Star Cast: Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Jackie Shroff, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, Zara Zyanna

Director: Kalees

What’s Good: Varun Dhawan’s honest efforts, background scores, some action sequences, Salman Khan’s cameo

What’s Bad: Shoddy and poor execution of the screenplay and editing, occasional plot holes, a lack of connection with the emotions, cringe-worthy dialogue, not all performances landing, and some Illogical action sequences.

Loo Break: You can take one in the middle of those unnecessary soundtracks that randomly appear in the middle of the film despite having nothing to do with the plot.

Watch or Not?: Varun Dhawan and Salman Khan’s fans might have a fun ride, but otherwise this is overall a huge letdown and can be enjoyed on OTT too.

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical Release

Runtime: 159 minutes

User Rating:

The Varun Dhawan starrer action flick Baby John marks the Hindi adaptation of the Atlee directorial 2016 film Theri, which starred Thalapathy Vijay in the lead role. This was both an advantage and a disadvantage for the film. While a good amount of buzz was generated to witness the combo of Varun and Atlee coming together, on the other hand, expectations were rife about whether the movie would be able to stand out with its own essence and entertainment value. However, while VD makes a brutally honest effort, the film succumbs to a shoddy execution and plot holes that stick out like a sore thumb.

John D’silva (Varun Dhawan) lives a contended life with his daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna) and owns a small bakery. Things go smoothly until John’s past comes knocking at the door. We soon unravel that John was actually DCP Satya Verma, who is running away from his past after a life-altering tragedy. However, when an old foe Babbar Sher (Jackie Shroff) returns, Satya has to go to great lengths to protect his daughter and settle some old scores.

Baby John Movie Review: Script Analysis

The major drawback of Baby John is the writing and a lackluster screenplay. There are significant plotholes right from the inception. How easy is it for Satya to randomly take up a new identity and open a bakery without raising suspicion? How does Satya go into an almost ghostly vigilante mode while exacting revenge on his wrongdoers without anyone noticing him in the daytime? How easy is it for Wamiqa Gabi’s character to hide her real motives under the garb of a school teacher?

Everyone in this universe happens to execute the most deadliest and the most life-threatening plan like a cakewalk. The screenplay also has an inconsistency wherein one plotline or soundtrack is randomly placed after a scene. The dialogues do not have that electrifying effect and instead appear preachy or downright awkward. For instance, in the middle of a fight, Varun Dhawan says, ‘Mere Jaise Toh Kahi Aye Hai But Main Pehle Aya Hun’ or tells his wife (Keerthy Suresh), ‘Tum Meri Dusri Ma Ho’ when she asks him about her impression as a wife. These dialogues just come across as awkward and cringe. Even the emotional dialogues fail to create a solid impact. Even the attempt to showcase DCP Satya Verma as a righteous cop and later as an undercover vigilante does not resonate as strongly as it should’ve been.

The writing does not flesh out the chemistry between Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh’s character nor do we get a good writing for Jackie Shroff’s Babbar Sher. Just when you think of connecting with one aspect of the storyline of the character, the scene swiftly jumps to another plot. Except for the action sequences and some of the massy segments, there’s no striking a chord with any character development or a plotline.

Baby John Movie Review: Star Performance

Varun Dhawan’s efforts are visible in Baby John. The actor has pushed himself beyond and above for the role and convincingly shifts between the happy-go-lucky John to the badass Satya. The actor especially shines in the action sequences and absolutely has the best chemistry with child actor Zara Zyanna. However, we can see some struggle in the emotionally high-octane scenes. Otherwise, it can be safely said that he is the soul of this one, and this will stand out as one of his most memorable performances.

Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi do full justice to their characters, but there would’ve been a better scope for their performances with better etched-out writing. Somehow, Keerthy and Varun Dhawan’s chemistry doesn’t strike a chord with you, both in the courtship and the emotional scenes. Jackie Shroff is menacing regarding the physicalities, but his performance comes across as very caricaturish. Sheeba Chadha is endearing to behold. Rajpal Yadav is a treat to watch as he, for the first time, tries his hand at some action. Watch out for the actor giving out one of the best dialogues in the film, hands down when one of the baddies writes him off as a ‘comedy.’ A massive shoutout to Zara Zyanna for her adorable performance as Varun Dhawan’s onscreen daughter, Khushi.

Trending

Vanvaas Movie Review: Nana Patekar’s Emotional Drama Is Baghban 2.0 With An Apt Message For Today’s Generation!

I Want To Talk Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan & Shoojit Sircar’s Real-Life Drama Has Great Core But Fails To Strike The Right Emotional Chord

Baby John Movie Review: Direction, Music

Kalees and Atlee tried to retain the massy and adrenaline-pumping essence of Theri. Still, Baby John just falls flat because of the several inconsistencies in the screenplay and writing, along with several plotholes. While slick in some parts, the action sequences appear illogical in some portions. None of the songs strike a chord; instead, their random placement in the film comes across as jarring. Only the ‘Beast Mode’ background score by Rajakumari stands out and oozes the required swag and a banger vibe.

Baby John Movie Review: The Last Word

Baby John was already a risky affair as it was a remake, but the dismal execution did more harm than good. Yes, there is an added tadka of Salman Khan’s cameo, and it is not as disappointing as Bhai’s appearance in Singham Again, but is it enough? Clearly not.

2 Star

Baby John Trailer

Baby John released on 25th December, 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching Baby John.

For more recommendations, read our Singham Again Review here.

Must Read: The Sabarmati Report Movie Review: Vikrant Massey Promised To Unveil Godhra Kaand’s Truth But Where’s The ‘Sach’ In This Diplomacy?

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Baby John Movie Review: Not Even Varun Dhawan’s Honest Effort And Salman Bhai’s Swag Worthy Cameo Can Save The Shoddy Execution & Lack Of Connect appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Nana Patekar, Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur, Ashwini Kalsekar

Director: Anil Sharma

What’s Good: The solid message is getting increasingly relevant in today’s times.

What’s Bad: The length of the film

Loo Break: Luckily not, despite the long length

Watch or Not?: A film that is valid probably for viewers of all ages

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 160 Minutes

User Rating:

The story of Vanvaas moves between Shimla and Benares. Three sons of varied ages, all married and with kids, are aghast when their widowed father, Deepak Tyagi (Nana Patekar), decides to turn his bungalow into a trust and name it after his late wife Vimla (Khushboo) in honor of her countless loving memories.

But his sons would rather make money than memories now since Deepak has dementia and forgets things. The three couples take him to Benares, ostensibly for a pilgrimage-cum-birthday (of his) celebration, try their best to ‘dump’ him in an old peoples’ home minus identity, and when every ploy fails, leave him in a crowded place where an aarti is happening, and sans his Aadhaar and memory pills.

After this heinous act, they return and tell their kids and everyone else that their dear father decided to swim in the Holy Ganga and drowned. And what happens to Deepak?

Vanvaas Movie Review: Script Analysis

From frame one, the film tightens its grip on the viewer, and the emotional rollercoaster spins a series of incidents with interesting characters in the holy town where the older man is abandoned.

There is Veeru (Utkarsh Sharma), a con man and petty thief in Benares, who first cons the dementia-struck Deepak, but soon, a series of events force him to develop a rapport with the man. Things intensify when he is in love with a young dancer (Simrat Kaur) whose guardian aunt disapproves of him but says that she will allow her to marry Veeru if he reunites Deepak (at that stage, his name or identity is unknown) with his family. Deepak, however, is in the amnesic phase where he thinks he has lost his kids, who are young pre-teen boys, as had happened once in the past.

After some not-very-convincing but (necessary for the script) emotional moments (with Veeru’s romantic interest providing the not-very-noble motivation for him), Veeru saves Deepak from the clutches of an organ trafficker. He decides to unite Deepak with his family. Like his cohorts (Rajpal Yadav and Paritosh Tripathi) and everyone else, he is well aware that Deepak has actually been abandoned by his clan.

Then begins the challenging path of tracing who the old man is, which is helped by strategically questioning him according to medical advice about his past. From the second half, things become more interesting. Deepak’s family has to indulge in more duplicity to get the whopping amount the government will allot them for another property owned by Deepak’s father and the bungalow.

Another chain of events, partly by chance and partly by investigation, finally brings Deepak home at a dramatic moment. The last 20 minutes are pretty stretched, but the final confrontation between father and sons and his heartfelt talks can lead to lumps in throats and wet handkerchiefs for susceptible audience members. Thus, the script scores high.

Vanvaas Movie Review: Star Performance

After The Vaccine War, Nana Patekar once again puts in a magnificent essay as Deepak, especially in his memory-ravaged sequences and outbursts of anger. He is also fantastic in his romantic scenes with his wife, Vimal (Khushboo Sunder). Ashwini Kalsekar as ‘Aunty’ is wonderful in yet another fiery, part-comic role. Rajpal Yadav impresses after a long, long time as Veeru’s sidekick. The actors playing Deepak’s family are well-cast, and so is Rajesh Sharma in a cameo as the lawyer. Simratt Kaur, as Veeru’s girl, is generally competent.

This film finally shows Utkarsh Sharma’s true potential. His performance is easy and fluid, and his eyes speak myriad emotions like the rakish Veeru. If he handles his career well and gets the right opportunities, Utkarsh can become a complete package of a star.

Trending

Agni Movie Review: Rahul Dholakia’s Pratik Gandhi-Led Film Gives A Fiery Reminder About The Courage & Sacrifices Of Unsung Heroes Known As Firefighters

Sikandar Ka Muqaddar Review: Tamannaah Bhatia-Avinash Tiwary & Jimmy Sheirgill Play A Brilliant Chor-Police But Neeraj Pandey Wins!

Vanvaas Movie Review: Direction, Music

Anil Sharma returns to his Apne zone even as we await the long-announced Apne 2. His grip on emotions and way of weaving a film, just like in the classic Hindi cinema mode of the 1960s to 1990s, without coming across as dated, is immensely praiseworthy. Come to think of it, his tendency to hard-hit and give an emotional wallop was evident right from his debut 43 years ago—in Shraddhanjali. However, the action forced in the film’s first half, an unnecessary character towards the end, and an extraneous ex-disciple of Deepak unnecessarily added to the length, something that should not be indulged in today.

Mithoon and Sayeed Quadri give very average songs that do not boost the film commercially or in terms of memorable work, though they are not substandard. Monty Sharma’s mood-oriented background score, however, adds to the film.

Vanvaas Movie Review: The Last Word

The audience will say the last word, but it will be praised for a very topical, thoughtful, and touching tale that looks at a relatively common social ill—parents’ neglect at a crucial time when they need the maximum love.

Four stars!

Vanvaas Trailer

Vanvaas releases on 07 September, 2018.

Share with us your experience of watching Vanvaas.

Must Read: I Want To Talk Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan & Shoojit Sircar’s Real-Life Drama Has Great Core But Fails To Strike The Right Emotional Chord

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Vanvaas Movie Review: Nana Patekar’s Emotional Drama Is Baghban 2.0 With An Apt Message For Today’s Generation! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Pratik Gandhi, Sai Tamhankar, Saiyami Kher, Divyenndu, Udit Arora, Jitendra Joshi

Director: Rahul Dholakia

What’s Good: Fresh and hitherto unexplored terrain for Hindi cinema

What’s Bad: Nothing really!

Loo Break: Of course not!

Watch or Not?: Hot enough to watch!

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 123 Minutes

User Rating:

A firefighter says that the word “Pagal” must be remembered by all. Not to describe “mad,” its literal meaning, but as “Pa for Paani, Ga for Gas, and L for Light.” These are the three-point checks everyone must do before leaving their premises so that when all three are shut, there is minimal risk of fire.

Agni (Fire) must have been a difficult film to conceive and write because, like any feature film, a story must be woven to highlight the fact that, like our army, police, and all levels of security forces, a firefighter, however much in the background, is as much a soldier in protecting us from danger. He, too, risks his life but gets very little recognition, rewards, or fame. His family, too, suffers if he perishes on the job, which is not only about burn injuries but also suffocation and other risks that he selflessly faces on the job.

Agni Movie Review: Script Analysis

The story revolves around a dedicated firefighter, Vithal Surve (Pratik Gandhi), whose family, comprising wife Rukmini (Sai Tamhankar) and son Amar (Kabir Shah), lives contentedly but sans luxuries in their quarters. Rukmini and Amar are always impressed by the comparative luxurious life of her brother, Samit Sawant (Divyenndu), and his wife (Sakhi Gokhale).

Samit is an ace and very cocky cop, and Vithal believes that his means of income are not all above-board. Amar considers his father a ‘zero’ and hero-worships mama Samit and all these factors generate friction and open hostility between Vithal and Samit.
The storyline, however, also focuses on a chain of firefighting missions that Vithal and his team get involved in on a seemingly daily basis. At any moment, even in the middle of an engagement party, these soldiers have to rush to extinguish an angaar (fire), and, as always, uncertainty looms about their lives and health.

However, a film with this concept and intention needs a proper plotline. And so we get a story wherein two tracks run parallel: the one-upmanship of sorts between firefighters and cops and also the tale of a man who, unhinged by a fire tragedy in which his family was killed, has turned into a deranged arsonist while coming across as a normal person and a caring friend. This provides the plot’s thrill element and deduction factor as Samit is convinced that all the recent fires are “natural” (as in caused by usual carelessness!). At the same time, Vithal and his colleague Avni (Saiyami Kher) have valid reasons to be suspicious.

The story carefully balances everything, including a love story between the only female firefighter, Anvi, and Jass (Udit Arora), and how things pan out between Vithal and his son and brother-in-law. There is a rare and lesser-known spotlight on the lives of firefighters, the simple joys they enjoy, and the bonhomie they share at work, even with their superiors. Their fitness regime is also examined.

