Sanketh's Showcase

Hollywood A Listers

2009-09-02T09:50:00.000+05:30

Poll for da Dance form

2008-03-31T13:39:00.001+05:30

Outing on 29th/30th Mar.......

2008-03-17T12:59:00.002+05:30

My son!!!!!!!

2008-02-26T14:25:00.000+05:30

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Film Review-Dhoom 2

2006-11-28T09:26:00.000+05:30

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Bipasha Basu, Uday Chopra.
Director: Sanjay Ghadvi
Rating: * * * 1/2

I think sequels are working, not that D2 is better than Dhoom but its definitely bigger and grander. The sizzle effect is too high. The only problem with D2 is it has a weak script but it still does not fall flat. Despite the weak script all the chills and thrills make it an enjoyable movie.
The cinematography, the stunts and the special effects are on par with Hollywood. When each character makes an entry, the catcalls don't stop but everytime Hrithik comes on screen the whistles just grow louder.
The villains infact are the biggest hero's. No one in the audience wants Hrithik to get caught or die. The climax is slightly disappointing coz its its too thanda as compared to the whole film.
The songs are a disappointment especially "don't touch me" and "Excuse Me", I am sure D2 can do without them. "Crazy Kiya Re" is good and the title song is a treat coz of Hrithik's dancing. He's undoubtedly the best ever when it comes to dancing.
Speaking of the performances Uday Chopra does exactly what he does in Dhoom, so his job is to make people laugh and he succeeds to quite an extent. Bipasha is quite a set back, not because she doesn't perform well but because her role is so badly sketched. She starts as this super cop and suddenly vanishes. Post interval her identical twin who is a bimbo romances Uday Chopra (just coz he is Yash Chopra's son?) I mean they could have used someone else for this role. And whatever happens to Bips the super cop? Probably she doesn't get a visa to Rio, Brazil.
Rimi Sen in her 5 minute role is competent.
Aishwarya, I must say is quite not up to the mark. She makes a grand entry but as soon as she starts speaking you wish she played a mute character.
Abhishek on the other hand does a good job but does he stand a chance in front of Hrithik?? A big NO. He is completely overshadowed and that's quite a surprise.
And ofcourse the show belongs to Hrithik from the first frame to the last. He is a superstar. Be it his looks, performance, dance or stunts, all the actor does is excel. Its him who makes this film what it is. Without him this film would have been Doom instead of Dhoom 2.
Definitely watch it and watch it for Hrithik.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Don & Jan-e-man

2006-10-25T13:17:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-03T10:22:00.000+05:30

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.

Film Review-Lage Raho Munnabhai

2006-09-04T10:43:00.000+05:30

Starring: Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Rating: * * * *

When was the last time we saw a film that was extremely entertaining and had a social message? All I can probably think of is RDB. Well here is another film which just fits that bill.
Frankly speaking , I thought Munnabhai M.B.B.S was just about good, nothing great but Lage Raho Munnabhai is way ahead of that, almost great. It's such a feel good film, it really touches your heart. The Gandhian principles, the love for the nation , et al, it's like a sense of deja-vu coz all of us have all these things somewhere at the back of our minds, but its just that our mind tells us that as of today these values are outdated. We have this apocalyptic feel about Gandhian principles. So this film will make you wonder. Maybe we will still remain the same but at least this will make you wonder which is quite an achievement in itself.
Coming back to the film. The setup is bigger and better this time. The cinematography is competent. The music is not great but suits the mood of the film. The feel good factor in the film is just too high. All the oldies in the film are simply adorable. Actually we see all the characters of the earlier episode and also Parineeta over here.
The dialogues are witty and keep you glued to your seat. The moment you think the gyaan in the film might just begin to bore you.....BANG comes a blob of funny lines that keeps you smiling.
Full marks to the dialogue writers, the script writers and the director for making something so original. Well with Gangsta M.D being made starring Will Smith in Hollywood we have enough reasons to be proud about.
The supporting cast led by Boman Irani, Dia Mirza, Jimmy Shergill are all adequate. Abhishek Bachchan's surprise entry just adds to the star value.
As far as Vidya goes, my friend thanks for breaking the one film wonder jinx. Her beautiful smile and clear face and dignified presence cannot not make anyone fall in love with her. Well babes if you are going anywhere its to the top.
I cannot imagine anyone else playing Munnabhai or circuit. Sanjay and Arshad were born to play these roles respectively. The unimitable charm and superb chemistry makes them extremely lovable.
Well if this is the quality of Munnabhai chapters that VVC banner is going to make then I must say Lage Raho Munnabhai forever.
Abhishek has a significant line in the film, similarly on the same lines I can say "If you watch this film maybe you will gain something but if you don't then you will definitely miss something."
-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

2006-08-14T11:00:00.000+05:30

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerjee and Priety Zinta.
Director: Karan Johar
Rating: * * * *

Hello everyone!!! Trust me I would have given this film 5 stars had it not been for just 1 thing and that is the 'as monotonous as ever', Mr. Shahrukh Khan.

Ok first things first, not that I am a fan of Karan Johar but kudos to him for making such a bold and relevant film. I still have a hangover from the film. Its just not about outstanding camerawork, great locales, big stars, good music and lavish sets. This time along with all these ingredients is an amazing script and a strong screenplay that stays with you even after you get out of the theatre.

The cinematography in the film is as good as it can get and that is not a surprise. The colours used in the song "Rock n Roll Soniye" is comparable to "Nimbooda" of "HDDCS" if not better and ofcourse NY looks so beautiful in all its seasons spring, fall and winter. The maple leaves continue to look as vibrant as ever. The set direction is too perfect like every other film of his. The costumes just enhance the each characters personality, though I feel Priety looked slightly over done in few scenes.

The songs are beautiful barring one song picturized on Rani and SRK, I call it the blue song, this can be easily deleted keeping in mind the 3 hour 15 min duration of the film. The rest are just a treat to watch. "Rock n Roll Soniye" for the colours and Kajol. "Mitwa" and "KANK" for the lyrics. But the best song in the film goes to the Party song coz the energy in the song is so high it makes you jump out of your seat and not that they are great dancers but Priety and Abhishek get their steps almost perfect, they are so lovable.

What gets the film really high standards and all the class is Karan's almost flawless direction. I always underestimated the guy but it takes only a sensible director like him to churn out a script and direction of this strature. Some of the scenes for example, the scene where SRK is waiting for Rani with flowers in his hand but both Rani and Priety are approaching him without them seeing each other, can come only from an expert like him. I will not do Karan bashing anymore till I see his film.

Kirron Kher as SRK's mum and Amitabh's muse is wonderful, she plays her role with such elan and comfort that you always wanna see more of her. Arjun Rampal looks great and has a role bigger than I thought. He is competent. John in a 5 sec role as a DJ is passable. The kid also seen in Vaastu Shastra is phenomenal. You don't call Amitabh a legend for nothing. Anyone else in his role would have looked absolutely perverted and disgusting, but Sr.AB pulls it off really well.

And as far as the four main leads are concerned, I think Karan gets a little partial to his friends SRK and Rani which I think is not fair. Shahrukh Khan gets an awesome entry, and he is quite bearable as the frustrated , unsuccessful husband in the first half but just gets as irritating as ever in the second half. He hams like no ones business in scene after scene, I think that's what happens to actors who are not versatile, a point comes where they cannot be tolerated ditto for Govinda. Looks like its the end of the road for him. I think Saif would have been ideal (I can vouch for that after Parineeta) coz SRK looks really old among the three other young stars.

Rani, as the confused girl gives a decent performance that's all I can say and as far as looks go she doesn't stand a chance in front of Priety.

I think the film belongs to Abhishek and Priety, their characters are so just, so ethical and they truly stand out. Priety looks like some princess from some exotic land. And who says her role isn't good enough, I think she simply shines.

And Abhishek as the fun loving guy madly in love with his wife is just outstanding. He has such a lot of potential. I identify so much with the character. He stands out in every frame. The chemistry the father and son share on screen is the best there is and the best there ever will be. There is not one scene in the film where he's flawed. And like his father his comic timing is amazing. Watch the film for this guy, his best performance after Yuva. Way to go Jr., you are a rock star.

A must watch!!!

Film Review-The killer

2006-07-24T10:52:00.000+05:30

Starcast: Irfan Khan, Emran Hashmi, Nisha Kothari.

Director: Hasnain Hyderabadwala and Raksha

Rating: * *

God knows how this film is getting good reviews, I think it's just about average. The film is just about two hours long and yet quite painful. What makes the film sour in taste are the pathetic C grade actors (I don't know if I can call them actors), ofcourse that is with the exception of Mr. Irfan Khan.

The story is how a professional killer (Irfan) hires a cab, the cabbie being Nikhil (Emran) for the killings that he is hired for and how Nikhil and his bar dancer girlfriend (Nisha) become scapegoats and eventually escape. Actually had it not been for the terrible cast, the film would have been a very fast paced, intelligent thriller. The dialogues are witty, the camerawork is sleek, the location is nice and the camaraderie that Irfan and Emaran share is the only highpoint of the film.

The directors have done a good job in adapting the story but have failed to get the performances out of the actors. The music is pretty ok, nothing to rave about. But the choreography especially in the "Abhi Toh Main Jawaan Hoon" number is hilarious.

Emran, if he does one more film , I swear I will become his die hard fan (obviously in anti thesis). And the less said is better about Nisha aka Mrs. James , is this the only profession that she decided to excel in? I am sure she will take Bollywood to new heights (new heights of non performing). The only show stealer is Irfan , be it his dialogue delivery or his scary dead eyes, he excels and no doubt is the saving grace of the film).

Watch it if you wanna laugh over Nisha's funny gyrations or Irfan's good performance or Emran's stint with acting.

Otherwise Avoid!!!

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Golmaal

2006-07-17T11:39:00.000+05:30

Starring: Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Rimmi Sen, Paresh Rawal and Sushmita Mukerjee.
Director: Rohit Shetty
Rating: * * *

It's a totally silly, meaningless and mindless film, but yet its really funny. The very purpose of making this film is to make people laugh and it definitely succeeds in doing the same.

There isn't much to write about the story coz there isn't one!!! The film is full of moments of stupidity and gags and good performances by all the actors. The music is peppy, as is the cinematography.

Ajay Devgan's look is not convincing but his acting is. Paresh Rawal thankfully this time around delivers a controlled performance, and hence is likeable. Sushmita Mukerjee, I think is a really talented actress, whose got her due after a long time. The song picturized on Paresh and her is very well done.

Rimmi does what she always does, how many times will she keep doing that same role of all the boys falling in love with the same girl? Tusshar in the role of a mute guy is outstanding. Arshad and Sharman are also first rate.

I think it's an ideal weekend timepass.

-Sanketh Rao.

To Mumbai - from my heart

2006-07-13T14:18:00.000+05:30

I had written this poem long ago for the city of dreams, my lovely Bombay city. After what happened on 7/11, this poem is just a dedication to express my love for my beautiful city.

" She was re-christened over a decade ago, but I still call her by her old name,
because for me she shall always remain the same.
She is the most energetic and beautiful ever,
and to sleep, she goes never.
She is so hip and happening,
to be with her I always keep reckoning.
She was once devastated and destroyed,
but she fought back to become happy and joyed.
Many people on her, cast the devil's eye,
but the spirit in her will never let her die.
I am not with her at the moment,
and its more than two years since I started this advent.
Wherever I am, to be with her I long,
and for the love of her, I have written this song."

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Corporate

2006-07-10T12:20:00.000+05:30

Starring: Bipasha Basu, Kay Kay Menon, Rajat Kapoor.

