Kaabil - Movie Review

Sanjay Gupta's Kaabil has Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam in the lead roles which has a talented supporting cast in the likes of Ronit Roy, Rohit Roy, Narendra Jha and Girish Kulkarni. Drawing inspiration from Hollywood’s Blind Fury (1989) with Rutger Hauer in the lead and even borrowing shades of the Korean super hit, Broken (2014), Sanjay Gupta gives you a Bollywood adaptation that is entertaining and effective.

Sanjay Gupta’s Kaabil is an ambitious film that revolves around the gripping tale of a blind protagonist seeking revenge against those in power. Action sequences are the best directed portions in the film and hence the second half is a much better watch. The climax is well executed and makes a good enough ending to the film. Certain dialogues work their way extremely well. Like Rohan’s answer during interrogation about his whereabouts, “Log kya sote waqt gawah rakh ke sote hai”. Also his amazing comeback when Rohit’s character tries to fool him by removing his shoes, so as to mislead his hearing sense and Rohan (Hrithik) saying, “Tere socks to mara hua admi bhi sungh leta.”

The film is engaging throughout the two and half hours and gives an adrenaline rush, leaving you at the edge of the seat. The first half of the film is little slow which mainly revolves around the love life of Hrithik and Yami but the scene before interval will give us an idea about the pace which the film is going to take off and that interrogation scene before the interval is my favourite personally favourite scene where Hrithik was extra ordinary. In the second half, the film picks up well and takes the audience for a roller-coaster ride.

For ages now, bollywood movies has been obsessed with the idea that nothing is impossible for the hero and the director follows the same pattern here. The mind-blowing action scenes between the hero and antagonists are so captivating and that at some point of time it would leave you wondering " wasn't the hero supposed to be blind? ". What I want to say is that blind people may have been blessed with highly sensitive sensory organs like ears and nose, but Gupta in his quest to slay the audience takes things over the top, making some portions looks unrealistic.

Kaabil is designed as a Hrithik vehicle all the way. Every scene is designed to provide proof of the star’s versatility. Hrithik Roshan  has taken efforts to play a visually impaired person and that’s quite evident here. He is vulnerable as a lover and menacing as a killing-machine. He excels in the action scenes particularly, where you may truly feel like he is being caught off guard because of his blindness. The actor is known to take up challenging roles and we have to laud him for this brave attempt.

Yami Gautam looks pretty as Supriya. She emotes well in certain scenes and that’s about it. Nothing extraordinary but she compliments well to Hrithik's performance. The chemistry between the two looked effortless. Rohit Roy as the baddie does a decent job. It does come across as though he is trying hard to sound sleazy and succeeds in provoking you to hate him. Ronit Roy is fabulous as Madhavrao Shelar. He picks up a great Maharashtrian accent and his stern dialogue delivery is eerie. Girish Kulkarni should be Bollywood’s favorite cop. As inspector Nalavade, he does a great job. Narendra Jha as the officer on case does a good job too.

POSITIVES
1- Hrithik Roshan at his best. A career best performance from the versatile actor.
2- chemistry between Hrithik and Yami
3- Rohit and Ronit Roy did a great job.
4- Girish Kulkarni and Narendra Jha did a good job as police officers.
5- Rasool Pookutty's sound mixing
6- Sudeep Chatterger's camera.
7- Dialogues


NEGATIVES
1- Slow first half
2- Rajesh Roshan's music

Kaabil is all about the way a visually challenged, but extremely talented Rohan analyses,
calculates and executes his plan to accomplish his mission is what forms the crux of the film, making it different from other tried and tested formula films. With Hrithik Roshan's top class performance and as a better film Kaabil wins the battle over Raees.

KAABIL - 8/10 (GOOD, Must Watch, enjoy it rather than wasting your time looking for loopholes in a thriller subject)

RAEES - MOVIE REVIEW

Raees is one of the most anticipated movie of this year, you might be thinking what was that factor which makes it most anticipated and the answer for that is Shah Rukh Khan- Yea, King Khan is back with another big movie. Raees is directed by Rahul Dholakia which has got SRK and Mahira Khan in the lead role also there's Nawazuddin Siddique with an equally important role, Dholakia did the casting well, the list goes on with the likes of talented Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Atul Kulkarni, Narendra Jha, Sheeba Chaddha and Sunny Leone.

"Raees" is a typical Bollywood blockbuster designed like films of the early 1980s, with over-the-top yet thrilling action, drama and a tinge of romance. Raees is the type of film where the protagonist emerges from behind clouds of dust, does back flips on top of a moving truck, and turns everyday objects such as hairgrips and geometric compasses into nifty weapons. 

