Friday, September 9, 2011 Mere Brother Ki Dulhan - Review By Ankit Posted by Bollystorys at 4:03 AM

Director : Ali Abbas zafar
Music : Sohail Sen
Lyrics : Irshaad Kamil
Starring :  Ali zafar , Katrina kaif , Imran khan ,Kanwaljeet singh, Afreen khan , Parikchit sahni

  "MERE BROTHER KI DULHAN" oscillates between mundane to sad after showing an initial spark of brilliance. So much time wasted in the 'I love you' nonsense that in the last scene, you feel sorry for the dads of the boy and girl. Continuous references to old YRF films too don't add value. In fact, it is like making mockery out of an already juvenile scene. 


There's not much on offer in this film. Whatever is there is finished off in the first half hour. After that it drags. The twist in the tale, too, is far-fetched, not becoming of an intelligent love story. Sad, because it had talent in the form of"IMRAN KHAN " and "KATRINA KAIF" . And even though Katrina is having the time of a life in a care-free role, it is "ALI ZAFAR" who plays Imran Khan's older brother, who steals the lightning and thunder. Ali is an assertive actor who has a confident body language. He speaks even before he utters a word - with his actions. He is the only bright spark in this film. Dynamite stuff.

Luv (Ali Zafar) is the casanova brother of Kush (Imran Khan). Luv works in London, while Kush is an assistant director in Hindi films. After one more of his many break-ups, Luv phones his brother asking him to find a bride for him because he wants to marry before Christmas and he has proved to be a failure in choosing the right girl. How many months before Christmas this call was made, the director fails to establish. Luv's reasoning of asking his brother to find him a dulhan is simple - their tastes have always been similar. As kids, they both loved Madhuri Dixit!

Kush tries innovative ways to meet Luv's request. Luv gets his Dulhan, Dimple Dixit (Katrina Kaif), who Kush likes. Luv comes to India and then the plot moves into predictable zone. No need to guess here.



Rating By Ankit :-

Movie :- 4*/5*

Music :-3.5*/5*

Monday, August 29, 2011 Bodyguard -Movie Review By Ankit Posted by Bollystorys at 1:09 PM

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Let me elaborate. You expect Salman starrers to be larger-than-life, superhero films. You expect him to be the messiah of the masses. BODYGUARD presents Salman exactly the way we expect him to be presented, but, at the same time, the film brings back memories of the soft, romantic roles that Salman essayed in his initial films. What makes the film tick is that Salman and director Siddique have done something hatke within the limitations of the typical Bollywood formula, which, I am sure, should appeal to the Hindi movie buff abundantly.

Final word? BODYGUARD is a perfect family entertainer that compliments the spirit of the festive season.

When it comes to being punctual and doing his duties perfectly, Lovely Singh [Salman Khan] is unmatchable. Taking great pride in what he does, he spares no effort in giving his everything to his profession.

Lovely is summoned for an assignment of guarding Divya [Kareena Kapoor], the daughter of Sartaj Rana [Raj Babbar], a business tycoon. Lovely accompanies her to her campus, but ends up rubbing her the wrong way with his over-protective nature. She finds him to be a major obstacle in leading a regular campus life. To throw him off-track and get him out of the way, she comes up with a 'master plan' -- that of trapping him in a fake love affair. 'Once he's smitten by the girl of his dreams and is reveling in his new-found romance, he will leave us alone and we shall be free to do our own thing unhindered', says Divya to her friends.

She becomes an anonymous admirer of his and starts hounding him, expressing her 'feelings' in no uncertain terms. Lovely, however, proves to be a tough nut to crack and it takes quite a bit of doing from her side to penetrate his fort-like exterior. But once she succeeds in doing so, he transforms into a completely different person. Divya is triumphant and is all set to relish her regained freedom.

But things take an unexpected turn when she learns a few things about Lovely. Things that she could've never even imagined. And she soon finds herself trapped in a dilemma that she's unable to resolve. And with her, soon enough, Lovely finds himself trapped in a web of lies, trickery and deceit.

BODYGUARD is a simple-n-sweet tale of love that's engaging and relatable. At the same time, there's an unexpected twist in the pre-climax which shocks you completely. At no point does the director swerve from the main plot to provide a few extra laughs or thrills. Besides, this is a script which gives actors a lot of room to emote. And both Salman and Kareena seize the opportunity with both hands. More on that later!

