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sanjeevanwar
Reviews
Freedom at Midnight (2024)
Faithfully told
Anwar Says: The writer duo Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre came with a series of top seller with Is Paris Burning in 1965, O Jerusalem in 1971 and Freedom at Midnight in 1975. It took Bollywood directors 50 years to finally bring it on OTT. Nikhil Advani dared to portray tumultuous pre-partition era and did it faithfully. I would suggest all people who are influenced by WhatsApp University regarding our heroes of Freedom Movement, please must watch this web-series and know the reality.
Nikhil has shown the character of Sardar Patel as real strong and saviour of all crisis, played par excellence by Rajendra Chawla , whereas Nehru , played by Sidhant Gupta has not been shown as weak but not been able to cut the ice. Zinna , by Arif Jakaria, has shown his anger and radical approach but his other part is not properly reflected. Fascination of Edwina to Nehru could be better told. Chirag Vohra doesn't have the spark of Gandhi in his eyes.
Still it is a brave effort and a true testament of partition, particularly Gandhi and Nehru were not responsible for partition as is being projected today. Make a binge watch.
#sonyliv #anwarsays #partition #freedommovement #gandhi #noncooperationmovement #nikhiladvani #rajendrachawla #arifzakariya.
Citadel: Honey Bunny (2024)
Expectations unfulfilled
#anwarsays Anwar Says: Intricate storyline, polished action, top class cinematography are the highlights of this Russo's creation. But people expect more from Raj & DK, you may not go for a binge watch of this web series. It slows down many times and every other move is predictable. Director duo have been able to create suspense by setting it in 1992 and 2000 and frequently switching.
Chemistry of Varun Dhawan and Samantha is a treat to watch. Kay Kay Menon as sinister nails the character. But the character you are not going to forget is Kashvi Majumdar as Nadia , the 6 years old daughter of the couple. Her confidence and dialogue delivery are stunning. Casting director has made good research in picking the supporting cast.
One more feature of the series makes it watchable is the background score of Sachin-Jigar. Directors forgot to tell the audience, what was Operation Talvar. Overall not an outstanding spy thriller but you can go for it on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
#amazonprime #anwarsays #anwarsays #citadel #spythriller #fullofaction #varundhawan #samantharuthprabhu #kashvimajumdar #belgrade.
Do Patti (2024)
Poor handling of a sensitive subject
Anwar Says: I was eagerly waiting for this movie after watching the trailer on a sensitive subject of Domestic abuse but I am extremely disappointed. Neither the Kanika Dhillon has been able to narrate the story nor the director Shashanka Chaturvedi has been able to convey it through her characters. I also pity for Kirti Senon first production, she should stick to her main job.
Kirti tried to save the movie in her double appearance but the the script is so scattered and the story is so predictable that she couldn't succeed. Role of Kajol , a natural actor, is so weakly written and the Haryanvi accent doesn't suit to her tongue. Even the anti-climax would hardly put any impact.
Subject like home violence, PTSD etc. Need more serious and meticulous handling and only choosing the subject and good casting do not make a good film.
#netflix #anwarsays #sensitivesubject #domesticabuse #ptsd #kirtisanon #kajol #movie2024 #kanikadhillon.
Jigra (2024)
Do some more homework Mr.Vasan
Anwar Says: I put Alia Bhatt in the line of Madhubala, Vahida Rahman, Nutan , Jaya Bhaduri and Madhuri Dikshit and Vasan Bala , the director has tried to encash the big name in a new avtar. The pace of the movie is terrific and credit goes to the editor Prerna Sehgal, particularly in the first half. Movie goes linear , once you know what the end is going to be. The climax is overstretched and action is not engaging.
This movie could have been much better. Lesser stories have been made on Jailbreak. I remember on movie of Mahesh Bhatt GUMRAH, a story better told in'90s. Vasan should have paid more attention to background stories of Manoj Pahwa and Muthu, another character. There is lesser impact of Brother-Sister bonding. Flashbacks are told in hush-hush and Vasan is so busy in glorifying Alia's character that he completely forgot the family who are the actual culprit. Vedang Raina has shown in his debut that he can act.
