Movie Analysis : Chennai Express

Directed by : Rohit Shetty
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2112124/

Another senseless and stupid movie from Rohit Shetty, Shahrukh overacts.

I am not much of a fan of Rohit's kind of cinema, plus I don't like watching Shahrukh in these no logic over the top masala movies. So, with almost no craze I watched the movie, and it worked in me not feeling disappointed. The movie was ofcourse below average as expected.

As always Rohit's film is full of spoofs and dialogues that make fun of other's film, mainly shahrukh movies and his own movies in this case. The best one is when Rahul (Shahrukh Khan) gives hand to Meenamma (Deepika Padukone) who is running to catch the train ala Simran of DDLJ, and once Rahul helps her .. he says 'Yeh maine pehle bhi kiya hua hai'. Also, the song conversations between both was funny, specially the 1st one, and the nirma (i think yehi tha) one later by Shahrukh.

There are few more such moments that made me laugh. But they couldn't divert the fact that it wasn't a good film.

Crashing of cars is also part of the film, since Rohit Shetty is director. I actually liked that scene where Rahul uses that long knife (dont know what its called) onto the tyre of a moving car, he brought good style into that.

The start to movie is funny with the voiceover of Shahrukh, but after that I had to wait until Shahrukh-Deepika scene for next laugh. This is how films goes, one good laugh followed by a dull period that has over the top filmed scenes. Then, the latter part of movie tries to go romantic which doesn't work either. To worsen it, the climax is a long preaching by Shahrukh. And Rohit is keen to do a full DDLJ tribute even in the climax. Actually for a second I thought I am about to hear the dialogue 'Jaa Meenamma Jaa (ofcourse in tamil dialect)', thankfully they didn't go to that extent.

One thing that was worth applauding was the south background, there were moments when I felt I wasnt watching a hindi movie. Also, no subtitles for scenes that involved tamil without any  translations by actors was right decision.

Music is decent, with Titli and  One Two Three Four my favourites. I loved Priyamani in the latter song, also the choreography with those finger steps and the leg moves was very nice. Even Lungi Dance has some great steps making visuals good to watch.

Shahrukh Khan overacts right from the 1st dialogue in that flashback sequence where he keeps shouting 'Goa is on, Goa is on'.  Or when his voice tone changes feeling scared to see the people associated with Meenamma in train. He does have some good scenes, but as a whole his comedy didn't work. He should take some mature roles now, and avoid such masala films which I know he wont.

Deepika Padukone is impressive, and I particularly loved her accent. But, its not a performance that I would remember in future like it was with Yeh jawaani hai deewani. If it was a good film, maybe it would had changed that for me.

Nikitin Dheer is once again in a small role, but still much better than what he got in Dabangg2. Rest supporting cast did fair work.


Overall, Like his previous films Rohit's Chennai Express also contains some funny scenes, but the product as a whole is very much average. Its hard to completely dislike a Shahrukh Khan movie, I can't recall when it happened last for me.. this one came very close to that.


Verdict : BELOW AVERAGE

Shahrukh Khan's new release

Looking forward to Shahrukh's next Chennai Express today. But everytime his film releases, it takes me back to 2007-2011. During those times, I would go and see the film and most of the times come back having loved or enjoyed major part of film. But on social sites, people (or the so called fucking haters) had already posted their crap on how bad the film is in abundance. And it used to irritate me a hell lot. It used to give me a feel of why do these people not even give the film a chance, and if they do give it a chance do they really watch the movie with the notion 'I may like it' or its always 'Bakwaas movie honi hai, har scene pe galti nikalenge'.

I tolerated these people for all those years, unfortunately I had no other option then. To add to it, they included few people whom I didn't expect to talk that way. But you can never force anyone to love a actor or a movie even if they are very much like your friends. It comes naturally. Only the decency to behave comes through the childhood habits, which many didnt have or maybe some people behave immaturely for a longer time period. 

