Star Wars - The Force Awakens Review

Star Wars - The Force Awakens is the seventh chapter of George Lucas's Star Wars franchise, but with one major difference from the first 6 movies. It has not been directed by George Lucas himself, but he transferred the directorial reins to JJ Abrams of Star Trek fame.

The movie 's events are set a few years after the time of The New Hope. The story begins unfolding and we get to know what has transpired in the few years after the last chapter. From there the movie's story and action moves from several starships to the Millenium Falcon and to various planets. The way JJ Abrams has handled the movie is totally different from what George Lucas would have done. Ths is evident in the first few scenes itself. Thus where the previous three instalments directed by Lucas himself were deemed a bit slow in narration, this movie is very fast paced and does not let you settle down on your seat. This is why this movie is very exciting to watch and you keep guessing what is going to happen next. Though the events are similar to previous movies they seem very different in their execution. This is one of the best action movies to have released this year.

With this movie returns the pair of Harrison Ford as Han Solo and Carrie Fisher as Princess leia. Carrie Fisher is ok in her role, but Harrison Fords is just outstanding as old Han Solo. He lends the comic mood to the movie and he steals the show. Daisey Ridley as Rey is good and looks fabulous is several scenes of the movie. The audience would fall in love with this character as she is very endearing. Job Boyega as Fin is very good in the movie and is also a highlight. Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, is good but he does not seem so intimidating as Darth Vader, yet. Maybe he will become more ominous in the coming two instalments. Oscar Isaac as Poe, the best pilot of the resistance, is ok. Other cast has also done a good job in making the movie a watchable affair.

Coming to the best part of the movie - the direction. Whatever praises I can laud upon JJ Abrams would not be sufficient to justify his efforts. He has totally transformed the way people look at a Star Wars movie and has increased expectations for himself. The way he has shot the movie or envisioned the scenes is superb. The action scenes are a high point of this movie as they are very creative. They keep you hooked onto the screen and give you the feeling of a joy ride with all the changing camera angles and the outstanding visual effects. Even the other scenes have been directed very well and build towards the climax. Overall the movie has been directed and edited very well.

In the other departments what stands out are the elaborate sets, the crisp editing, the good screenplay and the visual effects, all of which make this movie a superb one to watch.

Overall this is a great movie to go and watch with the whole family. We have to wait and watch whether the second part would be as good as this one. I am eagerly waiting for it.

Rating - 4 / 5

Bajirao Mastani Review

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, Bajirao Mastani, has released in competition to Rohit Shetty's Dilwale and it turns out to be the winner. This is the first time another movie has been able to beat Shah Rukh's movie in most of the aspects, when both have released in the same week.

The movie has a constant emotional intensity which it never lets off. This intensity makes the movie a very good watch. The movie has a very good pace in the first half, which at times seems a bit long. The second half of the movie is slower and takes its own time to unfold. However the intensity is never let off and this makes the second half too very good. The story and screenplay has been very well written and executed and it is difficult to find flaws with it.

The actors have enacted their roles to their best possible capacity. Ranvir Singh as Bajirao is very good and he totally looks and feels like a warrior. Deepika as Mastani looks very gorgeous and looks to have enacted the role effortlessly. She is brilliant in the movie and I think she will get many awards for this role. Priyanka as Kashi is also very good though she does not get scope to show off her full acting skills. The remaining cast has also done full justice to their roles.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is the true star of this movie. He has directed one of the best movies of his career so far and should be given all the accolades for the movie. The tone that he has set for the movie is the best that was possible for such a movie. He has been able to shoot the war scenes, romance and confrontation scenes with equal magnificience. With thus movie he has erased his shortcomings in his earlier movies.

The dialogues of the movie are very well written, though at times it feels strange when the characters speak a few words of Marathi in their dialogues, as none of them is actually Marathi. The music of the movie complements the movie very well. The song Deewani Ho Gayi has been picturised and choreographed beautifully and looks like a masterpiece. Even the sets are very extravagant and beautiful all Sanjay Leela Bhansali movies. This adds to the effect the movie has on its audience. The art direction is superb with the magnanimous sets and their clothing all depicting a bygone era. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has surely spent a fortune in making of the sets. This truly shows off in the movies and complements its huge scale.

