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Paisa Vasool (2004)
A good movie that was much ahead of its time
A good movie with good performance by the two leading ladies who are protagonists. The screenplay could have been better and tighter and the direction was good.
OK Computer (2021)
A slow, irritating but engaging show that has satire but no laughs
OK Computer (2021) Hindi, Web Series (Disney+Hotstar) Review,
A Sci-Fi comedy that begins slowly, irritates, engages, questions the different norms and has a philosophical ending that satisfies the intellect without the laughs, that should have been the primary objective.
The story which fuses Asimov's Laws of Robotics (shown earlier in, Doctor Who, Aliens, I Robot etc) and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; narrates the story set in 2031 in which a cyber police detective, Saajan Kundu (Vijay Verma), who hates robots, is investigating a murder supposedly committed by a self driving Android car. Joining him in the investigation is Monalisa Paul (Kani Kusruti), a Malayali Junior Constable and Laxmi Suri (Radhika Apte), who believes that Robots are incapable of murder and represents PETER (People for the ethical treatment of every robot). Their investigations point out a big corporate person, CNX who produces Robots for various works. Also, playing a part in this narrative is Pushpak Shakur (Jackie Shroff) who believes technology is a curse and runs a cult called JJM (Jigyasu Jagruti Manch). The investigations of Saajan and Laxmi lead to Ajeeb, a highly sophisticated AI robot cum messiah cum stand up comic (Voiced annoyingly and highly irritably) and later on to his maker/creator Satoshi Mondal (Rasika Dugal).
Acting by Rasika, Jackie and specially Kani Kusruti and Ratnabali is excellent but Radhika is too overpitched for her character (Seemed like an exaggerated version of Greta Thunberg) and Vijay Verma is not being able to bring out the nuances in his character. Producer Anand Gandhi and creators Pooja Shetty and Neil Pagedar try hard to make this an incoherent but engaging mockumentary drama that addresses many issues of the country. While this acts as a relief in the beginning but gradually becomes too verbose, monologous and boring. The characters, sometimes break the fourth wall, which is ok sometimes but becomes nagging after a while. The main problem is that the series tries to do too much, it tries to address the current political scenario, the kind of protests that occurs nowadays, also try to show the nature of people that justify something as pro-this , anti-this amidst a continual debate on man vs machine vs nature. Sometimes, stay in real time, sometimes in flashbacks and sometimes in the virtual world. There is talk of binary, robotics and quantum physics and then there are references to the complex human relationships. It's just too much to take in 6-episode series. The investigation is full of elementary mistakes and the most important thing, yes there is satire and very good at that and very little, but where is the comedy?? All characters having eccentric characteristics does not bring out comedy but rather presents an incoherent and mind numbing chaos.
If anyone can slide past the chaotic story and reach the middle of the 4th episode, then he/she can get some just fulfillment for their efforts. The shining part of the entire narrative is a debate on human evolution and are we really still the most smartest people on earth or have we reached our zenith of achievements already and now we are the burden and is it time to hand over the reins to the machines and enjoy the calmness of nature, so that nature and machines can co-exist without humans. Think hard and watch the series, OK Computer.
JL50 (2020)
An engaging and well acted sci-fi thriller that has its flaws
JL50 (2020) SonyLiv, Hindi, Web series Review, My rating: 3.5/5.
"Hamare desh mein problem ye hai ke akash mein kuch bhi dikh jaye to hum haath jor ke pranam karte hai, we don't ask why, how, what" Prof. Subrata Das in JL50.
I am starting my review with the above dialogue because it encapsulates the spirit of the series.
A flight crashes near Darjeeling and CBI officer Shantanu (Abhay Deol) & Gouranga (Rajesh Sharma) is sent there to investigate whether it is the AO26 which went missing recently but to their surprise they discover that the flight is JL50 that took off 35 years ago from Kolkata. At first they think this is an elaborate setup and question the pilot (Ritika Anand) about this. The other survivor, a passenger (Piyush Mishra) is yet to recover. While all evidence points that this is the same flight JL50, Shantanu is sceptical and wants to prove this is a hoax and seeks the help of a physics teacher, Prof. Subrata Das (Pankaj Kapur) to prove his theory. Shantanu and Prof. Das try to find whether this is time travel or a hoax.
