A competent premise let down by inconsistent screenplay and underwhelming performances.
U-Turn is not an exceptional story to be remade in so many languages. So is the Hindi remake. It could have been still be a pretty good thriller but to be very honest the performances and screenplay is miserable. It tries too hard to inculcate elements of horror, mystery and suspense but never really gives us the sense of urgency or make us root for the protagonists victory. The big reveal of the suspense might be predictable for some as you draw closer to the conclusion but not necessarily. Its heartbreaking to say that an extremely talented Priyanshu Painyuli is underused in his character. Alaya looks more promising than her previous works but still has a lot of scope for improvement. Manu Rishi Chada never usually dissspoints and so is the case here as well. Overall, U-Turn is a competent, passable thriller which is enjoyable while it lasts but will be forgotten as soon as it ends.
Goods?
Priyanshu Painyuli is amazing in his short role.
The Premise is somewhat engaging and appealing
The remake is an earnest effort
Bad?
Screenplay is extremely poor in 2nd half
Alaya is pretty average in such a character oriented role
Watch?
If you are a fan of murder mystery thriller, you can definitely try this but make sure you haven't seen the original.
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Ranbir Kapoor preaches dominance in this wild, unhinged & blood soaked rampage of an obsessed son with umpteen shades of gray
Animal is an unapologetic display of cinematic brilliance which by far will be the most polarising film of the year. Witnessed absolute carnage when the insanely choreographed interval block comes. Worth your money. Vanga's book of filmaking is certainly defies Indian School of filmaking as it breaks all stereotypes and challenges the critics with a more wierd and lunatic approach. A father son bond carved in blood, an obsessed son seeking the only validation from his father, power hungry dynamics within the family and conflicting relationship of the protagonist with his wife serves the core of the film. In short, Ranbir embodies the character by heart and delivers a riveting performance for film schools to make a case study of. Sandeep Reddy Vanga restablishes himself as director who defies all odds and keeps no stone unturned when he adds the grays to his lead characters. While the film shines because of the leading man Ranbir, exceptional music and the 2 stylishly choreographed action set pieces and obviously the meticulously written dialogues. What's dissapointing is the underdeveloped antagonists and a stretched husband wife dynamic which stretches a tad too long.
Performances
When Vanga said this is what violence means, we never expected this much mayhem. Ranbir Kapoor has outshined every other actor in the fraternity with this haunting and consumed characterisation. His dialogues, multiple looks and rage is a force to reckon with. Rashmika however trolled she might have been , she is quite formidable in scenes she had to deliver. There is a serious problem in her Hindi diction which may have affected her performance a bit. Anil Kapoor exceptional as he also presents vulnerability and disagreements when required. The heartbreaking fact is the Lord Bobby is criminally given less screen time and that will be debated by everyone. His screen presence is just terrorizing for the spectators. Missed Opportunity. Tripti Dimri is magical onscreen. Wished she was Bhabhi no.1.
Music and Background Score
The music is given by Vishal Mishra and Manan Bharadwaj. They have literally given gems as songs and the integration of the songs is extremely surreal. Credita to Vanga , being a Telugu speaking Director has got this on point. Be that a hardcore Arjan Vailly during the Interval block, a mesmerizing Hua Main , a resonating Papa Meri Jaan or the love song of the year Pehle Bhi Main. Each song and beats during the dramatic turn of events is magical and adds a crucial part of the screenplay.
Questionable Glorification of A Criminal
In Vanga's world , ethics and morality have always been the backbenchers. He writes obsessive characters whether its Kabir for Preeti or Vijay for Balbir, there is no right or wrong. While the obsession to safeguard his father is justifiable to some extent, the dominating and edgy dynamics between Ranbir and Rashmika is something not easily digestible. There is a sense of wierdness which Vanga loves to introduce which is voluntary. He knows moments which will trigger critics, audiences and help create more buzz and debates which eventually helps in box office footfalls. Vanga is a smart man. The writing is brilliant except some underused chacaters, while many may not share the same feeling as me , the dynamics of power leading to all the chaos is rightfully justified.