Though this movie may not be a family entertainment movie, but it can be watched with your family. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has reformed himself with thus movie and his name will be remembered because he had the vision to make this movie.

Rating - 4 / 5

Dilwale Review

The much awaited movie Dilwale is finally here, but after watching the movie I am a bit confused as to why is it called Dilwale. It could have been called Pyaarwale because there are many characters in love in the movie.

Writing about this movie would not be complete without writing separately for the two halves – pre and post interval. The first half is pacy and the story unfolds with much of it in flashback. We get to know about the characters and find out about the love story between the lead characters Kali played by Shah Rukh and Seemsa played by Kajol. The first half has its fare share of romance and laughter with Varun Dhawan and Varun Sharma proving for ample laughs.

The second half is a bit slow in parts. In this part, we find out the reason for the friction between the characters of Shah Rukh and Kajol. This half has a lot of emotional moments which go with the mood of the movie and take the movie to new heights. The second half too has its share of laughs but they move into the background and give way to the emotional scenes. Having said that, the emotional scenes are well directed and add to the tension in the movie.

The actors have done a commendable job. Be it Shah Rukh, Kajol, Varun Dhawan or Varun Sharma, all have given good performances. Kriti Sanon does not have a role long enough to showcase her acting skills. There are a few surprises in the movie in the form of Vinod Khanna, though he has a very small role. His acting skills and screen presence could have been utilized in a longer role. This movie belongs to the pair of Shah Rukh and Kajol as they sizzle on screen each time they are together in a scene. This is one of the biggest factors which keeps audience interested in the movie. I don't know whether we will be seeing this pair together again in a movie. I sure hope they do many more movies together.

Rohit Shetty has done a very god job at directing this movie. Rohit Shetty is known for his brand of comedy and action movies, but in this movie he proved me wrong that he cannot direct a good romantic movie. This movie can be called Rohit Shetty romance as it also has action and comedy, though at times the comedy seems unnecessary and some characters too seem unnecessary like that of Boman Irani as the don, King. He has also been able to show Shah Rukh and Kajol confronting each other, which is a first in Bollywood and succeeds in that too. The movie has been shot beautifully, not just in the songs, but also in several scenes. The cinematographer has captured Bulgaria at its best.

Another high point of this movie are the songs. Gerua and Janam Janam both stand out for the romance they depict. Manma emotion lage is good because of the music and Varun Dhawan's dance moves. Pritam's music and background score take the movie forward. The background score of the movie’s theme is beautifully interwoven into the movie's plot and it heightens the mood of the movie.

Overall this is a very good movie but falls short of the greatness that is expected of a Shah Rukh - Kajol combination. It is certainly better than Shah Rukh’s last release Happy New Year. If you are a fan of the pair of Shah Rukh - Kajol then do not miss this movie as this pair has again created magic onscreen. So  all romance lovers, just go to it guys.

Rating - 3.5 / 5

Angry Indian Goddesses Review

Angry Indian Godesses is one of the finest movies made in India about women issues. It does not pick a single issue, but discusses most of the issues being faced by Indian Women, be it discrimination, eve-teasing, gay rights, rape or the apathy of Indian police towards women. The movie starts with a few school and college friends coming together for a friend’s wedding. The first half has many light moments with the women enjoying their time together after so many years. The movie successfully brings out the issues being faced by women with the help of the dialogues and also shows us how women change from their adolescent selves when they grow up to be mothers or career women or a housewife. The second half is more serious and has been presented very well. The movie has the right mix of seriousness and light moments in quick succession which does let the movie get too heavy on the audience. The dialogues of the movie are superb and this is what makes the movie both gripping and enjoyable. Kudos to the writer, Archala Qureishi, for writing such dialogues which leave a lasting impact on you.

The movie stars Sandhya Mridul, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Sarah-Jane Dias, Anushka Manchanda, Amrit Maghera, Rajshree Deshpande and Pavleeb Gujral in leading roles. All the actors have given a spectacular and very convincing performance and it is difficult to pick out who is the best among them. This is the only movie released recently with all main characters being ladies. Not a single male character has a central role. This is one of the highlights of the movie.