Still the movie is watchable and full marks to Alia for her work, who has proved that she can carry any type of movie alone, whether it is espionage, period or action drama. It would pick up gradually in theatres.
#dharmaproductions #anwarsays #brothersisterbonding #jailbreak #aliabhatt #vedangraina #manojpahwa #jailmanual #vasanbala
#VedangRaina.
The Signature (2024)
Saaransh couldn't be repeated
Anwar Says: Signing the DNR( Do not Resuscitate) for the spouse on death bed is not only rattling but tough as well. But National Award Winning director Gajendra Ahire's Hindi debut is definitely not at par with the debut film of Anupam Kher Saraansh of the same genre.
The pace of the movie is too slow. The emotional outbreaks and fragility of old age fights with love and belongings of companion and quest for money travel from property selling, begging from daughter, crowd funding and pre-payment of life insurance policy. In between the tortures of Corporate Hospitals and their doctors are also told. Ranveer Shourey cameo as a sufferer was quite disturbing. Found Mahima Chaudhary in Hindi cinema after a long time and she is good in her role. Anu Kapur is as usual brilliant.
Anupam Kher is visible in almost every frame but except at 2-3 places, is hardly able to put his impeccable impact. Watch only if you are Mr. Kher's fan.
#ZEE5 #anwarsays #brainhaemorrhage #CorporateHospital #oldage #MoneyCrisis #AnupamKher #anukapoor.
Honeymoon Photographer (2024)
Better cast and screenplay needed
Anwar Says: Murder mysteries are difficult to narrate and the role of script writer is of equal importance as of the director. This Jiocinema release has the right direction and started with a Hollywood kind of web series but script was not smart enough to keep the audience stick to the edge of seat.
Actors are good, specially the lead Asha Negi , visible in almost every frame. Rightly not many sub-plots were chosen and the background introduction of characters are short. Normally, on OTT , producers take the web series to 8-9 episodes by introducing these gimmicks. Overall, the casting is B- class and the characters of Police Officers are below average.
Suspense is predictable and thrill is missing. Learnt a new word- PRENUP - meaning a pre- nuptial agreement regarding ownership of respective asset by couple, if the marriage fails. Still watchable because of cinematography and efforts of actors.
#jiocinema #anwarsays #murdermystery #maldivesislands #HoneymoonPhotographer #prenups #AshaNegi.
Khalbali Records (2024)
Khalbali nahi mach paya
Anwar Says: Movies/ Web Series of this genre are made generally to keep young audiences in mind but Music Lovers of elder generation appreciate them too, particularly when the name of Amit Trivedi and his Azadi Records are attached. The story is typical, music companies exploiting their artists, the rebellion son has the idealistic thoughts, forms a team and fights against his father. But the director Devanshu Singh has been able to create the tussle between commercial achievements and the eternal satisfaction of an artist.
Ram Kapur is the character who compel for everything and can go to any extent for his legacy, but as an actor, he has his own limitations. Skand Thakur , Saloni Batra and Salonie Patel and all other supporting actors are perfectly casted , however everyone revolves around music , in particular Rap , Hip-Hop and Indie Music. The flashback of Mauj, played by Prabhdeep completes the missing links.
The lacking is the storyline, as many as 12 writers were involved and too many cooks spoil the food. Cinematography is also not upto the mark and you miss the connectivity, despite being a music lover. Learnt a new slang DISS for insulting. Still watchable as a break from Crime Web Series.
#jiocinema #anwarsays #rapmusic #indiemusic #diss #skandthakur #ramkapoor #musicindustry #exploitation #fathersonchallenge.
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (2024)
Perfectly told story
Anwar Says: How a true story is depicted on celluloid, that can be learnt from Anubhav Sinha. If you really want to have a feel of this true story, finish all the six episodes in one go. The feel you would have when frequently Anubhav has shown the actual clippings of the scenario, particularly the narratives and the background of hijack.
How bureaucracy works in Indian perspective, particularly in coalition Government is also well researched by Anubhav and to present it all the top aged actors have been hired like Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, Arvind Swamy and Kanwaljeet. But show has been stolen by Manoj Pahwa and of course the pilot Vijay Verma. But Anubhav has failed to cast better actors as hijackers and the disaster is Rajeev Thakur, who can hardly act.
