My Take On UDTA PUNJAB - "Easily The Best & Most Important Film Of The Year"

Well to begin with, I would like to say that I have come across a lot of films based on reality that have stirring content but have never witnessed anything like Udta Punjab before. It is a bold, disturbing, poignant and veracious take on the tragic authenticity of drugs issue in Punjab. It's exceptionally well made that you will feel for the people, especially youth of this state. Abhishek Chaubey's direction & storytelling engages you right from the word go till the movie ends, through three parallel sagas, each having its own problems and sufferings. Shahid's part where he's playing a cocaine addict is uniquely amusing that reflects how a popular rockstar gets damaged due to this huge menace, Alia's episode is hard hitting plus deeply heartwrenching which mirrors a poor girl with high dreams becoming a prey of this harmful hiccup. Then there's third aspect that features Diljit & Kareena, shows how an unfaithful police force supported by some corrupt politicians ruin the state's youth courtesy creating & encouraging this dreadful drugs abuse for their own financial sake.
So Udta Punjab is an extremely serious & significant film told magnificently on celluloid, thanks to a stellar script also boasted with robust performances, excellent soundtrack, brilliant cinematography & background score. Only at a couple of places post intermission, the screenplay goes lazy and looks a bit tiring but overall the movie is so gripping & powerful that one can easily swallow it's minor flaws. Also expectedly, Amit Trivedi's music adds magic to this brave film. Each song takes the story forward and appeals immensely. ChittaVe, Ikk Kudi & DaDa Dasse being the best ones while Vadiya & the title track leave a lasting impression. But the biggest strength of this realistic drama is its faultless ensemble acts that brings life to it. Shahid Kapoor, the leading man here once again goes out of his comfort zone (post Kaminey & Haider) and delivers an incredibly striking performance that's both entertaining as well as fascinating. He commands the screen the moment he shows up. His character is the most interesting one amongst the four leads. He's vulgar, vulnerable and unpredictable. His dialogue delivery, way of throwing cuss words, expressions through eyes all are simply top notch. The best way to describe Shahid's corking performance is that he never went out of his character just for a second even. It's an award winning act. Indeed it is one. Then there's Alia who amazes me to a great extent. It's a role of a lifetime and the courageous actress nailed it completely via her heartfelt show. She is the heart of this movie and deserves every praise & accolade for this wonderful performance. I have never seen such depth, pain & maturity in her before this. Thus I was stunned by this crackling performer. Kareena, meanwhile, plays her part with assured nuances and comes out fully natural as one would expect from her. She justifies her value quite well. And the surprise package of the film is newcomer Diljit Dosanjh (a notable punjabi star) who does his Bollywood debut here. He is utterly fantastic and absolutely makes his presence felt amongst all his powerful co-stars. He should win best debutant award next year according to me.
In the end, the real hero of Udta Punjab is its director - writer Abhishek Chaubey along with co-writer Sudip Sharma who deserves kudos for making such a gutsy piece of cinema that displays us the ugly truth of drug abuse and how youth are affected by it. Also they give us a positive message in a very raw, believable manner. Thank You for this eye opener.

Thus Udta Punjab is a strong, heartbreaking and captivating flick that's bloody real & honest and powered by excellent ensemble cast. It's not only the best film of this year but one to come out in recent times too as its highly an impactful cinematic experience that's made with heart & brilliance. Henceforth, it's definitely worth all its hype!

My Rating -  4.5/5

Don't Miss It Guys! See It To Rave About It... ✌👊👍

SHAHID KAPOOR, A First Rate Artiste One Just Can't Devalue!