The treatment, however, opts for fanfare over depth. There is little insight into Raees’ criminal personality. It is not clear what stirs and sustains his enormous hunger for success, although low self-esteem is hinted at in his disapproval of the nickname “battery” (a colloquial reference to his spectacles). It is only explained, through repeated uttering, that the man believes “Koi dhanda chota nahi hota. Aur dhande se bada koi dharm nahi hota” (No business is lowly. And business outranks religion).  While the character’s triumphs are punctuated with songs, moments of defeat or despair are brief and afterthought-like. The result is quite enjoyable but equally unexceptional. One dazzling moment is in the introduction of Nawazzudin Siddiqui who delivers a hilarious speech with textbook understatement. The fights, featuring parkour moves and a videogame-style shooting spree are somewhat sanitised. The characters land safely like cats and wounds, if suffered at all, appear to heal quickly.  With complex scenes, the plot offers nothing that you have not seen before. Narrated in a linear manner, the script is taut and the narrative moves at a rapid pace. The first half is promising and the second half which begins with Inspector Majumdar's point of view holds your attention with equal gusto, but unfortunately, the climax tilts into a predictable zone of bad things happen to bad people, making the film a cliched fare.

Shah Rukh Khan does not do a Shah Rukh Khan. The signature stutter is absent; he makes himself big and menacing. Yet the actor, who spoke in recent interviews about wanting to get his cinema right, is mainly left dealing in punch-lines but in many areas he emerges as a sympathetic and even admirable character and he does a good job of portraying a brutal character albeit with soft tones in equal measure.

Mahira, who is a top-ranked television star in Pakistan, shows a kind oof restraint that seems out of place in the masala flick. Her character is perfunctorily included to add the romance angle and her onscreen chemistry with Shah Rukh lacks zing. 

Nawazuddin Siddique is equally competent. His cat-and-mouse chase with Raees, punctuated with vibrant dialogues often elicit a chuckle. Together they keep you hooked. Siddique has a meaty share of good lines and banter.

The action sequences are well choreographed, brutally raw and a bit far-fetched, making the act unrealistic especially the long chase and fisticuffs with Muharram celebrations in the backdrop. The songs are well choreographed and seamlessly mesh into the narrative. But the quick edits will diisturb the smooth viewing experience.

POSITIVES
1- Another King Khan movie
2- Nawazuddin Siddique is a treat to watch.
3-Songs and Background musics are good
4- BraveBrave attempt by director
5- Sunny Leone as a wake up call.

NEGATIVES
1- Story line is predictable.
2- Mahira Khan’s role- she didn't had much to do.

Raees will no doubt be among the big earners in Bollywood this year. It shows, as promised, “baniye ka dimaag, miyan bhai ki daring" in box office, but it could have aspired to do more. As a whole movie there is nothing special than just another average flick. It's a daring attempt by the director but as a movie "Na baniye ka dimaag, Na miyan bhai ki daring". 

RAEES 6.5/10 (JUST ABOVE AVERAGE )

Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol - Movie Review

Everyone was waiting for Munthirvallikal Thallirkumbol for three reasons first one is that it is Mohanlal's next poject after the historic Pulimurugan, second reason is that Mohanlal - Meena combo after Drishyam and the final reason is that this movie is directed by Jiibu Jacob, director of Vellimoonga. The movie is produced by Sophia Paul under the banner Weekend Blockbusters.This Mohanlal movie is scripted by M. Sindhuraj and it's dialogues are aso written by him,the dialogues and script is the backbone of this movie.The film, which is inspired by VJ James’ short story Pranayopanishad, is mixed with cameos and side stories – including flirtatious episodes of Anoop Menon’s character and a puppet panchayat president played by Suraj Venjaramoodu. Most of the story evolves in an apartment complex and Ullahanan’s friends’ circle formed by middle-aged husbands played by Anoop, Alencier Ley and Kalabhavan Shajon make a refreshing combo. In fact, the trio also get a lot of comic one-liners that keep the story from getting preachy at times.

Cinematographer Jibu Jacob, who made an impressive debut as a director with Vellimoonga, seems to have a talent at making satirical comedy. In Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol, the director has taken a progressive approach while showing the modern day family problems. Some scenes in the film are outstanding. Jibu has made the characters and their performance as real as it could be. With a great balance of subtle humor and striking reality, the movie appeals to the audience in the best possible way.

Bijibal’s background score keeps the family entertainer from being over melodramatic while also sustaining the feel-good mood throughout. Music by M. Jayachandran and Cinematography by Pramod K. Pillai makes this movie a good watch.Editor Sooraj E.S. has retained the movie intact and has kept just what was needed, still i felt like they can made this movie much more interesting if they could have trimmed few scenes.

