harshalpatel-16660 Reviews

Ramayan (1987–1988)

An excellent masterpiece which stopped the country when relayed.

[8/10 · 3 October 2018]

The Ramayan serial I remember is from when I was 10 years old. Ramanand Sagar had written and directed the 78-episode series which brought the country to a standstill every Sunday from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988 - at 9:30 am. And it was a TV revolution. India Today called it "Ramayan fever" where public transport - trains, buses and inner-city trucks would become empty when the programme was telecast and people would assemble in villages around the sole television set to watch the show. And it actually was a programme the entire family could watch. Everything Satyamev promised to be, till it started talking about paedophilia and fertilisers and asking parents to ask their children to leave the room. he original Ramayan was educational, entertaining and engrossing. Of course at that time, we didn't have 100 other channels vying for our attention. But anyway the new Ramayan has a lot to live up to.

It opened with Vishnu getting his legs pressed by Lakshmi while resting on an immobile Shesha Nag. Brahma with immobile extra arms and Shiva with a fake snake around his neck were introduced next. Prithvi comes to a blue and lugubrious Vishnu to ask him for help from Ravan and his asuras. Vishnu refuses to acknowledge her presence for a while and then opens his brown eyes and demurs to explain that he'll go in human avatar and save the planet. Through it all, Lakshmi keeps pressing his legs with a beatific smile. Dasharat is introduced and each wife is then introduced separately. Kaikeyi - played by Shikha Swaroop - makes a dramatic entrance, while her two co-wives look at her adoringly. Other than Swaroop, there are no familiar faces. And even she while she does look suitably imperious, she simply cannot pass off as the youngest wife because she looks old as the hills.

Now one would think that a quarter century later, Meenakshi Sagar - who is Ramanad Sagar's granddaughter and the director of the series - would introduce slightly better effects for the war scenes. But the war scenes seem to have the same special effects which marked the original. Perhaps that's for nostalgia value. The asuras this time round look quite demon-like however, almost inspired by Tolkien's Melkor.

Wagle Ki Duniya (1988–1990)

Fun ka dose kamke sath pareshanibhi

[6/10 · 27 September 2018]

The series was set around everyday struggles, of nervous sales clerk, Srinivas Wagle, who lived with prudence of a middle class person of the time. In one of its most memorable episodes, Wagle goes out to buy fabric for curtains during Diwali, but ends up buying 10 times the amount of fabric required. Thus the family doesn't only have curtains but also sofa covers, shirts and a saree of the same shiny fabric. Wagle Ki Duniya is a full-on comedy serial which revolves around the daily life story of Srinivas Wagle. Wagle is a clerk who leads a middle-class lifestyle with his wife. There are two seasons of this serial. This was one of the most entertaining series on television. Wagle's character is still remembered even after decades. You can watch it with your family & have fun. This serial was one of the most loved serials of the late 80's. The storyline is very basic yet interesting. As the name suggests, Wagle Ki Duniya entirely deals with the daily routine of Srinivas Wagle. All the characters, especially the role of Wagle & his wife is way entertaining. There are two seasons of this serial. The second season of this serial have all the previous characters except Wagle's wife. Many controversies were raised when Sulbha Arya replaced Bharati Achrekar for the role of Wagle's wife in its second season. One more serial titled RK Laxman Ki Duniya was made in 2011 which was similar to Wagle Ki Duniya. In 2012, the same makers made Detective Wagle with the same male lead, Anjan Srivastava. Although Anjan was old in the TV industry & done numerous theatre shows along with serials, he got real recognition after this serial.