Watch or Not?
The film is a ticking time bomb, which has everything you have not expected from a Bollywood film. Breaks every stereotype unabashedly courtesy Vanga Sir. If you are a person who gets easily triggered, or has set standards how far a film's scenes are limited to, have allergies seeing bloodshed then stay away from this. If you are a Vanga fan, Ranbir Fan or a fan of unique storytelling without getting influenced then Animal deserves your time. Our country is filled with emotionally weak individuals and cinema has a lot of influence. The tone of the sexism should always be in check when you cater to such large emotional audience. I am afraid if people will draw inspiration from Ranbir's character instead of just watching it for entertainment. That will be a loss for Indian Cinema. Watch with care.
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Valiant, Ambitious , Visually Spectacular
Ayan Mukerji's earnest dedication and hardwork builds up to a product which we sincerely wanted to excel in such a tough time for Bollywood and does it deliver? I would say yes and no at the same time. Brahmastra Part 1 Shiva is no masterpiece, its not the best film of the year nor has it has the best performance by the leads but it has a heart, a vision and it presents us with something which is unseen in the Indian film industry .
A cinematic marvel from India which rides on the essence of our own history, elements of our own mythologies and a sincere production team trying to be at their creative best. Brahmastra is anchored by an extremely efficient performance by Ranbir, it offers you powerful visuals, unique theme, a soulful sound design and a promising universe. The cinematography is top notch and the direction is commendable. An ensemble cast as magical as this is unseen in any other films before.
The film's shortcomings are its conflicted screenplay, we all wanted the astraverse universe to be explored more but the films drifts to become a primitive love story than a fantasy action epic. The dialogues are relatively poor at many places and gripes your experience. To my surprise, Alia's performance was underwhelming as she seemed to force her performance and it came out very unnatural. The screenplay is a tiny bit dragged because of excessive screen space for the romance, whom most people aren't interested in.
Overall, Brahmastra Part 1 is one crazy, enchanting and captivating experience. The powerful VFX and stunning special appearances makes the film a praiseworthy attempt to explore such risky genres. The film is bound to receive polarising views about it, but I would still suggest others to definitely go and experience this in the best, biggest display in theatres near you.
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The 12-episode Korean series, out on Netflix, zeroes in on the social inequalities that were exposed by the pandemic, while at the same time offering strong commentary on the toxicity of the teenage experience. Bullying, Love Triangles, Drama, Political Infusion, and a Zombie Apocalypse, what else a show can offer. By far, it is an out-and-out engaging and binge-worthy show which holds your attention and makes you root for your favorite characters. The characters are carefully written and many subplots leading to a singular climax keep you interested till the end. With every episode being close to 1 hour, it doesn't feel much stretched as the drama in between the action is equally satisfying. The antagonists have done a great job, difficult to remember the names but when you see Korean shows it's a challenge to address. Overall one of the best zombie shows from Netflix Korea. A must-watch if you love the genre.
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Chehre in simple terms is a courtroom drama in work from home mode. The film promises an enticing opening act where all get together for a game of real courtroom but drags itself into becoming a dud To be very honest this is the worst performance of Emraan in the recent past, the screenplay is scratchy and the performances all together seems very poor. Even veterans in the cast seem off-color with such a poor direction throughout. A film that could have been a taut dramatic thriller boils down into an average flick with Amitabh Bachchan only likable person onscreen. Overall a bland execution altogether.
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Free Guy is a frivolous yet extremely entertaining fictional film from the first minute. Exploring new genres from the glasses of AI, Shawn Levy kills it with Free Guy. Besides being exceedingly funny, it offers stunning game-centric visuals, VFX, and a charming Ryan Reynolds who is in top form here. Supported brilliantly by Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, and Joe Keery too. The world of AI is beyond our imagination and this film is the latest example of how much AI has the potential to evolve. With an audacious production value this is easily one of the best entertainers of this year.
