Pratik112 Reviews

Don 2 (2011)

One of the Best of 2011. "Don Ko Pakadna Mushkil Nahin, Namumkin Hai"

[10/10 · 10 January 2012]

Having heard a lot about this sequel to "DON" 2006, before the movie was released and indeed long time before, that "it was on" and then "it was off," I was looking forward to this one.

It has been five years since Don made his escape and is now out to conquer the Western World. Only he has to ensure that his enemies don't get (kill) him.

Starring Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Boman Irani, Om Puri, Kunal Kapoor, Florian Lukas and Sahil Shroff. Music is by Shankar Ehsaan Loy. Lyrics By Javed Akhtar. Directed By Farhan Akhtar. The movie is Produced By Farhan Akhtar, Shahrukh Khan and Ritesh Sidhwani.

Shahrukh Khan's previous release, "RA ONE," may not have done well as expected but this has. Shahrukh Khan has proved, once again, that he is able to do such action roles. He is convincing as the "DON" and this role has suited. His expressions and the way he delivers his dialogues, make one feel convinced. However, his hairstyle is to be watched out for.

Priyanka Chopra makes a return as "Roma." Only this time she has a more meatier part then she did in 2006 and this suits her more now then it did five years back. Here, her character, "Roma" has joined the Interpol and she is determined to catch Don.

Lara Dutta has replaced Isha Koppikar and plays the character, "Ayesha," who is all the time with the Don. Boman Irani returns as "Vaardhan," who was caught by the Police five years back and Om Puri, also returns as CBI Officer Vishal Malik.But one actor, who did a good job of his role, is Kunal Kapoor as a man who helps DON.

Farhan Akhtar has returned to be behind the cameras and not in front of them. While, his father, Javed Akhtar, has written good lyrics for the music directors Shankar Ehsaan Loy to compose.

The action sequences, especially in 3D, are worth watching out.

If you like to watch action movies, then this is not to be missed.

The King's Speech (2010)

A Movie That Will Inspire You.

[10/10 · 30 January 2011]

Having learnt in History about King George VI suffering from stammering, and indeed, I myself, having suffered from the same speech impediment, I was very interested to know how Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II's, father dealt with this. I had also learnt about his elder brother – "Edward and Mrs Simpson" and had also watched the TV series all those years ago, which starred Edward Fox.

The movie, directed by Tom Hooper, begins by depicting the 1930's London and how a member of the Royal family approaches a man who can help her husband to overcome his problem. The scenes, showing authenticity, depict such scenes as a person walking in front of a car, which did take place in those early days of the motor industry so as to avoid accidents and really set the theme and the atmosphere. This then depicts the reason why the King's elder brother abdicates and the pressure that the younger brother, King George VI, faces.

Colin Firth, as the King, portrays the King , in a manner that makes one believe that he really has the problem and delivers his dialogues in an a most believable manner and at the same time makes one feel that he really does have this problem.

Helena Bonham Carter, as the Queen Mother, is also, excellent and executes her role in a way that shows her brilliance as actress. The two little girls, who portray the roles of Princess's Elizabeth and Margaret, also perform very well. Another actor, who really excels in his performance as the man who helps the King, "Lionel Logue," is Geoffrey Rush, who acts the character that makes one feel like believing in him, as a therapist. As a matter of fact, I remembered my therapist, putting me through almost the same exercises as he puts the King through them.

This was one film that I found most inspiring and even though I have overcome that problem and when one thinks back to the problem it makes them feel inspired.

Today, I, myself am involved in media and broadcasting and will say that "this is one movie that is well worth watching."

Tees Maar Khan (2010)

Farah Khan Has Lost It.

[1/10 · 26 December 2010]

Having heard over the past two years that this film was "on" and then "off" and then "on" and then "off" and then finally "on" again, it made me feel like that someone was switching the lights on and off countless times. Then I heard that SRK and Farah Khan had fallen out with each other and that Akshay Kumar was in along with Katrina Keif.

Written by Farah Khan's husband, Shirish Kunder, the theme of the movie is based on an old Peter Sellers movie, "After the Fox." A thief gets his chance to plan to rob a train and he does this by hiring a actor and a movie shoot in a village nearby.

Starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Keif, Anil Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna and Arya Babbar, the movie is directed by Farah Khan, written and Produced by Shrish Kunder and Ronnie Screwala. Vishal Shekhar provide the music score.

Farah Khan has had a previous "flop" on her hands - "Janemaan," though it was not directed by her but by Shirish Kunder. That movie did not star Shah Rukh Khan either but the other two, "Mein Hoon Na" and "Om Shanti Om" did and proved to be successful for her, though the latter did have some problems.

Katrina Keif, though has lost a lot of weight and ensured that her style of dancing could be compared that of Malaika Arora Khan in "Sheila Ki Jawani" compared to "Munni Badnaam Hui." Serious roles, such as the one in "New York," suit her better then the one she plays in this one.

