Project Hail Mary

 Movie Review (English) 🌟

I am not a fan of Sci-fi movies. So when I heard about the Hail Mary Project, I knew I wouldn't watch it. I had not read the book. But, I also am a Ryal Gosling admirer and so took the leap and watched. 

And am I glad that I watched!! This isn't the usual sci-fi movie with wars in space and fantastic creatures. It is a simple story of love, camaraderie, bonhomie, fear and vulnerability - all of which we can relate to.

When a lonely astronaut befriends another lonely alien in space, the audience is bound to root for their survival and want to see the two go on adventures together having each other's back. That is precisely what happens. The ending is a definite tearjerker.

Thanks to Andy Weir for this beautiful story and to directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller for visualizing this movie so beautifully, and most of all to Ryan Gosling and Rocky, the alien, for making the story come alive! 

Killer Soup

 Web series (Hindi)

What a web series! I do not think I have seen such a twisted, tragi comedy thriller. Also some of the best actors are in it with Konkona Sensharma and Manoj Bajpayee leading the way and simply hypnotizing with their skills. The grey of every character is so beautifully etched that I could sympathize with their predicaments. There is also the ghost who lurks in the corners showing the way!
This is one series everyone must watch. The unpredictability is carried on till the last shot of the series.
Thank you Abhishek Chaubey for the excellent direction and for casting such gifted actors!

(Streaming on Netflix)

Rocky aur Rani kii Prem Kahaani

 Movie Review (Hindi)

Raja aur Rani kii Prem Kahaani starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh has been directed by Karan Johar. I have been waiting for this moment just to see him take the Director's chair once again. 

And yes, I wasn’t disappointed. Over the top, no doubt, what with Ranveer Singh playing Rocky, a very rich guy with little sophistication, it has to be. However, Jaya Bachchan provided the surprise element for me. That she can be such a wicked north Indian matriarch is a treat to watch! Shabana Azmi and Dharmendra pairing up again is something that lovers of 70s cinema would love to see. Tota and Churni, playing parents to Alia are well-known actors from Bengal, hence the Bengali household is all authentic. Alia  playing Rani, as usual is great at what she does. I enjoyed the way she speaks Bangla.

The use of hit Hindi film songs is an excellent touch. Like all Karan Johar films, the well-to-do family reuniting theme shines through.

Kaalkoot (Poison)

 Web series Review (Hindi)

A gem of a web series! As I watched Vijay Varma playing a cop, Ravi Shankar Tripathi, I was quite wary of his actions, expecting him to breakout into some kind of psychotic rage. It was such a welcome change to see this talented actor as a balanced human being. Anyway, I consider him to be the best of the lot right now.

The story is a hard hitting thriller on the patriarchal way of things. There is a victim of an acid attack played by Shweta Tripathi. Then there are men who consider themselves to be the saviours of society and see to it that young women are taught a lifelong lesson in obedience. Finally, we see fathers drowning their infant daughters in a pond. The pond is now polluted with the phosphorus from the bones of the dead and is poisoning the village! So much for sweet revenge.

The script by Arunabh Kumar and Sumit Saxena, who is also the director, is tight and each character is distinct. Gopal Dutt, the SHO and Yashpal Sharma playing Constable Yadav, were a perfect foil to Ravi’s character. At times though Ravi’s personal life encroached a tad too much into the story.

I am looking forward to this plethora of web series (Dahad, Kohrra) of the thriller genre, each one as good as the other!

Badhaai Do (Congratulations Awaited)

 Movie Review (Hindi)

I was happy to see Rajkumar Rao cast in a role that I would have expected from Ayushmann Khurrana (Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan).

Rajkumar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar are excellent in their roles as both try to deftly negotiate their love lives and avoid a marriage that could be catastrophic for them. In the face of a society mired with prejudices, what better way than to have a marriage of convenience (lavender marriage)? Hopefully, in the real world, marriage and adoption will not be a no-no for the LGBTQ community in the near future. 

Though the film has its comic moments, at its core it remains a tragedy. 

   

Sharmaji Namkeen

Movie Review (Hindi)

For someone who has grown up seeing Rishi Kapoor’s films, this film evoked mixed feelings. I was excited to see him in action and again I couldn’t help the sadness creeping in thinking this was his last film.

Another aspect that will stay with me was the concept of two Sharmajis – Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal. The same scene showing two actors enact the same role took some getting used to.

However, both the actors are great at their job and my heart went out to the lonely retired Sharmaji who was bored at home, who needed permission from his sons to do something out of the ordinary, who missed his wife. It did remind me of the countless wives who are bored all their lives but cannot do a thing about it, thanks to society.

