Pati Patni Aur Woh Movie Review

“Marriages are made in heaven” as the saying goes. It is a relationship which binds two to make a home. However what happens when an unwanted person enters the life of a happily married couple? 

This movie is a remake of the cult classic Pati Patni Aur Woh of 1978 which is set in today’s times.

Abhinav Chintu Tyagi (Karthik Aryan) an engineer working with PWD is happily married to Vedika Tyagi (Bhumi Pednekar) who teaches in a coaching institute. Everything is hunky dory in their married life, till the entry of Tapasya (Ananya Panday) a young and pretty woman. Will the couple’s journey be tumultuous with her entry? Will they be able to sail through smoothly in their journey?

Movie script is tight without loopholes or deviations. Screenplay and editing of the movie are good. Direction by Mudassar Aziz of Happy Bhaag Jaayegi is very good. Movie dialogues are well written and clapworthy. 

Karthik Aaryan is wonderful as Chintu Tyagi. His friend Fahim played by Aparshakti Khurana is superb. Bhumi Pednekar is fantastic proving her acting prowess. Ananya Panday is nice and looks promising. Doga played by Sunny Singh is good though in a brief role. Special mention for Vedika’s student Rakesh, who is also good. Other movie characters also play their part well. 

Music by a variety of composers has youthful flavour which is good. 

Meant for family audience, the movie is thoroughly entertaining with a good message for the youth, which was neither scripted nor visualised in the 1978 context when a man could get away with almost anything and still have his wife beside him. 

***. 5 stars

Bala Movie Review

Premature baldness and dark complexion are two issues which plague the Indian society and could affect the weak minded. Such people tend to hide their problems so as not to become a laughing stock. 

Bala movie addresses both these issues, which have the ability to impact relationships and personalities.

Balmukund Shukla (Ayushmann Khurrana) a resident of Kanpur is a young man suffering from premature baldness. His problem of increasing hair fall makes him desperate to find a solution. Based on recommendations from his friends and family Bala tries various alternatives like hair oil, eggs, mixture of cow dung and bull semen so as to grow his hair and look good. When everything fails Bala decides to wear a wig. Will wearing a wig turn out to be a long-term solution to Bala’s problem? 

Movie screenplay by Niren Bhatt is a winner with some scenes and moments being entertaining and authentic. 

Amar Kaushik who entertained us with Stree is back on the director’s chair. He perfectly captures the feelings and mood of a small town showing family banters and casual friendship meetings among others. 

Makeup of Latika is distracting. Makeup Artist could have done a better job to enhance the character’s look. 

Movie dialogues are sharp and well-written. 

Ayushmann Khurrana shows vulnerability with precision. Yami Gautam as Pari and Bhumi Pednekar are likeable and good. Other ensemble of fantastic actors includes Bala’s two best friends played by Javed Jafferi & Abhishek Banerjee, Saurabh Shukla, Seema Pahwa and Bala’s younger brother. They all play their part well. 

Music album by Sachin-Jigar, guest composers Jaani and B Praak is good. Zindagi song sung by Papon takes us back to the school days. 

Bala movie entertains with a good message for all. 

***.5 Stars

Saand Ki Aankh Movie Review

Can age be a bar for women in pursuing a professional sport like shooting?

Chandro Tomar (Bhumi Pednekar) and Prakashi Tomar (Tapsee Pannu) live in Bagpath Village in Haryana. They are accustomed to living in a patriarchial society where they have to perform their usual household chores and domestic labour like their counterparts. When all seems lost and gone, an opportunity comes their way, which could also be their life changing moment. Dr Yashpal (Vineet Kumar Singh) a doctor turned shooting instructor sets up a shooting range in the village for training both men and women. In pursuit of training their granddaughters what happens to the two Dadis?

Story and the movie theme are good. Screenplay is good but could be a little tight at some places. Direction by newcomer Tushar Hiranandani is promising. Movie dialogues by Jagdeep Sidhu are well-written.

Bhumi Pednekar is terrific. Tapsee Pannu is spot on. Prakash Jha as the patriarchial brother-in-law is superb. Vineet Singh is good. 

Music by Vishal Mishra has some foot tapping numbers along with a slow melody sung by Asha Bhonsle. Lyrics are well written by Raj Shekhar. 

