Hardly written any reviews this year, so here’s few lines on all the hindi films I have seen this year …
Dedh Ishqiya :
Naseeruddin and Arshad make this one hell of hilarious movie, special mention to batman dialogue scene and where they stay all night with guns in hand. Its only woman's who don't excel to the extent Vidya did in 1st part, the dance angle of Madhuri is specially forced into narrative making the madness of movie go down. The finale is excellent, and not to forget Mustaq's evil laugh that I so loved. The film is very good in comparison to last part, but it could had been much better.
Verdict : 3.5/5
Miss Lovely :
It was completely realistic film (or so felt while watching), Anil George shines in a gray role while Nawazuddin never disappoints, the final scene specially one of his best in film. Yet, there are 2 reasons why the film fails for me, one is lack of drama, its like documentary for lot of time with the story going too straightforward with only twist coming in form of Niharika's character, with the editing being so terrible that at places there's nothing happening in frame yet its stretched. But, main reason for me not liking the movie was that I just couldn't enjoy watching sleazy sequences (terribly masked guy having sex and many more). While coming out of theatre, I felt that I would had been better off staying away from knowing about C grade hindi film industry. Special mention to opening sequence, its like a tribute to ramsey brothers horror movies.
Verdict : 1.5/5
Hasee Toh Phasee :
Unlike other rom-com, this one is different which I was expecting with Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane and Karan Johar together producing it. Parineeti is excellent specially in scenes where she acts insane. Siddharth proved he ain't one film wonder, with a good follow up performance though I am keenly waiting to see him Ek Villian which will be totally different genre for him. There's a good dose of humor in the movie even if there are moments of melodrama including kuch kuch hota hai tribute in pre-climax. The scene where Siddharth tries to make his father in law come out in terrace is hilarious and also the Daya (C.I.D) spoof. Nice to see Adah Sharma get good role in a well known banner movie, and she didnt disappoint plus she looked gorgeous during Shake it like Shammi (one of my favs) song. Only problem was the back story of Parineeti which didn't look much convincing on which the entire behavior of Parineeti was based, and why would she try to run away again without informing her dad when everything is back to normal. Still, a very light hearted and enjoyable movie.
Verdict : 3/5
Gunday :
Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor bonding was best thing about this movie. With Irffan Khan, you expect some great scenes, and he does get them without disappointing. But the story and screenplay is pretty weak, and then the cliche moment in later part of 2nd half when Priyanka has to choose between love and duty, tired of these situations. The climax doesn’t offer anything new either. Songs are average too, with only tune maari entriyaan and Saiyyan worth listening. Also, how badly Pankaj Tripathi is wasted in the movie. Had they not played with Priyanka’s character in routine manner and written it in different way, plus utilized the hot tempered Arjun Kapoor character more then it would had been better for the movie. Turns out to be okish one time watch.
Verdict : 2/5
Highway :
One of rare Imtiaz Ali movies, that I liked but didn’t love. I loved way he handles Alia Bhatt’s and Randeep Hooda’s characters, their childhood trauma and when they share it with each other and become like father-mother to each other. My problem with film lied with a key scene, when Alia runs away after being kidnapped, returns back and suddenly she has found the dangerous environment cool and friendly and enjoyable. The transition was not at all convincing and its the scene after which the main movie begins so it affected my viewing a lot. The visuals and journey was applaudable, its like a never ending journey and like Alia you feel it should not end. The long monologue sequence alone tells how good an actor Alia Bhatt is whom I personally disliked in SOTY. Randeep Hooda excels in a better role after doing stupid ones in past many films. Also, Durgesh Kumar is lovable as Aadoo in his supporting role. Rahman’s music as always gels well with movie, Patakha Guddi especially is special even though I like male version more. Special mention to how Imtiaz uses small screen while showing the happy go atmosphere of marriage or people living a fake life to the real word. Reminded me of GOW where kyunki saas bhi kabhi bahu thi was cut to violent gun scene (different execution though from Imtiaz). I haven’t given up on Highway yet, who knows audio commentary may make me love it. And if it doesn’t happen, Highway is still a well made movie that I can see again and again.
Verdict : 3/5
Shaadi Ke Side Effects :
It was first big disappointment of the year, a movie I had lots of expectations from. There are some scenes that are funny like the one where Farhan tells hotel owner how differently he handles the situation of taking wife for dinner/party, or when Farhan wants to feel pain of carrying child by using pillows. The problem with film is that its predecessor Pyar ke side effects was full of laughs and a total entertainer it was, while SKSE turns out to be more dramatic specially in 2nd half while the climax is way too much stretched. After a certain while, the film doesn’t even engage you enough to manage till the end. Vidya Balan once again didn’t impress like she does, Farhan Akhtar does well but in comparison to his all movies till now this would be his weakest film. Even Vir Das couldn’t save the unconvincing 2nd half. Among songs, only Harry is not brahmchari appeals, rest are strictly average.
Verdict : 2/5
Gulaab Gang :
Juhi Chawla in a negative role, was what made me interested in this movie and she was indeed very good in her attempt. But, the movie was very average, thanx to sloppy writing and songs inserted at wrong situations. Madhuri Dixit couldn’t do a Lajja kind performance this time around. That actress who dies of poison was other highlight of movie, in a supporting role she was very impressive.
Verdict : 2/5
Queen :
The best movie of this year till now, Vikas Bahl’s dialogues, Anvitta Dutta’s dialogues and Abhijit-Anurag’s editing made it look so outstanding. Its one of those feel good movies that you want to see again and again. Kangana gives her best performance of career, outdoing Gangster and Fashion. How well she plays a innocent Delhi girl who goes to her honeymoon abroad alone, her initial struggle and then how she finds herself enjoying with new friends she makes. Her comic timing is fantastic, love the scene where she is totally drunk and is narrating her school/college life to people present there who wouldn’t understand a word she spoke in hindi, and then her misinterpretation of word ‘ash’ as ‘aish’. Lisa Haydon is surprise package of film, in her small supporting cameo. While Rajkumar Rao plays a character that you hate, and he does well in that. Very good performances by all the characters whom Queen meets in Amsterdam, did remind me of the bonding Sridevi had in English Vinglish though both are entirely different in situations. Great end credits too, specially that ‘Kutta’ photo. Amit Trivedi’s excellent music another highlight of movie, loved his version of 'Hungama ho gaya'. Queen most likely would remain in my top5 when the year ends, and possibly no.1 too. There’s just nothing to dislike about this movie at all. After a long time, Rockstar was last I think, its a 5 out of 5 movie for me.
