Posts Tagged ‘review’

Whats Your Raashee ?The first review of Whats Your Raashee is out! This one is from Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) where the film had its premiere. And as we told you in this post, Whats Your Raashee is indeed 3hrs 20mins long. Variety confirms it. So get ready with your pillows and bean bags if you plan to catch the film!

Back to the review or mini-review. Though the review doesnt say much but click here or scroll down to read the full review. 

For an hour, “What’s Your Raashee?” — the first romantic comedy from director Ashutosh Gowariker (“Jodhaa Akbar”) — zips along on a silly premise: Returning home to Mumbai, a young and handsome Chicagoan (Harman Baweja) has 10 days to find a wife and earn Grandpa’s inheritance, lest his brother’s gambling debt bring the family down.

But as Baweja’s sweet Yogesh proceeds to “interview” each of a dozen ladies (all played by Priyanka Chopra), and the film stretches to a whopping 211 minutes, even Bollywood aficionados will consider breaking the engagement. Likable leads can’t guarantee a sizable dowry upon the pic’s Sept. 25 release.

Each with a different astrological sign (or rashee), Chopra’s prospective brides run the gamut. Girl No. 1 is ditzy; No. 2 is a hot microbiologist with, alas, a boyfriend; the gum-snapping third girl occasions a big dance number; the fourth is painfully shy, a victim of past heartbreak; the fifth is a fussy businesswoman who brings along a prenup agreement; and after the sixth, who believes in reincarnation, there are still six more to go. Two or three peppy songs prove woefully insufficient to sustain a 3½-hour trifle, however good-looking.

The film is an adaptation of the novel Kimball Ravenswood. We hated the music (Sohail Sen), the promos, and now it seems the film will complete the full circle! Should Harman Baweja look for a new career option? Think so. Its high time! And Priyanka Chopra might get her name in some record book for potraying 12 roles in a film but all she needs is just 12 scenes! Watch Kaminey, ask Vishal Bharadwaj!

The film will release in India on September 25th. Am in no hurry to book my tickets! Who knows, might have to watch it in 12 installments!

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! 

Who said monologues are boring ? May be not, when its George Clooney! The first look of George Clooney’s new film Up In The Air is out. Check it out!

Also posting a clip from the film and an early review by popular blogging site slashfilm. The film is directed by Jason Reitman ( Juno & Thank You For Smoking).

And click here for review.

ChintujiIts filmy friday! And this week again there are some half dozen releases. Aage Se Right, Fox, Bachelor Party, Mohandas, Three – Love Lies Betrayal and some more. Our pick of the week is Rishi Kapoor starrer Chintu ji, directed by Ranjit Kapoor. We earlier wrote a post on Chintuji here (A riddle called Chintuji and bollywood’s oldest debutant). And here are some early reviews.

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – Chintu ji is an unassuming and delightful film that will keep you smiling long after you’ve left the theatre – 3.5/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – Here’s a request to all cine lovers and also multiplexes, from this writer. Give this film a chance. Let’s nurture it well, so that genuine efforts like CHINTUJI don’t go unnoticed – 3.5/5

Anand Vaishnav (Buzz18) – Despite some inconsistencies, Chintuji brings a huge smile on your face. It’s a heart warming, feel good film – 3/5

Avijit Ghosh (TOI) – Hats off to Rishi Kapoor, though, for agreeing to play Chintuji, a self-seeking, egoistic and unscrupulous character with his own pet name. The star may have faded away but the actor is blooming in early autumn – 2/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – Despite its flaws however, it’s warm and engaging in the end, and far superior to the similarly themed Billu Barber. Watch it because good films are hard to come by – 3/5

Shubhra Gupta ( Indian Express) – Keeping Rishi company are co-stars Priyanshu and the bright-eyed Kulraj, and Sophiya, shaking her stuff in one of the most hilariously inventive item numbers we’ve seen : worth, on its own, the price of an admission ticket – 3/5 

Will update when more reviews are out.