Kaala (2018)

'Kaala' review: an underwhelming film made for Rajinikanth, the politician

[5/10 · 27 September 2018]

The film is all about the fight for land and Pa Ranjith wastes no time and establishes that clearly with the very first scene. A powerful politician wants to clear a slum in the name of a scheme to make Mumbai a better place, but he has an ulterior motive. We know who the politician (Nana Patekar) is and we know who is not going approve of this plan (Rajinikanth). All these are pretty clear from the teasers. But how and what happens, in the end, is all that we need to know. Coming to director Pa Ranjith, he is known for making films that talk about oppressed people. Kaala is no different and even the making is in typical Pa Ranjith style. It moves at a leisurely pace. And the second half is largely about protests. If you have followed the recent political developments in Tamil Nadu, you will relate to the film more. Having said that, it is better you don't mix up the film with Rajinikanth's recent speech which might turn you off. Kaala is more emotional, it has a relationship based story intertwined with social issues. Pa Ranjith has played to the gallery to make all sections of the audience enjoy the movie. Rajinikanth and Eswari's romance portion is refreshing and suits Rajini's current image. Huma Qureshi's love track looked a little stretched. But one feels that it is done to establish the fact that Kaala would not even mind going against the love of his life. hough sparse in number, the mass elements that we expect in a Rajinikanth film keeps the core fans buzzing. The screenplay is much tighter this time in spite of sentiment scenes taking the centre stage. Kaala is an archetypal Pa Ranjith film with adequate Superstar mass moments. Rajinikanth is back with full vigour and energy, which is a major boost. His evergreen screen presence is exemplary and unmatchable no matter how old he gets. Rajini's costumes and other accessories like coolers and umbrella have become style statements among the younger lot already. Fans who are longing to watch Rajini in a complete mass avatar are will be pleased. There are plenty of slow-motion shots, crowd-pleasing mass scenes and most importantly the style of Superstar has been put to good use with the support of some terrific background score by Santhosh Narayanan. We can sense that Pa Ranjith has worked on things that he was criticized for in Kabali. However, the second half deals with protests and is majorly dialogue-oriented, and it may seem less engaging at some points. There are 4 fight scenes in Kaala, all choreographed well by Dhilip Subbarayan. Rajini sits back and watches his son smashing the baddies in the first two fight scenes and when you expect him to do the same again for the third time, you get to see the action side of Kaala which will be an ultimate treat to Rajini fans. Santhosh Narayanan adds a lot of strength through his BGM score. If you hear the theatre roar for some of the strong scenes, the major part of the credit should go to him. The songs are purely situational, so if you weren't impressed with the album earlier, you might very well fall in love with a few of the tracks after watching the movie. Among the other performers, Nana Patekar is a new addition to the list of powerful, deadly and memorable villains of Rajinikanth films. A well etched out character which gets enhanced with an irreproachable performance. All the supporting actors, from Samuthirakani, Dileepan, Manikandan and others have done their part well. Not just Rajinikanth's role, Kaala has 4 to 5 indelible characters that will stay close to your heart.

Lust Stories (2018)

'Lust Stories' review: This honest anthology on human desire is a must-watch

[6/10 · 27 September 2018]

Heard a lot about it early this summer and today I finally decided to watch it. So here is my review. It has four individual stories of women are involved or want to be involved in a relationship and we are shown how and what they feel as their stories unfold.

From a technical standpoint, all the four stories have great amount of work involved. The character development is very good, the art and sound are just right. There are small and healthy doses of humor added which is enjoyable. The choice of actors for the roles is appropriate and each of them have played the roles perfectly.

From a deeper perspective, although it is intended to be for matured and highly educated audience who are possibly upper middle class and from high society, this film is hollow in that none of the stories narrated have a moral/lesson. They are worth watching once but not that worthy to come back for more. I was sitting pondering how each story was connected, was there a hidden secret, a deep rooted meaning or an easter egg for me to think about. Sadly (it may be only me), I couldn't find any. When one story ends, I felt I learned nothing from it except the third one with some really good storyline. Except for being good looking visual art pieces nothing is really conveyed that the audience can go back to.

Maybe it was intended for that. A good coffee movie about relationships for women and matured audiences can watch once and go about their lives again. Maybe they were designed such that we could find a character which we could identify with and see our feelings through them. Or just like reading a book of short relationship stories. I don't know.

