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Reviews
Jigra (2024)
Everything is fake
The trailer of this movie looked promising and intriguing. Even though I went to watch this movie with an optimistic mind and minimal expectations, I was thoroughly disappointed. This movie has an incoherent storyline, which looks like has been put together by two five year olds fighting over a jigsaw puzzle.
The movie becomes boring pretty quickly as the acting is not good and the dialogues are not in line with the tone of a thriller. The scenes abruptly jump from trying to be serious to actors making awkward unfunny comments. It's a bad take on a prison break story. The makers need to rethink their strategy of spending more money on marketing and less money on a good story.
Strange Darling (2023)
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I am stunned. I am absolutely blown away by the this old school thriller that I have just seen. Shot in only 35mm. If a movie is only shot in 35mm, I believe it's going to be mentioned in films now because it's exciting. The cinematography and the speed at which how everything unravels in front of you is exceptional. If you haven't watched the trailer, don't.
Without giving anything away, the meaning of the sentence "mind blown and feeling shifty in my seat at the same time" is reinvigorated with this movie. I would like to be a fly on the wall when David Fincher and Quentin Tarantino watch this movie and discuss it. Because it's that amazing.
Adam Sandler: Love You (2024)
I love you comedy
I would like to start this review by stating a disclaimer that I have been a fan of Adam Sandler through all of his movies. The great ones and the bad ones. There, I said it. But I believe that's what's fans are supposed to do. Stick through the highs and the lows and occasionally, they ll hit the bullseye every once in a while. And that is exactly what the Sandman has done with this special.
This special plays out like an unbelievable skit. Or a sketch. I don't know because I just like comedy. I don't know the terms or depths of it. But Adam does. He has been extremely serious about comedy for a big part of his career and it shows. And in this seriousness lies the comedic funniness that makes us all laugh. And it makes us enjoy life a little better. Everything that happens in this special happens for a reason. Side note - Adam is good at playing basketball and playing the guitar and you are going to see one of these talents at display in this special.
In the paraphrased immortal words of Arnold's character from the Predator - stick around for the end of this shindig.
Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank (2024)
How to destroy a franchise 101
The first movie (Stree) had captivated the audiences with a unique story and a great combination of comedy and horror. I think it took them 6 years to create a sequel as they didn't have a new story to tell, which is evident from this movie. They have recreated every good moment from the first movie. They try to trap you with nostalgia and feel good factors from the first movie, rather than creating something original and exciting.
The unnecessary and boring music, forced laughter and clichéd jokes doesn't work most of the times in the movie. If you have seen the trailer, you have seen almost all of the good scenes in the movie. Also someone from a big cinematic universe would be knocking on your doors to make you give credits for a particular scene and it's background music. And a certain someone is going to irritate you with his on screen presence. The four stars are for the original four stars of the first movie.
JNU (2024)
Brilliant exposé and exceptional casting
This movie probably has the best casting that I have seen in a very long time. It has some known names but the unknown names shine more as they have completely moulded themselves in the character that they are playing on screen. This movie accurately follows the chronology of major events that happened in the university from late 2000s and 2010s.
The rot that exists at a national university within the heart of the nation's capital has been truthfully represented in the movie. To imagine that a particular group will go to any length and use anything at their disposal to further their ideology is astounding. A surprise cameo by a real life hardcore member of that ideology, which is in a colour that you wouldn't expect, will most definitely surprise you. There are two more short appearances of famous journalists who have now been relegated to youtubers. Watching their meltdowns on screen is thoroughly enjoyable. Ravi Kishan and Vijay Raj should have been given more screen time as they played their roles to perfection. This is a must watch movie in the theatres.
Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad (2024)
Suppressed truth
It goes without saying that this movie is a must watch for Hindus. If you thought The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story were eye opening movies that sent shivers down your spine, this movie will rock your conscience to the core. This movie showcases truth about a time in recent Indian history that has not been taught in any school to anyone.
The brutality of Razakars has been shown in a way never seen before on screen. Each scene of this unknown truth hits you like a freight train. This movie has been shot brilliantly and it perfectly captures what men, women and children of Telangana went through. To be able to fight back and stand upto ruthless oppression shows great amount of courage of the people of that time and this movie is a testament to their bravery.