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"Nowhere" (2023) is a Spanish-language survival thriller that follows Mia, a pregnant woman who escapes a war-torn country by hiding in a maritime container aboard a cargo ship. After a violent storm, Mia gives birth to her child while lost at sea, where she must fight to survive. The film is anchored by a committed performance from Anna Castillo, who plays Mia. It's tense and claustrophobic atmosphere makes you anxious and on edge.
The survival drama genre is extremely repetitive when it's about the storyline, but the motivation to create such stories with a fresh environment that's challenging is a commendable work by the makers. Overall, "Nowhere" is a gripping and intense survival story that explores themes of motherhood, guilt, and grief.
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"Hit Man" is a gripping and unpredictable ride that balances comedy, romance, and thriller elements, with Glen Powell delivering a standout performance
"Hit Man" is a film that defies easy categorization, blending elements of comedy, romance, and thriller to create a gripping and unpredictable ride. Glen Powell shines as the eponymous hit man, bringing a charismatic energy to the role that keeps the viewer engaged. Definitely a standout and probably the next big thing in Hollywood. The script is clever , the hit man's meetups with his clients are sharply interesting. The film stays ahead of the viewer's expectations, making it a standout in its mix of genres. The sizzling chemistry between the two stunning leads is irresistible which makes you root for them
However, the secondary characters are underdeveloped and lack depth. Additionally, the film's moral ambiguity can be off-putting for some viewers, particularly in its portrayal of morally complex situations. The film's lack of a clear identity or genre can also make it difficult to categorize and connect with. The Philosophical learnings was a bit boring for me and ending was happy. Overall, Definitely a bit overhyped and overrated according to me, but entertaining for the most part.
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The First Omen" is a chilling and atmospheric horror film that effectively pays homage to the original while presenting a fresh and unsettling perspective, with standout performances and direction that will leave viewers on edge.
The First Omen is a prequel to the Omen Franchise which started with The Omen in 1976. The film's atmospheric tension, creepy moments, and effective storytelling makes is a worthwhile horror flick. The film's highlight is its unique approach to horror, recalling the best elements of the 1976 original without feeling derivative. Director Arkasha Stevenson's debut film impresses with its confident direction and storytelling, featuring a standout performance by Nell Tiger Free. She literally has given a performance to remember.The film's slow pace can irritate a few viewers, as well as the unexpected ending tying it to the original of 1976 can be questionable, but overall, the film shines in its ability to evoke a haunting atmosphere and deliver scares without relying on cheap jump scares or gimmicks. A worthy prequel.
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"A Gritty South Korean Thriller with a Compelling Body Swap Premise."
Devils is a gritty South Korean thriller following detective Jae-hwan and serial killer Jin-hyuk who swap bodies. The film delivers intense violence and a compelling body swap premise, but falls into genre clichés and lacks character depth. Despite this, it offers a raw depiction of urban crime networks and showcases strong performances, particularly from Jang Dong-yoon. Director Kim Jae-hoon's debut shows promise in Korean genre cinema, though it requires some suspension of disbelief. While not flawless, Devils is a bold and engaging entry in the thriller genre, hinting at a bright future for its director.
Watch or Not?
If brutal killings, terrifying torture scenes are okay for you then this is a extremely edge of that seat thriller. The performances are excellent and you might really enjoy the plot shifts during he short runtime. A great korean thriller.
A Gripping Neo-Noir Thriller Exploring Morality and the Changing American West
In the film "No Country for Old Men", directed by the Coen brothers, the audience is taken on a dark and violent journey through the American West in 1980. The narrative follows the cat-and-mouse chase between a hunter, Llewelyn Moss, and a psychopathic killer, Anton Chigurh, as Moss stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and a suitcase full of money.
The Coen brothers' direction is tense and atmospheric, immersing viewers in a world that is both familiar and unsettling. The use of silence and the desolate Texas landscape contribute to this feeling, as does the sparse, haunting score.