Koffee with Karan (2004– )

Naughty Karan Johar takes out everything from the guest of the show.

[4/10 · 27 September 2018]

Karan Johar made his television debut with Koffee with Karan in November 2004. With Karan at the helm, his colleagues let down their guard on the show. The talk show, with its notorious rapid fire round, has often led to controveries. It was on the show last year that Kangana Ranaut called KJo the flagbearer of nepotism. The episode brought to limelight the N-word. Also Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor ganging up against Ranbir Kapoor also created a furor, while Kareena Kapoor unintentionally (or not) confirmed cousin Ranbir and Katrina Kaif's relationship on Koffee with Karan. When director Karan Johar took up the challenge to host Koffee With Karan in 2004, the idea was to push the envelope in the celebrity chat space and create something 'candid, conversational and tad controversial.' 12 years, five seasons and 100 episodes later, one can safely say the show has achieved its targets quite memorably. K Jo's naughty natter not only convinced Bollywood's A-listers to reveal their playful side as they got comfortable, competitive and catty on its coveted couch in a bid to win hampers and goody bags but also to appear in exciting, exclusive combos. With lot of equations having changed since last year, it would definitely be exciting to see who finally ends up on the couch with Karan.

Sanju (2018)

A consistently engaging film that makes its way to your heart even though the head frequently resists.

[8/10 · 26 September 2018]

To expect objectivity in a biography that's been commissioned by its very subject is like ordering vegetable biryani and complaining that you can't find any meat in it. Sanjay Dutt's fascinating life story makes for a compelling, emotional film, but Sanju, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, doesn't shy away from the fact that it's a one-sided, practically first-person defense of the actor's many transgressions. And boy, does it work hard to make you question that 'khalnayak' image!

Ranbir Kapoor practically disappears into the character of Sanjay Dutt, and it's an especially commendable achievement given that the actor is pitch-perfect playing Dutt at different points in his life - as a fresh-faced twenty-one-year-old learning to fake romance for the camera, as the poor-little-rich-boy whose descent into drug addiction is swift and heartbreaking, as the misguided movie star whose bad decisions cost him his freedom, and as the ageing family man desperate to tell his side of what he insists is a compromised story. The actor's transformation is not just physical, although make-up, hair, and costume departments deserve praise for their extraordinary work in creating an eerie resemblance. Ranbir does much more than mimicking Dutt's distinct droop, his walk, and his famed hangdog expression. He practically nails Dutt's voice and his laugh, and somehow conveys the essence of the troubled star. The acting is terrific, especially among the central players, with Vicky Kaushal delivering a winning turn as Sanjay Dutt's best friend and longtime ally, Manisha Koirala beautifully channeling the fragility and the spunk of an ailing Nargis Dutt, and Paresh Rawal whose portrayal of Sanjay's long-suffering father Sunil Dutt feels authentic although the resemblance isn't entirely convincing. In smaller roles, Dia Mirza and Sonam Kapoor hit the right notes as Sanjay Dutt's partners, present and past, but Anushka Sharma sticks out with strange hair and stranger accent as the biographer entrusted with telling his story. In trademark Hirani fashion, the film is both moving and humorous, often times in the same scenes. The script, by Hirani and Abhijat Joshi, is clever, and packed with terrific moments that leave a lasting impact. What's a little troubling, however, are the excuses made for Dutt's failures and misdeeds. Sure he's alternately portrayed as selfish, insensitive, self-destructive, and entitled at various points in the film, but it's all part of a larger narrative in which Dutt is always the victim. The villains are plenty, including a shrewd drug dealer (Jim Sarbh), a father whose high standards he cannot meet, the fear of life threats on his family that made him acquire the deadly AK-56 rifles that did him in, and an especially biased, irresponsible media that is blamed for the majority of his legal woes. In a film by a less skilled director, there's a good chance these 'liberties' might have derailed the narrative completely. But Hirani whips up a cocktail of emotion, melodrama, and humor so astutely you're swept up despite the manipulation. The scenes that stand out are ones that suggest Dutt's fraught relationship with his father, his friendship with Vicky Kaushal's character, a New York Gujarati that he meets while his mother is being treated for cancer, and difficult portions depicting his own drug addiction and subsequent rehabilitation. A scene, roughly an hour into the film, in which Sunil Dutt plays his son an audio message from his mother, is performed so exceptionally by both actors, good luck trying to hold back your tears. But the laughs come plenty too. A scene in which a young Sanjay Dutt shows up late into the night at the home of his girlfriend (Sonam Kapoor) is this film's version of the polarizing balatkaar speech from 3 Idiots, although this one is probably funnier. By very definition, a biography or a biopic is an account of another person's life. In Sanju, the filmmakers choose to side with their subject, telling his story from his point of view, humanizing the controversial star, letting him off a tad lightly. Shrewd writing, and Ranbir Kapoor's extraordinary performance makes it hard not to empathize with the protagonist. So is he a bechara or a bad-boy? I'll let you decide for yourself. I'm going with three-and-a-half out of five for Sanju. It's a consistently engaging film that makes its way to your heart even though the head frequently resists.

