What's it all about? . The screenplay may seem fabricated sometimes but is generally smooth and not nonsensical. Dialogues are enjoyable and impressive through most part of the film. But, how come the censor leaves off swear words in English, such as "a*s" and "b*st**ds"? Debutant Sai Kiran Adivi who handled story, screenplay, dialogues, and direction is here to stay. He has shown a lot of care in executing his scenes, studding them with right dialogues, and leaving no space for much nonsense anywhere through the film. It's clear that he knows what he wants to show, and there are appreciable subtleties in his work that one can note. His handling of emotions, and developing a love track implicitly is remarkable. Visuals are naturally colorful throughout the film and did not need many extra effects. P.G.Vinda's camera work is pleasant and in sync with the film's theme. Picturization of songs was all through montages that were chosen well; the songvaraveeNaa... needs a particular mention for the way the director used montages in the song to show the relations developing among the three pairs (Krishnudu & Sonia, Suryatej & Poonam Kaur, Rakesh Mahankali & Ankitha), thereby depicting how each individual is choosing one's priorities of life. Bottom Line:
Karthik (Krishnudu), a soft, ever-happy kind of guy, comes to Hyderabad for a job interview at Hi-Rise, an ad agency. He gets selected, and in the office the next day, he sees Kalpana (Sonia) and likes her. He's generally not taken seriously by anyone because of his soft-spoken nature and his rotund personality, but he's the kind who doesn't take that seriously! Kalpana too doesn't care for him and finds faults with him, due to their initial interactions at work. Slowly though, she starts interacting with him more. Her parents, who leave to USA to visiting her brother's family (Mahesh & Aparna), initiate a matrimonial alliance for Kalpana with Rajeev (Samrat). Kalpana meets Rajeev and they both observe that they have a lot of tastes in common. Meanwhile, another thread of a budding relation is seen between Karthik's friend Altaf (Suryatej) and Kalpana's friend Sandhya a.k.a. Sandy (Poonam Kaur). At about the same time that Kalpana realizes Rajeev is not for her, she gets closer to Karthik but the hell gets loose suddenly due to a petty altercation between Altaf and Sandy. Eventually, Karthik and Kalpana lose even the friendly relation they have. What's the big fat love story then and how it evolves forms the rest of the story.
Vinayakudu is a feel-good movie with good dialogues, music, characterization, and decent performances. The slow pace that's typical of Sekhar Kammula school seems to have crept into this film too, but the slow pace is not felt because of aforementioned good factors in the film. Though the story's theme may initially seem like it's beaten up in several other films like Kobbari Bondam or Kithakithalu, Vinayakudu is in a totally different style and has a different story treatment that makes it worth watching. On the whole, those sections of audiences, particularly in the 'A' centers, that like a clean and sensible movie with ample dose of comedy would like the film. Don't have too many expectations because of the cast or crew (or this very review) and you can enjoy the film better!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
yuvraaj review
Ghai's forte has been drama. Recall the dramatic moments in KARZ, VIDHAATA, MERI JUNG, RAM LAKHAN, KARMA, SAUDAGAR. He re-visits the genre with YUVVRAAJ. Besides, YUVVRAAJ is his most opulent work thus far. It has a sweeping effect, the film makes a stunning visual statement.
The story [Ghai] mirrors a universal truth. Greed leads to disputes and in turn, ruins all relationships. A fact you've heard or witnessed time and again in real life. While the story is captivating, the screenplay doesn't really do justice to the thought. Also, Rahman's music acts as a soothing balm, but the problem is, it takes time to grow on the listener. And that could be a deterrent. Yet, in all fairness, YUVVRAAJ is a notch above the commonplace. If you intend spending your hard-earned money on it or devoting 3 hours of your precious time on Ghai's new outing, chances are you won't regret it.
Deven Yuvvraaj [Salman Khan] is a chorus singer, in love with Anushka [Katrina Kaif]. Her father Dr. Banton [Boman Irani], however, is dead against this relationship. Things take a turn when Deven's father passes away and he returns to London to stake claim on his father's wealth.
He meets his two estranged brothers Gyanesh Yuvvraaj [Anil Kapoor] and Danny Yuvvraaj [Zayed Khan] after almost twelve years. But things aren't hunky-dory between them...
Ghai has an eye for visuals and every frame of YUVVRAAJ seems like a painting on celluloid. Unmistakably, that's the first thing you notice as YUVVRAAJ unfolds.
