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The Archies (2023)
There are bad movies and then there is Archies
In the mystical land of Riverdale, where time seems to have halted in 1964 and a substantial Anglo-Indian community thrives, Netflix's "Archies" ventures forth, aiming to resurrect an era lost in the sands of time. Brace yourselves for a narrative so captivatingly bland that it manages to make amateur productions look like Shakespearean masterpieces.
In this idyllic world where clean-faced teenagers engage in what can only be described as "teenager stuff," strumming guitars and engaging in the timeless art of eye-fluttering, the lead characters-Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Jughead Jones, Reggie Mantle, Moose, and Ethel-grace us with their presence. Because, you know, stereotypes are comforting, aren't they?
This Netflix incarnation of the revered Archie comics, which once held sway in select Indian circles, was destined for judgment, for scrutiny: Can this fresh-faced cast, led by Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, and Suhana Khan, embody these irreplaceable characters? Well, grab your popcorn and prepare for disappointment.
Agastya Nanda as Archie, a character meant to embody charm, charisma, and well... substance, falls flatter than a pancake left out in the rain. Khushi Kapoor's Betty is about as exciting as watching paint dry, and Suhana Khan's Veronica? Let's just say the sass seems to have taken a vacation, leaving behind an empty shell attempting to mimic depth.
But let's not get carried away by the charisma vacuum at the heart of this film. Oh no, there's more! The narrative, if one could be generous enough to call it that, meanders aimlessly, much like a lost puppy seeking direction in a fog. It's a mishmash of teenage clichés that feels like an uninspired collage of every coming-of-age trope known to humankind.
The setting, draped in the alleged innocence of 1964, feels more like a forced nostalgia trip, with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. And oh, the adults! They merely serve as background props, loitering around while teenagers take center stage, their depth as deep as the paper-thin character arcs.
Let's not overlook the cultural pandering. Ah, the Anglo-Indian community! Presented with as much authenticity as a theme park caricature, it's a wonder they managed to hit every stereotype bingo square in one go.
And what's a catastrophic movie without a script that seems to have been penned by an overzealous middle-schooler attempting their first foray into storytelling? Dialogues so cringe-inducing, they'd make even the most forgiving viewer question their life choices.
In conclusion, "Archies" is a cinematic marvel-of sorts. It takes the idea of 'so bad it's good' and drives it straight into the abyss of 'so bad, it's painful.' So, if masochism disguised as movie-watching is your cup of tea, prepare for a ride so excruciatingly terrible, it might just make "The Room" seem like a palatable masterpiece. Viewer discretion advised-watch at your own peril!
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023)
"Kisi ke Bhai Kisi ke Jaan: An Epic Fail That Deserves a Standing Ovation for Mediocrity"
Get ready to witness a masterpiece of disappointment with "Kisi ke Bhai Kisi ke Jaan." This film, directed by the brilliant Farhad Samji, manages to achieve the incredible feat of having a wafer-thin plot that goes absolutely nowhere. Logic and normalcy? Who needs those when you can have bloody action scenes that make absolutely no sense?
The first half of the film will truly test your patience, as it attempts to be funny but ends up falling flat on its face. The loud performances by the cast don't do much to salvage the sinking ship. But fear not, because the story magically springs to life... well, sort of... after the interval. Brace yourself for banal and clichéd romantic tracks that will make you question the very meaning of love.
Samji's screenplay is a masterpiece in itself, cramming in an abundance of characters without bothering to develop them or give them any purpose. Why waste time on character depth when you can just clutter the narrative, right? And let's not forget the forgettable soundtrack that adds unnecessary minutes to the already agonizing runtime. But hey, at least the songs are visually pleasing, even if they're instantly forgettable.
Salman Khan, the true gem of this film, throws all his muscles into portraying Bhaijaan, the bachelor committed to taking care of his beloved brothers. His charm and action-hero prowess are still intact, allowing him to exchange goofy sweet nothings with his lady love. Truly heartwarming. And let's not forget the stylish action sequences that attempt to redeem this catastrophe of a film. Each stunt is choreographed with such finesse that you'll wonder why they bothered with a coherent story in the first place.
