Posts Tagged ‘raja sen’

Film Reviews : Salman Khan’s Veer

Posted: January 22, 2010 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, cinema, film review, News, reviews
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
1

This friday, its the attack of the Pindharis! Anil Gadar Sharma returns with Veer starring Salman Khan, Zarine Khan, Mithun Chakraborty, Sohail Khan and Jackie Shroff. The story is by Salman Khan. Beat this!

Here are some early reviews which suggests that Veer belongs to that rare dud tribe who die on their birthday! Born to die friday Species.

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – The best thing about Veer is that it is comic book cinema no pretensions. Without a trace of embarrassment or apology, Sharma goes full throttle on speeches to the motherland, honour, mardangi. And as Manmohan Desai told us decades ago: Mard ko dard nahin hota, so Veer snarls and slices through men without pausing for breath – 2.5/5

Raja Sen (Rediff) – The son of a legendary hero grows up and attempts to follow in his father’s footsteps, however bloodthirsty this road may be. It is standard Bollywood cliche, but Salim Khan, one of our most iconic screenwriters, deserves a better tribute than son Salman, credited for the film’s story, churning out this unbelievably hackneyed period disaster – 1/5

Gaurav Malani (ET) – Salman Khan gives a powerful performance in real sense. He is so prominent in the film that not even his brother Sohail Khan gets one consolation scene. Mithun Chakravarthy is the only one who stands on his own other than Salman Khan. Zarine Khan is a replica of Katrina Kaif and using the same dubbing artist adds to the analogy. Lisa Lazarus is absolutely wasted in a 2 scene role. Jackie Shroff is repetitive in his villainous act. You have to be a braveheart to watch Veer – 2/5

Shubhra Gupta (India Express) – Salman is the last Khan standing. It makes not a whit of difference to him and his directors that the space for retrofitted 70s packages has shrunk to nothing : Salman, In and As Veer, defiantly dances, romances, and bests his enemies in combat— hand-to-bare hand, and because `Veer’ is allegedly a period film, sword-to-clanging sword – 2/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – VEER drives home a few hard facts…No amount of gloss can substitute for an engaging story. Not all directors are capable of pulling off a period film. No star – howsoever strong his rankings are – can infuse life in a comatose script – 1/5

Khalid Mohamed (PFC) – A battle’s on, followed by much prattle. How they rattle on about the British Raj and a desert-principality presided over by a king, mostly garbed in outfits which are crow-black. Quite tack. In effect, then, Veer is a waste or resources, talent and of course, our time..and ticket money – 2/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – Even if you’re willing to forgive all the historical inaccuracies and the complete disregard for detail, Veer starring Salman Khan, is still an impossible film to appreciate.Unacceptable in these times. From Cameron’s Pandora to Anil Sharma’s Pindhari, we’ve come a long way baby – 2/5

Nikhat Kazmi (TOI) – Now no one’s doubting the fact that Salman Khan’s a thoroughbred veer. For, it does take a whole lot of bravado to pick up a blast from the buried past and present it an age when everyone is determined to tell a brand new story in Bollywood. Of course, films like Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar did manage to strike a chord with the newbie viewers too, but they were more like exceptions to the rule. By and large, the scheming Brits and their grab-India story has been confined to the creative bin when it comes to modern Indian cinema, song and literature – 2.5/5

Mayank Shekhar (HT) – It belongs more to Bollywood of back in the day: a song designated for smokers every few minutes; crispness, hardly a narrative virtue; three hours, the accepted clock-time. And yet in trying so hard to win acclaim and scale, the film goes all over the place – *Gladiator, Troy, Braveheart* – complicating matters for its easy viewers – 1.5/5

Minty Tejpal ( Mumbai Mirror) – Veer is a very, very terrible film, which has lots of thudding hoofs, bloodstained swords, chopped-off heads plus brawny men hooting and fighting. What Veer doesn’t have is any kind of a script or a director, forget about any other related sense or sensibility. The film is a brutal assault on all your senses, with lousy direction constantly competing with mediocre acting struggling with a garbled period story, and one has to indeed be very ‘veer’ not to cry and run away in sheer fright – 1/5

Seems like Veer is already headed for Veer-gati!

