XxMaverickxX Reviews

Cocktail (2012)

Again, people on here have slammed a refreshing attempt, only to applaud typical trash like Bol Bachchan. Oh dear.

[8/10 · 18 July 2012]

I wasn't surprised to realise the point made in the summary, for one reason: this is a film that easterners may not have the capacity to digest. I'll tell you why this is the case and what I thought of the film.

First of all, this is co-written by Imtiaz Ali, the director who presented us with films like Jab we Met ('07), Love Aaj Kal('09) and Rockstar ('11). It is perhaps his touch that takes this film beyond the reach of those who prefer the typical 'masala' stuff, examples of which have been given above. For me, it is once again a pleasure to experience all that Imtiaz's writing brings to a film, not least in the situations created, dialogue, and humour evoking parts. New ground has been broken above and beyond Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Secondly, this film has been directed by Homi Adajania. He's the director who had the guts to attempt something like the almost perfectly executed 'Being Cyrus' on debut. With is name on the film, you have to anticipate that it will present something in a different manner. Once again, he has done a solid job. Though the second half could have benefited from a few changes, this is once again a solid effort.

Above I have provided an explanation of why this film won't be the cup of tea of many in India, but instead to Asians living in the west and fans of off-beat cinema. Now let's focus on the positives and negatives.

Of course, as with any review, it is necessary to provide an account of the performances of the cast. Saif Ali Khan is extraordinarily natural in this role. No other actor in India could have fulfilled this part to a level anywhere near his. The film marks a solid start to Diana Penty's career in Hindi films, who is consistent throughout. Deepika Padukone has given her best performance to date. She has been set the task of fulfilling a very difficult role and she throws absolutely everything at it. Kudos. Boman Irani is very good (and funny!) throughout. Special mention to Dimple Kapadia who is effortlessly entertaining as the Desi mum. She is part of of one of the most hilarious scenes in the film, shot on a beach in Cape Town, South Africa. Randeep Hooda gets an opportunity to shine with his brief appearances but he has once again grabbed it with both hands.

The film has been shot in London, New Delhi and Cape Town. As such, the cinematography, is amazing. Credit to the D.O.P, Anil Mehta, who has captured the beautiful views of Cape Town and the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life in London very successfully.

The soundtrack is one of the best of the year, and is entirely appropriate given the film's title. It's a rich mix of different flavours that packs a punch. The chart buster 'tumhi ho bandhu' is beautifully picturised. The other tracks are pretty amazing too.

A negative is the second half as previously mentioned, leading to the climax, which could have benefited from a greater insight into emotions. I suppose you could also argue that the climax itself is not quite sufficient for all that's gone before.

Overall, this is one of the best films of 2012 so far, regardless of the flaws. The main plus points are the performances, a great soundtrack,amazing cinematography and refreshing dialogues. This is a film for you if you, like me, encourage further exploration of genres new to Indian cinema, but also want to enjoy a film at the same time. Go for it!

8/10.

Agneepath (2012)

A good tribute with solid performances from Hrithik, Rishi and Sanjay.However, how did Kancha not age at all in 15 years? Some other flaws too...

[8/10 · 22 April 2012]

The old Agneepath, released in 1990, was not a commercial success because it was ahead of its time. However, the film received critical acclaim and Amitabh Bachchan had a National Award bestowed upon him for one of his best ever performances. Due to the fact that the film failed at the box office and shattered the hopes of Yash Johar, Karan Johar's father, his son decided to burden débutant director Karan Malhotra with the task of doing justice to the original. Let's consider the extent to which this film works and the flaws in it.

The story, first of all, is simply one of revenge. Vijay Chauhan (Hrithik Roshan) witnesses the humiliation and subsequent murder of his father as a child, masterminded by the ruthless Kancha (Sanjay Dutt). This provides him with the desire for revenge. He wishes to establish himself in the underworld with the aim of facing Kancha to exact his revenge some day. However, law and morals appear to stand firmly in his path. Is he successful? Director Karan Malhotra deserves praise for a thorough exploration of the themes central to the film.

