Posts Tagged ‘Hindustan Times’

Kurbaan – Film Reviews

Posted: November 22, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, film review, reviews
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The big release of this friday is Kurbaan. Produced by Karan Johar, directed by Rensil D’ Silva and starring Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi. And here is the score card…

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – The film has ambition but it is too flawed and simplistic to explore issues like religion, violence and the politics of terrorism with any conviction or gravitas – 2.5/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, KURBAAN is the most powerful film to come out of the Hindi film industry in 2009, so far. The film has a captivating plot, gripping screenplay, super performances and a climax that shakes you up completely. Watching this movie should be on top of your agenda this week – 4/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – Stripped to its bone, Rensil D’silva’s Kurbaan is an edge-of-the-seat thriller that seldom loses its grip on your attention. Credible performances from its leads, and a nail-biting screenplay make up for the plot holes that threaten to eat into this otherwise engaging film – 3/5

Khalid Mohamed (PFC) – In effect, then, Kurbaan is the sort of film that doesn’t have a clue about the complex subject it is dealing with. It set my teeth on edge. And ha ha , not only because it is revealed at the end that the real name of Saif Ali Khan’s terrorist happens to be Khalid. Thanks Karan, Rensil..I’d just like to see how you guys would respond if your names were used for heinous criminals on screen. Or even in graffiti. Try it – 1.5/5

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – It’s not as if the director has refused to make concessions to the starry status of his lead couple, with Kareena displaying a daringly naked back, and Saif showcasing a bare brawny torso, the bloody rivulets just so. Or that D’Silva doesn’t fall into the self-indulgent trap all debutants do, to keep it too long: the second half drags, and the last half-hour telegraphs its punches. But you overlook these because, at its core, ‘Kurbaan’ has power and resonance – 3/5

Nikhat Kazmi(TOI) – Kurbaan sure does strike a chord and sets you thinking on stuff that needs to be sorted out before the new world order – a more humanitarian, less violent – sets in. Don’t miss it – 3.5/5 ( BTW, this review deserves a separte post. Why and how ? Coming soon)

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – Despite a difficult subject that deals with terrorism and Islam, the director gets the tone and pitch of the film just right, a tricky art to pull off in a purely commercial space. While the recent New York was more flamboyant in its approach, Kurbaan is textured and well-measured – 3/5

Mayank Shekhar (HT) – What you may brave through then is a flick neither real or serious enough to be a meditation on global terror, nor sweetly suspended and adequately brain-dead to be Die Hard. It’s hard to be both. The hardship shows.

Chandrima Pal (Rediff) – Go watch Kurbaan, explore it, find your own points to agree, disagree, endorse, enjoy, debate and be angry about. Either way, you definitely cannot walk out without the film leaving an impression on you. And a strong one at that – 3.5/5 

Gaurav Malani (ET) – Kurbaan, noticeably, is set on the same plot of New York – the pun involves both the city and the cinema. And while in any other case this could have been a setback for the ulterior release, Karan Johar’s film, on the contrary, scores for being a more convincing and compelling version of the Yash Raj production that released few months back – 3/5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – Welcome to the world of Islamic terror. Where blood flows artistically, a rich red, slowly and steadily; where love is the perfect antidote; where FBI agents are heroes; where sleeper cells operate out of racially stereotyped neighbourhoods amidst kebabs and biryani; and where the Koran is discussed over coffee and chai – 2/5

Priya Ramani (Livemint) – Before this movie I believed that New York was to Karan Johar what Switzerland was to Yash Chopra. Why would he make such an offensive film about his favourite city? Bas karo yeh meaningful cinema. Please give us a Kuch Kuch Hota Hai again.

Aniruddha Guha (DNA) – You are not quite sure after watching Kurbaan what exactly the motive behind making the film is. Was it designed to be a thriller? Then, in the almost 2hrs and 40minutes of its running time, it’s too long and dips at various points to be able to thrill you enough. Was it supposed to be a love story? Then it fails on that count because the ‘lovers’ in the film come across as shallow. Was the film supposed to be a comment on global terrorism? Then it’s a haphazard one, raising questions (old ones at that) and not bothering to give any answers – 2/5

Film Reviews : Tum Mile & Aao Wish Karein

Posted: November 14, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cinema, film review, News, reviews
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Lil late on reviews this week. Only because we were not interested in any of the two hindi releases of the week. Tum Mile is from Bhaat Factory, directed by Kunal Deshmukh and stars Emraan Hashmi and Soha Ali Khan. And here is the report card.

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, TUM MILE caters to the youth mainly. At the box-office, the Vishesh Films – Emraan Hashmi combo has cultivated a strong fan-base over the years and coupled with good music, which is also very popular, the film should find itself in the comfortable zone – 3/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – You may survive the floods, but Emraan and Soha’s bak-bak will most certainly kill you! – 1.5/5

Gaurav Malani (ET) – Tum Mile might be dilute on the deluge but concentrates on having its heart in the right place. Watch it as a disaster flick and you will find it disastrous. Watch it as a love story and you will love it – 3/5

Khalid Mohamed (PFC) – To the immense credit of director Kunal Deshmukh, he shoots it with such sensitivity and grace, that you’re convinced that he’s an underrated director. Both Deshmukh and Mohit Suri (Woh Lamhe) from the Mahesh-Mukesh Bhatt factory are excellent technicians, and deserve to be in the A-list of mainstream directors – 3/5

Rediff (Sukanya Varma ) – Ultimately, though, Tum Mile’s true strength lies in the combined appeal and compelling performances of Emraan and Soha. Awe-inspiring it is not but engaging? By all means – 3/5

