bollywoodplusplus Reviews

Sixer (2022– )

The writing is rated TVF

[9/10 · 26 December 2022]

TVF knows how to get to our nerves. I have just seen the S1E1. Thats all. Its 1am, and was going to crash out. Saw this on the top of my YouTube recommendation. And did the mistake of watching the whole thing. Now I can't sleep.

Storytelling of TVF is so incredible, I can't even take my eyes off the screen for a minute. Engagement of diff level. No wonder these guys are such darlings of the masses.

About Shivankit, that man is special. Saw an interview of Naveen Kasturia, where he said Shivankit is one of the best actors TVF has. The intensity he brings whether he is the funny reporter Raja Rabish Kumar, or Aspirant Guri, or even the intense shayar in Zakir Khan's Farzi Mushaira, the man brings so much intensity to his characters. But in reality, he is such a soft spoken, and humble human being. (I met with him a week ago at Pitchers S2 premiere, so I can say).

The setting is so real and relatable. All of us from mid-small towns in India, can see their younger self in these scenes.

Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020)

Certainly one of the best Indian OTT series, if not the best.

[9/10 · 12 January 2021]

Of many OTT web series that has come out in last 5-6 years, probably this is one of the best (along with TVF's Pitchers and Gullak, IMO).

The casting, the controlled acting, the body language, the Gujju accent (maybe that came naturally to Pratik Gandhi), the background score, the opening title music, the script (and not dumbing down the script to make it sound stupidish, and keeping the actual financial jargons as it is), screenplay, almost everything is just too perfect. Shreya D has done an incredible job as Sucheta Dalal. I think this show has given us two finest of the actors. Pratik and Shreya.

All the accolades are well deserved.

The moment this series came out, everyone around me raved about the series so much, I went ahead and subscribed to Sony Liv, alone for this. The entire yearly subscription is worth for this series. Gold standard!

Bandish Bandits (2020– )

All great except this ONE thing

[9/10 · 2 November 2020]

First of all, congrats to the makers of the series. For incredible music (thanks SEL), and great tribute to Indian classical music. One of the best web series to be featured on OTT platforms off late. I just have ONE issue with it. Why so much foul language? Do the OTT series have to be like Mirzapur. This is a movie every family should watch together. But I couldn't turn it on with a pre-teen young kid at home. Next, the series features stalwarts like Ajoy Chakraborty, the living legend. Does the language used in the film suits where such people are featured? The OTT series seem to have little or no censorship. I find it little disturbing.

Psycho Raman (2016)

Anurag Kashyap is God of dark cinema

[9/10 · 22 August 2016]

Movies like this makes me proud of the time we live in. We get to experience the artwork of directors like Anurag Kashyap. This movie is not for the faint of the heart or art. Brilliantly acted, not only by the lead Nawazzuddin Siddiqui (what a gifted actor!), but by all supporting cast. Vicky Kaushal gives such a powerful performance. Every aspect of the film making, from the background score to the few soundtracks (by Ram Sampath) are so amazing. This movie doesn't leave you for a minute. It keeps you engaged so much, its hard to take a washroom break. You get into the characters head even while watching the film. No wonder Nawazzuddin got sick and hallucinating and uttering the dialogues from the film while during the shooting of the film. I wonder why I gave it 9/10. Maybe because I don't give 10/10 to any movie, but I really cannot think of any aspect to be critical upon! A definite watch, must watch, absolute must, if you love dark, noir films!

Siddhartha (1972)

Once you see this film, you can never unsee it!

[8/10 · 7 March 2015]

What a movie!! What a hidden gem! Can't thank a friend (VNR) enough for recommending this film. Its the ultimate soul-searching movie. "Stop searching, stop worrying, give love! Live in present. Everything changes, everything returns"! Some deep Indian philosophy in the film, presented by non-Indians primarily! I find that amazing. The music of the film by Hemant Kumar works beautifully. Very simple, melodic, mostly Bengali. Haunting. Gels so well with the river, nature depicted in the film. "O re nadi" is my favorite. The entire film has a feel reminiscent of Satyajit Ray's film making. Brilliant production. Watch this film. It will stay with you for long. Maybe a lifetime.

