Fukrey Returns - Movie Review

First Day First Show : " Fukrey Returns " - Fukrey a movie that was made with a modest budget with not so known faces in 2013 was a runaway hit. In last monthof 2017 the Fukraa gang in the form of Hunny, Choocha, Lali and Zafar are back. Aptly supported by Panditji and Bholi Punjaban. Four years after the release of Fukrey, Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma, Manjot Singh, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi and Richa Chaddha have become known faces and are busy with acting offers in Bollywood.

So the story picks up from where it ended the last time with Bholi going to the jail. Another day, another dream and another scheme. The screenplay drags in the middle. The acting is good no doubt but lacks a good story. There were a lot of expectations but there are very few entertaining moments in the movie. Given a choice I would choose to watch the first part than the second. The uniqueness of the plot and script is missing which was the USP of Fukrey.

Golmaal Again - Movie Review

First Day First Show: Golmaal Again -One of the most loved and successful movie franchisee in bollywood is back this Diwali with a bang. Ajay Devgan along with Arshad Warsi, Tushar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Khemu form a great camaraderie like always. There are two new female faces in the Golmaal series, in the form of Tabu and Parineeti Chopra. The supporting cast especially Sanjay Mishra, Johnny Lever and Prakash Raj are superb. The large ensemble of various actors make sure that there is never a dull moment. In the fourth installment apart from the usual drama, comedy and action Rohit Shetty adds a new component in the form of horror. It is interesting to note that Parineeti has a meatier role than expected. Nana Patekar has an interesting cameo. Neil Nitin Mukesh has an extended cameo.

The dialogues are well written and quite funny. Most of the punches along with the comic timing is way too good. As the tagline of this movie says there is magic and no logic. As a whole Golmaal Again is high on the entertainment quotient and keeps you glued to your seat. You may also say it is the best of all the 4 movies of the Golmaal series. There is nothing great about the songs or music but that should not matter. A full on bollywood masala movie. This is just the right movie to watch and have fun and enjoy with your family and friends this festive season.

Judwaa 2 - Movie Review

First Day First Show : Judwaa 2 - The story of the original Judwaa is kept intact. But it has been polished a lot. Almost the entire movie has been shot in London. Many characters are newly added to the original script. This movie is purely about Varun Dhavan, complemented by Jacqueline Fernandez and Tapsee Pannu. Rajpal acts funny, but it is nothing that you haven't seen before. As always Varun displays the mannerisms of Salman n Govinda and also mimics quite a few dialogues of Shahrukh. The most important role of both the female leads is to look pretty, display some skin and act dumb.

There are quite some cheesy one liners. There is also a lot of scope to shout, cheer and whistle. People who had watched Salman's Judwaa 20 years ago as a child or young adults may not like this movie. The target audience of this movie would be between 10 to 25 years. This movie does manage to entertain you but lacks Salman's charm and persona. Please skip this movie if you want to watch it only for the sake of Salman Khan. There is nothing great about his cameo. 

Haseena Parkar - Movie Review

First Day First Show - Haseena Parkar : In recent times this is the second movie based on the underworld after Daddy. Shraddha Kapoor plays the title role and her real life brother Siddharth Kapoor plays her reel life brother in this movie. You may want to blame her age, inexperience or the makeup but Shraddha is not so convincing as Haseena. She has put in a lot of effort though. In fact it is Siddharth, in his debut movie who is more convincing in the character of Dawood.

The story lays a lot of emphasis on Dawood and Haseena gets very less screen time. The screenplay is very slow which makes you lose interest in the plot. The purpose of making the movie seems to show a criminal in good light and allow her to be portrayed as  a  victim of cirumstances. There is nothing great about this movie and you may absolutely miss it. 