Mohanlal is a charmer and so is Ullahanan, aka Unnachan. When we see Mohanlal’s effortless transformation from a power packed action hero in Pulimurugan to the doting husband in Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol, one can't help but be in awe of this great actor’s range. The actor excels with his impeccable comic timing and killer expressions. The complete actor is in his usual best. Meena, has played her part to near perfection. She excels as the middle-class Malayali woman, and her fantastic onscreen chemistry with Mohanlal is a treat to watch. Aima delivered a balanced performance, especially in the second half.

POSITIVES
1- Mohanlal is a magic and it's a treat to watch him.
2- Meena did her role with perfection.
3- Dialogues by M.Sindhuraj
4- Jibu Jacob  handled this movie very neatly
5- Bijibal’s background score


NEGATIVES
1-few scenes could have been trimmed down.

There are so many times where you feel like the movie would go a predictable path or get preachy but the director and scriptwriter has ensured that they have kept things fresh while pointing out that communication can iron out all flaws in today’s relationships. The subplots too all add up to show the different changes that happen in Ullahanan’s life once he finds love again. The movie’s second half though is a bit on the slower side with another subplot weaved in just to keep the audience hooked. While the payoff is sweet like a wine made to age, the film could have been trimmed by 15 minutes.

Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol is a perfect movie to watch with your family. It's a movie for all age groups and you'll definitely enjoy this fun-loving ride. Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol also delivers a strong message to the audience and for me Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol is the winner of this weekend's release ( JomonteSuvisheshangal ).

Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol - 8/10 (good)

Jomonte Suvisheshangal - Movie Review

After months of anticipated waiting , Legendary Sathyan Anthikkad's Jomonte Suvisheshangal released yesterday. The movie has got Dulquer Salmaan in the title role, Anupama Parameshwaran and Aishwarya Rajesh played the female lead characters in this movie and versatile actor Mukesh also played a key role in this movie. This movie is scripted by Dr. Iqbal Kuttipiram.Vidyasagar has composed the songs and background score, and the cinematography is handled by S. Kumar. Jomonte Suvisheshangal is produced by Sethu Mannarkad for Full Moon Cinema.

You kind of know the basic ingredients of a Sathyan Anthikkad movie as his films are known for projecting family values and other social elements repeatedly. Sathyan Anthikad has often epitomized the father-son relationship through his movies—Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal, Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal, Manasinakkare. The master of family dramas has once again come up with the same subject in Jomonte Suvisheshangal.Although the plot sounds cliché, the natural performances by the actors and a realistic portrayal of everyday life make Jomonte Suvisheshangal a treat to watch.Halfway into Jomonte Suvisheshangal, what occupies the audience’s mind is not the story, not the actors, not their performances, nor the treatment. It’s a sense of having experienced this before. It’s too recent, too fresh in memory to be termed ‘déjà vu’. And, then it strikes you. This is the Sathyan Anthikkad version of what you have seen in the similarly named Jacobinte Swargarajyam, hardly a year ago. But, the legendary Sathyan Anthikkad has managed to take a turn in the final message from Jacobinte Swargarajyam. While the latter was more about somehow winning back all that was lost, here the protagonists are forced to question the way they plundered and lived, and thus ends up raising the same to contemporary society too. Sathyan Anthikad films have always been a favorite among Malayali audiences and Malayalam audience will definitely like Jomonte Suvisheshangal. The picturesque frames by S. Kumar and the top-notch music by Vidyasagar add to the positives.

Dulquer has stepped into Jomon's shoes with ease, and has effectively portrayed the varying shades of his character. He gives a special charm to Jomon and he done really well in the emotional scenes. A major portion of the movie belongs to Mukesh and he carries the film on his shoulders. At a time when Mukesh is more active in other arenas such as politics and television, watching him onscreen for that long would make us realize how much we had been missing him in cinema. Dulquer's and Mukesh's father-son combo is a treat to watch, both of them will stay in the minds of audience for long.

Anupama Parameswaran once again plays the pretty girl-passing cloud in the hero's lifealthough the superhit Nokki Nokki number made me believe she had more to do in the film. It's Aishwarya Rajesh who gets a more substantial role - as a young and ambitious Tamil Nadu woman from a lower middle class family who is stingy with her smiles and focused on her work. There are many Tamil films which have heroines playing a Malayalee girl and the reverse seems to be catching on in Mollywood. Other characters like Innocent, Vinu Mohan, Muthumani, Shivaji Guruvayoor and Jacob Gregory too deserve a special mention. The combination scenes of DQ and Gregory will surely remind you of the laugh riot they created in theaters with ABCD.


