Phillauri

Movie Review (Hindi)

Let's look at the main characters in this movie - A young man about to be married who is not quite ready for the knot, his fiancee who is besotted with him and a pretty ghost.
The idea of weaving a love story set during the turbulent times of India's independence with a modern day love story is indeed novel. Especially so when one of the most successful actresses, Anushka Sharma, takes on the role of a ghost. This ghost again has a back story -A girl from the village, Phillaur, who is a poet and is in love with a singer. Her love story, of course, has a tragic ending leading her to be a ghost.
Suraj Sharma who plays the character of the bridegroom-to-be, has nightmares about marriage and then he finds himself a ghost bride!! 

It does make me wonder if it isn't a great idea for intelligent actresses to turn producers. Looking forward to many more such offbeat refreshing movies...

Badrinath ki Dulhaniya

Movie Review (Hindi)

I avoid movies starring Varun Dhawan, but this movie came as a pleasant surprise. Though the movie was embellished with ridiculous songs and dance sequences, the story itself had a good message and knowing our audience, such movies are an excellent way of reaching out to the public.

In middle class households with a conservative upbringing, it is difficult for girls to fight for a better life. The entire town seems to conspire against you. And here is Alia Bhatt's character who becomes a runaway bride and chooses to fly, literally.
And not just that, Varun's character, called Badri, follows her all the way to Singapore to get her back and extract revenge. But seeing her and her ambitions, he is a changed man. It all turns very bollywoodish, but the message is clear - Listen to your daughters and do not kill their dreams.