Movie Analysis : Detective Byomkesh Bakshy

Directed by : Dibakar Banerjee
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3447364/


Must watch for Dibakar’s brilliance, even though its not as great as his past movies. 

Spoilers ahead… 


When the news of Dibakar signing a 3 film-deal with Yashraj came, I knew something special is coming up. With the backing of Yashraj (great productional values and budget) and Dibakar’s style of film-making, you expect him to do wonders. But does he live upto the expectations ?

India’s first detective ‘Byomkesh’ is a fictional creation of 1930’s, by the Bengali bestseller writer, Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay. 

The story is based in 2nd World war torn Calcutta of 1940’s when Byomkesh Bakshy (Sushant Singh Rajput) fresh out of college takes up his 1st case. Ajit  Banerjee's (Anand Tiwari) father who is a chemical engineer is missing, he seeks help from Bakshy who starts connecting the clues. To his surprise, the case turns out to be very complex. How will Bakshy come out triumph in his 1st case against a very smart criminal in this bad, bad world of murder, international politics (involving Japanese drug lords) and seduction. 

I never read any of Sharadindu works, didn’t watch the televised series in 90’s either but that didn’t hinder my viewing at all. Dibakar sets up the mood perfectly with the 1st sequence of the movie, where Chinese people are loading opium from boat when a random shadow of a guy pops up. This guy kills Chinese telling them that he wants  his Calcutta back! Woah, the mood of the movie is set!

The film demands tremendous amount of patience which shouldn’t be a new territory if you have seen Dibakar’s Shanghai. If you are expecting a fast paced thriller, then you gonna be very disappointed. Also, you need to be very attentive as there is nothing insignificant shown in any frame, everything has a reason that you understand only in latter part of movie. 

The production design by Vandana Kataria demands extra praise, how well 1940’s Calcutta is re-created that for a moment I felt like I was myself present in that era. Notice how Dibakar shows the Calcutta streets through a tram window during opening credits. 

Normally we have a special entry for a detective in such movies, but Dibakar presents Byomkesh to us very subtly through a carrom scene in which he even gets slapped. Since its his first case, the journey of Byomkesh is full of vulnerable moments as he makes mistakes including his blood-phobia though that doesn’t stop him from investigating. Notice the scene when Kanai (Meiyang Chang) asks him how he came to know his real identity, Byomkesh answers and says ‘dheere dheere seekh raha hoon’, he is slowly learning the art of being a good detective. 

There is so much detailing done in each and every frame, that you feel like saluting Dibakar.  Each new clue excites you, as you see the movie from Byomkesh point of view. But, Dibakar does falter in the last act of movie. Why would Dr Guha (Neeraj Kabi) show up as a patriot to fool Byomkesh? Even if I accept it, then why won’t he kill Byomkesh knowing how big a threat he could be in his plans.

I loved the final scene of movie, a tad dramatic but it makes you wanna see next part straightaway. Also, the act of Neeraj Kabi in the climax was super-like! Some will say he hammed, but I think small dose of it ain’t bad at all.

Music as expected is used mainly in background, and at right moments with 'Chase in Chinatown’ standing out the most. Also the background score compliments the mystery feel of film very well. Nice of them to use my fav lines i.e female part from ‘Bach ke Bashy’ track.

The humor element I felt was slightly low, usually a spy/detective movie has lots of witty dialogues, like the climax when Ajit orders servant to make tea and not clean up all the dead bodies or blood.

There are several favorite moments in movie, one is when Byomkesh like a small kid excitedly shouts ‘khoon hua hai, khoon hua hai’ or the one where he and Ajit are being followed by a person, they enter inside a theatre place, get good make-over and change of clothes and come out following that person with Byomkesh dialogue ‘Chalo shikari ka shikaar karte hai’.

In performances, Sushant Singh Rajput nails the role perfectly, whether its his shyness while interacting with women or  smart mind that he uses at times too perfectly to his liking or how he comes up with quick ideas in tricky situations. Rajput brings alive Byomkesh character on screen, making it easy to connect and very likeable. 

