Queen Review from BollyWood Hungama!!!

You enjoy a movie even more if it has the unforeseeable factor adjoined to its premise. Thankfully, a number of storytellers in Bollywood are aiming to surprise, shock and charm you with attention-grabbing yarns you haven't witnessed earlier on the Hindi screen. Some get it right, some don't, but what needs to be lauded is the effort to break the mould, to go beyond the stereotype. Vikas Bahl's QUEEN also dares to push the envelope.

The promos of QUEEN bring back memories of TANU WEDS MANU, partly because the protagonist [Rani] seems like a distant cousin of Tanu. But let's get one thing clear: The presence of Kangna Ranaut and North India setting apart, there's no commonality between TANU WEDS MANU and QUEEN. However, one can draw parallels with ENGLISH VINGLISH, since Shashi in ENGLISH VINGLISH and Rani in QUEEN are vulnerable and low on self-esteem, but eventually find their own voice once they resolve to venture out on their own accord.

QUEEN is about a shy and timid girl who travels to Paris and Amsterdam for her honeymoon all alone, when her beau calls off the wedding at the last minute. A quirky concept, yes. But this coming of age story is indeed enjoyable, despite the hiccups.

First, the premise! Rani [Kangna Ranaut] hails from a Punjabi family in Delhi. She has led a sheltered life, having been surrounded by her over-protective, but caring parents, doting grand-mom and younger brother Chintu. Rani is introduced to Vijay [Rajkummar Rao], the son of their family friend. Vijay is attracted to Rani and woos her relentlessly. Eventually, Rani gives in to Vijay's charms.

Vijay and Rani get engaged. Vijay is posted in London, but when he returns to Delhi for the wedding, he's a changed man. He calls off the wedding at the eleventh hour. Rani is heartbroken, her family is shattered as well. Rani resolves to take charge of her life. She decides to go on her honeymoon to Europe. All by herself...

QUEEN starts off as yet another attempt to encapsulate the middle class Punjabi set-up [based in New Delhi yet again!], replete with resplendent song-and-dance spectacle prior to the wedding, but quickly changes lanes as Rani sets out for Paris. Steering away from the conservative route of the woman wallowing in self-pity, Vikas Bahl tells Rani's story with insight and understanding and along with his team of writers [screenplay: Parveez Shaikh, Chaitally Parmar, Vikas Bahl] injects loads of optimism, besides spirited and lively episodes, to portray Rani's emotional rollercoaster journey.

What really works is the way Vikas presents Rani, his lead character. Rani [in her 20s] is no bimbette or abla naari, is stuck somewhere between tradition and modernity, but has a mind of her own. Her experiences outside the comfort zone [on foreign land], the interaction with varied people she encounters in Paris first and Amsterdam later, the atmospherics... the writers unfurl a tale that's utterly believable, besides creating a colorful canvas that's brimming with characters who are *not* cardboard cut-outs. Sure, a couple of episodes may seem quirky, but gel wonderfully in the scheme of things.

Having said that, QUEEN isn't fool-proof either. The bloated run time -- almost 2.30 hours -- acts as a roadblock. Also, the story stagnates in the second half. Besides, there are too many songs, especially in the first hour. As a result, the film feels elongated and also indulgent at times. Thankfully, the film is back on tracks towards the closing stages, when Rani meets Vijay in Delhi. The final act is indeed brilliant!

There seems to be an overdose of songs [Amit Trivedi] here. 'London Thumakda', 'Hungama' and 'O Gujariya' are effervescent compositions, while a couple of tracks only add to the run time. Cinematography deserves special mention. The DoP [Bobby Singh; additional cinematography: Siddharth Diwan] captures the sights and sounds of Paris and Amsterdam wonderfully. Dialogue [Anvita Dutt; additional dialogue: Kangna Ranaut] come across real.

It's hard to take your eyes off Kangna, who captures the nuances of her character spot-on. She's simply outstanding! Even when the goings-on appear stretched, Kangna doesn't miss a beat. The earnestness and sincerity she invests in her performance is for all to see. Additionally, the deglam look and the attire [jeans, kurtas, sweaters, handbag] makes it so believable. It won't be erroneous to state that she turns Rani into the most real woman you've encountered on the Hindi screen lately. Rajkummar Rao sparkles in a role not many actors would've dared to take up, while Lisa Haydon is simply delightful and supremely confident, complimenting Kangna through and through.

Mish Boyko [as Olik], Jeffrey Ho [as Taka], Guitobh Joseph [as Tim] and Marco Canadea [as Marcello] contribute wonderfully to their respective parts. The actors enacting the part of Kangna's parents, especially the grand-mom, are lovely.

On the whole, QUEEN reinvents the genre with its non-formulaic screenplay and skilled direction. A charming little film, this one's made with heart and feeling and it shows. Absolutely recommended! 

Rating:****

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/563941

GULABI GANG Reviews From Taran Adarsh(Bollywood Hungama)!

The much-talked-about, much-in-news, mired in controversy movie hits the screens in India. Finally!

A few weeks ago, a documentary called GULABI GANG released at select screens of India. Now Soumik Sen's GULAAB GANG, which throws light on women dressed in pink saris, fighting against the injustice meted out to women in the heartland of India, opens at cineplexes after courting controversy. What also makes the film interesting is its interesting casting [and on-screen face-off] -- Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Juhi Chawla.

