Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Movie Reviews by Fenil Seta
(Crisp) Movie Review: AATMA by FENIL SETA
11 month ago
AATMA has an interesting story to tell but one fails to connect with the principal character (Bipasha Basu) and her dilemmas. The horror element isn’t exciting overall. The violence at school in the first half along with the intermission point does arrest attention but too much of hide-n-seeek and too much of murders in the second half fails to make a mark. Same goes for climax, which was envisaged by the makers as a clap and whistle worthy sequence but sadly, doesn’t quite impress. Performances are decent – Bipasha rocks, Nawazuddin’s evil laugh was awesome and 5-year-old Doyel Dhawan is the best of the lot. On the whole, a good plot gone awry!
My rating-** out of 5!
Movie Review: JOLLY LLB by FENIL SETA
02 months ago
I am a sucker for courtroom dramas. The drama that ensues as two warring parties come together and try every trick in the book to emerge victorious makes for a spectacular watch. This is a reason why Jolly LLB was keenly awaited as after all it’s a story of a lawyer and hence will have significant portions comprising of the battle within the sacred courtroom. Although it’s quite dragging at places, Jolly LLB meets all expectations and comes up with a tale that is presented as realistically as possible but at the same time retains the humour and satire in adequate doses!
The story of the movie: After his unsuccessful stint as a lawyer in Meerut, Jagdish Tyagi aka Jolly (Arshad Warsi) shifts base to Delhi to try his luck at the capital city’s District and Sessions Court. At the same time, prominent lawyer Tejinder Rajpal (Boman Irani) successfully proves that his client, Rahul Dewan (Rajiv Siddharth) who was accused of moving down 6 labourers sleeping on footpath to death in a hit-and-run case, is innocent. After going through the media reports on the episode, Jolly realizes that Rahul is guilty and challenges the court order by filing a PIL. Jolly was more concerned about getting name and fame by fighting against the rich Dewan family and Rajpal and didn’t intend initially to fight for justice. But soon he has a change of heart and decides that come what may, he will ensure that the guilty gets the rightful punishment.
We have seen many courtroom dramas but Jolly LLB stands More >
Movie Review: MERE DAD KI MARUTI by FENIL SETA
12 months ago
The unveiling of Y-Films by Yash Raj Films was a significant and a much-needed move. After all, the under-25 comprise a huge chunk of moviegoing audience but there are very films in Bollywood, even today, that are made primarily for them and comprising of actors of their age group and essaying straight-out-of-life characters. Y Films’ Luv Ka The End and Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge successfully entertained their target audience (and even others) and Mere Dad Ki Maruti follows suit. An entertaining joyride, Mere Dad Ki Maruti keeps viewers glued to the proceedings and raises quite a many laughs too!
The story of the movie: Its celebration time at the Khullars’ residence as Tej’s (Ram Kapoor) daughter Tanvi (Benazir Shaikh) is getting married to Raj (Karan Mehra) in a few days. Tej orders a Maruti Ertiga car as a wedding gift for the newly married couple, much to the annoyance of his son Samir (Saqib Saleem) who is on his father’s permanent black list. In college, he gets an opportunity to go on a date with the hot Jazzleen (Rhea Chakraborty). Saqib, in order to make the best impression, surreptiously takes Jazzleen out in the brand new Ertiga without obviously his father’s knowledge. Trouble beings when Samir loses the car. With the sangeet happening the next day and the marriage soon, Samir is on a race against time to find the car or get a new one, through hook or by crook. Will he succeed? And what if he doesn’t? How will Tej react?
Mere Dad Ki Maruti is just around 100 More >
Movie Review: SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER RETURNS by FENIL SETA
12 months ago
It’s a season of sequels in Bollywood. But Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns stands out as it’s a ‘sequel’ in the truest sense of the term, since the film begins where the first part, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, ended. Part 1 was highly entertaining and engrossing and those having apprehensions as to whether the sequel will live up to the expectations can heave a sigh of relief. Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns is as brilliant as Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, if not better. Definitely worth watching!
