai'. Musically too the film is just okay though 'Isi Umar Mein' stays with you long after you are through watching the film. Amongst actors, while Akshaye as well as Sandeepa are good, their friends are mere caricatures while Aditya Raj Kapoor (playing Akshay's dad) comes up with his third terrible performance in a row after 'Chase' and 'Deewangi Ne Hadh Kar Di').

For all the talks of 'Isi Life Mein' being a new beginning for Rajshri Productions (of Barjatyas), the fact remains that at the end of it all, this directorial debut of Vidhi Kasliwal is nothing but a mix of 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' and 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge' with a few uninspiring situations thrown in.

PAYBACK Hindi Movie Review

There aren't many plot based movies made in Bollywood. In that context, it is refreshing to see a film that stays on a single theme, presents enough twists and turns all through those couple of hours, manages to hold your interest right through the proceedings and (barring a few moments) doesn't fall into the trap of clichés.

This is the reason why after the character played by Munish Khan meets with an accident and is saved by a complete stranger (Zakir Hussain), he gets indebted to him for life. He has to return the favours, make a 'payback', and he does get a chance when this stranger knocks his door in the middle of the night. Hit by a bullet, it is now his life which is on stake and from this point on begins one night that has number of bizarre happenings that change the course of their lives.

The film could have become a routine drama had the writer not thought of some innovative twists in the story. This way the film does throw a surprise because one expected zilch from 'Payback'. Any blemishes? Well, in the building up portions around Munish's character, there aren't many exciting moments. The nightclub song in the pre-climax is forced while the climax is totally filmy, something which was just not expected from 'Payback' that was otherwise following a realistic route. Also, the so-called suspense element doesn't quite make you look at screen in amazement.

On the other hand there are some highlights scenes in 'Payback' that stay with you. The one where Munish's car goes through a police check is done well while the ones in the second half where he makes Zakir escape from hospital is well shot as well. Also, there are a couple of car chase sequences, both of which are done exceedingly well.

However, what remains with you are the performance of the two male leads - Zakir Hussain and Munish Khan - who suit the roles to the T. The scenes between the two are the highlight of the film as well. Debutant Munish Khan is not the kind that makes for a quintessential leading man. In fact he is not the kind who can be perceived as a star of the show. However, this is what goes in the actor's favour as the script of 'Payback' required a young man who was vulnerable, weak, can't really make tough decisions instantly, isn't street smart but does carry a heart of gold.

One would have thought that 'Payback' would be yet another film that would primarily rely on editing zing-bang with not much focus on story. However, what happens is on the contrary as production is just about okay but it's a captivating story that actually holds your attention.

Save for its climax, this film can be sat through without many complaints.

332 MUMBAI To INDIA Hindi Movie Review

 It wasn't too long ago when the infamous real life incident took place in the city of Mumbai where a young man had hijacked a bus, announced that he was in the city to kill a political bigwig and was later shot down by the cops. Apparently, his aim was to gain country's attention towards the migrant issue of North Indians in Mumbai that had been the cause of tension for a few months then.

However, now that there is peace with no more talks about this 'issue', a film like '332 Mumbai to India' only appears as ill timed. Yes, agreed that the intent here was to bring home the message of 'One India one citizen' here but the way it is conveyed isn't hard hitting enough to stay with you even moments after the curtains come down.

This is not all. There are multiple stories which play in '332 Mumbai to India', most of which don't quite work though there is an intent is to tie them all together. A couple with a man from Bihar and a girl from Maharashtra are trying to get married but the former is worried if he would be accepted. A man from Bihar is worried if his son would get harmed in Mumbai due to prevailing tension. A young screen writer believes that Mumbai is his home though he comes from Bihar. A student from Maharashtra studies in a college up North. An auto rickshaw driver believes that survival is the name of the game. And then there is the young man who hijacks the bus.

There are rough edges in each of the tracks though, partly marred by poor writing and partly due to below average acting. Ali Asgar projects the image of happy go lucky but it doesn't bring in much empathy. Regional politics in college doesn't create a much required impact. The hijacker episode, the most important in the film, is also patchy as it works in some scenes (the first time hijacker brings out a gun and then most importantly when he speaks to media) while falls flat in others (where he threatens and then assures the passengers).

Also, the entire cop encounter drama is half baked and one can clearly sense that there is heavy amount of editing here so that there is no trouble from politicians and cops. In fact what also makes '332 Mumbai to India' doesn't quite come across as the kind of cinema that one was expecting it to be as it doesn't even try to get into the underbelly of what would have possibly transpired between the powers-to-be when the entire incident was taking place. On the contrary whatever that the characters speak in the film is also constantly beeped out or muted, hence resulting in further loss of impact.

'332 Mumbai to India' is one film that could have been much better than what it eventually turns out to be. Reason being that it just scratches the surface and then just leaves it there. No, one wasn't expecting a solution from director Mahesh Pandey here. However, he could have presented this film (which deals with the core issue of 'Whose Mumbai is it anyways?') in a much dramatic manner. Alas, that doesn't quite happen, hence making '332 Mumbai to India' a dull affair that just works in some bits here and there but that's about it.