Its an inspirational biopic on India's oldest women shooters.

***.5 stars. 

Chhichhore Movie Review

Failure in life is not the end of the world. It is a learning curve to move ahead, rise and fight. This is for the youth who need guidance and direction with increasing competition and peer pressure. 

Chhichhore unites Annirudh (Sushant Singh Rajput) and Maya (Shraddha Kapoor) with five other old time college mates. A near fatal suicidal attempt by Raghav Pathak (Annirudh and Maya's son) (Mohammad Samad), triggers this union.

Will their reunion have any significant role to play in Raghav who is fighting for life in the ICU?

Movie is relatable and nostalgic as it brings back memories of college life, friends, failures and success. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the movie soars, entertains and leaves behind an important message for the audience who remain edged. 

Great execution in storytelling and direction by Director Nitesh Tiwari and his team after Dangal. Dialogues are well written and clapworthy. Music of the movie by Pritam strikes a chord with songs like Pagle Fikar Not, Woh Din and Kal Ki Hi Baat Hai among others. 

Sushant, Shraddha, Navin, Varun, Tahir, Saharsh and Tushar compliment each other with their great performances. Apart from them Prateik Babbar is also a delight to watch.   

Movie is a life lesson for all. 

****.5 stars

Section 375 Movie Review

Movie is set against the backdrop of Section 375 in the Indian Penal Code and also the much talked about Me Too movement.

Rohan Ravi Khurana (Rahul Bhatt) a  Bollywood film director has been accused of raping his Assistant Costume Designer Anjali Damle (Meera Chopra).

Based on charges and evidence Rohan is arrested by the police and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the court. On appeal of Defence Lawyer Tarun Saluja (Akshaye Khanna) the case gets reopened in the High Court. He is confident that the case is not about rape but of love and sex. Opposite him is the  Prosecutor Hiral Gandhi (Richa Chadha) who believes that justice be given soon.

Both the lawyers battle it out in the face of public ire and media scrutiny. Back and forth between the lawyers is refreshing and thoroughly engaging.

Section 375 at a running time of 124 minutes is an engaging and thrilling courtroom drama.

The writing by Manish Gupta and direction by Ajay Behl is sharp, top notch and thought provoking.

Casting of the film is done well. Akshaye Khanna plays his role well with finesse. Richa Chadha as the cool and fiesty lawyer is compelling. Rahul Bhatt does well as an arrogant director. The other good performances are of the two judges played by Kruttika Desai and Kishore Kadam. Meera Chopra is good too.

Are courts providing justice? And are lawyers in the business of law? If "yes" is the answer for both, then check out what Section 375 has in store.   

Its a well made film that raises a burning issue. 
****

Super 30 Movie Review

Is education only limited for those who can afford it or can the Industrialists in our country go one step ahead for sponsoring and contributing towards education for those who are under privileged?

Anand Kumar (Hrithik Roshan) is the elder son of a poor and humble postman. He is brilliant in Mathematics and gets an admission letter for joining Cambridge University, after submission of a unique Mathematics Solution Paper. Is he able to avail this opportunity of studying in Cambridge? Is he able to get a sponsor or scholarship for this, once in a life time opportunity? Or does he opt to work for a very successful and Top Coaching Institute in Patna which trains students from an affluent background for IIT entrance examinations?

The story is excellent and the climax is jaw dropping.

The movie has heartfelt and inspiring moments that touch our chords. Direction by Vikas Behl is good after his much loved Queen.

Hrithik Roshan is pitch-perfect and superb as Anand Kumar. Nandish Singh does a fine job in his debut movie as his younger brother. Mrinal Thakur is good in a brief role. Pankaj Tripathi shines as an unscrupulous politician and one who also manages to tickle our funny bones. Aditya Srivastava is brilliant as the evil Lallan Singh. A special mention also for the performances of the students. The performance of all lifts the entire movie.

Music is engaging with tracks like Jugraafiya and Paisa among others.

An inspirational movie for everyone giving a message that even without access to proper education, one can rise and shine in their respective field.

****

Article 15 Movie Review

Movie is based on Article 15 of the Indian Constitution which prohibits caste discrimination. 

It is set against the backdrop of real life events including the horrific Badayun Case of 2014 in Uttar Pradesh. 

