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Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998)

Best Romantic Family Drama

[7/10 · 13 January 2021]

Priyadarshan version of Fazil movie is amazing portray of family and romantic drama.

Performance of lead actors are very good and the climax has been handled smartly. Character actors like Aruna Irani, Paresh Rawal, Anupam Kher & Maushmi Chatterjee excels in climax.

Overall very good movie.

Mubarakan (2017)

Good goofy - funny movie

[6/10 · 17 December 2020]

Though a lot many intellectual will unnecessarily put their point of view that this is mediocre and average movie. But this Anees Bazmi movie has great comedy and few situational comedy.

This is not great but sometimes you need this easy movie to have full on time pass. This is no brainer that this is bit illogical and have some basic issues of application of mind b it yes it has heart at right place.

Have Fun with this Arjun Kapoor movie. Anil Kapoor and Illeana are also very good.

Paatal Lok (2020– )

Riveting with Superb Performance

[8/10 · 15 May 2020]

Amzazon Prime is lately coming up with very interesting series like Panchaayat, Upload and now with Paatal Lok. Avinash Arun and Prosit Roy has given their best from this series. It is one of the best crime thriller.

Story/Screenplay

A high profile journalist from leading TV channel is planned to be murdered by 4 criminals but CBI catches them before they could attempt that plan. Case is handed over to local police where Hathi Ram Chaudhary played by "Jaideep Ahlawat" is an inspector who has been given the responsibility to solve this case of conspiracy of murder. As this is what you see in first episode, but the remaining 8 episodes are powerful , riveting and binge watch worthy. This is one of the most balance and no - nonsense series I have recently come across. I can definitely include Sacred Games, Asur and Mirzapur to be a bit too much just to titillate audience. As the story is about one crime which unfolds many different stories about different characters the screenplay is smart and makes sure that you are invested in it throughout. It has almost everything, you can call every cliched' aspect but still it manages to be fresh and raw. You call it Muslim angle, representation, LGBTQ, Caste system, power of politics, father-son tussle, even animal love surprisingly you are with every story even if you see a rap music starts to play in a village of Punjab.

Direction

Please check the link about the Directors, but I must mention that both the directors Avinash Arun & Prosit Roy have given their soul to this. You see uncanny peacefulness and their are moment where you see their is something big is going to happen and the clock is ticking for that. Realism and compelling is the key for their success in this one.

Others

I must highlight Dialogues of the series, what a gem it has given. Dialogues are fresh, funny, unheard of and real. Camerawork is also top notch and it directly take you to the place from first scene. Background music and Rap song is really good and goes with the story line.

Actors

I have always loved these actors, I can be really biased. But I am genuinely telling every one is really good. I must say Jaideep Ahlawat is at his best. Jaideep Ahlawat take a bow!!! Sadly I don't see him as many movies or series but he has done excellent job. Ishwaq Singh playing new Inspector Imran Ansari is also pretty good. , Abhishekh Banerjee playing Tyagi is effective and menacing. He delivers what he should have done. Gul Panag, Vipin Sharma, Rajesh Sharma, Mairembam Ronaldo Singh do their job with utmost sincerity. You can not say any other actor could have replaced anyone. The casting has been excellent.

Overall

I am super glad to say that my earlier blog about Top 5 reason to watch Paatal Lok was already been seen by many and appreciate that my instinct about the series was right. Nevertheless I can not claim to have any reason to understand the powerful story behind this crime thriller. The way they have placed DOG in this story is amazing and master stroke.This is superb series and better than few stupid series like "Four More Shots Please" which stupidly talks about feminism. So please watch this and give these directors and actors what they deserve. Thank you Anushka Sharma's Clean Slate production house to start their first web series with such a wonderful script. Kudos to you again!!!

Must Watch of #AmazonPrimeIndia,

Image used for awareness purpose

Never Have I Ever (2020–2023)

Pretentious

[5/10 · 14 May 2020]

Netflix, new series "Never Have I Ever is talk of the town, but does this series delivers what it promises. Is it really worth watch? Check the review and get to know about this new series which was created by Mindy Kaling.

Story and Screenplay

This is the story about Dev playes by Maitreyi Ramakrishnani who is not not been able to have a boyfriend and this new academic year she has decided to get hooked and she makes sure that her other 2 friends are also hooked. She also have lost her dad 8 month ago and she was temporarily paralyzed which led her to be on wheelchair for long time. The story is about Devi and her tussle with every with!!! Which was so NEW.... Story is not that you have never seen or heard before, so on story level, it is pretentious but engaging. It is not that you know everything but in the whole series you know how it will end. Let us talk about screenplay, which is seriously important. This story was meant to be a TV-movie of 75 min - 80 min but writers actually very hard and stretch it to make a TV Series. Though that movie would also not have that interesting.

Direction

We see some where 4 different director trying to make some sense to this story. But Mindy Kaling as creator has made sure that this will be mix of bollywood masala movie with American Desi influence. There is nothing new or different you can expect from the any part of the series. It is one tone and slant. Directors tries to manage to give you some comic or emotional ride sometime which is very less for 10 episode series.