Akshay Kumar, perhaps needs to consider doing serious roles than this. Certain types of comic roles do suit him and he does execute them very well. But unfortunately, this cannot be said here.

The music! Well the only thing that can be said is that at least one song - "Sheila Ki Jawani" is a memorable number, though it has come under a lot of criticism since the release of the movie. One other member of the industry that Farah Khan had always had but didn't this time was the music director, Anu Malik.

The plot fails to lift off, the comic lines and the dialogues could have been written well and its with this that I conclude that this was a movie that was riddled with disaster from the moment it was announced.

We Are Family (2010)

A Good Family Drama

[9/10 · 12 September 2010]

Its sometimes hard for children to know and how to deal with situations that one is not able to control. A divorcée, finds out that she is suffering from terminal cervical cancer and decides to ensure that her children are looked after by the woman who her ex husband has been seeing, which leads to a conflict between the two women.

A movie that carries a lot of emotions related to motherhood, starring Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, child artists Nominath Ginsberg, Aachal Munjal and Diyya Sonecha.

Kajol and Karan Johar, the producer of this movie, has roared with talent. Here, once again, she has shown why she is regarded as one of the best actresses in the Industry, even though, she looks pregnant and is pregnant. Kareena Kapoor, needed a good change from the roles the characters that she has been recently been perform and she has it in this. As the "other woman" she has done an excellent job, as has Arjun Rampal as the ex husband and father. Finally, the child artists – all have really performed well and in particular Divya Sonecha as the youngest, "Anjali" and Aachal Munjal as "Aleya," a teenager, who unable to accept what is happening around her.

Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, is good as always and in particular as certain Elvis Presley type song, "Rockn Roll" genre. There's no glitz and there's no glamour in any of the songs and one will be disappointed if they are expecting any.

This may be a copy of the 1998 movie "Stepmom," but the débutant director, Siddharth Malhotra, has handled the topic very well and manages to convey the emotions that are involved and especially where motherly emotions are concerned.

Though a tearjerker and one will need tissues with them, this is a good family drama and is worth watching. But if one is expecting glitz and glamour, then they will be disappointed.

My Name Is Khan (2010)

Excellent! Worth Watching

[10/10 · 15 February 2010]

If there is a movie that is worth watching this year, then it has to be this as it contains a pure and simple message, not just for one person, or a religion, but for everyone, a message for humanity. Rizvan Khan a man, suffering from Asperger Syndrome, moves to the USA and lives with his brother and sister – in – law but then he soon meets a divorcée, who is a Hindu and the two fall in love. But then everything changes when Twin Towers in New York are attacked.

Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Arjun Mathur, Soniya Jehan , Jimmy Shergill, Jennifer Echols and Zarina Wahab (special appearance), the movie is directed by Karan Johar, produced by Hiroo Johar and Karan Johar, while Shankar Ehsaan Loy provide the music score.

Shah Rukh Khan has gone on to prove that not only is he able to act in romantic roles, but those roles that are serious such as this as well as he has certainly excelled in this movie. He has shown what acting is all about and that an actor cannot just stick to one kind of role. His co - star, Kajol, with who he was last seen in "Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham," has gone onto re-establish herself as a top actress and why she is always favoured to act with Shah Rukh Khan. Its also nice to see the return of Zarina Wahab after such long time away from the screen and she always goes on to make an impact, though hers is only a special appearance.

Director Karan Johar has certainly moved on and has shown that not only is he capable of making movies such as "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," "Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham," but he is also able to make movies such as "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" and now this one - topical and serious movies. He has used the attack on the Twin Towers as a backdrop to the story, which has a message for everyone. He has handled the topic exceptionally well.

The music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, is something to listen out for. The song "Sajdaa" is worth listening to. But if one is expecting all the song and dance and spectacular locations for this, then for them it will be a disappointment. The cinematography is also worth watching as it provides some excellent scenery.

This is not a typical Karan Johar movie and those who are expecting it to be, may find it rather disappointing. But it is a movie that has a good message for everyone and is worth watching but be prepared to take some tissues with you.

Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009)

Worth Watching Once.

[7/10 · 13 November 2009]

Having known that this was a romantic comedy, it was a bit of a let down. A no good for nothing son, who operates a club from his father's business premises, accidentally falls in love, while trying to help his friend.

Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Upen Patel, Darshan Jariwala, Smita Jakar, Zakir Hussein and Mithilesh Chaturvedi, while Salman Khan does make a special appearance. This is directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi and is produced by Ramesh S Taurani while Pritam provides the music score.

Ranbir Kapoor has, again, definitely shown that he is talented by attempting a good performance in romantic / comedy movie genre. He is like a likable rogue. Katrina Kaif, has made a good attempt in such a genre movie. But it is a bit hard not to imagine her from her previous roles. But never the less, she has made a good attempt at this. Salman Khan's appearance, though brief does create impact regarding the comic situation but I felt that there was no need for that as the director and the producer could have taken it from another angle.

