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Reviews of Movies Now Playing on Cable/Dish/Theatres - 31 May 12

meetu — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:18:35 +0530

Now Playing

This page lists all slightly older movies that are playing in theatres, or are available on pay-per-view / video-on-demand on cable / dish services. (The information in these lists are as available on the official sites of the said services) Last updated: 31-May-2012

Airtel Movies	Blood Money, Kahaani
Dish TV Movie on Demand	Agneepath, Don 2
Reliance Choice Pay	Ekk Deewana Tha, Hum Tum Shabana, Bheja Fry 2
TataSky Showcase	Bittoo Boss, Blood Money, Bumboo
Videocon d2h Pay Per View	Kahaani, London Paris New York, Don 2
In Theaters (English)	Men In Black 3, What to Expect When You're Expecting, Hugo, The Avengers
In Theaters (Hindi)	Love, Wrinkle-free, Arjun: The Warrior Prince, Ye Khula Aasman, Department, Dangerous Ishq, Ishaqzaade, Jannat 2, Vicky Donor
In Theaters (Marathi)	Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza, Chintu, Ajintha, Kaksparsh, Masala

Love, Wrinkle-free - Review

A wogma guest review by Pradeep Menon

wogma rating: Watch for sure, preferably in theatre ^(?) - If only to ensure that more indie films are made and released in India

quick review: Debutante director Sandeep Mohan’s quirky characters and the Goan setting make this a truly enjoyable film, one that will make you happy about the movies once again. Films like this need to be supported so that more such films are made and more young filmmakers feel the need to express themselves. Read more...

wogma review

External Reviews 2.7/5.0

Twitter Verdict 3.9/5.0

Arjun: The Warrior Prince - Review

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?)

quick review: Arjun: The Warrior Prince has decent animation by Indian standards which equate to very average ones by international ones, notwithstanding the differences in budgets. Also, the great epic has been tinkered around with to no advantage. Read more...

wogma review

External Reviews 4.5/5.0

Twitter Verdict 3.8/5.0

Ye Khula Aasman - Review

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?)

quick review: Yeh Khula Aasmaan is a partial success at an attempt to show how children succumb and lose their confidence to pressure from parents. Soon enough though, it contradicts itself and becomes a predictable story. Read more...

wogma review

External Reviews 1.1/5.0

Twitter Verdict 3.5/5.0

Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza - Review

A wogma guest review by Pradeep Menon

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?)

quick review: In spite of some decent supporting performances, Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza falls flat because of a weak lead actress in Anusha Dandekar and its in-film advertising overkill. The possibly interesting story is squandered away in favour of shameless commercialization. Read more...

Men In Black 3 - Review

A wogma guest review by Swetha Ramakrishnan

wogma rating: The keen must watch on screen; else DVD ^(?)

quick review: Men in Black 3 is a jog down memory lane – where Will Smith could make you laugh controllably with merely a look, where the dialogues are a series of wise-cracks and where a black and white suit with Ray-Bans and a dead-pan expression meant you are a part of the Agency. Revisit the glory of the first film in this third part of the franchise that almost lives up to its expectations. Read more...

Chintu - Review

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?) - For kids only.

quick review: A cute collection of sub-events that end up as a choppy and preachy film. But kids will enjoy their time with Chintoo. Strictly not for adults though. Read more...

Department - Review

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review: The perennial "right vs. wrong" debate is put up against a new-sounding "Smartness vs 'an A-Rated word'". This complex debate soon becomes incomprehensible as characters become more and more ambiguous. Vague characters can be interesting but the experimentation with the camera is too distracting for anything else to be processed satisfactorily. Read more...

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Notepad

External Reviews 0.1/5.0

Readers Reviews 3/5.0

Twitter Verdict 1.3/5.0

What to Expect When You're Expecting - Review

A wogma guest review by Swetha Ramakrishnan

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review: The biggest disappointment in What to Expect When You’re Expecting is its lack of ambition. The film revels in its predictability, making no attempt to try a different brand of humour or a different revelation of human experience. While some moments have the potential to make you laugh, for the most part the movie is banal and unsatisfactory. Read more...

Dangerous Ishq - Review

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review: Dangerous Ishhq reminded me of a Jitendra film from the 70s-80s (have been wrecking my brain to remember the title of the film, but it just won't come, maybe there were more than one.) in which there were all kinds of curses and counter-curses. But at the very least it had a mythological background. Dangerous Ishhq exasperates you with the witchery while trying to keep the setting modern. Just doesn't gel. Read more...

wogma review

External Reviews 0.5/5.0

Twitter Verdict 1.5/5.0

Ishaqzaade - Review

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?) - That too only for the actors and treatment, don't expect anything from the story

quick review: A love story we've gotten too used to over the decades to be interesting despite fresh performances and a slick, rustic treatment. Read more...

wogma review

External Reviews 2.9/5.0

Readers Reviews 3/5.0

Twitter Verdict 3.5/5.0

Ajintha - Review

A wogma guest review by Pradeep Menon

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?)

quick review: Inspite of some technical merit, Nitin Desai’s directorial debut, Ajintha, offers very little to the viewer as a film, due to some weak writing and direction. The only possible reason to watch it could be its sporadically grand production design, which itself is honestly not a strong enough reason. Avoiding Ajintha will be no loss at all. Read more...

Hugo - Review

A wogma guest review by Pradeep Menon

wogma rating: Must see - on the big screen ^(?) - Anywhere else will just be gross injustice, not to mention the experience that you’ll miss.

quick review: It had to be a film that is as diametrically opposite to, say, Taxi Driver or Goodfellas, to show the world just what cinema means to Martin Scorsese. This love letter to the movies from one of the legends of our time is nothing short of a wondrous watch on the big screen. If the recreation of some of the most iconic moments in the history of cinema is not good enough for you, then the visually thrilling 3D experience definitely will be. Only one thing needs to be said – Please watch Hugo on the big screen. Read more...

