Rashomon : by Akira Kurosawa

Akira Kurosawa is considered to be one of the most revered filmmakers of all-time , 1950 flick , Rashomon is one such treasure.

The film revolves around an apparent murder and rape of a woman as narrated by 4 different witnesses which includes

-'the woman' ,

-'the bandit' ,

- 'the dead samurai' ,

- 'the woodcutter'.

The stories are mutually contradicting and is left for the audience to determine which one is infallible.

The woodcutter on a rainy day begins recounting the accounts of the witnesses , its a flashback within flashback.

All 4 stories seem plausible and at the end , I was bemused & benumbed from every possible argument stated by the three act tragedy!

Akira , the director brings to light the morality in today's milieu in the end credits and makes me sit up to the expression

'It's a selfish selfish world we live in' ....

The performances by the actors is exemplary in each version & you don't feel disconnected from the characterization in the face of Japanese turf.

The technical aspects leaves you spellbound for instance :

• Symbolic Lighting Usage
• Multiple Camera Angles
• Contrasting Shots

This film is one of many ... Take a bow to a masterclass 'technician' !

Rating : 5.0 / 5.0

All The Best : Fun Begins : by Rohit Shetty

Rohit Shetty's 'Golmaal' series started with a bang and then fizzled out in between , here he is now with a fresh quintet....

All the Best is yet another wacky comic ride which promises super fun-filled moments.

The story revolves around two friends played by Ajay and Fardeen and their respective love interests. Fardeen plays a spendthrift younger sibling to Sanjay Dutt.

In need of some quick money , the two friends decide to participate in a car race and in return have huge bets placed on themselves by the Leader of the Goons: 'Topu' played by Johhny Lever.

Vir (Fardeen) and Prem (Ajay) fall flat in their plans , the point where Sanjay Dutt enters , the plot becomes a gamut of mistaken identities and comedy of errors.

The plots & the sub-plots had me in splits after a long long time , the chemistry between Sanjay Dutt & Ajay Devgun is exemplary.

Few Stomach Aching , Guffaw moments :

1. Topu's unique style of communication ,

Johnny Lever is back with a bang!!

2. Prem's hilarious altercations with Dharam ( Sanjay)

3. Pre-Interval entry of Mughda Godse

to take the confusion to heights!!

4. The bullet driven climax takes the cherry on top :)

The noteworthy performances are from the veterans Sanjay Dutt and Johhny Lever.

The leading ladies have supporting roles only. The supporting cast does a tremendous favor in keeping the audience in splits special mention : Yesteryear Pran's caricature and the South Indian maid.

Music is passe' , punches are outstanding ...

Rohit has caught the pulse this Diwali .... Mad Mad Comedy :)

Rating : 4.0 / 5.0

Wake Up Sid - by Ayan Mukerji

Wake up Sid is a coming of age cinema to the core & coming from Kjo's den is huge surprise...

Its a sweet simple story of a boy growing up as he experiences....

Ranbir plays Sid who is a pampered kid whose world revolves around all masti n fun which includes , bunking classes , video games , eating pizza and what not.

The film primarily has milieu revolving around Sid finding his feet in today's times , his relationships with his parents , friends , pals and supposedly girlfriend too.

Konkana plays an alter ego to Sid , an independent self -motivating girl seeking her dreams in the city of Mumbai.

Wake up Sid has no item songs , no gigantic ensemble of actors , no humongous sets , and it strikes a cord instantly.

The chemistry between the lead pair is fresh and Konkana is a tad ahead of Ranbir as it should be because of her experience.

The film's music is also path-breaking in ways of new sound by S-E-L trio.....

But one track that makes feel romantic again n again is :

'Iktara' by Amit Trivedi
( Dev D & Aamir fame)

On the whole the screenplay makes the film worth in gold and with young turks like Ayan ,

Bollywood is in safe hands...

Rating : 4.0 / 5.0

Do Knot Disturb : by David Dhawan

Do Knot Disturb ....

Some disturbing facts :

1. 'Taken for Granted Cinema'

2. Govinda in a female voice ... Ughhh

3. Sohail Khan as a hyper boyfriend ... Ughhhhh

4. Urgent need of VLCC sessions for Miss Sushmita

5. Skin Show by Lara - Hamming all the way.

6. Ritesh - saving grace of a sinking ship.

7. Ranvir Shorey - Bheja Fry is what he needs.

8. David Dhawan's Midas touch is fading.

9. Stay away even if your life is on mortgage ....

Rating : 1.0/5.0