MOVIE REVIEW: AIRLIFT

MOVIE REVIEW: AIRLIFT

Since the trailer for this movie was out, I had made up my mind to go watch it as close to the release as possible. & watching this movie has been a correct decision.

Airlift is a movie which has everything- a perfect story (based on a real incident), great direction, perfect acting and the adrenaline rush. It proves to be a complete power packed package which not only entertains you for two and a half hours, but also gets you involved in it, by the end of which you are beaming with joy and some patriotism.

On August 2nd 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and the Iraqi army took over the city within a few hours. The Kuwaiti royal family managed to escape, leaving the state rudderless. The people were subjugated and made to suffer at the hands of the Iraqi army. During that period, Kuwait was also home to almost 1,70,000 Indians, who had nowhere to go. Airlift is a story that covers this incident, and how two of the most powerful Indian men – Sunny Matthew and Vedi (both played under a common head by Akshay Kumar), great business tycoons residing at Kuwait helped these Indians to return back safely to their home country; with the aid of Air India that flew roughly around 488 flights for the evacuation of these stranded Indians.

Akshay Kumar as Ranjit Katyal is just perfect. Undoubtedly one of his finest, delivering a very controlled performance. The change of his nature over the period right up to his body language is obvious and acted perfectly in line. Nimrat Kaur is also excellent, playing her part with ease and never overdoing a bit. The pair definitely makes it seem real. The supporting cast gives Akshay and the film the perfect support. Every actor is cast impeccably and plays his part with ease.

What also works for Airlift is the way it is closely kept tied to the reality, nowhere bringing in the Bollywood necessaries (almost). The predominant concern is to tell a gripping never-told story and that works perfectly well. The songs and music are mostly restricted to the background. The moment where the song "Tu bhula jise" plays in the background, when the Indian flag is hoisted – it definitely makes every Indian swell with pride and love for India.

The only negative for the movie is, the actual Airlift operation- which also finds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest and most successful evacuation attempted by any country in the world, is shown only at the very end of the movie (which could have been extended or brought in a bit earlier).

All in all, a definite must watch. It gives you everything- good direction, no-nonsense script, great acting by the lead and a gripping untold story that will make you proud of your country. 

A prefect watch for the Republic Day!

(Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwyb7fT65Ac )

MOVIE REVIEW: PHANTOM

REVIEW: PHANTOM

I just watched Phantom today. I am an ardent Bollywood fan- all genres & I usually (at least 90% of the times) love the movies. However, I really disliked this one.

Now first let me put across that there are two kind of thought processes in Indians. Categorizing them very simply, one who are of the view as portrayed in the story-line & the other like me. I am, for the obvious reasons, excluding the oblivious-to-anything category here.

The story is attached to the 26/11 terror attacks. Now when I say 26/11 attacks, we all relate to it.  We know how terrible it was, how disastrous its impact was & how much far- etched effect it has on our minds & souls.

However, when you are connecting such a sensitive issue to a movie, it ought to strike a cord with you- which the movie clearly did not. Might be because, like I said, its not my thought process so I cannot personally digest it.

Shortening the story to the least, it is about how a RAW agent gets really worked up about how India does nothing with the terrorists (hiding in) Pakistan & how all we do is stop playing cricket with them. Which is in one way partially true, but lets not get into that. So this RAW agent does a masterstroke & the RAW assigns a man- Saif Ali Khan (who needs to really go back to the acting school), to go to Pakistan & kill the Lashkar-e-Taiba people who had planned the 26/11. So he sets out on the mission & goes on killing each such person, one by one, with acute planning & precise timings. In comes Katrina Kaif (who also needs to learn acting, but looks quite beautiful) who helps Saif & joins in into his "mission".

& the story goes on to... OK let’s skip it!

Technically, Phantom is a well accomplished film– all the military stuff is legit, the shootouts carry weight. There are a couple of applause-worthy lines thrown in in-between instances, but they fade away into the bleak sluggish story-line. While technically good, the film completely terminates logic! Oh, and also Acting! And also, connecting with the audience!

Honestly, I don't care how the movie was. What I care about is the concept. I know there are people out there who would justify the movie- who feel Indians should barge into Pakistan & kill all the masterminds plotting the terror attacks. I am an India too & I would also personally feel the same- kill every such mastermind. But I would also feel that before doing so, when you get hold of a terrorist like Kasab- & you hold him down with evidence, the Judiciary need not wait along following the principles of natural justice.