Director: Madhur Bhandarkar

Rating: * * 1/2

Probably after Page 3, my expectations were too high and that's why I was disappointed. Not that it's a bad film or something but it's just that it's not in par with Page 3. But still hats off to the director who came up with such a novel idea. The scripts originality is what makes it worth a dekho.

The problem with Corporate is that the first half of the film goes in making the audience realize what corporate culture is all about, how it works, what do the jargons mean, et al. The film only picks up just a little before the interval. From there on its captivating till comes the abrupt climax.

The film has no hero or heroine, there are just characters so everyone gets a good chance to perform. But the story revolves around Nishigandha Dasgupta (Bipasha Basu) who surpasses all hurdles in her life to reach a peak in her career. She is a no non sense business woman who also manages to stoop to any level to get her work done. But as luck may have it all her modern values get a horrendous bashing and she is reduced to a mere victim in the big bad corporate world.

Music wise there is just no scope in the film, Kailash Kher's "Sikandar" is passable. Camerawork is ok. But the clothes line from Allen Solly, especially that of Bipasha is really commendable.

Most of the performances are efficient. Be it Lillette Dubey, Raj Babbar, Minissha Lamba, Achint Kaur, The minister, Payal Rohatgi, Harsh Chayya all of them have delivered. Only Samir Dattani is the mute player with only one dialogue. Kay Kay Menon in the role of a "loser in life" is also ok.

But the knock out performances are delivered by Rajat Kapoor and Bipasha. Rajat as the manipulative boss has just given that perfect "is there a bigger bastard than me" performance, indeed very good. And Bipasha, I could never imagine that she could deliver a performance of this caliber. She is the biggest surprise element in the film. Be it her looks, her styling or performance, everything is just flawless.

The innovative subject and the brilliant performances get Corporate the "view it once" certificate.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Krrish

2006-06-26T12:05:00.000+05:30

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra.
director: Rakesh Roshan
Rating: * * * 1/2

Wow!! Finally a superhero film in mainstream Bollywood. Not that it's an outstanding film or something but still there are a lot of things that go in the favour of the film. The only thing that doesn't go good with the film is its painful length of over three hours. Few unwanted songs could be chopped and it would save us about 20 mins to half an hour.

The story you can go and see for yourself, it also has a small surprise element in it. Nothing is believable but then that's what super hero films are all about right?. The kids are gonna love it. Some performances are just not upto the mark but seriously it does not matter because Hrithik takes you through this film with such amazing talent that the rest of the cast can go and take a hike.

Speaking of the pluses, Hrithik's as well as Priyanka's entry is absolutely out of the world. Very well shot and stylish. The other commendable scenes are in the second half of the film, all the action scenes and the works. Incredible.

Also I know for a fact that people loved the action scenes, coz every time Hrithik wore the mask, the whistling from the audience didn't stop. The action choreography is par excellence that too for a Bollywood film its a big milestone achieved.

Of the actors everyone from Manine De, Sharad Saxena, to Rekha act their parts convincingly. The only two over the top performers include the overrated Mr. Nasseruddin Shah who is anything but likeable in his villainous avatar, ditto for the lovely Archana Puran Singh who misses the catch this time around. Priety Zinta in one flashback scene is wasted. Pryianka Chopra doesn't have a great role but she does whatever she is required to do. She is likeable in the bubbly role and runs around the trees with our super hero whenever required.

And finally the show belongs to none other than the man himself, Hrithik. He looks a million dollars, he dances like no ones business and his acting histrionics are simply commendable. He is a complete package, his honesty shows on screen and his hard work puts him way ahead of his contemporaries. Hats off boy, to you and to your dad.

Also the last scene convinced me that a trilogy is definitely coming up!!!!

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Phir Hera Pheri

2006-06-14T11:11:00.000+05:30

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Bipasha Basu, Rimmi Sen and Paresh Rawal.

Director: Neeraj Vora

Rating: * *

Probably its the first sequel of any film to hit the Indian marquee, but even that doesn't help this film. The original was just class apart with three unusual, real characters who potrayed their characters very honestly. But this time around the same three characters have gone completely over board, they are anything but likeable.

Only a few portions of the film are funny and the problem with the film is it has too many plots and sub plots woven into each other. The film could have been better if it followed a single track and if it had lesser characters. The film can easily be trimmed by 30 to 40 minutes.

The new characters which includes Jhonny Lever and Rajpal Yadav go over the top, I wonder whats wrong with them, they have become so repetitive. As for Bipasha, I wonder why she signed the film just for 3 scenes and 2 songs and as far as Rimmi is concerned she does what she generally does 2 songs and 2 scenes.

Akshay is good but again too much of anything is not good, ditto for Mr Shetty and Paresh Rawal.

Instead of watching Phir Hera Pheri one could do with watching Phirse (again) Hera Pheri (original).

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Ankahee

2006-05-22T13:42:00.000+05:30

Starring: Esha Deol, Aftab Shivdasani, Ameesha Patel.
Director: Vikram Bhatt
Rating: * *

What happens when you pick an old blockbuster "Arth", make a weak script out of it, then garnish it with a few tasteless songs and even worse caricatures? Well, the answer is you get Ankahee. In that respect, I don't have to talk about the story coz everyone knows what Arth is all about.

I always believe a good film is a good film, be it a commercial film or an art film, a romantic or a horror film. Likewise the same goes for a film that is adapted from another film or a book, a remake or an adaptation can be as interesting as the original. In this case as the rumours make rounds that is Vikram Bhatt's real life story and its a also known fact that Arth was Mahesh Bhatt's autobiographical all I can say is probably they have one similar chapter in their lives.

It could have been a well made, intriguing, sensitive enterprise but it turns out to be anything but these.

The characterization of the three leads Shekar (Aftab Shivdasani) a doctor, Nandita (Ameesha Patel) his homemaker and Kavya (Esha Deol) a model is very weak. Aftab's character is reduced to a "oh I cant express, I am so wooden" kinda character, Ameesha's character is so over enthusiastic and so unreal that the poor husband has no choice but have an affair. She plays the too good to be true kinda irritating wife who sobs at the drop of a hat. On the other hand Esha's character is strong with grey shades but then it eventually gets reduced to that of a possessive maniac.

The music is average, the title track sung by Kunal Ganjawaala featuring himself is the only one that stands out. Camera work by Subi Samuel is nothing to rave about.

Of the cast, as said earlier Aftab doesn't emote, somehow he is very stiff. The less said about Ameesha the better, a career change would be the best advice I can give her. The only one who rocks is none other than Esha. Such a power packed performance, truly amazing to see what she is capable of. There is some sense of mysticism in her eyes that make her perfectly suitable for the role. Every chance that the role has given her, she has grabbed that opportunity and given it her best shot.

All said and done, it would have been better if this story had remained Ankahee (untold). Rather watch Arth again.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-36 China Town

2006-05-08T10:11:00.000+05:30

Starring: Akshaye Khanna, Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapur, Upen Patel.
Director Duo: Abbas-Mustan.
Rating: * * (and I am possibly being generous).

I would not want to waste more than 36 seconds to write a review about this absolutely not happening whodunit. I am surprised it comes from a director duo who are masters of this genre. Anyways there is not much to say about the story or rather the lack of it. There is some slapstick comedy, some hummable songs and some unwanted ones, some funny moments , good camerawork and average performances.

Of the cast, Akshaye Khanna as the cop is kool, Kareena and Shahid are cute, Jhonny Lever and Tanaz Currim are funny, Paresh Rawal and Payal Rohatgi are just below average and debutante Upen Patel who was always bragging about being launched by Mukta Arts as the main lead is reduced to a mere sidey. Priyanka Chopra in a blink and miss appearance is adorable.

The only saving grace is the song "Aashique Me Teri".

The climax is so poor, is not funny, when you get to know who the murderer is who will be guaranteed that you have wasted your time , energy and money watching this slick looking but no content flick.

Avoid.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Gangster

2006-05-02T12:22:00.000+05:30

Starring: Shiney Ahuja, Emran Hashmi, Kangana.
Director: Anurag Basu.
Rating: * * * 1/2

After the forgettable Darna Zaroori hai, this film lightened my dampened spirits over the weekend. An amazing passionate love triangle after a long time.

The title role (Gangster aka Dayashankar) played by Shiney Aahuja bumps into Simran (Kangana) a bar dancer and is swept off his feet. He gets her out of that rut and takes her home. They find out that they love each other too much, so much that Daya strikes a gun at his foster father Khan (Gulshan Grover) when he comments on Simran. They flee to some place, adopt a child and try to live a normal life when a police officer guns their child in a shootout. Both the parents are totally traumatized. Daya puts Simran in a place in Seoul and tells her that he would return soon. But its longer than sooner and Simran turns into a total alcoholic. In this interim she meets Emran Hashmi (Aakash) a singer in a local Indian restaurant.
Aakash loves Simran more than himself and slowly due to Daya's absence she falls for him as well. So whom does she choose is what you got to see and the twists and turns in the tale will keep you on the edge of your seat till the last minute.

The story is strong, the screenplay and dialogues simply rock. It does get a little slow in the first half but catches up really well in the second half. The cinematography is average. Full marks to the director for delivering a film like this and also congratulations to the Bhatt camp who churned a sensible film after a long time and also made a film that is not sleazy to say the least.

The songs in the film are placed really well. "Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai" is so melodious whereas "Ya Ali" and "Humari Adhoori Kahani" haunt you even after you come out of the theatre. Good work.

As far as performances go, its silly to expect too much out of Emran Hashmi, he does his lover boy role mechanically and all I can say is he is passable. Newcomer Kangana flaws in some scenes but considering that its her debut film and the role is so complex, overall she does really well. She plays the role of a boozard with such conviction, is not funny. Her looks are so unconventional and there is some sense of mystery to it. Keep up the good work.

And obviously the film belongs to the lead man himself none other than Shiney Ahuja, its his film all the way. In terms of screen minutes and dialogues may be hasn't been offered much but then he doesn't need dialogues, he is such a promising actor. You breakdown with him and you can feel the pain when he does. Truly brilliant. Full marks to him otherwise which this film wouldn't have been what it is. Shiney truly shines.

A treat for the weekend!

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Darna Zaroori Hai

2006-05-02T12:13:00.000+05:30

Starring: Half the film industry

Director: RGV himself and half a dozen of his assistants

Rating: * *

It's exactly Darna Mana Hai revamped. And RGV has said he is gonna make one movie of the Darna... series every year. My advice is thanks but no thanks.

I mean imagine the trauma that we have to go through. I would have been happy , if the movie would have been scarier to say the least. The biggest letdown is that its not even close to being scary.

There are 7 stories out of which I like the title story where he introduces the new film Darna Zaroori Hai, its been directed by Sajid Khan and I like the story featuring Bipasha, Arjun and Makrand, but its very similar to Vivek and Nana's story in Darna Mana Hai and lastly Anil and Mallika's story.

Not that these stories are outstanding or something but atleast bearable, the others including RGV's piece featuring Amitabh and Ritesh are a complete let down. The cinematography and sound work look low budgeted and patchy.

The performances are average. The ones that stand out are Amitabh, Makrand, Manoj Pawha and Randeep Hooda.

Only recommended if you have nothing to do and even the weak hearts can scrape through this movie without flinching their eyelid.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Shaadi Se Pehle

2006-04-10T13:23:00.000+05:30

Starring: Akshaye Khanna, Ayesha Takia, Mallika Sherawat.
Direction: Satish Kaushik
Rating: * * 1/2

It's a cute, light, refreshing, timepass movie.