The ubiquitous political angle also comes in, but this time, the neta (Anant Jog) is more desperate for fame than a vicious man who will not stop at anything to get what he wants. The script (Rahul Dholakia with dialogues by Vijay Maurya) does not digress into futile areas like political interference. It works in a climax that looks a shade contrived but fits the story and leads it to a neatly logical and gratifying culmination.

Agni Movie Review: Star Performance

Strangely, in this male-dominated storyline, the performances (as separated from the roles) are led in caliber by Sai Tamhankar as Vitthal’s ever-supportive wife and Saiyami Kher as the ardent, doughty firefighter who has her own take on life and love. Sai shows her high competency and range again after excellent work in various formats, like in the recent Marathi web series Manvat Murders. She not only looks exactly like she is portraying—a lower middle-class simple hausfrau and loving mother- but her expressions take the cake at every turn of events. As for Saiyami, she shines best when shown as an unbroken and dedicated soldier, even in the face of a severe personal loss. And her eyes speak volumes, a cliché but the truth.

Pratik Gandhi portrays yet another nuanced character as the impassioned Vithal, who stoically accepts his limitations, lets his resentment towards his brother-in-law boil over occasionally, and devotedly loves his wife, colleagues—and work. Divyenndu adds to his roster of impeccably assured performances as Samit, who has a condescending attitude towards his fireman brother-in-law until a life-changing incident.

As the earnest fireman Mahadev, Jitendra Joshi steals many a scene effortlessly. Udit Arora makes a mark as Jazz. The supporting cast is excellent, too, led by little Kabir Shah as Amar—here’s a child artiste to reckon with. In a brief role, Sayali Sawant also impresses as Samit’s placatory wife.

Trending

I Want To Talk Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan & Shoojit Sircar’s Real-Life Drama Has Great Core But Fails To Strike The Right Emotional Chord

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Kartik Aaryan & Team Deliver A Perfect Diwali Bonanza For Families!

Agni Movie Review: Direction, Music

After the offbeat Parzania (2005), the insipid Lamhaa, and the overtly commercial Raees (2017), Rahul Dholakia spins his most gripping saga yet with this daisy-fresh tale of courage, love, sacrifice, and honor. The movie makes the right points and isn’t one with monotonous despite a seemingly dry base.

The sequences that stand out include the deaths of two firemen, Vithal’s health issues, the housewarming party sequence, and the lunchtime repartees of the firemen, in addition to those depicting Samit’s combination of wit and menace. A few sequences between Vitthal and his son, who admires maternal uncle Samit but thinks his father is no great shakes, also stand out and form, in a way, the most telling take to show the common perception of firefighters as people not to be really noticed, let alone respected or admired.

The music is serviceable but so unimportant for the makers that it is not even listed online, and there is no information on who composed the admirably restrained background score!

Agni Movie Review: The Last Word

The film is worthwhile at every level. An OTT release is probably the best option for this modest delight. Excel Entertainment always offers us a variety but does not excel all the time. This time, it certainly does!

Three and a half stars!

Agni Trailer

Stay tuned to Koimoi for updates.

Must Read: Sikandar Ka Muqaddar Review: Tamannaah Bhatia-Avinash Tiwary & Jimmy Sheirgill Play A Brilliant Chor-Police But Neeraj Pandey Wins!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Agni Movie Review: Rahul Dholakia’s Pratik Gandhi-Led Film Gives A Fiery Reminder About The Courage & Sacrifices Of Unsung Heroes Known As Firefighters appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Avinash Tiwary, Jimmy Shergill, Tamannaah Bhatia, Rajeev Mehta, Divya Dutta, Zoya Afroz, Ridhima Pandit

Director: Neeraj Pandey

What’s Good: The premise and a start-to-finish intriguing storyline.

What’s Bad: In a broader sense, nothing!

Loo Break: Do not, just keep hooked to the plot, you might miss something important.

Watch or Not?: Yes

Language: Hindi

Available On: Netflix

Runtime: 2 hour 22 minutes

User Rating:

What do you expect from the man who won a National Award for his debut film, A Wednesday? A good film, indeed? Neeraj Pandey has rarely disappointed, barring a few instances where he went wrong with Aiyyari or the recently released Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha. So, did he do it right with Sikandar Ka Muqaddar this time? Well, absolutely right!

Starring Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Jimmy Sheirgill, the film dives right into its theme in the very first scene. A diamond exhibition followed by a robbery. There are gunshots, with the armed men dead on the scene. Kudos to the police! But wait, Mona Darling, Sona Kahaaan Hain? In this case, 5 huge solitaires that go missing!

Now, if the robbers are all dead and no one fled the crime scene then one of the many people at the crime scene is the criminal but who is it? Enters Jimmy Sheirgill who has a clean 100% record of tracing culprits and finding them but what is his superpower? Moolvriti! Let me explain – His basic instinct. This basic instinct identifies three people from the crime scene – Mangesh Desai, Kamini Singh, and Sikandar Sharma as the ‘Chor’ of this theft – either individually or in a group or a combination of two. But the choir is identified with the very first scene. The rest of the film is about solving. Is Jimmy’s basic instinct right? Does he fight his fate, or does Sikandar’s sharp Muqaddar form the entire journey of this film?

Sikandar ka Muqaddar Movie Review: Script Analysis

Hum sab apne sapno aur zid ke hi to Shikaar hain. The film keeps oscillating between two timelines. One – when the theft happened and three suspects were identified. And then 15 years later, when the case has been closed and the three suspects were given a clean chit due to lack of evidence. Now the story has two basic leads – Sikandar who wants a sorry from Jimmy for trusting his wrong instinct. And Jimmy, who has surrendered but still wants to know who is the Chor and was his instinct right.

After a certain point, we all know (with our gut instinct) who the thief is, and now we are all invested in the twists and turns for what he will do next to keep hiding his identity and to what extent Jimmy Sheirgill go to solve this puzzle and not let his instinct go wrong. But is it worth 15 years? Well, that might be debatable. Think about a man whose superpower is his instinct, but he is suddenly ripped off that power because he does not have proof to support his instinct!

What follows is a very interesting Chor-Police very similar to A Wednesday and Special 26. There is a lot happening but every thing on the surface is calm. You need to follow each and every step to solve this mystery before Jimmy Sheirgill does it, and Neeraj Pandey brilliantly excels in the story writing part and direction, making all of us feel we can solve this case on our Moolvriti!

Sikandar ka Muqaddar Movie Review: Star Performance

Guess when should a director be the happiest about his film? When you can’t decide who is the star of his film until you realize it is the story. No doubt, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Jimmy Sheirgill make sure to shine in their parts, and they do. Tamannaah and Avinash not letting us know, ‘Heera kiske paas hai?’ and Jimmy Sheirgill’s instinct seems too shallow to believe it is Sikandar whose Muqaddar is not letting anyone win.

So, while all the actors shoulder this film to perfection, Neeraj Pandey’s story turns out to be the classic star of this film. It does not disappoint you at any time, neither while building up the premise nor decoding and unsolving the mystery.

Trending

I Want To Talk Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan & Shoojit Sircar’s Real-Life Drama Has Great Core But Fails To Strike The Right Emotional Chord

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Kartik Aaryan & Team Deliver A Perfect Diwali Bonanza For Families!

Sikandar ka Muqaddar Movie Review: Direction, Music

A good and powerful storyline can keep you hooked without any dramatic twists, songs, dances and more! It is evidently proven in every Neeraj Pandey thriller and this man knows his genre! He weaves every moment very carefully with thin layers overlapping each other making you doubt your instinct, despite knowing the mystery since the beginning, despite knowing it because of the title of the film. It is all out in the open, yet you would not be able to reach it.

As for the music part, while the background music keeps supporting the film beautifully, the one song that appears in the film seems to be out of the way. Does it obstruct the narrative? No, not really, but was the song needed? Well, no, until and unless it was as beautiful as the out-of-place yet heartwarming Kaun Mera from Special 26.

Sikandar ka Muqaddar Movie Review: The Last Word

At one point, the film straightforwardly says, “Dono Jeete, Dono Haare.” Well, that indeed happens in the film with two brilliantly and strategically placed OOPS. Did I fall for Neeraj Pandey’s trap? Well, not really. But do I love this chor-police game? Well, certainly, yes!

4 stars!

Sikandar ka Muqaddar Trailer

Sikandar ka Muqaddar is streaming on Netflix from 29 November, 2024.

Must Read: The Sabarmati Report Movie Review: Vikrant Massey Promised To Unveil Godhra Kaand’s Truth But Where’s The ‘Sach’ In This Diplomacy?

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Sikandar Ka Muqaddar Review: Tamannaah Bhatia-Avinash Tiwary & Jimmy Sheirgill Play A Brilliant Chor-Police But Neeraj Pandey Wins! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Ahilya Bamroo, Pearle Dey, Jayant Kripalani, Johny Lever, Kristin Goddard

Director: Shoojit Sircar

What’s Good: A sturdy performance from Abhishek Bachchan and the core message

What’s Bad: The length and languid pacing

Loo Break: Depends on you!

Watch or Not?: “Story picture hai!” as the video library-walas used to say about offbeat films! So it’s up to you again.

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 122 Minutes

User Rating:

Arjun Sen (Abhishek Bachchan) is one of those eloquent marketing whizzes who can, so to speak, sell hair oil to a bald man. An Indian who has come to the USA and done an MBA, he makes people believe that the pizza he sells is the only one worth eating! A divorcee, he has a brattish daughter, Reya (Perale Dey), who visits him on pre-arranged days.

And then, cancer strikes him out of the blue. He hides the truth from his daughter and sends her video messages whenever he is hospitalized and loses his job and home (though not his Cadillac!) But through all this, his biggest trauma is that he cannot talk as much as we would like to.

His doctor gives him 100 days to live, but the salesman lives on for decades. Through hospital visits and countless surgeries (the director informed me that the real Arjun Sen lost count after 20 of them!), he manages to talk and win against the disease.

I Want To Talk Movie Review: Script Analysis

At face level, this is fundamentally a story of fighting the odds—major ones—that life throws at you. The fact that it is actually a biopic of his friend, Arjun Sen (though with “About 50 percent dramatization,” as director Shoojit Sircar informed me) makes the seemingly impossible and implausibly absurd saga believable only at the end because that is when viewers get to know and watch the real man who Abhishek Bachchan has portrayed!

In the first hour, the script is languid. Despite the real story, the film has an uneven grip on viewers. Until well past the intermission mark, we are under the impression that the film is an overtly absurd saga of a man who looks fit (complete with a paunch) enough to drive cars and live alone (any house help or cook is missing, and the man seems to thrive on junk food and—often—morose silences!).

He has scattered interactions with his doctors, and the only times these sequences come to life are in the beginning when Arjun is in denial and also in his attempted suicide sequence. The other saving graces are the intermittent scenes with his helper (Kristin Goddard), who motivates him to live on.

In the second half, things perk up a good bit. We now see a survivor who has established a rapport with his principal doctor (Jayant Kripalani) and shows a semblance of wryness with his now nubile daughter (Ahilya Bamroo) but has no other friend. The divorced wife is never shown, but now, after 20 surgeries, Arjun (who once humorously tells us why he was named after the Mahabharat hero!) is also in a kind of stubbornly victorious mode and opts to run a marathon (Vijay 69¸anyone?).

This last is his tribute to his helper, who, despite motivating him not to commit suicide, has ended her own life. Arjun also has (unwarranted and typically ‘Indian parent’ like) advice for his daughter. He also has heartfelt conversations with her and she becomes his pillar of strength as well.

Writer Ritesh Shah, whose oeuvre has spanned every kind of film, action thriller, and suspense drama, has penned a very different midstream movie that attempts to go where few films have before. But he falters in the pace, as such a film not only needed to be a shade brisker to involve the audience and also move past the seemingly unreal elements (which do not apply to everyone in Arjun’s condition) but also more even and intense in the emotional quotient.

A glaring error of judgment (even if it truly was the case in real life with Arjun and Reya) is their very ‘distant’ (to coin a term) relationship with each other. There are no frequent hugs or spontaneous displays of endearment (even when Reya is about eight or so), which, for me, is not something a viewer will relish. It is difficult to stomach that a man who can die anytime can be as unemotional as this to his only child.

More importantly, there is no ‘lump in the throat’ movement. For such a film that wants to attract audiences with its mix of humor and pathos, that is a definite flaw. Anand (1971) stands as a glaring example to compare here.

I Want To Talk Movie Review: Star Performance

The film rests heavily on its protagonist, and Abhishek Bachchan delivers a rock-solid performance as the eccentric Arjun (in the final analysis). He is note-perfect at every stage for the role written for him and is at his best when he is nonplussed by his daughter at different stages and struggles to be convincing in his answers to her frank questions. His wryness when discussing his next surgery with his doctor is also very effective.

Ahilya Bamroo as Reya shines in an understated performance. Jayant Kripalani, as Dr. Deb, is alright. Johny Lever is wasted but cast against his usual grain. Pearle Dey is a perfect blend of innocent inquisitiveness and precociousness as the younger Reya.

Trending

The Sabarmati Report Movie Review: Vikrant Massey Promised To Unveil Godhra Kaand’s Truth But Where’s The ‘Sach’ In This Diplomacy?

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Kartik Aaryan & Team Deliver A Perfect Diwali Bonanza For Families!

I Want To Talk Movie Review: Direction, Music

Shoojit Sircar did wonders with both the characters of the father and his daughter in a more pleasant milieu in his fictional Piku and could have scored better in his real-life drama. His deliberate slowness of pace might be alluring to ‘students’ of cinema who are enthralled by such viewer-unfriendly approaches under the ‘excuse’ of realism but will not hold water with those paying exorbitant admission rates for tickets who want value for money, not just with movies like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 but also weightier ones like Shoojit’s own Vicky Donor and Piku itself.