The series was supposed to be a movie but couldn't get a release. Writer director Shailender Vyas does a good job of writing (some things could have been better focused upon and hence some parts were skecthy; and a part of the plot was predictable) but the direction was somewhat patchy. The soul of the series is its cinematography and music. The shots of Kolkata was really good bringing a vibrant yet mystical feel about it. The shots of the Darjeeling roads were strikingly beautiful. The music as well as the background score accentuates the visual tone with its apt usage of Bengali folk in between. The editing could have been better and the VFX was ordinary. However it is the performance of the entire cast that takes this to a whole new level and it is the ustaad, Pankaj Kapur who steals the show.
Lastly, a genuinely engaging science fiction thriller that has it's share of flaws but is highly praiseworthy for attempting something different. A higher budget would surely have resulted a better product that could compete with the best. A must watch for everyone.
French Biriyani (2020)
A comedy of errors that is very aware of itself and packed with jokes galore
French Biriyani (2020) Kannada (Amazon Prime), Movie Review.
A comedy of errors that is very aware of itself and packed with jokes galore.
Simon (Sal Yusuf) is a French National who comes to Bangalore to attend a conference, but due to a strike he couldn't find his pickup guy, and instead is picked up by Suleiman (Pitobash Tripathy) who mistakes him as a smuggler bringing goods for his Don Muscle Mani (Mahantesh Hiremath). When Suleiman's car is stopped by strikers, Simon gets out and takes the auto of Ashgar (Danish Sait). Then follows a crazy journey, as both Gangsters and Police chases Simon and Ashgar.
The movie is filled with good jokes and punchlines and some of them are bound to make you go ROFL and some are very subtle and highly aware of what's going on in the country. The "racist" joke (pun!) in the police station between Simon and the Inspector is absolutely hilarious, the scene where the cow eats up Simon's mobile and everyone offers suggestions is very witty and deftly done. A crazy man in lock up imagines himself as a Great Magician is humorous, insightful and serendipitous. The movie is so self aware that the climax takes place in a theater named Climax Theatre.
Acting honours definitely go to Danish and Mahantesh. The director did a good job of tying up all the sub-plots and providing a neat finish. The cinematography is adequate and this is the first Bengaluru movie I saw where the IT parks were not shown while capturing the rustle and bustle of the Garden City very nicely, a commendable job. The music is very experimental but the songs do not interrupt the proceedings.
The long gaps between the gags sometimes frustrates and the editing could have been tighter. The background noise was unnecessarily high at times.
Overall a funny experimental comedy that laughs at itself and the society that is worth watching.
Lootcase (2020)
A great entree, flat main course and a palatable dessert
LOOTCASE (2020) Hindi (Disney+Hotstar), Movie Review.
A comic thriller that serves a great entrée, falls flat with the main course but some how manages to put up a palatable dessert.
A middle class man, Nandan (Kunal Khemu), who lives with his devout wife Lata (Rasika Dugal) and son Ayush, accidentally stumbles upon a suitcase full of money while returning from work one night. The money was supposed to be sent to a Minister from Corrupt MLA Patil (Gajraj Rao), who entrusted the job to Omar (Sumit Nijhawan). Omar is attacked by Bala Rathore's (Vijay Raaz) men, who steals the money but abandons it while fleeing from the police. An enraged Patil engages Inspector Kolte (Ranvir Shorey) to recover the suitcase.
The movie starts in a very gripping manner and continues to hold attention for 40 odd minutes and then drops pace due to unnecessary songs and too much focus on the protagonist. However, towards the climax the movie picks up but Bollywoodishly culminates into a predictable end.
The main attraction is the performance by the cast, Kunal Khemu, Rasika Dugal, Ranvir Shorey and others, but the star attractions are Vijay Raaz and Gajraj Rao. Vijay Raaz delivers deadpan humor with his wild life metaphors with such a panache that warms and amuses. Gajraj Rao brings a pleasing yet malicious tone to his character that brings out his character so well without having to show much. I wish these actors had more screen time. The writing and screenplay are shabby in parts that effects the overall tonality of the movie. The direction could have been better but still adequate. The cinematography shines in parts. The editing should have been tighter.