KAALO Hindi Movie Review

'Kaalo' comes with a good premise. After all there hasn't been any creature based horror film made in Bollywood and that too while being presented in day horror genre. In that context, one does want to check out what 'Kaalo' is all about as it promises good share of scare factor coupled with thrills.

What one gets to see is a film which is thrilling in parts, has good technical finesse to it but doesn't scare at all. Now how one wishes that the story had enough twists and turns to actually keep you captivated and scared because from the look perspective, 'Kaalo' has to be one of the most original attempts ever.

The film begins with the narration of an age old tale of how the interiors of North India were terrorised by witches. Told in a picture book format, the film soon moves '250 saal baad' as a bus makes it's way through a rocky terrain in Rajasthan. With an ensemble of characters travelling (a not-so-young man, a young girl, a newly wed couple, a photographer and a model, an aged couple, four rogues, a conductor and of course the driver), there is some time spent on character introduction.

As can be expected from a film belonging to this genre, there are shadows and a definite presence of the unknown felt by most of the characters as they all start getting killed one after another. Just like any slasher thriller, here too the focus is on how each and every killing takes place, something that acts as a positive for 'Kaalo'.

However, the sad part is that the film doesn't scare at all. The character of 'Kaalo', once it actually makes it's presence on screen around the middle of the film, isn't really the kind that would scare the day light out of you. Also, the film moves forward in a flat narrative with thrills, action sequences, VFX and cinematography being good but the suspense factor definitely missing.

This is where one feels that while Wilson Louis, the director of the film, did do all in his capacity to make the proceedings interesting, the writing let him down. Case in point being the key male protagonist (Aditya Shrivastava) who is let off by 'Kaalo' not once, not twice but thrice even when she knew that he was being the protector of the girl (Swini Khara) whose blood she was thirsting for.

On a positive front, some of the scenes do stay with you even after the film is through. The way 'Kaalo' buries it's victim under the sand is done well and so are the hallucinations that one of the key characters faces a couple of times. Background score is good as well and compliments the film's narrative. All actors in the film are uniformly okay with none of them either bowling you away with their histrionics or making you look the other way.

Wilson Louis has shown that he is a good technician. Now all he needs is a better script to get his imagination run further wild.

Mirch Hindi Movie Review

What is it all about?

Oh yeah…. This is a rare Bollywood arousal. Bollywood grows and becomes more passionate after making a sarcastic remark on Amrika last week; this one raises and satisfies your hormones of fun, masti with its naughty level of horniness, ‘Mirch’ is a film with a one-track mind and a single ambition to entertain with layers and should happily wear that crown until another film sets out to steal it.

Coming from Vinay Shukla the helmer of the acclaimed ‘God Mother’ which starred Shabana Azmi in the lead, changes gear in ‘Mirchi’ but doesn’t forget to celebrate womanhood but this time with a wit on its own.

Chauvinist may find it difficult t accept but for more open minds it an arousing experience.

‘Mirch’ gives ample time for the women to score which translates into extra coin for its prospects making it a must see comedy for adults.

The Story… Of course

Maanav (Arunoday Singh) is a struggling filmmaker who is unwilling to compromise on the script he has written. His girlfriend Ruchi (Shahana Goswami) a successful film editor, arranges for him to meet Nitin (Sushant Singh), a film producer.

Nitin likes the script, but is not very sure of its commercial prospects.

Maanav then suggests a story from the Panchtantra: ‘A woman is caught red-handed with her lover by her husband and yet, she manages to wriggle out of it scot-free!’

Nitin finds it too short for a feature film. Maanav then creates three more stories based on the same premise: in a way, the Panchtantra story travels in different versions to the modern times through the film.

The four stories are woven together by a common story.

‘Mirch’ echoes the message - if you have your wits about you, you can salvage even the most impossible situation.

The message is simple - At a deeper level, ‘Mirch’ is about the gender equality in relationship.

What to look out for?

The nothing-fancy, just-get-to-the-point approach continues throughout, with the known pattern of a film within a film. This modern version of Panchatantra which travels in its various versions to modern times never gets vulgar and its smartly devoted to its sexual undercurrent, Vinay’s narration makes it simple and smooth and is able to claim marvelous performance from its actors especially Konkona Sen Sharma.

The movie’s short stories are its comic highlight which comes with an unexpected twist in the end which makes it really funny.

Disclosing the stories will kill the charm but it feels that the period story of the king in Rajasthan should end up being the favourite.

Bollywood has had its share of comedies which tries to please all but this is loyal to its genre and succeeds in its elementary mission due to its sheer wit layered by fundamental realism about gender equality and coming out during difficult times with your wisdom.

Konkana is the best but Raima is not far behind, Arunoday Singh is natural, Shreyas Talpade is competent, Shahana Goswami is good as usual, Rajpal Yadav is fine, Boman Irani excels, Sushant Singh gives justice, Prem Chopra is apt, Saurabh Shukla is fair, Tisca Chopra and Ila Arun chip in with valuable support.

The talked about love making scenes are well shot.

Smartly shot and sharply edited with fine production values

What not?

The film within a film pattern is fine but more innovative way could have been planned. Sometimes the movie suffers from predictability.

Conclusion: All said and done, ‘Mirch’ stands out as a rare Bollywood arousal, its witty, naughty and of course sexy.