Film Review-Don & Jan-e-man

Don/Jan-e-man

Starring: ShahRukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Rampal, Isha Koppikar/ Salman Khan , Akshay Kumar, Priety Zinta.

Director: Farhan Akhtar/ Sirish Kunder

Rating: * *

Writing a separate review for these two films didn't make sense coz they are really not worth it. The biggest problem is that both the films are competing one another for "the lengthiest film" title. I cant understand why we cant get the 3 hrs duration block out of our heads. Everything about Don is suave, hi-tech and sexy except the length ofcourse, which is excruciatingly painful. On the other hand the same problem with Jan-e-man, big sets, big actors, bearable story, but again the length of the film is annoying. It seems like you can go into the movie hall single and come out married with grown up kids, I swear I mean it.
Ok I agree, with Don, Farhan atleast gave two twists which were commendable. Those twists are the only things that don't make you tear your hair in frustration. And ditto for Jan-e-man, a few funny gags and some amazing visuals may help you not walk out of the hall. The biggest surprise is that Sirish Kunder who made this painful film is supposed to be a good editor.
Moving on to the music section, Don has nothing worthwhile except the two songs from the original out of which "Yeh mera dil" is a total disappointment, thanks to the over weight Kareena and puny lil Shahrukh. The other song "Kaike paan banaraswaala" is bearable and Sharukh has quite lived upto the expectation in this song, but Priyanka simply misses the boat.
I thought songs of Jan-e-man are good but to my horror when I saw them in the film, they are nothing but a piece of crap. The director tries to take the story ahead with the songs but unfortunately fails miserably.
A+ to cinematography in both the films.
The performances vary from bad to above average. Lets start with Don first. Isha Koppikar what are you doing in that 1 scene and 1 song role, on second thoughts, maybe you deserve it. Mr. Arjun stiff Rampal, I need not say more. Boman Irani does a good job , but when is that not the case? Kareena maybe needs another life to do a Helen. And the leading lady (I doubt I can call her that) Priyanka, she was overshadowed in Krrish and is sidelined in Don, and she's done what Zeenat Aman couldnt i.e faulter. And as far as SRK goes, I will try and be a little liberal this time, he's quite bearable. He tries to do something different and thankfully he doesn't play Raj or Rahul. So yeah, not bad.
Then there is Jan-e-man , Ms. Jan-e-man aka Priety Zinta enroutes a la Kal Ho Na ho so thats that, monotony at its best. Akshay is ok but his spastic laugh gets on your nerves. Salman is the best of the lot, but then again we have seen him in this avataar far too many times to appreciate it.
My advice , you can rather go to your terrace and watch the sparkles in the sky this Diwali instead of wasting time on "DON (Yawn)" or "Junk-e-man"

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Woh Lamhe

Starring: Shiney Ahuja, Kangana Ranaut, Shaad Randhawa
Director: Mohit Suri
Rating: * * *

I don't understand why some movies are made and this one exactly falls into that category. As usual, Mr. Mahesh Bhatt glorifies himself like he did in his other autobiographies and the late Parveen Babi, I am sure wouldn't have been happy to go through this film which demerits her personal escapade.
And who is Bhatt referring to, the character played by Shaad, Aby Baby???? Too sad. All said and done, why I am not too happy with this film is coz I thought it would have a story as good as Gangster. The film only stays with you coz of the outstanding performances and flawless direction.
The music is good but again Gangster was better. "Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai" is a chartbuster. The other two songs go very well with the mood of the film.
The cinematography is excellent. I have to mention that the 25 year old director has done a commendable job. If his Zeher was bearable and Kalyug was watchable, this is just one step ahead in the right direction. Atleast hes capable of extracting superlative performances. The performances are a delight to watch. All the supporting actors are good, be it the lady who plays Sana Azim's (Kangana) mum or the character Rani who is Sana's hallucination. Shaad in a negative debut is impressive. Purab is just competent.
The show stealers are Shiney (in Mahesh Bhatt's role) and Kangana. As always Shiney shines, he emotes so easily. Perfect example of a natural actor. His role is not as authorbacked as Gangster but never the less hes outstanding. As far as Kangana is concerned, she is undoubtedly the newcomer of the year. Can hardly believe she's all of 20 and managed to do such mature and intense roles. Her beauty has no bounds and she looks absolutely stunning. With makeup or without it, she simply lights up the screen in every scene. An actress to watch out for.
All said and done, its a weepy, cranky movie which would be of relevance only to Bhatt, the three stars are for the three amazing performers. Tich.
-Sanketh Rao.