Still havent managed to catch Shashank Ghosh’s madness called Quick Gun Murugun. A friend Vasan Bala saw it and recommends it strongly. Read on.

quickgun murugan2A man is supervising the MENU for the day being listed on the black board.

“Bullet Chicken……B..U…L…L…I….T”

The man writing on the board with a chalk auto-corrects.

“B…U…..L…L….E…T”

The man who was dictating gets angry. Puts a gun to the other man’s head and growls at him, How dare he ask for a correction?

Even I agree with BULLIT CHICKEN. What’s an urban cowboy movie without an ode to the greatest URBAN COWBOY ever “Steve McQueen”

Shashanka Gosh and team have brought back that crazy brainwave from back in 1994 to it’s 2009 full blow AVTAAR (can’t escape Avtaar, it has become the last name in film-making, so I hear)

And this time around he means business and is bloody serious. There is no goofing around.

The moment we get into the Coconut Climbing Training School scene we know we are in for a serious treat. Not an half heartedly made or backed crazy idea. Such treatment to such films are so so so so rare in Indian Cinema.

Usually a great wacky idea is good enough for either the small screen (MTV, Channel V, Nick) or maybe a 30 second slot as a TVC not a full blown FEATURE. Shashanka Gosh and hopefully the success of this venture paves the way for many many more wacky minds. Take a Bow TEAM QGM.

Being a TamBram and that to born and brought up in Matunga there could not have been a more personal experience.

“You made my day, Machchan”

The plot is quit ideological and spiritual. The age old debate on FOOD, whether it has to be plants and herbs or the ones that move, crawl, jump or fly.

Murugun believes in eating grass, Rice Plate Reddy believes in the latter. He wants beef to be stuffed in all Dosas around the world.

He loves to alter his own destiny and cuts his hands for better palmistry. He dictates resignation letter and kills people to the tune of HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you.

The lone cowboy on the dusty roads is bumped off pretty soon in his crusade only to be sent back with a special VISA granted by Chitragupt himself. He is teleported back to earth, specifically to Mumbai.

The rest of the journey is a simple tale of bloody revenge by a vegetarian cowboy with questionable choice in color and material of clothing.

He loves his Lover locked in his Locket but can’t resist the nice girl who works in not so nice places, Mango Dolly.

Her massive cleavage is no give away to the heart of gold she carries, but Murugun is not ‘just another cowboy’, he immediately, looks deep, and just about in a flash realizes, MANGO DOLLY IS A GOOD GIRL.

Together they team up, he guns down the bad guys she ties up his wounds with every ounce of clothing that’s left on her body. A love striptease for a bloody gun-slinging lover. Ah!

QGM has been a ride. What a ride. Just one month and I have seen 2 films being worthy of permanent COLLECTIONS.

Kaminey and QGM.

Have still not got over the carnatic spiced GOOD, BAD and UGLY signature tune.

KALAKITAI  MACCHI  KALAKITAI!!!!!

quickgun muruganYenna Rascala, whats the score ? Seven films this friday! We say, phunk it. We are interested in only one, Shashanka Ghosh! Dont mind it!

The film stars Dr Rajendra Prasad in lead role alongwith Naseer and Rambha. Few early reviews are out.

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, Quickgun Murugan is an innovative experience. The adventures should appeal to the youth mainly – 3/5

Anupama Chopra (NDTV) – Quick Gun Murugun isn’t the roller coaster ride it could have been but I still recommend you make time for it. Because it’s wacky, original and inventive – 2.5/5

Chandrima Pal (Rediff) – QMG is as delicious as Mrs Murugan’s dosas. As Rice Plate would have said, “A1, Tip Top! – 3.5/5