Verdict : 5/5
Total Siyappa :
Kirron Kher has got amazing comic timing, first 20 minutes are fun to watch when Ali and Yami reach house. After that, the movie goes totally haywire, two useless subplots of Anupam Kher and the brother’s anger towards neighbor’s DJ playing loud. Director could had utilized more story on Kiron Kher and her thoughts on Ali Zafar and Pakistan, plus added more drama into Ali-Yami plot. Yami’s sister’s husband was funny to watch in 1-2 scenes he had for how miser he was. The climax is like quickly sorting all conflicts to give a happy ending. Just few laughs the film offers, else waste of time.
Verdict : 1.5/5
Bewakoofiyaan :
Rishi Kapoor has made a habit of choosing roles that have so much scope for him, not the routine dad roles. And he does them so brilliantly, almost overshadows the main lead actors. Ayushmann Khurana though does make a mark this time after bad 2nd film. Sonam Kapoor as always continues to show that she can’t act. Story on recession hits note in parts, plus to see a spoilt rich girl get back her love kinda of looked weird to me. The movie is more of how two rich people in relationship behave, and what happens when one loses job and fails to get new one, getting dependent on the other. The movie might have worked with targeted audience, I feel I aint one of that. Some songs are nice, specially that conversational song between Ayushmann and Neeti Mohan (voice for Sonam).
Verdict : 2.5/5
Ankhon Dekhi :
Nicely made movie, liked the concept of a late 50 guy deciding to believe in things which he sees and nothing else that eventually makes people look at him like a mad man or a saint or a fool. Sanjay Mishra is one of under-used and brilliant actor, and this film is a prime example of it. The way he handles the love affair of his daughter, or the conflict he has with his brother played by Rajat Kapoor, or all the followers who first mock his theories and later becomes his followers. Even the regular ghar ka drama is kept to minimum. I would though have liked Sanjay Mishra’s character to have few more changes in his life before he eventually goes for a vacation with wife. The final scene was awesome too. Seema Pahwa and Manu Rishi shines in the supporting roles.
Verdict : 3.5/5
Ragini MMS 2 :
The only good thing about this movie was the Baby Doll song. There are numerous laugh out scenes, Sunny leone’s approach to research reffered as 'Porno se rituporno kab ban gayi’ by her director whose name is Rocks (yea). The director Rocks is over the top and so is the film. Sandhya Mridul, film’s only hope talks in some wierdo lingo and as a result she irritates too. Sunny’s sex image is utilized with lots of imaginative dreamy scenes and enough hot scenes before the chudail takes over. Divya Dutta does act nicely, though one wonders about her character, why chooses such dangerous cases and why in such late night alone goes to help Sunny who is possessed. Another funny scene is when Sunny goes to meet Ragini in mental asylum, knowing Ragini is possessed she goes to meet her as if Ragini is a normal person who would help Sunny in her character understanding. In terms of scare, the film has nothing to offer, in terms of sex scenes there are few that may interest you including a girl to girl kiss. Sunny leone again falters in her acting, only one scene to talk off for her which is on porn related. I never liked Ragini MMS, but having watched Ragini MMS2 now I feel how much better the last one was.
Verdict : 0.5/5
Dishkiyaoon :
Harman Baweja has never been a non-actor for me, but he chooses wrong movies and then rightly gets criticized. This film is another example of how badly directed and written it is, with some weird dialogues and scenes. A guy forgives his best friend for making love with his gf, and at climax he takes revenge with dialogue ‘kuch bhi karo par apne dost ki gf ke saath’ .. Some directors don’t understand meaning of thriller at all, another instance is Harman narrating his complete story to Sunny Deol in jail, and its clear to us that Sunny has some intention in all that. His haryanvi accent is good though. Also, can’t understand why Harman Bawaja’s gf who initially knows he is a gangster later wants him to leave this world, why fall in love then. Too many cliches, then a sad song, a re-union of lovers and a predictable climax. Tu hi hai aashiqui is only decent song in the movie. Prashant Narayanan manages to impress in this not so worthy movie with his small role.
Verdict : 1/5
Youngistaan :
The story is hard to believe, a regular not so interested in politics late 20’s going to clubs and living with his gf guy suddenly is told to be next P.M of India. How he would handle the pressure of such a big job along with his girlfriend who is very possessive and wants him to be with her as much as he was before all this. The director does it very well for first few portion of film, before getting too much monotonous. Plus, he offers just too little hurdles into Jackky Bhagnani’s way, as if saying he would handle everything with utmost ease. The likes of Prakash Belawadi could had been utilized but isn’t. Jackky’s performance is pretty good, and Neha compliments him well too. But its the loose screenplay and lack of good drama that lets the film down. Most of the songs are good, specially Arijit’s sangemarmar picturised at Taj. Farooque Sheikh delivers very good supporting role performance which I believe is his last in main commercial movie.
Verdict : 2/5
Main Tera Hero :
It totally irritates me when the first sequence of the movie is so over the top, I feel deviated from the film then. But, here the movie that follows after that did give me enough good laughing moments. Mostly its for Varun Dhawan’s comic timing, a film that looks like being made just for him to utilize him in dance (totally like Govinda-Dhawan style), flirt with 2 girls, and make fool of many people that he meets like Saurabh Shukla and Arunoday Singh. Arunoday has a funny signature line ‘knock knock.. who’s there’. Both heroines, Ileana and Nargis have nothing much to offer. Special mention to Anupam Kher’s character whose voice echoes a lot because he was born in Himalayas. At many places, as expected the story won’t make much sense, some gags fall flat too. But still great songs like Palat, gandi baat, Besharmi, and Varun’s performance makes this a watchable comedy movie and there are shades of old David Dhawan in this one, lets hope the complete laugh riot films that David Dhawan used to make return as quickly as possible.