Like I pointed out earlier, with BODYGUARD, Salman returns to a genre he started out with -- love story. Sure, BODYGUARD is a remake of a Malayalam film [remade in various South Indian languages as well], which has all the trappings of a perfect masala film -- action, music, comedy -- but BODYGUARD is essentially a love story at heart. Salman's intro may give an impression that it's a hardcore masala film, especially the song and fight sequence [frankly, the first half of the film is routine, with not much happening in the plot]. The director reserves the best for the second half, when it transforms into a love story. The action scene in the second half -- when Salman and Aditya Pancholi get into a fist fight -- is outstanding and will send his fans in raptures. Especially the moment when Salman's shirt rips off and his ripped muscles can be seen. The twist in the tale is a complete shocker. In fact, the penultimate reels of the film catches you complete unaware since you don't expect the story to change so dramatically.

Director Siddique, who has directed the same script for the third time, ensures that a simple story is narrated with simplicity and unfussiness. The twist in the tale comes at the right time, the songs are smartly integrated in the plotline and of course, there are ample comic moments, courtesy Rajat Rawail. The best thing about the film is that Siddique has made a very conscious effort to project Salman as a sensitive human being and not as a demigod, which is why the character becomes all the more relatable and endearing.

The soundtrack fits the genre of the film well. The title track at the very start [Salman's intro] will draw whistles and claps, while 'Teri Meri' is undoubtedly the pick of the lot. Soulfully rendered, this one's simply mesmerizing. Overall, it's a hit score from Himesh Reshammiya and Pritam. Sejal Shah's cinematography is appropriate. Vijayan's action sequences are stylish. Though not an action film, the action sequences do stand out.

Salman delivers one of his best performances in recent times. He makes magnificent use of his tough physique and soft face. Salman's fans are sure to lap this knockout performance in a big way. BODYGUARD would be incomplete without Kareena's contribution. Some roles are tailor-made for actresses who can deliver with aplomb and who better than Kareena to infuse life in a challenging character. She looks gorgeous [as always] and gives this character the dignity that it deserves. Raj Babbar is perfect. Mahesh Manjrekar is as usual. Aditya Pancholi, in a cameo, stages a welcome comeback. He's first-rate. Rajat Rawail is a joy to watch. He's truly funny. Hazel is quite good. Asrani and Vidya Sinha are okay in their respective parts.

On the whole, BODYGUARD works for varied reasons -- it has a simple, but captivating story with a dramatic twist in the tale, the chemistry between the lead actors is perfect and the music is well juxtaposed in the narrative. But its biggest USP is, without doubt, Salman Khan. He carries the film on his broad and brawny shoulders and that alone is the imperative reason for watching this film. BODYGUARD should emerge his third festive hit and fourth super-success at the ticket window. Expect a hurricane called BODYGUARD to strike at the box-office.

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Rating By Ankit:-

Movie--4.5*/ 5*
Music--4*/ 5*

Friday, October 8, 2010 Crook -- Movie Review by Ankit Posted by Bollystorys at 8:59 AM

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'Crook' (thankfully) stays away from turning into a serious affair,  'My Name Is Khan' which again dealt with racial abuse. Religion was the point of contention in the Shah Rukh Khan drama whereas it is difference in nationality which is the core of 'Crook'. Also, the film refrains from being frivolous by turning it's lead protagonist into an overnight hero. He arrives in Australia as a common man, stays on to be the one and exudes good enough vibes to stay on as one as well.

For the young character played by Emraan Hashmi, life isn't pretty much defined on a set path. Now quite sure about tomorrow, he arrives in Australia for a better life. As he comes in touch with a 'desi' student (Neha Sharma) and builds a relationship of convenience, he has his first brush with racism. However, he stays away from the mess and doesn't have any intention of getting involved into the proceedings. Things take an ugly turn though as a battle rages between Neha's brother (Arjan Bajwa), a self proclaimed protector of Indians in Australia and some local goons, hence leading to blood spilling over the roads. For Emraan, it's a matter of making a decision - Sit at the fence and let it all continue or take a stand and make his own little contribution to dilute the tension.

This is the reason why it is a pleasant surprise to see Emraan Hashmi, who so far has revelled in playing a man with grey/evil shades, pick up a different persona for 'Crook'. He may be a little naughty and also a liar when it comes to smaller issues. In fact he doesn't even become a moral crusader even as the city is burning with protests around racism. However, when it comes to stepping ahead on sheer humanitarian grounds for the ones close to him, he does take his first step forward.

What impresses most is the fact that there is no Australia bashing here. In fact the film asks Indians to first look into themselves, check their acts and hold on a little before drawing battle line with Australians. It's the subtle conveying of 'let there be peace' rather than any slogan shouting which makes 'Crook' totally different from what one was otherwise perceiving about the film.

With the core of 'Crook' being pretty impressive, what takes the film back are two factors - 1) The title and 2) An ordinary first half. Really, for a film like this, a different title would have helped the film. 'Crook' gives an impression of this being a quintessential Emraan Hashmi affair with the character not giving two hoots to anything.

