Ur Cinematics

Ek Tha Tiger | Movie Review

2012-08-18T16:14:00.004+05:30

In the prologue chase-sequence where he is introduced as an intelligence officer on assignment in a foreign country, Salman Khan escapes his opponents by splurging money in an open market and subsequently camouflages in the crowd that is busy pouncing on the currency. Be rest assured that what follows would be 'paisa vasool' entertainment.

Tiger (Salman Khan) is an Indian intelligence officer who's sent by RAW to Dublin to keep an eye on a science professor. There he comes across Zoya (Katrina Kaif) and expectedly falls for her. Until it turns out that even Zoya is on an undercover mission. Now Tiger has to choose between duty and love.

Aditya Chopra sketches his story on the unusual premise of what would happen if an Indian intelligence officer falls in love with a Pakistani spy. The conflicts in the love story come quite naturally through the animosity between the two neighbouring nations, prevalent for decades. On a broader level the film implies how love can overpower all inherent differences. Yet it never makes a very conscious attempt to sound preachy or positive about the state-of-affairs between the countries. Chopra's story is credibly crafted into a riveting screenplay by Neelesh Misra and Kabir Khan.

At first instance, it seems like the love story is barging in the spy-drama. Until you realize that Ek Tha Tiger, largely, is a love story on the backdrop of an espionage thriller and not the other way round. Once we realize that, the romance track is never a hindrance. Rather the Indo-Pak spy couple lends the love story its uniqueness. Nevertheless there is no compromise on the spy setup of the film either. Director Kabir Khan commendably balances the love story and the spy drama, with each element taking precedence at different junctures in the film as per the requirement.

The beauty of the film is that, though the protagonist goes against his establishment for a girl from a rival country, you still root for him. Their integrity towards each other makes you overlook the fact that the two spies went rogue. Thereby Ek Tha Tiger is more of a rooted romance tale over a mechanical spy-thriller. Where it scores above most Indian espionage flicks (including the recent Agent Vinod) is that fact that though it frequently changes geographical boundaries, the narrative never wanders aimlessly.

Unlike most desi actioners where the stunts are often exaggerated, convoluted and commonplace, Ek Tha Tiger boasts of some imaginative action sequences smartly choreographed by Hollywood stunt coordinator Conrad Palmisano. It isn't of the existing variety where a dozen goons go flying in the air by hero's one kick. Kabir Khan strikes a perfect balance between heroism and realism in this department. So the background score or editing patterns don't have to be overblown for the impact. The tram sequence in first half and the freeway chase in the second is sure to invite applause in cinema-halls.

Despite a serious spy setup, the film has a very cool sense of humour. The tongue-in-cheek lines often make you smile even in the most unusual circumstances. Aseem Mishra's cinematography lends the film a grace that the genre demands, as he captures the essence of Ireland, Cuba, Istanbul and other countries with elan.

Salman Khan carries an urbane charm and looks uber-cool dressed in formals. He is resourcefully restrained sans his customary buffoonery. His acting ability is best exploited in this film after a long long time. Katrina Kaif is gorgeous as always and puts in a confident act. Her agility in action sequences adds to her conviction. And more importantly she shares terrific chemistry with Salman Khan, something that was missing in all their earlier pairings. Ranvir Shorey as Salman's associate makes for a good supporting cast. Girish Karnad and Gavie Chahal lend decent support.

Ek Tha Tiger, by far, is Salman Khan's most entertaining and accomplished works in recent times. Hope he takes the correct cues from this film and stays away from mediocrity henceforth.

Verdict: Very Good
Director: Kabir Khan
Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif

Released On : August 15,2012

Jism 2 | Movie Review

2012-08-09T09:47:00.002+05:30

Directed by Pooja Bhatt, Jism 2 is the sequel to the 2003 hit Jism starring Bipasha Basu and John Abraham. The first film was easily one of the most sensual films of it’s time and this time around, with Canadian porn star Sunny Leone as the major-attraction, the makers promise a double doze of erotica.
Story: Jism 2 is about Izna (Sunny Leone), a prostitute by profession. One night, she sleeps with Ayaan (Arunoday Singh), an intelligence officer, who convinces Izna to help nab her ex-lover Kabir (Randeep Hooda). They travel all the way to Sri Lanka to get hold of the secret data, that helps Kabir kill several prominent politicians and other security officials.

Most of you would be wondering – If Jism 2 is one of the most erotic films to come out of Bollywood and if Sunny Leone, on debut, delivers as an actress?
Well, apart from the fact that it stars an adult actress, Jism 2 wouldn’t be considered ‘bold’ even if it released early last decade. Infact, the 2004 blockbuster ‘Murder’ was far more erotic and sexier. If titillation is sole reason for watching Jism 2, don’t bother. Apart from a few aesthetically shot love-making scenes and Leone’s cleavage revealing act, the film has little else to offer.
The pace is agonisingly slow. The story is non-existent and hardly ever moves. If you decide to watch the first 20 minutes, take a nap and watch the climax, you wouldn’t miss much – nothing at all actually, apart from a few beautiful songs and the stunning scenery of Sri Lanka.
As for Sunny Leone, she looks sexy and beautiful, but has a long way to go as an actress. It was a complex role to play – throughout the film Sunny’s character required her to pretend to be in love with someone else, while her real intentions were different.