Verdict : 2.5/5
Bhoothnath Returns :
Film begins with a world of Bhoot interacting with each other as Bhoothnath enters a place where Bhoot are given new life in form of humans or anything else they wanna become in next life as per their choice. Bhoothnath has become a joke in bhoot world, thereby he returns back to earth to scare kids and show his worth but he fails again and a kid Akhrot played by Parth could see him like Banku could in last part. First 30 mins of movie are enjoyable for the great chemistry Parth shares with Amitabh. One manipulative song after which Bhoothnath decides to stand in elections, was tiresome to watch and shouldn’t had been used. The election rivalry between Boman and Amitabh is well handled, but it doesn’t quite has the charm that earlier portion of movie gives you. The final scene between talented Sanjay Mishra and Amitabh is awesome, where the former shows us current India and the latter shows us a new india. Despite the flaws, its a pretty decent movie, and it also gives a message for everyone to vote.
Verdict : 2.5/5
2 States :
Having read the novel by Chetan Bhagat, I was not sure if Arjun and Alia could do justice to the characters of Krish and Ananya, but I was wrong, as they did splendidly well. My only complaint was why Ronit Roy (playing father of Krish) role was so short. I don’t remember how long his role was in novel, but I think it was certainly as small as in the film. Arjun and Alia share very good chemistry, and liked how the director uses 1 song to celebrate all festivals and quickly take story to graduation day. He doesn’t fail to establish love between Krish and Ananya which was necessary for later portions of movie. And the meeting of Krish and Ananya parents (one of my fav scene) gives that feeling that how tough they both will find to convince their parents. Krish communicating with Ananya’s father played very well by Shiv Subramaniyam was very funny, be his nervousness or his way to describe Ananya’s home or her fathers reaction when he looks for Ananya. Revathi does well too as Ananya’s mother. Though the scene stealer is Krish’s mother played by Amrita Singh, who plays a typical Punjabi Mom so efficiently. Ronit Roy as Krish’s father plays a loose version of Udaan, strict but soft by heart. The scene where he gets slapped by his own son, was tough to watch (and not at all worth laughing which most people did). I love the background theme that was used at every Krish and his father scenes, one of my very favs. Songs were good to hear with film, but no special song as such, though Chaandaniya was quite nice. One thing I didn’t understand what was the role of psychiatrist and where does she disappear in the final scene.. quite a mystery. The scene where Krish sees the good side of his father was emotional one, and so was the dialogue ‘uss din unhe gale lagaana chah raha tha, par yeh thoda jyada ho jaata na, agar sab kuch ekdum se theek ho jaaye toh life boring ho jaati hai’. Both Arjun and Alia gave great performances, it was 2nd good work in row from Alia. Though, I liked Arjun more, who had a tougher role. Alia looked very hot, be it in the college scenes, or the saree sequences later. For me, this is 2nd best movie adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s novel after Kai Po Che.
Verdict : 4/5
Revolver Rani :
After Queen, expected a lot from Kangana, but its a film I felt she shouldn’t have done. Its not a badly made film, but a film which has nothing to like about. What I loved was those sidekicks of Uday Bhaan Singh (Zakir Hussain) who are all the time fighting like kids as they wanna kill Alka Singh (Kangana Ranaut). Vir Das once again disappoints, while Piyush Mishra plays a character you have seen him do before numerous times. Only other scene that I loved was when Vir Das has to get married twice and then change his religion too, and all had one particular song playing in background, that was hilarious. The action genre lovers may enjoy this movie, but for me it doesn’t work at all.
Verdict : 1/5
Kaanchi :
A very under developed story of Kaanchi (Mishti) and Binda (Kartik Aaryan), which didn’t help the movie at all. The film focusses a lot on Kaanchi, and her revenge for the death of Binda. How she struggles, and through the help of her childhood friend Bagula (Chandan Roy Sanyal), who is a police inspector now, she tries to destroy everyone who were connected to Binda’s death. Subhash Ghai looked like coming back to form with Yuvvraaj (I pretty much felt so, which many others don’t), but with Kaanchi he takes a step back again, and I wonder if he won’t be able to give a gem in future at all. There’s another frustrating moment in film when his old movie songs are made fun of in a song titled Kambhal ke neeche, that features a over-weight Mahima Chaudhary. Mishti’s acting can’t be told by this film, she more or less screams in major portions of movie or has that anger look on her face, will give her one more chance before making a opinion. Rishi Kapoor for a change does a role he shouldn’t had accepted. Mithun is good in what you can call negative shade as a political leader. Adil Hussain is pretty much wasted. While Chandan gets very less scope too.
Verdict : 1/5
Samrat & Co :
I have seen Sherlock Holmes PartII, but not the 1st one yet, so if they copied scenes from it then I can’t tell. But its clear that Robert Downey Jr’s fast speaking dialogues is taken up by Rajeev Khandelwal (playing Samrat), which I must say didn’t look that good on him as it didn’t look like coming natural at all. What was more disappointing was the story, a typical bhoot background and then a murder, and start of detective to look out for clues. Thanks to trailer, I knew well before, who one of main killer would be, of course a twist was always possible. Now, two of most funny scenes in movie, right throughout movie Samrat is shown as very smart and quick, in one situation the killer tells him to not make a mistake with A B C (don’t remember exact dialogue), and Samrat had just given his car to Dimpy (played by Madalsa Sharma) who’s car isn’t working. So, Samrat takes a minute to quickly think what A B C means, something we as viewer can make out the moment the killer tells Samrat about it, how ironic. Then, there’s a scene between Samrat and one of the killer in pre-climax, where they are both fighting hand to hand and having a conversation, bolo kaise kiya, and the killer tells in return, how funny. Also, some of very unusual dialogues could be heard in movie that I don’t remember now. Good thing was, they didn’t waste time on romantic plot of Samrat and Dimpy, which looked like happening when that guitar scene between them comes. But sadly, they gave very less time on script too. Only worthy thing about movie was the background theme, which also after a certain while gets boring to hear.
