Queen Review from Now Running!

Queen is intransitive story very much too similar to English Vinglish with how it has the central character's nervousness on embarking on a journey all by herself and later breaking the shackles of their reservations and reveling in the new found confidence but the two women chart their own journey.

Living a Life's by a book and where it takes this in the life of Rani is which focused on this movie. Rani (Kangana) learns her lesson much too late almost when she got dumped by her fiance Vijay (Rajkummar Rao) just a day before her wedding. Having yearned to witness her D-Day going perfectly, Rani is left shattered as her world comes crashing down. She unshackles herself in her room, hoping to escape the situation and the pain of being dumped. And her escapism only makes her stronger, she decides to go the unthinkable, set off for her honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam alone. What initially turns out to be a nightmarish idea, turns into a journey of self-discovery as the free spirited Rani tastes independence for the first time.

For a woman laced in the Indian garb, one who's saved herself for her husband and is proud of her virginity, Paris is a culture shock and just the contrast she is looking for to leave behind her life. However, the city turns out to be incomprehensible, ruthless and unaccommodating till she holds on to her reservations and miseries and the moment she lets go of it all, all thanks to her new found friend in Paris Vijaylakshmi (Lisa Haydon), she discovers a whole new life.

Vikas Bahl's Queen is an uplifting, bitter-sweet story that transports you into the film to become one with the author-backed character. The filmmaker doesn't work too much on the story but on the character and her experiences for that forms the backbone of the film. The way Queen simply addresses the stereotyping of women in India and chauvinistic behavior of men and the social pressures is commendable. It's that very innocence of her character that's infectious and strikes a chord with the masses.

Rani stands tall all thanks to the many characters that come along in her story. Right from her family including the likes of her father, mother, younger brother and grandmother, all of whom might just be exactly like your parents to the ebullient, full of life Vijay-lakshmi, all the characters aide Rani towards self-discovery. Lisa Hayden is a complete surprise package who not only looks jaw-dropping gorgeous in her Indo-French role but also plays her part to the T. Rajkumar Rao though in a bit role is spot on. All the other actors who Rani meets on her journey too absolutely flawless.

There's never a dull moment in the film and though the movie treads on the predictable path in few instances it's the actor again that keeps you watching but what's also impressive is where you expect it to go the typical filmy way it beats you and gives an ending that's very befitting the plot.

Queen Pictures   34 Pictures

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 The ace in Vikas Bahl's Queen is the Queen of course. Kangana Ranaut sinks completely to become one with her character. She breathes life into Rani, a character that has the power to make you laugh or cry. Her innocence mixed with the childlike inquisitiveness to try anything new is infectious. There couldn't be a better Rani than Kangana Ranaut who gives a pitch-perfect portrayal.

The music actually plays an important part in the film and refreshingly so, doesn't get used for the sake of it, Music by Amit Trivedi deserves a special mention for composing tracks like London Thumakda, Ranjha and remixing the yesteryear track Hungama Ho Gaya.

To sum it up, Queen is one of the finest films this year that with all its simplicity strikes a chord with the mass. The movie deserves not one but repeated watch

Rating:****

http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/11351/bollywood.hindi/queen/4591/review.htm

Lakshmi Review from Now Running!!

Filmmaker Nagesh Kukkunoor who is best known for films like Hyderabad Blues, Iqbal and Dor had his luck running flat on box-office and as well as with critics. Not only were his movies like Aashayein, Mod etc. taking in audiences at the theaters but were also being criticized for the poor execution. However, this time he is back with the best in Lakshmi.

The Storyline  mostly revolves around with the harsh realities of human trafficking and child prostitution, the movie overviews the life about a  13 year old girl Lakshmi (Monali Thakur) who is abducted and sabotaged into prostitution. Thrown into brothell, Lakshmi gets raped, then again repeatedly brutally battered by same men and pimp China (Nagesh). But the most grisly conditions don't break her will to retaliate and after repeated attempts for redemption, she finally makes her way out for a better life.

The story moves based on true events. There's hardly any subtle play in Lakshmi. Nagesh, who brings to fore the plaguing issues of child prostitution and illegal human trafficking that yet are to be eradicated from the rural heartlands of India, relies heavily on shock value to leave the audience with a gut-wrenching experience, assumedly with a hope to bring a change. 

Moreover, it's the crudity of the language, mannerisms of the actors and situation that Nagesh shows his prowess in, however, the rest of the portions get amateurishly handled. One expects nail-biting courtroom drama but owing to lackadaisical dialogues it loses the punch.Most of the gruesome scenes are very in-your-face but you wonder after a point whether such graphical representation is actually required? Couldn't the audience be left to imagine the worst?

Singer turned actress Monali Thakur is spot on in her debut film. Her childlike face brilliantly juxtaposes with the crudity of the brothels and viciousness of men. Lakshmi works best not just for its shocking story of depraved and immoral humans but also for its casting and acting.

Satish Kaushik's portrayal of the brothel owner is absolutely brilliant and so is the case with Nagesh who maliciously plays a pimp. While the debutant actress impresses, you have to watch the seasoned actors like Satish Kaushik and Shefali Shah performances.

To sum it up, Lakshmi is a story that's disturbing, shocking but a courageous effort. Watch this movie for stellar performances. and very good time to releases this movie at March 8, which is moreover a good day to encourage woman.

Rating:**1/2

Now Running Link

Ragini MMS 2 Reviews from Now Running!

Despite a half-baked script with cliched masala, Ragini MMS 2 is worth a watch purely for Sunny Leone's performance.  

Horror genre's fascination for children continues so while even in the West you have movies like Mama, The Conjuring, Insidious etc. using children as medium for chills and frights, Bollywood too has shown its fascination for kids in its horror movies. Similar is the case of the Ragini MMS 2 who uses a mother child bond as the back story of its horror plot and gives it a commercial twist by turning it into horrex (horror + sex).

So you have Sunny Leone, who actually plays a porn star turned actress (basically herself) actually faking an orgasm in one of the scenes. Needless to mention, with the boldness taking such blatant levels in Hindi cinema, a movie review doesn't really remain of any use, the ones who want to watch "all that" will do anyway.

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A movie based on a movie, quite a smart move by Bhushan Patel, Ragini MMS 2 actually revolves around the story of its prequel. A renowned filmmaker decides to make a movie on the story of Ragini (protagonist of the first part) who now is in mental asylum. He ropes in porn star turned actress Sunny played by Sunny Leone (coincidence much?) to play Ragini in the film and taking the writer Satya's (Saahil) suggestion decides to shoot the film in the very same bungalow where the actual incident happened. Things go awry when the crew reaches the bungalow and the vengeful spirit starts haunting them all.

Filmmaker Bhushan Patel doesn't give two hoots about traditional mindsets and delivers what he promised all throughout the promos. There's skin show, lip locks, double meaning dialogues and more in a film that's also supposed to scare but fails to deliver that. In a bid to titillate the mass, the maker reduces the horror quotient which actually was substantial in the first part.

The movie takes the hackneyed route for the horror portions and you have a doctor deciding to chant mantras to ward off the spirit or the usage of witchcraft etc.

Ragini MMS 2 works only because of Sunny Leone. Finally in her comfort zone this time around, Sunny outshines everyone and is brilliant not just in the steamy scenes but also in the scary portions towards the end. The rest of the cast including the experienced actors like Parvin Dabbas, Sandhya Mridul and Divya Dutta get wasted in the film.

Despite a half-baked script with cliched masala, Ragini MMS 2 is worth a watch purely for Sunny Leone's performance.

Rating:**1/2

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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