My salute to Rishi Kapoor for the wonderful enactment despite his ill health. After all, “The Show must go on!”

Gehraiyaan (Depths)

 Movie Review (Hindi)

A movie that has romance, tragedy and suspense so beautifully packaged that the audience cannot resist. The fast paced story line has a lot of secrets to reveal and director, Shakun Batra, has done a wonderful job with the pace. 

Deepika Padukone has it in her to light up the screen, not just because of her beauty but for her acting skills as well. She simply needs the right director, as this movie proves. All the other characters provided the support required to make the movie what it is, a thriller that stays with you. Having Naseeruddin Shah and Rajat Kapoor just added to the attraction quotient.

Thank you Shakun Batra and the entire team that wrote the screenplay. We could do with some more of this genre of movies.

Bell Bottom

 

Movie Review (Hindi)

I am glad I watched this movie. I almost did not. The reason being I listened to and read up opinions on the movie. I always try not to do that.

But this was a story around true events of a hijack and a rescue. Akshay is once again involved with flights and rescuing passengers based on true events (Airlift). Bell Bottom of course sees him as a RAW agent and the movie picks up momentum when the rescue missions gets underway. From then on, till the end, there is no time to breathe.

The other actors did not have much screen presence to make an impact except, perhaps, Akshay’s mother played by Dolly Ahluwalia.

 Though there were several factual errors (I learnt about these from the opinions I read), these did not impact my involvement in the story. But I do have a question. Seeing that there are a host of producers for the movie, what prevented them from doing some research before jumping into the shoot? If a world more than 30 years ago is to come alive, there would be so many changes to watch out for.

Well, besides the thrill of the movie, today’s audience does want some credibility to be shown on screen. I hope the next venture will be more on point.

Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar

Movie (Hindi)

I found the name of the movie quite interesting. Pinky (Satinder) was played by Arjun Kapoor and Sandeep (Sandy) was Parineeti Chopra. Besides this, the movie is a fast paced thriller which does not waste time on unnecessary songs and dances. In fact, the edit seems quite ruthless at times, keeping me quite alert.

Director Dibakar Banerjee has always brought something fresh for the audience to mull over. Arjun as a policeman (on the run) and Parineeti as a banker (on the run) have got into the skin of their characters. Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav are the best support cast one could ask for. The shooting at Pithoragarh itself adds authenticity to the plot.

Such movies in Bollywood are a rarity. So when they are released, they should not be missed. 

Pagglait (Crazy)

 

Movie Review (Hindi)

Sanya Malhotra is an actress who seems to be open to trying out a variety of roles. So I watched this movie to see what she would be up to this time.  

Writer Director Umesh Bist has cleverly woven the story around an event where emotions run high and skeletons often pop out of cupboards. In this case, this skeleton turned out to be a photograph that pulls the story forward.

Pagglait a light hearted comedy even though the premise is built around a death in the family. Sanya as a wife of five months-turned-widow plays her part effortlessly. The cast couldn’t get any better than this with Raghubir Yadav, Ashutosh Rana, Sayani Gupta and Sheeba Chaddha leading the pack. 

The music by Arijit Singh is like a breath of fresh air and this is his first venture as a music composer. Waiting for great work from him!

Bala

Movie Review (Hindi)

I do try to catch up on movies that star Ayushmann Khurrana and I have not been disappointed. He takes on movies and roles that make sense even if the movie is mainstream Bollywood. After Andhadhun and Article 15, I watched Bala. I might have missed a couple in between but hope to see those sometime soon.

The movie Bala has a weakness and that is its meandering script. There are times when I zoned out from what was happening on screen. Missed the tightness in editing. Loved the music by Sachin-Jigar. 

Ayushmann was quite convincing as a young man struggling with his receding hairline. Having Saurabh Shukla and Seema Pahwa as parents only adds to the fun in watching. Though Yami Gautam and Bhumi Pednekar are good actresses, they could not shine on screen. Their characters did not get the scope to grow.

Carry on Ayushmann! I am sure you will not disappoint us with your choice of movies.

The Sky is Pink

Movie Review (Hindi)

There are three reasons why the movie stands out -----   

This protagonist is an 18-year-old girl full of life, suffering from a rare disorder of the immune system   

The movie is based on a real story   

         The main protagonist and narrator is already dead when the movie starts
 All the actors, Priyanka Chopra, Fahan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim and Rohit Saraf have done a commendable job. Thanks to director Shonali Bose for telling this story in a moving yet positive way. Though the passing away of Aisha is heart-wrenching, the narration by Aisha herself is perky, funny and witty.
 The years from the parents’ courtship, till they lose Aisha, is portrayed in a manner that bypasses the monotony of linear storytelling.