Malgudi Days (1986–2006)

The most memorable TV serial which feels real in reel and real life.

[6/10 · 26 September 2018]

This is probably the best TV serial of all times. The Title song is just wonderful. It is so nostalgic that it reminds me of those lovely days of the 80's when I was in junior school, and it also reminds me of my beautiful hometown and friends. We used to sit and watch these marvels from Doordarshan in Black & White television sets after finishing our studies and homework. Life was so simple those days, and we enjoyed it to the fullest. Malgudi Days was interesting stories from rural India. Simply Evergreen! I watch it again and again, even my ringtone once was the title song of the series, there is so much one can learn from this serial. I am a big fan of this serial and Sir RK narayan and it's a work of one of the finest director of his time shaker nag. my frvt episode is of a grand mom who is in every picture of every home in malgudi episode 40 and; one in which a English man gives so much of rupees to a shepherd as he thinks he is the owner of the sculpture he wants to buy and ends his poverty episode 41 ; also the road roller one and one with postmaster making mud toys, when I was a child I all wanted to visit this town once when I grow up. But now the series makes me happy. The most memorable serial ever made for Doordarshan. Thirty years later, its innocence still touches a chord. Unforgettable performances by a brilliant set of actors from South India. Boy, do I miss Shankar Nag. Why did he have to be snatched away from us, so soon? Indian TV & Cinema lost a brilliant actor and director. And, what a brilliant performance by the child artist Manjunath, who amazingly chose to quit the limelight and go into a completely different field. I can watch this serial again and again and again ... no other serial even comes closes to this!

Dhadak (2018)

Heart of the original lost in the remake

[3/10 · 25 September 2018]