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Readers Reviews 4/5.0

Jannat 2 - Review

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review: While Jannat 2's lead character, Sony Dilli has a decent conflict, the film isn't worth watching because of the dull manner it is narrated in. In many ways, Jannat 2 feels like a film that could've been a film worth watching once if it had a little better of everything, especially better actors to play the side characters and the villain. Read more...

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External Reviews 1.1/5.0

Readers Reviews 5/5.0

Twitter Verdict 3.2/5.0

Kaksparsh - Review

A wogma guest review by Pradeep Menon

wogma rating: Watch for sure, preferably in theatre ^(?) - If not, then definitely watch it when it comes on TV/DVD.

quick review: A lot of people may not find Kaksparsh the easiest film to watch, but Mahesh Manjrekar deserves a pat on his back just for the story that he has chosen to tell. A tale of love that transcends what is considered acceptable by society even today, this period piece is a credible film and a feather in Mahesh Manjrekar’s cap. Read more...

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Readers Reviews 5/5.0

The Avengers - Review

A wogma guest review by Swetha Ramakrishnan

wogma rating: Watch for sure, preferably in theatre ^(?)

quick review: The Avengers manages to capture the attention of the avid-fans as well as the newcomers. I could overhear Marvel comic fans discussing the move rigorously during the interval, and surprisingly, I also overheard a bunch of new-comers talk about how they’re going to buy the comics and read up on the film. We all collectively, however, walked out of the theatre starving for more. Don’t miss The Avengers! Read more...

Masala - Review

A wogma guest review by Pradeep Menon

wogma rating: Buy the DVD already ^(?)

quick review: With Masala, Girish Kulkarni’s conquests as a writer and actor continue. Fresh on the heels of his National Award for Deool, comes a charming little film about two protagonists whom you start feeling for within minutes. The rest of the film’s experience is about some excellent performances and the smile that you’ll have on your face throughout. Masala should be watched. Read more...

Vicky Donor - Review

wogma rating: Buy the DVD already ^(?) - And if by any chance you miss it in the theaters do make sure to catch it on DVD.

quick review: Vicky Donor has a story which weaves in and out of a subject that is taboo, that too in an enjoyable and entertaining manner. Quick, witty lines are delivered with comfort and awesome performances. Even if you don't end up watching it on screen, do make sure you catch it on TV/DVD. Read more...

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Preview

External Reviews 4.8/5.0

Readers Reviews 5/5.0

Bittoo Boss - Review

wogma rating: Watch when on TV ^(?)

quick review: Bittoo Boss has a couple insights about society and its outlook towards porn and sex. But it puts these points across in a dull, jerky manner and often without energy. Not discardable, neither enjoyable. Read more...

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Preview

External Reviews 1.2/5.0

Readers Reviews 0/5.0

Twitter Verdict 1.8/5.0

Blood Money - Review

wogma rating: The keen should rent; else TV ^(?)

quick review: A strong middle hour sandwiched between twenty minutes of silliness at the beginning and an absurd last half hour, make Blood Money hanging between engaging and ridiculous. A clear indication that the writers didn't quite believe that they had it in them to give Blood Money a fair chance. Read more...

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Notepad

External Reviews 0.5/5.0

Twitter Verdict 1.6/5.0

Bumboo - Review

Not rated by wogma

I haven't gotten a chance to see Bumboo yet. Till I manage to review it, you can get an overview of how people who have seen it have liked it by checking out the twitter verdict. Read more...

External Reviews 0/5.0

Twitter Verdict 1.2/5.0

Kahaani - Review

wogma rating: Buy the DVD already ^(?)

quick review: An extremely quirky atmosphere is created by the camera, the narrative, the sound, the music and Vidya Balan. An experience that might seem incomplete if not watched on the big screen. Read more...

Audio review (subscribe):

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Notepad

Preview

External Reviews 4.9/5.0

Readers Reviews 5/5.0

Twitter Verdict 4.9/5.0

London Paris New York - Review

wogma rating: The keen should rent; else TV ^(?)

quick review: Yet another rom-com. But this time the story and characters touch your heart. Mostly. Ultimately, London Paris New York falls prey to typical drama. Read more...

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Preview

External Reviews 2.7/5.0

Readers Reviews 3/5.0

Twitter Verdict 3.9/5.0

Ekk Deewana Tha - Review

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review: A dull romantic film adds twists in the end to put every thriller worth its salt to shame. And an attempt to mask stiff, expressionless actors with awful makeup and even worse dubbing. Read more...

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Preview

External Reviews 0.7/5.0

Readers Reviews 3/5.0

Twitter Verdict 1.6/5.0

Agneepath - Review

wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list ^(?)

quick review: And this is how you make a remake! Weed out the unnecessary elements, fill in the blanks, and be ready for the brickbats from those for whom the original is now "cult". For those like me, who are not a part of that sect, it was a pleasure to see the 90s style of narration blend beautifully with contemporary aesthetics and sensibilities to form a pakka entertainer. So, steer clear if you don't like that kind of masala in your films. But, make sure you go for it, if intense drama mixed with song and dance entertains you. And while at it do lend a special applause to makers for resisting the urge to use exotic locales and most importantly, slapstick/lame comedy! Read more...

Audio review (subscribe):

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Notepad

Preview

External Reviews 3.5/5.0

Readers Reviews 4/5.0

Twitter Verdict 3.7/5.0

Don 2 - Review

wogma rating: The keen should rent; else TV ^(?)

quick review: Smart lines and slick camerawork turns into tiring witticism and regular big-budget technicalities because it is over-written and over-stylized. The few extra seconds taken to establish a scene with elegance give the crux of the scene away. This keeps this action-thriller from being crisp. Multiple, smart twists are pointless if you are going to chicken out in the climax. Read more...