Verdict : 1.5/5
Kya Dilli Kya Lahore :
A war-com movie released not too long back, this one has funny moments too but it stays mainly serious at portraying Ind-Pak differences on border. To add drama, Vijay Raaz plays a Pakistani who was originally from Delhi before Partition, while Manu Rishi plays a Indian who was from Lahore (or Karachi, don’t remember) before partition. The hide and seek played by both is enjoyable initially, but after a while it becomes tiresome. Almost 70% of movie is done between these two characters and their conversations. Raj Zutshi provides some relief in latter part of 2nd half with slight twist to proceedings, but its well and truly too late. Performances from both great actors are worthy to watch, but too slow a movie in terms of narration makes it very dull watch.
Verdict : 1.5/5
Hawaa Hawaai :
There are many films which show how your dreams may get fulfilled or devastated, depending on the path you follow and the effort you put in. Hawaa Hawaai is such story of a kid who works as chai delivery boy outside a big building whose area at night changes into a skating practice arena, and there is when Partho Gupte (playing Arjun) dreams of becoming a champion in skating, a sport he hadn’t even played before but he gets attracted to it as if love at first sight. Partho as well as all other kids playing his friends are the limelight of this movie, they are full of energy, in one sequence they all go to a sports shop to buy skates thinking it costs just 30, one of hilarious scenes, or one before it when the girl says 30k and he says 30 na ? What I felt wasn’t required in the movie, was the Saqib Saleem’s continuous comparison to Eklavya and all, also the forced into romantic plot of Saqib which was small yet not required at all. And then the parallel cut climax where drama is brought in with Partho thinking of the day his dad died, I know its important that the main person of race should lag behind in final race and then win it from there, but I would have preferred some other drama instead of recap of his dad’s death. Unlike Stanley Ka Dabba, felt the message conveyed here about child labour was slightly put onto us instead of letting the story say it. Still a movie to enjoy for the performances by all the 5 kids.
Verdict : 2.5/5
The Xpose :
If you aren’t a diehard Himesh fan (like me), then the only reason to watch this film would be either you watch all films or you wanna see how bad the film is, the latter is the reason why I saw this and the film didn’t disappoint, easily worst of the year. Himesh shines, yes he does but only in one scene or two, for instance when he returns to Mumbai to shoot for a hindi movie, the way he delivers the dialogue to the media was one of my rarest liked moments of the movie, and other when he tells he won’t get beaten by villains and he changes one of dialogues during a shoot scene. In major part of film, he is simply plastic and walking like blind or dead person. Just see his walking style in ‘dard dilon ke’ song, you won’t stop laughing the way he acts in that, and many such moments come in movie itself. Other flaws, well the girl who gets murdered, is shown falling down thrice (for whatever fucking reason director felt to do so). The court room drama should be labelled among funniest directed scene ever too, a case solved on 1st day of hearing and Mr Himesh Reshammiya just looks at the people sitting in the room to make them nervous and wow, the murderer gets nervous and the case solved. And the crap doesn’t end yet, the murder happens thrice, first person by mistake, second intentionally and after having fallen twice from the building.. she is still alive only to be killed by other actress who didn’t like the way she got insulted by her during the party. And Mr Himesh again was present to see all this, seems he is everywhere. I could go on and on, describing how fucking terrible the movie was, and I may enjoy too. But no further wastage of time, there’s nothing at all to like in this movie except for 1-2 scenes at best. Feel bad Irrfan Khan decided to do this film, even if it was just a cameo. The actor Himesh destroying the singer Himesh, and the singer Himesh very long ago destroyed the composer Himesh. But he won’t learn.
Verdict : 0/5
Heropanti :
Some directors get over-obsessed with a old film tune, that flute tune of Hero is madly used in the narrative, as if they couldn’t get fresh background score at all. The story is nothing new, a strict father who doesn’t believe that his daughters are allowed to fall in love. And then comes, Tiger Shroff who falls in love with Prakash Raj’s 2nd daughter, after his 1st daughter already ran away with a friend of Tiger. There are things to like in movie, like Tiger’s action, he could give a strong fight to Vidyut Jammal, only other who is that good in such action stunts. Also, Tiger got amazing screen presence, if only his acting improves a bit as his dialogue delivery isn’t upto the mark at all. Prakash Raj continues to play same roles again and again, same comedy expressions during anger situations. A surprise of film was Sunil Grover special appearance, and quite well done too. Heropanti was watchable, average story but execution not as bad as it looked from promos. Though, still a one time watch movie.
Verdict : 2/5
Citylights :
So many expectations with this film were gone for a toss, and its not because the film was badly directed, but it was manipulated at editing table way too much. Why was the need to use Sone do or Muskuraane songs in parts again and again, or the same tunes at moments where even silence was enough. The start to movie is great, the story isn’t new, a village guy forced to find work in Mumbai after losing all his saved money, the struggle he and his family faces. Raj Kumar Rao once again impresses in his acting, and that dialect he gets so right. Patralekha too looks into the character very well. Among other actors, its Manav Kaul who shines. Love the moment when Patralekha tells Raj Kumar what profession she has gone into, and next moment is spoiled by inserting Muskuraane song. Many such moments are spoiled like this in film, otherwise Hansal Mehta captured the misery of RajKumar and his family very well. Although, he isn’t able to use Mumbai as another character in the film, could be deliberate attempt. Citylights is still a good watch for the performances, and if you like being forced to feel emotional, then you may love it too.
