Movie Review - Kick

A Tasty MASALA Dish

DIRECTOR: SAJID NADIADWALA

GENRE: DRAMA/ACTION/THRILLER

STARRING: SALMAN KHAN, JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ, RANDEEP HOODA, NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI, MITHUN, SAURABH SHUKLA

FINAL VERDICT: ***

DABANGG

READY

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KICK

The above mentioned films starring our very own Bhai are the one’s which are a part of my personal ‘First Day First Show’ Club. After spending approximately three hours in the cinema, I am glad to say that Kick, like the predecessors of my club, is indeed equally entertaining, if not more. Frankly speaking, after watching the first trailer of Kick, my perception of the movie was that of a genuine action-thriller. But Bhai being Bhai, he made Kick look like just another Bollywood action film. Still, it was surely worth the watch.

The title of the movie perplexed me greatly before the release, and finally after watching, I was able to comprehend the exact meaning of it. Kick refers to the ‘thrill’ which DeviLal (Salman) wants to undergo and relish. Needless to say, he puts the lives of several people in jeopardy for that. Its while experiencing one of his Kicks, where he comes across Shaina (Fernandez). Like they say in Bollywood:

A guy and a girl meet. (Though the guy may look atleast 20 years elder to her)

They annoy each other

They eventually fall in love

Their families finally make a mess of their love

Kick is no exception, and the above mentioned cycle is a chunk of the first half. The movie seems like a typical Salman film for the first 30 odd minutes, until the character of the Devil is unleashed. To eradicate the act’s of Devil, Himanshu (Hooda), a young and dynamic cop is assigned the case. What follows ahead, is like a typical B Town film, but the motive behind the acts of the Devil is really heart-melting. In the due course, several characters are shown. Saurabh Shukla, who plays Jacqueline’s father is there for a limited period, but entertains greatly.

The weirdest but the most entertaining character is that of Siddiqui, who is the Home Minister’s nephew. Siddiqui is one hell of an actor. Give him any role. Tough or easy. He will oblige you by effortlessly portraying it. Be it the sadistic Faizal Khan in Gangs Of Wasseypur, or the compassionate Shaikh in The Lunchbox; Nawaz is always at ease. This is Nawaz’s first try in a semi-comic role and he has indeed done justice to the role. In fact, his acting is the aspect which stands out in the film.

Apart from Nawaz, Hooda too has played his part with ease and grace. Playing an aggressive cop and a shy silly-romantic guy in one go will put several actors under stress. But mind you! Hooda is not of them. Randeep succeeds in playing the role of Himanshu with ease and leaves a positive impact in the heart's of the viewers. The lesser said about Bhai’s acting, the better. Bhai is Bhai in almost every film. Only in the emotional sequences, we see a different shade of Salman, which is of course a rare sight. Fernandez’s role isn’t worth bragging about. But she too does well in the limited screen time that she gets.  Her portrayal of the chicken-hearted  Shaina is a welcome sight and it’s a pleasure to watch her. She is one of those rare actresses who do not annoy the common cinema lover.  

The music and the soundtrack of the film by Himesh Reshammiya remains one of the strengths of the film. The track ‘Yaar Na Miley’ by Yo Yo Honey Singh (India’s best contender for a Grammy! Enough said) stands out and gets you grooving. Singh’s voice perfectly suits Salman and the so called rap by him is thereby pleasing to hear. The only aspect lacking is that of a better dancer in Singh’s track. Nargis Fakhri is strictly OK as a dancer. There are better dancers than her around! That’s for sure!

The locations shot are a massive asset to the film. The camera work and the cinematography department deserve a special mention for their excellent work. The photography done makes the film more pleasing to watch. Warsaw has been beautifully depicted and shot to say the least.

The one shortfall which remains though is that of the film diverting too much from the plot of the Devil. Rather than showing the typical lame Bollywood stuff, the director could have concentrated more on Devil’s character and his activities, which were galvanizing to watch. One would expect Mr.Sajid Nadiadwala, a man with more than 25 years of experience in cinema to direct more efficiently, but sadly that is not the case. Its an honest attempt at directing nonetheless.

Kick is a must watch for all Bhai fans, who genuinely feel that Bhai can do anything. For rational cinema lovers, it’s a one time watch flick!