Anand Tiwari is fantastic, specially his anger when Byomkesh would keep targetting his father as villain or dead. 

Swastika Mukherjee appeals with her acting skills and her beauty,  yet I was disappointed with the role written for her, specially when you think of it after end of movie. Her over dramatic scene asking  Dr. Guha ‘pyar karte ho ke nahi’ doesn’t help either. Wish she got a better debut, would love to see more of her in future Hindi movies. 

Neeraj Kabi is splendid both as smart Guha and crazy evil Yang Guang. Divya Menon is good in her small role, might have a bigger part to play in 2nd case if casting remains same. 

Detective Byomkesh Bakshy is another great movie in bag of Dibakar Banerjee, however it does fall short of his previous gems. Even though the film failed at box-office, I would love Yashraj show faith in Dibakar and continue Byomkesh franchise.

Verdict : 4/5 

Trailer : Bombay Velvet

Not always does the MOST ANTICIPATED comes with the desired result. Same is the case for trailer of Bombay Velvet. Being a huge admirer of Anurag Kashyap cinema, I had been waiting for this since the day this movie was announced. Who doesn’t want to see Anurag go main-stream and have Ranbir as main lead. But the trailer says something else, mind you just the trailer, not the film!

The dark tone Anurag movies have isn’t visible in trailer at all, which was very surprising because even if its a commercial cinema I expect Anurag to insert all the dark flavors into it (ala Dev.D probably). The trailer has been badly cut, bg is very loud at start and end making the dialogues not easy to listen, and even felt the rhythm in cuts was missing.

The story is about journey of Johnny Balraj (Ranbir Kapoor) who is a street fighter and wants to become a big shot of Bombay in the 1960’s.

Ranbir  shines in each and every frame, its bit early to say it but could be his career best performance even with that accent(though that means he has to surpass Jordan of Rockstar). Love the shot where he is practicing fighting while having cigg, and when he tells Anushka that it is just the start of becoming big shot, how far he still has to go. And the scarface tribute (maybe like GOW-Godfather car shoot scene), where Ranbir goes mad, oh how I would love if that is as long a sequence as it was in Scarface.

Retro feel is visible entirely, specially loved Anushka’s look who plays a jazz singer though I am slightly worried that maybe they revealed too much about her character unless Anurag did it intentionally.

Bombay of 1960’s looks spectacular, hopefully movie won’t be just limited to punchlines else we already have seen OUATIM.

Karan Johar could prove to be miscasted going by his shots, mainly for the dialogue delivery, he was looking very awkward while saying ‘main jo bhi karta hoon, khud ke liye karta hoon'.

Love the romantic bg that plays after 40th sec, I was hoping its Amit Trivedi but his tweet suggests that the bgs used in trailer are by Raju Singh, so have to wait for music release to know better.

Raveena Tandon(cameo), Kay Kay Menon (just one quick shot visible) and other cast aint shown in trailer.

I still fully believe in Anurag Kashyap, the ensemble cast this film has, plus Thelma as editor and Amit Trivedi as Composer.. this trailer would be the only low thing about the movie. And fingers crossed Karan might be likable in the movie. Lets just wait and watch!



Abhi toh apan Small se Large hua hai.. abhi Patiala hona baaki hai!

Movie Analysis : The Theory of Everything

Directed by : James Marsh
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2980516/

A biopic of a famous physicist that unfortunately prefers to show his love life rather than achievements. 

Spoilers ahead … 


Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne), a student of cosmology at Cambridge in 1960’s, falls in love with a art student Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). But soon its learnt that Stephen is suffering from symptoms of ALS and would not live for more than 2 years. Yet Jane agrees to marry him and thereby go through lots of years of pain and longing for a lover.

When a film is based on a real famous physicist Stephen Hawking, and with a title ‘The Theory of Everything’, what you expect is a very good biopic on his achievements in life with a sub-plot that showcases his love life. But instead this film ends up focussing completely on his two marriages and its struggle and that too in a very disappointing manner.

