Himmatwala - Exclusive Movie Review

Himmatwala - Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair

Directed by	Sajid Khan
Produced by	Vashu Bhagnani Siddharth Roy Kapur
Music by	Sajid-Wajid
Distributed by	UTV Motion Pictures
Release date(s)	29 March 2013
Country	India
Language	Hindi

Cast

• Ajay Devgan as Ravi
• Tamannaah as Rekha
• Paresh Rawal as Narayandas
• Mahesh Manjrekar as Sher Singh (Rekha's Father)
• Adhyayan Suman
• Zarina Wahab as Ravi's Mother
• Leena Jumani Ravi's Sister
• Surveen Chawla in a Special Appearance
• Amruta Khanvilkar in a Special Appearance
• Sayantani Ghosh in a Special Appearance (Dhoka Dhoka Song)
• Rinku Ghosh in a Special Appearance
• Mona Thiba in a Special Appearance
• Sonakshi Sinha in Thank God It's Friday song
• Dheer Charan Srivastav

The Film is a remake of the 1983 blockbuster 'Himmatwala' *ing Jeetendra & Sreedevi, which itself was a remake of a Telugu flick Ooriki Monagadu of 1981.

Its a good old revenge story, also told in '80's style'. Last year we had Agneepath and this year its Himmatwala. The new Agneepath was a better and updated product in all terms, but sadly Himmatwala chose to go the same old fashion way which may not suit to everyone.

Ajay Devgan as Ravi did a great job, except in dance sequences. The punch lines, fights, ferocity in the eyes etc hit the bulls eye. Tamanna was OK in terms of acting and good in terms of glamour (which is what she has been doing down South for years). Tamanna Bhatia gonna make it big in Bollywood ! Got all the ingredients - Superb dance, Expressions, Cuteness but less scenes.

Paresh Rawal, Mahesh Manjreker were irritating. Paresh Rawal-Devgn combo rocked in 'Athidi kab Jaoge' but here it was epic fail.

Zarina Wahab was good, so is Leena Jumani, Ajay's sister! Junior Suman as usual wasted, so is Ritiesh Deshmukh's cameo!

The action sequences were cool, even-though over the top, except the 'Tiger' fight, which was the Biggest Comedy Scene Of The Decade.

Himmatwala first half was kinda lame, but second half was much better.

Songs were Okay, even-though the Dhokha song featuring 5 item dancers was just horrible.



Himmatwala is a Low Level Masala All The Way! Weird Tribute To Original Himmatwala! Still expect a Great business at Single Screens! Multiplex audience will hate it! Mass People will adore it! But film s nowhere near to Dabangg or RowdyRathore or Singham! One of the worst remake ever made n Bollywood! STILL Sajid Khan & UTV gonna have the last laugh! Leave your brains safe and sound at home and get yourself prepared for an 80's kinda film if you wanna enjoy this 'Himmatwala'

Rating -2/5

BoxOffice- Super Hit [Expected]

PS: Lets see if Sajid Khan's claim of the film crossing 150 crores will come true or not.

Himmatwala - Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair

https://twitter.com/i_spn

Race 2 - Exclusive Movie Review

Race 2 - Exclusive Movie Review

 

Directed by Abbas Mustan

                                  Produced by UTV / Tips Films

                                  Story by Shiraz Ahmed

                                 Starring Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone & Jacqueline

                                          Race 2 - Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair

                                              Theater – Grand Al Mariah, UAE

                                                        24/12/2013 – 11.45 am

                                                            Occupancy - 40%

Director Duo Abbas and Mustan are well known for directing films in the thriller - suspense genres in Bollywood. Be it Khiladi, Baazigar or Aitraaz & Naqaab, Suspense is the main usp of director duo’s films. However their last film (also the first biggie of 2012) Players sank without a trace. It was an epic disaster. So the question is what will be the verdict of director-duo’s new film and the first biggie of 2013 Race 2? Will it work? Or follow the same Players way???

Race 2 stars Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez & Ameesha Patel. Race 2 is the sequel to the 2008 musical-super hit film, Race! It’s a combined production of UTV Films & Tips Films.

Story

Race 2 is the story of Ranvir played by Saif Ali Khan who treads through the world of the Indian mafia in Turkey as he looks to avenge the death of his lover-partner in crime. Will he find his lover’s murderer? If yes who is the killer and for what reason she was murdered?

Let’s go straight to the Positives!

