Dhobi Ghat : Movie Analysis

When I saw this film last year, I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Yet, I felt I will love it when I see the english version. Now, when I saw that version through dvd.. the whole opinion changed. Such a great film this is, in terms of emotions as well as creativity.

The character that move me the most are ofcourse Munna (Pratiek Babbar) and Yasmeen (Kriti Malhotra). Munna playing a dhobi, who gets some feelings for a NRI girl, Shai (Monica Dogra) .. becomes a sort of guide for her plus a way to get information about Arun (Aamir Khan) whom she likes after having one good night with him.

The reactions and expressions of Munna are so spontaneous, like the one where he is watching film with Shai and puts his arm along with hers on the arm rest, and feels like in heaven. Or the climax, where he at first thinks should he go and tell her address of Arun or not, and when he does so.. he returns with that feeling of, I did something good and feeling good inside, like removing a burden from heart that could had stayed if he opted not to tell her. The best thing about his acting is, that he always looked like a real dhobi, that hesitation those people have when someone talks to them, or when a beautiful girl like Shai gives that much of importance to them.. all those reactions was clearly visible in his character.

Arun is the toughest role for me in the film, a guy who likes to be away from social life. A painter who gets a room from where he could see the Mumbai from window. Troubled from personal problems, he leads a lone life. Watch, how much interest he shows when he watches those 3 letters of Yasmin on tv. Its like he is totally involved in her life, her happiness and then her sorrows strike him so much. His performance is kind of restrained, it was easy to attach to his lonely side, the difficulty in social party meets. I love the scene where he goes to the sea side, with the chain and ring in neck, or the one where he rewinds cassette to check the chair position as he lives in that same apartment now where she lived once. And then, the one where he gets emotional, looking at fan thinking the way she would had killed herself, and immediately changes the room.

Yasmeen's role is lovable because Kriti makes it very loving, sweet, a girl who seems to enjoy the post life after marriage despite a husband not so interested. The way she talks to the camera, while filming all cassettes to send to her brother, there is that feeling of joy in her eyes, like the way she gets happy to know camera can record video too. Or her way of describing Mumbai rains, or some famous places like gateway of India. We are loaded with her extra smile throughout 1st two letters, that when the sudden turn comes in her life leading to suicide.. it deeply moves us. As a debutant, she is really impressive in the film, and I feel she has that screen presence a actress should have.

Shai was the only character which I feel, was already very much Monica would be. But, acting was something she was new to. She was the best of the all, in terms of performances in the film. Though, her role has less emotions unlike Munna and Yasmeen. Plus, she looks so beautiful, I specially love the scene where she talks with a friend on phone about the last night with Arun, and the one where she accidently meets Arun on the road. And the conversation she has with Munna while eating at a restaurant.

Kiran Rao in her debut film, is at her creative best. How well, she connects 4 people's stories and describes a city i.e Mumbai with all the real locations of Mumbai, the last time I saw a film capturing Mumbai so well was in 'Aamir'. Also, the use of black n white scenes at places, plus the silent sequences, one of the theme of the film. And she kept the entire film quite real and not aiming for anything larger than life, bringing good natural performances from the actors.

Also, the various Mumbai montages she keeps bringing with the narrative. The editing is really good, the way shots are changed, arun smoking to, the Pesi smoking(friend of Shai). Music by Gustavo gives the film a further emotional appeal, be it the light moments or the rain sequence, or the silent scenes, while the main theme used in two parts, one in pre-climax and other in the last scene. Cinematography is superb! So many shots are so artisticly shot. And special mention to the lighting done especially in that rain sequence of Arun, when he is smoking and drinking.

That final painting that Arun makes, very much portrays the dark shades of Yasmeen's life which came out only in 3rd letter. Wish, I could read more into that painting, but I ain't so good in it.


