Category Archives: Hindi Movies

Hindi Movie Reviews

Baahubali – The Beginning Review

Baahubali – The Beginning Review – Baahubali – The Beginning is a Telugu is a historical fiction movie released in 2015. The film is the first of a two part series. Shivdu is found on the riverside and is raised by a small tribe family; he always wants to climb the big mountain near the village against the wish of his mother. He is able to do it when he grows up; this leads him to his roots from where had come from.

5 tablespoons of Mahabharat, one tablespoon of Ramayan and one tablespoon of masala ingredients from high packed action movies mixed well together. The dish that comes out of the above ingredients is what is Baahubali in a nutshell. Although it is made of the ingredients that we have tasted before, the dish is well prepared and fulfills our appetite like a grand feast. Director SS Rajamouli has dreamt big and kudos to him and his team to bring such a visual grandeur to the silver screen. The breath taking visuals, a native story, stunning fight choreography, powerful characterization all these make Baahubali a very compelling watch. The movie stays true to its promotion and what it had promised to offer; a historical fantasy story painted on an expensive canvas. Every frame has visual grandeur in it, right from the formidable falls to the large battlefield. Many of the characters and situations resemble many of the Indian mythology stories you would have heard but putting them in this combination is interesting. Prabhas, Anushka, Sathyaraj, Nassar, Ramyakrishnan, Rana Daggupati, Tamanna all of them have performed very well. Peter Hein’s stunt choreography is one of the highlights of the movie.

High Points: The narration, visual effects and characterization of Baahubali, Bhallala Deva, Kattappa and Sivagami shine in this first installment. The interval block for the movie was really powerful and is the high point in the movie for me.

Low Points: There are definitely some low points. There is very less differentiation between Shivdu and Baahubali. You don’t feel they are two different characters. There have been some sequences to please the fanfare on the opening day of the movie, which could have been avoided. The background score for such a visually stunning film was a bit let down for me.

Overall Baahubali is a visual treat, though it is a story you would have heard a million times still it is very interesting when SS Rajamouli narrates it. This one is a milestone in Indian Cinema and a Must watch for all Indian movie lovers.

Must Watch

Tanu Weds Manu Returns – Guest Review

Tanu Weds Manu Returns – Guest  Review

This review is a guest post.

About the guest author: The author of this post is a movie lover and represents Cashkaro.com, a website that offers a way for all buyers to shop things they need at the cheapest price. All the views represented in this post are by the guest author.

Tanu weds Manu returns movie needs no introduction! And there are high chances that you have already watched this spectacular movie. It is a sequel to film ‘Tanu weds Manu’. The film shows how their wedding has fallen apart after 4 years when they can’t find any reason to love each other. Their expectations have been crushed and life seems still when a twist catches up. Here are 7 reasons as to why this movie is a super duper hit:

1) Kangana Ranaut

This one is not even a guess! The queen stepped down which made even the little flaws of this movie invisible. She gave an impeccable performance in her previous movie “Queen” which floored every viewer of that movie. She even won a national award for it. In this film, she has done double roles and has wooed everyone with her outstanding acting skills. It will be hard for you to even believe that both the pole-apart roles have been performed by a single lady. It’s still not late if you haven’t seen this movie. Book your tickets via CashKaro.com and get awesome deals using bookmyshow coupons present on it.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut
Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut

2) Brilliant star cast

Apart from Kangana Ranaut, this movie has power packed performances from R.Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill, Deepak Dobriyal, Eijaz Khan and Swara Bhaskar. R.Madhavan has a big fan following in Bollywood and it will be a delight to watch him as due to his other films commitment in Tollywood, he rarely signs for Bollywood films.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut, Jimmy Shergill
Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut, Jimmy Shergill

3) Unusual Chemistry

The Jodi of Kangana Ranaut and R.Madhavan is unusual yet a charming one. Kangana Ranaut performs this vivacious character while Madhavan plays a subdued role. Opposites attract and this is what makes this pairing a hit.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut, Madhavan
Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut, Madhavan

4) Hottest ethnic trends

Ditch those long length kurtis and sport short ones. Kangana Ranaut has sported the newest traditional as well as fusion of Indian and cultural wear in this movie. And she looks like a dream in every outfit.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut
Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut

5) Attention gripping music

The sound tracks of ‘Tanu weds Manu returns’ have already climbed the chartbusters and viewed like a million times. “Ghani Bawri” is a super hit. It has been sung by Jyoti Naroon and the lyrics have been written by Raj Shekhar. Most of its songs are foot-tapping.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut
Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut

6) Endearing plot

The storyline of the movie is pretty simple and something you can relate with your everyday life if you are married. This catches the attention of audience more as they find the dialogues as well as locations similar to their life. There’s nothing hard to digest here which lends it a touch of simplicity.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut, Madhavan
Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana Ranaut, Madhavan

7) Anand L Rai

The movie has been directed by “Anand L Rai” who delivered other hits like ‘Raanjhana’ and ‘Tanu weds Manu’. Both of the movies were enjoyed by audiences and it will be an under-statement to say that same expectations are riding from this romance comedy movie.

Anand L Rai
Anand L Rai

What are you waiting for? If you still haven’t watched this movie, rush!!

Piku Review

Piku Review – Piku is a Hindi comedy drama film released in 2015. Piku is a 30 year old woman living in Delhi taking care of her father whose major complaint in life is about his constipation. Just like his constipation he doesn’t want to leave any of his legacies including not letting Piku getting married, while on the other hand Piku wants to let go of them. The only thing that glues them together is the love and affection they have towards each other despite their differences. The plot revolves around the road trip they decide to take to visit their old house in Kolkata.

Director Shoojit Sircar after his successful outings with Vicky Donor and Madras Café has taken a very light hearted comedy drama. The movie is simple and sweet. The movie solely banks on the performance of the lead actors. Amitabh has performed with a natural flair that you see Bhaskor and not Amitabh in every frame he appears. This would be one of the top notch performances of Deepika Padukone as well and would be a highlight in her acting career. Irrfan Khan is a nice addition to the cast that he adds more strength to the performances of the cast. The screenplay itself is very light hearted and subtle. What could be an elaborate melodrama in any other movie has been handled with ease and keeps the lighthearted tone throughout.

High Points: Performance of Amitabh and Deepika, Light hearted screenplay, comedy sequences

Low Points: As a screenplay there is no strong establishment of conflict in the plot

Overall the movie is scripted like a view through window into the slice of time in Piku’s life. It is scripted well to keep you engaged and happy throughout the movie. Go and watch Piku for the performances of the lead cast.

Watchable

PK Review

PK Review – PK is a Hindi satire movie released in 2014 . An alien lands on earth to learns the ways of the humans, however he looses his remote transmitter to get back to the ship. He is now forced live with human race, learn their ways to life to find his remote back.

Aamir and Rajkumar Hirani coming together has raised the expectations sore high for the movie. After their blockbuster 3 Idiots, PK had become the most awaited movie of the year. Well the movie does have all the necessary elements to woo you and you would definitely feel good that you have watched PK.

PK’s plot would sound similar to OMG however the treatment here is subtle and has much more fun fare to entice the holiday crowd. The impact liners is a highlight of Rajkumar Hirani’s script like Jadu ki Jhappi in Munna Bhai MBBS, Get well soon in Lage Raho Munna Bhai and All is well in 3 Idiots. PK also has an impact liner which is “Wrong Number”. Although the concept of Wrong Number is interesting and very powerful if you think of it, still it may not connect instantly with the audience as Get well soon or All is well.

The sensitivity of the plot might have imposed many restrictions in building up the screenplay. I believe Rajkumar Hirani has done a good job despite of the challenges. However in few areas the struggle to walk the fine line is visible. The way the character of Aamir Khan transition from an alien landing on the earth to study the humans to a situation where he has to question the ways of the Godmen is done very well. This would be the highlight of the movie.

High Points: Characterization of PK, Positive outlook of Rajkumar Hirani movies, Intelligent screenplay, the whole wrong number episode.

Low Points: Climax sequence not as impact full as the build-up, Similarities in plot with OMG, No change in costume for Sushant Singh Rajput 🙂

Overall if you do not go with a checklist to compare it with 3 Idiots or OMG then you would love watching PK. The movie has a satirist take on Godmen. If you do not connect to it, then you would find the movie kiddish and boring. If you like satires then you would love PK every bit. So go for PK with an open mind and enjoy it on the big screen.

Watchable

Ek Ruka Hua Faisla Review

Ek Ruka Hua Faisla Review – is a Hindi drama released in 1986. This is the remake of the American Drama 12 Angry Men released in 1957. 12 men in the Jury have to come to a unanimous decision for the verdict of a criminal trial. All of them find the accused to be guilty but for one person in the room who wants to talk it through before taking a decision. The rest of the movie is on if they are able to build consensus on the verdict they are going to arrive at.