Mayank Shekhar (HT) – Alongside posters and promos of 2012, this reel or two was meant to be cinema about a shaking catastrophe. You realise, while the romance and its conflicts are short-lived, this is not a disaster film at all. I mean this as much for its genre as hopefully its fate among the public – 2/5

Anupama Chopra(NDTV) – The film strains for poignancy as the lovers realise that life is too short but their epiphany is more tedious than moving – 2/5

Nikhat Kazmi (TOI) – What really stands out in the film is the acting. Emraan and Soha create a chemistry that is brimming over with warmth and remains quite unpredictable till the very end. Their conversations — and concerns — are straight out of real life – 3.5 / 5

Minty Tejpal(Mumbai Mirror) – Emraan is fairly intense in his performance, while Soha is quite spunky, but together they are a bit flat. The music is fairly melodious, though there are no tracks that really jump out. However, the film is worth watching on a rainy day. Just don’t expect to be swept away – 2/5

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – Hashmi and Khan have a good fit, though, and their lovers’ tiffs feel real: Deshmukh has an ear for dialogue and gets his leads to spar in believable ways, especially when Hashmi behaves like a spoilt brat artist, and she an unrelenting career girl. Pity about the lax climax – 2/5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – All the drama is in the breaking up and making up between Emraan and Soha and though both have put in likeable performances-Soha even foregoing make-up for it-it is too much water, too late and too limp – 2.5/5

Anand Vaishanv ( Buzz18) – While the disaster angle is clearly a gimmick. And the lovers could very well have sorted out their differences on a station or an airport lounge, the film is engagingly shot. Tum Mile is eventually just another love story punctuated with some 26/7 sequences. Watch it only if you are a die hard Emraan Hashmi fan – 2/5

The other release of the week is Aao Wish Karein stars Aftab Shivdasani and Aamna Shariff. Its directed by Glenn Baretto and is Aftab’s home production. And did we tell its written also by Aftab! Aur bolo!

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – Week after week, critics lament the lack of original work in Bollywood. But after watching Aao Wish Karein, an agonizingly boring rework of Tom Hanks’ Big, I wished that the makers had been less original and copied more diligently – 0.5/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, AAO WISH KAREIN is engaging in parts, but how one wishes the film would grab your attention in entirety. The wish of striking a chord and hence, succeeding at the box-office won’t come true for this reason – 1.5/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – Far from achieving the fairytale feel it was going for, Aao Wish Karein is a colossally boring film that packs clunky dialogue, a predictable narrative and a muddled message in the end. Barring a few superb songs, this film is a miscalculation on all counts – 1/5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – Yup, the same Big story, only Aftab is no Tom Hanks, and the less said about the direction the better. However, in good old Bollywood style, it’s the ending that’s the real double whammy. Go watch it if you wish – 1.5/5

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – Good proposition for kids, and adults, to buy in. But `Aao Wish Karein’ falls in between two stools, and becomes a film which appeals strongly to neither – 1/5

Nikhat Kazmi (TOI) – Obviously inspired by Tom Hanks 1988 classic (Big) that was nominated for two Oscars, the film lacks all the masala that made Penny Marshal’s film such a winsome experience. Also, the romance between Aftab and Aamna is quite thanda. Thoda aur wish karein? – 2/5

 

Film Reviews : Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani & Jail

Posted: November 6, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, cinema, film review, reviews
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Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab KahaniIts that day of the week which we love the most! Filmy Friday! This week there are two new hindi releases – Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani (APKGK) and Jail. Or as they are saying, its Ranbir Kapoor VS Neil Nitin Mukesh, now that Imran Khan is miles and miles behind!

APKGK is directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi and stars Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. And here are the early reviews…

Taran Adarsh(Indiafm) – On the whole, APKGK entertains majorly. At the box-office, the fantastic pre-release campaign coupled with the terrific chemistry between Ranbir and Katrina, excellent music by Pritam and tremendous appeal for youth should ensure a big start for the film at the ticket window – 4/5

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani, a comedy set in a comic book universe, is a frustratingly uneven film. Some of it is genuinely funny and delightful and some of it is repetitive, and annoyingly tedious – 3/5

Raja Sen (Rediff) -Honestly, it’s just good to watch a film with memorable comedy again. Heaven knows its been a while. And one that takes us back to a different, more wholesome kind of cinema. Even as the climax drags into predictability, Santoshi ensures that even divine intervention — to pull it all back on track again — comes with laughs. Gotta love that – 3.5/5

Mayank Shekhar (HT) – You look through this hollowness, and sense there is not a comic bone at all. There is certainly no romance either. Good boy (Ranbir Kapoor) fumbles and chases good girl (Kaif) through multiply tiring sequences. Saawariya for a debut was a poor practical joke on young Kapoor. This humourlessness, if at all, is infinitely sappier.

