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