Many of the comic situations are predictable and therefore a bit of a let down there. But Pritam's music score is worth listening to as are some of the songs. This is a film that can be viewed with family members and is worth watching at least once.

Aladin (2009)

Fairy Tale and Adventure Mixed With Some Science Fiction

[7/10 · 7 November 2009]

Really, the title said it all – fantasy mixed with adventure, fairy tale and a bit of science fiction. A small boy looses his parents as they are in search of a lamp but years pass by and he meets a man who is claimed to be his cousin. The only thing is that the man is on the point of retiring from his job.

Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandes, Sanjay Dutt, this is directed by Sujoy Ghosh while Vishal Shekhar provide the music score.

Amitabh Bachchan in a role that has been mentioned quite a few times for a while now, is as usual, excellent and he has managed to carry it off rather well. While Ritesh Deshmukh, in the title role, has done a job that, perhaps, he could have taken it a bit further but never the less, he has performed well. The same, however, can't be said for Jacqueline Fernandes and she could have been more convincing in her role. Sanjay Dutt, is just excellent in his role as the villain and is worth watching. I felt that his role, could have been extended and it would have been better. But both Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt, really carry this film on their shoulders to a level that one can say that is worth watching if you like such films.

What also makes this film a bit interesting are the visual effects and these are worth watching and especially the woman who breathes nothing but fire and the fight sequences. The song to listen for "Ore Saawariya," is the one to listen for and is worth listening to.

A good film to watch if you like a bit of everything, fantasy, romance, adventure, fairy tale and science fiction is mixed in. A good film for the kids as well.

All the Best: Fun Begins (2009)

A Good Comedy

[7/10 · 23 October 2009]

This was in deed a decent surprise – a movie that will have you laughing if that's what you want to watch. A young man, who is in love and wants to marry his girlfriend, is a singer by profession but has problems related to money and his best friend, who is married, tries to help him by giving him some ideas and implementing them.

Starring Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu, Ajay Devgan, Fardeen Khan, Ashwini Khalsekar, Asrani, Johnny Lever and Mukesh Tiwari. Directed by Rohit Shetty, Produced by Ajay Devgan and the music score is by Pritam Chakraborthy.

"Munnabhai" Sanjay Dutt and Mukesh Tiwari along with Johnny Lever, steal this show from all the others and all three of them are worth watching as they have some good scenes. Fardeen Khan was good but he could have done a bit better as he is capable of doing comedy. Action man, Ajay Devgan has improved in comedy, while Bipasha Basu and all the others are OK. Director, Rohit Shetty has made sure that there is laughter almost on a non stop basis as one comic scene follows another.

What makes this film a bit interesting is that the actors speak a dialect of an African language – Swahili, which is from the East African region of the African continent and this is used rather nicely in a semiotic manner by Rohit Shetty, who has mixed this in with humour.

If you are out to have a good laugh then this is a film that is worth watching.

Blue (I) (2009)

Underwater Experience.

[7/10 · 21 October 2009]

The title is an indication as to what this is about and it is indeed it makes a change to watch such a movie. A skilled diver works for a man who keeps on insisting on locating certain hidden treasures in the deep Atlantic Ocean but then his younger brother, who had left him some years back, turns up.

Starring Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta, Akshaye Kumar, Zayed Khan, Kabir Bedi, Katrina Kaif, Rahul Dev and a special appearance by Kylie Minogue, this is directed by Anthony D'Souza, written by Bryan Sullivan, while the music score is by A.R. Rahman.

A slight bit of change of role for "Munnabhai," Sanjay Dutt, even though it is an action oriented movie. And unlike his previous action movies, he does perform action but in a slightly milder form but never the less, he has performed well This is also different role for Lara Dutta from her previous movie, "Do Knot Disturb," in which she had performed a comedy act. With this, she has proved that not only is she a true actress who is able to perform every part that she is offered. She also performs well in the underwater scenes when diving.. Zayed Khan's role is okay but he could have performed better seeing that he had Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Kumar as his co – stars and Katrina Kaif could have done better if there was more to her role. A film with Akshaye Kumar is bound to have some stunts with the action and Akshaye Kumar has performed well and his characterisation is quite convincing and Rahul Dev is also good. Finally, the former "Neighbours" star and singer, Kylie Minogue, makes a brief appearance as her self, which breathes some extra life into the film. A.R. Rahman does provide some good music score as well and in one song particularly – "Chiggy Wiggy." Director Anthony D'Souza has done something that has never been done before in a Hindi film and that is to take the audience underwater. He has handled this very well and the result can be seen on the screen in the form of under water visual effects. The underwater scenes and the relevant action scenes have been handled very well. The cinematography is worth watching.

This is a type of movie that can be enjoyed by those who like to watch a movie that has some action and adventure mixed in along with some romance. A good underwater action, adventure movie that has a bit of romance.

Wake Up Sid (2009)

One of the Better Movies This Year - Worth Watching.

