UberReelz ..CRITICal Stuff !!

MOVIE - UNNAI POL ORUVAN ( Tamil , 2009 )

Director : Chakri Toleti

Cast : Kamal Haasan , Mohan Lal , Lakshmi

Well , what can I say ... What do you expect when you get a movie with the stalwarts of Indian Cinema coming together... A scorcher .. and a scorcher is what you get folks.. Ladies and Gentlemen , Unnai Pol Oruvan ( UPO ) , the remake of " A Wednesday " brings together Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal.

UPO portrays the events which unfold on one fateful day in the city of Chennai. The entire movie revolves around Kamal Haasan , who threatens to blow up bombs which he has placed in different spots. He deals with Chennai's Police Chief , played by Mohanlal , upon whom the duty to save the city is vested upon .

Brilliantly shot , UPO is an absolute treat for cinema lovers.. Although the movie remains faithful to the original movie , certain subtle changes have been made to make it more of a Tamil oriented movie. UPO shows what can possibly happen when a man representing the common public is so disgruntled by certain aspects of the Country , especially when extreme threats are posed to National Security.

I don't feel the need to elaborate any further on a simple story . The story is definitely an innovative one , and although it does belong to the "anti-establishment " genre of movies , if I can call it that , this movie is not a preachy one with a dozen punches about Deshbhakti etc thrown in .

UPO certainly pretty much sums up the sorry state of affairs in today's world , especially the Terrorism aspect . There are certain similarities at least concept wise to movies based on vigilante-justice , however UPO does not preach it in any way. A very simple plot sometimes forces the Director to normally resort to unwanted means to bring in the audiences , and thankfully the Director does not do any of that in UPO.. No songs , no item numbers , no separate comedy track . It is just a clean , honest and well intended jibe at today's world , especially India , which bears the brunt of terrorism from across the border.

The screenplay does appear to sag just a little bit in the first half , but it definitely grips you from the beginning. Not much of unwarranted scenes , and this helps in keeping the viewer hooked to the proceedings on-screen.

UPO is a fine example of how you do not need a comedian to make the viewers laugh. The witty dialogues are enough to bring out a chuckle from the audiences. Watch out for the scene where an actor / wannabe politician , asks Mohanlal for extra security . That was such a direct shot at the Illaya Thalapathy Vijay , and this scene had the theatre in splits. It is moments like these which provide some humor , a break from the more serious sequences which constitute the bulk of the movie. However it is the serious moments which linger even after exiting the Theatre...

UPO is one movie , which requires the audience to pay close attention and relish the finer aspects of film making. The reference to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks are evident in a few parts of the movie. The references to vote bank politics and other such things are all well portrayed.

UPO practically covers every problem which the country faces , right from Terrorism which is the crux of the movie , to Inflation , in that wonderfully shot scene where Kamal picks up a tomato which has fallen in dirt . Even though it touches upon so many problems , it does not come across as a preachy , documentary kind of movie at all. Another standout scene has to be the one where Lakshmi , who plays the role of Tamil Nadu's Chief Secretary , tries to pass on the responsibility of dealing with the situation to Mohanlal.

Acting.. Well do I really have to comment on this aspect ? Mohanlal , as the Police Chief is an absolute delight to watch . Lalettan , India's best actor after Kamal, simply shines in all sequences , and is a picture of dignity and Straightforwardness throughout the movie. He has obviously enjoyed playing the role and the theatre went mad when he said " Not only Kerala , Tamil Nadu is also my Nadu "..

The supporting cast too have come up with good performances to backup Lalettan and Kamal . Lakshmi is absolutely natural as the Chief Secretary and other characters like the Police Inspectors Sethu and Arif , the Cigarette wielding TV Reporter , have all added value to the movie. Not forgetting that imitation of the voice of the Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi , whom we only get to hear over the phone :)

Now .. The Ulaga Nayagan himself.. an amazing performance as always from undoubtedly India's BEST ACTOR EVER .. Portraying as simple a character as the Common Man , might be easy when you think about it. Believe me , it is a very tough one. And when you realize how every emotion , ranging from Anger , to disillusionment with the system , to grief , needs to be portrayed all together , I can't think of anyone who fits the bill more than Kamal Haasan. He has underperformed his role to perfection . And those clever dialogues in that brilliant voice of his , man , what an actor :)

Background music is nothing great to be honest . But the songs which were released , were amazing stuff , from Shruti Haasan , who makes a very impressive debut as Music Director in UPO. I would have been delighted if the songs were played in the background , but sadly we don't get to hear them that frequently , except in a few places.

Cinematography and other technical aspects are excellent as in most Kamal films , as he has impeccable standards which he sets for his movies. In my opinion , the dialogues are the best thing about the movie. "Brilliant" is an under-statement , as far as the dialogues are concerned.

Finally comparisons with " A Wednesday " .. Well , all I can say is if you have seen the original then this one probably loses out on the novelty factor when you watch it , cos the Director has remained faithful to a massive extent , and thus the "josh" is tough to experience , but the superb and clever dialogues definitely make up for it. But if you have not seen the original , am certain you shall love UPO.

Overall I shall go with 4 out of 5 for this excellent movie .. not only is Kamal's character the " new face of terror" , it also represents the new face of Indian cinema.. Bold , innovative , and delightful.

P.S . Am sure many people will not notice this when you watch the movie. But I beg you to watch out for this.. The stand out moment is a scene where Mohanlal watches his men dress up in protective gear and then says " These are the latest bulletproof vests.. Thanks to Mr.Karkare ". That dialogue is simple , yet magical for those who really experienced the trauma of their fellow citizens , when the dastardly attacks on Mumbai and other places happened. And in certain ways , it makes the movie appear as a tribute to those unsung heroes who laid down their lives fighting for us .. You and me.. The common man.. Unnai Pol Oruvan..

VERDICT : 4 / 5 ( Excellent )

KANCHIVARAM – MOVIE REVIEW

KANCHIVARAM ( TAMIL , 2009)

Director : Priyadarshan

Cast : Prakash Raj , Shreya Reddy

Frankly speaking , my opinion about Priyadarshan has changed after this movie . He had always come across as a person who makes cheap Bollywood entertainers. I knew he had made some brilliant films , but I never had the opportunity to watch them..

“Kanchivaram” is set in the year 1948 , only a few months after India's Independence. It shows the story of Venkatam ( Prakash Raj ) , one of the town's best silk weavers . The movie highlights the neglected lives of these weavers , who produce some of the costliest and finest silk sarees , but do not have the money to make some fine clothes for themselves , thanks to the attitude of the businessmen.

Venkatam is married to a beautiful young lady ( Shreya Reddy) , and they have a daughter child Thamarai .Venkatam makes a vow to dress his daughter in a silk saree , during her marriage . The entire community is shocked , as Venkatam simply does not have the money to afford such a huge gift for Thamarai. What happens next follows the rest of the story... Will Venkatam succeed in fulfilling his promise ?

Remarkably picturized in a rural ambience , Kanchivaram portrays the emotional turmoil of Venkatam , as he reminisces about his past , when traveling as a convict from Madras to Kanchivaram.

The movie is definitely one of the finest Tamil movies made this decade. The Director has done a splendid job , treating such a delicate storyline , with utmost care . Venkatam's fixation towards Communism is easily the best part of the movie , something which drives the story forward , ensuring that the movie does not become something like a father-daughter flick.

The movie is one of those rare Tamil flicks , which thankfully don't succumb to formula driven concepts , with half-dozen songs thrown in. It is a very mature movie , and focuses more on characterization rather than trying to bring audiences to the theaters.

Acting by the support cast , is excellent , and all the cast members have done justice to their roles. Right from the Communist Revolutionary to the Silk Merchant , to the Police constable whose Hat Emblem gets dislodged , everyone adds value to the movie.

However the best thing about the movie , has to be Prakash Raj playing the role of Venkatam , the Silk Weaver . One of India's finest actors ,he brings so much life into the movie , with an underplayed and subdued role , which he has played to perfection. This is one character which takes you for a ride across varying emotions. The happy joyful new father , who promises to get a silk saree for Thamarai .. the sorrowful son who loses his father , the fierce orator during the Communist uprising , Prakash Raj has done a commendable job , as always . This is the Prakash Raj I wanna see , not someone playing the stereotyped villain in some B-Grade Telugu movie...

Thankfully , there are no songs in the movie except one soulful rendition by the ladies when Thamarai is born .

Cinematography is the strong point which drives the movie . Every frame is so natural and rich , making the movie a visual treat in every sense of the word.

However , the screenplay could prove to be the movie's drawback. The problem with the movie is that , the actual story could have been made into a movie running for half an hour , but it has been extended to an almost 2 hours long flick . Not boring definitely , but you will surely feel that the movie could have been a lot crisper. No issues anyway , as am used to slow movies. But , this wont go down well with the mass seeking audience . The climax sequence sums up the hardships of the weaver , in a beautifully executed last few frames. But people in the audience were making a mockery of this wonderful scene.

I will go with 4 out of 5 for this fine movie . I would have gone with a straight 4.5 out of 5 , only if the movie had been crisp . This movie is very strongly recommended for serious movie lovers , but is a definite no-no for people who want to have a good time in the theaters.

VERDICT : 4 / 5 ( EXCELLENT)

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Director : David Fincher

Cast : Brad Pitt , Cate Blanchett

Life... something which we all take for granted. Little do we realize , how blessed we are , for this wonderful gift.

" The curious case of Benjamin Button " takes up this brilliant concept of life , and changes it into a spectacular portrayal of the life of a man. not an ordinary man... An extraordinary being in every sense of the word.

Benjamin Button ( Brad Pitt) is born on the day America wins the War , to wealthy parents , but is abandoned , as he is unique.. not in a positive way , but in a seemingly gruesome manner. He is born as an old man , and ages in reverse. He is taken care of , by a kind African-American family.

What follows , is the extraordinary life of this man. shot across varying periods , this movie holds you till the last minute.

There is every possibility that many things could go awfully wrong , with such a complex subject like this one. but thankfully , there are hardly any flaws in the movie.

Brilliantly crafted by the Director , with help from some superb special effects , "The curious case of Benjamin Button" is an unique movie , as unique as its protagonist.

There is a brilliant sequence in the first few minutes of the movie. An expert clock maker installs a clock in the Railway Station ... and this clock runs backwards , in reverse. This pretty much sums up Button's life.

The movie has its share of comedy,drama,romance and even action , in a brief war sequence.

Traversing through the life of Benjamin Button , the film shows him as an old man , a middle aged person , a ship helper , a young man , and a kid all in a brilliant fashion.

The romantic interlude between Benjamin and Daisy ( Cate Blanchett ) are the best parts of the movie , with some amazing dialogues.

Screenplay is not exactly fast , but at a running length of 2 Hours 43 Minutes , you still wont feel bored , once you start realizing and experiencing the magic unfolding in front of you.

Acting by Cate Blanchett as Daisy , is superb and this movie is yet another example of her versatility. Brad Pitt is an absolute treat to watch. Although he was a bit of a let down in the middle-aged sequences , the places where he plays an old man , and later on a young person , are examples of Pitt's brilliant acting. His subtle expressions in the scene where he voices his concern about taking care of his kid , will melt any heart.

But the real stars of the movie , have to be the supporting cast members , whose lives collide with Button , during his extraordinary journey . The kind Queenie who adopts Benjamin , the old man who has been struck 7 times by lightning , the ship captain and many more lively characters , all add special value to the movie.

I will go with 4 out of 5 , for this superb movie , which I never believed would be this interesting considering its length.