I have loved Randeep Hooda’s performances in some of his recent releases like Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai and Jannat 2, but here he’s good initially but hams in the second half, when his character suddenly goes psychotic. Arunoday Singh can’t act. When he was crying, the audience were laughing!
Also, several questions remain unanswered (spoiler warning). When exactly does Arunoday’s character fall in love with Sunny? Why does Randeep Hooda reveal his true identity so late? Why does Sunny believe Arunoday blindly? Who does she love?
Sunny’s character is flawed and confused. Since she keeps kissing both men, the audience is left confused too. The climax doesn’t work primarily for this reason – you don’t feel for any of the characters in the film.
Overall, Jism 2 has very little to offer apart from a bikini-clad Sunny Leone, couple of good songs and the seductive beaches and greenery of Sri Lanka. At the box-office, Jism 2 should do well in the first weekend and then drop from Monday.

Director: Pooja Bhatt
Producer: Pooja Bhatt, Dino Morea
Music: Arka Mukherjee, Mithoon, Abdul Baasith Saeed, Vicky Goswami, Rushik
Main Cast: Randeep Hooda, Sunny Leone, Arunoday Singh, Imran Zahid…
Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller, Adult, Crime
Banner: Fisheye Network Production, Clockwork Films Private Limited

Released On : Aug 03, 2012

Kya Super Kool Hain Hum | Movie Review

2012-07-31T22:03:00.002+05:30

The astute business woman Ekta Kapoor clearly seems to be reaping maximum benefits from the forbidden fruit. The lady is publicly taking up all hushed, explicit or so called "adult" topics and giving it either a dramatic or a comic spin. Result? Her films have been selling like hot cakes. And once again keeping up with her style, the producer is back with a 'Politically incorrect' film as they are terming it, Kya Super Kool Hai Hum. Whether this too just like its predecessor rakes in the moolah or not remains to be seen.

Adi (Tusshar Kapoor) is a struggling actor and his roommate Sid (Riteish Deshmukh) a struggling DJ. While Adi resigns to doing despicable and tacky home shopping television ads such as that of fairness cream, constipating, fat loss etc. Sid gets reduced to DJing at Gujarati parties and also making money by using his pet pug Sakru for mating.

Dejected by their lives, Adi approaches an astrologer who predicts that a female will enter his life and be his lucky charm. Enters Simran (Neha Sharma). Adi proposes Simran in their first meet itself almost scaring her off. Simran soon takes to Goa. On the other hand Sid comes across Anu (Sarah Jane Dias) and after a disastrous first meet, falls for her. Adi chases Simran all the way to Goa along with Sid where the latter realizes even Anu is in Goa itself. Whether the two failures in life end up winning those two girls or not follows through a series double meaning dialogues and mad-cap situations.

Seven years ago, Kya Kool Hai Hum had ushered the concept of adult comedy. While critically the film was severely panned, the audience had lapped it up making it a roaring success. And the writer of the film Sachin Yardi made his comeback, this time as a director, promising to make his sequel all the more humorous. So does the filmmaker succeed? Partially yes, for the entire first half guarantees a mega laughathon. Replete with double entendre and slick editing with the story moving fast, the first half makes for an entertaining watch. It's commendable for a writer to create innuendos out of literally nothing!

However, the problem arises when too many sub-plots like that of Marlo (Anupam Kher) and 3G baba (Chunky Pandey) and the romantic track start interrupting the laugh riot in the second so much so that it leaves you disappointed by the end. A big issue with the film is its length. At 2hours 20mins, KSKHH ends up being too long-drawn and stretched. By this time, even the quality of humour goes down ranging from plain PJs to SMS jokes.

What works best for KSKHH is the stupendous comic timing between Riteish and Tusshar. The two along are responsible for maximum laughter in the film. While the other actors like Anupam Kher, Chunky Pandey, Kavin Dave etc. fail to even leave a smile on your face. Neha Sharma as well as Sarah Jane Dias succeed only in adding the glamour quotient to the film and have nothing more than that to offer.

To sum it up, Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum makes for a time pass one time watch. However, if for a better second half, the film would've worked more!

Star Cast: Tusshar Kapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh, Neha Sharma, Sarah Jane Dias, Anupam Kher, Chunky Pandey and Rohit Shetty.

What’s Good: The comedy; some songs; Ritesh’s acting.

What’s Bad: Some stale jokes; the forced emotional quotient.

Loo Break: During the emotional scenes.

Verdict: Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum has some laughs, which may be enough for the producers to laugh their way to the bank.

Watch or Not: Watch it for the funny below-the-belt jokes.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars (Two-and-a-half stars)

Released On : July 27,2012

Cocktail | Movie Review

2012-07-14T09:08:00.002+05:30

Cocktail follows the basic Bollywood genre-geometry of a love triangle. The good part about this one, unlike most love triangles, is that the three protagonists get to know who loves whom pretty early in the picture and the revelation isn't stretched till the climax. However, beyond a point, the film isn't able to use this element to its merit and falls for the regular range of spite-to-sacrifice sentiments of any triangular love story. Cocktail, basically, is the same prose with new grammar.

So the story is about a compulsive flirt Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) who gets into a no-strings-attached relationship with the hot-n-happening Veronica (Deepika Padukone). Girl-next-door Meera (Diana Penty) is literally the girl Gautam takes home to his mother (Dimple Kapadia) to cover-up his live-in with Veronica. Until by interval point his heart starts fluttering for Meera. And the rest as they say is 'history'.