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Notepad

Preview

External Reviews 2.6/5.0

Readers Reviews 3/5.0

Twitter Verdict 3.8/5.0

Hum Tum Shabana - Review

wogma rating: Switch channels if it's on cable ^(?)

quick review: All the adjectives, all the phrases, all the clichés of the not-so-kind kind that apply to a mindless comedy, apply to Hum Tum Shabana. Read more...

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Preview

External Reviews 0/5.0

Readers Reviews 5/5.0

Twitter Verdict 1.3/5.0

Bheja Fry 2 - Review

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review: It's longer, it's snazzier, it's louder but it's not funnier or better. Sure, it makes you laugh a few times, but it loses the plot and goes over the top more number of times. Besides it doesn't offer anything new in terms of simpleton vs. the "classier" people. Read more...

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Preview

External Reviews 0.9/5.0

Readers Reviews 3/5.0

Twitter Verdict 1.8/5.0

Love, Wrinkle-free - External Reviews

Pradeep Menon — Wed, 30 May 2012 10:58:31 +0530

16 reviewers have given Love, Wrinkle-free an average rating of 2.7/5.0 ^(?)

4 yays

3 nays

9 so-so

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

wogma rating: Watch for sure, preferably in theatre ^(?) - If only to ensure that more indie films are made and released in India

So-So by Pooja Rao, Bolly Spice ...The film, on a whole isn’t close to being perfect. There are long stretches, and after a point it becomes evident that the maker is struggling to keep the tempo horizontal, but for a first time filmmaker, Sandeep Mohan charms you with his focused direction.... full review

So-So by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama ...despite the deficiencies, LOVE, WRINKLE-FREE is watchable and appealing, is humorous and amusing, especially because the director and the lead actors get it right. Deserves a watch... full review

Thumbs down Daily Bhaskar ...Power-packed performances, a good concept, direction, dialogues and music are the strengths of the film. Screenplay, editing and cinematography fail to create an impact. ... full review

Thumbs up by Nandita Dutta, DearCinema ...The film derives its beauty from the seamless writing which is punctuated with humour at the right moments. It is a romantic comedy with the right amount of sensitivity towards family, identity and mid life crises.... full review

Thumbs up by Haricharan Pudipeddi, Desi Martini ...Although blessed with a promising, entertaining plot, LWF goes little awry in the second half due to its stretched second half.... full review

Thumbs up by Blessy Chettiar, DNA ...The simplicity of director Sandeep Mohan’s subject is evident. His strength is his characters, all well-etched. ... full review

So-So by Deepa Deosthalee, Film Impressions ...it's charming in its own way, not the least because of the pristine setting in an old-world Goa with quaint houses, pretty streets, lush seascapes and a robust soundtrack that tries to keep the spirits high even as the story flags.... full review

Thumbs down Free Press Journal ...Acting wise , all actors manage to lend distinctive traits to the characters they assay. Unfortunately the underwritten screenplay doesn't allow for any great histrionics.... full review

So-So by Priyanka, Gomolo.in ...The story is good, but it can’t keep you hooked for long. Many sub-plots in the film lead to an unsatisfactory ending in spite of having some funny moments.... full review

So-So Live Mint ...It’s musical, chilled out, quirky and the pace is susegad (laid-back). Watching this film will surely make you nostalgic for Goan music, bebinca and beaches.... full review

So-So Movie Talkies ...one does end up feeling that the film could have been a bit crisper as there are times, especially in the second half, when the viewer might end up feeling that the story is losing its pace.... full review

So-So by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com ...the battle starts from there as despite of a very quaint Goan typified setting along with brilliant characterization, Sandeep lags in his script which stretches beyond tolerance and sags into lethargic monotony.... full review

Thumbs up by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies ...a film that’s a delight for the senses. It’ll make you laugh, make you feel, and will get you intricately involved with the characters’ lives. Don’t miss! ... full review

So-So by Swati Rohatgi, STARDUST ...Love Wrinkle-Free is a cute little film that makes for a one time watch. Could’ve been better had it been for a water-tight script.... full review

So-So by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India ...It's simple, pure, and breaks cosmetic cliches - that's the beauty. But halfway through the film, the wrinkles steep deeper, in the script that is. ... full review

Thumbs down by Rahul Desai, Upper Stall ...Love Wrinkle Free, though sincerely made with a lot of spirit and dollops of witty one-liners, fails to fall in place as a final product- and delivers only for those with an exotic taste for the eccentric. ... full review

Love, Wrinkle-free - Movie Details

Official Sites: Website Facebook Twitter YouTube
Producer: Giju John, Kamal Shah
Director: Sandeep Mohan
Lead Cast: Ash Chandler, Shernaz Patel, Seema Rahmani
Supporting Cast: Tensin Dasang, Sohrab Ardeshir, Ashwin Mushran, Arika Silaichia, Theron D'Souza
Story: Sandeep Mohan
Cinematography: Binendra Menon
Editor: Shreyas Beltangdy
Background Score: Vivek Philip
Costume Designer: Aastha Sharma
Art Direction: Pradipta Ray
Facebook Page: Link
Running time: 110 minutes
Reviewer: Pradeep Menon
Categories:
Genres: Comedy, Family, Relationships

Love, Wrinkle-free - Twitter Reviews

Pradeep Menon — Wed, 30 May 2012 10:58:31 +0530

14 tweeters have given Love, Wrinkle-free an average rating of 3.9/5.0^(?)