Javier Bardem's portrayal of Anton Chigurh is chilling and mesmerizing. His cold, calculated demeanor as he dispatches his victims with a bolt gun is both terrifying and fascinating to watch.
The film's dark, violent narrative is unapologetic in its portrayal of bloodshed and violence. The brutal, unflinching violence is a stark reminder of the harshness of the American frontier.
In conclusion, "No Country for Old Men" is a must-see for any cinephile seeking a truly intense movie experience. The film's exploration of morality, fate, and the changing landscape of the American West is thought-provoking and engaging, making it a standout in the crime genre.
A Darkly Captivating Thriller with Intriguing Twists.
The 8 Show is a dark comedy thriller based on Bae Jin-soo's webtoons, masterfully directed by Han Jae-rim. This series features a star-studded cast and revolves around eight participants in a deadly game where the line between cooperation and conflict determines survival or death. The intricate screenplay brilliantly weaves mystery and power dynamics, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The seemingly happy show spirals into chaos, violence, and unexpected twists, making you root fervently for your favorite characters.
The fantastic performances by the cast significantly enhance the gripping narrative. With its unique and intriguing premise. The 2nd half of the show somewhat looses some steam but picks up eventually before the episode closes out. The 8 Show is a must-watch for fans of thrilling K-dramas, offering a blend of mystery, danger, and psychological tension that captivates from start to finish.
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A Thrilling Prequel in the Mad Max Saga
Furiosa is a relentless, adrenaline-pumping actioner from George Miller, the visionary behind the Mad Max saga. Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the film showcases Miller's unique directorial conviction. The action sequences are brutal, exciting, and innovative, featuring engaging set pieces and characters. Despite a somewhat thin premise, the action remains a standout.
Chris Hemsworth delivers a shockingly compelling performance, his intimidating presence suggesting the potential for a spin-off origin film for his character. Anya Taylor-Joy is commendable, bringing sufficient depth to her role. However, the subplot exploring Furiosa's origins feels weak and underdeveloped.
Overall, Furiosa serves as a worthy prequel, rooted in the infamous wasteland with unparalleled action choreography and set pieces. The climax, however, may feel off and stretched to an extent beyond salvation, potentially disappointing fans expecting a stronger ending.
Watch or Not?
If you liked Mad Max Fury Road, then go for this, action lovers go for this. Keep expectations at bay.
A Delightful Crime Comedy which is likeable due to its frivolous and cinematic escapism.
Crew is a delightful crime comedy that follows three air hostesses - Geeta (Tabu), Jasmine (Kareena Kapoor Khan), and Divya (Kriti Sanon) - who get caught up in a gold smuggling racket. Despite its frothy exterior, the film offers an interesting take on the upper middle class and their relationship with money, ethics and dead-end jobs.
The movie boasts a terrific first half with fast-paced humor stemming from the characters' unabashed approach to life. Tabu and Kareena deliver electrifying performances, with Kareena oozing oomph and substance as a lonely hustler. Kriti adds to the chutzpah but has a rather smaller stake compared to the others.
While the heist bit is not particularly clever, it works because the film doesn't pretend to be. The climax gets a bit convenient and far-fetched, but the movie remains an entertaining watch overall.
Watch or Not ?
Crew's comedy may not be extremely funny, but the film delivers on what it set out to be - a light-hearted madcap comedy worth diving into for its frivolity, humor and glam with three sizzling ladies of Bollywood.
A Gripping Dystopian Thriller Reflecting on Divisive Extremism
"Civil War" (2024) is a gripping dystopian thriller directed by Alex Garland, following journalists racing across war-torn America to reach D.C. before rebel factions. Kirsten Dunst's haunting performance as battle-scarred journalist Lee encapsulates the film's somber tone, exploring the media's role in shaping narratives amidst societal collapse.
Garland balances the overarching narrative with intimate moments, while Hardy's cinematography contrasts brutal realities with fleeting beauty. Even if the visuals and action seems excruciatingly real and original, the pacing issues and soundtrack were uneven for the pulse of the film. The film basically caters to our imagination of a country in civil turmoil.
