He (Lalit Prabhakar) is an environment freak, collecting left-over water from discarded bottles and wearing his shirts inside out to minimize washing, while running an upstart "solarization" business. She (Mrinmayee Godbole) saves keedas from the roads, compliments horses for their Sadhna cuts, never steps into an auto unless the driver is vegetarian, and works as a vet, spending more than she earns on the animals.
Both have had no time for "affairs" and reluctantly agree to their families' efforts for match making, with a rider. They want to spend some time living in "unphysically" before they make a commitment. After all, when we are taught to not even talk to strangers, how can one get married to one?
The premise is simple, the end is predictable, but this is one helluva movie where you can take your family and friends along, grab your popcorn, and have a jolly good time, laughing your guts out as the eccentric couple, their just-as-crazy family members and devoted friends duel it out with smashing one-liners and a liberal sprinkling of chaste Marathi swear words (all certified for family viewing!) dished out by a cast that's simply purrfect!
If you are a film buff, you will also appreciate the attempt at a different treatment - some of the camera angles and the presentation of the "sutradhar", for example, are quite fun!
DO NOT MISS THIS ONE.
PS: If you do not understand Marathi, the English subtitles will still work - but don't blame me if you don't really "get" it!
Showing posts with label Movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie. Show all posts
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Movie Review: Hindi Medium
Very rarely do you come across a movie with a serious subject at its core, given a lovely, light treatment that entertains, and leaving you inspired! Hindi Medium is one such movie that will make you laugh, make you happy, and yet, leave you with some open questions, tugging at your heart to do something about it.
Mita and Raj Batra, are an affluent self-made couple from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, who own a thriving "original fakes" garments business and drive a swanky BMW. They want the best for their only daughter, but it's not going to be a cake walk. Unable to impress the elite schools with their Hindi, their "consultant" suggest another way - grab a seat through the RTE quota. There is only one problem though - they will need to pass the inspection, and that means, giving up the comforts of their home and living in a slum until the inspector is convinced they are poor enough to merit the RTE seat.
The film deals with a couple of very relevant topics in today's India - the class divisions around language, and the pressure on parents to get their kids admitted in elite schools, and the underlying "business" of education! Irrfan is dependable as usual, while our Western neighbor, Saba Qamar, quite pulls her own with an impressive debut in Bollywood. Deepak Dobriyal has a small but significant role as their "khandaani gareeb" friend and neighbor, who teaches the Batras the art of living, in more ways than one!
The first half is delightful; the second half gets a little stretched and over-dramatic, although it serves to drive home the point and leave you with something to chew on. If you haven't seen this one yet, not a bad way to spend the rest of your weekend!
Mita and Raj Batra, are an affluent self-made couple from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, who own a thriving "original fakes" garments business and drive a swanky BMW. They want the best for their only daughter, but it's not going to be a cake walk. Unable to impress the elite schools with their Hindi, their "consultant" suggest another way - grab a seat through the RTE quota. There is only one problem though - they will need to pass the inspection, and that means, giving up the comforts of their home and living in a slum until the inspector is convinced they are poor enough to merit the RTE seat.
The film deals with a couple of very relevant topics in today's India - the class divisions around language, and the pressure on parents to get their kids admitted in elite schools, and the underlying "business" of education! Irrfan is dependable as usual, while our Western neighbor, Saba Qamar, quite pulls her own with an impressive debut in Bollywood. Deepak Dobriyal has a small but significant role as their "khandaani gareeb" friend and neighbor, who teaches the Batras the art of living, in more ways than one!
The first half is delightful; the second half gets a little stretched and over-dramatic, although it serves to drive home the point and leave you with something to chew on. If you haven't seen this one yet, not a bad way to spend the rest of your weekend!
Movie Review: Sarkar 3
When you have a cast that includes the Big B, Jackie Shroff and Manoj Bajpai, assisted by the lovely Yami Gautam, it must take some real hard work to make a movie as bad as Sarkar 3. For that RGV gets a perfect 10.
Subhash Nagre (Bachchan) is Sarkar, the God Father, the patriarch of Maharashtra's family no 1 (no guesses there!), fighting a battle to retain his iron grip on local politics (and goondaism) after the death of his sons in the earlier installments. When his estranged grandson Shivaji (Amit Sadh) joins his camp, Sarkar's two trusted henchmen are convinced he is a traitor, but Sarkar is willing to give Shivaji a chance. Add a power hungry politician (Manoj Bajpai), a shady Dubai-based businessman (Jackie) and Shivaji's scheming girl friend (Yami) to the mix, and we have the perfect setting for an edge of the seat thriller. Will Shivaji betray Sarkar? Will Sarkar prevail over the ever increasing tribe of his enemies?
Subhash Nagre (Bachchan) is Sarkar, the God Father, the patriarch of Maharashtra's family no 1 (no guesses there!), fighting a battle to retain his iron grip on local politics (and goondaism) after the death of his sons in the earlier installments. When his estranged grandson Shivaji (Amit Sadh) joins his camp, Sarkar's two trusted henchmen are convinced he is a traitor, but Sarkar is willing to give Shivaji a chance. Add a power hungry politician (Manoj Bajpai), a shady Dubai-based businessman (Jackie) and Shivaji's scheming girl friend (Yami) to the mix, and we have the perfect setting for an edge of the seat thriller. Will Shivaji betray Sarkar? Will Sarkar prevail over the ever increasing tribe of his enemies?
Sadly, pithy dialogues and poor execution make you laugh, robbing the movie of any buildup of intrigue and excitement. Jackie really needs to read the script before he signs on, and probably has the silliest one liners mouthed by a veteran actor in Bollywood history. Big B doesn't have any real moments, although his rendition of the Ganesh aarti in enough to convert many athiests into believers - and a reason why you might still want to endure this one!
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Movie Review: Split
After delivering absolute crackers like The Sixth Sense, M Night Shyamalan has had a string of movies that frequently show up on the worst movies list - but critics are going gaga over his latest - a psycho thriller in which James McAvoy plays a victim of childhood abuse, suffering from dissociative identity disorder with 23 distinct personalities.
The film opens to a gripping scene in which one of his evil avatars kidnaps three young girls, locking them away in an underground bunker. McAvoy delivers a memorable performance, even though the director never develops, or even exposes more than a handful of the 23 personalities. McAvoy swings effortlessly between the sinister Dennis and the female avatar Patricia, to the kiddo Hedwig and a gay fashion designer Barry, but the movie never really builds up a gripping tempo. The 3 girls are completely wasted. Scenes show promise, but then just like the lethargic girls, die out with a whimper. The premise of a person with 23 completely disconnected personalities (and then add some supernatural stuff to it) opens up so many interesting possibilities in screenplay and story - and it was disappointing that the film meanders towards a predictable end.
Unlike most of Shyamalan's movies, the end is predictable, and the "twist" when it comes, is more like a squirm in your seat, almost as if you are willing your body to react, so you justify sitting through until the credits begin to roll..