Ashish Khanna (Akshaye Khanna) falls in love with Rani (Ayesha Takia) for whom is also vying his best friend Aftab Shivdasani. Alls well and Ashish and Rani are all set to marry, until Ashish discovers that he has cancer. But it's a mistake. Now he doesn't want to ruin Rani's life so he does everything to farthen the distance between them even acts like a womaniser. His friend Kanpuria (Rajpal Yadav) helps him to do so and he uses Sania (Mallika Sherawat) as a prop. But what happens is Sania falls for Ashish and that's not it she wants him at any cost and to make that happen is her brother Anna (Sunil Shetty) who happens to be an underworld don.

One fine day Ashish realizes , he doesn't have cancer and wants to reverse everything. That is the confusion in the film and that's what forms the crux of the story.

The camera work is cool. Music is hummable especially the track called "Ishq Ki Bijuria".

The direction is as always very Satish Kaushik in nature. It has its funny moments, some rona dhona some light moments and he sticks to his same formula and style.

Among the actors Gulshan Glover, Anupam Kher and Mita Vashist are totally wasted. Rajpal Yadav this time around goes over the top, only funny in a few scenes. Boman Irani as usual, terrific. Sunil Shetty for a change is likeable.

As far as the main leads are concerned, Aftab Shivdasani is efficient. Ayesha Takia disappoints, she goes through her role mechanically. Also she has to watch her weight. Mallika Sherawat on the other hand is a surprise. She plays the role of a seductress and must say does it really well. And Mr. Akshaye Khanna, though his hairstyle is one of the ugliest to have happened in the history of Indian Cinema and his rude and shocking sense of dressing could give all the Govinda's in the business a run for their money and his dancing skills could put Sunny Deol to shame, but what goes in his favour are his acting capabilities. Despite all the odds, he stands out as an honest actor.

This movie is not some path breaking film nor does it claim to be one. It's just a simple , timepass movie for the weekend.

Seriously no one will be disappointed.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Banaras

2006-04-10T13:19:00.000+05:30

Starring: Ashmit Patel, Urmila Matondkar

Director: Pankuj Parashar

Rating: * and maybe another 1/2

Set in Banaras, this is a weird love story of a upper caste brahmin girl Shwetambri (Urmila) and a low caste music teacher Soham (Ashmit Patel). Anyways I don't wanna waste my time reviewing this waste of a movie. Everything in the movie is crappy except the following:

1. The performances, be it Shweta's loving mum played by Dimple or her doting father played by Raj babbar or her lover Soham played by Ashmit all are first rate. Then there is the main protagonist herself Urmila who is simply turned out to be an outstanding actress in the last few years. The only flaw in her performance is her Kaun , Bhoot hangover. But nevertheless, she is brilliant.

2. The breath taking visuals, the cinematography is par excellence...........truly worldclass. That's it nothing more nothing less.

This movie is worth nothing but a miss.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Being Cyrus

2006-03-27T11:26:00.000+05:30

Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Nasserudin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Boman Irani and Simone Singh.
Director: Homi Adjania.
Rating: * * 1/2

A very dark, surreal and depressing film indeed. A moribund way of life. A tale about bad childhood. A tale about depressed people.

Its the story about a dysfunctional Parsi Family called the Sethna's. A retired sculptor Dinshaw Sethna (Nasseruddin Shah) lives with his voluptuous wife Katy (Dimple Kapadia) in Panchgani, while brother Farokh (Boman Irani), his wife Tina (Simone Singh) and father Fardoonjee (Honey Chhaya) live in Mumbai.

So a complete stranger Cyrus (Saif Ali Khan) lands at the Sethna house in Panchgani to learn sculpting from Dinshaw and ends up romancing his wife Katy, then he moves to their Mumbai house where he befriends the ailing Sethna patriarch Fardoonji and what follows then is a complete topsy-turvy of events that I cannot reveal.

What intrigues me in this film is the direction. The debutante director in his very first film proves that he is class apart. He has directed this film like a veteran. Another efficient member in the GenX directors list.

The camerawork and background score are slick.

The stellar starcast has given some top notch performances. Manoj Pahwa as the inspector with dwindling English is pretty good and so is Honey Chayya. Dimple Kapadia as the philandering wife overacts, whereas Nasseruddin Shah as the dumwit husband underacts. Simone Singh is efficient. Boman Irani is outstanding, he enacts his part with such conviction that you forget he is boman and feel he is indeed Farooq Sethna. And Saif Ali Khan is truly competent, he leaves no stone unturned to assure that his performance is world class. Truly my favorite Khan.

But despite many things going in the favour of the film be it performances or duration of the film, something seems to have gone wrong and hence the rating.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Taxi No.9211

2006-02-27T11:56:00.000+05:30

Starring: John Abraham, Nana Patekar, Sameera Reddy, Sonali Kulkarni.
Direction: Milan Luthria
Rating: * * * 1/2

A very refreshing and fast paced caper after a long time. Another landmark in the category of changing Bollywood trends. Jai Mittal (John Abraham) has to challenge his dad's will in the court and has to appear before the judiciary on time. As fate would have it , he meets an eccentric cabbie Raghav Shastri (Nana Patekar) and from there on begins an exciting roller coaster ride which changes both their lives.
Sonali Kulkarni plays Nana's dutiful wife, whereas Sameera plays John's girlfriend.
The film has a very upbeat and contemporary look to it. The characters are very well sketched and the film is very racy. You actually don't get any time to think and before you know the movie is over.
There is only one song " Do lafzo", John's intro song which is quite hummable and the only other song " Meter Down" comes with the credit titles. This song really goes well with the audience and you go home smiling.
The humour in the movie is class apart, the dialogues are very witty and well written. The Kachche Dhage director has done a very neat job, full marks for that.
So with a good story, good background score, good actors and a good director what do you expect? A superhit and that's what this film is.
Sonali Kulkarni stands out in her small yet convincing role of a dutibound housewife. Acting comes to her naturally. On the other hand Ms. Reddy is not worth talking about, she manages to be quite average.
Ofcourse the show stealers are non other than John and Nana. Both give an outstanding performance. I always feel that Nana goes over the top but in this film he is so subtle and so restrained and gives a complete knock out performance. As for John, I think this is his finest performance and stands out tall even though he has been pitted against the vintaged Nana Patekar.
So all said and done this is a must watch, so hail this Taxi and say "Meter Down".
-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Zinda

2006-01-16T11:09:00.000+05:30

Starcast: Sanjay Dutt, John Abraham, Lara Dutta
Director: Sanjay Gupta
Rating: * * *

This is probably the first time in my life that I am unable to decide if I liked or disliked the movie . I liked the movie in terms of narration, script, screenplay, performances, editing, cinematography, etc and what I didn't like about the movie is its brutality and its dark and gruesome setup, the overdone blood galore completely turned me off.

Balajit Roy (Sanjay Dutt) is a contented man, with a loving wife (Celina Jetley) and friend (Mahesh Manjrekar), a great software engineering job which has currently got him to Bangkok, et al. He is absolutely in love with his life until an unexpected turn of events flips his life upside down. He is kidnapped and lands in a dungeon where he is kept for 14 years and he doesn't have the slightest clue as to why he is there.

In the first year of being there, he comes to know about his wife being murdered in his house and the blame of that is also on him. After 14 years he is freed and there enters Rohit Chopra (John Abraham) an anonymous someone who is responsible for Balajit's state today. How is Rohit responsible forms the crux of the story. Jenny (Lara Dutta) a cab driver helps Balajit to reach his vindictive destination.

The cinematography by Sanjay F Gupta is unbeatable. The editing is crispy, the screenplay and script are sturdy. The only negative part is the film is that there is too much of blood, some scenes like sanjay Dutt plucking each and every tooth out of Raj Zutshi's mouth makes you feel sick. There are no songs in the movie, Shibani Kashyap's Zinda Hoon Main and Strings song happen to be just the background score.

Performances are good, Lara doesn't get much scope but she does well out of whatever she was offered. John could have been better, seems too plastic at times. The anger on his face should have been more evident. Supporting cast is ok. Celina and Mahesh go over the top as always. The show stealer undoubtedly being Mr. Sanjay Dutt, I doubt anyone could have performed this role better. Sanjay lives through the character, he plays Balajit Roy with such conviction that if you are not one with a weak heart you must see this film for him. This role was written just for him, the pain in his eyes make him very likeable. Outstanding performance.

Zinda will definitely not appeal to everyone, people with weak hearts, sensitive people, et al the film is definitely not for you. I came out Zinda after the movie, how about you?

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Neal 'N' Nikki

2005-12-12T11:50:00.000+05:30

Starring: Uday Chopra, Tanisha Mukerjee
Director: Arjun Sablok
Rating: * *

This film is so Hollywoodish!! Right from the smooches to the clothes to the story to the look and the feel of the film and even the duration of one and half hours everything straight out of Hollywood. But what is the end product, well that is like a taangawaala driving a Rolls Royce. We can ape the west no worries with that but atleast we should do it well, we shouldn't look like wannabe's and if we cant imitate them well then I think we should stick to our Indian sensibilities. That's exactly where this film goes wrong.

Neal aka Gurneal Ahuwalia (Uday Chopra) is all set to be married to an Indian girl Sweety (Richa Pallod) so he decides he wants to enjoy his last 21 days of bachelorhood by sleeping with 21 women and goes to Vancouver where he meets Nikki aka Nikita Bakshi (Tanisha Mukerjee) who spoils his plans unknowingly each time. They fight and before they know they are in love and obviously no points for guessing what happens in the end.

The music is not great despite the fact that the film comes from the Yash Raj camp. "Halla Re" and the title track are hummable, that's about it. The costumes sorry to say, especially that of Tanisha don't look sensuous but look cheap. The cinematography is chick so are the Canadian slopes. The director's luck continues to dissuade him as he fails to strike gold again after his first dismay "Na Tum Jaano Na Hum"

Gaurav Gera as the Sardar with a Guitar manages to generate a few laughs. Richa has no scope but looks pretty. Abhishiek Bachchan makes a 'blink and I am gone' kinda insignificant appearance. Last but not the least the lead pair, Uday doesn't have any credentials except his last name that can qualify him as a lead actor, lets see how far his last name can push his lady luck. My sincere advice change your profession.

Superstar Kajol's not so great sibling, she can still be excused coz she's just started, maybe if her talent is exploited well she could do wonders. But unfortunately for her, in this film the director thought her talent lies in prancing around showing off lingerie and getting drunk at the drop of a hat. Sorry better luck next time.

Avoid it, anyways I have rechrisened the film from Neal 'N' Nikki to Nudgy 'N' Nonsensical.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Ek Ajnabee

2005-12-12T11:45:00.000+05:30

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Rampal, Perizad Zorabian
Direction: Apporva Lakhia
Rating: * * 1/2

When I got out of the mutliplex after watching Ek Ajnabee, I felt a sensation of deja-vu just a similar feeling when I saw the director's debut debacle "Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost". The feeling that I am talking about here is "what is the purpose of making the movie" feeling. Ok, understood everything is taken care of, right from the stunning locales, to the background music, outstanding stunts, but what about the weak script and shoddy screenplay???

Bangkok is the place, Perizaad, Vikram, Rucha are the family, The kid is the one who needs protection coz some group has been kidnapping Indian Kids in Bangkok, hence Amitabh is the bodyguard and Arjun is his sidekick, both being ex suspended army officers.

Obviously the kid is kidnapped, so who's who, and whodunit, et al is the story. There are definitely some twists and turns but somehow the zing is missing. Though the editing is crisp, the film is still boring and lengthy in parts. The action is awesome, the costumes, location and Arjun's and Big B's look are fab. Arjun's item number is also not bad......