Watch or Not?
"Civil War" serves as a somber warning of a country torn apart by divisive rhetoric and political extremism. Not all cinema lovers will embrace the film based on war journalism and the deep meaning it intends to pass. If you are interested in media and journalism during wars, give it a try.
This was so average.. Wasn't necessary to make stretch it for 87 mins Netflix..
A Grisly Zombie flick for the genre fanboy in you
The film "Yummy" is a grisly low-budget zombie entertainer, that doesn't take itself seriously. It has some humorous moments, but the gore and creativity in zombie kills are what make it worth watching. The acting is average, and the cinematography and music are fine. The screenplay is fast paced and keep moving without breaks.
There is literally no character development for you to sympathise with , making it a great movie for escapism. The film could have explored themes like body modification and plastic surgery without being preachy. Despite its shortcomings, "Yummy" is still worth watching for its short runtime and gore, making it a good choice for fans of the genre.
The Marvels is filled with cheap thrills but no meat.
The Marvels" is a fun, action-packed superhero adventure that brings together Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau to save the universe. While the film has some positive moral elements like family and doing the right thing, it falls very short of the standards Marvel had set till Endgame. Often falling into the categories of cringe and unnecessary drama. You never really care about the Characters as the writing is extremely mediocre and has minimal emotional depth.
The character interactions, visuals, and humor might still make it a popcorn-worthy entertainer, but be informed that the story is messy, the villain is uninteresting, and the pacing is uneven throughout. Performances are strictly over the top. However look out for that mind blowing post credit scene integrating Marvel to whole new world.
Overall, "The Marvels" is a decent entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially for fans of the individual characters but will stay a huge disappointment for the ardent Marvel fans from before.
Mr. and Mrs. Mahi shines with the performances but is let down by average execution.
"Mr. and Mrs. Mahi" is a feel-good and uplifting sports drama that follows a cricket-loving newlywed couple as they navigate their journey to excel in the sport. The lead actors deliver praiseworthy performances, but the script and direction are average. The tone is inconsistent, veering between overly sentimental and juvenile scenes. The cricket sequences and thrills during the game are forgettable. Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor's natural chemistry and authentic performances make the film stand out. The music is a highlight, making a lasting impression. Despite its potential, the film offers nothing new, but the genuine performances, music, and emotions throughout the film might allow it to have a great run at the theaters.
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is a deliberate snooze fest which aimed to captitalize in scale and star power but fails miserably
"Bade Miyan Chote Miyan" is a disappointing action film that fails to deliver despite its ambitious scale and star-studded cast. The movie lacks substance and relies on tasteless humor and chaotic action to cover up its shortcomings. The script is unimaginative, borrowing heavily from "Mission Impossible" and Marvel movies, and the plot twists are unexciting and predictable. The fan service attempts by director Ali Abbas Zafar feel forced and plastic, particularly in the dialogue delivery by the leads, Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. The movie's action sequences lack conviction, and the performances by the female leads are underwhelming. Overall, the film falls flat, making it a forgettable and disappointing experience.
"Blackout" is an entertaining yet flawed film with a decent balance of humor and action, thanks to the commendable direction by Devang Bhavsar. The performances by Vikrant Massey and Sunil Grover are what keeps you engaged, and the music by Vishal Mishra is catchy and engaging. The plot follows Lenny, a crime reporter, as he navigates a series of unfortunate events during a city-wide blackout. While the film is enjoyable, its predictability and lack of substance prevent it from being truly great. Inclusion of Karan Sonawane and Saurabh Ghadge makes it a fun one timer. Overall, it is a fun and engaging movie worth watching, especially for fans of comedy crime thrillers. Easy one time watch.