The film opens to a gripping scene in which one of his evil avatars kidnaps three young girls, locking them away in an underground bunker. McAvoy delivers a memorable performance, even though the director never develops, or even exposes more than a handful of the 23 personalities. McAvoy swings effortlessly between the sinister Dennis and the female avatar Patricia, to the kiddo Hedwig and a gay fashion designer Barry, but the movie never really builds up a gripping tempo. The 3 girls are completely wasted. Scenes show promise, but then just like the lethargic girls, die out with a whimper. The premise of a person with 23 completely disconnected personalities (and then add some supernatural stuff to it) opens up so many interesting possibilities in screenplay and story - and it was disappointing that the film meanders towards a predictable end.
Unlike most of Shyamalan's movies, the end is predictable, and the "twist" when it comes, is more like a squirm in your seat, almost as if you are willing your body to react, so you justify sitting through until the credits begin to roll..
Movie Review: Rangoon
Set in the 40s, towards the end of the second world war, Rangoon is a love triangle between a married rich producer Russi Billimoria (Saif Ail Khan), the heart throb of the nation, the daredevil actress Julia (Kangana Ranaut) and Jamadar Nawab Malik (Shahid Kapoor), a braveheart in the British Army fighting against the invading Japanese. When the British convince Russi to send his paramour Julia to the Indo-Burma border to regale the troops, Jamadar Malik is assigned as her body guard. War is no hurdle to a passionate romance, and Jamadar Malik falls madly in love with the free spirited Julia, who finds in him a release from Russi's possessive, protective nature (he calls her his "kiddo", treating her as his expensive toy, albeit always with love and respect). But Julia finds out that Malik is a spy - he works for Bose's INA, and is tasked with spiriting out an expensive, exquisite sword to fund the INA's war effort. Will he win over Julia, or will she turn him over to Russi and the British? Or will there be another twist in this wartime romance saga?
Rangoon scores a perfect 10 on cinematography and set design. The locales are absolutely stunning, and the grim war scenes have been shot at a quality rarely seen in Bollywood. Even the lighting is spot on. My favorites are the plane attack on the river, and the mud fight between Shahid and Kangana.
Saif is dependable as Russi Billimoria, a dangerous streak always underlying, but never really surfacing. Shahid is also restrained and sincere. But Kangana absolutely hits it out of the park with a performance that's sexy, childishly innocent, free spirited, and very lovable. This is one Bollywood actor that never fails to wow!
However, the film lacks the razor edge that would have made this an extraordinary movie. While the first half sets up the stage beautifully, the story meanders post the interval - and the screenplay takes a major hit too. Even the liplocks between Shahid and Kangana lack chemistry and feels very superficial. The movie is peppered with songs that do not add too much value to the narrative, although "Yeh Ishq Hai" is very soulful! The climax, when it finally arrives, is dragged on forever, and could have been easily snipped nice and short to leave audiences desperate for more, instead of relieved that it's finally over!
A little less indulgence, and Rangoon would have been a “Bloody hell’ of a movie!
ps: Do not miss the wonderful rendition of Azad Hind's anthem, a beautiful version of the Indian national anthem!
Rangoon scores a perfect 10 on cinematography and set design. The locales are absolutely stunning, and the grim war scenes have been shot at a quality rarely seen in Bollywood. Even the lighting is spot on. My favorites are the plane attack on the river, and the mud fight between Shahid and Kangana.
Saif is dependable as Russi Billimoria, a dangerous streak always underlying, but never really surfacing. Shahid is also restrained and sincere. But Kangana absolutely hits it out of the park with a performance that's sexy, childishly innocent, free spirited, and very lovable. This is one Bollywood actor that never fails to wow!
However, the film lacks the razor edge that would have made this an extraordinary movie. While the first half sets up the stage beautifully, the story meanders post the interval - and the screenplay takes a major hit too. Even the liplocks between Shahid and Kangana lack chemistry and feels very superficial. The movie is peppered with songs that do not add too much value to the narrative, although "Yeh Ishq Hai" is very soulful! The climax, when it finally arrives, is dragged on forever, and could have been easily snipped nice and short to leave audiences desperate for more, instead of relieved that it's finally over!
A little less indulgence, and Rangoon would have been a “Bloody hell’ of a movie!
ps: Do not miss the wonderful rendition of Azad Hind's anthem, a beautiful version of the Indian national anthem!
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Movie Review: The Ghazi Attack
On the sidelines of the much written about 1971 war, another intense battle was fought in the deep, murky waters of the Bay of Bengal - between the dreaded Pakistani submarine, the PNS Ghazi, and an Indian submarine, the S-21. Tasked to take out the INS Vikrant, which was proving to be impossible to tackle for the Pakistanis seeking to send supplies for its army in the East, the Ghazi runs into the S-21, sent on a recce mission with clear orders not to engage. With radio communication down, and the sub severely crippled by a cunningly placed mine, the sub's brave crew will need nothing short of a miracle to come on top in a deadly game of cat and mouse!
In shots and sequences reminiscent of that other wonderful sub movie "The Hunt For Red October", The Ghazi Attack scores the full monty on the screenplay in the cramped, really authentic-looking interiors of a 70s sub, and the maneuvers as the two commanders pitch their experience and skill against each other. The performances, led by Kay Kay Menon, Rana Daggubati and Atul Kulkarni as the S-21's officers, are honest and restrained, and Taapsee, in a tiny, special appearance, adds just the wee bit of color to the drab interiors of S-21. The only let down are the pot-bellied officers of the Southern Naval Command (notably Om Puri in a distinctly uncomfortable role) and the unshaven, unkempt, disheveled crew of the S-21, more likely to be found in fishy fishing boats fishing for fishy stuff in enemy waters!
To the credit of the SFX and camera team, most of the sequences underwater look authentic, although a couple of Titanisque shots could have been done much better. The movie has not one, but two renditions of the national anthem, and the Supreme Court ruling allowing citizens not to stand up for the anthem if it is part of a movie will seem to have come at just the right time for many!
Like the longest disclaimer in the history of movie-making claims at the beginning, the movie is a fictionalized version of the events, and the real truth may never be known. This was a classified mission, and the Pakistanis claimed the Ghazi sunk due to an explosion on board. But that shouldn't deter you from raising a toast to the brave soldiers of the Indian Navy!
In shots and sequences reminiscent of that other wonderful sub movie "The Hunt For Red October", The Ghazi Attack scores the full monty on the screenplay in the cramped, really authentic-looking interiors of a 70s sub, and the maneuvers as the two commanders pitch their experience and skill against each other. The performances, led by Kay Kay Menon, Rana Daggubati and Atul Kulkarni as the S-21's officers, are honest and restrained, and Taapsee, in a tiny, special appearance, adds just the wee bit of color to the drab interiors of S-21. The only let down are the pot-bellied officers of the Southern Naval Command (notably Om Puri in a distinctly uncomfortable role) and the unshaven, unkempt, disheveled crew of the S-21, more likely to be found in fishy fishing boats fishing for fishy stuff in enemy waters!