I also would like to state that before you plan about barging into Pakistan & killing terrorists or the masterminds or whoever the hell, first make your own country at least 95% efficient. I mean, it shouldn't be that easy to get into India, right? When we know our country is a soft target to terror attacks, shouldn't we first make it stronger on the defence front, make it sensible enough to handle such terrorism cases, & then talk about going into a foreign countries & killing the masterminds.

Of course, many people wouldn't accept my view & that's completely fine. Everybody is entitled to their opinion when it comes to our country. Patriotism for everyone spells differently.

Also, through the entire movie the Indians also did lose good people- their own or the Pakistani people. Doesn't that itself show that violence, when involving a greater lot of masses, always spells disaster?

But again like I said, patriotism for everybody is different. There are people who justify it & there are people who don't.

I, also, nowhere feel the masterminds should roam around freely & I also feel that they should (rather must) be killed. However, I would prefer my country making itself more stronger & more secure- a bit more efficient- before it thinks of something like this.

Apparently, an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. 

Story- 2/5

Acting- 1/5

Dialogues- 2/5

Presentation- 2/5

Connects with you? - Not at all.

MOVIE REVIEW: DRISHYAM

REVIEW: DRISHYAM

Drishyam is remake of the Malayalam film by the same name. The same film was then made in Kannada as Drishya, in Telugu as Drushyam and recently in Tamil as well titled Papanasam.

I must state we are lucky enough to have the film in Hindi now, belonging proudly to the Bollywood trail.

The movie has a fantastic plot with well coated layers of suspense and intimidation. Like one of the newspapers quotes, it is a plot which piques our curiosity. It is just that. It has simplicity, but the plot is so well laid down that it does not feel like those “typical filmy” strategy.

Ajay Devgn plays Vijay Salgaonkar, a normal average family man; living with his wife and two daughters, watching movies all the time and being the quintessential family man. Ajay Devgn is just brilliant in the role. Not once can you identify any traces of the Star Ajay Devgn or the famous Singham character-alike in his role as Vijay. A 4^th Fail common middle-class man, fighting for his family- the blankness in his eyes- played way beyond perfection. Shriya Saran is however very unconvincing as Vijay’s wife and I must say that the girls (Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav) played their roles far better than her.

Tabu plays the Inspector General, who is supposed to be hardass and strong, stiff and hard with the criminals putting them in their place, however she lacks that strength in the later part of the movie. By the end, she is just torn between being the IG and a mother. However, still played fairly well!

The story unfolds at a steady pace and while there are no huge twists and turns, the plot is so exhilarating that you are on the edge of your seats throughout, waiting for the mystery to unfold.

This is one film where I was left confused- of course, you feel what Vijay did was just right and you are with him in every single instance through the movie- praying for him. However, you cannot really put a finger anywhere. The punch line of the movie- is totally apt- “How far can a man go to protect his family?”

All in all, a great movie with a strong story line, well laid plot and great acting by the central characters- not to mention the many touching scenes throughout.  Drishyam is a must watch.

Though this review comes up too late, it’s still not late to grab your tickets and go watch this movie over the Weekend!

MOVIE REVIEW: BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN

REVIEW: BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN

I heard a lot of hype around this movie & I must say that it stood up to every bit of it. I personally loved the movie and it is truly one of Salman Khan's best movie in the recent years.

The story line is pretty simple & the plot revolves around a good (and innocent) man trying his best to leave a kid back her home, who is apparently a Pakistani. But the simplicity & grace with which it tackles a very sensitive issue is commendable. Nowhere does the movie derail from its track & nowhere do you feel that a certain part wasn't required.

It is truly a great movie with a simple concept put in with the best story line, perfect characters and some sweet love.

It has certain perfect funny punches which have been inserted so very accurately, and the actors play the part just too well! 

The actors have played their parts really well. Salman is just perfect as the Bajrangi Bhaijaan-he fits in just as perfectly as the butter on a bread. The little cute girl Harshali Malhotra has acted exceptionally brilliant and is way too cute and adorable- way to go girl! Nawazuddin Suddaqui is at his comic best.

There are a few instances though that have been exaggerated a bit, or could say that they have been portrayed in a larger-than-life manner. But one can digest it provided the fact that it is a Bollywood movie. Though a bit unrealistic in a few parts, it all somehow adds up to the movie in its own nice sweet way.

So we have here a film that is simply so sweet & innocent- it warms your heart & has you smiling & weeping for all the joys of it.

Jai Shri Ram!

Story- 5/5

Acting- 5/5

Dialogues- 4/5

Presentation- 4.5/5

Connects with you? - Yes! Totally!

