jattunit

Chandigarh Amritsar Chandigarh (2019)

Entertaining, Hilarious with Breath of Fresh Air

The first thing that appeals about the film is that it doesnt repeat the same formula as we see in Punjabi films. The film is not only entertaining but also explores relationships in current Punjab between the youth. It explores the basic emotions of a guy and girl and their moments of that entire day. Effort was great by the production team and film was just at the correct length. A great attempt and feather to the hat of Punjabi cinema!

Samundar (1986)

The Splash of Fun.....Ready for it?

We all know Rahul Rawail is a fantastic storyteller and knows how to show his story in the best possible way. The 80's was his golden period after giving a string of hits but sadly, Samundar happens to be one of his least successful during his golden period.

Rawail loves to tell story's that involve violence which is the same case here where a young Ajit (Sunny Deol) is given a contact killing to kill off the same person who killed his father (Anupam Kher)who lives in the Maldives and the film tells the story of this young lad's journey.

As we can see the film has typical 80's sort of story as well as being exciting during every step of the film.

The plus points lie in its direction. The film is shot wonderfully around the Maldives and its always a good direction who never murders his own suspense, hence Samundar always maintains its suspense. The bad side? Well, the film starts off really slow. In fact, the very first 20-25 minutes can be avoided.

The performances are nothing that work wonders as its not another Arjun where the performances matter, but the cast do a decent job.

Overall, a film that can be watched and enjoyed at the same time. A good time pass. And yes, a special mention for the classic song 'Aye Saagar Ki Lahron', its worth it! 3 out 5

Halloween II (1981)

The scariest day for us...continues....

Clever for the writer of the first to continue with the a story in the same night, this is perfect meaning for a sequel. Clever for them to continue the story in a different manner. The prequel changed Halloween, so does this. Fans are in for treat not a trick this time around, the night he came home just got extended.

Okay, from the first we gathered that Micheal Myers is not the average serial psychotic killer but he is more of a evil spirit if you pick up the messages Loomis gives in both films, Loomis is still after Micheal at the same time. Micheal happens to stalk a particular girl Laurie, in the day and by the night she is injured, continuing the rest of the night in Haddonfield Hospital where Laurie is admitted to.

John did not direct this one, but still was involved in the film by writing it and said to have directed a few sequences. John's writing is great, the main twist in the film is pretty well handled too even though it does change the view of Micheal altogether. As a sequel its great. This one is as scary and as atmospheric as the prequel. As a thriller its even better. To live up to the prequel, maybe it does letdown.

The downfall to this film has to be some unwanted scenes and maybe it went on a little long, or some wanted scenes that were just not there. But the biggest drop has to be the exposure of Micheal, in the first we did not see very much of this figure but here there are way too many closeups. Director's fault.

Overall, a good example of a sequel where the writers pick it up the second where the prequel ends. Neat writing. Well directed and good a thriller. Some things do leave it little short for it to be better.

4 out 5

There is no Halloween without Halloween 2. Would love to 'Three Hours of when he returned home' again!

Tadipaar (1993)

Bhatt goes fairytale

Bhatt's first attempt with Mithun, who during the time was not doing well. Mithun rejected a couple of Bhatt's films in the past and then as his career was going rough, I think he just had to give in.

So was the film bad? Or was Mithun bad? The answer is no. Tadipaar is no less to a fairytale that can be told before going to sleep, obviously meaning the film itself is magic. The story maybe a copy but who cares. The first impression of Tadipaar to me was a violent, 'Tezaab' type of film, but honestly, Tadipaar is as sweet as sugar.

