Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara : by Zoya Akhtar

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is the second film from the ever so talented Zoya Akhtar who proved her worth in Luck by Chance.

It is a story about a bachelor trip planned by Imran (Farhan Akhtar) in celebration of his close friend Kabir (Abhay Deol) getting married soon.

The trio is complete with Arjun (Hrithik) and they set off to Spain for an adventure of a lifetime!

The ensemble cast also includes Katrina Kaif who plays a diving instructor in the film. There is Kalki Koechlin who plays Kabir' fiance.


Spain , truly a beautiful spectacle , captured magnificently by the cinematographer , Carlos Catalan.

The anecdotes from Farhan Akhtar had me in splits , the restraint and composure from Hrithik gave me goosebumps , the loyalty and indecisiveness of Abhay had me tense.

This is what makes ZNMD special , because the characters are so real and the audience is able to identify with each of them.

The friends take on the adventure sports chosen by the other one after another. The interval had tinge of masala when Kalki lands up in Spain to check on her hubby!

Notable Sequences:

1. Sky Diving gave me goosebumps
2. Bull Race at the climax was thrilling
3. Deep Sea Diving had me in fantasy world
4. The road trip chit chat , fights , humour & BAGWATI!
5. Japanese client conference & the  pink phone gift to Hrithik!
6. Gamesmanship between Farhan & Hrithik
7.Cameo by Naseer saab reinforces my belief of him being the greatest character artists in India

One of the high points of the film are the wonderful words of wisdom in the form of poems which have been seamlessly connected with the screenplay.

Farhan's voice over gives an utmost justice Javed Saab's expression!
Dialogues written by Farhan are magical!
Direction by Zoya with heart warming nuances took my breath away!

Akhtar clan is truly madly deeply talented!

Bollywood's Bucket of Life!  .. Go for it , take the bull by its horns!

Rating : 4.0 / 5.0

Groundhog Day : by Harold Ramis

Groundhog Day came in 1993 starring Bill Murray and Andie Macdowell.

It is a very significant story and is revered for being a socially and aesthetically important in today's times.

Phil Connors ( Bill ) is vainglorious Pittsburg TV weatherman who hates covering the annually held Groundhog Day festival in Punxsutawney.

He reaches there with his colleagues Rita and Larry to cover the event for the third year running.

February 2nd , the Groundhog Day , passes by and the next morning , Phil finds himself reliving the same day!

The time loop causes Phil to be confused at first and when it happens the following day , he tries to make the most of it in the negative sense.

He robs a bank with perfect timing , woo girls , drives heedlessly..

Eventually he becomes dispirited and desperate to finish the time loop at all cost even if it means attempting suicide in all possible ways.

Rita becomes his confidante and breaths new lease of life. Phil decides to use the curse in a efficacious way.

He uses his knowledge of the previous day events to help the neighbourhood , learn and rejuvenate himself.

This film is one heck of comic ride , thanks to Bill Murray's effortless humour timing!

It is also considered to be an important tale of virtue , self improvement & the power of giving..

Groundhog Day is easily one of the top 30 funny films of all time .. Have a good laugh!

Rating : 4.0/5.0

Requiem for a Dream : by Darren Aronofsky

Touted as one of the most disturbing and dangerous films of all time , I was intrigued to watch 'Requime for a Dream'

Darren has been an acclaimed director in Hollywood with movies like the Wrestler(2009) and the Black Swan (2010) to his credit.

Requiem' was his early work and it simply blows your mind with the maze of drug addiction ,sex and pinnacle of delusion.

Requiem for a Dream spans through seasons depicting 4 characters who are completely destroyed by into self-figmentation and fool's paradise.

The premise of the film is disturbing with scenes depicting pangs of desperation.

** Sara Goldfarb wants to be on television for a show and is so obsessed to be in shape , gives rein to slimming drugs.

** Harry , son of Sara , is a heroin addict , who with his friends Tyrone and Marion deals in drug trade illegaly.

** Marion is obsessed in love and drugs and go to any length to quench her anxiety.

** Tyrone is involved in drug gang and wants to make her mother proud.

Reel by reel , the anguish to attain depressant & drugs , results in hooking for more....


