Haraamkhor - Movie Review

Director: Shlok Sharma

Star cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shweta Tripathi, Trimala Adhikari, Mohammad Samad, Irfan Khan

Run Time: 90 minutes

The Censor Board objected to the ‘bold’ content of Haraamkhor because they thought the Indian audience was not ready for such experimental cinema. This forced the makers to make a legal appeal before the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal, which delivered the verdict in the movie’s favour.

Now that the film is released, the board will have to explain why they thought the film was not suitable for Indian audiences. Probably because Haraamkhor can connect with most of us. And it’s told sensibly.

An affair between a 15-year-old student and her much older, married teacher is the centerpiece of Shlok Sharma's directorial debut. Sandhya (Shweta Tripathi), daughter of a police officer, is drawn to Shyam (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), the small town's mathematics teacher. Surreptitious looks are exchanged and clandestine meetings arranged but what makes Sandhya's heart beat faster for Shyam is never quite understood. Is it crazy stupid love? Is it loneliness? Is this falling for the 'he is so bad so good' guy?

If their relationship is illicit and disconcerting, then Kamal (Irfan Khan), Sandhya's tuition mate, is the more innocent. Kamal's adoration of Sandhya is encouraged by his overzealous classmate Mintu (Mohammad Samad) who comes up with ideas to help Kamal woo her. Most are juvenile and often land the two in trouble. The boys endearing rapport most reminded us of Fandry's friendly duo Jabya and Pirya. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra, basking in the success of Dangal, has found three talented kids including the boy who dresses up in the Shaktimaan outfit.

The kids are the heart of Shlok Sharma's story, and his decision to see Shyam-Sandhya's affair through their eyes makes Haraamkhor a fascinating watch. Mintu is aware that something is brewing between Sandhya and Shyam, who is referred to as Kalua (dark faced), and wants Kamal to up his game to get Sandhya. Their knowledge isn't used for malicious purpose or more significantly to pass a judgement. This is in contrast to the Central Board of Film Certification which has made the makers add a disclaimer about how sex with a minor is a punishable offence in few scenes. It left me wondering why don't we have disclaimers every time the hero stalks/eve teases the heroine, or an attempt to rape is shown on the big screen? The liner disturbs the viewing experience by emphasizing on the awkwardness which has already been established in the first place.

Sharma though is keen to show the kids curious, constantly trying to outsmart Shyam who is seen more as the obstacle in Kamal's way than a wrongdoer. Sandhya is the film's most complex, and also divisive, character. Abandoned by her mother and raised by a father who is secretly romancing his androgynous colleague, Sandhya throws herself knee deep into a messy relationship. What she construes as love, is anything but for Shyam. In what was her first film, Tripathi does a fine job playing a vulnerable character.

It only helps that she spends a chunk of her screen time in the trusted company of Nawazuddin Siddiqui who brings a mix of sardonic humour and aggression to adulterous Shyam. Siddiqui uses his eyes to demonstrate Shyam's manipulative and mischievous ways. Needless to say some of the finest moments of Haraamkhor belong to Siddiqui. From Shyam's tiff with his wife to his annoyance with the boys, he shines in all but Siddiqui is at his best when he makes the most casual scenes memorable such as when he flirts with a student's mother or flings the chalk at Sandhya in the class.

Sharma is more in command with character studies than building the narrative. With Sandhya's fate decided, he sluggishly moves towards the finale which takes an unexpected, if overtly violent, turn. Haraamkhor's amoral leads don't make it an easy watch but Sharma's non-judgmental study of humans with all their fallibilities and the performances makes this film real and relevant.

Brave and original, Haraamkhor walks the razor’s edge. One tiny mistake, and it could have been pronounced morally twisted. Some may call it immoral even now.

However, Haraamkhor is one film you just shouldn’t miss, even if it’s just to see how Hindi cinema is exploring new themes with finesse.

