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Reviews
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024)
Didn't Disappoint
Honestly? I loved it. I've been waiting for this show ever since it was announced. And when released the reviews made me hesitate, but I listened to my heart and watched it nonetheless. And I can't understand the people giving reviews. This is a masterpiece! I know people are criticizing SLB for highlighting the tawaif culture and red light districts but this was the reality of women and we should be grateful that various aspects of India's history are being explored and presented to the world. The opulence, the extravagance, the costumes and the poetic dialogues, Bhansali never fails to serve. I loved how each character had their own demons to fight and stories to tell. Alam's actor choice is the only one I was not happy with. Her acting is flat, I couldn't figure out when she's laughing or crying. She was not really able to capture the innocence or the deep romantic display that was demanded from the her character. Other than that the casting was on point. Manisha was the star of the show. Queen in all senses. You can't focus on a single character when she's on the screen. And leading from behind is Sonakshi. I never knew she could act so well. Or maybe SLB brought out the best in her. But God she slayed?! Absolutely enjoyed the beef between Malikajan and Fareedan. Didn't like how things were wrapped abruptly though and given a patriotic context. Not everything needs it, or maybe not everytime it needs to be shown in the same way. People might not agree with me, but I felt that the patriotic angle was forced. Would love to see a season 2, with post independence heeramandi! And more focus on Malikajan and Fareedan pls!
Jawaan (2017)
Slick and Stylish
This is a perfect example of what an entertainer should be! It contains all the necessary elements: comedy, a touch of romance, intelligently directed action, emotions, and, most importantly, an impactful story that conveys a message against corruption. Shah Rukh Khan shines brilliantly as an action hero in the film; his charisma is such that you can't take your eyes off him whenever he's on the screen. However, the rest of the cast's performance is somewhat mediocre. I really liked the actors who played the members in SRK's anti-corruption squad. Deepika's 15 minute cameo was far better than Nayanthara's entire presence in the movie. No wonder she's known as the queen. I felt that the focus on action and SRK's back story was slightly more in the second half. I would have loved to see him and his squad execute more of the well-planned strategies they showcased in the first half. One aspect I didn't appreciate about the movie was the inclusion of unnecessary and illogically placed songs that seemed to pop out of nowhere. Moreover, these songs weren't even of the quality that one typically expects from spontaneous Bollywood musical numbers. Overall, it's a must watch. Maybe there's no point in reviewing this, as the crowd will flock to the cinemas no matter what to witness SRK's magic on the big screen.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)
A Beautiful Callout
One thing I need to give KJO credit for: whatever he makes it is absolutely cinematic and meticulous. This movie was a beautiful depiction of different families: one being a family drowning in patriarchy and orthodox mindsets even though the head of the family is a woman and the other being the epitome of an understanding, modern and loving family. Though I didn't really like the forced chemistry between Rocky and Rani, I love how their love helped them and the audience bring about a change in perspectives and deep rooted mindsets. Rocky's character stood out the most to me,thanks to Ranveer's brilliant acting and dialogue delivery. From Jaya Bachhan's stern role to Shabana Azmi's soulful portrayal of a woman searching for love all her life and from Alia's father showcasing the pain of following his passion despite the society making fun of him to Ranveer's mother who abandoned her passion to dedicate her life to her husband and family, everyone has done a great job. I felt Alia's performance to be a bit lackluster, though I really love her Sari look in this movie. This movie delivers everything, from amazing songs, comedy, emotions, cinematic experiences and most importantly a message to the society to wake up from its patriarchal practices. The cherry on top is the song Kudmai. It's just so beautiful when you see two families being purely happy upon the union of these lovebirds and heartiously accepting them.
Jaebeoljib Maknaeadeul (2022)
A Roller Coaster Ride: Quite Literally
I was completely engrossed in the story of Yoon Hyun Woo, also known as Jin Do Joon, and his relentless pursuit of revenge against the Jin family. His tale follows the journey of a dedicated employee who was wronged and unjustly killed, only to be reborn as the youngest grandson of Jin Yang Chul, the founder of the Soonyang Empire. Jin Do Jun grabs the opportunity and lays out a brilliant trap for the family members and plans his takeover of the company. The plot is tightly woven, keeping you hooked throughout. It also sheds light on the abuse of power and wealth by individuals in positions of influence, with little regard for the consequences on ordinary people. Jin Yang Chul's character stands out as the most intriguing harabuji (grandfather) I've encountered in any Korean drama. Jin Do Joon's unique bond with his grandpa is a true delight to witness, defined not by overt affection but through their strategic and tactical exchanges. I would've loved to see more of Seo Min Young's and Jin Do Jun's chemistry. All in all, if you don't try to wrap your head around the why's and how's of Hyun Woo's reincarnation and focus on how he makes use of his knowledge and intelligence to take revenge, you are in for a great treat.
**!! Spoiler Alert !!**
Though it's undeniably satisfying how Jin Do Jun makes use of his knowledge of what is about to happen in the future to plan traps for the family members, it sometimes diminishes his intelligence and abilities, making it appear as if luck played a larger role. I would have loved to watch him being put in circumstances where he can make more use of his business acumen and crisis management skills. For example, whenever a board meeting to appoint him as CEO took place he just sat there and watched as the others dragged him down.