But I firmly believe that a real life story can be best told by Anubhav Sinha and the research team calls for a big applaud besides being an adaptation. Go for it at Netflix
#Netflix #anwarsays #KandharHijack #IC814 #AnubhavSinha #indianairlines #fuel #diyamirza #printmedia #teaandcigarette #CoalitionGovernment #Negotiator.
Shekhar Home (2024)
Arthur conon Doyle revisited
Anwar Says: Another Hindi Version of Sherlock Homes and Dr. Watson stories is streaming on Jiocinema but overall failed to captivate the audience, in spite of two best actors of Hindi Celluloid, Kay Kay Menon and Ranbir Shourey. Simply didn't understand, why the production underplayed the whole thing . They had top casting, two experienced directors Srijit Mukherjee and Rohan Sippy directing the 6 episodes, excellent cinematography of Kolkata lanes and perfect background score but sometimes it is endearing and sometimes underwhelming.
The supporting cast Shernaz Patel, Rashika Duggal , Kirti Kulhari and Kaushik Sen also played their role as given. But it is the rapport of Shorey and Menon would take you to finish the episodes, even after its shortcomings. The Batik Kurtas and shirts of Menon would catch your eyes besides his mannerisms and timings.
The first four episodes goes with languid pace and speed up in fourth and fifth directed by Sippy. Still I would recommend this in this long weekend as you get something different on OTT after a long time.
#jiocinema #anwarsays #arthurconandoyle #sherlockholmes #genius #KayKayMenon #RanvirShorey #wishedtobebetter #calcuttal #SrijitMukherji #RohanSippy.
Savi (2024)
Weak Script
Anwar Says: Jail break story is not a very favourite plot for Bollywood scriptwriters. Moreover, to keep the audience engaged, you need a tight script and unpredictable plot. These two basics are missing in this Mukesh Bhatt produced and Delhi Belly fame Abhinav Deo directed.
Divya khoshla has been always working very hard and her intensity is visible throughout the film. Character of Harshwardhan Rane is subdued, which is obvious, since Bhushan Kumar is Co-Producer. To support Divya , Anil Kapur has been casted, who is as usual brilliant and his comic punches are well written.
The Indian touch is given as inspired from Savitri-Satyawan story and so the names of the characters. An honest attempt but the trick and real action is what the audience would look for.
#Netflix #anwarsays #jailbreak #savitrisatyavan #divyakumarkhosla #AnilKapoor #Liverpool #delhibelly #notengaging.
Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper (2024)
Overstretched with excellent casting
Anwar Says: Whether Noida is like that as the Puneet Mishra, the Mirzapur director presented at Netflix. The subject is a unique one - male escort service and an honest chartered accountant is forced by the circumstances to undertake the service and women also celebrating to keep themselves happy.
The most distinguished feature of the web series is its casting. Leading in front by Manav Kaul aka CA Topper and Tillotma Shome as warm and pivotal characters. But Ashok Pathak as Dhaincha, Shubhjyoti Barat as Raja Bhai, Faisal Malik as semi-corrupt police inspector, Shweta Basu Prasad as dynamic Shobha and of course monophthalmic Yamini Das as typical mother-in- law. Each one evolves as the series progresses and makes his/her presence felt. Guns are available in abundance and everyone can take a shot.
Must be better told as expected from Puneet. Over stretched and too many sub- plots and the excess use of foul language made it mediocre. In short, a boisterously indecent series and not a family watch.
#Netflix #anwarsays #maleescort #Gigolo #newsubject #puneetmishra #manavkaul #TilottamaShome #ashokpathak #Bawdy #gunshots #couldhavebeenbetter.
Kalki 2898-AD (2024)
Needed a crisp screenplay
Anwar Says: If you have penchant for sci-fi movie and you can bear the runtime of 3 hours and 1 minute, then only you can appreciate this costliest Indian Movie-600 crores. Nag Ashwin , the director, started well in telling the story of mythology, Krishna cursing Ashwatthama, but the moment it reaches 2898 AD, screenplay spills. Till the end of first half, you are unable to figure out, what the story is all about?