Let's enlighten you about the premise of GULAAB GANG, before I move ahead. Somewhere between vigilante and activist, a group of women takes up varied issues -- domestic violence, dowry, rape, electricity, education, et al. The plot thickens when Rajjo [Madhuri Dixit-Nene], their leader, locks horns with a conniving and shrewd politician Sumitra [Juhi Chawla], who uses everyone to her advantage.

Although GULAAB GANG raises a strong voice against years of patriarchal pain and suffering -- one might assume it tilts towards arthouse cinema -- the fact of the matter is, Soumik presents the classic conflict between good and evil like any other masala film, replete with high-voltage drama, song-and-dance routine and of course, action sequences. This time, the protagonist as well as the antagonist are women, the story is set in the hinterland, the issues they tackle pertain to women... while men are merely peripheral characters here. Also, unlike some films set in the hinterland, Soumik abstains from using cuss words/colorful lingo to belittle the oppressors here.

GULAAB GANG sheds light on the plight of women in a particular region, but the message resonates beyond the boundaries of the region it attempts to illustrate. The screenplay packs a couple of nail-biting episodes, which skilfully highlights the vulnerability of women in rural India. The fight against merciless husbands, crooked politicians and government machinery and the conventional and regressive attitude comes across effectively on varied occasions. In short, a number of sequences sting with honesty!

However, you can't turn a blind eye to the blemishes either. Not much happens in the first hour of GULAAB GANG [the writing lacks meat!], after Soumik introduces us to the pivotal characters. Lack of conflict or face-off is also one of the reasons why the first hour never really impresses. Also, Soumik could've avoided the usage of songs [the synchronized steps and the reference to 'Ek Do Teen' in a sequence look out of place], since the focus in a film like GULAAB GANG is on drama primarily. Fortunately, GULAAB GANG is back on tracks in the post-interval portions. The simmering tension between Madhuri and Juhi is captured wonderfully. Besides, a couple of dramatic sequences leave a hammer-strong impact. In addition, the chameleon-like opportunistic character of Juhi catches your eye in the second hour.

A big reason the film never feels contrived is its tremendous cast, especially Madhuri and Juhi. It's a pleasure to watch Madhuri essay the role of Rajjo with flourish. In her three-decade-long career, the actress has worked in practically all genres of cinema, but GULAAB GANG gives her the platform to explore not just the dramatics, but action too. She enacts the part of a righteous woman with supreme understanding and deserves brownie points for a terrific portrayal. Matching Madhuri with a pitch-perfect portrayal is Juhi, who defiantly ventures into an alley she has never sauntered into in her career earlier. The actress displays the evil side without resorting to loud theatrics or attempting to overpower her co-star. You'd love to hate Juhi here, for she lives up to the character of a shrewd plotter and an acute schemer.

Other performances are finely pitched as well and topping the list is Divya Jagdale, who stays in your memory much after the screening has concluded. Priyanka Bose is first-rate. Tannishtha Chatterjee is wonderful.

On the whole, GULAAB GANG is well-intentioned with several powerful moments, especially towards the second half. The game of power and politics is well captured too. Additionally, the bravura performances of Madhuri and Juhi add immense weightage to the film. Watch it! 

Rating:***1/2
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/551149 

Bewakoofiyan Review from Bollywood Hungama(Taran Adarsh)!

On face-value, BEWAKOOFIYAAN(Foolishness) may pass off as yet another love story in a middle class setup, with the [tyrannical] father of the girl throwing a wet blanket on their plans. While the subject matter is as old as the hills -- haven't we watched a concerned/over-protective parent opposing his kid's choice of spouse in dozens of films earlier? -- BEWAKOOFIYAAN(Foolishness) also drapes a thorny issue that plagues the world: Recession. However, what could've been a serious take on relationships and economic decline is punctuated with several laugh-inducing moments by Nupur Asthana.

One expects BEWAKOOFIYAAN(Foolishness) to be a joy-ride, since Nupur's big screen debut MUJHSE FRAAANDSHIP KAROGE was padded with intelligent humor, clever lines and charming moments. And Nupur and writer Habib Faisal make sure they give the cliché-ridden plot a new spin altogether.

Mohit [Ayushmann Khurrana], a marketing whiz kid, and [Sonam Kapoor], a financial brain, are a much-in-love couple. They work hard, they party harder. Their belief is simple: You can live on love and fresh air… But there's an obstacle: Mayera's wilful bureaucratic father V.K. Sehgal [Rishi Kapoor].

The obstinate man believes that only a rich man can bring happiness and a mid-level executive like Mohit simply isn't good enough. Who gets the last laugh when recession strikes and the lack of money tests love?

BEWAKOOFIYAAN(Foolishness) brings back memories of Anubhav Sinha's AAPKO PEHLE BHI KAHIN DEKHA HAI and Rahul Dholakia's KEHTAA HAI DIL BAAR BAAR, besides FATHER OF THE BRIDE and MEET THE PARENTS, of course. Having said that, Nupur and Habib pepper the plot with some cleverly penned sequences, but stray episodes apart, the writing maintains a strong grip from commencement to conclusion [the run time -- less than 2 hours -- makes sure the film never overstays its welcome]. Also, the writer slips the after-effects of recession smartly in the proceedings, without deviating from the core issue, that of a love story.

