DESPITE GOOD EFFORTS, ‘HALAHAL’ REMAINS A SURFACE LEVEL THRILLER Rating: 3/5Director Randeep Jha’s film starts off at an intriguing note, but gets plain and too routine on the wayHalahal opens with a crime chase sequence in dark in the raw and rustic ravines of Haryana.
It is a very intriguing setup for an opening sequence wherein you are immediately invested in the drama to unfold soon.
STORY/SCREENPLAY/GENERALThe concept by Sandeep Gade and the story by Zeishan Quadri are appealing at first.
But the film is a clear case of half-baked screenplay putting a good idea on the backseat.
The people involved are too polished and it seems a convenient affair for everyone of them.
Manu Rishi has a very brief appearance and he is just okay.
Rating: 4.5/5Director Nitin Kakkar not only throws light on a societal phenomenon but also weaves emotions in the fabric of hard workTechnology has eased lives.
But not for all those who thrived in a world not dependent on it.
These were the heydays of circus, an extinct notion today, where artists survived on pure hard work and passion.
Ram Singh Charlie pays an ode to those glorious circus times and also salutes the dedication of people working for it.
Reminding you of the DD1 show by Aziz Mirza and Kundan Shah in its primary foundation, the film transcends beyond to touch your hearts with deeply ingrained emotions.
Director Siddharth Anand offers a visually grand spectacle but in doing so, misses out on delivering strong contentThink of it.
If anyone today can match Hrithik Roshan in such a genre, it’s undoubtedly Tiger Shroff.
The film here itself scores distinction marks for bringing these two hunks together where both of them weigh equally.
Given the scale, War rests largely on these two men- be it in their physicality, their action abilities, or even their dancing reflexes.
While you enjoy every bit of what they do on screen in their individual capacities contributing to the larger scheme of things, you are left a little disappointed at what’s on offer in terms of potential of the content.PLOTA patriot turned rogue, Major Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) is now on a killing spree.
Who he is killing are not terrorists, but Indian agents, for which he is being sought on charges of treason.
Its this beautiful amalgamation of cinematic elements woven finely that you would literally forget to even munch on your popcorn.
And yes, with that one evergreen tune in the last sequence, Kapoor makes sure you go home with a smile.Sushant Singh Rajput, director Abhishek Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan on sets (image source: indianexpress.com)PLOTFlamboyant Mandakini aka Mukku (Sara Ali Khan), daughter of a local priest in Kedarnath falls in love with Mansoor (Sushant Singh Rajput), a pure hearted pitthoo (porter) who out of goodwill doesn’t hesitate a bit to let go a part of his own money from the yatris.
In the valley that is witnessing the arrival of hotels and lodges, their extreme love story meets a deadly calamity.READ ‘2.0’ MOVIE REVIEW HERESTORY/SCREENPLAY/GENERALBased on the real incident of devastating floods that happened in the state of Uttarakhand in June 2013, Abhishek Kapoor and Kanika Dhillon’s gripping story sets it’s characters amid the turbulent times.
You also get a glimpse into the lives of people residing in the area and how livelihood plays a role here in the plot- the local feel is authentic.
In fact, the locations, the floods, extremities, and the love story are so well connected that you just can’t separate them.Minor but evident attempts to show communal harmony and the class difference adding to the conflict serve as interesting elements to ensure your hearts keep beating.
While for most of the part you are in for a decent watch, its the last 30 mins of the film that shake you giving you goosebumps.
Rating: 4/5Director Ruchi Narain gives a contemporary film that is arguably one of the good ones to come out of Dharma ProductionsThe approach is urban.
The story tries to find out.Read ‘Kaamyaab’ Movie Review Here STORY/SCREENPLAY/GENERALWritten by Narain and Kanika Dhillon, with dialogues by Atika Chohan, the film brims with situations that bring out gender notions.
The back story, secrets, and the gradual revelations keep coming in as the film unfolds.Onsets of the film (image source: scroll.in)The writing is interesting for most of the first half.
Also, you do like to be hooked when your questions aren’t answered because the flow is right.But unfortunately, all the build-up doesn’t culminate into a convincing affair.
Also, she makes you remain at a distance, which comes naturally through her restricted portrayal.Manu Rishi Chadha, Niki Walia, Kunal Vijaykar, and Dalip Tahil have done fine.
They majorly add star appeal to the film, infusing confidence in the story.Taher Shabbir has done a decent job, although he could do better.
Rating: 3.5/5Director Rajesh Krishnan gives a masala entertainer that entertains you satisfactorilyThere are times when a film doesn’t say anything in particular.
This one here works on intelligently created situations and performances that glorify what’s on paper.PLOTA lower middle class printing press worker Nandan Kumar (Kunal Kemmu) accidentally finds a red suitcase containing 10 crore rupees.
Reluctantly, he brings it home, giving him a chance to change his mudane life full of struggles because of lack of money.
But the actual holders/claimers of money- a gangster, a politician, and a policeman begin their search for the money.STORY/SCREENPLAY/GENERALKapil Sawant and Rajesh Krishnan’s story is simple and there is not much of a novelty factor associated.
Scenes like where the auto driver says he has poor drawing skills or when he makes the sketch in the face of Shah Rukh Khan; or when particular references to animals are made- they bring a smile to your face.
He delivers a power packed performance here, saying so much through his impeccable body language and weird expressions.
Rating: 3.5/5Honey Trehan’s crime investigation film is like two clubbed episodes of Crime Patrol (not in a demeaning way) done a little betterThe trailer was sufficiently intriguing.
But not much as you would have loved it for.
Raat Akeli Hai is a tale of bade log, Badi Baate and through suspense and intrigue, tries to give you a thrilling experience.
What strikes you the most is the presence of powerhouse performers, giving not only the confidence but also a star appeal, needed to uplift the film.
Rating: 4.5/5Anu Menon’s directorial venture offers an attractive and interesting peak into the world of genius Indian mathematician, astrologer and authorStarting off with a brilliant opening sequence that hits you hard, the film promises to be much more than just a simple biopic.
The film paints the gifted mathematics wizard in capacities that one doesn’t know of, a very intelligent way to portray a person.Vidya Balan with Shakuntala Devi’s daughter Anupama Banerji (image source: indiatoday.com)PLOTThe film is based on the life of Shakuntala Devi (Vidya Balan), revered as the human computer.STORY/SCREENPLAY/GENERALTold through the eyes of Shakuntala Devi’s daughter Anupama, the story and screenplay is written by Menon herself and Nayanika Mahtani.
It’s a screenplay worth referring to time and again, to understand the brilliance of structure and elements that resonate with you.There is so much happening in the film, yet it never feels rushed.
A social commentary has been made without going overboard or preachy almost all throughout in a way that you ponder over it.
Simply genius of the writers to have done that.Right from the time when Shakuntala declares that she should be addressed as ‘appa’ of the house since she earns through her maths shows, to the time her aspirations rise way beyond her duties, the film covers a huge spectrum.
The film oscillates beautifully between such notions and all you can do is marvel the nuanced writing.Shakuntala Devi (left) and Vidya Balan (right) portraying her in the film (image source: jagran.com)The film is also a picture between a mother and her daughter.
While Rani Mukherji reprises the role of Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy and the track involving the menaces against women remains the same, the film takes a different route this time in the core essence.
But the way Puthran presents this comes with a pulling flair.Director Gopi Puthran and Rani Mukherji (image source: bollyy.com)PLOTA young boy rapes girls for the mere pleasure of it.
While the presentation floors you and you are immersed in whatever is shown to you, you also wish that the story should have been deeper and more layered.
Hats off to the makers for a wonderful characterisation, especially of such a brutal villain.
The narrative asks him to break the fourth wall and talk directly to you- something that stands out in the film and its technique of story telling.Puthran should also be credited for giving a rooted layer to the antagonist wherein he is not only the rapist.
The film shakes you with its claustrophobic appeal.There is however a particular sequence of a TV interview in the film that seems out place and not directly connected to the scheme of the story.
Rating: 4/5A film that is very strong in its messaging and intention but lacks a little in direction by Baba AzmiIn one scene of the film, a Hindu man says to his daughter- Jab ek Muslim ladki Indian dance seekh sakti hai, toh tum kyu nahi?
Mee Raqsam is a story that in all essence must be watched and understood by all, irrespective of the religion or caste you follow.
Her father Salim (Danish Husain) fully supports her in her wish walking even an extra mile to stand by her.
It is also the story of a father breaking the barriers of judgmental society, the story of his struggles and troubles he has to bear for the love of his child, the story of his ideals and principles.On the other hand, it is the story of selfish authoritarian society that tells you to behave in a certain manner, the story of forming prejudices and discriminating by means of harsh words or no words at all.Producer Shabana Azmi with her brother Baba Azmi, director of the film (image source: quint.com)There are portions of the film where the dialogues convey the bitter truth of society, effortlessly.
The character also has a growth, which unfolds in an interesting manner.
Right from a happy father to a troubled man with absolutely no money left, to also the time when he smiles towards the end, he has the most noteworthy character arc here.Naseeruddin Shah has a small but firm role.