[7/10 · 16 October 2009]

Having watched some promos of this movie, which I felt didn't give much away, I was quite surprised by the content of this. A youngster thrives with his two best friends – a male and female as he is in college, doesn't get on well with his mother and believes in using up his father's hard earned wealth. At the same time, he is a decent person, who goes on to befriend an aspiring, female writer, older than him and who is not from the same city.

Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Namit Das, Shikha Talsania, Rahul Khanna, Supriya Pathak, Anupam Kher and Kashmira Shah, this is directed by Ayan Mukherjee and is Produced by Hiroo Johar and Karan Johar, while the music score is by Shankar Ehsaan Loy.

Ranbir Kapoor, who started his career with "Saawiriya," has gone on to prove that he is an aspiring actor, who looks very promising to reach the top in the future. He has performed his part very well in this movie. Konkona Sen Sharma, has also played her role well as have all the others.

Directed by a débutant director, Ayan Mukherjee, who has assisted Karan Johar before, has handled this movie in a way that can be said that has some reflections of previous movies, such as "Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham," which was directed Karan Johar. In deed there are some scenes that will make one think back to the "Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham," which is superbly built into the story and makes it viewable for the elder generation. At the same time, this is a movie that is also viewable for the younger generation. Perhaps the only disadvantage in this movie is that sometimes it drags on a bit and thus slows down the pace in which the story is told.

However, this is a movie that is definitely one of the better ones this year and is worth watching.

Do Knot Disturb (2009)

Doli Doli - Laughter Through and Through.

[8/10 · 9 October 2009]

Having seen just some of the promos of this comedy, it was not a let down and especially if it is directed by David Dhawan and the cast includes Govinda and Riteish Deshmukh. A rich businessman tries to hide his extramarital affairs by hiring a simple man whose mother is sick and in hospital.

Starring Govinda, Lara Dutta, Sushmita Sen, Riteish Deshmukh, Manoj Pahwa, Ranvir Shorey, Rajpal Yadav, Sohail Khan and Himani Shivpuri, the movie is directed by David Dhawan and is produced by Vashu Bhagnani.

Govinda is his usual – good at comedy, while the same cannot be said for Sushmita Sen but it can be for Lara Dutta while Riteish Deshmukh, Manoj Pahwa and Rajpal Yadav, just excel in their roles and almost steal the whole show. Sohail Khan and Ranvie Shorey are not bad either and Himani Shivpuri is also good as she always is. One song that is worth listening to is "Bebo." Once again, David Dhawan has teamed up with Govinda and gone on to create a movie that can only be described "laughter through and through" and this time he added Riteish Deshmukh, Manoj Pahwa and Rajpal Yadav with it and with this combination, he has managed to create a real laughter.

A good dose comedy of errors is what one needs to relax and watch.

Wanted (I) (2009)

A Good Action and Romantic Movie

[9/10 · 25 September 2009]

This was a surprise in waiting – good action movie that will keep you seated in your seat and make you enjoy watching it. A arrogant, ruthless, sharp shooter and a gangster, who works for a "Don," on his own terms and has no emotions, becomes a killing machine as he starts killing his boss's enemies but then he sees a beautiful woman. At the same time he has enemies.

Starring Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia, Mahesh Manrekar, Vinod Khanna, Om Puri and Sayaji Shinde, this is directed by Prabhudeva and is produced by Boney Kapoor. The music score is provided by Sajid Wajid while Salim Suleiman also provide a good back ground score. Anil Kapoor and Govinda make a special appearance.

The first half contains some comedy along with romance and action and this makes it a good combination to watch but the second half is more action orientated. Salman Khan has suited the role very well and it makes it a change to see him in action after a long time, though he does remove his shirt, while Ayesha Takia, has improved once again. The other actors also make a good contribution to this movie as does Vinod Khanna in a supporting role and whose character really pushes the story to its climax. Some songs are memorable and are worth listening to and the cinematography is also worth watching.

Director Prabhudeva has done a good job in directing this romantic, action movie with added small dose of comedy.

Some may find this too violent but it is a movie that can be watched with your family and is worth watching.

Dil Bole Hadippa (2009)

A Good Entertaining One To Watch

[8/10 · 21 September 2009]

Not having been able to watch much of the promos of this movie, I had little idea that this would be based on the game of cricket. But this was not like Yashraj's big hit two years ago, "Chak De India." A young and a fiery Punjabi person dreams of playing in a local cricket team. That person is good at batting as well as in everything else that has to do with the game but the problem is that the person is a female and at first she is not accepted. Then she decides to put on some make up and looks like a male and is allowed to join the team once she's proved her skills.

Starring Shahid Kapur, Rani Mukherjee, Anupam Kher, Poonam Dhillon, Dalip Tahil and Sherlyn Chopra. Rakhi Sawant makes a brief appearance. This is directed by Anurag Singh and is produced by Yash and Aditya Chopra.