Well, there are a lot of actors in b-town who just make their name big courtesy several factors like commercial appeal, huge background, launched or promoted by lavish filmmakers, etc. No doubt they are good artistes but they become overrated with span of time. And then there is someone like Shahid Kapoor in the industry who has been there for more than a decade now and still he's a hot property in block. Amazing looks, top notch acting skills, astounding moves, fine physique, sharp personality, you name it and it's all there in this fabulous Bollywood performer. But things have never been easy or cake walk for him. The talented actor has had a mixed bag of journey where he's witnessed both highs and lows equally. Started off well way back in 2003 with the sleeper hit 'ISHQ VISHK' he wooed many and instantly made a place in our hearts, especially of all girls'. For this movie, he bagged the filmfare award as well as all other awards for best newcomer that year. After this confident and positive beginning, Shahid struggled to make a mark for next few years via a number of flops, although his performances in those duds were somehow lauded. He tasted his first huge cinematic glory with VIVAH which came as a pleasant amazement. The movie not only earned plenty at the ticket windows but has managed to get a cult status for itself, being considered as one of the most endearing family dramas of all time. Shahid as Prem in this Sooraj R Barjatya jewel, was loved by all cine viewers. This portrayal of Prem has become indelible over the years. Next JAB WE MET happened, and the rest is history as they say... It's one of the best romantic comedies ever made in Bollywood. Shahid again shone with an assured, mature act in the movie and his chemistry with Kareena is still afresh in people's mind. I mean who doesn't love this gem? Who doesn't adore 'Geet-Aditya'? Then two years post Jab We Met, we all experienced the real side of actor Shahid in the iconic caper, 'KAMINEY'. His performance as twin brothers (Charlie & Guddu) was a tough task to pull off yet he did it so convincingly that whoever before was not his admirer started praising him like anything. His value as an artist escalated thanks to this terrific Vishal Bhardwaj crime flick. Both the movie and his performance were tagged the best of that year by many critics, news publications and other medias. He won couple of awards for best actor for the same including the coveted Star Screen Awards. Everybody came to realize that Shahid was not merely a good looking star having boyish charm anymore but a remarkable celluloid performer too. However post KAMINEY, inconsistency halted this shining actor's path as his dream project MAUSAM turned out to be a fiasco even though his performance in it was commendable. Similarly his next two releases didn't help the cause either. Both TERI MERI KAHAANI & PHATA POSTER NIKHLA HERO entered Shahid's way to be declared pits only. But this tough phase didn't break the actor's confidence or passion at all. His next R... RAJKUMAR came as a blessing which gave the actor the much needed commercial recovery. This massy entertainer did pretty well in single screens and the audiences loved Shahid's action, one liners and unmatched dance to a great extent. But the best thing to have ever occurred in the journey of this fine actor happened in 2014 with HAIDER. It was quite a risk that Shahid took, his role was way too much challenging, perhaps the hardest onscreen part for any performer to play. But Shahid showed to the world what he's capable of. Vishal Bhardwaj is a director who always trusts his mettle and expectedly Haider proved to be a milestone in Shahid's career. This classic Shakespeare adaptation was both a critical and financial winner. All went gaga over Shahid's phenomenal performance in the movie. Moreover he swept every best actor award that year including the glorious filmfare trophy. Various notable moviemakers garnered loads of adulation to this skillful actor. He became the talk of the nation and grabbed limelight all over again. Haider did such magic to Shahid. Indeed it is an 'Once In A Lifetime' masterpiece. After this golden period, Shahid again faced failure with SHAANDAAR becoming an universal debacle. But then hits & flops are part and parcel of any actor's life. Talent matters and Shahid has ample of it. He just needs to pick his movies wisely. And it seems so as he's gonna be next seen in realistic drama based on drug abuse 'UDTA PUNJAB' directed by Abhishek Chaubey and followed by Vishal Bhardwaj's magnum opus 'RANGOON'. Also he has signed a film with Vikramaditya Montwane titled 'AK vs SK'. All 3 release this year. Expectations from these are sky rocketed and certainly a few more epic performances from Shahid are on cards. 