Debutante director Hardik Mehta in Kaamyaab tells the story of side actors in film industry with Sanjay Mishra in the lead role
Rating: 4/5Director Ruchi Narain gives a contemporary film that is arguably one of the good ones to come out of Dharma ProductionsThe approach is urban.
The story tries to find out.Read ‘Kaamyaab’ Movie Review Here STORY/SCREENPLAY/GENERALWritten by Narain and Kanika Dhillon, with dialogues by Atika Chohan, the film brims with situations that bring out gender notions.
The back story, secrets, and the gradual revelations keep coming in as the film unfolds.Onsets of the film (image source: scroll.in)The writing is interesting for most of the first half.
Also, you do like to be hooked when your questions aren’t answered because the flow is right.But unfortunately, all the build-up doesn’t culminate into a convincing affair.
Also, she makes you remain at a distance, which comes naturally through her restricted portrayal.Manu Rishi Chadha, Niki Walia, Kunal Vijaykar, and Dalip Tahil have done fine.
They majorly add star appeal to the film, infusing confidence in the story.Taher Shabbir has done a decent job, although he could do better.
Rating: 3.5/5Director Rajesh Krishnan gives a masala entertainer that entertains you satisfactorilyThere are times when a film doesn’t say anything in particular.
This one here works on intelligently created situations and performances that glorify what’s on paper.PLOTA lower middle class printing press worker Nandan Kumar (Kunal Kemmu) accidentally finds a red suitcase containing 10 crore rupees.
Reluctantly, he brings it home, giving him a chance to change his mudane life full of struggles because of lack of money.
But the actual holders/claimers of money- a gangster, a politician, and a policeman begin their search for the money.STORY/SCREENPLAY/GENERALKapil Sawant and Rajesh Krishnan’s story is simple and there is not much of a novelty factor associated.
Scenes like where the auto driver says he has poor drawing skills or when he makes the sketch in the face of Shah Rukh Khan; or when particular references to animals are made- they bring a smile to your face.
He delivers a power packed performance here, saying so much through his impeccable body language and weird expressions.
Rating: 3.5/5Honey Trehan’s crime investigation film is like two clubbed episodes of Crime Patrol (not in a demeaning way) done a little betterThe trailer was sufficiently intriguing.
But not much as you would have loved it for.
Raat Akeli Hai is a tale of bade log, Badi Baate and through suspense and intrigue, tries to give you a thrilling experience.
What strikes you the most is the presence of powerhouse performers, giving not only the confidence but also a star appeal, needed to uplift the film.
DESPITE GOOD EFFORTS, ‘HALAHAL’ REMAINS A SURFACE LEVEL THRILLER Rating: 3/5Director Randeep Jha’s film starts off at an intriguing note, but gets plain and too routine on the wayHalahal opens with a crime chase sequence in dark in the raw and rustic ravines of Haryana.
It is a very intriguing setup for an opening sequence wherein you are immediately invested in the drama to unfold soon.
STORY/SCREENPLAY/GENERALThe concept by Sandeep Gade and the story by Zeishan Quadri are appealing at first.
But the film is a clear case of half-baked screenplay putting a good idea on the backseat.
The people involved are too polished and it seems a convenient affair for everyone of them.
Manu Rishi has a very brief appearance and he is just okay.
Rating: 4.5/5Anu Menon’s directorial venture offers an attractive and interesting peak into the world of genius Indian mathematician, astrologer and authorStarting off with a brilliant opening sequence that hits you hard, the film promises to be much more than just a simple biopic.
The film paints the gifted mathematics wizard in capacities that one doesn’t know of, a very intelligent way to portray a person.Vidya Balan with Shakuntala Devi’s daughter Anupama Banerji (image source: indiatoday.com)PLOTThe film is based on the life of Shakuntala Devi (Vidya Balan), revered as the human computer.STORY/SCREENPLAY/GENERALTold through the eyes of Shakuntala Devi’s daughter Anupama, the story and screenplay is written by Menon herself and Nayanika Mahtani.
It’s a screenplay worth referring to time and again, to understand the brilliance of structure and elements that resonate with you.There is so much happening in the film, yet it never feels rushed.
A social commentary has been made without going overboard or preachy almost all throughout in a way that you ponder over it.
Simply genius of the writers to have done that.Right from the time when Shakuntala declares that she should be addressed as ‘appa’ of the house since she earns through her maths shows, to the time her aspirations rise way beyond her duties, the film covers a huge spectrum.
The film oscillates beautifully between such notions and all you can do is marvel the nuanced writing.Shakuntala Devi (left) and Vidya Balan (right) portraying her in the film (image source: jagran.com)The film is also a picture between a mother and her daughter.
Rating: 4.5/5Director Nitin Kakkar not only throws light on a societal phenomenon but also weaves emotions in the fabric of hard workTechnology has eased lives.