Gangoobai (2012)

Sweet little movie needs to be seen by everyone

[8/10 · 9 December 2014]

A random search on 2013 Hindi movies (sorted by rating) got me to this title, that I had never heard of. NFDC production further picked my interest, and I landed up in YouTube, watching the entire movie. What a sweet little movie. I know, it has many script flaws, unreasonable flow of the movie, all that, but what Bollywood film doesn't have that! Beyond all that, it is well acted (don't expect a Vishal Bharadwaj film here or so). But all the actors are well cast. The lead actor Sarita Joshi has done a fab job, as well as the Purab Kohli. Its a feel good script, executed well. Its a simple story, but a heart touching one. It reminded me of Dasvidaniya (though that's a very powerful film, and apparently Sarita Joshi acts in that too). Watch the film! Highly recommended.

The Lunchbox (2013)

Ana amazing love story

[9/10 · 28 December 2013]

Some movies just start and end in 2-3 hrs. You get out of the theater, you (probably) enjoyed the movie, few months later, you probably forgot the characters, plot.

And then there are some movies, that leaves too many questions in your mind. You cannot forget the characters, you wish you want to know what happened after the movie ended, you want to conjure up your own ending.

The Lunchbox is that kind of movie. Brilliantly acted is an understatement. Amazing characterization.

I was glued till the end. I didn't want it to end. Though I didn't want it to end like some typical Hindi movies end either. It'll take a few days for me to get over the movie. I feel the restlessness of the characters.

Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (2012)

Watch the movie for its characters

[8/10 · 29 September 2013]

What a cute little love story! Watch the movie for its characters, the screenplay, the subtle funny lines, the settings! No over the top comedy, or loud over-the-top punjabi lines (even though the entire setting is in kinda rural Punjab). An absolute delight. Amit Trivedi's music is tasteful - if you have liked Sneha Khanwalker's Oye Lucky Lucky Oye music, or Dev D by Amit Trivedi, you'll find some similar feel in the music. Besides the music is so nicely weaved into the screenplay, there is no 'actors breaking into a song suddenly' kinda situation. The movie is so well cast. Fine acting by the lead pair, esp Huma Qureshi. You feel the character. Vinod Nagpal is a delight. Back in the days of Hum Log (as Basesarram), he always hummed some song. Here also he does in some scene, and thats cool. Such a well made movie.

Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)

As far as Khans of Bollywood concerned, other two can only dream!

[9/10 · 5 December 2012]

What a movie Aamir Khan! Amazing. So much for the Khans of Bollywood, SRK and Salman can only dream of being compared with Aamir. Aamir the immaculate actor, Aamir the director, and Aamir the producer, and even Aamir the social reformer (Satyamev Jayate). Coming to the movie, I loved Aamir's acting, every minute of it. The intensity, the look. The entire starcast is so well cast, Kareena Kapoor is beyond brilliance in her role. Rani Mukerji, well. She does the role well. But the movie belongs to Ms Kapoor and Mr Khan.

Music by Ram Sampath is fantastic. Jee Le Zaraa sung by Vishal Dadlani is going to be a rock ballad favorite for coming years. Sona Mohapatra's Jiya jaaye na is an awesome mix of hindustani and electronic trance. Ram Sampath has been a hidden talent all these years. It takes a real artist to recognize a real artist. Aamir Khan has brought him on Delhi Belly, Satyamev Jayate and this is the third serving. Brilliant music, every time. That even includes the background score. The background score in a suspense thriller is almost like another central character. Its hugely challenging. Ram does such an incredible work there!

This is a must watch for any film-lover (not sure about the people who are fans of Salman Khan). As an Indian, I am so proud that my country is producing such quality movie which I can bring my American friends to show with pride.

Go watch it, if you haven't.

Vicky Donor (2012)

A socially conscious film

[8/10 · 29 October 2012]

Watch it for the comedy. For Delhi flavor. For a socially conscious message.

A simple love story, with a strong social message. Brilliant acting by Anshuman, and Anu Kapoor. And every other actor is so well cast. The old lady (Veer'ji?), Dolly (mom), even Shweta (Padosan ladki).... each of the character is so full on Delhi flavor.

One oddity: While the punjabis in the movie were shown in full flavor, I felt the Bongs were shown slightly bland (but we all know Bongs are anything but bland). And ironically the director himself is a Bong.

Paani da song is a simple, yet very effective song. Great song to be sung and composed by the actor himself.

I don't know the background of actors, but I felt no one could have done justice unless someone grew up in Delhi/Punjab/Haryana (like in another such movie I loved: "Oye Lucky Lucky Oye"). I am pretty positive the actors were from the region. Smart dialogues, hilarious situations, and finally a powerful social message to cap it off.

