Dhobhi Ghat

Hello again to all of you and welcome to our show. It’s been a long time since he first appeared on our show. Not that we had differences but he chose not to go public for a while. But, his hiatus has ended and he is ready again. He will be reviewing this Friday’s new release, Dhobhi Ghat. Please Welcome, Lebnox!

“Hello Lebnox! How have you been?”

“Like always, fantastic!” He smiled. We smiled!

“So shall we begin?”

“Nay! Bad idea. We’ll do it tomorrow.” He winked. We smiled.

Q.1) Describe the movie in one word.

Lebnox: Different!

Q.2) Call it Aamir Khan effect?

Lebnox: May be. May be not!

Q.3)  How different was it?

Lebnox: Very!

Q.4) And why such short answers?

Lebnox: Call it the Aamir Khan effect!

Q.5) Word on the performances?

Lebnox: The ladies are the real stars in the movie. Monica Dogra is perfect. Almost. She does a super fine job of a girl who has just come back from abroad to India to earn and learn. Expressions are perfect. Completely. Kriti Malhotra plays the small town girl, who has come to Mumbai for a living, with natural flair. She shows the gradually grown melancholy exceptionally well. Talking about the men, Prateik can rest now. I’m sure he finally has a future. Bright one! On the other hand, the person who let me down was the very person for whom everybody would love to watch this movie. Aamir Khan.  Sure his expressions and body language are strong along with his character. But somehow he does not fit in the movie. All the time you get a feeling he has been a miscast.

Q.6) So I guess that Aamir Khan effect has faded away?

Lebnox: (Laughs. Half-heartedly. Probably still not out of the movie shell.)

Q.7) So Aamir Khan has a cameo in it?

Lebnox: Who said that? I mean everybody did. Sure he has lesser dialogues than any of the lead characters in the movie but he is on screen most of the time. I guess, some would be happy after watching the movie and some would be not. Like me.

Q.8) Define different.

Lebnox: Poetic. Artistic. Documentary-ish. And different. (Smiles again.) I mean the handheld camera work with unsteady movements project the authenticity for sure but the technique used in story writing was unsatisfactory. It’s more of a documentary types. And slow. For sure. 95 minutes(without interval) seems like ages. Editing is razor sharp but shaky.

Q.9) How’s Kiran Rao?

Lebnox: Adventurous. Intelligent. And also has the support from a man named Aamir Khan. She sure has got brains, has a different thought process but needs help. Serious one. She needs to be reminded that the idea behind the publicity and film making should be same and not deceptive. A film which has Aamir Khan has to be either very thought provoking or very entertaining. Alas! The film fails to do neither.

Q.10) You’re so against the movie!

Lebnox: See, people will watch the movie for sure since they have seen such interesting promos and they know Aamir Khan’s name has been associated with it. I know they’re expecting something really out of the box so there should be someone who needs to be authentic. I did not say it’s a really bad movie. Right from the beginning I’ve been saying it’s innovative and different.

Q.11) What’s the storyline?

Lebnox: Try Google. You’ll get to know more accurate things. (Winks.) (Though we did not literally try Google. We just quoted him.)

Q.12) So the movie will be a hit?

Lebnox: I’m sure only about just one thing. It’ll not be a hit. Certainly.

Q.13) Final verdict?

Lebnox: For entertainment or emotional stimulation look elsewhere. There’s every reason you can miss this one. Unless you like to believe you’re among the intelligentsia.

And he rushed out. Important man. At least he believes himself to be. He texted us that he wanted to give the movie 3 stars out of 5. But based on the above interview I think we should go with 2.5. He also added a postscript stating everybody should go to the movie with a watch in case anybody feels the itch of checking the time. Such diplomatic man he is!

Guzaarish

Hello to all and welcome to the show. We have a special guest tonight. He is renowned for his accurate reviews and mind blowing short stories. We have arranged for a special interview today for a review on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish.

“Hello Mr. Lebnox and welcome to our show.”

“Err, I’d be more comfortable if you skip Mr.” He winked.

“Shall we proceed?”

“Shoot!”

Q.1) The clichéd question: How was the movie?

Lebnox: Magical!

Q.2) Define Magical!

Lebnox: It takes you completely into a new world. Ethan Mascarenhas’ world. You forget about your life. You just sit and watch and feel and enjoy everything. Chances are, it might change your life too.

Q.3) Did it change yours?

Lebnox: Well, earlier I just used to blog, now I’m being interviewed for my review. Isn’t that Magical?

Q.4) Any word on the performances?