Verdict : 2.5/5
Dedh Ishqiya :
Naseeruddin and Arshad make this one hell of hilarious movie, special mention to batman dialogue scene and where they stay all night with guns in hand. Its only woman's who don't excel to the extent Vidya did in 1st part, the dance angle of Madhuri is specially forced into narrative making the madness of movie go down. The finale is excellent, and not to forget Mustaq's evil laugh that I so loved. The film is very good in comparison to last part, but it could had been much better.
Verdict : 3.5/5
Miss Lovely :
It was completely realistic film (or so felt while watching), Anil George shines in a gray role while Nawazuddin never disappoints, the final scene specially one of his best in film. Yet, there are 2 reasons why the film fails for me, one is lack of drama, its like documentary for lot of time with the story going too straightforward with only twist coming in form of Niharika's character, with the editing being so terrible that at places there's nothing happening in frame yet its stretched. But, main reason for me not liking the movie was that I just couldn't enjoy watching sleazy sequences (terribly masked guy having sex and many more). While coming out of theatre, I felt that I would had been better off staying away from knowing about C grade hindi film industry. Special mention to opening sequence, its like a tribute to ramsey brothers horror movies.
Verdict : 1.5/5
Hasee Toh Phasee :
Unlike other rom-com, this one is different which I was expecting with Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane and Karan Johar together producing it. Parineeti is excellent specially in scenes where she acts insane. Siddharth proved he ain't one film wonder, with a good follow up performance though I am keenly waiting to see him Ek Villian which will be totally different genre for him. There's a good dose of humor in the movie even if there are moments of melodrama including kuch kuch hota hai tribute in pre-climax. The scene where Siddharth tries to make his father in law come out in terrace is hilarious and also the Daya (C.I.D) spoof. Nice to see Adah Sharma get good role in a well known banner movie, and she didnt disappoint plus she looked gorgeous during Shake it like Shammi (one of my favs) song. Only problem was the back story of Parineeti which didn't look much convincing on which the entire behavior of Parineeti was based, and why would she try to run away again without informing her dad when everything is back to normal. Still, a very light hearted and enjoyable movie.
Verdict : 3/5
Gunday :
Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor bonding was best thing about this movie. With Irffan Khan, you expect some great scenes, and he does get them without disappointing. But the story and screenplay is pretty weak, and then the cliche moment in later part of 2nd half when Priyanka has to choose between love and duty, tired of these situations. The climax doesn’t offer anything new either. Songs are average too, with only tune maari entriyaan and Saiyyan worth listening. Also, how badly Pankaj Tripathi is wasted in the movie. Had they not played with Priyanka’s character in routine manner and written it in different way, plus utilized the hot tempered Arjun Kapoor character more then it would had been better for the movie. Turns out to be okish one time watch.
Verdict : 2/5
Highway :
One of rare Imtiaz Ali movies, that I liked but didn’t love. I loved way he handles Alia Bhatt’s and Randeep Hooda’s characters, their childhood trauma and when they share it with each other and become like father-mother to each other. My problem with film lied with a key scene, when Alia runs away after being kidnapped, returns back and suddenly she has found the dangerous environment cool and friendly and enjoyable. The transition was not at all convincing and its the scene after which the main movie begins so it affected my viewing a lot. The visuals and journey was applaudable, its like a never ending journey and like Alia you feel it should not end. The long monologue sequence alone tells how good an actor Alia Bhatt is whom I personally disliked in SOTY. Randeep Hooda excels in a better role after doing stupid ones in past many films. Also, Durgesh Kumar is lovable as Aadoo in his supporting role. Rahman’s music as always gels well with movie, Patakha Guddi especially is special even though I like male version more. Special mention to how Imtiaz uses small screen while showing the happy go atmosphere of marriage or people living a fake life to the real word. Reminded me of GOW where kyunki saas bhi kabhi bahu thi was cut to violent gun scene (different execution though from Imtiaz). I haven’t given up on Highway yet, who knows audio commentary may make me love it. And if it doesn’t happen, Highway is still a well made movie that I can see again and again.
Verdict : 3/5
Shaadi Ke Side Effects :
It was first big disappointment of the year, a movie I had lots of expectations from. There are some scenes that are funny like the one where Farhan tells hotel owner how differently he handles the situation of taking wife for dinner/party, or when Farhan wants to feel pain of carrying child by using pillows. The problem with film is that its predecessor Pyar ke side effects was full of laughs and a total entertainer it was, while SKSE turns out to be more dramatic specially in 2nd half while the climax is way too much stretched. After a certain while, the film doesn’t even engage you enough to manage till the end. Vidya Balan once again didn’t impress like she does, Farhan Akhtar does well but in comparison to his all movies till now this would be his weakest film. Even Vir Das couldn’t save the unconvincing 2nd half. Among songs, only Harry is not brahmchari appeals, rest are strictly average.
Verdict : 2/5
Gulaab Gang :
Juhi Chawla in a negative role, was what made me interested in this movie and she was indeed very good in her attempt. But, the movie was very average, thanx to sloppy writing and songs inserted at wrong situations. Madhuri Dixit couldn’t do a Lajja kind performance this time around. That actress who dies of poison was other highlight of movie, in a supporting role she was very impressive.
Verdict : 2/5
Queen :
The best movie of this year till now, Vikas Bahl’s dialogues, Anvitta Dutta’s dialogues and Abhijit-Anurag’s editing made it look so outstanding. Its one of those feel good movies that you want to see again and again. Kangana gives her best performance of career, outdoing Gangster and Fashion. How well she plays a innocent Delhi girl who goes to her honeymoon abroad alone, her initial struggle and then how she finds herself enjoying with new friends she makes. Her comic timing is fantastic, love the scene where she is totally drunk and is narrating her school/college life to people present there who wouldn’t understand a word she spoke in hindi, and then her misinterpretation of word ‘ash’ as ‘aish’. Lisa Haydon is surprise package of film, in her small supporting cameo. While Rajkumar Rao plays a character that you hate, and he does well in that. Very good performances by all the characters whom Queen meets in Amsterdam, did remind me of the bonding Sridevi had in English Vinglish though both are entirely different in situations. Great end credits too, specially that ‘Kutta’ photo. Amit Trivedi’s excellent music another highlight of movie, loved his version of 'Hungama ho gaya'. Queen most likely would remain in my top5 when the year ends, and possibly no.1 too. There’s just nothing to dislike about this movie at all. After a long time, Rockstar was last I think, its a 5 out of 5 movie for me.