10 yays

2 nays

2 so-so

wogma rating: Watch for sure, preferably in theatre ^(?) - If only to ensure that more indie films are made and released in India

MissMalini: Love Wrinkle Free – A Feel-Good Film With Eclectic Performances by Sorabh Adershir, Shernaz Patel, Ash Chandler... http://fb.me/16rrBJbZC
parmeshs: Pls go see Love Wrinkle Free. It's the funniest most heartwarming film I've seen in a while. (With Goa, edible underwear and more :-P )
upayogkartanaam: Love wrinkle free- same old but put in a different manner..
samanthaR88: Too many wrinkles: Love, Wrinkle-Free is one of those films that mix charm and tedium in equal doses. Debutant d... http://bit.ly/KMpwzG
arunbt: 'Love, wrinkle free' was a great entertainer with loads of laugh with a salsa flavour! must watch! Plays only... http://fb.me/1p9ZInuO3
KolhapuriChapal: Small, independent films must be given a chance but Love, Wrinkle Free is just so tedious. :|
ohkhalid: Love, Wrinkle-free, a surprise indie packet, pleasant comedy set in Goa. Loved Shernaz Patel...
KetakiSavnal: Had a busy evening but managed to squeeze in love, wrinkle free. A little predictable and meandering but all in all a fun watch!
sarikagrover: #love wrinkle free: completely wrinkled. Too slow , slightly Random and amateurish . Some good acting though.
MohitRaich: Hey ya'll, go check out "Love WrinkleFree"....killer costumes! #MohitandAastha
Fattiemama: If you haven't watched it yet, GO! Love, wrinkle-free – Movie Review http://shar.es/qhmPL via @sharethis
WordAddict_: Watched 'Love, wrinkle-free'. A nice, light low-budget film. Stellar actors, lovely setting. Go for it if you want nice entertainment.
panchal_akshay: Love Wrinkle Free Is An Outstanding Movie
tHeMomenTmAn: Love Wrinkle-free must be watched.

Love, Wrinkle-free - Movie Details

Official Sites: Website Facebook Twitter YouTube
Producer: Giju John, Kamal Shah
Director: Sandeep Mohan
Lead Cast: Ash Chandler, Shernaz Patel, Seema Rahmani
Supporting Cast: Tensin Dasang, Sohrab Ardeshir, Ashwin Mushran, Arika Silaichia, Theron D'Souza
Story: Sandeep Mohan
Cinematography: Binendra Menon
Editor: Shreyas Beltangdy
Background Score: Vivek Philip
Costume Designer: Aastha Sharma
Art Direction: Pradipta Ray
Facebook Page: Link
Running time: 110 minutes
Reviewer: Pradeep Menon
Categories:
Genres: Comedy, Family, Relationships

Love, Wrinkle-free - Review

Pradeep Menon — Wed, 30 May 2012 10:43:12 +0530

wogma rating: Watch for sure, preferably in theatre ^(?) - If only to ensure that more indie films are made and released in India

Review

PVR’s initiative to release independent films is turning out to be a boon for filmmakers who find it hard to release their films in today’s day and age because of ‘lack of commercial viability’. Love, Wrinkle-free, directed by debutante Sandeep Mohan, is a film that needed to be released, because it is rare to find a film with such charm and honesty coming out of India today.

Set entirely in Goa, the film is essentially the journey of a married couple, Savio and Annie, going through what can best be described as a mid-life crisis. He wants to follow his inner calling – selling his own brand of innerwear. She wants to prove to herself and the world that she’s still good enough to be a choir singer, even though the choir would rather have younger singers. And their adopted daughter Ruth has identity issues of her own. She can’t come to terms with the fact that she has ‘small eyes’. Along the way, they meet a host of mad characters who, for want of a better word, complicate their story just a little bit more.

This little charmer of a film is driven by its characters and their journey to come to terms with their self-image. The characters are consistently quirky, and their interactions, though not always ‘haha’ funny, are laced with such belief and are so grounded in reality, that they always evoke laughter.

The film is embellished by earnest performances by the entire lead cast. Ash Chandler, playing Savio, is pitch-perfect as the perpetually hassled middle class man looking to make his family proud of him. Shernaz Patel as Annie - the slightly obsessive-compulsive woman is excellent as well. Sohrab Ardeshir as the local Goan don adds that extra madness to the proceedings. Seema Rahmani, playing a spunky tourist who strikes up a bond with Savio, is a natural. Last seen in Sudhish Kamat’s Good Night, Good Morning, she seems to slip into characters that she plays with ease.

What truly makes Love, Wrinkle-free’s thoroughly entertaining watch is the indie spirit behind the film. There seems to be no wish to conform, no urge to tell a story with a necessary start and end. The film starts somewhere bang in the middle of the characters lives and ends somewhere in the middle as well. You can’t help feel that the story of the characters will continue even after you have walked out of the cinema hall, but the characters and their mad escapades will continue. The core of the film - the underlying theme of identity and image, of one’s looks and the concept of youth - will strike a chord with everyone.

Setting the film in Goa is another factor that adds to the flavor of the film. The attempt isn’t to show Goa the way you would to a tourist. It exists in the background, calm, serene but always there. The earthy colour tone complements the film well.

At a time where people get away with tripe saying, 'I don't make films for critics', Love, Wrinkle-free comes as a breath of fresh air. This is the kind of film that is bound to make you smile.

This article is by guest author Pradeep Menon. Pradeep is a filmmaker and a dreamer. He loves books, rain, winters, tea and his parents. Cinema, however, is the only truth he believes in. He breathes and bleeds film, mostly in hues of saffron, white, green and blue. You can watch his short films at www.youtube.com/cyberpradeep.

Parental Guidance:

Required perhaps, more to understand the underlying themes of the film than anything else.

Violence: A little bit of violence, but all in good humour.

Language: A few abuses here and there.

Nudity & Sexual content: Some suggestions of sexual intimacy, women in bikinis.