The movie has been directed by Pan Nalin who has previously directed award winning movies like Samsara. The director has done a fabulous job with this movie. This movie makes you think as much as it entertains you. This makes the movie very watchable. The scenes where the women are discussing issues remain with you even after the movie. You can't help but think how we treat women in India.

This is one movie which every sensible Indian should watch as it is a movie about women issues which does not bore you. Please go ahead and watch this as it is very difficult to find such movies being made in India and by an Indian director. I want more such movies to be made in India as it is very fresh in its approach to storytelling.

Rating - 4 / 5

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 Review

The final instalment of the much awaited movie The Hunger Games has arrived in the theatres. Here's a look at how good is the movie and how does it compare to the previous three instalments.

The movie has a good storyline and starts where Mockingjay Part 1 left off. The movie progresses slowly and then the pace gets faster with several action sequences taking the story forward. While I felt that Mockingjay Part 1 had nothing much to offer, this last instalment has everything going right for it. The emotions and the action sequences are all very well executed. The FX is first rate. The story has various twists, which you would be aware of if you have read the book. I fortunately had not read the book and thus enjoyed the twists.

The director has done a very good job at not going overboard with the action. He has been able to keep a good mix of emotional moments as well. The movie thus succeeds in keeping the momentum of the previous instalments. The movie has been edited very well as no portion of the movie seems irrelevant.

Acting wise all the lead actors have been able to bring out the emotions that they wanted to convey. The heroine is equally good in this movie and easily conveys both vulnerability and strength in her character. She is surely going to be labelled the Hunger Games girl for the rest of her career. If she can shed this tag in the future it would be be incredible as she has potrayed the character like no one else could.

Overall this is a great movie to watch and the ending leaves you feeling both happy and sad at the same time. If you have seen the first three parts do not miss this one. If you have not yet seen any if the parts, then go ahead and watch all of them.

Rating - 3.5 / 5

Tamasha Review

It is difficult to write review for a movie which I can relate to, without bringing in my biases. But I have tried to my best not to include my biases in thus review.

The movie is about finding oneself and doing what one wants to do. The same theme has been presented in other movies like Wake Up Sid. While Wake Up Sid was about a bit trying to realise his true self, this movie is about a grown up man trying to realise himself. The process of self realisation and the problems he faces form the basis of the movie. Like other Imtiaz Ali's movies, this movie too has a very modern narration style. And that is what will gel with today's youth. The movie switches between the present and past with flashbacks thrown in between and this has been used effectively in the storytelling. There are various scenes in the movie which are very strong like the one where Ranbir's character tells a story to his family towards the end of the movie. Or the scene where Ranbir confronts Deepika at her house. The strength of these scenes is because of the emotions that have been presented.

The characters played by Ranbir and Deepika, though not very realistic, have been beautifully written. Ranbir is first rate in the depiction of his character while Deepika is also good. I think this is one of the best performances of Ranbir Kapoor. Among the other actors Piyush Mishra in a very short role makes an impact and his character is very central to the story. Thus acting wise the actors do justice to their characters.

The direction by Imtiaz Ali is very good, however the part where Ranbir struggles finding his true self seems a bit long and could have been shortened. But since that is the main part of the story, the director has presented is as required. Imtiaz is a good director and he once again that he is one of the finest in this genre. The editing too is not the best but stands out at places, where various scenes from past and present and intermingled, but it still conveys what needs to be conveyed. 

The music of A.R. Rahman is beautiful and gels with the mood of the movie very well. All the songs take the movie forward and are effective in depicting the moods of our lead characters. It adds to the beauty of the movie.

The movie has a strong message which has presented with the right mix of drama and light moments. Overall the movie stands out among the other movies that have released recently and makes an impact. It certainly did to me. This movie is worth watching. So go ahead and watch it.

Rating - 3.5 / 5

Spectre Review

This is the 26th movie in the James Bond franchise and the 4th movie starring Daniel Craig as Ian Fleming's James Bond. 

The movie is bit of a mixed bag with a good storyline but a poor script.  The story traces the past of James Bond and we get to know new elements from his past. The movie is fast paced with the story beginning in Mexico and moving to various other locations with Bond trying to unravel the mystery of a secret message and to find the villain. The movie keeps you on the edge of the seat with its action sequences which are in plenty, but fails to go a step further. That is one of the problems with movie. It has far too many action sequences and fails to build on the storyline, which has been one of the things that we liked about the previous three Daniel Craig 007 movies.