I think this talented director should, one day, sit calmly and self-assess what made his successful films work despite their offbeat tenor, more critically, and vice versa.

There are only two nondescript songs in the film, and mercifully, the background score is minimalist.

I Want To Talk Movie Review: The Last Word

The climactic revelation about the real Arjun Sen changes the complexion of the entire film, but I wish the too-long earlier portions had not tested your patience.

Three stars!

I Want To Talk Trailer

I Want To Talk releases on 22 November, 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching I Want To Talk .

Must Read: Singham Again Movie Review: Ajay Devgn Starrer Is All Chaos & No Show, Making Even Salman Khan’s Chulbul Think “Swagat Kyu Kiya Hamara?”

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post I Want To Talk Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan & Shoojit Sircar’s Real-Life Drama Has Great Core But Fails To Strike The Right Emotional Chord appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, Riddhi Dogra, Barkha Singh

Director: Ranjan Chandel & Dheeraj Sarna

What’s Good: The fast pace and crisp narration

What’s Bad: The outcome of the court scene as shown and the accosting of the main villain look contrived and fake, and more liberties are also taken.

Loo Break: Nothing to say!

Watch or Not?: As a factual drama, just alright. As a thriller ‘inspired by reality’ as claimed in the disclaimers, ditto!

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 162 Minutes

User Rating:

The Godhra massacre of 2002, in which two coaches of the Sabarmati Express were set on fire, and 59 people—all kar-sevaks returning from Ayodhya—were burnt alive, is all too known. This film chooses to explore what happened next. The aftermath includes looking at a fictitious media house named EBT News, which manipulates the truth in favor of a particular party that decided to exploit this ghastly tragedy for electoral purposes by hitting out at their opponents. This is done through the models of ethical and non-ethical journalists. The outcome is predictable.

The Sabarmati Report Movie Review: Script Analysis

Though it was very relevant in 2002, the media angle takes overwhelming precedence. Though vital in itself, it tends to dilute the impact of the storytelling of how the case filed in court went through several ups and downs before the Supreme Court convicted 31 people, sentencing 11 of them to death in 2011.

The film, instead, focuses on just three journalists: Manika Rajpurohit (Monica Dogra), who decides what the people should know and works for EBT News, which, as mentioned above, is hand-in-glove with a political party, her one-time fan, rookie journalist Amrita Gill (Raashii Khanna) and the honest yet frustrated Samar Kumar (Vikrant Massey), a Hindi journalist whose love affair too is hindered because of his principled stand.

After being invited to cover the Godhra incident at Ground Zero as a photographer with Manika, he records his own evidence and interpretation of what happened separately. Samar then expounds the theory of murder and arson and is blacklisted. Five years later, in 2007, an honest worker for EBT News who has carefully stored Samar’s cassette hands it over to Amrita. She manages to contact and befriend him. The duo then heads to Godhra again to find things out.

The final court scene (with which the film also begins) needs to be more convincing in the overall context. It also does not show Amrita at all. Also, the simplistic solutions (how easily things pan out for Samar and Amrita after five long years, especially in the investigations), the loyal worker who has retained Samar’s cassette for years, and everything else may be intriguing because of the way things are depicted but do not hold water in terms of logic.

I liked the way Samar pieces out and debunks both the “stories” postulated by interested parties are put together. For me, that was the most interesting point, along with the real footage of the incident.

There is a studied approach not to offend any community even while narrating the truth. In principle, that is praiseworthy as it depicts a sensitive vision of inclusivity. After all, the perpetrators of the post-Godhra inaccuracies are all from the community that was the victim.

At the same time, we also see a very noble and brave woman battling the divisive and unrepentant forces in her community. It is also stressed—at least twice!— there is good and evil in each section of Indians, and a cricket match sequence between India and Pakistan is also shown in a fresh and interesting manner.

The Sabarmati Report Movie Review: Star Performance

Vikrant Massey carries the film on his shoulders. He is again the underdog like in 12th Fail but with a difference. His sardonic jibes and quirky habits are as well-conveyed here as his intense frustration and downs in life. Monica Dogra carries herself well as the always arrogant, self-styled diva. Raashii Khanna fits in as Amrita, but her role barely has meat. The “mastermind” and all other characters have little to do.

Trending

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Kartik Aaryan & Team Deliver A Perfect Diwali Bonanza For Families!

Singham Again Movie Review: Ajay Devgn Starrer Is All Chaos & No Show, Making Even Salman Khan’s Chulbul Think “Swagat Kyu Kiya Hamara?”

The Sabarmati Report Movie Review: Direction, Music

There is some controversy regarding the film as the original director, Rajesh Chandel, stepped out, and the directorial credit is given to co-writer Dheeraj Sarna. I do not know what Rajesh’s grouse was, but given the rather mixed way the film is treated, he might have exited the project for the right reasons!

The songs do not register, except for a couple of traditional tracks. The BGM is alright.

The Sabarmati Report Movie Review: The Last Word

The Sabarmati Report does, ultimately, seem a little too diplomatic and politically correct. It seems unwilling to go the extra mile in a frank and blunt way, which has good and bad sides.

Two and a half stars!

The Sabarmati Report Trailer

The Sabarmati Report releases on 15th November, 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching The Sabarmati Report.

For more recommendations, read our Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review here.

Must Read: Do Patti Movie Review: Kriti Sanon Is The Ace In This Deck Of Cards Badly Shuffled By Kajol & Shaheer Sheikh Betting On A Lost Deal!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post The Sabarmati Report Movie Review: Vikrant Massey Promised To Unveil Godhra Kaand’s Truth But Where’s The ‘Sach’ In This Diplomacy? appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Vidya Balan, Kartik Aaryan, Triptti Dimri, Sanjay Mishra, Rajpal Yadav, Ashwini Kalsikar, Vijay Raaz, Rajesh Sharma

Director: Anees Bazmee

What’s Good: The zany goings-on, and the hilarious lines well-supported by visuals

What’s Bad: Some needless and bad songs

Loo Break: Only if you are scared!

Watch or Not?: Of course! This Bhool Bhulaiyaa is a-‘maze’-ing in many ways!

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 158 minutes

User Rating:

A con-man, Rooh Baba (Kartik Aaryan), earning his living as a ghost-buster is employed by Meera (Triptii Dimri) and her maternal uncle (Rajesh Sharma) to bust a myth in the haveli of a king. The fable to be falsified (for a remuneration of a crore!) is that a spirit named Manjulika (Vidya Balan) resides behind a locked room in the palace. This myth once busted, will bring in builders ready to pay the earth for the place. But is it a myth at all?

According to the (once) royal priest (Manish Wadhwa), thereby lies a legend that ended in tragedy, 200 years old, and Rooh Baba a.k.a. Ruhaan is the incarnation of a heir apparent who was murdered by his sister, Manjulika. In turn, she was burnt alive by their father, the king, but she returned as a malevolent spirit. But there is more. The present royalty (Vijay Raaz) is living in poverty as the palace is out of bounds because of the fear of the evil spirit. And Meera is his daughter.

Rooh Baba decides to pre-empt the auspicious occasion of Durgasthami (during Navaratri and a big day in Bengal) and, unknown to him, unleashes the spirit of Manjulika. But a chance happening reveals another room in the palace that is sealed too. And Manjulika must now face another spirit, her sister Anjulika (Madhuri Dixit Nene), while Ruhaan, the royal clan and villagers must confront two evils, not one.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Script Analysis

The script (Akash Kaushik) does have its weak, stretched moments (especially featuring the OTT trio of Sanjay Mishra, Ashwani Kalsekar and Rajpal Yadav), but by and large commands a lot of screwball fun. It is a no-holds-barred, unapologetically whacky, loopy laughathon well-blended with the horror element, and follows that glorious BB tradition of mixing in comedic punches, spooks, drama, emotions and everything else in paisa-vasool manoranjan into an engaging ‘food processor’ and coming up with a sumptuous thali of entertainment.

Aakash Kaushik’s use of Sandesen aate hain from Border, the reference to Shehzada, the hysterics by Anjulika at a tycoon buyer’s demise, the Rolls-Royce affair and the concept of a king looking after his bodyguard are prime examples of also the director’s concept of howlarious yet clean entertainment. And the ‘crow biryani’ episode too does not nauseate in the smart way it is incorporated. The subtle message in the end on family relationships also elevates the film.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Star Performance

To say that Kartik Aaryan is the high-point of this film is to state the very obvious. In any mood, mode and scene, he is tremendous. While Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan lend their seasoned charismatic expertise to their characters, the rest of the cast too does well. I will give special marks to Vijay Raaz yet again for his underplayed humour, and to Arun Kushwah as Tillu and Kanchan Mullick as the bodyguard. Triptii Dimri shows more skin than range but is strong in her facial expressions.

Trending

Singham Again Movie Review: Ajay Devgn Starrer Is All Chaos & No Show, Making Even Salman Khan’s Chulbul Think “Swagat Kyu Kiya Hamara?”

Do Patti Movie Review: Kriti Sanon Is The Ace In This Deck Of Cards Badly Shuffled By Kajol & Shaheer Sheikh Betting On A Lost Deal!

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Direction, Music

In a confection like this, the chicken-first-or-egg concept looms tall as the director is also a smart and successful writer himself. So it is anyone’s guess whether the script came first or the director’s execution, for probably they met midway for mutual inspiration. ]

Suffice to add that Anees does not curb the lavishness of his big movies like No Entry or Welcome in the scale, as the sets and camerawork, along with the VFX are magnificent. And his flair for extracting not just great performances but the full hilarity element from potentially-routine situations remains undiluted. One thing is for sure—Anees knows when to stop, how to keep his scenes edited to be engaging, and so the editor does not have much to do.

And the duet dance, Ami je tomar, is simply awesome in the production design (late Rajat Poddar), cinematography (Manu Anand), choreography (Chinni Prakash) and re-created music (Amaal Mallik) with Shreya Ghoshal sounding much more seasoned than in the original. Sandeep Shirodkar’s background score works well.

The music thus rests almost entirely on Ami je tomar, created by Pritam 17 years ago! His Hare Ram hare Ram is misused with incongruous modernization. The background score by Sandeep Shirodkar, however, impresses,

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: The Last Word

It’s Diwali, right? Go brighten it by going into this maze of madness!

Four stars!

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Trailer

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 released on 01st November, 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

Follow Koimoi for more Bollywood updates!

Must Read: Singham Again Movie Review: Ajay Devgn Starrer Is All Chaos & No Show, Making Even Salman Khan’s Chulbul Think “Swagat Kyu Kiya Hamara?”

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Kartik Aaryan & Team Deliver A Perfect Diwali Bonanza For Families! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, Jackie Shroff

Director: Rohit Shetty

What’s Good: The locations were vitally significant to the Ramayana, Ranveer Singh was a total Pookie, and some cast members’ power-packed entries were impressive.

What’s Bad: Shoddy screenplay, Classic Rohit Shetty action set-pieces, and nonsensical car crashes that make you go “Ata Majhi Satakli.” Deepika Padukone and Tiger Shroff are a total waste. There is too much reliance on the background score and Ramayan references, preachy dialogues, and an utterly wasted cameo (Why Bhai Why?).

Loo Break: You can choose to take one during the jarring and illogical action sequences. It would not be too much of a miss.

Watch or Not?: Unless you are an Ajay Devgn fan or someone who loves to keep the brains and logic at home, you are free to take the plunge.

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical Release

Runtime: 144 minutes

User Rating:

Ever since the trailer of Rohit Shetty’s cop universe film Singham Again came out, many fans were concerned about the overexposure of the entire movie. This also led us to think whether the movie would be all chaos and no play, with so many Bollywood biggies but a jumbled and shoddy execution. My worst fears came true when this is exactly what I witnessed in the movie, especially in the second half. Imagine making a dish that has the perfect ingredients, which is bound to make it a tasty one. But instead of letting one ingredient blend well into the dish, you pour everything in one go, leading to a confused and rather bland taste. This is what happens with the Ajay Devgn starrer. Despite the spirit of Diwali, the Ramayana reference and inspiration in this one tends to do more harm than good.

DCP Bajirao Singham (Ajay Devgn) meets his longtime foe Omar Hafiz (Jackie Shroff) and holds him captive, but now his grandson Zubair Hafiz, aka Danger Lanka (Arjun Kapoor) is out for vengeance from the cop universe trio – Singham, Simmba (Ranveer Singh) and Sooryavanshi (Akshay Kumar) for the death of his family members. Zubair kidnaps Singham’s wife, Avni (Kareena Kapoor Khan). This leads Singham on a quest to rescue his wife and stop Zubai’s deadly revenge witchhunt, which takes him all the way to Sri Lanka. Apart from his comrades Simmba and Sooryavanshi, this time around, he is also joined by Lady Singham, aka Shakti Shetty (Deepika Padukone) and ACP Satya Bali (Tiger Shroff).

Singham Again Movie Review: Script Analysis

It was established in the elongated Singham Again trailer that the movie’s characters seek inspiration from the characters in Ramayana. However, to stay true to the character inspirations and the critical events in the Indian epic, what comes through is a chaotic and half-baked screenplay and execution. Every character seems to be giving melodramatic and preachy dialogue, which holds to their respective characters. Be it Arjun Kapoor’s Ravan declaring the demon king as his favorite character or Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Sita preaching over a good over an evil arc in the Kali Yug while being held captive. If Tiger Shroff and Deepika Padukone’s characters were based on Lakshman and Sugreev, we hardly get any reference over there.