My Rating: 3/5

OK Jaanu - Movie Review

Director: Shaad Ali

Star cast: Aditya Roy Kapur, Shraddha Kapoor, Leela Samson, Naseeruddin Shah, Kitu Gidwani

Run Time: 137 minutes

Ok Jaanu hit the screens on Friday the 13th, January, 2017. The theme of commitment phobia itself feels as fresh as an over-gnawed chewing gum. On top of that, if, like me if you’ve have already seen the Mani Ratnam original Tamil movie “Ok Kanmani”, then surely you will feel the Hindi remake plays out way to be too dull and dreary in comparison, lacking in the vital spark and passion.

Much of the charm of the original (too lightweight to be in anyone’s best of Ratnam list anyhow) was in the pair of lovers — played by Dulquer Salman and Nithya Menon — scintillating together as well as on their own, making you believe in the life-altering ways of love. Kapur and Kapoor, however, are eminently lacklustre.

Ok Jaanu feels like an update on Saathiya, considering Shaadi Ali started his innings in Bollywood with Saathiya, which again was a remake of Mani Ratnam’s “Alaipayuthey”. And it’s not just to do with the Mumbai setting or the love blossoming in local trains. There it was all about making a young marriage work, here it is about eventually embracing marriage after living together in sin. It is all about opting for a life together even while pursuing separate dreams. And in both the films these life lessons come through an older couple — SRK and Tabu there and in this case the much older Naseeruddin Shah and Leela Samson in whose house the couple lives-in. As for the film holding up marriage as a norm, as the right thing to do, well that’s another debate altogether.

In remaking the original, Shaad Ali brings little that is new to the screen. The Mumbai setting, scenes, dialogue, camera placements and angles, even the colour palette and production design seems to have been reproduced verbatim.

The names of the couple — Adi (Aditya Roy Kapur) and Tara (Shraddha Kapoor) — their occupations, which are - video game developing and architecture, their family histories and background, their idols Zuckerbeg and Balkrishna Doshi, their dreams of going to the US and Paris — all is as it was. Right down to the way the sun rays fall on the faces of the lovers in one scene in the local, the carroty glow it lights them up with, it all harks back to the original. Why they even greet each other with the same odd Oye of Dulquer and Nithya. Every little moment hits you with déjà vu.

A few things do change; Hindustani classical music concert replaces the kutcheri. The new gaming visuals in opening credits feel fresh. But not every change is necessarily for the better. The insertion of the remixed Humma Humma, for instance. The couple of things that work here are Kitu Gidwani’s (who plays Tara’s mom) gorgeous saris and the presence of Naseeruddin Shah. He charms, holds your attention just by being himself, by effortlessly inhabiting the frames. I was left wanting more of Naseer. And wishing that Bollywood would get more adept at the young love thing, but none of it happened.

All in all Ok Jaanu is just watchable because it does occasionally touch both the heart and the ear. But it is never able to shrug off the fluff that clings to its body.


My Rating: 2/5

Kung Fu Yoga - Trailer Review

Anyone expecting to see Jackie Chan practicing yoga in the upcoming film “Kung Fu Yoga” might be disappointed. Chan’s latest collaboration with director Stanley Tong (“Rumble in the Bronx,” “Super cop’) is heavy on the kung fu, and light on the yoga. The trailer for the film features Chan doing what he does best — kicking butt while narrowly avoiding certain death.

After Mallika Sherawat managed to bag eleven minutes of screen time in The Myth a few years ago, now Disha Patani and Amyra Dastur will now get to share screen space with none other Asia’s biggest star, Jackie Chan in his new movie Kung Fu Yoga. And unlike Mallika, it looks like at least Disha Patani has something substantial to do in the movie.