Rani Mukherjee has performed well in this movie. She has also done well when playing the game as well and taking in the fact that she is capable of doing something that has not been achieved by all that many great batsmen of the world six sixes in a row. Shahid Kapur keeps on improving with every film that he has acted in and it is nice to see him in a Yashraj film. Anupam Kher and Dalip Tahil were also good in their respective roles as was Sherlyn Chopra but what made it so nice was to see Poonam Dhillon back on the screen after such a long time.

The story is predictable and that, perhaps is the disadvantage that this film has and there are times that it makes one remember past Yashraj Film "Dil Walleh Dulhaniya Lejayenge" and also "Hum Aapke Hain Koun!" There are a couple of good songs and especially the title song that is worth listening.

It may be predictable but nevertheless, it is a entertaining movie which does have some good laughter as well as romance in it. But for those who do not enjoy cricket, you may find it boring.

I think I have only seen Sir Gary Sobers of West Indies hit six sixes in a row.

Daddy Cool: Join the Fun (2009)

A Good Comedy

[7/10 · 13 September 2009]

The title rang a bell and it made me remember one of those disco songs by the group Boney M and indeed the title is just that. But having not had much chance to watch the promos of this movie, it was something that I had not expected but having seen that who the producers gave me a small clue as to what it would be like. A father passes away and his eldest son arranges for the funeral and invites close family members and family friends. But one person is unknown to all and all hell breaks loose when this person says something that no one had expected, not even the family members of the deceased.

Starring Sunil Shetty, Aarti Chhabria, Chunky Pandey, Ashish Choudhary, Prem Chopra, Tulip Joshi, Kim Sharma, Rajpal Yadav, Aftab Shivdasani, Javed Jaffrey and Suhasini Mulay, Sharat Saxena, Javed Jaffrey and Sophiya Chaudhary. This is directed by K. Muralimohana Rao and produced by Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria.

What can go wrong at a funeral? Well the best person to ask is Sunil Shetty, as this role really suited him. He is not just an action hero and films such as "Hera Pheri" have proved that he is also good at comedy and this confirms this. All the actors are also good and that includes Chunky Pandey, Aftab Shivdasani, Javed Jaffrey and also Prem Chopra. Its good to see the old villain do a role such as this.

This is a good comedy genre movie and the story line ensures that the audience is not bored as there some hilarious moments in the film and will give one a good laugh. There are some scenes which some may find as inappropriate but nevertheless, they do not ruin the comedy.

A good comedy.

Life Partner (2009)

A Good Entertainer - Reminds Of An Era That Has Gone

[8/10 · 28 August 2009]

This movie brings back some memories of an era that has gone by and one which consists a message that has been added in with some humour.. Three friends, one involved in selling spices, the second who works for an International company and a third, a divorce lawyer – who will stop at nothing to get some business, don't have any marital problems until they tie the knot and its when they approach marital life from different angles and how they handle the situation that each one of them is in that makes it interesting.

Starring Govinda, Genelia D'Souza, Tusshar Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Prachi Desai, Anupam Kher and Amrita Rao, this is directed by Rumi Jaffrey, while Javed Akhtar pens the lyrics and the music score is by Preetam.

It's nice to see Govinda back in a role that he is good at – comedy and serious and in a role that demands both comedy and serious as do Fardeen Khan and Tusshar Kapoor and Genelia D'Souza.

Gone is the era which showed marital problems and couples splitting up but Rumi Jaffrey brings back that era and has also added some humour, though it is restricted, to this and this is what makes it worthwhile to watch. A couple of songs, which have been penned in by Javed Akhtar, are worth listening.

This is one movie that can be said that is one that can be watched with family members at any time.

Love Aaj Kal (2009)

Refreshing and Well Worth Watching.

[9/10 · 3 August 2009]

Having seen some promos of this movie, I thought "here's another love story" but I was not disappointed at all. The title basically says it all. A young man, living in London, meets a girl and both become friends but as time goes on they break off their relationship but remain good friends and meet each other. But then the girl returns to India and the boy's friend, an elderly gentleman begins so to wonder how his friend is able to treat matters of heart like some sort of transaction. Upon enquiry, his friend also begins to wonder, as to why his friend was so naive with his relationship in his younger days.

Starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rishi Kapoor, Rahul Khanna and Fagun Thakrar, this is directed by the director of "Jab We Met" Imitaz Ali, while Salim Suleiman provide the music score and Rishi Kapoor's wife, Neetu Singh, makes a special appearance.

Deepika Padukone has gone on to drastically improve with this film and it can be seen on the screen. One is able to sense and see that, because of this drastic improvement from her previous movie that she probably feels at ease and it has shown. Saif Ali Khan, in the meantime, is as usual good as is Rishi Kapoor. But what did make it more refreshing is to see Neetu Singh on screen after such a long time, though be it for only a while.

