Desi Filmism

Rebel **

2012-09-30T12:41:00.002-04:00

Its a movie by Lawrence (larencce - as he spells in the movie this time) - so, you know what not to expect even if it has big names starring in it. A mass entertainer, on the lines of routine formula found in other films that the director has handled.

If movies like mass and don can be a hit, rebel is a hit too. I pray the director stops portraying his talent as a music director - the music looks like a single piece of track played all over the song (no ups or lows) !!!!!

Prabhas, Deeksha and Tamannah have given everything possible to this move which is a routine tollywood revenge-romance-action drama with irritating comedy. What blows your mind off is the dance steps by tamannah which remind you of Charmi's steps in Lawrence's earlier move.

Argh ... let me stop this here and leave it to you to go for the move to watch Tamannah and Prabhas alone. Dont waste your brain on this movie - watch it if you like mass entertainers

P.S : Dear director, please decide how you want to spell your name first. Lets focus on other movie aspects (other than choreography which you are good at) later please.

Vennela1.5 **

2012-09-23T05:30:00.001-04:00

DONT plan to watch/skip this movie going by reviews. If you want to laugh your hearts out - GO FOR IT !!

This is a pure comedy entertainer mixed with some romance stuff. Illogical sequences, poke-fun kind of dialogs and good songs make it a good watch for the young and young at heart crowd (family audience may not like it much). Forget the hangover of hollywood sequences you find here and there. Chaitanya Krishna and other actors are good. Monal has amazing screen presence. The 'Live interval' is one of the good concepts introduced to tollywood. Good job by the acto- director 'Vennela' Kishore. 'Thagubothu' Ramesh stands out of all the characters - He's one talented actor and needs a special mention.

Go to have fun and only fun.

Life Is Beautiful **1/2

2012-09-15T14:06:00.004-04:00

Life is Beautiful is a repackaged version of all those parts that were probably left out or edited out in his previous movies. Atleast, it seems so. For benefit of good, traditionally inspired, clean pictures, I only wish Sekhar Kammula comes out from the hangover of his previous classics. Else we might face another "Puri Jagannath" of class movies further on.

Good things - Anjala Jhaveri (Umm.. Beautiful as she was 10years back!!), Shreya (Wow.. younger looking as if the movie was shot 4yrs back), Amala (though in a short role).

You have the 'langa-voni' clad girls, children obsessed with the cute dog, lovely rain, characters dancing in the rain, amazing photography, 'sekhar' moments of classic sentiment - usual stuff one sees in any of Sekhar's movies. Casting and characterization seems similar/have close resemblance to the artists who starred in the director's all previous movies. Rashmi who acted as the lead hero's sister is a find and to look out - great character artist she will be. One of the guys Sudhakar (playing Nagarag) suits and acts to perfection. Others fit the role.

Of the songs, "Amma" is just awesome!!! Seems the climax is trimmed and does not give a good feel at the end. Personally, I loved the 2nd half where people start connecting better to the story. 1st half could have been trimmed (may be!) and some sentiment brought in before interval.

Nothing Great in the movie. Its pure feel good one and should not be missed. Having said all this, I will watch it more number of times - that is how Kammula's films are - they sink more as you keep watching.

Mugamoodi/Mask *1/2

2012-09-03T13:41:00.003-04:00

Mugamoodi (tamil)/Mask(telugu) is a 'so-called' superhero movie which explores the 'hero within'. Had Mysskin, the director explored the story from within himself, the movie would have been a wonder at the box office.

Simply put, 4spoons on batman+2spoons of superman+6spoons of spiderman+8spoons of kungfu hustle+1spoon of nativity = MASK

Jiiva does his part well and fits the bill, but the story is a big let down. Pooja Hegde is gorgeous but is limited to few frames and not even properly used in the songs - where heroines fin more prominence in such hero oriented stories. Look out for her ! Girish Karnard and Nasser are wasted totally with a meatless role. Varein as the villain does not do justice either. Instead of copying the villainy from numerous hollywood movies, he shoud have evolved a style of his own. Best part are the kungfu stunts which are not done overly and the songs (tamil ones are better).

Worth a miss. Watch it if you want to conclude how a south-indian hero who has no super powers is called a Superhero just because he uses a mask to cover his face....!!!

Sudigaadu **

2012-08-25T13:31:00.003-04:00

This telugu movie inspired by the tamil spoof movie 'thamizh padam' does justice to a weekend watch. Strictly for movie buffs or those who have laughed looking at the flaws and over actions introduced into the telugu movies over the years.