There's a lot to like in BEWAKOOFIYAAN(Foolishness). The makers know well the flavour of humor they wish to peddle to the spectator -- witty and subtle -- shying away from the slapstick and buffoonery one has come to expect in Bollywood comedies. It won't be erroneous to state that BEWAKOOFIYAAN(Foolishness) makes a genuine attempt to entertain beyond tested flavours and it succeeds in evoking genuine laughs at regular intervals. Also, Nupur and Habib invest heavily into the characters and the screenplay to keep the interest alive. Additionally, the film works for two more reasons: Sharp dialogue and spot-on performances by its protagonists.

However, there are hiccups too. The conclusion is foreseeable given the genre of the film, hence Habib should've ensured that the sequences leading to the climax were hatke completely. The soundtrack [Raghu Dixit] is plain ordinary and though it's not right to draw parallels, one misses a 'Paani Da Rang' kind of haunting melody from Ayushmann yet again [that song has become a yardstick, frankly]. Notwithstanding the blemishes, what needs to be appreciated is the chance YRF has been taking lately. While the premier production house is synonymous with biggies like JAB TAK HAI JAAN, EK THA TIGER and DHOOM: 3, they aren't shying away from making 'smaller films' with interesting concepts such as ISHAQZAADE, MERE DAD KI MARUTI, SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE and now, BEWAKOOFIYAAN(Foolishness).

Editing [Antara Lahiri] is crisp, while the DoP [Neha Parti Matiyani] paints a vivid portrait of the capital as well as Dubai.

The film relies completely on three central characters -- Rishi Kapoor, Ayushmann and Sonam -- and the performances are indeed commendable. Especially Rishi, a gifted actor, who's finally getting roles that do complete justice to his talent. Ayushmann is charming, confident and far from shaky in sequences with the veteran Kapoor. That's no mean achievement! Sonam has evolved tremendously as an actor of late. Films like RAANJHANAA, BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG and now BEWAKOOFIYAAN(Foolishness) only cement her status as a fine talent. Also, she goes all out this time around, flaunting the oomph factor quite abundantly. The supporting cast, in limited roles, deserve a special mention too, especially Gurpal Singh [as Gursharan] and Pratap Hada [as Immy].

On the whole, BEWAKOOFIYAAN(Foolishness) springs a pleasant surprise. Watch this wonderful slice of life film for the super performances of Rishi, Ayushmann and Sonam, watertight writing, skilled direction and dollops of humor.

 Rating:****
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/576462 

Sholay 3D review from Bollywood Hungama!

What can one convey or enlighten about a film that has the word 'Classic' written all over it? One of the most appreciated and admired movies... also, one of the most discussed and analyzed movies ever, SHOLAY, directed by one of the finest storytellers of India [Ramesh Sippy], now unveils in a new avatar -- 3D. Watching the film in 3D is truly an experience. And for those who haven't watched the original version, all I'd say is, watch it pronto, for you cannot replicate a film like SHOLAY. Ever.

The 3D version of this all-time classic should work for two reasons: One, the simplicity on display, when one compares it with the recent releases that are infested with VFX. Two, the invigorating and revitalizing drama [writers: Salim-Javed] that leaves you awestruck, even though you may have lost count of the number of times you've watched this incredible entertainer. The icing on the cake are the well-defined characters -- Thakur, Jai, Veeru, Basanti, Radha and of course, Gabbar. 

Not many are aware that SHOLAY did not take off the way it should, when it first released in theatres. Gradually, a few weeks later, SHOLAY attracted audiences in hordes and ran for more than five years non-stop at Mumbai's Minerva theatre, besides celebrating Golden Jubilee and Silver Jubilee in several cities and towns then. Furthermore, the film set new records across the country, immortalizing the characters, the songs and the dialogue... just everything associated with the film. 

Having grown up on SHOLAY and the masala films of yore, the 3D version of the film helps you relive the moments associated with it. Especially the evergreen, iconic dialogues delivered by Gabbar and Thakur. Sample these…

[Delivered by Gabbar] 
'Tera kya hoga, Kaaliya?'
'Jo darr gaya, samjho marr gaya'
'Holi kab hai, kab hai Holi?'
'Bahut yaarana lagta hai'
'Kitne aadmi thhe?'
'Yeh dushmani bahut mehengi padegi Thakur, bahut mehengi'
'Yeh haath humko de-de, Thakur'

[Delivered by Thakur] 
'Jao, jaake kehdo Gabbar se, Ramgarh-walo ne paagal kutton ke saamne roti daalna bandh kar diya hain'
'Yeh haath nahin, phaansi ka phanda hain, Gabbar'
In fact, the dialogues -- memorable all -- reverberate even after almost four decades. 