You like Shahid Kapoor or you don't, but you gotta admit that he has made a nice place in our cinemas on his own. He's not overrated unlike many of his contemporaries are. He's not been that commercially viable as of now but surely has become an actor who can impart brilliant acts when given solid roles. He has moreover built an image which can impress both classy as well as massy film-buffs. Some may criticize him for not being continuously steady or not giving regular boxoffice delights. But then how can you not hail a self-made actor like Shahid who despite all hurdles and hard patches is still existing quite brightly in Bollywood. He's still getting strong roles, still enjoys good fan following. He has a committed fanbase known as 'Shanatics' who invariably root for the actor every time. Thus, love him, hate him but certainly nobody can ignore this powerhouse of talent. He may or may not be your favorite but is definitely someone who can't be devalued. Probably the only actor in his age group who is loved by all generations of people. That's Shahid Kapoor for you! And he's gonna have a long and memorable career run in coming years. Believe That!

Best Of Bollywood Awards 2015 By Me

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

1) Best FILM - MASAAN or TALVAR 

2) Best DIRECTOR - Soojit Sircar (PIKU) 

3) Best ACTOR - Nawazuddin Siddiqui (MANJHI) 

4) Best ACTRESS - Kangna Ranaut (TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS) 

5) Standout Performer MALE - Ranveer Singh (BAJIRAO MASTANI) 

6) Standout Performer FEMALE - Deepika Padukone (PIKU) 

7) Most Entertaining ACTOR - Salman Khan (BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN) 

8) Most Entertaining ACTRESS - Kangna Ranaut (TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS) 

9) Best SUPPORTING ACTOR - Nawazuddin Siddiqui (BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN) 

10) Best SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Priyanka Chopra (BAJIRAO MASTANI) 

11) Best Entertaining FILM - TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS 

12) Best Thriller FILM - DRISHYAM 

13) Best Romantic FILM - DUM LAGA KE HAISHAA

14) Best Action FILM - DILWALE 

15) Best Stylish FILM - DIL DHADAKNE DO

16) Best JODI - Ayushman & Bhumi (DUM LAGA KE HAISHAA) 

17) Best SONG - Janam Janam (DILWALE) 

18) Best SINGER MALE - Amaal Malik for 'O Khuda' (HERO) 

19) Best SINGER FEMALE - Monali Thakur for 'Moh Moh Ke Dhaage' (DUM LAGA KE HAISHAA) 

20) Best LYRICS - Mann Kasturi Re (MASAAN) 

21) Best MUSIC - Pritam (DILWALE) 

22) Best Actor in Negative Role - Nawazuddin Siddiqui (BADLAPUR) 

23) Best Actor in Comic Role - Deepak Dobriyal (TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS) 

24) Best Debutante Male - Vicky Koushal (MASAAN)

25) Best Debutante Female - Bhumi Pednekar (DUM LAGA KE HAISHAA) 

26) Best Debut Director - Neeraj Ghaywan (MASAAN) 

27) Best STORY - PIKU 

28) Best SCREENPLAY - TALVAR 

29) Best DIALOGUES - BABY

30) Best ENSEMBLE - DIL DHADAKNE DO 

31) Best Child Actor - Harshaali Malhotra (BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN) 

32) Best Cinematography - TAMASHA

33) Best Choreography - Shaam Shaandaar (SHAANDAAR) 

34) Best Special Effects - BAJIRAO MASTANI 

35) Best Costume Design - BAJIRAO MASTANI

36) Best Background Score - BAJIRAO MASTANI

37) Scene of the Year - The Climax Where Two Different Investigation Agencies Interact (TALVAR) 

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

Thank you!

Shah Rukh Khan : A Global Megastar & The Pride Of India!

I would like to put some vital and unavoidable data &  infos regarding One of India's Biggest, Cult and Most Celebrated Cinematic Stars, Shah Rukh Khan.