Verdict : 5/5
Total Siyappa :
Kirron Kher has got amazing comic timing, first 20 minutes are fun to watch when Ali and Yami reach house. After that, the movie goes totally haywire, two useless subplots of Anupam Kher and the brother’s anger towards neighbor’s DJ playing loud. Director could had utilized more story on Kiron Kher and her thoughts on Ali Zafar and Pakistan, plus added more drama into Ali-Yami plot. Yami’s sister’s husband was funny to watch in 1-2 scenes he had for how miser he was. The climax is like quickly sorting all conflicts to give a happy ending. Just few laughs the film offers, else waste of time.
Verdict : 1.5/5
Bewakoofiyaan :
Rishi Kapoor has made a habit of choosing roles that have so much scope for him, not the routine dad roles. And he does them so brilliantly, almost overshadows the main lead actors. Ayushmann Khurana though does make a mark this time after bad 2nd film. Sonam Kapoor as always continues to show that she can’t act. Story on recession hits note in parts, plus to see a spoilt rich girl get back her love kinda of looked weird to me. The movie is more of how two rich people in relationship behave, and what happens when one loses job and fails to get new one, getting dependent on the other. The movie might have worked with targeted audience, I feel I aint one of that. Some songs are nice, specially that conversational song between Ayushmann and Neeti Mohan (voice for Sonam).
Verdict : 2.5/5
Ankhon Dekhi :
Nicely made movie, liked the concept of a late 50 guy deciding to believe in things which he sees and nothing else that eventually makes people look at him like a mad man or a saint or a fool. Sanjay Mishra is one of under-used and brilliant actor, and this film is a prime example of it. The way he handles the love affair of his daughter, or the conflict he has with his brother played by Rajat Kapoor, or all the followers who first mock his theories and later becomes his followers. Even the regular ghar ka drama is kept to minimum. I would though have liked Sanjay Mishra’s character to have few more changes in his life before he eventually goes for a vacation with wife. The final scene was awesome too. Seema Pahwa and Manu Rishi shines in the supporting roles.
Verdict : 3.5/5
Ragini MMS 2 :
The only good thing about this movie was the Baby Doll song. There are numerous laugh out scenes, Sunny leone’s approach to research reffered as 'Porno se rituporno kab ban gayi’ by her director whose name is Rocks (yea). The director Rocks is over the top and so is the film. Sandhya Mridul, film’s only hope talks in some wierdo lingo and as a result she irritates too. Sunny’s sex image is utilized with lots of imaginative dreamy scenes and enough hot scenes before the chudail takes over. Divya Dutta does act nicely, though one wonders about her character, why chooses such dangerous cases and why in such late night alone goes to help Sunny who is possessed. Another funny scene is when Sunny goes to meet Ragini in mental asylum, knowing Ragini is possessed she goes to meet her as if Ragini is a normal person who would help Sunny in her character understanding. In terms of scare, the film has nothing to offer, in terms of sex scenes there are few that may interest you including a girl to girl kiss. Sunny leone again falters in her acting, only one scene to talk off for her which is on porn related. I never liked Ragini MMS, but having watched Ragini MMS2 now I feel how much better the last one was.
Verdict : 0.5/5
Dishkiyaoon :
Harman Baweja has never been a non-actor for me, but he chooses wrong movies and then rightly gets criticized. This film is another example of how badly directed and written it is, with some weird dialogues and scenes. A guy forgives his best friend for making love with his gf, and at climax he takes revenge with dialogue ‘kuch bhi karo par apne dost ki gf ke saath’ .. Some directors don’t understand meaning of thriller at all, another instance is Harman narrating his complete story to Sunny Deol in jail, and its clear to us that Sunny has some intention in all that. His haryanvi accent is good though. Also, can’t understand why Harman Bawaja’s gf who initially knows he is a gangster later wants him to leave this world, why fall in love then. Too many cliches, then a sad song, a re-union of lovers and a predictable climax. Tu hi hai aashiqui is only decent song in the movie. Prashant Narayanan manages to impress in this not so worthy movie with his small role.
Verdict : 1/5
Youngistaan :
The story is hard to believe, a regular not so interested in politics late 20’s going to clubs and living with his gf guy suddenly is told to be next P.M of India. How he would handle the pressure of such a big job along with his girlfriend who is very possessive and wants him to be with her as much as he was before all this. The director does it very well for first few portion of film, before getting too much monotonous. Plus, he offers just too little hurdles into Jackky Bhagnani’s way, as if saying he would handle everything with utmost ease. The likes of Prakash Belawadi could had been utilized but isn’t. Jackky’s performance is pretty good, and Neha compliments him well too. But its the loose screenplay and lack of good drama that lets the film down. Most of the songs are good, specially Arijit’s sangemarmar picturised at Taj. Farooque Sheikh delivers very good supporting role performance which I believe is his last in main commercial movie.
Verdict : 2/5
Main Tera Hero :
It totally irritates me when the first sequence of the movie is so over the top, I feel deviated from the film then. But, here the movie that follows after that did give me enough good laughing moments. Mostly its for Varun Dhawan’s comic timing, a film that looks like being made just for him to utilize him in dance (totally like Govinda-Dhawan style), flirt with 2 girls, and make fool of many people that he meets like Saurabh Shukla and Arunoday Singh. Arunoday has a funny signature line ‘knock knock.. who’s there’. Both heroines, Ileana and Nargis have nothing much to offer. Special mention to Anupam Kher’s character whose voice echoes a lot because he was born in Himalayas. At many places, as expected the story won’t make much sense, some gags fall flat too. But still great songs like Palat, gandi baat, Besharmi, and Varun’s performance makes this a watchable comedy movie and there are shades of old David Dhawan in this one, lets hope the complete laugh riot films that David Dhawan used to make return as quickly as possible.