With 3D, every pivotal character stands out [quite literally!] in the film. A special mention ought to be made of the train sequence, the climax scene where Amitabh Bachchan blows the bridge with the last bullet and when the goons chase Basanti, who is on her tonga…

The music of SHOLAY is timeless, much like the dialogues. Even though the songs have been heard/watched over and over again, the 3D effects add sheen to the same. The music by R.D. Burman is easily amongst his best, in my opinion. 'Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge', 'Jab Tak Hain Jaan', 'Mehbooba' and 'Holi Ke Din' are simply inimitable. Also, the contribution by DoP [Dwarka Divecha] is simply invaluable. I'd also like to mention the immense contribution by the team that brought this much-loved classic in 3D. 

SHOLAY was truly the biggest film of its times and having stars like Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri and Amjad Khan in a frame was magical. Also, who can ever forget the supporting cast -- A.K. Hangal, Satyen Kappu, Asrani, Sachin, Viju Khote, Mac Mohan, Jagdeep, Leela Mishra, Iftekhar... Every performance was beyond perfect! 

On the whole, there are films and there is SHOLAY. Frankly, it would be sacrilegious to miss this classic. Watch it. Now.

Rating:*****

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/514744

Dedh Ishqiya Review from Bollywood Hungama!

It's a well-established trend to have a franchise or a sequel as a meritorious follow up to a triumphant prequel. The year 2013 ended on a high, with the third installment of the lucrative DHOOM franchise rewriting the record books. Now, in the second week of 2014, a sequel to the immensely likable ISHQIYA [2010] is out to woo the spectators -- DEDH ISHQIYA. But unlike most franchises/sequels, which have an urban backdrop, DEDH ISHQIYA, much like its predecessor, is set in the hinterland, has an unassuming, homespun feel and an old-world charm to it. But let me make one thing clear: Cosmetically, the two films may be in the same space, but the stories are in sharp contrast to one another.
 
Abhishek Chaubey created an out of the ordinary world in his directorial debut ISHQIYA. The tale of a love-lorn and ruthless woman Krishna [portrayed by Vidya Balan], who uses Khalujaan and Babban to settle scores, caught the attention of cineastes for varied reasons. Besides a differing plot and an enthralling screenplay, that film had wit, conspiracy and romance that was so unconventional and individualistic on the Hindi screen then. DEDH ISHQIYA continues the escapades of Khalujaan and Babban, but the duo has the extremely desirable, sophisticated, but a secretive woman [Begum Para] and her confidant [Muniya] for company. In addition, while the first part was a love triangle, with both Khalujaan and Babban falling in love with Krishna, DEDH ISHQIYA has two love stories running concurrently. 

ISHQIYA was sharp, spicy and volatile, with impulsive characters and a storyline taking a somersault every few minutes. DEDH ISHQIYA is no different. It transports you to a diverse world, but like the first part, this one focuses on love and deceit as well. Also, it's far more complex this time around... and the truth hits you like a ton of bricks! 

Begum Para [Madhuri Dixit-Nene] of Mahmudabad is hosting a festival of poetry and music in her mansion. The country's best poets are in town. Khalujaan [Naseeruddin Shah], posing as the Nawab of Chandpur, is participating as a poet in the festival. He is not there merely to show off his poetic wares, but to impress the widowed Begum who, as the grapevine suggests, is scouting for a husband -- preferably a poet. 

Babban [Arshad Warsi] arrives in Mahmudabad to take Khalujaan back to their old life, but his plans alter the moment he sets his eyes on Begum's maid and confidant Muniya [Huma Qureshi], a brash and sexy young woman. Muniya too has plans of her own. She leaves the palace every now and then in a disguise to meet gangsters in dark alleys. The palace is rife with intrigue... 

Unlike the promos of the first part, which communicated quite a bit about the film, the promos of DEDH ISHQIYA maintain the element of mystery around the characters and its plot. Sure, one is familiar with Khalujaan and Babban, but the new characters that Abhishek Chaubey introduces us to in DEDH ISHQIYA -- Begum Para and Muniya specifically -- are shrouded in secrecy/ambiguity. While ISHQIYA was earthy and rustic, one gets to witness an alternate universe in DEDH ISHQIYA. There's a lot of poetry, music and color this time around. At the same time, there are layers to the story that baffle you. Garnished with chaste Urdu and peppered with unconventional humor and simmering sexuality, the characters indulge in a treacherous game yet again. This time, it's even more dicey and perilous. 

Abhishek Chaubey deserves colossal admiration for taking the story forward by retaining some characters and adding several new ones. The screenplay is capricious and unpredictable, imparting a flavor that's distinct and one you most certainly haven't experienced heretofore. Also, a section of the audience may find the chaste Urdu a tad strenuous to comprehend [although the sub-titles make it quite effortless to decipher], but come on, when you have a film based in Punjab or a South Indian state, the essence of that sector has to come to the forefront, right? 

The music [Vishal Bhardwaj] is a sore point and one misses winsome tracks like 'Dil To Bachcha Hain Ji' and 'Ibne Batuta' from ISHQIYA. This film deserved an entrancing score, also because the emphasis is on poetry this time. Dialogue, also penned by Vishal Bhardwaj, are the mainstay and the backbone of the enterprise. The lines are loaded with wit and the usage of Urdu is prudently juxtaposed in several sequences. The DoP captures the old-world charm wonderfully well and the visuals are absolutely stunning. 

