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Bulbbul (2020)
Subtle, powerful and horrifying
You start watching Bulbbul thinking it's a normal tale of witches and fantasy, but as time passes by it turns out to be so much more.
Traditional horror is replaced by a much more deeper version of the genre. The horror doesn't lie in the witch but lies in how a woman is defamed as one. The movie is first and foremost a feminist tale, with each scene being enriched with basic stereotypes as well as lessons. The music is impactful and phenomenal as well.
While Avinash Tiwary drove 'Laila Majnu', which also co-starred Tripti Dimri, it's the latter that outshines everyone in this film. Tripti's transition from being vulnerable to majestic is amazing and awe-inspiring. Avinash plays his role well though he isn't handed much to do. Rahul Bose, in his short role, nevertheless leaves an impact and his scenes make us gasp in horror. Paoli Dam is amazing in her role as well and her scenes with Tripti are the highlights of the movie.
While the movie is truly as the title describes it, the climax and ending appears rather abruptly and you are left yearning for more. You wish the film packed more scares for a horror film and more drama between the dysfunctional family. On that note, the film never reaches the heights films like Tumbbad reached.
Nevertheless the film is a success and a one time watch.
Padmaavat (2018)
Spectacular
After a period of 55 days, which included large scale protests across the country, Padmaavat (formerly titled Padmavati) has finally been released and the peace that a cinema lover achieves at getting a glimpse of the title on the big screen is incomparable to anything else. Padmaavat tells the fictitious tale of how the sky of Maharawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor) and Rani Padmavati's (Deepika Padukone) marriage gets shrouded by a dark cloud in the form of Sultan Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh).
Sanjay Leela Bhansali beautifully directs this extravaganza and with the help of Sudeep Chatterjee's cinematography makes this epic a visual treat. However, compared to Bhansali's last outing 'Bajirao Mastani', the film is lower on emotional content. The chemistry between the lead characters is complete vanilla and the film focuses more on the villain's bonding with other characters (which is confusing as the film was titled 'Padmavati' before).
Deepika Padukone looks elegant and beautiful and like Bhansali said, was the only one who could do this role justice. Shahid Kapoor looks miscast because of his stature but is impressive in the acting field. However, the elephant in the movie is Ranveer Singh. His vain and cruel impression of Alauddin Khilji is winning hearts everywhere and is one of the best parts of the film. Jim Sarbh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Raza Murad have small but effective roles. Anupriya Goenka as Rani Nagmati misses the mark.
The music is also as impressive than Bhansali's predecessor either, but still enjoyable. 'Ghoomar' is a visual and beautifully choreographed treat and 'Ek Dil Ek Jaan' as well as 'Binte Dil' appear on similar lines of the song 'Aayat' from Bajirao Mastani. However, Bhansali has surpassed his previous outing's 'Malhari' with 'Khalibali' as the video song makes you want to dance like crazy (courtesy Ranveer Singh). 'Nainowalo Ne' and 'Holi' are plain mediocre.
The film may appear regressive to others (especially the jauhar scene), but overall the film is a fantastic watch and also one step up for Bollywood Vs Hollywood too.
Split (2016)
Shyamalan Is Back!
Shyamalan had his debut with the critically acclaimed 'The Sixth Sense' followed by positively reviewed movies 'Unbreakable' and 'Signs'. After that, he went through a series of duds with 'Lady In The Water' , 'The Village' , 'The Happening' , 'After Earth' and was termed one of the worst directors of all time with 'The Last Airbender'. But, he made a decent comeback with 2015's 'The Visit' which received generally positive reviews and he's back at his game with 'Split'.
After a birthday party, three girls, led by Casey, are kidnapped by the troubled Kevin, who has a very rare case of 23 split personalities inside him. What follows is how the three girls try to escape from Kevin who himself is lowly having a mental breakdown. Sorry, I can't tell a lot about this movie as a small factor would spoil it.
This movie couldn't have worked without James McAvoy. He has given his best performance in his whole career and stands out as one of the reasons to watch this movie. The cliché points in the movie are watchable just because of his phenomenal performance. His transition from a 'Norman Bates' type woman Patrica to a 9 year old boy Hedwig to other personalities are amazing
Last but not the least, is the traditional "Shyamalan Twist". Trust me, this time your minds will be blown when you come to the conclusion. This twist doesn't match up to the "The Sixth Sense" one but it's a thrilling one. It's not some stupid twist like in "Signs". I won't forget that moment when someone behind me shouted out "WHAAAAT?!".
"Split" isn't scary, it's tense. This movie shouldn't have been given a "horror" tag. A "psychological thriller" sounds better. Nevertheless, this movie is worth a watch. I'm giving a 8/10 with one extra star just for James McAvoy
Welcome back, M.Night Shyamalan
The Jungle Book (2016)
Exceeds expectations!!
More than children, parents are going to enjoy this movie as this movie defines more excellence than the original book itself! Well, you might already know the premise of this film but anyway.. here it goes..