It takes time to absorb YUVVRAAJ. In fact, Ghai doesn't open all his cards at the very outset. It's only when the father [Javed Shaikh] passes away and Mithun Chakraborty, the Executor of the Will, enters the scene that the wheels start moving. The film gathers momentum after the interval. If the first hour has a few by-now-famous Ghai scenes, the second hour sees Ghai in form, with a number of sequences staying in your memory. The penultimate 20-25 minutes are the best. Watch Anil go through the handycam with disbelief, watch Anil and Salman's act during the concert, watch Salman's emotional outburst towards the end... also the titles [brings back memories of OM SHANTI OM].
On the flip side, the screenplay is erratic. There're constant highs and lows in this journey, the film works in patches. In fact, the screenplay falls prey to predictability and mediocrity at places.
Ghai handles the dramatic scenes with flourish. Rahman's music is soothing, but you expect more because Ghai's movies are embellished with lilting music that you recall even after 2 or 3 decades. Kabir Lal captures the striking beauty of Europe well. The output is superb. The sets [Omung Kumar] are truly majestic.
YUVVRAAJ belongs to Anil Kapoor, who towers above the entire cast and delivers a natural, believable performance. Salman's looks are inconsistent. At times the boyish look is intact, at times he looks bloated. Ditto for his hairstyle. His performance, however, is better, mainly towards the finale. Zayed tries hard and convinces in a few scenes. Mithun Chakraborty is fantastic in a brief role. Katrina looks angelic. Despite the focus being on the three men, she registers an impact. Boman Irani is credible, especially in the scene when he steps out of the Operation Theatre towards the end. Aushima Sawhney is confident. Anjan Srivastava and the pack of villains/vamps look straight out of RAM LAKHAN and TAAL.
On the whole, YUVVRAAJ is interesting in parts, with the penultimate 20/25 minutes taking the film to an all-time high. At the box-office, the package [a mammoth cast, Subhash Ghai, A.R. Rahman, the stunning locales of Europe] should ensure a hearty opening and with no major opposition in the forthcoming week, it should keep its investors smiling.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
DOSTANA REVIEW
Recall the 'Kantaben' episode in Karan Johar's Kal Ho Naa Ho? The episode is alive even today, in skits, on stage, amongst friends. That was a mere trailer. Picture abhi baaki hain. Dostana takes 'Kantaben' episode to another level altogether. Dostana is no Brokeback Mountain. It's not a serious take on homosexuality either. On the contrary, it's a madcap comedy where two straight men pretend to be gays. Although Dostana is a mainstream commercial film, it dares to push the envelope in its own way. It brings homosexuality out of the closet, gives it respect and dignity and doesn't treat gays as 'abnormal'. Love triangles in Hindi movies often centre around two guys falling in love with the same girl, or two girls choosing to love the same guy. But Dostanais a first. It's the first Hindi film that, at the core, is a rectangle [three men loving the same woman], but two of them, guys in this case, pretend to be a couple. Sure, Dostana has ample shock-value since what has been witnessed in its promos is barely a fraction of what you'd get to watch in the movie. But more than shock-value, the film offers loads of fun-n-laughter and dollops of entertainment in those 14 reels. A word of appreciation! It requires courage to fund a project like Dostana. Karan Johar, the producer, deserves to be lauded for treading the untrodden path. It requires courage and conviction to swim against the tide in your directorial debut. Tarun Mansukhani, the debutante, deserves a few brownie points extra for not thinking straight. It requires courage for two A-list actors to go all out and risk their professional [and personal] lives. Abhishek and John deserve an ovation for not only agreeing to play these characters, but also infusing life in them, without making a mockery of the gay community. To cut a long story short, Dostana is not to be missed. Dharma Productions, the late Yash Johar and Karan Johar's film production outfit, has produced several significant films in the past. Add Dostana to the list! Miami is the setting for Dostana. When Sameer [Abhishek Bachchan] and Kunal [John Abraham] are turned down for an apartment because the landlady [Sushmita Mukherjee] doesn't want two strapping young men to corrupt her young sexy niece Neha [Priyanka Chopra], they hatch a plan: they pretend to be gay to secure the apartment. Over a period of time, Sameer, Kunal and Neha become buddies. When Neha's boss Abhimanyu [Bobby Deol] enters the fray as the third contender for her affections, it