Expectedly, Naseeruddin Shah is supremely efficient as Khalujaan. Getting into the skin of the character, the actor gives it all to the film, delivering a performance that's sure to be recalled amongst his premium works. Matching Naseer is Madhuri Dixit-Nene, a powerhouse of talent. Cast in an unconventional role, it's a colossal leap for the actress who has several power-packed performances in her repertoire. She also deserves kudos for opting for an unconventional, avant-garde character, which will only win her tremendous admiration and honour in times to come. Arshad Warsi is in terrific form yet again. The actor, a spontaneous performer, wows you with his brilliant act. In fact, Naseer and Arshad are a delight to watch in several sequences, with both complimenting each other from commencement to conclusion. Huma Qureshi is fantastic and if one were to say so, catches you with complete surprise. Her sequences with Naseer, Madhuri and Arshad reiterate that she can stand on her feet, despite being pitted against top notch actors. Yet another performance that stays with you is that of Vijay Raaz. One of the finest talents around, I am sure, DEDH ISHQIYA will make the film fraternity realize that you cannot ignore him for long. Salman Shahid is top notch in a cameo. Ravi Gosain does a decent job. Manoj Pahwa registers a solid impact.

On the whole, DEDH ISHQIYA is a worthy follow up to the widely admired ISHQIYA. Powerful writing, superb direction and outstanding performances make DEDH ISHQIYA a must watch. Just don't miss it!

Rating:****

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/547314

Yaarian Reviews from Bollywood Hungama!

Divya Khosla Kumar is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Besides directing several videos, she has also acted in a big-budget film starring A-list actors [AB TUMHARE HAWALE WATAN SATHIYO]. So when Divya -- the wife of the head honcho of T-Series [Bhushan Kumar] -- decided to make a feature-film, everyone expected her to start with top of the line stars/creme-de-la-creme in her maiden venture. Instead, she chose to cast rank newcomers in principal roles -- a move that raised eyebrows.

Post the super-success of STUDENT OF THE YEAR, helmed by Karan Johar and AASHIQUI-2, helmed by Mohit Suri, which was a game changer, several studios as well as reputed raconteurs are executing qualitative projects with fresh faces. YAARIYAN, which marks the directorial debut of Divya Khosla Kumar, stands out from films of its ilk. Reason: While the principal cast boasts of freshers, the making, opulence and splendor is at par with any mega-budget film attempted in Bollywood. The question that crosses your mind is, is YAARIYAN equally big in terms of content? Let's evaluate...

First, the plot! The film starts with the college principal [Gulshan Grover] summoning five students, handing them the responsibility of saving the college campus from a foreign hotelier who intends making a resort. The deal is that in order to save the college, the Indian students should outdo their Australian counterparts in the test of physical and mental abilities. While there are the expected ups, downs and betrayals, what triumphs in the end is friendship, as the title suggests. 

I genuinely believe that the teenage years are the best phase of your life. When one is well ensconced in the dreamy world. When life is yet to throw challenges towards you... Divya Khosla Kumar attempts to encapsulate that period through the lead characters of her movie. In fact, it won't be erroneous to state that YAARIYAN attempts to pay tribute to that phase of an individual's life. 

Evidently, Divya Khosla Kumar seems to be an ardent fan of movies such as JO JEETA WOHI SIKANDAR, KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, JAANE TU... YA JAANE NA, 3 IDIOTS and STUDENT OF THE YEAR, since there are faint echoes of such acclaimed films in her maiden endeavor. Of course, the premise of YAARIYAN is dissimilar and so are the character sketches.

The first half of YAARIYAN has its moments of fun, although the narrative tends to go astray at times. If one were to pinpoint the deficiencies, the romance between the professors appears forced in the narrative. Also, Himansh's cousin being attacked by members of the Australian team lacks conviction. The humor/liveliness also dries up after a point and one feels that the first half -- which commenced with lively and funny moments -- could've been succinct by at least 10/15 minutes. 

However, the writing gets consistent in the post-interval portions. The mountain biking race as also the rock climbing contest is the mainstay of the film. They are brilliantly executed! Prior to that, the tender moments shared by the lead pair works decently well too. Divya also gets the intensity in the emotional sequences spot on. Additionally, the dazzling locales and magnificent cinematography translate into a truly good looking film. 

Divya deserves kudos for accepting the challenge of directing freshers in her debut film. The best of storytellers are not afraid of taking risks and Divya seems to be one of those. Her handling of the humorous moments as well as the emotional ones with maturity confirms the fact that she knows the craft well. But one does feel that the writing could've been sharp edged at places. One of the USPs of the film is -- no prizes for guessing this one! -- the musical score, which has the word 'Chartbuster' written all over it. In fact, every track has caught on big time with listeners, especially 'Baarish' [soulful], 'Sunny Sunny' [a rage with partygoers], 'ABCD' [foot-tapping], 'Allah Waariyan' [melodic] and 'Meri Maa' [makes you moist-eyed]. Cinematography is top notch, with the DoP [Sameer Arya] capturing the spectacular locales with flourish. The opening and end credits are also innovative and catch your eye! 