 I will now go through the pages of My Little Epiphanies but this time with more awareness, as if Aisha was telling me what and why she doodled and penned these thoughts.

Mission Mangal (Mission Mars)

Movie Review (Hindi)

Based on the true story of the launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission on 5^th Nov 2013, Mission Mangal is an engrossing movie told well. I have always rated movies based on how I am affected by it, though there have been some occasions when I have allowed critics voices to cloud my thinking. I am cured of that now. Why I mention this is because Mission Mangal got me hooked to the screen, though several critics had assured that the movie was a dud.

As a child, I have imagined myself with Capt. James Kirk and Mr. Spock on Enterprise going where no man has gone before. So, in a sense, Mission Mangal opened up that fantastic world for me once again. As I was sucked into this wonderful mystery that is Space, I also enjoyed the stories that each character came with. However, there was a problem here - There was no story on Akshay Kumar, the director of the mission.

Thank you, Jagan Shakti, for following your faith in the story and directing this so admirably. The plot was tight and the actors were really good at their job.

I think such movies are one of the ways to ignite that spark among young minds today. They are raring to go and when they find a true story to inspire them, they will hold on to it and fly.

Article 15

Movie Review (Hindi)

I think films are a hit when they hit close to our hearts. 

We have had the Constitution since 1950 and even today Indians are yet to understand and accept its contents. This is rampant in areas where politicians, lawmakers and security forces are in cahoots, loving the power they seem to have over people who are essentially poor. Poverty opens the doors to all sorts of discrimination. It is easy to beat down a person already compromised.

The movie, Article 15, has drawn out this chasm in our society. When the protectors of law decide to side with perpetrators of crime because they feel empowered, all is lost. The protagonist, Ayaan, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, is caught in this power play even though he is an IPS officer. He has no idea about societal discrimination in the heartland of his country he is proud of. He is therefore, quite shocked when his staff at the small station he is posted in, state their position in society based on their castes. He is enraged when the Dalits are referred to as They, as though they were from another planet.

The movie is gripping in the way the story is told and is edited. There is a sense of menace and danger lurking in the corners and I at times felt engulfed by its shadows. How a gang rape is easily turned into an honour killing, how witnesses are forced to change their statements, post-mortem reports are messed with, criminals are sheltered and go missing and how the CBI botches up, are all intelligently played. That the leader of the underground Dalit force could be an educated young man who could hold an intelligent conversation was a brilliant move as was the piling up of carcasses and overflowing septic tanks.

The cast was brilliant in their roles as was the music, not the forget the opening with Bob Dylan's "How many miles must a man walk down ..."

I have been an Anubhav Sinha fan since Mulk. I now really look forward to more such movies that need to be screened all over the country.

Uri

Movie Review (Hindi)

For a long time now, I have been hearing rumours about the Surgical strike by the Army on Pakistani soil being a fake incident, created by the Government to gain brownie points. Funnily enough, Uri takes off from these rumours and creates a damn good movie. The docudrama format helps in creating the authenticity required.

The choice of the protagonist, played by Vicky Kaushal, was bang on target. He got into the skin of the character and seemed to be comfortable being a Para Commando.

I think what stood out for the movie was the lack of long speeches exulting patriotism. It was the action that got the patriotic flame burning. The director, Aditya Dhar, has kept the story taut and does not loosen his grip which adds to the rawness.

A mother’s Alzhiemer’s, a dear friend’s death, a sister’s widowhood, a child losing a loving father, lawmakers taking risks for the greater good – all of these come together and burst forth spewing molten lava leaving behind an impactful movie that asks – “How’s the Josh?” You are bound to reply – “Very High!”

Andhadhun (Blind tune)

Movie Review (Hindi)

Director and screenplay writer, Sriram Raghavan is a master of thrillers and he has not let his audience down in this movie either. The title itself is interesting – Blind Tune – and the entire movie revolves on Andha and Dhun.

Akash, the protagonist, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, the apparently blind pianist who becomes a blind pianist and then becomes an apparently blind pianist does a wonderful job trying to anchor the story with his presence at places where he his not required.

The person who stands out for me is Simi played superbly by Tabu, the wife of Pramod Sinha (Anil Dhawan), the yesteryear actor. She lives only for herself and therefore faces no conscience trouble.

What keeps the audience glued are the amazing twists that stand out on the screen (quite literally). The later half is a bit pulled but even that ends with a huge bang and you come out smiling. An open ending is always the best way to keep the audience happy.

Mulk (Country)

Movie Review (Hindi)

Mulk gave me a sense of joy and relief. How did the censor board pass the movie? How did Anubhav Sinha decide to make a film on such a subject, knowing the kind of atmosphere that prevails today?