Our Tadipaar (which means outlaw, criminal. His crime is not explained) is just a normal guy from the streets of Mumbai who sits in cinemas day and night watching movies about rich guys marrying rich girls (some of them were Mahesh Bhatt's own films), so this guy himself dreams in that sense too. Who dreams, if he had money this will happen or if had car etc etc. Like a Broadway musical the film just packs into the wonderful limelight of songs. Obviously life is not that easy for some, and the story turns into a personal vendetta for the Tadipaar. The second half of the film turns into something else completely sticking to the light side. I guess some scenes really do the magic in the film like:

• Mithun's outburst to Pooja - Mithun bursts into tears with Anupam - The ending at the train station

Mithun owns the shows. In fact, it wont be wrong to say it one of better performances he gave in the 90's, a great act! Pooja does decent work and working with her father she always seems comfortable. Anupam Kher is okay and Avtar Gill is decent.

Overall, recommended. A fan of Mithun or not, this deserves a watch at least twice. Worth DVD money for sure. And yes, the songs are extraordinary and not a single song is worth forwarding. So please, watch it.

4.5 out 5

Bambai Ka Babu (1996)

Don Saif, does not work!

Vikram Bhatt in his career made some good and bad films exploring into various genres like Action, Comedy, Horror etc . I believe this is his only masala film he made and sadly he fails! The biggest letdown of the film is its script, basically there isn't one. One could say Vikram Bhatt was making up the story while he was making the film. Riots, gang wars, corrupt politicians, smooth criminals, romantic boons etc basically the film has not nothing new or different one could watch.

Keeping it short, the film fails in its music side (one song may work), the story and the direction, the acting is incredibly laughable. Even Mithun's B grade films are more worth your money than this.

The casting is okay, meaning for the time it was released and for the characters portrayed. Saif, being a rising talent in them days who was know to be a talent when it came to romance, tries to pull off the gangster look. Saif could not do it. Sadly, this is weaker side of the film. Atul Agnihotri gives superb support, in fact, he is probably the best thing the film has to offer. Kajol does not impress. The songs in the film are okay at best, the only one that makes an impression is 'Tham Zara'.

Overall, a poor product from Vikram Bhatt like a lot of others he has given us. The film had a lot of patch work and many things that could of made it work. It works for just two things, Atul Agnihotri and one of the songs, thats all. Don't waste you time on this one, its not worth it.

1.5 out 5

Naaraaz (1994)

Angry? Of course!

If you are wondering if you have ever come across this flop movie before, let me remind you, it was during the 'hey days' of Mahesh Bhatt and he made several and I mean several films in one year. Not saying that every flop film of Bhatt's is bad, but this one maybe deserved it. Bhatt made some real neat films in the these days, and I salute the director for his dedication to the industry. Maybe for money or for passion? He use to work five or may six films at one time (most of the time his assitants would cover for him) Who knows why he made so many. Back to the film, Naaraaz happens to be Mahesh's weakest during the 90's. Why did I watch the film? The film happens to include one of my favourite songs of all time, so I felt I will give it a try for the song.

Why does the film fail? The film is rehash or remake of his earlier hit Naam, where two brothers/friends are separated in different countries due to circumstances and one begins to make is life from crime as he feels low in his own eyes. Only difference here is that one is rich and the other poor while in Naam it was two brothers from the same household.

The title itself shows the character of Deva who is angry with the world altogether, angry because he never got an education or even angry at his poverty, hence he wants to make his own life. The script could have been much a better considering the cast and the visuals, because they both are fantastic. The film has been made very well and directed well too, some of the scenes you can tell the producers have spent well money on. Some scenes really work wonder too, like:

Mithun and Atul's clash abroad. Mithun expresses his feelings to Pooja. Mithun's last fight at the haveli.

Mithun does well, he makes the film worth the watch for sure, as you can see, all the scenes belong to him too. Atul Agnihorti gives decent support. Pooja Bhatt is good. Sonali Bendre is okay. The songs are excellent, just two songs like 'Tumhe Hum Kya Samjh' and 'Sambala Hai Maine' just make the whole film.