The characterizations are basically been-there-seen-that. The guy is commitment-phobic until he meets his match and realizes what 'true love' is. The firang female has a frivolous attitude until she realizes she, too, is vulnerable to feelings. The introvert desi dame isn't aware of her own beauty until the boy makes her realize it. Further she goes in the let-go-love-for-friend mode.

The narrative never tries too hard to build the chemistry between the characters. Like Veronica gets a random stranger Meera home and they become the best of buddies. Or Gautam and Veronica just hit if off in two scenes. So do Gautam and Meera subsequently, and if it wasn't for the kiss at interval point, one wouldn't know cupid has cross-connected. Further Meera's sudden truce with her past love (Randeep Hooda) in the pre-climax seems half-baked. Yet, at the expense of conviction, what you don't mind is that the story keeps moving ahead without expending too much time on the obvious and inescapable elements of a love story.

The pacing drops in the second half, and one gets more impatient with predictability seeping into the plot. Evidently you know which girl would win in the end but you lose out to the protracted proceedings. In fact when the hero extensively proposes the heroine in the last scene, you just want the girl to say yes and get over with it.

Yet, despite all its conventionalism and inconsistencies, what still keeps you connected to the movie is its attitude to never take itself too seriously. The film is as much flippant as its protagonists and the scene tone remains subtle even in the most dramatic sequences. The humour is inherent and scenes like Saif's first encounter with Deepika or Dimple Kapadia's artificial respiration to Deepika are hilarious. Thereby after laughing on every formula of any love story, when this cocktail can't do away with the basic emotional ingredients of a love triangle, the film's nonchalant attitude backfires.

Anil Mehta's cinematography is picture perfect. Pritam's music is peppy and some new voices add freshness to the soundtrack.

From the cast, Deepika Padukone comes with the most impressive performance and is exceptionally good in the drunken scene where the happy-go-lucky Veronica shows her vulnerable side. And while she remains absolutely natural in her act, she looks stunningly sexy too. Saif Ali Khan is in his comfort zone in this romantic comedy and effortlessly charms girls (both on and off screen). Diana Penty comes with the requisite rawness that her character demands and is quite decent in her debut act. The minimalism in her looks often reminds of Giselle Monteiro's character from Love Aaj Kal. Dimple Kapadia comes as a pleasant change to the Punjabi-mom prototype in Bollywood and is quite likeable. Boman Irani does well in his short role. The talented Randeep Hooda gets no scope in his three-scene two-bit role.

To sum up, this one is old Cocktail in new bottle!

Verdict: Above Average
Director: Homi Adajania
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Diana Penty

Released On : July 13,2012

Ek Tha Tiger | Mashallah | Promo Video

2012-07-13T13:52:00.000+05:30

Watch The Video :

Click Here >>> http://youtu.be/f4BiCOIWNC8

Barfi | Teaser

2012-07-13T13:45:00.000+05:30

Watch the Trailer :

Click Here >>> http://youtu.be/yZxrao3zou4

The Amazing Spider-Man | Movie Review

2012-07-12T10:28:00.001+05:30

The Amazing Spider-Man is a reboot of the franchise based on the famous Marvel comics character and was directed by Marc Webb. This is Webb’s second directed film after 500 Days of Summer, a 2009 rom-com, and the goal was to focus more on the development of Peter Parker as a boy in a more in-depth and emotional light than Sam Reimi did in his 2002 Spider-Man. The film stars Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man and Emma Stone as love interest Gwen Stacey, and follows a teenage Parker as he becomes Spider-Man and attempts to protect New York City against a giant lizard.

I wish more super hero films used Webb’s approach. He took a story that would have usually been just a vehicle to showcase special effects and stunts and made it an emotionally captivating production. Sure, plot-wise it’s very similar to the 2002 Spider-Man, but The Amazing Spider-Man is different enough to warrant its existence. In fact, I even like it better. There, I said it!

My favorite parts of this movie were not the action sequences or impressive visual effects but rather the more emotional dialogue-driven scenes. That is due to solid writing and perfect casting. Not to mention some great performances. I found Garfield to be a perfect fit and he seems to have really captured the essence of the Peter Parker that Webb sought to create, a modern-day science geek who is attempting to cope with the absence of his parents and his newly developing super powers. I also found Stone to be fitting as Gwen Stacey. And Sally Field has a notably great performance as May Parker.

I must admit that I was skeptical going in, knowing that the story would be nothing we haven’t seen before. I mean, when a film company basically decides to do a “do-over” of a franchise that is only 10 years old, it’s hard not to be skeptical. But The Amazing Spider-Man brought something new to the table not only for the franchise, but for super hero films in general. I am rooting for the success of this movie in hopes that it may send a message to the makers of these types of films that not all of us are fooled by visual trickery and that emotionally-engaging drama and action can co-exist.

Director : Marc Webb
Writer : James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent & Steve Kloves (screenplay); James Vanderbilt (story); Stan Lee & Steve Ditko (Marvel comic book)
Starring : Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary

Rating : 7.5/10

Released On (India) : June 29, 2012

Bol Bachchan | Movie Review

2012-07-08T11:35:00.001+05:30

Ajay Devgan films and Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd.’s Bol Bachchan is a remake of the comedy, Golmaal.

Abbas Ali (Abhishek Bachchan) is forced by circumstances to move to a village with his sister, Sania (Asin), in search of a job. After Abbas saves the life of a kid, the village strongman, Prithviraj Raghuvanshi (Ajay Devgan), hires him as the supervisor of his estate. But Prithviraj thinks that Abbas is named Abhishek Bachchan, a lie that Abbas does not dispel.

