Saturday 22 December 2012

Dabangg 2


Dabangg 2



It seems unfair to devote a whole review to Arbaaz Khan's "Dabangg 2", given that this is hardly a film. As a friend said, it's a collection of deleted scenes from "Dabangg" that have been put together haphazardly to make the skeleton of a film.

Just as Salman Khan makes no pretence about acting, brother Arbaaz Khan makes no pretence about directing. "Dabangg 2" is an endless sequence of comedy-song-fight-romance. I can almost imagine the director mentally counting the time elapsed between a fight sequence and a song. A half-hour into the film, I could tell which was next, irrespective of whether it made sense.

This then, is a montage of Salman Khan being himself, dancing, romancing, cracking lewd jokes and of course, beating up the bad guys with some pretty outlandish stunts. Everything else is incidental and of no importance.

Arbaaz Khan cobbles up just enough of a story to be able to allow his brother to do all that will get the crowds in the stalls hooting and whistling, and no more. Salman Khan's character in the original film, Chulbul Pandey, is transferred to Kanpur, where he comes face to face with Baccha Bhaiyya (Prakash Raj), a local politician who runs a fiefdom in the city.

Of course, Pandey is determined to finish off the bad guys, and kills his people publicly, during wedding celebrations, and on street corners, without anyone batting an eyelid.

He romances his wife Rajjo (Sonakshi Sinha), helps his younger brother get his life on track and finds the time to prank call his father (Vinod Khanna), and crack lewd jokes with him.

On the face of it, this is another one of those films that requires you to suspend all belief and watch it for Salman Khan. On another level, this is a film that angered me no end. Khan glorifies so many things that are wrong with our society, and he does it brazenly enough.

After he rescues a child from kidnappers, Chulbul Pandey thinks nothing of asking the parents to "donate" the ransom money to him, as a thank you for rescuing their child. Later, he tells his father lackadaisically, "I put it in the Chulbul Pandey fund."

"Dabangg 2" also objectifies women in the worst way possible. Watch the Kareena Kapoor song "Fevicol" and you will know what I mean. She gyrates, sighs, pouts, refers to herself as a tandoor, while men are gaping at her in the lewdest fashion.

When Bollywood, which forms so many of our cultural perceptions and opinions, portrays women as helpless damsels who need to be rescued or objects of desire who are meant to be conquered, is it any wonder that we live in the world we live in?

Story: 

Dabangg 2 takes off as a continuation of its first part. Salman Khan is a family man now. He is transferred to Kanpur, where he will mingle with the elite, but will retain his simplistic flavour and values. Chulbul gets into conflict with Baccha Bhaiyya (Prakash Raj). Baccha Bhaiyya, a criminal turned politician, is aided by his two brothers, Chunni (Nikitin Dheer) and Gainda (Deepak Dobriyal). As he did in the first flick, Salman Khan aka Robinhood Pandey comes hard on the criminals and notoriously robs the rich and helps the poor. But, there's a twist in the sequel. He ruffles feathers with Baccha Singh and ends up killing him. Things take an unfortunate turn and worsens. Dabangg 2 is exactly what you expect - Robinhood Chulbul Pandey and his cheeky punchlines, loads of nonsense yet fun in the story, but who cares about logic anyway! Dabangg was Salman Khan's show all along, and if the sequel too goes down well with the audiences, it will definitely be remembered for Khan. Salman is a treat to watch and steals the show with his endearing acting and unique style. Salman lives his role and acts with effortless ease. Sonakshi Sinha looks charming and beautiful in her desi woman avatar. Prakash Raj is terrific and outstanding. He does complete justice to his negative role as Baccha Bhaiyya. Prakash gives a tough takkar to the hero in the movie, in terms of power and acting capabilities. Other supporting actors Nikitin Dheer and Deepak Dobriyal too were convincing in their respective roles. The humour quotient might work fabulously well, since the fun scenes will evoke a lot of laughter. The action scenes will win thunderous applause from the masses and the youth. Dabangg is designed as a vehicle to showcase the star charisma of Salman Khan and the actor literally hits the bull's eye.

Salman Khan fans will go MAD! Lovers of masala movies will enjoy! Also, all those who liked Dabangg will not get out of the theatres disappointed in Dabangg 2.
Dabangg ho! Go for it in a single screen! Should watch this movie


Rating: 3.5/5


Producer: Arbaaz Khan, Dhillin Mehta

Director: Arbaaz Khan 
Music: Sajid - Wajid 
Writer: Dileep Shukla 
Cast: Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Vinod Khanna, Prakash Raj

Sunday 9 December 2012

Chakravyuh movies

Chakravyuh movies



Chakravyuh movies is based on social commentary on the issues of Naxalites and revolves around f two best friends: Adil (Arjun Rampal) and Kabir (Abhay Deol).