Do you know, he is the :

1.Only Indian to have a Statue in Grevin Museum, after Gandhiji.
2.Only Indian to win UNESCO award for charity/Social work.
3.Only Indian Actor to be among100 most influential Muslims in the world.
4.Only Indian to be at No.1 at Top Ten Greatest Actors Worldwide.
5.Only Indian to be the 2nd Richest Actor in the world, more richer than Hollywood giants like Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise (after doing all his Charity).
6.Only Indian to have a residential palace in Palm Jumeira alongside Bill Clinton.
7.Only Indian to have a name on a moon crator.
8.Only Indian whose name has been given to a special flower in Singapore.
9.Only Indian who is honoured with the prestigious Brand Laureate Legendary Award for his unmatched contribution to the world cinema by Malaysian government.
10.Only Indian after Amitabh Bachchan to be crowned by Moroccan king.
11. Only Indian to be invited at Yale University, USA.
12. In 2010 he was invited to ring the opening bell of NASDAQ stock exchange, USA (world's biggest stock exchange) in New York
13. Only Indian actor to have name in Guinness book of world records as the  highest earning superstar of India.
14. Only Actor along with Dilip Kumar to win most no of Filmfare 'Best Actor' Awards.
15. He is the only actor to register his name as a brand having value of 6550 crore rupees .
16. James Cameron : I only want to come to Mumbai for an autograph of SRK.
17. He is the most popular superstar in those places where Indian movies don't even release.
18. He has the most expensive house cum palace named Mannat in Mumbai, coming from a middle-class family with no parents or godfathers to support him.
19. He currently holds the record of giving the longest running movie of Indian Cinema, i.e, DDLJ
20. He Donated 2.5 million Indian rupees to the then PM, Manmohan Singh for Tsunami Relief camp.,In NDTV's Greenathon event of 2009, he adopted 5 villages and adopted further 12 villages in 2012 event.
21. Government of France awarded him both the Ordre desArts et des Lettres and the Légion d'honneur. The greatest honour of France like Bharat Ratna in India.
22. He was honoured with UNESCO's Pyramide con Marni award in 2011 for his support of children's education.
23. He was honoured with Rajiv Gandhi Award for "Excellence in the Field of Entertainment" in 2002.
24.He was conferred the honorific Datuk title by the head of state of Malacca in Malaysia in 2007.
25.He was also honoured with an honorary doctorate in arts and culture from Britain's University of Bedfordshire in 2009.
26. in 2008, SRK named by Newsweek as one of the 50 most powerful people in the world.
27. In 2015 He became the 2nd Indian who got awarded with an honorary doctorate by the University of Edinburgh after DR. APJ ABDUL KALAM
28.In 2013 SRK Appointed as goodwill ambassador by the government of South Korea
29. In 2014 He was Honoured with Global Diversity Award at the State Room of Britain’s House of Commons. Britain’s Parliament honoured the king khan
30. He was awarded the Best Indian Citizen Award in 1997 by the government of India
31. And also the PadmaShri,India's fourth highest civilian award from the Government of India in 2005
32. In 2007 – His lifelike wax statue was installed in London's Madame Tussauds wax museum. Due to high demand Additional versions were installed at Madame Tussauds museums in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and New York in 2010.
33. In 2009 He was given a BlackBelt Honorary in taekwondo by the South Korean government.
34. Also in the same year 2009 He was awarded with an honorary doctorate in arts and culture by the University of Bedfordshire. 
35. In 2010 He became the first Indian actor to be given the rare honour of signing the guest book at Berlin's Town Hall.
36. In 2011 He became the first Bollywood actor to be featured on the cover page of Los Angeles times he has also been featured on time Magazine's cover page twice. 
37.He was also invited to Harvard university for giving a lecture to its students. He is also world's "first" actor to be invited at Google and Twitter headquarters.
38. He donated all the prize money KKR won in 2014, 15 crs rupees to the children hospital in Kolkata and Mumbai.

39. In 2009, he adopted five villages in Bhitarkarnika National Park, Kendrapara (Odisha) to provide them with electricity. 