Knowing fully well that Prithviraj will break his bones if he learns that he has been lied to, Abbas keeps mum and hopes that his honest work will save him from Prithviraj’s wrath. Sania and others support Abbas’ decision and help cover his lie. He starts living a dual life, Abbas at home and Abhishek at work. He soon becomes Prithviraj’s trusted aide.

One day, when Prithviraj sees Abbas offering namaz and confronts him, Abbas propagates the lie of having a second, look-alike brother, a la Golmaal. Prithviraj believes in Abbas and even meets his fake mother (Archana Puran Singh). Prithviraj also starts falling in love with Sania, who, incidentally, looks like his dead ex-girlfriend. Prithviraj’s sister, Radhika (Prachi Desai), who has just returned from the city, falls in love with Abbas.

However, when Prithviraj’s right hand man (Neeraj Vohra) finds out the truth about Abbas and Abhishek being the same persons, things start falling apart as Abhishek/Abbas has to keep lying continuously to save his skin. What happens next? Does Prithviraj learn the truth about Abbas? Or does he remain in the dark? Does Prithviraj’s love for Sania fructify? What about Radhika and Abbas’ affair? The rest of the drama and the climax answer these questions.

Bol Bachchan Review: Script Analysis

The story of Bol Bachchan uses the basic plot of Golmaal and expands upon it. In fact, the film has many references to the original. Yunus Sajawal has weaved a screenplay that is not only engaging but also very entertaining. Of course, many will find the going-ons to be brainless, but even such detractors will not be able to hold their laughter.

The characterizations are supremely amusing – be it the broken English-speaking Prithviraj, or the gay-dancer Abbas. All the obfuscation going on in the film leads to many situations where the viewers laugh out loud. The screenplay also provides ample scope for action sequences, which add to the entertainment quotient. Sajid-Farhad’s rib tickling dialogues are the best thing about the movie. Viewers will especially relish the English one-liners mouthed by Prithviraj.

Bol Bachchan Review: Star Performances

Abhishek Bachchan performs competently in the double role. His portrayal of the gay dancer is amusing. He could have done better in the climax scene though. Ajay Devgan is in his element as Prithviraj, the strongman with the soft heart. He is good in the action sequences. Asin performs ably. Prachi Desai does alright in a small role. Krishna Abhishek, whom many viewers might know from the small screen, is very good in his comedy timing and expressions. Asrani delivers in a short role. Neeraj Vohra is also very good. Archana Puran Singh elicits laughter from the audience. Amitabh Bachchan provides star value in a special appearance. The rest offer average support.

Bol Bachchan Review: Direction & Technical Aspects

Rohit Shetty’s direction is efficient as he holds the comedy together very well. He packs a solid punch again, this time, going a notch higher. Amar Mohile’s background score is effective. Himesh Reshammiya, Ajay Gogavale and Atul Gogavale’s music is the highlight of the film. The songs have been beautifully picturised. Cinematography, by Dudley, is eye-filling. Jai Singh Nijjar’s action is nice. Narendra Rahurikar’s art direction is beautiful. Editing, by Steven H. Bernard, is sharp.

Bol Bachchan Review: The Last Word

On the whole, Bol Bachchan delivers entertainment in huge dollops. For that, it will earn the love of the paying public and will have a successful run at the box-office.

Star cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Asin, Prachi Desai, Krishna Abhishek, Asrani, Neeraj Vohra.

Verdict: Bol Bachchan is sure-shot hit material. It entertains and makes one laugh out loud, throughout!

Watch or Not?: Definitely catch it with your family and friends.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars (Three and half star)

Released On : July 06,2012

Ek Tha Tiger | Teaser

2012-06-30T16:36:00.002+05:30

Watch The Trailer :

Click Here >>> http://youtu.be/yqz5WTJMLEw

Hemlock Society | Movie Review

2012-06-27T10:06:00.000+05:30

Hemlock Society- A must watch
Hemlock Society... In one word is Wow...

As expected Srijit Mukherji doesnt disappoint... Possibly his most mature and best work till date... The satire wrapped in dark humour amidst romance, life and death gives an entirely new dimension to Bangla cinema... To match the sky high standards he had set for himself after the success of his first two films and to deal with a genre never dealt with before and to come out worth flying colours is a testimony to the man's brilliance....

Koel Mullick carries the movie forward and though in a different role she doesn't disappoint... The veteran actors do a great job as well, especially Dipankar Dey... Sabyasachi and Bratya Basu put in absolutely brilliant five minute cameos... But Parambrata easily steals the show through another mature and brilliant performance... He has improved in each film...

As always, Music, Camera Work and Dialogues from the backbone ofthis man's film.. This director has a profound likeness for closeups and we have a lot of that here as well.. The dialogues are brilliant, classy and intelligent.. Homour and intelligent resounds.. Music blends into the movie almost naturally and lingers on your mind..

All in all a must watch... Hats off to the director... This man has taken Bangla Cinema to a better level... Certainly his latest venture in to the unexplored territory of balance between life and death reinforces that beleif... It may be inferred that the future of Bangla Cinema is in safe hands.

