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Reviews
Jab We Met (2007)
Strongly recommended....go watch it with your family
They may have split in real life but Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur's reel love story Jab We Met is a cute film, and is sure to touch the hearts of those in love.
The film starts with Geet (Kareena), a Sikh who talks nonstop. She embarks on a train journey from Mumbai to her hometown Bhatinda. On the way, she runs into Aditya Kashyap (Shahid), a young man disillusioned with life after being dumped by his girlfriend. To make matters worse, even his business is going nowhere.
He's on the verge of ending his life when Geet comes into his life. She ends up missing her train while trying to get him on the train.
The thought does cross your mind, that why would she do that for a stranger. But then again, we're watching a Bollywood film.
Geet then informs Aditya that it is his responsibility to take her to Bhatinda, as she missed the train because of him. What follows next is a journey across picturesque landscapes where the two discover each other and understand the meaning of love and friendship.
Aditya learns that Geet is in love with one Anshuman but her family is against their union.
After reaching Bhatinda, you feel the plot has been lifted straight out of the Hollywood film, A Walk in the Clouds, though director Imtiaz Ali also adds Yash Chopra's 'Punjabisation'.
Aditya promises to help unite Geet with Anshuman, even though he falls in love with her.
Post-interval, we're introduced to a very new Aditya, who becomes a big businessman. And this is one of the film's flaws. The change is too abrupt, and it is difficult to connect the first half with the second.
But besides that, Jab We Met is a fun film, with quite a few moments worth watching.
Though Kareena is loud at times, she is a treat to watch -- funny and full of life. She gets to mouth hilarious lines like, 'Bachpan se mujhe shaadi karne ka bahut shauk tha.' Shahid, on other hand, acts composed and provides a perfect foil to the Kareena's bubbly character.
Pritam's music also enhances the film. Lyricist Irshad Kamil deserves a special mention for the song, Yeh Ishq Hai.
Aaja Nachle (2007)
does not meet the expectations....
A 'comeback' film always holds significance. Amitabh Bachchan's Mrityudatta Vinod Khanna's Insaaf Dimple Kapadia's Saagar Mumtaz'as Aandhiyaan and Kajol'Fanna are names you cannot erase from your memory since the celebrated actors returned to the big screen after a hiatus.
With Aaja Nachle, Madhuri Dixit, who reigned supreme, is back to the studios with the Numero Uno production house of the country. Does the actress still possess the charisma to ignite fire in water? Also, does the vehicle she chooses to make a comeback with, have the fuel to reach the winning post?
Sadly, Aaja Nachle is below the mediocre mark and doesn't meet the humongous expectations that you associate with the Yashraj - Madhuri combo. What's the problem? Without a doubt, the script! What starts off as a story that seems real and identifiable becomes a fairy tale in the latter hour. Also, with a title like Aaja Nachle and the story harping on music, the songs had to be chart busters. That's just not the case here! In short, Aaja Nachle fails in the two vital departments -- writing and music.
Bearing a striking similarity to the Brazilian film XUXA REQUEBRA, Jaideep Sahni's screenplay is the biggest culprit here. The protagonist Madhuri knows that there would be hurdles galore on her way, as she embarks on a journey to realize her guru's dreams. But she hardly struggles to achieve the impossible. Even the corrupt politician Akhilendra Mishra or the shrewd businessman Irrfan, who could've proved to be tough nuts to crack, give in so easily.
Besides, the goings-on get too unbelievable. The first question that crosses your mind is, how does Madhuri raise the funds to put up this spectacular event the set design in the penultimate song is marvelous? Okay, that's a cinematic liberty, but, seriously, there should have been at least some reference to where the money would flow in to fund this mammoth, lavish and extravagant event. What starts off as a 'real' film, drifts into a 'surreal' world as it moves ahead.
Debutante director Anil Mehta knows the importance of frames/visuals since he's an accomplished cinematographer. But Mehta ought to know by now that it's the content that does the talking eventually. The writing is too commonplace to make any impact whatsoever. In an effort to strike a balance between believable and make-believe, Aaja Nachle falls like a pack of cards.
Salim-Sulaiman's music is another minus point. You expect the songs to linger in your memory even after the show has ended
that's what makes a musical tick, right? It's not the case here. Dialogues are wonderful at places, especially the ones delivered by Akshaye Khanna and Madhuri. Cinematography Mohanan is splendid.
Madhuri has always delivered qualitative performances and the fire continues to burn to this date. She's top notch, but how one wishes the script would've done justice to her talent. It doesn't offer her a pedestal to take that big leap. The loyal Madhuri fans would surely feel disillusioned and saddened.
Akshaye Khanna is tremendous. In fact, it's a treat to watch Madhuri and Akshaye together, after a hiatus. Kunal Kapoor is likable; he enacts his part with natural ease. Konkona is nice, but when compared to her previous work, it's definitely not in that league.