Now, that time is gone. I no longer remain in touch with any of them, even twitter and facebook is locked for me all the time. During Jab tak hai Jaan, I still was available in these two places, and therefore I again ended up reading opinions of quite a few people. But this time, I have no one's comments to read.. not even friends. Sorry, But I have gone too far ahead now to ask you or answer you when you ask me 'kaisi lagi film, mujhe aisi lagi, mujhe waisi lagi etc etc'. Now, its just my opinion.. you wanna read it  then sure, else no problem. 

Also, I watch Aamir or Salman movies in full houses without caring which kind of theatre it is. But when it comes to Shahrukh movies, I decide which particular show and theatre would have decent audience who would either comprise of shahrukh fans or ones who dont show hatred uselessly. 

But yes, everytime I look forward to his new releases, his over-promotion always turns me off. Why the need to promote the film that much, let the film do the talking instead. I do like to point out things like this which I don't like about him, and I will always do that. I am not the one who would say lovely things all the time like a die hard fan. I can't do that for anyone, never.  Though, despite all that, Shahrukh is and will always remain my preferred favourite Khan. 

I have to say that Chennai Express wasn't I wanted to be that first movie, mainly because I atleast for now feel that I may not like it forget about loving it. But then trailers do mislead sometimes. So, fingers crossed. 

And lastly, forget the bashing of shahrukh that will begin from evening across all social platforms, I am expecting much more for Deepika's dialect getting criticised. I have loved her in all promos, including her dialect.. thank you.

Ready... Steady.. Po.

Movie Analysis : Before Sunrise

Directed by : Richard Linklater
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112471/

Splendid romantic movie that has endless great conversations. 

Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy), two strangers meet on a Europe train, a random conversation and they start getting interested in each other to such a extent that Celine accepts Jesse's proposal of one full day adventure with him at Vienna.

I remember when I saw this movie 1st time some years ago, it was the first one where I saw characters go on talking and talking, and yet a story kept moving along very well. I guess I haven't seen similar kind of film yet.

What's worth applauding is how the director doesn't make the movie dramatic when he could have done it. For instance, when they fall in love, he doesn't start showing romantic conversations, their conversations still remain random. Instead what he does very well is he ends many conversations with a silence where either Jesse or Celine is looking at each other or both look at each other for few seconds. The only time director gives a total romantic scene comes right at the end, and it was a masterstroke because thats when you could feel what both characters would be going through, and again the idea of not showing the intimacy made it extra good. For me that scene is special, for reasons that can't be mentioned.

Also, whenever the conversation has a chance of getting bad to extent of fight, its stopped right there, for instance the guy-girl debate they do or when Jesse shows his non belief in the palm reader or the beggar who writes the poem where Jesse ends conversation with 'Nothing, I just loved it' to avoid a arguement. The director opts not to go on the silly note, and keep it simple romantic with no unwanted problems.

Both Ethan and Julie have such great chemistry, its hard to imagine for even a second that they are performing those characters, and not living them.When they meet first, they interact at times awkwardly because they are yet to know each other. They walk on bridge and have a feel of 'this is so wierd'. As the day goes on, and they talk.. they finally open up to such a extent that they love each other's company fully.

Their conversations takes up childhood, death, love, break up, parents, own vision of life, fear of plane travelling, religious and many other endless things. My fav one is when Celine says 'If there's any kind of magic in this world, it must be in the attempt of understanding someone sharing something'. And its the conversation that follows longest silence moment between them. Mostly every conversation is meaningful and not there just for the sake of it.

Also, the cow play scene, the Q/A, mimicry of Jesse kiss by Celine and the phone call on table were quite funny. While thinking of a 13 yr old girl whom Celine met when she herself was 13 was a emotional one, or when Jesse narrates the story of his grandmother's death. The one where Jesse makes Celine stand still, to take her photo in his memory.

The slow montage used to show all the places both visited in the end, was a beautiful sequence. Special mention to the background score, which is always light and in sync with the proceedings.


Before Sunrise is a superb romantic movie which always makes me feel happy and good. Its funny and entertaining but most importantly very engaging throughout.

