iimraann Reviews

Foundation (2021– )

Season 2, more like it please.

[10/10 · 19 September 2023]

Haven't read the books, I went to it because this work forms the basis for shows like Star Wars and Trek. Watched the first season and it felt alright. More than Seldon, the Cleons' arc was more investing in that. The Season 2, now that was so much better. You will definitely see the difference of how the future was envisioned at the time when the books got written, and how that is different to the trajectory of reality, but the show writers seem to be doing good on making use of the source material and bridging what they can, especially with what they did with the second season. I hope the future seasons would be as good or even better than the second one. After 'Expanse' this show is doing great in the area of Space sagas.

Mukhbir: The Story of a Spy (2022– )

Bade aaraam se

[5/10 · 4 June 2023]

If you feel anxious because of the high stake situation in any scene, where the safety of the protagonist seems to be compromised, just don't. Actually 'Amul Macho' should have been a great sponsor for this show, because everything happens so conveniently for the benefit of the Lead, all the time. It happens so much that you loose any expectation of thrill building up while watching the show. There are scenes like when the hero jumps on a guard, the guard dies. Ladies are portrayed as dumb, all the time. The Lead just moves his hand without making any needed effort to throw someone off the stairs.

All in all, it is enjoyable to watch with family members around and when you don't want to watch a show that requires your undivided attention, but the way it goes 'Fast and Furious (bad latest sequels)' with its story where everything starts getting superficial signalling a drop in the quality of story and efforts everywhere, it starts feeling like the makers just wants the audience to accept the hero as charismatic and powerful without the need to put efforts into making that character feel actually like that. And just take note that a veteran 'Singer' should have sung more than a couple of songs in career, to be called so. Or may be it was a budget constraint which the makers thought that viewers won't pick up on.

From (2022– )

Hope this ends well, unlike Lost.

[10/10 · 28 May 2023]

I liked the first season and I look forward to the episodes of the second season. The show is entertaining so far and I hope the team creating it, keeps it that way and end it when all is going good for it. Lost began like that but then was stretched too long and was given a really bad ending which ruined it for all those who liked the plot in the initial seasons. Hope the makers of Lost learned to not repeat that fate for this one. The show seems to be having everything going good for it, so they should have the sensibility of giving it the run length and the proper ending that the show deserves, thinking better than typical corporate stupidities.

Pathaan (2023)

OotPataang

[2/10 · 1 April 2023]

If the rotor blades of the helicopter is what gives it lift, how can you fly it vertically when the blades are 90 degrees to the side. And it is certainly not possible for it to go all the way up as it is shown in the movie. They might have as well shot Shahrukh fkying the copter upside down and slashing the goons with the blades.

It has been such a long time sine the Galting Gun made its appearance in T2. So, there is enough knowledge and common sense floating around about it by this time. Like using humans as shields won't work for protection as the bullets can definitely go through the bodies. Especially when in the same scene you use that same gun to shoot and damage a gunship (or helicopter, whatever).

Getting beaten up during a combat realistically, goes to hell, if you will just limp around for few seconds and then beat people back like you took no damage. It starts looking so silly if you keep doing it throughout the movie.

When your prime objective is to disarm a missile by removing the payload, you should stick to that and resist the temptation of taking time for firing the Minigun, even though you are the Heroine, as that doesn't take any precedence during the apparent concern at the time. It just appears like the Heroine also wants to show off, same as the Hero did which was actually so absurdly conceptualized for him (them).

Oh, and also, can't you find out anything in the plane's cargo to lock out the pathogen disperser? Nothing? A big polyethylene bag? And how is that device receiving the signals in the plane when the plane is flying around?

In this day and age, even if the senior actors can't trust the juniors to carry their legacy, they should have matured enough to spot these inadequacies and downright stupidities in their movies. Or may be being old in age doesn't mean you became more intelligent or even wise!

Gaslight (I) (2023)

Viewers gaslighted.

[3/10 · 1 April 2023]

I had hopes for this movie but the story seemed to be written just so Sara can act in a movie. There are just a couple of things in that movie which were good ideas, like the last killing. Overall it is 'not a good mystery' and it does not make any logical sense when things are revealed. As a viewer it seems like you are forced to admire the heroine when the truth comes out which actually feels like bad writing as it is so on the face and isn't done subtly at all. Overall, it feels quite lazily made and doesn't even justify the title. Actually the lantern seemed to be not even a gas one, may be it was electric, but that feels quite deceiving and pretentious then, like the entire movie.

Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga (2023)

Good stories deserve good ratings

[10/10 · 24 March 2023]

A good watch after a long time. Although if you will start dissecting everything under a microscope, you will spot problems but overall the story is so well written and the movie doesn't drag and keeps you interested for the entire run. We need more well thought out stories like this one, and here's hoping that this will continue and good actors will keep choosing working for movies and series that have such stories driving the screenplay. Although the space of ott has started getting diluted with silly content and mass entertainer movies have sub standardly written stories when it comes to logic, but content like this keeps the hope alive that there are still people around who aim for quality in their work.

Breathe: Into the Shadows (I) (2020– )

The second season is the deal.

[10/10 · 12 March 2023]

The first season was pretty dragged and was no match to the Original 'Breathe' (with Madhavan) but the second one is so well and tightly written that when it picks up momentum towards the end of the second episode, you couldn't stop watching. There are some problems though, like the image jigsaw and the way that forensic logic is dealt with, and the ending becomes too much of an intellectual feat to pull, especially against a cop like Kabir; but overall the story is solid and characters are great, especially Victor. Second season also has rewatch value, that you would surely realize when you do that.

Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993)

A family movie that you could watch multiple times without being bored.

[10/10 · 3 October 2020]

It has a nice 'feel good' quality to it and the comedy is pretty hilarious. I watched it recently on Prime Videos, and this was some nice hours spent at home around your dear ones. Juhi Chawla was pretty funny and watching little Kunal Khemu running around in half-pants :D ... lol ... The songs are melodious to listen to. It leaves you in good mood and relaxed, at the end. Probably because of the way things were shot! With ample light and spaciousness unlike the cramped feeling that movies these days project, this is from the time when movies used to be not 'force produced in a rush'. It's watchability is timeless.

Tomorrowland (2015)

Feed the right wolf

[10/10 · 1 January 2020]

This is a really good plot. If you build something with a defined positive intent but the idea didn't get received in that manner due to the sheer perception which has so many variables to affect it which no one was able to factor in, would you give up hope and let everything go to hell! Sounds similar to the notion of 'Ultron' and is too, in a way. It is a weird balance to have, in my opinion; if you live in a condition of utter bliss being impractically optimistic and miss counteracting the negatives, things are doomed but if you keep propagating bad news all the time, even though with a good intent to draw people's attention to fixing the negatives, you might unknowingly spread more negativity causing things to be doomed too! You have to watch the film to get what I am saying here. And so I hope that we attain the much needed - 'Peace in our time'.

Student of the Year 2 (2019)

Objection to false disclaimer, in the movie.

[1/10 · 4 September 2019]

At the very beginning there is the notice that 'no animals were harmed in the making of this film' but that is totally untrue. 'Tiger' was treated very bad during the entire length of the film. He was beaten a lot ... all the time. Though, thank God it never required any medical attention to be involved, even with the bones dislocated. He was made to jump around a lot, pretty unnecessarily. I don't think he was forced to dance unnecessarily, as he can be seen liking it. The best thing the filmmakers did was to keep him miles away from any study. As a student, apparently everyone wishes for such a year, though we are obviously fearful of repeating the class, but we are happy that these students can have it, due to such a well thought out script.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

What a scary Batman that almost killed the Kryptonian!

[10/10 · 26 March 2016]

My experience of this movie went very well. Of course if you have read many comics and watched the animations (like Dark Knight Returns) you will be able to tell many things ahead. Zack actually made the Bat quite scary. Batman's entry will make you feel like watching a Horror Movie for a second. Ben Affleck made an angrier and scarier Batman than the previous actors. His hatred for the Alien can be almost felt. The fight scene was very swell and one of my friend enjoyed the Bat beating Superman to a pulp. But I didn't as I actually empathized with his situation already. The government wanted him controlled. Bat was angry on him. Lex wanted to kill a God for psychotic competition. Poor Smallville chap just wanted to do good and was so confused with the politics. Like 'Man of Steel' Superman took a lot of beating in this one too. That's why I was with the other half of the audience when Superman regained his strength and hit the Bat back. I clapped and cheered at that moment though i have always been the Bat's fan. I always thought about the Martha angle, which was used in this movie very well. And ... Diana ... The whole house applauded when she entered the fight and I liked her slashing Doomsday. I enjoyed the film thoroughly. There will always be expectations but this movie was very well made. To comprehend, direct and depict this level of complexities. Too good.

Humshakals (2014)

Don't ... don't ... you might want to shoot yourself!!