The film has been set up on a large scale, as Jackie Chan takes the action from China to India to Dubai. And just what you expect from his movies, there are a lot of gags in the trailer. The best bit I liked was the portion where Jackie Chan finds himself in a car with a lion and when the car takes for a leap, the similar expressions on both the beast and the man is damn funny. For the action junkie, there are rooftops fights, running away from hungry hyenas, and more stunt sequences set in the icy hinterlands. The trailer however has an uncanny similarity to Jackie Chan’s own movie ‘Chinese Zodiac’.

Speaking about the Indian stars, Disha Patani has the maximum screen time followed by Sonu Sood and Amyra Dastur in the trailer. I have to say, Disha looks really beautiful especially in the scene where she is seen in the Indian attire. Sonu Sood plays an antagonist in the movie, and he gets to have a couple of fighting scenes with Mr Chan himself!

However, the trailer could have avoided the usual stereotypes attached to India like that levitating sadhu. After having born and stayed in this country for my entire lifetime, I have not seen one myself so I wonder how these foreigners always manage to catch a glimpse of these ‘miracle workers’.

Here’s the official synopsis:

Chinese archaeology professor Jack (Chan) teams up with beautiful Indian professor Ashmita and assistant Kyra to locate lost Magadha treasure. In a Tibetan ice cave, they find the remains of the royal army that had vanished together with the treasure, only to be ambushed by Randall (Sonu Sood), the descendant of a rebel army leader. When they free themselves, their next stop is Dubai where a diamond from the ice cave is to be auctioned. After a series of double-crosses and revelations about their past, Jack and his team travel to a mountain temple in India, using the diamond as a key to unlock the real treasure.

The Movie is all set to Release on the 3rd Of February 2017.

Passengers - Movie Review

Passengers, the big movie that starts off Hollywood fanfare for movie buffs in India at the start of 2017, is a very exciting proposition. It has two best-selling and very popular leads in Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, cast opposite each other for the first time. It is directed by Morten Tyldum, known for his Academy Award-nominated work in the 2014 movie, The Imitation Game.

The film tells the story of a man who wakes up 90 years sooner from an induced hibernation on board a spaceship bound for a new planet. After living all alone for a year and trying every possible way to go back to hibernation, Jim (Chris Pratt) finally decides to wake up fellow passenger Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence), whom he had been admiring for months. Aurora falls in love with Jim only to find out that he intentionally woke her up from hibernation. Shattered and heartbroken, she distances herself from him and Jim starts living in the guilt. The romance of the two takes a back seat when Captain of the ship wakes up too and finds out that the ship is about to blow off in space. Now it's upon Jim and Aurora to keep their personal grievance aside and save the 5000 lives sleeping on the ship.

The concept is fresh, the actors are brilliant but the film still fails to strike the right chord. It's neither a saga romance nor a thrilling experience. The film is too smooth, rather on the edge of being boring. The plotline is stretched and plot holes are visible throughout. One hour into the film and you can sense that the makers went haywire with the story only to make it a mushy romance.

The vulnerability of two stranded passengers with no hope of a new life is missing. Another Hollywood space story, Gravity, strived only on the vulnerability of its character, Passengers could've taken a note or two. The film scores averagely on everything. Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence fail to create magic with their chemistry and at times situations look forced which is very unlike these A-list actors.

The interior of the spaceship and the technology is undoubtedly intriguing but it offers nothing new to what we've already seen in other sic-fi films.

Although, if we keep aside the heavy expectations from a space drama starring big Hollywood actors, Passengers makes for a good romantic watch. A man and a woman bound by their helplessness and actually being the last man and woman in each other's life is something interesting to watch.

However, the film leaves you with nothing too great and thus becomes an underwhelming space ride with a romance makers failed to tap properly. The film had already done decent business in the west and being the first release of the year in India, it is expected to make a good profit.

The plotline had a lot of potential to become an epic space saga but instead of making the film a one-of-its-kind space-love story, the makers turned it into a predictable, 'I-am-there-for-you' romantic adventure. Not done Morten Tyldum.

Go for Passengers with no expectations and you might even like the film but I’d suggest you wait for it to air on TV.