Daddy - Movie Review

First Day First Show - Daddy - This movie is a biopic on the Gangster turned politician Arun Gawli. An underworld crime thriller based in Mumbai on a Don that refused to run away from the cops. Their is a striking resemblance between Arun Gawli and the main lead Arjun Rampal. Not only in looks but in terms of mannerisms, conduct, dialogue delivery etc. Arjun has moulded himself perfectly in this role. It is also Arjun's second production venture after ' I See You '

The direction, screenplay, background score acting , costumes, casting is top class.This movie gives you the feel of the era gone by and there is never a dull moment. The script has made sure that you are constantly on your toes. Most of the story is based on the facts about Arun Gawli's life and only some part of it is fiction. The movie is A rated and has a lot of bloodshed and violence. This is Arjun Rampal's best performance till date. He is aptly supported by all his co-stars and other supporting actors but the surprise package is Farhan Akhtar. This movie makes for a great one time watch if Gangster drama is your flavor. 

Baadshaho - Movie Review

First Day First Show - Baadshaho : A multi starrer heist drama. It stars Ajay Devgan, Emran Hashmi, Illeana Dcruz, Esha Gupta and Vidyut Jamwal along with Sanjay Mishra and Sharad Kelkar. The story is set in the backdrop of the Emergency in India in 1975 revolving around the treasure of the Royal family in Rajasthan. The director Milan Luthria has tried his best to make a decent interesting movie but the plot lacks conviction. Other than for old times or old friends sake, I do not see any reason why Ajay and Emran would want to do this movie. 

There is no freshness in the script but some of the action scenes n the screenplay is good. There is nothing much for the leading ladies to do and talents like Vidyut and Sharad should do more meatier roles in the future. This movie should make for a good one time watch but can also be skipped. Ajay and Emran can definitely do better. 

Bareilly ki Barfi - Movie Review

First Day First Show: Bareilly Ki Barfi - A light hearted romantic drama based in Bareilly. It is a love triangle based in a small city. This movie is directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari who also happens to be the wife of Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari. It has Ayushmann Khurrana, Kriti Sanon and Rajkumar Yadav in the lead roles. They are aptly supported by the supporting cast. There are some funny moments and the treatment given to the story is quite catchy.

You may have seen a similar script before however there is a great chemistry displayed  between the lead actors. All the three of them Ayushmann, Kriti and Rajkumar have delivered a great performance which makes for an enjoyable experience through out. This movie is not a bad watch at all for this weekend. 

Movie Review : Toilet - Ek Prem Katha

First Day First Show :Toilet - Ek Prem Katha
This is Akshay Kumar's first movie after winning the National award for the best actor. He is paired with the talented Bhumi Pednekar who is starring in her second movie after Dum Laga Ke Haisha. The script of this movie revolves around a toilet. The first half is full of romance and the second with drama. Akshay Kumar while doing meaningful cinema has delivered another power packed performance and Bhumi Pednekar is not to be left behind and has come good on her own. Her portrayal of an educated village lady is quite convincing. The lead pair has their chemistry in place and deliver the required message strongly. They are aptly supported by Sudhir Pandey, Durga Khote, Divyendu Sharma, Anupam Kher and the others.

Like most movies this one too begins with love in the air where you get to see a rustic romance between a couple. All he'll breaks loose when a toilet becomes a matter of status and pride for a woman. While there are those who oppose the idea of a toilet, based on old customs and religious grounds. This movie successfully endorses the Swacchh Bharat Abhiyan of the current govt and could very well be used to promote the social cause in the rural areas. This movie could help to further drive the slogan " Jaha Shouch waha Shouchalaya ". There are some sarcastic dialogues  which expose the harsh realities of our society. This is not a documentary neither the screenplay is dull or boring. This movie makes for a great watch with family and friends alike. The right message is delivered through means of drama and entertainment. 

Raag Desh - Movie Review

Movie Review - Raag Desh - A historical movie based on the famous Red Fort trials that shook the Nation and paved the way for independence. This movie is directed by award winning director Tigmanshu Dhulia and is made on a shoestring budget of 10 crores. The story along with screenplay, direction and narration makes it an exciting watch. This movie is based on the trial faced by Prem Sehgal played by Mohit Marwah, Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon played by Amit Sadh and Shah Nawaz Khan played by Kunal Kapoor. All the three actors have delivered power packed performances and brought this characters to life on the screeen. People who still believe that India got independence due to spinning the Charkha and the Non - violence movement need to watch this movie to clear their doubts. India achieved its independence due to the efforts of Netaji's Azad Hind Fauz, the mutiny of the Royal Indian Navy and a weakened British force after the World War 2.