POSITIVES
1- Sathyan Anthikkad is teaming up with Dulquer Salmaan for the first time.
2- Dulquer's charm.
3- Mukesh at his usual  best.
4- S.Kumar's frame.
5- Vidyasagar's music.


NEGATIVES
1- Cliché storyline.
2- Dr. Iqbal Kuttipiram's script has many similarities with Jacobinte Swargarajyam and many other Sathyan Anthikkad movies.


After an amusing first half, it descends into predictability yet is at no point unbearable for three reasons: the young hero’s gorgeousness, the combined charisma of Salmaan and his fellow leading man Mukesh, and the warm chemistry these two men share.If you are not looking for great depth or originality and of you're not bored of the cliché thread then this could perhaps be enough for you.


Jomonte Suvisheshangal - 6.5/10 (Just above average)

BHAIRAVAA - MOVIE REVIEW

Vijay’s 60th film ‘Bhairavaa’ is on theatres now, unlike all other Vijay movies which released before, Bhairavaa came with less expectations and with low hype but I should say that the low hype factor has helped the makers as it's clear from the day 1 that fans or audience are not expecting another 'Thuppaaki' or 'Katthi'. The movie is directed by Bharathan starring Keerthy Suresh in the female lead and Jagapati Babu plays the antagonist.

Bhairavaa deals with a topical issue and exposes the politics in medical seat allocations. The movie raises a few serious questions and attempts to portray the problems from the common man’s perspective. Ilayathalapathy plays the role of an ordinary man, who stands up for a cause and clashes with powerful politician played by Jagapathi Babu.The film travels 20 minutes without Vijay during the flashback portion, a rarity in his films. A brave attempt bt the team.Though the flashback is predictable and passable, it helps to create tension and also gives good build up to the villain.


Bharathan had succeeded as a writer and director by giving a terra mass movie and it will be a celebration time for Vijay fans. The dialogues and punch lines were terrific. Even though the story looks like a old wine served in new bottle, Bharathan had presented it in an entertaining manner which kept the audience engaged and excited till the very end of the movie. The interval portion and Climax fight were just stunning and director had provided everything to celebrate for the Illayathalapathy fans.

After experimenting a little with his performance or after stepping out of his comfort zone in his recent outings, Vijay has come out with an out and out commercial action movie, just to treat his hardcore fan base for this Pongal. Yet another energetic performance from Vijay, but his voice modulation sounds very artificial in some places. He did that court scene ( the one which were trolled heavily when the trailer was out) brilliantly, he managed to control his acting during that emotional scene. If there is one thing that makes you watch the film without frowning till the very end, that would be Vijay’s screen presence.Keerthy Suresh, as Vijay’s love interest, plays a good natured and gleeful girl next door. It is nice to see the actress establishing a style for herself in such a short span. She has a peculiar set of expressions which works quite well for the character.Jagapathi Babu, Daniel Balaji and Thambi Ramaiah bring their experience on to the table. Sathish could not manage to evoke laughter like his previous films, In fact Sathish didn't have much importance in this movie. In his last few movies Sathish's comedy timing and comedies worked really well with Sivakarthikeyan and audience will miss something like that in this movie.

Few scenes looked over dramatized and could have been toned down. Cinematographer Sukumar has shown Vijay in dynamic angles and it has elevated his mass aspects adequately. The action scenes in particular were well choreographed by Anl  Arasu. Varlaam vaa’ bgm works so well with the visuals rather than that music department has failed miserably to make an impact in the movie. KLM Praveen's lack of experience in the editing department was evident in the movie, I hope he'll improve in future.

POSITIVES 
1. Bharathan had full control over this movie.
2. A complete Vijay show.
3. Keerthy Suresh did well.
4. Cinematography is good.
5. 'varlaam vaa' bgm is good.


NEGATIVES
1. Songs and other bgms rather than varlaam vaa could have been better.
2. Editing is not upto the mark.
3. Not everyone's cup of tea .

Director Bharathan is the real winner of this movie. He treated a story which has all kinda typical tamil movie cliche in a way which will make hardcore Vijay fans happy, couple of impressive scenes here and there keep you alert. It falls flat towards the end and does not excite you. I'm also happy that it was the right decision by Mammooka  (Mammootty) to reject the offer to play the antagonist which has nothing much to deliver.

Overall Bhairavaa is a pakka mass entertainer, as I said before its not everyone's cup of tea. If you're a hardcore Vijay Fan then this is the movie for you otherwise it's not a must watch movie, still it's a much better movie than 'Puli'.

BHAIRAVAA - 5/10 (Just Average )