Director: Srijit Mukherjee
Producer: Sree Venkatesh Films
Music Director: Anupam Roy
Story: Srijit Mukherjee
Screenplay: Srijit Mukherjee
Playback Singers: Anupam Roy, Shilajit Majumdar, Lopamudra Mitra

Star Cast : Koel Mallick, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Rupa Ganguly, Dipankar De, Shilajit

Released On : June 22, 2012

Teri Meri Kahaani | Movie Review

2012-06-23T12:30:00.000+05:30

Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra sparkle as lovers in Kunal Kohli’s old-fashioned film

Filmmaker Kunal Kohli’s Teri Meri Kahaani (TMK) is said to be inspired from the much-loved Taiwanese film Three Times, directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien, which showed a connection between three love stories in different eras. But if you watch TMK with a clear mind, it manages to pull at your heart strings. The only issue is that sometimes it pulls at it too slowly.

Story

The story begins in 1960 in Pune, with Ruksar (Priyanka Chopra) and Govind (Shahid Kapoor) meeting in the train. Just another train saga, you would think. But it doesn’t turn out to be that. Ruksar is a freshly successful Hindi film heroine and Govind is a talented musician looking for work. Love happens but there are some obstacles – in the form of another lover for Govind. This era has been depicted with the help of some good (though not excellent) sets, but there was no need to show a tram in every scene. Kunal Kohli deals with the 1960 story in a Chaplinesque way – for example, comic moments without dialogues between the reporter (Vrajesh Hirjee) and Govind, and also the latter’s Raj Kapoor-Chaplin-like look.

The story jumps to 2012 London where Krish (Shahid) is breaking up with his girlfriend Meera (Neha Sharma). It’s also his birthday and the day he bumps into Radha (Priyanka). Their meeting is followed by fight, friendship, Facebook statuses, phone chatting, Ipad sharing, love, hanging out – and trouble when Meera posts censored pictures of her ex-lover online. All this seems normal. It’s 2012, right? But do Krish and Radha get back together?

Just when we’re figuring that one out, the film moves to 1910 in Sargoda, near Lahore. This is the best track of Teri Meri Kahaani and we guess that’s why it was given so much screen time. It’s the really old-fashioned era, and yet, Javed (Shahid) who is a hard-core flirt doesn’t take much time in impressing a girl and getting in between the sheets with her. Be it the village belle or the English memsaab’s daughter. But he truly falls for Aradhana, a freedom-fighter’s daughter. It’s pre-Independence and yet, marriage between a Muslim lad and a Sikh lass is not common. What happens in the end? Watch the film to know it.

Our take

Teri Meri Kahaani takes its time to unfold, often using nuances and subtleties to bring home the point. Although the film spans stories in 1910, 1960 and 2012, there is no masala here, no melodrama. It is simple storytelling at its best, in an old-fashioned way. And no, it is NOT like Dangerous Ishhq! The connection between the three love stories has not been established too well in the film – or maybe because the lovers do not have any past life flashes. It takes some time for the viewer to understand it. But once you know it, it seems like it’s the sweetest romance. But Teri Meri Kahaani is not a mind-boggling film, and some of you might not like it. Also, people did not always laugh at the right moments in the theatre, but the romance seemed to be liked by all.

Performances

If Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra were ever lovers in real life and broke up, they have managed to hide it well. They excel as actors and show great chemistry. Shahid steals the show with his portrayal – coolly essaying three characters that are absolutely different from each other. His role as Javed in Lahore is what gets the whistles, as he is aided by dialogues laced with some colourful shayari every now and then. Shahid is good in the London story, too, and Piggy Chops complements him. She plays the pretty damsel with ease in all three roles, but strangely changes her accent only in the Lahore story. Cameos by Prachi Desai, Neha Sharma and Vrajesh Hirjee work.

Verdict: Teri Meri Kahaani is a light film and is to be enjoyed like that – without any stress. But it might not work at the box office.

Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Neha Sharma, Prachi Desai

Direction: Kunal Kohli

Released On : June 22, 2012

Shanghai | Movie Review

2012-06-20T12:01:00.003+05:30

Quite frankly, the best Hindi film this year (so far). We say 'Hindi film' and not Bollywood film because Dibakar Banerjee, as always, is consciously working outside the familiar domain of superstar-loaded masala showcases that will battle for the year's biggest opening records.

Shanghai isn't setting new records - it wasn't meant to. Except, perhaps, push the envelope on cinematic creativity just a bit more for filmmakers who like to dream World Cinema-size, far from the crowd of maddening Bollywood cliches.

This film reminds us once again that Dibakar is a solid contender for the title of our most innovative storyteller in modern times. Intense and introspective, this is Dibakar's most assured work yet. But Shanghai isn't all about directorial genius. Shouting for attention beyond the perfectly-rendered acts of Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin - poster stars of contemporary arthouse - is the rebirth of Emraan Hashmi. This film should redefine the Serial Kisser - as a camera-savvy chameleon who has learnt the trick of changing hues as his director wants. Paunch and stained toothy grin in place, Emraan's our man to watch out for in Shanghai.

Dibakar and his co-screenwriter Urmi Juvekar set their tale in the Hindi heartland, in a smalltown aptly named Bharat Nagar. Without frills, the film starts off on a thriller note. A road accident leaves a prominent left-wing activist (Prosenjit Chatterjee) in critical condition. The activist, Dr Ahmed Ali, was in town to campaign against a business park that will render several families homeless. The only witness (Kalki Koechlin) is convinced the accident was a cold-blooded set-up for murder. The situation gets volatile when a petty porn filmmaker (Emraan Hashmi) turns up claiming he has video proof that could bring down the government. A top bureaucrat (Abhay Deol) is summoned for damage control.