Film Reviews : Chance Pe Dance & The Waiting Room

Posted: January 15, 2010 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, cinema, film review, News, reviews
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
2

This friday there are two hindi releases. One is the biggie Chance Pe Dance directed by Ken Ghosh (Ishq Vishq, Fida) starring Shahid Kapoor and Genelia De Souza.

The other film is the indie The Waiting Room, produced by Sunil Doshi, directed by Maneej Premnath and starring Raj Singh Chaudhary (Gulaal). Lets see if Chance Pe Dance got any chance.

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – It seems like both Genelia and Shahid are squeezing in as many expressions as they can into each scene to compensate for the lack of a coherent script. But all their energy cannot fire up this inherently dull film. Chance Pe Dance isn’t the hot weekend ticket you were waiting for – 2/5 

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – You also wish there was more energy in the sequences that fill in the spaces between the work-outs on the dance floor : the film gets lax too often. And the choreography could have been much more exciting to match an actor who is such a fleet-footed mover and shaker : the only one who’s perhaps a tad better is Hrithik Roshan. Kapoor needs a story with more depth, and direction – 2/5 

Raja Sen (Rediff) – There are a few warm touches and Kapoor occasionally manages to sparkle. But there are far better places for a showreel than in a movie theatre. It’s mostly harmless, and certainly harebrained. Leave it to the Shahid-obsessed – 1.5/5 

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – Ken Ghosh borrows liberally from such Hollywood films as School of Rock and the Jessica Alba-starrer Honey. But with it’s theme of a struggling actor’s ultimate vindication, in the end I suppose Chance Pe Dance could be described as “Luck By Chance-For-Dummies”. Although it would be a crime to mention the two films in the same breath – 1/5

Gaurav Malani (ET) – Sadly, scripts are written for reality shows today but there is no real good scripting involved in feature films. So in times when dance talent-hunt shows on television promise more drama and entertainment, you find no good reason why to give this dance a chance – 2/5 

Nikhat Kazmi (TOI) – The film may not have the emotional quotient of Ishq Vishq, Shahid and Ken’s first film that set the box office on fire, yet it does have its moments. A better scripted, less cliched second half would have surely given the film a better chance to dazzle and shake – 3/5

Taran Adarsh(Indiafm) – Shahid makes a sincere effort and the honesty shows in a number of scenes. But let’s not forget that the best of actors cannot rise beyond a pitiable script. On the whole, this dance stands no chance – 1.5/5

Abhijit Mhamunkar (Buzz18) – There was much buzz in the media about the film being rewritten and re-shot after changing the original heroine, Jiah Khan – replaced by Genelia D’Souza. Also, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! writer Manu Rishi was roped in for additional dialogues and scriptwriting. But you wonder what changes the makers have made, because neither is the film entertaining nor presenting anything new – 1.5/5

Mayank Shekhar (HT) – Between those patchy, over-decorated music television tracks, the banal hero fails a courier boy’s job; sleeps in a car (when he could’ve moved in with his girl); joins a school to teach dance; enlists kids to win a competition; enlists himself to win a talent hunt… The show goes on, and so on, and so forth. As does the refrain: “Tu star ban sakta hai. Tu star ban gaya. Mein star banaunga….” (Whatever that means) – 1.5/5

It seems Ken Ghosh can go back to making music videos. Next is Chance Impossible! Will update with more reviews as soon as they are out.

And not a single review of The Waiting Room so far ? What happened to the indie supporters ?