There’s one scene where Stephen’s roomie recalls him about a particular college work that was supposed to be done, and we see him quickly attempt to do it as he was more of a carefree guy then, cut to scene where he stuns every student including professor with the accurate answers he did. We aren’t told how he got this genius mind, instead we just get to see glimpses of how good he is, whenever director feels like taking a break from Stephen-Jane disaster marriage, like that blackhole speech he gives later on.

What’s disappointing is that the science aspect from Stephen’s POV is so far and few in the movie. Even if for a second you forget his achievements, and see the movie from the angle of the tragedy his life was while with Jane, its almost impossible to have any feelings for her. Because in all her scenes before marriage with Stephen, I never saw that love feel from her side for Stephen. And then all of sudden to see her ready to sacrifice her life for 2 yrs by marrying Stephen because she loved him, had no impact whatsoever. I could feel sorry for Stephen’s  declining health year by year, but watching Jane feel probably guilty (over her decision to marry him) or that longing to go away from this tired life that starts and ends at taking good care of Stephen, it didn’t make me feel bad for her. The new love angle only worsened her plot for me.

It would had been ideal if director James tried to show more love from Jane in early part of Stephen’s life when she met him, he rushed too soon to the denial phase. Now I felt that she hardly loved Stephen or tried coping with his health, and gave up too easily. The likable part of Felicity Jones performance was when she tries to take care of Stephen during 1st year of marriage, and the scene where she comes to a realization that no matter how much she tries, the marriage won’t work now.

What keeps me going in this movie is only Eddie Redmayne’s performance, the head tilt mannerisms were perfect, and so was that leg movement, or the smile. I hardly know real Stephen Hawking, but can bet that Eddie brought the character on screen completely with his performance. He makes the scenes where his organs gradually stop working look very uncomfortable to watch, reference to that scene where on his own he goes to college without anyone’s help or climbing stairs of home. Won’t be a surprise if he wins a oscar award.


The movie may work for you if you see it more like a dramedy rather than a biopic, but for me The Theory of Everything would had worked only if it was more a biopic of a physicist with details of his findings and success.



Verdict : 2.5/5 

Movie Analysis : Dolly ki Doli

Directed by : Abhishek Dogra
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4332114/

Sonam and Rajkumar makes this average movie watchable.. 

Spoilers ahead… 


Story revolves around Dolly (Sonam  Kapoor) who believes in fake marriages, and running away with belongings of groom and their family on the 1st night of marriage, and therefore named as Looteri Dulhan. She is accompanied in it by her team that includes a acting brother Raju (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) who actually loves her. But Dolly has a past story too behind this profession.

First time director Abhishek Dogra hits the right note with the start of movie, with Dolly’s victim Sonu (Rajkumar Rao), a haryanvi guy wanting to have romantic time with her, only getting denied as Dolly believes in marriage first. Even the hunt to get the next bakra Manjot (Varun Sharma) is well done.

Where the film actually misses out badly is, not trying to explore more out of Dolly-Raju subplot which was almost untouched. Infact it was surprising to see Raju first express his feelings, then betray Dolly in jail, and then return to team up with her again. Another plot that film didn’t work out was Sonu’s return to life of Dolly when she marries Varun. Inspite of all what Dolly did to him, Sonu still had love for her and wanted her back, but again we hardly see much story in that regards.

Instead we get the monotonous, another bakra and this time getting caught scenario that has Saif in a special appearance. The climax was a let down too, the message of ‘this is what I love and is good at, even though knowing it is bad’ was kinda of ridiculous.

The title song is hilarious, a montage of uncountable guys Dolly marries and runs away from.

Sonam Kapoor gives a good performance, which is expected as these roles are tailor-made for her.

Varun Sharma still had the hangover of Fukrey. Pulkit Samrat appeared like he was made to watch Salman’s Dabangg before started shooting and he forgot he was playing a new cop character.