Overall, a pointless remake of Naam. Bhatt could have picked a better script and made another film with the same cast and maybe even the same title, while the producers seem to have invested quite a bit in the movie too. Bad is the word. The film works for two reasons, Mithun and one of my favourite songs 'Tumhe Hum Kya Samjh'.

2 out 5

Wish he could have done better!

Halloween (1978)

The scariest day - for us...

October sky looms in every year and there is no other month like it, November gets too cold and October lives on a scale of just chilly. October marks a day at the very end which we know is the devil's day, Halloween. The scariest day in the year. For me Halloween has always been interesting and a fun time right since my childhood but this film changed my opinion on it altogether.

Early this month it was my mother's day and I began to chose a gift for her, I found the gift and then I had a evil thought that why don't I buy a scary movie for myself and I actually got away with buying a '18' movie (as I was 17 during the time). So the night I got to see the movie it was late and I just switched it on as my Dad was working late and I had to open the door for him, it was the strike of 12. I saw the whole movie before his arrival. Before his arrival I looked out of my bedroom window, it was pitch dark and I thought, I know where John got his idea.

John has made a movie about the darker side of Halloween, taking away the trick or treating or the fun partying, just a crazy masked killer killing people on one street during this night. The boy only 21 years old who was caught murdering his sister at the age of 6. A boy who knows no the difference between right or wrong, evil or good just pure evil in the back of his mind. The characters are kept alive, because the characters could be you or me, but Micheal Myers in no one. This is where John aces. In a small package, the film is suppose to be a slasher but this was more of that. This built the atmosphere of Halloween. Some scenes really do make your hair stand up, and some scenes need to be noted like:

When Doctor Loomis explains his account on Myers. Micheal's sister's body is missing from the graveyard. Little boy Tommy is teased at school that the bogeyman is out for you

But just imagine, a cold night, the scariest day in year and a masked killer killing people on your street and this killer is still unknown. The good idea of keeping this doctor played by Donald Pleasence was there to explain this boy and why reason is he killing, wonderful!

Overall, the film does intend to scare you and for the people who don't get scared easily will get scared from the thought of Myers. John intended to make people feel Myers is human, but slowly into the film he is nothing but a bad spirit, inhuman even. At first I misunderstood this film but it later grew on me. The perfect film for the holiday and for the month of October. A big salute going to John who made this on the effort of such a small budget but it went down so well, only a proper film maker can do so.

4.5 out 5

Sanam Teri Kasam (2009)

Better late then never..

Even though the film may have been late in releasing, a majority of the films that release after a long while turn about to be junk. But STK didn't turn out to be one of such.

Due to legal issue the film got delayed and totally neglected. The songs, well even though having an ace album the songs were not valued. STK should have have released back in the day, sadly, its fate was written in that way.

STK showcases the Saif who we use to know very well and during time he has not lost it but in fact he had gained more acting skills. His life changed and moved up the ladder of success. STK deals with a subject that still can be easily told today, in the very same manner because its a message every guy should be taught. Something that can happen to anyone. The film has a very commercial first half (joking about, not taken too seriously) and the second (serious, very interesting and well handled twist thanks to the writer) Not saying STK is a classic or a masterpiece but commercially STK works. The songs (Ek Bar; Itna Bhi Na Choan Mujhe; Maine Dil Ki Dil Main) are all equally placed in the film and correct up a perfect plate of 90's cinema.

Lawerence D'Souza may had cults like Saajan and Dil Ka Kya Kasoor but later lost it and gave up on cinema. Sadly, a guy like this can still make commercial films because he could knew the taste of the audience and that is what made hit the bullseye in the past, even with an okay film like Sapne Saajan Ke.

Overall, the film may have been late but finally it came out exactly the way the director wanted it to come out. Don't feel hesitated it watching STK, give it try.

3 out 5

Khilona (1996)

Not bad at all!

After a great show with Saathi, Mukesh Duggal decided to cast Pancholi once again in a similar role (as he was the main thing in Saathi).