[1/10 · 21 June 2014]

Imagine ... and I mean try to 'visualize' what you are going to read next... "After having watched this movie in a cinema-hall, while on your way back (from it), a mad dog crosses your path. wait ... make it more ... let us say, three mad dogs. You are terrified, assuming that the dogs might bite you but. Somehow those dogs know that you have seen 'Humshakals' and that too in a 'hall'. So, instead of biting you they'll all bow down in front of you showing utter respect to the courage you exhibited!" ... I think you got the point. Why did these actors work in this movie. Why?? Certain scenes are quite funny but overall this movie is s**t.

Krrish 3 (2013)

Even if you heard people say, 'this one copies work from many sources', the movie is actually very good!

[10/10 · 17 January 2014]

The impacting role in this movie in my view is of Kangana. Though, she usually does portray a character of a confused girl in most of her movies, here playing Kaya is done very well with her sense of being confused. :) I am not making fun of her at all. Kaya is played very well by her. The confusion of her doing good or bad and being in love with Krishna can be clearly inferred in the later parts, with Kangna being able to project this very clearly. 'Krrish 3' does overdo it (at some places) when it comes to being sappy. There are a number of 'too much sappy' dialogues and at the end, the scene where 'someone has to leave his/her baby at the mercy of Krrish trying to stop a falling piece of building and Kaal, on top of it, jumping menacingly on that falling architecture to make things even more difficult for Krrish' is quite melodramatic! :D. 'God Allah aur Bhagwan', in my view, was certainly not needed where it was put. Must have been much better to use this one in end credits or with a proper function for Krrish where he, himself with his father and wife was not supposed to dance. I mean, leave it to some other talents to pay respect to Krrish by having cameos in such a song! That said, the airplane scene in the beginning of the movie was swell. The whole special effects in the movie were great! While watching the trailer, the 'anti-virus bomb explosions' snippet made me think, whether Krrish saves a planet this time! And I am glad, this was not what I expected and found the actual premise for this scene quite palatable. I have always been a 'superhero-aholic' chap, reading DC, Marvel & Raj Comics and watching movies, and I really enjoyed this movie. The scene where Krrish faces the 'Frog Man' for the first time, especially the point where he confronts him giving him the 'you are in my territory' looks was very impacting for me. The logical aspects are 'far far far' more better than Dhoom 3. :D The movie has a very good appeal for kids. And the positive messages expressed in the movie are commendable. Like when 'Krishna gives a rose to Kaya (Not joking, see the movie for this)'. I found the song 'Dil ... tu hi bata', the only 'worth remembering song' because of the music and the frames from Jordan. If someone thinks 'why Kangana suddenly drops to the ground and beaves like an animal' in this song ... that is because of the character she is playing in that movie! I find Krrish 3 a great and quite under-appreciated effort (by over- demanding silly people who given a chance will themselves be not able to achieve even 1% of this work) in the landscape of Superheroes.

Commando (2013)

Better than various now-a-days action movies. Watch it for the action of Vidyut and the character played by Jaideep.

[10/10 · 6 September 2013]

Giving it 10/10 as this movie is worth the attempt made in the genre of Action. Vidyut certainly is a treat for action-movie lovers here. And, oh, I mean actual action and not the 'throw them all in air and beat them before they touch ground' one. Unlike the other silly action movies these days, Vidyut does a believable role where he demonstrates the competency of beating 25-30 goons single handedly, as a Commando. Pooja plays the 'teekhi mirchi' yet helpless character very well. The action sequences were slick, complex and technical! The villain, played by Jaideep was truly detestable and creates a character who try to instill fear in the hearts of public by faking things about himself although being a no match to the hero, clearly. This was very well handled by Jaideep till end. The movie also has this 'I hate crooked politicians' thing in it, so, will be enjoyed by many and mostly by youth.

Pappu Can't Dance Saala (2010)

Who cares if Pappu can't dance when he is a gem of a person ....

[10/10 · 15 June 2012]

Good Movie. Funny with a pleasant and touching storyline. Explores the angle of how two people, so different in natures, can find happiness together. Sometimes, all the caring and affection one shows towards the loved one can become irritating for people, but in the absence it is surely missed and longed for. Makes you think about the importance of your good people in life. How you trade-off with differences of the others, for the sake of love. Best friendship/love involves accepting people the way they are and indispensable bickerings. Sourabh Shukla, Vinay Pathak, Neha Dhupia and Rajat Kapoor at best with Nasseruddin in great, offbeat cameo.