Rajkumar Rao was superb in his haryanvi accent, wish his character had more significance in 2nd half though. There is a surprise moment in terms of his excellent dance you see for 1st time (whose glimpse we have already seen in one of song from 'Gangs of Wasseypur II').

Special mention to the lady whose only dialogue in movie is ‘beti de di, sab kuch de diya’, too funny.

Dolly ki Doli could had been a very good film, but average scripting and casting lets the film down. Still, it has some good moments involving Sonam and Rajkumar mainly.


Verdict : 2.5/5 

Movie Analysis : Alone

Directed by : Bhushan Patel
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4271730/

Bipasha should give horror genre a break.

Spoilers ahead …. 


Two twin sisters, Sanjana and Anjana (Bipasha Basu) conjoined at birth, made a promise to each other that they will always be together and never separate. But yet Sanjana opts for separation from her, which leads to death of Anjana, and she gets terrified of the scares she gets away from home, and then when the spirit of Anjana makes her return back. The misery of Sanjana begins then, and so does for viewers.

Bhushan Patel employs almost every possible cliche our horror movies has, like going in a isolated place with no neighborhood and big haveli place surrounded by river and trees only, the slow opening of door, girl walking alone in home at night, even outside home like she is at a picnic spot, girl’s husband putting a hand on her from behind scaring her and audience and of course a big secret to be revealed at right end. All of this crap only brings humor into the plot instead of scares. And then there is a romantic plot between Sanjana and Kabir (Karan Singh Grover) that has erotic scenes but hardly good acting in it.

There are also extra characters like the maid and her bahu working at Sanjana’s house who one by one get horror feel from house and Sanjana, and of course they face consequences at climax. And Zakir Hussain gets the role of a person who tries to help Kabir get rid of spirit, good initial scenes and then a weird end scene resembling Ashutosh from Raaz. They even have a Conjuring tribute.

The major problem in script comes for me when the reason for split between Sanjana and Anjana becomes their love feel for the same guy i.e Kabir. It would had been better if the reason was something else, and then the spirit of dying sister returns as spirit to haunt both of them.  And of course without all the cliches. I still didn’t understand why spirit tried to kill or hurt Kabir in the climax, and then later rescue him out.

The only likable portion in the movie for me was that piano tune that plays at many places. Even most of the songs with exception of Awara were mediocre.


Among performances, Bipasha Basu looks glamorous and hot, but is getting terribly boring now in her non-stop horror acts, she should stay away from this genre for atleast 3 yrs now for my liking.

Karan Singh Grover doesn’t really make any impact, plus not a role I would say a actor would like to start film career with.



Alone has no scare thrills and no good performances. It only gives good locales views, and some laughs.


Verdict : 1/5 

Movie Analysis : Tevar

Directed by : Amit Sharma
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3398048/

Another avoidable masala movie… 

Spoilers ahead… 


Isn’t it a cause to worry that there are many aspiring new directors that want to begin their film-making journey with a masala movie. Not saying that its the easiest genre to make, it is one of toughest as you need to balance non-logic and style with the story that goes through comedy, drama, romance and action. But creatively if you ask me, if I was to debut as director, I would choose a project that would showcase my skills rather than the genre overpowering me.

Tevar’s story is about a kabbadi player Pintoo (Arjun Kapoor) from Mathura who accidentally meets Radhika (Sonakshi Sinha) and rescues her from a faction leader Gajendar (Manoj Bajpayee). Pintoo who leads a care-less life upto now, has a responsibility of saving Radhika from Gajendar and his men’s threat.


The film begins with a over the top scene ‘Lets slow motionize’ the entry of main lead. Followed by a kabaddi match that is melodramatic to the core. Infact in the entire movie, you would be forced to look for scenes where you can like Arjun Kapoor, he is that bad (coming from me who doesn’t fall in the category of people who hate his acting).

The interesting bits of movie are, first conversation between Gajendar and Radhika, the entire Pintoo and his sister scenes (hardly 10 mins screen time) and to some extent Pintoo and his father scenes.