Film Reviews : 3 Idiots

Posted: December 24, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cinema, film review, News, reviews
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
3

Raj Kumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots is here! So, all is well or not so well ? Looks like its a divided house. It has Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani and Omi Vaidya in the the lead. Here are some of the early reviews….

Raja Sen (Rediff) – This isn’t a bad film, though. By which I mean it conjures up a few moments, it will doubtless make some people cry, and every now and then we glimpse some heart. Yet it hurts to see that this is traditional Bollywood masala schlock, with scenes calculated to tickle and to evoke sympathy. It’s not awful at all, but since when did ‘not bad’ become good? Dr Feelgood doesn’t make the cut this time, and we need to measure him by the high bar his previous excellence has set — by which degree this is a whopper of a disappointment – 2/5

Gaurav Malani (ET) – The film redefines Idiot as ‘I do it on my own terms’. After watching the film, you won’t mind being certified as an idiot. If you still don’t approve of the film, you are a certified cynic. 3 Idiots is one of the most entertaining films of the decade – 5/5

Anand Vaishnav (Buzz18) – 3 Idiots is a happy film with a positive message. But you never feel for or root for its characters. Releasing in the festive season, this film will deliver truckloads of laughter, but might not satisfy the expectations of watching an Aamir Khan-Rajkumar Hirani film. It’s just another feel good, time pass watch – 3/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, 3 Idiots easily ranks amongst Aamir, Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s finest films. Do yourself and your family a favour: Watch 3 Idiots. It’s emotional, it’s entertaining, it’s enlightening. The film has tremendous youth appeal and feel-good factor to work in a big way – 4.5/5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – Mr Hirani, Mahatma, we bow to you. Aamir, we think you’ll make a great HRD Minister. And yes, a word for the man who produced it as he did the Munnabhais. More power to you, Vidhu Vinod Chopra. We know now why you speak so much, so long, and so loudly. It’s because movies such as these can silence everyone else – 5/5

Nandini Ramnath (Time Out) – The message is a bit mixed, since the movie ultimately celebrates achievement. Given how Ranchchod ends up, it’s clear that whether you’re self-taught or schooled, you’ll remain an idiot if you aren’t also talented to begin with – 2/5

Mayank Shekhar (HT) – Before 3 Idiots on screen, you still don’t feel like the fourth idiot in the theatre. That’s a non-Bollywood relief. This is the sort of movie you’ll take home with a smile and a song on your lips, unless the hype has entirely messed up with your expectations – 3.5/5

Since Anupama Chopra is married to Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Mayank Shekhar has reviewed the film for NDTV this friday.

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – It makes the point, but not as magically as it could have, given Hirani’s unique gift of building extraordinary moments out of the ordinary. ‘3 Idiots’ was good in parts, but it didn’t blow me away – 3/5

Aniruddha Guha (DNA) – Even as you have come to accept Khan’s genius at ensuring a good product for audiences every time, this one is a Rajkumar Hirani show all the way. And it becomes easy to say that because even if you take Khan out of the equation, the film would probably make a similar impact – 4/5

Nikhat Kazmi (TOI) – The high point of the film is the fact that director Rajkumar Hirani says so much, and more, without losing his sense of humour and the sheer lightness of being. The film is a laugh riot, despite being high on fundas – 4.5/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – An earnest but calculated effort that runs, but never flies. Watch it anyway, because it’s the season to be jolly, and good laughs are guaranteed – 3/5

Whats your take ? Where do you stand between 2 and 5 ?

Film Reviews : Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year

Posted: December 11, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, cinema, film review, News, reviews
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
5

Dhan Te dan! Its finally here! The combo of Shimit Amit & Jaideep Sahni. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year is this friday’s film. And here are the reviews….