The suspense unleashed through the chain of events that follow is balanced deftly with a subtext comment. For the record, the film officially adapts its plot from Vassilis Vassilikos' Greek novel, Z, already interpreted by way of a Costa-Gavras film of the same name in 1969.

Dibakar's film is different from what Costa-Gavras showed. If the Greek maestro made a sharp comment for Communism in 1960s Greece, Dibakar uses the Z template to lay bare the greedy political set that invariably piggybacks on the bogus dreams of progress they sell to smalltown India.

Shanghai is an angry outburst packaged well with wry humour. It is the heartland political thriller that several among the Bollywood lot have tried to make lately but didn't quite have the guts to. Just for that, this film is pure gold.

Director: Dibakar Banerjee
Starring: Emraan Hashmi, Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin, Farooq Sheikh, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Pitobash Tripathy

Released On : June 08, 2012

Awara (Bengali Movie) | Title Track | Promo

2012-06-16T18:05:00.000+05:30

Watch The Video :

Click Here >>> http://youtu.be/Q9eo_wSkgso

Jaaneman | Bengali Movie (2012) | Review

2012-06-07T11:18:00.001+05:30

With Jaaneman (Bengali, 2012), director Raja Chanda takes up the challenge of handling the intricacies of making a crafty road flick, a genre that is tricky for even Bollywood film-makers. The movie also features actress Koyel Mullick and Soham together for only the 2nd time after Tarun Majumdar's Chander Bari (2007).

In Janeman, we meet Deba (Soham) - a young man who is on the run, having scorned the evil underworld lynchpin Sridhar. During the course of his journey, Deba comes across the beautiful Ria (Koel Mullick) at a bus terminal.

Ria has secrets of her own – she is fleeing from her home in order to avoid being married off against her will by her domineering father to the brother of his mistress. Along with her sidekick, Ria takes a hike with Deba, and the two decide to go to Cooch Behar. Deba, however, has no inkling of Ria's problems yet and remains smitten by the latter's beauty.
On the way, Deba and Ria stop at a gas station where they divulge their respective predicaments. Learning about Ria's need to get away from goons hired by her father, Deba decides to take her to Kolkata, where she would find some respite. Sridhar's men, who had been chasing Deba for so long, also need to be shaken off.

However, the duo gets a far-from-warm welcome at the residence of a relative of Ria in Kolkata. Will Deba and Ria be able to survive the threats that their respective pursuers pose? Can the love that has blossomed between the two on the course of the journey reach its desirable conclusion? Catch Janemon at the theaters and get all the answers!
Director Raja Chanda deserves praise for having the fortitude and gumption of trying to create the appropriate atmosphere for a road movie in Jaaneman. The action sequences in Jaaneman are at par with the best in the industry. However, he tends to play it safe as far as the incidents in the movie are concerned. The surprise element is weak, and the climax, while stylishly shot, does not defy predictability.
Performance-wise, Koel Mullick as Ria is easily the standout performer in the movie. The actress, who was last seen in the lukewarm 100% Love, does manage to rise above the script. There is a certain spontaneity and zeal about Koel's performance that comes across quite beautifully in the movie. Given her potential, Koel should definitely be more selective in choosing her roles.

Soham is clearly more at ease while essaying characters with romantic or comic flair, and while he did do a stellar job in the intense Amanush, Soham looks a bit outside his elements in an out-and-out actioner like Jaaneman. While it is, of course, not imperative for every leading man of Tollywood to have a Jeet-esque chiseled body, Soham surprises by sporadically coming up rather short as far as his expressions in the movie are concerned. The actor also needs to lose some of his baby fat.
Jeet Ganguli's title track is hummable, while the other tracks are acceptable without being exceptional (with Disco Nachaibo generating polarized reactions). The background score is not that bad, either. Camerawork, by Shailesh Avasthi, is efficient. Dialogs, penned by N. K. Salil, are as trite as possible.
Jaaneman is a fair attempt by Soham to break away from his chocolate-boy image and make his mark in an action road flick. Raja Chanda also makes a conscious effort to make something different. Jaaneman does not completely challenge Koel Mullick's acting prowess. We hope that the script of the upcoming Hemlock Society will take Koel near her limits.

Producer : Shree Venkatesh Films and Surinder Films

Director : Raja Chanda

Music : Jeet Ganguly

Release Date : May 25, 2012

Battleship | Movie Review

2012-06-07T09:31:00.002+05:30

While this summer has no lack of action adventure movies going for it, what with the likes of The Avengers, Prometheus, and The Dark Knight Rises on deck, Battleship is prepared to be the cleanest selection of the group. The blockbuster category requires that a movie be spectacularly large in its on-screen scope, and the movie Battleship does this – and little else. Like each of the interviews you may have heard thus far on the film, including our most recent interview on Battleship with Industrial Light and Magic, this movie is definitely a “popcorn” flick – that means you should come prepared to quite simply sit back and be entertained, and entertained well.

The film Battleship was indeed conjured up by Hasbro as they own the rights to the timeless board game. Besides a couple of nods to the fact that the board game exists inside the film, there’s nothing to connect the two – save the battleship, of course. The visual effects in this film are second to none, and there are a handful of excellent or otherwise famous actors onboard, but know this right out of the gate: the most interesting character you’re going to meet is the USS Missouri. Keep that name in mind as we go through a quick summary of the film for context.