Actors

Poorna Jagannathan playing mother to Devi has given a decent performance and she gets you emotional when she is talking to Devi's Therapist. She is also good in portraying dotting mother. Devi's father Mohan played by Sendhil Ramamurthy who has small role but he really marks his performance. He shines in every scene be it scene where he is making his daughter understand how beautiful she is or the joy he shows while buying his own house. Bit over the top, but it is acceptable. Maitreyi Ramakrishnani playing the lead role as Devi is below average and she gives almost same expression. She has to work a lot on her acting skills.

Overall

Never Have I Ever is pretentious at every stage. So it has worried mother, girl who is desperate to have loose her virginity, a competing male friend, a college dude, 2 best friends, revelation of a friend being gay. It can not be more stereotypical and cliche'. You must have better things to do in this leisure time. If you want to kill your time with fresh face and old story and plot, you can watch this.

Shool (1999)

One of the best Cop movie

[8/10 · 5 May 2020]

Shool is one of the best cop movie made. Set in Bihar, this movie talks about a journey of a cop who is frustrated of being an honest cop and what all he has to sacrifice just because an honest cop and wants to do his job with integrity.

Story/Screenplay

Samar Pratap Singh who has been posted to Motihari (District in Bihar) as an Inspector sees that the town is owned by Bachoo Yadav MLA of that area. Bachoo Yadav's Gang and Political Affiliations makes Samar's life hell. His Difficulties never ends and the reason is Bachoo Yadav who is too big and will not spare Samar who is troubling his goons. Screenplay is smooth and does not mislead you. The story where Samar as father is vulnerable, as Husband is loving and as Cop is Honest. Same the menacing effect of Bachoo Yadav has been presented wonderfully.

Direction

Director E Niwas knew his job. He did excellent job in showing the realism. The setting and storytelling was powerful. Though this movie was not a thriller but the story is compelling and binds you throughout the movie. It has great memorable moments.

Performance

There could not be any one other than Manoj Bajpayee who could pull this off. He lived the chaara year of Samar Pratap Singh. Apparently he gave the name to the character. But the way he performed is Master Class. Even Mr. Amitabh Bachchon was impressed by his performance. Sayaji Shinde's first Hindi Movie playing a Bihari Politician makes you believe that he is that menacing politician. He is so devilish that he haunts even after movie ends. Raveena Tondon gave one of her best performance in this movie. Even though the movie belongs to Manoj Bajpayee but she makes sure that her performance is noticed. There is a small scene where Nawazuddin is also seen. Rajpal Yadav as coolie is very effective though he is there for 5 min onscreen.

Other Dialogue wise also the movie was too good. It had great dialogue, see the scene where Bachoo Yadav is insisting for water to be not used for electricity. Look at the last scene which is nothing but iconic. Editing of the movie is good which helps the story to move forward

Overall This is of the best cop movie ever made. Great story, extra ordinary performance. Must watch.

Angrezi Medium (2020)

Homi Adajania ruins this movie!

[4/10 · 2 May 2020]

Angrezi Medium Movie Review : Irrfan & Deepak Dobriyal combo works.Kareena Kappor Khan does not add any value to script.Radhika Madan's performance is weak. Director has no clue What is he doing. Sad

Story/Screenplay

Irrfan as Champak Bansal palying father to Tarika Bansal played by Radhika is Sweet shop owner and he is always in tussle with his cousin brother for the Brand "Ghasitaram" with Gopi Bansal played by Deepak Dobriyal. Tarika who manages to get admission in foreign university and the struggle to understand and believe in his daughter's dream is story in nutshell.

But the big problem is the problem does not seem to be that chaotic and relatable to hold the audience. Hindi Medium the prequel to this movie was not only entertaining but it had its heart at right place. This movie lacks soul and wastes the talent of so many superlative actors

Direction

The biggest mistake is done by Homi Adajania, director of this movie who got fame from Cocktail and Being Cyrus could not convey the story properly. The scenes are poorly managed and does not connect with the audience. Right after first 20 minutes you realize that this could have been better.

Performance

You can watch this movie only because of Irrfan and Deepak's combo. They both do magic but don't expect this one like Hindi Medium. They manage to deliver best what writer/director has given them. Radhika Madan is just playing and saying the lines you don't find anything new in this movie. She is below average. But the surprise is Kareena Kappor Khan who has never been seen any movie where she is not playing pivotal part can be just seen as toy. She is an amazing and powerful actor but the movie would be same even if she is not present in the movie, expected a lot from her.

Other actors like Ranvir Shorey, Dimple Kapadia, Tilotama Shome, Kiku Sharda & Pankaj Tripathi did their job what they were suppose to do

Others

No songs or dialogues are memorable. Not even any scene which can be recalled by audience.