Only Ranveer Singh’s Hanuman seems endearing and some of the best moments of Singham Again is him being sent to Sri Lanka to meet Avni, synonymous with Lord Hanuman flying to Lanka and burning it down. The climax seems to be one of the most underwhelming parts of the movie. Forget the badassery but the action set-pieces are monotonous, devoid of logic, and seem to be yet another stint of Rohit Shetty living his flying car fantasies. Except for the banter between Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar, there is no chemistry, camaraderie, or brotherhood between the characters. And if you are waiting for that ‘cameo’ please be prepared to be disappointed because it gets done in a blink of an eye with no impact. Not to forget, some jokes made on the modern dating jargons like ‘situationship’ or ‘ghosting’ also does not create a strong impact.

Singham Again Movie Review: Star Performance

Ajay Devgn starts off with intensity, but somewhere, that spark, energy, and fire are missing in his screen presence and dialogue delivery. The movie lacks intensity in Singham and Singham Returns. It is rather disappointing, given the expectations attached to the impact this iconic character should create amongst the masses. Akshay Kumar enters in swag, but his performance fails to create a strong impact. His character forgetting the names of everyone around him does not land as a strong comedic element. I’m still wondering about the objective of Tiger Shroff and Deepika Padukone’s characters. Not only were they lousily integrated into the script with little or no screen time and presence, but both the actors were extremely underwhelming in their performance. Deepika as Shakti Shetty was a rather misfit and none of the dialogue delivery unfortunately landed. Arjun Kapoor was the surprise factor. Given the scrutiny his performance was under, the actor surprisingly delivers the menacing antagonist act.

However, the highlight and the ultimate Pookie of this one was Ranveer Singh’s act as Sangram Bhalerao, aka Simmba. There is never a dull moment when he is onscreen. Some of his portions are the highlights of the movie. Be him smiling in a photograph while held captive, interrupting a romantic moment with Singham and Avni, or cribbing about Sooryavanshi. He is truly the show stealer of this one.

Trending

Jigra Movie Review: Alia Bhatt’s ‘Lady Bachchan’ Avatar Shines Through This Prison Break Drama While Vedang Raina Is Intense Galore!

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao & Triptii Dimri Starrer Falls Short Of Being A Complete Popcorn Flick!

Singham Again Movie Review: Direction, Music

Singham Again relies heavily on the background score by Ravi Basrur and Thaman S. While the background score is indeed catchy and heart-thumping, it doing the heavy lifting instead of a solid direction and execution is definitely one of the red flags of the movie. The over-the-top action sequences, blaring background music and the preachy Dialoguebaazi to do justice to the Ramayan reference leads to the direction being extremely hair-brained and buffoonish.

Singham Again Movie Review: The Last Word

Alas, this Rohit Shetty’s cop universe fails to impress despite the Showsha. Amid an epic clash with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, it will be interesting to see the impact this has on the box office numbers and the word of mouth. Even Chulbul Pandey’s Tadka fails to add that needed spice.

2 Star

Singham Again Trailer

Singham Again released on 01 November 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching Singham Again.

Must Read: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Kartik Aaryan & Team Deliver A Perfect Diwali Bonanza For Families!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Singham Again Movie Review: Ajay Devgn Starrer Is All Chaos & No Show, Making Even Salman Khan’s Chulbul Think “Swagat Kyu Kiya Hamara?” appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Kriti Sanon, Kajol, Shaheer Sheikh, Tanvi Azmi, Brijendra Kala

Director: Shashanka Chaturvedi

What’s Good: Kriti Sanon Delivering One Of Her Career Best

What’s Bad: Kajol Not Adding Any Worth To The Story

Loo Break: Not Recommended

Watch or Not?: Yes, Definitely – To Watch Kriti Sanon Shine Like Never Before!

Language: Hindi With English Subtitles

Available On: Netflix

Runtime: 2 Hour 6 Minutes

User Rating:

Double role films are a passe in Bollywood now, and the last good double role we probably loved was Shah Rukh Khan in Don! However, this classic – the good one and the bad one – with the same facial identity has hardly gone wrong. And Bollywood turned into a classic goldmine when it explored the theme with twins – be it Seeta Aur Geeta or Chaalbaaz! Does it hold the same impact for Kriti Sanon in Do Patti? Well, definitely, Yes! But does it help this thriller attain a heavenly climax? I doubt!

The film has been written and produced by Kanika Dhillon, and after Hasseen Dillruba’s sequel Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, we might see a pattern here with the woman who presents flaws of a woman with the utmost sincerity, creating a web that she gets entangled into herself!

Probably, the same happens with Do Patti starring Kajol, Shaheer Sheikh and Kriti Sanon. Interestingly, the importance of the actors in this film can also be taken in the same order, with the least important character named first! Yes, believe it or not, Kajol being a part of this film or not does not make an iota of a difference to the story of this thriller film! And we will explain how and why, later!

Do Patti Movie Review: Script Analysis

So, the story of Do Patti is very simplistic – you have seen shades of this story in Bipasha Basu’s twin characters in Alone, Neha Dhupia’s twin sisters in Sheesha, in fact, Tabu’s twin roles in the recently done Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 as well. So, Shailly and Saumya have a troubled childhood that leaves one of them mentally strong and the other weak. It also sort of creates a fine, distinct line between the two Kriti Sanons – the good sister and the evil sister. The plot thickens when the two fall for the same man, Shaheer Sheikh, who obviously falls for the bad one but marries the good man, and this is where the entire story and the drama start weaving!

The story very quickly turns into a tale of domestic abuse turning grey, with Kajol trying to empathize with the victim, prying the abuser, and vilifying the evil sister! There is also an additional Tanvi Azmi, trying to guide an already strong-headed Kajol who tries to shuffle this deck of cards so ignorantly that it scatters with all the cards facing up and every move turning into a bad deal!

While the film turns into a very good thriller in the first half, building an entire tower from this pack of cards, it crumbles down with one wrong move – when Kajol decides to delve into an already towering story to take it to another height and probably this is where Kanika Dhillon mostly falters in usually all of her writings! She suddenly does not know how to take care of all the glittering gold she digs in her story and gets so blinded in that glitter that she is unable to move a step forward without trampling or crushing something or the other!

Do Patti Movie Review: Star Performance

However, despite the flawed climax, Do Patti works brilliantly because of Kriti Sanon. You will love both of her characters and probably know the story as soon as you connect with both of them. But you still root for her, watching her shine on screen like never before. She makes every minute detail of her characters count. While you love to hate the evil one, you hate to love the good one, because you can clearly sense you are placing your bets on the wrong card!

Shaheer Sheikh is the wrongest bet in this whole game, and probably this already set game was a lost deal for him since the beginning as he plays a spoilt-rich Haryanvi brat, and no offense to his terrific acting skills, but his screen presence is so good that it is almost unbelievable to see him having a negative streak! He struggles, plays bad, and plays hard to play bad, but the script, dialogues, direction, and editing nothing supports or works in his favor, making him the weakest in this pack of cards while he could have been the joker of this pack with the maximum power deciding the fate of this interesting game!

Unfortunately, the weakest one in this game is Kajol! While she checks every box in this story, it is the lack of an author-backed role that turns the villain of this story to be honest! Watch it, and you will agree that Kajol not being in this film could not have made any difference to the story! Either the audience could decode the suspense themselves, or Kriti herself could have revealed the entire gig in the climax (and could have been a better climax) than Kajol trying to connect dots that are already a single-straight line! Tanvi Azmi, Vivek Mushran, and Brijendra Kala just exist in this twisted tale for no reason!

Trending

Jigra Movie Review: Alia Bhatt’s ‘Lady Bachchan’ Avatar Shines Through This Prison Break Drama While Vedang Raina Is Intense Galore!

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao & Triptii Dimri Starrer Falls Short Of Being A Complete Popcorn Flick!

Do Patti Movie Review: Direction, Music

The music of the film seems so unnecessary, and it has been ages that we have been debating about the use and necessity of songs and item songs, but Bollywood seems to be addicted with an unexplainable logic that is so insane that it even adds an unnecessary Holi song in the narrative, write before the final act!

Meanwhile, Shashanka Chaturvedi tries very hard to keep all his deals and bets under the table till he gets trumped in probably a blind bet! He doubles the stakes but does not have an eye to pick the write card or probably, writer Kanika Dhillon shuffles this deck so horribly via Kajol that the director gets the worst of the cards that pushes him to losing end!

Do Patti Movie Review: The Last Word

Kriti Sanon definitely turns the ace of this pack, nailing every move. While her Saumya is freshly baked out of the oven, Shailley seems to get heavily inspired by Deepika Padukone’s Cocktail-ish act, but it all adds up for the good of this story that sadly comments on domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse in a very non-impactful manner despite having a stellar cast! I’m still figuring out where it all went wrong! Probably when Kanika Dhillon decided to turn her feminist card act like a veto?

But still, I am in love with Kriti and her Do Patti!

3 stars!

Do Patti Trailer

Do Patti is streaming on Netflix!

Must Read: The Signature Movie Review: Anupam Kher In This Tone Deaf Drama Lost Me In The First Scene, Questioning Every Other Scene Henceforth!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Do Patti Movie Review: Kriti Sanon Is The Ace In This Deck Of Cards Badly Shuffled By Kajol & Shaheer Sheikh Betting On A Lost Deal! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Rahul Ravindran

Director: Vasan Bala

What’s Good: The performances, background scores, an engaging first half, cinematography, and the dialogues add a sense of badassery and emotion.

What’s Bad: There are much ambiguity and vagueness in the plot, the prison break sequence could’ve been choreographed in a more slick manner, and there is a lack of character development for the supporting cast members.

Loo Break: The movie is otherwise fast-paced and gripping, so we suggest the interval as the ideal time to take a loo break.

Watch or Not?: All the Alia Bhatt fans who wish to see her in a semi-actioner before she dives into a full-time one with Alpha, this is your film.

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 153 Minutes

User Rating:

There is a scene in Jigra wherein Alia Bhatt’s Satya, with a lack of remorse, says that she has never claimed to be an ethical person but has always been Ankur Anand (Vedang Raina)’s elder sister. This is before she is about to embark on a suicide mission to rescue her brother from the death penalty in Hachi Dao’s impenetrable prison. There are several such moments in the movie that etch out the female protagonist’s stone-cold determination, past trauma, and, most importantly, a sense of over-protectiveness towards her younger brother, having lost both of their parents at a young age. With Amitabh Bachchan’s songs playing in the background in several sequences (also, it’s his birthday today) in a classic Vasan Bala style of filmmaking, Jigra makes for a badass and emotional rollercoaster ride which also has its moment of misses here and there.

Satya (Alia Bhatt) and her brother Ankur (Vedang Raina) were orphaned at a young age. This led to them staying at a rich distant relative’s place wherein Satya is also employed as a housekeeper. While Ankur feels at home, Satya knows that somewhere, her only family is her younger brother, whom she is fiercely protective of. When Ankur travels to a stranger country for a business pitch, he is made a scapegoat and framed for a drug peddling case by those same ‘relatives.’ He is sentenced to the death penalty, which makes his sister travel to Hachi Dao and leave no stone unturned to try to save her brother. When the law fails to provide her with a solution, she befriends fellow allies who have their loved ones trapped in the same prison. Together, they embark on a dangerous prison break mission as the death looms closer to their loved ones.

Jigra Movie Review: Script Analysis

One of the main high points of Jigra is that it remains consistent with its tone. At the heart, the film is about a sister going to any lengths to protect her brother, and the movie maintains this tonality with the performances and screenplay. Alia’s Satya is uneasy right from the beginning of Ankur’s abroad trip. She forgets all the sense of morality after being betrayed by their relatives, after having the law providing them with a dead end, and most importantly, with an acute battle of her past traumas. The film does not waste time to dive deep into the execution of the prison break mission. Satya finds an ally in Manoj Pahwa’s Bhatia and Rahul Ravindran’s Muthu, who are also struggling to bail out their loved ones from prison. Despite knowing the mammoth risk the mission holds, they are possessed by an unexplained courage to get the ball rolling. On the other hand, Vedang Raina’s Ankur also befriends companions who have their own set of plans to escape from the prison, with the death penalty ticking closer and suffering police brutalities.

However, Jigra falters regarding the ambiguity in the plot and a shoddy climax. There are several loopholes in the storyline that bother you in the underline. How is Satya managing the funds to pull out this suicide mission without even landing a job in a foreign country? How are they managing to design this mission without the Hachi Dao police not being vigilant? How are the boys inside the prison also being able to pull out a prison break attempt just like that? A lack of logic seeps in. The prison break sequence does not appear to be slick and has a lot of ambiguity. A scene earlier before this extravagant sequence, Alia’s Satya suffers life-threatening injuries, and immediately the next moment, she goes into a full Jhansi Ki Rani mode even without being a trained army personnel or soldier. The climax does not land despite having the aesthetics and an uber-cool background score. There is also a lack of character development for the supporting characters.

Jigra Movie Review: Star Performance

Alia Bhatt is Lady Bachchan indeed in this one! She has her protective mode on and unleashes the fire, courage, and vigilance in her performance. Especially the scenes wherein she sheds off her morality like a snakeskin or the scene wherein she gobbles up all the food inside a plane while battling the turmoil in her head. Her character is always in a sense of unease right from the beginning of the movie with her lioness mode on, and the actress portrays the same brilliantly. You can see how special this movie was to Alia with the sheer vigor in her performance. Vedang Raina shines throughout the film and is an excellent complement to Alia as her ‘Jigra’. The actor is particularly brilliant in the scenes wherein he experiences police brutality and the painful anxiety of being unfairly framed for the death penalty. Manoj Pahwa and Rahul Ravindran are also a treat to watch in this one, and the former particularly delivers a flawless act as Satya’s father figure and an unwavering ally.