I am giving half marks extra just for Vijay Raaz and Gajraj Rao. In conclusion, Lootcase is a fun filled thrill ride that should bring some smile in these difficult times.
Birbal Trilogy: Case 1 - Finding Vajramuni (2019)
An engaging legal investigative thriller
Birbal Trilogy: Case No. 1 (2019) Kannada, Movie review,
An engaging legal investigative thriller that has a fair share of comedy and an unique narrative style which is bound to impress.
Mahesh Das (M. G. Srinivas) is a young lawyer who is recruited by a reputed law firm and is handed the case of Vishnu (Vineeth Kumar). Eight years ago Vishnu was arrested and sentenced to jail for a murder he didn't commit. How Mahesh with the help of his girlfriend Jahnavi (Rukmini Vasanth) and his associate Shastri (Sujay Shastry) finds justice for Vishnu and unmasks the real killer is the rest of the story.
The highlight of the movie is it's unique narrative style that focusses on the viewpoint of four characters, while not losing the element of suspense and yet very much comprehensible for any average moviegoer. The suspense and the storytelling progression is adeptly laced with comic moments that does not deter the attentiveness of the audience.
Writer-Director-Actor M. G. Srinivas does a commendable job in all the three departments. Acting wise, Vineeth Kumar will definitely catch your attention. He convincingly portrays the journey of Vishnu from an innocent boy to a shocked, panicked, broken, bitter, angry, helpless and finally into a man who has been granted hope. The cinematography by Bharath Parasuram is very good. His camera captures the hustle and bustle of Bengaluru and the rainy scenes with an expert hand. However, the editing is a big letdown as the movie feels too long and an effective edit would have enhanced the movie quality. The screenplay also should have been better adjusted.
Summing up, Birbal is a very exciting watch that should be in your viewing list.
Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side (2020)
A devilish thriller which addresses the concept of good and evil
ASUR: Welcome to your Dark side (2020) Hindi web series (Voot) Season1 Review, My rating 4.5/5
A very well crafted psychological serial killer thriller that not only entertains but also leave you intrigued with the age old concepts of good and evil.
Asur tells the story of a serial killer who is killing seemingly random persons across India and cutting their right index finger in half. Before killing he sends the location to an ex-CBI forensic scientist in USA, Nikhil Nair (Barun Sobti) to involve him in this case. Meanwhile, the case is investigated by a brilliant but egoistic forensic expert, Dhananjay Rajput (Arshad Warsi) and his team of Lolark Dubey (Sharib Hashni), Nusrat Sayeed (Ridhi Dogra) and Rasool Shaikh (Amey Wagh). All the events of the present is connected with an event in Varanasi that started 11 years ago, where the serial killer as a young boy makes his first kill. Vishesh Bansal plays the young Shubh Joshi with such a calm, haunting and mystical demeanor that the performance sends chills down your spine.
The series spans eight episodes and mixes forensic science and Indian mythology of Devas and Asuras very convincingly. It raises several questions about good and evil, light and darkness, and whether a morally upright person can maintain his virtues if he is put in a life threatening situation. The series also explores how truth and dharma can be perceived as different paths to achieve different objectives pertaining to judgement of a single act.
Series creator Gaurav Shukla's writing is very good and well researched. The music by Dharam Bhatt is so frighteningly evocative that it is still playing in my mind. The cinematography of this series speaks it's language in a near perfect pitch. Sayak Bhattacharya captures the gruesome, introspective and dramatic scenes with an excellent use of framework precision. Particularly the scenes of Nikhil's isolation, Dhananjay's scenes in jail, that scene in the graveyard, the shots of a chillingly mystical Varanasi and of course the opening murder sequence. Direction is good enough and the performances by the entire cast specially Arshad, Barun, Anupriya, Varun Arora is very good. I have always felt that the acting range of Arshad was never fully captured by directors before but this role of Dhananjay is so beautifully enacted by him that all the various layers and flaws in the character is starkly revealed to us. However the top performer of this series for me is Vishesh Bansal. For a young child actor to evoke the cold expressionless spookiness of Shubh Joshi is a very difficult proposition but he has nailed the character to perfection.