Concept: A dysfunctional family in Goa deals with their problems

General Look and Feel: Beautifully shot with a real, earthy feel to it.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction: 3
Story: 3
Lead Actors: 3.5
Character Artists: 3

Dialogues: 3
Screenplay: 3
Music Director: 3
Lyrics: 2.5

Love, Wrinkle-free - Movie Details

Official Sites: Website Facebook Twitter YouTube
Producer: Giju John, Kamal Shah
Director: Sandeep Mohan
Lead Cast: Ash Chandler, Shernaz Patel, Seema Rahmani
Supporting Cast: Tensin Dasang, Sohrab Ardeshir, Ashwin Mushran, Arika Silaichia, Theron D'Souza
Story: Sandeep Mohan
Cinematography: Binendra Menon
Editor: Shreyas Beltangdy
Background Score: Vivek Philip
Costume Designer: Aastha Sharma
Art Direction: Pradipta Ray
Facebook Page: Link
Running time: 110 minutes
Reviewer: Pradeep Menon
Categories:
Genres: Comedy, Family, Relationships

Arjun: The Warrior Prince - External Reviews

meetu — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:23:05 +0530

24 reviewers have given Arjun: The Warrior Prince an average rating of 4.5/5.0 ^(?)

20 yays

1 nays

3 so-so

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?)

Thumbs up by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama ...ARJUN THE WARRIOR PRINCE needs to be watched for its animation, for its storytelling and most importantly, it makes an earnest effort to relive the mythology. ... full review

Thumbs up by Saumya Sharma, BookmyShow ...Director Arnab Chaudhuri has treated the epic story of “The Mahabharata” very well albeit with a difference. It’s like a bird’s eye view of the life of Arjun... full review

So-So Daily Bhaskar ...Direction, dialogues, performances, cinematography and VFX are the strong points. Music, editing and screenplay, especially thre pre-interval moments are the drawbacks.... full review

Thumbs up by Smita, Desi Martini ...A strong story with decent animation makes it a good watch for kids... full review

Thumbs up by Aakanksha Naval-Shetye & Chaya Unnikrishnan, DNA ...Director Arnab Chaudhari has kept the narrative fast paced.A nice way of introducing kids to the epic tale.... full review

Thumbs up by Blessy Chettiar, DNA ...Arjun: The Warrior Prince makes a mark with respect to storytelling and technical elegance... full review

Thumbs up Free Press Journal ...Nothing here is overtly ornate. There is a simplistic and distinctive grandiosity here that never stretches to the gaudy or the opulent.... full review

Thumbs up by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham Editorial, Glamsham.com ...brilliance in narration by Arnab is simply fascinating. Kudos to his vision for minutely detailing all aspects of the film; be it the sets, the characters, their expressions, their voices, their individual walk, their outfits, the camera angles or even the music.... full review

Thumbs up by Anupama Chopra, Hindustan Times ...The Warrior Prince has some of the most gorgeous images I’ve seen in an Indian animation film in years.... full review

Thumbs up by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live ...The heroic exploits and inner struggles of Arjun are woven into the film's narrative so convincingly that you tend to forget this is animation.... full review

So-So by Vinayak Chakravorty, india today ...The animation in this film, although a vast improvement from anything you've seen so far, still looks two-dimensional.... full review

Thumbs up by Priyanka Ketkar, koimoi ...For the sake of quality animation, for the sake of an hour well-spent and for the sake of a true Indian hero, Arjun: The Warrior Prince is truly a must-watch.... full review

So-So by Udita Jhunjhunwala, Live Mint ...Bloody and violent, although animated, Arjun is aimed more at adults than at children, and as much as it traces the warrior prince’s coming of age, it also marks the coming of age of Indian animation features.... full review

Thumbs up by Shakti Shetty, MiD DAY ...high-octane action. Vishal-Shekhar’s enigmatic music merely adds to the visual magic.... full review

Thumbs up Movie Talkies ...amazing animation and graphics, which takes your breath away; the attention to detail when it comes to action scenes is admirable.... full review

Thumbs up by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com ...The animation work has been laboriously done and can easily be claimed to be one of the best works in the recent times. The detailing in the backdrop and the grandeur successfully accentuates the movie viewing experience.... full review

Thumbs up by Preeti Arora, Rediff ...It would've been easy to let this plot go stale, for the simple reason that it has been explored so much, but hats off to the director for bringing something new to the platter.... full review

Thumbs up by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies ...The film is ideal for slightly older children who will revel in the beautiful visuals, and won’t be affected by the few moments of gory violence.... full review

Thumbs up by Swati Rohatgi, STARDUST ...Arjun: The Warrior Prince, though maybe yet another mythological animation film but it deserves a watch for the narrative and the animation work.... full review

Thumbs up by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India ...The frames are so grandiosely designed that you want to soak into this experience... full review

Thumbs down Upper Stall ...The real problem with the film is not the animation, it's the writing. The film is let down badly by the dialogue.... full review

Thumbs up by Ananya Bhattacharya, ZEENEWS.COM ...The film has a few brilliantly shot songs, a couple of which linger in your mind even after you are out of the theatre and into your mundane realities.... full review

Arjun: The Warrior Prince - Movie Details

Official Sites: Facebook YouTube
Banner: Walt Disney Pictures, UTV Motion Pictures
Producer: Siddharth Roy Kapoor, Ronnie Screwwala
Director: Arnab Chaudhuri
Lead Cast: Ila Arun, Yudhveer Bakoliya, Ashok Banthia, Ravi Khanwilkar
Screenplay: Rajesh Devraj
Music Director: Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani
Facebook Page: Link
Running time: 100 minutes
Reviewer: meetu
Categories: Hindi Movies
Genres: Animation, Mythology

Ye Khula Aasman - External Reviews

meetu — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:48:49 +0530

19 reviewers have given Ye Khula Aasman an average rating of 1.1/5.0 ^(?)

3 yays

14 nays

2 so-so

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?)