Overall

Sadly Homi Adajania handles this movie badly and does not have any clue what audience is expecting from sequel of Hindi Medium.

Mrs. Serial Killer (2020)

Mess Time Killer

[5/10 · 1 May 2020]

Mrs. Serial Killer a thriller by Shirish Kunder holds you for moments but the plot and screenplay disappoints you. If you find time (in this period of time) it's an Okay watch.

Story/Screenplay: Shirish Kunder attempts to give you a thriller with Manoj Bajpayee playing Dr. Mrityunjoy Mukherjee who has been framed for killing unmarried pregnant girls.Mrs. Sona Mukherjee played by Jacqueline Fernandez tries to rescue her husband. The screenplay reveals a lot about the story in the beginning only.

There are unnecessary sub-plots which deviate you to just create doubt. But the last 20 minute gives you chill sometimes (trying to praise bit...)

Direction

This is an average movie. The sole reason is because of loose script and weak screenplay. I still feel Shirish Kunder has lot to offer. All his attempt has been good enough but end result of all his movies has been weak because of mediocre and average screenplay. Right from "Jaaneman" to this movie audience is still waiting for that one movie.

Performance

Manoj Bajpayee knows what to do with his character. Sirish has saved himself on this part by casting Manoj Bajpayee as Dr. Mrityunjoy Mukherjee. Jacqueline Fernandez surprisingly gives decent performance and attempt is sometime seen but a lot has improved and a lot needs to be improved. Hope to see her more in character driven movies. Rest of the cast is below average nothing fresh or remarkable.

Other

Dialogue is pretentious, no attempt has been given and usually in murder mystery/thriller this plays pivotal role. Background ground score is just average.

Overall

If you are not able to find anything to kill time, watch this Murder mystery.

Thappad (2020)

Thappad is mirror to all men, Chapter for all women

[7/10 · 1 May 2020]

Movie does not preach but Yes reminds you how you behaved with your mom, wife, sister even maid. It can be hard to ignore this movie as it handles the issue which you have witnessed in your household or you have definitely heard about. There have been various movies which talks about women empowerment but "Thappad" tries to make you face the reality of current generation.

Story

"Amrita" (Tapsee) is a happy home maker who loves to do help his husband "Vikram" (Pavail Gulati) and doing chores for her house. One evening when his husband is not given what his expected from his company, Vikram in anger slaps Amrita.

Amrita decides to calmly separate her way from Vikram and the struggle to do this is the STORY of the movie.

There are multiple different character who face their issue due to this misogynist society but the beauty of the film is, it doe not get preachy anywhere. It would be criminal to spoon feed the audience about the the topic Anubhav Sinha is trying to talk about. He has showcased different strata of society with their challenge to handle this.

Direction

This is one of the best come back any director has ever done. Anubhav Sinha delivers again in his 3rd (Mulk, Article 15) movie after Tum Bin 2. He has captured many different nuisances about different character. Frustration of male lead character "Vikram" to unable to understand the issue with Amrita who could not take one slap has been shown at a very basic level so that everyone could relate to it.

His context and layering works a lot while the movie is going on. Ratna Pathak, Kumud Mishra are really good. Pavail Gulati played the role what he was suppose to do but I expect to do better roles in future. Dia Mirza and actors has been decent enough to let the story continue. Tapsee as "Amrita" is convincing and showcases her vulnerable but dignified side. She has done decent job to pull of the story as lead character. But the magic is by Geeta Vidya Ohlyan playing "Sunita". She has played the character of maid and she played it so wonderfully. It was so delightful to see her on mainstream movie after "Soni" She is an amazing discoovery.

Verdict

It is a must watch for all.

The Lift Boy (2019)

Sweet, Heart Warming

[6/10 · 1 May 2020]

Netflix new offering "The Lift Boy" is a sweet story about a boy who struggle to pass engineering exam because one paper. How his employer helps him and also teaches him few important lesson of life.

Direction

This slice of life movie on Netflix is sweet and heart warming. Director Jonathan Augustin shows you Mumbai and its struggle from the lens which has been seen earlier but it's refreshing. This small movie does not have too much of drama but it has soul. Director has managed to show what he wants to say.

Performance & Story

Moin Khan as Raju has to work as a lift man to cover up his father Krishna (Saagar Kale) to make sure his father job. Krishna who suffered a heart attack & his wife has been working hard to make sure their son Raju one day becomes an engineer. Raju's struggle initial hesitation and shame makes him hate the job but gradually Raju starts enjoying the job because of Princess (a girl who is being forced to be an actress by her mother). But the story is between Raju & Mrs. Maureen D'souza (Nyla Massod). The relationship between them is pure and heart warming. Both actors are really good and plays their character very well. Few character are caricature of typical mother, typical neighbor and typical friend but main two character manage to hold you.

Music & Background score

This movie is weak in background score. Though a full fledged song was not required but Director should have worked Background music.

Overall

Decent,slice of life movie to watch, it is not boring but does not promises to give you mind blowing story.