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What a surprise packet. I hadn’t caught any promotional clips nor had observed the poster carefully and man, I was overwhelmed. Anyone who saw, kept saying, go watch yourself. I will concur that.

Hope you watched. When I had lost all hope on a sequel, after the debacle of the year Phir Hera Pheri, this resurrects the hope. In fact, this is as original as the first part.

Munna bhai is madly in love with a Radio Jockey and just like the first part, to impress her, he lies that he knows about Gandhiji and he follows Gandhi’s principles - which gets a new phrase from this movie - Gandhigiri. “How” he follows the principles and “how” he succeeds is what the movie tells us. There is a message and there is loads of laughter.

Random thoughts and minor spoilers ahead.

Of course at one point of time, I doubted how the story can win. There is no way by sending roses you can change one’s heart. Thats where the sub plot enters and I was convinced that, it works.

I expected in the beginning, Munna’s role, in realizing everybody’s dreams of those in Second innings house.

Jokes were not sms jokes, as is the usually case these days and they were very original, unheard of before.. But, it will take no time before Munna Bhai jokes going around in sms.

Full marks to most underrated performer of the decade - Arshad Warsi - what an impeccable comic timing this guy has. Everytime he said, “hey uthna, sorry bolneka hai”, I cracked up in laughter. His dialogue in jail explaining that he never went to jail after doing many crimes but went when he said sorry once , is my another favorite scene. And his facial expressions while searching for Bapu is great.

Vidya Balan chips in with cute looks and reasonable performance. Sanju babu is at his best. His listening to Bapu’s story of theft is my fav scene. And of course, “chemical locha” scene. See how he cries when he apologizes to circuit. Such innocent looks adds great value to the character. “Put me back in jail” near the wedding scene is a touchy one. Similarly, his shout about the corrupt bureaucracy. His all earlier work might be forgotten, but Munna will remain in every one’s hearts for ever. If Vaastav had given him second birth, Munna bhai has made him immortal. Munna and circuit together will go down as iconic characters from Hindi cinema on the lines of Gabbar Singh.

Bapu’s acting was touching.

Two things could have been kept from the first part - Lucky Singh should have been laughing/grinning whenever he gets angry. That used to crack me up in 1st part with Dean’s character. Second, there should have been a “jadu ki jappi” somewhere

After laughing for nearly 3 hours continuously, things look so good. Hopes on Bollywood resurrected. Am looking forward for sequels, remakes and what ever. Don, Ghayal - bring them on…

Nenapirali is a debut effort from Engg graduates Ratnaja (director) and Ajay Gouda (Producer). It has flashes of brilliance - both at technical level and at artistic level. More about that later.

Story Overview: Ekanth and Indu are seeing each other for sometime. But practically Ekanth is too busy to see Indu on a regular basis. This forces Indu to lie Ekanth that her parents might oppose their marriage. Her plan backfires when Ekanth devises a plan - according to which Prakash, his friend should go around Indu, which should unease Indu’s parents and they should be readily accepting Ekanth!
Due to this, Prakash spends more time with Indu and she starts liking him for he is naturally likeable. Prakash clarifies that he lacks any such feelings for her. And Ekanth marries Indu.
You guessed an end ? Its just the interval. That is one of the highlights - this packs so many events in just 2 and half hour that bollywood revolving around the same confusion for over 3 and half hours is pitiable. Lets go back to the story. Now Bindu, Indu’s sister heads off to assist Prakash in Mangalore where they slowly fall in love with each other.
Till now everything was fine, but movies can’t just be fine. So there is a twist and then some more crisis. To be fair to the story-writer, after some thoughts myself, it is really difficult at that point not to introduce a turn and make it proceed and finish on a note. Also to the team’s credit, the developments are in sync to prove the subtitle/tagline - its about hearts.

Now to other points. Technically it is a fine product. Crisp editing, fast pace, clear characters, an unbelievable cinematography, attractive costume designing, experimental choreography, meaningful-but-not-heavy dialogues and tight direction.
The one department that disappoints* is the lyrics that are like dialogues. Hamsalekha, the lyricist fails but the music is refreshing. Repeated listening has softened my stand on this but still….

Due to the youth behind, there is a infectious freshness feel to the whole of the film.
Prem is faithful to the character. He shows lot of promise. Except during his dancing, I liked him otherwise.(If this is remade to Tamil, Sidharth is ideal fit) Both the girls (Vidya and Varsha) have good potential. Indu’s oppurtunistic role didn’t have much to offer to Vidya but she has done well. Ananth Nag, as a cool father, lights up the screen. With some more flesh to the character, this could have been the perfect supporting role that is both meaningful and required to the plot. It looked little hurried at the end, as the family members were left out of the context.

But, almost till the end, the movie is like a peom recited dearly from the very poet. Narration is what stands out, drama has been dumbed down to nothing and punctuated with songs, flow is super. If there is one thing that is worth applauding than the poetic narration, it is the locales. Picturesque. The scenic beauty, music and performances make it a beautiful movie.

* Disappoints “me” - because I heard/read it to be great. I know the reason for that feeling though- given the Kanglish lyrics these days, given the fast food lyrics by the likes who churn out bin ladenu, maza maadu, etc…But I accept that it was Hamsalekha who was the pioneer of that generation)

Krrish
There was no real temptation to watch this one but for the 3 hour A/C relief we (I & Sriram) wanted to get. There is nothing much to write apart from that it was a TP film. Targeted at children, let such films come and save the kids from disgusting things happening in other movies. I have pretty much forgotten about the movie but for this - Does gas cylinder “deflect” bullets ?

Cyanide
As many have already said, narration and cinematography were highlights of this movie. So were the performances. Tara was excellent; it was such a delicate role that it was too easy to have gone overboard with it. Overacted. But Tara. She bordered on exaggaration but carefully maintained it within the line. Malavika had very few scences to her credit but does well. An added advantage is her expressive eyes. As Shivarasan, Ravi Kale leaves impression.

As soon as I had heard about the movie, I was reminded of “Harakeya Kuri”. In an age when I used to dislike anything remotely “art cinema”, I had found this one likeable.

The advantage to Cyanide is that the story is real but it also had enough dramatic moments. Though it did drag somewhere in second half, the editing and flow was good enough.

Trivia:
After watching, it was surprising to note that director is real life friend of Ranganath and scenes of Onake Obavva and Shivrasan’s confession that crime was wrong, were real happenings. Also came to know that Mridula is now separated from her husband (who is now a hard-core activist) and that she reacieved 25 lakhs from govt for giving information about culprits.

Omkara
I attempting to write about this should be a joke - for thanks to an unfinished theater’s bad sound effects and thanks to UP dialect I hardly understood the dialogues. And only after reading reviews did I realize that my concentration was also amiss. However 2 points about it. Loved the editing and pace. Saif has furthered his own limits (pls don’t go back to metrosexual salaam namaste roles, pls, leave them to our lux model - SRK) in one scene he is unbelievable(his change in facial expression when Kesu was named Bahubali). Liked the vareity of songs. And listening the slow songs over and again.
If you haven’t but interested, I suggest you go through these two brilliant reviews/analysis. By Rangan and by Falstaff One day, I aspire to dissect a movie with such depth, understanding, conviction, command and knowledge.

Something, Something, Unakkum Enakkum: Well, the story is as old as wine.It seems highly “influenced” by Maine Pyar Kiya types. Yeah, so old. But it is still watchable for these reasons : honest performances, the happenings keep the audience engaged, the colourful costumes and controlled humour entertain. At one point, that kiss-slap sequence in a wedding, reminded me of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam so much that I thought, it would most certainly take that path. Was it a slap on HDDCS thought flow about how such small things can be corrected and life can go on ?
Btw, it has dropped the something from the title after TN govt announced goodies for films with only Tamil in title. Heh!

Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu: Frankly did not like the movie much. New york is shot beautifully.Music is very good. Songs are being continuously in my system.The performance from lead pair is great. Even though it moved fast, had surprises, finally bogs down to stereotype. Mindless voilence plus the loudness is just not my taste.
I felt sad not to have been able to follow the conversation between Kamal and Jyothika. Somehow I felt, there was potential for a beautiful complete love story, like Gajini also had, which in present form is somehow lost in the voilence, again like Gajini.

Warning: FULL OF SPOILERS.
Due to time constraints, I will not attempt full length “review”. Just will jot down first few thoughts.

1) No surprises from KJ front. Typical KJ. Typical full houses.

2) As you might know, Devgun was initially in Karan’s mind for Rishi’s role. Thank heavens that didn’t happen. Abishek fits the role like a T. More about him/his role later. (But Devgun would have brooded and gave the role an altogether different look and intensity!!) Also as you might know, Kads was to do Maya’s role. She was busy with Fanah and didnt have dates. After the nonsense Fanah, was wondering if she missed much by missing KANK. Again, no worries as such. For a minute, though, I felt, the chemistry (so called chemistry) and the indecisiveness in Maya’s character would have been taken to an altogether different dimension, had it been Kajol, but overall Zooni was a better character than Maya (for Kads and her fans - would not have liked to see her weep so much anyways as Rani does in KANK!! But one thing she might have missed is to wear the choiciest of beautiful costumes that Rani gets to wear in Kank ). Did not like her pinkkkkkkkkkkkkkk saree in special appearance though - was Manish Malhotra drunk ?

3) Liked the way Priety’s and Abhishek’s characters are etched. Complete level headedness, feelings not surreal etc. And the way both did it (even though you feel it was easy) was just right. Abishek & Rani acted/emoted/looked just right. Full brownie points from me for them. And of course to BigB’s charisma and screen presence. Even though Rishi’s and Rhea’s characters were so perfect wonder why director’s soft-corner or compassion was always towards others - oh, thats how you can make a 3 hr movie!

4) Loved the shot when both the gorgeous ladies walk in one frame. Just lovely. Just super.

5) During one scene I ROFLing…when Maya comes home in a bizzare dress.

6) Had wished the movie ended after they separate. But then, that can not be bollywood/KJ’s movie. On another thought, it would have been cool if Rishi and Rhea got together -uff that should surprise even KJ !!

7) Liked some of the dialogues. Some of them actually surprised me.

And then, there are typical junk stuff in the story. Like the first scene b/n Dev and Maya was as if the characters knew how the rest of the 3 hours would be. Through out all readiness without base/build up. Confused characters. Stretched plot. Filmy stuff. Co-incidences. Irritating scenes. Unconvincing-ness. Logicless Etc etc.

Definitely is not the best movie of the year and no hopes for award nominations too. And also not the best of KJ too. But a good choice of plot though. And again, it could have been handled in much mature way as well. But then, given it was KJ, overboard, artificial, filmy, lack of reason, unconvincing will be it.

Chalo…now time for some review hopping.

Let me know your views/comments.

Update:
Addendum: Just loved the way Rishi and Rhea get on with their lives after the break up. Even when they come to know they were cheated, they handle it in the best way possible - Rhea one slap and asks him to get out. Rishi, poor fellow who loves his wife so much, does not even hurt her. Just breaks few furniture and asks her to leave. Perfect ! Heck they are not even angry on the third person who broke their marriage. Have rarely seen such clear thoughts. And even after the breakup, they move on just fine. No rona dhona, no fuss and again clear with what they want (Rhea needs time, Rishi finds another mate).
And by the way, I found out how the movie could have been made logical and saved: Rishi and Rhea were to have extra marital affair! They had good reasons - Rishi had an incompatible wife in Maya, Rhea had a cripled, unsuccessful husband! And Rhea and Rishi’s outlook towards life and wavelength matched well and could have easily got attracted !!
Ok, no more time will be wasted on this, just few links of reviews:
Arun peels the movie layer by layer, just as he does to his onion ! He is doing quite fine writing, consistently at that ! Keep it up, pal.
Update:This review (edited version) now appears in Rediff . Arun Ganesh is one of the 10 winners of readers review contest on rediff. And henceforth he will be a part of Rediff Movie Critics’ group. Hurray!

Rediff Exhausting film.
TOI(Nikhat Kazmi) did a better job too.

Q: Why do you think almost all the people, even more people than required, are made to wear white almost all the time. Even during celebration ?
A: Tide is one of the sponsors.

Huh…Next time before watching, I must take care to see who are its sponsors apart from who is director/actor etc. And my choice of sponsors is Asian Paints.

What was it all about anyways…it was three stories clubbed into one. First one is about comedy. So called comedy which even though tries in all honesty just can not repeat the magic. Hera pheri I am talking about. Second one…uff I forgot. Well I guess it was romance. Third half (thats wrong..there can’t be 3 halves..but who cares..this half was uninteresting than first two halves) was about football. Football ? Yes, owing to world cup fever, Kareena and oher white damsel-widow (?!!?), and their respective team members and 2 refrees (Rajpal yadav and Paresh Rawal) involve in a game that involves snatching the football (another naturally white Kapoor) from the other team first and then kicking at the other team. In several other angle sagas, such character will wake up and give a lecture about its conscience, its wishes etc. Here nothing like that happens, because footballs dont have emotions. So he is plain confused. It was such a heart wrenching moment for the audience to take anyone’s part, that I firmly believe such cases can be easily solved by bigamy, there by chopping off the third half convincingly.(Infact if bigamy logic was used liberally, Bollywood’s film count will be reduced by half!) Why should anyone complain ? And then it is movie afterall which has some ludicrous logic anyways.

Whats my verdict about the movie…I shall refrain from giving verdicts. It is not a bad movie for I heard there is Phir Hera Pheri taking away the title for the bad movie of the week (or even year). Chup chup ke is a timepass one, closely to what it promised. Will not make you float in happiness and fun but will not make you regret about it. ( Regret comes if there was a better choice.)

So to compensate, 3rd impossible mission was accomplished. Before you remind me about the announced break, I must remind you that Da Vinci has not been seen yet. So there.

Can you guess my first spontaneous thought after looking at poster/promo of Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna ? And that is even before I read trivia in IMDB ! But on second thoughts, I also see the name of Shibani Bhatija who wrote Fanaa too, and I am quite relieved. But there will be a cameo appearance and do I need more excuse to watch FDFS ?

By the way, the promo is here.

Before I end, read Phir’s review here.

Few hours away …
Update: First day first show is something special…no matter how the movie is..
Photography is too good. Background score & costume design closely follows. The new kid is cute. And, of course, there is Kads above all
But the final product is anything one can expect a Bollywood-YashRaj to churn out. Can’t believe Kajol believed the script was so out of the world to make it the choice to break the sabbatical…anyways, no one is complaining.
These are the first impressions…now back to work…will be back if time permits…. Subanallah…..

Update: Review

After mulling over it again and after getting over the initial reactions, my views about the film are still unchanged. It is not a superlative film and does not do any better than an average bollywood one.

After the success of the debut directorial effort, Kunal Kohli, falls flat on his face on the second one. His dialogues too were uncanny and he better save it for some experts in his next attempt.