Plot Rundown

Take one part Air Force One, two parts Independence Day, and add in about 10 parts patriotic love for the Navy, and you’ve got an idea of what you’re in for in Battleship. One of several main protagonists in the film, Alex Hopper, (played by Taylor Kitsch) gets in a fight several years before the main bulk of the plot of the film, meets a girl, and is convinced to Join the Navy. At the same time in an unrelated event (also before the main plot line’s time) NASA sends a signal to a planet, the signal originating here on Earth in Hawaii.

Fast forward 7 years to the present, 2012, and both Alex and his brother Stone are stationed aboard Navy Destroyer ships sitting comfortably in Hawaii – the plot thickens! The girl from earlier in the plot, Samantha Shane (played by Brooklyn Decker,) is revealed as the daughter of COMPACFLT Admiral Shane (Liam Neeson,) the Admiral being a superior of both of the brothers. Alex is set up for a coming-of-age-type situation, there’s love in the air, and five alien ships plummet to the Earth.

The rest of the film takes place (for the most part) in battle sequences in both Hawaii and Hong Kong – where one of the five ships has made berth. Of course the Aliens want war, the humans want to kill the aliens, and everyone has an awesome time getting blown up. In comes the most interesting character in the whole film as the new improved Destroyer ships prove useless against the alien threat. In comes the USS Missouri, aka the Mighty Mo, aka one gigantic battleship which in real life acted as surrender site for the Japanese fleet in World War II.

This ship is so interesting, one of the viral ads for the movie was dedicated to it alone. Have a peek:
And all the bad guys get killed and all the good guys win in the end and it’s a great time had by all – as you should well expect.

Why you should see it

I can’t overemphasize the idea that this is an effects-driven film. If you want to be impressed by the level at which the film industry – specifically ILM here – is able to operate on here in 2012, jump right in on Battleship. In our chat with ILM Visual Effects Supervisor Pablo Helman, we got an early taste of what we were in for this past week:

“It’s a ride. The visual effects work looks great – it’s a popcorn movie – and in regards to how some people ask me: can I actually turn off that part of me that actually just enjoys the movie? It’s definitely something you want to do here, you want to sit back, turn yourself off, and just be surprised and wowed by the images.” – Helman

BONUS: The soundtrack is headed by Steve Jablonsky, perhaps known best for having this same role on the Transformers series. Jablonsky composed the music for this film’s soundtrack, these compositions featuring guitarist Tom Morello – best known as lead guitarist and activist from the band that once was Rage Against the Machine.

Why you might want to skip it

In contrast with several high-impact science fiction films, action films, and even straight up love stories released this summer, the plot line for this movie has not been put under guard basically whatsoever. You can read the ending to the film on Wikipedia, for crying out loud. As a result, you’re going to get exactly what you payed for: explosions, gunfire, aliens death, and lots and lots of robots. If you’re looking for all the visual effects with an added bonus of a storyline that’s truly engaging, head to the Avengers. Industrial Light and Magic made that film a visual masterpiece as well – double down for the summer!

Wrap-up
Battleship is a movie made for filmgoers looking to pick up some snacks, select their favorite theater seat, and tune out. This film is nearly pure entertainment, with just a hint of storyline twist and love interest to keep all parties attending the film from having a terrible time – that’s your action-hating date we’re talking about here. Make no mistake here though, of course, there is no having a terrible time at this film – it’s all fun and certainly brings on the big-money next-level action film power at right around an hour and a half long – in theaters right this second.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of our ever-expanding [Entertainment hub] for the biggest premieres of the summer and the hottest interviews with the people bringing you the futuristic technology these films need – now and into the future!

Director Peter Berg
Producer Todd Arnow, Peter Berg, Brian Goldner, Duncan Henderson, Bennett Schneir, Scott
Starring Taylor Kitsch, Tom Arnold, Alexander Skarsgard, Rihanna, Hamish Linklater, Brooklyn Decker

Release Date : May 18, 2012

Rowdy Rathore | Movie Review

2012-06-02T16:19:00.000+05:30

This one has two Akshay Kumar but is not half as entertaining. There is practically no physical or personality difference between the two, other than a tiny tweak to their moustache. Also the film never uses the double role formula to its advantage - neither are the two mutually interchanged nor are they together through the film. Mr. Rowdy just steps into Rathore's shoes in the final few reels and what we see is Singham summarized once again.

The story is as archaic as formula is to films. Vikram Rathore (Akshay Kumar) is an honest and courageous cop who fights against the wicked and vicious village gang-lord (Nasser). When he is killed, his look-alike Shiva, a smalltime thief, takes his place and comes to the village as Rathore to get even with the baddies.

The film, however, opens in a reverse narrative though that doesn't make the storytelling any better. Shiva comes into picture first and practically the entire first half is expended in his lousy love story with Sonakshi Sinha. And despite Prabhu Dheva and Sajid-Wajid being at the helm of affairs, the song-dance routine fails to engage. In fact it seems like producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali intruded creative space when you see a song like 'Chammak Challo' ending up in Saawariya zone. Beyond the introductory track, the other two numbers from first half are absolutely avoidable.