Raja Sen (Rediff) – Rocket Singh might not be everyone’s idea of a good time. It’s not a film that grips you from the word go, or one that leaves you rolling in the aisles, but it’s an impassioned effort that tosses skepticism out the window. Watch it, really – 3.5/5

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – Rocket Singh never becomes more than the sum of its parts but still I recommend that you make time for it. Just be prepared to be patient – 3/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – Rocket Singh touches a chord because it’s that rare film that urges us to examine our lives and to question the rules by which we live it. It has a life-affirming quality that will appeal to every one of us who has ever hesitated before taking the easy way over the right way – 3.5/5

Gaurav Malani (ET) – A line from the film states, “Risk toh Spiderman ko bhi lena padta hai, main toh phir bhi Salesman hoon” (Even Spiderman has to take risk, I am just a Salesman). The makers have taken as much risk to sell a not-so-regular story to the audiences. And it has paid off pretty well. Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year is one of the most rocking films of the year – 4/5

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – This is also the film which seems to have got a lost-in-the-woods studio back to its real strength: solid story-telling and believable performances, minus the designer bods and empty plots it has of late fallen prey to. Can it be, finally, the second coming of Yashraj? – 3/5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – Go watch it to see why even zero has a value. And why Ranbir Kapoor is the future of Mumbai films. An effortless actor, he’s just the perfect embodiment of the times we live in. Confident without being cocky, spirited without being arrogant, hard working if not always gifted, he is the Young Indian we all want to see – 4/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, ROCKET SINGH – SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is more of a documentary on the life of a salesman. Lack of music, romance and entertainment, coupled with zilch hype, will go against the film. A colossal disappointment – 1.5/5

Khalid Mohamed (PFC) – Although the dramaturgy ends up blurring the line between scamming and honesty,  a holier-than-thou attitude is maintained throughout. Sure do tell us that corruption and shortchanging the customer don’t finally pay… but please tell us that with clarity and conviction. As for the finale, centering around a phone call, it happens so much by coincidence that it doesn’t ring true at all. Without revealing the resolution, suffice it to say that it’s as deflating as a punctured tyre – 2/5

Anand Vaishnav (Buzz18) – Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year is eventually a feel good watch that talks about ethics, without sounding like a moral science lecture. All that mundane management talk about ‘service over sales’ and ‘people over numbers’ never sounded cooler – 4/5

Nikhat Kazmi (TOI) – The winning duo of Shimit Amin and Jaideep Sahni may not be offering you a Chak De India this time round, but they do sculpt some rare moments on celluloid that end up redefining the pusuit of happiness as something more than mainu chaida, chaida, chaida – 3.5/5

Mayank Shekhar (HT) – You’d much rather stick with this rare Rocket, than an yearlong racket that goes on in the name of filmmaking in Mumbai. Harpreet’s unique honesty in a sales firm goes well in the context of this film within Bollywood itself – 3/5

Update – Just back from the screening. Dont miss this one!

Film Reviews : Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani & Jail

Posted: November 6, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, cinema, film review, reviews
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
4

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

Kaminey – film reviews

Posted: August 16, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cinema, film review, News, reviews
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
3

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
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

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!

Luck Film Reviews – we told you so!

Posted: July 24, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, film review, gossipmongers, News, Thoughts
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

LuckWe are not too fond of shouting “we told you so” from the rooftop again n again but then, we really don’t have a choice. When we read the script of Luck and posted our thoughts on it (click here & here ), many raised their eyebrows as high as Eiffel Tower. As if we were faking it! And if the early reviews are any indication, all you guys with raised eyebrows can suck your towers!

The film stars Imran Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Shruti Hassan, Danny Denzongpa, and Mithun Chakraborty. Its directed by Soham Shah.