India is trying to follow the league of Marvel series but ends up with blend of Mahabharata, Matrix and Harry Potter series . Great production design by Nitin Zihani Chaudhary. Prabhas looks more a comic character in first half, however matures in action and emotion in the later half. AB is in actually larger than life role and also in height and steals the show. Deepika looks glamorous but hardly had any chance to shine as actor. Cameo by Ramgopal Verma, Mrunal Thakur etc. Are visible. Story builds up in second half but hardly would make forty plus continue to remain seated.
Would be remembered for its VFX but may not be able to recover its cost. Sequel is announced and Nag has to come up with something more. Probably full fledged Kamalhaasan may bring that missing factor.
#anwarsays #scifi #3d #NagAshwin #vfx #Prabhash #AmitabhBachchan #costliest #newconcept #KamalHaasan #Ashwatthama.
Murder in Mahim (2024)
Slow Burner
Anwar Says: Aren't you fade up with the similar stuff of same genre on OTT. Homosexuality, Article 377 and story of LGBTQ community have already flooded and this is a fresh entry. Based on the novel of Jerry Pinto's by the same name and it is a very slow burner. Since the director Rajesh Acharya has to shoot eight episodes, many side stories are simultaneously running. If you are doing binge watch , it would be a laborious watch.
On acting front, both Vijay Raaz and Ashutosh Rana are very much in their character. Acharya Ji tried to put some comic angels at some points, which were unnecessary . The sensitive issue of male sex workers has been raised but the narratives hardly humanise the cause and fails to generate empathy for them. Even the primary theme fades away in the parental conflict, shady twists and explaining other sides of queer community.
Not a very interesting watch on Jiocinema . But , the other releases like Yodha and Undekhi-3 are not worth spending relax time. So if you are not a IPL Fan , can give it a try for the actors.
#jiocinema #anwarsays #homosexuality #lgbtqcommunity #samegenre #VijayRaaz #AshutoshRana #rajeshacharya #mahimstation #socialcause.
Kaagaz 2 (2024)
Salute to Kaushik and Kher Jodi
Anwar Says: This is the sequel of the Pankaj Tripathi starrer Kagaz and the last swan song of legend Late Satish Kaushik. Kagaz had conveyed the social message with a lot of humour, here in Kagaz 2 there is a different social message with touch of emotions and under the umbrella of Higher Judiciary. One thing, I am finding in every such social issue raising products that to convey the message, social media and hashtags are invariably used.
Though Late Kaushik took his best friend Anupam Kher to convey the poignant theme but the plot looked shattered from the first half an hour. Initially, it focuses on a son with disturbed childhood, suddenly it shifts to the ironies of a common man and then jumps into courtroom drama, questioning fundamental rights of the Constitution. Probably, the director V K Prakash, known mainly for south films, is yet to understand Hindi audiences.
However, the Jodi of Kher and Kaushik are superb and I can say that the brand Satish Kaushik would be copied in the years to come. Darshan Kumar got extra screen presence. Neena Gupta doesn't have significant role. Watch it as a tribute to the great Satish Kaushik.
#amazonprime #anwarsays #SatishKaushik #socialcause #hashtag #FundamentalRights #higherjudiciary #AnupamKher #NeenaGupta #movie2024.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024)
Typical SLB creation
Anwar Says: Expect everything from SLB creation, the maiden venture on OTT, grandeur of sets, costumes and jewelleries, traditional music , love and betrayal. However, SLB fully understands the pulse of the web series audience and kept most of the characters in grey shade , neither black nor white. Though the dominant role is of Huzoor of Shahi Mahal, Heeramandi of Lahore , Manisha Koirala aka Mallikajaan but Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Haidri, Richa Chaddha and Sanjeeda Sheikh have their own share of cake.
First three episodes are slow and story takes a long time to cook but once the action begins, the story team of SLB find some interesting and memorable situations, supported by pinching dialogues. Contributions of courtesans in Freedom Movement, directly or indirectly, has not been unheard of but SLB showed them as martyrs and directly involved. The pride and culture of courtesans and as a centre of refinement have been perfectly pitched. Lighting Tricks and cinematography are, as expected, the features of a SLB product.