The music by Salim – Suleiman is also good to listen to and especially the "Nagin" tune, which is rather superbly remixed as background score to a song that is worth listening to and it gives a feel to an old movie. It also shows that long distance relationship between a couple is always hard to maintain and sometimes it can lead to a break down. But more than anything else, what this shows is the generation difference and this really well explained and portrayed by the director and where the elder generation is concerned, the director shows it in back flash, which keeps the story moving.

This is definitely one of the better movies to watch and can be enjoyed by both the younger generation and the elder generation . Its already said to be heading in the direction of one of the biggest gross earners this year.

Luck (I) (2009)

Russian Roulette With The Luckless Souls

[5/10 · 29 July 2009]

It was something that I had not expected at all and therefore was rather taken back by its contents. A Mafia kingpin is obsessed by gambling not in the usual way but with peoples lives and he finds those who are in need of money and puts them through tasks, which can result to be very costly if they decide to leave or aren't able to complete.

Starring Mithun Chakraborthy, Sanjay Dutt, Imran Kham, Ravi Kishan, Danny Denzongpa and Chitrashi Rawat. Shruti Hasan, daughter of Kamal Haasan, is introduced in this, while Rati Agnihotri makes a special appearance. This is directed by Soham Shah and Salim – Suleiman provide the music score.

This is Imran Khan's third film in which he is in action for the second time, the previous being "Kidnap" and he is good in some scenes but unfortunately, his character of a person who needs money, goes from convincing to unconvincing as the movie progresses. Shruti Haasan, making her debut in this, has shown signs of potential talent and also has the looks as well and given some time, she will accelerate in this career. But the two actors who were conspicuous throughout are Sanjay Dutt and Danny Denzongpa but the same cannot be said for Mithun Chakraborthy as his was rather on the weak side and felt that much more could have been done to his character but was not.

Director and writer Soham Shah has tried to introduce a new type concept with its theme of gambling and having the characters play Russian roulette and has added on some stunts, which are not anything new but do look spectacular and nothing else. But somehow, the film does manage to keep the audience stick to their seat and yet it fails to click as no one who is in the right frame of mind would play Russian roulette with their lives even if they need money.

This film just does not appeal or click but is just about watchable but unfortunately is a flop.

Shortkut - The Con Is On (2009)

There Are No Shortkuts If You Want To Achieve Success.

[8/10 · 14 July 2009]

I had not seen much promos of this and had just heard one or two songs from this and was therefore quite surprised with its contents. Yes! Its true that there are not shortcuts in life and this is exactly what this showed with some humour added to it. A Assistant Director, quits his job and wants to be a full time director. But he has two problems. The first being that he is in love with an established actress and therefore doesn't want people to think that its because of her he has become a director. The second problem is that a struggling actor, who is also a friend of his believes that there are short cuts to everything and also steals his script and will stoop to any level to gain what he wants.

Starring Akshaye Khanna, Amrita Rao and Arshad Warsi and Chunkey Pandey,. Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt make a special appearance. Directed by Neeralj Vora, the movie is produced by Anil Kapoor, while Javed Akhtar has penned the lyrics.

Amrita Rao, has really changed in her looks and looks better as she works in each film. Playing the role of an established actress has suited her well and again, she has proved her talent, once again. Akshaye Khanna, is as usual at his best and has also proved that he is able to do both comedy and serious roles at the same time. Arshad Warsi is the same – at his best, while Chunkey Pandey, is also good in a comic role and plays a convincing role of a partner to Arshad Warsi.

Javed Akhtar has penned a couple of very good and memorable songs, while the Director, Neeraj Vora has superbly balanced the story equally between comedy and serious drama and has maintained the meaning that "there's no short cut" in anything.

The movie, with humour, portrays the meaning that if one wants succeeds, then they have to work for it and in order to achieve that, there's no short cut.

This is definitely one of the better movies this year and is worth watching.

Kambakkht Ishq (2009)

Does Not Live Up To expectations

[4/10 · 6 July 2009]

A lot was expected from this movie and more so since it was the second one which was much publicised before the dispute began a few months ago. Unfortunately, it has not lived up to what was expected. An Indian stuntman, working in Hollywood, who is a womaniser, who seems to believe that women are just good for making love to. On the other hand, there's a woman, who is a firebrand and believes that there's no love.

Starring Akshaye Kumar, Sylvester Stallone, Kareena Kapoor, Denise Richards, Aftab Shivdasani, Brendon Routh, Amrita Arora, Diane Sellers, Kirron Kher, Ashwin Mushran and Reann Giles, this is directed and written by Sabir Khan and Ishita Moitra and is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and the music score is by Anu Malik.

Akshaye performing some of his own stunts was good. But there were scenes in which he could have done better and perhaps made to look a bit younger then he is. It is known that he is able to perform good comedy and he has done it before in films such as "Hera Pheri" and "Mujse Shaddi Karoge," just to mention a couple but not in this.