gets even hotter… Dostana shocks you all the while and that is its biggest USP. Don't expect stereotypical situations or characters all through this film. Watch Abhishek cook up a romantic story between John and him in Venice. Watch Boman Irani's interaction with Abhishek and John. Watch Kirron Kher's dramatic entry at this point. Howlarious scenes all, they're sure to bring the house down. If the first hour is laced with crackling chemistry between the guys and terrific humour, things get serious towards the second half since there's one more person vying for Priyanka's attention -- Bobby Deol. There's humour in this hour too, but the focus is mainly on who'd get Priyanka in the end. The length is a slight deterrent in the second half and the editor could've easily cut the unwanted flab to make the narration in shape. But the film works as a package! Also, the film has a shocking end and people are bound to raise eyebrows. It would have its share of advocates and adversaries. A debatable culmination, for sure! Director Tarun Mansukhani is here to stay. He deserves kudos for choosing an offbeat story, then making a foolproof screenplay and most importantly, executing it with flourish. Dostana merges form and content beautifully, since the film is, technically speaking, sound. Ayananka Bose's cinematography is top notch. The locales of Miami are a feast for your eyes. Costumes and styling are very upmarket. Vishal-Shekhar's music goes well with the mood of the film. It's young, peppy and energetic. 'Desi Girl' and 'Maa Da Laadla Bigad Gaya' are foot-tapping compositions. The latter is bound to be a rage! Both Abhishek and John are fantabulous! Abhishek pulls out all the stops and delivers one of the finest performances of his career. His comic timing is superb! John will make guys and girls drool over his amazing physique. But, most importantly, people will sit up and notice how fine an actor John is. Both Abhishek and John compliment each other so well. In fact, had the chemistry and camaraderie been missing, the story would've failed to look convincing. Two thumbs up for these two guys! Priyanka looks stunning and delivers a first-rate performance. First Fashion, now Dostana, Priyanka is back with a bang. Bobby Deol lends the required class to his role. No other actor would've looked so real while underplaying this character. Boman Irani is sure to bring the house down, the auditorium is sure to resonate with laughter in his sequences. Kirron Kher is superb as the Punjabi mom. Watch her throw a fit when she learns that her son [Abhishek] is gay and much later, when she accepts John as family. She's remarkable! Sushmita Mukherjee, as Priyanka's aunt, is fantastic. She's so, so funny. Shilpa Shetty sizzles in the opening track. On the whole, Dostana is a winner all the way. In terms of content, it might just prove to be a trendsetter. In terms of business, the film holds tremendous appeal for the youth. The 16 to 25 age-group would go into raptures and bonkers over this film. Its business at multiplexes mainly will be amazing. In Overseas too, the film should emerge amongst the biggest draws of 2008. Dostana rocks... have a blast!
'Surya son of Krishnan Movie Review'
Story : The film opens with the death of Krishnan(Surya old) and his son Major Surya ( Surya) at a mission in the Indian air force.The film shows the transformation of
teenager Surya into a Man,the bonding between father&son ,the ups and downs of Surya's life and his father's love,support for the son & the everlasting infulence on him.
Highlights :
Surya is awesome.the way he lived the charecters,the way he moulded him self as a teenager,a loverboy,a well built army person& above all a 60year old dad shows his
love & commitment to his job.Surya s/o Krishnan is definitely his best performance till date.
Writer&Director Gautam Vasudev Menon did a commendable job .He just transformed a common man's life onto the celluloid.There are many moments any of us can
identify ourselves with the charecters on screen.
Music( Harris Jayaraj) , Makeup ( Bhanu,Yogesh) are good.
Camera (Ratnavelu),Editing(Anthony) are neat.Art by Rajeevan is worth mentioning (especially the vintage look is good )
Simran (as old lady),Sameera Reddy,Divya Spandana are adequate.
The film has style,poetic love episodes,cool music & touching emotions and at times you cannot ignore the tamil flavour & very formal scenes within the family.
Sidelights :
The film is very slow.the sluggish pace &,length can drag down your opinion from bagundhi to bane undhi.
Narrative style ( hero narrating the entire story,sitting in the copter, to his dad who is no more) won't go well with our audience.
Public Talk : Good but slow,Worth watching if you have got some patience.
Industry Talk :Ok in A centers .But won't work in other areas.