The last frame , showing the backwards running clock , is a stark reminder of Button's life , which is definitely curious , to say the least.

VERDICT : 4 / 5 ( Superb !! Highly recommended)

DELHI 6 - MOVIE REVIEW

DELHI 6 ( Hindi , 2009)

Director : Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Cast : Abhishek Bachchan , Sonam Kapoor , Waheeda Rahman , Rishi Kapoor

Delhi 6 is one of the early biggies to hit the screen this year . Directed by the man who gave us "Rang De Basanti " , Delhi 6 is a passionate tribute to the old world charm of Delhi's Chandni Chowk.

Roshan (Abhishek Bachchan) lives in New York , and comes to Delhi , to drop his ailing Grandmother (Waheeda Rahman) , who wishes to spend her last few days in Delhi. Roshan initially wants to just spend a few days and leave , but gradually finds himself falling in love with the warmth and vibrancy of Delhi .

There is no story as such , and the film is all about varying emotions. There is a small , beautiful love story with Bittu ( Sonam Kapoor ), a bubbly , energetic lass who aspires to be an Indian Idol. The Monkey-man who terrorized Delhi a few years ago has been used to take the movie forward.

What the Director wants to portray is never really explained , till the Intermission stage. The movie comes across a comic portrayal of the eccentricities of Delhi's Chandni Chowk. Humour is inherent all through the movie , ranging from innocent family camaraderie , to some wildly suggestive humor in that scene in which Cyrus Sahukar hots up things with an already married woman.

Every aspect of Chandni Chowk has been captured in great detail by the Director. Be it the local sweet shop , or the Ram Leela festivities , an enormous amount of work has gone into creating the rustic charm of the locality.

Characterization is the strong point of the movie . Roshan is an initially sceptic person , who finds it tough to understand why a cow giving birth in the middle of the road is such a big event in the locality . But later on , he falls in love with the varying aspects of old-world Delhi. Bittu , is from an orthodox family , which tries its best to stop her from pursuing her dreams of making it big on Indian Idol , and in the process , tries to make alliances with some stone faced men.

The movie is definitely flawed . Now , making the audience guess what's in store for them is one thing.. But convincing the audience that there will be SOMETHING in store is a completely different game altogether, and this is where I felt the movie faltered. What are the actual intentions behind the movie , never really translates on screen during the first half. It is only later on during post-interval stage that the audience realizes what the Director was trying to say all this while.

Screenplay is not exactly jet speed material , but it is definitely tolerable , especially in the absence of a concrete storyline backing the movie. But cinematography in this one , is a visual treat in every sense of the word. Some truly awesome shots, like that of the Namaz at Jama Masjid , the Ram Leela Festivities , keep you spellbound.

Music is by Oscar Nominee A.R.Rahman ( nominee as on February 20th 2009 @ 11:42 PM , hoping he wins it for "Slumdog Millionaire" in a few days time from now ) . Some truly amazing songs keep up the vibrant mood of the movie. The best one has to be the "Masakali" number , which has been making waves.

Acting by Bachchan Junior is an effort to be appreciated . The character is one sans dramatics , and he has underplayed his role , and easily fits into an NRI character , albeit with a dodgy accent. Sonam Kapoor is alluring beyond limits . The bubbly character of Bittu fits her to a T . Though the role offers not much scope for acting potential , she has done a neat job. The "Masakali" number picturized on this lovely lady , almost made me fall in love with her .

However the strongest pillars of this movie have to be the supporting cast members . Waheeda Rahman as the ailing Granny is a delight to watch , as she fills the screen with her lovely grace . Rishi Kapoor as the advice rendering neighbor is brilliant. Vijay Raaz as the corrupt , ruthless cop is as reliable as ever. Atul Kulkarni is the best among the support cast . Om Puri ,I felt , was wasted , but still his role was strong enough to keep audiences happy. There are a host of other small characters who you adore as the movie progresses , like the gossiping housewives , the local sweet shop wallah , and the garbage cleaner .

The Director vents his heart against some menaces still plaguing the society , like untouchability , communalism etc in the most delicate manner possible . I felt the sequence where Waheeda Rahman is mad at AB Junior , for touching the garbage girl , was one of the finest moments of the movie. It is moments like these , which appear all through the movie , which make this movie watchable , as it lacks a convincing plot.

The climax was a bit of a let down , with an unwarranted sequence in Heaven , with the Big B thrown in for good measure. However , the climax does not disappoint , as there are many scenes which are not even half as good as the so-so climax. I hate to say this , but this is a consolation of sorts.

Delhi 6 is definitely not a great movie . But it deserves to be watched for the subtle treatment meted out to Delhi's old word charm.

I will go with 3 out of 5 for "Delhi 6" , which could have been much better and also much worse at the same time. You will understand why when you get to watch it.

VERDICT : 3 / 5 ( Definitely worth a watch )

NAAN KADAVUL – MOVIE REVIEW

NAAN KADAVUL (Tamil,2009)

Director : Bala

Cast : Arya , Pooja

This movie had been delayed for a long time , and increased curiosity levels to an all time high. It has finally hit the screens thankfully , and the best part is , it has justified all the hype and massive expectations surrounding it.

Bala , who gave us gems like Sethu, Pithamagan, Nandha has yet again proved why he is still considered a force to reckon with , in spite of the long time delays associated with his projects.

“Naan Kadavul” starts off with some beautifully filmed sequences in the Holy Town of Kasi. A father , heeds the words of astrologer , who tells him that his son will be a bane to the family , as his stars are not proper. Unable to live with such a burden , the father takes his son to Kasi , and abandons him there . 15 years later , the father returns to Kasi , hoping to locate his son , and persuade him to return to his native town MalaiKovil in Tamil Nadu.

His son , has now turned out to be an Aghori Sadhu. These people are extremely unique , and their ideals are beyond the comprehension of normal people like us . Rudra (Arya) agrees to return home , on the orders of his Spiritual Guru. What happens when Rudra returns to his roots , forms the rest of the story.