DVD Details ---- 

If you check the Dvd, there are 6 deleted sequences. 1st one, Selva which would had made film as 5 ppl story, but since it was very much a silent character with just small dialogue piece, the narrative would had got little slow. But, its definately a good one, life of a worker at a building and the final shot of him going back to village, and a new worker entering Mumbai, looking at tall buildings, Perfect!  2nd one, is of Aamir at airport which Kiran describes as a cliche ending many people may have liked, Arun refusing to go with V to Sydney, instead wishes to go to Yasmeen's hometown, as he is too emotionally attached with her now.

3rd one, Aamir changes his mind should definately been part of film, we see Arun at seaside after that death thing of Yasmeen decides to throw the ring n chain in water. After throwing, he swims inside to take it back, because he realizes that he now can't let it go from him.

Rest three deleted scenes were quite apt, not to be taken in the film.

Also, check out the making that has various parts. 1st one is how the actors got chosen, Aamir wanted Kiran to do the Yasmeen role. While Aamir had to do auditions to make Kiran take her in Arun's role. Monica was a automatic choice, and Yasmeen looks cute in that audition scene.

Aamir living as Arun for few days to do shooting, yet another great initiative. Pratiek washing clothes, was something amazing. Also, watch the kind of dialogue classes, he had to undergo with Aamir, where he has to speak a dialogue in yelling manner... just to enter the dhobi kind of lingo.

Plus, the way they completed shooting aamir sequence in mohammad ali road with hidden cameras and people taking time to realize, its aamir khan walking along with them. Amazing!

Gustavo visited all the shooting locations, before working on the music. While, the people at TIFF screening were amazed with the film, and Aamir got worried 'yeh log whistle baja rahe.. mujhe doubt hai yeh film inhe pasand ayegi'.

Also, there is a Blind/LS version of commentary by a lady, just a description of what's happening in a scene. Nothing worth as such for general watchers.



Overall, Dhobi Ghat is a film meant for a audience who believe in creative film-making. I can't wait for Kiran Rao's next project, she totally surprised with the kind of direction talent she possessed. Easily, one of the best films of 2011. 

Verdict : Excellent 

The Proposal [Views]

I loved major part of the film only because of some great funny scenes and Sandra Bullock who not only looks so beautiful but had a very good comic timing in this film. Also, the granie of Andrew is funny.. especially that baby maker scene.. had me laughing.

Andrew was decent, some scenes he shone were the one where he mimics the musician, or the one where he makes Margaret propose him bending on knee.

I didn't quite like the role of Andrew's mother though, and she hardly has anything to do. Plus, the ending was a touch too simple, maybe if its made in hindi film, the end would be dramatic. And the angle of gertrude is so much like for the sake of it, may well have done well without it.

The story is quite ordinary, even the screenplay is clear, you know where the movie is leading or will lead to. But, its all those funny sequences involving Margaret more than often that makes this movie very much enjoyable.

And yea special mention to the dog scene too, where she is asking for mobile and andrew's mother, granie thinks other way around, and the one where she slaps him after he makes use of hug. Also, that strip sequence.

Verdict : Nice fun film 

Recap 2011 : Count of Films

I saw 55 films this year, just a little more than last year... This year, I made two records. Both with the same film 'Rockstar'. One, to see it 4 times on Friday itself(could had made it five too, had the length of film been small). And other, to see it 11 times in theatre. Don2, was the next film this year, where I went that much mad, as saw it 6 times. There were few more films that I loved too, but didn't really see them as much as I could had. The moods or the mumbai rains or professional life, you can call it any of that.

List of Films                        No of Times I saw in theatre

Rockstar                                          11

Don 2                                                6

7 Khoon Maaf                                   3

Delhi Belly                                         3 

Ladies vs Ricky Bahl                          2

Ra. One                                             2 

Bodyguard                                         2 

Zindagi na milegi Dobara                    2 

Murder 2                                           2 

Shaitan                                              2 

Ready                                               2

Yeh Saali Zindagi                              2 

No one Killed Jessica                        2

I think, I saw lots of films twice this year, could had seen pyar ka punchnama also once more. Also, would had liked to see 7 khoon maaf more times.  Aneways, hope to make new records and see many more films in 2012.