Wished the episodes may be a bit shorter and some more known actors would have been introduced as Nawabs . SLB gave a hint of Season-2 at the end. Find time to watch on Saturday Evening and Sunday afternoon, as binge watch may be a bit heavy.
#Netflix #anwarsays #perioddrama #FreedomMovement #courtesan #nawaboflahore #SanjayLeelaBhansali #ManishaKoirala #sonakshisinha #aditiraohydari #costumejewellery #webseries2024 #longepisodes.
The Great Indian Kapil Show (2024)
Not clicking
Anwar Says: The new season of Kapil Sharma is missing something at Netflix. The punches are not that effective and you hardly smile twice or thrice in the whole show. Is it because of change of platform from sonyliv to Netflix? Four episodes have crossed but the artists are busy in only boasting that the show is streaming in 192 countries. They are unable to come out of this hangover.
Even Kapil is not at his best . Writers are unable to create humour or their writings are probably on surveillance of Netflix team. Jokes hardly land anywhere. Kiku Sharda, Krushna and Rajeev Thakur look tired and Archana Puran Singh's laughter is more chuckling. Only the return of Sunil Grover is refreshing.
Kapil should make a serious review of the show, Netflix may drop him if viewership drops. They are thorough professional and just displaying their logo on cushion would not please them. Tell me, how much you agree with me?
#Netflix #anwarsays #kapilsharmashow #newseason #sunilgrover #KrushnaAbhishek #notclicking #weakpunchlines #poorwriting.
Maidaan (2024)
Maidan is too long
Anwar Says: Through out the movie, I was comparing every sequence with Chak De, India and I may conclude that Chak De was epitome of Period Sports Drama . However, Maidan would be remembered for its cinematography particularly the match scenes, background score of A R Rahman, it's VFX and of course Ajay Devgun embodying the S A Rahim's character, the coach who had given the only glory to Indian Football.
The other aspect of the movie I liked the way the badmen duo , the sports journalist and IFF President, played superbly by Gajanan Rao and Rudranil Ghosh , putting all sorts of hindrances and advocating regionalism in sports and succeeded in eliminating Rahim for certain period. Great to see young PK Banerjee, Chunni Goswami, Jarnail Singh and Peter Thangraj, about him we read in Black & White only. Priyamani , as Rahim's wife, is a terrific actor but very less exploited by the director Amit Ravindernath Sharma( Badhai Ho fame).
But I predict that the movie won't be a hit like Chak De, Dangal or MSD as Sharma ji has dragged it to 3 hours and 3 minutes and the first half is boring on certain moments. Two commentators on AIR are irritating. Still thanks to Boney Kapoor, who must have put huge money on an unsung hero of Indian Sports, hope he recovers his money.
#ZeeStudios #anwarsays #IndianFootball #asianchampian #footballcoach #sarahim #biopic #onemanshow #InsidePolitics #ajaydevgan #Priyamani #movie2024 #toolong.
Amar Singh Chamkila (2024)
Chamkila Chamka
Anwar Says: Impeccable performance by Diljit Doshanjh makes this biopic watchable. Director Imtiyaz All conceived this probably him in mind not only because his singing talent but also because of acting accuracy. Parineeti Chopra is also a perfect match. Coming from a downtrodden and schedule cast background and reaching to such a great height was perfectly pitched and a treat to watch.
Ali bagged Rahman to compose the typical punjabi music of eighties, which would appeal the common mass , so called 'dirty songs' and all hue and cry is the essence of the movie. Chasing his dreams Chamikla was so confident and true that he was knowing that he would be killed and Ali has portrayed it well.
Parineeti was a compensating pair as Amarjot alias Babbi and was not hesitant to play the second wife.
Enough archived material and animation material used that sometimes it looked like a documentary and repetitions of sequences would sometimes irritate you but Ali has been able to recreate this hero of Punjab live. Must watch for the performance and music.
#netflixmovies #anwarsays #chamkila #punjabifolk #akhara #dirtysongs #jealousy #diljitdosanjh #ParineetiChopra #biopic #ImtiazAli #movie2024 #killingthetalent.