Perizaad truly excels as Rucha's helpless mother, she's a complete natural. Vikram Chatwal as Perizaad's hubby can't match up to her. Arjun looks great, acts well but the character is not well sketched at all, anyways things are looking brighter for him now. But the show stealers are Rucha Vaidya and Big B. The kid is such a sweetheart, her annoying arrogance in the first half and her love for her bodyguard cum friend in the second half is very cute. She really matches Mr. bachchan in every scene and every frame. And what can be said about the legend himself, a total powerhouse performer, he just steals every scene. His energy and freshness are just indispensable. Absolutely knock out performance.

Abhishiek and Lara's special appearances in the end add to the star power. Not great cinema but not disappointing either. Meet the stranger if you want to pass time......

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Kyon Ki and Garam Masala

2005-11-07T12:19:00.000+05:30

Kyon Ki
Starring: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rimii Sen.
Garam Masala
Starring: Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Rimii Sen and 3 new finds.
Director: Priyadarshan
Rating: *

To,
Mr. Priyadarshan (director of the above blockbusters).

Dear Sir,
First and foremost I would like to personally thank you for ruining my long weekend by releasing these two films viz Kyon Ki and Garam Masala. I wonder what made you create films like these which are completely lacklustre. If a rookie would see this, he would be completely averse to films made in Bollywood. I am so surprised that these two films came from you, who has given us Virasat, Hera Pheri and Hungama.

Let me first talk to you about Kyon Ki, what in the god's name is this? You tried to make the first half of the film funny but it turned out to be anything but funny. Those silly gags in the mental hospital are so so crude and disgusting. The physical abuse of the patients there is highly questionable. Overacting seems to flow in the skin of all the characters be it the lead pair or the supporting cast.

First of all Rimii is eyeing Salman and when he starts stalking her she pretends to be so naive and declares herself to be a nun. The father of that church also needs a special mention here, unacceptable. The chemistry between Salman and Rimii is very poor and they just don't seem to be so much in love that Salman can go bonkers when Rimii dies. And the poor Rimii Sen needs to take some Hindi lessons and change her diction drastically.

Kareena is a talented actress but even her histrionics are not used well. She gets Salman Khan out of amnesia so easily by just singing their love song and by writing I Love You on the cars window. On the other hand you have Jackie Shroff with some ghesa-pita over melodramatic angle to the story.

The music has one good soundtrack sung by Kunal Ganjawaala "Dil keh raha hai" and the title song and "goli maare" are hummable and the rest are absolutely avoidable. Om Puri and Suniel Shetty are wasted, I wonder why that character of Mr. Shetty was ever sketched. Kareena does her bit but she cant be blamed at all. Salman does what he always does so I will just leave it at that.

And the climax that you finally give us, maybe you think its a Kahaani Me Twist but sadly it puts you off totally. I think the title of this film must be changed from Kyon Kii...Its Fate to Kyon Kii...It's Illfate, illfate of all the people who have or will see this movie.

Coming to your second film Garam Masala, I agree its definitely better than Kyon Ki but nowhere as compared to your earlier comedy films. This film suffers because it has no story, no plot. None of the events that are happening in the film make any sense at all.

For example why does John get promoted and go to America and many such things which make no sense at all. Akshay Kumar the playboy is dating three air hostesses at a time and juggling between their flight schedules, buoy that is so funny that I feel like crying.

Seriously just because Masti and No Entry have done well it doesn't mean that directors can saturate people with these kinda films. Akshay overacts and John underacts. John thinks that jumping around and toppling the sofas can tickle our funny bone, but both he and you are sadly mistaken.

Rimii Sen again has precious little to do and ofcourse Paresh Rawal is the only one who atleast brings a smile if not a laugh on the audience's face. All said and done this Garam masala is neither hot nor tasty absolutely bland.

Hope we will not be undergoing such kind of torture in the near future. God Bless!!

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Chocolate

2005-09-18T18:07:00.000+05:30

Anil Kapoor in Chocolate

Starring: Anil Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Irfan Khan, Arshad Warsi, Emran Hashmi, Sushma Reddy and Tanushree Dutta.
Director: Vivek Agnihotri
Rating: * * *

Chocolate, is very edible and even crunchy at times, but let me warn you not every one will like it, probably an average cinegoer cannot associate with it at all. But I give full marks to the debutante director to write a story and make a film of this stature in his very first attempt.

Welcome to the dark, mean streets of London. London as it's never shown before (and definitely not.... as in Yash Raj films), seven characters who are going to blow you of your wits.

Krish Pandit (Anil Kapoor) an egoistical lawyer for whom manipulating facts is like drinking a cup of tea.

Rocker (Suniel Shetty) the head of the rock band, who is madly in love with Sim.

Pipi (Irfan Khan) an artist (painter) cum musician whose slyness will put a fox to shame.

Chip (Arshad Warsi) a computer wiz cum musician with a whacky sense of humour.

Deva (Emran Hashmi) a soulful musician and a sleazy bloke.

Monsoon (Sushma Reddy) a clumsy, yet successful journalist.

Sim (Tanushree Dutta) a sensual hooker and a budding singer.

Pipi and Sim are arrested for a certain blast case and robbery of some billion dollars because of Monsoon's report on the same. On Monsoon's request Krish takes up their case, to breathe them easy out of London. Chip, Deva and Rocker are dead in the port blast.

The pluses in the movie are the performances, the outstanding cinematography, brilliant screenplay, impressive casting, thrilling suspense and an intelligent end.

The minuses would be the slightly loose editing at times, surprisingly too many songs, and above all it gets too confusing for the Indian audience, sometimes you feel, "I dunno wot's happening" and then when its about to end you feel, "I didn't understand a thing" and then boom the climax where everything falls into place, basically it gets frustrating at times.

The songs "Halka Halka" and "Mummy" get a thumbs up but the rest need to be dropped.

Speaking of performances, Arshad and Emran are reduced to mere sidekicks. Suniel Shetty is passable as always. Acting to him is what grapes is to sky, absolutely no connection. Sushma Reddy also debuts in this movie, has a striking screen presence and looks really nice but in terms of the role, its not very well sketched. The film belongs to Anil, Irfan and Tanushree. Anil gets into the skin of the character, goes slightly overboard at times but overall another bravo performance. Irfan Khan too, no one but him could have done that role. Impressive. Last but not the least, the temptress Tanushree is the surprise element in the film. This film being only her second, surprisingly acts like a veteran.

All said and done take a bite, only if you like this particular flavour (dark, deep, over the egde, thrlling) of Chocolate.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Salaam Namaste

2005-09-09T18:59:00.000+05:30

Saif Ali Khan and Priety Zinta in Salaam Namaste

Starring: Saif Ali khan and Priety Zinta
Director: Siddarth Raj Anand
Rating: * * * 1/2

I describe this film as an urbane, cosmopolitan, suave, chic and debonairish film. Another GenX director Siddarth Raj Anand has done a commendable job. This is a breezy, light entertainer that all youngsters would love.

Here's the story. Nikhil Arora aka Nick (Saif Ali Khan) is an architect graduate who has turned into a headchef in Australia in a restraunt Nick of Time. Why chef? coz he loves being a chef, the architect stuff was just to please his dad. Amber (Priety Zinta) is a student studying surgery and is a RJ partime in an Indian Radio station "Salaam Namaste".

So far so good and so different, but then the film goes through some cliche`d stuff and then becomes a copy of Hugh Grant and Robin William starrer "9 Months".

They meet

They fight

They like like each other

Song (Salaam Namaste)

They live in

They like each other even more

Another song (Dil Bole Ummmmmmmmmmm)

They love

She's pregnant

They fight

They split

Sad Song

They miss each other

They try to reconcile

Some more fights

A very irritating song

They patch up

Then ..... you know.....they are back again.......and they live happily ever after.

But the good part is even the cliche`d stuff is so fresh, so its not boring at all. They are some shocking lip locks as well and even though it's a live in relationship, it doesn't look ugly, very aesthetically shot.

The music is a complete let down, very surprising, since it's coming from the Yash Raj camp. But the good part is that there are only 4 songs out of which the first two are quite hummable and hip. Melbourne looks as beautiful as it can get.

Ron (Arshad Warsi) as Nick's best friend and Tania Zaetta as Amber's best friend are first rate. Jugal Hansraj is passable. Javed Jafrey and his wife bring the house down with their silly funny gigs. Abhishiek Bachchan in a special appearance in the climax as a first timer doc has the most undeserved role. Forgotten and excused. Tich.

But obviously the show belongs to none other than Priety and Saif who share a superb chemistry on screen and are nothing but perfect. Priety proves she's here to stay and ofcourse she has never looked so ravishing before. Saif the next king Khan for sure, absolutely brilliant, he his outdoing his best each time with every passing film. For sure he is a lambi race ka ghoda.

So say Salaam Namaste to the slickest and coolest film of the year.

-Sanketh Rao.

My articles in radiosargam.com

2005-09-01T10:23:00.000+05:30

Hello all,
I have been writing for a Bollywood website called www.radiosargam.com on and off for the past two months. But from now on I have started writing weekly, so dont forget to check the site every week
Here's my latest writeup
http://radiosargam.com/movies/moviereviews/c/chocolate.htm

And these are some of the old ones

http://www.radiosargam.com/news/stories/aug2005/030e.htm

http://radiosargam.com/news/stories/july2005/014a.htm

http://www.radiosargam.com/news/stories/july2005/018e.htm

P.S My review for Parineeta has been published in the August 2005 Filmfare issue.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-No Entry

2005-08-29T08:51:00.000+05:30

Lara Dutta, Fardeen Khan, Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Celina Jetley, Bipasha Basu and Esha Deol in No Entry.

Starring: Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Fardeen Khan, Lara Dutta, Bipasha Basu, Esha Deol, Celina Jetley

Director: Aneez Bazmee

Rating: * * 1/2

Is No Entry a take off on Masti? No, not really. How good is it? Its passable, worth a watch. Its about three friends and their silly lives and even more sillier wives. There is nothing much that I can write about the story, but hell yeah I can write about the performances.

No Entry makes a dull start, an interesting mid and an overtly funny second half. If anyone would see the film it would definitely be for its second half. The director, I must appreciate has directed the second half extremely well with all the chaos and confusion woven extremely well.

The music is nothing to speak about, infact to make the film a racy, fast paced comedy all the songs except the title song should be deleted. The background score with the title song tune fits really well. It would have been a really good and memorable comedy caper had the characters been chosen carefully, no one suits the role what he or she has got except Lara and Bipasha.

Here's my advice to each of the lead actors.

Celina Jetley, ok I understand you are improving but behaving hyper and prancing like a cat is not acting and the clothes I shall not comment but they seem to be slipping everywhere, especially in the song "Ishq mein".

Mr Fardeen Khan the doggy faces that you make in the film is not acting, the final verdict is you cannot act.

Esha, what are you doing in this movie? it's not even a lead nor a good guest appearence.

Bipasha, you have performed well and very naturally , but something is drastically wrong with the make up and clothes, its ghastly at times. Keep a check.

Lara, the only saving grace in the movie, keep it up.

Salman Khan, how many times will you jump around the beach in a bikini? Aren't u fed up? WE ARE.

And finally Anil, you are one of the best actors of our country and one of my favorites too, I really find very difficult to write this despite the fact that you have acted well, as always , Uncle please do roles that suit your age. Roles like My Wife's Murder in which you were simply outstanding and which do justice to your age and acting capabilities.

Enter the No Entry zone bindaas, despite all its flaws its still not disappointing.

-Sanketh Rao..

Film Review- Mangal Pandey~The Rising

2005-08-11T22:16:00.000+05:30

Aamir Khan in and as Mangal Pandey~The Rising

Starring: Aamir Khan, Toby Stephens, Rani Mukerjee, Amisha Patel.

