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Maidaan (2024)
One more gem in films on sports
Maidan" follows in the footsteps of the very successful Shahrukh Khan starrer Chak De India.
Films on sports- remember "1983-"has a niche slot in movie making which requires brilliant cinematography and sharp cutting.
Maidan has that magic of fast moving images.
It has a superb background music score from A. R. Rehman.
Having said all that, Maidan is out and out Ajay Devgan's memorable performance. Portraying coach of the India football team that won Asia Cup in 1962, he grows out of his usual angry intense man image into a serious dedicated pationate coach who inspite of vomiting blood all along due to blood cancer inspires and leads the India Football Team to a victory rare in India's football history.
It is Ajay Devgan all the way. A performance that can nominate him for India 's top film awards.
Srikanth (2024)
An inspirational true story
I was debating before rating Srikanth and writing a review whether it is necessary or even right to assess and inspirational idealistic biopic. Should it be rated from the point of view of cinema as an art form? Or from purely whether it meets it's purpose of inspiring- here a disabled person to win in life, dream big, not to despair. From this point of reviewing Srikanth, it scores big- a rating of 8.
But as a reviewer of cinema as an art form, Srikanth falls a star short, for it's episodic progress, especially hurriedly done in the last reels.
Due credit should be given to much talented Rajkumar who "lives" Srikanth.
Sharad Kelkar provides good support. Aalaya F does not have much to do. Jyotika as teacher is really good.
All in all, a must see biopic.
Vanilla Ice Cream (2024)
A tasty treat
JOJO, the new Gujarati App comes up with this superlative movie "Vanilla Ice Cream" that deserves to be watched and thought about by members of any Indian joint family. It is rare that a Gujarati movie or any Indian movie reaches Academy height, no less.
Vanilla Ice Cream is a story that can take place in any middle class urban joint family. There is an old grandfather suffering from dementia. There is this young newly love-married couple Varun and Komal, played by popular actor Malhar Thakkar and (new comer?) Yukti Randeria, and father-in-law Ashvin played by Archan Trivedi and Mother-in-law Snehaben played by versatile Vandana Pathak. The story revolves round the usual mother-in-law daughter-in-law conflicts especially when daughter-in-law smokes and is a professional working woman. The father -in-law trying to pacify and prevent the situations from blowing up and family breaking down.
A most powerful story, a crisp and to the point script, virtuoso performances by the vetaran Vandana Pathak, Malhar, Archan Trivedi and fresh face and sweet Yukti takes the movie to a winning height aided by cinematography in close confine of a house in the pols (by-lanes) of old Ahmedabad and pleasing but not overpowering music makes Venilla Ice Cream a film that deserves to be an entry in any film festival not the least Oscar. (Why? Cannot a Gujarati Indian film deserve a seat at the Dolby Theatre?)
Let the emotions have free flow as you watch Venilla Ice Cream and let it drip.
Would I have accorded it a perfect 10? I debated it but the over extension by ten minute to where the film should have ended and let the viewer ruminate takes away a point. Too harsh? May be.
And finally, the Writer Director Preet, (Preet who?), please stand tall at the Dolby.
Manjummel Boys (2024)
An unmissable survival drama
If a film can be evaluated even on one criteria, Manjummel Boys is one; and that criteria for me is the superb cinematography.
Based on a true story of a disaster that befalls a group of friends. They are mentioned as boys of the village named Manjummel though they look grown up men but act as immaturely as boys in their getting high at a marriage.
They decide to take a holiday trip to Goa but end up in Kodaikanal where they go to explore what is called Guna Cave the name having derived from the title of Kamal Hassan movie.
Here they meet a disaster.
From a boisterous rather loud childish- for-the age bunch, they grow up to the seriousness of the situation. One of the "boys" falls in a crevice and here the drama of survival and rescue and comradery begins. Really superb photography takes over and that is what makes the film immensely watchable.
Director Chidambaram deserves full praise for Manjummel Boys.
Laapataa Ladies (2023)
If there is a perfect film, it is this
Laapataa Ladies is a perfect film.
I was trying to take away a star or half a star but....
Script, engrossing, no loose ends
Cast, new comers but versatile
Editing, sharp
Star cast, all unknown faces but acts like vetarans
Cinematography, just watch the last scene as the bus takes the road
And above all Kiran Rao's direction, hands on all the time, leaving not a strand loose.
Social messages through out wrapped up in hints in the dialogue that is crisp, sharp, economical and meaningful
Laapataa Ladies is light but not comedy, serious but not preachy, carries messages wrapped in conversations.
Amar Singh Chamkila (2024)
Biography, rare on Indian screen
"Amar Singh Chamkila" directed by Imtiaz Ali is one of rare Indian films that is pure biography.