Trending

Vettaiyan Movie Review: Rajinikanth’s Aura & Star Power Is A Solid Anchor To This Gripping Actioner, Fahadh Faasil Is The Cherry On Top!

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao & Triptii Dimri Starrer Falls Short Of Being A Complete Popcorn Flick!

Jigra Movie Review: Direction, Music

Vasan Bala does it again! Notice how the Zanjeer song ‘Yaari Hain Imaan Mera’ plays during the prison break sequence or Vedang Raina’s rendition of ‘Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka’ plays when Satya is about to embark on a mission to save Ankur. Another Zanjeer track, ‘Chaku Churiyan’ sets the tone in a scene when Alia Bhatt and Manoj Pahwa’s characters are confused about how to execute this humongous mission. As Amitabh Bachchan’s dialogue plays in the background on the plane, Alia eats all the items on the menu voraciously. To say that this is also a mini tribute to Big B on his birthday today (October 11) is an understatement. Bala is sheer magic when it comes to these intricacies. Varun Grover’s music hits the right chords with songs like ‘Tenu Sang Rakhna’ and the Jigra title track. However, ‘Chal Kudiye’ by Diljit Dosanjh and Alia Bhatt does not recreate the same magic as ‘Ik Kudi.’

Jigra Movie Review: The Last Word

Despite some misses, this movie will make every Alia Bhatt fan out there super proud. The actress delivers a memorable role, and Vedang Raina is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

3 STAR

Jigra Trailer

Jigra released on 11th October, 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching Jigra.

Must Read: The Buckingham Murders Movie Review: Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Angsty And Vulnerable Act Shines In This Compelling WhoDunit Murder Mystery!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Jigra Movie Review: Alia Bhatt’s ‘Lady Bachchan’ Avatar Shines Through This Prison Break Drama While Vedang Raina Is Intense Galore! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri, Vijay Raaz, Mallika Sherawat, Archana Puran Singh, Tiku Talsania

Director: Raaj Shandilyaa

What’s Good: The one-liners and the pre-climax madness

What’s Bad: The incorporation of too many elements and the st-r-e-e-t-c-hed climax!

Loo Break: Yes, especially in the climax!

Watch or Not?: If you like being brainless, relaxing, and enjoying entertainment, then yes!

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 153 Minutes

User Rating:

Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) and Vidya (Triptii Dimri) like each other but are a class apart. Vidya is a doctor (in the movie, we do not see her treat a single patient or even offer medical advice!), and Vicky is a professional mehndi-artiste. After they get married in the holy town of Rishikesh, they defy the tradition of newlyweds seeking the blessings of Vaishno Mata and instead proceed on a honeymoon to Goa, which is unknown to their families. They even shoot their romantic video there and decide to play them when they return home.

That night, their “viewing” on the video CD player (it is 1997) is interrupted by a visit from Vicky’s grandfather (Tiku Talsania). Later, the house is robbed. The VCD player is also stolen, along with multiple other things, and all hell breaks loose, especially for Vicky and Vidya, as the player has the video CD within it!

Meanwhile, Vicky’s errant sister, Chanda (Mallika Sherawat), who has run away to become a heroine in Mumbai, returns home, where the maid (Archana Patel) is named Chanda! And when the local inspector, Laadle (Vijay Raaz), comes to investigate the theft and sees the sister, he falls for her, while the maid falls for him. The rest of the film is about how Vicky and Vidya desperately hunt for their precious video. And about all the assorted characters who come in, from cops to criminals.

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Movie Review: Script Analysis

The script (by director Raaj Shandilyaa and Yusuf Ali Khan, who have written the story along with Ishrat Khan and Rajan Agarwal) is initially humorous and crazy. However, there are places where time is wasted in sequences that have no real connection with the plot. The dramatic opening sequence of Vicky going to end his life is explained in the second half, and no, it’s neither a dream sequence nor imagination. The Vidya marriage sequence is fun, though, and I loved Manjot Singh as the prospective Sikh groom.

The first half’s sole “imagination” sequence is meant to add fun, and Triptii shines in it. In the second half, some sequences, like the cop wooing Chanda, look incongruous, especially with Brother Vicky’s entry. The addition of the three comic criminals, Sunil, Shetty (laugh, please!!), and Bulbul, seems forced as they do not serve any purpose. The worst is the cemetery sequence, where the horror element serves as a contrived device for a few thrills laced with a dash of humor.

Overall, the exposure of the true villain (which is unexpected and comes in again as a device to enhance the film’s “social relevance” while actually only adding to the runtime!) is too protracted. What could have been an exhilarating comedy becomes a serious social drama.

On the plus side, most of the one-liners are hilarious, like the “do lakh ki jagah do laash” line and the one-sided conversation between the ghost and the couple.

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Movie Review: Star Performance

Rajkummar Rao is his usual self but happily does not hold himself back like in some movies. Triptii Dimri is feisty and likable, her eyes gleaming with the right emotions: anger, confusion, or passion. The ‘Chanda’s—Mallika Sherawat and Archana Patel—are terrific in their respective roles.

Vijay Raaz gets to unleash an undiluted comic side, but Tiku Talsania and Rakesh Bedi, who usually go over the top, are kept on a leash. Rohit Shetty’s favorites, Ashwani Kalsekar and Mukesh Tiwari, prove their worth again, and whenever she appears, Archana Puran Singh steals the show as Vidya’s paan-addicted mother. The romantic sequence between her husband, Rakesh Bedi, and her will surely bring the house down and is brief yet hilarious.

Saharsh Kumar Shukla as Pardesi is outstanding, but I also liked the con man who wears a heap of keys around his neck and the two assistant cops, though I do not know those actors’ names. Mast Ali makes a mark as the main robber.

Trending

Is Akshay Kumar A Part Of Kartik Aaryan & Vidya Balan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3? [Fact Check]

When Ratan Tata Broke His Marriage For His Ailing Grandmother, Confessed To Feeling Alone In Front Of Ex-Girlfriend Simi Garewal: “…It Does Get A Little Lonely”

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Movie Review: Direction, Music

Raaj Shandilyaa clearly wants to offer a lightweight package of entertainment with a dose of emotional gratification and a whiff of moralizing, and in that, he succeeds. The atmosphere of Rishikesh is well brought out, but the social angle of clandestinely filming couples and the preachy element all point to a needlessly extraneous and unwieldy mix. Add crime and a ghost, and it becomes even more of a stew.

Of Sachin-Jigar’s songs, “Mere Mehboob” stands out. Liberal use is made of Anand-Milind, Sandesh Shandilya, and Daler Mehndi’s music, and Nadeem-Shravan (it’s good to know T-Series is no longer averse to using their songs) and Jatin-Lalit melodies are used in their original form.

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Movie Review: The Last Word

You can watch it to have a break from daily stress. Until the last half-hour, you will enjoy whatever is going on.

Two and a half stars!

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Trailer

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video releases on 11th October, 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video.

Stay tuned to Koimoi for more Entertainment updates.

Must Read: Vedaa On OTT: When & Where To Watch John Abraham’s Film As He Lands Into Another Massive Clash With Akshay Kumar [After A Crushing Defeat]!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao & Triptii Dimri Starrer Falls Short Of Being A Complete Popcorn Flick! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Neena Kulkarni, Annu Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey

Director: Gajendra Ahire

What’s Good: The Emotional Premise

What’s Bad: Not Delivering Emotions In An Emotional Tale!

Loo Break: Once Anupam Kher’s On-Screen Son Enters, If you need a break twice go for one when Mahima Chaudhary enters!

Watch or Not?: Honestly, Yes, every film has its audience!

Language: Hindi

Available On: Zee 5

Runtime: 126 Minutes

User Rating:

Honestly, it would take an immense of bad quality of work to tell a tale about a dying person and his beloved struggling to save him, and you do not feel sad for even 1 whole minute in this long tale of almost 2 hours! But The Signature takes the onus to deliver one such tale!

Before analyzing this film that boasts of a stellar starcast of Neena Kulkarni, Ranvir Shorey, Mahima Chaudhary, Annu Kapoor & the main main Anupam Kher, I have a confession to make. I quite liked the trailer of this film which was nicely edited and was very intrigued to enter this painful world that dealt with the waiting period of a personal loss.

Letting go is not easy and what if that letting go is not abstract and barricaded only till an emotion? What if that letting go, needs the physical permission of letting someone go as well? The story deals with a man, committed to struggling till his last breath for his wife, who is breathing on a life support system but not living. Or, she is living but not responding or recovering. The waiting period for the man who is taking care of his beloved becomes the entire premise!

The Signature Movie Review: Script Analysis

The Signature starts with an emotional premise: a man spending his last saved penny to save his dying wife, who collapses right before they are about to see the world together after retirement! But what starts as a promising premise suddenly turns into a very lost tale. Like someone blabbering in an emotional state, not knowing which direction to head. The story at every twist and turn makes you scream out lout – Why?

And be assured, there are many such turns. Starting with the son, who is against the father to keep spending on the mother till the last saved penny, when it is sure that she would not survive! The conversations between the father and the son do not sound convincing at all – not from either side. Moving to Ranvir Shorey, who plays another attendant, struggling to save the life of his daughter. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the film starts talking about the corporate systems in hospitals, looting the patients and not caring for them emotionally. What is even more frustrating is they blabber this issue out of nowhere and just forget about it. Or, probably, it is the effect of choppy editing.

The Signature Movie Review: Star Performance

There is an Annu Kapoor playing the best friend who also struggles with a shoddy script and a Mahima Chaudhary playing a cancer patient, which could have been a winning bet in this loose screenplay but turns out a wasted opportunity. Even Ranvir Shorey might have an idea that his plot his going nowhere in the film.

Trending

Yudhra Movie Review: Siddhant Chaturvedi’s Actioner Falls Prey To A Predictable Plotline & An Underwhelming Climax In The Second Half!

Sector 36 Movie Review: Vikrant Massey & Deepak Dobriyal Bring A Casual & Mild Savdhaan India – Crime Patrol Episode On The Horrofic Nithaari Kaand

The Signature Movie Review: Direction, Music

Directed by Gajendra Ahire, the film has a lot of things that you might not ignore despite trying. In fact, right from the first scene, where Neena Kulkarni, playing the wife, collapses out of the blue. It happens right outside an airport queue full of people who see an old woman falling unconscious and an old man helplessly running toward her. But no one, not a single soul, runs to save her or even offer help. Everyone is just queued as if they were told by the shooting unit not to disturb the shooting. Idhar udhar dekho, girne do!

I was born and brought up in a middle-class family in Uttar Pradesh, but no one in my family has ever had a conversation in English. That too in the testing time. Emotionally, it is so disconnecting to see a man shouting at his son in English while debating why they should save the woman or a man in Lucknow, running towards the nurse, who is talking and responding in Hindi, and telling her there is an emergency in ENGLISH. I honestly have just been out of an ICU battling life and death, and no one – trust me, no one does that. It might be a very trivial issue, but it is an issue when you are trying to connect with someone or his grief emotionally! Language Matters!

Then there is a scene where Anupam Kher keeps his self-respect aside and visits his hometown to demand his share of property from his brother, who resides on the property – that is a dilapidated place with cracked walls and damp ceilings, leaving plaster from every nook and corner! But Kher takes a shower in this place with tiled walls in the bathroom! I mean, did anyone in this film care to go deep? There are meaningless songs making the experience more painful than the film!

Mahima Chaudhary’s entry in the film could have been a winner but it falters with the weakest character arc.

The Signature Movie Review: The Last Word

The climax of The Signature is as cold as a cold coffee not served cold. Despite making it to a shocking end, the film still fails to create empathy and pathos for the last five minutes as well. It was the most disappointing watch in recent times for something I was looking forward to watching!

1 star!

The Signature Trailer

The Signature is streaming on Zee 5.

For more recommendations, read our Movie Reviews here.

Must Read: CTRL Movie Review: Ananya Panday Delivers The Darkest-Desi Shade Of Black Mirror In Vikramaditya Motwane’s Engaging AI Thriller!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post The Signature Movie Review: Anupam Kher In This Tone Deaf Drama Lost Me In The First Scene, Questioning Every Other Scene Henceforth! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Ananya Panday, Vihan Samat

Director: Vikramaditya Motwane

What’s Good: The engaging premise.

What’s Bad: A very mellowed-down version of what could have been a brilliant Black Mirror Episode

Loo Break: Avoid!

Watch or Not?: Definitely Yes

Language: Hindi

Available On: Netflix

Runtime: 98 minutes

User Rating:

The past one year has been all about AI and debates surrounding the same. The good, the bad, and the Ugly. Internet and Social media repercussions have been brilliantly done in various formats in International Cinema – in fact, to a scary and horrifying level on Black Mirror. Vikramaditya Motwane, in this engaging thriller, taps on a Desi and a much-mellowed version of Black Mirror for Indian audiences.

Ananya Panday, in CTRL, plays a social media influencer who doesn’t spend days brooding over a breakup. But decides to move on with the help of a Bot. What initially seems like a childish version of any love story turns very quickly into an engaging thriller channeled and driven by the cons of AI.

In the past few months, we have witnessed a lot of drama over the Artificial Intelligence technology – from gulping jobs to deepfake videos, the technology has shown us the worst. And Vikramaditya Motwane takes you beyond the worst to mirror the reality of moving away from reality and dumping oneself in the virtual world. But does CTRL hit hard? Find out in our review.