The film is a little mix of Koyla and Sadak and the script itself is nothing new. If the film was to be seen today you could almost predicate the next scene but the time it was made in, its not that bad. Into about 20 minutes of the film which is the best 20 minutes of the film you really feel geared up and ready for a 'second Saathi'. The director knows what he is making and doesn't waste time. The film has been made to showcase Pancholi's act again after Saathi as fans were crazy for his performance back then but its not Saathi film wise. After Saathi, Pancholi didn't showcase much but just did supporting roles, but Khilona has to be his second best. The role suited him to the T.

Ayub Khan is okay, the actor didn't make it huge even though he had the links he needed! Monica Bedi is wooden. Shakti Kapoor, is not the usual self, in fact he impresses.

Some of the songs like 'Yeh Sadak' and 'Kya Yaad Koroge' do strike a chord. But only if Nadeem - Sharvan filled in the blanks.

Director Deepak Pawar does a okay job, but way too many songs! Overall, a decent watch but not great. For Pancholi fans, its a must! 3 out 5

Akayla (1991)

AB does Dirty Harry!

During these days when Amitabh was almost on his way out and Ramesh Sippy wasn't in the comfort zone either. The 90's had to be the worst decade for Amitabh as it marked the fall of a legend. After Ganga Jamuna Saraswati, Toofan and Jaadugar, it was Akayla's turn to take the beat by the public. And did they public beat it? Of course. The film was something we had been seeing since the 80's, AB's act towards injustice and being a responsible cop to take the villain but this time, Clint Eastwood style! Obvoiously AB had done his homework to mimic Clint because I cannot imagine anyone else that could have done it down Bollywood! The story itself is too hallow. More hallow then Ramesh Sippy's last nightmare Bhrastachar. So no way this film could have survived at the box office. The villain, Keith Stevenson, hammers badly. A miscast. The only thing that could have helped this film was AB's performance which didn't find any takers at all.

The supporting cast wasn't too bad. Jackie Shroff was good. Aditya Pancholi was better. Meenakshi Sheshadri does okay in a small role. Amrita Singh is average. Shashi Kapoor, well, cant say much about him.

Overall, a bad experiment and comes too late in its day. Story too hallow. Music below average. But some of the action scene are good to look forward to.

2 out 5

P.S If your not too sure about a Ramesh Sippy film just remember, a his films that begin with 'S' are the better lot. Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Shaan, Shakti and Saagar :)

Joshila (1973)

A masterpiece just gone wrong!

First, Dev Anand and Yash Chopra are like winter and summer, they simply don't go together. Either another hero should have taken the role like Amitabh, Vinod or Dharmendra. Or the film should have been directed by Dev Anand's miracle worker and younger brother, Vijay Anand. While watching the film you will ask yourself, did Yash Chopra really make this? The guy behind such great classics. What came over this guy to direct this?

The story is all over the place, if the story was tied up a little bit maybe Yash Chopra could have got away with it. The best phrase I could call this film is 'Johnny Mera Naam wannabe', Gulshan Rai obviously wanted to repeat his success. None of the songs are memorable which is very odd for a Yash Chopra film. The performances are so-so, I've seen better from Dev Anand in films like Bullet, Des Pardes and Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Hema Malini doesn't do justice to her role and Rakhee only has 10 minutes in the film! The villains are the usual routine, typical 70's stuff!. If there is anyone worth mentioning it probably Pran, Pran being one of the best performers in Bollywood really does his task well.

Overall, nothing special at all. Don't waste your money on buying a DVD (it could be worth rental money) but depends if your a hardcore fan of Yash Chopra.

2 out 5

Aatank Hi Aatank (1995)

Bollywood's take on the Corleone family

Okay, the film failed at the box office but which Godfather remake has been successful? A great story like The Godfather hasn't found its takers in Bollywood but none of the remakes are bad (except for the semi-remake Dharmatma). After Zulm Ki Hukumat was released, it could have been that the director of AHA wanted to make his own version. Zulm Ki Hukumat being the best remake of Godfather ever, didn't find may takers at the box office.