Movie Review- Holiday – A Soldier Is Never Off Duty

Worth the Holiday

DIRECTOR:  A.R. MURUGADOSS

GENRE: ACTION, THRILLER

STARRING: AKSHAY KUMAR, SONAKSHI SINHA, SUMEET RAGHAVAN, FREDDY DARUWALA, ZAKIR HUSSAIN

FINAL VERDICT: ***1/2

Before leaving for the movie last night, I visualized Holiday being nothing more than a movie filled with dim-witted stunts and some cheesy dialogues. To my utter surprise, Holiday was far better from what I had expected.  After giving some forgettable performances in movies like Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobara and Boss, Akshay Kumar is back with a bang. Writing him off after a couple of poorly made movies is nothing but defying common sense. A similar situation had occurred over a year ago, when the so called ‘critics’ had advised Kumar to retire from acting. But then he gave a stellar performance in Special 26, which made his critics look like mere dummies.  And now, its Holiday, which makes him stamp his authority over B-Town.

Akshay Kumar plays Virat Bakshi, an officer from the Indian Army, and more importantly, a secret agent of the DIA. During his holiday, he eventually falls in love with Saiba (Sinha), a boxer, cum volleyball player cum tennis player cum athlete. Too many sports aren’t they? Well, that’s what is shown in the movie.  After all, it is a Bollywood movie, and mind you, expect the unexpected! The plot revolves around the concept of sleeper cells, being operated by the nameless Daruwala. How Kumar uses his analytical approach and physical strength to save the city from devastation forms the crux of the plot.

Kumar as Virat Bakshi is simply phenomenal and completely steals the show as a Secret Agent. His acting skills were never under the scanner, nor will they be after this movie. As a viewer, its really pleasing to see Kumar doing some breath taking stunts with utmost ease. Not just his stunts but the analytical conducts which he uses in foiling terror plots too are a delight to watch. The role of Virat Bakshi was tailor made for Kumar, who seems just like a real life Army Officer.

It is famously said that the marriage of Bollywood films with perfection is rare. Holiday is a perfect instance of the above statement. Despite being profusely entertaining and riveting, Holiday has a few shortfalls which the audience has to deal with. On numerous occasions, as the movie transcends deep into the appealing plot of sleeper cells, there is Sinha’s character which pops up and ruins the thrill. In one particular scene, as Kumar is about to reveal about a sleeper cell’s agenda, we have a romantic song coming out of nowhere and making a mess of the thrill. Sinha as Saiba is strictly ‘OK’ and reducing her screen time would have made the film spicier.

Sinha, like an annoying fly in the ointment tries to bring in the glam factor, but fails miserably. Barring Lootera, Sonakshi has acted in the same manner in all her films. This sometimes makes me wonder that is Sinha incapable of having some variety in her acting? If not her acting, then its her choice of roles, which makes her an easy target for the critics. Freddy as the nameless antagonist is moderately good, but Vidyut Jamwal as the villain might have been a much better choice. Freddy might well be just a ‘one-movie-bloke’, unless the Bhatt camp makes him a superstar out of nowhere! (Pun intended) Sumeet Raghavan as Virat’s childhood pal efficiently supports Kumar in a majority of the scenes, and he hardly gives critics a chance to bash him.

The music department deserves a tick in its box. The track ‘Ashq Na Ho’ by Arjit Singh dedicated to the ultimate heroes of the Nation, the Army men, melts the hearts of the viewers. ‘Blame the Night’ is another peppy disco number which is a job well done.  The direction of AR Murugadoss remains a plus point for the film. The message conveyed through the movie is meant to glorify the Indian Army and the sacrifices endured by the soldiers. This message is clear and creates a vivid impression into the mind’s of the audience.

Despite having a few flaws, Holiday is a well made movie which utterly thrills the viewers and mesmerizes them with sheer ease. This movie is a must watch family entertainer and a complete ‘paisa vasool’. 

Movie Review - Dedh Ishqiya

DELIGHTFUL DEDH ISHQIYA

DIRECTOR: ABHISHEK CHAUBEY

GENRE:  COMEDY, THRILLER

STARRING: NASEERUDDIN SHAH, MADHURI DIXIT, ARSHAD WARSI, HUMA QURESHI, VIJAY RAAZ

FINAL VERDICT: ****

“So sir, you will spare these rascals?” “What will the Batman do if the Jokers are dead?” comes the reply. The jokers in this case are the lovable rascals, Babban (Warsi) and Khalu (Naseer); who reprise their roles from the first installment of the series. The self acknowledged Batman in this case is the danger but the funny man, Mushtaq (Salman Shahid). Dedh Ishqiya is a movie filled with witty one -liners like, the quote mentioned earlier. Ishqiya was a well crafted film with the two male leads along with Vidya Balan entertaining the audience. To everyone’s delight, Dedh Ishqiya is a notch ahead than its predecessor, in terms of the entertainment and the glamour factor.

