anisen-undefined Reviews

Laal Singh Chaddha (2022)

A simpleton who makes us root for him!

[9/10 · 9 October 2022]

'Laal Singh Chaddha' (2022) is not just a film, but it's an experience of a lifetime. There have been handsome and robust movie adaptations in the past, and there will be again, but this one stands tall in terms of the sheer audacity in adapting a somewhat sacrosanct Hollywood classic, a movie legend of sorts ('Forrest Gump'), the way it has successfully transcreated that narrative in the Indian milieu is what makes it worth raving about. The thoroughly Indian ethos that the film and its characters are rooted in makes it connect with all of us, unless our desi sentiments and emotional standing is skewed and corrupted. The broad message that is passed on, that we experience and evolve more when we choose innocence and simplicity, taking life as it comes, eschewing narrow personal ambitions, touches our hearts. Life comes a full circle for most of us, like it did for Laal (Aamir Khan). But we can hardly love like him, or live like him, can we? Yet, Laal Singh Chaddha is the simpleton who makes us root for him.

The film impacts us deeply, it makes us ponder about life in general and even challenges commonly held notions regarding happiness or success. Hats off to Atul Kulkarni (who has adapted Eric Roth's original screenplay), to Advait Chandan (who withstood the hazards of filming), to Pritam and Amitabh Bhattacharya (for creating the beautiful songs for the film that embellish the rich soundscape, and are destined to resonate in our ears and hearts for ages), and to the entire cast and crew - including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Mona Singh, Akkineni Naga Chaitanya and, above all, Aamir Khan (it was Aamir's passion project which he pursued to actualize for several years, and his endeavors has reaped the brilliant results on screen). 'Laal Singh Chaddha' is undoubtedly the best mainstream Hindi (Bollywood, in popular parlance) film of the year.

Jalsa (2022)

An eye-opener of a movie

[8/10 · 19 March 2022]

The best thing about watching 'Jalsa', (last night, on Amazon Prime), for me, was how hooked and intrigued I was from the very first scene, having had absolutely no idea where the film would be heading. I had not read anything about it, nor watched any trailer or even teaser; just the presence of Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah was enough for me to click on the 'play' button. Despite some plausibility issues (which become all the more glaring in the latter half), 'Jalsa' is a brilliant film, the subtleties in the screenplay and the riveting performances make it a must-watch for OTT viewers. By the way, while watching film, the immediate comparison I had in my mind was with 'The White Tiger' - seen last year (one of my top ten favorites of 2021), and it can be safely said that 'Jalsa' is almost as good.

The Dig (2021)

First-rate performances and a gem of a film

[8/10 · 30 January 2021]

Honestly, I landed on the film last night, browsing titles on Netflix, because of Lily James - having known nothing else about the film from before (I usually skip trailers these days), but that she was in the cast was a huge draw for me - and found immense pleasure in this gem of a film. From Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes to Ben Chaplin and Archie Barnes, the performances are all first-rate. The real-life story is told with great finesse, and filmed earnestly with a keen eye for production details. I have to say, even some of the lesser moments from the film shall stay with me for long, its appeal is that strong.

Little Forest (2018)

One of the most beautiful films

[8/10 · 21 July 2020]

'Little Forest' (2018) was recommended by a film-buff friend just a few days back. Let me first say, I've been watching too many Korean films this year and have become addicted to them (consuming all kinds with relish - from 'Parasite' and 'Burning' to 'The Wailing' and 'Grass') and I searched for the synopsis/summary first. As I began watching thereafter, I realized that the so-called synopsis/summary did not do justice to its brilliance. 'Little Forest' is one of the best and one of the most beautiful films I have seen this year. So, without reading much about the film or its plot, just delve into it. It's worth experiencing. Especially in these trying times, as people all over the world have been struggling, this is a film that heals.

Thappad (2020)

Resounding slap, resounding success

[9/10 · 28 February 2020]

'Thappad' (Slap, in literal translation) is even better than I expected it to be. Director Anubhav Sinha is known, of late, for his issue-based films (some would call them agenda films, and these so-called agenda films are being helmed by several of our Bollywood directors, of course with varying degrees of success) and this one is no exception, but excuse me for saying it out loud: 'Thappad' is his very best (yes, it's even better than his own 'Mulk' or 'Article 15'). The nuanced writing, the sensitive and balanced treatment, and the superlative performances of all the members of the cast make it one of the best films of the year, and of recent times; it is going to be talked about for a long time (it has that topical a subject), and far and wide.

The Zoya Factor (2019)

A book that deserved a better film version

[6/10 · 20 September 2019]

Anuja Chauhan's book deserved a better screen adaptation, the screenplay deserved to have all the spunk and sizzle, but, alas, it was not meant to be! The treatment is uneven and scattered, it seems there have been too many compromises made while filming (for whatever reasons). Dulquer Salmaan is the best thing about the film and 'The Zoya Factor' can still be enjoyed as a film just for him.

Eastpak (2017)

Racial tension under the scanner

[7/10 · 26 February 2019]

A brilliant short film that puts racial tension under the scanner, 'Eastpak' packs in punches that hit hard, the brilliance lying in the details and subtleties, in conversations, depicting a realistic multi-cultural social setting. It's taut as well as touching.

Tarim le Brave contre les mille et un effets (2015)

Tarim the brave ...against the 1001 special effects

[8/10 · 23 August 2018]

It's too funny. It works as a spoof as well as a tribute to a certain genre of films that has been the favorite of audiences all over the world.

La femme et le TGV (2016)

The Railroad Lady

[7/10 · 6 August 2018]

It is such a delight of a film! Only the French can make such heart-warming odd romances. I'd say it's one of the best Live Action Shorts, in the romantic genre, that I have seen.