For Kareena, comedy genre doesn't suit her and also her character was hard to know whether was a model or a doctor as it changed a couple of times to model and then back to doctor – simply odd. There could have been more of Amrita Arora and Aftab Shivdasani but there was none and Kirron Kher's talent was wasted.

Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Brendon Routh, all make appearances a couple of times when more could have been done. After all a lot was publicised about such Hollywood talents making an appearance in this movie. A lot could have been achieved with such actors a well but it was not.

Lastly music by Anu Malik is as usual good but unfortunately, the jokes were near stale although there were some that were quite funny but the film still is not able to live up to the expectations.

This film could have been better but it was let down and some may find this a bit sexist and may prefer their children not to watch.

New York (2009)

A Good, Decent Drama That is Worth Watching.

[8/10 · 28 June 2009]

The title had given me some idea as to what it would be about and for a while I thought, "here comes another love triangle" but it was not. A young man goes to the US city of New York to study at the university where he meets Sam and Maya who become his good friends. But then comes 11 September 2001 and their lives change.

Starring John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Irffan Khan, this is directed by Kabir Khan, written by Sandeep Srivastava and Produced by Yash and Aditya Chopra.

The movie captures the atmosphere that surrounded everyone at the time of 9 /11 and the after affects that some faced and especially those who were innocent. The methods of interrogation, the scene where, one of the character is tortured while he is nude, are all hard hitting and makes one think about such brutality taking place. There are moments, where one is led to think that "here comes another love triangle" but it is not to be and the director has handled that particular aspect of the story very well. Having set 9/11 as the backdrop of this story, the use of showing the Twin Towers before the incident and then showing the incident as its shown on news channel, it keeps one glued to the screen.

Katrina Kaif suited her role very well and her accent was spot on. She was also able to portray her facial emotions when needed and in deed good acting from her. She has shown that she does not need to do those raunchy dances that she did in "Race." Neil Nitin Mukesh also suited the role well and again, has proved his talent and with each film that he has worked in so far, this is one of his best performances. John Abraham, who worked with Kabir Khan before in "Kabul Express," has shown his versatility and is good and has shown that he is capable of doing serious roles as well as comedy – "Garam Masala" and "Dostana." Irrfan Khan is, as usual good and is able to play the role of an Indian officer who works for the FBI.

Kabir Khan has handled this subject very well and the movie is worth watching at least once.

Paying Guests (2009)

A Good Laughter.

[9/10 · 22 June 2009]

Not knowing what this was about, I must say it was a pleasant surprise as it wasn't really advertised at all and especially on TV channels. Three men loose their jobs but when a fourth joins them, they are thrown out of their rented accommodation as well and over night have to find a place to stay. And they do but there is surprise in for one of the man as well as certain conditions..

Starring Shreyas Talpade, Celina Jaitley, Javed Jaffrey, Neha Dhupia, Johnny Lever, Asrani, Chunky Pandey, Paintal, Sayali Bhagat, Riya Sen, Delnaaz Paul and Ashish Choudhary. This is directed by Pantosh Painter and Subash Ghai.

Good acting by all the cast and this can be seen very clearly on the screen and its also nice to see Johnny Lever back after a long time. Shreyas Talpade, from the beginning, along with Javed Jaffrey, Ashish Choudhary and Johnny Lever, goes full steam ahead in this comedy genre movie and there are scenes with him and Johnny Lever, that has one in stitches of laughter. This is very well supported by Javed Jaffrey and Ashish Choudhary and would say that all the cast have an equal role in this movie.

There are moments that have echoes of "Dostana" but this is different and is a change from the other movies this year. It is one of the better ones to watch and have a good laugh and enjoy.

A Good comedy and worth watching.

Kal Kissne Dekha (2009)

A Complete Disappointment.

[1/10 · 19 June 2009]

A lot had been expected from this movie since it was the first to be released since the two month dispute ended but it was not to be as what had been expected. The only thing about the marketing for this movie was Vaishali Desai's interview on one of the TV channels and nothing else due to the dispute. A young man from the North goes to city to study but upon his arrival at the college, not many like him and slowly and gradually he starts to win them over. But one girl, who is rich and a brat, hates him.

Starring Rishi Kapoor, Archana Puransingh, Satish Shah, Farida Jalal, Riteish Deshmukh , Rahul Dev, the movie sees two new actors, Vaishali Desai, grand daughter of the legendary director, Manmohan Desai and Jacky Bhagnani. Juhi Chawla makes a special appearance only and is directed by Vivek Sharma, while Vishal – Shekhar provide the music score.

The only good thing was Riteish Deshmukh and his comedy. Vaishali Desai is also good but nothing else that is good can be said about this as plots out nowhere are thrown in. Firstly, love story and then terrorist. Unfortunately, nothing makes sense with this and is a complete disappointment and a waste of time – even after two months. And a lot of good talent was wasted.