A commendable addition to the Maddock Horror Universe blending genres with humour
Munjya directed by debutant Aditya Sarpotdar is more of a creature comedy drama than a real horror comedy. Munjya means unmarried Brahmij in Marathi, Just like Kantara and Tummbad, Munjya take up a this folklore and bakes it with situational humour, eerie atmosphere and uncanny characters. Even if the creature CGI is mid, the films' entertainment quotient hardly drops. It keep you hooked. Abhay Verma is solid, displaying innocence and fear brilliantly. Sharvari Wagh is adequate if not excellent. The spooky elements , fantastic music and freshly curated humour elements definitely makes it a great watch over the weekend. Don't miss the mid credit scene.
Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan scores high on relatability and serves as refreshing coming of age cinema we deserve.
My Rating : :star::star::star::star: (81/100)
Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan delivers a refreshing coming of age drama which has a brilliant relatability factor for the modern times we live in. The film feels organic while it talks about emotional intimacy & deceptive social media influence in our lives and the social validation is taking presendence over anything valuable & important. Backed by wonderful music , the solid cinematography makes it more effective in piercing through the modern film watching audience. "I Wanna See You Dance", "Ishq Nachaave" & "Teri Yeh Baatein" are my favorites from the album.
The writing by Zoya and Reema Kagti is effective and the screenplay feels like a breeze highlighting the adverse repurcusions of social media affecting every human who consumes it. This effectively showcases even in the digital age we are more disconnected than we ever were. Adarsh, Ananya and Siddharth share a wonderful chemistry and their performances are admirable. Overall KGHK gives a beautiful message while being cinematically solid in terms of real life drama, great music and commendable screenplay. Excellent debut by Arjun Varain Singh as the director who extracted organic acts by the leads. Deserves your time. Netflix India should be proud.
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YRF’s first web series is enthralling, engaging and shattering , buoyed by exceptional screenplay and performances
My Rating : :star::star::star::star: (86/100)
The Railway Men highlights the unwavering spirit and courage shown by the unsung heroes of the railways on the dreadful night of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The four episode mini series skillfully merges real pictures and snippets of the tragedy with dramatized visuals. The excellent production design exemplifies YRF was serious with the subject at hand and leaves no stone unturned. The inspiring cast is enough for you to just binge watch it at one go just like I did. The writing of this disaster drama is tight with ample moments of thrill, tension and emotions. The show isnt a masterpiece, but it certainly encapsulates tragic incident in a more mature way.
Kay Kay Menon is one fine actor and his versatility speaks louder with each of his performance. R Madhavan is outstanding and his presence itself gives positive vibes. With shades of Irffan Khan his son Babil deserves a special mention. Babil is fantastic considering he being a new comer. Divyendu Sharma is a fine actor and he does complete justice to his role. So refreshing to see the beautiful Juhi Chawla in an extended special appearance.
Overall, The Railway Men is definitely worth a watch simply due to its inspiring storyline, fantastic production, marvelous acting performances and gripping screenplay.
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Atlee’s Jawan redefines commercial filmaking with an exhilarating cinematic experience , setting stage for SRK’s dominance in 2023
My Rating : :star::star::star::star: (83/100)
Jawan despite following the tropes of conventional commercial cinema, establishes itself as perfect example of perfect entertainer with a subtle yet relevant message. Tamil filmakers have aced the mass movies in thr past and Atlee doesn't shy away from it, he just delivered SRK his best mass appealing film which caters to all true Indian Cinema fans. Backed by a resonating storyline, fantastic action set pieces, scorching score by Anirudh , vicious Vijay Sethupathi as the antagonist and a magnetic SRK in the lead , Jawan delivers what it promised. The few inconsistencies in form usual fast forwarding of sub plots is easily forgettable, when you see SRK landing those heavy punches and dialogues. Thr supporting cast also provide great aid to make Jawan a true winner at cinemas. With no competition, this is going to become SRK's next entry to 1000 cr club.
The mass moments are brilliantly elevated by that scillntilating score by Anirudh. Atlee has a tendency to bring in the best interval blocks in his filmography and he doesn't disappoint. Jawan has massiest interval block in the history of Bollywood. The only gripe I had watching the film is it fails to expand on the hurdles of other female members in their past and at many places the emotions flow on a surface level (sub plot fast forwarding) . Well someone cant package everything in film of 169 minutes and I wont criticise Atlee for it. Priyamani and Sanya has a few important dialogues but stayed in background for the most part of it. Vijay Sethupathi is a show stealer with his versatility and his antiques. His hindi is delightful.
