My Take On HAPPY NEW YEAR - 'Long, Flawed But Full On Entertainment Guaranteed'

Farah Khan who has previously given us endearing amusement in films like MAIN HOON NAA & OM SHANTI OM, once again with HAPPY NEW YEAR has applied the same formula of imparting entertainment to the viewers. But has she done justice this time? And the answer is - Yes she has. Happy New Year is a lavish colorful heist drama whose plot is based on revenge. It has all the ingredients of mad fun, stylish actions, grandeur locations, stunning cinematography, hummable songs, stellar ensemble and a mesmerizing climax that's bound to win hearts. And Farah has the command over all this, she competently keeps your interest intact even though the film is dragged in some parts post interval. The duration of almost 3 hours is not required to be honest. It dents the movie somehow. It has script problems. The screenplay unnecessarily adds some bland scenes that could have easily been chopped off. But all such drawbacks aside, Happy New Year is fun to watch as the cast constantly amuses and that's what we expect from this genre of movie. SRK being the captain of his Indiawaale gang is at his energetic best. His physique wows, his screen presence sets up fire, his acting in both joyous n sorrowful moments makes you both laugh n sob. In short, he is just fantastic. Similarly Abhishek Bachchan stands out. He has always done well in comedies. And once again he puts up an elegant show. I laughed on and on in that scene where he strips his clothes to unscrew a panel in the wall while executing the heist. Deepika too impresses with a sweet and effective performance. She makes her presence felt. Boman Irani shines as much. Sonu Sood is okay. Young Vivaan has nothing much to do. Jackie Shroff is fine as the antagonist. Cameos by Vishal Dadlani & Anurag Kashyap are damn funny. Anupam Kher has a nice emotional appearance. Music by Vishal-Shekher is pretty good. Indiawaale, Satakli & Manwa Laage are the winning tracks while Lovely & Dance Like A Chhamiya enthrall. And that finale HNY mashup rocks the most and deserves standing ovation.
Thus overall, Happy New Year is a spectacular looking grand entertainer that despite loopholes and 3 hours long gives you entertainment entertainment and entertainment. That's Guaranteed!

My Rating - 4/5

Watch it to have a pleasant time and a smile on your face is certain!

My Take On BANG BANG - 'All Style And No Substance'

Bang Bang directed by Siddharth Anand is like those action flicks which are high on style, locales, action & stunts but hardly offer any logic. Its snazzy no doubt but the tepid script which is inspired from the average Hollywood movie Knight And Day never engages you rather it unnecessarily drags on and on. Particularly the 1st half struggles to provide any sort of fun or excitement. The romantic angle between Hrithik-Katrina doesn't work except for a scene or two and for that director Anand is to be blamed. Also the film lacks in thrilling, there is no edge of the seat moment which should be there in a quality action movie. If anything clicks here, its the amazingly done action & stunt sequences that match up to the western level. Again, it is very well shot and both the leads look ravishing and awesome on screen together. Hrithik shines through out courtesy his impeccable charm and Greek God persona. He does everything right to cover up the film's flaws. But i can't say the same about Katrina. She looks stunning as always but that's what she adds mostly to her every film, i.e, the glamour factor. Nothing to speak about her acting once again. Danny's character doesn't give him any scope to leave a lasting impression. Pawan Malhotra is fine. Music by Vishal-Sheikher is cool and hummable. But direction is too sloppy and amateurish. It fails to make the movie an elegant action thriller. The duration of two and half hours doesn't help in the film's cause either.
Thus in the end, Bang Bang is a moderate entertainer at best. But from the expectations one had and the standard of films Hrithik has done in past, this one disappoints.
May be for Hrithik fans, it will be a good watch! Still i am sure they would find Krrish and Dhoom way better than this forgettable venture.

My Rating - 2.5/5

Watch it if u want to... but don't expect much!!!

My Take On HAIDER - 'Dark, Robust, Moving & Impactful, A Real Gem Of An Experience'

Vishal Bhardwaj makes movies that show reality of some serious issues like politics, terrorism which are related to human conflicts but ultimately spreads a very healthy message to his viewers. In Haider, the plot is based in Kashmir and the tragic reality of this beautiful heavenly place is shown quite finely. During mid 90s, what happened to most of the inhabitants of Kashmir. They were tagged as militants, faced torture and many were killed by our armed forces, some went disappear too. Now this subject is quite risky as some political parties and some section of Indian army may stand against the movie. But i don't wanna give any opinion on that as i believe a movie should be judged on how good or bad it is technically and no other factors should come out of it. And to be frank Haider doesn't insult or hurt anyone's sentiments not atleast deliberately. It just reflects the genuine picture of Kashmir on celluloid. However, its an adaptation of William Shakespeare's famous play Hamlet. Vishal Bhardwaj is a master in giving Indian touch to Shakespeare dramas and the best thing is that he creates them so effectively that they look effortlessly authentic. Earlier he gave us gems like Maqbool & Omkara and this time he has done full justice with Haider as expected. The marvelous content speaks for itself. And here so many things work big time. The narrative, the screenplay, the amazing dialogues, the superb ensemble acts, the stunning cinematography, the soulful music plus back ground score and above all, the terrific and twisting climax that is spellbinding! Like i said, all the actors are in brilliant form here. Shahid as Haider is magnificently unbelievable. He owns the part perfectly and delivers each line and scene with super panache. Watch out his terrific expressions in the heart wrenching climax or when he embarrasses K.K Menon in the excellent Bismil song or when he shares Chutzpah with the local inhabitants while expressing monologue. This is definitely his best act to date even surpassing his previous best in Kaminey. Take A Bow Shahid! You will surely win many awards for Haider. Tabu meanwhile, is another highpoint of the film. She is so awesome in her portrayal of Ghazala, Haider's mother, that you will stand up and applaud. She is a complete revelation. Shraddha has finally got an acting oriented role and she passes in pulling it off. K.K Menon shines as the evil Khurram. He displays cunningness with utmost perfection. Among other side performers, Narendra Jha impresses and so does Kulbhusan Kharbandha in brief parts, Two Salmans(Haider's friends who are die hard Salman Khan Fans) amuse. And of course, Irrfan Khan in a special appearance, proves why he is one of our finest actors. His entry is crackling and character even though small yet so much relevant. He rocks as always! Speaking of Bhardwaj's music, its spectacular and heart touching. Bismil is intense, Aao Na is powerful, Jhelum is painful while Gulo Mein Rang Bhare melts your heart. Credit to Gulzaar Saab for penning all this meaningful tracks and all the singers who have sung them so well. The only problem Haider has is that its a bit lengthy. It could have been chopped off by 10-15 mins but that hardly matters when the film itself is solid and significant.

Thus overall, Vishal Bhardwaj along with his co-writer Basharat Peer has made a strong revenge drama, narrated the Kashmir story with pure brilliance and rooted for peace eventually. And so Haider is a must watch artistic experience. Exceptionally enacted, wonderfully shot, it has all the elements to be tagged as one of the superlative cinemas of our times. Another Vishal Bhardwaj Cult Movie. Another Masterpiece!

My Rating - 4.5 / 5

Don't miss it at all. Its an unforgettable gem!!! Its stays and connects with you.