Not everything is hunky dory. There are some minor imperfections. Watching the series you will find that some solutions are too convenient and there are some gaps in the storyline that are too evident. Also in the concluding two episodes, a few questions are unanswered. I sincerely hope that a part of this is addressed in season two. Also, many audiences may not like the ending, but for me it was perfect.
I have watched a lot of good series, movies and I can say this, that Asur is the best Hindi language web series in any genre I have ever watched.
Overall a devilish take on the morality and immorality in the context of modern Indian society and Kaliyuga that highlights that the concept of Asur never dies and only spreads like a virus due to the existential fabric of human life.
The Two Popes (2019)
A dramatic, humane and humour-laced movie
THE TWO POPES (2019) English, Movie review, My rating : 3.5/5
A dramatic, humane and humour-laced rendition of the dialogues between two wise geriatrics with opposite ideals that gives an engrossing movie watching experience.
Based on the true events, this Netflix movie portrays the long discussions between Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins) and the future Pope, Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce) about their radically different ideas for the future of the Catholic Church, their past and their hobbies. In the process, the two venerable individuals realize their inner demons and form a bond to carve a path for the Vatican's future amidst the Vatican leaks scandal.
The movie has a relaxed pace which may not appeal to many, but as you go through the initial few minutes, you are astounded and mesmerized by the ethereal performances of the two lead actors. Anthony Hopkins etches out the complexity, hesitancy and loneliness of the character in a dignified pertinacious manner that allows you to empathize with him. Jonathan Pryce brings to life the humourous, affable and tormented aspects of his character with a mellifluous respectability which warms your heart.
Director Fernando Meirelles creates a visually rich drama with the superb screenplay by Anthony McCarten (whose book , "The Pope" is adapted here). The cinematography, music and editing provides a charming effect that adds to the tonality of the movie.
Finally, this movie proves that a simple, slow, engaging narrative with two exceptional actors can culminate in a pleasurable and thought-provoking movie. Just watch the movie for the phenomenal acting performances.
War (2019)
A promising story gone bad due to improper casting and immature screenplay.
War (2019) Hindi Movie review. My rating 2.5/5
A promising story gone bad due to improper casting and immature screenplay.
War is a thriller which pits the disciple Khalid (Tiger Shroff) against his teacher Kabir (Hritik Roshan) in the backdrop of terrorist hunt.
The redeeming aspects:
1) Action sequences
2) Gripping first half
3) Tiger's earnest acting effort
4) Hritik's charisma and screen presence
The underwhelming aspects:
1)Poor attention to detail in the screenplay
2) The pivotal twist in the story is somewhat predictable, an aspect which was further let down by casting two physically different actors and poor management of action choreography.
3) Weak direction skills
4) Cinematography was inconsistent
5) Hurried climax
The YRF production house need to stop making movies and focus on getting the audience pulse. Less extravagance and more clear content could have made this movie memorable. I would not suggest anyone to waste their money over this botched up thriller.
Sacred Games: Radcliffe (2019)
Acting triumphs but story diappoints
SACRED GAMES Season 2 (8 episodes)
Series Review. My rating: 3.2/5
Season 1 left us with many questions, season 2 not only delivers the answers but will leave you numbed, brainfused and also disappointed.
My thoughts about season 2 were unexpectedly echoed on screen from episode 3 onwards and I had a feeling of Deja Vu. For someone like me who haven't read the novel, it was so perplexing. Yes, there were a few scenes that surprised me and cleared some doubts, but certainly I missed the thrill at the end, having guessed the ending by episode 5. A very unique twist that nobody had thought of was revealed in the beginning of episode 8 which gave a complete arc to the story.