I was so much interested in Pintoo-sister(played by Gunjan Malhotra) plot that I wished Gajender fell in love with her instead of Radhika, after all who wants to watch Sonakshi Sinha doing the same act. But Sonakshi does have one creative scene in movie, she doesn’t like eating matar in matar-paneer sabji, so she keeps taking matar out one by one in her plate. And best of all, this time she isn’t shown saying disgusting things as a female, like she did in Action Jackson or R.Rajkumar. For some 30-40 mins we see Pintoo struggle saving her, getting himself wounded and then finally when he manages to take Radhika to Delhi airport , she has fallen in love and doesn’t want to leave Pintoo. Someone tell script-writer, why burden us viewers with the nonsense if the girl has to have change of heart.. I felt like please someone kill her. And probably the frustration of watching Sonakshi’s stubbornness to do another masala movie was getting to my nerves too.

The main part of movie is actually Pintoo-Radhika love angle, and it doesn’t work one bit. Manoj Bajpayee does have 1-2 brilliant acting scenes, but even he won’t give you any satisfaction.

Music by Sajid-Wajid is completely forgettable. Dialogue writing is laughable, including a sequence where Gajendar decides he won’t wear trouser till he finds Radhika. Climax has been done umpteen times before, and with greater impact, here you only wait for it to end.


Tevar is a avoidable masala movie, watch at your own risk.


Verdict : 1.5/5 

16 Most Awaited Hindi Movies of 2015

New year has only one meaning in my life, it brings hopes of some great movies which may become memorable forever. Hoping the hindi films are much better than they were last year…

Here’s my list of top16 movies that I can’t wait to watch in theatres..

P.S - The release dates are subject to change. 

Badlapur (Febuary 20)

directed by Sriram Raghavan, starring Varun Dhawan, Yami Gautam, Divya Dutta, Huma Qureshi, Vinay Pathak 

Plot :
A crime drama about a happy man’s life that changes into an unstable emotional state. He now seeks revenge for his wife and son who get killed in a bank robbery.
What To Look For : 
Going by its trailer, one expects Sriram to be back in form this time around after the debacle of ‘Agent Vinod’. Plus, we finally get to see Varun in a different grey role which will test his acting skills a lot more. I didn’t quite liked his dialogue delivery in trailer, but sometimes such feel comes when you are not used to see the actor in a never seen before role (Remember Ritesh in Ek Villain, had similar views after watching trailer and now I am in awe of his performance). If he’s good, then his scenes with Nawazuddin would make for excellent watch. And it seems a long time since I last saw Vinay Pathak in a movie. Expecting Sriram to deliver a exciting revenge drama, and needless to say I would want atleast one half of movie with that bearded look (don’t disappoint like Haider), and some insane stuff including violence like the shot where he repeatedly uses hammer to kill someone. Also, the first music album this year which maybe top notch, with composers Sachin-Jigar (though I didn’t like their work in Happy Ending), Jee Karda is already a song I can’t stop playing everyday, Jeena Jeena was a disappointment though.


Detective Byomkesh Bakshi (April 3)
directed by Dibakar Banerjee, starring Sushant Singh Rajput

Plot : 
War torn Calcutta of 1940’s in the middle of 2nd world war, the movie showcases Byomkesh at his first adventure as detective where he has to fight against most villainous criminal out to destroy the world.
What To Look For : 
Unfortunately, this didn’t release last year, so once again enters my list. With Dibakar at helm of direction and Yash Raj to give him better production values, expect the expected from him. Looking at the trailer, one can easily bet on it not to disappoint. Its been a while since last solo movie for Sushant (Shudh Desi Romance), he has a chance to outshine his fellow competitor Ranbir whose Jagga Jasoos comes this year too. Based on popular serial written by Sharadindu Bandopadhyay, this is easily a film that I have an eye on to be my most fav hindi detective movie. Also, look out for the music by Sneha, the piece used in the trailer is highly intriguing.