Adil Khan, a highly decorated police officer is posted to Nandighat, after a horrifying massacre of 84 policemen. Within days, he discovers that the Maoists, lead by the ruthless and charismatic Rajan (Manoj Bajpai), effectively control the area. 

They are able to swiftly thwart Adil's most determined efforts. Despite holding a position of enormous power as the SP of Nandighat, Adil has never felt so helpless in his career.

But then, into his life, re-enters Kabir! Rootless, aimless, the quintessential rolling stone. His only anchor in life has always been his friendship with and his loyalty for Adil. The maverick proposes an outrageous plan: He will infiltrate Rajan's group, and be Adil's informer. And, together they will smash the Maoist organization in Nandighat. In spite of his apprehensions, Adil agrees.

Sure enough, Kabir gets in and craftily wins their confidence, as only he can. He secretly begins informing Adil, who starts attacking the Maoists with great success. 

An enormous cache of arms raided, two top national leaders and 63 activists killed at an arms-training camp.. And, Rajan himself captured! Within weeks, Adil-Kabir turn the game, pushing the Maoists on to the backfoot.

But, Kabir also begins discovering a different reality. The abject helplessness of the rural poor, brutally displaced in the name of development, the fruits of which never reach them. Their land, their forest, their water snatched by their own government to allow big business to exploit the area and its people further. 

As the poverty and desperation rise, so does a cry of anger. giving birth to the naxalite who believes the only way to counter this is with a gun!

Kabir also can't help getting close to the activists; begins identifying with them. Rajan, Babu, Venu. And Juhi (Anjali Patil). A dedicated revolutionary with a tender heart, who has seen pain like none other. She begins to fall in love with Kabir. The confusion in Kabir's heart intensifies dangerously until he is on the horns of a ghastly dilemma. Who does he support now? Who does he fight? He finds himself in a chakravyuh from which there is no retreat now.

And yet, before Kabir can make one last desperate attempt to resolve this with Adil, events hurtle him into making choices that would put him at war with him. A war that would change the future of the region. A war that can only end when one of them destroys the other.



Director: Prakash Jha
Producer: Sunil A Lulla
Music Director: Salim Merchant , Sulaiman Merchant

Jab Tak Hai Jaan Movie Review


Jab Tak Hai Jaan Movie Review



As once told by Lao Tzu, "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength and courage." But, this isn't a story of courage, nor miracle. It is indeed a simple love story of a man, who died everyday, every moment for his love. And, say what, even God was left with no other option at the end, except to gift him his ladylove one day. Yes, I'm talking about the late legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra last directorial offering, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, featuring Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in the leads.
If love and romance needs a proper definition, it will be such "JAB TAK HAI JAAN", this piece of romance will be remembered forever. Here's a story of a strong, hard-hearted army officer Samar Anand (Shahrukh Khan), who loves to play with his life by undertaking risks everyday. Reason given, his never ending fight with the almighty, who had snatched away his ladylove Meera Thapar (Katrina Kaif) 10 years back.
Story
Jab Tak Hai Jaan is a love saga which depicts eternity of love and passion of souls entrenched in love. In the year 2002, when a young, charming, not so high-fi musician Samar fell in love with the classy, beautiful Meera, he would have never imagined that his love had to face a dark phase. The story of Samar and Meera's love saga is like that of a flower, that cannot blossom without the sunshine, similarly these two love birds cannot breathe without each other. Samar and Meera's love is strong, passionate and evergreen, yet they had to separate. And, the key question remains, "Why?"
But, when a young, vibrant "super girl" Akira Rai (Anushka Sharma) came into the picture, things changed for better. And, Samar, Meera faced each other again after 10 long years.
Performances
Well, if i need to give a verdict on Shahrukh Khan's performance for both his roles as a tough army officer and a charming musician in the film, it would be a mistake on my side. The reason behind such thought would be because of the man, who have yet again redefined and immortalised the conception of love through his stupendous performance in JTHJ. Yes, it's our BAADSHAH KHAN, who's back with a stroke, no wonder, after watching out Khan in JTHJ, one cannot help but say that Shahrukh is and will be "THE KING OF ROMANCE". Khan deserves a standing ovation for his stellar performance in the film.
And, for those who have always criticised Katrina Kaif's poor acting, Jab Tak Hai Jaan is the answer for you. Kat as a rich, high class business woman is a complete stunner in the film. She does complete justice to her role. She performs an equally power-pack role as that of Khan's.
Finally comes, Ms Akira Rai aka Anushka Sharma, who dreams of having sex with different men of different accents, but no time for love. As believed by Samar in the movie, Akira is one such girl, who had possibly grown up studying 'Kamasutra' and has a great knowledge about all the naughty and dirty things in the world. But, a day comes, when Akira "totally, madly, completely" falls in love with someone. Anushka, as usual, is very colourful and vibrant in the movie, but overacting in parts might disappoint the audience. We feel, Ms Sharma would have toned down a little more to do a fab job onscreen.