However, that is far from true. Also, a quite some time goes into building the base for 'Crook'. There are a few light moments and couple of catchy songs here but still, one pines for the drama to begin. There are on and off moments that do fit into the scheme of the film's narrative but then the actual story kick starts only in the second half.

Thankfully, once the drama picks up there is no stopping with the penultimate 20-25 minutes taking the film to a high. There is a distinct Mahesh Bhatt touch to the narrative here as Emraan finally realises the gravity of the situation and doesn't hold himself back any more. No doubt, 'Crook' stands out as yet another consistent and good performance from one of the most reliable actors that Bollywood boasts of today.

Arjan is good as a menacing paradoxical character who doesn't mind killing his own folks when it comes to preserving the rights of a bigger group. After 'Fashion' and 'Guru', this is yet another confident performance from him. Neha makes a fine debut as she has a far better and lengthier role than what one would have imagined from a girl making her debut in a Bhatt film.

She looks good and shows a decent range within her role boundaries. 'Crook' could well be one of the most honest effort coming from the house of Bhatts. For a production house that has revelled in picking up newspaper headlines and presenting to audience some of the most topical issues of our times, Vishesh Films springs a pleasant surprise by actually sharing a point of view which is different from what one would have expected from 'Crook'. Though the film has at its heart there theme of racial discrimination and abuse, the question it asks the audience is - 'If we look within our own self, are we any less racial?'

Rating By Ankit = 

Movie-3*/5*

Music-3.5*/5*

Friday, October 1, 2010 Anjaana Anjaani - Movie Review by Ankit Posted by Bollystorys at 12:29 PM

Movie Story --

Akash (Randeer Kapoor) and Kiara (Priyanka Chopra) meet on a bridge in Manhatten under unfavourable circumstances. They both are trying to throw themselves down in a suicidal bid, being unable to cope with the hurdles of life any longer. But jump, they can't, and end up together in a pact which sees them spending twenty days together before they take the final plunge. So what happens in those twenty days? A road trip to Vegas, followed by loads of wish fulfilment.... More importantly, are they able to carry off the suicide pact? Keep guessing. 

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Movie Review -- 

They meet as strangers in the night.... The possibilities are immense. Is director Siddharth Anand able to leverage this great opportunity and tell an engaging story about two people who find life and love on the threshold of death? Errr, umm, well, he does, but partially so.

Let t's get things straight. By and large, we have no complaints with that critical quotient called chemistry. The new pairing of Ranbir and Priyanka manages to create some wild and whacky moments on screen as they romance each other with the archetypal yuppie attitude. The relationship begins on an antagonistic note and then shifts into a whole new terrain of quirky need. The two need each other to help each other die! So you have a handful of delightful scenes where the duo fumble and falter in their bid to asphyxiate each other by tying plastic tape on each other's faces. Doesn't work; so they decide to defer the death plan by a few weeks and fill the rest of their days with crazy stuff.... Like swimming in the middle of the Atlantic in sub zero conditions or finding a suitable partner for Ranbir who is desperate to officially come of age, before curtain call. In between all this fun, there's a bit of the crying game too, as the duo recall their sob stories that actually precipitated the suicidal frame of mind. Predictable stuff: Priyanka's heartbroken, Ranbir's recession struck. Never mind that too, because the twosome actually manage to look good, feel good and spar good, together.

We also have no problems with the performances. Ranbir's Akash and Priyanka's Kiara are recognisable, urbane, upcountry characters who interestingly follow alternate rhythms in the film. While the first half sees Priyanka play the funster with reckless aplomb to a moony Ranbir, the second half has Ranbir trying to spread good cheer in a going-downhill Priyanka. Both the actors pitch in a vibrant, spontaneous and a finely nuanced performance as the NRI chokras who get sozzled in Manhattan and party hard in Vegas, with nothing to lose but their cares.

So where's the problem yaar? It's in the script and the narrative. The director chooses to use the format of a road movie to weave his romantic story. Only, the road seems to be a bit long and too straight. There aren't too many twists and turns in this cross-country cruise; and the ones that are there, are quite-quite predictable. You know them all, because you've seen them all umpteen times, post DDLJ's Euro rail cruise. So, despite the fire and crackle of the lead characters, Anjaana -Anjaani doesn't actually set the screen on flames. All it promises is some fun moments, a peppy music score by Vishal-Shekhar, alluring performances by Ranbir and Priyanka.

Don't go looking for something new. And you will enjoy it. 