Piku (April 30)
directed by Shoojit Sircar, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan

Plot :
A comedy drama on father-daughter relationship.
What To Look For : 
When you have cast of Amitabh, Deepika and Irrfan working together, then you don’t really need any other reasons to watch this movie. And then you are told its directed by Shoojit whose 2 movies till now Vicky Donor and Madras Cafe have been very well-made movies. Could be a hat-trick of good movies for him, and we would definitely love that.


Bombay Velvet (May 15)
directed by Anurag Kashyap, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Karan Johar, Raveena Tandon

Plot :
Set against backdrop of ambition, love, greed, and jazz, it is the story of one ordinary man who goes against all odds and forges his destiny to become a ‘Big Shot’.
What To Look For : 
Ranbir Kapoor playing the role of a boxer, describes this movie as the ‘Titanic’ of his career. Karan Johar in a never seen before villainous role, jazz music composed by Amit Trivedi, Raveena Tandon in a cameo that has a important part in movie and Thelma Schoonmaker as editor (she has edited many Scorsese movies in past). Anurag has created Mumbai of 60’s while shooting in Sri Lanka. The movie is termed as Kashyap’s biggest budget movie till date, and after delivering with Ugly recently, and looking at his track-record of exceptional dark realistic movies, one has to be excited to see how well he goes. I am definitely banking on Bombay Velvet to be his best film of career, and maybe best of 2015.


Dil Dhadakne Do (June 5)
directed by Zoya Akhtar, starring Farhan Akhtar, Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah

Plot : 
A dysfunctional punjabi family on a cruise trip trying to bond with each other.
What To Look For : 
Can’t recollect when was the last time I saw a hindi movie on this topic, must have been for sure. How much I love the film will be directly proportional to how Zoya completes all character’s fights among each other, I would prefer her to leave some un-solved. Her all 3 directed films (short one in Bombay Talkies), have been praiseworthy stuff, and she again has a big cast on her side. Specially keen to see the bro-sis bonding between Ranveer and Priyanka (if I am correct). Also, watch out for Shankar Ehsan Loy who again pairs with Zoya as composers, their work was good last time around in Zindagi na Milegi Dobara.


Hamari Adhoori Kahaani (June 12)
directed by Mohit Suri, starring Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi, Rajkumar Rao

Plot :
Inspired by a real life love triangle between parents of Mahesh Bhatt and his stepmother.
What To Look For : 
Mohit Suri has yet to impress me fully ever since Awarapan, he has shown signs of it though in his last few films. Keen to see how he handles the love-triangle, his movies often have the emotional feeling in it. Would prefer Rajkumar Rao to have equal screen presence as other two stars. Also, Vidya and Emraan both haven’t done films in past 2 years that can be talked highly of. Won’t be wrong to say that the music of this movie would be more anticipated by many including me, as Mithoon-Ankit would again be at helm of composing, they have given 2 back to back outstanding albums with Suri already, ‘Aashiqui2' and 'Ek Villain'.


Brothers (July 31)
directed by Karan Malhotra, starring Siddharth Malhotra, Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Jacqueline Fernandez

Plot : 
The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he’s trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament - a path that puts him on a collision corner with his older brother.
What To Look For : 
Its official remake of Hollywood movie ‘Warrior’, which I haven’t seen yet, will probably watch by the time trailer of Brothers arrive. The plot might change as per indian requirements, but if they keep the main story intact then this calls for a very interesting movie. Give a movie where Akshay isn’t doing comedy, and it will immediately catch my eye. Siddharth-Akshay brother drama would be great to see too, Siddharth hasn’t disappointed me in a single movie yet. At present only Jacqueline looks the weak link, her romantic plot might intervene with main story. Plus, I didn’t like Karan Malhotra’s version of Agneepath at all, and now his 2nd movie is also another remake. If he doesn’t make the screenplay highly melodramatic (which it can become), then I think this movie will work.