The story of the movie: After getting injured in cross-firing, Aditya Pratap Singh aka Saheb (Jimmy Sheirgill) is wheelchair-bound. His hatred for Madhvi aka Biwi (Mahie Gill), now an MLA and chronic alcoholic, is even more. On the other hand, Indrajeet Singh aka Gangster (Irrfan Khan) is in love with Ranjana (Soha Ali Khan), who is also from a royal family. Indrajeet thirsts for Saheb’s blood and how the lives of the four collide forms the crux of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns.
The film is almost 145 minutes long (with the intermission point arriving after almost 90 minutes). But the riveting direction and screenplay keeps audiences glued to their seats. The story unfolds in the most interesting manner. Sensuality and unpredictability were the strengths of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster. The sequel however is low on sensuality but is highly unpredictable, with something unexpected happening every few minutes. Note how Indrajeet’s character is introduced and initially, not even a hint is given More >
Movie Review: THE ATTACKS OF 26/11 by FENIL SETA
22 months ago
26/11 shall always remain as the unforgettable night for Mumbaikars. What initially was reported as a case of ‘random firing’ at few places in South Mumbai turned out to be the most shocking and ruthless terrorist act ever committed on Indian soil. Ram Gopal Varma’s much talked about The Attacks Of 26/11 attempts to chronicle the events that happened on the first night of the attack. Easily, one of the most impactful films from Ram Gopal Varma in recent times. Not to be missed!
The story of the movie: It is business as usual for Amar Solanki (Ganesh Yadav) who is fishing in his trawler Kuber with his crew off the coast of Gujarat. Suddenly, a trawler comprising of Pakistanis hijack Kuber, kill the crew and compel Amar to take a group of men to Mumbai. Around 10-11 kms away from the city, Amar is killed and the terrorists make their way to the coast in a dinghy. The group then gets divided and create mayhem in CST, Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, Hotel Trident, Café Leopold, Nariman House and Cama And Albless Hospital. Only one terrorist, Ajmal Kasab (Sanjeev Jaiswal) is caught alive. On the other hand, the Joint Comissioner (Nana Patekar) is caught completely unawares at the turn of events and tries his best to get things under control, but in vain.
The Attacks Of 26/11 is a 2 hour fare and grips the viewers from the first frame itself. RGV doesn’t hesitate in showing the real picture of the attack and hence expect lots and lots of blood and gore. The Leopold Café sequence leaves More >
(Crisp) Movie Review: I ME AUR MAIN by FENIL SETA
12 months ago
I ME AUR MAIN is an okayish entertainer. The maker had the advantage of some well-written characters, great actors and rich production values but sadly film suffers at execution level. Somewhere, one doesn’t feel anything for the characters because of the way the situations unfold. The unconventional climax thankfully saves the day. John Abraham, Chitrangda Singh, Zarina Wahab, Mini Mathur, Sheena Shahabadi (Amala) and Raima Sen perform well but it’s Prachi Desai that takes the cake! Brilliant performance! The actress finally gets a chance to portray a glamorous avatar and this coupled with this spunkiness of her character makes for a great watch. As for the film, an average watch.
My rating-** ½ out of 5!
Movie Review: KAI PO CHE by FENIL SETA
12 months ago
It’s refreshing to see that more and more rooted and true-to-life films are being made. The films are shot in real locales of the Indian hinterland and the actors give more than hundred percent while portraying convincing and realistic characters. From Kashmir to Delhi to Kerela to Kolkata to UP to Bihar to Bhopal to Rajasthan to, not to forget, the Punjab – many beautiful places of India got a place in our films and, at times, the regions were considered as one of the principle characters. Somehow, Gujarat and its vibrancy were ignored. But now, director Abhishek Kapoor attempts to bring it alive on celluloid with Kai Po Che, which is adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s terrific novel ‘The 3 Mistakes Of My Life’. There are films that rightly seem like winners from their first trailer itself. Kai Po Che fits into the category and fulfills all expectations! A must see!