Flaws in script are plenty and are unconvincing. Be it all-prepared-parents for a Shehzada (as if they had already seen the movie), immediatlely falling in love, a tiring second half[just after the screen flashes after 7 years I had guessed the rest of the film], a nagging “trigger”[have begun to hate the word...such a pitiable excuse?...could he not think of a stronger mission/ ideal ?], old book stylish drama, inconsistent flow, not at all impressive dialogues including bad taste supposed-to-be jokes (student biting ?? of teacher, kid choosing to make Rahul Dravid his father), meaningless characters(like wasted Tabu), the length etc etc. [There is advt of LG-Tataindicom phone but that can be noticed only by a clear observer!]

But there are few good things as well. Cinematography by Ravi K Chandran is one. Background score another. Child actor Ali Hajji is fine. I felt the pair of Aamir-Kajol was quite good(I mean to say, not much damage done as SRK fans will claim to…but yes, in one song I almost saw SRK instead of Aamir!). Aamir Khan does well in few parts (but is overshadowed by Kajol in others!). But there are two good reasons to watch the film - Kajol and Kajol.

She, in a role that was easy to make a mess of, breathes life, makes it natural and convincing. Her screen presence is to be seen to belive and easily overshadows Aamir. From a bubbly-jovial-all-happy-blind-girl to a mother-widow and unforgiving wife she carries it off with aplomb and ease. Add to that, her picture-perfect looks, colourful dresses - what more a fan can ask for.[I had just hoped she does not need to cry a lot and Kunal Kohli has oblized! First half is a treat anyways!]

After watching every recent movie of hers, I feel more and more convinced that even if I had entered the hall being a non-fan, there is no way to come out of the hall in the same state. If you dont believe me, check out every other reviews in the town! Her charm, screen presence, beauty and of course acting is mind boggling and it is a pity that she self-imposed a hiatus and that there is no news about her next movie.

After having turned down offers from her close buddies (like Karan Johar), if she had finally accepted the offer, it had to be a good and “different” script. Or so it was told. I entered with curiousity as to see what has made the script so special. But exited with disappointment.

It is getting undue attention due to controversies(1, 2 sorrounding it. It is watchable once. Or twice, if you are like me, a Kajol’s fan

[For all I know, this can become a boxoffice super grosser...for I did not have high views of KKHH or K3G either.]

Khaled reviews here and you can see that my views more and more subscribe to his rather than the sugar coated one at Rediff. But this one is quite ok!

Now let me address few media raised questions. “Can Kajol match Rani”..Of course this was keeping in mind that Rani played blind. Our Kajol’s character gets intelligent and “opens her eyes” (pun unintended) and does away with blindness just before the interval with a surgery! Competition over, ha!! Fun apart, it is highly unfair to compare two different roles. One can compare only if there is a remake. And to compare any contemporary actress with Kajol is unfair…Kajol was/is miles ahead of her closest competitor! And there has not been any role that has managed to do justice to her talent. Rani got lucky.(And that too, she would not have, if Kajol had not quit the arena…SLB had a soft corner for Kajol from beginning and he had apparantely offered Khamoshi to her and for HDDCS as he himself accepted, Kajol was his first choice.)

Another one asked “Can Kajol recreate the magic she created with DDLJ”. Huh! Where is the need to “recreate” it when we havent come out of her magic itself !! Fun apart, to recreate the magic you need a strong script, my friend. And apart from BigB who gets role written “for” him, nobody has been able to “recreate” the magic. But that too after a dark patch during which he appeared “lost”.

But Kajol is as flawless and as easy as if her previous movie was done just yesterday and not 5 years ago. Breathing life into a character that, to be fair, had not much to challenge an actress but was enough to be flawed if left unattended to.

How I wish she gets a completely author backed role written “for” her. SLB, are you listening ?

PS: Looking at previous posts, there has been mostly movie talk…which is not a good sign…I feel I should take a break from watching. Post Da Vinci, I plan to take a sabbatical

Update (Final!):
More thoughts
When I think of the title Fanaa as destroyed in love, I am immediately reminded of Gangster which was better suitable for the title.

On screen Chemistry:
Lot has been talked about SRK-Kads on screen chemistry. So I had naturally expected SRK fans to complain about no-chemistry of Aamir Khan and Kajol in Fanaa.

I personally believe that on screen chemistry is a hyped subjective concept. The great proof is totally contradicting opinions about Aamir-Kads chemistry. Yeah, certain level of comfort between the actors always show on the screen but then the best actors’ job is to make things look natural on screen. In that respect, Kads and Aamir gel completely well and co-operate finely on screen. All those who are whining about no-chemistry between this pair are either SRK fans (who are plain jealous!) or had decided that this pair lacks chemistry even before entering the hall. People see what they want to see!

Traces of other movies:
Dil se / Fiza
And sadly even this did not completely utilise the buildup!

Songs:
Though initially I was not very impressed with the songs, after seeing the movie (greatly due to picturisation) and after repeated hearing of the songs, I liked quite a few songs. Also when I realize that this is going to be the last movie for the “Jatin-Lalit” pair (though they will continue to compose separately), I feel bad to be missing them. One more trivia is that the “whistle” (in Subahnalla song) is from Nagesh Surve – can you believe that he is the only whistler for Bollywood from almost 35 years ? Including Soudagar (Ilu Ilu) to DDLJ,KKHH and what not, he has lent his sound (whistling!) to almost 1400 films!

My favorite songs in Fanaa are (except last, all on same rank) :
Destroyed in Love (Lounge Mix): This is a beautiful musical blend of Dekho Na and Mere Haath Mein. I feel this symbolizes “Jatin-Lalit” blend.
Chand Sifarish (For picturisation, whistle and Kailash Kher’s Subahnalla…)
Des Rangila (Had not liked this before watching movie ;-). Colourful and patriotic !
Mere Haath Mein : Super romantic; Mohabbatein flowers and Kads in red saree!
Chanda Chamke: Playing in snow! By the way, did anyone notice that this is a repeat song from Hum Tum - Yaara yaara (Don’t remember if it was shot in movie or not).

Scenes I liked : (In no particular order)
Antakshari – I felt this singing of Kajol and Aamir are better than they have sung in songs (which was news!)
Rose petal – Oh so sweet… feel like doing to someone
Rehan carrying her … damn sweet… ditto
When Zooni says, “now you are afraid”, the look on Aamir’s face was the best scene from Aamir and is enough evidence of his insuperable talent.
Opening scene – saluting to wrong direction
Opening scene between the lead pair –“Andhi hai kya” “Haan dikta nahin hai kya?”
One tight slap to Rehan from Zooni.
Another lovely scene from Aamir is the look on his face and the way he falls when he knocks on her door years after.

And I liked it everytime when a meaningful old song was played in the background. They were infact better than few filmy shayiris.

