Raavan Movie Review | Critique

Rating -2/5 stars

Often comes a movie, that makes you feel the rush of excitement before you enter the cinema. But when you come out you feel disappointed. Raavan made me feel the same thing. The premise of the film is not without promise but the execution is silly to say the least.

For example, if Govinda plays modern day Hanuman, does he have to fly over trees? Does Abhishek Bachchan have to do his stupid jhak-jhak-jhak act to tell us he is crazy (and frankly it doesn't work)? Does Aishwarya Rai have to say the corny line to Vikram, "Get a good mahurat and kill off this Raavan"? Do the characters have utter the word raavan every half an hour? This are the kind of things that come to your mind when you are watching. In some scenes it seems difficult to believe Mr. Ratnam directed this movie. AR Rahman's music has been wasted songs at times seem forced

Abhishek Bachchan clearly does not fit in to the role of Beera for most parts. Aishwarya Rai is good in parts, but her dressing corners on vulgar at times. Vikram, ah! He is the only saving grace of the film, He plays Ram with negative shades. The fact is he seems more menacing than Abhishek in whole of the film which should have been other way round. I seriously wish to see the other version in which Vikram plays Raavan, He has an excellent screen presence. Govinda and Ravi Kishan are good but they too overacted in some scenes, especially Govinda.The actress who plays Supnakha has performed excellent in every shot she is in.

"So, is there not anything good in this movie?" you may ask. Thankfully the answer is no. The cinematography is excellent. Though design of Beera's den did remind me of Cuppola's "Apocalypse Now" starring Marlon Brando. Set design is superb. The are scenes that have the spark of Mani's brilliance. The scenes of married Vikram and Aishwarya have that physical chemistry, as it should be between to people in love. The scenes in which Abhishek lusts for Aishwarya have immense sexual tension

There are some diamonds in Raavan but they are buried into much rubble to make any difference.

P.S. Every film this yearfor which we have waited has disappointed. Lets hope rest of the year does not disappoint. (But when Anurag Basu and Mani Ratnam fail then there isn't much left to expect right?)

Written By Ali Naqvi

James Cameron Special Coming Soon

Apart from votes we are getting on net, we are also collecting votes from our contributors and people we know who have a taste for quality cinema. If you haven’t voted yet, please do so and if you have already done so; thanks.

Over an year we have been working relentlessly pull off an interesting edition every fortnight and I think we have done a decent job. Please let us know how we could improve. Your comments will mean a lot for us.

Before, I sign off I would like to share a piece of news. We are doing a James Cameron Special next edition. Wait for July 1st Issue. I hope that you would simply love it.

Love

Sujoy Ghosh

Bruce Springsteen | Statesmen

Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington starrer Philadelphia grabbed many top awards and from the day one, apart from lead actors there was a star who got accolades. He was Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen. With a brilliantly sung "Streets Of Philadelphia" he rose his bar as a singer who represented a new more liberal America. A movie that supported the ones confined in the darkness of closets was in sync with his liberal thoughts.

Born in 1949, Bruce is famous as a star of '80s. Closely attached to his native New Jersey, Bruce is recognized by the soulful lyrics usually penned by him only. The theme resonated with his emotions for home and music usually walked calmly between two different genre- Rock and Folk. The sharpness of rock and sweetness of folk added a distinct flavor to his works. Few of his most loved numbers had emotional stories spun with music. The simplicity of characters and Americaness are two feelings that are pretty unique to his music.

Bruce is known for his vocal support to various charities and people he believe in. He openly supported nominations of John Kerry and Barack Obama. With two grammies and an Oscar, this musician continues to mesmerize the music lovers with his shows with his band.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

A Few Good Men and Shaurya | Mega Review | Critique

Everywhere, across borders, in the name discipline some brutal crimes are committed. Sometimes common man is a victim and sometime a person who decides to take a stand suffers. Many people are party to such crime. Some do it because they want it to happen that way and some simply surrender to higher authorities. Honor of the insignia doesn't lie with them. It stands tall with those who decide to take a position against the wrong. Two movies in this discussion: A Few Good Men and Shaurya highlight the same.

Shaurya is highly inspired by A Few Good Men and can be considered to be one of the better rip-offs of our time. There is a sincere effort apparent from the execution of movie and work on script. A defence official (two officials in case of AFGM) is arrested and his case is going to be heard. A lawyer is going to represent him who is not much interested in proving him innocent. He wants minimum punishment. The accused is silent and maintains that what he did, he did for his country. In Shaurya, the officer takes stand against a communal senior and in AFGM, two marines accidently kills a fellow on order by a senior. Things fall into right slots and the lawyer realises what he should do.

Tom Cruise's character and Rahul Bose's character are very similar but a few dissimilar complexities. The same can be said about Jack Nicholsan's character and that of KK. Demi Moore's Role was reduced to a minuscule on played by Minissha Lamba. All six did justice to their roles, though the senior ones i.e. Nicholsan and KK stole the show. The last scenes in both the movies are almost identical and the way it finishes keeps you mesmerized. You cannot say that Shaurya is an original movie but you won't say that it is made badly.

