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The Fakir Of Venice
A unique story told rather plainly. I’m not asking for drama but would have liked a bit of a punch in the story-telling. Nevertheless, can be seen as a news item turned into a film owing to seemingly effortless performances by both lead actors.
Feb 2019
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Gully Boy
You are not once distracted from the run-down underdog story, the almost voyeuristic gaze at the poor, and even the touch-and-go attitude towards a range of serious issues like wealth and gender inequality, domestic violence, drug abuse and parental pressure. That’s the power of its dialogue, lyrics, production design, performances, and of course its music.
Feb 2019
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Sonchiriya
The story, the performances keep you engaged, yet the film drags making it predictable because there’s just too much time to think.
Mar 2019
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Badla
Many mystery stories for one. Each one drawing you in, to think about the details. What more can we ask for? Have great actors tell us the stories? Sure, take that too.
Mar 2019
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Mere Pyare Prime Minister
At best, serves as an introduction to a Mumbai slum’s dire toilet situation. A rather tepid narration of a story that aims to tug at our heart and awaken a sleeping Mr. System. Succeeds at neither owing to its simplistic take.
Mar 2019
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Photograph
Made specifically for people who can enjoy a film for its mood. A plain and mundane one, in this case. Like most days in life. The plainness that started out as charming becomes lifeless by the end.
Mar 2019
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Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota
Quite a bit of fun while it lasts even though it is predictable at most times. Just good to see an attempt by Hindi films in the pulp genre.
Mar 2019
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Kesari
So much action that it makes you go numb, even though it is slick, choreographed and shot very well. Anyway, a story of great bravery in times of war, glamourising killing by taking lives in style, seems overdone.
Mar 2019
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Romeo Akbar Walter
A thriller that doesn’t get you anywhere close to the edge of the seat. Maybe because the hero gets stuff done too easily or perhaps the casting doesn’t allow you to think he could lose. This despite a decent attempt at twists.
Apr 2019
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No Fathers In Kashmir
A film well made. A story that is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. An attempt at a balanced view, even if not completely successful.
Apr 2019
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Kalank
A reasonably complex plot for a love triangle spoiled by shifting focus from the details in the story to reasonably well-done grandeur and opulence. Results in a play-like set-up without due regard for nuance.
Apr 2019
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Student Of The Year 2
Wouldn’t saying, “SOTY 2 is predictable,” predictable in itself? Let’s just say, you get what you expect. Even if there might just have been some potential for change in dynamics between characters, ultimately they are only sly story-telling tactics.
May 2019
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De De Pyaar De
Pleasantly surprises you with a show of insight, though ultimately ends too conveniently.
May 2019
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India‘s Most Wanted
Things move slowly for a thriller and not in a way that gets you concerned for your team. Doesn’t help that the slow story is dragged further with slow-motion!
May 2019
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Article 15
Of course, it supports an ideology, has an agenda and is prejudiced. The real question is, would we be surprised if we read a page-7 headline of such an incident? Would we be shocked if we knew for sure it really happened? No, right? Exactly why such films need to be made.
Jun 2019
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Super 30
Were it not based on real-life, Super 30’s story would have been scoffed upon and the movie soon forgotten. Even with the “based on a true story” stamp and despite some decent insights, performances, and dialogue, it borderlines on simplistic and forgettable.
Jul 2019
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Judgemental Hai Kya
The quirks are well placed and done well too. The basic plot though tries to make us believe it is complex and its characters have complexities, but that’s only skin deep. Ultimately then, the film feels like an experiment that doesn’t land too well.
Jul 2019
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Khandaani Shafakhana
A public service announcement on sex education and the taboo associated with it. Wish the writing was like its heart–in the right place.
Aug 2019
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Jabariya Jodi
...is not as much a romantic comedy as it is the story of a boy trying to come out of his father’s unsavoury shadow. But the need for a rom-com climax ruins whatever little it had tried to gain in the first two hours.
Aug 2019
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Batla House
Accomplished police officers have to defend themselves against allegations of fake encounters–the topic as a central theme for a film is relatively fresh. However, the story doesn’t budge ahead until the last 20 minutes and thus is sadly a tiring bore.
Aug 2019
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Mission Mangal
Two years worth of “eureka” moments fit into two hours make the film cute and as engaging as a well-made, animated film. Whether that was the makers’ intention, I know not.
Aug 2019
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Saaho
When the writers know a film needs more than style, but are not quite sure how to make it happen.
Aug 2019
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Chhichhore
The makers choose a slice of their hostel lives as a thread to ~~sermonise~~ tell the kids who take failure too hard to take it easy. The nostalgic tone works, but the build-up to the “lesson” part is overdone.
Sep 2019
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Dream Girl
Aims to expand on a hilarious ‘what if’ situation but suffers from an afterthought to philosophise it. Very witty dialogue and good performances in a hotch-potch of a film.
Sep 2019
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Section 375
Well-made? Sure. Good performances? Absolutely. Well-written? Crisp. Did I like it? No. But then, shouldn’t a movie be made on men’s rights? Oh absolutely. And a round of slow-clap for that.
Sep 2019
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Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas
The first half, when nothing happens is engaging because of the arresting Himalayas+cinematography. The second half, when the story moves at breakneck speed, is boring.
Sep 2019
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The Zoya Factor
Attempts to keep things light, which work at times and don’t at others. A film that wouldn’t kill you if you watched it, but one you wouldn’t miss if you didn’t.
Sep 2019