Hope arrives when the other Akshay (Rathore) comes into picture at interval point and one expects the graph of the flat narrative to ascend. Alas his entire account unveils in a flashback that reiterates the same Singham saga of an honest cop's fight against the system. So much so that some character actors replay their same roles from Singham - like the corrupt politician (Anant Jog) or the villain's sidekick (Ashok Samarth). Further a bullet has passed by Rathore's brain, which stands as an implied disclaimer for the viewer to leave their brains behind.

Remade from Ravi Teja starrer Telugu film Vikramarkudu (2006), Rowdy Rathore is an old-school masala potboiler. The basic problem is that there is practically no plot in the first half and the second half is completely predictable. Like Singham (2011) or his own film Wanted (2009), director Prabhu Dheva imparts enough power to his protagonist (rather two of them), making him a formidable force against the villain. But with no striking disparity between the two characters, he loses on the potential of having conspicuously contradicting characters like in most double-role dramas. That again kills the idea of having two Akshay Kumar when one would have sufficed.

The lack of originality is substituted with an overdose of action with a fight sequence popping up every ten minutes in the second half. The hero is the idealistic one-man army for whom terminating fifty armed goons in a stroke is a cakewalk. The action is not just heavy-duty and hardcore but at times head-banging also.

Akshay Kumar is charming as Rowdy and commanding as Rathore. He also pulls off the action convincingly. But there is much more to the actor's potential that the script fails to tap. Sonakshi Sinha plays the quintessential heroine whose biggest task is to put her midriff to display. Nasser as the excessively unkempt villain is expected to ham. Supreeth Reddy as the snarling baddie is too animated. Mushtaq Khan replaces the likes of Harish Patel and Ashok Saraf in playing the villain's comic sidekick. Paresh Ganatra, Yashpal Sharma and Gurdeep Kohli are functional. Akshay Kumar's dancing chemistry with South star Vijay and Prabhu Dheva in the theme track is more appealing than Kareena Kapoor's 10-second appearance.

Rowdy Rathore lives up to its name in creating too much noise for no reason.

Director: Prabhu Dheva
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Nasser
Verdict: Average

Released : June 01,2012

Bol Bacchan | Teaser

2012-05-31T16:43:00.004+05:30

Watch The Trailer :

Click Here >>> http://youtu.be/FyDLkB6A_TY

Cocktail | Teaser

2012-05-30T09:16:00.002+05:30

Watch The Trailer :

Click Here >>> http://youtu.be/9FfBzyiU0ZU

Shanghai | Teaser

2012-05-26T09:24:00.000+05:30

Watch The Trailer :

Click Here >>> http://youtu.be/W-AE6F_5v5A

Teri Meri Kahaani | Mukhtasar | Official Video

2012-05-21T11:42:00.000+05:30

Watch The Video :

Click Here >>> http://minibollywood.blogspot.in/2012/05/mukhtasar-teri-meri-kahaani-official.html

Department | Movie Review

2012-05-18T19:17:00.003+05:30

Like other Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) films, Department has an idea - a force to finish the underworld by stepping over the law's boundaries. But like other RGV flicks, this one also blasts itself out of the water, leaving you savouring jarring camerawork, flimsy acting and over-the-top violence. Inspector Mahadev Bhosle (Dutt) creates Mumbai's department to battle, ahem, mafia dons Mohammad Ghori and Sawatiya (Raaz). Bhosle inducts Shivnarayan (Daggubati) and with skulls crashing on walls, children flung out of windows and criminals impaled on rods, they take on the underworld. So far, so gross, but the film pulls along, powered largely by Daggubati whose smokin' machismo holds Department together - but not for long. That's despite Bachchan popping up as don-turned-politico Sarjerao Gaikwad, all silvery hair, dark glasses, manic laughter and a tinkling bell. Bachchan's clearly having fun - but few viewers are.

That's because Department, which should've been a taut, tense encounter between three strong men, is instead ripped to shreds by too many weak actors given puzzlingly large roles. There's a most non-don-like Raaz, living in a shed, sporting an enviably slender waist exposed by mysteriously thin dhotis. His sullen sidekicks DK (Singh) and Naseer (Shalini) make one of the most unattractive screen duos ever. They mouth lines banally, shoot bullets expressionlessly, blow smoke dully into each other's mouths, yet have more screen time than Bachchan even. Others - like Shiv's wife Bharti (Sukhani, pleasant) - have
little to do except dodge those bullets and bodies.

The violence might even have clicked, considering the tale's twists - but crazy camerawork makes you forget all that. Varma's experimented, placing multiple cameras at different angles, treating you to close-ups of bottles pressed to mouths, lips sucking cigarettes, zooms up Dutt's hairline. The camera even flips upside down, puncturing the tension that should've vibrated between Bachchan and Dutt. One line - "Chamatkaar ko namaskar" - nails it. You stagger out sensing something wasted - Nathalia Kaur's item number's more hideous than hot, the prettiest thing around is a translucent tea-cup, the action is mind-numbing. Losing the plot and three strong stars, Department shoots itself in the foot.

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Rana Daggubati, Vijay Raaz, Anjana Sukhani, Abhimanyu Singh, Madhu Shalini

Directior : Ram Gopal Varma
Genre : Action
Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes
Released On : May 18,2012

Ishaqzaade | Wallpapers

2012-05-16T21:23:00.001+05:30

Ishaqzaade | Wallpapers

2012-05-16T21:22:00.003+05:30

Ishaqzaade | Wallpapers

2012-05-16T21:22:00.000+05:30

Ishaqzaade | Wallpapers

2012-05-16T21:21:00.000+05:30