The supporting cast is a marvel to behold. The three heroines, bless their souls, are reduced to mere props with no room for actual performances. But who needs strong female characters when you have our beloved Bhaijaan flexing his muscles? The performances by the male leads are below average, lacking any conviction or believability. However, fear not, for Telugu actor Jagapathi Babu manages to stand out in a sea of mediocrity.
"Kisi ke Bhai Kisi ke Jaan" is a cinematic gem that will leave you in awe of its failure. It caters perfectly to Salman Khan's loyal fan base, providing mind-numbing action and mindless drama. The film's downfall lies in its abundance of characters, forgettable soundtrack, and weak screenplay that fails to match Salman's star power. Prepare to be astounded by its sheer lack of creativity and brilliance. A standing ovation is well-deserved for this monumental achievement in mediocrity. Bravo!
The Kerala Story (2023)
An Eye-Opening Journey: 'The Kerala Story' Sheds Light on Untold Struggles
"The Kerala Story" is a compelling and thought-provoking film that sheds light on a subject that has remained untold for far too long. Inspired by true incidents, the movie follows the journey of Shalini Unnikrishnan, played brilliantly by Adah Sharma, as she navigates a dangerous world.
Director Sen employs a shock-and-awe approach, similar to "The Kashmir Files," which adds to the film's compelling nature. The visuals are powerful from the start, with Shalini portrayed as a trapped and manipulated victim. Adah Sharma delivers a bold performance, capturing the essence of her character and bringing attention to the challenges faced by individuals in similar situations.
The plot revolves around Shalini, a student who moves to Kasargod to pursue her studies. There, she encounters three roommates from different backgrounds, setting the stage for intense discussions and exploration of diverse ideologies. These thought-provoking debates raise questions about faith and add depth to the narrative.
As the story unfolds, Shalini faces orchestrated social situations designed to exploit her vulnerability. The film delves into the tactics used by manipulative individuals, shedding light on the methods employed to exert control and influence. Sen provides valuable insight into the complexities of manipulation and radicalization.
Adah Sharma and the supporting cast deliver commendable performances, portraying their characters with authenticity and emotional depth. Their portrayal adds credibility to the narrative, capturing the struggles faced by victims and evoking empathy from the audience.
"The Kerala Story" also addresses the need for broader conversations about individual freedoms and the protection of human rights. It prompts viewers to reflect on societal norms and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
The post-credits scene is particularly moving, as the film includes testimonials from real-life victims' families. This raw and emotional footage serves as a reminder of the real-world impact of extremism and the pain endured by those affected. It leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
While the storyboarding could benefit from further refinement, the filmmakers and crew deserve recognition for their courage in tackling a sensitive subject. By bringing awareness to the struggles faced by victims, they shed light on an important issue that demands attention.
"The Kerala Story" is a film that should be seen by many, as it brings awareness to the challenges and experiences of victims. It encourages viewers to consider the power of manipulation and serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding.
Shehzada (2023)
A Ridiculous and Insulting Waste of Time
If you're looking for a film that is a complete waste of time, look no further than "Shehzada." This movie is an insult to the intelligence of anyone who watches it. The plot is so ridiculous that it's hard to take anything seriously. The characters are caricatures that are either too goofy or too fragile, and the acting is subpar.
Kartik Aaryan tries to be an action hero, but he lacks the charisma and presence required for such a role. Kriti Sanon is nothing more than eye candy, and the rest of the cast is forgettable. The music is forgettable, and the action choreography is laughable.
Director Rohit Dhawan takes a story that could have been interesting and ruins it with his eccentric interpretations and lack of realism. The sets look like they were taken from a cartoon, and there are no driveways or walkways for a luxurious bungalow. The film is an insult to the original, which had chartbuster music and a sense of realism.
In conclusion, "Shehzada" is a movie that you should avoid at all costs. It's a poorly made film with bad acting, music, and direction. Save your money and watch something else.
Mukhbir - The Story of a Spy (2022)
A well made spy story
Mukhbir is a gripping spy thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The film is set in the aftermath of the Sino-India war and follows an Indian spy who is tasked with gathering intelligence in Pakistan to prevent a potential attack against India. The plot is intense and well-crafted, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. The cast is top-notch, with standout performances from Prakash Raj, Zain Khan Durrani, and Dilip Shankar. The cinematography is outstanding and suspenseful action sequences that keep the movie visually engaging. The film also has a strong message about the sacrifices made by spies in the line of duty. Overall, Mukhbir is an excellent spy movie that is not to be missed. It is well-made, suspenseful, and delivers a powerful message.