So glad, movies on such off-topic are being made, and very clear from IMDb review board that its being appreciated so well. Haven't met a single person who didn't enjoy this movie.

Paan Singh Tomar (2012)

I have renewed my respect for Irrfan Khan

[9/10 · 8 October 2012]

Irrfan Khan to post-Y2K audience is like Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri of pre-Y2K cinema rolled into one. Though that might be a exaggeration given the small body of work he has done, but films like Namesake, and Paan Singh Tomar puts him in the list of such elites. He gets into the role. He looks the character he is performing. One hell of a power-packed performance by Irrfan. He carries the entire film on his shoulder. The direction, the characters and characterization, background music, almost everything in this movie is top-notch. To make it even classier, I thought the camera work could have even been classier. Regardless, its a must watch movie for any serious movie lover.

Ishaqzaade (2012)

See it for the acting of the lead pair

[9/10 · 27 July 2012]

Parineeti Chopra and Arjun Kapoor - they will go very far in the industry. This film proves it. Parineeti does such a justice to the role, she is audacious, loving, carefree, .... her body language, her vulnerability, her dialog delivery - its a class performance. Arjun Kapoor, while I think, doing the role he did, is slightly easier than how Parineeti did justice to so many shades of her character, but still did a stupendous job.

The other technicalities of the movie is brilliant. Art direction, the sets, colors, music (Oh Amit Trivedi, I cannot get enough of 'Pareshan')...

I loved the movie. Do not watch this if you cannot take intensity .... its a mad intense crazy love story!

Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)

An offbeat classic

[9/10 · 29 August 2010]

Farhan Akhtar, yet again comes as one of the most creative of the current breed of bollywood actors and directors. This movie shows the maturity of bollywood!

Very well acted by the leading pair. The movie is quite gripping from the get go, till the last frame. Reminded me of the movie, yet another favorite, Shabd, on similar topic (Writers block).

Deepika Padukone looks gorgeous in the movie - had to mention. So is her costumes! Someone in the costumes dept knew how to dress her (to kill)!

The production design is of top quality.

The music - apt! No nonsense, no 'telephone dhun mein machalnewali' :-)

Its not an exaggeration to say Farhan Akhtar is the new method actor. A 'Rock on' to a 'Luck by chance' to a 'Wake up Sid' to this one! Its quite a ride.

Go watch it if you dare to treat yourself with an offbeat classic!

Dev.D (2009)

Dev.D - Ek 'modern' loser ki kahani

[9/10 · 9 February 2009]

As much failure 2008 has been in terms of movies, 2009 opens with this masterpiece. Dev.D is an awesome take on the ultimate loser's story told in Indian cinema, Devdas. Anurag Kashyap, the creative overdosed director in the current crop of Bollywood directors crafts this masterpiece and packs so much into the movie cinematically, musically, artistically that it is almost impossible not to feel overwhelmed in one sitting. The movie will take at least a couple of viewing to grasp everything happening around. Production design is at its best, editing crisp, the music brilliant, the movie is nothing short of an art-house experimentation with bollywood. Amit Trivedi is one of the best thing to happen to commercial Indian music in recent times. After Aamir, this is his second outing, and shows absolute brilliance in this 18-song album. And yet, all those songs have been weaved to the narrative without a single song (except much-celebrated emosanal atyachar brass band version) being lip-synched on the screen. Though I will certainly mark it only for mature audience, some of the content, dialogues are unsuitable for family and kids. Celebrate the overdose of creativity with this well-crafted piece of art.

Sorry Bhai! (2008)

A movie made from heart, by heart and for heart

[9/10 · 16 January 2009]

Sometimes the title eludes you, and trust me, 'Sorry bhai' is not best of the title that one can grab a movie while browsing the video store. But I surely am going to change that habit, because of this movie. If it wasn't for a good friend of mine, this gem would have slipped under my radar. Wow, it surely was one of the best 5 movies of the year 2008 (though I will be really hard-pressed to name the other four). And I haven't seen a single movie directed by Onir yet - so I make it a point to watch other two. And I have been searching for the DVD of Hazaron for quite sometime. The performances in the movie are top notch, everyone gives a solid, very controlled, and powerful performance. I didn't know who the actress was, but by the end of the movie, I was eager to know who she was, coz I knew everyone else but her. Now I am so looking fwd to DevD by Anurag Kashyap. Absolutely endearing story, though I couldn't convince myself with the ending. Direction, Spot on! Very well directed the emotional conflicts (emosanal atyachar?), the dilemma, the love, the hate and the confusion! The most jarring part of the movie is the 'Sorry bhai' song during the end titles! Guess they made the song for the promos, and thought they might include it in the movies as well, for posterity! It was during titles, so I didn't mind it, while being busy reading the titles through the moving white figures. Music wise, 'Mere Khuda' is yet another powerful ballad form KK, dependable as always! Rest all songs are okay, thankfully doesn't come on the way of narrative!