Fan (August 14)
directed by Maneesh Sharma, starring Shahrukh Khan 

Plot :
A die-hard fan wants to meet his idol superstar whom he worships.
What To Look For : 
Similar plot was last time shown in one of the short movies of Bombay Talkies (Anurag Kashyap one). It would had been better if the superstar role wasn’t played by Shahrukh unless Maneesh makes sure he doesn’t go over the top which he can in that character. I am more keen to see how he does in the main role i.e the one who plays the Fan.  Hollywood’s make up artist Greg Cannom is giving a new look to Shahrukh. Among his 3 films, only Ladies vs Ricky Bahl was a let-down by Maneesh. His films mostly are real with a subtle humor touch to it. Finally, a Shahrukh movie that might appeal to me.


Phantom (August 28)
directed by Kabir Khan, starring Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif

Plot : 
Two secret Indian agents try to combat global terrorism, a counter-terrorism drama film set post the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
What To Look For : 
The movie is based on unreleased book of Hussain Zaidi. Interestingly, Kabir’s 4th movie in a row that is based on terrorism. As a director he has shown his flair in his all past movies, though he faltered giving romantic plot more importance in Ek Tha Tiger. If he keeps that aside here, then this could be the film that brings Saif’s career back to track whose last noteworthy performance was in Go Goa Gone. Katrina had some great stunts last time in Kabir’s film, so expecting some more again.


Shandaar (September 4)
directed by Vikas Bahl, starring Shahid Kapur, Alia Bhatt, Pankaj Kapoor

Plot : 
Two insomniacs fall in love in the middle of a larger than life wedding during long, sleepless nights.
What To Look For : 
The film is told to be India’s first destination wedding movie, with a fresh young pair of Shahid-Alia. After excellent work in Haider, this could be a very good follow up for Shahid, to work with Queen fame director Vikas Bahl. The plot is pretty straightforward just like Queen was, again upto how well can Vikas make the screenplay appeal. For 1st time we will see Shahid-Pankaj together in a film, and the music will be once again by Amit Trivedi. So, plenty to look forward to.


Jagga Jasoos (September-October)
directed by Anurag Basu, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Govinda

Plot : 
A teenager detective with his assistant girlfriend, searches for his missing father.
What To Look For : 
A musical movie where characters converse through songs and minimal dialogues, when did that happen last time in our movies, I don’t remember if it even happened. But then this concept I didn’t like much in Hollywood’s Les Miserables. Still, gonna give it a go because its Ranbir-Anurag-Pritam teaming up again after Barfi. Pritam this time is giving us around 20 songs to listen. If the movie doesn’t work, surely the songs would be worth it.


Wazir (March-July)
directed by Bejoy Nambiar, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari

Plot : 
Two players are engaged in a tense game of chess, one is disabled and other is ATS Officer. One tries to decipher the story of the other’s death through the moves in the game. By the end of the game, the player is changed forever.
What To Look For : 
From the looks of the teaser, this one looks to be a intense drama thriller. Plus, like his last two movies, Shaitan and David, you can expect stylish film-making from Bejoy and very good music too as the background score in teaser is very captivating. Amitabh playing disabled chess master, while Farhan an ATS Officer, even if the film doesn’t live upto the expectations, these two actors won’t disappoint.


Raees (September-December)
directed by Rahul Dholakia, starring Shahrukh Khan, Mahira Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui 

Plot : 
A crime drama based on illegal liquor trade in Gujarat, and the modus operandi of real life gangsters, bureaucrats, politicians and police officers spanning the last two decades.
What To Look For : 
The film is loosely based on real life incidents, with Shahrukh playing a bootlegger probably essaying the role of Abdul Latif (not confirmed), who was the underworld king of Gujarat in late 80’s. Meanwhile Nawazuddin plays cop who is after him. Mahira whose performance in pakistan movie ‘Bol’ was highly satisfying, will be seen opposite Shahrukh in her debut indian movie. Shahrukh has played these kinda of roles previously, Don series to be precise, with Farhan as producer and trustable director in Dholakia, one may expect a lot from this movie. And Ram Sampath-Javed Akhtar duo could give a good music album to listen too.