To the credit of the SFX and camera team, most of the sequences underwater look authentic, although a couple of Titanisque shots could have been done much better. The movie has not one, but two renditions of the national anthem, and the Supreme Court ruling allowing citizens not to stand up for the anthem if it is part of a movie will seem to have come at just the right time for many!
Like the longest disclaimer in the history of movie-making claims at the beginning, the movie is a fictionalized version of the events, and the real truth may never be known. This was a classified mission, and the Pakistanis claimed the Ghazi sunk due to an explosion on board. But that shouldn't deter you from raising a toast to the brave soldiers of the Indian Navy!
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Movie Review: Kaabil
Rohan and Supriya are blind, but that doesn't stop them from dreaming of a beautiful life together. A couple of dates later, Rohan slips a ring on her finger. Life is perfect.
Not for long, though. The local corporator's younger brother takes a fancy to Su, and he isn't one to be denied! Repeatedly raped and humiliated, she finally caves in, and the sold out cops leave Rohan with only one choice -to fight for justice on his own terms.
The first half is pacy, even though some of the scenes are a little over done - like the mall sequence, which is amateurish in screenplay. Hrithik and Yami do have an absolute cracker of a dance number together, beautifully executed! Their romance is sweet, although you always know it's not gonna last very long.
The movie takes off in the second half - the story does grab your attention, although, to be honest, there is nothing that will come as a surprise or a shock - if you pay attention to the screenplay, you can predict what's coming up at least 15 min earlier!
The highlight of the film is Hrithik’s performance, and in my opinion, his best to date by a mile. He is especially effective in the second half - not too many theatrics, not too much of the goody goody stuff - and in most scenes, he actually looks human. Yami looks great, and complements him well. Ronit Roy is great as the badass corporator, although Rohit Roy as his younger brother is wasted.
The sound track is just about passable. The remixed Saara Zamana and Dil Kya Karen are pale and eminently forgettable. The item number needs to be snipped out!
Overall, a mixed bag - and yes, don't take your kids!
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Movie Review: Raees
Raees is set in a small border town in Gujarat, where our anti-hero runs a massive empire built on the illegal alcohol trade, and his cat and mouse game with a dogged police officer, ACP Majmudar, forms the crux of the movie. Koi dhanda chota nahi hota, aur dhande se bada koi dharam nahi hota, is the motto our Raees lives by. His run in with the law starts at a very young age, when he steals a pair of spectacles from a Gandhiji statue - the specs also earn him the nickname "Battery", which is the one thing that riles him no end. A gracious Robinhood to his people, he has one other motto - no hurting the innocent. But a betrayal leads to a deadly mistake, and Raees has to face not just the wrath of the police, but his own conscience.
Here's why Raees makes it to one of my favorite SRK movies...
1) The King Khan is at his best - the kaajal, the pathani outfits, the beard, the bloodshot eyes, the voice - the perfect anti-hero you know is in the wrong, and yet, you can't help root for him as he fights an increasingly lonely battle. No hamming, no outstretched hands, just heart-stopping action. Watch out for the scene where he slams down the phone - and tell me you didn't get the chill. His entry is also powerful and memorable, maybe the only better one was Don 2!
2) A great sound track, that beautifully complements the screenplay, pumping your adrenaline! Sunny Leone's execution of Laila is another amazing sequence, providing the perfect backdrop to a crescendo of violence.
3) The ever-so-dependable Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the determined cop delivers a memorable performance, with just the right sprinkling of humor.
4) The art department does a great job - delivering great locales, beautiful sets, and amazing props that add so much to the authenticity and visual impact.
5) True, hard core, gritty action - not the Shetty-style physics-defying style. Raw violence. Be warned, the sequence in the meat market might just be a little too much to stomach for the vegeterians!
6) And probably, most of all, the dialogues - lines that generate hoots and claps from the audience well into the almost 150 minute running time of this action thriller.
The only weakness of the movie is the female lead, our neighbor from West, Mahira Khan, who frankly, is a let down, in looks as well as in the acting department.
After Dear Zindagi, Raees completes the transformation of SRK from the badshah of chocolate romance to the mature, oh-so-desirable George Clooney of Bollywood, and this can only be great news for the fans!
Don't miss it - but ditch the lounge for this one! This one is for watching with the masses!
Here's why Raees makes it to one of my favorite SRK movies...
1) The King Khan is at his best - the kaajal, the pathani outfits, the beard, the bloodshot eyes, the voice - the perfect anti-hero you know is in the wrong, and yet, you can't help root for him as he fights an increasingly lonely battle. No hamming, no outstretched hands, just heart-stopping action. Watch out for the scene where he slams down the phone - and tell me you didn't get the chill. His entry is also powerful and memorable, maybe the only better one was Don 2!
2) A great sound track, that beautifully complements the screenplay, pumping your adrenaline! Sunny Leone's execution of Laila is another amazing sequence, providing the perfect backdrop to a crescendo of violence.
3) The ever-so-dependable Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the determined cop delivers a memorable performance, with just the right sprinkling of humor.
4) The art department does a great job - delivering great locales, beautiful sets, and amazing props that add so much to the authenticity and visual impact.
5) True, hard core, gritty action - not the Shetty-style physics-defying style. Raw violence. Be warned, the sequence in the meat market might just be a little too much to stomach for the vegeterians!
6) And probably, most of all, the dialogues - lines that generate hoots and claps from the audience well into the almost 150 minute running time of this action thriller.
The only weakness of the movie is the female lead, our neighbor from West, Mahira Khan, who frankly, is a let down, in looks as well as in the acting department.
After Dear Zindagi, Raees completes the transformation of SRK from the badshah of chocolate romance to the mature, oh-so-desirable George Clooney of Bollywood, and this can only be great news for the fans!
Don't miss it - but ditch the lounge for this one! This one is for watching with the masses!
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Movie Review: XXX: Return of Xander Cage
XXX is still in action - stealing transponders for cable TV sets and hurtling down mountainside jungles in skis and skateboards, in an exotic land of hot women and football. However, when a "Pandora's Box" that looks like a cable set top box and can send any satellite on a collision course towards Earth in 2 clicks, turning it into an assassin, is stolen, XXX needs to get his act together to save the world, with a team that includes a sniper and, hold your breath, a DJ.
With our very own Deepika Padukone playing the kickass, no nonsense love interest for the much loved Vin Diesel, XXX did raise a lot of interest before its release. Sadly,a juvenile non-existent plot, mostly bland seen-it-before action, and average dialogues makes this a movie you can safely cross off your bucket list.