I wish there was little more noise on this movie, so more people would have come to know this sensible movie.

2008 has been a year of the B-side movies (if there is such a term) - all the big banner movies starting Jodha till Ghajini are full of disappointment! However the movies like this one, Dasvidaniya, Oye Lucky, Rock On, and few others are the REAL winners.

Must watch, this one!

Salaam Bombay! (1988)

The movie that can change a person

[10/10 · 14 January 2009]

I just finished watching Salaam Bombay - for some reason, this movie always skipped my radar, and never had a chance to watch this gem! Almost 20 yrs later, today I saw it.

Wow, what a movie - there is so much power in movie-making, and Salaam Bombay is perfect example. It can change the way you think, it can change a society. It can bring 'change'! As a matter of fact, the DVD I watched was made probably 15 yrs after the movie release, so they had a special coverage on all the social activities and organizations that has emerged after the movie. Salaam Baalak, SalaamStreetKids.org, and so many. I was quite thrilled to see some kids were adopted from the movie and they have made their life.

I myself feel like doing something some day to uplift that strata of the society. If I can make at least a couple of kids' life - and if so many of us do their part, we can bring in such a change! This movie is immense, my sincere thanks to Mira Nair to have made such a special movie. And all the other people who are associated directly or indirectly with the making of this masterpiece - it doesn't matter if this movie mattered cinematically and how many awards it got, I think you must have received blessings from millions of people who saw the movie. That is way higher than any awards you can think of.

Needless to say, it has made me a different person! Awesome.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

A Bollywood sprinkled Hollywood movie - must watch!

[9/10 · 10 December 2008]

The making of the film is very Hollywood, but the script is very Bollywood! And I don't mean anything in a sarcastic way - this is truly an amazing collaboration!

The Bollywood has been producing dreamy, Utopian, feel-good (or sometimes bad), heart-over-mind, good-over-evil scripts for ages, and it has not only worked for thriving industry, but is slowly expanding way beyond Indian subcontinent. So something that appeals to may be couple of billions of people can't be wrong - can it?

On the other hand, Hollywood takes keen interest in realistic, mind-over-heart, fact-over-belief scripts. Nothing wrong with that either.

This movie brings the best of both - you cannot afford to miss it. The story will keep you engaged from the word go. Very able acting by the newcomers, Dev Patel (Jamal) as a spl mention. But the young slum urchins played by child actors are absolutely fantastic!

Cinematography is pure master craftsmanship - hardly seen Mumbai (Bombay) in such vivid visuals!

A.R.Rahman's music brings a bit of unconventionality - miles apart from his bollywood affair, and rightfully so!

This kid in the movie reminds me of a clip of a young urchin near a tourist place in India, who has picked up conversation in many languages just trying to sell something to international tourists. (Watch: youtube watch?v=DZOwvQRs-W0). That kid never went to school, yet he can carry on a conversation in more languages than any of us can!

Coming back to the movie: 2 words: WATCH IT!

Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008)

Watch out, this is the savior of the Kapoor Khandan!

[8/10 · 9 December 2008]

Just when you thought, Bollywood's first family Kapoor khandan is ready to hand over the title to Bachchan family, here comes a young, handsome, dude, who is here to stay. I never cared to watch Sawariya (from all its promos, it looked too wimpy). But this one surely is going to place him on the hot-stuff category! The three heroines are adequate, with spl mention of Deepika P. Though the character is bit unrealistic (who cares for realism anyways in commercial bollywood films?), but she definitely carries on the role of an independent, yet vulnerable character! Music is great, Khuda Jaane is going to the classics. You just can't get enough of it. Jogi Mahi takes time to grow, but when it does, it sticks. Lucky boy is yet another dhin-chak number with less substance. Shreya Ghoshal & Lucky Ali's Ahista Ahista is a lovely track, that takes time, but it becomes addictive. Another good note: thanks to Vishal Shekhar to have given youngsters some chance: Raja Hassan and Himani Kapoor are on the tracks, though very small contribution.