This historical drama is based on true events and brings out the truth in regards to India's Independence. This movie is about 3 officers of the Indian Army who had later joined the Azad Hind Fauz. A rare treat for Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose followers and admirers. The scenes are very well depicted and overall the movie is very well made. This movie and the Red Fort trial is also a case study for law students and lawyers. The defence of India's ace lawyer Bhulabhai Desai in the trials is very well explained and pictured. In short, this movie is a must watch for people related to the law field, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose fans and Indian Nationalists. 

Indu Sarkar - Movie Review

First Day First Show : Indu Sarkar - This movie is based on the high handedness of the ruling party during the Emergency in India in 1975. Though the disclaimer claims otherwise. The story drags itself in the first half and picks up pace in the second. The main lead Kirti Kulhari comes up with another fine performance after PINK. Neil Nitin Mukesh displays great mannerisms and seems to have gotten in the skin of his role. This movie has definitely gone through a lot of cuts, as the sequence of some events do not match. The lady responsible for the Emergency can be seen in only one frame. It is acknowledged that RSS did have an important role in opposing and working against the Emergency.

This is serious cinema and awareness is the main motive. No wonder the workers of a political party were opposing it all the time. 

Munna Michael - Movie Review

First Day First Show : Munna Michael - A light hearted romantic action drama starring Tiger Shroff and debutante Nidhi Agarwal as the lead pair along with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. This is director Sabbir Khan's third movie with Tiger after Heropanti and Baaghi. As usual Tiger Shroff does the best of what he is good at dance and stunts. He definitely needs to work on his expressions and acting. The new lady  on the block,  Nidhi Agarwal makes the most of her first shot at Bollywood. With her strong screen presence and decent acting you cannot ignore her. Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays a villain but you get to see his romantic version too. He is almost a parallel hero in this movie and also gets to display his dancing skills.

The story is routine. The direction and action along with choreography is pretty good. To be frank I watched it for Nawaz and he does not disappoint you at all. You get to see yet another shade of him. If I am not mistaken he has equal amount of footage in the movie as Tiger Shroff. For the most of the first half Tiger plays second fiddle to Nawaz. The target group of this movie is youth and young couples. Tiger Shroff and Nawazuddin Siddiqui fans, you have many moments to cheer in this movie. 

Jagga Jasoos - Movie Review

First Day First Show : Jagga Jasoos - Ranbir Kapoor makes his debut as a Producer under his banner PictureShuru Productions with this movie. It has Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles. The genre could be classified as musical thriller. This is not ur routine movie and viewers not interested in meaningful cinema may get bored during the course. Ranbir Kapoor deserves a round of applause for his outstanding performance and is well supported by Katrina Kaif.

The dialogues to be in the form of a song and multiple songs in the movie go well with the demand of the script and the narration. We have a positive reference to Netaji Bose and revolves around the illegal Arms trade around the world. The narration is in the form of a poem and since it is produced by Disney gives you the feel of a Broadway Musical. Anurag Basu's direction, also the screenplay, music and cinematography  is top class. Parents should take their kids to watch this movie. They would love it. The others should only go if they want to watch a good cinema and have the patience to let the story unfold itself.  Ranbir Kapoor has a great taste for movies and he has always experimented with different roles and topics. He has definitely taken the risk in his first production venture. I do not see this movie doing great  commercially but Ranbir has surely delivered another of his finest performances. 

Meri Pyari Bindu - Movie Review

First Day First Show - Meri Pyari Bindu - Another romantic movie from the Aditya Chopra stable. A teenage youth oriented drama starring Parineeti Chopra and Ayushmann Khurrana. Ayushmann is the sober guy whereas Parineeti's character is a mixture of Shura from Befikre and another character played by Parineeti in her earlier movie Hasee to Phasee. The female character is quiet weird and a confused lot. The director has tried to portray her as a fierce independent woman.