The plot of the film is about the Begum trying to find a suitable and a charming poet husband, as per the last wish of the late Nawab. To do so, she keeps an annual function or a “mushaira”, and then chooses the best poet, the poet who charms her and wins her heart. To catch up with some fond memories of past, Khalu, posing as another Nawab enters the mushaira, only to allure the Begum. In Khalu’s stay at the palace, Babban posing as Khalu’s butler tries his luck in fascinating Muniya (Huma Qureshi), a close aid to the Begum. But a lot of positives eventually attract negativity! To second this statement, Jaan Mohammad Khan (Vijay Raaz), a local MLA too tries to win the Begum over, but with dire methods and ways. What follows ahead in the mushaira and Khalu’s stay in the palace forms the major crux of the first half. The second half though is a tale about deception and lies, and how people unknowingly become involved in a web of deceit. The climax is simply jaw-dropping and blinking an eye even for a second may seem as a crime. The climax scene is superbly executed, with the photography work being terrific.

Much hyped as Madhuri Dixit’s comeback film; Dedh Ishqiya doesn’t disappoint a bit and the comeback girl is as charming as ever. Playing the Begum of Mahmudabad, Begum Para (Dixit) wins every heart. Her heart warming shayaris and her delightful touch to Urdu are more than enough to get a smile on one’s face. Why just the shayaris? Her tadka to the classical dance numbers too is worth appreciating. The way she dances like a Goddess, with complete grace and with effortless ease puts all the viewers in a state of exultation. After seeing her dances and the corresponding expressions, only one question hovers around in my mind, how can someone dance with such ease and grace? Throughout the film, Dixit as the Begum is mesmerizing and intimidating to say the least.

The two male leads, Warsi and Shah are flawless as ever. Shah almost succeeds in achieving his ambition, only to be left heartbroken. Shah as the elderly but witty Khalu is sensational, and along with Warsi, forms a formidable duo of friends, thieves, or whatever you call it. Warsi’s comic timing is impeccable and most of his jokes succeed in tickling the funny bone. It’s not just comedy, the serious scenes of frustration and jealousy too have been portrayed perfectly by Warsi.To add authenticity, Warsi’s accent of a true Bhopali is a task well done.  Huma Qureshi on the other hand wonderfully plays her part of deceptive seductress. Her accent of Urdu along with her dialogue delivery is precise and she accomplishes her role with utter ease.

It was reported that before the role went to Huma, Asin was offered the part, but she turned it down. With all due respect to everyone, in my view it would have never been Asin’s cup of tea. Speaking fluent Urdu requires a certain set of armory, which in the modern crop of heroines, only Huma seems to have. The role of Muniya was tailor-made for her. Similarly, the role of the Begum too was written exclusively for Dixit. No other actress could have done the role of the Begum with sheer ease and elegance.

The costumes and the real life locations too add authenticity to the plot. Well, you definitely wouldn’t want to see a mushaira taking place in a Karan Johar movie like set. Some things are best kept as they are. Dixit’s attire leaves no stone unturned, in making her look like a true Begum. From the jewelry to the Pathanis worn by the men, everything is perfect. The flurry of shayaris takes one in a completely different world, a world of opulence and flamboyance. The lyrics penned by Gulzar sahab are beautiful and Gulzar sahab once again succeeds in making the current set of lyricists realise that lyrics can be felt beautiful, even without vulgarity.

As a whole the film is a must watch for everyone. And if blokes still don’t like, then they may better watch some masala flick to entertain themselves. On a personal note, I am eagerly awaiting ADHAI ISHQIYA.

Movie Review - BULLET RAJA

THIS RAJA WINS HEARTS

DIRECTOR: TIGMANSHU DHULIA

GENRE: DRAMA, POLITICAL, ACTION

STARRING: SAIF ALI KHAN, JIMMY SHERGEIL, SONAKSHI SINHA, GULSHAN GROVER, RAJ BABBAR, RAVI KISHAN, VIDYUT JAMWAL

FINAL VERDICT: ***

Ever since the trailer of Bullet Raja was out, I had made an “omerta” of sorts with myself, of watching the film on the very first day. And I did exactly that. Fortuitously, my hopes didn’t come down crashing, and the150 minutes that I spent in the cinema house, were fruitful.