Punjabi singer received huge popularity in 80s with his country songs some of them bordering on vulgarity. People loved them and Amar Singh went along with popular demand. In this, Amar Jyoti Kaur joined him though it appears reluctantly. She became her lover, wife and accompanist though reluctant, giving that feminine touch. Parineeti Chopra excels in the role and gives one of her careers best performance outshining even Diljeet Dosanjh who is superb too.
Imtiaz Ali has made use of animation, split screen, and virtual reality techniques etc to enhance the appeal and pushing forward story like what Wes Anderson does bu I doubt it's success here.
Overall, a worthy contribution to Indian cinema.
Priscilla (2023)
A let down from Ms.Coppola
A series of clips clipped together to make a movie to avoid making a web series, that is what "Priscilla" is.
Movie faithfully covers complete life story of Elvis and Priscilla but it is mechanical, a job to be done and be done with.
Most of the awards won or nominations are for costumes.
Cailee looks innocently beautiful. Jacob Elordi fails to create the magic that Elvis was, an Elvis who after fifty years still inspires look-alikes to look Elvis.
Strangely and sadly, "Priscilla" is a song-less biography of the legenday singer who mesmerized a whole generation of fans.; a pity.
The photography, the editting, the lighting, the lot, is below par.
A Thursday (2022)
Missing the finishing line
It is sad that A Thursday reaches so high and yet misses the mark.
The nursery teacher played by Yami Gautam holds 12 kids attending the play school hostage without children knowing what is happening. She keeps them engaged in Cartoon viewing while sending out message to bring perpatrraters of crime she is victim to. Otherwise she will kill one child at a time.
Police gathers from high ranking to lowest
Here the film slips. One wonders what actions are contemplated, taken. Atul Kulkarni has nothing to do except fighting with Neha Dhupia and smoking cigarettes after cigerettes. Neha Dhupia comes and goes spreading tender hands on her pregnant stomach.
The continuous rain is filmed to add atmosphere. The anxious parents are shown periodically without drama that could have been there when their children are at such risk.
Only Yami's performance wins the day and lifts the movie to a watchable level.
Sad.
Capharnaüm (2018)
Heart Rending
Capernaum is to be seen if nothing else than the little twelve year old's superb acting. Zain Al Rafeea excels in the role of the boy braving the alien world with grit and determination.
The hand held camera work captures the streets of Beirut so shockingly realistic that one hates the stars of those who have been born to ply in its filth and chaos.
The story moves a little too even pacedly to take away a few scoring points and the full impact of the strife of the little boy to first save his sister and then the Ethiopian toddler looses some impact.
Nadine Labaki, nevertheless deserves the Cannes Jury Prize for this excellent movie -Capernaum.
Dhaad (2018)
It could have been better
It pained me to say, Dhaad disappointed me some.
This short story of celebrated Gujarati writer Jayant Khatri is one of his best.
That the producers and directors have taken up to bring it on screen deserves to be applauded.
Starcast of top names- K. K. Menon, nanditaDas, Raghuveer Yadav and ofcourse Sujata Mehta, a veteran Gujarati actress-from Hindi screen in this Regional Gujarati movie would mean success.
Kutch is so scenic that you have to just hold up your camera and you can capture it's magical beauty.
And yet, it just stops short of being masterpiece. Why?
Stiff dubbing. Unnecessary songs hinders the flow. A better editing would have improved the pace.
Nevertheless, the stark beauty of dry Kutch takes your breath away.
A one time view is recommended.
The Fabelmans (2022)
Missing a couple of Stars
I have wondered why Steven Spielberg's The Fablemans has almost ten times more nominations to it's credit than awards. The Fablemans missed in all seven nominations at the Oscar.
Loosely based on his own life's early years, the story narrates the coming up of age or rather the budding of a world renowned film maker.
The Fablemans starts rather unsure of it's destination drowning out in the portrayal of Sammy's family gatherings. Sammy's indoctrination into film making is portrayed like any kid's playtime and doesn't portend to his lifelong mastery of the medium.
The movie ultimately catches up with it's intension and goal but the first half takes away a star or two and a couple of Oscars. Barring his interest in holding and panning the camera, the film fails to find for the viewer the genius in him who became a celebrated moviemaker.
Sam Bahadur (2023)
Disaster of an epic
I couldn't have imagined this film coming from an accomplished film director like Meghana Gulzar.
Sam Bahadur was a war hero and venerated for his heroic command of the Indian army and it's memorable history.
Here, Vicky Kaushal acts limp-( though said to be imitating Sam ), and caricatures Sam Bahadur rather than doing justice to him.