The Bengali language has been used extensively as the seting is in a typical Bengali household. Ayushman has given his best shot and Parineeti does what she is best at. Somehow the movie fails to make a connect with the audience. The screenplay of the first half is interesting. However the second half fails to impress. You are kept wanting for more but in the end you do not get anything. You may want to miss it.

Next Release - Half Girlfriend ( 19th May ) 

Baahubali -2 The Conclusion - Movie Review

First Day First Show : Baahubali 2 The Conclusion- In recent times, this must be the most awaited movie where everyone wants to find the reason why Katappa killed Baahubali. The movie begins on an impressive note on what happened after Amarendra Baahubali was chosen as the King designate by Sivagami devi. The romance between Baahubali and Devesena. The treachery by Bhallaldeva and his cunning father Bijaldeva and in the end how Mahendra Baahubali aka Shivudu avenges his father's death. 

Devesena played by Anushka Shetty has a strong screen presence as well as character in this movie. Due to which things become difficult for  Baahubali. As usual Katappa has a great role to play. This movie does not exceed the standards set by its first installment in terms of special effects or action. Even the war scenes, especially the last war scene could have been shot better. The grandness of the first part is missing in the second part. Nevertheless, Baahubali 2 makes for a great watch. And for the million dollar question on why Katappa killed Baahubali, please watch the movie. 

Next release : Meri Pyaari Bindu, Jagga Jaasoos - 12th May 2017

Naam Shabana - Movie Review

First Day First Show : Naam Shabana - Here is the prequel to the much acclaimed Baby. In Baby, Akshay Kumar was the main lead and Tapsee Pannu played the cameo. In this movie it is reversed. Tapsee Pannu is the main lead and gets a juicier role. Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpai and  Prithviraj Sukumaran add to the cast. Akshay Kumar has an extended cameo.

This movie lacks the intensity or the tempo maintained in the screenplay continuously by Baby. The undercover operation undertaken in this movie also lacks the strategic and meticulous planning as it's prequel. Tapsee Pannu has done justice to her role but her character is shown as someone who is dependent on others for backup support and inputs. After Pink, Tapsee gets another women oriented role and does justice with her performance. But somewhere the script is not as convincing as Baby. Nevertheless, this movie makes for a great watch this weekend.


Next release : Begum Jaan, Laali ki shaadi mein Laaddoo deewana  (7th April)

Phillauri - Movie Review

First Day First Show : Phillauri - Anushka Sharma's second production venture after NH 10. Here she plays a cute, friendly and an emotional ghost. She looks very beautiful throughout. The story is divided between the current era and the pre independence period. The story in the flashback gives you the feeling of a folklore with strong patriotic feelings.

Diljit Dosanjh plays a singer and has an integral role. Suraj Sharma plays a confused young adult who is not ready to get married too early. The story along with the movie is offbeat and may not impress the regular movie goers. The historic touch given to this story brings in the memories of a mass massacre by the British. The screenplay does get a bit draggy after the interval. But overall it is a good movie.

Next Release : Naam Shabana(31st March)

Trapped - Movie Review

First Day First Show : Trapped - Anurag Kashyap comes with an interesting subject to make a movie. It is abt a person who is trapped in a high rise flat in an isolated building in Mumbai. It more of a documentary film and not your regular Bollywood types. Rajkumar Rao, an critically acclaimed actor plays the central character.

It is about a man who is locked in a flat with no one to help. The story talks about how a person locked out in solitude faces adverse conditions for days without food, water or electricity and plans his escape. The situation becomes heart wrenching as it bears its end. It is a small budget movie and should make some noise at the film festivals. Indian audience may not give it the deserved appreciation. 

Badrinath ki Dulhania - Movie Review

The Dulhania franchisee continues with the lead pair from Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania. You get to see the usual chirpy, bubbly side of Alia Bhatt. Varun Dhawan gives you the Hangover of a Govinda(actor) impersonator. It is a light hearted romantic drama made specially keeping the younger generation in mind. It is a happy go lucky movie and lays emphasis on women empowerment. 