Verdict : 2.5/5
Bhoothnath Returns :
Film begins with a world of Bhoot interacting with each other as Bhoothnath enters a place where Bhoot are given new life in form of humans or anything else they wanna become in next life as per their choice. Bhoothnath has become a joke in bhoot world, thereby he returns back to earth to scare kids and show his worth but he fails again and a kid Akhrot played by Parth could see him like Banku could in last part. First 30 mins of movie are enjoyable for the great chemistry Parth shares with Amitabh. One manipulative song after which Bhoothnath decides to stand in elections, was tiresome to watch and shouldn’t had been used. The election rivalry between Boman and Amitabh is well handled, but it doesn’t quite has the charm that earlier portion of movie gives you. The final scene between talented Sanjay Mishra and Amitabh is awesome, where the former shows us current India and the latter shows us a new india. Despite the flaws, its a pretty decent movie, and it also gives a message for everyone to vote.
Verdict : 2.5/5
2 States :
Having read the novel by Chetan Bhagat, I was not sure if Arjun and Alia could do justice to the characters of Krish and Ananya, but I was wrong, as they did splendidly well. My only complaint was why Ronit Roy (playing father of Krish) role was so short. I don’t remember how long his role was in novel, but I think it was certainly as small as in the film. Arjun and Alia share very good chemistry, and liked how the director uses 1 song to celebrate all festivals and quickly take story to graduation day. He doesn’t fail to establish love between Krish and Ananya which was necessary for later portions of movie. And the meeting of Krish and Ananya parents (one of my fav scene) gives that feeling that how tough they both will find to convince their parents. Krish communicating with Ananya’s father played very well by Shiv Subramaniyam was very funny, be his nervousness or his way to describe Ananya’s home or her fathers reaction when he looks for Ananya. Revathi does well too as Ananya’s mother. Though the scene stealer is Krish’s mother played by Amrita Singh, who plays a typical Punjabi Mom so efficiently. Ronit Roy as Krish’s father plays a loose version of Udaan, strict but soft by heart. The scene where he gets slapped by his own son, was tough to watch (and not at all worth laughing which most people did). I love the background theme that was used at every Krish and his father scenes, one of my very favs. Songs were good to hear with film, but no special song as such, though Chaandaniya was quite nice. One thing I didn’t understand what was the role of psychiatrist and where does she disappear in the final scene.. quite a mystery. The scene where Krish sees the good side of his father was emotional one, and so was the dialogue ‘uss din unhe gale lagaana chah raha tha, par yeh thoda jyada ho jaata na, agar sab kuch ekdum se theek ho jaaye toh life boring ho jaati hai’. Both Arjun and Alia gave great performances, it was 2nd good work in row from Alia. Though, I liked Arjun more, who had a tougher role. Alia looked very hot, be it in the college scenes, or the saree sequences later. For me, this is 2nd best movie adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s novel after Kai Po Che.
Verdict : 4/5
Revolver Rani :
After Queen, expected a lot from Kangana, but its a film I felt she shouldn’t have done. Its not a badly made film, but a film which has nothing to like about. What I loved was those sidekicks of Uday Bhaan Singh (Zakir Hussain) who are all the time fighting like kids as they wanna kill Alka Singh (Kangana Ranaut). Vir Das once again disappoints, while Piyush Mishra plays a character you have seen him do before numerous times. Only other scene that I loved was when Vir Das has to get married twice and then change his religion too, and all had one particular song playing in background, that was hilarious. The action genre lovers may enjoy this movie, but for me it doesn’t work at all.
Verdict : 1/5
Kaanchi :
A very under developed story of Kaanchi (Mishti) and Binda (Kartik Aaryan), which didn’t help the movie at all. The film focusses a lot on Kaanchi, and her revenge for the death of Binda. How she struggles, and through the help of her childhood friend Bagula (Chandan Roy Sanyal), who is a police inspector now, she tries to destroy everyone who were connected to Binda’s death. Subhash Ghai looked like coming back to form with Yuvvraaj (I pretty much felt so, which many others don’t), but with Kaanchi he takes a step back again, and I wonder if he won’t be able to give a gem in future at all. There’s another frustrating moment in film when his old movie songs are made fun of in a song titled Kambhal ke neeche, that features a over-weight Mahima Chaudhary. Mishti’s acting can’t be told by this film, she more or less screams in major portions of movie or has that anger look on her face, will give her one more chance before making a opinion. Rishi Kapoor for a change does a role he shouldn’t had accepted. Mithun is good in what you can call negative shade as a political leader. Adil Hussain is pretty much wasted. While Chandan gets very less scope too.
Verdict : 1/5
Samrat & Co :
I have seen Sherlock Holmes PartII, but not the 1st one yet, so if they copied scenes from it then I can’t tell. But its clear that Robert Downey Jr’s fast speaking dialogues is taken up by Rajeev Khandelwal (playing Samrat), which I must say didn’t look that good on him as it didn’t look like coming natural at all. What was more disappointing was the story, a typical bhoot background and then a murder, and start of detective to look out for clues. Thanks to trailer, I knew well before, who one of main killer would be, of course a twist was always possible. Now, two of most funny scenes in movie, right throughout movie Samrat is shown as very smart and quick, in one situation the killer tells him to not make a mistake with A B C (don’t remember exact dialogue), and Samrat had just given his car to Dimpy (played by Madalsa Sharma) who’s car isn’t working. So, Samrat takes a minute to quickly think what A B C means, something we as viewer can make out the moment the killer tells Samrat about it, how ironic. Then, there’s a scene between Samrat and one of the killer in pre-climax, where they are both fighting hand to hand and having a conversation, bolo kaise kiya, and the killer tells in return, how funny. Also, some of very unusual dialogues could be heard in movie that I don’t remember now. Good thing was, they didn’t waste time on romantic plot of Samrat and Dimpy, which looked like happening when that guitar scene between them comes. But sadly, they gave very less time on script too. Only worthy thing about movie was the background theme, which also after a certain while gets boring to hear.