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024)
This movie falls flat
I was really hoping for this movie to be good based on the trailer. A great trailer, well cut, with well done sequences and a bit of comedy with loads of action. But when you watch the movie, the trailer turns out to be fools gold. Supposedly cool one liners are unimpressive and badly delivered by Tiger. For AK, it now seems like a 9-5 job to churn out as many movies as he can. He looks uninterested and has given a clumsy performance.
The only right casting in this action movie is Prithviraj. He tried to hold it together on the behalf of everyone throughout the movie. The story is illogical and the mindless action tries to cover up the bad performances by the leading ladies of the movie. It looked like their faces were stunned before starting the shoot everyday. Action in the movie lacks conviction and a fairy tale plot is the undoing of the movie. The second star in the rating is for Prithviraj.
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (2024)
Veer Savarkar - a lion that roared
1857 revolution. One book. One man's belief and determination to bring that revolution in the hearts and minds of every Indian of his time. This is the best biopic that has come out of the Indian film industry. It's accuracy, facts and story telling will keep you hooked for the entire duration of the movie.
Randeep hooda has given the best performance of his career till now and has fully immersed himself into the life of Veer Savarkar. As the movie progresses, you will see the successes and the pitfalls of Veer Savarkar's life and how he was deeply connected to various important figures fighting for independence of India. This movie also unmasks some historical facts that people have been forced to believe for a long time. Watch this movie to learn what you have to unlearn about the fight for India's Independence and why it has been always labelled as a struggle.
Bastar: The Naxal Story (2024)
Truth written in red
An absolute must watch film for the today's youth. It's a gut wrenching display of an ugly, violent agenda at work, smack dab in the middle of the country. Whether arts, media or educational institutions, this movie shows the depth of the rot, having been infested with their people and ideology.
Some parts of the movie are hard to watch. But they must be shown in its entirety to showcase the hardships citizens of such areas face on a daily basis. Their lives have been stolen by a cabal of maniacal people with a rabid ideology. The lead actress has again given a stellar performance, with a script worthy of her talent. This movie is dedicated to all the soldiers who have been fighting this war and have helped keep the country safe.
The Iron Claw (2023)
Zac Efron shines bright
Wrestling has always been a big sport in many parts of the world . This movie takes you to the heart of entertainment wrestling in USA. The wrestlers spend a lot of time to perfect their moves and this movie showcases the dark reality behind the fanfare of the world of wrestling. It puts forth a new side of the wrestling world in front of its audience. The Von Erich family's commitment to wrestling is shown beautifully in the movie.
At the heart of the movie lies the brilliance of Zac Efron and his acting skills. Some of the scenes with zac efron will most definitely surprise you. This is a breakout role for him i.e. He has broken out of the mould in which he was cast after the High Musical series. He is a good actor and should focus on roles like this film has to offer to bring out his talent.
Article 370 (2024)
Article 370 - Riveting Experience
A thriller in which you know what's going to happen but you are sitting at the edge of your seat. Much like Argo. Yami gautam dhar is a terrific actress and deserves scripts befitting her amazing talent. She effortlessly emotes pain, struggle, fierceness and much more in this amazing movie.
This movie is a tribute to all the Indians who have wanted an integrated India and wanted to know the real history of Kashmir marred with violence and bloodshed for decades. Some of the scenes will definitely give you goosebumps. This is one of the movies where the female lead has been treated right and given enough material to shine on screen.
Main Atal Hoon (2024)
Masterpiece. Masterstroke. Master Movie.
This movie deserves all the attention and respect coming it's way. Stellar acting by Pankaj Tripathi, great screenplay moulded from the life of our former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee makes for an excellent cinematic experience. This movie emphatically displays the importance of perseverance, knowledge, courage and calmness of a great man in poetic (pun intended) fashion.
This movie showcases important events of our country through the lens of important men and women responsible in building this great nation and Atal ji's immense contribution to it. It's important to celebrate great leaders of our country to motivate the people of our country into action. And this movie executes that to perfection.
Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (2023)
The domination continues
Ricky gervais has always been smashing in his stand-up comedy performances. And this one is no different at all. In fact, he has upped the ante and taken political correctness and cancel culture head on and smashed them to pieces. He has cancelled the cancel culture in this special.
For just over an hour, you will hear PC being torn apart and blown to bits in a great comedic piece. He came, he joked, he destroyed stupid illogical ideas and then waved goodbye. He is one of the best of all time and that feeling got reaffirmed with every joke in this comedy special. Worth every bit of your time. Cheers!
Mann Pasand (2023)
Finally people understand his hackiness
This moment has been bubbling under the surface for a long time now. Its been hiding in plain sight ever since the first stand-up special came out after being viral on social media. That being an emotional hack doesn't translate to good stand up comedy. A viral youtube sensation that has been making a fool out of people instead of making them laugh. Everyone has been made an emotional fool by telling Bollywoodiya storiyan instead of telling jokes to actually make the audience laugh. The trope to emotionally guilt people into cheers and applause for the stand up stands exposed. Apart from a couple of jokes, the unnecessary wait for an applause seems desperate and not worth the viewers time.
Burnt (2015)
Burnt : a great film with an indie feel
This gem of a movie came out in 2015. Quick cuts initially, focused on the story of the movie and not wasting the viewers time to set up the film. For people who like indie films with a setup and purpose this has been living in the shadows for a lot of people who enjoy films. I am biased towards films that have an indie feel to it and have great music playing in the background.
This film is a great watch for viewers who are interested in what goes behind in making fine dining food and showing it as an indie movie. Bradley cooper plays the part of "genius who threw it all away" very well. The "gifted but tormented" trope may have been used by a lot of film makers but a few have been able to justify it. And this film certainly does it with style. This redemption story comes with its set of subtle twists and turns. But it keeps the story centered on the heart of the film. Watch it if you like food, what goes on in making great food and people who strive for perfection in making that food.
Dunki (2023)
Dunki - same wine same bottle again
While watching this movie, I suddenly had an epiphany. That I have seen this movie. Multiple times. There is a fixed pattern that is being followed in the movie that you would have already seen in Munnabhai, Sanju, PK, 3 Idiots. Nothing new has been explored in this movie as it tries to tug on the same kind of emotions and feelings seen in other movies. Even a bit of self deprecating jokes can't make you sit through 2hr40mins and you ll often find yourself fidgeting in your seat feeling bored.
Two stand outs in the movie were Vicky Kaushal and Vikram Kochhar who have done a lot with the little material that has been given to them. Except one particular scene, SRK barely does anything as an actor. Sincerity and heart are lacking in this movie.
Animal (2023)
Animal without teeth
All bark and no bite. That's the point of the movie Animal in 5 words. When you sit down in the theatre to experience the much hyped, one of best movies of 2023 and receive randomized, unnecessary scenes in the name of extravagant cinema, you feel let down and cheated.
Sure, there's a lot of action, violence, gore, anger that people may not have seen before in a state side movie. But if it doesn't relate to the story, the characters of the movie and most importantly the emotions of the film, it feels like you have been cheated out of 3hrs 21mins of your precious time and money. So behold, something you dont understand, you dont like and yet, you will spend money on it. Sad and shameful. The only saving grace of the movie is Bobby deol.
The Vaccine War (2023)
The War That Bharat Won
The Vaccine War is a movie that doesn't have a hero or a heroine. But it certainly has a villain. An unknown, invisible villain. And the superheroes standing in the way to defeat this pandemic villain are our scientists, researchers, engineers, doctors, frontline health workers and many more who risked and sacrificed a lot for our nation.
This is a story dedicated to all the people who, when needed, performed at their best. And exposes the media who were at their worst. The biased media who cant differentiate between criticising the government and bad mouthing their own country and their own people internationally for immoral and personal financial gains.
This movie promotes the genius minds of our country who stood up to the challenge when no one else would.