Darren is an exceptional talent and he uses a unique film making technique of rapid cuts , showcasing protagonists transition from reality to intoxication.

The final moments leave you with a sinking feeling caught in a whirlpool of addiction  .. No escapade!

Rating : 4.5/5.0

Udaan : by Vikramaditya Motwane

Udaan , a film I was longing to see since its release. The world was going ga-ga over Inception from Nolan , and a movie in our den was getting critical acclaim but no box office luck.

Udaan , a film of chasing your dreams and living each day to attain it.

Udaan is about a 17 year old Rohan who is expelled from his boarding school , caught red-handed by the warden watching sleaze in a theater outside the campus.

Udaan is about a strict & abusive father played by Ronit Roy who lives with a six year old boy , the half brother of Rohan.

Udaan is about the bonding between the 2 siblings and the cocoon created by their father , trapping them under his vigilance , his rules and his unfair ideals.

Udaan & its screenplay genius ...

• Rohan's plight on leaving the boarding school and missing his friends on the way back to his home.
• Father's indifference and anger on his son's notorious actions , quashing his 'to be a writer' ambitions.
• Rohan's outburst towards his father at his uncle's place.
• The undercurrent between Arjun and Rohan and their initial non-comfort.
• Face off between the father and son on his low engineering grades.
• Hospital sequences , where in Rohan impresses all with his writings
• An apology from the father and his unapologetic instructions to Rohan & Arjun.
• The early morning juggernaut , & its climatic photo finish.

and ... much much more ...

Udaan is simplistic cinema at its best with so much soul into the script , provin it yet again , writing is key to a film.

Udaan has seen the rising of Motwani , the talented director and Rajat Barmecha , the expressive young actor

Udaan , the Best Hindi Flick of 2010. Period.


Rating : 4.5/5.0

No One Killed Jessica : by Rajkumar Gupta

No One Killed Jessica is the real life account of the famous Jessica Lal case which saw closure April 2010 , after 11 years of unrelenting trial for Jessica's family.

The script is written by Rajkumar Gupta , critically acclaimed director of the film 'Aamir' , which he claims is partly facts partly fiction.

The year is 1999 , Jessica is bar tending at an elite Delhi party , where Manu Sharma , son of a Congress politician shots her dead on refusal to serve drinks.

Sabrina Lal played by a restraint Vidya Balan is all & shattered. She supports her family and sees herself in the web of dirty politics and power game.

On the flip side , Meera , feisty news reporter played chirpily by Rani Mukherjee , is least interested in the open & shut case and takes the end result for granted.

Manu is acquitted in 2006 , Sabrina is devastated , Meera has her foot in the mouth at justice being denied!

NDTV reporter takes the pledge to bring in support from the nation on the shocking verdict , leading to the reopening of the case. Intense public & media pressure lead to the subsequent life imprisonment of Manu.

It is a story of perseverance and faith in justice , proving the saying Good prevails over Evil.

Acting skills are on a display , leading the way are the two female actors , Rani and Vidya , both are laudable.

Rani is on a comeback trail and how , with a hard hitting performance. Vidya has scored a hatrick post Paa & Ishqiya. She plays Sabrina with lot of grit and vulnerability at the same time.

Music from Amit Trivedi is pleasing with the right mix of soothing number like Dua to head banging Dilli! .. He surprises us with every film from Dev D to Aisha.

No One Killed Jessica is an emotional roller coaster ride which gives a sense of triumph! ..

Worth a Watch!

Rating : 3.5/5.0

Guzaarish : by Sanjay Leela Bhansali

 

Guzaarish , is a story set in Goa about a quadriplegia , Ethan Mascarenhas , one of the finest magicians of the time.

 The protagonist played by Hrithik Roshan , has dealt with his injury with great spirit and a will to live. He has his own radio show where the message of hope is shared with one and all.

Aishwarya plays Sophia , Ethan's caretaker for past 12 years , who with utmost dignity has been his shadow.

Ethan and Sophia share an inseparable unspoken love which is indeed beautiful and lively.