What can you do better in a remake movie whose original is perfectly made? You would need to make it exactly the same way. Director Basu Chatterjee has done the same thing in Ek Ruka Hua Faisla. It is a remake of 12 Angry men. Although Jury duty is not in our judicial system the movie dives into the conversation of 12 different men who talk about a murder case without actually dwelling into the reason of why they were chosen to discuss it. Also the dialogues for most part the exact replica of the original. It’s not easy to be so convinced with the script of someone else when making your own. Kudos should go to the team for doing this.
The original is in black and white which even made the discussion and acting more compelling. With colors you have more distractions on the screen. The director has used some well-trained actors to make the movie very engaging. It starts on a very slow note but few minutes into the plot it demands for your undivided attention. The performance of Pankaj Kapoor is of top notch. He is a great actor I always admire who could literally fit into any shoes with so much ease. He dominates the entire proceeding. A few deviations from the original movie do exist for instance the hot weather and lack of fan was not talked about as a major issue and also the movie showed some clippings of the crime scene and court hearings. I believe the director had to do this to suit to Indian audience. Culturally we are used to adjusting with what we have and hence the fan not working is not seen as a great issue. Also he was not very confident about the viewer’s intelligence which made him to include those exterior clippings as required.

Overall Ek Ruka Hua Faisla is a gem of a movie in Indian Cinema and is a must watch.

Must Watch

Khoobsurat

Khoobsurat – is a Hindi romance drama released in 2014. A fun loving and spontaneous physiotherapist is invited into a highly disciplined and a highly formal royal family to treat King’s paralyzed legs.

Disney princess stories no matter how many times it has been told is an evergreen success formula. But Khoobsurat has taken the fairy tale and made a below average Bollywood romance drama.  They had tried to adapt the 1980’s Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s film for this romance drama.  Kirron Kher plays the role of Sonam’s mother, Manju; if you remember Rekha played the character of Manju a young fun loving girl in the 1980 movie. Were they trying bring in  connect back? The platform for a nice princess story had been set very well, choosing Jaipur as a backdrop is an excellent choice but the screenplay gets derailed in the first 20 minutes of the movie and the writers seem to have run out of ideas and they started to adapt sequences from many Hollywood romance dramas to fill the rest of the movie. The characterizations are weak; they seem to run out of breath very quickly. Sonam Kapoor looks cute and pretty but when it comes to acting her expressions are between A and B.

Quickgun Murugan seems to be a much better outing for Shashanka Gosh compared to this one. You can give this one a skip.

Can Skip it

Finding Fanny

Finding Fanny – is a bilingual (Hindi and English) movie released in 2014. In a small Goan village Pocolim, the old post master Ferdie receives an undelivered letter which he had written 46 years ago to Fanny proposing to her. Ferdie embarks on a roadtrip along with a young widow, her obnoxious mother in law, an old painter who is looking for inspiration for his last painting and an egoistic mechanic go to find Fanny and convey his love for her.

After the commercial outing with Cocktail, director Homi Adajania is back to his home turf creating a off-beat cinema with an ensemble of popular star cast. The movie does not have any strings attached. You should watch it for what it is. None of the situations are dramatized nor dragged to evoke emotions. There is subtle and intelligent humor one would enjoy (if you like such humor). Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapoor dominate the screen. Deepika looks so lovely, simple and beautiful like the script itself. Dimple Kapadia has done a very interesting character like the one she did in Being Cyrus. The characters based on Goan Catholics gives a very fresh look to the movie.
The movie is a road movie with some dysfunctional people who through their journey rediscover love. Although there is a slight slowness in the script post the interval it makes up for it in the end. You would walk out of the movie hall with a smile on your face. This movie may not appeal to everyone. If you love movies like Little Miss Sunshine then you would like this movie as well.

Watchable 

Mary Kom

Mary Kom – is a Hindi sports biopic  on world boxing champion Mary Kom released in 2014. The movie revolves around Mary Kom’s journey from a small Village in Manipur to become five times world boxing champion even after being a mother of two kids.