Irrfan, in a brief role, is okay. Divya Dutta too is relegated to the backseat. Ranvir Shorey is first-rate. Ditto for Raghuvir Yadav. Darshan Zariwala does a fine job. Yashpal Sharma is alright. Vinay Pathak and Sushmita Mukherjee are adequate. Akhilendra Mishra is as usual. Jugal Hansraj gets no scope. Vinod Nagpal and Uttara Baokar, as Madhuri's parents, have nothing much to do. Felix D'Alviella as Steve -- Madhuri's lover is passable.
On the whole, Aaja Nachle disappoints big time. At the box-office, the film has embarked on a poor start and coupled with weak merits will only emerge as one of the major disappointments of the year.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Best movie ever....
Introducing Bhool Bhulaiya First of all let me make it clear, Bhool Bhulaiyaa is NOT an out-n-out comedy movie as its trailers suggest. It's a thriller narrated in a very entertaining way.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa Story Badrinarayan Chaturvedi (Manoj Josi) is the head of the Brahmin family living in a small town were the people are very conventional and superstitious. His elder brother's son Siddharth (Shiny Ahuja) and his wife Avni (Vidya Balan) return to their ancestral village after living in US for many years. Siddharth insists in staying in his ancestral palace which for long has been uninhabited as it's considered to be haunted. Despite opposition the newly wed couple shifts to their ancestral mansion. Avni an adventurous girl breaks the ground rules to explore the room considered to be the devil's home. What follows is a series of life threatening incidents. Siddharth instinctively invites his vibrant Doctor friend Aditya (Akshay Kumar) to solve the mystery behind the mansion and the mysterious events.
Who is behind all the baffling activities? Is it really ghastly or just a human trick? Watch Bhool Bhulaiyaa to uncover the mystery, for the movie ventures into one of the most confusing yet interesting study of human psychology.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa Movie Review Priyadarshan has handled the complicated script extremely well. A The first half is a light comic thriller and completely revolves around the supporting characters. The lead character (Akshay Kumar) enters 45 mins into the movie and takes it to a completely different level. The second half is more of a psychological thriller.
Bhool Bhulaiya has just the right ingredients of a successful movie - adequate amount of comedy, suspense and thrill to keep you at the edge of your seats throughout. Music is never really great in Priyadarshan movies but Bhool Bhulaiyaa is an exception. Two songs titled 'Allah Hafiz' and 'Hare Krishna Hare Ram' standout. The background score is outstanding.
The performances are top-notch. The second half belongs to Vidya Balan. She has done complete justice to a role that demanded great on screen histrionics. Watch out as she sets the screen ablaze with a mind blowing performance in the last 20 mins. Undoubtedly her best performance to date! Akshay Kumar is surprisingly good in emotional scenes and as always brilliant with his comic timing.
Shiny Ahuja is good. Amisha Patel should stop acting, the sooner the better. Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani are great in providing comic relief.
my opinion Overall, Bhool Bhulaiyaa is an excellent movie. You would have never watched something like this before in a Bollywood movie.It's my most favorite movie.
I would give this movie 10/10.
Saawariya (2007)
dark from the beginning to the end of the movie.....
Introducing Saawariya: After classics like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Black, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is back with a love story titled Saawariya, starring two star kids, Rishi Kapoor - Neetu Singh's son Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor's daughter Sonam Kapoor. The curiosity and hype surrounding Saawariya is high. So does it live upto the expectations?
Saawariya Story:
A prostitute Gulabji (Rani Mukherjee) introduces the story to us as some fairy tale that once occurred some where in a far away land that looks mystical. Raj (Ranbir Kapoor) is a charming young man who has no one and no place to live. He is a lead singer of RK club and by his words and songs spreads happiness anywhere and everywhere he goes. One night he comes across a young beauty Sakina (Sonam Kapoor) and falls head on heels in love with her. On the second night of their friendship he decides to let her know of his love for her but instead comes to know of her love for Imaan (Salman Khan) who has deserted her with a promise to return back in an years time exactly on the day of Id. With just two days left for Id will Raj be able to win the heart of his lady love? Will Sakina forget the love of her life and agree to Raj's proposal? Will Imaan return or will the wait continue?
Saawariya Review: Saawariya is a bore and fails to entertain. Having seen Bhansali's earlier movies like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Black my expectations from the master director was high, but with Saawariya he disappoints for the first time. A wafer thin story line is dragged with too many songs. Basically the story in itself is dull and with a sluggish pace it makes it even harder to sit through. Under Bhansali's direction Saawariya would be the first movie which leaves you puzzled. You are left with so many questions lingering in your mind, with answers to none.