Mission Majnu (2023)
Potential wasted
Mission Majnu is a spy thriller that is well-intentioned but falls short of its promise. The film is set in the 1970s and focuses on an Indian spy who is on a dangerous mission to uncover a secret nuclear weapons program in Pakistan. The cast is solid, led by Sidharth Malhotra and Rashmika Mandanna, but the characters and their motivations are not fully fleshed out. The plot is predictable and lacks tension, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the film. The director, Shantanu Bagchi, tries to inject some humor into the film, but it falls flat and seems out of place. The production design and cinematography are decent, but they can't make up for the lack of a compelling storyline. On a scale of 10, I would rate Mission Majnu a 6. It's not a terrible movie, but it fails to deliver on its potential.
Pathaan (2023)
A disappointing and poorly executed spy thriller, with one-dimensional characters and uninspired action scenes
"Pathaan" is a two-star disaster that will leave audiences feeling like they've just been through a two-and-a-half hour hostage situation. The plot is a tired rehash of every spy movie ever made, with a cast of characters straight out of central casting: the sardonic RAW chief, the evil ISI general, and of course, the gun-toting terrorist. The stunning Deepika Padukone is the only saving grace in this mess, bringing a touch of class to the otherwise cringe-worthy proceedings.
"Pathaan" is a prime example of the saying "been there, done that." With a plot straight out of a 1990's Bollywood spy thriller and underwhelming performances, this film is a snooze-fest that only occasionally springs to life with over-the-top action scenes. The dialogues are cringeworthy, the romantic subplot is forced, and the music video-style song is a complete misfire.
The dialogue is cringeworthy, and the characters are one-dimensional, with no depth or development. The villains are caricatures of evil, and the heroes are given no motivations or backstory to explain their actions. The love story between Pathaan and Rubina is nothing more than a tired trope
The film is filled with over-the-top action sequences that are so ridiculous, they border on parody. The film's hero, Pathaan, is supposed to be the best and bravest India has to offer, but he comes across as a one-dimensional superhero who has no personality or charisma. And let's not even get started on the third-person mentions of Pathaan's name, which quickly become tiresome.
The film's action scenes are poorly executed and lack the excitement and suspense that are essential for a spy thriller. The special effects are below par, and the choreography is uninspired. The film also tries to cash in on the popularity of the spy genre by copying the iconic action scenes from other spy thrillers, but it only serves to make the film feel unoriginal and uninspired.
The train commandeering scene is a highlight, but it's not enough to save this trainwreck of a film. The controversy-filled song is just another Bollywood beach song we've seen a million times before. And despite all the guns and sexual tension, the film lacks any real heat or excitement.
The film's music is also a major letdown. The film tries to create controversy by including a song that is deemed offensive, but it only serves to detract from the film's already lacklustre narrative. The song is nothing more than a shallow attempt at generating buzz and is completely irrelevant to the film's plot.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a good movie, "Pathaan" is not it. Save your time and your money, and avoid this cinematic trainwreck at all costs.
Bhediya (2022)
Horror Fail
"Bhediya" - a movie that tries to be a horror-comedy but ends up being a horror-fail. I've seen better acting in a high school play. The story is so convoluted and nonsensical, I couldn't keep up. The special effects are straight out of a 90's B-movie and the dialogue is so bad, it's laughable.
Only Kriti Sanon tries her best to carry the movie but it's like trying to carry a boulder up a mountain. The supporting cast is equally underwhelming, and the "big reveal" of the werewolf is so predictable, it's not even a spoiler.
The movie tries to tackle important issues like deforestation and animal rights, but it's so poorly executed, it comes across as insincere and lazy. The ending is so rushed and unsatisfying, it left me feeling like I wasted my time and money.
In short, if you want to watch a good horror-comedy, don't waste your time on "Bhediya". It's a 2 out of 10 and that's being generous. Save yourself the headache and watch something else.
Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022)
Need more of this!!!
Khakkee: Bihar Chapter is a thrilling and action-packed crime drama that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish. The series is set in the badlands of Bihar in the mid 2000s and tells the story of rookie cop Amit Lodha, played by Karan Tacker, and the rise of goon Chandan Mahto, played by Avinash Tiwary in a transformative performance.
The series is created by Neeraj Pandey and directed by Bhav Dhulia, and it's a perfect blend of action, suspense, and drama. The pacing of the series is fast and engaging, and the characters are well-written and well-acted. The performances from the lead actors are outstanding, and the cinematography and music add to the overall atmosphere and intensity of the series.
One of the standout elements of the series is the way it embraces its lowbrow values instead of pretending to be something else. The show is happy just to be here and it's a perfect example of masala entertainment. The series is a bit rough around the edges and it doesn't give its characters the luxuries that they might have had in real life, but it's all part of its appeal.
Overall, Khakkee: Bihar Chapter is a well-made and engaging crime drama that is well worth watching. It's a perfect blend of action, suspense, and drama, and it.
Monica O My Darling (2022)
Engaging Thriller with potential
Monica my darling is a thrilling and intense film that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story is complex and well-written, with a number of unexpected twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The performances from the lead actors, particularly Jayant Arkhedkar, are outstanding and add depth and nuance to their characters.
One of the standout elements of the film is the cinematography, which creates a sense of unease and tension throughout the film. The music also adds to the overall atmosphere, building suspense and adding to the intensity of the film.
However, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing of the film is at times uneven and the ending is a bit rushed and unsatisfying. The characters are also not fully fleshed out and the motivations of some of the characters are not fully explored.
Overall, Monica my darling is a well-made and engaging thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. While it has its flaws, it is a film that is well worth watching. I would give it a 5 out of 10 rating, as it is a well-crafted film that is worth watching but it could have been better.
Double XL (2022)
Note worthy concept ruined by bad film making
Double XL is a cinematic disaster that should come with a warning label for those with a low tolerance for bad filmmaking. The movie's aim to tackle body-shaming is admirable, but the execution is so poor that it's nothing more than an hour and a half of cringeworthy dialogue and cliche plot points.
The performances from the lead actors, Huma Qureshi and Sonakshi Sinha, are mediocre at best and the accents they attempt are laughable. The supporting cast is also underused and wasted, with veteran actors like Shobha Khote and Kanwaljeet Singh given nothing to do.
Director Satram Ramani's storytelling is as outdated as a flip phone, with the film feeling like a poorly written newspaper feature on fat-shaming rather than a cinematic experience. The film's attempts at diversity in love and representation are tokenistic and shallow, rather than resulting in something truly engaging and entertaining.
In short, Double XL is a film that should be avoided at all costs, unless you're in the mood for a cinematic masterpiece of bad filmmaking. I give it a solid 2 out of 10 and that's being generous.
Govinda Naam Mera (2022)
Wasted Talent, time and money
Another movie with same trope. This is a movie that does gross injustice to Vicky Kaushal. Hope the actor gets better opportunity in the future.
Govinda Naam Mera is a Bollywood thriller that follows the story of a struggling backup dancer named Govind, who is caught in a web of lies and deceit as he tries to divorce his wife and pursue his dream career. The film has a strong cast, with Vicky Kaushal delivering a solid performance as the lead character. However, the plot is quite convoluted and at times, it can be difficult to follow.
The pacing of the film is also a bit slow and the ending is unsatisfying, leaving many questions unanswered. The supporting cast is also underutilized, with characters like Bhumi Pednekar and Ajit Dharkar not given much to do.
Overall, Govinda Naam Mera is a watchable film, but it is not without its flaws. I would give it a 3 out of 10 rating.
Thai Massage (2022)
Another movie from a Cliched genre
This movie is another attempt in the Cliched genre. The story line is predictable and again takes on the moralizing stand. Given that nowadays, we have either movies that belong to Cliched Moralizers genre or Cliched action genre, it makes one wonder if there is any movie that will catch the popular imagination.
The movie attempts to be funny but spectacularly misses it. Jokes don't land but crash and burn. The screen writers and editors needs a course on how to do the same. Bollywood really needs to get good script writers.