After Anil Kapoor's much-acclaimed "performance" in Slumdog, PC looked like she was running away with the title of self-proclaimed Hollywood killer in the country. And I guess that title remains her's. Deepika gets barely a few minutes on screen, and doesn't have much to do other than making intense faces while she shoots and kicks her way through the bad men, and mouths some long winded, meant-to-be-serious-as-hell dialogues, in her uncomfortable Indian accent, over shadowed by the other two women in the movie - one through her cuteness, the other through her stunts.
Avoidable.
With our very own Deepika Padukone playing the kickass, no nonsense love interest for the much loved Vin Diesel, XXX did raise a lot of interest before its release. Sadly,a juvenile non-existent plot, mostly bland seen-it-before action, and average dialogues makes this a movie you can safely cross off your bucket list.
After Anil Kapoor's much-acclaimed "performance" in Slumdog, PC looked like she was running away with the title of self-proclaimed Hollywood killer in the country. And I guess that title remains her's. Deepika gets barely a few minutes on screen, and doesn't have much to do other than making intense faces while she shoots and kicks her way through the bad men, and mouths some long winded, meant-to-be-serious-as-hell dialogues, in her uncomfortable Indian accent, over shadowed by the other two women in the movie - one through her cuteness, the other through her stunts.
Avoidable.
Sunday, January 01, 2017
Movie Review: Dangal
Dangal was a great way to cap my movie going experience for 2016... the heartwarming story of 2 young girls from the dusty plains of Haryana on their quest for sporting glory for India. Under the almost-fanatical coaching of their father, a wrestler himself, Geeta and Babita Phogat break countless stereotypes and traditions along the way - from fighting with boys in the arena, they steadily prove their worth at the state level, then at the nationals, finally fulfilling their father's dream when Geeta wins gold at the Commonwealth games in Delhi.
The star of the movie was undoubtedly the very smart and talented Fatima Sana Shaikh, who pulled off the wrestling scenes effortlessly and beautifully; and I am sure Geeta would have been proud! Fatima is ably supported by the other girls, Sanya Malhotra (Babita), Zaira Wasim (the extremely cute young Geeta) and Suhani Bhatnagar (young Babita), as well as Ritwik Sahore (young Omkar). Aamir gets my huge appreciation for his commitment to the project, putting on dozens of kilos for his role as the older Mahavir, and the transformation from the muscled younger Mahavir is jaw dropping! The rest of the cast - Girish Kulkarni as the coach, Aparshakti Khurana as Omkar and Sakshi Tanwar as Mahavir's wife, is also spot on.
The best part of the movie? The wrestling scenes. Shot beautifully, executed perfectly, with a great sound track, and adequate technical background, it never fails to grab your undivided attention. And when Geeta wins the CWG gold and the national anthem plays in the stadium, it's beautiful to experience how the audience in the theater spontaneously stands up in respect to the flag. Something you cannot miss, so go watch the movie only in the theatres!
There are quite a few beautifully rendered songs too, and they stay with you long after the movie ends. Gilehriyaan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RunYl3Q0SYI) is definitely my favorite, but there are other gems too - and they go extremely well with the visuals! Haanikarak Bapu is a lot of fun and Dhakkad will inspire millions of girls!
That said, the movie does raise a couple of uncomfortable questions. (Warning - story spoilers coming up)
For one, for a movie that is almost a biopic on Geeta and Babita (irrespective of the disclaimer at the beginning of the movie), there are far too many liberties taken on authenticity. The CWG gold wasn't Geeta's first international gold. The entire incident of the father being locked out by the coach is fictional. Even the final match itself was an easy peasy win for Geeta, not the edge of the seat thriller it is made out to be. I believe you should make honest movies, or entertaining movies, but Dangal takes too many liberties with truth, in the process probably hurting a lot of people (like Geeta's real life coach!).
The second question has nothing to do with the movie, but with the situation Geeta and Babita found themselves in (as characters in the fictional movie, or in reality if it was true). It is true that their father dreamed bigger things for them, in a time and land where girls were married off as soon as they hit puberty. However, one begs the question - would he have done the same if he had a son? Was he not selfish to pursue his own dream of gold through his daughters, never giving them a choice in the matter? Was it fair to make them fight wrestling, a very intimate contact sport, with boys? What if one of them wanted to be a doctor, or pursue any other sport? If they hadn't gone on to be successful on national/international stage, would we still hold Mahavir in such high esteem? What message does it send to millions of Indian parents? That it's OK to use your children to pursue your dreams? That they don't have a choice in the matter?
Important questions, but an excellent movie nevertheless. Do watch it, in the theaters!
The star of the movie was undoubtedly the very smart and talented Fatima Sana Shaikh, who pulled off the wrestling scenes effortlessly and beautifully; and I am sure Geeta would have been proud! Fatima is ably supported by the other girls, Sanya Malhotra (Babita), Zaira Wasim (the extremely cute young Geeta) and Suhani Bhatnagar (young Babita), as well as Ritwik Sahore (young Omkar). Aamir gets my huge appreciation for his commitment to the project, putting on dozens of kilos for his role as the older Mahavir, and the transformation from the muscled younger Mahavir is jaw dropping! The rest of the cast - Girish Kulkarni as the coach, Aparshakti Khurana as Omkar and Sakshi Tanwar as Mahavir's wife, is also spot on.
The best part of the movie? The wrestling scenes. Shot beautifully, executed perfectly, with a great sound track, and adequate technical background, it never fails to grab your undivided attention. And when Geeta wins the CWG gold and the national anthem plays in the stadium, it's beautiful to experience how the audience in the theater spontaneously stands up in respect to the flag. Something you cannot miss, so go watch the movie only in the theatres!
There are quite a few beautifully rendered songs too, and they stay with you long after the movie ends. Gilehriyaan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RunYl3Q0SYI) is definitely my favorite, but there are other gems too - and they go extremely well with the visuals! Haanikarak Bapu is a lot of fun and Dhakkad will inspire millions of girls!
That said, the movie does raise a couple of uncomfortable questions. (Warning - story spoilers coming up)
For one, for a movie that is almost a biopic on Geeta and Babita (irrespective of the disclaimer at the beginning of the movie), there are far too many liberties taken on authenticity. The CWG gold wasn't Geeta's first international gold. The entire incident of the father being locked out by the coach is fictional. Even the final match itself was an easy peasy win for Geeta, not the edge of the seat thriller it is made out to be. I believe you should make honest movies, or entertaining movies, but Dangal takes too many liberties with truth, in the process probably hurting a lot of people (like Geeta's real life coach!).
The second question has nothing to do with the movie, but with the situation Geeta and Babita found themselves in (as characters in the fictional movie, or in reality if it was true). It is true that their father dreamed bigger things for them, in a time and land where girls were married off as soon as they hit puberty. However, one begs the question - would he have done the same if he had a son? Was he not selfish to pursue his own dream of gold through his daughters, never giving them a choice in the matter? Was it fair to make them fight wrestling, a very intimate contact sport, with boys? What if one of them wanted to be a doctor, or pursue any other sport? If they hadn't gone on to be successful on national/international stage, would we still hold Mahavir in such high esteem? What message does it send to millions of Indian parents? That it's OK to use your children to pursue your dreams? That they don't have a choice in the matter?