Don2 : Movie Analysis

The fact that Farhan Akhtar's version of Don didn't impress me one bit, helped a lot to love the 2nd part of the series. Fresh dialogues, screenplay, and lot more style.. couldn't had asked for more.

Don2 main plot is about Don's (Shahrukh Khan) plan to remove his enemies and at the same time, get more richer or in short as he himself points out 'become the badshah, the king of the world'.

What impresses me the most, is the style Farhan Akhtar has brought into the film. I am very fond of watching a scene having lots of style, and Shahrukh so wonderfully does it in the entire film. Its the very reason I love Dhoom2 which many don't like either.

Also big thumbs up for the way, Farhan fastens the part where 'Don and Vardhan' escape from Jail. And proper screen time given to the part where the whole plan of Don is discussed. A lot other film-makers would had done opposite than this!

Its hard to imagine who else would had done justice to Don apart from Shahrukh Khan. He has made the character very much his own now. Mind you, I am not taking anything away from Amitabh Bachchan.. I am his big fan! But, the difference lies in, Amitabh's version was more of a mean Don which was also very limited, as we see more of Vijay only. While Shahrukh's version does include being mean, but he brings extra style which he loves doing too, and the menacing laugh he does before striking an enemy or delivering a punchline, or the way he says 'Sweetheart'.

The reason for comparison is just the character of 'Don', otherwise Don2 has nothing to be compared with Amitabh's Don. That's why I always say, make a new film, with old film's characters but fresh story and screenplay. See, how well it works!

The script and writing has been criticised a lot.. I will comment in the spoilers section below on all that. For me, the script and writing had very few flaws, to a certain extent negligible.

Farhan's direction is once again top-notch. I love directors who know how to take the best out of their actors, which Farhan always does. The screenplay is very good, keeps you guessing what's next ? Editing too is impressive and one of best this year. Cinematography is good, I loved the sea shot the most, both at start and at end of the film. The action scenes were much better, Shahrukh looked  better in them, unlike Ra.One. The dialogues were super, loved the punchlines.

The songs, just two of them are used perfectly with the narrative. Zara dil ko thaam lo brings that amazing retro feel, and seriously, what editing and choreography! Special mention to the background score, I specially love three of them the most 'the opening scene where he is in boat', 'reaching zurich one' and the one that follows the dialogue 'kahan hai woh'.

Priyanka Chopra was not upto the mark but maybe that's how she was to be. (More on her in spoiler's section)

Boman Irani was marvellous, he plays the grey role very well. Lara Dutta looked so hot, and a cameo perfectly suited for her.

Ally Khan was impressive in his supporting role, might get more offers in future. Nawab Shah's expressions were perfect, that of a person who believes he is strong enough for person like Don, not realising who he is competiting with.

Sahil Shroff was okay. Om Puri has hardly much to offer in his role. While Kunal Kapoor has his moments in a supporting role.

Some of the best scenes ----
• Opening Don sequence, boat one.
• Every conversation Don has with Roma.
• 'Aa gaya laut ke dekho don' line, the expression of Don. Have to save that shot once Dvd releases.
• The car chase sequence.
• The way Don says 'koi saboot nahi, toh koi gunehgaar nahi'. Excellent, and style in it too!
• When he says 'ab mujhe koi nahi rok sakta', the eyes makes you believe that he is so true when he says that.
• The climax


Spoilers (Read the next part only if you have seen the film) ----- 

Don-Roma during the pre-climax part. Almost everyone disliked it, to a certain extent the reason to not like the film was much to do with this. Now, here's my take, how I think it was...

Its known that Don had the plan to get caught by the police, then as he expected while offering a deal to police they won't agree and hence the diwan factor comes in, which meant he can't be touched by the police in future anymore. To add to it, he had the disk as a gift token to the police, afterall.. it meant nothing to him. Why should it, when he has the plates ?