Lust Stories 2 (2023)
Subpar sequel 's'anthology
This sequel (or should it be called a sequel since the first one was a mix of stories based on a similar broader subject i.e. Anthology) by 4 different directors again gets a big thumbs down. Apart from that one story, for which an extra star has been given to this 'anthology series' (you can very well guess to whom that star belongs), every other story just doesn't work on the subject matter. A lacklustre series of stories (apart from one of them) takes a strong theme and turns it boring. And some 'same old useless' screenplay tropes makes it a 'seen that, now what' show and makes you think that you could have spent this time on useful self development instead of this cringe fest.
Zarna Garg: One in a Billion (2023)
Zarna, thoda toh funny karna
I watched this comedy special after reading "good things" about it on the interwebz. But my mistake was that I believed the "good things" that I read. It's the same stereotypical hogwash that has been rehashed again and again and again in different specials from Asian comedians. The only difference is that the content has been tailored for an Indian audience. For an hour that I spent on watching this generic rehashed content, I was still optimistic and waited for "jokes" and I did laugh at a couple of them. The rest of the time I was looking at the screen with a straight face and sometimes with an expression that screamed loudly "Where funny?".
Air (2023)
His Airness Indeed
Everything associated with the MJ brand is legendary. To properly capture the story of one of the most marketable and memorable brand in the world i.e. Air Jordan, a great screenplay full of believable dialogues was needed. And this movie is perfect on that front. Matt Damon has delivered one of the best monologues of all time in cinematic history. It's quite special to convert a mundane event, which is the meeting between a sports company and an athlete into an amazing movie where you feel all the "what if" questions going through your mind. This movie perfectly encapsulates the feeling of how a calculated risk, for both MJ and Nike, can turn into something incredible. People have a chance to be great by being associated with greatness and Air Jordan is the result of that association.
The Kerala Story (2023)
A wake up call
This movie is for all those people who live in their bubble and think everyone and everything is good in the world. This movie is an eye opener for all apologists who think only one side needs to believe any truth that is fed to them. The shock factor in this movie was absolutely necessary and it brought out the pain of thousands of women who have been brainwashed to go through the conversion hell and is still happening in different parts of the country, not just Kerala. The entire process of how Hindu and Christian women are targeted and then systematically made to hate their own religion and beliefs, so that they can be converted, is shown without any censorship. This movie also portrays how important it is for parents to teach their kids about the right things before it's too late.
The Menu (2022)
Dark comedy at its best
I had not seen the trailer of this movie (something I don't do generally before booking tickets; it is a unique experience that I now recommend people to try out atleast once to be pleasantly surprised) and I only knew that this movie is a comedy. I just saw the name of Ralph Fiennes and remembered his comedy style in Grand Budapest Hotel (another great comedy) and booked the tickets. This movie is a fresh breath of air in the comedy genre and has a brilliant take on the never ending consumer culture and the narcissistic human tendency to crap on everything and everyone around them. With a tight runtime and beautifully put storyline, it's a great watch and keeps you engaged throughout the course of the movie. The ending of the movie is thoroughly satisfying and wraps up the movie like a nice meal.
Sahebs Who Never Left - Part 1: The Origins (2022)
Decolonize your mind. Thanks Prachyam
This review has to begin with thanking the entire team of Prachyam for producing this exeptional piece of work. Both, the content and the presentation, are absolutely amazing. Disseminating such important information abouts Bharat's history is quite crucial in decolonizing the minds of Bhartiye youth of today. Fake and demoralizing narratives created about Bharat are going to get shattered by such films. And the first part of the entire series looks like a glorious beginning to counter the self-loathing and disdain driven into the minds of the people of Bharat from a young age about their own culture and history. Looking forward to the rest of series with a lot of enthusiasm.
Jahaan Chaar Yaar (2022)
Protect yourself
This movie shouldn't have released in theatres or OTT or anywhere else. The trailer in itself was torturous enough and that should have been the end of this movie also. This is what you get when you try to recreate Veere di wedding feels without the budget. No story, no plot, full of clichés, bad innuendos and unnecessary drama disguised as comedy. Everytime Bollywood tries to recreate DCH, ZNMD magic for women, they fall flat on their faces. They have the right intent on making women centric movies but fall short on the execution. The music is as bad as the movie. There is nothing you can take away from this movie except the realization that you ll never get back 2hrs of your life again because of this movie.