Sanya Malhotra has really nothing to do here and does that adequately.
The greatest joke here is the depiction of Indira Gandhi. Brought in like from a middle school annual function, Fatima Sana Sheikh is cruelly miscast, misdressed and misinterpreted here.
Cinematography is amateurish and fails to bring you to raise you up from cinema hall chair.
Not to talk about background score.
A perfectly pathetic production and an undeserving projection of the great hero.
I thought of five star reluctantly in deference to Sam and not the movie.
Bebaak (2019)
Gender, Religion, freedom
Bebaak based on a true story deals competently with all the three subjects concisely. A muslim man who it seems finds it difficult to raise a family of four bikering kids takes his eldest daughter to a muslim charitable trust which provides finance for education. The girl played convincingly by Sarah Hashmi, wants to pursue architecture. Her meeting with the officer of the trust played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui does not go well because the girl is not wearing hijab. The orthodox officer asks her to come again with proper Muslim attire covering her body and head if she wants to have finance. The applicant girl faces a dilemma as all modern girls must be facing in a gender biased religious society. Will she succumb?
Top class performance by Sarah Hashmi and Nawazuddin makes this short film achieve it's objective; how long will this bigotry persist in modern India?
The Comedian (2023)
Save a tear
The Comedian is short in run time but lasting in emotional content. Versatile actor Satish Kaushik who we will miss after this his last film is at his best as a down the hill actor and a failure in personal life which makes him grumpy. He is no longer the saught after Comedian.
His life and his view on life and personal relationship is going to change when he meets across the neighbour's balcony a sweet little girl. Pinky-Grace Girdhar, is a girl who everyone would wish to have as one's own daughter, is unforgettable. After the film is over, she is going to linger in the viewer's mind- and heart for ever. I wouldn't narrate the end but suffice to say, the short film and it's two characters will stay with you for ever.
Kudos to Jio Cinema to include The Comedian in the festival, a most deserving choice.
Scam 2003 - The Telgi Story (2023)
A Gem
Hansal Mehta once again comes with a smash hit in Scam 2003.
Aided by a well-knit, taut and fast paced script by Karan Vyas and others, Gagandev Riar gives an Oscar of a performance that couldn't have been bettered by any versatile actor. He is so believable that one feels Telgi couldn't have acted himself better. He progresses from a common man's smiling face to a little turn up of lip as situation is getting tougher and slipping up. Did real Abdul Karim Telgi keep hitching up his trouser all the time? I am sure he did.
There is not a dull moment. The plot builds up like on auto-pilot aided by logical cutting. Sets look authentic and the cinematography makes no unwarranted showmanship.
Credit must go to the directors Tanvi Chheda and Tushar Hiranandani, Frankly, I had to look up who these two were and found Tanvi Chedda in Kaun Banega Crorepati as creative director and Tushar Hiranandani has the acclaimed Saandh ki Aankha to his credit as director.
I don't understand why S1 had to stop at E5. The story hasn't yet taken such a turn to take a break for popcorn! And it is a popcorn break as S2 is announced coming as early as in November.
Soorarai Pottru (2020)
An inspiring story married by hyping
Soorarai Potru is a biopic on G. R. Gopinath, the pioneer of low cost commercial aviation in India in the times of Malya's Kingfisher and Naresh Goyal's Jet Airways, both now out of the sky. With the advent of OTT channels, biopics are popular. Some remain true to the story without picturing them as cinema screen heroes. Dhoni, Mary Kom, Saina,Milkha come to mind. They have been portrayed as they are without creating a halo around their head. Unfortunately, the fantastic story of the launch of Deccan Airways is waylaid due to the south Indian cinema's tradition of overdoing everything. Their penchant for Song and Dance overtakes them whatever the subject. The movie moves without giving the scene a time to sink in. Overacting for the hero is almost mandated, Gopinath may be or not in real life. Gopinath's Air Deccan saga is an interesting inspiring attention grabbing saga that is wasted in hyping and rushing the narrative. Wish it wasn't and Soorurai Pottru would have stood along with some of the other great Biopics.
Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities: Pickman's Model (2022)
It is OK
Why does anyone want to be horrified? For no reason? While knowing it is all make believe? Or fooling you? I am not enchanted of horror and still watched because I read somewhere about writer Lovecraft's stories and Guillermo having brought one on the screen.
Guillermo Del Toro is master of the horror craft. Pickman's Model is not one of his best and still it is riveting. A horror movie requires good cinematography, excellent lighting, fast pace, dark interiors or exteriors,suspenseful music but not great script, superior acting skills, or masterful direction. Pickman's Model has all necessary ingredients.