Box office collections:
As I predicted earlier (above) (My predictions about box office collections and award winnings have been right most of the times! though I don’t understand the logic behind both of them), it has made quite a good collection on the opening week. And it might as well become biggest grosser of the year (Not to forget the competition from “Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna”). This is the Box Office stats for first week:

Yash Raj Films’ latest offering ‘FANAA’ creates history at the box office. ‘Fanaa’ is the highest grossing film on the first weekend, in the history of Indian films. Fanaa’s magic has spread all around the world. All India collections (4 days): Rs. 22.79 crore - highest ever first 4 days collections (These figures are without the film having released in the entire state of Gujarat) First 4 days Worldwide figures:
USA: US$ 900,000
UK: £ 414,835 (US $ 788,187)
Australia: US$ 94,713 (2nd highest opening ever for an Indian film)
Total OVERSEAS Gross (4 days): US$ 2007688 (INR 9.33 crore approx.)
Total INDIA Gross (4 days): Rs. 22.79 crores

Some reviews

Collection of Media reviews - Sarah - the owner of this site is the one whom I can give away the title as No.1 Kajol fan. Her energy and her time spent is unbelievable.
NaachGaana, A very neutral and somewhat excellent review there

Khaled Mohammed
Subash Jha
Rashmi Bhansal
Megha Murthy
Sudhish Kamath
Great Bong

I read loads of reviews on internet and in the group, when I got free time last week and I must say I had observed most of the points. So I am finally somewhat convinced that I do not write bad reviews .I till now hesitated that there is special qualification required to write good reviews. May be I need to put little time and effort on presentation.

But then, some of the reviews just made me look at it in a totally different view. Wonder how something ticks someone but fails to do that on others and realize that, that is why reviews are what they are – highly subjective

Final Verdict

All said and done, as I said in comments, movie is average except for Kajol and partly Aamir, if you ask me.I repeat, Fanaa is not a bad movie (we already had Veer Zaara) but is not a great movie either. A good chance wasted. But then, as someone said, it has its moments and it might even trigger a financial and awarding success to those involved.

And to end the post and to celebrate, here are the shayiris:

Bul karke bhi humse koi bhul hui ho to,
Bhul samjkar use bhla dena,
Lekin bhulana sirf Bhul ko,
Galti se bhi Hume na Bhulana.

Humse dur jao ge kaise,
Dilse hume bhulaoge kaise,
Hum to khushbu hai jo sanso me baste hai,
khud ki sanso ko rok paonge kaise.

Baithe hai hotho ko si kar,
pachtayengi aap,
Ishq jag uthta hai akshar,
Aisi khamosi ke bad

Dard se aankhe char kar lenge,
Hum odti me imtiha de denge,
Teri dosti ke khatir Ae DOST,
Hum bhi dushman se pyar kar lenge.

Insan ki khwaish ki koi imtiha nahi,
Do guj jamin chahi ye Do guj Kafan ke baad.

Tumhari Khubsurti ne Khuda se eik khata kara di,
kahi khud se nazar na lag jaye, is liye tumhe Nazar na Di.

Tere Dil Me Meri Sanso Ko PANAH Mil Jaye,
Tere Ishq Me Meri Ja FANNA Ho Jaye.

E Khuda Aaj Ye Faisla Karde,
Use Mera ya Mujhe Uska Karde.
Bahut Dukh Sahe He Maine,
Koi Khusi Ab Toh Muqadar Karde.
Bahot Muskil Lagta Hai Usse Duur Rehna,
Judai Ke Safar Ko Kum Karde.
Jitna Duur Chale Gaye Woh Mujhse,
Use Utna Kareeb Karde.
Nahi Likha Agar Nasib Me Uska Naam,
To Khatam Kar Ye Zindagi aur Mujhe FANAA Karde.

Tere Dile mein meri saanson ko panah mil jaaye Tere Ishq mein meri Jaan Fanaa Ho jaayea.

Ankhen to pyar me dilki zuban hoti hai,
sachi chahat to sada bezuban hoti hai,
pyar mai dard bhi mile to kya gabrana,
suna hai dard se chahat aur jawan hoti hai….

Phool hun Gulaab kaa
Chameli ka mat samjhnaa
Aashiq hun aapkaa
Apni Saheli ka mat samjhnaa

Dur Humse Jaa Paoge Kaise,
Humko Bhool Paoge Kaise.
Hum Who Khushbu Jo Saanson Mein Utar Jaye, Khud Apni Saanxon Ko Rok Paoge Kaise..

Bekhudi Ki Zindagi Hum Jiya Nahi Karte,
Yun kisika ka Jaam Hum Piya Nahi Karte.
Unse Kehdo Mohabbat Ka Izhaar Aakar Khud Karein,
Yun Kisika Peecha Hum Nahin Karte

Rone de tu aaj hamako tu aankhe sujane de
Baho me lele aur khud ko bheeg jane de
Hai jo seene me quaid dariya wo chut jayega
Hai itana dard ki tera daman bheeg jayega.

tere dil mein meri saanson ko jagah mil jaaye
tere ishq mein meri jaan fanaa ho jaaye
adhoori saans thi dhadkan adhoori thi adhooren ham
magar ab chaand poora hain falak pe aur ab pooren hain ham

Wont say much about the movie, but let me bet Kangana Ranaut(19 yrs) is gonna win all the debutant awards this year. It was very much author backed role alright, but she is the one who makes it look the character real. She looks/dresses pretty, acts easily, screams till you go crazy and her voice is somewhat drunken, somewhat sleepy, somewhat painful and contributes very well to the character.

Camerawork is fine in many parts - the colorful nature background, the breathtaking terrace, the scene in the rain etc. Gripping and refreshing.
And of course there is one more plus point in the movie and that is super music from Pritam. Am hooked to two songs and was enjoying all the songs(except the weeping song-was that a pun??) during the movie. The songs not all necessary,but what the heck, we forget movies but songs will have more life. For that reason, no complaints about the songs. Shiney did not have much breadth but had good intensity. Emran does underplay his character well. Both have done a wonderful job. Very little was shown to justify the ‘gangster’ status. Just love the way Daya goes and beats up Akash.

I do not think I can straight away praise this one as rediff does. I felt the story was very much predictable. And relate to what Khaled (oh yes, found him back !) says here, but I shall not write it off as he does. People often confuse story with story-telling and this again is an example where the former is weak but the latter is very refreshing and strong(so what, if it was slow). The sheer complexities to characters and especially that of Simran is what makes it different.

Rating too - not a great one but worth a dekho once.
Or twice - for Kangana and her voice and her mannerisms.

After a short hiatus, its time to update. There has been no dearth of topic to write all this while, but just could not manage to update. Infact it has almost become a habit to keep piling the toblog list for a while and then either summarise or to just leave it.

My Autograph:

After a shaky start, the narration just gets poetic. With its slow but relevant proceedings it keeps getting better.

It rocks. For 2 hard hitting reasons. One a story could not have got more real. Second the authentic performances (it may not be an overstatement to say I could feel the characters breathe).

Having heard about the Tamil version, I had confidence to take the family with me to watch this in Kannada directed by the actor himself, Sudeep. This is his second direction and sadly both are remakes. And he joins the group of other director-heroes in Kannada Cinema, which has no shortage for them - Ravichandran, Ramesh, Upendra(though he is a director turned actor unlike others). Anyways considering there are enough chances to spoil a remake too[Telugu remake didn't do well at boxoffice], he has done a good job.

But the strong point about the film is the solid script which when just narrated is enough to captivate you. The movie has come out as a visual poem with almost no rough edges[except perhaps the shaky start]. And a strong intuition tells me that this story is real, if not director’s someone else’s

It starts with an intention of the guy to invite all his old friends for his marriage. The nostalgic memories of high school is the first phase ended when he invites his school friend-hearthrob, now a poor jaded lady.

Second phase is set in the scenic Kerala, where he had to relocate. A crush in college and it turns intimate, but before it could turn into a relation, he has to move away.
And this has deteriorating effects on his mind, body and his relations with his family.
Third phase is a mature friendship with a lady who supports him, encourages him to find his identity and much more (like shows right direction to him when he is confused).

And all of them , along with other pals, teacher attend his marriage - which is, with sufficient hints let me conclude that it is, an arranged one !

And if that is not real, what is ?