Direction : Ketan Mehta

Rating : * *

Four scenes and one good song doesn't make a memorable film. I don't know how the film is being critically acclaimed everywhere, but I think its a big disappointment. After a sabbatical of four years and a memorable Lagaan what we get from Mr. Perfect Khan is a half baked history lesson with some unwanted filmi fiction added for reasons only known to the director and the writer.

Ok whats good in the movie, a scene where Amisha is offered as Sati, another scene is where Aamir Khan is agitating against the British and comes forward alone as a rebel, also the scene where Mangal is being taken to be hanged to death and a haunting title song.

And whats not good, well everything else, I just cant believe I got such a film from Aamir Khan. The cinematography rocks. The music by Rehman is absolutely lacklustre except the title song. The direction is patchy, screenplay and script are weak.

Om Puri as the narrator cannot match Amitabh Bachchan, Kirron Kher in a 45 second role is good. Tom Alter, gawd knows what he is doing there, Varsha Usgoankar (if you remember her) is hilarious in her 5 second Rani Laxmibai avatar.

The only actor who gets a thumbs up is, Toby Stephens. Whether its his acting capabilities or his Hindi dialogue delivery with the right expression, he excels. Amisha Patel (Jwaala) in her 3 scene role, cannot rely on this film at all to do her any good. I hope Rani doesn't end the year with this film, coz although she plays the role of a prostitute (Heera) to perfection she is hardly there, even her song Mai Vaari Vaari is unimpressive. And the funniest is when she turns from a pros to a sepoy in the climax, my question is WHY?????????

Last but not the least Aamir Khan can never be bad, rite? but yes he can be odinary at times and this is the perfect example.

With all due respects to Mangal Pandey one of our prominent freedom fighters, I would still say you haven't missed anything if you haven't seen this flick. If you really wanna know about the real Mangal Pandey, I think you can refresh your memory by reading that one chapter about him in the history textbooks.

Jai Hind!

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Dus

2005-07-13T22:08:00.000+05:30

Abhishiek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan and Suniel Shetty in Dus.

Starcast: Sanjay Dutt, Abhishiek Bachchan, Zayed Khan, Suniel Shetty, Shilpa Shetty, Esha Deol, Dia Mirza, Raima Sen

Director: Anubhav Sinha

Rating: * * 1/2

I shall make it simple, U DECIDE

DUS BAHAANE to miss DUS;-

1. The screenplay disappoints, the film starts well, suddenly goes bonkers and then revives back in the end.

2. It's something similar to 16th December.

3. Sanjay Dutt dancing.

4. Gulshan Glover, the original badman, makes a phenomenal entry, but then there is a twist in the tale and his character takes an abrupt ending, totally wasted.

5. What Abhishiek Bachchan does in the climax, the effect would have been same even otherwise, he didn't have to do what he did, you will know what I am saying if see the movie.

6. Esha's hairstyle, its so funny.

7. The emotional crap, that too in scenes where there is 2 minutes left for the bomb to explode.

8. Zayed Khan - Vaada ditto Shabd ditto Dus, I need not say more.

9. Suniel Shetty, I mean, Thanks but no thanks.

10. The girls disappoint bigtime, Dia just has about 1 dialogue, Raima keeps yelling "Dan" (her hubby Sunil Shetty) about 50 times and Esha Deol does a la Dhoom again and Shilpa Shetty does good of whatever is offered to her, but I thought it would be one class action role, but it isn't. The only good stunt that she does is the one shown in the promos.

DUS BAHAANE to NOT miss DUS;-

1. If you have nothing better to do, on a Sunday.

2. An attempt in making something different.

3. Good editing.

4. The well co-ordinated action stunts.

5. Pankaj Kapoor

6. The two kaahni me twists are really nice and well presented at the right time, just when it starts to get really boring.

7. The background score and slick cinematography.

8. Sanjay Dutt, not a great performance, but very likeable.

9. Abhishiek Bachchan, the film wouldn't have been what it is without him, he is a superstar in the making. Another good performance and hes let gone his two left feet as well, he can now give all the item girls a run for their money.

10. Deedaar Ve is ok, but Dus Bahaane the title track of the film, simply rocks.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Sarkar

2005-07-13T22:06:00.000+05:30

Amitabh Bachchan in Sarkar

Starcast: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishiek Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Tanisha
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Rating: * * * *
I don't know if this is Ram Gopal Varma's best work till date as he claims it to be, but it definitely is one of his best.
Subash Nagare (Amitabh Bachchan) an autocrat catalyst in politics, a la Bal Thackerey ( just the inspiration of the character, that's all) is all powerful and has all the public adulation but has refrained himself from the rat race in politics. Everyone from the chief minister to his cabinet members are the puppets whose strings are in the hands of Subash Nagare alias SARKAR.
He has a suppressed and dutiful wife (Supriya Pathak) and two children Vishnu (Kay Kay Menon) and Shankar (Abhishiek Bachchan). Vishnu is the black sheep of the family, he's a producer in Bollywood, chases his heroines, mouths foul language and has a rift with his father et al. Shankar is the foreign returned obedient son, who is never introduced to the family business but inevitably goes on to be a part of it.
What is this family business? Well it's social service. Subash Nagare is the law, the poor and oppressed come to him with their problems and he sorts them out. Now he doesn't do anything that his conscience doesn't approve him of, so obviously he has many foes. Many of his enemies are his students who have learnt all the tricks of the trade from him.
Every dog has its day and Subash's enemies have found theirs, they kill a leader who badmouths Nagare, so the blame is on him. Even his older son Vishnu is an accomplice of his father's enemies. His son Shankar gets him out of the rut and takes over from the aging Sarkar to become one himself and continues the family legacy.
The cinematography is dark and slick like every other RGV film. The dialogues are exceptional, most of them are "taali bajao" types. The cat calls from the audience says it all. The editing is crisp, the film turning out be just about 2 hours. The background score "Govinda" is superb.
The starcast is impressive, though some added unnecessarily. The supporting cast does a great job. Sarkar's two aides are pretty good. The south Indian gangster is awesome and his dialogues will leave you laughing in splits, his laugh sounds like a snake hissing, really funny. The sadhu is good too. Kay Kay Menon is first rate, gives a very convincing performance. His on screen wife Ruksaar earlier seen in D, is totally lacklustre, I think she has about 10 words (not dialogues) in the whole film. Supriya Pathak shines.
Coming to the main cast, Katrina as Abhishiek's foreign returned girlfriend who dumps him, makes her presence felt in a small role and moreover, she looks gorgeous. Tanisha, his childhood sweetheart is really funny not because she has some funny lines or anything, she's funny coz she's emoting. Hahhaha. But atleast she has an A grade film in her kitty to rave about.
Last but not the least the show stealers, the father and son duo give a mind blowing performance. A father and son jodi like this has never been witnessed in Hindi Cinema ever before. They just rock together, their chemistry is awesome! I hope we see more of them together. Sr. Bachchan can add another splendid performance to his list. He completely gets into the character, doesn't have many dialogues but his eyes say it all. The first half belongs to him.
Jr. is as brilliant if not better, the second half belongs to him. His eyes have a fierce intensity that can give anyone cold feet. He is so comfortable in what he's doing that it just reflects on screen.
He truly deserves to be Aby's baby. Bravo.
How can anyone miss this totally "Paisa vasool" film?
-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Parineeta

2005-06-13T23:00:00.000+05:30

Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Sanjay Dutt in Parineeta

Starcast: Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Balan.
Director: Pradeep Sarkar
Rating: * * * *

I must confess, I might be partial as I write this review, coz a pretty girl Vidya, who lives opposite my house in Mumbai signed this film called "Parineeta" (The married woman). This is the film that I have been waiting for almost 1.5 years now and here it is.

1962 Calcutta, a love story that will sweep you off your feet, the story goes like this, two families who are neighbours, 1 affluent family that of Shekar (Saif Ali Khan), who has a loving and suppressed mother and a father who will put Hitler to shame. The other family being that of Koel (Raima Sen) and her not so rich, loving parents. At a very early age Lollita's (Vidya Balan) parents die in a car accident and she finds home at her uncle's house who happens to be Koel's father. So the three kids Shekar, Lollita and Koel grow up together.

Lollita wants a toy but she doesn't have the money, when Shekar finds this out her drags her to his cupboard and tells her she could have as much as she wants and she doesn't even need to ask him. They grow up and their chilhood romance turns into an unbreakable bond and passionate love of their youth.

Now Lollita's uncle is under debt. He is indebted to none other than Shekar's ruthless father. Shekar's father had lend Lollita's uncle 10,000 rupees and mortgaged the house which has accrued interest and has turned into 1.5 lacs. But what that would mean is, it would be a complete rip off coz the house costs 25 lacs.

Timely entry is made by Girish (Sanjay Dutt) who is another very close family friend's brother who is completely bowled over by Lollita's simplicity and beauty. He helps Lollita and her family to come out of the rut. An event of such things leads to misunderstanding between Lollita and Shekar due to which he is ready to marry his father's choice, an affluent father's daughter (Dia Mirza) and this leads to the most heart warming climax which I cannot reveal.

As far as the technicality of the film is concerned, its par excellence. The cinematography and set design is simple but will leave you spellbound. Actually the script is the medalist, which is an adaptation of Sarth Chandra Chatupadhaya's novel. The songs are beautifully stitched to the film each being absolutely timeless. Be it "Piyu Bole" or "Yeh Hawaye" or "Kaisi Paheli" all of them are just "Wow".Amitabh Bachchan is the Sutradhar (narrator) and Rekha does an item number, now that's a scoop isn't it? Vidhu Vinod Chopra delivers another winner. Sanjay Dutt, Raima Sen and Diya Mirza just deliver what they are expected to. The actor playing Saif's father, is worth a mention you will love to hate him. The conquistador is Saif Ali Khan, he goes a complete image makeover and how.... truly brilliant.

But the show belongs to two debutante's i.e. the director Pradeep Sarkar and newcomer Vidya Balan. The director has translated the novel into the film with such great conviction, the only defect being a scene in the climax where the whole family yells "Tod Shekar Tod", seems a little tooo filmy. But except that 1 scene the film is simply flawless.

And for Vidya, not every newcomer can boast of a debut film like this. She acts as if shes a veteran. Right from the title song till the end, she sparkles in every scene, in every frame. Its her show only hers and after seeing the movie I cannot imagine anyone else but her playing Parineeta. I truly cannot wait to see her again.

Unmissable flick.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-D

2005-06-03T23:33:00.000+05:30

Randeep Hooda in D

Starcast: Randeep Hooda, Isha Koppikar, Ruksaar and Chunkey Pandey

Direction: Vishram Sawant

Rating: * *

Truly a lacklustre fare! I do not know the purpose of making this film, we saw Satya, I think we saw it all. And of course we had Company, but that had many pluses like Ajay Devgan, Vivek Oberoi and most importantly "Khallas".

So Deshu, son of a constable gets a chance to become a constable, refuses and goes on to become an underworld don. He joins hands with Hashim (Goga Kapoor) an aging lion and his gang and proves his mettle along with fellow accomplice Chunkey Pandey.

So far so good, now Deshu has some problems with Hashim's sons Sushant Singh and the other guy from Lagaan and the father takes stride in his sons instead of ostracizing them.

This leaves Deshu angry, yet he obeys his boss' order and goes to Gujarat a complete non starter for their business.

He and Chunkey turn this land of dust into a pot of gold and outshine Hashim's sons. Unable to bear the brunt the sons kill Chunkey and his wife (Isha Koppikar, who is a bar dancer turned wife, tell me we haven't seen this before) and our hero takes revenge by killing the sons and leaving the aging lion to die by himself and flees off to some foreign land with actress love (Ruksaar). The End.