Cinematography: well, I really don't believe in going to nice locations, Australia, Italy, Switzerland to make a nice 'looking' movies, however cinematographer has made use of locations well. While the movie cinematography is alright, but song picturization is surely a winner! Loooove the long sweeping camera movements in 'Khuda Jaane', the camera rotations in colorful 'Jogi Mahi' or the 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' title track with the morphs, or the scooter-on-the-move sequences in 'Ahista Ahista'! The movie is a great watch. Very contemporary, even the languages and dialogues. The other casts, like Kunal Kapoor, and Sachin (isn't he Paintal Jr?) do a great job.

Overall, a decent watch. If you do have the DVD, watch the deleted scenes too. Kapoor is definitely going to become the next Hrithik Roshan (though real HR is not going anywhere).

Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008)

Relive your Delhi days!

[8/10 · 1 December 2008]

Simply one of the best characterization and caricature of Delhi-ites on big screen. The only other contender comes to my mind is Khosla ka Ghosla by the same director - that tells me the director is very familiar with Delhi and its lingo, culture, Punjabi-Hariyani laced Hindi! If you have ever lived in Delhi, you can relate to all the characters. Period! And that in itself will make the movie a fun-watch.

Abhay Deol - I consider him the most capable of Deols. I am neither a big fan of the 'action hero' Sunny or Bobby (what's his genre btw?). But this Deol knows his strength and plays by that, and experiments with new characters each time. His acting makes up for all the muscles Sunny has or all lack of dancing skills of Sunny or lack of any skills of Bobby.

The young Lucky played by Manjot is an absolute delight. Paresh Rawal is adequate, somehow I feel a Boman Irani could have been a better fit. I missed Ranvir Shorey or a Deepak Dobriyal in the movie, these guys are so Delhi-ish that you can create a character for them in such a movie.

A word about music:... I think Dibakar Banerjee has a good ear for the Funjabi music. Like 'Chak de phatte' from KKG, this movie has few tracks, which are just fun Punjabi-Hiphop-Techno tracks! Sorry, I haven't checked the music credits yet, but the SuperChor is a cool gangsta-rap style track, while Jugni and Oye Lucky have nice raw Punjabi touch with some modern instrumentation. I would hate to call them Bhangraa, because they are a bit different. Although none of the songs are of 'Chak De Phatte' caliber, but are more than adequate.

Overall, a fun movie to watch - as long as you can follow the Delhi-sense-of-humor!

I still give it 8/10 because the script loses pace somewhat towards 3/4th of the movie. It should have been an out and out comedy like the way it started and ended.

Aamir (2008)

A great movie, and unusually great music!

[8/10 · 2 October 2008]

Much have been talked about the movie already, but very little about the music. Amit Trivedi has not only composed some of the finest music from Bolly-stable, but even the background score of the movie is so good and adds to the cumulative journey a viewer is taken thru the movie. The frustration, helplessness, anger, are so well spoken through the music, very few movies from Bollywood have been able to attain this level of connection between screenplay and background score. Few songs will remain with me for the longest time. Haara, Ek Lau ... there are other tracks I heard on the album, but didn't hear on the movie like 'Phas gaya'. All these are tracks par excellence.

Om Shanti Om (2007)

Oh, its an horror movie!

[4/10 · 24 March 2008]

The 4 out of 10 all goes to Vishal and Shekhar for some good music, esp 3 songs (Ajab Si, Tumko paaya, and Jag Soona Soona Lage). Otherwise, every other dept of the movie gets a 0 out of 10. I am sorry guys. We cannot take this nonsense anymore! SRK, please give us few more of Swadesh and CHak De before you retire.

Well, Farah Khan doesn't come in the A-list of directors in Bollywood anyways, so why care! But what bothers me is the amt of limelight and buzz this kinda junk gets, just because its an SRK movie! Comedy? Its a script written, prolly mostly on the set, like one of those mindless bollywood based comedy show on any ZeTV or SonyTV.

I think its a horror movie, ya, in fact I am sure its a horror movie! I was happy with the songs, till I saw the movie today. Now the songs will haunt me, remind me of the horrific 3hrs I had! Like that song from 'Bees saal baad' - Kahin deep jale kahin dil ....!

Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

Four Hours Wasted

[6/10 · 25 February 2008]

It almost felt like sitting for an extremely long history lecture, a boring one, that is. And to many it also doesn't make historical sense. Well, since I am no expert on the history, I cannot comment on that! But if it didn't make historical sense, at lease make it histrionically appealing! But what a disappointment! The movie marks coming together of two of the hottest favs of current bollywood (and somewhat Hollywood too, no wonder it released here in bay area, California in an American theater as well). But they were far from recreating even a fraction of magic of Dhoom2 (I am not trying to compare the movie with D2, mind it!).

And one of the sensible directors, Ashutosh, who gave us Swadesh (read my review of Swadesh if you are interested) and Lagaan, two classics that will go into the history of Indian cinema! Its always a huge challenge to recreate the history on celluloid, the cost to recreate the looks, sets, every minute details become prohibitively expensive! And sure AG's effort in shooting the movie in grand palaces was noteworthy. But the look of the movie didn't have depth. The shallow art direction, off color, and not so great costumes, made the 4hr history lesson even more boring. As a contrast 2 movies come to my mind in terms of art direction ++ (Khoya Khoya Chand by Sudhir Mishra, look for the recreation of 60's), and art direction -- (Umrao Jaan a royal movie made with not-so-royal budget, hence "LOOKs" awful)! A note about the background score: Awful. At times, it felt like I am watching a TV serial, where most of the bground music are not well thought of, just any canned music, and sounds out of place.

Music: Nothing noteworthy, really!

Script and Narration: Its a collage of several events, put together to make an extremely long movie. Can be cut into 3/4th may be. Some scenes do not contribute to the movie as a whole. The movie is awfully ended, almost like "oh, has it already crossed 3 hrs? let's end it!" It has almost no narration that ties you. There is no plot. The numerous characters name pops up, after a while you cannot keep track of, but still feel scared of facing a pop-quiz at the end of the show!!!

Never in recent times, I walked out of the theater so many times, and didn't feel like I am missing much. Thanks to extreme long movie, the theaters are at least making some $$ out of popcorn & soda sales!

Like Stars on Earth (2007)

A must see for all Indian parents

[9/10 · 3 February 2008]

Very rarely you come across a movie which has a very deep impact. TZP is not the first one, there have been many such wonderful films I have experienced so in my life, and I have seen quite a lot. One of the finest of 2007, and also one of the finest of Bollywood's entire portfolio. A must see for every Indian parents.

Darsheel Safary is a wonderful actor, and is the heart and soul of the movie. You look at the boy, his eyes has the million watts spark. Someone CAN express so well through his eyes. Also reminds me of Jugal Hansraj in Shekhar Kapoor's "Masoom". Given he is the central character of the movie, he doesn't talk a whole lot. So all the acting in his body language, facial expression and, eyes! And so matured, controlled, acting by such a young boy is hardly seen in Bollywood movies.

We have come a long way with Aamir Khan to expect nothing but best of him. But as an actor! But how many have transitioned into a directors role from a super successful acting career? Brilliant debut! Very talented. (please do not talk about three Khans of Bollywood, other two don't measure up)! Music: Amar Akbar Anthony of Bollywood music industry, Shankar Ehsaan & Loy have created a set of songs which compliments the movie so well. Adnan Sami's crooning of Mera Jahan has wonderful children chorus, Maa is yet another single straight from the heart, Kholo Kholo, a great track with beautiful acoustic guitar playing. The song words are by Prasoon Joshi, simply beautiful. The songs like Bheja Kam is somewhat out of the ordinary and has got a great sound. And a BIG thanks for not doing a remix/lounge-mix/trip-hop-mix/techno-mix of any of the songs.

One complain, when Aamir's entry happened in the movie, I didn't like the very commercial type entry with a song ('Bum Bum Bole') - ONLY that part in the entire movie was a bit filmy. Else the movie excelled in every aspect.

Some people have expressed displeasure of movie appearing in IMDb top 250 for sometime, and then falling. Well, IMDb is a worldwide database, and caters to movie that are internationally released. I don't care TZP not being there, because if we ever make an Indian IMDb, this movie surely will appear in top.

I heard in some parts of India, it was made tax-free, but wonder why it didn't happen everywhere. Every Indian parent must see this! In technical dept, the editing, cinematography are fine, if not outstanding. Hence I give 9/10. In supporting cast, Tisca Chopra does a very memorable acting.