This is just a skeleton and main story. But cinema adds flesh, blood and soul. And colour, pain and joy. The acting, picturisation and songs blend well.
One sentiment keeps making its presence at regular intervals and thats what makes it special - and NO, its not Love. It is empathy. You empathise with hero, his parents, his heroines and almost everyone. And if you are me, you will empathise with Madhava’s character too!(both initially and later).

The choice of actors for the characters is very apt. I liked those juniour artistes - the boy had just perfect amount of mischief and curiousity in his eyes. Performances were also touchy with Sudeep handling the double mantle(director-actor) easily. His acting has matured a lot now and he does not go overboard in the performance which had so many such oppurtunities, instead he made it look very natural. Three cheers to three girls ;-)[Meena,Sridevika,Deepu]. The supporting cast [Srinivas Murthy, Rashmi Kulkarni, Yathiraj, Hirish, Laxminarayan, Vishwanath] too looked fine.

Some cribs: 1. There should be a better (Kannada) title possible.
2. Audience were taken granted to follow Malayalam. Though it sounded like Kannada, it was logical and though important part was later translated, either a subtitle or a background narration should not have been difficult or caused problem.

Half a dozen or more stories running parallely, though looks puzzling in the beginning, converge during the later stages. It is all about the absense of compassion, fear, oppression, exploition, corruption, the vulnerabilities, color descrimination and prejudices. It took some time before I could clearly understand or before it sink in me. In approx 90 minutes, the audience is taken over a ride of emotions varying from - pity, anger, shock, fun. At the end one leaves the hall feeling for everyone but not taking the side of anyone - that is exactly what script writer/director too has done - in a neutral view a slice of life is shown of people who are under fire one moment and holding the trigger, another moment.

My three favorite scenes are - a mother scolding her good and correct son while taking the side of an evil son. This emphasizes there is a different world in everyone’s eyes. Another scene, that of a angry-bored lady who says “I am not feeling well today and it is NOT because of car being stolen, I wake up like this everyday” (not very accurate…reproducing from memory). This shows how important is it to compose ourself and that our own mindset is very critical in what we percieve about others. Third one is where a father inculcates strength in his daughter by tieing an invisible thread.

This movie is again a writer’s favorite for there can be written pages about the behaviour, about why, what, how of it , and more - like the politics, the situation forced action vs reaction against action, the history, the facts so on and so forth.

I really wished I could write further but, since I browsed through the internet, I fear my thoughts now are not very original. I conclude by saying , this slow-poison-movie deserved the Oscar honours.

Being Cyrus:

An art film that has tried to be commercial with the help of starcast and promotion, this one does not disappoint. A different one, as everyone would opine, has its highlight in good performances and yeah, a different plot.

Paramasiva:
Whenever I see a bad one, I keep consoling myself to remind me that, bad ones make us realise the goodness in average ones. Along with that this also gave me a good insight on why Tamil filmdom produces so successful films - because audience will be happy for anything. This movie, if made in Kannada would not run 2 shows in B grade halls in Karnataka, in Tamil runs almost full house after 25 days and receives whistles and claps !

Zathura:
A kiddish adventure-turned-comedy movie. Oh! the comedy was due to an inquisitive and curious backseat kid’s never ending continuous questions. But alas, the post interval was not so fun because the kid changed his seat and moved away.

Another popcorn offering. Why popcorn ?
Here is gyan:
Popcorn is
1) Light weight
2) Not very nutrious
3) Taste is temporary
4) Over priced
5) Well marketed and has a clear target audience in mind.
6) Good profit margin

Film:
1) There is no underlying strong story or theme.
2) There is no requirement of a technically rich content. - songs/lyrics/cinematography nothing.
3) Not many things from the film linger in the mind once we are out of hall
4) Definitely not worth the money to see in a hall.
5) Rap song or otherwise good marketing and well targeted to so called multiplex crowd.
6) Easily make profit with only intial run.

Previous recent such films very Bunty-bubli and Bluffmaster (yeah..Sippy there too).
These are also trying to fill the void left by David Dhawan’s weekly releases. But a good point is that they are not trying to be overtly hilarious but succeed to tickle the funny bone here or there. Main characteristic is the simple connecting events not carrying much intensity themselves.
When you sit down to review such a film or even to tell a neighbour about the film you are struggling for words. There is no particular story to tell, nothing to highlight. On one spectrum is a film like Yuva or RDB and on the other side of spectrum are these, which just come and go and add to the number. But for the 3 hours it might just be able to relax someone. Be able to make someone try to laugh. On asked your opinion about it, you are still thinking - liking such a film depends higly on personal taste [I don't like popcorn either]. I neither dismiss them nor recommend them, but just add that going to a theater is not worth the time money and effort.

Before signing off, one sentence about Nana. Nana is back in the skin of a semi-mental good hearted, helpless etc etc character. How I wish he does more of Apaharan stuff.

Intelligent. Entertaining.Balanced.

There are few promos and build up that makes some films must watch. Of course promos misguide often, but RDB is not one among them.

Very recently there have been series of movies on freedom struggle (including multiple Bhagat Singhs releasing on the same day) and any more period films after the debacle called Mangal Pandey has no takers. And how many times do we read history and feel that they have no practical relevance today?

And DCH faced with the criticism of addressing no issues, even though all it wanted was to promptly reflect a comman man’s life and fun.

So to address both parties, the team behind RDB went into smart mixing of history with today’s story, that is why I call it intelligent. This blend according to me gave half the winning points as the plot allowed for both DCH kinda fun and seriousness of Yuva. [Yes, in short RDB is DCH+Yuva]. Along with the creation of situations that allowed the characters to replay the roles of freedom strugglers, the other contributing factors were the performances, music, dialogues and of course a story and its narration which does not let the audience’s attention slip by. The pace is slow and steady and the story is already engulfing you within it. That is rare.

Highlights in no particular order : There are lot of simple yet fun moments that gives instant smile. The campus shot where the boys bend to drink beer was indicative of the heights they could go to, if need arises. It was intelligent way in which the events of Bhagat Singh etc were mapped to current situation. My favorite song Khalbali is at a prominent point in the story and all songs’ picturisation is fresh and beautiful.

Random observations:I got early clues about Ajay’s death, in fact from the title card itself where he is mentioned as special appearance and later repeated references to death of a soldier. Also was expecting one incident that should bring seriousness in the happy-go-lucky attitude of protagonists. Some other events were also highly predictable, like Karan killing his father. Of course did not like the idea of them entering AIR to bring in the revolution. It was not strong enough. What happened to documentary ? For me, Siddharth easily overshadows mighty Aamir and no-mistake Atul Kulkarni, even with out having as many good lines others had and is easily my favorite of the lot (also Karan’s role would be my pick). Film is balanced in many ways: right fun, right seriousness. One more worth mentioning relief - there were no ads! I am seriously fed up of and I hate ads in films, however much they are ‘a part of’ film.Update: I take back the claim after being reminded (in comments) of in-the-face NDTV mic(ads). Embedded flashbacks are one of the finest I have seen. Even when it is supposed to end, there is still time for a song ?!(It is a different matter that I like that song)

One of my favorite scenes is the one where DJ(Aamir Khan) sitting in the car explains Sue about how friendship and all ends at campus…tomorrow each one goes their way.[Don't know how many times I have told this to myself] And that he hangs around campus even after 5 years of finishing the course.”Aaj hum life ko nachate hain, kal life hum ko nachata hai”. Another favorite scene apart from the obvious favorite climax scene, is when they hang out in the fields/fort and have absolute fun forgetting the whole world.