Raised by a family of wolves since birth, Mowgli must leave the only home he's ever known when the fearsome tiger Shere Khan unleashes his mighty roar. Guided by a no-nonsense panther and a free-spirited bear, the young boy meets an array of jungle animals, including a slithery python and a smooth-talking ape. Along the way, Mowgli learns valuable life lessons as his epic journey of self-discovery leads to fun and adventure.
The performances are amazing. Neel Sethi can be referred as "a small bomb, but a loud blast". His performance as Mowgli was terrific. Bill Murray enacts the same lazy old bear we know, and exceeds in fulfilling expectations. Ben Kingsley satisfies on delivering Bagheera. Scarlett Johannson does not provide a performance as great as the others but is just.... "good".
Last but not the least is the greatest performance provided from the whole cast, Idris Elba as Shere Khan!! He outperforms everyone with a cunning and terrifying voice, which is justified for the villain's character
To be honest, I thought this movie was going to be another big bomb after Batman V Superman. But if you felt the same, prepared to be amazed from this epic journey. Hats off for The Jungle Book!!
Kapoor & Sons (2016)
Fall in love with this family
Kapoor and Sons is magical. You will laugh and cry while watching this movie. A man (Sidharth Malhotra) and his brother (Fawad Khan) fall for the same woman (Alia Bhatt) while visiting their parents and grandfather in Coonoor, a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu.
After a god-awful performance in Brothers, Sidharth Malhotra is back with a bang! His performance is very strong and will make you believe when he's sad or happy.
After (the not-so) Shaandaar, Alia has made a grand return as a chirpy and beautiful girl who will fall in between two brothers.
Fawad Khan's performance is always delightful and he proves this again in his second Bollywood venture.
Rajat Kapoor and Ratna Pathak performed well and Rishi Kapoor steals every scene where he appears.
Overall, two thumbs up for this romantic drama
Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive (2016)
Laden is back with a bang!
Tere Bin Laden : Dead or Alive doesn't live up to the jolly first part, but is a delight to watch!
A U.S. agent hires a budding Bollywood filmmaker to shoot fake footage that proves the death of Osama bin Laden. But on the other hand, terrorists hijack the process, demanding the film to prove Osama is alive.
Manish Paul as Sharma is wonderful. He might go on establishing a career in the film industry.
Pradhuman Singh as Paddi Singh is hilarious and sometimes you can't stop giggling because you don't expect one of the world's dangerous terrorist to have a funny personality.
Sikandar Kher as David Chaddha has done terrific acting and might make an epic comeback in the film industry with Tere Bin Laden.
Iman Crosson will blow your mind as he impersonates President Barack Obama
And watch out for a hilarious cameo by Ali Zafar, star of the first film of the series
The only drawback is that sometimes the jokes go repetitive and slowly become annoying. Also funny scenes are limited in second half. But overall, a thumbs up for Tere Bin Laden : Dead Or Alive
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (2009)
The chills are strong in this one
Harry Mason, a caring father of his daughter Cheryl finds out she's missing after they survive a car crash one snowy night. Play as Harry Mason as you try to find your daughter and discover the secrets of the eerie town, Silent Hill.
Those who are eager to play this game, you guys must have a WII, cause gaming experience is best only on the WII. Neither the PS2 (gameplay isn't good), nor the PSP (graphics are horrible).
The game has 3 forms of gameplay.
1. Exploring... which all die-hard fans of Silent Hill are aware of. Look for clues of Cheryl's whereabouts.
2. Nightmare... In between the game, pink and ugly monsters will start chasing you as the town suddenly freezes (Why you ask? Find out yourself).
3. Dr.K ... In some moments, you are transferred to Dr. Kauffman's office. Try to answer his questions correctly for a smooth experience.
Overall this game is a go!!
Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara! (2013)
Watch This For Akshay Kumar!!
We all were excited when we heard the Ajay Devgan-Emraan Hashmi crime thriller was getting a sequel. But before entering the theater, keep your expectations down. This isn't Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobara. This isn't your crime edge of the seat thriller. It's a love triangle between a prince-a starlet-and an evil king.
The prince is essayed by Imran Khan. Well, we didn't know what came over Ekta Kapoor on casting him. He is one of the weakest parts of the movie. His acting won't make you root for him.
The starlet is Sonakshi Sinha. She is just the woman stuck between 2 gangsters. This isn't her big milestone in acting. She has done an average performance.
The evil king is the talented Akshay Kumar! Believe me, he saved a worthless dumb story movie with his acting skills. This is one of those movies where instead of rooting for their hero, you're wanting the trophy to be handed to the villain.
Other performances by Sonali Bendre, Mahesh Manjrekar, Abhimanyu Singh all are average.
The songs were very pleasant to the ears. Best ones were "Yeh Tune Kya Kiya", "Chugliyaan" and "Tu Hi Khwahish"
Remember, this isn't your crime thriller movie. It's a romantic one. Buy your popcorn and watch this for Akshay Kumar only...