Movie Analysis : Chor Chor Superchor

Directed by : K. Rajesh
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2337292/

Good comedy, finally Deepak Dobriyal gets lead role

The movie begins with a character trying to learn how to pickpocket by another guy who is expert at it. Its a 4-5 group of people working for Shuklaji (Avtar Sahani), and they have their setting with the police guy getting his share too. But their rival wants one of Shuklaji's person knowing they are capable bunch and would help him a lot. However, Shuklaji declines his offer. Satbir (Deepak Dobriyal) is a straightforward, honest and truth speaking person. He opts out of Shuklaji business, and finds work at a decent place. But a girl Neena (Priya Bhatija) enters his life and he falls for her. Little does he know, what motive Neena has got in her mind.

1st half quickly establishes the plot without consuming much time, and the plot of Satbir and Neena is also done with quite quickly with a song that brings them close. Satbir in that samosa getup was funny, specially when he tried using escalator or while running on road in that getup.  Another sub-plot is that of Roni (Anshul Kataria) who kidnaps a rich person, and in order to get money from him, offers him food with price-tag for instance, 1 gulab jamun worth 1 lakh. Though this subplot could had been developed much more.

2nd half is very entertaining, with the whole idea of Satbir, and brilliant use of Jai Ram ji Ki song on it... also very well edited. The scene where they meet the head of channel on road, or the finale with the rival person were hillarious. Only problem was 'Gaali dete hothon ko' song, which was totally forced in.

The duration of movie is short, that works in its favour too.

Deepak Dobriyal gets enough screen time for a change, and how well he uses it. Notice the scenes where he looks in the mirror or the one where he goes to channel place and comes out, looks at Neena and says his feelings of being hurt without saying anything.

Rest cast did a fair job, specially that rival person to Shuklaji who was also in Commando. Anshul Kataria's dubbing was not properly done though.

Despite having liked the movie, there was still that feel of 'aur achi ho sakti thi, kuch missing tha'. But, keeping that aside, Chor Chor Superchor was a good movie, and great to watch Deepak Dobriyal in a better and effective role.


Verdict : NICE

Movie Analysis : The Conjuring

Directed by : James Wan
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1457767/

Scary, Very Scary with a good screenplay. 


When I checked the trailer, I had made up my mind that I wont be watching this one. I was mainly scared that there will be gore in the movie which I bloody hate. But, good reviews couldn't stop me from taking a chance and it paid off well as hardly 1-2 scenes had gore.

The story is set in 70's, and the shots do actually give a feeling that the characters are actually in 1970's only. Paranormal investigators helping a family which is terrorized by a spirit in their house, is a story I haven't seen in past. To add to it, the idea of keeping all solutions of their past cases into  their own house, was hell scary for me.

Screenplay is good, they keep the main focus on the family comprising of Roger (Ron Livingston), Carolyn (Lili Taylor) and their daughters. While the other plot revolves around Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) who play the paranormal investigators. I specially loved Lorraine, the vulnerability she brings into both the plots with her performance, special reference to the first scene when she enters Carolyn's home, or when she goes inside cupboard to check for clues.

Carolyn plays her part very well, a loving mother and then the dealing with spirit, protecting her daughters. Brad (John Brotherton) added good humour in his small supporting role.

The story of Doll was a very good idea, only thing I couldn't understand was how did the Doll get out of the room to harm the small girl when its clearly shown that it was kept locked.  Also, I would had loved if the climax was extended by 5 mins, just to increase the thrill.

The exorcism part was new to me, not seen much of english horror movies but some of reviews I read suggested that its borrowed from past films. Whatever it was, it gave a thrilling edge to the climax.

Another good thing was that they allowed everyone in family get affected by spirit, thereby reducing the cliche chance of one family member getting affected and others believing that person only when the spirit has full control over the person. Thankfully, its not the case here.

