Saturday, 10 January 2015

Best Of Bollywood 2014 Awards By Me

We saw some various genres of good movies last year. Among them, the ones that deserve awards are as follows :-

1) Best FILM - Tie between QUEEN & HAIDER
2) Best DIRECTOR - Vishal Bhardwaj(HAIDER)
3) Best ACTOR - Shahid Kapoor(HAIDER)
4) Best ACTRESS - Kangana Ranaut(QUEEN)
5) Best Entertaining ACTOR - Aamir Khan(PK)
6) Best Entertaining ACTRESS - Rani Mukherjee (MARDAANI)
7) Best SUPPORTING ACTOR - Irrfan Khan(HAIDER)
8) Best SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Lisa Hayden(QUEEN)
9) Best Entertaining FILM - PK
10) Best Thriller FILM - Tie between MARDAANI & UGLY
11) Best Romantic FILM - HASEE TOH PHASEE
12) Best Action FILM - HOLIDAY
13) Best Stylish FILM - HAPPY NEW YEAR
14) Best JODI - Varun & Alia (HSKD)
15) Best SONG - Indiawaale (HAPPY NEW YEAR)
16) Best SINGER MALE - Arijit Singh (Muskuraane - CITYLIGHTS)
17) Best SINGER FEMALE - Shreya Ghosal (Hangover - KICK)
18) Best LYRICS - Gulzaar (Bismil - HAIDER)
19) Best MUSIC - Vishal Bhardwaj (HAIDER)
20) Best Actor in Negative Role - Tie between Riteish Deshmukh(EK VILLAIN) & KK Menon(HAIDER)
21) Best Actor in Comic Role - Abhishek Bachchan(HAPPY NEW YEAR)
22) Best Debutante Male - Tahir Raj Bhasin(MARDAANI)
23) Best Debutante Female - Patralekha(CITYLIGHTS)
24) Best Debut Director - Vinil Matthew(HASEE TOH PHASEE)
25) Best STORY - UGLY
26) Best SCREENPLAY - QUEEN
27) Best DIALOGUES - HAIDER
28) Best ENSEMBLE - UGLY
29) Best Children Film - HAWAA HAWAAI
30) Best Child Actor - Tie between Partho(HAWAA HAWAAI) & Parth(BHOOTHNATH RETURNS)
31) Best Cinematography - HAIDER
32) Best Choreography - Bismil(HAIDER)
33) Best Special Effects - HAPPY NEW YEAR
34) Best Costume Design - HAPPY NEW YEAR
35) Best Background Score - HAIDER
36) Scene of the Year - Haider's Monologue Act(HAIDER)

So this is my personal choice on movies that should win the abovementioned awards.
Thank you!

Friday, 19 December 2014

My Take On PK - 'Nice Mix Of Heartening Fun And Valuable Content Packed Together'

Let me start by saying that PK made by the great team of 3 Idiots, which is one of the modern day classics, is a pleasing experience. Its fun with substance that has always been Rajkumar Hirani's strength in his films. Here the plot begins with an alien from another planet lands on earth where a thug steals his spaceship remote control thinking that its an expensive object. The alien played by Aamir Khan does unusual stuffs wherever he goes in search of his lost property and ends up meeting Anushka Sharma to whom he shares his story, his experience with various humans and why he is addressed as PK by all. He discovers that its God who can make his wish fulfilled and then how the story makes him go against our so called Godmen who fool innocent public and earn loads of money. This concept of blind belief and over religious sentiments existing in people's mind is very significant but its not new as we have seen similar kind of saga in 2012 Hit movie Oh My God. Post intermission there are several moments that are OMG reminiscent. Yet credit goes to Hirani and his co writer Abhijat Joshi who have made this film full of joy, emotion and damn endearing especially its first half which is terrific. The movie is also gained from stellar performances. Aamir Khan is shining throughout and offers a heartwarming act that you will completely fall for. Anushka Sharma is impressive and has acted with ease. Sanjay Dutt is fantastic as Bhairo Singh. Boman Irani does well too.Saurabh Shukla is really good and Sushant Singh Rajput has a lovely presence. Music of this film is sweet and soothing.
Thus despite loopholes in script and lack of logic in substance, PK is a delightful entertainer that works and makes you feel touched overall. Its not Raju Hirani's best or Aamir's but nevertheless an engaging, appealing piece of cinema.