It was so novel to see a vulnerable Muslim family caught in the web of terrorism, fighting for their honour and dignity when one of them takes the path to terrorism. None of the members have any idea about the goings-on in the mind of the young boy played by Prateik Babbar. And once there is a terrorist in the family, it is easy for the rest of society, courts and security forces included, to brand the entire family as being involved in the business of terrorism.

Rishi Kapoor selects movies that give scope to get into characters which are not easy to essay and he does an excellent job. As the head of his family, Murad Ali Muhammad who is a lawyer, fights for his fundamental rights as an Indian citizen. He has to fight it out with his Muslim brethren as well. And the twist is that his daughter-in-law is Aarti (Malhotra) Muhammad (Taapsee Pannu) is a lawyer as well and takes on the fight for justice.  Then there is SSP Danish Javed, (Rajat Kapoor) who is hell bent on distancing himself from this Muslim family and creating an example where people will think twice before indulging in such activities. Of course, we have the prosecutor, Santosh Anand (Ashutosh Rana), who brings in all societal prejudices to prevail upon the family.

Yes, we as a society need to erase the created gap between Us and Them and not be dependent on politicians to do that for us. 

Movies that are made on real human emotions and stories can go a long way in undoing many wrongs.

Veere Di Wedding

Movie Review (Hindi)

How so many people spend so much time and come up with so much crap is beyond me. The producers and the director and the actors actually thought they were doing a great job by doling out such regression?

Some call this a coming of age movie!! Besides a couple of shots with the young girls there is nothing that gives us a peek into their stories. After that the four ladies take over and then the over loud, over dressed, over everything, occupies the screen. Thankfully, the movie deals with the super-rich class and so we can watch the frivolousness with amusement. 

For me the movie was regressive because in trying to show girl power the story blatantly shows how foolish and how lost these women are without men around and lost women will resort to drinking and cursing at all times.

On the other hand, this very cast with a story of some sort and a director with more understanding of women’s emotions (really difficult) could have turned out to be a thoughtful movie really worth the time spent on watching it.

I cannot understand why someone like Anjum Rajabali would want to take up a role here.

A call to all the Veeres - Swara, Kareena, Sonam and Shikha --- Kindly take the time to present a movie that truly expresses what women have to go though while dealing with emotional upheavals. Each one of you has the potential to do that. But do you want to?

Bioscopewala

Movie Review (Hindi)

The movie again reiterates my belief that the Story is the master. Competent actors carry forward a good story. Adil Hussain, Geetanjali Thapa, Tisca Chopra and the bioscopewala, played Danny Denzongpa do just that.

If you are looking for car chases, skin flaunting, exotic locations, big star cast, then this movie is certainly not for you. If you are looking for a touching story told simply without gimmickry, then you have a winner on screen!

The director has wasted no time on extra shots and the songs simply propel the story forward. This movie tells the complicated story of the relationship between father, Robi Basu and his daughter, Mini. It also begins the search of another conflicting relationship between Mini and Rehmat, the bioscopewala, which develops into something beautiful and that beauty is revealed only at the end.

When as a kid I read Tagore’s Kabuliwala, I felt miserable when Mini failed to reach out to the Kabuliwala and rejected him. Somehow, I could never forgive her for this act. Bioscopewala brought a closure to that misery. I felt elated when our Bioscopewala got more than recognition from Mini.

Thank you, Deb Medhekar for revisiting the story!

Hitler ki Moonch aur Charlie ki Tope laya - yeh  Bioscopewala!! Go and watch!

102 Not Out

Movie Review (Hindi)

Though the movie has been touted as a comedy, it is much more than that. It tells the tale of neglected parents waiting for any kind of communication from their children who live on the other side of the globe and find it easy to cut off familial ties and hope the parents understand their problems. It also tells the tale of the elderly taking their age too seriously. 

The comedy lies in the witty repartee between father- played by Amitabh Bachchan who is 102 years old and his son - played by Rishi Kapoor who is 75 years old.  Both these actors show their mettle and the way the years in the film industry have matured them.

I do wish the wig used for Amitabh was given more thought. A matted white wig does not necessarily translate into a realistic one. Also a person who is 102 years old, would show it in his physicality too. Father and son seemed to be from the same age group. Would seem better had they been brothers with different personalities.

Like a good entertaining movie and as the name suggests - an interesting T20 Cricket match, there were several upheavals and the best saved for which brought out handkerchiefs.

I certainly hope that both the actors shine on and entertain cine-goers for years to come. Thanks to Umesh Shukla for competent directing even though he must have been in awe of the stalwarts!!