Thumbs down by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com ...No doubt, simplicity has its own beauty....but YEH KHULA AASMAAN remains too simple to be applauded from start to finish (lacking the beauty part) ... full review

So-So by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama ...On the whole, YEH KHULA AASMAAN isn't perfect, but likeable nonetheless. A simple story that strikes a chord! ... full review

Thumbs down by Kanika Rajani, BookmyShow ...Having everything going for it, right from its cinematography to its fresh cast and a clear message, the viewer will still be disoriented and lost.... full review

Thumbs up Daily Bhaskar ...The high voltage drama with bit of romance induced in a teenager’s life is impressive. ... full review

So-So by Rony Dcosta, Desi Martini ...The film is well intended and deals with not only students struggling with academic pressure but also about children leaving their old parents and settling abroad in search of the elusive green bucks. Sadly the weak execution makes sure that the film leaves us with no emotional impact.... full review

Thumbs down by Shakti Salgaokar, DNA ...The execution is amateurish and shoddy. The plot takes the entire first-half to establish itself and the film completely drags on through the second half.... full review

Thumbs down by Nupur Barua, fullhyd.com ...What could have been a touching and sensitive story falls flat on its face due to bad scripting, dreadful dialogues and poor acting.... full review

Thumbs up by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com ...YEH KHULA AASMAN is a wonderful product of a sensitive story, simple direction and melodious music which forms an intrinsic part of the narrative.... full review

Thumbs up by IANS, IBN Live ...reasonably admirable feat in this simple staright-from-the-heart film... full review

Thumbs down by Vinayak Chakravorty, india today ...Raj Tandon makes a fine debut, and Raghuveer Yadav's Dadu is credibly essayed. The actors, though, can't save the tedious show.... full review

Thumbs down by Priyanka Ketkar, koimoi ...Gitanjali Sinha’s script deals with the pressures faced by today’s students but despite the seriousness of the topic, it hasn’t been given a proper treatment. The script also lacks any good dialogues. They are cheesy, silly and sound very archaic. The film has a very repetitive, clichéd feel to it.... full review

Thumbs down by Janhavi Samant, MiD DAY ...High on idealism but really low on skill... full review

Thumbs down Movie Talkies ...As far as the story is concerned, though it is pleasant enough, there is nothing to hold the viewer's attention or interest and teamed up with a predictable end, slow pace and stereotypical characters and preachy messages... full review

Thumbs down by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com ...Yeh Khula Aasmaan is a film stuck in limbo. Far too hackneyed and boring to make for an engaging watch... full review

Thumbs down by Preeti Arora, Rediff ...The most appropriate description which comes to mind is contrived melodrama that has random plot points strung together... full review

Thumbs down by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies ...But despite the film's core intentions, one cannot recommend this twisted moral-science of a lesson. The message is timely and important, but the film doesn't effectively communicate it.... full review

Thumbs down by Swati Rohatgi, STARDUST ...Yeh Khula Aasmaan too predictable and boring.... full review

Thumbs down by Sudhish Kamath, The Hindu ...The film unwinds at a lazy, sluggish pace which in itself wouldn't have been such a bad thing if it did create genuinely heart-warming moments without relying on melodrama or a sentimental overdose.... full review

Thumbs down by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India ...For a movie that's supposed to be inspirational, director (Gitanjali Sinha) gives us blah lines, lackluster story-telling - which is emotional at times, with an exhaustingly slow pace - weakening the script further.... full review

Ye Khula Aasman - Movie Details

Official Sites: Website Facebook Twitter YouTube
Banner: Gitanjali Creations
Producer: Hemendra Aran
Director: Gitanjali Sinha
Lead Cast: Raghuvir Yadav, Raj Tondon
Supporting Cast: Nitin Kerur, Aditya Siddhu, Gulshan Pandey, Yashpal Sharma, Anya Anand, Manjusha Godse, Kishore Nandlaskar
Story: Gitanjali Sinha
Screenplay: Samarth Lahiri, Gitanjali Sinha
Dialogues: Ravi Chopra
Cinematography: Vivek Shah
Editor: Kaustubh Chitnis
Background Score: Anand Chitragupth, Milind Chitragupth
Music Director: Anand Chitragupth, Milind Chitragupth
Lyrics: Ravi Chopra
Art Direction: Ajit Dandekar
Facebook Page: Link
Running time: 95 minutes
Reviewer: meetu
Categories: Hindi Movies
Genres: Family, Relationships, Social

Arjun: The Warrior Prince - Twitter Reviews

meetu — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:37:35 +0530

8 tweeters have given Arjun: The Warrior Prince an average rating of 3.8/5.0^(?)

6 yays

2 nays

0 so-so

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?)

crazyandhow: walt disney Arjun is a good movie. fab animation, nice story telling. go watch.
ThePrachi: Arjun the warrior prince is overrated. Having read the mythology my interpretation of Arjuna is different. Gr8 animation tho. VOs okayish.
wabbster: 'Arjun' is an awesome movie. Meant for kids older than ten.
shantanub: Watched 'Arjun' y'day with kid. Liberties with story, but brilliant animation. And by an Indian company! Congrats Tata Elxsi! @TataCompanies
arnabmajumdar: Arjun, The Warrior Prince... #wokeupindia.... Indian Folklore, Disney Animation, heady concoction!!
sandeepthinks: Arjun.. good animation. i loved the sound editing..story is abrupt.. approach is different.. #Vtalkies
DrManita: Watched Arjun, the warrior. Cute movie
Leilah_zeenat: Arjun the warrior prince wasnt as awful as i thought it would be but the music and background score is utter CRAP.

Arjun: The Warrior Prince - Movie Details

Official Sites: Facebook YouTube
Banner: Walt Disney Pictures, UTV Motion Pictures
Producer: Siddharth Roy Kapoor, Ronnie Screwwala
Director: Arnab Chaudhuri
Lead Cast: Ila Arun, Yudhveer Bakoliya, Ashok Banthia, Ravi Khanwilkar
Screenplay: Rajesh Devraj
Music Director: Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani
Facebook Page: Link
Running time: 100 minutes
Reviewer: meetu
Categories: Hindi Movies
Genres: Animation, Mythology

Ye Khula Aasman - Twitter Reviews

meetu — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:37:29 +0530

15 tweeters have given Ye Khula Aasman an average rating of 3.5/5.0^(?)