Basically there is nothing new in this movie and you could give it a miss. The songs are well picturised.Varun Dhawan should refrain from doing such roles, lest he wants to be typecast. Alia Bhatt looks petite in such movies. But it will not be of any value addition to her career. Watch it only if you must. 

Next release : Phillauri, Anarkali of Aarah, Trapped and Machine - ( 17th March ) 

Commando 2 - Movie Review

       

First Day First Show : Commando 2 - It is Vidyut Jamwal's movie from the first shot to the last. Deven Bhojani makes his debut as a director. Adah Sharma adds an interesting angle to the cast. Eesha Gupta also has a prominent role. The first part was all abt nature and the wild jungle. The second part goes international and is based in South Asian countries. As expected it is an action packed thriller and Vidyut pulls off some really difficult stunts. There are a lot of twists and turns in the story and the plot keeps you glued to your seat. The screenplay is racy and there is not a single song sequence in the entire movie. 

Vidyut Jamwal's is the USP of this movie. He has a long way to go and definitely does justice to the character of a tough, no nonsense commando. This is the first movie that talks about demonetisation and it's after effects on the money hoarders. It makes for an exciting watch this weekend. 

Next release : Badrinath ki Dulhania ( 10th March ) 

The Ghazi Attack - Movie Review

The Ghazi Attack - It is India's first Naval war movie. This under sea thriller is very well made and has high doses of patriotism. Though in a cameo, it may probably be the last time you see Om Puri in action on the big screen. 

It is about a classified mission where the Indian submarine INS Rajput is on a mission to stop the Pakistani submarine Ghazi. That means despite fighting for the country the Brave soldiers get no recognituon. The underwater scenes are a treat to watch. The screenplay is fast paced and there is never a dull moment. Based on a true story which establishes India's prowess at sea, rides on the performances of three great actors, namely Kay Kay Menon, Rana Daggubati and Atul Kulkarni. In that order. This movie deserved to be released on 15th Aug or 26th Jan as it is full of valour, courage and nationalism that the story symbolizes. This movie will make you hate Pakistan even more. Their sympathisers based in India may want to watch it. This movie makes for an exciting watch this weekend. 

The national anthem is played twice during the final stages of the movie. Once the entire crew of the submarine sings it to boost their morale and instigate the enemy. Second when the mission is over. Do not forget to stand both the times. Jai Hind. 

Next release : Rangoon - 24th Feb. 

Jolly LLB - 2 Review

First Day First Show: " Jolly LLB 2 " - There are high expectations from this movie. Especially after the huge success of Jolly LLB, the prequel. The movie won the the National award for the best Hindi Film and the Best Supporting Actor award for Saurabh Shukla in 2014. There were apprehensions whether Akshay Kumar would fit in the shoes of the goofy lawyer played by Arshad Warsi. 

Come the sequel and Akshay Kumar one of the most dependable actors of Bollywood in recent times has latched himself into the skin of his character. He plays his role to the hilt in this courtroom drama. The story is about an inconsequential lawyer who lacks to make it big in life but throws in his everything while fighting that one case, rather a PIL. In order to get justice he fights against the system, police department as well his corrupt lawyers. Huma Qureshi brings in a whiff of freshness and is pleasing to watch. Without doubt Saurabh Shukla is adorable as a judge. Annu Kapoor has done his best while playing the role of a defence lawyer. But somewhere you feel Boman Irani could have played this role better. 

In all this movie entertaining as well as keeps you intrigued in the plot. Akshay Kumar does not disappoint you and should make for great family viewing this weekend. 

There is a interesting quote shown at the end of the movie and I would leave you with that. 

Next release : The Ghazi Attack, Irada - February 17th 2017

Kaabil Review

First Day First Show : " Kaabil " - The story is about a visually impaired person out with an vengeance to kill the system and the people who destroyed his life. One of Hrithik Roshan's best performances and he has made the best of his character. Yami Gautam is a value addition. There are about four antagonists in this plot but the movie is all about Hrithik. This is serious cinema hence there are few light moments. Hrithik Roshan's body language and poise is a treat to watch. This movie makes for an interesting watch during the Republic day extended weekend.