One fine day , Ethan urges to file a petition for euthanasia. His doctor Dr. Nayak, played ably by Suhel Seth and  lawyer friend Divyani played by Shernaz Patel are taken aback by his decision.

There in lies the crux of the plot where his sufferings and pain surrounding his paralyzed life is bought to light.

He shares a unique bond with each character which has been beautifully crafted around the magician's life.

Doctor : A human whose profession is to give life to people.

Lawyer  : A Friend and a well-wisher , who has seen the adversity of Ethan.

Nurse : A dignified worker , who has dedicated all her life towards the betterment of Ethan.

Mother : Heart wrenching emotions of a mother who wants to set her son free.

Lover : Sacrificial love of his muse and assistant

Disciple :  A Young , vibrant student of his idol's craft.

The film from the repertoire of Mr. Bhansali is extraordinary in the sense of trademark Anglo-Indian setup with artistic sets and high-emotional moments straight from the heart.

Screenplay moves along nicely with sweet moments intermingled with poignant scenes which connect with the plight of Ethan.

Mr Bhansali has composed his own music this time around, and what a splendid debut it is indeed.

Udi , Sau Gram Zindagi , Dhundli Dhundli , Chand ki Katori are mesmerizing!

Performances,  exemplary by Aishwarya , epitome of grace , poise and dignity!

Hrithik's best , his magical innocence and his pain juxtaposes!

Absolutely crackling bond between the two , tacit romance at its best.

Supporting cast gets a thumbs up and special mention goes to Aditya Roy Kapoor as the one of the upcoming actors to watch out for in the future!

I have a lump in my throat writing this and was teary eyed at the end of it all :(

A powerful film with a message which is heart felt to the extremity!

Rating : 4.5/5.0

To Kill a Mockingbird : by Robert Mulligan

To Kill A Mockingbird has been regarded as a classic of modern American literature and a Pulitzer prize winner.

Having an adapted screenplay written on it for celluloid must have been a challenging process , since the cine goer must be enthralled to the same degree as the book.

1962 , Drama film adaption is indeed a classic and touted as one of he finest in American cinema.

To begin with , the storyline is set in an era of 1930's where prejudice and racism exists in a small town of Alabama & Great Depression is prevalent.

The unique part of the screenplay is its narrative which is crafted through the eyes of 3 characters and told from a little girls point of view.

The 3 main role plays :  

• Atticus Finch  ,the lawyer and a father to two kids , played brilliantly by Gregory Peck
• 'Scout' Finch , the 6 year old school going kid.
• 'Jem' Finch , the older brother of Scout.

The movie in its initial reels talks about the innocence of the children and their experiences in the neighbourhood. They are in awe of the reclusive neighbour 'Boo Radley'  played by debutant Robert Duvall.

Atticus meanwhile is appointed to defend a black man , accused in a rape case. Tagged as 'nigger lovers' , the kids are humiliated at school.

The storyline tempo picks up in the latter half , & the culmination gives you a sense of self-realization , a thought provoking kick!

Gregory Peck is exceptional as Finch , the supporting cast is at par , and the acting of the kids is superlative!

To Kill a Mockingbird is truly a master piece and perfect adaption to the tome

Rating : 4.5/5.0

Gran Torino : by Clint Eastwood

 

Gran Torino is 2008 , drama film from Clint Eastwood's school of film making.

It  marks the return of Eastwood to acting after his much acclaimed Million Dollar Baby!

The movie follows the life of a World War veteran Walt Kowalski who is disaffected from his family and is angry at the world around him.

One fine day , a young Hmong (an Asian ethnic group) named Thao tries to steal Walt's cherished 1972 Ford Gran Torino under the influence of his gang of cousins.

Henceforth , starts a bond between the kid and the grumpy , recluse old man.

Clint Eastwood plays Walt to perfection with the audience relating to his rants and complaints.

Everything around him is just not perfect be it his relationship with his son and his wife to the neighbourhood.

The Hmong family gives him a new lease of purpose and he takes up the task of reforming Thao.

The screenplay is original as it can be and immediately connects with the cine goer.

The humour is in the right place and keeps the film moving along till the poignant final.