Important questions, but an excellent movie nevertheless. Do watch it, in the theaters!
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Movie Review: Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk
Private Billy Lynn is a 19 year old American hero, back home from a deadly stint in Afghanistan, for a short victory tour along with fellow soldiers from the Bravo company. Drafted in to participate in the halftime show at a Thanksgiving Day football game for some PR, Billy's thoughts become our gateway to discover what it really is like to be fighting a war, contrasting the realities with public perception, giving a fascinating peek into what lies beneath.
Moving back and forth between the traumatic experiences on the frontlines and back alleys of Afghanistan to the razzle dazzle of the halftime show, from the cowering residents during raids in Afghan homes to the families back in America, the film takes you back and forth, blurring the lines between reality and perception, until you start asking, what's more terrifying?
Joe Alwyn as Billy does a good job, sharing great chemistry with his mentor (Vin Diesel, who initiates him into Karma and Krishna!) and his commander (Garett Hedlund). Kristen Stewart excels at playing the very sick (recovering from a very bad accident and break up) Kathryn, his sister, who pleads with him not to return to duty. Steve Martin and Chris Tucker are also memorable in short but well essayed roles as media men seeking to do a movie on the Bravo company. Makenzie Leigh, as Billy's one-hour-long cheerleader-lover, sizzles the screen and more than makes up for Kristen.
The film is a technical marvel, directed by Ang Lee, who lists Life of Pi and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon among his other brilliant works. Shot in 3D with a 4K resolution, at a speed of 120 frames per second, 5x the normal, the movie should be a visual treat. Sadly, very few theatres in the world, leave alone in India, will be able to make the most of this format in the near future. That said, the immersive presentation coupled with Destiny's Child's "Soldier" at the halftime show, is enough to give you goosebumps and a racing pulse, and make you want more, even when the credits roll 2 hours later...
Definitely worth a trip to the multiplex, but watch it in the best one you can get into!
Saturday, November 05, 2016
Movie Review: Doctor Strange
I am not an Avengers fan, I don't partake (at least in an intelligent fashion) in the Marvel vs Disney arguments, I didn't even know until recently that you gotta sit through the entire end credits roll to get a peek into the next big Marvel. And Doctor Strange isn't even a real superhero (all he does is dash in and out of time and space warps, and outta his physical body). But I loved the movie!
When an extremely talented neurosurgeon crashes his car, smashing the nerves on his delicate fingers and with that, his blossoming career, he turns to the psychic world to master his body, mind and spirit. And ends up getting sucked into a fight for Mother Earth against the dark forces in the Universe, bent on sucking life out of the world as we know it into a timeless, endless vortex. Etc etc. Yes, we have heard that before.
What's stunning though, is the SFX, especially if you can catch it in IMAX 3D. When you think you have seen it all before, Marvel comes up with a fascinating rendition of warped time and spaces, and such high fidelity psychedelic graphics, that nothing else really matters - just sink back into your comfortable lounge seats and let your eyes go wide with wonder. The accident is also extremely well shot, as are a couple of panoramic shots of Kathmandu and the surrounding mountains.
An excellent performance by Doctor "Sherlock" Strange, and the extremely cute Rachel McAdams, keeps you engrossed throughout the running time, with more than a couple of good laughs. The best part is that the end game comes quick and fast, unlike many similar super hero/sci fi movies that seem to drag on and on in a blur of SFX overdose!
Do check out this Strange movie, and in IMAX 3D if you can find one in your city!
When an extremely talented neurosurgeon crashes his car, smashing the nerves on his delicate fingers and with that, his blossoming career, he turns to the psychic world to master his body, mind and spirit. And ends up getting sucked into a fight for Mother Earth against the dark forces in the Universe, bent on sucking life out of the world as we know it into a timeless, endless vortex. Etc etc. Yes, we have heard that before.
What's stunning though, is the SFX, especially if you can catch it in IMAX 3D. When you think you have seen it all before, Marvel comes up with a fascinating rendition of warped time and spaces, and such high fidelity psychedelic graphics, that nothing else really matters - just sink back into your comfortable lounge seats and let your eyes go wide with wonder. The accident is also extremely well shot, as are a couple of panoramic shots of Kathmandu and the surrounding mountains.
An excellent performance by Doctor "Sherlock" Strange, and the extremely cute Rachel McAdams, keeps you engrossed throughout the running time, with more than a couple of good laughs. The best part is that the end game comes quick and fast, unlike many similar super hero/sci fi movies that seem to drag on and on in a blur of SFX overdose!
Do check out this Strange movie, and in IMAX 3D if you can find one in your city!
Wednesday, November 02, 2016
Movie Review: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
I didn't want to watch this movie. Nothing to do with Fawad (I actually loved him in Kapoor and Sons!), but really because I got turned off by the entire controversy, dragging the army into it, and the eventual capitulation by the producers, which was such a shame. Then I thought, heck, what and who am I taking a stand against anyway? It's just a movie. The politicians will play their part, especially with elections around the corner.
Or maybe because I've never been a great fan of Ranbir, or of Aishwarya. But then Anushka Sharma (never been my favorite, but I have to admit, she's done some fantastic roles lately in NH10, DDD) was a plus, and when SRK has a cameo, how could I say no, really?
Sometimes in life, you do make mistakes. Maybe, this was one of them.
To be honest, the first half was actually OK. Quite pacy, and enjoyable, if you keep low expectations from everyone. The second half is all downhill into a deep crevice from where there is no coming back. A muddled storyline, insipid dialogues, and a very predictable and stretched ending makes this a very mushkil watch as the minutes drag on.
On the plus side, some of the numbers are beautiful and will stay on my play list for a very long time. SRK mouths some memorable dialogues in the 3 min he is on screen, Lisa Haydon is sexy and funny, and Fawad simply takes your breath away. Anushka is dependable, for most part. Ranbir is also tolerable, for most part. Aishwarya looks good, sometimes (especially when she is the model instead of the actress).
Oh, and there are a bunch of other cameos too. I think I saw Alia in one shot!
Now that Diwali is over, maybe ADHM isn't such a bad idea.
Or maybe because I've never been a great fan of Ranbir, or of Aishwarya. But then Anushka Sharma (never been my favorite, but I have to admit, she's done some fantastic roles lately in NH10, DDD) was a plus, and when SRK has a cameo, how could I say no, really?
Sometimes in life, you do make mistakes. Maybe, this was one of them.
To be honest, the first half was actually OK. Quite pacy, and enjoyable, if you keep low expectations from everyone. The second half is all downhill into a deep crevice from where there is no coming back. A muddled storyline, insipid dialogues, and a very predictable and stretched ending makes this a very mushkil watch as the minutes drag on.