Gaurav Malani(Indiatimes) – The one thing you can’t overlook noticing in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani is how Rajkumar Santoshi takes liberal references from every popular prem kahani of Bollywood and ends up with an ajeeb (weird) jumbled screenplay – 2/5

Nikhat Kazmi(TOI) – Gazab comedy, this one. Really, Ranbir is a revelation, Katrina is full of beans and the newly formented Ranbir-Katrina chemistry sets the screen on fire in this mad hatter’s tea party that takes you on a roller-coaster ride as Raj Kumar Santoshi tries to retrack his way to his Andaz Apna Apna days – 4/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – Despite its hiccups, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani is not an entirely unwatchable film, and the credit for that goes squarely to its leads who invest sincerity and genuine enthusiasm while attacking their roles. Katrina Kaif breezes through her scenes, endearing you to the vulnerable Jenny; striking up a radiant chemistry with her co-star. As for Ranbir Kapoor, he is the brightest spot in this ordinary film, rising above the script’s many holes, occasionally even making the stupidity work – 2.5/5

Khalid Mohamed (PFC) – The kid’s brilliant. So watch it Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor and all the big and small Khans. At the rate he’s going – by sheer evidence of his screen charisma, technical felicity and youth power – Ranbir Kapoor is more than likely to be the Next Best Thing, if he isn’t one already. He’s RK Jr and he’s more than super A-Ok -2.5/5

Shubhra Gupta(Indian Express) – Once upon a time, Rajkumar Santoshi made a lovely little film which was all fun and games. ‘Andaz Apna Apna’ (1994), which came at a time when neither Aamir nor Salman were Superstars Inc., has traveled well—its unfettered joyousness delights at every fresh viewing. The same cannot be said for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani – 1/5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – The movie sails because of Kapoor’s effortless ease. He dances like a dream, looks good enough to take your eyes off Kaif, and raises a lot of laughs with his goofiness. And guess what, he looks pretty in pink too. Ad he has a memorable no sorry, no thank you dialogie as well: all he wants is to be Kaif’s friend, no complaints, no demands. This one, ladies and gentlemen, is a stayer. See you around, Ranbir – 3/5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – For the most part of the film, you do drool, mostly over the totally delicious lead pair, and often enough over the ridiculous dialogue in this absurd, mad comedy being played out on screen. Ha ha and a hoot. In fact, the first half of the film just rocks all the way – 3.5/5

Anand Vaishanav (Buzz18) – With such a gorgeous pair, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, could have been a charming joyride. But instead it settles for a routine, time pass watch. Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif’s chemistry shines long after the curtains fall down – 2.5/5

Jail is directed by Madhur Bhandarkar and stars Neil Nitin Mukesh,  Mugdha Godse and Manoj Bajpai.

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – Because it’s well-intentioned and settles for a hopeful message, you stay with the film despite the fact that it’s never quite compelling. It’s got its heart in the right place, but sometimes that’s not enough – 2.5 /5

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – Bhandarkar’s cinema has often been called hard-hitting but the trouble with Jail is that it simply doesn’t hit hard enough. See it if you must – 2.5/5

Taran Adarsh(Indiafm) – On the whole, JAIL is a well-made film from an expert storyteller. At the box-office, the film will appeal to those with an appetite for hard-hitting, realistic fares, but its clash with APKGK will affect its business to an extent – 3/5 

Khalid Mohamed (PFC) – Okay, okay, for heaven’s sake this is a Bhandarkar, Madhur Bhandarkar movie. Get real, appreciate Jail for being as rough, real and dammit, outspoken. Sorry guys, want to..however it’s anything but. It’s just not in the league of the eye-opening Fashion, Traffic Signal, Page 3 and Chandni Bar, which have their loyal admirers including the National Film Award juries. Yeah – 2/5 (there’s nothing here that you don’t know or haven’t seen already)

Raja Sen(Rediff) – The detailing is shoddy, the characters cardboard and the dialogue plain laughable. Jail is a formulaic, below average Bollywood headache, slowed down to lugubrious dullness. Groan. Leave it be, this prison of cardboard and cliche. We all deserve better – 1/5

Mayank Shekhar (HT) – What we may have liked to know, like with any story, is something more about the hero himself — his past, his conflicts, his shattered dreams. It could’ve greatly helped with the sorely missed empathy. But that’s not to be. I guess, only in a film-culture as less evolved as ours, would a movie with merely a setting, pride itself so much on realism alone – 2/5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – There’s a sense that we’re sitting in on a reality show, that it’s Bigg Boss Season 4 set inside a jail. You find yourself wishing Mukesh’s ordeal ends, not so much for him as for you. Hey Mr Bhandarkar, it’s time to think of a new formula, or choose a subject that thrills like Fashion- 2/5

Gaurav Malani(Indiatimes) – Compare Jail to Madhur Bhandarkar’s earlier works and you would be disappointed to a degree. Nevertheless, compare it to many other mediocre movies of today and Jail is still a step ahead. Jail is captivating but not consistently – 2.5/5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – The movie itself is more like a well-researched documentary that teaches you a few new things about life in jail, so it’s pretty instructive for anyone planning on landing up there. The promos of Jail read, ‘sentenced on November 6’. Yes, ‘sentenced’ is right – 2/5

Shweta Parande(Buzz18) – If the film works, it will only be because of Madhur’s execution. Otherwise, Jail has nothing new to offer – 2/5

Film Reviews – Aladin & London Dreams

Posted: October 30, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, cinema, film review, News, reviews, Thoughts
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aladin webpageIts filmy friday and two big releases this week. Aladin & London Dreams. Aladin is directed by Sujoy Ghosh, produced by Eros Entertainment, and stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Ritesh Deshmukh and Jacqueline Fernandez. Some early reviews are out and it looks like a mixed one.