Ayan Ranjan (Aayushmann Khurrana) IPS Officer takes charge of Lalganj, a district  notorious for crime on caste discrimination. He is greeted by his fellow officers Bhramadatt Singh (Manoj Pahwa) and Jatav (Kumud Mishra). Incidents involving caste discrimination are common in the region. One incident which catches his attention is the case of 3 missing village teenage girls. 

You will have to watch the movie to know more about the case of missing girls. 

Movie is an edge of the seat gripping thriller. Direction by Anubhav Sinha is by far his best after the great Mulk. Editing is crisp. Background score is good.

Aayushmann Khurana is terrific as the feisty police officer. Kumud Mishra as the fellow officer is fantastic. Manoj Pahwa is superb as the notorious and corrupt police officer. Mohammed Zeeshan Aayuub in his brief role is fabulous. Sayani Gupta has done a great job. Other movie characters are good too. 

Don't miss it. 
****.5 stars

Avengers: End Game Review

Unlike Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and Hulk the Avengers as End Game may not be easy for fans to accept.

Tony Stark adrift in space without food and water sends a message to his wife and CEO of Stark Industries Pepper Potts, that he is running out of oxygen supply. The remaining Avengers alive from Infinity War include Thor, Black Widow, Captain America, Hulk and Antman.

In comes a new character of Captain Marvel. They must find a way to bring back their lost allies to restore the universe. For this they have to kill the evil and powerful demigod Thanaos. Will everything go according to their plan or will Avengers game end ? For all this and more watch the movie.

End Game is gripping without a single dull moment. Editing is good. There are a few funny moments which make the audience laugh. Direction by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo is spot on, after their previous outing. Visual and special effects are amazing.

We are in love with all these characters and will cherish them for a long time to come.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Films have certainly raised the bar for their upcoming movies with their successful Avengers series.

For now sit back and enjoy the great movie experience for, what looks like their very last time as we bid farewell to superheroes.

****

Badla Movie Review

Movie tagline-*Revenge*. But is seeking revenge the right solution? 

A young entrepreneur Naina (Tapsee Pannu) is involved in an ongoing court case. She has been held guilty of murdering her boyfriend Arjun (Tony Luke). To prove her innocence she hires a top class lawyer Badal (Amitabh Bachchan) to help her come out of the the situation and unravel the mystery surrounding her boyfriend's death. 

As the movie progresses more characters are introduced which makes the story intriguing and keeps viewers guessing. The climax is indeed fantastic. 

Badla is a taut, gripping and an edge of the seat thriller and thoroughly entertaining. Cinematography by Avik Mukhopadhyay is wonderful. Direction by Sujoy Ghosh is his best after Kahaani.

The two standout performers of the movie are Amitabh Bachchan and Tapsee Pannu. Tapsee is getting better with every movie. Newcomer Tony Luke is good. Amrita Singh is fantastic. Manav Kaul is also good in a brief role as the lawyer’s friend. 

Amaal Malik, Anupam Roy and Clinton Cerejo put together a rocking and soulful musical album which is pleasing to the ear. 

Badla is one of the best thrillers in many years. 

****

Uri Movie Review

Uri is based on surgical strikes carried out by the Indian army in September 2016. It is a 'Tribute to a Brave New India'.  

Movie begins with a pre-surgical strike in 2015 where an Indian army truck is attacked by terrorists. Thereafter there are a number of terrorist attacks on the Indian army including an attack on the Indo-Myanmar border. These attacks and counter attacks are successfully carried out by the army under the leadership of Major Vihaan Singh Shergill (Vicky Kaushal) with minimal casualties. 

Whilst Major Vihaan is just the right soldier for field postings, however he is forced on a posting in Delhi HQ due to his mother's sickness (Suhasini Shergill's acted by Swaroop Sampat) who is an Alzheimer's patient. Vihaan's sister is married to his Army colleague, Major Karan Kashyap (Mohit Raina of Mahadev fame).  

In September 2016 terrorists attack the Indian army camps in Uri killing 18 army soldiers including Major Karan (Vihaan's brother-in- law). Govind (Paresh Rawal) National Security Advisor in a meeting with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi (Rajit Kapur) and cabinet colleagues plan on avenging this gruesome and cowardly act of the enemy by carrying out surgical strikes on terrorists in POK camps in general as well as the specific terrorist group, known as handlers. 