Thanks for one very wise friend of mine, because of whom I got to watch this movie. :)

Don 2 (2011)

Don ki movie ki story mein agar Farhan involved ho.. toh movie achchhi hi banegi

[10/10 · 24 December 2011]

After Ra-one, I was looking up to this-one and I am not disappointed at all. The 'Over the head' attitude of Don really suits Shahrukh or shall I say, was splendidly managed by the makers. It is justified. Also, while watching the promos; there was this echoes of 'Don... Don...' which made me prejudiced about thinking the movie as a 'Brag'. But ... this is totally not the case in the movie. The lines where Don refers to himself in third person were also well arranged in contexts. The writers; Ameet, Amrish and Farhan did a swell job. The story is complex and well plotted. Its like you'd think of the previous events justifying the present happenings i.e. 'this stuff is happening/justified because of the earlier this-this event' (not including the flashbacks). Such a trait would compel you to watch the movie, probably again. Well, thats what I'm gonna do. The action scenes are the slickest (neither far- fetched nor lame) of all Indian movies. Don is really believable with his ballsy and wayward attitude. Twists in story are really great. Lastly, it left me prejudiced ki "Don ki movie ki story mein agar Farhan involved ho.. toh movie achchhi hi banegi".... Waiting for Don 3.....

Ra.One (2011)

Breaks any milestone of 'an Indian Super Hero on TV/big screen'

[26 October 2011]

Okay, so I waited for this one, very long, to show. Here's what I think... The movie has very good, slick and to-date best vfx and fight sequences. It doesn't disappoint in these at all. As, everyone knows Shahrukh is quick witted, the comedy takes are very humorous, like keys and Idli one. The game angle though, ought be more thought. I mean, a three level game?? Really? With fights just between RA.one and G.one? Thats it... You could say, okay, that was the arcade mode of the game. But this should've been cleared out. Whatever accidents, fights happen, the police never bothers to do anything. Neither in India, nor abroad. The Rajnikanth angle would've been interspersed for impressing Tamil/Telegu audience but it wasn't much thought out and looked childish. G.one identifies him as Chitti while Kareena is in awe for Rajnikant. While G.One is not mistaken for Shahrukh... Was that a slip up? Son and Wife didn't even properly mourn for Shekhar. Maybe because they now have a SuperHero replacement of father/husband. The story also drags on certain parts. Like Dildara was not needed where it was placed (IMHO). I watched it in 3D, but not much 3D effects there. Bottom line.... the movie totally justifies international standards. The story, acting, logic part is far better than Robot in my opinion. Totally breaks any milestone of 'an Indian Super Hero on TV/big screen'. With so much to justify and achieve, it deserves an 8 on my judgment.

After.Life (2009)

poignant

[28 August 2011]

I think the movie has a deeper sense. With Anna struggling with what to believe, Elliot offers her to walk through the door, after hearing her emotions. Its almost like he had the power to either pull or push you. Depends on his judgment of you. The little kid was really good (creepy). I kept postponing to watch this one for a long time, feeling it'd be just another horror. But it is really a good movie. You really attune to every character's emotions related with the decisions they had made. And, of course, to the ones interpreting; its deep. A good emotionally haunting one. One of the good movies I watched ever. Do give it a try. 10 on 10.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy (2011–2013)

Excellent!!

[10/10 · 27 August 2011]

Despite of people pointing out flaws and goofs in Kevin's work, I'm really becoming a fan of his takes on characters. Although, the franchisee meddled with his work regarding the outworld episodes, he reclaimed and kept his work as he liked. And this is good. I was in awe, completely for the last episode of season 1. Cyrax and Sektor were just terrific. How Hydro was pulled off the stream in just one episode was meticulous. I'm just looking forward for the next season and hope the seasons continue, to include all characters that were never touched aptly in movies and games, like Noob Saibot. After the 'Cyber Initiative' episode, I'd really like the story of Smoke to screen. Great work done by the whole team. Just, please, keep 'em coming.

Red Riding Hood (2011)

Quaint and mysterious.

[10/10 · 14 July 2011]

I just liked this take on Red Riding Hood. This movie is good with setup. Great medieval feel and oh! I liked the background score very much. Just a piece of advice so, try watching with best sound setup you could come up with. You would really like this movie when you are in a mood to watch a mystery movie with quaint medieval village setup, like 'The Village'. The DI feel of this movie was really good. Rather than comparing it with any movie, try watching it for 'I just want to enjoy a mystery story' inclination. You'd be surprised. The climax is good. And... I just like how the grandma angle was presented, especially 'Big Eyes To See You Better ...' scene.

For me, excellent....