Watch both the movies with an open mind. In my opinion, watch AFGM first and then follow it up with Shaurya. Watch Shaurya not for the story but for few brilliant dialogs. If you like the dialog between Jack, Demi and Tom in Guatemala then you will appreciate the dialogues between KK and Rahul. And don’t miss the climax of AFGM. Its considered to be one of the greatest courtroom dramas.

ritten By: Sujoy Ghosh

Kung Fu Panda | Critique

"Kung Fu Panda" is a story that almost tells itself in its title. It is so hard to imagine a big, fuzzy panda performing martial-arts but the film presents his adventures in wonderfully drawn Cinemascope animation.

Po (voice of Jack Black) is so fat he can barely get out of bed. He works for his father, Mr. Ping (James Hong) in a noodle shop. How Ping, apparently a stork fathered a panda is a mystery, but then the movie is filled with a wide variety of creatures who don't much seem to notice their differences.

The valley has an ancient temple towering overhead, up zillions of steps, which the pudgy Po can barely climb. But climb them he does to witness the choosing of the Dragon Warrior, who will engage the dreaded Tai Lung (Ian McShane) in kung-fu combat. Five contenders have been selected, the "Furious Five": Monkey (Jackie Chan), Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane (David Cross). Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), the trainer is one of the more dimensional characters in a story that doesn't give the others a lot of depth.

"Kung Fu Panda" is not one of the great recent animated films. The story is way too predictable, and truth to tell, Po himself didn't overwhelm me with his charisma. But it's elegantly drawn, the action sequences are packed with energy, and it's short enough that older viewers will be forgiving. For the kids, of course, all this stuff is much of a muchness, and here they go again.

Written By: Ali Naqvi

Rajneeti | Movie Review | Critique

Rajneeti, released on June 4th, this year is a movie that is going to influence cinema for some good time. Director and co-writer Prakash Jha is one of the most respected name in current scenario in Indian Cinema and with this movie, strengthened his claim of respect. This movie delivered what the viewers wanted. Great performances and awesome dialogs carrying a strong script.

Movie is undoubtedly written on the lines of Mahabharat and took subtle but evident inspiration from The Godfather. Political background drew attention but barely has anything to do with Gandhi family (except a small part in climax where Katrina, a widow leads the party). These inspirations were the basic problem. In Mahabharat times and in Mafia, so much bloodshed seems logical but in current political scene, it’s not logical at all. Violence should have been substituted with more subtle alternatives like jail and political stalemate. Mindgames would have been a better way to show it.

Notable performances by Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. Rampal performed like one who has a National Award on his rack. Ranbeer excelled his past performances. Nana Patekar and Manoj Bajpeyee were simply awesome in their portrayals. Ajay Devgn got a raw deal in a highly underwritten/ edited role. He deserved more space. Katrina and Sarah (Ranbeer's lady in movie) put apt performances. Everybody else including Chetan pandit (Ranbeer's father) did a fine job.

Music was okay but editing was good considering the canvas of movie. Direction and writing deserves praise as they won the battle for the movie. They were the real stars. Watch it if you want to play with your gray cells.

I Hate Love Stories | Music Review

Imran Khan……..awwww !! I seem to be falling in love with him. And just look at ‘I hate love stories’ promos. Sonam Kapoor is looking so gorgeous and her dresses, they are simply WOW. OOPS !! I forgot, I had to discuss about the movie’s music, and I shall better start, before Sujoy cancels my post.

In true Dharma style, this film is a modern look at romance, and the talented duo of Vishal-Shekar   created the tunes to match the hip and young flavor to the story.

Vishal Dadlani opens with Jab Mila Tu, an eclectic mix of instruments and styles. A peppy song which makes your feet tap and your head sway.  'Tu Ru Tu Tu Ru Tu', is sonn gonna be a slang among youngsters. The song is greatly reminiscent of the popular Dostana track Jaane Kyun, yet it manages to stand out of its own accord in certain ways.

Next in line is Bin Tere, soulful and melodious number, the best in album. Shafqat Amanat Ali and the lyrics by Vishal Dadlani with a great use of Urdu are the treat. The English lyrics used in the chorus is a further add-on. Sunidhi Chauhan has performed well but couldn’t match up to the male voice. Bin Tere has a reprise version which takes a lead on the original.

My instant favorite was the Title track. A lively catchy teen song with hindi-english Gen-X lyrics by Kumaar which are clever, creative and comical all at the same time. The countdown, “One Two Three Four….” adds to song pace making everyone ready to dance. The music is great, but it is Vishal Dadlani’s vocals that make it too good!

Bahara is an unusual track amidst the others in this album. Shreya Ghoshal is wonderful while Sona Mohapatra echoes in the background with an addictive amalgamation of folk tunes. Girls can associate with the song, with lyrics narrating ‘first love’.