Raja Sen ( Rediff ) – What the luck is this ? –  1/5 

Gaurav Malani (Indiatimes) – Director Soham Shah rubs too hard on luck but at the same time stresses on the adage that ‘the only thing certain about luck is it’s going to change’. On that thought here’s wishing him better luck next time – 2 /5

Rajeev Masand ( CNN IBN ) – Luck, neither smart nor spectacular – 2/5

Khalid Mohamed ( Aslibaat) – Luck kiya jaaye ? No way – 1/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, LUCK rides on star power, adrenaline-pumping thrills and a concept that’s novel for the Indian screens. Despite some loose ends, these three factors primarily would ensure a Lucky journey at the box-office – 3 /5

Minty Tejpal ( Mumbai Mirror) – Yuck! – 1/5

Anand Vaishnav (Buzz18) – Despite a solid start, by the time it ends you might say…Is Luck Se Mujhe Bachao – 1.5 / 5

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – It might be unintentionally funny entertainment on a slow night when you have nothing else going on. So I’m going with two out of five stars and recommending that you wait for the DVD – 2/5

And surprisingly, some of the reviewers seems to share the exact thoughts as we put in our previous posts. Raja Sen felt it was like boring Khatroon Ke Khiladi episodes and Anupama Chopra mentions 13 Tzameti and Intacto sequences in her review.

Dear Imran, here is our next red alert for you!

Film Reviews – Shortkut : The Con is On

Posted: July 10, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, film review, News, reviews
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

Shortkut - The con is onShortkut – The con is On. Shortkut with a “K”, whatever that means. Produced by Anil Kapoor, directed by Neeraj Vora, written by Anees Bazmee and stars Akshaye Khanna, Arshad Warsi and Amrita Rao. And if the early reviews are any indication, its time to switch off the con even before it gets on!

Raja Sen ( Rediff ) – At least it’s better than Kambakkht Ishq and New York put together – 2/5.

Taran Adarsh ( Indiafm) – Is a poor show all the way. A major disappointment – 1 /5

Khalid Mohamed (Aslibaat) – Just another cup of copy….sugarless – 1/5

Rajeev Masand ( CNN IBN ) – Shortkut leaves you bored – 1/5

Baradwaj Rangan (New Indian Express) – A dreadful satire of the film industry is symptomatic of everything that’s wrong with our mainstream cinema

Anand Vaishnav ( Buzz18) – An interesting plot goes haywire due to a lifeless script – 1.5 / 5

Gaurav Malani (Indiatimes) – Cut every possible path, short or long, leading to this film – 1.5 /5

Shubhra Gupta ( Indian Express ) – Arshad Warsi, fine actor, RIP  ?

Minty Tejpal ( Mumbai Mirror ) – Avoid this shortcut – 1/5

Aniruddha Guha ( DNA ) – Is a con job by its makers – 1/5

Mayank Shekhar ( NDTV ) – If you happen to catch this disaster, don’t say, I didn’t warn you.

Mayank’s review sums it up well. Do we need tos ay more!

Kambakkht Ishq Film Reviews

Posted: July 3, 2009 by moifightclub in cinema
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
1

Its bit early but its a big one and so the reviews have already started trickling in.

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – Earth shattering opening weekend & historic week 1 – 3.5 stars

Gaurav Malani ( Indiatimes) – This one is dumb-akkht ishq! – 1 star

Raja Sen ( Rediff) – The pursuit of akkiness – 1.5 star

Mayank Shekhar (NDTV) – I dare you to watch it – 1 star

Mayank Shekhar (Hindustan Times ) – Surgeon genereal’s warning – 1 star (Is Mayank writing two reviews of the same film ?)

NYTimes – The bollywood sign.

Rajeev Masand ( CNN IBN) – Kambakkht Ishq is vulgar & offensive – 1 star (poor)

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – Punjabi family porn – 2 stars

Shubhra Gupta ( Indian Express) – Perfect for the undemanding-whats-new-at-the-plexes crowd. 

Minty Tejpl (Mumbai Mirror) – Crass N risque – 2 stars

Baradwaj Rangan (New Indian Express) – Old is cold.

As expected, its Taran Adarsh on one side and rest of them in other. That’s the differnce between a trade analyst and a  film critic.

Older Entries
Newer Entries