Lebnox: Word? I could speak continuously on the performances and you’d be so asleep. Hrithik is terrific. Simply terrific. While watching the movie you forget Hrithik and believe he is no one but Ethan Mascarenhas. The way he expresses himself without moving his limbs is commendable. And, give me privileges and I’d give Oscar to Aishwarya!

Q.5) What?

Lebnox:  Exactly! The same expression I had while watching her perform the character. Amazing!

Q.6) How would you rate Sanjay Leela Bhansali?

Lebnox: First rate. I had apprehensions before watching Guzaarish as Saawariya was a dud. I had very less expectations from it. It surpassed everything. Superb Direction. Brilliant art work. Best after Devdas!

Q.7) Aren’t you exaggerating a bit?

Lebnox: Why would I? They are not gonna pay me for doing it.

Q.8) Rumors are that it is a rip off of The Prestige. How much of it is true?

Lebnox:  See, I would say it’s all original. Yeah I agree that a few scenes in which Hrithik performs magic are similar to The Prestige but I would like to give the credits to Mr. Bhansali. And if anybody takes the name of other movies, I’m sorry I can’t comment as I haven’t seen them.

Q.9) There are people who don’t like artistic and serious cinema. They just want to sit and enjoy. What would you say to them?

Lebnox: Guzaarish is Bhansali’s gift to them!

Q.10) I forgot to ask about the storyline.

Lebnox: Like I said, you just feel Ethan’s world.

Q.11) Bhansali's fims are a pretty heavy and always have a sad ending. Do we need to go with the tissues?

 Lebnox: If you're going just to watch the movie, you won't need them. If you have intentions of watching and understanding a good cinema, I suggest you should go well prepared. I didn't need anything. Exceptions are always there!

Q.12) You mean to say this movie does not have any weak point?

Lebnox: Sure it has a few weak points. This is not at all a perfect movie. But I'd like to take a pass. Though many would disagree and many won't like the movie. After all, these are my opinions.  

Q.13) Final verdict to the viewers of the show?

Lebnox: You have my word. Isn’t that enough? (He passes a typical Ethan Mascarenhas smile. Guzaarish effect we guess!)

Kidding! Just feel and enjoy the movie and try to understand Ethan’s psychology. I guarantee you’ll love it.

This interview was brought to you straight from the horse’s mouth! We forgot to mention he gave the movie 4 stars out of five. For more reviews keep watching. Thank you!

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1

Whenever a Harry Potter book is converted into a movie (the name is enough to cast the magical spell on you even if you’ve not read any of Potter Books), the fans always have apprehensions. Read more to know why!  As Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger prepare for their final showdown with Lord Voldemort and his brood of baddies – which is stretched out to two chapters for the big screen – we’re thrust into an overcast world of fear, isolation and constant tent pitching in "The Deathly Hallows."

The first thing the viewer does is to compare the movie with the book. The novel-fan expects every chapter of the book to be told in a detailed manner in the movie. And if, by this late date, you’re not well-acquainted with Harry, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Voldemort, the late Dumbledore or even horcruxes, you’re out of luck. Deathly Hallows drops viewers into the bleak proceedings straight away.

Lord Voldemort’s death eaters are on a march. Major characters in the series are killed off, and there’s not a moment to mourn. The war between the good wizards and those evil wizards and traitors in the service of Voldemort has begun. Seeing all this, Harry decides to break away from his protection. He sets out with Hermione and Ron on a mission to find the rest of the horcruxes and ultimately destroy them.

The visuals are grandeur. The trio has performed well. They have matured over the period of time and the maturity in their acting is clearly visible. Ralph Fiennes as the Dark Lord is awesome. His cold expressions are terrifying.  But, there is one problem with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Long stretches of the movie are set in this or that remote landscape. The audience (especially who are not familiar with the novel) gets no idea of what is happening in the movie many a times. They could only make guesses!

Direction is good. Cinematography is awesome. Effects are outstanding. Acting is terrific. Editing is poor. Very poor. So is the screenplay. The writers could easily have done a much better job. The movie has a very little to offer in two hours and twenty-six minutes. Undoubtedly, The Goblet of Fire was the best among all. 

To conclude, I would say, just go for it( to those who haven’t read the book) to enjoy the last part of the series and the visuals!

My Rating: 6/10

Thanks & Regards

Jhootha Hi Sahi

Every Bollywood movie before its release, assures us that it would be different. Almost every movie assures you this. Most of them disappoint. We all know this fact. It took me a while to muster courage for making up my mind to watch Jhoota Hi Sahi. Why this movie? Well, I generally do not follow Bollywood now, but the treatment looked fresh in the trailers. Tell you what? It turned out good but as usual left me with a few disappointments.