The film commences with Saif Ali Khan or Raja Mishra, escaping an assassination attempt, but after a few seconds, was shown once again facing the gun, with cops surrounding him. Post that scene, the film slips into flashback, and the title track portrays Raja being involved in the notorious aspects of the society. Escaping possible foes, Raja gatecrashes into a “baarat” and as expected in a typical Bollywood flick, dances his way through. There he meets one Rudra, and instantly befriends him. The two save Rudra’s relatives from an ambush planned by the traitor Lallan (Chunky Pandey). From that very moment, Raja and Rudra become the modern day Jay-Veeru. The film then goes on exploring the revenge saga that begins, with the buddies finishing off Lallan, and all the people responsible for Rudra’s uncle’s (Sharath Saxena) death.

The two are soon noticed by the cunning Ram Babu Shukla, a minister from the opposition, who soon appoints them as his “bahubali”, or chief henchmen. The duo then carries out numerous political assassinations for Ram Babu. Seeing the growing cordial relations between Shukla and the two pals, Sumer Yadav (Ravi Kishan, who is the former henchman)  gets livid.

Gulshan Grover plays Bajaj, a shrewd businessman, and his “Marwari” jokes tickle the funny bone. The movie then goes on a more serious note, with the two kidnapping Bajaj, for an insult. However, the tables are turned on the duo, as Bajaj gets in Sumer Yadav to finish off the friends. However, one dies, and the other swears revenge and as anticipated, all hell breaks loose. Amidst the tension, enters Mitali (Sonakshi Sinha), an aspiring actress, and quickly ensures that the duo now become the trio.

The film then slows down for quite some time, until Raja returns from an exile, and till Arun Singh (Vidyut Jamwal) makes a grand entry. The movie then goes on, portraying the treachery of politicians and accomplishing the revenge saga.

Overally, the plot wasn’t completely extra ordinary, but the presentation of the setting makes it a treat to watch. The real locations add absolute authenticity to the plot. The locations chosen stand out, and they give the viewer, a true feel of Uttar Pradesh. The dialogues and the typical accent too make viewing enthralling. One instance of the accent coming into the fray is when Saif pronounces “NASHIONAL- JIYOGRAPHIC” in a typical UP accent.

Gulshan Grover plays an entertaining part, and his dialogues, which comically target the “marwaris” are simply amusing. “JALE HUE NOTE KO BHI CHALANA JANTA HAI MARWARI,” is one such instance. Grover makes his presence felt on screen with sharp dialogues. On a couple of occasions, the film goes on making a mockery of the current Indian politics (Mayawati may raise a few objections.. Enough Said), and that is a delight to watch. In one particular scene, Jimmy Sheirgill or Rudra dotingly, but zealously signifies that no one should have the authority of dividing Indians and stopping them from being a part of different states. (The leader of a political outfit based in Maharashtra, may raise issues though).

Saif Ali Khan steals the show throughout and his act of Raja Mishra surely makes viewers go gaga. His wit and spiky dialogues keep the viewers hooked and engulfed. It’s very pleasing to see Saif, do justice to a thorny role, with utmost ease. Jimmy Sheirgill too isn’t far behind, and ably supports Saif. The rest of the cast members more often than not, do justice to the script. Sonakshi Sinha, is an exception however, and she is the same Sonakshi Sinha, whom we saw in Dabbang, Rowdy Rathore and Son of Sardar.

Barring Lootera, Sinha has done very little of note and her dialogue delivery and acting standards remain similar. With every film, her fans and viewers expect her to be a little more innovative; but to their misery, she always fails.

The direction of Tigmanshu Dhulia remains potent and one wonders that what more does Dhulia needs to do in order to be noticed well by critics. In spite of delivering classics like Paan Singh Tomar and the Saheb Biwi aur Ganster series, it is shameful  that talented filmmakers like Dhulia do not get their due credit, while directors making some “mass entertainers” hog the limelight.

The flaws of the film arise with the music. Barring Tamanche Pe Disco and to an extent the title track, none of the songs catch the eye of the audience. An item number by Mahie Gill is profusely needless and is a mere waste of five minutes. Another shortfall of the film is that, Bullet Raja often loses its steam on several occasions, and fails to completely grab the attention of the viewer. One feels that the film could be made more interesting by adding more serious stuff. However, the instances of “black comedy” partially cover this shortfall up.

Overally, the film is worth watching and the Bullet Raja act by Saif Ali Khan is sure to enhance his fan base. This film is a must watch for those, who take a keen interest in the underbelly of the “dirty politics”. It will be fair to say that Bullet Raja will be etched in the memories of the audience for quite sometime.