Ae Watan Mere Watan (2024)
Unsung Hero story, could have better told
Anwar Says: Movies were earlier made on unsung heroes of Freedom Movement , Sardar Udham Singh , Tanaji and Shershah on Vikram Batra are the recent one and I thank Dharmatic Productions to dig out the story of Padma Vibhushan Late Usha Mehta and thanks to Kannan Iyer , the director, who introduced the lady behind Congress Radio, during Quit India movement in 1942. Surprised , why the own nephew and famous director Ketan Mehta didn't pay the tribute?
After Alia Bhatt , this grand daughter of Pataudi has shown that she can carry the whole film on her shoulder. Struggled sometimes but came back with a vigor . Well supported by Emraan Hashmi aka Ram Manohar Lohia. So good to see Mr. Hashmi playing so many diverse roles. Camerawork, costume and sets of the 40's are upto the mark but what lacks is the spark. The last half an hour doesn't have the drama and pace that a feature film should have. There were much scope to create tension but not been able to built well.
Definitely one time watch to know the relatively less told stories of freedom movement. However, a better craftsman would have chiseled it better.
#PrimeVideo #anwarsays #FreedomMovement #unsungheroes #UshaMehta #ketanmehta #congressradio #RamManoharLohia #saraalikhan #EmraanHashmi #QuitIndiaMovement #KaroYaMaro.
Maamla Legal Hai (2024)
Mamla Jam Gaya
Anwar Says: An inside and outside court drama and each episode picking something interesting happened in our judicial and legal system with tadka of comedy, well done director Rahul Pandey and writer duo Saurabh Khanna and Kunal Aneja. The fictional character of V D Tyagi with some other quirky characters have been perfectly woven around some real happenings.
Ravi Kishan is at his best and hats off to the casting director as it seems that each of the character was chosen before writing the screenplay. Nidhi Bisht and Yashpal Sharma have given praiseworthy performance. Ravi Kishan is as usual full of energy and carries the emotions as well. The famous proverb, Justice delayed is justice denied has also been properly conveyed.
It's not because I am a lawyer so I liked it but a non- lawyer would also enjoy every moment of this eight episodes series. You would also understand difference between an advocate and a lawyer. A nice family watch this weekend.
#netflix #anwarsays #judicialsystem #barcouncilofindia #Lawyerschamber #webseries2024 #RaviKishan #YashpalSharma #RahulPandey #collegium.
Killer Soup (2024)
Too many threads
Anwar Says: It's a mixture of Shakespeare and Hitchcock, which Abhishek Chaubey tried to present on OTT, more than 7 hours long runtime in 8 episodes, engaging the two all time top actors, Manoj Vajpayee and Konkna Sen Sharma. A real black comedy and almost in every episode, someone dies or is about to die. There are a number of narrative threads which emerge from the main crime story. All full of lies, deceit, blackmail and melodrama.
No word about Manoj's performance, every role looks tailor made for him. But this show belongs to Konkna, she is so calm and poised and does everything effortlessly. There is neither any desperation to shift from middle class life nor any hue and cry after a murder has been committed. Sayaji Shinde is extra loud and Naseer's ( Inspector) character is totally confused amidst hallucinations and always looks disillusioned. Others have been properly casted as per script.
I liked the way the title KILLER SOUP appears differently in each episode and also the use of some Western Classic songs appropriately. But joining threads would be difficult for you, if you don't go for a binge watch. Go for it for Manoj and Konkna.
#Netflix #anwarsays #payasoup #mushroom #webseries2024 #manojbajpayee #Konknasensharma #AbhishekChaubey #darkdrama #SayajiShinde.
12th Fail (2023)
A masterpiece but predictable
Anwar Says: A super creation by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, story of courage and determination and based on biopic of same name by Anurag Pathak is a must watch. Unfortunately, the movie was not a hit in theatres probably there was no big name attached. But I remember the interview of Vidhu in Kapil Sharma's show that it took him more than 4 years to create this and it has to be his best.
Vikrant Messey got a lifetime role and he nailed it, whether it is looks, body language or performance. His dialects are perfect. So is her girlfriend played by Medha Shankar, a girl next door, still very strong and a real inspiration. Anand V. Joshi has all the materials for being a Hero's BFF on Hindi Celluloid. Shantanu Moitra is at his best , particularly for background score. You are always amidst the real hub of students of Mukherjee Nagar and the environment has been created by Shantanu.