But not for all those who thrived in a world not dependent on it.
These were the heydays of circus, an extinct notion today, where artists survived on pure hard work and passion.
Ram Singh Charlie pays an ode to those glorious circus times and also salutes the dedication of people working for it.
Reminding you of the DD1 show by Aziz Mirza and Kundan Shah in its primary foundation, the film transcends beyond to touch your hearts with deeply ingrained emotions.
While Rani Mukherji reprises the role of Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy and the track involving the menaces against women remains the same, the film takes a different route this time in the core essence.
But the way Puthran presents this comes with a pulling flair.Director Gopi Puthran and Rani Mukherji (image source: bollyy.com)PLOTA young boy rapes girls for the mere pleasure of it.
While the presentation floors you and you are immersed in whatever is shown to you, you also wish that the story should have been deeper and more layered.
Hats off to the makers for a wonderful characterisation, especially of such a brutal villain.
The narrative asks him to break the fourth wall and talk directly to you- something that stands out in the film and its technique of story telling.Puthran should also be credited for giving a rooted layer to the antagonist wherein he is not only the rapist.
The film shakes you with its claustrophobic appeal.There is however a particular sequence of a TV interview in the film that seems out place and not directly connected to the scheme of the story.
Director Siddharth Anand offers a visually grand spectacle but in doing so, misses out on delivering strong contentThink of it.
If anyone today can match Hrithik Roshan in such a genre, it’s undoubtedly Tiger Shroff.
The film here itself scores distinction marks for bringing these two hunks together where both of them weigh equally.
Given the scale, War rests largely on these two men- be it in their physicality, their action abilities, or even their dancing reflexes.
While you enjoy every bit of what they do on screen in their individual capacities contributing to the larger scheme of things, you are left a little disappointed at what’s on offer in terms of potential of the content.PLOTA patriot turned rogue, Major Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) is now on a killing spree.
Who he is killing are not terrorists, but Indian agents, for which he is being sought on charges of treason.
Rating: 4/5A film that is very strong in its messaging and intention but lacks a little in direction by Baba AzmiIn one scene of the film, a Hindu man says to his daughter- Jab ek Muslim ladki Indian dance seekh sakti hai, toh tum kyu nahi?
Mee Raqsam is a story that in all essence must be watched and understood by all, irrespective of the religion or caste you follow.
Her father Salim (Danish Husain) fully supports her in her wish walking even an extra mile to stand by her.
It is also the story of a father breaking the barriers of judgmental society, the story of his struggles and troubles he has to bear for the love of his child, the story of his ideals and principles.On the other hand, it is the story of selfish authoritarian society that tells you to behave in a certain manner, the story of forming prejudices and discriminating by means of harsh words or no words at all.Producer Shabana Azmi with her brother Baba Azmi, director of the film (image source: quint.com)There are portions of the film where the dialogues convey the bitter truth of society, effortlessly.
The character also has a growth, which unfolds in an interesting manner.
Right from a happy father to a troubled man with absolutely no money left, to also the time when he smiles towards the end, he has the most noteworthy character arc here.Naseeruddin Shah has a small but firm role.
Debutante director Hardik Mehta in Kaamyaab tells the story of side actors in film industry with Sanjay Mishra in the lead role
Its this beautiful amalgamation of cinematic elements woven finely that you would literally forget to even munch on your popcorn.
And yes, with that one evergreen tune in the last sequence, Kapoor makes sure you go home with a smile.Sushant Singh Rajput, director Abhishek Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan on sets (image source: indianexpress.com)PLOTFlamboyant Mandakini aka Mukku (Sara Ali Khan), daughter of a local priest in Kedarnath falls in love with Mansoor (Sushant Singh Rajput), a pure hearted pitthoo (porter) who out of goodwill doesn’t hesitate a bit to let go a part of his own money from the yatris.
In the valley that is witnessing the arrival of hotels and lodges, their extreme love story meets a deadly calamity.READ ‘2.0’ MOVIE REVIEW HERESTORY/SCREENPLAY/GENERALBased on the real incident of devastating floods that happened in the state of Uttarakhand in June 2013, Abhishek Kapoor and Kanika Dhillon’s gripping story sets it’s characters amid the turbulent times.
You also get a glimpse into the lives of people residing in the area and how livelihood plays a role here in the plot- the local feel is authentic.
In fact, the locations, the floods, extremities, and the love story are so well connected that you just can’t separate them.Minor but evident attempts to show communal harmony and the class difference adding to the conflict serve as interesting elements to ensure your hearts keep beating.
While for most of the part you are in for a decent watch, its the last 30 mins of the film that shake you giving you goosebumps.