The item number featuring Rajpal Yadav which was not supposed to be in the film has been added but frankly speaking is not even worth mentioning. The only other song "Khud Ko Maar Dala" is an ugly twin of "Sapne Me Milti Hai" from Satya.

So this two hour gangster flick is just nothing more than I mentioned, any buyers? I doubt. Chunkey Pandey and Isha Koppikar (in her 3 scene 1 song role) are efficient. Ruksaar the Parveen Babi look alike is forgettable. The show belongs to Randeep Hooda (earlier seen in Monsoon wedding), he tries playing the role to perfection. But since his character looks like a complete take off from Company (that of Vivek Oberoi), he shall not get the acclaim he would have otherwise. Period.
-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Bunty Aur Babli

2005-06-03T19:23:00.000+05:30

Abhishiek Bachchan and Rani Mukerjee in and as Bunty Aur Babli

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishiek Bachchan, Rani Mukerjee

Director: Shaad Ali Sahgal

Rating: * * 1/2

What a disappointment!!! I expected so much out of this movie and from Shaad Ali after Saathiya but what I got was a complete letdown.

Two small towners Rakesh aka Bunty (Abhishiek Bachchan) and Vimmi aka Babli (Rani Mukerjee) are ardent dreamers, he dreams about being a Tata or a Birla and she dreams of becoming a model. In the desire of fulfilling their fantasies they leave their small towns towards their city. But sooner they realize that life is not as easy as they thought. Destiny brings them together and they find an alternate route to fame i.e. conning people. So the con game begins and the whole nation is going berserk about Bunty and Babli's charlatanry (P.S They help the poor as well.). So eventually their dreams have come true in a different sense, they have an exciting life and also the entire nation knows them by name.

Life's rocking until one day Dasharth Singh (Amitabh Bachchan) is given the job of tracing the swindlers. After the long cat and mice game he finally manages to hitch them but leaves them coz he knows they have changed and will never enroute that ways.
It's a desi version of Catch Me If You Can starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Tom Hanks. Now the highlights of the movie are very few, ofcourse it manages to generate a few laughs but thats about it.

The screenplay is diseased and the editing is patchy. It gets extremely boring in portions and it has a climax that never ends, unnecessarily long. A crisp editing of 45 minutes could cure this film.

The music in the film dosen't live upto the Yasraj banner standards but is not bad either. The problem is that they are there in the wrong place at the wrong time with the exception of the introduction song Dhadak Dhadak" and the background score of "Bunty aur Babli". Another song called "Nach Baliye" is a total misfit and the costumes in this song are the ugliest I have seen in a long time. "Chup Chupke" is really nice but unwanted and finally the Aishwariya Rai number something like a qawwali is an absolute no-no. This should have been a number that should have exploded the screen, coz it's the first time ever the father and son shake their leg together on the silver screen and also have Ash accompanying them, but it's no where close to that.

Well on the starcast front Rameshwari, Raj Babbar as Abhishiek's parents and Kiron Joneja Sippy and Punnet Issar as Rani's parents are apt in their respective miniscule roles. Tania Zaetta the Australian game show host makes her unipmressive debut in this movie, has hardly anything to do.
The film rests on the shoulders of the lead pair and Bachchan Sr. and how much I hate to say this but Amitabh Bachchan disappoints, coz the odinary is unacceptable from him and thats what he delivers. Abhishiek and Rani play their roles to the T, they share an awesome chemistry and look great together. Abhishiek is the next star provided he takes care about the choice of his films and Rani needless to say is the reigning queen bee, but i think its time again to shed a few kilos.

The high point in the film for me is when my friend Kapila Agrawal makes her debut in a cameo and guess what she also gets to abuse Rani Mukerjee (way to go kapi , we r proud of you!)

All said and done the film's title should be changed from "Bunty Aur Babli" to "Boring and Bumpy".

-Sanketh Rao.

My review in FILMFARE

2005-05-09T09:15:00.000+05:30

Hello all,
I sent some of my reviews to Filmfare magazine, and they published one of them in their May 2005 issue.
Below is the direct link to my review in the magazine

http://www.filmfare.com/articleshow/msid-1102166,curpg-1.cms

-Sanketh.

Film Review-Kya Kool Hai Hum

2005-05-07T11:43:00.000+05:30

Tushar Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Isha Koppikar and Ritesh Deshmukh in

Kya Kool Hai Hum

Starring: Tushar Kapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh, Isha Koppikar and Neha Dhupia

Director: Sangeeth Sivan

Rating: * * *

Hahahahahahheheheheheh. Very funny. Finally Ekta Kapoor got it right. After the debacle of her earlier movies Kuch Toh Hai and Krishna Cottage, here is a winner. Ekta once said "I was the only one who was scared after viewing Kuch Toh Hai and Krishna Cottage, I hope I am not the only one laughing after Kya Kool Hai Hum", dont worry Ekta you have company, anyone and everyone who has seen the film is laughing.

Two thick friends Rahul (Tushar Kapoor) and Karan (Ritesh Deshmukh) are fashion designers, looking for jobs. Rahul is a nice, shy, introverted, honest boy, whereas Karan is a flamboyant casanova who dreams of marrying a rich girl and living happily everafter. Isha Koppikar is opposite Tushar and plays a krude (all c's shall be k's) , krass, loud and ruthless cop called Urmila Mar-tod-kar. Neha Dhupia (Rekha) plays a shrink, who is in love with Ritesh.

There is also mockery about Ekta's "K" fixation in the movie. There is a serial killer doing rounds of the city, killing women from suburbs starting with "K". So when psychiatrist Mr. Screwala (Anupam Kher) is asked to solve this case, he says he has only two suspects in mind, one is a lady who makes serial's with "K" and the other is a guy who makes films with "K".

A series of events make the kops think that Tushar is the killer and send female kop Urmila to seduce him so that they kan katch him red handed. Lots of khaos, till the film reaches its klimax when the leading pairs ressolve all the konfusion.

Obivoisly in a film like this, music has no scope and maybe they can trim the songs for a more crispier pace. All the performances are good even from the supporting cast, only Yashpal Yadav is wasted. Anupam Kher is likeable after a long time, he is as krazy as ever and brings back memories of Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahin. Ritesh Deshmukh is apt, delivers his double meaning dialogues naturally and is an extension of his role in Masti. Neha Dhupia has precious little to do.

The show clearly blongs to Tushar and Isha. Your heart goes out to them, coz even in a krude film like this, they have put in so much hardwork, its evident. Both of them play their roles to the T. Isha is so uncouth, unkempt, unsophisticated and un... everything, that you wonder how she did that. All's well that end's well and everyone in the Balaji factory are having the last laugh.

As far as vulgarity is concerned, this one will put Masti to shame, but who cares we are all grown up's, leave ur brains home, get some popkorn, die laughing for two and a half hours and forget it. Kyunki, the Kahaani of Kya Kool Hai Hum is Kompetent and Kamaal.

Katch it for sure.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Kaal

2005-04-27T21:03:00.000+05:30

Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Ajay Devgan, John
Abraham and Esha Deol in Kaal

Starring: Ajay Devgan, Vivek Oberoi, John Abraham, Lara Dutta and Esha Deol
Director: Soham
Rating: * * * 1/2

If Bhoot scared you, this one will kill. Another talented boy Soham Shah added to the breed of Gen X directors. He is greatly influenced by his mentors Ram Gopal Varma and Karan Johar and gives us a product which is the best of both world's, it has the chills and thrills of Varma productions and the gloss of Dharma productions.

Two researchers, Krish (John Abraham) and wifey Ria (Esha Deol) are out on an expedition to find out the mystery about the unnatural deaths of people in the Orbit jungle by the wild cats. Also on a joy ride are four friends Dev (Vivek Oberoi), Ishika (Lara Dutta), Sajid (Kushal Punjabi) and Vishal (Vishal Malhotra). Their cars collide and they meet and they move on together as their destination is common.
The picnic turns into panic when Sajid is killed and all these guys wanna do, is get out of this jungle, and to help them out enters Kali Pratap Singh (Ajay Devgan), the jungle mougli. Remember Ajay's grand entry in his debut film Phool Aur Kaante or the stylish one in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, this is another phenomenonal one with 3 tigers.

That's all I can reveal about the story. Some of the scenes are shot so brilliantly, looks as if it is coming from a very experienced director. For example Sajid's death scene or Vishal's death scene, Ajay's entry, Lara's dream and Esha's well scene, just first rate. But what makes all these scenes extremely bloodcurdling is the back ground score by Salim-Sulimaan, the best ever after Gupt or Bhoot.

Each one gives a convincing performance, but the girls dont have much to do besides screaming and vociferating in dismay. Vivek as the arrogant dude fits the role to the T. John delivers another winner, another feather in his cap. Ajay Devgan as likeable as ever, a legend in the making and above all are the extremely hunky dory tigers, they are so adorable.

Also the two songs, one title song by ShahRukh Khan and Malaika Arora and the second one Tauba Tauba at the end with the 4 lead actors draws a lot of whistles. All said and done, Kaal is definitely a winner and the young director needs an applause for his grotesque and chic style of filmmaking.

A must watch, especially for lovers of the thriller genre.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Mumbai Express

2005-04-15T21:11:00.000+05:30

Kamal Hassan in and as Mumbai Express

StarCast: Kamal Hassan, Manisha Koirala
Director: S. Srinivas Rao.
Rating: * * *

It's crazy, silly and whacky but sure to tickle your funny bone. Kamal Hasan is back in and as Mumbai Express and he does a commendable job. Three rogues A(Vijay Raaz), B, C decide to kidnap a rich man's kid and ask for a ransom. But in the process of doing so, C is admitted to the hospital as he has to be treated for appendicitis, now his wife (Pratima Kazmi) recommends her brother Mumbai Express aka Avinash (Kamal Hasan) to replace her husband. Now Avinash is a very honest guy who drives a motorbike in the death well in a fair and when they probe him into the plan that's where crime meets confusion.

These 3 fools instead of kidnapping the rich man's (Saurabh Shukla) child they kidnap another child Daddu who is the son of the ACP (Om Puri) and his mistress (Manisha Koirala). Now admist this confusion Avinash whose also deaf falls in love with the kid and his mother. There is nothing more about the story that can be written.

This one is a one song film so thats nice and one can die laughing in the first half of the movie. The second half lacks in pace but again the execution of the dialogues and the comic timing by the director and all the actors is extra odinary. All of them, Sharad saxena, Manisha Koirala, the kid, Pratima Kazmi, Saurabh Shukla and his wife just fit the bill perfectly. But the show clearly belongs to 5 people viz The biting horse, very funny, Ramesh Aravind who is the insurance agent is simply hilarious and does a great job, Vijay Raaz, is brilliant infact has more scenes than Kamal Hasan in the first half and finally Om Puri and Kamal Hasan who are by far amongst the best talent India has ever produced. They are a delight to watch and they just prove that with every passing film.

This film with it's total chaos, disorganization, clutter, disarray, disorder, disorderliness, disarrangement, jumble, muddle, snarl, tangle, topsy-turviness, hullabaloo, pandemonium, tumult , ahhhhhh!!!! I am out of words is definitely worth a watch.

Happy Giggling!