Verdict : 1.5/5
Kya Dilli Kya Lahore :
A war-com movie released not too long back, this one has funny moments too but it stays mainly serious at portraying Ind-Pak differences on border. To add drama, Vijay Raaz plays a Pakistani who was originally from Delhi before Partition, while Manu Rishi plays a Indian who was from Lahore (or Karachi, don’t remember) before partition. The hide and seek played by both is enjoyable initially, but after a while it becomes tiresome. Almost 70% of movie is done between these two characters and their conversations. Raj Zutshi provides some relief in latter part of 2nd half with slight twist to proceedings, but its well and truly too late. Performances from both great actors are worthy to watch, but too slow a movie in terms of narration makes it very dull watch.
Verdict : 1.5/5
Hawaa Hawaai :
There are many films which show how your dreams may get fulfilled or devastated, depending on the path you follow and the effort you put in. Hawaa Hawaai is such story of a kid who works as chai delivery boy outside a big building whose area at night changes into a skating practice arena, and there is when Partho Gupte (playing Arjun) dreams of becoming a champion in skating, a sport he hadn’t even played before but he gets attracted to it as if love at first sight. Partho as well as all other kids playing his friends are the limelight of this movie, they are full of energy, in one sequence they all go to a sports shop to buy skates thinking it costs just 30, one of hilarious scenes, or one before it when the girl says 30k and he says 30 na ? What I felt wasn’t required in the movie, was the Saqib Saleem’s continuous comparison to Eklavya and all, also the forced into romantic plot of Saqib which was small yet not required at all. And then the parallel cut climax where drama is brought in with Partho thinking of the day his dad died, I know its important that the main person of race should lag behind in final race and then win it from there, but I would have preferred some other drama instead of recap of his dad’s death. Unlike Stanley Ka Dabba, felt the message conveyed here about child labour was slightly put onto us instead of letting the story say it. Still a movie to enjoy for the performances by all the 5 kids.
Verdict : 2.5/5
The Xpose :
If you aren’t a diehard Himesh fan (like me), then the only reason to watch this film would be either you watch all films or you wanna see how bad the film is, the latter is the reason why I saw this and the film didn’t disappoint, easily worst of the year. Himesh shines, yes he does but only in one scene or two, for instance when he returns to Mumbai to shoot for a hindi movie, the way he delivers the dialogue to the media was one of my rarest liked moments of the movie, and other when he tells he won’t get beaten by villains and he changes one of dialogues during a shoot scene. In major part of film, he is simply plastic and walking like blind or dead person. Just see his walking style in ‘dard dilon ke’ song, you won’t stop laughing the way he acts in that, and many such moments come in movie itself. Other flaws, well the girl who gets murdered, is shown falling down thrice (for whatever fucking reason director felt to do so). The court room drama should be labelled among funniest directed scene ever too, a case solved on 1st day of hearing and Mr Himesh Reshammiya just looks at the people sitting in the room to make them nervous and wow, the murderer gets nervous and the case solved. And the crap doesn’t end yet, the murder happens thrice, first person by mistake, second intentionally and after having fallen twice from the building.. she is still alive only to be killed by other actress who didn’t like the way she got insulted by her during the party. And Mr Himesh again was present to see all this, seems he is everywhere. I could go on and on, describing how fucking terrible the movie was, and I may enjoy too. But no further wastage of time, there’s nothing at all to like in this movie except for 1-2 scenes at best. Feel bad Irrfan Khan decided to do this film, even if it was just a cameo. The actor Himesh destroying the singer Himesh, and the singer Himesh very long ago destroyed the composer Himesh. But he won’t learn.
Verdict : 0/5
Heropanti :
Some directors get over-obsessed with a old film tune, that flute tune of Hero is madly used in the narrative, as if they couldn’t get fresh background score at all. The story is nothing new, a strict father who doesn’t believe that his daughters are allowed to fall in love. And then comes, Tiger Shroff who falls in love with Prakash Raj’s 2nd daughter, after his 1st daughter already ran away with a friend of Tiger. There are things to like in movie, like Tiger’s action, he could give a strong fight to Vidyut Jammal, only other who is that good in such action stunts. Also, Tiger got amazing screen presence, if only his acting improves a bit as his dialogue delivery isn’t upto the mark at all. Prakash Raj continues to play same roles again and again, same comedy expressions during anger situations. A surprise of film was Sunil Grover special appearance, and quite well done too. Heropanti was watchable, average story but execution not as bad as it looked from promos. Though, still a one time watch movie.
Verdict : 2/5
Citylights :
So many expectations with this film were gone for a toss, and its not because the film was badly directed, but it was manipulated at editing table way too much. Why was the need to use Sone do or Muskuraane songs in parts again and again, or the same tunes at moments where even silence was enough. The start to movie is great, the story isn’t new, a village guy forced to find work in Mumbai after losing all his saved money, the struggle he and his family faces. Raj Kumar Rao once again impresses in his acting, and that dialect he gets so right. Patralekha too looks into the character very well. Among other actors, its Manav Kaul who shines. Love the moment when Patralekha tells Raj Kumar what profession she has gone into, and next moment is spoiled by inserting Muskuraane song. Many such moments are spoiled like this in film, otherwise Hansal Mehta captured the misery of RajKumar and his family very well. Although, he isn’t able to use Mumbai as another character in the film, could be deliberate attempt. Citylights is still a good watch for the performances, and if you like being forced to feel emotional, then you may love it too.
Verdict : 2.5/5
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