My Rating - 4/5

A definite watch for all!

Friday, 14 November 2014

My Take On KILL DIL - 'Doesn't Shine Except For A Few Bright Moments'

Kill Dil directed by Shaad Ali carries the potential of being an engaging masala potboiler but fails to justify its genre. It neither succeeds as an action flick nor attracts from its romantic angle. The screenplay suffers from tacky twists n becomes tirelessly predictable. Also it drags mostly in its first half although some portions are laugh worthy. There is nothing new in it to be very honest. The director's competency is tested here and sadly Shaad does not live up to make it compelling. His biggest letdown is the climax that seems abruptly unconvincing. But Kill Dil is not entirely unwatchable. It has its moments that hit the right chord. The bromance between Ranveer Singh & Ali Zafar is delightful. Govinda has some scenes that are both thrilling & entertaining. Performance wise, Ranveer is very good in the film. He is fully energetic, does have a super comic timing, impresses in emotional parts as well. His romantic angle with Parineeti works in a scene or two, otherwise fizzles out. Ali Zafar comes out well too. He connects nicely with Ranveer and gives him the much required support. Parineeti isn't bad but we have seen her doing fabulous roles in past. She is just okay in this male centric drama. Govinda as antagonist surprisingly has nothing much to do. It was expected from the film's trailer that he's gonna steal the show but its not the case here. He is wonderful and expresses both humor and anguish with panache but unfortunately is given an ineffectively irrelevant character. He deserved a better written role. Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy is only decent. Among the numbers, the title track, Bol Beliya and Nakhriley are my picks.
Thus overall, Kill Dil can be seen once for time pass. Then you may not be disappointed completely. In general, it is strictly mediocre that could have been more enjoyable if better made.

My Rating - 2.5/5

Watch it with low expectations!

Friday, 24 October 2014

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!

Sunday, 5 October 2014

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!!!

Saturday, 4 October 2014

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.

Friday, 5 September 2014

My Take On MARY KOM - 'Does Inspire You But Not Satisfying Enough'

A biography on any winning personality should be made appealing so that you can feel the pain, sorrow, struggle, hard work, success & most importantly take the message they convey with you and truly get inspired. Here the life journey of the 5 times boxing world champion plus the Olympic bronze medalist, MC Mary Kom or Magnificent Mary as she is called for her glory has been displayed. We see her childhood first from where she gets passionate about boxing then how she goes against her father's consent of leaving boxing and continues with her goal n ultimately reaching the culmination by becoming India's best women boxer but then, when Mary decides to get hitched to her long time endearing companion how her life changes and how she makes a return to boxing courtesy her hubby's support and cooperation. Now the story is both emotional as well as motivating. It has several riveting moments. The scenes between Mary and her coach are very fine. Also the part with her friend turned husband is good. But the problem i find here is both the director and the writer don't quite focus much attention on Mary's boxing career sharply. I mean, they should have elaborated it in a better and more real manner. Instead the screenplay offers too much melodrama that makes this film look unreal. Particularly the climax which no doubt has a great patriotic touch that can be felt by every Indian but slips down because of the lack of genuine treatment. Plus Mary's biggest achievement, i.e, Olympic triumph has not been shown in the movie which is pretty surprising. This only comes in the end credits via stills. So these technical flaws prevent this film from being termed as a great biopic. Priyanka though has performed sincerely and is the film's plus point. She doesn't look like Mary still full marks go to her for portraying the boxing champ in a commendable way. Similarly Sunil Thapa as Mary's coach and Darshan Kumar as Mary's husband have acted well. As far as music is concerned, its just about decent. Direction could and should have been better by Omung Kumar. Also the writers should have made the script more elegant.
Thus, Mary Kom the film has its merits and is inspiring but not an apt tribute to Mary Kom the boxing icon. Her magnificent tale deserves a magnificent biography on celluloid. Unfortunately this movie isn't so. Its watchable however for a noble attempt atleast.

My Rating - 3.5/5

Give it a view friends!!! It is needed to be seen.