CTRL Movie Review: Script Analysis

Written by Avinash Sampath & Vikramaditya Motwane, CTRL offers a very intriguing insight into the worlds of Gen Z and Alpha generation. They are fast, picky, and pacy, and they know how to find their way. And they do not need an experienced real person to guide, tutor, or mentor them. They would trust a bot or the internet more than genuine advice from a real living person. And probably that is the reason they might not even take time to mourn over a lover’s death. They are the generation of go-getters who have struck a balance between being emotional and practical, and they know how to live with this choice.

However, along its full course, CTRL does not justify its premise with the shock element or the hit-hard factor it should have or could have. However, the movie, in its 98 minutes, never leaves a dull moment despite a predictable pace. At some point, I felt that this was a film that could have achieved a ‘Searching’ (a 2018 screenlife mystery thriller whose success launched a sequel called Missing and a series called Run) but burned out before reaching the climax!

From what starts as an initial inspiration from ‘The Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind’ to a chapter from Searching aiming to run and find refuge in a Black Mirror Episode, gets lost in the maze quite a few times, taking the wrong turns at the right points!

CTRL Movie Review: Star Performance

Ananya Panday has definitely found her niche and carved a unique space for herself with these different sets of films blended well with social media analogies, terms, and issues. Right from Call Me Bae to CTRL, the star is even working on her skill set, which definitely seems to have come out a ton better than her last outing on Amazon Prime Video’s Call Me Bae! Call it the backing of a strong story or the mood of the film, Ananya shines in a film that she effortlessly shoulders single-handedly for the first time in her career.

Apart from Ananya, the other major characters of this film are the dialogues, which are so simple and effortless that it seems we are listening to a conversation happening the very next door. Sumukhi Suresh is the woman who needs to be applauded for such clean and crisp segments!

Trending

Yudhra Movie Review: Siddhant Chaturvedi’s Actioner Falls Prey To A Predictable Plotline & An Underwhelming Climax In The Second Half!

Sector 36 Movie Review: Vikrant Massey & Deepak Dobriyal Bring A Casual & Mild Savdhaan India – Crime Patrol Episode On The Horrofic Nithaari Kaand

CTRL Movie Review: Direction, Music

Before talking about how Vikramaditya Motwane delivers an almost perfect engaging screentime thriller one needs to talk about the music of CTRL that has Sneha Khanwalkar written all over it. Anvita Dutt’s lyrics add boldness and outrageousness to the same, including a rap song! Coming to Vikramaditya Motwane’s direction, the only thing missing in CTRL is the impact. While it might have been a hard-hitting commentary on the scary impact of AI, it turned into just another forgettable tale. A story that is shared over a drink and everyone enjoys. But probably, it doesn’t translate into anything epic. It might have been a deliberate attempt to check the nerves of the audience or an ignorant blunder from a man who knows how to carve engaging stories. For a man of his stature, CTRL misses some dots to connect, leaving us with a sigh!

CTRL Movie Review: The Last Word

CTRL has a mission, a motive to impress, and a persistent premise to keep you on your toes, but it misses an engaging plotline to keep you hooked. It has the vision that travels a distance enough to turn blurry for the eyes. But it got all the marks for effort and successful execution.

4 stars!

CTRL Trailer

CTRL is streaming on Netflix.

For more movie recommendations, check out Koimoi’s section What To Watch.

Must Read: Call Me Bae Review: Ananya Pandey’s Behen Code In A Schitt’s Creek Meets Emily In Paris World Is An Extension To Sonam Kapoor’s Aisha But Much Saner!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post CTRL Movie Review: Ananya Panday Delivers The Darkest-Desi Shade Of Black Mirror In Vikramaditya Motwane’s Engaging AI Thriller! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Malavika Mohanan, Gajraj Rao, Raghav Juyal, Raj Arjun, Ram Kapoor

Director: Ravi Udyawar

What’s Good: Action sequences, a gripping first half, Siddhant Chaturvedi’s fiery screen presence, the performances of the supporting star cast, and the cinematography.

What’s Bad: An extremely underwhelming second half, a disappointing climax, predictable plotline, not utilizing some supporting actors who could have immense potential.

Loo Break: You can take one in the second half. Won’t be much of a loss.

Watch or Not?: On the occasion of Cinema Day today, you can just use that 99 bucks for a one-time watch.

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 142 Minutes

User Rating:

Yudhra (Siddhant Chaturvedi)’s father was a no-nonsense police officer who busted a drug racket of a dangerous drug lord/mafia Firoze (Raj Arjun). As revenge, he and his pregnant wife are brutally murdered by Firoze, but an infant Yudhra miraculously survives. However, from childhood, Yudhra harnesses an aggressive and violent nature. He is adopted by his late father’s close friend and colleague Kartik (Gajraj Rao) and is mentored by Rehman (Ram Kapoor), another of his father’s colleagues. His only companion and later love interest is Nikhat (Malavika Mohanan), who stands strong by him despite his aggressive behavior affecting their relationship. After several episodes of belligerent behavior, which ends up in Yudhra being expelled from school and later from the NCTA, he finds himself in a dangerous prison. However, to put his anger issues on the right track, he is assigned as an undercover agent to bust Firoze’s drug racket, which was also responsible for his father’s death. Yudhra finds himself on a dangerous mission wherein he has to win Firoze’s trust and pass on valuable information about a drug consignment to the cops. The writing and screenplay by Farhan Akhtar is more nuanced in the first half but falters heavily in the latter part.

Yudhra Movie Review: Script Analysis

Director Ravi Udyawar created a solid screenplay in the first half. The tone of an angry young man who is battling the loss of his parents and needs a medium to unleash that suppressed anger managed to pique our interest. However, the movie goes entirely downhill in the second half. The climax, the showdown between Yudhra and the main antagonist, does not evoke any thrill or anticipation. There is a significant twist regarding a particular character, which becomes highly predictable. Neither Yudhra’s heroic actions nor the antagonists’ motives strike a chord with you. There was also no tapping on how Yudhra’s quest for survival and brutality is fueled by his experiences in the Deccan Jail, wherein he is trapped between two rival gangs. It is a pity because this movie had the potential to become a thrilling joyride but became an emotionless snoozefest by the end.

Yudhra Movie Review: Star Performance

Siddhant Chaturvedi inevitably does the majority of the heavy lifting. The actor primarily shines in the action sequences. While he is impressive in the second half, the actor struggles in the emotional sequences in the second half. However, kudos to Siddhant for giving his best to the role and also for looking the part when it comes to his sculpted physique. Malavika Mohanan is not just reduced to a love interest but also has a significant part in the storyline, doing full justice to it. Raghav Juyal was absolutely fiery and intense, impressing in his act but is underutilized in the second half. Ram Kapoor and Gajraj Rao play their parts well. However, Shilpa Shukla is heavily wasted despite being a strong performer. Watch out for the child actor who played young Rudra. The kid is brilliant!

Trending

What To Watch This Weekend On OTT & Theaters: From Yudhra To The Penguin, Exictings Films & Shows You Cannot Miss

Yudhra Trailer Review: Siddhanth Chaturvedi Goes Rogue & Violent In This Actioner Which Is Heavy In Dialoguebaazi & Punches!

Yudhra Movie Review: Direction, Music

Ravi Udyavar tries to make a decent attempt to transform us into a plotline that will remind us of the era of the 70s and the 80s, wherein the angry and macho hero used to seek revenge against his wrong-doers only to realize that his enemies might be closer to home. However, the thrill, excitement, and suspense go haywire in the second half. The cinematography by Jay Oza is excellent as he plays with the color red to pan in and out of the screen, which also symbolizes Yudhra’s anger and knack for revenge. There are some elements of comic book characters and anime in the cinematography. The action sequences and the stunts were choreographed in a slick and nuanced manner. Except for the romantic track ‘Saathiya’ crooned by Vishal Mishra and Pratibha Singh Baghel, none of the songs create a powerful impact.

Yudhra Movie Review: The Last Word

Siddhant Chaturvedi tried to put his heart and soul into this actioner which also marked his first headliner project in Bollywood. However, due to a faulty execution in the second half, the movie fails to tap his full potential. This one can be a one-time watch for action enthusiasts.

Two Point Five Star.

Yudhra Trailer

Yudhra released on 20 September 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching Yudhra.

Must Read: Yudhra: Everything You Need To Know About The Siddhant Chaturvedi Starrer; From The Cast, Release Date And The Action-Packed Plot!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Yudhra Movie Review: Siddhant Chaturvedi’s Actioner Falls Prey To A Predictable Plotline & An Underwhelming Climax In The Second Half! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Vikrant Massey, Deepak Dobriyal and Akash Khurana

Director: Aditya Nimbalkar

What’s Good: The star cast is trying their best to captivate!

What’s Bad: The casual handling of a gory premise!

Loo Break: Avoid, it would be difficult to reconnect!

Watch or Not?: If You Love Psychological Thrillers No, Else Yes

Language: Hindi

Available On: Netflix

Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes

User Rating:

Sensationalizing crime has been a part and parcel of cinema. A glorified version of violence that we enjoy guilt-free. However, is there a line we need to draw? Probably not, because lines often get blurred or washed out! But is there a rulebook we need to follow while metamorphosing a crime event into a cinematic experience? I think, Yes. While many might agree to disagree but glorifying violence should, at some point, instill that fear, that feeling of numbness, the shaking of beliefs, and the sudden disbelief in homo sapiens – all of which should have been taken into consideration and prioritized when Maddock Films decided to turn the horrific episode of the Nithari Killings into a film called Sector 36.

Sector 36 is a loosely adapted retelling of the infamous and gruesome Nithari Kand, which none must have forgotten. A businessman, Moninder Singh Padhi, and his domestic help, Surinder Koli, were accused of killing children, chopping their bodies, and burying them in the premises of their building itself. Skulls and bones of children were dug out after the two accused were arrested, and the film is a straight retelling of the incident.

Vikrant Massey, as Prem, tries to embody the house-help Koli, who came out as the main accused of the crime, and the film, from the very first scene, delves right into the start of the event. Meanwhile, Deepak Dobriyal plays the police officer who solves the case after his own daughter escapes the horror by a whisker.

Sector 36 Movie Review: Script Analysis

The premise of the film is sorted. However, it tries to take some creative liberty and establish other angles, such as corrupt police officers, the classic hierarchy politics in the profession, and the rich vs poor rage. But, unfortunately, nothing strongly connects with the film. Director Aditya Nimbalkar, starts the film on a very strong note when Deepak Dobriyal tramples a cockroach and says, “Cockroach jitni bhi body bana le jeet hamesha joote ki hoti hai.”

However, while the film creates brilliant intrigue in the first 15 minutes, with introducing Vikrant Massey as a psychopath cannibalistic serial killer, it fails to live up to the intrigue that is built. The story starts going bland and turning into a Saavdhan India episode. In fact, if it would have had to go that way, choosing a Crime Patrol path would still have been a better road to travel!

But the treatment of the story goes so casually as if nothing is happening. It is just another day in Noida. Now, this could have been a brilliant underplaying, giving chills at the moment, but Aditya Nimbalkar does not even try to play on this part. He takes an altogether different route, making conversations about an important aspect of Sector 36 with an officer who tries to explain why keeping country above oneself is not really appreciated since “Country is something celebrated twice a year!”

No doubt, these conversations could have been an integral part of the story, loosely based on Nithari Killings of 2006. But all such little yet strong conversations just happen to be there without any connection to the story whatsoever.

Sector 36 Movie Review: Star Performance

There is a scene in the film when Deepak Dobriyal’s wife grabs him by the collar and asks him to go find the man who tried to abduct his daughter. That one scene had more impact than the entire film trying to retell the horrific details of one of the most gruesome serial killings in the history of mankind.

Deepak Dobriyal plays the police officer, and Vikrant Massey plays a psychopath serial killer in this social drama. Massey struggles, but his innocent on-screen presence overpowers his psychotic act despite the actor trying way too hard to convince him. In fact, he does surprise in the opening scene but the act keeps on getting mild, probably due to the lack of strong writing. In fact, his confession scene, that should have been the highlight of the film just fails to impress.

What adds to the blunder is an empathetic backstory for Vikrant Massey’s character that keeps you yearning more for this ‘poor man.’ Coming to Deepak Dobriyal, the actor has impressed a lot of times as the negative lead, but here he takes the baton to walk towards the good, and this might be a classic error of judgment. Considering if the roles were reversed, who knows, the film could have a little more impact. However, I still feel that the major flaw in the film is the writing part that could not help the actors sail, and it failed to connect!

Trending

Call Me Bae Review: Ananya Pandey’s Behen Code In A Schitt’s Creek Meets Emily In Paris World Is An Extension To Sonam Kapoor’s Aisha But Much Saner!

IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Review: Master Stroke Casting With Comedian Rajiv Thakur As Terrorist Up Stakes This Unfateful Yet Heroic Chapter Brilliantly!

Sector 36 Movie Review: Direction, Music

Aditya Nimbalkar picks up the most interesting yet heartbreaking topic to create a film, and he puts everything that was needed to make this into a hard-hitting remembrance of reality. However, despite doing everything right, it is the execution that faltered and broke the momentum of this film that picks up brilliantly but fizzles in the first 15 minutes. Despite having to look at the most gory visuals of skeletons, chopped bodies, blood, and a cannibal man admitting to his crimes in a chilling confession, nothing hits the right way. Be it Deepak Dobriyal’s change of heart from a bad man to a good man or be it Vikrant Massey’s portayal of a cold-blooded murderer.