Contrary to all expectations , “Naan Kadavul” is not all about Rudra alone. We then realize that the temple town of Malai Kovil , is home to a huge and disgusting beggary racket. In fact this forms the major part of the story . These beggars are controlled by the ruthless Muthalali , the crooked villain , who manipulates the lives of these beggars , and makes a tidy fortune everyday , from their earnings.

The movie focuses largely on the helpless lives of these poor beggars. Later on in the movie , Hamsavalli (Pooja) a blind beggar , is forced to join this racket. There is no story as such , to be frank. If you are expecting a straight tale to unfold on screen , you are in for a shock. Somewhere down the line the characters of Rudra , Hamsavalli and the beggary racketeer all collide , culminating in a stunning climax.

The movie has been painstakingly filmed. The effort which has gone into making the movie is obvious right from frame 1 . The lives of the Mystical Aghori Cult of Kasi has obviously been subject to some intense research . I myself had extensively browsed the Internet to read about the cult , a few weeks before the movie came out. The ideals of these people are portrayed in an excellent manner , albeit only for a brief period , as only the first few sequences are set in Kasi .

Venturing out to make a movie on such a distinct concept is a huge achievement in itself , and Bala's touch is evident all through the movie . He belongs to the rare breed of Directors who believe in making serious , realistic movies.



What I really liked about the movie was the secondary significance of the actual story . The beggars pathetic lives is given priority , and the story in itself , takes a backseat. The magic of the movie lies in the fact that despite the absence of a functional plot , the movie keeps growing on the viewer. The emotional turmoil of these poor souls , makes for some very disturbing viewing.

Technically , every aspect of “Naan Kadavul” is top notch . Each frame , be it the opening frames of the Holy Town of Kasi , or the town of Malai Kovil is so rich in every detail. The close up sequences of the Bhaang smoking Rudra , muttering Sacred Chants or the portrayal of some seriously disabled beggars are all filmed brilliantly.

Music by Maestro Illaiyaraja is another highlight . Be it the vintage style of “Pichaipathiram” or the high energy “Om Shiva Om” , every song is classic Raja Sir . His songs blend so well with the storyline, and as with all of Bala's movies , there are no unwanted songs thrown at you.

Screenplay is as fast as lightning. Even with the lack of a concrete storyline , the movie grips you , thanks to Bala's magic.

However , the best thing about “Naan Kadavul” has to be the acting. Pooja is brilliant as the blind beggar , with a divine voice. She is easily one of Kollywood's most beautiful heroines , and even sans make up , there is something special about her . She shines in a completely de-glamorized role. The climax scene in which she bares her heart , in completely tattered clothes is easily one of the best scenes of the movie.

Arya as the Aghori Sadhu Rudra is superb . This is easily the role of a lifetime , and Arya has proved his worth . He smokes Bhaang at will , shouts at his father , pushes his mother in anger when she tries to touch him. Easily one of the most unique characters to grace the silver screen , the sheer energy which he brings into his role deserves accolades. The role fits him to a T . The long beard , the flowing mane and those piercing eyes will make everyone sit and take notice of this young actor , who deserves to be lauded for accepting such a different and complex role.


But , the real stars of the movies are the beggars . Some of them are completely deformed and will definitely strike a chord with the viewers. In fact there is a small,deformed beggar kid , whose cheekiness made the entire theater burst out laughing . Bala simply does not stop at showing how physically appalling these beggars are , but also goes one step ahead in bringing out their humane emotions .

These beggars too are humans like us . If you are expecting a documentary like portrayal of these poor souls , you are going to be surprised . The movie does not have a separate comedy track like all of Bala's films. There are some truly hilarious moments , in which the beggars poke fun at themselves . They are resigned to their fate no doubt , but the subtlety of their characters , is so beautifully brought out. Yes, the scenes involving the beggars makes the movie very disturbing overall. But they also provide some comic relief from the dark mood . Watch out for the scene in which Tamil Actors , especially MGR are spoofed in the Police Station... Rib-tickling !!!

Overall the movie leaves the viewer completely disturbed after watching it . This is not an entertainer , mind it. Bala's movies always ensure that you are made to feel bad about something in the movie. This one is no exception . The plight of the poor beggars is very disturbing . And add to it some serious violence , portrayed by Arya , especially towards the latter stages of the movie , it is not a movie for the weak hearted.

This is easily one of the best Tamil movies to hit the screen , for a long time . And coming from Bala , I expected nothing less .

However , am sure that the movie will not go down well with a sizable portion of the movie-going audience. Those who want to go to a movie just to be entertained , will be disappointed. Those ignorant to the problems faced by the lower strata of society , will hate it even more.

This is for a very mature audience , and strictly not for die hard fans of so called “actors” , who are given some mindless sobriquets , whose movies they make these days, can hardly be termed “watchable”. Thanks to Directors like Bala , Tamil Cinema still holds its head high.

A very disturbing film , this will easily go down as one of the classics of Tamil Cinema . Watch it to appreciate some truly brilliant performances from every single cast member , be it the Mystic Arya , the ruthless villain , or the cheeky little beggar . But more than anything else , watch it for Bala's magic. He is evidently the man with the Midas touch .

I will go with 4.5 out of 5 for Bala's “Naan Kadavul” , a movie to be seen and truly appreciated. A must – watch . Congrats Bala Sir , you have done it again !!!!

VERDICT : Uber ( 4.5 / 5 )

LUCK BY CHANCE - MOVIE REVIEW

LUCK BY CHANCE (Hindi , 2009)

Director : Zoya Akhtar

Cast : Farhan Akhtar , Konkona Sen Sharma, Rishi Kapoor , Juhi Chawla , Dimple Kapadia ,Isha Sharvani

One of the first big releases of 2009 , there was a lot of expectation riding on this one. "Luck by chance" is first-time Director Zoya Akhtar's portrayal of the Hindi film industry.