Goes on to show that even talented and experienced actors like Nassaruddin Shah cannot save a movie that has disaster written all over it.
The only reason that movie gets a 4 star is that there is some bits that are bearable and more importantly that in relatively speaking the movies that have come out in the last few months are soo bad that this movie seems oscar worthy.
Watch it if you don't have anything else to watch.
Uunchai (2022)
Interesting concept that could have been executed better
The movie is an interesting concept on how three friends get together to fulfill the last wish of their dear friend who passed away.
The concept is heart warming and something that I looked for to. However the movie fails in execution. The story line is not crisp. The screenplay should have better. While the crew did take multiple shots in the Everest base camp region, most of the scenes have been shot with CGI. I understand that given the age of the star cast, it would have been difficult to shoot in the actual region but the way editing has been done easily gives out out this fact.
Also the character of Pariniti Chopra as guide was very shallow. Anyone who has done trekking would attest that no guide or group would behave as depicted in the movie. It goes on to show that folks who made the movie have never trekked in their life and is something that they have built up.
Overall a passable movie.
The Mist (2007)
A movie that hasn't aged well
The movie starts with a good premise and the build up to the premise is decent. There is a good enough story line there. But a lot of things let it.
1. The animations haven't aged well. I understand that there were technological limitations back then, but they make it rather laughable.
2. The characters are too much of caricature. A red head, a sophisticated New York lawyer, an evangelist. It's a tired and beaten. Some of the characters are highly unbearable.
3. The pacing seems off and padded.
The only saving grace is some of the star cast including Toby James.
A movie that can be watched if you have nothing else to watch.
A: Film by Upendra (1998)
A Classic Upendra Master piece
A movie that is classic Upendra. You can see it in every aspect of the movie from the script, the screenplay, the direction, music and finally in the lead actor himself.
This movie is an interesting action/thriller/drama that brings out an unique story concept. A movie that brings out is unique elements. The dialogues from the movie are cult classic that is still in use even after two decades. So is the songs from this movie.
This movie along with "Upendra" created the cult status of Upendra the actor. The twists and turns in this movie keeps one hooked onto the movie while the dialogues keeps one chuckled along the way.
A good movie that any Kannada movie buff should watch,
Upendra (1999)
Unique Masterpiece
Upendra movie is one of those movies that are so tangentially to mainstream movies that it requires multiple viewing to understand the intricacies of the movie.
Upendra movie attempts to showcase the current status of the society and beautifully threads them into Indian Philosophical thought. The genius of the movie is that it does so in a very course and main stream manner rather than in a artistic nouveau movie that usually take such endeavors. While some might find the movie to trashy, but it does serve the purpose given that the movie became a mainstream hit.
From the songs, to script writing, to acting and finally to directing, this movie is well made. Given the constraints of the time and given innovative concept, this is truly a tremendous effort that needs to be applauded.
Finally my recommendation is for people to watch the movie. This is one of the rare movies captures zeitgeist of the time in a such an unique way that there is no other comparable movie in the world (to best of my knowledge). Hence a movie every movie buff must watch and deserves to be among the GOATs.
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
Cult Classic Masterpiece
Andaz Apna Apna was introduced to me by the way of various comedy scenes that I caught up in social media. This induced my curiosity to go and watch the movie.
This type of silly comedy without going down the route of profanity is rare in Hindi cinemas. And hence this movie is a cult classic. Each of characters are so interesting and funny. The whole premise is ludicrous but you are drawn into it as the movie keeps you interested.
I give full credit to the director and producer for assembling such a star cast and manage to get the movie on to production. The actors have all delivered justice to their roles. Let us be honest, these are not oscar winning roles that challenges these actors but there needs to some involvement and seriousness that delivers believable performance.
But more than the lead cast, it is the support cast that is memorable. How can anyone forget Crime Master Gogo or "Rabbit". That is what makes movie so thoroughly enjoyable.
Only thing that I would have against the movie is that not all of the music and song/dance sequence is upto the mark. Some of them are purely skippable (though understandable that it would have been difficult then to remove songs all together given the established norms)
In the end, this is a must watch movie for any Hindi movie buff and should be among the various lists of movies.
