My Take On DOLLY KI DOLI - "Joy In Parts Only, Watch It For Just Timepass"

Dolly Ki Doli a con comedy directed by newcomer Abhishek Dogra has its moments that provide genuine laughs and keep you engaged but halfway down the film, it starts jarring thanks to an amateurish script that seems lame and often becomes predictable.

Anyway, the movie has certain merits.

Highpoints :-

1) Con scenes are quite enjoyable.
2) The film is filled with some perky comic portions that work in its favour.
3) Rajkummar Rao is fantastic once again, shines in both funny and emotional moments.
4) Varun Sharma is a revelation whose comic timing is nothing short of perfect.
5) Sonam Kapoor too does a fair job even though her character is puzzled and muddled.

However, it suffers from several drawbacks.

Lowpoints :-

1) Sordid and inconsistent screenplay harms the film badly.
2) Emotional bits hardly connect or hit the right notes.
3) Mediocre music doesn't help in the film's cause either.
4) The direction sadly also isn't greatly inspiring that could have lifted the film from its flaws.
5) Sonam's central character is half baked written. Its chaotic and thus the actress couldn't come up with a winning act.
6) Pulkit Samrat is ineffective and so are the rest of supporting characters.

Thus, Dolly Ki Doli as a whole can be called as a moderate entertainer. Had there been a tighter script occupying real fun and well oiled crisply written characters, this film could have emerged as a full on joyous experience. Ultimately in reality its mere average at best.

My Rating - 2.5/5

Watch it when you have free time with least expectation, you won't be disappointed then.

My Take On BABY - "A Striking Thriller That Works Mostly"

Neeraj Pandey, who earlier directed terrific films based on real events, A Wednesday & Special Chabbis, has shown enough competency in his latest espionage venture, BABY. His story is both gripping and powerful which focuses on a mission taken up by a team termed as BABY, an Indian Security Agency to protect India from terrorists across the border. Its crisp pacing coupled with fast actions and engaging thrilling portions work in favour of the movie. And although, its not exactly perfect, there are so many things in the film that deserve praise.

HIGH POINTS -
* Smart and Tight Storytelling
* Several Edge of the seat moments
* First rate performance by Akshay Kumar who rises up once again after Special Chabbis, in delivering a hard hitting, compelling act.
* Impressive enactment by veterans like Danny Denzgoppa and Anupam Kher
* Some genuinely quirky humorous moments
* Fabulous cinematography and action scenes
* Moreover, Director's solid command over the entire film. Its commendable!

BABY however slips occasionally.

LOW POINTS -
* The movie falters towards the climax in the sense that its suspense doesn't enthrall much. It could have been better.
* A bit lengthy second half which could have been neatly edited.
* Not a complete ensemble show as apart from Akshay primarily and Danny & Anupam to some extent, no other actors have that significant role to excel. Particularly, Fine actor like KK Menon has nothing much to do.

Thus barring these few loopholes, BABY is an arresting thriller that succeeds in making you feel amaze. Its an another striking flick(although not as good as his previous 2 gems) from a brave and intellectual filmmaker. Also it happens to be Akshay Kumar's superlative effort, easily amongst his finest works. Hope he does films like Special Chabbis and BABY more over forgettable sloppy entertainers.

My Rating - 3.5/5

Its worth watching for sure!

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!

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!

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!

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!!!