So, while he accepts to help Roma and her team, in diffusing the bombs, and getting the hostages back safe. He decides to have some talks with Roma, tries to know whats going in her life. Yes, he is interested in her.. but not at the expense of his plans. He tries to keep her emotional side on, with dialogues like 'tumhe kaisa laga jab maine kaha' and 'I wanna be free from this world n police'. With that latter dialogue, he totally gets her emotional, the plan's working! Also, he asks 'tum ab bhi mujhse pyar karti ho', just to check what she has to say. He saves her life too, to further add the sympathy factor in favour of him. And now, the final act he does.. trying to stop her from going inside, saying 'tumhe khatra ho sakta hai'.

He could had gone alone, after all his tactics to fight both Vardhaan and Jabbar were in place. But, to divert Vardhaan and Jabbar from him.. he feels she would help him more. A risk he takes, because Jabbar's bullet could had killed her too (though a cinematic liberty happens here which shouldnt have). Now, here's the first clue Boman gives to entire proceedings happening till now to us through 'maine aksar dekha hai, aisi situations mein, aurte bahut kaam aati hai'. Thats what Don was doing with Roma, all the drama leading upto the place. In between, he has some soft moments, which he later describes in final dialogue with Ayesha 'roma ab buri aadat ban chuki hai, usse peeche churaana mushkil hoga'.

Btw, special mention to that dialogue too, how well it connects to his own ciggerette habit. Might not be intentional, but that's how it came out.

So, the point is.. the whole Don-Roma sequence was nothing, but a part of plan for Don.

Now, the next thing is Priyanka Chopra.. why was her body language throughout the film so dull, and not interested kind. One way to look at it is, she really wasnt upto the mark in the film, and just sleep walked through the role. Other way is, its 5 yrs since her brother died. The hurt decreases with time, and to add to it.. she fell in love with Don himself, not Vijay. So, at one side, she was after Don, but at same time.. she knew that she might still be loving him. As a result, she is interested in getting Don, and not interested too. We see her getting emotional much easily by Don due to this in those final parts.

So, maybe taking the 2nd point into consideration, Priyanka Chopra did act very well. Plus, the film is aneways all about Don, the power he possesses. Still, as a viewer.. or as a lover of priyanka's acting, I wasn't satisfied with her.

Now, to some unintentional funny scenes... Did you notice, Jabbar is all the time after Don's head 'Karl, bring me his head'. And at one place, Don's punchline appears like forced (Remember, the film luck, we got numerous 'luck' based dialogues), it was the lift one 'don kabhi kuch nahi bhoolta'. The angle between Roma and Arjun, and Malik-Roma were the boring parts of the movie.. surely they were important in terms of narration and screenplay, but such was the effect of rest film!

The costumes were great for major portion of the film, except for Roma's white cop shirt that didn't look good on her and the scene where Don says 'main kisi tarah ka dabaav nahi daalna chahta (by the way that was a cleverly written line), that shot so much reminded of Ra.One, again it could be intentional but I feel it wasn't.

The Hrithik Roshan small cameo, though wonderfully used, with his dancing skills, and the Waltz theme. The flaw was, the voice!  Had they kept it in a way, that he doesn't need to speak, the scene would had become great in terms of logic. If you keep logic aside, and watch it as a cinematic sequence.. then it pretty well serves the purpose 'no autographs please'. But, I still would had preferred no voice only.

The scene where Sameer looks at the photo of his wife in laptop, and then calls police was a classy one! Because, it serves both ways, if you think he is in real calling as he realizes he is doing wrong work.. and after the last scene, you realize, he was just thinking abt her for once, and then just doing what don had asked, call police.

And Boman Irani's expression while he waited for clock to tick 5 o clock. It so much reminded me of the school days, where we keep checking the watch when the class will end, and looking at the teacher with a frustrated expression...

The scene where Roma is taken into hospital, and Don while going to car looking back.. that background theme, and roma opening eyes to see him.. and final bid to sameer by Don. All this reminds of the opposite scenario in Don, where Don went into ambulance.


Overall, Don2 appeals to me, for its direction, script, screenplay, shahrukh's performance, other supporting actors, and the style quotient above all. A thrilling and entertaining movie, with lots of great twists and punchlines.