Daniel Craig as bond is suave and sexy as ever. But seems repetitive after the first three movies. Christopher Waltz as the bond nemesis is very good and provides a good match to 007. Lea Seydoux is good as the new bond girl and looks very sensuous throughout the movie. Monica Bellucci has nothing to offer in a short role. However the remaining cast has done a good job.

This is the second Bond movie being directed by Sam Mendes after Skyfall. He has done a good job with the script given to him. The scenes between Daniel Craig and Christopher Waltz and Daniel Craig and Batista remain with you even after the movie is over. However the could certainly have been better.

The cinematography is spectacular with the locations captured beautifully and the action sequences are great. The editing could have been better as the movie seems a bit long. Maybe they could have shortened the action sequences.

Overall, the movie is a one time watch which can be enjoyed with friends. But one soon forgets the movie after coming out of the theatre. And that is a downfall for the movie.

Rating - 3 / 5

Gerua - Dilwale Video Song Review

The video song titled Gerua from the much awaited Bollywood movie Dilwale was released this week. The video has already garnered a huge amount of views on YouTube. I have tried to present why the song works and where it fails.

This is a romantic song from the movie featuring the King of Romance, Shah Rukh Khan and his best onscreen pair, Kajol. The music by Pritam is good and great at some places, but not as good as some of the previous romantic songs like 'Suraj Hua Madham'. The music however let down by average lyrics from Amitabh Bhattacharya. If the lyrics had been better, it could have complemented the good music to make the final product great.

Even with average lyrics, the voice of Arijit Singh and Antara Mitra give a soul to the song. However one does feel that Arijit Singh does not do total justice to the song. He could certainly have been better.

Now coming to best part of the video song. The song has been picturised at exotic locations with the visuals hein great in each frame. The visuals are so good that you can pick up any frame and make an amazing wallpaper out of it. The pair of Shah Rukh and Kajol complement the visuals beautifully and make the visuals look even better. Their chemistry is still amazing after first acting together more than 20 years ago in Baazigar. However it is not their best. The top 2 in this category certainly go to 'Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jaana Sanam' and 'Suraj Hua Madham'.

Overall the song and video together is a good watch and if you are a fan of Shah Rukh and Kajol, then you can watch the video song multiple times on repeat mode.

Rating - 3.5 / 5

Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo Review

Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo was one of the most awaited movies of the year. It was also a film from Rajshri Productions and Suraj Barjatya after a long time.

The movie surely lives upto its expectations of grandeur with lavish sets which remind you of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Suraj Barjatya has left no stone unturned in ensuring that it is one of the grandest movies to come this year.

The movie borrows its theme from the Rajesh Khanna starrer 'Bawarchi' with the hero Prem trying to mend relationships between family members of the royal family. But the movie does not match Bawarchi in storytelling. At almost 3 hours, the movie is too long and has multiple songs erupting for various occasions. The movie does work at times and the moment you feel that now it is getting interesting, the flow of the movie is halted by a song. If a few songs had been removed from the script, it would have been better, but would not have made much difference to the end result. The overall storytelling is slow and unimaginative. The audience can easily guess what is going to happen next but is kept waiting for it to happen. The movie has a good storyline but the story has been wasted with a poor script.

Even the many songs which should have kept the audience interested are not very great and slow down the pace of the movie.

Acting wise no one makes a mark. Salman is average. Sonam looks beautiful in the movie but does not have much to do. Among other actors Anupam Kher does a fair job.

The direction is left wanting throughout the movie. Though the movie has look of a 2015 movie, but it feels like a movie from the 1990's. The director has not moved with the ages and has tried to present a story in the age old way. The director is caught in the past and loses the audience's interest midway through the movie.

When I went to see the movie on its 3rd day, I expected the show to be near housefull, but it was not even 50% full. Todays audience is not interested in old style of storytelling and the director needs to learn this.
In the end, the movie is not worth a watch. You may want to watch it only if you are a Sooraj Barjatya fan.

Rating - 2.5 / 5