In conclusion comes the soft melody of Sadka. Suraj Jagan’s new avatar is awesome, I plan to put the song on replay again and again. Mahalaxmi  Iyer  is good, but once gain, male dominated song. The background score is both peppy and emotional. Anvita Dutt’s lyrics beautifully show conversion of my hero from cynic to a believer of love. I am dying to see its picturization.

Vishal-Shekhar have definitely done it again. If you haven't checked it out yet, we suggest you wait no more!

Verdict  - “I Love Luv Storys” !!

Written By: Neha Jain

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Sujoy Ghosh

IRON MAN 2 MOVIE REVIEW | Critique

Rating :3.5/5 Stars

It is one movie I have waited for quite some time. We all have. Trust me it is worth the entire wait. Tony Stark this time around is his usual pompous self. Showing off, at every possible place. Meanwhile, US govt. is after Tony to hand over the technology of Iron man, so that it can produce such machines for warfare.

It turns out he has more problems than is evident to the world. He is dying. He has competition from Hammer industries and he has a new nemesis Whiplash. Does he survive all these problems is what forms rest of the story. I was worried multiple sub plots would result in a mess like spiderman-3 but no, it worked in IM-2. One thing that was amiss in prequel was a satisfying finale. This time they have rectified it, and there is an awesome and thrilling climax. Yes the plot is not so intricate but let’s give it to them. It is pretty entertaining. In prequel, Iron Man or rather Tony Stark had a novelty factor, so that reduces one wow factor. Action sequences are awesome in the movie.

What is more exciting is how Avengers theme is emerging, that may at sometime lead to a film with multiple Marvel super heroes. Awesome ain’t it!! For me it is a winner. Go watch it...

Written By: Ali Naqvi

Rajit (Byomkesha Bakshi) Kapoor | Statesmen

Do you remember the Byomkesha Bakshi? No, it’s not a cinematic character. BB is a television character of a show with the same name. It is considered to be one of the best detective television shows ever made in this country. The role was played by Rajit Kapoor who carried the caricature of a Bengali detective with such a grace that many people think him to be a bong.

If you look at the movie he did, you will be a bit surprised- The Making Of Mahatma, Suraj Ka Saantvan Ghoda, Jubeida, Welcome To Sajjanpur, Ghulam etc. Yes, except the last one, each one is the creation of ace director Shyam Benegal. When, someone like Benegal repeats an actor so many times, it speaks great volumes about the caliber of the actor. Rajit Kapoor is one of the most polished actors of the age. He is no star; he is just an actor with immense capability to shoulder simple and realistic characters. Like the one in Vikram Bhatt’s Ghulam.

The character of Aamir’s elder brother in Ghulam was not an easy one. Character had a traumatic past of being son of a traitor and worked for an ethic-less goon. Apart from that, he had a kid brother to support who had his own whims and issues. A great performance was delivered and in some scenes even dwarfed the star- Aamir Khan.

A man less in words and more in works, Rajit has done some really great roles in his career.

My Little Bride Movie Review-Critique

Rating- 4/5 Stars

Several reviewers took exception at this film's depiction of marriage between an adult (a college student) and a 15 year old high school student. I feel the subject was handled with a lot of sensitivity. Arranged marriages are still frequent in many parts of the world, and deserve a movie about them. Millions of very young women still tie the knot before they are 18, in Asia or the near-east or Africa. Why should the subject be taboo? The film does not condone the practice, as a matter of fact it shows how wrong it could be. The pleasure comes from watching these two young people make what they can with a situation they are not completely responsible for. Although the film is light and often funny, it has its share of pathos. Many will recall the awkwardness of first relationships, they are even more awkward in an arranged marriage.

This movie is very likable. The two stars are fun and charming. The tone is breezy throughout, but very realistic. Many of the clichés are there (The karaoke scene, the dream scene, the misunderstanding(s) at school...), but they are treated in such an offhand way that they don't feel calculated. For a first film, Ho-joon Kim's direction is assured and precise. If you want to start watching Korean movies this sure is a good one to start. This crosses language barrier. It is very relatable.

Written By: Ali Naqvi

Angry Characters | Part 3 | Under Lens

Now, lets discuss two brilliantly portrayed characters by Robert De Niro who were inherently anger and gained new heights for fame for those qualities. Interestingly, both were directed by the same legendary director - Martin Scorsese. Yes, I am talking about the leads in Raging Bull and Taxidriver.

The character Jake LaMotta is a real character. He is a middleweight boxer whose rage takes a toll on his family life as well. The depiction of the character might have been a bit controversial, it is considered to be greatest performances in Hollywood ever. The movie is considered to be the greatest sports movie and one of the greatest overall. The rage of the character is due to is lack of faith on his wife and brother.

In the second movie- Taxidriver, the character Travis Bickel is a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from insomnia. To spend his nights and earn his bread, he drives taxi. He is unsuccessful in life in many ways and that echoes in his mind every time. He lies to his family that he is doing a government job, hiding the reality and that pricks him more. Though largely fictional, the character is very realistic in mannerism.

De Niro played both the roles with a great grace and the conviction in the characters is evident from his eyes when is portraying them on-screen.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh