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