The first half of the Race 2 is truly entertaining with great twists & turns. Entry scene of every lead stars filmed brilliantly. It’s a Sailf Ali Khan show all the way. Saif Ali Khan is in terrific form and essayed the role of revenge chasing lover superbly. His dialogues followed by his entry scene, his sword-fighting scenes, and his acting especially in the first half is really good.  John Abraham acting is another plus point. His fighting sequences will be a treat to watch (good but long) STRICTLY for all his fans. Deepika Padukone looks drop-dead-gorgeous. Infact her sexy avatar can be easily considered as one of the sexiest avatar in recent years. Stylish & Sexy , yet Not Vulgar! Also she is really convincing as John Abraham’s sister role. Jacqueline Fernandez is strictly OK! Not good not bad either. Rajesh Khattar is good in a limited role. Another positive of the film is Ravi Yadav’s beautiful choreography (Turkey & Cyprus) Music is a mixed bag with couple of good songs by Atif Aslam. Choreography is good. Script by Shiraz Ahmed is good with some twists and turns. And of course director duo Abbas-Mustan’s direction is first-rate.       

Now to the negatives :

Film’s second half is boring, infact a complete let down. And for that a big thanks should be given to Anil Kapoor and Ameesha Patel ‘s irritating acting and poor jokes & vulgar dialogues by of course the writer Shiraz Ahmed himself. UNWANTED Anil Kapoor & Ameesha Patel 's Desperate Sex Joke-Scene SPOILED Race2 momentum! "You are solid, You are salad, come let's make Liquid Salaad?!?!?! Men are many… but Money is money! Are we watching an Abbas Mustaan film or Indra Kumar film? Poor Ameesha patel intentionally showined her assets for no reason! Sorry Ameesha not looking sexy!!! And John Abraham’s wrestling in the ring (treat for his fans) was good but bored with a long 6-7 minute time! Bipasha Basu was hardly there in the film for 20-30secs! Was it needed? If yes, then why the makers didn’t filmed her old story ? Because of her personal problems??? Climax is a total letdown with some horrible blunder stunts. Saif Ali Khan tried to do 1 Salman Khan Ek Tha Tiger style stunt… But Dear Saif, Salman Khan is Salman Khan! Final 10 mins is a copy-paste of Race 1! The lesser I say, the better it would be! Another negative of the film is , the film’s music is not yet launched officially, don’t forget it’s a TIPS Film!

Overall Race 2 is just about an average film. The film is sure to meet with mixed reactions. At the box office, film is all set to open big (thanks to the tag of Race sequal) Another good news for the makers is that 26^th January Saturday is a national holiday followed by Sunday. Huge weekend is on the cards for the film! Don’t think film will cross 100cr club, if it does, then makers are lucky!

Overall Race will be Safe!  

VERDICT – Race2 failed to win the race

Rating – 2.5/5

This Reviewer can be contacted on Twitter : @i_spn : https://twitter.com/i_spn

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My Top 10 Favourite Bollywood (Hindi) Movies of 2012

These are my favorite Hindi films of 2012 out of all that I have seen

1. Kahaani

2. English Vinglish

3. Vicky Donor

4. Paan Singh Tomar

5. Gangs of Wasseypur 1 & 2

6. Barfi & Ishaqzaade

7. Oh My God (OMG)

 

8. Shanghai & Chittagong

9.  Talaash

10. Agneepath & Cocktail (Seriously, I really loved the movie)

Top 10 Bollywood hits of 2012

Top 10 Bollywood hits of 2012

1. Ek Tha Tiger (All Time Blockbuster) / Dabangg 2 (still running)

Ek tha tiger has netted 199 crores [according to Yashraj films] and is presently the biggest hit of the year and 2nd biggest hit of All time. Dabangg 2 has just released and is having a rocking time at the Box office, whether it will beat ETT will be clear in coming weeks. Based on that one film will slide to 2nd place

3. Rowdy Rathore - Blockbuster

Akshay Kumar's biggest hit ever

4. Agneepath - Blockbuster

5. Barfi - Blockbuster

the film started slowly and caught up like wild fire with tremendous WOM

6. Jab Tak Hai Jaan - Super Hit

7. Housefull 2 - Super hit

8. Son of Sardaar - Hit

9. Bol Bachchan - Hit 

10. Talaash - Hit

Besides these there are many notable hits like Oh My God (OMG), Kahaani, Vicky Donor, English Vinglish, Ishaqzaade, Student of the Year etc

Khiladi 786 - Exclusive Movie Review

KHILADI 786 : Exclusive Movie Review 

Story & Music by Himesh Reshamiyya

Directed by Ashish R Mohan

Produced by Twinkle Khanna / Himesh Reshamiyya / Sunil Lulla

Creative Producer Rakesh Upadhyay

Starring Akshay Kumar , Asin , Mithun Chakraborthy, Himesh Reshamiyya 

Khiladi 786 - Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair

Theater - Abu Dhabi National Cinemas, UAE

06/12/2012 - 10.30 pm

Occupancy - 100% (Sold out) 

2012 is an eventful-emotional year for Superstar Akshay Kumar personally and professionally. The actor had 3 BlockBusters in the form of Housefull2 (117cr), Rowdy Rathore (136cr) & OhMyGod (85cr) & became a proud father to a baby girl. But produced an epic disaster with his 100th movie Joker & lost his father-in-law Superstar Rajesh Khanna. 