Fitoor (no confirmed date)
directed by Abhishek Kapoor, starring Aditya Roy Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Rekha

Plot : 
A story of love lost and realized over the course of two generations.
What To Look For : 
Its an indian adaptation of Charles Dickens classic ‘Great Expectations’, where Aditya plays an artist, and katrina his muse, and Rekha plays character of Begum. Some wonderful locations of Kashmir would be seen with 1st schedule of shooting happening there. Starcast is slightly weak to my liking, but trust on Abhishek is there whose last two films Kai Po Che and Rock On have been really good.


Nyodda (no confirmed date)
directed by Meghna Gulzar, starring Irrfan Khan, Konkana Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi, Tabu

Plot : 
Based on real life events of Aarushi Talwar murder case.
What To Look For : 
That case was as much a big news, as the Jessica one was. A article says that the movie has backing of Talwar’s and the movie will be from the parents point of view pleading for their innocence. Personally, I still believe there was no full proof to say Aarushi was killed by her parents (I may be wrong). This film will most likely with its excellent cast help us witness the emotional breakdown a parent would go through when being accused of killing their own daughter. Only question is, if Meghna Gulzar good enough to make the good material work on screen or not, as not seen her past films. Neeraj Kabi and Konkana play parents of Aarushi while Tabu her aunt in a supporting role perhaps. Irrfan will be in main officer investigating role. And look out for Vishal Bharadwaj’s music with Gulzar penning the lyrics.


Tamasha (December 25)
directed by Imtiaz Ali, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone

Plot : 
A nomad who entertains people while on his travel and likes to spread happiness, meets a girl in streets of Corsica who is a fan of French comics Asterix and has come for one of its trials. Both share their love for same comics and adventure, and head out exploring life.
What To Look For : 
This could be perfect casting in a Imtiaz Ali movie ever, Ranbir-Deepika in lead, Rahman’s music, Irshad Kamil’s lyrics (Rockstar magic to repeat?). Imtiaz movies always have got those vulnerable moments that amazes you like hell, he knows how to use them, and then he entertains you too. What happens after both Ranbir and Deepika fall in love, is the Imtiaz territory which I wanna see as to how different it is this time. His highway for me wasn’t as appealing as his other films have been, but this time feel he is back with another great unusual romantic storytelling.



Apart from the listed 16 movies, I also got my eye on these films which may turn out to be unexpectedly good :

Baby (Akshay-Neeraj pairing after Special 26)
Shamitabh (Balki-Amitabh)
Tigers (Emraan in hatke movie like Shanghai)
Bajirao Mastaani (SLB with Deepika,Ranveer,Priyanka, expect better movie than Ram Leela with great music)
Tanu Weds Manu Returns (Kangana in double role, plot more interesting than 1st part)

Saat Hindustaani (Rahman’s music)
Titli (Looked good from trailer plus Sneha Khanwalkar’s music)
MS Dhoni (Biopic with Sushant in lead and Neeraj direction, want to know what parts of his life including personal is shown)
Main Aur Charles (For Randeep Hooda who portrays Charles Sobhraj story)
Guddu Rangeela (Subhash Kapoor last ‘Jolly LLB’ was a fun watch and Arshad Warsi is again in main lead)

Welcome Back (One of rare slapstick comedy that I loved and so keen for new part, John in start cast is only reason I didnt include in 16 list)
Liar’s Dice (It was India’s official Oscar entry, but I want to see for Nawazuddin Siddiqui)
Mr Chaalu (For Reema Kagti, though doubt it will be anywhere as good as her last psychological thriller Talaash)
Margarita with a Straw (Kalki is looking too good in the promos)
Farzi (Raj and DK return with a crime thriller drama having a dose of humor, their last outing ‘Happy Ending’ was not upto their standard)



I hope apart from all the films listed in this post, there will be some unknown surprises.. because for certain some of the films in this list would disappoint, always happens. Fingers crossed…