Taran Adarsh(Indiafm) – On the whole, ALADIN is a terrible waste of a terrific opportunity. Hugely disappointing! – 1 / 5

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – But all their enthusiasm and special effects wizardry is let down by the half-baked story. Aladin never soars. See it if you must – 3/5

Chandrima Pal (Rediff) – What Ghosh dishes out in its place is some half-hearted hocus-pocus, a clumsy mix of old world lore with contemporary indifference, sloppy trips to the flashback and awkward bursts of forced sentimentality. Make a wish, Genius insists. Too late for that, isn’t it? – 2/5

Gaurav Malani (Indiatimes) – Just in case a Genie ever emerges out from your lamp, wish for once that our filmmakers come up with better ‘bound scripts’ and more enthralling adaptations. Till then all flights of fantasy should go on strike – 2/5

Udita Jhunjhunwala (DNA) – You are left wondering who films like this will appeal to. They are not amazing enough for adults or fun enough for kids. If I had a magic lamp, I would use one wish to ask for some decent, sincere films, the kind Ghosh made once upon a time (Jhankaar Beats) – 2/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – Few films encourage you to free your mind and unleash your imagination. Say what you will about the Amitabh Bachchan-Ritesh Deshmukh starrer Aladin, but you cannot complain that you’ve seen this kind of Hindi film before – 3/5

Anand Vaishnav(Buzz18) – Ghosh’s setting is neither magical enough for a fantasy nor identifiable enough to be real. It’s too confusing for kids and adults alike. Except for a few laugh early on and Bachchan’s stand out act, Aladin is another addition to Bollywood’s failed attempts at fantasy – 1.5/5

Nikhat Kazmi (TOI) – To sum up with the refrain (Aladin, Aladin, kahan hai tera jinn) of the film: Aladin, Aladin, kahan hai tera sheen? Truly, a big let down from director Sujoy Ghosh who lost both his jhankar and his beats after ‘Home Delivery’ and ‘Aladin’, his films following a scintillating debut with ‘Jhankar Beats’ – 2/5

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – Aladdin’ proves just one thing: Indian filmmakers should stay strictly away from the fantasy genre. The magical mystery tour that this film is meant to be falls way short of its target – 1/ 5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – Aladin is a good example of how to take a beautiful fairy tale, and proceed to fairly destroy it. Since we all know the timeless story, director Sujoy Ghosh decides to give us his own special updated version, starting from the revamped genie – 1/ 5

Mayank Shekhar (Hindustan Times) – At 65, his(Bachchan) on-screen presence is likely to get scarcer with age. Audiences are still interested in his work. If only he wouldn’t green-light unbelievable, hollow, expensive rubbish that’d be pelted on us merely because, he said yes – 1/5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – Why has the Genie chosen Aladin to save the world from the hands of Sanjay Dutt, the Ringmaster? What will happen when the comet crashes into Khwaish? And will Genie get his wish and head off to retirement, to wear his blingy jackets and do the disco? Yes, all is revealed in the end, but by then we’ve had too much of Mr Muscular (Sahil Khan) and Ms Great Legs (Fernandez) – 2/5

So, why are critics giving bad reviews to Aladin ? Our theory – Because they took Sanjay Dutt too seriously who said…Buri aadat badal daalo, Aladin ko maar dalo!

London DreamsThe other big release is London Dreams directed by Vipul Shah, and stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan & Music. And from the early reviews it looks & feels like Gujju Rock On!

Taran Adarsh(Indiafm) – On the whole, LONDON DREAMS has superb performances from its principal cast and several emotionally-charged sequences as its two trump cards. But its biggest drawback is its climax and also the music, which is the weakest link of the movie – 3 / 5

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – Most of us don’t watch Hindi films for their verisimilitude but honestly, how much disbelief can a viewer suspend. There are a few nice songs here and occasional moments of charm provided by Salman Khan, who once again, plays a variation of Salman Khan. Otherwise London Dreams is as much fun as a stuck record. See if it you must – 2/5

Anand Vaishnav (Buzz18) – Eventually London Dreams is all about the joy of watching Salman and Ajay’s chemistry. Their star power makes up for all the flaws. Both have put their heart and soul into the film, delivering powerhouse, career defining performances – 3.5 / 5

Chandrima Pal (Rediff) – You may like London Dreams for its beautiful frames, some paisa-vasool moments between Salman and Devgn, a good background score and catchy songs. For the rest, you need willing suspension of disbelief. And large doses of it – 2.5/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – London Dreams, directed by Vipul Shah, is a frustratingly foolish film about foolish people. It’s the kind of film whose central conflict could be instantly resolved if the characters concerned simply sat down and had a chat – 2 / 5

Khalid Mohamed(Khalidsspot) – With all its mad flaws and inadequacies, Shah’s enterprise still sees him going beyond the klutzy rishtas and pishtas. If you think that’s sufficient reason to buy a ticket , check out this London Whippy Whippy Shake – 2 / 5

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – With his latest film, Vipul Amrutlal Shah goes back to familiar territory : Punjabi ‘munda’ in London town, all set to conquer the world. Akshay Kumar did it wonderfully in ‘Namaste London’. This time around, it is Ajay Devgn’s turn, accompanied by partner-in-crime Salman Khan, but the two-for-the-price-of-one isn’t as much of a success – 2/5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Miror) – At the end, London Dreams is worth a watch, though it could have been far better – 2 /5

Mayank Shekhar (Hindustan Times) – This is how hinterland ticket-holders would like to see both.Don’t worry about the story-line. There is no writing, merely good locations and great lighting; wouldn’t shock me if it sort of lit up the producer’s balance sheet as well. Well – 1.5 / 5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – Imagine Rock On!! in Punjabi with stereophonic emotional drama? Can’t? Well that’s London Dreams, where two best friends fall apart over a girl and their music. Now where have we seen this before? Yes, yes, everywhere. But Vipul Shah’s forte has never been originality. It has been energy and joie de vivre, which the film has in plenty. Almost enough to save it. Almost – 2.5/5

Our take – We think if they had gone to the stage with dandiya sticks instead of drum sticks it would have been good fun!

Forget the biggies, we are going to MAMI Film Festival this weekend!