Yes, the door opening, the night particular time to bring spirit etc are there.. but you can't get away not keeping them in a horror movie more often than not. What is also admirable that there are scenes where you are taken by a surprise, you expect this coming and something else comes, and sometimes you expect nothing and suddenly hell what did I just saw. There was one moment in movie when I almost jumped out of seat, never happened with me in a horror movie before.

The ending shot of the movie was scary and perfectly done.


The Conjuring is a very well made horror movie that does scare you (atleast it did to me), at the moment I can't rate it among alltime horror movies but maybe after 5-10 yrs when I do it.. it may find a mention in my top horror movies list.

Movie Analysis : B.A. Pass

Directed by : Ajay Behl
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2408040/

Very Bold, and well directed with a good story. 


Mukesh (Shadab Kamal) loses his parents, and with two sisters his responsibilities increase. His grandfather sends him to his aunt's house in Delhi against his wish. He is on a college course to get b.a degree.. but he leads a very dis-sastisfied life with the aunt making full use of him at home making him do household stuff, while the aunt and his son both give a I don't care attitude to him. The only peace Mukesh finds is in the new made chess friend Johnny (Dibyendu Bhattacharya). Mukesh goes to collect fruits box from Sarika (Shilpa Shukla) who is friend of her aunt. Sarika couldn't resist the opportunity of being alone with husband away, as she tries seducing Mukesh. Only with time Mukesh realizes what life he is about to give himself with this physical involvement with Sarika.

The reason I loved the story was that in a situation of crisis when earning money becomes neccessary, one often indulges in a wrong profession or wrong act. Same happens with Mukesh in this story, he gets a opportunity to earn easy big money so he is attracted to it despite the initial hesistation. Kudos to the director Ajay Behl who slowly establish his life post the death of his parents. Also, the sexual scenes are very well shot, and for a change they are bold in real sense.

There were 3 endings possible for the film, I would certainly have gone for the other two instead of the one director went with. But, the one he goes with is very much applicable to the story. Also, that one twist in the end was shocking, hard to digest maybe because that particular character never really shows signs of such act.

I love the scene where his learning to play chess is parallely cut with the sexual relation he has with Sarika.  Also, when he tries calling every person he knows, in a situation of total crisis. Or when he yells at Mukesh for all his money stuck at a place. The time when Mukesh doesn't know what to say to his sisters, or when they tell him how bad the hostel is where they are staying. And when the timing of the phone call of his sister is very bad.

Shadab Kamal delivers a very fine performance. Shilpa Shukla (chak de india fame) did really well for accepting such a role and doing it that well. Dibyendu Bhattacharya is excellent in supporting role, I love the friendship he shares with Mukesh. Rajesh Sharma is as always efficient in his performance.


B.A. Pass is very good movie for a great story, the way the first time director Ajay executes it, the way its shot, tight editing with duration of just 107 mins and good performances from the starcast. Thanks to the promo which showed views of Vishal Bharadwaj on this film, that prompted me to give a go to this movie, and it was a time well spent.


Verdict : VERY GOOD

Movie Analysis : The Smurfs 2

Directed by : Raja Gosnell
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2017020/

Below Average, and quite boring. 

Haven't seen the 1st part, and I don't think there was much connection or confusion for me due to that. Found the movie very below average, and not interesting. Only the bonding between Smurfette (Katy Perry) and her new found sister + brother was the part that I liked. The mischief they do together, and relation they develop after initially having dislike for each other.  Smurfette and her new sister were the best animated characters of all in the movie, looked cute and sweet in their mannerisms.

Gargamel (Hank Azaria) was good, but many times I found his dialect hard to decipher. His conversations with cat did give some hillarious scenes. The sub-plot of father-son relation between Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris) and Victor (Brendan Gleeson) was un-necessary. Though, Victor's transformation into duck and the scenes that followed it were good ones.  Also, the Tiffany scene done by Grace (Jayma Mays). And that character who is always positive in latter part of movie.

Another drawback was the story, which was quite ordinary, and simple screenplay didn't help either.

The Smurfs is watchable only for the mentioned scenes and the bonding between 3 Smurfs. Not too many laughs unfortunately...