On the plus side, some of the numbers are beautiful and will stay on my play list for a very long time. SRK mouths some memorable dialogues in the 3 min he is on screen, Lisa Haydon is sexy and funny, and Fawad simply takes your breath away. Anushka is dependable, for most part. Ranbir is also tolerable, for most part. Aishwarya looks good, sometimes (especially when she is the model instead of the actress).
Oh, and there are a bunch of other cameos too. I think I saw Alia in one shot!
Now that Diwali is over, maybe ADHM isn't such a bad idea.
Movie Review: Shivaay
This is one movie I had really high hopes about - maybe because at some subconscious level, I thought it might be an adaptation of one of Amish Tripathi's novels, or at least borrow some ideas from! The awesome action seen in the trailer only served to heighten those expectations.
The movie opens to a great sequence, the cinematography, the locale and the background score creating a sense of purpose and direction that's hard to buy into. Sadly, just like the protagonist (Ajay Devgan) nosediving down the steep cliffs, the movie goes just one way - downhill - from there on.
In spite of some great action shots and wonderful locales and the breathtaking cinematography, the movie is done in by stretched sequences of uncalled for emotional drama that completely upsets the pace and the narrative, dialogues that are unintentionally funny where they should be taut, and insipid direction and editing, where a good cut of the scissor could have made this a movie Jason Bourne could have been proud of. Entire scenes could have been snipped out and no one would have missed a thing!
Ajay Devgan the actor is let down by Ajay Devgan the director. The two imports, Erika Kaar (Ajay's love interest) and Abigail Eames (his daughter) are decent, except when Erika mouths the overly accented Hindi dialogues. Thankfully, Abigail is verbally challenged and doesn't have to go through the torture. Vir Das, Girish Karnad and Saurabh Shukla are completely wasted, which is such a shame. And the tub scene being the highlight of Sayesha Saigal's debut, it does her no favors.
News is that the directors have obliged distributors and cut off a good 10-15 mins - and that might just make Shivaay a lot more tolerable. From me, 2.5 stars out of 5, the negative marking not so much for what's missing, but what should have never been there in the first place!
The movie opens to a great sequence, the cinematography, the locale and the background score creating a sense of purpose and direction that's hard to buy into. Sadly, just like the protagonist (Ajay Devgan) nosediving down the steep cliffs, the movie goes just one way - downhill - from there on.
In spite of some great action shots and wonderful locales and the breathtaking cinematography, the movie is done in by stretched sequences of uncalled for emotional drama that completely upsets the pace and the narrative, dialogues that are unintentionally funny where they should be taut, and insipid direction and editing, where a good cut of the scissor could have made this a movie Jason Bourne could have been proud of. Entire scenes could have been snipped out and no one would have missed a thing!
Ajay Devgan the actor is let down by Ajay Devgan the director. The two imports, Erika Kaar (Ajay's love interest) and Abigail Eames (his daughter) are decent, except when Erika mouths the overly accented Hindi dialogues. Thankfully, Abigail is verbally challenged and doesn't have to go through the torture. Vir Das, Girish Karnad and Saurabh Shukla are completely wasted, which is such a shame. And the tub scene being the highlight of Sayesha Saigal's debut, it does her no favors.
News is that the directors have obliged distributors and cut off a good 10-15 mins - and that might just make Shivaay a lot more tolerable. From me, 2.5 stars out of 5, the negative marking not so much for what's missing, but what should have never been there in the first place!
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Movie Review: Inferno
Robert Langdon wakes up in a Florence hospital with a splitting headache, amnesia and a bullet wound to his skull. And even before he can change out of his hospital gown, is thrown head first, arms and legs flailing, into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Doing what he does best, deciphering clues hidden in ancient art and sculpture, Langdon, assissted by his nurse and saviour from the hospital, the very pretty Sienna, hurtles through Florence, Venice and Istanbul trying to stop the release of a deadly virus aimed at cleaning up the world of the human scourge.
The action is fast paced, the cinematography clean, the movie is a very faithful and effective reproduction of the very exciting book. Not a mean feat when it involves quite a bit of detailing and reference to literature and history, without tuning off the audience. Watching in Imax format was the icing on the cake.
Tom Hanks is effortless, and Felicity Jones lights up the screen every time the camera is not focused on the magnificent sculptures and vistas of Italy. Our very own Irrfan has a cameo too, although I do believe Bollywood actors should aspire for meatier roles!
A definite recommendation for the weekend.
Saturday, October 01, 2016
Movie Review: MS Dhoni The Untold Story
We have loved and admired him as Captain Cool, the anti-fragile hero, who loves standing up to pressure and who's taken Indian cricket to the very top in every form of the game.
But how was it for Mahi as a kid? How did he end up keeping wickets? What did his dad do? Do you know MS was a TC at Kharagpur station? Did you know he lost his first love to an accident while away playing for the country in Pakistan?
But most of all, the struggle to get selected, to even get a chance to get selected for that matter.
The movie is not about cricket. Although montages of key India victories and defeats over the last decade are beautifully edited to have Sushant instead of MS, and you get a good filling of Mahi's helicopter shots, there is almost no focus on his captaincy, his cricketing brain.
It's about an ordinary guy with extraordinary dreams, with a sense of purpose and a dogged determination and belief in himself.
Sushant is absolutely perfect as Dhoni, his mannerisms make it impossible to distinguish between whether it's the actor or the man himself. Sushant has always proved himself to be a seriously talented actor, but with Dhoni he sets a new benchmark for himself. Kiara Advani and Disha Patani are both very memorable with small but significant roles, and quickly make a place for themselves in your heart, already swelling with admiration for Sushant's Mahi.
The supporting cast led by Anupam Kher is brilliant. The young Yuvi who teaches MS an important lesson early in his career is brilliantly cast. So is the big boss of cricket, Jagmohan Dalmiya. Mahi's school coach, family members, friends and Mahi as a school kid... every role is played to perfection and brings lots of smiles.
At over 3 hours, this is truly an epic every Mahi fan needs to see. But truly, it's just one of those rare true life inspirations that can impact each and every one of us.
Dont miss it.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Movie Review: Fan
SRK has always been the showman, the badshah of Bollywood, the guy who can make a million hearts flutter with just an outstretching of his arms. Fan plays an unabashed tribute to the superstar Shah Rukh Khan through his character, Aryan Khanna, with a perfectly chosen montage of his interviews and movies, and the "birthday appearances" at Mannat, his Bandra residence that's literally a Mecca for his frenzied fans. You also see shades of the superstar minus his stardom - a family man who dotes on his children, a self-made hardworking man who has his own fears and fallacies, a peek into what very well could be SRK's life inside the high walls of Mannat.
But Fan also presents, probably for the first time in his career, an actor par excellence, devoid of all the mannerisms that he can always bank on to get legions of his drooling fans going. Just a little help from the make up department (a slighter built, a broader jaw, smaller nose, straight eyebrows, bucky mouth), and you have Gaurav, who worships Aryan (so many of us will relate to that!) and is convinced he was made from the same "mitti", and dreams of meeting his idol one day.