Film Reviews : Blue, All The Best and Main Aur Mrs Khanna

Posted: October 16, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cinema, film review, News, reviews
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Its diwali time! And though there is no SRK release this diwali but there are three big releases. And all multi starrer films. We are yet not tempted to watch any of the three but lets see who scores how much. The early reviews…

BlueBlue, the 100 crore film directed by debutant Anthony D’Souza stars Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutt and Zayed Khan.

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – Clearly Anthony D’Souza has ambition. He set out to give Indian audiences a new type of exotic thriller. But he got so busy orchestrating the king-sized stars, the equally big sharks and the blinding bling of the film that he forgot the basic connective tissue: the script. Blue is all washed up. See it if you must – 2/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN-IBN) – Blue, directed by Anthony D’souza is a brainless, forgettable action-thriller that quickly sinks without a trace. Let me say this right away: anyone expecting anything other than the sight of Lara Dutta in a skimpy bikini, or indeed Akshay Kumar with his shirt off, is going to be very disappointed – 1.5/5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – This one could turn out to be as big a disaster as the Titanic. By Titanic, I mean the actual ship that sank, not the film that soared to the sky. Industry reports say that Blue cost over Rs 120 crores to produce and it seems that none of that fancy moolah went into script development. A large amount must have gone towards singer Kylie Minogue, whose appearance is a mere marketing gimmick  – 1 / 5

Chandrima Pal (Rediff) – Blue was supposed to be a thriller. But if you made Captain Haddock of Tintin fame watch it, I am sure he would exclaim : Blue blistering barnacles! – 2/5

Jaya Biswas (Buzz18) – Blue could have been much more shorter. Come on, audience would rather watch all about the marine life on NatGeo or Animal Planet. Feeling blue? – 1.5/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, BLUE has style as well as substance. The film has everything going in its favour, right from its incredible star cast to the superb action scenes to the hitherto unseen marine life to the tremendous hype and hoopla. At the box-office, BLUE will strike like a hurricane in the festive week – 4/5

Khalid Mohamed (PFC) – Blue is one bloomer of a movie. Don’t even think of all the crores spent on this kiddish enterprise. That’ll just leave you with one helluva sinking feeling – 1/5 and that’s being generous.

Gaurav Malani (ET) – Blue doesn’t glue you to the seat. Rather its corniness can make you see red – 2/5

Nikhat Kazmi (TOI) – Amongst the lead players, Sanjay looks a bit out of shape, Zayed is fresh and adequate, while Akshay keeps you guessing about his ethical moorings. The girls, Lara and Katrina, sashay down the screen with aplomb, adding the requisite oomph in this high-on-visuals drama. Go, feast your eyes on brawn and cheesecake – 3.5 / 5

It seems Blue is going to make you feel blue this diwali!

All the BestThe other big release of the week is All The Best directed by Rohit Shetty (Golmaal, Golmaal Returns) and stars Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu, Fardeen Khan and Mugdha Godse.

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – All the Best is gleefully and unpretentiously moronic. I know film critics should set the bar higher but honestly, this is probably the most fun you’ll have in a theater this weekend. Go for It – 3/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, ALL THE BEST is fun and laughter unlimited. At the box-office, the festive period coupled with the solid track record of Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty and also the strong merits will ensure ample footfalls at cineplexes, making its investors laugh all the way to the bank. Recommended! – 3.5/5 

Rajeev Masand (CNN-IBN) – Tucked away beneath those pointless songs and some ridiculous, overblown action scenes is a silly yet surprisingly enjoyable tale of misunderstandings and mistaken identities. Like most Bollywood comedies these days, All The Best is far too long, but it has a winning combination of cleverly crude humour and genuine sweetness – 3/5

Khalid Mohamed (Khalid’s Spot) – To be sure there are sight-`n’-sound gags which do pay off in Rohit Shetty’s All the Best, adapted from Paritosh Painter’s stageplay Uncle Samjha Karo, which itself was cadged from the 1960s farce Right Bed, Wrong Husband. Add to that a touch of Come September (1961) and you’re likely to gobble down one helluva fusion cuisine mishmash. Hang on though. In fact, the yay-yay news is that the result is digestible, perfect for a couple of laughs, a few titters and a haw-haw bellylaugh. Hyuk nyuk – 2.5 / 5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – Once you are in the stupid comedy zone, story or logic becomes irrelevant, while the main idea is to be as foolish as possible, in which endeavour this film succeeds. What fun it must be cooking up these stories – 3/5

Nikhat Kazmi (TOI) – By far, this one’s not a rip-roaring comedy, but does make-do for some Diwali masti – 3/5

Parmita Uniyal (Hindustan Times) – Overall, if your doctor has advised you laughter therapy, then go watch All the Best. Ingredients of the medicine? Hilarious moments, rib-tickling dialogues, crisp editing, mind boggling situations, minus double meaning dialogues this time – 3/5 

Anand Vaishnav (Buzz18) – Despite a shaky start, All The Best works well as a comedy. It’s a clean sitcom packed with clever punches and witty one liners. This one’s for the entire family during the festive season – 3/5

Gaurav Malani (Indiatimes) – Supposedly based on an American play Right Bed Wrong Husband , Rohit Shetty’s All The Best is modeled as a comedy of mistaken identities finding its desi -siblings in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Chukpe Chupke and Anees Bazmee’s No Entry . Though not as simple as the former or smart as latter, the comedy still clicks with its unstable blend of story, style, sense, slapstick and stunts – 3/5

Main Aur Mrs KhannaAnd the third one is Main Aur Mrs Khanna by debutant Prem Soni, starring Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Sohail Khan.