Verdict : Excellent 

  Bas, ek baat hamesha yaad rakhna , Don ko pakarna mushkil hi nahi. . . . . . . .. ... 

Film Review : Pappu Can't Dance Saala

Vinay Pathak has been terrible this year, with films like Bheja Fry, Jo Dooba So Paar and Tere Mere Phere. So, I was little doubtful if this film would be good. People like Ranvir Shorey praising the film on twitter, did make me feel easy while going to see the film, and it was pretty good.

The story is about Vidyadhar Acharya (Vinay Pathak) who is new to Mumbai, just got a job and a good room in Andheri W area, with a condition that he should never reveal that he works for private company. Soon, Mehak Malavde (Neha Dhupia), who practises dance under her teacher Rajat Kapoor.. also gets a room right opposite to Vidyadhar. The early fights between both happen, situation forces her to share room with him and the fights still continues. In the end, the story deals with how Vidyadhar copes with Mumbai, the people of Mumbai, and his neighbour come room-mate Mehak.

There are numerous good scenes in the beginning of the film, like Vidyadhar's arrival in Mumbai, the party scene, the meeting with flat ppl in the morning, the night terrace scene(interval one), Vidyadhar's problem with puri bhaji place. Vidyadhar is very 'chirchira' kind of person, yet very good at heart. While Mehak is modern girl, yet having all the good qualities a decent girl should have. Despite been opposite in their thoughts, and likings.. both of them become good friends, click with each other.. yet to take it further to love becomes hard for them.

The 1st half pretty much impresses, in 2nd half.. the film goes a bit down, especially the parting away and taking time to realise, thanks to the old cliche, a member from family giving you advice. All this makes the proceedings slow, add to a song inserted. Except for Zindagi song, and the neha dhupia introducing song.. there was no need of any other track in the film. Plus, the songs aren't good enough either.

Saurabh Shukla does a good work as a director. I think pappu can't dance saala title is used as a metaphor to Vidyadhar's coping to the lifestyle of Mumbai.

Rajat Kapoor was excellent as a dance teacher, and for me he has the best scene of the film where he uses Coffee as a medium to explain what one should do, if you love someone who is a bit bitter in nature.

Vinay Pathak does very well, though he does give the feel of, seen before character.. yet after his last few films, this one is a respite for sure.

Neha Dhupia looks beautiful, and very good performance too. Sometimes I feel, she has been doing decent work in last few yrs, without getting much recognition.

Sanjay Mishra has hardly any role. Same for Naseeruddin Shah, who must have done this film as a friend of some celeb I guess.

And yea special mention to the poem kinda of thing Vinay says when Neha insists during party scene.


Overall, Pappu Can't Dance Saala suffers due to slow 2nd half. But, as a whole the film is decent and watchable atleast once with good performances from Vinay, Neha and Rajat.


Verdict : Nice 

Film Review : Lanka

I went to see this film, only on account of 'Manoj Bajpayee' and if this surprises you, then for 'Tia Bajpai' too because I liked her in Haunted.

The story being of a girl Anju (Tia), suffering at the hands of Jaswant (Manoj) who loves her in a lustful way and isn't willing to accept the fact too. One of his old servant dies once, saving his life. Manoj takes responsiblity of his son, who returns after being away from his 'Bhaisaab'. The role played by Arjan Bajwa, he feels the pain Anju is going through. But, to help her.. would mean betray his own Bhaisaab. The story tilts between these three characters, with political and police angles too.

The main problem for me in this film was the Direction, and the storytelling. At many places, Maqbool Khan didn't bring the emotions a particular sequence required, either he kept the scene too tight, or way too slow. The narration was very un-interesting, it engages you only in intervals. The side stories of inspector played by Yashpal Sharma doesn't help either as his character I felt was very half baked. The songs didn't help the film screenplay either, with only Iltija sounding good to ears.

The camera-work was good. Editing was okay.

Manoj Bajpayee gave a very good performance, he was improvising a lot, especially the laugh he ends up during most of conversations with Arjan. Arjan Bajwa was a weak link, in past I have liked him as a actor but maybe this role wasn't meant for him, his performance was pretty average.