Among the performances, Aamir Khan is loveable (and is lucky to get to re-live his both roles in parts - that of DCH and that of Mangal Pandey). His punjabi dialogue delivery is music to ears which was matched well by phoren lady’s(Alice Patten) Hindi! Karan’s reclusive attitude was beautifully lived by Siddharth in every frame. His eyes spoke volumes. Ever dependable Atul Kulkarni does not disappoint, he once again[may be time for a change ? ] triumphs in a role that suppresses anger and breathes normally. Madhavan and other two guys fill the gaps. Soha Ali Khan Pataudi shows promise and the Sue is refreshing ! Music was quite complementary to film. Binodh Pradan’s cinematography makes you pack and leave on a holiday immediately! Best part is patriotism and romance were present enough to leave an impression but were not over the top, which gives the whole package a sense of reality and meaning.

Little preachy and provocative, but give me such films (Swades, Yuva) any day rather than the candy-floss-plus-europe tour or triangle-love-stories or underworld-voilence. It is dangerous, yet probably true, to think that the politicians of today are no way different to the rulers before independence. It echoes the sentiment that we have to regain our freedom but this time by our own men - whom we have elected. But what is the message exactly. To kill whoever is wrong? This was told to us by Krantiveer too. In fact its ending speech by Nana was more provocative and powerful than a simple radio station confession. Some answers were given by Karan’s Q and A session. However, from the film’s perspective the ending is meaningful considering all they wanted was to let public know and to awaken them and to believe that the spark ignites the fire which spreads across - exactly the way Azad and Co did.

Rakesh and team, thanks!
**************
About seeing films itself:
I had to postpone seeing this long itself is a story. And then when I did, I had load on my mind about the deadline. I kept shivering for most part (due to a/c probably). Then there was a constantly crying cute kid right next to my seat (Aaargh..), even worse was few front benchers who kept making fun[they had seen earlier] and commenting and talking loudly during the silent scenes. It was irritating to say the least.

I had kept myself away from all the news and reviews about this[this film is a delight for film lovers, bloggers and movie reviewers for so many things can be told/written about it!], should go and catch them now

Update:
The blogosphere is full of reviews, both positive and negative, of RDB after reading which I thought of doing a second round ! I do not think any previous movie was so passionately reviewed in recent times - whether positive or negative, which itself must be a relief for Rakesh whose sole intention was to convey the message. Even if you have pages against the very way of working, the very thoughts of the film, it still made you think !!

I am surprised that many people forget that it was just a film! If the wrong means is provocative enough, has it not been done in Bollywood before ?! There have been countless films, both which created quite a thunder in box office and those which left without a noise, have earlier suggested wrong means to achieve right end. And If I am not wrong, people just dont follow what is shown on screen (same logic applies to banning smoking in films) and not more “Satya” have been created because the voilence was glorified on screen than the situations created themselves. I have also consciously noted that good films often get scolded for its wrong doings - its like finding a wrong grain in the heap (or in Kannada - mosaralli kallu hudikidante). Many were troubled about a change made to the “story” of Devdas in SLB’s version while the glamorisation and bollywoodisation of Asoka’s(actual king) story did not raise questions! It is another story that Asoka bombed in boxoffice while Devdas succeeded, which again shows that more the popular the film more criticisms it receives.

I know the no-logic of the second half as well as the *wrong path*, the exaggeration, the hurried approach et all, but for me as a film it was quite refreshing and very entertaining having right mix of various ingredients. An experiment that was carried out well and as a result I am assured of quality entertainment for 3 hours, which is more important than anything else. If it does change the way some people talk about our nation or is someone awakens because of this, it is an added bonus and if it does not, no harm done.

Update 2: This is a best way to review a film
Update 3: Whatever I wanted to say, said better.

Ajay Shastri is an unemployed son of a social activist. The father is influential but he does not use it to get a job for his son, because he believes in his son’s own strength to make it big. He calls press conferences and keeps exposing the corrupt government. Ajay even goes to the extent of borrowing money to bribe for his post in Police as he was being declined the post despite being in the merit list. Inspite of that, he does not get employment as a result of powerful minister lobbying his father not to disclose the holes in the government in bargain of Ajay’s job offer. To which, the idealist father, as expected does not budge.

As he had borrowed money from those who are “employed in kidnap industry”,he is threatened to return the money. Left with no option, he turns to the same profession - kidnap and miserably fails. Whats worse, it makes him butt of ridicule and revenge of the don of kidnapping -Gaya Singh and Tabrez Alam. Once out of jail, new Ajay is determined to be ’successful’ and powerful. Gaya Singh is his first victim and once he gains the confidence of Tabrez Alam, there is no stopping. And then it gets too predictable. Oh, yes there is a love interest in Megha who is not present for most part.

Sorry for the spoiler, but you would not mind much for the strength of the movie is not in its story but the good performances, shudh Hindi dialogues and the narration. Well the slow pace is ok before interval but it somehow gets to you post-interval. Somewhere in between, the movie fails to capitalise on a good and promising beginning. The swollen and withdrawn look of Ajay is now very repetitive and predictable. Nana comes out good. Mohan Agashe is fine.Yashpal Sharma is ok. The screenplay and direction have done their best to leave a mark. The background score by Wayne Sharpe is very good. I liked the way in which apaharan becomes a part in reforming Ajay (return of Megha and kids’ kidnap).

But somehow, apart from the linger of the sounds of background music and the bullets, nothing stays in mind after I walk out of hall. The laggard and deliberate climax damages the meager strength it had garnered.

****
Here is a good piece of general look-back on Prakash Jha’s films. Among the movies I have seen, Dil Kya Kare sucked big time, Rahul had heart in right place but lacked a killer story to leave the impression of the film, Gangajal was too horrific(what if it reflected the happenings in Bihar).

Quite a few times, after first few minutes of the movie, you will be transported to some other world. You will remain there, laugh and cry with characters, cheer at some scenes and become dumb during others, gasp and finally clap. You move out of the theater nodding, smiling at others. Everything looks beautiful.
Iqbal was one such experience for me. I knew the story, but is not a movie much bigger and different than a story ?

The plot is simple and simplicity is in everything - the dialogues, the humour, the drama, the action. Iqbal is dreaming to play cricket and get into Indian team. He tries hard but meet hardships. He is determined, but the difficulties at home are more demanding. He finds a coach for himself and beats all odds to achieve his dream. There are many small notable dialogues. Like the one where mother in just couple of sentences, changes her husband. Like when Mohit(Naseer) confronts Iqbal’s father(Yateen Karyekar). The humour too comes in short sentences and visuals. When the mother threatens Naseer that she would kill him, whole theater bursts into laughter. When the family members pretend to be working just before Yatin’s returning home attracts smiles. Naming of buffaloes after crickters too. The drama - just one ball Iqbal bowls at Kamal is as good a drama as the climax match or the Guruji’s talk with Iqbal before the match.

We don’t actually dislike any character (except perhaps that of Guruji’s(Girish Karnad)). The father dislikes his family members wasting time on watching cricket - a common scene in many families. He expects his son to work with him, but that is ok, he too is helpless. Kamal’s jealousy is also normal. The adoring characters, apart from that of Naseer and Iqbal’s are the mother - ever smiling and encouraging and wait: the most adorable character/ child artist in recent times has to be Iqbal’s kid sister(Shweta Prasad).

The way Iqbal practices in the night is my favourite part of the movie. We often land in no-way-out situations due to many factors and blame the circumstances and resign to the destiny. Or we compromise and get defeated. That part shows that everything is not over if one door is closed. I can quote many, but let me say in cricket lingo: It is not over till the LAST ball is bowled.

