Mad Max: Fury Road

Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult(Nux), Hugh Keays-Byrne(Immortan Joe), Rosie Huntington-Whiteley,Zoë Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee,Courtney Eaton, Nathan Jones(Rictus) and Melissa Jaffer(Keeper of the seeds)
Director: George Miller
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller


One hell of a movie, and if you can relate to hell, this movie is for you :)



You may look forward to:

• Major credit goes to George Miller to have created an amazing master piece, a cult of its own. This movie cannot go neutral on you, it will either blow your mind away or will make you sick. But if you dare to watch, there is less chance that you can come out of theater feeling sane :) George Miller has that effect on you :)
• Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron are the main leads, and they work in tandem, shoulder to shoulder. Most of the action scenes are delivered by them and they do a great job keeping you at the edge till the end of the movie
• I personally loved Nicholas Hoult, a sympathetic character, who wants to get to 'Valhalla'. The only character who highlights and represents the condition of all others working for their lord. Nothing heroic about him but yet a hero
• Hugh Keays-Byrne is mostly seen behind the mask,  nevertheless he clearly represents the face of the terror
• The entire band of women viz. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoë Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee and Courtney Eaton do a good job, mostly who have no meaty role but are just there throughout the movie as the story revolves around their survival
• Nathan Jones, boy Oh! boy...a tough competition to Tom Hardy. Some good action scenes between the two 
• Melissa Jaffer is worth a mention for her age and for the mettle required to not only understand a character like this but play it as well
• The USP of the movie stands to be in its madness personified. Its marvelous action scenes, the larger than life sandy cinematography, only in dust and desert are very catchy. This movie is a treat to the eyes, and there is nothing beautiful about it, just raw action and outstanding make up given to all the characters. Of all the movie that have come depicting the end of world, this film certainly has occupied a niche position for itself

What you can sleep over:

This one movie is at its extreme, you will either love it or hate it, you surely can't simply sleep over any aspect of this flick :)

The dampeners you should be aware of: 

• The portion in the second half when after a hiatus, the group plans to return back to 'Citadel'. And all the madness all over again, started looking a little monotonous. You had already watch past enough of this action, now you will expect something different, and the repeated action scenes after a point starts getting on your nerves
• This movie isn't gory, but it is yet not meant for mass audience. Not everybody would appreciate it

My Rating: 3.5/5

1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Bombay Velvet

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor,Anushka Sharma, Karan Johar, Satyadeep Misra(Chimmam), Kay Kay Menon and Manish Choudhary(Jimmy)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance, Musical, Thriller



Not a bad watch keeping expectations low. Contradictory to what the reviews may suggest, its not a hopeless movie as 'Roy' :) It does deserve a watch!




You may look forward to:

• The cinematography of the movie is beautiful, one to look out for. Anurag Kashyap's take in presenting the film; very retro as well modern take of making it a musical thriller, ubiquitous background music throughout the length of the movie is different and for sure catches your attention
• Ranbir Kapoor's role reminds you of multiple actors from Hollywood from various movies. Nevertheless, in his own charm, he indeed does a good job, no second thoughts about that. While i hated him in 'Roy', even though this role was again a lot experimental, he still does a good job and he should be appreciated for it
• Anushka Sharma looks fabulous throughout the movie. The retro look, her costumes and everything, she was a charm. And for good, she wasn't just a role for singing and dancing, she has much more to do as a character
• Karan Johar does a decent job, on the other side of the camera :) He doesn't appear to be much of a nasty character, nevertheless, his attitude suits on the caricature
• Satyadeep Misra, Kay Kay Menon and Manish Choudhary were important supporting roles. All of who are commendable

What you can sleep over:

• The embellishment of Jazz music as a major audible and visible aspect of the movie, doesn't quite work, blame it on the music director. Songs were way too experimental and sounded weird, funny and ear sore. Nevertheless, the attempt was unique and hence cannot be counted as a minus
• I must say, this movie had a lot of potential, alas, it didn't work!