Some high points
Though a bit lengthy, Jab Tak Hai Jaan has several high points. A few moments might make you cry, especially, when Katrina met her mother (Neetu Kapoor), who fled away with some other man, whom she loved. That was a turning point in the life of the rich Meera Thapar, who became a complete 'deewani' for a poor Samar. In this world of modernisation and practicality, we hardly listen to our hearts and go completely by minds. But, we never realise the mistake we commit by doing so.
SRK and Katrina's dance in one of London's night club was just 'WOW'. No wonder, the couple seems to have worked day and night to churn out such a wonderful dance item. Shot in exotic foreign locations,JTHJ gives us a beautiful and larger than life picture.

Watch or Not?
As the last offering by Yashji, here we salute you Mr Chopra for churning out such a brilliant masterpiece. JTHJ is a must watch, with a lots of 'luv shuv' elements and intensity in it. This is certainly one of the classic love sagas of the era...... On the whole, you cannot afford to miss out this one.....
Ratings : 4/5

Director: Yash Chopra
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Music Director: A R Rahman
Lyricst: Gulzar

Son Of Sardar Movie Review

Son Of Sardar Movie Review

Son of Sardar - Movie Review
Son of Sardar, directed by Ashwani Dhir is a complete masala entertainer, with North Indian tadka! SOS, like Rowdy Rathore entertains you as long as you don't search for story and logic! Anyways, who wants to watch an intellectual and emotionally stimulating movie this Diwali!

Son of Sardar, originally made by Rajmouli in Telugu as Maryada Ramanna was remade in Kannada and Bengali languages as well. As we all know, South Indian movies are usually much more colourful and exaggerated than Bollywood films. However, director Ashwani Dhir has made sure that version has enough of Bollywood tadka. Whether it is the brilliant and superman sort of entry or the powerful action packed blows by the hero, Son of Sardar doesn't put you down at all in areas of humour, action, drama, song and dance. SOS is a 2.20 hour fun filled potboiler film that you wouldn't regret watching. However, we have to tell you that humour at many places seem infused, and not genuine.
Story
Ajay Devgn works for his friend (Salman Khan) and uncle in London. One day, he receives a notification from his hometown (Punjab) that said that he will be inheriting a piece of land. Ajay goes to Punjab where he meets Sonakshi Sinha. Both are unaware that the families have a long-standing feud and gradually fall in love.
Sonakshi's uncle played by Sanjay Dutt hates Ajay because his brother was killed by Ajay's father years ago. Though he along with his nephews (Mukul Dev, Vindu Dara Singh) wants to kill Ajay, they are unable to do so. Ajay has entered the bungalow as a guest and according to their tradition; guest are like Gods and have to be treated well.
Performances
All actors have done their part very well, but it is Mukul Dev as a drunkard who stands out. Ajay Devgn is good, but not brilliant. Sonakshi Sinha seems to be repeating her role in Dabangg and Rowdy Rathore. She is undoubtedly a very talented actress, but must try and avoid being stereotyped. Tanuja and Juhi Chawla are two other stars who stand out. They are outstanding.

Verdict

Watch Son of Sardar for the 'entertainment' factor. Don't watch it if you are looking out for quality and classy cinema!
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Dutt, Juhi Chawla, Tanuja, Mukul Dev, Vindoo Dara Singh
Director: Ashwani Dheer
Producer: Akshay Kumar
Music Director: Sajid Ali , Wajid Ali , Himesh Reshammiya , Sandeep Chowta

Talaash Movie Review



Talaash Review


Movie review: Talaash

Aamir Khan has once again proved that his films are completely worth a watch. Talaash is a suspense thriller with a fascinating story and masterful performance by Aamir Khan. Very occasionally you watch a Bollywood film that manages to engage you and makes you hate the interval point, Reema Kagti's Talaash is all that and more!
Story
In Talaash, Reema Kagti has shown the dark side of Mumbai which hides behind its glamour. The movie opens with a car accident in which actor Armaan (Vivan Bhatena) dies and Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Khan) is the one to investigate the case. But soon he realises that there is more to the accident than what meets the eye.
On the other hand,  Surjan is fighting his own demons of the past. Surjan and his wife Roshni (Rani Mukherjee) lost their only child in an accident. Since then, the couple hardly communicates. Though Roshni undergoes therapy to accept the reality, Surjan spends restless, sleepless nights and becomes workaholic to avoid thinking about his son's death.
While investigating Armaan's case Surjan comes across various people including a sex worker Rosie (Kareena Kapoor), who may have the missing link to the jigsaw puzzle.