Vikram Jaisingh (Farhan Akhtar)is a young aspiring actor from Delhi , who comes to Mumbai, hoping to make it big in the Film Industry . Same is the case with Sona (Konkona Sen Sharma), who leaves her family in Kanpur and comes to Mumbai , chasing the same dreams as Vikram . How a chance meeting between vikram and Sona blossoms into a relationship , and the various struggles and hardships which they have to endure in the cruel world of Cinema , is what the movie is all about.

The movie is a honest and straight forward take on the Film Industry in Mumbai . A place where the seemingly inevitable casting couch still exists , a place where failed actors become Directors and are openly "influenced" by Hollywood movies , where friends wont think twice about ditching you.

The movie came across as cliched while watching it , but looking back there was a sense of realism in it. Half of Bollywood pitches in with cameos and guest appearances. Rishi Kapoor ( Romi Rolly) the film-maker is easily the best member of the large , over-sized supporting cast . His antics make you laugh , and although his character might appear stereotyped , he has come up with such a natural performance. Dimple Kapadia as the yesteryear hottie Neena Walia is superb .

Isha Sharvani as Nikki Walia , Neena's young daughter is quite a revelation . The role requires her to come across a not-so-bright starlet , and she pulls it off well. Hrithik Roshan as Zafar Khan , the Superstar is delightful. Konkona Sen Sharma as Sona has done a remarkable job , as the aspiring actress who is ditched by her apparent Godfather .

Farhan Akhtar as Vikram is the best thing about the movie . He never resorts to over the top acting and underplays his role with ease. He shines in the comedy sequences and is equally good when it comes to portraying the emotional turmoil of a struggling actor.

The screenplay is the weak point of the movie , especially in the first half. The first half is definitely a drag , even though we have some interesting characters in the support cast. The movie picks up steam in the last 15 minutes of the first half , and the momentum is maintained post-interval too , thankfully.

A few of the characters in the support cast could have been cut down or done away with , as they dont really keep you interested , in a few annoying sequences. Although Zoya Akhtar has made an earnest effort to justify the inclusion of each character , it is sadly reduced to an exercise in celebrity-spotting , inspite of the well intended characterization.

Technically this movie is top notch . Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy deserves a word of praise . The songs blend perfectly with the storyline , and thankfully there are no song sequences which pop up at the most unwanted points.

At first glance , the movie definitely appears stereotyped and cliched. But in retrospect , this is not the case . Each sequence is just so synonymous with the wide,ugly world of Hindi Cinema,that it looks cliched ,but it is not so.

The most defining aspect of the movie has to be , hold your breath .. The Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan himself. He appears in a very brief cameo and passes on some words of wisdom to the young actor Vikram , who has just tasted his first dose of success. SRK is at his charming best , no doubt. But more than his impeccable style , I really liked his very brief conversation with Farhan . Words which are not synonymous with fame and movies alone , but so true in every aspect of the wider context called life. Watch the movie and you will know what I mean.

The movie is a mature and earnest attempt by debutante Director Zoya Akhtar . Yes there are quite a few flaws , like the screenplay in the first half , and some truly unwarranted sequences . I was a bit disappointed that such a strong attempt at making a good movie , has been reduced to an exercise in celebrity-spotting , in a few scenes.

If you can sit back and patiently watch the first half , the second half definitely makes up for the shortcomings of the pre-interval phase.

I will go with 3.5 out of 5 , for this mature film , which might appear stereotyped at first glance , but looking back, there was a lot more to it. Zoya Akhtar Maam , good job :)

VERDICT : 3.5 / 5 (PRETTY GOOD)

FROST / NIXON - MOVIE REVIEW

FROST / NIXON – (English,2008)

Director : Ron Howard

Cast : Frank Langella , Michael Sheen , Kevin Bacon , Sam Rockwell

Frost / Nixon is Director Ron Howard's portrayal of the aftermath of the Watergate Scandal , which rocked America in the 70's . President Richard Nixon was forced to resign following a series of allegations against him.

The film focuses on a series of interviews , by David Frost (Michael Sheen) , a British TV presenter , with Richard Nixon ( Frank Langella) . The President had never apologized even after his resignation , for his misdeeds. Now Frost is on a mission... to force an apology from America's first ever President to resign from Office.

The initial stages of the movie deal with the Watergate Scandal itself , and slowly moves on to the setting up of the Interviews. It is only towards the latter stages of the film that we actually get to see these Interviews between Frost and Nixon.

A lot of time has been spent in establishing the characters. We realize that Frost is a maverick TV host , with a flair for impeccable timing. He is a very well established name in the Industry , and is always on the lookout for better things. We also get to know about the Watergate Scandal in parallel , and one fine day Frost decides to grill Nixon.

Howard uses a lot of archival footage , across the movie , probably to give the audience a feel of what really transpired during Watergate. The actual political controversy is underplayed , and the movie focuses more on the interviews.

Even though the movie is 2 hours long , and is what some people call a “talking film” , sans any action or comedy , it keeps you gripped. Frost tries to assemble a team to help him and is desperate for funding. After all that he has gone through to setup the interview , the audience is always in a state of suspense .

Shot in an almost documentary manner , with the supporting cast members expressing their views about the Interviews , at regular intervals, this is a rather unique method of storytelling. And juxtaposed with the Archival footage especially in the initial sequences , the viewer can be pardoned for thinking he has stepped into a documentary movie. But the actual action is really worth the wait.

Acting is the strongest point of the film. Michael Sheen as the flamboyant presenter Frost is a treat to watch. His attitude and determination to force an apology from Nixon can be contagious. We also have excellent performances from the support cast , like Sam Rockwell's portrayal of James Reston , whose sole agenda is to defame Nixon as much as possible. Kevin Bacon is as reliable as ever playing the role of Jack Brennan , who is Nixon's Man Friday.