A geeky shy man, who stammers on seeing beautiful women, has his number misprinted on a helpline pamphlet which helps people not to give up with their life and start a fresh life. Hence, humor arises and you get a laugh. His neighbor, who also is his best friend with a pregnant sister, with another friend, is his life. The shy man also has a girlfriend whom he doesn’t love and she dominates him like anything. The twist comes when a caller, after breaking up with her boyfriend, calls him during midnight before attempting suicide, and he makes her feel better so she decides to talk to him daily and share everything. One event leads to another, and he starts lying to her about his personality.   

Special note for the writer of the film, who also happens to be the female lead in the same, her treatment of the story is completely fresh. A few of the dialogues and scenes are super hilarious. But, the story, from the first scene to the last, is a complete cliché.

The Star Cast:  John Abraham as the geeky shy man comes as a complete surprise. He acts well, manages to raise your eye brows many a times with his performance in the film. Pakhi, who also is successfully married to the director of the movie, as the caller acts like a pro. She expresses her emotions marvelously. Raghu Ram, as John’s neighbor is fantastic. He has mastered the art of making people laugh with his expressions and comic timing like anything. R. Madhvan as Pakhi’s ex is strictly OK!

The movie in parts is a complete bore but Abbas Tyrewala has handled the predictable yet fresh script superbly. His direction style is little unconventional. Mind the word little. But, he again couldn’t prevent himself from putting an ridiculous stunt scene in the end like he did in his directional debut Jaane Tu.. The cinematography is terrific. Music by A. R. Rahman is good. The supporting actors have done a brilliant job.

To conclude, I would just say, go for it for the performances and a few original and fresh scenes.

My Rating: 6/10

Thanks & Regards

Aakrosh

First of all, a warm welcome to Priyadarshan and Akshaye Khanna. Priyadarshan had stopped making good films years ago, he was busy making guaranteed super flops with Mr. Kumar. Akshaye Khanna had disappeared from films long time ago. Both have made a good comeback with Aakrosh. And, after a long, long time, bollywood has come up with a brilliant and meaningful movie. Aakrosh deals with the honor killing that has been prominent in a few villages for the past few years. The movie also discloses the actual truth behind these alleged honor killings and the real culprits behind them.   

Three students from New Delhi are found missing from the village called Jhaanjhar for the last two months. Two CBI officers ( Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna ) team up to find out the truth behind their disappearance. The Jhaanjhar village, crowded with numerous corrupt politicians is terrified with the attacks going on and the police force under the Superintendent officer( Paresh Rawal) does nothing. The CBI officers have had time doing the investigation as no one in the whole village is gutsy enough to speak against the attacks and the one who tries to open his mouth is abducted by those groups. Ajay Devgn, the hot blooded, loses his cool and takes some strong actions and Akshaye Khanna, the man with the brain, takes his chances and gambles. Hard work pays off well in the end and the truth finally comes out and the village then rests in peace.

The movie has taken its inspirations from the recent cases of honor killing but on the whole it’s a work of fiction.

Acting Department is ruled by Ajay Devgn and Paresh Rawal. Both are in top form in this movie. Both are trying to outdo each other with their strong expressions and dialogue delivery. Akshaye Khanna, too has acted well but Ajay Devgn and Paresh Rawal are the show stealers.  Reema Sen does well. Bipasha Basu is wasted. Action Sequences are top notch. The chasing scene between Ajay Devgn and a group leader is outstanding. Dialogues are awesome. A few of them even manage to bring a smile on your face and compel you to clap and praise! Cinematography is average. Editing could be better. Priyadarshan has directed the movie splendidly this time. He is sure to win many accolades this time. The only absurd part of the movie is the romantic song between Ajay Devgn and Bipasah Basu.

To conclude, I would say go for it as finally a good hindi movie has arrived (which actually is rare ) and for super strong performances of Ajay Devgn and Paresh Rawal.

My Rating: 8/10

Thanks and Regards.

Anjaana Anjaani

Some people never change. Indian Film makers' are a good example. In this industry most of the films are made only for commercial success. The makers give extra weightage to the star cast and publicity gimmicks.They copy rest from the films made in hollywood. From locations to songs to scenes. It's high time that they should stop testing the audience's patience. Anjaana Anjaani is not an exception. Even a part of the main story looks very similar to our own Jab We Met. 

Directed by Siddharth Anand( of Salaam Namaste and Bachna ae Haseeno fame) the film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. According to the story, Ranbir and Priyanka are fed up of their lives and they meet while trying to commit suicide. Things go wrong and they land up in the hospital. They try again but they fail. They, then postpone their suicide date and focus on completing one task which, according to them, was left unaccomplished and was preventing them from dying. At first, Priyanka's job is to lift up Ranbir's mood and later on it's Ranbir's job to lift up Priyanka's mood. A few insatiable events make the movie even more predictable, but a few scenes do surprise you and manage to bring a smile( or laugh for few ) on the audience's face. In the end, there seems to be no need of reminding you what happens in the end.

It would be good if Nadiadwala Grandsons stop producing films of this kind. They get highly predictable. It would be better if the makers put more focus on the script rather than on star cast and publicity gimmicks. Those movies bring more fame and money. 

Ranbir scores well in acting but everybody knows( including him ) he can do much much better than his performance in Anjaana Anjaani. His comic timing is good. His dance is good too. His physique does get a lot of wows from his female fans this time. Priyanka, look wise, is getting better minute by minute. She has a jaw-dropping looks in the movie. But again, we all know what Priyanka is capable of. She has given amazing performances in the recent past but she hasn't done justice to her role in the movie. Zayed Khan is unnoticeable as he has nothing to do in the movie. 

Direction, as mentioned above, could have been much much better. Cinematography is superb. Music by Vishal-Dadlani is good. Special mention for the song 'Hairat' sung by Lucky Ali which is exceptional. Supporting actors don't have anything to do in the movie but they carried off their part well. Editing was bad. The movie starts taking toll you in the second half. Dialogues at a few places are good and at a few places it is predictive and annoying.

To conclude, I would just say, go for it if you are a Ranbir or/and a Priyanka fan and ofcourse to see their chemistry in the movie( Only positive thing about the movie ).

My Rating: 5/10

Thanks & Regards 

  

Dabangg

"Don't watch it!" Everyone was heard quoting this sentence after coming out of the theater. Read further if you still think this movie is watchable. 
Abhinav Singh Kashyap has spoiled the name of his brother Anurag Kashyap. Salman Khan had raised the bar with his 'Wanted' but thwarted this time. Arbaaz Khan should finally retire and settle with his wife. Theater owners should stop buying these kind of movies which might force the viewers for a suicide attempt. The views may be harsh but Dabangg deserves it. 


Last year, Salman had struck the right chord with his 'Wanted'. He dreamed of repeating the success this year but failed miserably. Critics who have been giving this movie rave reviews should be slaughtered. There is absolutely nothing enjoyable in this movie. NOTHING! 


The story goes like this, a police officer who is self-proclaimed Robin Hood is crime hater. He can't withstand anything going wrong in his area. He likes to work alone. He calls the force after he completes all his job and gives them a speech which literally kills you every time. He is an expert in killing criminals while dancing on moronic tunes and showing incredible stunts which don't even exist in the world of Hollywood. He has a step brother who, like all the movies, is worthless. He has step father who doesn't like him and a 'Maa' who is the only one to love him. There is a villain(who actually is a wannabe hero) whose sole task is to get rid of Robin Hood. There is one super gorgeous heroine who had waited all her life only for Robin Hood to come and propose her and there are extras too who have only two jobs, either praise Robin Hood or die while fighting against him. In the end Robin Hood successfully completes all his jobs.


Salman has pledged while shooting for the movie that he shall try his best to aggravate the audience with his dialogue delivery, dance moves and action stunts. Salman, please don't attempt these tasks again. Arbaaz Khan has been slammed in the past, is being slammed for this movie, and shall be slammed forever(if he never stops acting in the movies). Sonu Sood as the villain is good. His scenes are what you call 'passable'. Débutante Sonakshi Sinha is gaudy, ravishing and gorgeous. Yeah, her acting was also good. Om Puri, Mahesh Manjerekar and Anupam Kher are wasted. Vinod Khanna did justice to his role. Dimple Kapadia failed to do the role of 'Maa'. 


Direction is vile, poor and feeble. Abhinav Kashyap should go and take direction classes first instead of copying from everywhere. Cinematography is good. Action sequences have been copied from The Matrix, Sherlock Holmes, Never Back Down and a few others. Dialogues are funny in some scenes but mostly they test your patience. Music has become popular because of weird lyrics and dance moves but it is not good. 


To conclude, I would just say, don't watch this movie, no matter how many good reviews you read. Albeit I know my opinions also don't matter much. 


My Rating: 2/10( one point for Sonu Sood and one point for Sonakshi Sinha) 


PS: If you complete watching this movie without banging your head, time for you to consult psychiatrist.


Thanks & Regards