Overall, Jawan is a true family entertainer with many subtle plot twists, action , emotions and light humour. SRK as the leading man needs no marketing and Atlee solidifies his place as the mass commercial specialist. Go and celebrate Indian Cinema in theatres. I meant Bharatiya Cinema :hearts:
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Pankaj Tripathi dominates in the quintessential film talking about a bold subject with a hillarious and thought provoking execution.
My Rating : :star::star::star::star: (82/100)
OMG 2 is a sequel of popular film OMG which Paresh Rawal and Akshay kumar back in 2012. Unlike its predecessor which talked about atheism , the current talks about belief and faith in God. The film primarily delivers a strong social message and pleas for immediate reforms in the Education System constructed by the British during their term before independence. The humour is excellent & is spiced with sarcasm and wit, credits to the writer director Amit Rai that his execution with all the dialogues are on the money. All characters felt organic, and matter is handled with complete care and based on facts. Pankaj Tripathi is excellent, Akshay is sharp and appropriate for the role and the entire ensemble delivers an engaging affair which doesn't let you loose grip on the subject. A smartly executed, important film which will resonate with the millenials. Expect many thought provoking introspection as the film challenges unconventional norms. This film deserves your attention.
The film rides high especially due to its organic ensemble casting. Akshay Kumar as Shiva's is the best thing happening to the film. Even with a short screen presence he delivers the reminiscence from the predecessor and impact this film needed. Pankaj Tripathi is a bonafide star, he never dissapoints when he does drama and this like no other is one of his best works. Yami Gautam is pitch perfect in role, she delivers strong points with ease and delivers a challenging role with brilliance. The dialogues and wit in humour generated the loudest of cheers in the cinema screen I was in, and I pitched in too.
Overall, a much needed and important films which should be presented back to back woth such storytelling untill the reforms are made. There have been smaller projects talking about this subject but no changes are made till now. This time the problem needs addressing. A film you can take your family and enjoy. CBFC giving it an A certificate is the dumbest thing possible which highlights how backward the mentality is. Recommended.
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Christopher Nolan delivers an emphatic characterization of the most dreaded scientists in history with aplomb
My Rating : :star::star::star::star: (85/100)
Oppenheimer is a deep, engrossing and captivating piece of cinema, powered by a remarkable sound design , intense drama and strong performances. It delivers a sense of horror and tension which binds the entire narrative of 3 hours, with powerful people people talking most of its runtime. This Nolan film apologetically as usual packs in a lot of information, names and complexity which might need a second viewing to get a complete understanding and may be overwhelming for people watching a Nolan film for first time. Cillian Murphy gives a performance which gives him the oscars next year. He just sinks into the character with a facile demonstration of how well versed he is with his craft. Oppenheimer might not be Nolan's best work but its one the best biopics I have seen in recent years.
A gripe for me was the use of Bhagwat Gita while a character is having sex, this demeans the spiritual beliefs of Hindus to a certain extent. I could be more critical of it considering that scene wasn't necessary in the entire context of the film or it could have been hidden from the final cuts running in India. However a filmaker as huge as Nolan, could have been more sensitive to deliver such a scene. Oh I get it, its just a movie but there a difference between usual cinema and Nolan's films. We learn a lot from him filmography hence a concern. However, special mentions to Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt for their fantastic support performances in the film.
Overall, Oppenheimer delivers a biopic with great and overwhelming detail, scorching score and powerful visuals of the chain reaction it lead to. There's no denying how dangerous the power could have been if it was only in the hands of the US. Now 9 countries including India and Pakistan are nuclear powers. If you want to understand the origin, then don't miss this film. Recommended.
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Greta Gerwig's on the nose social commentary in disguise of a brilliantly designed plastic world.