Uri is gripping without a single dull moment. Sound effects and photography are very good. Aditya Dhar in his directorial debut has done a fabulous job and should be given kudos for his direction.

The movie casting is great as well. Vicky Kaushal gets into the skin of the character and gives one of his best performances till date. Mohit Raina in his short appearance makes a good debut. Paresh Rawal is wonderful and so is Rajit Kapur. All the other actors including  Shishir Sharma, Yami Gautam and Kirti Kulhari are good.

Background music and the music are good and in sync with the movie theme including the song Main Lad Jaana.  

This movie will make every Indian citizen proud of our Army's achievement as it evokes patriotism and spirit among the Indians. Best war movie in many years to come.  

 **** stars   

Mary Poppins Returns

What happens when a nanny brings happiness to a gloomy situation. 

One of the most loved movies of its times Mary Poppins (1964) returns with a sequel after 54 years. This time too,it is set in London, during the era of the Great Depression in 1930's.

Jack(Lin Manuel Miranda) a street lamplighter rides around the city on his bike and sings  songs, the former apprentice of Bert the chimney sweeper of Mary Poppins (1964).

Michael Banks(Ben Whishaw) and his sister Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer), children from the previous movie are grown up staying together. Michael has three children and Jane helps in raising them after his wife's death.

Michael a bank teller by profession is working with Fidelity Fiduciary Bank. Michael receives a bank notice asking him to repay the loan,  failing which their family home would be repossessed by the bank. His only hope of repayment is the father's share certificates.

When all seems lost for the family Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) surprises them with a pleasant return. She has come to take care of the three children. Will she be able to bring back joy and happiness to the Banks family? Will Michael eventually pay off the loan and get back the family home? 

The movie editing could have been better in some places especially the songs. Direction by Rob Marshall is good. Animation and visual effects too are good,though not extraordinary in the present era.

Emily Blunt is pitch perfect as the magical nanny in the titular role. Lin Manuel Miranda is wonderful to watch. Other actors of the movie including the children are good too. Dick Van Dyke is the only actor who was in Mary Poppins (1964) and repeats a similar role as the bank head and entertains the audience in a short appearance.
Music is good with songs like Trip A Little Light Fantastic, Can You Imagine That and Nowhere To Go But Up. The album however lacks the melody of its prequel.

Mary Poppins Returns brings in the nostalgia of its predecessor and is an enjoyable watch. Hope the Disney makers can live upto the audience expectations of carrying forward the legacy of  Mary Poppins in their upcoming sequels, a character we so much love.

***.5 stars

Kedarnath Movie Review

How divine is the love of a couple who meet at the sanctum of Kedarnath temple?

Mansoor (Sushant Singh Rajput) a tourist guide helps pilgrims in making the arduous journey to the Kedarnath temple and Mukku (Sara Ali Khan), daughter of a priest Briraaj Mishra (Nitish Bhardwaj) is a happy go lucky girl, engaged to be married to Kullu (Nishant Dahiya).

Movie is set in the backdrop of Kedarnath Temple town tragedy in 2013. 

Mukku meets Mansoor during her visit to the holy Kedarnath temple. The cupid strikes and the two fall in love. 

The relationship of Mukku and Mansoor faces the ultimate test on both social front, with families objecting this relation as well as their battle for survival during the Kedarnath deluge and natural disaster.

Movie has been surrounded with controversies due to different religious backgrounds of both the lovers. 

However, Kedarnath with its simple love story is a good watch. 

Editing is good but could have been crisp. Scenic beauty of Kedarnath Temple along the Alaknanda River is picturesque and well captured by the camera. Direction by Abhishek Kapoor is good. The cinematography of the movie is good. 

Sara Ali Khan as Mukku gives a brilliant performance in her debut movie and is a treat to watch. Sushant Singh Rajput enthralls with his performance. Other actors in the movie including Pooja Gor as Mukku's sister, Mukku's father and other characters are good and have played their part well. 

Music of the movie by Amit Trivedi captures heart of the town with melodious and soulful songs including one spiritual song number Namo Namo (dedicated to Lord Shiva) 

***.5 stars