There were instances in which built the hype so perfectly – like the opening sequence talking about Newton’s third law of motion – Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. But it never gets the poetic justice it should have. The film tries to cover all the angles that were associated with the Nithari Killings, right from the cannibal serial killer to child pornography to illegal organ donation. But what probably did not help Sector 36 fly was a lack of research and an inhibition to not go overboard. Considering what a film like Talvar did with the possibility of ‘What could have happened in the Arushi Talwar murder case’ blending fact with fiction so brilliantly, expectations also went high with Sector 36 since Aditya Nimbalkar has been a part of Talvar’s brilliant world.

Even the songs in the beginning and end are just a misfit. Meanwhile, Vikrant Massey’s Prem is obsessed with a game show like KBC, which does not make sense, and nothing adds up. Initially, it gives an impression that he is a well-read man and thus obsessed with the game show, but he turns out to be a man who finds it unfair that he is poor and others are rich. But still, why would this man, who is a full-time serial killer and a part-time KBC-type game show fan, obsess over a quiz reality show and crib over contestants getting a chance to win be beyond logic after a point?

Sector 36 Movie Review: The Last Word

The film, due to its lack of research, wastes a brilliant opportunity to present a man like Vikrant Massey as a psychopath. The film just turns into a mild version of the gruesome act of walking the road of a Savdhaan India or Crime Patrol episode.

2.5 stars.

Sector 36 Trailer

Must Read: The Buckingham Murders Movie Review: Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Angsty And Vulnerable Act Shines In This Compelling WhoDunit Murder Mystery!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Sector 36 Movie Review: Vikrant Massey & Deepak Dobriyal Bring A Casual & Mild Savdhaan India – Crime Patrol Episode On The Horrofic Nithaari Kaand appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Brar, Ash Tandon, Kapil Redekar, Prabhleen Sandhu, Keith Allen, Assad Raja, Manish Gandhi

Director: Hansal Mehta

What’s Good: Kareena Kapoor Khan’s intense performance, gripping plot, no meandering from the main storyline with irrelevant sub-plots

What’s Bad: The plot falls prey to predictability towards the climax, not enough character development of some supporting characters, and the investigation at focus could have been portrayed more nuanced.

Loo Break: We wouldn’t suggest it since it’s a riveting whodunnit story

Watch or Not?: Yes, definitely, especially for all the Kareena Kapoor Khan fans out there.

Language: Hindi/English

Available On: Theatrical Release

Runtime: 107 minutes

User Rating:

Jasmeet Bhamra, aka Jass (Kareena Kapoor Khan), is a police officer who is battling excessive trauma and anxiety after her child is murdered by a psychopath in an arcade shooting. Even though the perpetrator is arrested, she cannot cope with her grave loss. Things get further tricky for her when she’s handed over the case of a missing child in Buckinghamshire’s High Wycombe area who is later found to be dead. The region is already cluttered with a religious conflict, and further chaos ensues when a Muslim suspect is arrested in the case. Even though the case appears to be solved on the surface, Jass is convinced that more skeletons are in the closet. She’s on a quest to unravel the truth while grappling with her inner demons.

The Buckingham Murders Movie Review: Script Analysis

Director Hansal Mehta doesn’t waste time in creating the grim and macabre setting for The Buckingham Murders. Right from Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Jass getting flashbacks of her life’s tragedy to the riveting crime scene which unfolds many suspects, each with their dark secrets. The story by Aseem Arrora uses several backdrops to create an intriguing and disturbing tone as the murder investigation begins. Right from religious conflicts, a loveless marriage, deep-rooted misogyny, drug addiction amongst the youth, loss of a child, and inability to cope with one’s loss. One of the main highlights of the movie is that it doesn’t waste time in any meandering sub-plots and keeps a steady pace.

However, the screenplay falters in the second half of The Buckingham Murders as it inches closer to the climax. While the murder investigation could have been shown in a more nuanced manner, the plot also falls prey to some predictability. Better character development and writing for the supporting star cast would have also acted as a good catalyst for the story. Instead, it leaves you questioning some of their actions towards the end, albeit in a confusing way.

The Buckingham Murders Movie Review: Star Performance

Kareena Kapoor Khan is inevitably the soul of The Buckingham Murders. Not only does she turn producer for this one, but the actress shows an unwavering conviction in her performance as the central protagonist. In a de-glam avatar, Kareena brings in the trauma, angst, and vulnerability of a grieving mother. The actress brilliantly shows her lingering PTSD and suffering as she faces a case eerily similar to that of her son.

The scene where Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Jass finds it hard to let go of her son’s blood-stained clothes evokes all the right kinds of emotions within us for her character. She has some sassy moments too. Be it hitting a co-worker for a below-the-belt statement or telling another male colleague to go f**k himself, Kareena shines in every scene in The Buckingham Murders.

Apart from Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Brar, Kapil Redekar, Ranveer Brar, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu, Manish Gandhi and Keith Allen stand out. Kapil Redekar especially shines as Saqib, the main accused in the murder case. The depiction of a young life being thrust into a web of addiction and violence has been shown in a brutally honest manner with his performance.

Trending

The Buckingham Murders Trailer Review: Kareena Kapoor Khan Starrer Promises A Nail-Biting Experience, Backed With A Strong BGM & We Sense Another Success After Crew!

The Buckingham Murders Teaser Review: Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Transformation From Jab We Met’s Jhalli Geet To This Fierceful Iron Woman Is All That Cinema Needed!

The Buckingham Murders Movie Review: Direction, Music

Hansal Mehta does manage to curate an engaging thriller in the form of The Buckingham Murders despite a few missed. I wish that the suspense factor was a bit stronger and with a higher level of thriller. Any fan of the crime/thriller genre could ultimately guess the movie’s final outcome. However, it gets the message right wherein a woman comes face to face with her worst fears by handling a case that constantly reminds her of her own life’s tragedy. Regarding the music, the track ‘Sada Pyaar Tut Gaya’ seems to stand out.

The Buckingham Murders Movie Review: The Last Word

To all the Kareena Kapoor Khan fans out there, you definitely check out The Buckingham Murders once for her stellar and honest performance. Once released into the OTT sphere, the movie might have an excellent chance to shine. A little more nuanced screenplay would’ve prevented the predictability of the plot. But overall, the movie does make way for an engaging watch.

Three stars!

The Buckingham Murders Trailer

The Buckingham Murders releases on 13th September 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching The Buckingham Murders.

For more recommendations, read our Stree 2 Movie Review here.

Must Read: Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Character In Hansal Mehta’s Next Inspired By Kate Winslet In Mare of Easttown

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post The Buckingham Murders Movie Review: Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Angsty And Vulnerable Act Shines In This Compelling WhoDunit Murder Mystery! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: John Abraham, Sharvari Wagh, Abhishek Banerjee, Ashish Vidyarthi

Director: Nikkhil Advani

What’s Good: The intention

What’s Bad: The execution (pun intended, as we shall see!)

Loo Break: Whenever you feel

Watch or Not?: See Parmanu or the first Satyamev Jayate if you like John Abraham being patriotic in his movies

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 151 Minutes

User Rating:

In regressive Rajasthan, a Dalit family is unduly (and unconstitutionally) harangued by the village Pradhan (Abhishek Banerjee), his son, and their cohorts. A disgraced army officer, Abhimanyu (John Abraham), who lands there for a job, decides to set things right.

Vedaa Movie Review: Script Analysis

Aseem Arrora’s script is clichéd and absurd to the extreme. At the opening, the movie spends a good amount of time on an anti-terrorist action sequence that has little direct relevance to the main plot. Abhimanyu is court-martialled, dismissed, and having already lost his wife (Tamannaah Bhatia) to terrorists, is a bitter and frustrated soldier.

In a town in Rajasthan, a caste-driven ‘system’ is in place. Vedaa (Sharvari Wagh) is a headstrong Dalit girl wanting to become a boxer and has also studied law. Jitendar Pratap Singh (Abhishek Banerjee), the village pradhan (chief) is a tyrant who thinks that caste discrimination and gender inequality are both ordained by the Heavens. He appoints Abhimanyu as the assistant boxing coach, and when Vedaa refuses entry into the training club, Abhimanyu secretly coaches her.

Vedaa’s brother happens to fall in love with Jitendar’s daughter and the couple elopes. The upper caste Pradhan doles out summary capital justice and his people chase Vedaa and sister Gehna. Vedaa is convinced by Gehna to run away (as “both cannot escape the goons”, director God alone knows why!) and Abhimanyu and she escape in an unused and decrepit (for five years!) ambulance that still has sufficient fuel!

While their destination is Vedaa’s uncle in a distant village, the gang chases them, and John, as Abhimanyu, singlehandedly tackles them all. The uncle (Kumud Mishra) has, however, sold out his conscience to Jitendar’s men (and the police force that is under Jitendar’s thumb), and it’s trouble time again. Meanwhile, Vedaa has to keep reminding Abhimanyu (who is completely disillusioned with the ‘system’) that she wants to reach a specific court where she can file a legal case. She knows the legal nitty-gritties, see?

After much mayhem and brutality, they reach there, but so do the ‘baddies’. Jitendar, his uncle, and (is it?) brother have no qualms about exploding bombs in the court. The judges seek cover in a room!

Absurdities upon absurdities abound over the earlier quantum of absurdities. Arorra does not bother with logic, so that’s fine! But he does not worry at all about making sense either, for all the villains have been killed by Abhimanyu even as the judges accept Vedaa’s case. What’s more, Abhimanyu is stabbed, shot, and socked again and again but still survives until he meets justice to Jitendar and the gang.

So why is any case needed if violence alone is the cure? Speaking of violence, Vedaa barely uses her boxing skills to tackle the villains.

The title and its suffix, Vedaa—Samvidhan Ka Rakshak, has been coined by a group of people who also do not respect (besides the ticket-paying audience and, in effect, the Dalits) our national language’s grammar. This phrase, which means Protector of the Constitution (Is Vedaa one at the end??), should have correctly been Vedaa—Samvidhan Ki Rakshak, right? And why give ticket-paying audiences the delusion that Vedaa was another name for John rather than for Sharvari?

Trending

Khel Khel Mein Movie Review: This Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu & Vaani Kapoor Starrer Gives Marital Messages Within Marital Messes

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Movie Review: Drishyam & Khoon Bhari Maang’s Tinder Date Ft. Tapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey & Sunny Kaushal!

Vedaa Movie Review: Star Performance

Sharvari Wagh is strictly okay as Vedaa, but after we have seen her potential in The Forgotten Army, Munjya, and Maharaj, I can only pity her as it is the director and scriptwriter who let her down. As the title role player, she is handicapped more as an actress than as Vedaa, a Dalit, because of harebrained writing!

John Abraham indulges in some fierce action and tries to show the fire in his eyes and expressions, but it is the actual action that saves him. It’s high time he quit doing a chain of terrible movies under the label of Deshbhakti. Choosing good patriotic films obviously does not come ‘pat’ to him!

It is Abhishek Banerjee who dominates with his quiet and menacing villainy. He is tremendous as the absolutely heartless man who wears a plastic smile whenever it suits him. Ashish Vidyarthi is wasted. I liked Tanya Malhara as Gehna. The others mostly ham to the hilt.

Vedaa Movie Review: Direction, Music

The director has clearly learned nothing from his multiple calamities as a director, and D-Day was the only exception that proved this rule.

The music is humdrum, even the item song “Mummyji”. “Holiyaan” sounds good only when on.

Vedaa Movie Review: The Last Word

If you read the fine print, this film mocks the Indian Army, the cops (none are shown as upright!), the constitution, the courts, and not to mention the Dalits, whose real-life cases are claimed to have inspired this dull motion picture whose camerawork too is dark and depressing! The extra half-star is only for the Dalit cause!

One and a half stars!

Vedaa Trailer

Vedaa released on 15 August, 2024.

Must Read: Stree 2 Movie Review: This Rajkummar Rao & Shraddha Kapoor Horror Comedy Follows Fright-And-Fun Formula Faithfully

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Vedaa Movie Review: John Abraham & Sharvari’s Nikkhil Advani Film Is Noble Intentions Gone Awry! appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana, Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan

Director: Amar Kaushik

What’s Good: The film follows the Stree canon faithfully

What’s Bad: Too many cameos instead of elevating the chills and chortles

Loo Break: You may miss a spooky or spoofy moment

Watch or Not?: Yup, watch it!

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 149 Minutes

User Rating:

In Chanderi village, Stree, who terrorized the men once, is now revered. Instead of the Stree, kal aana (come tomorrow) refrain on walls, the new slogan is ‘Stree, protect us’. But now, there is another spirit that has begun to hover around. This one is named Sarkata (headless) as it has the ability to take out its head and wander around, abducting girls who are ‘modern’ or ‘liberated’ in any manner. As with all movie malevolent spirits, there is a back-story, and that is connected with Stree.

On coming to know of this, Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), who had loved the girl he thought was Stree (Shraddha Kapoor) who had actually vanquished the real Stree from the village, wants his ‘girlfriend’ back so that the new ‘villain’ can be eliminated and he can again be the village savior. But the bottom-line is that he, by profession a tailor, would also like this tailor-made (!) companion in his life, though she reciprocates only to a point as she cannot live a normal life.

Vicky, with the help of his dippy friends, Janaa (Abhishek Banerjee), Bittu (Aparshakti Khurana) and town librarian Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi), who has received a strange communication in a warning letter, decides to free the village from the ghoul. The additional incentive is that Bittu’s girlfriend (Anya Singh) has also been taken away. Rudra summons his dancer flame, Shama (Tamannaah Bhatia) to perform in the town and thus attract the lecherous Sarkata as bait, but his aatank (terror) is not to be diluted—he abducts her too!

Vicky’s girl can only contain Sarkata up to a point, and so they need additional help from the Bhediya a.k.a. Bhaskar to finally remove the evil spirit in the manner directed in the book, Chanderi Puran, the chronicle of the small town, and as per the letter that is sent by a mysterious lunatic who thinks he is Emperor Shah Jehan!