In 2016, Nagraj Manjule shook the country up with his depiction of the brutality of caste apartheid in Sairat. The film struck a chord with the audience for its hard-hitting realism, naturalistic performances and departure from clichés. Despite being a commercial film in every sense of the term, Sairat was a discomfiting commentary on the caste system, a territory in which few mainstream films dare to venture. Shashank Khaitan's Dhadak is none of the above. What you get, instead, is a blunted tale that leaves no impact. Madhukar Bagla (Ishaan Khatter) is smitten with Parthavi Singh (Janhvi Kapoor), the daughter of a local politician. Much to his father's disapproval, he follows her around. She belongs to an "oonchi jaat", we are told. This revelation is overshadowed by the glamour of Dhadak. If Parshya (in Sairat) lived in a shanty on the outskirts of the village, Madhukar's family owns an "exotic view cafe" in Udaipur. Ishaan wears Flying Machine shirts, Janhvi wears exquisite (Manish Malhotra) lehengas while playing Holi. Love blossoms between the two a little too quickly, but all hell breaks loose when Parthavi's family discovers their liaison. Madhukar and Parthavi are forced to elope, and reach his uncle's house in Nagpur. The uncle has a friend who owns a hostel in Kolkata, and packs them off to the City Of Joy. The rent for two months is taken care of. Unlike Parshya and Archie, there is little grit and grime in Madhukar and Parthavi's struggle. Director Shashank Khaitan, who is also the writer of Dhadak, has emphasised on several occasions that the film is not a copy of Sairat. In his reimagination of Sairat, the filmmaker seems to have missed the point entirely. Dhadak is pretty and glamorous but lacks the soul of Sairat. Janhvi Kapoor tries hard to impress in her debut film, but the shoes are too large to fill. While she gets the spunk on point, she switches her accent on and off in the more dramatic portions. Ishaan sinks his teeth into the character of the wide-eyed Madhukar, and manages to distract the viewers from the film's many flaws. Their romance, however, is half-baked. Ashutosh Rana is over the top as Ratan Singh, coming off as almost caricaturish at times. Kharaj Mukherjee stands out as the good-hearted Bengali landlord. If Sairat made a place for itself in the hearts of the audience, its music also received a great deal of love. In Dhadak, as well, the music stands out. The catchy Zingaat finds a place in the film, but the choreographed moves do not strike a chord as much as the spontaneousness of the original. With everything so glossed up, the climax does not hit you as hard as the original, even though it is literally delivered with a thud. If you are satisfied with a pale, insipid version of Sairat, go watch Dhadak With a focus on making the story cinematic, Dhadak loses its heart, wrath and social urgency

Satyamev Jayate (2012–2014)

Aamir Khan strikes the right chord with Satyamev Jayate and stirs souls.

[8/10 · 25 September 2018]

The show focuses on sensitive social issues prevalent in India such as female foeticide, child sexual abuse, rape, honour killings, domestic violence, untouchability, alcoholism, and the criminalization of politics. It aims to bring the great achievements of people which often go unnoticed in order to encourage the audience to achieve their goals no matter what comes in between. It also aims to empower citizens with information about their country, and urge them to take action. The show is about meeting the common man of India, connecting with India and its people. Through this show we understand the problem of the people, we are not here to make a change. I am no one to change anything. I don't think I am in the position to change anything else. I feel understanding a problem and feeling it or holding one's hand or hugging is also important. I may not have the solution, but at least I can hear and understand. The format is quite crisp. Talking about the emotional connect, there are moments when your eyes well up with tears, but the various segments ensure there's more content than emotional drama. It would be unfair to compare Aamir with his colleagues such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan by rating his hosting skills, simply because the show's theme is so hard-hitting that we forget about the person who's talking about it. We instead think about the sufferings of the real people. Have you ever really felt what it feels like when a strong current of emotions gushes down your veins and creates a lump in your throat and leaves your eyes moist! Have you ever been able to look beyond what your eyes show? If not then follow 'Satyamev Jayate'. Aamir Khan has done it. The perfectionist has indeed proved why he is called so! The magnanimous personality has struck gold with his debut TV show 'Satyamev Jayate' that promises to unearth the human in you. The show is not about TRPs and a rat race that believes in slinging mud at rivals. It's a sincere effort that makes people hope and gives people the courage to stand up against the unsocial. As commoners share their real life dreadful experiences on the show, Aamir unravels their emotional trauma and uncovers truth that the society is unaware of or perhaps chooses to act ignorant. The opening episode showed agonized mothers from different walks of life braving all odds and sharing their experiences on national TV. Narrating what they underwent when they were carrying a female child and how they were duped to abort their babies. The show is an eye opener that will clear disillusioned minds that believed that female foeticide is predominately practiced by the so called "uneducated" class and in the rural region. And you will be stunned to realize how much it's untrue. As the show stepped into its next segment, Aamir connected with a group of unmarried men in Haryana through 3G link. On being asked by Aamir as to why they are still bachelors, they said there are hardly any women left. And one of the witty singleton almost in his mid thirties asked Aamir if Bollywood's most eligible bachelor Salman Khan could lead their team! The show grips you and leaves you dumfounded! You will be left asking for more and would wish the show never ends. 'Satyamev Jayate' played host to a couple of daring journalists, Meena Sharma and Shripal Shaktawat from Rajasthan who conducted sting operations at a number of clinics and hospitals across India that practiced the heinous act of murdering a female child in the mother's womb. Through the show, Aamir has helped in creating a public forum and has promised to write to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan to set up Fast track courts to settle the impending cases against the doctors caught red handed in the state. 'Satyamev Jayate' will make you unlearn all the wrong you have learnt and discover that compassionate human your soul wishes to be. So, if you want to awaken your conscience then follow Aamir, place your right hand on your heart and say 'Satyamev Jayate'.

Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013–2016)

Funny but not exciting

[3/10 · 21 September 2018]

Same old entertainment gossip with nothing new and still people laugh at it. When the show started first it was a new concept and so people welcomed it and enjoyed it with claps and laughter. But when everything remains same for longertime and same artist it becomes boring and people turn away. So new artist and new format is required to hold it's charm and craze.

Stree (2018)

Less scary and ok

[3/10 · 21 September 2018]

Stree"... O Stree Kal Aana ! Raj Nidimoru & DK weave a story around some superstitious folktale where it is men who are in danger if they roam alone in night in the sleepy town of Chanderi in MP.

A good job by director #amarkaushik on handling a new genre ..horror comedy ...the locale were real ..house , locality even many artist were local villagers ... however the story gets confusing at the end ...what was Sharadha Kapoor character (w/o name) actually trying to do ...guess we need to wait for Stree-2.

#rajkumarrao , the underrated actor, does a great job balancing romance and fear equally good were #pankajtripathi (the Ghost buster) and #aparshaktikhurana & #abhishekbanerjee as friends. They all share equal footage in the movie.

The track on misogyny and chauvinism which looked more pushed into to make movie preach about social cause was half cooked and very disappointing.

#sharadhhakapoor looked very confused in the movie and I won't blame her as story around her character was not well etched by writer-director keeping lady of the movie and audience baffle ..akhere ho kya raha hein ...

If you can take bit of Ramsay Brother horror and enjoy watching #rajkumarrao then go for it else give it a miss ....

#sachinjigar music was best to forget as post movie you won't have any recollection ....

Kaun Banega Crorepati? (2000– )

A knowledge based and entertaining show with an opportunity to become a millionaire.

[7/10 · 21 September 2018]

KBC(Kaun Banega Carorepati) was launched for the first time in July,2000. It is a show which provides healthy entertainment and also helps in enhancing knowledge. The show is full of life, enthusiasm,thrill,hope and fun , bringing everyday with it new stories of people of different sect,caste,age, states or profession . Many people are interested to be successful to reach a the 'Hot Seat' and be infront of Super Hero of Millenium Amitabh Bacchan (Big B) and for which they are trying their best day and night . This show gives the audience a great deal of knowledge in every sphere, The questions are simple sometimes and mindboggling after reaching a particular level. The conduct of the show by the Super Star Amitabh Bhachan is simply superb. KBC.. well a great platform for a common man who has bunch of knowledge!! especially it helps financially which is much needed to common man! This season came after a long break! The main thing of this program is that the participants, participating in the program, should give answers within no time in order to get hot seat. Secondly in this program questions on every topic are asked and Amitabh Bachchan creates a suspense when the person sitting on the hot seat gives the correct reply. Over all this is a very nice program from every corner. This time KBC play along had made easy for home viewers and they can win Big prizes from home. No one can Beat KBC and Amitabh Bachan how hard they try to copy it.