After winning the moolah in the mohalla's talent competition (a wonderfully executed sequence), Gaurav sets out with his trophy and a box of halwa, WT (without ticket) to Mumbai, to wish Aryan on his upcoming birthday. But fan life is not easy - I know, I spent 8 hours in the blazing sun waiting to get an audience with the Badshah during the shooting of Chennai Express at a remote railway station in South Goa! Kicked away from the gates, his halwa crushed under the feet of the beserk crowds, Gaurav doesn't lose hope. While his devilish plan succeeds in getting Gaurav an audience with Aryan, the superstar summarily rejects his fanatical worship and methods. "You are not my fan", he admonishes Gaurav in a Mumbai lockup.
Hell hath no fury like a lover scorned, it's said. Gaurav now makes it his life's credo - to get the superstar down to his knees, and goes after Aryan with a vengeance, almost destroying his career, his image and his family. All he wants is for Aryan to say sorry.
Gaurav hai toh Aryan hai. Gaurav nahi, toh Aryan nahi.
SRK fans will not be able to take their eyes off the screen - because there is literally no frame without the badshah in it. Fans with heart ailments are advised caution during the Mannat scenes. Adrenalin pumping chase and fight sequences on blazing rooftops in Europe, crumbling dilapidated Mumbai gullies and dusty terraces of Delhi are executed with finesse. There are no frivolous songs (there was always the possibility of inserting a song sequence in Aryan's superstar life or an angle on Gaurav's local love interest), although SRK gets to do his signature sprint more than once. There are no cheesy romantic dialogues, no twisted eyesbrows, no tears in the superstar's eyes. There is just cold determination in Gaurav. A manic resolve, a deadly obsession that manifests in cold, calculated moves that doesnt fail to bring a chill to the bone, a slight tingling in the spine. There is no hamming, no long winded dialogues. Just a subtle change of expression from hope to anger, from expectations to resolve, from anger to determination.
SRK, in and as Fan, is simply an actor you've never seen before.
Shriya Pilgaonkar (as Gaurav's love interest "Miss BPO" Neha) is a find! She is smart, good looking, and super confident in front of the camera, her disarming smile a real asset. A small role that is getting lots of appreciation, and very deservedly so.
Fan isn't a romantic movie. Fan is a taut thriller, with a simple but powerful theme that keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end. A complete departure from the Happy New Year genre, Fan will take you to the era when the Baazikar created just the right amount of Darr! This one is for keeps.
But Fan also presents, probably for the first time in his career, an actor par excellence, devoid of all the mannerisms that he can always bank on to get legions of his drooling fans going. Just a little help from the make up department (a slighter built, a broader jaw, smaller nose, straight eyebrows, bucky mouth), and you have Gaurav, who worships Aryan (so many of us will relate to that!) and is convinced he was made from the same "mitti", and dreams of meeting his idol one day.
After winning the moolah in the mohalla's talent competition (a wonderfully executed sequence), Gaurav sets out with his trophy and a box of halwa, WT (without ticket) to Mumbai, to wish Aryan on his upcoming birthday. But fan life is not easy - I know, I spent 8 hours in the blazing sun waiting to get an audience with the Badshah during the shooting of Chennai Express at a remote railway station in South Goa! Kicked away from the gates, his halwa crushed under the feet of the beserk crowds, Gaurav doesn't lose hope. While his devilish plan succeeds in getting Gaurav an audience with Aryan, the superstar summarily rejects his fanatical worship and methods. "You are not my fan", he admonishes Gaurav in a Mumbai lockup.
Hell hath no fury like a lover scorned, it's said. Gaurav now makes it his life's credo - to get the superstar down to his knees, and goes after Aryan with a vengeance, almost destroying his career, his image and his family. All he wants is for Aryan to say sorry.
Gaurav hai toh Aryan hai. Gaurav nahi, toh Aryan nahi.
SRK fans will not be able to take their eyes off the screen - because there is literally no frame without the badshah in it. Fans with heart ailments are advised caution during the Mannat scenes. Adrenalin pumping chase and fight sequences on blazing rooftops in Europe, crumbling dilapidated Mumbai gullies and dusty terraces of Delhi are executed with finesse. There are no frivolous songs (there was always the possibility of inserting a song sequence in Aryan's superstar life or an angle on Gaurav's local love interest), although SRK gets to do his signature sprint more than once. There are no cheesy romantic dialogues, no twisted eyesbrows, no tears in the superstar's eyes. There is just cold determination in Gaurav. A manic resolve, a deadly obsession that manifests in cold, calculated moves that doesnt fail to bring a chill to the bone, a slight tingling in the spine. There is no hamming, no long winded dialogues. Just a subtle change of expression from hope to anger, from expectations to resolve, from anger to determination.
SRK, in and as Fan, is simply an actor you've never seen before.
Shriya Pilgaonkar (as Gaurav's love interest "Miss BPO" Neha) is a find! She is smart, good looking, and super confident in front of the camera, her disarming smile a real asset. A small role that is getting lots of appreciation, and very deservedly so.
Fan isn't a romantic movie. Fan is a taut thriller, with a simple but powerful theme that keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end. A complete departure from the Happy New Year genre, Fan will take you to the era when the Baazikar created just the right amount of Darr! This one is for keeps.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Moview Review: The 5th Wave
The Others want our Earth, and for that, they need to eliminate humanity. In the first wave, they take out all power and engines through a giant electromagnetic pulse. Then come the earthquakes and tsunamis, wiping out most coastal cities. The 3rd wave is a deadly form of the avian flu, spread through the 300 birds that inhabit our planet. Then, The Others inhabit the Earth, getting inside human forms to pick out the survivors one by one.
The fifth and final wave is about to come, and the US Army enlists help from the children who've survived the apocalypse to fight the Others. Outfitted in battle gear, the kids are sent out into the battlefield. Yes, it makes no sense... and neither does most of the rest of the movie. But when you are about to eliminated from the face of our only planet, who has the nerve to question?
There can be only 2 reasons to watch The 5th Wave this weekend - you have already seen Airlift and Joy, AND, you are a big fan of Chloe Grace Moretz, who is cute as hell.
The fifth and final wave is about to come, and the US Army enlists help from the children who've survived the apocalypse to fight the Others. Outfitted in battle gear, the kids are sent out into the battlefield. Yes, it makes no sense... and neither does most of the rest of the movie. But when you are about to eliminated from the face of our only planet, who has the nerve to question?
There can be only 2 reasons to watch The 5th Wave this weekend - you have already seen Airlift and Joy, AND, you are a big fan of Chloe Grace Moretz, who is cute as hell.
Movie Review: Joy
After Silver Linings, the amazing trio of Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert de Niro join forces again with director David O Russel to bring another delightful and uplifting story to the big screen.