I would have given it a 10 but I have to cut 2 marks for its predictability. We expect some magic from Vidhu and he could have created some more drama to involve the audience more.
#DisneyHotStar #anwarsays #upscexam #chambal #cheating #grit #VikrantMassey #VidhuVinodChopra #movie2023 #realstory.
The Archies (2023)
Celebrate your memories
Anwar Says: Don't expect wonders from this Zoya Akhtar's Netflix release, just enjoy the nostalgia and childhood vibes sweep through every sequence. Don't expect star kids to do something extraordinary , just enjoy their innocuity and singing about everything . May not have the brilliance of Zoya's earlier films but the audience born in'60s and '70s would correlate and remember the railways book stall, where Archie's comics were available.
Mention of Cliff,Elvis and Beatles, bottles of Goldspot, ad of Cinthol soap on radio and icecream Sundays with Jughead, Betty, Veronica, Reggie, Dilton and Ethel around at Riverdale , what else you need to remember your adolescence. Coming to the performance , Khushi Kapoor as Betty and Vedang Rainna as Reggie looked matured. You can figure out Suhana Khan , as daughter of Shahrukh Khan , when she speaks. Aagastya Nanda as Archie has acting in his genes from his Nana and Nani.
Nobody has been shown as real villain, even Reggie doesn't envy Archie, both Betty and Ronnie love Archie but not at the cost of their bonding. Enjoy the lyrics of Javed Saheb with brilliance of Shankar- Ehsaan-Loy revisited music of ,60s. I would recommend a must one-time watch.
#Netflix #anwarsays #archie #musical #savethegreen #riverdale #suhanakhan #KhushiKapoor #AgastyaNanda #starkids #oldtimesake #nostalgic #moviereview #ZoyaAkhtar.
Chamak (2023)
Missing Chamak
Anwar Says: A tribute to rich Punjabi Music of all kind - Sufi, classical, filmi and rap but lacks the fineness of Bandish Bandit. As I always say, it's the director only who can sail or sink the ship, and this is where the first 6 episodes take the back seat. A revenge drama in the backdrop of Punjabi Music Industry and a son's quest for truth. What a premise, and the lead is none other than Tabbar fame Paramveer Singh Cheema. It is loosely inspired from the murder of famous Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila.
Acting wise Cheema carries all the episodes well but the spark is missing. Two leading ladies Isha Talwar and Akasa Singh have ample share of screen appearance and did well. Manoj Pahwa has acted superbly. But the series couldn't have that CHAMAK because of too many unrelated sub- plots and technical lapses like out of focus shots and inappropriate dubbing. These thin areas are noticed only when they are below par.
But you can still watch it for the excellent Punjabi Music , particularly at Peer ki Mazar in sixth episode. 5-6 episodes would come in next few months. Let's hope they would be more gripping and relevant.
#SonyLIV #anwarsays #punjabimusic #sufisongs #MikaSingh #paramveersinghcheema #ishatalwar #ManojPahwa #canadatopunjab #tribute.
Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue (2023)
Mission oversized
Anwar Says: A Netflix release, again a biopic of the rescue man from Coal India Ltd.- Jaswant Singh Gill and who else would play the lead- one and only Akshay Kumar. Director Tinu Desai also presented him in Rustom and Akshay was conferred National Award but here from the first frame, he tried to present his larger than life image with lesser narrative. And the story dilutes with overdose of dramatisation.
One more thing, I couldn't accept in the movie is sheer wasting of some top talents like Kumud Mishra, Pavan Malhotra, Varun Badola, Ravi Kishan, Dibyendu Bhattacharya and Jameel Khan. If these guys would have been properly exploited , this excellent subject would have a different face. I consider this genre is one of the most difficult one of Cinema particularly when you are portraying it as commercial cinema.
Nevertheless, Akshay has given his best but you can not have a feature film on every unsung hero and make it commercial. Watch if you want to increase your knowledge about underground mining of Coal.
#netflixmovies #anwarsays #coalmining #Raniganj #RescueOperations #Chasnala #AkshayKumar #CoalIndiaLimited #davylamp.