Doctor G (2022)
Tired of the Cliched Troupe
Ayushman Khurana has to stop doing these films. This has become repetitive where Ayushman Khurana essays a role that is part socially preachy combined with an awkard character resulting staid and cringey comedy.
Bollywood needs to get out of this tired formula where they have taken the missionary mission to preach the hinterland. The issue is that these movies rather than representing the on-ground phenomenon rather depicts Bollywood's percpetion of what lies beyond South Bombay and BKC. To them Hinterland represent the evil and the same is caricatured in movie after movie.
While male gynaecologists are not so common, they do exist and infact have existed in the last 40-50 years. Society is aware of it and hence again shows the dissonance of the team about India.
The first half of this movie is boring to the hilt. The jokes don't land and the comedy is frustrating. It seems the team ideated and combined half backed scripts and stories related to the concept and made mish mash of it. It looks and feels like the plays done by college students for their fests and annual events. This typically try to contain social message while being funny. Infact, it is a actually that is what I feel where they got couple of bright college students who went on to create a movie length college play about Male gynaecologists. Bollywood needs to really focus on scriptwriting. We are tired and really tired of these movies.
With regards to acting, Ayushman easily essays the role but that is expected and then again we had enough of it. I would have preferred Tiger Shroff or Vidyut Jamwal to essay this role and this would have been more refreshing. Shefali Shah is the only saving grace. Rest of the cast is okish and nothing to complain given the horrendous script.
In the end an OTT film not meant for theaters.
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama (1993)
A movie that deserve much more praise
I watched this movie as a kid and to me, this is one of the best renditions of Ramayana ever comparable to the efforts of Ramanand Sagar.
Bringing Indian Ithihasa like Ramayana and Mahabharata on screen is very difficult proposition and many have failed in that endeavor. While an animated movie does give you some flexibility to recreate scenes it also brings its own challenges.
In this movie, the dedication of Yugo Sako is visible in each and every scene. Clear efforts have been made to understand the source material in depth and then translate it to the animated story such that it remains true its origin in both form, material and more importantly in its spirits.
While there could be some complaints about the quality of animation, I would say given the budgets and the time period in which the same was done, it is still laudable.
To me some of the best scenes that still capture my imagination are building of the Ram Setu, Bharata and Shatrugna realizing about their father's death, the war. Each is so magnificently done that you end up watching it multiple times.
I feel the movie will remain the standard for time to come and hope the movie is made available to today's audience via streaming and other services.
May. Yugo Sako be blessed wherever he is currently and whole community is forever indebted to his work.
Kantara (2022)
True Masterpiece
Wow, what a movie!!!
Kantara is one of those movies that really brings out the raw emotions, it is truly deserving of the praise, it has received so far.
The movie is set in a fictional coastal karnataka village. And director and Lead actor Rishab shetty have captured the very essence of the culture of coastal Karnataka throughout the movie. Every scene and dialogue is filled with it. Only a person who is steeped in that culture can pull it off. Whether it is the Kambala race, boar hunting or the romance scenes or even the comedy scenes, you can see the nativity of the same.
Every member of the cast has done a splendid job. Not even one character seems out of place. The script is too tightly written that you don't feel bored even for one minute and you are enthralled by the story.
The direction is spot on and the camera work is amazing, whether it is the capture of the beautiful forest or the fight scenes. But the best is capturing the Devine moments of Booth Kola.
And finally Rishabh Shetty has done a splendid job as lead actor. The last 20 minutes of the movie is divinely. This is probably a performance that can never be repeated.
All in all a movie that must be watched not once but more. I am up for watching it again.
Brahmastra Part One: Shiva (2022)
Movie is trying to create a fantasy universe but falls short
Brahmastra is an Indian fantasy film by Ayan Mukherjee. It stars a stellar star cast of Nagarjuna, Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhat, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor.
The film is an attempt to create a fantasy universe, a first in the Hindi film industry. The film looks at bringing to the audience a world filled with divine Astra's which help the Astra wielder with powers.
On the face of it, this is an interesting premise, something that would be really interesting. However the film falls short of this with a very shallow introduction into Astra's. One would have preferred if the movie had delved deeper into the origins of the Astra's, how the wielder is chosen and how the wielder learns to use the Astra. This lack of detailing is what lets the movie down.