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Lucky

2005-04-08T22:17:00.000+05:30

Salman Khan n Sneha Ulal in Lucky

StarCast: Salman Khan, Sneha Ulal, Mithun Chakrabarty
Direction: Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru
Rating: * * 1/2

Well, well, well, i thought the draught in Bollywood would be over with Lucky, but NOOOO , will have to wait some more to quench our thirst. The movie is set against the romantic backdrop of St. Petersburg, which is a tale of love that brings together two people who would probably have never met if not for the twist of destiny. Lucky (Sneha Ullal) is the quintessential dreamer, beautiful, calm and petite. One morning Lucky's riding to school and calling on all her guardian angels to grant her a miracle - a teeny weenie, itsy bitsy one - "Please GOD I wish from the bottom of my heart that school is shut today." But what she is granted is sure that she had not wished for. She gets marooned with Aditya Shekri (Salman Khan) in graveyards, palaces, etc in the need to reach home safely, as they are struck in an event of terrorist activities and obviously what follows is their inseperable love for each other.

Both their fathers work at the Indian embassy, so when they find out that their children are missing , they hire a sleuth PD (Mithun Chakraborty) who helps them out. Now this strange guy PD is rather irritating, has a fetish for Bollywood flicks and churns out quotes from famous Bollywood films and goes like this "Kisi Mahaan Aadmi Ne Kaha Tha....." and most of the times these "mahaan" men are either Rajesh Khanna or ShahRukh Khan.

Slowly and steadily the film reaches its end which is anything but rocking, the directors just mess up the climax bigtime. The only saving grace in the film is it's music by Adnan Sami. Be it the zingy "Lucky Lips" by Asha Bhosale or the meloudious "Sun Zara" and "Jaan Meri" by sonu Nigam or the slow track by Asha and Adnan himself, all being simply first rate. The cinematography is brilliant, Russia couldnt have looked better.
Salman Khan is Salman Khan, neither delivers an award winning performance nor a crassy one, just as average as ever. Mithun Chakraborty just goes completely over the top. And the sensational debutante, Sneha is like a fresh breeze of air, she's very sweet and above all she looks like the character she potrays, an innocent school girl. But that's all that can be said about her.

Overall muah felt rather unlucky, maybe coz I was expecting too much out of "Lucky".

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-My Brother Nikhil

2005-03-26T09:50:00.000+05:30

Purab Kohli, Juhi Chawla n Sanjay Suri in My Brother Nikhil.

StarCast: Juhi Chawla, Sanjay Suri, Purab Kohli
Director: Onir
Rating: * * *

A very impressive debut by the director, but this kind of cinema would not appeal to everyone. It touches your heart and all that, also discusses a very important social cause of AIDS awareness, etc but still this is no entertaining fare. The film's pace is too slow and one needs to be really patient to be on par with the film.

The film is a narrative by all the people in Nikhil's life like his sister Anu (Juhi Chawla), mother (Lillette Dubey), father (Victor Banerjee), friend and "more" (Purab Kohli), etc. Nikhil (Sanjay Suri) is a young boy , full of life, state swimming champion basically a son or a brother everyone would dream of.

Life is on a roll for Nikhil until HIV happens. The repercussions of this unwanted disease changes his life forever. The shocking and strange part is when Nikhil's parents abandon him. His father who once coached him, loved him more than his daughter and mother whose cornucopia of love showered on him are not a part of his anguished and miserable life, a time when he needs them the most. His hope of survival comes in the form of his sister Anamika who, along with her fiance` Sam (Gautam Kapoor) and a lawyer Anjali (Shweta Kawaatra) fights effortlessly for the cause of her little brother and is eventually a winner.

What keeps you on your chair are the performances, which are very well extracted. Seasoned actors Victor and Lillette essay their roles absolutely brilliantly. Gautam Kapoor, Purab Kohli and Shweta Kawaatra are effective. Shyan Munshi (as Nikhil's swimming rival) , Peeya Rai Chaoudry (as Shyan's girlfriend) and Deepanita Sharma (as Nikhil's so called girlfriend) have miniscule roles and nothing much to do.

The show stealers are undoubtedly Sanjay Suri and Juhi Chawla. Both of them give an absolutely knock out performance. Talk about being married, aging and still finding good roles and giving a phenomenal performance, well guys thats Juhi Chawla for you. Simply Awesome.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Zeher

2005-03-25T21:40:00.000+05:30

Emran Hashmi n Shamita Shetty in Zeher

StarCast: Emran Hashmi, Shamita Shetty, Udita Goswami, Samir Kochhar.
Director: Mohit Suri
Rating: * * 1/2

Well, this is generation next with a whole new breed of actors and directors and each one is trying to offer something different. Zeher also is an attempt in the same direction. The first half of the film is sleaze and more sleaze and the second part turns out to be a whodunit. All said and done, agreed it's an attempt to do something different but, everything that is different is not necessarily great, and this is the feeling one can sense after watching Zeher. Also the name of the film is a misnomer. It could have been called "Sleaze with Ease" or probably "Murder II".

Siddarth (Emran Hashmi) is the chief cop in a Goa police station and Sonia (Shamita Shetty) plays his wife cum colleague and are having a troubled time as far as their marriage is concerned. During this interim, Siddarth comes across another couple, Sean (Samir Kocchar) and Anna (Udita Goswami) who r in a bad marriage too. Sean is a wife-beater. Siddarth sympathises with Anna and slowly gets attracted to her and they have a fling. The story moves on and one fine day Anna and Sean are found murdered. So who-dun-it forms the latter half of the story and this part of the movie is what makes it worth watching.

Will history repeat itself and churn out a hit like murder, is what we have to wait and watch. There is no scope for music at all, still one ends up humming "Woh Lamhe, Woh Baatein". Speaking of a debutante directorial effort, Mohit Suri definitely leaves a mark, not a bad start at all.

There are a few surprises on the acting front. Samir Kocchar plays his role impressively. Udita as a secductress has her tantalizing charms at her best, but still there is something missing. Emaran, well mate time to change before being labelled as a typecast. The super surprise somes from Ms. Shetty, she has a key role and she has really put in a lot of hard work, finally we know she can act. Hopefully now she will move on from item numbers and playing insubstantial second fiddle roles to something worthwhile.

Only die hard fans of the thriller genre or fans of the leading actors (which i am sure is as difficult as finding water in a desert) may like this one.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Karam

2005-03-12T16:05:00.000+05:30

John Abraham n Priyanka Chopra in Karam

StarCast: John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra
Director: Sanjay F Gupta
Rating: * * 1/2

This one is a very stylish flick, but the problem here is that it is all gloss and no substance. John (John Abraham) is a contract killer a la Antonio Banderas straight out of Assassin and Desperado. Shalini (Priyanka Chopra) is his wife who for some reason is obsessed with a beach house, white curtains and wodden flooring. Phew!! Even in the climax, when he's dying in her arms, she reminds him of her materialistic urges, its kinda funny.

So when John is on one of his usual killing spree, he happens to kill a child by mistake, he is in a pool of melancholiness where his guilty conscience doesnt let him live peacefully. When he confesses this to his wife, she tells him to quit his job which she always vouched for. But his boss (Bharat Dabolkar) gives him one final hit list comprising of five people, after which he can break free but without which he would be gifted his wife's body parts since she's abducted by his boss.

Now in this cat and mice race there is also a cop (Shiny Ahuja) whose trying to track these hatchet jobbers.

The music in the film has no scope, only Tinka Tinka stands out. As far as the direction goes there are a few blemishes and the narrative gets boring at times. But some scenes are crafted expertly. Cinematography is brilliant. Bharat Dabolkar is just about bearable. Shiny Ahuja shines. The lead pair just proves that models can act. Priyanka Chopra just filts the bill, now this lass is sure to rock . The brawny actor delivers the goods. He's just the rite guy for the role, just perfect.

All said and done maybe this flick is just worth a look, now whether you get to see it or no depends upon your Karam.

Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Socha Na Tha

2005-03-06T21:42:00.000+05:30

Ayesha Takia n Abhay Deol in Socha Na Tha

StarCast: Abhay Deol, Ayesha Takia
Direction: Imtiaz Ali
Rating: * * 1/2

Quite bearable. This one is urbane, suave, chic, a sweet modern day love story. Viren Oberoi (Abhay Deol) is from an affluent joint family, is all of 24 and has nothing to worry about. Aditi Sahani (Ayesha Takia) is a simple happy girl who lives with her aunt and family, who brought her up after her parents death. Now Viren's family wants him to get married, so they arrange Viren and Aditi to meet. So wot's the problem? Well, Viren has a girlfriend Karen and wants to get married to her. So when Viren n Aditi meet they decide to decline the arranged marriage proposal.

But we can take a guess, Viren over the course of time falls for Aditi, but at this stage the parents have accepted Karen coz thats what Viren always wanted and there is a family feud goin on between the Oberoi's n Sahani's, since the arranged marriage thing didn't work out. So there is a lot of confusion till the climax and the climax is even more confusing.

The cast is fresh, the situations are different, the dialogues are funny but the climax is slightly disappointing but still, its worth a watch.

Everyone from Suresh Oberoi, Rati Agnihotri to Raj Zutshi to the girl who plays Karen play their parts convincingly. Only Sandhya Mridul is totally wasted. We dont expect this from her, especially after something like Page 3. And as far as the lead pair is concerned, both of them have their own style, they are natural and nice to watch. Abhay Deol definitely needs some finishing touch to match his brwany brothers. Ayesha is simply a delight to watch. She's as cute as a chinese doll.

Bored on a sunday, u know wot to do.........go for it!!

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Bewafaa

2005-02-25T19:28:00.000+05:30

Sushmita Sen, Anil Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Shamita Shetty and Manoj Bajpai in Bewafaa

StarCast: Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Manoj Bajpai, Sushmita Sen, Kareena Kapoor, Shamita Shetty.
Director: Darmesh Darshan
Rating:* *

What a great movie! The best way to spoil your sunday. At times I felt even Shabd was better. Here goes the story, Kabir Bedi (a NRI who lives in Montreal, Canada) and his phirang wife (Nafisa Ali) have two daughters Aarti (Sushmita Sen) and Anjali (Kareena Kapoor). Now Aarti lives in New Delhi and is married to busniess tycoon (Anil Kapoor) for the past 10 years but they have no children. Anjali on the other hand is busy romancing a local upcoming musician Raja (Akshay kumar) in Canada. Aarti comes to Canada to deliver coz she discovers that she's 5 months pregnant. Now her baby sis tells Aarti, about her love story, so Aarti decides to meet Raja just to see if her sister's choice is right. Needless to say, she likes Raja and thinks is best suited for her sis. Aarti tells Raja that she wants to visit all those places where love blossomed between her sis and him (wot a kabab me haddi). And wot a surprise they start singing and dancing together.

All's well until destiny takes its toll. Aarti's sudden demise when she delivers girl twins leaves Anjali in a situation where she has to marry here brother in law. They come back to India, but Anil Kapoor is too busy with his work, too grieved by his wife's loss to spare time for Anjali and his kids. Enter Raja, who by this time is a famous Pop star and comes to India for a concert. he bumps into his first love Anjali and ....... Now Anjali has to make a choice between her hubby and her lover, whom she chooses is what forms the climax of the movie. Also there is Manoj Bajpai (Dil Arora) and his wife Pallavi (Shamita Shetty) who are Anil kapoor's best friends and are the only one's who know his wife's secret.

The music of the film is extremely mediocre. Worst being some crappy Kabootar song picturised on Mr. Bajpai and Ms. Shetty. Speaking of the performances, Kabir Bedi and Nafisa Ali are competent. Manoj Bajpai completely goes over the top, one of his worst performances ever. Shamita Shetty is about ok. Akshay Kumar, irritates big time, will always be a non actor. Check out his pop star look and even worse the costumes, Jesus Christ!!! Elvis Presley would thank his stars that he's long gone, otherwise he would have been intimidated by this third rate clone of his called "Indian Raja".Phew. Anil Kapoor does well, actually its just the experience, but the talented actor defenitely deserves roles better than this. Kareena Kapoor has a meaty role, goes overboard at times (check out some hyperactive expressions before the kaise mai piya se kahoo song) but does well overall.