However the best aspect of the movie has to be Frank Langella. His brilliant portrayal of Richard Nixon , the man who has lost everything and is still determined not to admit his failures , is a class act. Langella never really resorts to theatrics and blends into the character of Nixon impeccably. There is a close up frame of Langella towards the end , which will haunt movie-goers for sometime , not really for the role of Nixon , but for the sheer caliber of acting.

The movie has a lot of bright moments , like the mind-games which both camps play before the Interviews and also Frost's determination to find sponsors for the Interview. But the piece de resistance has to be the final Interviews , which are truly worth every minute which the Director spends liberally in establishing the characters and their purpose .

The movie definitely reminded me of a boxing duel. The mind games played by both Frost and Nixon , the attempts at modifying the contract clauses are all synonymous with any modern day big boxing duels. And the Final Interviews are definitely synonymous with a boxing match , with both sides trying to hit where it hurts the most. But eventually there is only one victor.. and your guess is as good as mine...

The movie is definitely yet another masterpiece from the Director who gave us that absolute gem of a movie “A Beautiful Mind”. Ron Howard has done it yet again.

I will go with 4.5 out of 5 for this excellent movie. This movie will surely not go down well with the “American Pie” and “Fast and Furious” loving movie-goers. But for those interested in serious cinema , this is a must watch.

VERDICT : 4.5 / 5 (Uber)

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE ( English,2008)

Director : Danny Boyle

Cast : Dev Patel,Freida Pinto, Irrfan Khan,Anil Kapoor

This one has been making waves all across the world , thanks to the 4 Golden Globes and 10 Oscar nominations. I had to resist the temptation to download and watch the movie for a long time , just to watch it on the big screen , as I knew this one was something special.. and boy, was I correct...

This is a classic story , which revolves around Jamal ( Dev Patel) , who makes a huge fortune , answering questions on " Who wants to be a Millionaire ?" . Now , Jamal is from the slums of Mumbai and is just a coffee boy in a call centre. Suspecting that he has resorted to unfair means , the Police interrogate him . What happens during the course of the interrogation , is what the bulk of the movie is all about ..

There have been many movies made in the past few years in the "East meets West " genre.. But this one overtakes them all by a huge margin.. The packaging and storytelling is definitely Hollywood . But under Danny Boyle's brilliant handling , lies a beautiful love story.. A heart warming tale of regaining a "lost love"..

The movie shows us the sorry state of affairs , through the eyes of the slum kids from Mumbai.. Begging , prostitution , unhygienic lives are all portrayed in the most sensible manner possible. It does not aim to showcase the hardships of the people living in the slums.. all it does is showcase to us , how a "Slumdog" can live his dreams.. dreams of love and affection , like all of us.

The movie has its flaws no doubt , but all these are camouflaged under Boyle's highly compelling storyline. This is one movie which takes you for a ride across varying emotions . It makes you laugh , feel bad , guilty , proud , and even makes you watch with disgust , in that scene in the opening stages in which a young Jamal jumps into a pile of excreta , just to chase , well... his dreams....

Jamal's search for his childhood love Latika (Freida Pinto) is what the movie is all about. Characterization is another strong point of the movie. The older Jamal has been enacted brilliantly , albeit with a dodgy accent for a "slumdog" , by Dev Patel. Freida Pinto's character of Latika forms the crux of the story and has come up with a decent act . However , it is the earlier sequences , with the young Jamal and his brother Salim in their childhood days , which form the best part of the movie. It is the acting by these young kids , which really makes you sit up and take notice. There is a beautiful sequence in which the young Jamal takes a couple of foreign tourists for a ride posing as a guide at the Taj Mahal. It is scenes like these which form the best parts of the film.

The support cast is another plus point for the film. Irrfan Khan as the Police Inspector is a class act. Anil Kapoor as the game show host is brilliant , but only in parts . He was a bit of a letdown in very few shots , to be honest. Mahesh Manjrekar shines as Javed Bhai , the don , in a brief role.

Technically this movie has a lot to offer. Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy is impeccable. I could not recall getting bored for even a moment . However the biggest attraction , apart from the visual magic on-screen , has to be A.R.Rahman's music score. For those of you wondering why his music for this film is getting all the hype , please do listen to the OST. Some amazing music , which Boyle has used as the background score , blends so well with the imagery , it is truly a magical experience. The song "O Saya" , which shows the slum kids running across the narrow lanes of the Dharavi slum , in gay abandon , trying to give the pink slip to the police , is easily the most brilliant piece.

Like I mentioned before , there are flaws in the film . Everyone has been talking about how "Kaun Banega Crorepati" was never a live TV show. Yes , agreed there are some very few scenes which appear too good to be true. But Danny Boyle's treatment of such a delicate love story , in the form of a Police Interrogation , is brilliant.

I strongly recommend that this movie be watched on the big screen , to feel the magic . After all , when you get a Director of Boyle's caliber , with a beautiful story , and music by the Mozart of Madras , it deserves to be seen in the theaters .

This is not what I would call a great movie .But this simple story of a boy searching for his childhood love , braving all odds , is simply overwhelming. This is a movie about hope and chasing your dreams. And Hope like The Shawshank Redemption says "... is a very good thing , maybe the very best of the things. And no good thing ever dies.." . Jamal's never ending love for Latika , even after knowing that she has been with his brother Salim and Javed Bhai , is truly a heart warming tale... of hope , and believing in your dreams.

This movie , in spite of its very few weaknesses , deserves to be seen. And comes as a whiff of fresh air , in these troubled times . The core concept of the movie , Hope and Love , is meant for all of us to truly appreciate and really overwhelmed me. And there could have not been a better time to release the movie , in this "Yes, We Can ! " phase which we are going through.

I will go with 4.5 out of 5 for this little beautiful movie , with a very big heart , and an even bigger message. Danny Boyle , take a bow Sir.