Rating by Ankit :- 
Movie :- 3.5*/5*
Music :- 4*/5* 

Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Exclusive Review of "Khichdi -The Movie" By Ankit Posted by Bollystorys at 1:13 PM

After a huge wait khichdi the movie releases. The series is already a huge hit amongst the masses in its television series, but for those who have not been able to watch it then, in the series format, the movie is surely a treat.
"Khichdi" takes charactars from d series....but a completely new story for viewers.The movie revolves around
the central characters, Hansa and her brother Himanshu. This times, Himanshu gets a strange ambition of having a
wonderful and memorable marriage. But to his utter disappointment, he does not have any girl to get married to.
So, first of all , he finds a girl and to everybody’s amazement, his neighbor falls for him. Her name is Parminder.Everything goes smooth and hunky dory till the time of the wedding.Suddenly everybody realises that their love story does not have anything memorable to offer to , and thus he might feel terrible when Himanshu realizes the reality. So from here inwards the laugh riot starts. Now, the whole family gets together
to make their love story a memorable and follows some utterly funny and hilarious moments.

Everybody is absolutely clueless as of how to get a ready made ‘memorable’ love story and thus make Himanshu the happiest person on this earth. The family bonding and love for each other is clear. The film surely tickles to the bottom.

Every actor is co-operating with each other, instead of trying to have a game of one-up manship and that's what makes every single character stand out.
Supriya Pathak is splendid. Anang Desai is top notch. Rajeev Mehta [as Supriya's husband] is fantastic. Nimisha Vakharia is first-rate. J.D. is excellent.Kirti Kulhari looks good. Girish and Keith are alright. Kesar Majethia and Markand Soni are cute.

Farah Khan, Satish Shah, Deven Bhojani and Paresh Ganatra are lovely in cameo appearances.

On d whole a great stress buster movie BOLE TOH "PAISA VASOOL"

RATING BY ANKIT  :-

MOVIE :- 3.5*/5*
MUSIC :-  N/A

Friday, September 17, 2010 Life Express -Review By Ankit Posted by Bollystorys at 10:14 AM

The movie 'Life Express' is the story about an urbanized couple Tanvi (Rituparna Sengupta) and Nikhil (Kiran Janjani), whose life's pace revolves around their respective careers so much so, that they have no time to spend with each other or start a family. The film is also the story of Mohan (Yashpal Sharma) and Gauri (Divya Dutta) who live far away from the daily hustle and bustle of big city and are leading a poverty ridden life in a village and the challenges they face in their day-to-day life. The film deals with motherhood, love, aspirations and priorities individuals make in their lives, touching upon major societal issues, solutions and trading of human emotions for personal benefits.

Rituparna Sengupta is a fine actor, but is bland here. Kiran Janjani is miscast. Divya Dutta is the sole actor who acts convincingly. Yashpal Sharma, as Divya's husband, is okay. Dayashankar Pandey provides some comic relief. Vijayendra Ghatge, Anjan Srivastava and Alok Nath are wasted.

On the whole, LIFE EXPRESS is a lifeless experience. 

Rating by @nkit:- 1.5*/5

Monday, September 13, 2010 Anjaana Anjaani Movie Preview by Ankit Posted by Bollystorys at 11:59 PM

Eros International presents ANJAANA ANJAANI, which is produced under Sajid Nadiadwala's Nadiawala Grandson Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Banner. Directed by Siddarth Anand the film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra & Zayed Khan.

The music of the film is done by duo Vishal-Shekhar, who has composed the music for all of Siddharth's films in the past.

ANJAANA ANJAANI is a story about two strangers...one stranger than the other, Akash {Ranbir kapoor} Kiara {Priyanka chopra}which is all set to hit the screens on 24th September 2010


 
Synopsis:

Two people can meet ANYWHERE. In a cab on a rainy New York afternoon, at the neighborhood bar, in a queue waiting to use the ATM Machine, On a plane, deep sea diving, in the middle of an earth quake, sitting on that famous bench at the Taj Mahal or standing under the Pyramids in Egypt. You can meet someone in the most mundane of circumstances or in the most exotic ones. Akash and Kiara meet. But they meet in a situation as unusual as no other.

But what if the two people who meet as strangers want to stay that way? They want to end right where they started - as strangers.

This is the story of two strangers on an odyssey of discovery - down a path that is ridden with the exquisite pain and joy of falling in love, only they don't realize it.

A series of hilarious misadventures trace their bi coastal road journey as they go about fulfilling their last wishes. But then life interrupts, as is its habit; and painful choices must be made. The duo part with the understanding that their days together were a brief interlude of insanity that had to succumb to real life.

They part as they met - as strangers. But can a cloaked love so strange between two strangers conquer the idiom of normalcy we all believe in. Is it worth another chance? Is it worth leaving behind all that is familiar? Is it a love in time; is it truly the beginning they never expected? Follow Akash and Kiara, along this hilarious, contemporary yet poignant journey of stumbling into all that is worth living for.

Can you let a stranger change your life.... forever......

Director : Siddharth Anand
Music : Vishal Dadlani,Shekhar Ravjiani

Starring : Priyanka Chopra, Ranbir Kapoor, Zayed Khan