The story of the movie: The year is 2000. Govind (Raj Kumar Yadav), based in Ahmedabad, persuades his good-for-nothing friends, Ishaan (Sushant Singh Rajput) and Omi (Amit Sadh) to help him start a cricket shop in the nearby temple premises. At the same time, the premise is used by Ishaan to give cricket coaching and by Govind to teach maths to students. Govind also starts giving tuitions to Ishaan’s sister Vidya (Amrita Puri), who seemed attracted to her maths teacher. Ishaan, on the other hand, comes across Ali (Digvijay Deshmukh), realizes that he has the potential to be a world-class batsman and decides to More >
Movie Review: MURDER 3 by FENIL SETA
13 months ago
“Vishesh Films is succeeding backwards”, is what Vishesh Bhatt feels, as claimed by Mahesh Bhatt in several interviews. The statements makes sense since the recent films of the banner have done roaring business (Raaz 3 was one of the biggest hits of 2012) but is abound with clichés and at places, cheesy dialogues and situations. It still made for an entertaining watch but at a time when the emphasis is on believable and straight-out-of-life cinema, how long can Bhatts continue with such films? At such a juncture, Murder 3, directed by Vishesh himself, comes as a whiff of fresh air. Logic still takes a backseat at places and cinematic liberties are used here and there. But the setting is more real, lousy and scary special effects are absent and thrill and shock value is tremendous, especially in the latter part of the movie. This one surely deserves a watch!
The story of the movie: The rich photographer Vikram (Randeep Hooda) is devastated after his girlfriend Roshni (Aditi Rao Hydari) breaks up with him and vanishes without a trace. He very soon finds solace in Nisha (Sara Loren) and she moves in with him, in his palatial house. Very soon, Nisha starts hearing eerie voices in the house. On the other hand, inspector Kabir (Rajesh Shringapure) who’s investigating the disappearance of Roshni, is of the view that Vikram is behind the whole matter.
Murder 3 is unlike Bhatt banner has attempted in recent times. The closest it can get to, in terms of international standards and a More >
(Quick) Movie Review: ABCD-ANY BODY CAN DANCE by FENIL SETA
03 months ago
ABCD – ANY BODY CAN DANCE is a fairly decent attempt and serves as a nice 140 minute timepass. The film doesn’t disappoint or cheat on the dance front. The characters are constantly shaking their legs and it’s all smartly woven in the narrative…nothing forced! And the choreography, as expected, takes your breath away. What doesn’t work is the stretched narrative and logic taking a backseat at places. Also, the use of Rang De Basanti scenes for Delhi montage shots is just not done! Prabhu Dheva was apt and so were Dharmesh Yelande, Sachin Yussuf Khan, Punit Pathak, Lauren Gottlieb and all others. Music too plays a significant part with Bezubaan easily the best song of the lot. Surely worth watching once!
My rating-*** out of 5!
Movie Review: SPECIAL 26 by FENIL SETA
03 months ago
Neeraj Pandey’s ‘A Wednesday!’ was an unforgettable film. The manner in which the film gripped the viewer and presented a twist that no one had expected gave a distinct touch to the film, and hence the movie is rightly today termed as a classic. Neeraj’s next, Special 26, too follows suit and does resemble his first film in many aspects. There’s a cat and mouse game going on between the cops and baddie(s) and the best is reserved for the finale! The romantic portion does spoil things to an extent but that’s a very minor glitch. The film has lots to offer and succeeds in meeting all expectations!
The story of the movie: Ajay (Akshay Kumar), Sharma (Anupam Kher), Joginder (Rajesh Sharma) and Iqbal (Kishore Kadam) are thieves who impersonate as CBI officers and ‘raid’ the residences and offices of those having tons of black money. The confidence with which they execute their operations and even involve local cops and officials leaves everyone stunned. ‘Asli’ CBI officer Wasim (Manoj Bajpayee) is not impressed and decides to nail the culprits. He takes the help of police officer Ranveer Singh (Jimmy Shergill) who had unknowingly helped the con men raid the residence of a minister. Meanwhile, Ajay and his gang are going on with their raids and are planning something huge before they call it a day. Will they succeed? Will Wasim manage to thwart their operations?
Special 26 is 143 minutes long and Neeraj Pandey’s direction ensures viewers are glued on to the screen. The first More >