As for the Oscars , there is still some time. And if " Slumdog Millionaire " manages to sweep the Oscars like it did at the Golden Globes , all I can say is "IT IS WRITTEN " . Jai Ho !!!!

VERDICT : 4.5 / 5 (Uber)

21 GRAMS - MOVIE REVIEW

21 Grams ( English , 2003)

Director : Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

Cast : Sean Penn , Benicio Del Toro , Naomi Watts

Now , with a star cast like this one , you dont have any other option , but to load yourself with heavy expectations from this movie. And the best thing is , you are not let down... not one bit...

I will not get into the story , as it is best left for you to discover. The movie revolves around three individuals Paul Rivers ( Sean Penn) , Jack Jordan ( Del Toro) and Cristina Peck ( Naomi Watts). It deals with how a series of events combine to make their lives meet.

The movie follows a non-linear approach to the storyline , much like the Director's " Babel" , another fine movie which came out 3 years after " 21 Grams " . The characters are established , and the events which made their lives meet are uncovered only later on in the movie.

Non-linear movies can get on your nerves a bit , if you dont pay enough attention to the proceedings. This one is no exception . They say a good movie is one which makes you think , and this one makes you think quite a bit. Initially you do feel a sense of " What the hell is happening ?" , but later on you realize the beauty of the film once the story unfolds.

The movie makes you come across a lot of emotions - affection,hate,compassion,anger et al , through the course of the story. All beautifully brought out by the amazing star cast. These actors are among the best in the league , and they come up with superb performances.

Sean Penn , as the sick patient is a treat to watch . Subtle expressions are his forte in this movie and his acting is something to be truly admired.

Naomi Watts as the widow is at the top of her game . Do watch out for the scene in which she changes her emotions when Penn visits her house at 2 in the morning.

However , the strongest point of the movie has to be Benicio Del Toro , as the God fearing Jack Jordan. In fact the actual series of events which are responsible for making the three lives collide , can be attributed to his character , something which you will realize only later on the movie.

Such a powerful performance from Del Toro , makes this movie even more memorable. His character is something which reeks of philosophy , and a strong conviction in God. The best scene in the movie has to be the one in which Del Toro and his friend have an argument about God's will. This is acting at its best, in its purest form...

Screenplay is not exactly the fastest I have seen , but it does not let you off the hook so easily. The non-linear approach might not go down well with many people , but I feel the movie would not have been this good , if the Director had used the conventional linear technique.

Human emotions have always managed to strike a chord inside me. And especially Del Toro's character, Jack Jordan, who carries a sense of guilt throughout the movie , is simply a treat to watch.

This movie is definitely one of the best non-linear films I have come across. I find it really tough to find any flaws in this movie. I will go with 4 out of 5 for this brilliant movie , which almost makes it to the "Masterpiece" league , but for reasons unknown to myself , it falls one step short.

VERDICT : Brilliant ( 4/5 )

FASHION - REVIEW

FASHION (Hindi,2008)

Director : Madhur Bhandarkar

Cast : Priyanka Chopra , Kangana Ranaut, Mugdha Godse , Arbaaz Khan , Raj Babbar , Kitu Gidwani

Now , being a Madhur Bhandarkar movie , I had a lot of expectations from this one. It turned out to be a good film overall , but could have been much better.

The story revolves around the Fashion Industry in India . Meghna Mathur (Priyanka Chopra) , is a girl from Chanidgarh who comes to Mumbai , much against her parents' wishes , to be a part of the fashion scene , and aspires to be a big model. The movie then focuses on the fashion culture in India , and portrays a rather disturbing picture of what happens behind the scenes.

Meghna , is in awe of supermodel Shonali Gujral ( Kangana Ranaut) and wants to make it big like her. She is helped by some friendly and nice people in the form of Rohit Khanna, a person who works for Khosla ( Harsh Chaaya) ,a big fashion designer , and another aspiring model Janet (Mugdha Godse). The movie then shows the eventual rise of Meghna , up the ladder , and also the hurdles which she has to pass through .

The movie has been shot rather well , with the fashion show sequences being the highlights. We have to put up with countless parties thrown in , which remind you of Bhandarkar's "Page 3". The Director is obviously suffering from a "Page 3" hangover , but cannot be entirely blamed because the fashion folks are an integral part of the Page 3 culture , and vice-versa.

The background music , was really good and blended well with the movie. Technically this movie is pretty good , and the almost exaggerated use of colours was in tune with the basic theme of the movie.

Now , onto the acting. I was honestly surprised with the performances , as I did not harbour much expectations , from the cast . Priyanka Chopra , was kinda ok in the first half of the movie. Her portrayal of the young , naive , small-town girl , who has stars in her eyes ,was nothing much to talk about , but is not entirely bad either. But as the movie progressed , and when she becomes more of a Professional Model , she was brilliant. The air of arrogance around the character was beautifully portrayed , and I was finally convinced that this lady could act.

Mugdha Godse , as Janet has nothing much to do , but does a neat job. Samir Soni as a gay fashion designer , Kitu Gidwani as a model co-ordinator , Arjun Bajwa as Meghna's boyfriend and Arbaaz Khan as the deceptive big-shot , have all come up with notable performances.

However the "Showstopper" has to be Kangana Ranaut. She was simply superb in her portrayal of the supermodel ,Shonali Gujral. She is more of a second lead as far as the plot is concerned , but overshadows all others with a terrific performance.

We get to see a lot of attempts at spoofing the Fashion Industry , but in a sensible manner , nothing over the top. But why is Bhandarkar under the impression that the entire Fashion Industry is homo-sexual ?

Now the one thing about "Fashion" , which left me completely disappointed , was the screenplay. The first half in particular could have been more crisp , and my patience was tested on quite a few occasions. The second half was definitely much better , but it kinda wandered away towards the end , and I caught myself yawning quite a few times.