Joy is very Silver Linings like, the same crisp dialogues, drama and humor, with not a moment that fails to engage. And while de Niro is his usual wonderful self, and Bradley Cooper will make you drool in the small but memorable role he has, Joy is all about Jennifer Lawrence, in my opinion, the most accomplished actress Hollywood has had.
Struggling to find her own identify and dreams in the midst of a singer ex-husband who lives in her basement, a dad (de Niro) shuttling between failed marriages, kids, an soap-opera obsessed mother and a step sister, JLaw instantly connects with audiences as she takes them through a roller coaster of emotions and states - despair, frustration, madness, inspiration, delight, victory, failure, hard work, and finally, success. Trying to make ends meet, Joy sees an opportunity in taking her Magic Mop to the market - but it's not easy. Patents, lawyers, cheats, debtors, cops, even her own family - everyone seems to be conspiring to hold her back from her dreams.
Don't miss Joy. There's very little of it around, anyway!
Joy is very Silver Linings like, the same crisp dialogues, drama and humor, with not a moment that fails to engage. And while de Niro is his usual wonderful self, and Bradley Cooper will make you drool in the small but memorable role he has, Joy is all about Jennifer Lawrence, in my opinion, the most accomplished actress Hollywood has had.
Struggling to find her own identify and dreams in the midst of a singer ex-husband who lives in her basement, a dad (de Niro) shuttling between failed marriages, kids, an soap-opera obsessed mother and a step sister, JLaw instantly connects with audiences as she takes them through a roller coaster of emotions and states - despair, frustration, madness, inspiration, delight, victory, failure, hard work, and finally, success. Trying to make ends meet, Joy sees an opportunity in taking her Magic Mop to the market - but it's not easy. Patents, lawyers, cheats, debtors, cops, even her own family - everyone seems to be conspiring to hold her back from her dreams.
Don't miss Joy. There's very little of it around, anyway!
Movie Review: Airlift
The year was 1990. I had just finished 10th, and started high school. India didn't have cable TV, there were no mobile phones. No Coffee Days or Baristas. No Pizza Hut. Life was very simple. Hanging out with friends on the beach. And watching Kung Fu movies on the VCR.
And then, thousands of miles away, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. And all of us in Goa felt the tremors. No, it wasn't just because oil from the Gulf was expected to dry up in our tanks. But it was because thousands of Goans lived and worked in Kuwait and rest of the Gulf, sending money back home to lonely families.
Suddenly, they were refugees in a faraway land, with no where to go.
The Gulf War of 1990 did one more thing. It brought war from the frayed pages of school history books right into our living rooms. Night vision shots of anti-aircraft fire, bombs blowing up the cities, tanks rolling across a landscape strewn with burning oil fields... the world was no longer an innocent place for 15 yr olds like me.
Airlift is the story of the biggest evacuation in the history of the world, when efforts of Indian Kuwaitis like Sunny Matthews, pilots of Air India, Indian Airlines and Indian Air Force, and many nameless, faceless government and embassy officials resulted in the coming home of almost 170,000 stranded Indians from the war torn Gulf. Told through the eyes of a wealthy Indian businessman, Ranjit Katiyal (Akshay Kumar in a measured, restrained and wonderfully executed performance), Airlift brings the horror, the despair, the frustrations, perseverance and ultimately, the victory of a "system" that succeeds in the impossible evacuation of our citizens through almost 500 flights over 2 months.
Raja Menon's taut direction, and Priya Seth's cinematography makes Airlift a compelling experience, with scenes that give you goosebumps, that invoke anger and cynicism, and ultimately, and an immense sense of pride.
Akshay Kumar is ably supported by a wonderful cast. Kumud Mishra is the hassled and frazzled bureaucrat in Delhi, dealing through red tape and processes, pleading with Ministers in a wobbling coalition. Prakash Belawadi is the forever grumbling and complaining George (don't we all know people like that?) who gets on your nerves, while Inaamulhaq in just right as the slimy, corrupt and menacing Iraqi major in charge of Kuwait.
For me, the find of the movie is Nimrat Kaur (and I can't help thinking of Rosamund Pike, another of my favorites, when I look at her). She is the perfect foil to Akshay, a stabilizing and reassuring force in the turbulent times. Angry at him initially for ignoring his family's safety, she soon becomes his pillar of strength. A superb monologue in support of her husband, a dazzling smile that lights up the bleak landscape, and an almost regal wardrobe - this is one girl to watch out for, if she gets the right kind of movies.
Like the shot of the wheels of the first flight taking off, Airlift will lift you and carry through the cynicism and despair our news channels keep dumping on us. Do not miss this one!
And then, thousands of miles away, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. And all of us in Goa felt the tremors. No, it wasn't just because oil from the Gulf was expected to dry up in our tanks. But it was because thousands of Goans lived and worked in Kuwait and rest of the Gulf, sending money back home to lonely families.
Suddenly, they were refugees in a faraway land, with no where to go.
The Gulf War of 1990 did one more thing. It brought war from the frayed pages of school history books right into our living rooms. Night vision shots of anti-aircraft fire, bombs blowing up the cities, tanks rolling across a landscape strewn with burning oil fields... the world was no longer an innocent place for 15 yr olds like me.
Airlift is the story of the biggest evacuation in the history of the world, when efforts of Indian Kuwaitis like Sunny Matthews, pilots of Air India, Indian Airlines and Indian Air Force, and many nameless, faceless government and embassy officials resulted in the coming home of almost 170,000 stranded Indians from the war torn Gulf. Told through the eyes of a wealthy Indian businessman, Ranjit Katiyal (Akshay Kumar in a measured, restrained and wonderfully executed performance), Airlift brings the horror, the despair, the frustrations, perseverance and ultimately, the victory of a "system" that succeeds in the impossible evacuation of our citizens through almost 500 flights over 2 months.
Raja Menon's taut direction, and Priya Seth's cinematography makes Airlift a compelling experience, with scenes that give you goosebumps, that invoke anger and cynicism, and ultimately, and an immense sense of pride.
Akshay Kumar is ably supported by a wonderful cast. Kumud Mishra is the hassled and frazzled bureaucrat in Delhi, dealing through red tape and processes, pleading with Ministers in a wobbling coalition. Prakash Belawadi is the forever grumbling and complaining George (don't we all know people like that?) who gets on your nerves, while Inaamulhaq in just right as the slimy, corrupt and menacing Iraqi major in charge of Kuwait.
For me, the find of the movie is Nimrat Kaur (and I can't help thinking of Rosamund Pike, another of my favorites, when I look at her). She is the perfect foil to Akshay, a stabilizing and reassuring force in the turbulent times. Angry at him initially for ignoring his family's safety, she soon becomes his pillar of strength. A superb monologue in support of her husband, a dazzling smile that lights up the bleak landscape, and an almost regal wardrobe - this is one girl to watch out for, if she gets the right kind of movies.
Like the shot of the wheels of the first flight taking off, Airlift will lift you and carry through the cynicism and despair our news channels keep dumping on us. Do not miss this one!
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