NDTV (Anupama Chopra) – Not surprisingly, the film sinks like a stone. Much of the action in Main Aur Mrs Khanna takes place at the airport. But thats not the only reason you will feel like you are stuck in transit. Steer clear – 1.5/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN-IBN) – Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is what they call a “home production” in Bollywood slang. It’s the kind of film a star agrees to do in exchange for a fat salary that pays for his or her dream home. When the deal is so good, you don’t raise questions about the script – 1/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, MAIN AURR MRS. KHANNA is weak in merits. At the box-office, the BLUE wave, followed by another strong opposition in ALL THE BEST will sideline MAIN AURR MRS. KHANNA completely. It’s a non-starter – 1.5 / 5 

Rediff – We wonder what made Salman say yes to Prem Soni’s directorial debut when he had already done a film on a similar topic in Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar. Surely it’s not to revive his brother Sohail’s (he is the producer of MAMK) flagging career ? Well, whatever the reason, don’t hold your breath : Main Aur Mrs Khanna is a failed attempt – 1.5/5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – What a slow, strange, boring film which starts with nothing and then gratingly proceeds to go nowhere. Directed by a debutante, Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is like a little moral fable that could well have been summed up in a simple greeting card. They sure as hell didn’t need the entire movie, and certainly not stars like Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor.Did either of them even read the script before signing on, or was it all for brother Sohail Khan? – 1 / 5

Suranjana Nandy (Buzz18) – Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is not entertaining in the accepted sense of the word. But it’s a neat little film which teaches a lot about life. It’s not fun, it’s meaningful. It definitely isn’t Oscar material, but it (and I’ll use this much abused phrase here) has its heart in the right place – 3/5

Nikhat Kazmi ( TOI) – For, Main aurr Mrs Khanna seems to have no passion at all. Neither love, nor anger, nor pain, nor envy. In an attempt to create a low key drama, debutant director, Prem Soni divests his film of all energy. Truly, this must be Kareena’s most thanda performance which fails to strike a single chord. So unlike the feisty actor! – 2 / 5

Huh! Looks like this diwali there is no fireworks ath the box office! We are dialling our video rental library. What are you doing ?

Vikram Bhatt & Khalid Mohamed : No more aslibaat!

Posted: October 7, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, gossipmongers, News, Thoughts
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AslibaatThe honeymoon is not only over but it seems it has left bitter aftertaste too! With Khalid Mohamed and so many mean bones in his body, any outing will surely get acidic! To be honest, we love his writing. Its Mean Mohamed Steet!It would be killer only if he could keep his personal agenda out of his writing! 

Now to REWIND. Vikram Bhatt & Khalid Mohamed (KM), the two came together to start aslibaat.com after Khalid Mohamed was fired from Hindustan Times (HT). Reason – recession. cost cut down. Asli reason – Rumour is Big B pulled all the possible big strings to get KM out because he and his family was under continous attack from Madhu Mottu & Under Honey’s Hat (KM’s popular gossip column), almost everyday, in HT’s Cafe supplement.

On the other hand, Vikram Bhatt, once the next big thing, lost it and how. Delivered duds after duds, more than a dozen in a row and had stars runing far far away from him with every new release. When KM was with HT, Vikram started writing a weekly column for HT Cafe. Wrote some great cover stories too, on the weird ways of the place called Bollywood. Unlike others, completely candid and unpretentious! Loved it! But when KM was sacked, VB was also out.

With Aslibaat.com going on track, VB was suppose to produce KM’s next film titled Rutba, based on the story of his stepbrother Hukam Singh. But because of some differences, both decided to go separate ways. Now KM is out of aslibaat also.

KM went back to Passionforcinema.com where he had started a blog diary sometime back. In the post titled Question of my Rutba, he wrote….

Towards the end of last year, there came an opportunity to finally narrate the Hukam Singh story as a film. The script was demanding, many of its scenes like confessionals to a church father. I was satisfied with the result, my producer Vikram Bhatt wasn’t. He rightly pointed out that it was far too internalised. I agreed. After four more drafts, both he and I were gung-ho. We had done it.

Then it came to the casting, the music, the basic essentials. That was on. Then there were snafus which are often inevitable in the process of filmmaking. Rutba was ‘routed’ as Mid-day put it, the intro said that the film had been shelved.

You can read the full post here. And reacting to the reports in media, Vikram Bhatt wrote on his blog….

Also in today’s newspaper Khalid Mohamed says that he is not making ‘Rutba’ for my company because he is tired of waiting for the film to start and that I was interfering in the script and the music of his film. I can only laugh at that comment and luckily I said nothing in response but what I did not say was that I was the only one in the entire film industry who was willing to make a film with him and with me gone Khalid Mohamed has lost his last chance to make a film. I feel really sad for him and the person that he his and would wish for him to find peace and happiness that eludes him. He says that he was the one who opted out of making the film; I will grant him that last scrap of self-respect that he is clamoring for with that statement though I have his e-mails that say quite another story. Let it be.

Cant find the full post by Vikram but the interesting bit is quoted here. BTW, VB was referring to this report in Mid-day.

Now Vikram Bhatt plans to continues his aslibaat without KM and KM has started a new blog. The link is http://khalidsspot.blogspot.com/.

Film Reviews : Dil Bole Hadippa and Wanted

Posted: September 18, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, News, reviews
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Dil Bole HadippaTwo big releases this friday. Though neither my Dil Bole Hadippa nor my dimaag WANTs anything. Few early reviews are out. Check out!

Dil Bole Hadippa is directed by debutant Anurag Singh, produced by Yashraj Films and stars Rani Mukherjee and Shahid Kapoor.