PerformancesWhile the script is indeed the hero of the film, the cast brilliantly adds to the charm. Aamir Khan, as usual, has done perfect justice to his role. He has been successful in balancing the character of a helpless father and an honest cop while a deglamorised Rani Mukherjee convincingly plays the role of a devastated mother and a caring wife. And undoubtedly, Kareena Kapoor is at her seductive best in the movie. She looks beautiful despite her gaudy outfits.
The other shining star of Talaash is Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who is commendable in the role of a limping pimp.
Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar have written a gripping story though we will not say that the movie is flawless. However, Kagti will keep you hooked and guessing till the end which in itself is no small accomplishment! However, the actual brilliance of Talaash comes in its climax that shall leave you spellbound.
Anand Subaya's editing is crisp and the cinematography of Talaash is worth praising as it brilliantly captures the red-light areas of Mumbai.
MusicTalaash does have some soulful melodies composed by Ram Sampath. The song 'Jiya lage Na' is good to hear. The background score adds to the suspense of the story.
VerdictTalaash is a delight to watch, because of the surprises it throws at you and by the power-packed performances by its cast. Though the first half of Talaash is a bit slow, it's still enthralling, absorbing and engaging. It is as we used to say in the old days - 'a total paisa vasool'.
Your Talaash for a good film definitely ends here!!
Cast: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Kareena Kapoor
Director: Reema Kagti
Producer: Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani
Director: Reema Kagti

Music Director: Ram Sampat
Lyricst: Javed Akhtar

Khiladi 786

Khiladi 786 Review




After making the fans wait for 12 long years, Akshay Kumar is finally back with a bang with his bone-breaking khiladi avatar. Directed by Ashish R Mohan,Khiladi 786 falls under the action masala genre, which has gone down really well with our mass fan-following for years now. But unfortunately, this madcap entertainer might not leave you laugh your socks off.
Story
Khiladi 786 introduces us to the Singh family - Akshay (Bahattar Singh), his father Sattar [70] Singh (Raj Babbar), Ekhattar [71] Singh (Mukesh Rishi) and an African mother. Akki is a good-looking Punjabi munda, who dresses up like a cop and helps Punjab police catch smuggled goods. But unfortunately, no decent family wants their daughter to get married in the Singh family.
Then enters Mansukh (Himesh Reshammiya), who is a match-maker by profession, tries to arrange the marriage of Bahattar and gangster Tatya Tukaram [TT] Tendulkar's (Mithun Chakraborty) sister Indu (Asin). Unfortunately, Indu seems in no mood to get hitched with a decent boy, and plays a complete psycho in the movie. Then starts a series of lies and twists and how things slowly and gradually unfold.
Performances
Khiladi 786 is a treat to all the Akshay Kumar fans. Akki is at his best and knows his audiences' hunger. He feeds the mass with some spicy tadka shadka in his unique khiladi style. Asin looks stunning throughout the film, but unfortunately doesn't get the opportunity to do much. Supporting characters like Mithun Chakraborty, Raj Babbar, Himesh Reshammiya too were OK in their respective roles.
Positives
Unfortunately, the movie does not offer too many positives, except the music and Akshay's style statement. The music of Khiladi 786 is already topping the chartbusters with songs like 'Lonely', 'Balma', 'Hookah Bar', 'Sari Sari Raat' being the favourites. Akki looks outstanding and really sexy in the movie.
Negatives
Unfortunately, Khiladi 786 doesn't even provide you a great deal of laughter as promised. Everything about this movie is too illogical and mindless to enjoy. The movie fails to make the kind of impact as expected from an Akshay Kumar movie.
Verdict
Khiladi 786 has nothing to offer except some mindless giggles and laughter. For our intellectual and sensible audience, even if you have made the mistake to book tickets for this film, here's a serious caution: DO CARRY A DISPRIN and then go off to sleep quietly in the theatre.
Ratings : 3