40. US President Obama hailed him as the Pride of India in 2015.

Many other incredible facts can be stated about Shah Rukh Khan sir. He makes our country proud worldwide. He has inspired us since two decades now. And his iconic stature is indelible which will be lauded forever.
Yet despite all these glorious aspects, some section of people, politicians n others target, abuse and bully this most loved superstar. Some even try to sabotage his movies. Some ironically, question his patriotism.
So to those i just request, before lashing out at or badmouthing SRK (just because he's a Muslim or not your favorite actor), please  go through all the above mentioned facts and get in your mind what he actually has done for our cinemas n most importantly for our nation. A fan of his or not, no issues, but give him respect and adulation. He deserves all this to the core. If still you disrespect him, sadly you don't deserve to be called as a man. 

Thanks!!! :)

By - A True Indian & Proud SRK Fan 

My Take On BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN - "Consistently Engaging And Deeply Satisfying"

Bajrangi Bhaijaan directed by Kabir Khan reflects the relationships that India and Pakistan share. It tells us about love being the most powerful source for both the countries to maintain brotherhood and live happily sans any war or conflicts.  Now this concept is hardly new as we have seen several movies being made on the reality of Indo-Pak on & off association. But here the storyline deals with an honest innocent 'Hanuman' Bhakt helps a 6 years old little mute child in sending her back to her home in Pakistan.  During this eventful journey he faces many hiccups but ultimately he manages to fulfill his promise. There are a lot of shining moments we see throughout this moving film. I would like to express the film's merits.

Highpoints :

1) The story is sweet, simple and mainly believable thanks to the earnestness and sincerity in storytelling. Good job in direction by Kabir Khan who brings real emotions out of the film's central characters. All the performers look genuine and endearing.
2) Heartfelt performances we see from the casts. Salman Khan does very well and comes up with an emotional act. His sparkling screen presence was always there but in this one we finally see the actor in him and doesn't disappoint. Nawazuddin Siddiqui proves once again that he can do wonders in any part he portrays. As a loyal supporting fiddle to Salman's character, he gives us an extraordinary performance. Kareena Kapoor Khan in a brief role wows. And last but definitely not the least, Harshali Malhotra, the adorable little girl emerges as the biggest triumphant amongst all. She wins us totally with her sheer cuteness, lovely smile n heartening expressions. She doesn't have a dialogue yet she is delightfully amazing.
3) Meaningful dialogues and good music also benefit this movie.
4) The movie charms also due to many touching moments and a lovely bonding seen among the three main characters in the film. They make us laugh and cry at the same time.

These plusses however seldom get ruined by occasional loopholes.

Lowpoints :

1) The film could have been short by 10-15 mins if it was better edited. Some portions in the first half were unnecessary i feel.
2) The climax is flawed, way too dramatic and a bit exaggerated even though it was well intentioned.

But despite these problems, BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN works as its made with heart and executed almost perfectly. Its far better than Salman's number of baseless typical masala blockbusters. Infact i would rate this one among his best films if not the best. With a noble subject coupled with heartwarming presentation and likeable performances, this is indeed a must watch for all.

My Rating - 4/5 (****)

This Bhaijaan accompanied by an angelic kid worth your time and will stay in your hearts.

My Take On DIL DHADAKNE DO - "Far From Perfect Yet Worth Watching"

Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do is a true reflection on the life saga of rich high class people who lead luxurious lifestyle and show off to the world how happy and united they are but in reality things are just the opposite. Here in the movie, we meet Kamal Mehra (played by Anil Kapoor) , a self made business tycoon who is pompous and arrogant , doesn't produce a good bonding with his wife (Shefali Shah) , son (Ranveer Singh) and daughter (Priyanka Chopra) . None of them is happy or satisfied with the way their life is going on. They go on a cruise along with friends and relatives to celebrate the 30th Marriage Anniversary of Mr & Mrs Mehra. So in this film , the storyline deals with the problems faced by rich classy people . Its about the diverse mentality & thinking of parents and their wards. The script offers genuine laughs and emotions at some portions but the movie drags and slips occasionally post intermission.
Lemme point out its plusses first.