99 (I) (2009)

Watchable

[5/10 · 22 May 2009]

I was looking forward to watching this movie despite the fact that it wasn't even promoted due to the on going dispute and not knowing what this really was about. However, it is one of the better ones to be released this year but I wouldn't say that it was one of the best. A compulsive gambler borrows money from a gang but then four men are sent after him.

Starring Kunal Khemu, Soha Ali Khan, Boman Irani, Simone Singh, Vinod Khanna, Mahesh ManjrekarAmit Mistry, this is directed by Krishna D.K and Raj Nidomoru.

I was not disappointed with Boman Irani at all as he is his usual – good and is convincing as a gambler as are Amit Mistry, Mahesh Manjrekar and Kunal Khemu. But I was rather disappointed with Vinod Khanna and with Soha Ali Khan and felt that they weren't really in to it and that their characters could have been more meaningful and therefore have a lot more exposure of them in them film but it was not done and felt that their talent was wasted. Also, I felt that having such talented actors such as Boman Irani and Vinod Khanna in few scenes together, the directors could have made use of their talents and make their scenes a lot more explosive and then adding Soha Ali Khan, who has shown her talent in "Rang De Basanti" and "Khoya Khoya Chand,"it would have been more exciting to watch them along with Mahesh Manjrekar, who is also talented, Set against the background of real incident, the directors could have made use of that in a stronger manner as well and I felt that this would have made the film a bit more powerful and enjoyable instead of it being dragged in certain areas of the story, which though funny at times. But really the jokes could have been made more effective then they were.

However, it is not a complete dull movie as it does have some good points as well and it does make it, just about watchable.

Waqt (1965)

An Excellent Movie - Definitely Worth Watching.

[10/10 · 15 April 2009]

This is one movie, that whenever I have watched, has always brought tears in my eyes and that is probably because, not only does it remind me of my childhood days and going to the cinema, in this case the "Drive – In" in Kenya with my parents but also because of the music, the songs, the acting and the story.

"Waqt" means time and this is what the Director, has really shown in this movie – time. From the moment, a man is informed that one never knows what is going to happen next and he laughs it off, it sets the tone of the story. Moments later the family experience an earthquake and the whole family gets separated.

Starring Balraj Sahni, Achala Sachdev, Raj Kumar, Sadhana, Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Sunil Dutt, Motilal, Jeevan, Madan Puri, Leela Chitnis and Rehman, the movie is directed by Yash Chopra and is produced by BR Chopra. The superb music is by Ravi.

This movie set the tone for the future hits, such as "Yaadon Ki Baraat" and "Amar Akbar Anthony," where the brothers get separated and not only this but this also involved romance as well.

The late Balraj Sahini, I would say is at his very best here as are Sunil Dutt, Raj Kumar and Shashi Kapoor and all the other cast as well. Raj Kumar is just perfect in his role as a thief as is Sunil Dutt as a lawyer and Shashi Kapoor as a driver and the direction by Yash Chopra is just superb. The songs, and especially the one sung by Balraj Sahni, and the playback by Manna Dey, "Ai Meri Zohra Jabeen," are most memorable – all of them as is the one, "Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu," by Asha Bhonsle, as well.

Waqt was commercially a very successful film when released and the settings of this just shows how much the late BR Chopra, elder brother of Yash Chopra, was fond of the Hollywood style golden age by use of pink and blue walls, fountains, circular beds and mirrored ceilings and with his he also manages to capture the opulent lifestyle of many in what is now Mumbai.

This is one film that is worth watching whenever one can even if it is on a DVD or television.

Straight (II) (2009)

Watch It Once

[7/10 · 15 April 2009]

What can be said about this? Well! For one thing is that it is almost on the same line as "Dostana" as it deals with a similar theme and it is also a good comedy which deals with one man who seems to think that he is gay when he hires a man and a female to work in his famous restaurant after being rejected.

Starring Vinay Pathak, Gul Panag, Ketki Dave, Rasik Dave, Siddharth Makkar, Anuj Choudhary and Achla Sachdev, written by Anahata and is based on the story by Uttam Gada and is directed by Parvati Balagopalan.

We last saw Vinay Pathak as Shahrukh Khan's friend and stylist in "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi," but here he has performed rather well in the role of a main character and has gone on to show his versatility, supported by Ketki Dave, who, many will remember from Balaji TV series, "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi's" "Daksha" and who also made a brief appearance as Saif Ali Khan's mother in "Kal Ho Naa Ho." And what can possibly go wrong with such two comic actors, who are well supported by the others and in particular Achla Sachdev and Siddharth Makkar and Anuj Choudhary, who have also performed well! This did and was bound to lead to some hilarious scenes, which many may consider as of "adult" nature but on the whole they are decent and clean. But with Rasik Dave and Gul Panag, I felt could have done more, as they seemed to be put onto one side of the movie, but it could have made it a bit more interesting if this had not been the case.

Parvati Balagopalan, the director, has handled this comedy and the subject well. But on the whole, this movie is worth watching once but some may think it appropriate not to do so with their kids.