The story telling, performances are all first rate. A little pace in second half would have been better. That said, there is nothing that takes it away from the movie.

Iqbal is not Lagaan. The comparision stops at that the both involve cricket. Iqbal is not Black. Iqbal is colorful - green fields, blue skies, bright hopes (except for 2 black shades of politics and jealousy).

In Hyderabad Blues in which Nagesh showed simple lives, in Bollywood calling where he exposed dramatic life in movie making, in this film he carries same finisse in showing a boy’s dream, and its coming true. Between poetic narration, he packs other aspects like scenic beauty, the corruption, the leg-pulling activities, the fun.

Please stop reading this and watch Iqbal if you have not yet.

I have few complaints. Very few. First - the parents should have been watching him play the last match. They should have been shown watching it on TV, at least. Second, Just like for a batsman hitting a sixer is, for a bowler, the ultimate thrill and satisfaction is in getting a batsman BOWLED out. Middle stump. And that is an ultimate answer to a batsman. Given Iqbal’s bowling, I thought, that was how it should have ended ideally - Iqbal authoritively bowling out Kamal.

Third, this movie is not given a fair chance in the theater I went - Only one night show is being screened in a small auditorium (For me, small audi is one reason to hate multiplexes.)
Crossposted on 70mm

The publicity and the popularity that Jogi has gained made me curious to check it out in the theater. Impression : Not bad to Good.

The film starts off with a mother searching for her Mahadesha in the midst of Bangalore city. Through cleverly placed flashbacks we come to know that her son was a Jogi, following on his father’s footsteps. Their already troubled life due to deteriorating health of father worsens after his death. Being unbelievably innocent, Jogi, sets out to Bangalore in search of work that would keep his mother happy. Unfortunately few turn of events result in his arrest, an attempt to kill him and a group of people to protect him. In short, he is drawn into the big bad underworld.
Meanwhile a journalist student is in search of a sensational story bumps into the mother. She listens to the story of her son. In parallel, she also gets to know the story of Jogi. But she is late in realising both are same. Search for son and search for mother continues.

Do they meet ? If yes, how and when? What happens to the underworld and the baddies ? To know the answers to the above, watch it on screen! (Hey..this is my first conscious attempt to not-to-be-a-spoiler).

Shivaraj Kumar comes out with an impressive performance with the dead and sad look on the face. The jogi outlook suits him as well as that of don’s. But the best part is the way he effortlessly breaks into dance (huli kunita). As mother, Arunadathi Nag breathes life. Jeniffer (of “Just Mohabbat” which was coming on Sony) wears good outfits and does her part well. The songs except for 1 or 2 are completely forced into movie. The picturisation of Ello jogappa in Rajastan (Jaipur to be precise) is beautiful. The music by Gurukiran has caught on with the public but I like only Ello jogappa. Bin Laden/ Bill Clinton song, though has foot stepping music, is marred by bad and insensible lyrics.

Direction is good (mostly because of a tight narrative and intelligent flashbacks), ably supported by slick editing. What was significantly different in the treatment is presence of the emotional angle (feel that never ends) and it keeps moving with the bloodshed angle in parallel.

What I do not understand - Is there really so much underworld activity in Bangalore that there is flurry of movies on those lines like Kalasipalya, Majestic etc
And what is the relevance of running around and using sword/Hatcher instead of automatics.

A Ram Gopal Varma direction. First time Big B under RGV’s camera. Bachan Father-Son Duo. Expectations are obviously high and results in house-full sunday morning show.
It can be said with conviction that the expectations are met, but alas they are not exceeded. No one is to blame, you wanted RGV’s take on underwold, mafia world, you wanted to see Big B and AB in an impression leaving act, you get it.
Continue reading ‘Sarkar’ »

Story is based on the novel by a famous novelist, Saratchandra Chattopadhyay. Movie from the table of Vidhu Vinod Chopra under the direction of Pradeep Sarkar will have mixed expectations. One, we have always appreciated Vidhu Vinod Chopra, second Pradeep Sarkar is a new name.
Intelligent promos increase your curiosity. The cast too includes a newcomer.
Rest assured, you will be atleast happy if not delighted !
Continue reading ‘Parineeta’ »

The movie has already crossed 300 days of showing all across Karnataka. Such movies usually raise the expectations and then disappoint me. Not Apthamitra.

Produced by Dwarakish, Directed by P Vasu this movie brings mega stars in one screen: Ramesh, Vishnuvardhan, Soundarya and Prema.

It starts off promptly introducing Ramesh(Ramesh) who with his wife Ganga (Soundarya), come to a village and wish to stay in a haunted house much against the wishes of relatives and localities. The house is known to be a place where King had married a danseuse Nagavalli and later burnt her to death after learning about her love affair with neighbour Ramnath, a dance teacher. It is said that her spirit is locked in a room in the house. Enter Ramesh’s friend Vijay(Vishnu), a psychologist.
Continue reading ‘Aptha Mitra’ »

Story is one thing; story telling is another thing. Script is one thing; movie-making is another thing. If both are strong, the result is a block-buster. If shortcoming in one can be made up through the other, one would still sit through it. Veer-zaara belongs roughly to this category.

Rani, a lawyer, wants to fight to regain the identity and respect of Veer (SRK) who has been jailed for past 22 years. In the flashback we come to know that - Veer, a rescue operations Hindustani soldier, falls in the love with Zaara (Priety), a Pakistani, who has come to India on a mission. But she is already engaged and is to be wed. In the backdrop of political compulsions and other stuff that are not very easy to digest , story continues. After unreasonable twists and turns, the train finally manages to stop and audience head towards home.

For most part of the movie it looked like a DDLJ remake (intro song of heroine/one last tour of heroine/meeting hero in that tour/ heroine already engaged / ready to get married after returning from tour/ Punjabi songs and dialogues / heroine’s late realization of love/ hero entering the heroine’s marriage preparations).But later in a very compulsive need to create a different story, the movie wanders.
A conscious effort to woo audience is visible in “deliberate linking & liberal usage of Hindustani-Pakistani�?, glorifying love, hyperbole dialogues, punjabi touch.

Performance by Srk is controlled and is ok. Preity, Rani do justice. Supporting cast of Anupam Kher, Amitabh, Hemamalini, Manoj Bajpai, Boman Irani add weight with their screen presence.

Yash Chopra movies used to create some unknown magic and everlasting dreamy feeling.