Hrithik Roshan has once again shown why he is one of the finest actors in the industry today. His character is dissimilar to Amitabh's in the original. I don't think this is a National Award winning performance, but it will definitely contend for the Filmfare Awards next year.

Priyanka Chopra plays the bubbly Kaali with finesse. She provides apt seasoning in the form of humour. However, her character seemed grossly underdeveloped for one in such role in the film.

Sanjay Dutt, as Kancha, is one of the most naturally evil-looking villains to ever be conceived. His sheer bulk coupled with his strange mannerisms makes his presence felt on screen. After the Vaastav, the Munna Bhai films and so on, this is yet another highlight of his career.

We see Rishi Kapoor in a supporting role as the cunning Rauf Lala. Surely, all the awards for best supporting actor, including the National Award, must be handed to him come awards season next year. There's nothing more to say.

Om Puri is a very fine actor; there's no two ways about that. He delivers a sincere performance but could have done with more screen space. On one hand he seems to be wasted but on another his contribution is important to the plot.

Special mention goes to Arish Bhiwandiwala who is the young Vijay Chauhan. An impressive performance by a child artist.

The cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran, a cinematographer who has worked with the likes of Mani Ratnam, is eye- catching.He manages to capture the locales perfectly in every scene to adhere to the goings on.

There are a few scenes, such as the scene in Rauf's 'market' with him and Hrithik, the murder of Hrithik's father and the climax that leave a lasting impression. A treat for the viewers.

However, the original Agneepath was more violent than this. I felt that this needed to be more violent in order to be adequately moving for a film whose name translates as 'path of fire'.

There are an unnecessary number of sub-plots in the second half that disrupt the course of the movie as set up by the first half. Consequently, the viewer hardly reacts to the outcome of the climax.

Finally, the arrogance and swagger of Amitabh's character in the original was missing here. His presence isn't felt as much as a result.

Overall, this film is a good tribute to the original that's not to be missed for its four aces: the first half, Hrithik, Rishi and Sanjay. Highly recommended!! 8/10

Agent Vinod (2012)

Sriram Raghavan's 'Agent Vinod' is definitely not for you if you swear by nonsense like Housefull 2.

[9/10 · 17 April 2012]

We haven't known director Sriram Raghavan for long. His 2004 debut film 'Ek Hasina Thi' was taut, well written and acted. His second outing, Johnny Gaddaar, a crime thriller noir, was simply breathtaking. His universally acclaimed work has led to early comparisons to the great Quentin Tarantino. His most recent venture, 'Agent Vinod', is a film on a larger scale than his previous ones that features a very fine actor in the form of Saif Ali Khan and his fiancée Kareena Kapoor, who is the best leading lady in India at the moment.

I'd like to start off by warning you that this film isn't for you if you refuse to look beyond romances with singing and dancing every half hour, and other masala movies, comedies or action movies. This is probably why this film didn't get as much success at the box office as it deserved. This is a film that is certainly very different to anything that has been done in India before, and you'd certainly expect this from Sriram, for his last two films have gone beyond the barriers set by the commercial films . It is an espionage thriller through and through, that has lived up to my expectations big time.

Let's talk about the plot a little (don't worry, I won't spoil it).Saif Ali Khan plays an agent for RAW, Agent Vinod, who goes globe-trotting to investigate the murder of his colleague and, by doing so, figure out the secret behind a 3 digit code given in the last message put forward by his colleague before he was murdered.

Saif Ali Khan is the only actor in India who could have done justice to this role, and he certainly has. He breathes life into the character in and it is clear that he understood his character well. This is definitely one of the toughest roles we have seen being fulfilled in Hindi films in recent years. Bravo! We see Kareena Kapoor in an unusual role. Her character is very mysterious and complex, and the viewer gets to understand her as the film progresses. She delivers a very good performance as expected, and her much publicised mujra is one of the highlights of the film. Out of the remaining cast, Shahbaz Khan and Adil Hussain stand out. Special mention to Prem Chopra and Gulshan Grover.

The story is adequate for an espionage thriller, with twists and maintained suspense throughout. Commendable is the light and raw style of storytelling that enthralls the viewer.

