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!”

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.

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!!