Haunted - 3D (2011)

Serene, logical, horror with ample good unpredictable turns.

[10/10 · 8 May 2011]

This movie is really good. Mostly, it is just so easy to sit back in a chair and pass criticism for other's work. And I mean, bad one... there are really few who appreciate others' hardwork. And, really, the story, acting, direction; lets say, movie as whole is not ... err.. stupid. That said, Mahakshay has shown improvement here. The twists and turns of movie are good. And though the constant running of the protagonist and the OCD of the 'Evil Spirit' with (you find out what) strike amusing at times, I found the idea really digestible. So, the one's trying to put logic above all would IMHO not be disappointed. I didn't get the chance to watch it in 3D, but the scenes like 'snake' and 'ghost chase' would definitely render good, hence, recommend you to take the 3D pick.

Wicker Park (2004)

Great Story

[10/10 · 18 September 2010]

This movie is one of the best; I've seen. Although, in the beginning it just looked like plain; but it worked for the better of it, 'cause you really cannot tell where it would take a turn. But surely you would be hooked, from the point onwards, where let's say Matthew's search ends.

The storyline from there onwards is fascinating. I liked Rose Byrne's portrayal of Alex.

This movie just brought out so many emotions, contradicting one-other at the same time. Also, I could surely well understand and empathize about yearning for something/someone so much, that you could get out of your ways for it, when presented a chance. The confusion of feeling happy or sad. But at the end, its upto the destiny. 10/10

We Are Family (2010)

'Relationships thrive good, when set free; no strings attached'

[10/10 · 9 September 2010]

I haven't watched "Stepmom", so, had the fresh angle for it. Acting of Kajol is beyond doubt, fabulous. But, for the movie; Kareena takes the cake. Loved the kids. They did all good. The story is well plotted and played. Certain scenes would no doubt, make you feel 'Emotional' and would draw you close to crying. No unnecessary hilarious scenes were injected. The thing I liked about the Direction/Screenplay was the abrupt shift from Senti/Emotional scenes to Comedy/Fun turn. These were really good. Siddharth Malhotra definitely will have lot of expectations to fulfill from his on-coming movies. A definite and superb family movie with the clear message that 'Relationships thrive good, when set free; no strings attached'. Instead of expecting and bombarding someone with vows and responsibilities/duties; let them develop on their own. Arjun Rampal acted well; calm and composed, as required. I'd be definitely watching 'Stepmom'. 10/10

Kites (I) (2010)

Tranquily Frenetic?

[10/10 · 8 September 2010]

Boy; after so many disheartening feedbacks from my friends; I actually enjoyed the movie. Hrithik; truly is the most charismatic actor of India. Barbara Mori's acting; her expressions; her smiles all are fabulous. She was great in the movie. I like the background scores and songs are also good. The best segment of the movie was about the dilemma of the protagonists and their snapping out of it. How two people could be entwined; purely due to feelings; traversing region, language; be it their destiny; is beautifully portrayed. Although; I didn't like the ending, but it is believable; as it is not necessary that things ought to end happily. Also, Hrithik's dance, at the movie's preamble is great; as all of us are aware of this talent of his. Surely, the movie doesn't tell a completely unique or 'not seen/heard before' kind of love story; but the direction, great acting and the composing elements like scenes, landscapes, cinematography and music does make it worth watching for a great experience, when you are completely free and in a blue/romantic mood. Great Movie; 10/10.

Peepli [Live] (2010)

More comedy than impression

[5/10 · 14 August 2010]

The most unexpected was the movie's end. It ended? Just like it. Sure, the subject has already been known to the people, so, I think, the movie said (revealed) nothing.

News channels' cravings for TRPs; we all know that. Predicament of poor people (particularly farmers under loan) we all know that. Corrupt Politics; again, famous since Independence. Blinkered mindset of people; familiar. Ain't it?

So, apart from a nice background score and 'Sakhi Saiyaan', which came out of nowhere and ended abruptly; I couldn't find anything to like in the movie. Has it not been Amir Khan's production; I don't think the movie would endure.

I surely doubt that it would make any point; as the whole predicament was presented as jokes. The twist tried at the end, instead of making a happy ending; creates a more negative impact; I mean, was it to show that even family feelings are fleeing from villages; like even moans of bereaved.

The end certainly felt like wasted. But hearing the audience laugh all the time over almost all the dialogues (am I puzzled?); enjoying the swearing (laughing on it as well) and then saying that the movie portrayed the real problems of farmers (laughing again!); felt like I'm the odd one in the pack.