There are some truly irritating scenes. What was the need for that ridiculous scene , in which Samir Soni , the gay fashion designer , proposes to Mugdha Godse(??) in the most unromantic manner possible. And the worst thing is she accepts his proposal , after he mumbles some really dumb dialogues like " A husband might not be a good friend , but a good friend can definitely be a good husband" and similar rubbish. Am really not sure about the motive behind this scene.

To top it all , Madhur Bhandarkar , tries his hand at self-advertising. There is this absolutely unwarranted and preposterous scene in which a model points at Madhur Bhandarkar sitting in a bar or restaurant or whatever , and she and her friends talk something about him doing research , for his next movie which is based on the Fashion Industry. Come on , Mr.Bhandarkar,the audience is not so dumb....

The movie turned out to be surprisingly long . I frankly did not expect such a lengthy flick , as there are no songs added , just for the heck of it , which is a welcome deviation from the mindless Bollywood trend which we have become accustomed to. Honestly , it was a bit of an endurance test quite a few times. There are some scenes which are absolutely unwanted , and some characters , who add no value whatsoever to the proceedings ,could have been done away with , as they only end up irritating you. I honestly felt really bored on few occasions and would have drifted off into deep slumber , but it did not happen , thanks to my wisecrack friend sitting beside me in the theater , who made it a point to pass some comment or the other .

Now to the fun part. There is the wardrobe malfunction which everyone was really expecting , and it was portrayed with maturity , thankfully , as I thought it would be more of a sorry spoof. The girls and models are any schoolboy's delight, and it is no surprise that this movie has been awarded an "A" certificate. The prominent display of booze , cigarettes and , surprisingly , cocaine , might not really go down well with the female audience.

However the movie succeeds in its motive which is to portray the dark side of all the glitz and glamour. The deceptions , the politics inside the green-rooms , the ego-clashes , have all been showcased sensibly , and in a mature manner , without resorting to melodrama.

The movie boasts of some spectacular performances by Chopra and Ranaut. I was apprehensive about their acting potential , but I was proved completely wrong. Especially in the serious scenes ,these two ladies have performed their roles with such grace and maturity. If there is anything about the movie that has to be truly appreciated , it has to be the acting.

Madhur Bhandarkar has to be appreciated , for such a brave effort , dealing with a rather risky subject , as he manages to present a very realistic,dignified and mature portrayal of the Fashion Industry.

I maintain the fact that the screenplay is the movie's Achilles Heel . It truly irritated me sometimes. Some scenes were dragged beyond tolerable limits. For instance , we get to see a predictable break-up between Meghna and Manav. But the Director felt the need to portray every minor detail of the split , right from a truly well shot argument , to the girl packing her bags , the guy feeling bad and staring out of the window , the girl getting into a taxi , lighting up a cigarette and staring blankly into space , until she finally says "Chalo" to the driver. There are similar scenes scattered across the movie , which are truly bugging.

My verdict for the movie will be a 3 out of 5 , which could have easily been a 4 out of 5 , only if the movie was shorter and more crisp. The script has immense potential and the acting is truly superb. Definitely worth a watch .

VERDICT : Good . ( 3 / 5)

KRAMER V/S KRAMER - REVIEW

Kramer v/s Kramer (English,1979)

Director: Robert Benton

Cast: Dustin Hoffman , Meryl Streep, Justin Henry

This is one of the all-time classics and I decided to give it a try. What I thought would be cliched drama , surpassed all expectations .

The story revolves around Ted Kramer(Hoffman) and Joanna (Streep) , a dysfunctional couple in New York, and their 7 year old son , Billy(Justin Henry). Ted is a completely work oriented person and loves his job , and is always focused towards it. But he hardly listens to what his wife has to say. And he does not even know in which grade his son is studying in. Over a period of time , Joanna feels that there is nothing else remaining in the relationship and walks out , leaving Ted to look after their son. She does this because she is not confident of being a good mother to Billy .

Ted then takes care of Billy for 18 months and then Joanna resurfaces , seeking custody. They then decide on a lawsuit for Billy's custody.

The story is very simple and has been executed in the most brilliant manner. The director definitely deserves credit for his work. It's tough to start off with a simple story , and turn it into an absolute gem of a movie. The acting is the best thing about the movie,and drives the storyline. Dustin Hoffman , as Ted , is simply awesome. This brilliant actor shows why he is considered to be the best in the business. Meryll Streep , as Joanna is a class act . The character does not get much screen space , but she simply stuns you in the court scenes.

The role of the young kid ,Billy, is played very convincingly by Justin Henry. One scene almost moved me to tears . There is this scene in which he falls down and has to endure 10 stitches in the hospital. Simply brilliant....

There are some scenes which are very simple , but are shot in the most subtle manner. The Ice cream sequence between Hoffman and his son , is possibly the most touching scene of them all. And the scene in which Hoffman reads out a letter sent by Joanna to his son , is superb.

Technically , this movie has nothing much to talk about. The storyline does not require anything special in this department. The acting , and the dialogues are enough to drive the delicate storyline forward.

This is by far one of the best movies I have come across. I am a sucker for drama , and this one made a huge impact on me. I would highly recommend this movie for any single father. And the screenplay is rather pacy for a family drama. Not one scene bores you.

The movie deserves to be seen , for its amazing portrayal of such a delicate issue like Single parenthood. The court scenes , towards the end , are extraordinary. And Meryll Streep 's complex characterization is one of the movies many plus points.

Dustin Hoffman's performance is one among the best ever. Many people consider "Rainman" to be his best. His act in this one is not as overwhelming as the role of Raymond Babbitt in"Rainman" , but is amazing nonetheless.

This movie clearly deserves the 5 Academy Awards it won. The acting simply blew me away. This is what I call "Oscar material".

I will give it 4.5 out of 5 . Gems like these are hard to come by these days. Please do watch it.

Verdict: Uber(Ultimate) 4.5 /5