Stree 2 Movie Review: Script Analysis

Raj & DK had given us the original Stree, based on a folk legend from Karnataka. Niren Bhatt develops the idea further, to also take forward the Maddock Films horror comedy franchise. He is very faithful to the prequel’s mood and mode of narration, and often makes it funnier and loopier though he intensifies the horror element more. The gender equality angles are also commented upon subtly. But more importantly, logic being even less important in today’s times, we get the angle of a (literal) lunatic sending the warning letter. In a different garb, this personality also manifests in the post-climax, suggesting a new cinematic member for this franchise.

Incidentally, any successor to the Stree franchise itself would now need a solid plot to happen, as in the way this film has been narrated, a third spirit haunting the village would now seem too forced.

The best thing in all this illogic (and some incidental similarities to Shaitaan as well as Kakuda) is that we get no-holds-barred entertainment, even if it means adding to the length of the film at many points. But that also takes away from the pith.

Stree 2 Movie Review: Star Performance

Shraddha Kapoor, as Vicky’s objet d’amor, has limited scope and has to rely on her eyes for all the emotions she has to display, and she does it very well. But it is the madcap, utterly whacky quartet of Vicky, Jana, Bittu and Rudra that is let loose on us and go wild with unabashed enjoyment. Topping the list, nuances-wise, are the formidable Pankaj Tripathi—his expressions, vocal modulation and gestures are to die for—and Abhishek Banerjee, who often steals the show.

Rajkummar Rao is far more effective than he has been in his recent vehicles—creditable because he does not have that meaty a role to dig his talent into. Aparshati Khurana is just okay, while Sunita Rajwar reprises a nuttier version of her character in the web series, Gullak (which seemed in turn to be a sedate reprise of her role in the original Stree!) with spirited gusto. From the cameos, Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia and Varun Dhawan do what is needed.

Trending

Khel Khel Mein Movie Review: This Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu & Vaani Kapoor Starrer Gives Marital Messages Within Marital Messes

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Movie Review: Drishyam & Khoon Bhari Maang’s Tinder Date Ft. Tapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey & Sunny Kaushal!

Stree 2 Movie Review: Direction, Music

I expected Amar Kaushik to better his previous acts (Stree, Bala, Bhediya), so does he do it? Well, the answer is ‘Yes’, as well as ‘No’. He succeeds in thoroughly engrossing his audience (admittedly a primary requisite, especially in these flop-infested days), but I wish he had kept his focus on making this sequel also better besides being obviously bigger in concept, execution and scale. The similarities between the CGI Munjya and Sarkata could have been tempered a but as this film was set to come soon after the first.

Sachin-Jigar’s music is strong. “Aaj ki raat” is the best of the lot—a dance number that is the best amalgam of the old-world calibre and new modalities. “Aayi nai” and “Tumhare hi rahenge hum” are excellently conceived, composed and written. “Khoobsurat”, the fourth song, is decent.

Justin Verghese’s background score is effective too.

Stree 2 Movie Review: The Last Word

Here’s wishing that the makers had put less tropes and more substance to chortle and shiver about rather than star cameos, post-climax, a post-post climax and so on, besides a stretched second half. But the film does not disappoint as a sequel, or as a member of the horror-comedy fraternity, and thus for value-for-money entertainment.

Three and a half stars!

Stree 2 Trailer

Stree 2 released on 15th August, 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching Stree 2.

For more recommendations, read our Ulajh Movie Review here.

Must Read: Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Movie Review: Ajay Devgn & Tabu’s Romance Is A Long Yet Strong Love Song!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Stree 2 Movie Review: This Rajkummar Rao & Shraddha Kapoor Horror Comedy Follows Fright-And-Fun Formula Faithfully appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Aditya Seal, Ammy Virk, Pragya Jaiswal

Director: Mudassar Aziz

What’s Good: As mentioned in an earlier review, “Unalloyed fun in this sugar-coated social medicine”

What’s Bad: The Punjabi language in all the songs and some incomprehensible Punjabi dialogues—every Indian is not a Punjabi.

Loo Break: None, because there is no ‘toilet’ humor!

Watch or Not?: Of course, seriously, and not just khel khel mein! I would not even mind a revisit!

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 134 Minutes

User Rating:

Three couples that are friends, played by Akshay Kumar and Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk and Taapsee Pannu, and Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal, come together for a wedding. On the night before the banns, when the six (along with their bachelor friend, Kabir, played by Fardeen Khan) assemble in a room for drinks, they decide to play a game. All of them will “surrender” their mobiles for a day on the table and they are all free to read or listen to or watch whatever message, call or video comes during that time. The idea is: if you do not have a secret you wish to hide, you will not be scared of participating in the game!

But the game boomerangs after some initial fun, as murky secrets come up along with the denials and twisted acceptances. And no one there is innocent…

Khel Khel Mein Movie Review: Script Analysis

Adapted from an Italian dramedy, Perfetti Sconoscuiti, (translated as Perfect Strangers) by Paulo Genovese, the film spotlights how people in a marriage can keep secrets from partners and friends that can be suspicious, if not guilty. Mudassar Aziz, the writer and director, puts a nice spin on societal institutions of marriage and highlights the weaknesses and strengths that pervade normal human beings. The use of an old chartbuster Hindi song with thematic relevance heightens the anticipation of the audience when a new skeleton is set to tumble out of the ‘mobilephone’ closet!

Relationships as well as issues like infertility, teenage sex, escorts, homosexuality, fantasies, and even sexual abuse are all subtly discussed and treated. There is sensitivity there, as well as inbuilt messages. Only the last speech that Dr. Rishabh gives, thought apt in the Indian context, sounds needlessly preachy in part.

Khel Khel Mein Movie Review: Star Performance

As the salt-and-pepper-haired Dr. Rishabh, the plastic surgeon, Akshay returns to the comedy genre with a vengeance and still manages to infuse freshness into his character of a husband whose wife (Vaani Kapoor) has given their marriage three months to work—or end. He is in top form throughout and his opening sequence is hilarious. Vaani herself puts in a very fetching performance and looks amazing.

The female show is stolen by Taapsee Pannu as Harpreet, the beleaguered wife of a man also named Harpreet (Ammy Virk), whose mother wants a grandchild from them but who conceals a vital fact from her. The way she goes into a blue funk later is actually hilarious for the viewer, and her one-liners are delicious, as are her expressions when her friend on the phone (during the game) details what Harpreet actually thinks of some of the others—good and bad!

Fardeen Khan makes an impressive comeback in a role where he initially does not seem to have anything much to contribute. Pragya Jaiswal makes a very impressive start to her career as a glamor-obsessed wife. Ammy Virk is alright, and so is Aditya Seal.

Trending

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Movie Review: Ajay Devgn & Tabu’s Romance Is A Long Yet Strong Love Song!

Ulajh Movie Review: Janhvi Kapoor & Gulshan Devaiah Led IFS Thriller May Be Too Tangled For Indians!

Khel Khel Mein Movie Review: Direction, Music

Mudassar Aziz has done a slew of films so far of which the only one I had thoroughly enjoyed was Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016). He is back in (even better) form this time and has a tight grip on the adaptation into the Indian context, making Khel Khel Mein just right as a mix of traditional and contemporary values. The talk that Dr. Rishabh gives to his daughter over the phone about physical intimacy is a brilliant highlight.

The comic buildup and the crazy interspersing of whacky drama and emotions are brilliantly done. The characters come across as memorable, flawed human beings whose antics we enjoy as much as their follies. In short, Mudassar is in strict command overall, for isn’t any director the captain of the cinematic ship?

A pain in the art (!) are the multiple music makers (not composers—that’s too exalted a term) and word-spinners (not lyricists—ditto!) who score only Punjabi songs here with Hindi tossed in almost by default! High time T-Series and our filmmakers jettisoned Punjabi words for at least a year! I am sure there is a market for such ditties (not songs—that’s too high a label!) outside Hindi cinema. For at the end, the only song that remains with you is the Shankar-Jaikishan Shikar classic from 1968, “Parde mein rehne do” that is used as the thematic riff throughout, even if this re-creation has been comically rendered!

Khel Khel Mein Movie Review: The Last Word

In general tone, tenor and humor, the film resembles the 2005 classic, No Entry, with its clean, hilarious and ensemble marital fun. Now, that does augur well for this movie’s box-office. And for sure, Khel Khel Mein will be the dark horse among this month’s releases! And please, this is not a paid review!

Four stars!

Khel Khel Mein Trailer

Khel Khel Mein will release on 15th August, 2024.

Share with us your experience of watching Khel Khel Mein.

For more recommendations, read our Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Movie Review here.

Must Read: Bad Newz Movie Review: Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri & Ammy Virk’s Humorous Pregnant Story Delivers Premature But Is Yet A Good Newwz!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Khel Khel Mein Movie Review: This Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu & Vaani Kapoor Starrer Gives Marital Messages Within Marital Messes appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, Sunny Kaushal, Jimmy Shergill

Director: Jayprad Desai

What’s Good:  The first half builds up the intrigue so well that you are very excited to know how they are gonna resolve this.

What’s Bad: The second half falls short of efforts made to resolve this entire mess!

Loo Break: Whenever you need – your screen, your rules!

Watch or Not?: Yes

Language: Hindi

Available On: Netflix

Runtime: 130 Minutes

User Rating:

“Intezaar se dar nahi lagta, wo to akele kar sakte hain. Dar to mulakat se lagta hai.” Taapsee Pannu’s Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba starts on this note. With a new lover in Rani Kashyap’s life, but she is still smitten by the love of her life, Rishu Saxena, who chopped off his hand and burnt his own dead cousin (who died by accident and was killed by Rani in part 1.)

Rani is a fan of the biggest suspense-crime novelist Dinesh Pandit and for Rani’s love even Rishu starts reading the same novels. They take inspirations from these books and plan their lives. Right from meeting each other to expressing love and betrayal to each other. Everything is quote un-quote Dinesh Pandit.

But Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba takes a very elevated turn when Sunny Kaushal enters Rani and Rishu’s world. A love triangle that none expected to be this good, but obviously, one needs to be very clever while building mazes because even the one who builds it needs to get out of it. So did the film manage to de-tangle this tangled story? Read our review to find out.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Movie Review: Script Analysis

Kanika Dhillon writes the story with a very engaging start. From the word go, the love triangle is introduced, and the story gets woven in multiple layers. In fact, the first half of the story provides a brilliant whodunnit despite a predictable end. Going by the idea of loving the journey rather than being excited about the destination, Kanika perfectly travels through the lanes of Junooni Ishq.

However, the problematic part starts in the second half. The three protagonists of the film follow the novels of the writer Dinesh Pandit and find clues to keep their lives going, taking the steepest road to crime. But despite engaging everyone in the mess, Kanika Dhillon’s writing fails to peak in the second half. It tries to climb that peak but gasps for breath throughout.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Movie Review: Star Performance

Despite its bumpy ride in the second half, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba holds you very tightly. Say why? Because of the star cast. While Tapsee Pannu, as Rani Kashyap, knows this character way too well, Vikrant Massey’s chameleon shift from the shy Rinku to this raw and muscular one is enough to keep one hooked. Guess what could have helped the struggling second half? Probably a better cast than letting Sunny Kaushal play the psychotic new husband of Tapsee’s Rani. The only character that could have made the entire difference to this story and elevate it brilliantly.

Trending

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Movie Review: Ajay Devgn & Tabu’s Romance Is A Long Yet Strong Love Song!

Ulajh Movie Review: Janhvi Kapoor & Gulshan Devaiah Led IFS Thriller May Be Too Tangled For Indians!

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Movie Review: Direction, Music

The best part of this film was using only the opening verse of the classic Hindi song, ‘Ek Haseena Thi, Ek Deewana Tha.’ Not using the full version somehow builds a brilliant narrative. However, the other songs seem very out of place. In fact, the bittersweet tale of love Haste Haste seems very off, with the composition better suited for some Bhajan rather than what it was meant for.

Jaiprad Desai in Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba makes a very basic mistake of blue-printing the film on intrigues but not getting on the edge to resolve them. This leaves the audience unsatiated. Another basic problem with the suspense thriller is not being organic. While the first part, directed by Vinil Mathew, seemed flawless with its run, with events just happening and the story seeming effortless, part 2 struggles to strike a balance between not trying and then creating twists.

All the turns in the story seem very intricately placed, and thus, the story, which seemed to connect and impact in part 1, does build the intrigue but struggles to deliver in the second half. And these struggles are very much visible. Even the transitions revealing the plans and plots do not make you go, OMG! In fact, when crocodiles entered the scene, making the plot thicker, I wondered if it was intentional to let the audience connect it to Khoon Bhari Maang and keep thinking if Harshavardhan Rane’s Neel will be back after getting killed in the first part.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Movie Review: The Last Word

Have you ever been on a Tinder date? The one where you keep swiping right or left. Then, move forward to a casual date, which might or might not turn into something fruitful. So, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is exactly what could happen if Ajay Devgn‘s Drishyam and Rekha’s Khoon Bhari Maang go on a date. The premise is very spicy to look forward to. But how does this date go? Well, interesting enough, until a point when things don’t get serious and no feelings are involved. A good casual date. Just a meet, some healthy flirt, and a rematch!

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Trailer

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba was released on August 9, 2024, and is streaming on Netflix.

Must Read: Kakuda Movie Review: Aditya Sarpotdar’s Film Is Fresh, Funny, And A Bit Fearsome Too!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

The post Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Movie Review: Drishyam & Khoon Bhari Maang’s Tinder Date Ft. Tapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey & Sunny Kaushal! appeared first on Koimoi.