HIGHPOINTS :

The film is breezy and feel good for the most part thanks to some wonderful scenes, amazing dialogues, crisp direction and top notch performances. There are some really funny moments as well as melancholic bits. Directed sharply by Zoya Akhtar, this movie is packed with solid acting by its ensemble cast. Particularly worthy of mentioning are Anil Kapoor who fabulously portrays Kamal Mehra. He is in full command and plays the role of a careless and selfish hubby & father with sheer panache. Shefali Shah is perfectly casted as an innerly broken wife who pretends to be jolly all the time. As a mother, she is fine too. Priyanka Chopra as Ayesha Mehra is terrific. She skillfully performs her part which is quite vulnerable and chaotic. Ranveer Singh is splendid totally. He not only has a boyish charm but delivers a credible performance playing a character which is childish and who wants to live life his own way. Other characters in supportive roles also do well. Anushka does a good job in few moments which explore her to shine. And then there is Farhan Akhtar in a short role who hardly disappoints. I wish he had a longer screen presence.
Talking about film's other merit , cinematography has to be praised. Its beautifully shot.

However the movie is flawed and i would like to state its drawbacks.

LOWPOINTS :

1) Editing could have been done smartly as the length of this film is almost 2 hours 45 mins which wasn't necessary at all.
2) Screenplay is problematic which jars the film by becoming over dramatic and a bit sloppy especially in its second half that includes a fatuous climax.
3) Music of the film is strictly average. Among its soundtracks, only Lalla Goodiyan track is enjoyable and Pehli Baar is passable.

Thus overall, Dil Dhadakne Do isn't a great cinema yet for its above stated plusses it worths your time. Its a film that may not satisfy you fully but it won't make you feel terrible either.

My Rating - 3/5 (***)

Don't raise your expectations high and you won't dislike it.

My Take On TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS - "Also Return Fun, Jolliness And An Extraordinary Kangana Ranaut"

Anand L Rai, who successfully directed endearing hits like Tanu Weds Manu Returns & Raanjhanaa has come up with sequel to the former, a feisty and heartening romantic comedy called Tanu Weds Manu Returns. Four years post their marriage, both the leads have formed incompatibility with each other and decided to live separately. Twists and turns occur in their lives, but love remains intact which wins ultimately. What works is the storyline goes breezily which consists of some crazy characters thus resulting in total fun even though its predictable. Hardly there is any dull moment or something that's unexciting.
I would like to mention the reasons why i find this a delightful experience.

Highpoints :

1) The biggest merit of this entertainer is its leading lady or ladies i should say, Kangana Ranaut. Once again after her heartwarmingly flawless performance in Queen, she is stellar as both Tanu & Datto here. These are two diverse roles yet the actress has sunk her teeth into both the characters marvelously! She makes us believe in Tanu as well as in Datto. She brings great emotions to her parts and makes us feel for them. Get ready for next year Miss Ranaut , you will again triumph best actress trophies.
2) Also impressive performances have been delivered by Madhavan who does well, he's earnest underplaying a chaotic Manu, Jimmy Shergill is alright and so is Mohd Zeeshan Ayub. Swara Bhaskar is very good but the best amusement among the supportive players has been given by Deepak Dobriyal as Pappi who is completely hilarious.
3) Director Anand L Rai competently has made this movie a joyous watch. Credit goes to him as his script despite loopholes offers jest with an emotional touch that will connect to the audiences.
4) A thumbs-up to its funny dialogues & one-liners that are penned by Writer Himanshu Sharma.
5) Music by Krsna Solo & Tanishk Vayu is very likeable.
6) The film is also benefited from nice editing and beautiful cinematography.

And if i say about the film's flaws , predictability and a bit dramatic in picturization are somewhat worrisome.

But these are minor avoidable problems in an otherwise crackling and pleasant rom-com. Tanu Weds Manu Returns will definitely become a box office delight and also at the same time it will make a place in its viewers' hearts. Watch it to have a fabulous two-hours plus time and if not for anything else, watch it for Kangana's superlative act. For her alone, this movie can be watched numerous times.

My Rating - **** (4/5)

My favorite film of the year has changed from Piku to this one now. Its that much fun!