When I came out of the theater watching Bhaag Milkha Bhaag I wished the trend of biopics to continue in India. Mary Kom is a wish come true for me and it’s encouraging for Indian Cinema. Hope this continues. Omung Kumar who had been Art Director for movies like Saawariya has turned into a director for Mary Kom. He has given a very inspiring and visually pleasing movie. The movie stays true and honest to the plot. As you see Mary Kom punch in the ring you get goosebumps. Priyanka Chopra has given everything for the character and has done true justice to the struggle Mary Kom has gone through. The good part about the screen play is the way in which other characters are built like her husband, her parents, her coach, the officer in the federation and the street fighter she takes on. It is an irony that the amount of sponsors for the Mary Kom movie are far more than the sponsors who would have endorsed her as she was winning world championships. Hope there is a healthy change in the system soon which can nurture more champions.

Overall the movie Mary Kom would inspire you, move you emotionally, create adrenaline rush and give you goose bumps. It is a Must Watch in the theaters and if you have kids take them to see Mary Kom.

Must Watch

Queen

Queen – is a Hindi coming of age drama released in 2014. Rani’s wedding is cancelled by her fiancée on the eve of her wedding date. To overcome the depression she decides to travel to their planned honeymoon destination Paris and Amsterdam all by herself. Queen follows her journey where she rediscovers herself.

Queen is the first outing for Vikas Bahl to direct a movie all by himself post working as a co-director for Chillar Party. He has completely relied on Kangana Ranaut to carry the story on her shoulders and she has done a brilliant job. The movie has a sarcastic take on the society which dominates women. The scene where she tells that all her life she has always followed someone else’s order and never led a life as she had wanted to – says it all. Amit Trivedi’s music is very pleasant. Overall Queen is bold and beautiful. As Rani says “My sense of humor is good but you would take some time to understand” you would come out of the hall with a smile on your face.

Must Watch

Hasee Toh Phasee

Hasee Toh Phasee – is a Hindi romance drama released in 2014. Nikhil wants to a lead a life with guarantee from his job, to the house and his girlfriend. During the preparation for his wedding he gets in touch with the sister of his fiancee who is a drug addict and chooses to live life spontaneously. Does this change his life is the rest of the plot.

Karan Johar and Anurag Kashyap producing a movie jointly raised some interesting questions if it is going to be a fun fair with song and dance or some serious dark drama. It was more of the former. This is one of the movies which has not been positioned very well. The title and promos had set the expectations for a romantic comedy but it ends up being a bit of satire on Indian wedding, bit of old school romantic drama in the end leaves you a bit confused as are the lead characters in the movie. There are parts of the movie which are interesting including the performance of Parineeti Chopra, the chemistry between the lead pair. But this isn’t sufficient to make it a overall exciting package. You might consider to watch it once when played on TV.

Wait for TV/DVD

Bullett Raja

Bullett Raja – is an action thriller movie in Hindi released in 2013. Somewhere in Uttar Pradesh (UP) a gangster is shot in an encounter, he recounts his past. He was an unemployed youth and becomes a close friend of a courier delivery man at a wedding party.  Thugs attack the house that night, the two friends fight against them and save the family. This fight leads them to a gangster life as they are being targeted by other gangsters and the only way out is for them to stand against them which eventually make them into a Gangster.  They become terrifying duo in the locality with some political backup. What circumstances lead to the encounter is the rest of the plot.

Tigmanshu Dhulia has come up with a very intriguing gangster plot where the gangs are formed for friendship, love and honor and not for money. The casting of the movie has been done well and is very convincing. The sequences leading the duo to a gangster life, some harsh take on rogue politicians and the action sequences are made very well. The movie falters in its length. It could have been a very enjoyable one if it had been short in length without the romance portions as it slows down the pace to a great extent in the mid parts. It seems the makers were not convinced themselves in many occasions as certain scenes look disconnected. The movie however does leave a promising plot to create a sequel and there is a chance for the director to revive this brand eliminating the short comings of the current version.

What you would like: The gangster plot, action sequences, cast and dialogues

What you would dislike: Unfitting romance for the story line, disconnected sequences, length of the movie

Overall the movie is definitely enjoyable in parts, if you are a fan of action flicks and gangster stories then go for it. If not you can wait for the movie to be played on TV.

Wait for DVD /TV – unless you are a fan of gangster movies

That Day After Everyday

That Day After Everyday – is a short Film by Anurag Kashyap released in 2013. The movie is a strong take on eve-teasing and molestation in the society. The movie instills confidence and empowers women to fight against these issues bravely. A must watch for every one. Hats off to Anurag Kashyap for making such a wonderful movie!