It is indeed sad to know that Clint decided to call quits to acting after this film.

His body of work will always be enshrined.

And "Gran Torino" is indeed one of his prized possessions!

Rating : 4.0/5.0

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

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

New York : by Kabir Khan

New York is a sensitive portrayal of the lives of Asian community post 9/11 in the big apple and director Kabir Khan gets the due credit for it.

Story begins with the interrogation scenes between Neil and Irffan Khan (reprising his role as a cop a la' Slumdog , please don't typecast you self .. it would be a waste of talent ! )

The tet-e-tet between the two leads the audience into a flash back when Neil joins the NYSU as a graduate student.

The first half has its moments like the Chess Match between John and Neil , the Junoon song and Neil breaking down upon heartbreak.

The last half an hour before the break , brings the real drama into the flick with Irffan's motives come to fore , and Neil's predicament.

The post-interval gives you the insight into the plight of the Muslims post 9/11 and John just takes the cake with big big cherry on top... he has come of age ...

Neil playing Omar has done a remarkable job and I have been a fan since Johhny Gaddar.

Climax , gives you a feel of a Hollywood production , with superlative edge-of-the-seat execution.

All in all , Kabir Khan brings out a great storyline , churning incredible performances and perfect message.

Rating : 3.0 /5.0

Special Mention : Awesome Cinematography blew me away , New York never seen before.

A Wednesday : by Neeraj Pandey

A Wednesday is a film which creates a furor jolting the audiences .

The film starts off with an anonymous caller played by Naseer tipping the Mumbai Police Commissioner played by Anupam Kher.

The Mumbai police is in panic-mode in search of the potential bombs waiting to be triggered all over the city. The hunt is on to nab the caller at all costs .

It is a race against time , where in the time-window is small and the impact is huge . Naseer demands for the release of 4 terrorists in lieu of information of the RDX whereabouts.

A Wednesday is a tip of the iceberg film with a thought provoking epistle in the end credits .

The milieu of the movie is intact from start to culmination , Neeraj , the director deserves to be applauded.

In context of  the  " present-day"  , A Wednesday will go a long way in making our own place a better place to  live in ---   'WITHOUT FEAR'   ---

Rating :  4.5/5.0

 P.S.  -   Naseer's soliloquy  ,  blew me  , than the impact of the shells!!

Aamir : by Rajkumar Gupta

There are certain films which have made a significant impact on celluloid in past few years ....

AAMIR ..

is simply extra-ordinaire ... !!!

The film is about a simple man by the name of Aamir , a professional who has just returned from UK and landed in Mumbai City.

As soon as he steps into the city of dreams , his nightmare begins!!!

The film delves into the living environ of the Muslims in a country of diversity such as India , not giving enough to this minority post-independence.

The protagonist Aamir played by Rajeev Khandelwaal ( a la ' Telly Actor 'Kahin To Hoga') is caught in this maze of events where he is helpless to come out of it.

Rajeev will give a lot of film-fraternity-young- kids -on- the- block-run-for-their-money-many-many-years-to-come ... EXCEPTIONAL TALENT!!

Eye-Openers :

• Sequences post-landing of Aamir at the Mumbai Airport.
• Shabby , Dismal , Dingy Locales of Muslim Inhabited Areas.
• Turn - of - Events in the second half.
• Climax is simply mouth- gaping - what - happens- next - mode.

Thumps Up to the first-timer Rajkumar for this superlative effort ..

RATING : 4.0/5.0

Hotel Rwanda : by Terry George

Hotel Rwanda is yet another movie which highlights the dark hours of an African Nation.

The movie is based on true to life events of mass killings which occured in Rwanda in 1994 , where milllions died due to hatred amongst two sections of the African Tribals ....... Hutus and Tutsi!!

The film is about a Hotel Manager taking upon himself to shelter the helpless Tutsi people who are the primary targets in this bloodshed.

Hotel Rwanda is a very realistic film giving insight into the state of an African Nation ( a la' Last King of Scotland ) ... the ghastly act of killings has been depicted in a very never seen before mode!! ... may cause the cinegoer to switch the film off ... ( not for the faint- hearted)

The manner in which , beating the odds , Paul Rusesabagina , saves many tutsi lives in a crisis civil war scenario makes me stand up and applaud the man .