10 yays

4 nays

1 so-so

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?)

FABULOUSLYFLORA: strongly recommend a film called "yeh khula aasman" do watch guys i cried thru it it won lots of awards
sp4zee: YEH KHULA AASMAAN movie review: A boring lecture! http://bit.ly/Kj2h1a #sp4zee
KamathGurudutt: Yeh Khula Aasmaan is an interesting maiden film explaining life through a kite flying competition. Won several awards. Worth a watch.
MinorityReview: Yeh Khula Aasmaan was a terrible, badly acted, dated and irritating film. Review here http://www.minority-review.com/yeh-khula-aasman-made-me-want-to-bang-my-head-against-a-wall
movieopinions: Yeh Khula Aasmaan: Movie Review: Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars Director: Gitanjali Sinha Genre: Drama... http://bit.ly/LzehfR @movietickets
VIVECKVASWANI: gitanjali sinha ne ye khula aasman mein ki soch ke bhed ki kahani ko sadagi se pesh kiya hai.2.5 stars. Ajay bramhatmaj. Dainik jagran
Reliance_media: Review: 'Yeh Khula Aasmaan' is heartwarming http://dlvr.it/1clnmR
ichaitany: YEH KHULA AASMAN is a wonderful product of a sensitive story, simple direction and melodious music which forms an i... #Bollywood #News
odisha360: Raghuvir Shines in Heart-warming Tale http://www.odisha360.com/2012/05/25/raghuvir-shines-in-heart-warming-tale-yeh-khula-aasmaan/
FilmiJi: Yeh Khula Aasmaan: With the surfacing of quality logical cinema, the film industry is no longer about mainstream.
vanishree7625: Wish there were more meaningful films like #Yeh Khula Aasmaan!
vishaldude789: Watchd #yeh khula aasmaan. Inspiring film. To not give up on things before trying! Touching film with heart! Go watch it!
palrao2110: Watched Yeh Khula Aasmaan yesterday with the whole family, we all enjoyed it. Sweet film, lot of heart and soul, nice music. Do watch!
r1kartik: Gitanjali Sinha thot working with heart was enuf 2 make good movie. she could not have bn more wrong YEH KHULA AASMAN http://kartikr.blogspot.com/2012/05/yeh-khula-aasman.html
vikramgupta70: Watched Yeh Khula Aasmaan. Raghubir Yadav has done an exceptional job.

Ye Khula Aasman - Movie Details

Official Sites: Website Facebook Twitter YouTube
Banner: Gitanjali Creations
Producer: Hemendra Aran
Director: Gitanjali Sinha
Lead Cast: Raghuvir Yadav, Raj Tondon
Supporting Cast: Nitin Kerur, Aditya Siddhu, Gulshan Pandey, Yashpal Sharma, Anya Anand, Manjusha Godse, Kishore Nandlaskar
Story: Gitanjali Sinha
Screenplay: Samarth Lahiri, Gitanjali Sinha
Dialogues: Ravi Chopra
Cinematography: Vivek Shah
Editor: Kaustubh Chitnis
Background Score: Anand Chitragupth, Milind Chitragupth
Music Director: Anand Chitragupth, Milind Chitragupth
Lyrics: Ravi Chopra
Art Direction: Ajit Dandekar
Facebook Page: Link
Running time: 95 minutes
Reviewer: meetu
Categories: Hindi Movies
Genres: Family, Relationships, Social

Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza - Review

Pradeep Menon — Mon, 28 May 2012 16:26:33 +0530

wogma rating: Even the keen, wait for DVD ^(?)

Review

In a film, if there is anything that grates more than the fact that the lead actor can’t act to save his or her life, it is over-the-top, shameless in-film branding. Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza, directed by Gautam Joglekar, unfortunately has both these problems. So, despite a story that had reasonable potential, Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza is little more than a waste of one’s time. What you’ll walk away with after this film are Fair & Lovely, Amanora, Sanjay Ghodawat Group, Volkswagen, Shamrao Vitthal Bank and then some.

Ashwini Stevenson (played by Anusha Dandekar) is the world’s number one female tennis player. Adopted from an orphanage in Pune when she was still an infant, she was brought up by her American adoptive mother, Gail Stevenson. Meanwhile, Dilip & Amruta Rege are a happily married couple who are still romantic at heart even after 25 years of marriage. Their paths collide when it comes forth that Ashwini’s and Amruta’s pasts are intricately linked.

Mahesh Manjrekar and Mrunal Kulkarni, who play the Reges, are easily the best things about the film. Manjrekar’s character, in particular, will be universally appreciated because of the way it is written and the calm manner in which Manjrekar essays the part. Also lending a decent supporting hand are Siddharth Chandekar (who plays their son) and Hemant Dhome, who plays a charming bumpkin from Kolhapur.

But no amount of decent acting from the others can take away from the lack or excess of it on the part of Anusha Dandekar. On the surface, she seems perfect for the part of a Marathi girl brought up as an American. But her character seems like it was developed out of screenwriting sessions held purely by five-year olds. Add to that the fact that Anusha’s dialogue delivery is extremely weak, be it in English or Marathi. The result is that watching her on screen in this film is a cumbersome task, one that you just cannot wait to get over with. Embarrassing guest appearances by Aditi Govitrikar and Karishma Shah do nothing to help the film’s cause.

Attempting to shoot the film in vibrant colours, the makers of the film succeed in making the film look fresh. However, like so many films in the past, it is easy to tell which shots were shot with a DSLR. Also, there are often times when it looks like the cinematographer is trying too hard, particularly during some close up shots of faces.