Now to the performances! Agree, the beginners don't set the screen ablaze at the very start itself, but the performances grow on you gradually. Himansh Kohli is earnest and endearing. He has the makings of a fine actor. Rakul Preet looks beautiful and acts confidently. The way she emotes with her eyes is commendable. Nicole Faria, Dev Sharma, Shreyas Pardiwalla, Serah Singh and Vikas Verma are appropriate in their respective parts. Evelyn Sharma looks gorgeous and does a fine job.

Gulshan Grover is wonderfully restrained. Deepti Naval and Smita Jaykar are perfect.

On the whole, YAARIYAN has a gripping second half, smash hit musical score and the youthful romance that should lure and entice its target audience -- the youth. A treat for youngsters and young at heart!

Rating:****

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/566831 

Dhoom 3 Review from Taran Adarsh!

Picture this... The men are no less than superheroes. They speed across freeways. Glide beneath a racing van on their mean machines. Vroom at improbable speed on their motorbikes. Climb down skyscrapers. Perform acrobatic feats. Escape crashes and resist bullet abrasions. From gymnastics to gravity defying stunts to adventure sports to stretching the laws of physics, they know it all. Hang on, there's more! They are the master of masquerades, camouflaging their facade more rapidly than chameleons change colors.

The men and their mean machines are back and so are huge muscles, hot wheels and loaded weapons. The fresh installment of DHOOM stretches into a novel territory this time [circus, magic], promising thrice the exhilaration. DHOOM has expanded into a money-spinning, lucrative franchise and it only gets larger in terms of scale: the budgets are getting monstrous and the star power, colossal. The question is, is it superior than the earlier installments? You may ask, the game of cops and thieves is hackneyed and trite, but do these movies with a thrill every minute even necessitate a storyline? In this case, what keeps you transfixed are the high-octane stunts, high speed chases and dazzling action sequences highlighted by an enigmatic star cast. Additionally, the anxiety and conflict between the two factions sets it apart from its predecessors. Add to it is the extravagant production design that leaves you flabbergasted. You have to give the credit to the producers [Yash Raj] for making the director's grandiose vision come alive on celluloid.

Final word? DHOOM-3 delivers *more* than what it promises. The latest installment ups the ante as mean machines blaze across the screen in a dazzling display of stunt choreography. But it's not all metallic or mechanical mayhem... this one has heart and soul too -- an invigorating and intense drama with heart rending emotions!

It would be sacrilegious to reveal the plot of DHOOM-3, since there's a suspense angle to it. But let's make it succinct. It narrates the story of Sahir [Aamir Khan], who decides to avenge the injustice meted out to his father [Jackie Shroff] and how the cop, Jai [Abhishek Bachchan], gets on his trail.

The latest chapter of DHOOM, directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, delivers everything you anticipate from it, so there's no room to grumble, frankly. All those who have loved the previous installments -- and even the cynics too -- are sure to get swept away into the world of Sahir, Jai, Ali and Aaliya. Agree, the narrative moves in the same vein and you might find a few episodes implausible, but in terms of overall impact, it surpasses the earlier installments by leaps and bounds. You watch the proceedings with rapt attention, transfixed to the big screen, despite a run time of almost 3 hours. Clearly, the director knows what the spectator wants and he gives it to them.

The best part is, there's no bond or connection with the earlier DHOOM installments. Those who haven't watched or perhaps don't vividly recall the 2004 installment, or the subsequent one in 2006, need not worry, for the third chapter has a fresh plot and barring Jai and Ali, the focus is on Sahir and Aaliya, the newest incumbents. While the premise has ample twists and turns, the screenplay does a great job of upping the thrill quotient. Also, the narrative advances at an eloquent tempo, with the director making the spectator hold his/her breath and cheer at the same time. The motive is to offer unabashed entertainment and Vijay Krishna Acharya thrives completely in his endeavor.

A significant contribution to the DHOOM series has been by the action choreographer and the fights, thrills, chases and stunts in DHOOM-3 are pulsating and most significantly, trendily implemented. The razor-sharp editing, awe-inspiring cinematography and well designed CGI also merit an enthusiastic round of applause. Pritam's musical score captures the mood of the film well. While 'Dhoom Machaale' continues to feature in this film too, 'Malang', 'Kamli' and 'Dhoom Tap' stand out as well. The choreography of 'Malang', besides the spectacular and extravagant production design, is astounding.

Aamir transforms into a meat machine with DHOOM-3. Displaying his well-toned physique with ropey veins and performing acrobats incredibly, the actor makes you wonder, is there anything Aamir can't do? He's the life and soul of this enterprise. Abhishek holds his own especially when in face-offs with Aamir. And that, truthfully, is an immensely flattering remark for his admirable effort. Katrina looks ethereal and her acrobats will catch you unaware. Moving with incredible grace in dance numbers, she's sure to astonish the viewer with her dexterous act no end. Uday is amusing and delightful, contributing vastly to the light moments in the enterprise. Jackie Shroff is wonderful, getting his character spot on. Child artiste Siddharth Nigam is a talent to watch out for. He's superb! Andrew Bicknell as the antagonist is first-rate. Tabrett Bethell is alright.

On the whole, DHOOM-3 is one solid entertainer loaded with attitude and star power that will leave fans of the series salivating for more. It is miles ahead of its predecessors in the DHOOM series. This will shatter previous records and set new ones. SURE-SHOT BLOCKBUSTER.