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – Dil Bole… is worth seeing for the sweetness and charm that Rani and Shahid conjure up. Catch it if you have nothing else going on this weekend – 2.5/5

Sukanya Verma (Rediff) – If you can discount some of the Veer-Zaara inspired cheesiness to follow along with terrible exercises of humour – namely broken Hinglish exchanges (You Kaala bhainslo, yadda yadda) and gems like, ‘Yeh Indian dil hai. Cello tape se nahi Judta and a reaa-llll-yy long climax, your ‘Dil’ might just find enough strength to mutter ‘Hadippa’. Ha, like that’s ever going to happen – 2.5/5

Anand Vaishnav (Buzz18) – It’s a long weekend ahead. And Dil Bole Hadippa is just the kind of movie you will enjoy with your family. This one is an easy watch – 2.5/5

Gaurav Malani (Indiatimes) – Dil Bole Hadippa comes as another feel ‘good’ film from the Yash Raj banner but off late audiences have upgraded to ‘better’ narratives – 2.5/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, DIL BOLE HADIPPA is an ordinary fare. At the box-office, the film has some chances in North mainly thanks to the Punjabi flavour. The holidays ahead may help its prospects at plexes essentially, but the single screens will be dull – 2/5 

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – it’s a crushing bore of a film that’s neither thrilling in its cricket scenes, nor entertaining in its humour. What’s it going to take to expect some originality and inventiveness from one of the biggest players in Bollywood? To be honest, dil bole sudharjaa! – 1.5/5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – For Rani fans, it’s a must watch, the rest can go see Wanted instead – 2/5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – What do you say to a movie which is a cross between Veer Zaara and Chak De! India? With large dollops of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge thrown in? YRF has developed a niche niche now-Punjabi films about sports and involving Pakistan -2/5

Khalid Mohamed (Aslibaat) – Next time around, you do wish the Chopras would show more of Punjab than its mustard fields, dupatta-cholis, trucks and tractors. Till then, this cricket balle balle makes for a fairly engrossing matinee – 3/5

Mayank Shekhar (Hindustan Times) – As an idea, this remains still a full-on film festival designed around the female lead. She is decent. She usually is. But, what is this film? – 1/5


WantedWANTED is directed by Prabhu Deva and stars Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia and Prakash Raj.

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, WANTED rides on Salman, Salman and only Salman Khan’s star power. A masala film that’s aimed at the masses, WANTED is backed by tremendous hype and hoopla, which will result in the film taking an earth-shattering start at the ticket window – 4/5

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – Yes, there is plenty here for action buffs, including a ripped, shirtless Salman going on a killing spree in the climax. The rest of us should just steer clear – 1.5/5

Raja Sen (Rediff) – Khan might be having fun, but the fact a film like Wanted underscores is how badly Bollywood needs a breed of younger leading men. And how the existing lot need roles that fit – 2/5 

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – For die-hard fans of the star who don’t have a problem with extreme violence and juvenile comedy, this might be a treat. For others though, it’s strictly average entertainment. Carry cotton for your ears and a Crocin for the headache – 2/5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – In a nation where crooks sit in Parliament and mammoth corruption scandals are made to disappear conveniently, Salman Khan is the real poster bad boy, an Indian icon far truer than most other created ‘brands’ around. So let us celebrate the self-man, instead of constantly denigrating him – 4/5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – The question why occurs to you several times during the movie. Why was it remade in Hindi? Why did Salman work so hard for a film that was so obviously coming after Ghajini had been there and done that? And why did Boney Kapoor spend so much money on making this? – 1/5

Khalid Mohamed (Aslibaat) – Sure, Salman Khan strives to be uber cool;  it’s only because of his star presence that you watch this potty pourri. Otherwise, for most of those seeking three hours of a chill-out at the multiplex, Wanted is about as desirable as bullets-‘n’-guns in your boudoir – 2/5

Mayank Shekhar (Hindustan Times) – The hinterlands will be happy. But what’s the story? Well. That’s what producer Kapoor paid up Rs 12 crore in copyrights for, by the way. Such s**t, better be hit! – 1.5/5

Jaya Biswas (Buzz18) – An out-and-out entertainer, Salman is sure to enthrall you not only with his action but his brilliant dance steps – 3/5

Gaurav Malani (Indiatimes) – There are times when you care a damn for nutrition and want to indulge in some lip-smacking junk food. Wanted is just that recipe. Never mind some extra calories! Try watching it in a single screen – the cheese melts faster there – 3/5

So, its 2.5 for Dil Bole Hadippa and Wanted has scored on both the extremes! 

Sanjay Gadhvi’s 7 Days In Paris is shelved!

Posted: August 23, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, gossipmongers, News
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imran khanDhoom doom doom! Dil bole doom doom doom. Yes, we belong to the IB Club for sure, otherwise how do you explain the fact that when a film gets shelved, we are feeling happy about it. Sickos! But, its Sanjay Gadhvi! Sanjay Doom Gadhvi! The man is nice but when there are million other jobs to keep yourself busy, why make films ?

Sanjay Gadhvi was planning a new film – 7 Days in Paris with Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif. We first wrote about it here and till date, its one of our popular posts. And if gossipmongers are to be believed Gadhvi’s film is now shelved! And the big reason is Madam Mahalingam of Studio18! Who ? Vandana Malik, the to-be-ma-in-law of Imran Khan. It seems Sanjay had  big fight with Madam because he has been wasting Imran’s dates as he could not manage any heroine after Katrina walked out if it. And the big fight turned into bigger fight and the green light was quickly turned into red.

Poor Imran! He got nothing to do. Once a week, he keeps himself busy by writing a column for Hindustan Times. Rest six days, he reads and reads and reads scripts. Only when his girlfrind Avantika Malik recommends any script, he decides to do it. Like Kidnap, Luck!  She picked those two scripts.