The inconsistent writing is another serious flaw in the film. The romantic track between Anusha Dandekar and Hemant Dhome is highly implausible and is poorly developed. There is also a moralistic sidetrack about the ills of sensationalist journalism today, which seems almost incongruent with the manner in which brands are plugged throughout the film.

Which brings me back to that which will trouble the audience the most. How is one supposed to take a song tribute to Pune seriously, when the name and number of a cab agency is thrust in front of your face every few minutes? How do you identify with a character when you have the Fair & Lovely signature tune playing whenever she pauses to catch a breath? How is the audience supposed to get involved with the characters, when they pause to extoll the virtues of a group that is involved in construction, which also happens to be the producer of film?

Cinema is a powerful medium, one that was always going to fall prey to excessive commercial misuse. But Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza takes it to dizzying new levels of shamelessness. For that reason alone, the makers of the film need to learn a lesson in not taking the audience for granted. Jai Jai Maharashtra is watchable, but avoiding it will do no one any harm at all.

Parental Guidance:

Violence: A little bit of violence towards a pregnant woman, slaps and the likes.
Language: Clean
Nudity & Sexual content: None.
Concept: An adopted child comes face to face with the demons of her past.
General Look and Feel: Bright and cheerful.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction: 2
Story: 2.5
Lead Actors: 3
Character Artists: 2.5

Dialogues: 2.5
Screenplay: 1.5
Music Director: 2
Lyrics: 1.5

Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza - Movie Details

Banner: City Corporation, SGI
Director: Gautam Joglekar
Lead Cast: Hemant Dhome, Anusha Dandekar
Supporting Cast: Karishma Shah, Mahesh Manjrekar, Mrunal Kulkarni, Siddharth Chandekar, Aditi Govitrikar
Screenplay: Gautam Joglekar
Running time: 135 minutes
Reviewer: Pradeep Menon
Categories: Marathi Movie, Regional
Genres: Family, Relationships

Men In Black 3 - Review

Swetha Ramakrishnan — Mon, 28 May 2012 12:20:48 +0530

wogma rating: The keen must watch on screen; else DVD ^(?)

Review

Men in Black 3 has all the reasons to remind you why you loved the first film. It’s revives the same recipe that made Men in Black such a success over a decade ago: many laugh-out-loud moments, roaring chemistry between actors, a nemesis worth his salt and a film that doesn’t solely rely on VFX heavy sequences to define action.

Men in Black 3 is uninhibited, the chemistry between Jones and Smith is crackling and the movie makes you feel nostalgic about the last time you were in the theatre watching the first part. (I’m deliberately excluding the 2nd part of the series; let’s just call that one a derailed attempt.)

This time around, Agent J is sent back in time to 1969 to prevent their nemesis Boris the Animal, (crazy and convincing alien performance by Jemaine Clement) from killing Agent K. This task lies at the fundamental of restoring the agency’s security, which is now headed by Agent O (Emma Thompson). This leap back in time involves Smith jumping from a 40-storied bulding in New York, and don’t we all just love that? Well, that was just the beginning.

The next few hours of the film will have you duly entertained, not majorly because of a hooking plot but the growing relationship between Agent J and a younger Agent K (played by Josh Brolin). Brolin as a younger K is absolutely bang-on with his mannerisms and you find yourself wondering in awe if he was ever a choice for the original role of Agent K. Smith is his usual humorous self, and their growing friendship plays out as a backdrop to the dire need to save K from a snarling and menacing Borris.

Back in the 60s, you find yourself convinced that a time-leap has been made. The set, costumes and characteristics are infact, very 60s. Unlike the first film however, where the charm lay in its unpredictable humour that caught you off-guard, Men in Black 3 possesses a subtle version of that same humour. You do find yourself being engrossed with the happenings, mostly by the contrasts between the two characters (Brolin is serious and unaware, and Smith is constantly jabbering), but you do find yourself always hoping for more, for the plot/characters/action to jump that extra mile. Which they don't.

Much like the first film, you are rewarded with action-packed fight sequences and the right amount of special effects, although the 3D seemed a bit forceful and could be done away with. Men in Black 3 is a must watch for those of you loved the first film – its a rightful journey of nostalgia. For those of you who haven’t followed the series – watch the film for Will Smith, who’s always a stellar performer, and for a reminder of how fantasy films were made in the 90s.

This article is by guest author Swetha Ramakrishnan. Swetha Ramakrishnan is currently living and working in Mumbai. She's a self-confessed film enthusiast and can most likely be found talking to anyone and everyone about popular cinema and her love for SRK. Swetha Ramakrishnan also blogs at http://swetharamakrishnan.blogspot.com/.

Parental Guidance:

Violence: Lot’s of action sequences but no blood-bath
Language: Mostly wise-cracks and one-liners
Nudity & Sexual content: None
Concept: Agent J saves the Agency and Earth from a menacing alien, Borris the Animal
General Look and Feel: Not an overdose of CG and VFX, but a good mix of action and performances

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction: 3.5
Story: 3.5
Lead Actors: 4
Character Artists: 4

Dialogues: 4
Screenplay: 3.5
Music Director: 3.5
Lyrics:

Men In Black 3 - Movie Details

Official Sites: Website Facebook YouTube
Banner: Amblin Entertainment, Hemisphere Media Capital, Media Magik Entertainment, Parks/MacDonald Productions
Producer: Laurie MacDonald, Walter F Parkes
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Lead Cast: Will Smith, Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones
Supporting Cast: Jemaine Clement, Emma Thompson
Story: Based on comic by Lowell Cunningham
Screenplay: Jeff Nathanson, Michael Soccio, Etan Cohen, David Koepp
Cinematography: Bill Pope
Editor: Don Zimmerman, Wayne Wahrman
Music Director: Danny Elfman
Costume Designer: Mary E Vogt
Facebook Page: Link
Running time: 106 minutes
Reviewer: Swetha Ramakrishnan
Categories: Hollywood
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Sci-fi

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