My Rating : :star::star: (45/100)
Barbie is a monumental achievement in terms of its eye pleasing production design yet is too preachy in terms of its messaging. Barbie is silly and messy and doesnt take itself seriously in the first half which was funny and enjoyable but its undertones drastically shift towards a preachy take on toxic masculinity and the usual gender norms. The film is a social commentary or sattire masked in plastic dolls. Its wasn't powerful or resonating to me as it is for people who loved it. It dilutes the harshness of patriarchy which is a serious problem in the living world. There is a scene where Barbies unite to cause chaos by disrupting peace within the Kens by swindling them. How can this be good? I loved the way Greta has designed the whole world but the messaging and commentary wasn't appealing to me nor my wife who went to watch it.
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are true gems ofcourse. They are the best looking actors for the particular roles and the understood the assignment pretty well. The first half is enjoyable and no one can deny it. Ryan is good, Margot is good but calling them exceptional is going overboard according to me. People have already nominated Ryan Gosling for Oscars and nothing can be more hilarious than this. Its also overlooking hardworking actors in the west.
For someone who loved Barbie film will disagree and hate me for my opinion but this is a place where I put my unfiltered views on a film. I respect women and despise patriarchy but these two are so difficult and hard-hitting subjects to be addressed in a silly film as Barbie. For people in the West I would recommend films like The Great Indian Kitchen and Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey which is more hillarious and profound compared to Barbie in terms of its messaging. Watch it only if you ever owned a Barbie for the nostalgia else skip it atleast in Theatres.
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Nitesh Tiwari's latest starring Varun and Janhvi is a compelling, heartfelt and bold adventure which stands out on its own
My Rating : :star::star::star::star: (80/100)
Bawaal in all sense is unique, unconventional yet an honest film which presents a beautiful takeaway in form of a thought provoking message. Powered by a remarkable Varun Dhawan and ever improving Jahnvi Kapoor's performance, Bawaal rides you through a rollercoaster of emotions. Its sheds light on one of the most disturbing wars in the history of mankind while weaves an emotional & romantic adventure of a couple in a cold relationship. Yes the screenplay is at times directionless and there are scenes which follow the bollywood tropes, but the heart remains intact throughout which gives you the sudden gush of emotional tumbling more often that you expect. Nitesh Tiwari's direction and Ashwini Iyer's writing is astounding and deserves an applause.
The analogies of War used in the film could have been more effective that it already is, the screenplay is rushed in many scenes. The music feels surreal when vocals of Vishal Mishra and Arijit gets going. Dilon ki Doriyan and Tumhe Kitna Pyaar Karte melts your hearts. Varun yet again proves his hard earned prowess in dramatic acting and Jahvi gives a much improved performance. Manoj Pahwa and Anjuman Saxena provide the adequate support needed and are adorable throughout. Varun and Jahvi's chemistry is refreshing and likeable.
Overall not Nitesh Tiwari's best work but still a brave and earnst attempt and is rightfully released on OTT to cater audiences in large numbers. Many will misunderstand this film on how it uses its analogies to relate with modern relationships but if you watch a film and take away the good things from it then it's a filmmaker's achievement. Watch it with your families , it has everything we love in Bollywood plus a chapter from the history books teaching us from the past, in the present , for the future .
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This parallel world film is a dissapointing reboot and is a wasted opportunity.
My Rating : :star::star: (45/100)
Bird Box : Barcelona is a big bumer in terms of converting a promising plot to an engaging screenplay. Having a strong fanbase from the first part, this film was greenlit by Netflix to get it a notch higher. But the film doesn't even has a single scene which hooks you to it gives you a moment to take back. Mario Casas and Georgina Campbell as criminally underused and are given disposable characters whom you donot even connect with. The writing is leading us to new direction when some folks can see the entity but doesn't necessarily kill themselves. This opens up more possibilities for more spin offs and parallel netflix stories but how far can they stretch unexciting screenplays this time will tell. For now if you dont have anything to watch then you might try this.
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