Rating:****1/2
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/542148 

Jackpot Review from Taran Adarsh!

Kaizad Gustad, who wowed moviegoers with BOMBAY BOYS, but got it all wrong with BOOM, returns to tell a story after a hiatus. Is his new endeavour, JACKPOT, sharp and intelligent like his first film?

JACKPOT is a thriller with comic one-liners and crazy characters, set entirely in Goa against the backdrop of casino boats. An amateur gang of young Goan con artists plan the perfect con -- no nuksaan, no pareshan. However, it doesn't take long for them to discover that a reverse con has been played back on them... 

JACKPOT starts off with a title track that seems highly inspired from the opening credits of a Bond film... also reminiscent of the one in SHAAN. Soon thereafter, we are introduced to the characters, with multiple subplots adding to the mystery... and confusion. Kaizad doesn't spill the beans at the outset and the non-linear depiction of happenings that constantly switch back and forth leave you confused, making you wonder, what's Kaizad up to? Actually, with multiple cons being played simultaneously, the viewer is at a loss when trying to figure out what the original con was. 

However, Kaizad links the uneven subplots wonderfully in the second half. With a run time of approx 1.40 hours, the post-interval portions move feverishly and the unanswered questions get an answer. The writing is smart, the pacing is just right, the twists and turns in the narrative are sharp and the culmination catches you completely unaware. Kaizad serves an intelligent thriller, while the DoP does justice to his vision, capturing the lush green spots, grey skies and the downpour with precision. The background score too gives the film an edge. 

Kaizad also integrates the songs smartly in the narrative and the romantic track filmed on Sachiin and Sunny, 'Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse', stays in your memory. Having said that, the romantic scenes between the lead pair aren't too convincing. Also, the pacing in the first half is quite erratic. 

Sachiin certainly manages to pull off a more convincing job as an actor this time. Sunny also shows a marked improvement in her performance. Naseeruddin Shah is, as always, tremendous. Makrand Deshpande does a stellar job of playing the laidback cop, getting the local dialect right. Bharath, who has a humber of South Indian films to his credit, makes his Hindi debut with JACKPOT. He's first-rate. 

On the whole, JACKPOT proves to be an interesting watch with a sharp and clever second half.

Rating:***

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/reviews/type/view/id/1328

Club 60 Review Taran Adarsh!

Rating:***

A few days ago, I glanced at a wonderful quote on life, which I deem fit to share with the readers...

"Life stops when you stop dreaming, 
Hope stops when you stop believing, 
Love ends when you stop caring, 
Friendship ends when you stop sharing." 
That, in short, is the essence of CLUB 60, directed by debutant Sanjay Tripathy. 

CLUB 60 narrates the heart-warming and uplifting journey of five irrepressible individuals linked together by the quirks of fate. The lives of each of these [Raghuvir Yadav, Satish Shah, Tinnu Anand, Sharat Saxena and Vineet Kumar] revolves around a tennis court of a club and how each of them inspire a couple [Farooque Sheikh and Sarika], suffering from post-traumatic depression, to come out of it and fall back in love with life again. 

CLUB 60 starts off with a sparkling monologue, laying the basis of the plot on which the director builds his story, delicately weaving together the lives of several individuals. Well penned and adroitly executed with a number of impeccable emotional moments, Sanjay does a credible and convincing job of exposing the depression faced by each of those characters, which, frankly, also mirrors the lives of most septuagenarians in today's age. 

Conversely, while the emotional moments do make you moist eyed at times, the light moments don't really leave much of an impact. In fact, a couple of sequences [featuring Raghuvir Yadav specifically] are far from amusing, while the track featuring Sharat Saxena in a bar and the episode that ensues seems unwarranted when one looks at the larger picture. Furthermore, the film could've done without songs. 

Though a bit stretched with a run time of over 2 hours, CLUB 60 does manage to keep you absorbed for most parts thanks to the message it attempts to convey. Additionally, the gradual progression of the story, detailing each character while taking the film ahead, is seamlessly executed, leaving the audience no time to stagnate on any particular topic. The plot also builds up to an emotional climax and what really works in favor is the optimism it attempts to convey through the characters. 

Farooque Sheikh does a splendid job, portraying the part of a dejected and disheartened father who ultimately breaks free from the shackles to lead a renewed life. Complimenting him at every step is Sarika, who proves her credentials in several moments of the film, especially the one when she breaks down. Raghuvir Yadav, as the fun-loving, overtly vocal Manubhai, tends to go over the top at times, but leaves a mark nonetheless. Satish Shah is in terrific form, enacting the part of a Gujarati entrepreneur to perfection. Suhasini Mulay, as his wife, is adequate. Tinnu Anand is wonderful, Sharat Saxena is first-rate and Vineet Kumar is convincing. Zarina Wahab appears in a cameo. Himani Shivpuri, Harsh Chhaya and Viju Khote are alright. 

On the whole, CLUB 60 talks of senior citizens facing a late-life crisis due to personal loss convincingly. An emotional journey of friendship, warmth, generosity and the indomitable human spirit, it's an honest attempt for sure.


http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/687029 

R.. Rajkumar from Taran Adarsh!