The story begins with Gaitonde (Nawaz) in disarray and Sartaj (Saif) racing against time to find a bomb. Season2 introduces new characters Kusum Devi Yadav (Amruta Subhash) a RAW agent who takes Gaitonde to Mombasa, Shahid Khan (Ranvir Shorey), a man bringing destruction to Mumbai, Batya Abelman (Kalki Koechlin), a die hard disciple of Guruji. The arcs of minor season 1 characters are shown way bigger and Guruji (Pankaj Tripathi) leads the way with everything Sacred in sacred games. Guruji is a calm as well as chilling presence and raises questions that will disturb your mind specially in correlation with the International events shown. Oh! That silken buttery mesmerizing voice of Guruji. Jojo (Surveen Chawla) is another important part of the Gaitonde story and her role in every major Gaitonde event is explained. How Jamila became Zoya is also shown. The open ending was intelligent.
The high points:
1) Nawaz, Pankaj scenes and their insane acting, one in self-doubt and lost in ego while the other calm and mayavi. These two actors remind me of the classic acting duel between Nasser and Om Puri in many films.
2) Saif Ali Khan excels as Sartaj with all his frustrations, guilt and self worth. At one point he crumbles and that scene is so effectively portrayed that it should be a included in acting School syllabus.
3) The female cast is superb. Amruta Subhash, Surveen Chawla and Kalki shines in their roles and in that order. Amruta brings a subtle deadpan yet expressiveness to older Kusum that is praiseworthy.
4) Neeraj Ghaywan's direction is spot on.
5) Cinematography, sound, screenplay is very good.
The low points:
1) Muthu's romantic storyline was unnecessary.
2) The subtitles were coming much before the dialogue and the quality was also bad.
3) Editing is not tight enough.
4) The ending is too abrupt and hence after finishing you feel dissatisfied.
5) I liked the open ending but there were plotholes that were completely neglected.
6) Characters of Parulkar (Neeraj Kabi) and Bhonsle (Girish Kulkarni) were not given a logical arc.
Finally, the season2 of Sacred games left me with some great scenes, excellent acting, good camerawork and an unfulfilling story. A definite watch but don't expect much.
Judgementall Hai Kya (2019)
A devilish exploration into two twisted minds that tingles your grey cells but culminates in a predictable finish
Judgemental Hai Kya (2019) Hindi
Movie review. My rating: 3.5/5
A devilish exploration into two twisted minds that tingles your grey cells but culminates in a predictable finish.
The movie revolves around Bobby (Kangana Ranaut) a psychotic girl who has a traumatic past, works as a dubbing artist, does origami and owns a cat named panauti. A young couple Keshav (Rajkumar Rao) and Reema (Amyra Dastur) comes to live as Bobby's tenants. Bobby finds herself drawn to the couple and is also attracted to Keshav. She begins to spy on the couple and deduces that Keshav is a liar and a shady person. One day she spots Keshav trying to put Reema in the path of a running car and as she yells out Keshav stops Reema. She decides to convey her feelings to Reema and finds that Reema is dead from an apparent gas-leak related fire accident. Bobby promptly tells the police that Keshav has murdered his wife. The police are made unsure by Keshav's statement that Bobby may be killer as she is obsessed with him. So, has Bobby imagined everything or is Keshav a killer?
Prakash Kovelamudi directs with great expertise and I felt like watching a Hitchcock plot with Stanley Kubrick visuals. This is arguably one of the best cinematography I have watched in recent years. Cinematographer Pankaj Kumar plays with the camera and shades of colors to display the intricacies of Bobby's mind. Kanika Dhillon's screenplay is good but her cameo appearance as an actor playing Sita is even better.
The only low points were the editing (the first half could have been curtailed by at least 15 minutes) and the sound effects which at times marred the mood of a scene.
Great performances by the entire cast lifts the movie. Exceptional acting from Rajkumar Rao, Satish Kaushik, Amrita Puri, Jimmy Shergill and Brijendra Kala but the movie solely belongs to Kangana Ranaut. She makes the audience walk through the quirky and weird mind of Bobby as well as its fragility. My favorite scene is when Bobby realizes that she is becoming schizophrenic but at the same time fixated on exposing Keshav.
Aside from the obvious thriller element, the movie also depicts the behavior of society towards the mentally ill and a brilliant take on the safety of women in both broad and short strokes. Definitely watch the movie but don't treat it only as a suspense thriller, there is more depth and that is the brilliance of the filmmaker. The brain may be muddled up but if the mind is sharp one can do anything.