I have many favourite scenes in the film, but the one I'd like to mention is where a romantic number is played during a shootout scene in a hotel. Frankly, the way in which the action is caputured is almost poetic.

Credit goes to C.K Muraleedharan for exceptional cinematography. He manages to maintain the rawness when capturing earthy locations on celluloid, such as deserts and parts of land. The sequences in big cities have a very modern, sleek feel to them owing to his commendable work.

Sriram Raghavan scores big points for charicterisation. The fact that each character is layered and has many different aspects clearly shows the work gone into this film. Despite being the leading man, Saif Ali Khan's character always has a new aspect.

The opening credits contain a very catchy song composed by Pritam and are entirely appropriate. They are guably the most well designed credits we've seen in recent years.

The actual soundtrack shows that Pritam has done a fine job. There is a cleverly commercial track in the form of pungi, a mujra, a romantic number (Raabta) and a club song (I'll do the talking tonight). All elements that you would expect to be present in the soundtrack of a Hindi espionage thriller are there.

The sleek action sequences are faultless.

A fault in this film is that it could have been shorter by 20 minutes or so. Also, a little romance could have done something for the film

Overall, a great effort for a first espionage thriller that India should be proud of, owing to the innovative genius that is Sriram Raghavan. This film has everything for those who want to be thrilled and entertained in 2 hours 20. I'm looking forward to a possible sequel or whatever Sriram Raghavan wishes to do next. Highly recommended!! 9/10

Don 2 (2011)

Farhan Akhtar has raised the bar for future sequels and action thrillers. Great performance by Shahrukh in the best Indian sequel so far!

[10/10 · 23 December 2011]

In 2006, Sanjay Gadhvi made a sequel to the 2004 hit 'Dhoom' which was appreciated by most, but Rohit Shetty's sequel to 'Golmaal' faced mixed reviews. However, Rajkumar Hirani got it compeletely right with the Munna Bhai sequel, which was the perfect sequel to the first film. So it can be said that the record hasn't been all that great.. but it has certainly got better now!

Farhan Akhtar's Don 2 is a sequel to his 2006 movie Don, a remake of the 70s Amitabh film. However, the story was sufficiently different and the twists in the tale left viewers gasping for more. Five years later, Farhan Akhtar has returned in an attempt to fulfill the enormous expectations on this sequel. I can say that my expectations were not only met but surpassed by a considerable distance!

The story is strong and pretty special considering what we have previously seen from the Hindi film industry, but you wouldn't expect anything less from Farhan Akhtar. After conquering the Asian underworld, Don sets his eyes on Europe. Thrills are what you expect and thrills are what you get!

The makers have clearly gone to town here as the level of authenticity and realism is extraordinary, especially considering that there are quite a few formulaic Hindi films released every year that fail to differ hugely from films that have come out of India before them. This is certainly one of those films that possess their own distinct identities.

The performances are great. Shahrukh excels as Don and everything about his character is just awe-inspiring. I think this role is comparable with some of his best performances. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra too excels and Om Puri shows why he is regarded as a good actor. Boman Irani is impeccable as Vardhaan and Nawwab Shah is a revelation - watch out for him! Kunal Kapoor handles his role with ease, and is another one too look out for. The character development is superb.

The dialogues are really good. They fit in and serve their purpose in a variety of situations.

The songs of this film are not really the commercial type, but they fit in well in the various situations throughout the film. With this in mind, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have done a solid job with the music. The background score is great.Those who expect romantic music will be disappointed.

The action sequences have been finely executed and do fit into the narrative very nicely. They really do add to the overall experience.

Overall, this is a sequel that is far superior to the first film. As an action thriller with world-class action, top notch performances and a western feel, this presents further proof that Hollywood has some serious competition. It's a gem of a film from Farhan Akhtar, who I regard as one of the top 5 best directors in India today. With Shahrukh delivering a great performance, this film will not disappoint fans of his and action enthusiasts. One of the best films (not just from India) of 2011! A must watch!!

9.5/10.