Nothing that the movie offers newly. But, as long as you got good comedy sequences for the entire run of the movie, does anything else matter ?? Importantly, the movie makes you think and relate to the 'original' movie that 'Sudigaadu' spoofs on. A good parady and wish it had a stronger screenplay. A good start to spoof films in tollywood.

Naresh is his usual self. Monal Gajjar has good presence though she has got nothing to do in the movie. A 'Simran' in the making if she emotes better and relates to the audience. Jayprakash was good and so was dharmavarapu.

Forget ratings, forget the reviews - go watch it - you will laugh your hearts out.

Ek Tha Tiger ***

2012-08-15T13:04:00.003-04:00

Pure entertainment and No bull-shit !

Kabir khan has blended romance with action in a very good way. There is no boring second in the entire move, and the entire audience including the front-benchers are IN for the same type of royal visual treat.

Salman walks straight into the hearts as Katrina dances in with her stunts and improved acting prowess. The chemistry is just so perfect and Salman Khan has done all that is ever possible to make this movie a real 'hit'. Nothing great that this movie boasts of - but, you will just sit back and enjoy the entire movie. If that isnt enough, you are surely gonna be tempted to find your way back to the theatres again to watch what kabir Khan has come up with utilizing Sallu and Kat to the best levels.

If not for Kabir Khan, any other director would have changed the slot where the popular 'Mashallah' song comes in - perfect placing it has. All other actors play their role, but you just cant glance away from the two lead actors.

Go, have fun - Tiger does it again for Sallu and Bollywood box office. A well directed and slickly edited movie.

Anaganaga O Dheerudu ***

2011-01-14T05:20:00.006-05:00

Anaganaga o Dheerudu - Disney's touch was very much evident, though the director Prakash has put in everything to make sure the movie is 'new' in every aspect. Great direction, screenplay could have been tighter. Siddharth was gud but disappoints at places with dialog delivery/hair-do. Shruti was gracefully gorgeous and lightens up the screen. Lakshmi manchu as the villain leaves her mark. The 'best' of the lot was the child artiste who played 'moksha' - a great discovery she was.

Amazing visual effects and the journey to a different world makes this movie a worth watch. BE mentally prepared - You are going to watch a 'fantasy' movie - something like those stories one used to hear in their childhood !!

Mirapakaya **1/2

2011-01-13T05:24:00.001-05:00

What do you expect ?? yes, it is an out and out masala movie with a hit formula behind it. Though the movie offers nothing new, Raviteja makes the journey enjoyable. Richa looks ravishing, while Deeksha has less to do.
Just timepass - but total paisa vasool !

Parama Veera Chakra*1/2

2011-01-12T05:33:00.000-05:00

Well, this movie seems a tale stitched from bits and pieces. Dasari garu disappoints. Well, because, Balakrishna does what is expected out of him and there are no 'extra' effects that were once a joke around. Balayya's komaram bheem character needs special mention. This character was just few scenes, but wonderfully done. Amisha doesnt even try to act, while Sheela tries to grab attention with skin show. Of the heroines, Neha dupia atleast had some important role to play.

One thing I APPRECIATE - yes i said 'Appreciate' - is for a movie done in 70days flat, the director has put in lot of strategy in choosing experienced character artistes, and I dint expect any miracles out of this.

For the audience, the movie never seems to have started. Its as if few scenes have been canned and put together to make it a 'Release'. Well, may be fans would watch it once, max twice - Coz Balayya doesn't let you down in this post-Simha movie either.

No One Killed Jessica ***

2011-01-09T11:38:00.000-05:00

This one is a worth watch. Amazing background score lifts the movie to a new level, while the movie is slickly edited and the story line is in focus. The movie has got very good performers with each one given an apt role. If Vidya and Rani wow you with their hitting performance, the New girl Myrah has good screen presence and literally flirts with the camera.

Well, NOKJ is surely going to be a hit with the multiplex audience and those abroad. Might not be able to woo the B and C grade center crowd. Yet, Watch it - Change has to start somewhere !!

Tees Maar Khan *

2011-01-04T14:36:00.000-05:00

A mindless comedy - what else do you expect from Farah Khan? Well, Katrina is a show stealer but has nothing to do. Akshay does his part the best and with ease, but the story line is a dud. Yet, the movie is a typical masala movie which does not bore you. Worth a watch just incase you are frustrated with nothing else to do.

Naan Mahan Alla ***

2010-08-23T21:23:00.001-04:00

'Naan Mahan Alla' would have been a four starrer movie, had the 2nd half been taken care of. Karthi and Kajal Agarwal display great onscreen chemistry and look great together, though Kajal has nothing to do in the second half.