BTW, he finally has found the great romantic script that he was desperately looking for – Karan Johar’s production I Hate Luv Stories! Puneet Malhotra will direct it and Sonam Kapoor will co-star in it. We read the synopsis, could not find anything great in it except the name K Jo attached to it.

Well, you know your luck is fuck when your ma-in-law and you are in the same business. And you know your luck can never get a better fuck when your ma-in-law is dumbo too! Lord save the son-in-laws!

Kaminey – film reviews

Posted: August 16, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cinema, film review, News, reviews
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KamineyDamn! The Fwine flu! We still havent managed to watch Kaminey. And going by the film reviews, almost everyone seems to have loved it except Khalid Mohamed. Lets check who rated how much.

Taran Adarsh ( Indiafm) – On the whole, KAMINEY lives up to the hype associated with it. The film has three stars – Vishal Bhardwaj, Shahid Kapoor and ‘Dhan Te Nan’ – and this combo as also the crooked characters and a genuinely hatke subject should guarantee ample footfalls in cineplexes even after its initial weekend – 4/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – Kaminey, amidst all the bloodshed and bullets, this film has a full beating heart. As Charlie would say: It’s a MUFT-WATCH – 4/5

Khalid Mohamed (Aslibaat) – At the end of Kaminey, then, you exit with some upbeat feelings. Fit looks food fut..fut is fwite fisappointing. F..ouch – 2.5/5

Raja Sen (Rediff) – Wow. Now if that isn’t kameenapan, I don’t know what is. Awefome – 4.5/5

(Now, this is one guy whose style we really like but his politics is all wrong. The dudde published the review on wednesday for some early word of mouth publicity. And clearly the intention must have been to score some brownie points from Bhardwajsaab for his writing career! Mr Sen, for how long ? )

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – I came away with a stunning build-up, some spectacular sequences, and terrific music. But from a Vishal film, I wanted the full monty – 4/5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – Well, this is it. Tarantino gave Hollywood Pulp Fiction, and now Vishal Bhardwaj gives Bollywood Kaminey. It’s the new standard of cutting edge cinema, and it rocks all the way. Dhan te nan. Damn, just can’t get the tune out of my head – 4/5

Mayank Shekhar (Hindustan Times) – There’s still nothing to take away from the movement this movie means to Hindi films. Missing it is your own entertainment loss. Given the director’s unfortunate commercial track-record with gems like Maqbool and Omkara, I really hope this time, ‘Vishal overcome!’ – 3.5/5

Anupama Chopra ( NDTV) – Kaminey will take some getting used to. It isn’t the comfort food that Bollywood normally dishes out. But I strongly recommend that you see it. This taste is worth acquiring – 4/5

And we are dying to have that taste!

Love Aaj Kal – film reviews

Posted: July 31, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cinema, film review, News, reviews
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love aaj kal4Will Imtiaz Ali score a hattrick ? Everyone loves his first one Socha Na Tha. Jab We Met gave him box office success. And now the third one – Love Aaj Kal starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Rishi Kapoor. And who is that Harleen Kaur ?

Post-press screening, we heard mixed reviews about it. Nothing mindblowing. Ok to good to great timepass. Some early reviews are out. Take a look.

Gaurav Malani (Indiatimes) – Love Aaj Kal doesn’t promise much newness in its plot but clicks largely for its casual-n-cheerful presentation – 3/5

Anand Vaishnav (Buzz18) – Love Aaj Kal is not perfect. But in one of Bollywood’s dullest years, this one comes as a refreshing ray of hope. It’s bound to bring a smile on your face. Here’s a film with both head and heart – 4/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, LOVE AAJ KAL is for the young and romantic at heart. Sure, it’s not perfect, but the terrific performances, melodious music and stirring emotional moments more than compensate for the hiccups – 4/5

Raja Sen ( Rediff) – Love Aaj Kal is a harmless, watchable film — sad, because it could have been truly special. It has its moments in the first half, while the second half is an over-melodramatic drag – 2.5/5

Anupama Chopra ( NDTV) – Love Aaj Kal is an above average film with some wonderful moments, nice lines and fine performances. But it’s not as sparkling or engaging as it should have been – 3/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – The film in the end is ordinary stuff, watchable but never memorable like the director’s previous efforts, the far superior “Socha Na Tha” and “Jab We Met” – 2/5

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – It’s hard not to warm up to a film which is, at its core, likeable. I just wish I could have liked it more – 3/5

Khalid Mohamed (Aslibaat) – The result is cuts above the kind of movies you’re getting aaj kal. Worth the price of a ticket-cum-popcorn. Make that caramel – 3/5

Minty Tejpal – Though a poignant love story, Love Aaj Kal lacks the joyous, organic soul of Jab We Met, and appears crafted. Nevertheless, Imtiaz Ali shows that he is a top notch director, with an eye for subtle, emotional nuances 3.5/5

Mayank Shekhar (Hindustan Times) – Eventually, a script that starts off supremely crisp, loosens out into climaxes. And a final explanation that while times have changed, only expressions may have altered – 3/5

Baradwaj Rangan – After ‘Socha Na Tha’ and ‘Jab We Met,’ Imtiaz Ali dreams up another winning romance – about love today versus love yesterday.

So far, 2.5 to 4, seems what we heard is right.

And yeah, finally we have got the name of the actress who plays Harleen Kaur! So all you guys who have been googling Harleen Kaur, stop now. She is Giselle Monteiro! And with an intersting name like that, we are more curious. Anybody got any more dope!

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