I also visited Aamir's blog (http://aamirkhan.com/blog.html) to read many of the comments people are pouring from all over, and so obviously the movie has touched many hearts. God bless you Aamir to create such a masterpiece!

Johnny Gaddaar (2007)

Nothing short of brilliance, in every aspect of film-making

[9/10 · 16 January 2008]

3 hrs back: Had seen some references to various characters in Johnny Gaddaar in some blogs, and the song Move your body tonight's guitar riff was infectious. So just picked up the DVD without a lot of expectations. After all the only two familiar faces in the movie were Dharmendra and Vinay Pathak.

Now after 3 hrs: The movie is nothing shot of brilliant, in all film-making departments.

The script: Tight from the first frame till the last, never leave you to catch a breath.

The cinematography: a treat! Well, nothing out of the world, spectacular, of sort, but very very subtle, and simply rocks! Some shots create a tension/curiosity and resolves itself few moments later. Some shots like when Neil is dreaming of getting beaten by Shiva and then camera pans onto a sleeping Neil, on the same shot - more than the shot itself, I admire the thought process of the cinematographer. This whole create-tension-then-reveal aspect of the cinematography is truly in-sync with the movie. Some shots like Zakir Hussain falling on the glass center table in slowmo is very well shot. I kept rewinding many scenes like that. Truly artistic. A+

Music: The tremolo efct of the guitar in the title song is even more infectious than the Hard Kaur's guitar riff (in 'Move your body')! And btw, the harmonium and 'doob ja mere pyar mein' over a hip-hop number is absolutely a riot.

Editing: Sleek. Of course, half of my appreciation for cinamtography couldn't have been possible without a solid editing.

Acting: Everyone from main characters to the SHiva's mom character do a very good job. Zakir Hussain and Vinay Pathak are just treat to watch. As newcomers, if 2007 belonged to Deepika Padukone (of OSO) lookwise, I think the year belongs to Neil for both look and acting! Would love to watch more of him.

Direction: Bravo! I must admit, haven't seen any of Sriram's movies before, but its my homework to watch some of them! Hope to see more of his work in future. I hear the movie was not released worldwide, its sad to see many junk movies are released with much fanfare, but gems like this goes unnoticed. Fantastic direction, and to bring out such stellar performance out of newcomers as well as lesser known actors, is admirable.

Overall, the movie Rocks, and one of the best of the year (2007) alongwith Metro, Bheja Fry, Jab We Met, Chak De India, and a few others.

No Smoking (2007)

Very dark, but subtle....

[8/10 · 6 January 2008]

You read thru the comments here, either its in 8-9-10 range or its in 1-2-3 range. Its funny to see the movie invokes such drastic reactions in different people. That itself talks a lot about the cinematic power of this masterclass movie of "A", (Anurag Kashyap).

To some extent, its a director's indulgence. He didn't make the movie for you or me, he made it for himself. It's a movie made for film school. The movie can be a textbook for various film-making subjects. Technically brilliant! A very dark movie indeed, probably first movie of the film-noir kind to be made from Bollywood stable. Anurag Kashyap is a sort of rebel in the industry. I am glad he was able to express himself cinematically through this movie.

Honestly, its really hard to understand the movie. And I didn't quite follow it either. But somehow, I really enjoyed watching it.

Vishal Bharadwaj produced it - who else but another master of dark movies will understand this movie.

Vishaal's music is infectious in the movie. He surprises me with his never-ending creativity. Musically I associated him with Omkara, Maachis type music, mellow, neo-classical, haunting. But his experimentation with Jazz in this movie is truly outstanding. Apart from the songs, the movie SHOULD get recognition for its background score. Deep rooted in jazz, I had to rewind the movie several times to listen to some background jazz scores. What else Vishaal has in store for us??? Its interesting to get a piece of director A's mind through his blog, where he really expresses himself, go to passionforcinema.com to read his blog. If you are anywhere close to film-making, you will love reading his writings.

Anurag Kashyap is a different class of movie director. I am not sure if he can make much money trying to follow his passion, because it is very hard to get accepted with this kinda movies. However, I wish he make a few semi-commercial movies to give him the money to experiment with true gems like No Smoking. Last thing I want him to be branded as a crazy lunatic of the bollywood.

Bravo Mr Kashyap!!