My Rating: 2/5

Baghtos Kay... Mujra Kar! - Trailer Review

Hemant Dhone is making his directorial debut with the film Bhagtos Kay Mujra Kar. The trailer of the film has been released and it indeed looks interesting.

Taking an unusual topic for his story Hemant Dhone is also playing one of the three male lead in the film. The film is a tribute to Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj. Hemant has also written the script of the film.

Bhagtos Kay Mujra Kar deals with the subject of the present restoring beauty and prestige of the historical monuments of Maharashtra.

The present generation and also the government is negligent towards the preservation of cultural heritage of our state. The film calls attention to such issues that has been thrown the spotlight on.

Hemant Dhone stated that he has picked up this subject that is close to his heart and indeed calls for immediate attention.

More than the authorities it is the common man in Maharashtra who needs to open his eyes to such relevant issues.

Hemant is also acting in the film. The cast includes Jitendra Joshi, Ankit Vishwasrao and Hemant Dhone.

Hemant had earlier contributed as a script writer for the film Poster Girls. Now he is stepping into direction.

The producers of the film are Gopal Taiwade Patil and Vaishnavi Jadhav. Music is given by Amit Raj.

The film is slated to release on 3rd February, 2017.

Running Shaadi.Com - Trailer Review

The trailer of Taapsee Pannu starrer RunningShaadi.com has just been released on YouTube. Going by the trailer, one can safely say that it is going to be a laughter riot. The film is directed by Amit Roy who is more renowned in the industry as a cinematographer.

RunningShaadi.com is co-produced by Ronnie Lahiri, Shoojit Sircar and Crouching Tiger Motion Pictures. Taapsee's previous collaboration with Sircar was Pink. The film was a huge success, commercially as well as critically. And, from what is evident from the trailer, Taapsee looks set to extend her good form.

Starring opposite Taapsee is Amit Sadh whose movie career has finally started to take a shape. While his role in Sultan got him the much-needed attention, RunningShaadi.com seems like the the perfect platform for him to showcase his real talent

As the title suggests, RunningShaadi.com is a about a bunch of friends who run a bureau that helps couples to elope. The film's idea is both funny and innovative.

The trailer seems to capture the spirit of the idea very well. It betrays an air of madness that such projects thrive one. One hopes the movie lives up to the expectations set by the trailer.

Presented by Crouching Tiger Motion Pictures & Rising Sun Films, RunningShaadi.com stars Arsh Bajwa and Brijendra Kala in the supporting roles.

The film is slated to release on 3rd February, 2017.

Rangoon - Trailer Review

The trailer of the much-awaited Vishal Bhardwaj movie, Rangoon is finally out. After teasing the audience with three posters, the movie's Twitter handle shared the trailer on Thursday night.

Shot mainly in Arunachal Pradesh, Rangoon is set against the backdrop of World War II, when India was also fighting its own battle for independence.

The love triangle between the leads, Shahid Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Saif Ali Khan is stunningly portrayed.

Kangana plays Julia who is a popular film actress, and Saif plays a filmmaker in love with her. Shahid plays Nawab Malik who is a soldier who happens to meet her when she is sent to Burma. What follows is a story of love, war and deceit.

Vishal Bhardwaj, like always, has brought out the best from the actors. Casting Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan together in a movie surely did raise a few eyebrows. But looking at them in the trailer, sporting those moustaches, has probably proved Bhardwaj’s point.

Both Shahid and Saif have done some of their best works in Vishal Bhardwaj movies. One cannot easily forget Saif as Langda Tyagi in Bhardwaj’s Omkara.

Shahid also proved his strengths as an actor in movies like Kaminey and Haider. Kangana Ranaut is her usual outstanding self in the trailer.

Like all other Vishal Bhardwaj movies, this one also seems to be high on background score. That is what happens when the director of the film is also the music composer. The cinematographers have flawlessly recreated the World War II era.

The movie is set to be released on 24 February and is bound to set the screens on fire this year.