AND THE ENDING. Though it makes sense for Kdrama writers to introduce plot twists and interesting endings that are justified even though the audience is not satisfied, I still FEEL SO FRUSTRATED. The show seemed to revolve around Jin Do Joon's journey of redemption rather than his quest for revenge. I was expecting Jin Do Jun to recover from the accident in the last episode but boom he actually recovers from a CLOSE SHOT WOUND IN HIS HEAD AND A FALL INTO A WATER BODY FROM A GREAT HEIGHT. Whatever he did in those 17 years to get revenge on the family is all put to waste, and the family doesn't even get what they deserve till 20 years. And it would've been great to have at least let the main leads get a happy ending to their love story. Furthermore, it would have been gratifying to see the main leads, Hyun Woo and Seo Min Young, achieve a happy ending to their love story, given that they were about to get married. The constant loss and thwarted aspirations felt like an endless cycle of punishment for Hyun Woo.
Also I would have loved to see Jin Do Jun reaching out to his original family and original self in more direct ways and helping them out, rather than the indirect plans he tries. He's RICH now, he could've easily helped them.
And the most important thing. The biggest elephant in the room. How can they get away with looking exactly the same? Like these people have a manager who looks exactly like their relative and no one cares to acknowledge that fact, not even Seo Min Young. I wonder if this is an intentional plot hole or the writers just decided to leave us wondering what the reason might be.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Life Needs a Pause Button From Time to Time
This movie is truly exceptional; it possesses a poetic quality that serves as a reminder of many important aspects of life. It encourages us to slow down, savor the moment, refrain from making hasty decisions, and emphasize our presence for our families. As someone deeply passionate about travel, this film was a delightful treat for me. It chronicles the journey of three friends embarking on an adventure in Spain, driven solely by their desire to relish life and explore new experiences.
While it may not be a practical endeavor for the average Indian to embark on a road trip to Europe, we all need to pause occasionally and find moments of tranquility, peace, and enjoyment with our loved ones. Sometimes, these experiences have the power to alter our perspective on life, and the answers we seek in our daily routines might reveal themselves. The issues that weigh us down in our monotonous lives often recede when we make the conscious choice to pause and reflect. This is what this beautiful movie is all about. Makes me want to kidnap my friends and take them on a trip to Goa :D.
Made in Heaven (2019)
A Gem Among Indian Shows
It's a testament to the sheer brilliance of the writers and creators that they've skillfully woven various aspects of Indian society into the plot. They convey their message with subtlety and dramatic beauty. This show paints a vivid picture of the diverse tapestry of Indian society, encompassing individuals from different religions, castes, classes, and sexual orientations. It masterfully blends emotions, decisions, mistakes, and compromises.
The casting is truly exceptional! Sobhita Dhulipala's portrayal of Tara is not only stunning but also marked by thoroughly convincing acting. Her ability to convey emotions with subtlety and a unique style is commendable. Additionally, I've come to appreciate the remarkable talent of Arjun Mathur through his captivating character. Even though Jim and Kalki have only about 5-10 minutes of screen time, they are an absolute delight to watch. Shashank's poetic narration at the end of each episode adds a sense of tranquility and wonder to the viewing experience.
Each episode unveils a unique story, with the lives of the main characters unfolding in the background, creating an engrossing narrative. I devoured both seasons in just two days, which is quite unusual for someone like me, who typically savors content at a more leisurely pace. I wholeheartedly recommend this cinematic masterpiece to everyone.
Vincenzo (2021)
Utter Perfection
Where do I even begin? I'm extremely selective when it comes to the content I watch, as I prefer stories that are truly unique and captivating. This Kdrama is a complete package, offering a blend of humor, emotions, thrill, a compelling storyline, and well-crafted character arcs. Song Joong Ki's portrayal of Vincenzo is truly commendable; your eyes are glued to him whenever he appears on screen, thanks to his remarkable performance. Even though your conscience might lead you to question his methods at times, you'll come to realize that he employs them exclusively on individuals who've committed wrongdoing. You'll find yourself hoping that these individuals receive the retribution they deserve, no matter how severe. That's another captivating aspect of the drama; the actors in the antagonistic roles have executed their parts so effectively that you can't help but despise them.
The array of characters in this Kdrama is noteworthy, and it's beautiful how each one of them plays a significant role in the plot. The residents of Geumga Plaza are absolutely delightful and endearing. Hong Cha Young's character is particularly noteworthy, and Jeon Yeo Been was the ideal choice for this role. What I admired most was how the chemistry between her and Vincenzo is portrayed as understanding and supportive, without the over-the-top romanticism often seen in other Kdramas. Their chemistry is present, yet it remains subtle and honest, which adds a delightful sweetness to their relationship.
It's worth noting that the episodes can feel slightly lengthy due to the abundance of content to digest, so I recommend not binge-watching it in one sitting if you want to avoid overwhelming your senses. However, it's difficult to find any flaws in this Kdrama; it's nearly flawless and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone on this planet.