I had plans to post all my earlier reviews in their chronological order…but too many requests for Hum Tum ..so here it is ..
_____________________________________________
Me: Vakao!!Chalo , hum tum ke baare me baath karoonga
You : What ?!
Me : Chalo, hum tum milke humtum ke baare mein baath karenge .Vakao!!
You:
*********************************************************************************
Me(Now on wards Hum): First scene is in aerodrome.Vakao
You(Now on wards Tum):So?
Hum: Movie is from Yash Chopra , so you get to make world tou. After all he has been given award by Swiss govt for promoting Swiss tourism !!
Tum: So what all we can see?
Hum: Delhi, Mumbai, Paris, New York, Museum, Amstedam etc
Tum: How is India ?
Hum: Huh! What a question ! It is so beautiful , small kids do this that on the roads, wow! Vakao!
*********************************************************************************
Tum: Why the hell u r shouting Vakao?
Hum: When I saw Tom cruise hair style of Saif, I remembered tarzan and felt like shouting Vakao!
Tum: Y tarzan ?
Hum: Saif has the same body also Vakao
Tum : But this movie has Rani
Hum: Ok I will shout Fanta …Fanta
Tum: Also Lays…lays …
*********************************************************************************
Tum: Tell me the story
Hum: Have you seen DDLJ ?
Tum: Yes what in ddlj?
Hum: Train, bus, city sight seeing , love-hate , meeting again and again …
Tum: So ?
Hum: Nothing yaar … I am simply recalling
*********************************************************************************
Tum: Tell me the story
Hum: There r cartoons in the movie
Tum: What do you mean? Rani aur Saif kartoons hain ?
Hum: No I mean there are cartoons …actual cartoons..animations
Tum: I dont believe you, What are their names ?
Hum: Hum Tum
Tum: Tera matlab , mein cartoon hoon ?!
Hum: Nahi yaar, why do you want to misunderstand me always?
*********************************************************************************
Tum: Tell me the story
Hum: You have seen the re union of Rishi Kapoor and Rati agnihotri in Kuch katti kuch meethi ?
Tum: yes so what ?
Hum:Nothing yaar … I am simply recalling
*********************************************************************************
Tum: Tell me the story
Hum: Tune KKHH dekha hai?
Tum: What in that ?
Hum: wo small fighting, woh kajol’s haircut, wo confusion between love-friendship
Tum: Yeah it was so very …
Hum: so very …so very….
*********************************************************************************
Tum: Tell me the story
Hum: Have you seen Kal ho na ho?
Tum: yes what in kal ho na ho?
Hum: Hero ka kudna machalna gaana nachna hasna hasana
Tum: Yes to impress heroine..or rather make heroine come out of boredom
Hum: And finally try to “fix” someone else to the heroine
Tum: yes…
Hum: Heroine ka dukaan chalana…hero ka madad karna….
Tum : so what ?
Hum : kuch nahi yaar , recalling …
*********************************************************************************
Tum: Kahani batao please
Hum: Tune DTPH dekha hai ?
Tum: yeah
Hum: Woh confusion whether friends can be lovers or lovers can be friends
Tum: You are confused.. Friends can never be lovers but lovers can be friends
Hum: No
Tum: Yes
Hum: Ok forget it, do you remember that : daaru peene ki baad dil ki baath zuban pe aana
Tum: yeah it was in some other movie also .. but y r u telling all this
Hum : Because …all ….those ….cowards (coward boys)…hic… should…hic… drink …to …tell …the matters of ..hic..heart
Tum: But what happened to u ? why are u speaking broken
Hum: Maine bhi kal daaru piya… kuch hua mere saath …??
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Tum: Kuch undono ke pyar ke baare mein batao
Hum: Rani gets married …event manager is influenced by monsoon wedding…
Tum: Gets married to whom?
Hum: AB
Tum: You are kidding….
Hum: Haan shayad …mujhe har jagah AB hi dikhta hai aaj kal …
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Tum: Which paper do you read?
Hum:I dont read Times of India
Tum: Why ?
Hum: Bcoz, kal mein Times of India nahi padtha tha , aaj bhi Times of India nahi padoonga , kal bhi Times of India nahi padoonga.
Tum: But why?
Hum: Mein sirf Times of India dektha hoon
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Tum: So what happens next
Hum: Hum keeps meeting her again and again
Tum: Kyon?
Hum:Zindagi bahut lambi hai
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Tum: Times of India mein tujhe kya pasand aata hai?
Hum: Dubyamaan or Kapoor ka HumTum
Tum: OR ?!
Hum: Dono bahut similar hai . Isliye confuse hota hoon konsa pasand karna chahiye.
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Hum: Zindagi bahut lambi hai
Tum: So?
Hum: Hum can write a book
Tum: Why ?
Hum: So that tum can read it and come back later …
Tum: Why does he have so much belief?
Hum: His father also gets back his love after satra saal baad..Zindagi bahut lambi hai
Tum: He also wrote a book?
Hum: No yaar.. if you can use your speaking ability you need not write a book..
Tum: Then is hum dumb?
Hum: No yaar … how do I make you understand ? Usse galati ho jati hai …
Tum: Kya galti?
Hum: eeee….. ding dong ding dong
Tum: What…?! Akele se galti hoti hai ?
Hum: Oh get lost I cant tell you further …
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Tum: Please tell story …
Hum: No ya .. I have got to go….bye
Tum: Tu kaha chala ?
Hum: Kaam karne !
Tum: Magar zindagi bahut lambi hai
Hum; Zindagi lambi hai, movie bhi lambi hai. Aur mera bak bak bhi lambi hai. Magar kaam bahut hai, deadline kal hai, PM peeche khada hai!
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Some points
1) Catch Rani, who is looking better and better in each movie.
2) Catch Saif who continues his re-invented form from DCH, which he improved in Kal Ho Na Ho. His ability to portray different variety of emotions is commendable. And what else, his tom cruise look is so good !?!!??
3) Catch some timepass dialogues.

For all you those who thought Yuva was a little taxing on brains and it was too serious and it was non-realistic , catch this one with your sweetheart with a pack of popcorn.

What happens when too many talents come under one roof ? Utter chaos ? Fortunately not so , when they are guided by a person who is a master of his task. Manirathnam one such master , clearly knows the strengths and weaknesses of his team.
Yuva, a cinematically near perfect show piece unfolds in front of you , describing the life of three youngsters. One ,a lower middle class “tapori” being exploited by the big-shots in politics. Whence , he realizes his being exploited , he decides to take a hold on it. And to achieve that , he can go to any limit.
Other , higher middle class person , having ambitions to pursue higher studies abroad. A typical rich,party going, flirt, vulnerable teenager. Clearly knows what he wants ( though that gets changed ). And last but not least , middle class college going person , does not like what ever is going on and takes a plunge into setting it right. He sure knows the difficulties , but then , is also sure of his success.
What comes striking is the fact that these youngsters are not the puppets of the situations , instead dare enough to control it for themselves. Clearly acknowledging the mindset of today’s generation.
The three plots are tightly woven and brilliantly crafted. The characters are well defined. The performances are just flawless. The cinematography, dialogues ( though it requires good concentration and knowledge of mavalli hindi in some parts), music are all good in their own standards. Particularly, song picturization of Anjaana is good.
Around the voilence , the hard core of the story , are woven plots to expose the subtelities/nuances of relationships. Be it the voilent love or i-didnt-know-you yesterday but i-will-miss-you tomorrow kinda feelings or be it its-all-nonsense-but-i-love-u kinda unbothered attitude, they succeed in striking a chord.
The sudden emotional bursts, the pace of events and turn of events will surely remind an avid bollywood watcher Satya (or Company). The brilliant use of flashbacks , like in Alay payuthe, is very effective. Confused Mani of Dil Se is replaced by very focussed Mani of Yuva.
Coming to performances, Rani Mukhorjee, displaying good variety of emotions , is good. Kareena is ok. Esha is cute. Om puri with Bongal accent is good.
AD like wine ,is getting better and better in every movie. His confident looks , those expressive eyes add to his natural ability of impressive perfomance. And choclate boy, VO is cute and good enough. He also succeeds with good timing for comic shades. Hats off to AB , who had remained an unpolished gem. His sorrowful looks , voilent eyes and the gangster voice vouches him the perfect role. The dialogue delivery is simply brilliant. I think even BigB will be proud of his son’s ability in dialogue delivery and facial expressions.

Fortunately , there is atleast one Mani , who polishes gems like Madhavan(who incidentally has enacted AB’s role in Tamil version) and AB.
Watch the movie, if you dont look for only entertainment.