This could have been a sensitive film , but i think the director Darmesh Darshan directed this movie over the phone.

All i can say is you can do bewafaai to this film and give it a MISS!!!

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Shabd

2005-02-05T08:51:00.000+05:30

Zayed Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Sanjay Dutt in Shabd

StarCast: Sanjay Dutt, Aishwarya Rai, Zayed Khan
Director: Leena Yadav
Rating: *

What in the gaaawwds name is this one!!! This is a pschyo-illogical drama, where neither the director nor the actors know where the movie is heading. Actually i think the director was in her kitchen, cooking and she got bored, so she thought she should rather make a movie but i am sure after making the movie she realized that she was better off preparing the curry, atleast she could throw it if it didn't taste good!!!

The movie revovles around this writer who goes by the name, Shaukat Vashisht (Sanjay Dutt), his higgest achievement in life being his booker's prize award. But life for him hasnt been easy after this, coz its an elevation from where he cannot descent. Now his critics and his publishers are not as happy with him as they were before. His critics tear his work apart saying that his stories have become too fictitious and there is absolutely no reality left in them. The writer is so obsessive and possessive about his work that he just knows one thaing that he has to write a book which will silence his critcs once and for all. His world, his life are just his books. Whenever he creates a character in his novel, he invites them to his world by saying "welcome to Shaukat's world". Now at the same time he has a caring and loving wife Antra (Aishwarya Rai), who is happy being a lecturer in a college and cooking food for him . She has no regrets whatsoever even though they have such a void in their married life which has spanned for seven years now.

Now in writing his new book, which he has to prove to the world is real, he needs the help of his wife and tells her to stray. And guess what even though she knows its wrong, she just goes with the flow, which is what i fail to understand.

Zayed Khan is the new photography lecturer in the college, who makes her realise that she a woman and she's missed out so many things in life. Shaukat tells Antra to be with him and let go coz he's exactly like the character in his book. All said and done you will be shocked to see how the movie ends.

The music is nothing worth to be spoken about, nor is anything else about the movie. Zayed Khan's jokes are so silly that i have no shabd to describe it and the less said about his performance the better it is. Sanjay Dutt delivers the pschyo character with ease. Aishwarya Rai is for whom you can watch the movie, she shells out a sensitive, matured and subtle performance but even she cannot save this disaster called Shabd.

Even if you have nothing better to do, its advisable that you catch a old movie on television instead of seeing this crappy movie and ending up with a migrane.

Give it a miss!

Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Black

2005-02-05T08:50:00.000+05:30

Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerjee in Black

StarCast: Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerjee
Direction: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Rating: * * * *

Hindi films are getting different and that too in a big way! Its just the beginning of the year and with movies like Page 3 and Black, Bollywood's rocking. Expectedly, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black leaves you spellbound. This one will stir your soul. If this one doesn't get India an Oscar then who cares, we dont want them.

Michelle McNally (Ayesha Kapur/Rani Mukerjee) is born to anglo-indian parents (Shernaz Patel and Dhritiman Chaterji)in Shimla. Due to some illness when she's an infant she loses her sight and ability to hear. Not knowing the patrician way to bring up such a child and the parents succumbing to the child's stubborness, Michelle is a stubborn, mannerless girl who has no future and is a liabilty to her family.

Enter Debraj Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan), who is a teacher in a school which has students with similar impairments. Now this guy is an absolute whacko, who has dedicated his entire life for such children, he doesn't want to be remembered as a teacher, instead he calls himself a magician. Now he is called to help Michelle, and after working very hard on her, he metamorphoses her into the Michelle of today. Debraj starts to suffer from Alzheimer's disease slowly and now Michelle needs to bring him back to life. The roles are now reversed! And guess what she does the impossible.

The performances are par excellence. Shernaz Patel as Michelle and Sarah's mother is so natural, just exceptional. Watch her sequences with Bachchan, truely awesome. Dhritiman Chaterji is excellent. Nandana Sen (Sarah) as Michelle's sister impresses in a small significant role. Ayesha Kapur is first-rate. This child is something, I have no words to express, for the world class performance that she's delivered. See it to beleive it. Such an angel. If you thought Sr. Bachchan was getting irritating with the umpteen number of ads on television, go watch this one, no wonder he is the best actor there is and the best there ever will be. As for the Rani Mukerjee, she is indeed the reigning queen of Bollywood. Her best performance till date, one thing's for sure, this girl was born to act. But hats off to the director whose execution of the subject, the performances that he's extracted, and the visuals he's captured cannot be described in mere words.

Highly Recommended.

-Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-Page3

2005-02-05T08:49:00.000+05:30

Konkona Sen in Page3

StarCast: Konkona Sen, Tara Sharma, Sandhya Mridul, Bikram Saluja,etc.

Director: Madhur Bhandarkar

Rating:* * * *

Well, this is one of those movies whose occurrence is very rare. It takes a lot of guts and conviction to make a movie like this. One word that would describe this movie is "phenomenal". The director is definitely not a one time wonder, coz now he has Chandni Bar, Satta and this one under his belt and we can forgive him for Aan.
As the title suggests the movie is about the glitz and glamour, the party scene in Mumbai. Actually everyone knows that the things shown in the movie do happen behind the scenes, but we generally have a blind eye for it and convince ourselves that such things don't happen. This movie deals with every facet of life especially around the people who feature in page three articles. There's everything that one can think of casting couch, the plastic smiles, the double standards, bisexuality, child abuse, just about everything.
Its a story about a journalist who reports for page 3, and basically her dealing with her consciousness and her desire to change certain hippocratical values that exist in her profession. But will she succeed, now for that answer, go and see the movie.
The music of the movie is just apt, just perfectly blending with the movie and taking the story forward. "Kitne Ajeeb...." every word in that song is so true with respect to page 3. Even the item number is well placed. As far as the performances go Konkona Sen , Sandya Mridul even Tara Sharma and frankly speaking everyone is first rate. Boman Irani , Atul Kulkarni , Bikram Saluja, and all the others have been casted well.
Full marks for the director for making a film that's just class apart. Impressive. Very Impressive. Absolutely unmissable.

Sanketh Rao.

Film Review-KISNA

2005-01-19T20:00:00.000+05:30

Isha Sharwani n Vivek Oberoi in KISNA

StarCast: Vivek Oberoi, Antonia Bernath, Isha Sharwani

Direction: Subash Ghai

Rating: * *

Showman Mr. Ghai is back but not with a bang but with a big disappointment called Kisna. The autocrat uses his power to bring out lavish sets, great cinematography, etc, all of which would have been an icing on the cake had he used his power to edge out a good script. But what we get is a rotten cake with good icing. The protagonist in the movie Kisna (Vivek Oberoi) has a clear notion about the difference between karma and dharma. Its his karma to ensure that his childhood sweetheart Catherine (Antonia Bernath) reaches England safely and its his dharma to marry his fiance' Radha (Isha Sharwani) coz its the will of his family even though he loves Catherine. Now in doing so he encounters difficult situations and even worse impregnable people.
The screenplay is not effective, there is no connection between the scenes, you expect something to happen and before you know its evolved into another scene altogether. The whole story is actually a narration from the eyes of 75 yr old Catherine whose come to India to meet her ex beau Kisna and his wife Radha (gawd knows what was she waiting for all these years). The actress playing old Catherine is an absolute ham. Kisna's mom (Zarina Wahab), his friend (Vivek Mushran)[P.S. Once upon a time this actor made his debut in ghai's Saudagar] and his friends wife (Hrishita Bhatt) play their parts effectively. Amrish Puri is absolutely wasted in a miniscule crappy part, this being one of his last films, one wished he had a memorable role. Kisna's brother ( i forget his name, Lakha of Lagaan fame) does justice to his role. Rajat Kapoor is brilliant, as the peverted rajkumar ,just plays his part perfectly. Speaking of the main lead Vivek Oberoi plays the role without any conviction, he seems absolutely disinterested in what hes doing. Debutant hoofer Isha Sharwani who was discovered by Ghai in an awards function where she was performing some rope entrechats is good when it comes to her dancing capabilities, infact is simply astounding but has a long way to go as far as acting is concerned. Infact everytime she's happy or gets angry she breaks into her crazy dance and belive me sometimes its kinda funny. This dancer is the choreographer's executant that too the choreographer being her real mom (Daksha Seth). Antonia Bernath gives a sincere performance, and just suits the character to the tee.The two stars are for Antonia and Ashok Mehta, the cinematographer who's work is par excellance and also for the song "Hum hain iss pal yahan" which is absolutely timeless and soulful.
Actually the song in the movie has the whole review in its lyrics, here is its hidden meaning. "Hum hain iss pal yahaan (in the theatre), jaane ho kal kahaan (many left half way through the movie), hum mile na mile (one wishes if he and the film had not met), hum rahe na rahe (some might think of ending their lives after the torture of watching this movie), rahengi sada yahaan (such movies will keep releasing), pyar ki yeh dastaan (our love for hindi films), sunegi sada jise yeah zameen asmaan (and we will go and watch such movies again and again i will write reviews too!!)."

-Sanketh Rao.

this is me n my leo , my sis took this snap when we were in deep sleep

2005-01-08T17:46:00.000+05:30

me n my leo

Film Review-VAADA

2005-01-03T16:18:00.000+05:30

VAADA
StarCast: Arjun Ramphal, Amisha Patel, Zayed Khan
Direction: Satish Kaushik
Rating: * * 1/2

Finally here's the review, well to start with Vaada is not a bad film at all. Its atleast worth a watch. It revolves and believe me only revolves (coz its just a 2 scenes, 3 songs role) around Pooja (Amisha Patel) whose death is a mystery.
The men in question are husband Rahul (arjun Ramphal) and ex-lover Karan (Zayed Khan). The way the two guys dodge each other is really something. Also the suspense is only revealed in the last scene of the movie, so that's something good again. The less said about the story line is better, so that one could enjoy the movie.
As far as the music is concerned, there are about four songs I guess, they are about average, the song that one can take note of is teri kurti sexy (coz the vernac singer cant pronounce sexy and calls it saxy), so that is that and is funny as...., The background score is not bad either.
The camera work is good, and also the director is doing different things like Tere Naam and this movie after NRI sagas like HDAKPH and HAKDMRH.
As far as the performances are concerned lets start with Zayed Khan, he in his designer clothes n riding high after Main Hoon Na, is severely mediocre, hes salman khan in some scenes and shahrukh in the others, lacks a style of his own. But after seeing this performance, can easily say that hes really improving from what he was (remember chura liya hai tumne).
Coming to Amisha Patel, one wonders whats wrong with her. Looks like KNPH, Gadar were flukes, and who on earth told her that blonde hair looks good on her!!! She finds it very difficult to do something called dancing and even worse something called emoting. In one scene, which is a lift from the directors earlier work Hum Aapke Dil Main Rehte Hain, where the heroine's husband asks her to wear a skimpy outfit and the heroine has to act that she is really embarrassed after wearing the outfit. Kajol did that scene so naturally in HADMRH, whereas our amisha is as artificial as the strawberry flavoured icecream from the roadside. (P.S The kurtis that shes wearing are skimpier than the outfit mentioned in the above scene).
As far as Mr. Ramphal is concerned, hes going in the right direction, its his movie, its his show, only if he could handle the cranky scenes better. Atleast he looks committed to his work and gives it his best shot.
The caper would have been an awesome movie with better actors, anyways its my vaada that you will not be bored.
Happy watching.
Sanketh Rao.