Khalid Mohamed (Aslibaat) – The film’s chief quality is that it is wildly different, madcap and keeps you in a bright mood. Now that’s saying helluva lot in these days of kambakts and kamineys – 3/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – If all you’re looking for is a relaxed time at the movies, then believe me, this is Good Fun Murugun – 3/5

Avijit Ghosh (TOI) – You cannot blame director Shashanka Ghosh and writer Rajesh Devraj for not trying something different. They are bang on with the movie’s looks. Too bad, the team fails to create its soul – 2.5/5

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – We like. The rest doesn’t really make our day, `machaa’ – 3/5

Minty Tejpal (Mumbai Mirror) – I hear there’s talk of a sequel in the offing. Well, knowing Shashanka and Devi all too well, if the two talented but stubborn eccentrics do manage to collaborate again, it should be well worth it. Take that I say, Austin Powers – 3/5

Baradwaj Rangan ( New Indian Express) – A kitschy spoof of Tamil Westerns has big laughs and one small problem: even at an hour-and-a-half, it overstays its welcome.

Sanjukta Sharma (Livemint) – You either get Quick Gun or you don’t. But just watch the film for the experiment it is. There aren’t so many out there.

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – I would rather watch a Rajnikant movie in Tamil with no subtitles for entertainment – 1/5

Gaurav Malani (Indiatimes)The 2-minute parody of Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om (from where the character of Quick Gun Murugun was derived) is much more entertaining than this entire excuse for a movie. So much of noise on the pretext of parody! We do mind it  – 1.5/5

Except few reviews, it seems the score is between 2.5/3 for QGM!

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!

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!

sankatcity2Like me, if you belong to the tribe who loved Sanjay Khanduri’s Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, but never went to the theatre and managed to catch it only on tv/dvd after someone reccomeded it strongly, and you still feel guilty about it, then here is a chance to redeem yourself. Get your tickets booked for this week’s release Sankat City, directed by Pankaj Advani. His first release.

And even if you don’t belong to the same tribe, dont miss Sankat City. Its quirky, funny & paisa vasool masala film that doesn’t ask you to enter the theatre without your brains. It tickles your brains and so, make sure you carry your brains alongwith your tickets.

I entered the theatre exactly two minutes late and so missed the national anthem. But if any film deserves to have national anthem as its theme song, then this is the one. Name it and you will have it. Characters from almost every region of the country…Punjabi, Bengali, Jat, Madrasi, Hyderbadi, Marathi. And the director is not biased for anyone. They all belong to the same tribe…insane with different eccentricities, who get stuck in bizaare situations and have one common problem – money.

Characters which are rare in hindi cinema…babas in bathtubs, baba-bhakts looking for dynamites, vegetarian hero and hero with hyderabadi duplicate. And yes, a meteor that changes luck…! ( Finally someone killed that Kuch Kuch Hota Hai meteor funda. Toote taare ko dekhkar tumne kya maanga ? Bus maa ki aankh maanga tha.

In Sankat City, the world is completely round, everyone bumps into other one, a merry-go-round and the all the dots finally gets connected to give that masala end. The first 20minutes or so looks jarring, the camera moves constantly as the characters are introduced one by one and the focus keeps on shifting. But once you settle in, its a roller coaster ride. Advani’s writing is smart and his direction doesn’t match upto his script. Or may be things can change if he gets the resources. Its easy to understand the problems of any director when you go to a producer with Kay Kay & Rimi Sen as lead actors.

Kay Kay has gone from one extreme to other. From the silent brooding type to the over the top kind. And at times, he is quite irritating. The film belongs to the ensemle cast…Anupam Kher, Manoj Pahwa, Yashpal Sharma, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Virendra Saxena and many others whose name I don’t know.

There is only one reason for not watching it – if you don’t know what andkosh means! And I have only one personal grudge…my favourite actress’ role had so lil to do, that doesn’t justify her potential in any way. I don’t even know her name but I love her. Check out this superb short film of Zee Cinema….Paap Ka Anth…she is the one…Dakurani Champabai!

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.