All characters fit the bill very aptly. The first half is amazing, while the second half is a dud given its off-the hook pace. At the end, one is left wondering if it was supposed to be the climax. Justified climax but handled in a very lean way. While songs are fine, this movie will go good with the college crowd.

In all its fun and watchable !

Lafange Parindhe **

2010-08-23T21:17:00.000-04:00

Pradeep Sarkar takes us back to the movies of the 90's with 'Lafange Parindhe'. Neil Nitin Mukesh tries something different, but looks artificial in the role. Deepika has performed very well and looks stunningly beautiful. Kay Kay menon has been wasted in the short role. The songs are good and the story line has been taken care of in a better way.

This movie is timepass material and reminds of Southie hits Nuvvu Vastavani/Thulatha manamum Thullum for the theme, though it has been adapted to bollywood concepts. A hit if released in the mid 90's, but for now, can be missed, except if you are a die-hard deepika fan.

Peepli [Live] ***1/2

2010-08-18T03:12:00.002-04:00

In a world where each 'Byte' from the lives of millions around is exploited for gains of any measure, with the news being used and skipped away without action, this Bollywood movie weaves magic with a fantastic script that mixes reality with sarcasm to bring out the 'Ugly Truth' in the society.

There are great performances from all the actors in this intelligent movie portraying ground realities in the country's politics, media and the common man's grass root problems. Humongous research, tight editing and the rustic portrayal of rural India add to making this movie a masterpiece.

Aamir once again proves why he is simply the smartest bollywood personality of the times by opting to produce a gem called 'Peepli Live'. Though the movie might not go well with all kinds of audiences, Anusha Rizvi's first directorial 'must-watch' venture will be remembered for many years to come for the experimental blend of documentary meets reel fiction !

Yem Pillo Yem Pillado *

2010-08-16T00:17:00.000-04:00

Eetharam films sticks to its reputation, while the story is the same old repetitive one. Tanish churns out an impressive performance and has a long way to go, while Pranitha is fine. The tile track is nice.

The film reminds of nuvve kavali, anandam kind of fun mixed with routine family/village sentiments . Worth a miss.

Don Seenu **

2010-08-15T17:32:00.000-04:00

Nothing much to offer in terms of the story, but Raviteja caters to the mass audience while Shriya looks amazingly stunning. Anjana and other actors fit aptly. Scenes between Brahmanandam and Raviteja are very hilarious. The film is a family entertainer which does not demand the moviegoer to use their brain.

A commercial movie with all the mass masala elements in the right proportions - Paisa vasool !

Aisha **

2010-08-09T01:43:00.002-04:00

A Hollywood style meets Bollywood kind of movie with great performance from Sonam Kapoor. This lady looks stunning in the movie and Rhea has done a great movie for her sister. Aisha is a film with great fashion quotient and could have been much better.

While Abhay Deol is perfect for the role, others are fine too. The movie drags a bit towards the end to meet the Bollywood standard 'drama' but will go fine with the multiplex crowds who are looking for some timepass over the weekend.

Once Upon A Time In Mumbai ***

2010-08-01T18:23:00.001-04:00

A movie on gangsters has always fascinated bollywood audience and 'Once upon a time in Mumbai' is yet another one based on this genre. A winner at the box office, for sure it is !!

Fantabulous dialogs, good background score and a strong screenplay hold the movie high. Ajay Devgn seems to have become the official flagbearer of Bollywood 'Don'-ism now. A good change for Emran Hashmi from his repetitive lover boy roles. Kangana and Prachi have nothing to do, but have added value with their 'beauty' in the 70's retro looks. Randeep hooda fits the bill. This is not a 'Company' kind movie and is special in its own way of portraying the human characters and the brain game for power. Many an audience would surely wish the climax was better though.

Balaji Telefilms has brought the bollywood style movies of the 70's alive for us this time. A must watch !

Maryada Ramanna **1/2

2010-07-27T20:39:00.002-04:00

Rajamouli is at it again. A hit again with Sunil and Saloni in the lead. Wonderful comedy and a simple story woven with Keeravani's amazing music ensures that the film keeps the audience glued to the seat.

A few places where the comedy is a bit off the rack, but in all, a family entertainer proving the fact that the Director is the person behind a hit more than anyone else, even the hero for that reason. Sunil has contributed with great dance moves. Saloni should be getting few nice offers for sure after this movie.

In all, a clean adaptation of Buster Keaton's Hollywood movie 'Our Hospitality' dished out with hummable songs. Each frame has been shot with great richness, making it a supreme visual treat.

Fulltoo Mazaa !

