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Reviews
Talaash (2012)
Ridiculous
Saw the version on Netflix the other day. It starts with an unexplained accident of a famous star and the main character police cop starts investigating. The cop is played by perfectionist Aamir khan. Who grows a moustache to look like a Rajasthani. He is supported by wannabe perfectionist Rakumar Yadav who subsequently went as Rajkkumar Rao. There are lot of questions on why the dead guy was there. Now aamir khan keeps getting tips from Kareena Kapoor who plays a commercial sex worker. She is also seen in the company of other sex workers and pimps giving viewer an impression she is a real person. The cop is having his own trauma with his 8 year old son dying in an accident. His soul however communicates with a neighbor of the cop and she tries to pass on the messages to the cop traumatizing him even more. The case leads to the dead actor's friends who looks like hired a sex worker and she died in an accident. And she happens to be Kareena Kapoor! Looks like it is her ghost who has been helping Aamir khan and his sidekicks think he has gone nuts when he is talking to no one.
Now this 'suspense' is so ridiculous that many are laughing at it. The director tricks the audience by making Kareena talk to other persons. Now while logic won't really be compatible with Bollywood couple of obvious questions come to mind. Why did the ghost wait for 3 years to kill the actor. Consensus is that since Aamir Khaan is a perfectionist Kareena Kapoor took time to prepare to meet him. Another question is if Kareena Kapoor's ghost can talk to him why can't his sons ghost do the same.
Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mahathyam (1986)
A Masterpiece
There have been many stories, movies and shows made on Sai Baba of Shirdi. But this one is a gem which surpasses all. It is closer to Sai Satcharitra and other similar sources.
There is a brilliant performance by veteran actors like Chandramohan, Somayajulu, Anjali Devi and all. Also small parts by stage actors not credited stand on their own. Of course Vijay Chander brings alive the screen embodiment of Sai Baba.
The movie moves smoothly depicting various events in Sai Babas presence on earth punctuated with melodious songs by Yesudas and SP.
Four decades later this movie still draws devotees of Sai Baba and pleases their heart to catch this on YouTube in Telugu and Hindi.
Jewel Thief (1967)
Absolutely Brilliant
Heard one song of it over weekend. Wanted to check out more songs and ended up watching it again after a gap of 30 years. Constantly gripping and moving story line and great songs. Plus brilliant acting by Dev Anand and Vyjayanthimala. Of course the real star here is Ashok Kumar. The flagship song 'Hothon pe aisi baat' is a special masterpieces. Special Kudos to SD Burman and and RD Burman duo for the soundtrack. Parts of it also remind you of another masterpiece by Vijay Anand. The nearly 3 hour piece does go slow in a couple of spots. That's what made me avoid a 10. This one deserves to be remastered in HD or 4K.
Ravanasura (2023)
Ravi Teja Rocks again
The movie is fast paced and starts with Ravi Teja doing his usual action plus comedy, it swiftly morphs into Ravi Teja style romance and then the suspense builds up and you see Ravi Teja as never before. The pace never slackens and you see twist after twist after twist.
The only drawback is such a fast pace leads to some holes in the plot but overall there is a substantial plot compared to a usual Tollywood or Bollywood movie. The negative comments and low rating just reinforce it being not a run of the mill movie and a bold departure from usual goody goody theme into a darker world. Ravi Teja is the star but others also complement him well. Complements to the makers for departing from the norm.
Shirdi Ke Sai Baba (1977)
Great watch
It is a pleasing experience seeing it. One of the earlier movie adaptations on Shirdi Sai Baba. Foremost accolade would be on the music. The songs are soothing and popular even now. It was probably the beginning of a glorious Bhajan Career of Anup Jalota. Rafi ji delighted in his renditions too.
The characters and depictions look authentic. Tatya Patil, Shama and Mhalaapati among others in the movie look close to what the paintings of real persons depict them. The costumes look realistic too. There are some cinematic liberties taken but the presence of Sai Baba 100-150 years back in this world was so enigmatic that no one can claim to have a true story. Sudhir Dalvi became associated so much with the role that he played the role of Sai Baba on movies and TV later too.
Mission Majnu (2023)
Keeps you on the edge.
The background is of 70s and 80s when India conducted its nuclear tests and Pakistan wanted to catch up. Now, while India did it 'legally' (many criticize the government for doing it too late), Pakistani establishment had to resort to dubious tactics and kept its program under wraps.