Vadh (2022)
Gripping
Virtuoso performance by senior actors Sanjay Mishra and Nina Gupta lifts this film to great heights. The thriller is gut wrenching and riveting. Not for a moment you can relax. Sanjay Mishra proves what he is capable of. Hardly few words pass and yet the expression says it all.
The story is about an old couple who has sent their son to USA with huge debt. The couple are now in dire straits to pay off the debt and the son has turned his face away. Not an unusual story. The Gunda lenders are pestering, harrassing and threatening each day. The story now deals with the destitute couple's desparation.
Im Westen nichts Neues (2022)
A film that loudly proclaims that the world hasn't changed
A century to date, has the world changed? Forget the superb cinematography, the somber background score, the technical excellence, the movie's only message speaks out against war what with the ravages in Ukraine for some kilometres of land. The WWI is a grim reminder that nothing has changed except the arms, the warfare, the weapons. Human tragedy is same.
The film is not for the weak hearted. The blood chilling sequences force you to keep eyes shut for a while.
I can't say how it compares with the earlier version of the movie based on the best selling novel but this one seeks and deserves the Nobel's of cinema.
Viceroy's House (2017)
Disappointing
Disappointing because Partition-1947 is a subject that cannot be squeezed into two hours. It requires a majestic web series. Again it requires a large canvas and may be, web series will also lack the expanse. Gurinderji has failed in selection of cast. Person who portrays Gandhiji is no match at all. Sardar could have been much better. These have been portrayed in other films much much better.
Dialogues are stiff and sometimes looks read out. A R Rehman's music needs to be attended with concentration.
Watching the movie on Republic Day today brought back memories of that 15th August. Much water has flown under the bridge.
Partition -1947 is a rare failure of Gurinderji.
Freddy (2022)
Kartik Aryan finds a vehicle for stardom
It is an edge of the seat thriller full of twists in a well crafted storyline that gives ample scope to Aryan to showcase his acting skill as an introvert, shy shaky person that he is as dentist Dr. Ginwala and Alaya F as a crafty woman to show her not just beauty but talent too.. The misty atmosphere is well
created by cinematography that supports story's chilling line. Music jars, honestly. There was no need in a film like this for a song. But to end the movie by that stupid dance sequence which has nothing to do with the movie and is like, picked up from some IIFA show in which Aryan shows his steps lest you forget that he is not just a "Dr. Ginwala". It spoils the whole build up of the movie at the exit. Alaya F will find more directors pursuing her.
The Crown (2016)
Best season in the series
The Crown, season 5 is outstanding, best of all seasons. Script is rivetting, hard hitting, doesn't compromise. Photography excellent, editing superb in creating that heavy atmosphere of family in crisis that doesn't sag. Elizabeth played by Imelda Staunton projects the painful turmoil in the family keeping grace, poise and dignity as a monarch should.
Diana played by Elizabeth Debicki is able to portray the emotional breakdown of Diana's pathetic life so well that for once one really feels being witness in her privacy. Charles is portrayed by Dominic West. Does real Charles constantly screw his mouth while speaking?
Real life story of the most famous monarchy of last hundred years is mesmerizing and feels so human, so relatable to common people.
At a time when the Queen has just died, Charles is the monarch at last with all the baggage of his past as portrayed here, holding back nothing, it will now move on to season 6 with lots of frank expectations. Looking forward.
Jaadugar (2022)
Only thing one can say is watchable
The "Panchayat guy" has made a place for himself on OTT. That's for sure
Hope he does not become type cast.
The story is thin and to an extent pulled along by a little love affair. Arushi Sharma provides love angle and is sweet enough to find her play in more films to come. Manoj Joshi a much talented actor is wasted here and Javed Jaffrey tries to do his best and for a change has a role not requiring buffuner. In short, watch Jadugar for Jitendra kumar if for nothing else.
Sharmaji Namkeen (2022)
Bon Voyage to lovable Rishi
Sad that Rishi Kapoor died before completing the film. Good of Paresh Raval to get into the shoes of Rishi as a substantial part of the film required him to complete the film but sorry to say though Pareshji is a great actor, he is unable to bring that chubby charm of Rishiji.
Inventing Anna (2022)
Anna all the way
It is Julia Garner all the way; portraying Anna Delvey. Watch the little twist of her lips, the slight spark that lights her eyes, the twitch to her chin, the richly cultivated accents that readily identifies a German-Russian immigrant. An Emmy is on her way.
Contrast it with Anna Chlumsky's Vivian Kent who portrays real life Jessica Pressler. The unending contortions of her not just the face but the whole body and one wishes some one else played that part.
Quite an absorbing series.