Rather the movie delves too much into the love story between Shiva and. Ishaa (the titular characters played by Ranbir and Alia). Now there is nothing wrong in having romantic elements in a fantasy movie but that should be blended seamlessly.
Here on the other hand, the romantic part seems disjointed with the romantic story being the original plot line and the Astra universe being force fitted into the story. This is what disappoints when you are trying to immerse in this new fantasy world.
It is sad that when the Stellar cast of Nagarjuna and Shah Rukh Khan who are also wielder of Astra's get such limited screen time. It would have been good if more screen time on them with them wielding the weapons or delving into their origins would have made this more interesting.
The visual effects are so so, while it is passable it could have much much better. Specially given the high budget, the VFX could have better. They could have may be collaborated with "Industrial Light & Magic" which could have created real magic.
In the end, this is a movie you should watch on OTT rather than the theaters. Hope Ayaan takes these feedback and ensures that the second part of the film delves deeper into the Astraverse.
Vikram (2022)
Fast paced action movie that you watch multiple times
What a movie!!
It has been sometime since I watched a fast paced action movie that keeps you hooked into screen. There were very few moments where one would loose interest.
The crisp story line and screen play is amazing. The movie just keeps rolling on. The actions scenes are well choreographed that you will believe an aged commando can take on multiple goons.
The most amazing thing ofcourse is the soundtrack. Brilliant is all that can be said about. It fits so well with the pace that soundtrack alone makes you watch the movie once again.
Kamal Hasan and Vijay Sethupathi have really brought out their experience in acting here and it shows. Faisal is brilliant as usual.
Can't wait for the next installment of this movie.
Liger (2022)
A cliched story line that fails to work its magic
The movie is a sports drama with a cliched storyline of a Hero who is an underdog fights against all the odds to come back to glory.
In this movie, we have the Telugu Superstar Vijay Deverkonda playing the titular character of "Liger" with Ananya playing his main love interest. The movie is directed by Puri Jagannath.
The main problem with this movie is the story line. As stated above, the format of this movie has been tried and tested across the world and there is really nothing new, unique or fresh about it.
The twists are predictable and the dialogues and screenplay don't absolve the bad storyline either.
When it comes to acting, Vijay has tried to give his best, which can be seen by the effort to get into his character. Feel that the director really missed an opportunity to bring a unique storyline leveraging Vijay's potential.
Ananya's acting really needs a lot of improvement. Sometimes, actors need to undergo training and play various roles to develop a wider facet of acting. Ananya needs to maybe try out few web series and other non mainstream roles.
In this movie, Ananya's acting was unbearably bad. It was so bad that you wish you could fast forward the movie.
The rest of the crew did their bit. The music of the movie was ok. Overall a movie that is a lost opportunity.
Laal Singh Chaddha (2022)
A movie not worth watching
Laal Singh Chaddha or LSC for short promised to be Oscar stealer but has been a huge let down.
Aamir Khan's characterization of the original Gump has been an over dramatic caricature. The actor has erred on the over the over acting side thus losing out on the nuances. It is extremely painful to watch, specially after the first half where the mono dimensional "grunting" gives you a headache.
Aamir Khan's LSC characterization has a lot derived from the ill fated Dhoom 3 and Thugs of Hindustan. You can see that the veteran actor is struggling to bring new dimension to facial acting.
Specially the 2nd half of the movie just gets dragged into a bored repeat routine. The scenes get exaggerated beyond a point that you want to just get out and walk out every 5 minutes. Aamir Khans Hmmm tone is irritating and I will rather watch romantic comedies rather than the purported love scenes which is repetitive and unoriginal.
The character Rupa played by Kareena Kapoor looks like forcefully fitted into the narrative without a proper justification. Kareena struggles to do justice to the role.
The running time of the movie is too long and meanders a lot. I understand the need to stick to the original but repeating scene by scene makes it difficult to watch.
The camera work is good and the montage of LSC running across the lenght and breadth of country is beautifully shot. The Music score on the other hand is average.
Overall the movie should be mercifully avoided even on OTT.