In this, an Indian spy establishes himself in Pakistan and sets out to expose the Pakistan nuclear program.
The spy's moves and what could happen to him keeps you on the edge throughout.
Siddharth in his brilliant performance like in Sher Shah, lives the character. There is a relationship with a blind Pakistani girl adds a human touch. That is also brilliantly portrayed by Rashmika.
The twists and turns keep you engaged. The ending is somber but heartwarming if you think from the Indian side.
What the movie doesn't tell you is that Gen Zia got away with this 'expose' and a lot more including hanging Zulfikar Bhutto because his help was needed to counter Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Johar-Mehmood in Goa (1965)
Nationalism and Secularism combined
First of all, this is not a comedy as many would expect. The lead actors Johar and Mehmood were famous comedians, but in this they play serious roles well. It starts with lost brothers who are brought up in different religions. This seemed to have worked as inspiration for Amar Akbar Anthony 13 years later. Then it gets intertwined Into Goan liberation Movement involving heroics by the main characters. There is a nice philosophical and patriotic song sung by Mukesh saying that tyrants always have an end and Salazar would not be an exception. The only drawback is a bit if an uneven pace. It seems hushed up towards the end. Else a nice watch.
Awara Paagal Deewana (2002)
Decent one
Watched it in bits and pieces earlier, but watched it end to end recently in Netflix. Nicely combines 3-4 stories and moves at a decent pace throughout, neither too slow nor fast. It is a pleasure watching pre 9/11 New York as also Nevada desert. Comedy is good and Paresh Rawal combined with Sunil Shetty and Johny lever made me laugh. In true Bollywood tradition, there is a copy of mission impossible and matrix. Negative 2 points for that. The songs are ok not too great but they don't get on your nerves. On the whole a nice time pass for 3 hours for the likes of me who don't think too much and laugh at nonsensical stuff.
Kota Factory (2019)
Great except..
The series is real. Makes you feel the struggles the characters go through. The portrayal of Maheshwari character is too good. He almost resembles the main guy in Allen real time.
You get overawed watching the character on screen.
However, the second season ended a bit abruptly. Could have been smoothed a bit and created context for the next season.
Roti (1974)
Best Manmohan Desai Movie
Caught this one just now on prime.
I grew up on AAA, Suhaag, Desh Premi and Dharam Veer. You enjoy all the twists and the repeated plot in those.
But this one really touches your heart. Movie continuously had twists plus action and entertainment Manmohan Desai style. But it also has a human element of problems, philosophy, hunger, crime and poverty.
The lost and found element also plays differently here.
Songs are great. Kaka put heart and soul into his performance here. I found him better in it better than many of the older romantic hits. Mumtaz also has an unconventional role and more than just a doll. Supporting actors Vijay Arora, Sujit Kumar and Jeevan also shine.
Overall, a rare gem.
Hindustan Ki Kasam (1999)
Good weekend watch
Unreal action scenes, overacting by Farida Jalal, amateur special effects just seem to add to the entertainment and bring a smile.
Plus get to see Amitabh Bachchan, Prem Chopra and Navin Nischol dancing together in one song.
Plus Kader khan as the hypnotist plus Pramod Moutho as Nawaz Sharif add to to the icing on the cake.
Great if you grab some drink and leave out thinking as they said, "leave your brain outside"
Aap Ki Kasam (1974)
Excellent- Progressive with great characters
Wow. Story moves with steady pace punctuated with great songs.
Rajesh Khanna plays a character with human weaknesses.
Mumtaz plays a loving and traditional wife, but who does not lose her self respect.
The real star is Suave Rehman, who plays a loving and modern father who is least bothered about social and economic differences between his daughter and her lover. But at the same time stands by his daughter against some norms of those days.
Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019)
Remake of a classic
The first movie made in 78 or so went down as a classic, mainly because of Sanjeev Kumar and a lot of subtle family comedy.
The remake uses the copyright, but rather than rehash the classic, makes the presentation contemporary.
The setting is in UP with traditional families, but the philandering husband finds that better half has befitting replies, in 2020 as compared to 78.
Plus point is performance by Bhoomi Pednekar.
Minus point is none can match Sanjeev Kumar from the origins.