AHA was stuck for years and people had already forgot about the film when it released. The film is not a complete clone of The Godfather, but yes, the first half is very similar adding Bollywood flavour to it. It wont be wrong to call it a 'desi adaption' where several subplots were added for the sake of masala. The direction is little tacky, which needed a little tiding up to do. The songs don't make much of an impact at all.

Aamir Khan does pretty well for himself as he didn't play an anti hero role before until it came to Earth and Fanaa. But the evil Aamir in the second half puts a smile on your face, his performance was wonderful. His wig and moustage do look silly. Rajnikant does okay. Juhi Chawla doesn't get much scope. Ishrat Ali is natural. And okay guest appearance by Om Puri and Kabir Bedi, who have just under 10 minutes of screen time but just add a little action

Overall, an okay adaption of Godfather. Considering the time it was made in and the several problems that occurred during its making.

3 out 5

Raakh (1989)

great movie

A dark and intense movie that revolves around a young man Aamir Hussain (Aamir Khan) who is madly in love with Neeta (Supriya Pathak), Neeta doesn't realise Aamir's feeling towards her and just thinks of him as a good friend. One night Aamir, Neeta and their friends are out enjoying themselves. A bunch of hoodlums arrive at the scene the leader of the group Kamali starts eyeing Neeta, and then tries to grope Neeta. This Makes Aamir lose his temper and he attacks Kamali, the hoodlums leave and are waiting further up to take revenge on Aamir and also to have Neeta.

Aamir is attacked by the hoodlums and then Kamali and his men rape Neeta. Aamir wants justice done with Neeta, he seeks help from the law Aamir reports his complain to Inspector P.K (Pankhaj Kapoor). Inspector P.K is more concerned about losing his job then helping Aamir as he realises Kamali is a big crock who has contacts with superior government officers, including P.K's senior bosses. Aamir's father doesn't understand what Aamir is going through and thinks that Aamir is mixing with the wrong crowd. Father and son have a argument which results Aamir leaving house.

Aamir meets an orphan boy Shaikh who gives him shelter. Days start passing and Aamir starts getting frustrated and very upset over his helplessness for not doing anything, Aamir goes to a junkie trader Ustad (Jagdeep, Soorma Bhopali of Sholay fame) who specialise in illegal activities. Aamir asks Ustad to get him a gun so he can shoot all the rapist's of Neeta, Luck still not with Aamir, here Aamir is arrested by the police for handling a illegal gun.

Aamir rings Inspector P.K to get him bailed out of prison, Aamir takes his anger out on P.K and makes him realise that what his real duty is to get him justice. Inspector P.K soul wakes him up and now P.K wants to help Aamir. P.K goes to Kamalis house a argument breaks out and inspector P.K tries to arrest Kamali, Kamalis hoodlums try to attack P.K when he moves towards Kamali to arrest him, and P.K tries to shoot Kamali, for this he is suspended from his duty by his bosses.

Aamir and P.K now join hand to wipe out Kamali and his men, Aamir is guided by the burnt out, cynical cop, who shows him the ropes as well as the realities of vigilante life. and thus Aamir starts killing Kamali's men one by one and in the climax kills Kamali and one side Aamir is sentenced to prison while Neeta gets married of in the outside world.

------------------------------------- The film is one of Aamir Khan's early films before he became a star, and he certainly has done a fine job throughout the film, the rest of the cast has done their jobs pretty decent. The climax of the film is indeed stunning. However the film does drop after the first initial moments and the second half picks the films pace up and the ending is indeed superb.

The films has no songs, its an out and out art films and will only be appreciated by viewers that appreciate films without commercial elements (without Songs, dancing, light moments and of course a happy ending) overall outstanding film and terrific script.