The dampeners you should be aware of:

Not sure what really failed the film. I agree there is something missing throughout the movie, and very difficult to catch as in what! The story somewhere felt short, none of the emotions were highlighted with passion, not romance, nor ambition, neither politics. Everything is very melodramatic in the movie lacking any dominant factor of a higher degree, which fails catching your due attention




My Rating: 3/5 (For the style of presentation)


1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Margarita, with a Straw

Cast: Kalki Koechlin, Revathi, Sayani Gupta(Khannum), Kuljeet Singh(Father), Hussain Dalal(Dhruv), William Moseley(Jared) and Tenzin Dalha(Nima)
Director: Shonali Bose
Genre: Drama, Adult


A must watch for all sort of audience, there is something for each and everyone in this film :)



You may look forward to:

• Shonali Bose is the game changer in the movie. A sensitive plot handled so beautifully. Throwing into you that no human can live each day in his life based on empathy alone. Every human being, autistic or not, have their own desires, be it professional or personal, they have their own lives, fun and hardship are part of it. A matter so delicately presented, which not only entertains you but as well strums some strings of basic human behavior. Kudos to the director and script writer of the movie
• Kalki Koechlin not only fits into the role, she out performs it. She is not meant for commercial cinema, her talent is far over reaching. And very fortunate of her that Bollywood these days not only makes such movies but also gives deserved exposure to the actors who put in their souls in the making of such movies. Double whammy for Kalki Koechlin. She is playing a very complicated role, where more than sympathy, you keep wondering what is this lady upto!! The character 'Laila' surprises you every time, and no one else could have played this role describing 'Laila's'journey in life, any better than Kalki
• Revathi is known for her incredible acting skills. She mostly plays a mother in nearly all her movies, but amazing to see the kind of roles she picks. Every time a mother, but yet every time a challenging role, not at all cliche
• Sayani Gupta is a new face on big screens. She appears to me one of those method actors who does very few movies but chooses them very carefully. She is another performer and glad to see that she plays a very positive and pivotal role in the film
• All the men in the movie, viz.,Hussain Dalal, William Moseley and Tenzin Dalha have very brief stints but they all play it wonderfully well
• Kuljeet Singh is a good support
• This movie is in the end female oriented, but thanks to the Director, you wont feel it :) Also one of the reasons why this movie is for all audience

What you can sleep over:

May be some aspects of the movie are over dramatized or the adventure in 'Laila's life is pretty overblown, which takes some time to sink in. But in the end, its a drama and doesn't intend to leave any social message. So one can live with it

The dampeners you should be aware of:

Not a dampener per say, but be aware of the adult scenes shown in the movie. No movie today comes out absolute clean, and this one must have taken some effort to pass through censor board :)




My Rating: 4/5


1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Playing It Cool

Cast: Chris Evans, Michelle Monaghan, Aubrey Plaza(Mallory), Topher Grace(Scott), Ioan Gruffudd(Stuffy) and Anthony Mackie(Bryan)
Director: Justin Reardon
Genre: Romance, Comedy



Average romantic drama. Uncanny resemblances to Bollywood's 'Happy Ending'



You may look forward to:

• Glad to see Chris Evans in a regular human role apart from his super hero image 'Captain America'. You don't get to see as many expressions on his face otherwise :) Enjoyed watching Chris Evans in many different unimaginable get ups with varied countenance
• This movie has striking similarities with the Bollywood flick 'Happy Ending' mostly in its first half. Its a little tricky figuring who copied whom :D Both the movies were in the making almost around the same time :P
• Presence of Anthony Mackie and Ioan Gruffudd, aren't mere coincidences. They establish a visual connect with 'Captain America' and 'Fantastic Four' :) Mostly in cameo roles, but its funny to see these guys can do something different, when cast next to each other :D
• Aubrey Plaza and Topher Grace, had unfortunate roles of being friends of the lead. They are nevertheless good in their respective skin :)

What you can sleep over:

Michelle Monaghan doesn't impress. Her yoga skills are great, but she isn't convincing enough a cast against Chris Evans, neither fitting in with the story. She is more of a 'woman' next door :D More subtle love stories can work for her, not love at first sight kinds :P

The dampeners you should be aware of:

What doesn't work for the movie is its second half, very lose story line, loses its track midway. Story doesn't engage much, nor does it entertain or have you sobbing in emotion. Some bit of laughter here and there, but overall a very average flick




My Rating: 2.5/5


1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Hot Pursuit

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Sofía Vergara(Mrs. Riva), Robert Kazinsky(Randy), Joaquín Cosio(Cortez), Michael Mosley(Dixon),Matthew Del Negro(Hauser) and John Carroll Lynch(Capt.Emmet)
Director: Anne Fletcher
Genre: Comedy, Crime



A light hearted weekend watch. Have no high expectations :)



You may look forward to:

• Reese Witherspoon, definitely yes, provided you draw no comparison from her performance in 'Wild'. This movie is way different and is a light entertainer. Reese is tiny little cute cop who has you laughing and giggling throughout the movie :)
• Sofía Vergara is a woman to watch out for :) Spanish middle aged sexy lady...she is funny, hot and as well dangerous ;P
• Joaquín Cosio is the bad man of our story, his personality fits in perfectly well, unfortunately he doesn't have much to do in the film
• This is a sweet, clean, entertaining flick. Not any dirty scenes nor any dirty dialogues, plain and simple comedy, a lil female oriented humor...but over all a fun watch :)

What you can sleep over:

• Sad for Robert Kazinsky, who happens to get along with our female lead, but yet his role is not strong enough to be called as a male lead :D
• Michael Mosley(Dixon), Matthew Del Negro and John Carroll Lynch, short roles again, but they are good at what the script demands

The dampeners you should be aware of:

If you are misled with the trailer to believe the movie will contain some part of adult comedy in it, you are in for a disappointment. Apart from that, this movie never aimed too high, so no apparent dampeners




My Rating: 3/5

1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Piku

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan, Moushumi Chatterjee and Jisshu Sengupta(Syed)
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Genre: Comedy, Drama


A quality watch, long awaited from Bollywood. Must watch for all the Bengalis and as well the non Bengalis :)


You may look forward to:

• Amitabh Bachchan is slowly and gradually making his mark in generation today Bollywood. Acting father to the leads had become very cliche for all the actors of his age. His recent pick in movies has a niche touch, which brings out a virtuoso performance at his impeccable best. Amitabh Bachchan will be remembered forever for roles like this
• Deepika Padukone is as well trying to make her mark with some unusual scripts and non commercial caricatures. She does absolute justice to the role of  'Piku'. Yes linguistically Amitabh appears every inch a Bengali, while Deepika is an ornamental Bengali :) Nevertheless, She looks good and appears head strong, suits the characters demand on her
• Irrfan Khan is an amazing actor, goes without saying. He looks much younger and a very interesting character, with a lot of positive vibes
• Shoojit Sircar creates a hilarious movie with a very simple story line. Perfect juxtaposition for an entertaining film
• Moushumi Chatterjee and Jisshu Sengupta, are the other real life Bengalis in their short but descriptive roles. Worth a mention! Specially Moushumi Chatterjee on screen after a long time

What you can sleep over:

There are certain scenes which is exaggerated a lot more than required, resulting in too much chaos. However, we understand, the characters were written in this fashion, yet chaos under limit would be better appreciated

The dampeners you should be aware of:

No dampener, apart from the sudden burst of chaotic scenes!



My Rating: 4/5

1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding

Gabbar is Back

Cast: Akshay kumar, Shruti Haasan, Suman Talwar(Digvijay Patil), Jaideep Ahlawat(C.B.I Officer), Sunil Grover(Sadhuram),Kareena Kapoor Khan and Chitrangda Singh
Director: Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama



Average flick for a weekend watch



You may look forward to:

• Akshay kumar is back in his action hero avatar, most of his movies these days look alike.You can see many connotations of Salman Khan from 'Jai Ho'. His attempt in pulling the mass and spreading social message works as far as its Bollywood :)
• Suman Talwar has a fair role for a powerful businessman a.k.a bad man :D
• Of all the junior artists, Sunil Grover has a decent role, something significantly better than all the other starcast
• The movie is entertaining, and do not bore you, very typical of Bollywood drama

What you can sleep over:

The entire female cast of the movie....well, you can actually sleep over :) Main lead Shruti Haasan just cant act, but she continues to look ravishing. Same goes for Kareena Kapoor, she is busy doing special appearances or doling out flops. And not to forget, we have another eye candy Chitrangda Singh, unfortunately even Honey Singh couldn't help driving the item number to a chart buster. In spite of all that, I still wont list them in dampeners, as they continue to play the role of an eye candy :)

The dampeners you should be aware of:

• Jaideep Ahlawat is wasted, he has done pretty major roles earlier, he is all hype and no work. All he does in the entire movie is to holler over the officials below him in the hierarchy :)
• The intent of the movie is noble, but the execution is more or less poor. It is a lot filmy, every aspect however true, are way too blown out or exaggerated. So in case you want to draw any inspiration out of this movie, will be a complete failure :) No such hero is going to come, neither can the people change the situations narrated in the movie with the said approach :)

My Rating: 2.5/5

1- Poor  2-Average  3-Good  4-Very Good  5- Outstanding