Rating: *1/2

There's an overdose of masala films. And practically all prominent names have featured in masalathons this year. Take a look: SRK [CHENNAI EXPRESS], Ranbir Kapoor [BESHARAM], Ajay Devgn [HIMMATWALA], Akshay Kumar [BOSS], Sanjay Dutt [ZILA GHAZIABAD, POLICEGIRI], Sunny Deol [SINGH SAAB THE GREAT] and Saif Ali Khan [BULLETT RAJA]. Sadly, most of these films were shown the red flag by cineastes, which prompted the cynics to believe that it's the end of the road for the 1980s-styled formula films. But there's also the school of thought that strongly feels that masala entertainers will never go out of fashion. The good ones will work, the awful ones will bite the dust...

Prabhu Dheva revived the masala genre in Bollywood with WANTED, triggering off a plethora of entertainers subsequently. Not deviating from what he re-introduced to the audiences, Prabhu Dheva has fruitfully crafted and churned out desi entertainers one after the other. This time, the actor-choreographer-director teams up with Shahid Kapoor to narrate a story that's set [once again] in the countryside. The only difference is, R… RAJKUMAR is *not* a remake of a South Indian hit, like Prabhu Dheva's previous endeavors. 

Curiously, a few weeks ago, Shahid Kapoor teamed up with Rajkumar Santoshi for an entertainer [PHATA POSTER NIKLA HERO] and many a people are drawing parallels between that film and this one [R… RAJKUMAR]. Not true! Now to the next question: Is it a replica of a standard masala film or there's more to it? More significantly, how compelling is Shahid in the masala space? Does he look persuasive and convincing enough, rattling mass-friendly dialogues and bashing up dozens of rogues like we swat flies? Let's find out…

Rajkumar [Shahid Kapoor], who works for a drug dealer Shivraj [Sonu Sood], is entrusted the task of eliminating the rival drug dealer [Ashish Vidyarthi]. Prior to that, he eyes Chanda [Sonakshi Sinha] and falls head over heels in love with her. Rajkumar is unaware that Vidyarthi happens to be Chanda's uncle. In the meantime, Shivraj too falls for the charms of Chanda. He makes peace with Vidyarthi and expresses the desire to marry Chanda. The battle lines are drawn…

Masala entertainers are all about compelling the spectators to believe in the super-hero qualities of the protagonist. He has to be an all-rounder actually: emote, romance, sing, dance and flex muscles, when required. Prabhu Dheva has been serving us the staple dish, albeit in new avatars and modifications, successfully. Much like his last outing RAMAIYA VASTAVAIYA, Prabhu Dheva emphasizes on romance yet again in R… RAJKUMAR, with action being the icing on the cake. And while positioning it as a romantic fare, Prabhu Dheva also packages light moments aplenty and chart-busting music to make R… RAJKUMAR a wholesome entertainer. 

While R… RAJKUMAR has everything that the hoi polloi looks for in atypical mass entertainers, the problem lies in the fact that there being an overdose of masala films, one can actually foresee what's in store next. The story is done to death, the screenplay is far from inventive and everything seems conventional. Sure, a few moments do keep you glued and hooked to the proceedings, but the waferthin plot and lackluster screenplay plays spoilsport. 

Another reason why R… RAJKUMAR falls like a pack of cards is the casting. Although Shahid Kapoor has genuinely acted well, placing him in the same zone as Salman Khan [DABANGG] and Akshay Kumar [ROWDY RATHORE] looks far from convincing. Making him battle an army of villains, led by Sonu Sood and Ashish Vidyarthi, and reducing them to pulp looks completely far-fetched even in the masala scenario. In short, Shahid is at home when he has to sing songs and romance Sonakshi, but looks far from convincing when he has to act as a super-hero. 

Prabhu Dheva has always excelled in the masala genre and that's the reason why he's labeled the king of entertainers, but a feather-light concept and predictable goings-on act as dampeners. Like I stated earlier, a few sequences/moments do manage to keep you attentive, but they're few and far between. One swallow does not a summer make! Dialogues too are serviceable, with a few clever lines integrated in the narrative. 

Pritam delivers a chartbusting score. 'Gandi Baat', 'Saree Ke Fall Sa' and 'Mat Maari' are catchy and the first two songs especially have already caught the fancy of listeners. But 'Kaddu Katega' appears reminiscent of the item song in ROWDY RATHORE ['Aa Re Pritam Pyaare'], while the romantic track ['Dhokha Dhadi'] is plain average. Action sequences, though executed well and high on energy, fall in the same mould as the ones we have watched in scores of masala entertainers. 

Shahid Kapoor gets to portray a mass-friendly character and he gives it his best shot. He's an exceptional dancer and emotes very well too, but, like I pointed out earlier, he looks far from real when it comes to fighting an army of villains. Sonakshi Sinha seems to be getting repetitive and needs to reinvent herself. Ditto for Sonu Sood, who plays the mandatory villain without much of an effort. 

Asrani is just about okay. Ashish Vidyarthi plays the evil uncle to perfection. Mukul Dev is passable. Srihari doesn't get ample scope. 

On the whole, R... RAJKUMAR doesn't work. It is Prabhu Dheva's weakest Hindi film to date!

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/566875