The performances are exemplary in particular Don Cheadle playing Paul Rusesabagina .

These true life events pictured in the movie gives us hope that there is SPACE FOR EVERYONE IN THIS WORLD...

Rating : 4.0/5.0

Dor : by Nagesh Kukunoor

Dor is one of the finest stories to be painted on a film canvas.

It is a story of two women coming from different

cultures poles apart in terms of dialect,customs,

traditions,outlook towards life , ideals yet with one common thread in their lives!!

Gul Panag follows the pradigm of listening to your heart rather than the head , going to any extent to save her beloved from exile.

Ayesha Takia (Meera) , a sweet and charming rajashthani wife , full of life and vigour.

Events churns the lives of both women , one having determination in her veins and the notion of living life on her own terms and the other a caged bird craving to spread her wings , uncertainity in her head.

Shreyas Talpade acts as an impostor in the film aka Behroopiya, extending his help to Zeenat ( Gul ) in her search. He is one of the high points of the film giving mimicry artists a run for their money!!!

The storyline is captivating yet slow in parts , music is very much folk to be precise. The final reels are what you expect from a sensitive director like Nagesh.

He is one of the finest story-teller , touching hearts of millions by this poignant fable.

Rating : 4.5/5.0

Taare Zameen Par : by Aamir Khan

देखो इन्हें यह है ओस की बूँदें ,
पंत्तों कि गोद में आसमान से कूदें ,
अन्गादाई ले फिर करवट बदल के,
नाज़ुक से मोती हँस दे फिसल कर,

खो ना जाये यह,
तारे ज़मीन पर.............

Aamir Khan's directorial debut , makes me feel privilaged to be writing this post and applauding the man for his sincerity in handling the subject with such aplomb.

Darsheel Saraf plays Ishan Awasthi , an 8 year old kid carrying the aspirations n' expectations of his family , inspite of his disorder of deciphering the alphabets in his school notebook - aka 'Dyslexia' .

Taare Zameen Par delves into the psyche of a kid who is caught in the whirlpool of learning , competing and excel in today's competitive race.

Darsheel has potrayed this character with such conviction never seen before in a child artist let alone the stalwarts.

Moments worth mentioning :

• Ishan's imagination going wild to solve a simple mathematics test question .. it has been explained with intricate details of what's going on in the kid's head.


• Ishaan's forced admission into a boarding school , the emotional upheaval is shot brilliantly.


• Introduction of the temporary Art Teacher played splendidly by Aamir.


• Father's self-pity for not showering enough love to his kid.


• The penultimate reels reach emotional crescendo , having me moist - eyed !!

The music of the film gels with the script beautifully making it journey rather a reel drama ,credited to Shankar Ehsaan and Loy.

Darsheel is a powerhouse of a performer , his expressions do most of the talking in the film , deserves an ovation .

This is the film after a long long time , has made me cry to the hilt ...... ( Sadma was the last one)

Mr. Aamir ... its reverbrating ..... the APPLAUSE

Rating : 5.0/5.0

Pursuit of Happyness : by Gabriele Muccino

Pursuit of Happyness brings in hope and aspiration "things will turn out best"

'Do your job , Try to the fullest , Make a sincere effort' are the three well-defined mantras which make the backdrop of the movie.

Will-Smith plays a happy chappy making a full-strength effort to support his family ( a 4 year old kid and his wife played by Thandie Newton) .

The narration of the movie is handled with aplomb with first-person account of the different phases in his life

1. Stupid Phase

2. Running Phase

3. Happyness Phase

to name a few......

Based on a true - story of a small town bone-density scanner medical agent (Chris Gardner) , his never-say-die attitude reaping rich rewards of making him a stock broker and eventually opening his own investment firm.

Will Smith excels yet again in an emotional saga bringing happyness and sorrow vicariously for the cinegoer.

Recommended for people with high EQ .. nice sweet watch.

Rating : 4.0/5.0