Review- Bombay Velvet

Review- Bombay Velvet

Bombay Velvet has been one of the most awaited films of 2015. & it does stand up to the mark- in bits.

The movie revolves around the age the 50’s & 60’s Bombay, & the producers have captured it fantastically. You can actually feel the 60’s aura getting onto you with the makeups, the lighting & the perfectly set up locations. A lot of diligence has been taken while recreating the sets of the old Bombay.

The movie starts with a slow pace, but manages to gather momentum after a few minutes, once the characters get into their skins & the actual story starts off (honestly, only after Karan Johar’s entry!).

It doesn’t keep you on the edge of your seat, but it manages to captivate you with the brilliant performances, the perfect setting of Bombay & the rhythmic steady pace that the movie moves ahead with.

The story revolves around an ordinary man whose only dream in life is to be a big shot, & impress the lady of his life, whom he loves beyond limits. He goes beyond all odds & forges his destiny to become a “Big Shot”. 

It is a well knit story, with a perfect setting & evident efforts on part of the cast & crew. The detailing (of the era) is very efficient & to the point of perfection. The setting of the club "Bombay Velvet" is lovely & mesmerizing!

The only drawback of the movie is- it is a bit too slow paced. The action sequences could have been a bit better.  

The romance between Johnny & Rosie is something distinct- & you end up loving their chemistry!

Ranbir Kapoor has acted well; he plays the role of Johnny Balraj perfectly. He captures the feelings of “Balraj” completely- the desire of Balraj to become a “Big Shot” is evident from the first scene & Ranbir Kapoor leaves no stone unturned for you to doubt his potential. We have the Brilliant Kapoor here, who keeps you engrossed in the movie & instills life into the otherwise slow paced movie. Johnny’s desire to be a “Big Shot”, his loyalty towards his best friend, & his undying true love towards his Rosie makes you adore Johnny. He is truly the backbone of the Movie.

However, the best acting award here would definitely go to Karan Johar- the man who oozes perfection to Khambatta. Exceptional acting by Karan here! I wouldn’t be surprised if he receives all Debut-Villain awards this year- he is that perfect. I must say, Karan has left us all speechless with Khambatta- the acting is so efficient that you momentarily forget that this is the same Karan Johar who is always bubbly, chatty & funny, who is always at the other end of the movies. Brilliant acting by Karan! Khambatta wouldn’t have been this great had it not been Karan.

Anushka doesn’t really have a great role; all she does is look pretty, dress up & act to sing.

Satyadeep Misra, who plays the role of Chimman- Balraj’s best friend-, is terrific. He definitely receives a massive applause for his brilliant performance.

The movie overall is good. Though I am aware it has received a lot of criticism, however, the movie isn’t really that bad.

All in all, definitely a onetime watch! If you are ready to ignore the minor fiascos in there, it is a simple story of a man who goes on to achieve his dream, loves undying-ly, & tries to find his standing in the web of villains.

Johnny Balraj is a man of brain, wits & emotions, & you will definitely love his character by the end of the movie.

Acting- 4/5

Story- 3/5

Direction- 4.4/5

Dialogues- 3.5/5

Overall Rating:- 3.5/5

(Oh & how could I forget to mention the cute Vivaan Shah’s small role here- played your part well, Vivaan boy!)

NH - 10 : MOVIE REVIEW

 NH - 10 : REVIEW

I know this comes really late, but I definitely wanted to write this down. So here it is.

NH 10 is a fantastic movie. After a very long time, I saw a good, perfect & a sensible movie. It has everything- from great direction to superb acting. There are no uncalled for item-numbers in between & no typical Bollywood style hero-heroine breaking into singing-dancing jig in between. It is plainly rough, raw & realistic.

Anushka Sharma deserves a bow- truly! Not only the best ever production venture, but also some  mind-blowing acting. The film does not have too many massy dialogues, but it packs a punch with the few ones, like when the police officer bluntly says “Yeh shahar toh badhta bachcha hai. Kood toh lega hi.!” 

& also, this one----------------> 

The movie is a perfect thriller- for it thrills you until the end. It keeps you at the edge of your seat & you feel the pain & the fright of the lady on screen. You are literally holding your breath for what happens next. You will find yourself whispering “oh God, Oh God!” or “no no no don’t go there…” most of the times in between- that is what the movie serves you with. 

It terrifies you, scares you, makes you shiver & enthralls you- all at the same time.  

The end of the movie is equally perfect- no extensions & no khichofying it into something unrealistic.