What did Sakina see in Imaan to fall in love with him? She knows nothing about him except for his name then on what basis does she wait for him? Also when did they even have the time to bond so much that she considers him the love of her life? Hardly any communication, how could it lead to romance? Imaan is a mystery. Why does he come and why does he leave? What is his profession? Nothing is known. If Gulabji loves Raj, why did she then get him thrown out of the house and get him beaten when he came to her? What was the reason for her sudden aggression? If Sakina thinks admitting Raj as her friend to her relative will lead to problems with her grandmom. Then how does she justify running around and playing with him on the streets and in her house on the day of id? Its not just the story that is flawed but almost everything in the movie. The visuals get tedious to watch as it is just dark from the beginning to the end and you crave for some bright light. It's locales are too far fetched to suit the contemporary world. The only thing that came as relief is the performance of its lead stars. The title track, Masha Allah, Yoon Shabnami are few songs that stand out.
Saawariya Performance: Ranbir has the right look, right personality and has great talent. Coming from the legendary Kapoor clan, Ranbir Kapoor delivers a knock out performance. He is the heart and soul of the movie and one just can't get enough of him. Call it inherited skill or a developed one, this young chap is sure to have a great future. His expressions and dialogue delivery was just first-rate and perfect. He is not just a wonderful actor but a marvelous dancer too. Even if Saawariya fails to make an impact, Ranbir is sure to make a place for himself in your hearts. You can undoubtedly see more of him in the coming years as he carries the Kapoor legacy forward.
Sonam Kapoor for a debutant has delivered a decent performance. She has a very infectious smile.
Zohra Segal is just marvelous. She is matchless and has delivered a mind blowing performance.
Rani Mukherjee just as in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag plays the role of prostitute. Unlike Laaga, she is portrayed as a prostitute who's happy with whatever she is and does. Rani is good. Salman Khan in his very limited role is good too.
Indicine Saawariya Verdict: To sum up, Saawariya is one of the weakest films directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Except for the performances by the lead stars and a few songs, there is nothing that the movie offers. As a movie it disappoints!
I would give this movie 3/10
Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007)
Excellent film..........
Introducing Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal
Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal is directed by Vivek Agnihotri. he movie showcases a sport loved by millions around the world, Football. So does Goal live up to the expectations? Read on..
Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal Story
The Southall United Football team led by captain Shaan Ali Khan (Arshad Warsi) is in a deep crisis. The team has no quality players, lacks sponsors and has very few supporters. The football stadium is under lease with substantial amount of dues, the Southall United team is in a do-or-die situation. They must win the Combined Counties Football League to save the ground and the club. Shaan with the help of Coach Tony Singh (Boman Irani) takes up the challenge and leads the bunch of players who lack focus and determination.
Sunny Bhasin (John Abraham) has big football dreams, but his dreams crash when he is not selected by the club in spite of being the best player. Reason
The color of his skin! Tony Singh convinces Sunny into joining the Southall United team. Unfortunately, Sunny and Shaan cannot stand each other. On the other hand, Shaan's sister and Southall United physiotherapist Rumana (Bipasha Basu) is in love with Sunny. Inspite of the mess that they are in, the team grows under the able guidance of the coach. Sunny is now a huge star. Enter the villain, Johny Bakshi (Dalip Tahil)who lures Sunny out of the team just before the 2 most crucial matches.
The coach of the team is hiding, as he was responsible for the team's loss in the 1985 finals. The team also consists of talented but players who lack focus and determination. Goal is about achieving the impossible, from absolute no-hope to glory.
The movie is a simple human drama, it celebrates human spirit and director Vivek Agnihotri has handled it exceedingly well although the script lets him down to a certain extent. Talking of the script, it has quite a few flaws, some actions defy logic and a few characters could have been better written. The execution is good and the dialogues (Anurag Kashyap, Rohit Malhotra) make an impact.
The movie falters slightly mid way past the interval. There is something missing, that doesn't make you cheer the Southall United team to victory, this could go against the movie. Also the editing could have been sharper. The runtime of the movie is almost 2 hours and 45 mins. Whats that weird item number doing in the movie? It should be chopped off. The music is above average. The title track and the background score are superb. If the movie succeeds, this could well be the next Sports anthem after the Chak De India title song. The football choreography (Andy Ansah) needs a mention here, its brilliant.
Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal Performances
The performances are EXCELLENT.John Abraham is very good and perfect for the role of Sunny. His football scenes throughout the movie are a treat to watch. This is not a supporting role for Arshad Warsi, he is present throughout the movie and as usual he is brilliant. Boman Irani in a role that demands aggression and intensity is great. Bipasha Basu acts well although her role is limited and doesn't demand any histrionics. Overall, everyone in the movies has done a wonderful job.
My opinion
Overall, Goal is a brilliant movie with excellent performances. No, don't expect a Chak De India, it's in a different league altogether! At the all important Box-office, like I said earlier success of Chak De India will help Goal.
I would give this movie 9/10.