And Tia Bajpai should do different role next time, because to see her twice in a row in exactly the same role, where she suffers and requires help is asking a bit too much. Also, felt her performance this time around was less convincing. Yashpal Sharma was good, despite not having much scope in his role.


Overall, Lanka ends up as a below average film. Poor treatment makes the film suffer, Manoj bajpayee's performance alone couldn't save it for me.


Verdict : Below Average

Film Review : Ladies vs Ricky Bahl

Its a trend that director's like to repeat the same team for their next film. Many become a regular's too. Maneesh Sharma, the director of Band Baaja Baaraat returns with his 2nd film.. taking same 2 leads Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma, and very much the similar technicians. Only the plot and theme has changed this time around, along with 3 extra females playing much more than a supporting role.

The story being about a conman Ricky (Ranveer Singh) who cons 30 ladies that includes Dimple (Parineeti Chopra), Raina (Dipannita Sharma) and Saira (Aditi Sharma). The 3 ladies decide to take revenge from Ricky, the plan is worked out by the intelligent Raina among them.. by setting a trap in form of Ishika (Anushka Sharma). But, will it work or fall back on them only...

The story to be frank didn't interest me much. Not anything unique or never tried formula. What makes it work are few factors : Characterisation of the film, Performances by everyone, Catchy music(though its below the band baaja baaraat mark) and Editing.

Dimple, a rich spoilt kid, very talkative and bit childish in her thoughts.. Raina, into the corporate world, a work oriented girl... Saira, too innocent.. with the small town girl backdrop. All three look like they belong to the characters. Even the screenplay is well built upto the 2nd con. Its only after the 3rd con that it begins on a one way note.

Another drawback of the film is, trying to give 2 songs to introduce both main leads i.e Ranveer and Anushka. If you ask me, I consider Anushka not a lead in this film at all. She has almost same (or maybe little less) role as the other 3 ladies have. The ideal scenario would had been, to put the opening credits with 'Jigar da tukda' song which was very well choreographed and had a slight non-realistic feel.While 'Aadat se majboor' should had been used as background showing quick 4-5 further cons of Ranveer with dialogues. And, the jazba track again used as background when Ishika leaves for Goa. This way, all the 3 songs would had served the purpose.. for now, they all appear wrongly fitted into the movie.

Ranveer Singh shines in the conman's role. He does show some resemblance to Bittu (only slightly). This film proves that, he is here to stay for long ofcourse if the success doesn't get over his head. His expressions are completely spot on, dialogue delivery will improve as he goes on.

Anushka Sharma, doesn't have a convincing role this time around, yet she makes the best out of what she is offered.

Parineeti Sharma is the star of the film among the females easily. Great start to her acting career, won't be surprised if she gets more offers after this act.

Dipannita looked cool, playing the role of a working woman and a revenge seeker very well. Aditi Sharma looked so innocent and good in her costumes, and acted good too.


Writing in 2nd half was one of major reason why the film doesn't completely live upto the expectations. The gathering of material at a cheaper rate, and selling at high rate sequences repeated twice wasn't required. The climax, one may argue is right or wrong. The director does actually succeed in giving many options happening in the end. Maybe, he went for the more expected one.. could had surprised a bit, might had worked more. Though, I have no complaints with the chosen climax, just that it comes out pretty straightforward.. little drama could had enhanced it more.

Editing by Namrata Rao is excellent. One of my fav editors, the fast cuts and unique camera angles she choses makes the viewing so much interesting. Infact, in the songs you can see super fast cuts used with so many different camera angles kept. She is very innovative...

Dialogues are less effective this time around, only a few make a mark.. rest end up average.

Someone from the team is a admirer of Shahrukh Khan it appears, like the last film, here also.. he is used in the narrative, this time even more, with the use of his dialogue from a film that has a role to play in the cons.

Overall, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl is a pretty good film, just that it falls below the 'Very Good' mark. If you go to watch this film without any expectations (which thankfully I did due to uninteresting promos), then chances are you won't be dissappointed.


Verdict : Nice