It has great direction- certain situations have been directed so well, for example Meera’s shouts dying down under the train's loud shrieking horn- it totally captivates you!

The acting of the entire cast is also quite remarkable- each one plays his part just truly perfectly.

& this reminds of the end sequence once again & the ever-so 'most perfect' expressions of the leading lady- that look will haunt you even when you leave the theater- with mixed feelings. Yes, mixed feelings because the end makes you feel good yet horrified; accomplished, yet lost; satisfied, yet empty- all at the same time.

All in all, NH 10 is a MUST watch. 

& with movies like these, Bollywood is definitely gearing up its level to Class cinemas. 

& once again, kudos to Anushka Sharma for the brilliant performance- you deserve the trophy this year, girl!

NH-10:- The most Ruthless & Realistic Revenge story, ever!

REVIEW OF SINGHAM RETURNS

SINGHAM RETURNS

Since the day I saw the trailer of Singham Returns, I was desperately waiting for this movie to hit the theatres! The release date being 15^th of August, there was a leave at me office, & hence I pre-planned the day & booked the tickets in advance!

I personally loved the movie! Being a true hardcore Bollywood buff, I usually love 95% of the movies! However, I would recommend this movie not just as a Bollywood buff or a star fan here, but because the movie truly deserves it!

The movie has an amazing start…it shows SINGHAM’s hard, yet soft side! The plot then goes on to show how a corrupt Babaji & an equally corrupt leader go on to kill the good ones, & how SINGHAM smashes them & kills all the bad ass hooligans!

The things I really loved:

1. SINGHAM’s Values & Morals: - What is wrong is wrong, & what is right is right. No matter how hard the situations get or what ends you have to go to achieve the righteous, you should! Something we all should learn from him.

2. Head v/s Heart:- Though SINGHAM does get carried away at times- just like a normal man would- all his decisions are a perfect combination of head & heart put together!

3. Ajay Devgn’s Acting:- The only person who could fit in the role & make it this a huge hit- Ajay Devgn! He redefines acting & Sexiness, in concert. The dialog delivery, expressions, action, everything has been done fabulously! You end up wishing having a man like SINGHAM (Ajay Devgn) around you!

4. The Dialogs:- The dialogs are really really good! Not just the famous “Ata maji satakli” one, but overall, all the dialogs have been framed pretty perfectly- they aren’t just dialogs.. They are “THE DILOGS”.. that is the magic of SINGHAM!

5. The Action Sequences:- Though I am not a person who loves action movies, I undoubtedly loved each & every action sequence of the movie! Maybe because it was a cop smashing up the bad ass villains-a secret desire each one of us always has!

6. The Realistic Insertions:- At many points, Rohit Shetty has inserted scenes that give the film a realistic ground-level feel. The scene where the mother of a guy whom SINGHAM beats up for accepting money in return of voting- it takes you off! Perfectly drafted-at a common level, keeping each aspect in mind!

7. The Comedy Punches:- The punches at certain scenes are hilarious! gives a light feeling amidst the maara-maari!

8. The Concept:- The most important- the concept of the film- which this time revolves around black money/ bribes… fabulously put up. Watching the cops sweating out for saving the public & slashing the villains just makes your day! Good v/s evil, always work! Put a cop in it & it blows up your day with extreme enthusiasm!

The Things I didn't Like:

       1. Kareena Kapoor:- Being an ardent Kareena Kapoor fan since her first movie, I am deeply pained to say this- that Kareena Kapoor was just too pathetic in this movie! A complete mis-fit. Also, the role just didn’t suit her. Her acting was too over the top, childish, & not at all something that fit with that of SINGHAM’s girlfreind! No doubt Kareena looked really pretty, but Kajal Aggarwal’s acting in first SINGHAM was far far better!

       2. The Extremity:- Certain scenes, rather action sequences were too un-real!

      3. The Villans:- They weren’t bad pulled it up quite well! But nothing like Jaykant Shikre (Prakash Raj)!!

       4. The Zing:- SINGHAM’s first part was a lot more better than SINGHAM Returns! But this one too, leaves a prominent mark!

Conclusion:

All in all, it is a definite must watch! It gives you that childish happiness & excitement. At the end, you are on the peaks of your seat, desperately excited for having some more! Well done Rohit Shetty! 

As far as I am concerned, I wish I could get up & clap / whistle at SINGHAM!

*clap clap clap*

*whistle whistle whistle*

(P.S. Girls, Ajay Devgn is dead Sexy! *winks*)