Khatta Meetha *1/2

2010-07-27T20:28:00.003-04:00

'Khatta Meetha' - The Hindi version of the 1988' Mohanlal starring Malayalam movie 'Vellanakalude Nadu' is a typical Priyadarshan movie that is woven around human emotions. Akshay Kumar carries the film entirely on his shoulder. Trisha Krishnan looks great in those sarees and leaves her mark, though in a not-so-significant role.

Too many characters have been pulled into the second half, making this part a mess. However, the first half is comic and enjoyable. Urvashi Sharma is wasted in the sister role. Rajpal Yadav is at his comic best. Johnny Lever fails to impress. Makarand Deshpande is apt in the role of a journalist. Couple of songs are impressive. The sad part is - one would be surprised that there are no twists that can be expected in a drama film.

A timepass film provided you have enough and enough of patience !

Madrasapattinam ***

2010-07-18T00:58:00.000-04:00

Hats-off for recreating the Madras of pre-independence India for the current generation. A very wonderfully woven storyline combined with slick editing, and great acting. All the songs in the movie are good and the Lyrics are worth mentioning. Music by G.V Prakash is soothing. Lyrics are really spell binding and all the actors fit the roles aptly.

The story might, at places, remind one of Lagaan, Titanic or anyother movie that has its story set in the past and especially in the times of independence struggle. But, this story has its uniqueness and the producers, art director and everyone involved in the making of Madrasapattinam are worthy of the praise.

Arya looks stunning while Amy Jackson is 'The' beauty and both have put in a stupendous performance.

A must watch !!

Red Alert **1/2

2010-07-16T19:44:00.002-04:00

Red Alert, as the name reflects, is about the naxal movement and the steps being taken to curb it at the moment. It portrays the real incidents and theories of naxalism but the climax is hard to digest and is impractical. Everything till the climax has been handled very well by the director Ananth Mahadevan and the great amount of research behind this idea is visible in each frame.

Bagyashree is so refreshing to watch - lets wait to see more of her soon. Sunil Shetty, Seema Biswas and Vinod Khanna are just ok, while Sameera Reddy has put up a decent performance. It is just that her deglam role was not the fulcrum of the movie. This movie would have been way too good if it was a women-centric movie with the current naxalism scenario. The background music in the beginning of the movie is awesome and the lone song in the film has nice lyrics.

Not for the regular movie watcher, this is something on the Art side !!

Happy Husbands *1/2

2010-07-11T01:37:00.000-04:00

This malayalam movie is a poor rip-off of the hindi movie "No Entry". A family entertainer, it is to surely to go good with the crowd that has not watched the original from Anees Bazmee. Jayaram, Samvritha and Reema stand out in the picture while others fit the bill. What is disappointing is that Indrajith even wears a bracelet similar to the blue stone bracelet that Salman wears - heights of inspiration it seems to be ! Good comic timing is the only plus.

Milenge Milenge *1/2

2010-07-10T23:10:00.000-04:00

'Old wine in a Older bottle' - that is what the film starring a non-size zero Kareena and a non-six pack Shahid is all about. The movie, if had released as per schedule in 2005, would have been a good hit in those times.

The first half is run of the mill college romance and then as you sit through the second half, one can relate this to the 2001 comedy 'Serendipity' and to be specific to the 'Woods' in India, this is a movie inspired by the Kollywood 2003 release - 'Jay Jay' which had Madhavan and Nisha Kothari in the lead. In short, yet another Boney Kapoor movie inspired by a Tamil movie.

To recall, this hotel where the cast and crew stayed during the shooting was destroyed by the Tsunami - happy that the movie did see the light of the day atlast after so many many (and many) a hiccups including the split-up between the lead pair.

A nice time-pass film that is outdated for the current times, but a regular movie watcher can sail through it with a pinch of patience.

Jhummandi Nadam ***

2010-07-10T20:42:00.000-04:00

A tradition-meets-trend kind of telugu movie which would remind of the 90's movie having a goodie-good hero, his all good romance with fortune as the villain and his success at the end. A very good family entertainer to keep the audience of all ages engaged. Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures has smartly worked on a sure-shot hit formula with the 'darsakendra' Raghavendra Rao heading the movie.

Songs are wonderful and the concept of having a song for every occasion in life is something innovative. Yes, visually the songs do have our Raghavendra Rao's trademark fruits, flowers and water drops romancing the heroine every time at every possible place, but is decent enough.

Manoj leaves a mark with stupendous performance, while Mohanbabu and other artistes are adequate in their roles. Debutant Taapsee Pannu as the heroine has acted well. This new-age Rambha is one glamorous heroine to look out for in the future. The climax might be typical but otherwise, the film is a good 'time pass'.

Paisa vasool for the junta !