Khiladi786 is the fifth Akshay Kumar movie in 2012. Khiladi 786 is touted as the biggest franchise of Indian Cinema & the return of Akshay Kumar in a KHILADI title film after 12years. Its been 23years of Akshay Kumar in Indian Film Industry, all thanks to his first hit film on 1992, KHILADI! And Khiladi786 is the 8th Khiladi film of the famous series. Khiladi films are always famous for actions.

Khiladi786 stars Akshay Kumar, Asin, Himesh Reshamiyya, Raj Babbar, Mukesh Rishi & Johny Lever. Director is debutant Ashish R Mohan, earlier worked as the assistant director of Rohit Shetty. Khiladi786

is a joint production of Akshay Kumar & HimeshReshamiyya and the creative producer of the movie is Rakesh Upadhyay. 

Story

Mithun Chakraborthy is a Mumbai don who is in search for a decent groom for his one and only sister Asin. Himesh Reshamiyya is a struggling wedding planner and unable to organize a single wedding. Akshay Kumar is from a Punjab family & desperate to get married, but not getting any bride due to his multicolour (multi-national) family background. And how Himesh manages to get Akshay and Asin married despite Asin being in love with In&Out-Prisoner Rahul Singh is the story of Khiladi786.

Positives Of The Film 

Akshay Kumar does a fantastic job. The actor continued his terrific form from Rowdy Rathore in Khiladi786 too. His comic timings and expressions are unmatchable and fit in the Bahattar Singh character very well. His dhamakedar entry with ‘Khiladi Is Back’ one-liner is a visual treat. Climax is a treat for Akshay Kumar fans with a BIG SURPRISE!!! Asin is looking gorgeous and acted well, in a limited role. Himesh Reshamiyya is SURPRISINGLY good in the film and got a meaty role. Not surprised since he is the story writer/producer/musicdirector of the film. Mithun Chakraborthy got a good role but had the shades of his own role in Housefull2. Raj Babbar, Sanjai Mishra & Mukesh Rishi are good in their roles. Manoj Joshi & Johny Lever are strictly ok in their small roles ditto are Akshay Kumar’s multi-national family. 

Another plus point of the film is the superhit music from Himesh Reshamiyya. Every single track is a chartbuster and picturized well in every 15/20mins of the movie. Be it Lonely, Long Drive, Saari Saari Raat, Balma & Hookah Bar at the end credits. Action scenes are well executed, even though some are over the top. Witty one-liners, punching Punjabi dialogues are sure to be appreciated by the audience. Director Ashish R Mohan made a good debut with Khiladi786. 

Let’s talk about the negatives of the film first :

Though Khiladi786 delivers as expected, the story of Himesh is meatless. Khiladi 786 is a total mash-up of Welcome, Namastey London & Singh Is Kinng. Some forced scenes are lacking fun & bit louds at times. Heart-broken Innocent Punjabi Groom Akshay Kumar, we have seen him in Namastey London, Welcome & in Singh Is Kinng too. And few over the top action scenes are bit hard to digest, yet passable considering masala as its genre. And Asin’s wedding followed by a stunt are getting repetitive in each of her film’s climax, be it Ready, Housefull2 & in Khiladi786. Mushtaq Khan and Bharti Singh suddenly becoming news reporters at the wedding stage is questionable ? 

Besides these flaws, Khiladi786 works big time for what it is targeted for, to entertain audience. On the whole Khiladi786 is a paisa vasool Akshay Kumar starrer which is surely turning out to be his 3rd 100cr/ 4th blockbuster (if not Superhit) for Akshay Kumar and fifth for Asin.

At the B.O the film is sure to have an extra ordinary opening especially in single screens & will be good in multiplexes. Since the budget of movie is 45cr, expecting the same for the weekend with an opening numbers between 12-15cr! A two open weeks till Dabangg2 (on Dec21st) is bountiful for the makers.

VERDICT – Fourth Akshay Kumar BlockBuster of 2012 ! 

Rating – 3.5/5 (3 for the film and .5 for Himesh’s Surprise Acting)

A definite blockbuster among the masses, and is sure to enter the popular 100cr Club!!! 

This Reviewer can be contacted on Twitter : @i_spn : https://twitter.com/i_spn

Movie Review – TALAASH : The Answer Lies Within

Directed by Reema Kagti

Story/Screenplay by Reema Kagti / Zoya Akhtar

Produced by Aamir Khan / Ritesh Sidhwani / Farhan Akhtar

Starring : Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor & Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Review by Sree Prasad Nair

Theater - Abu Dhabi National Cinemas, UAE

29/11/2012 – 8.00 pm

Occupancy - 100% (EXPECTED) 

An Aamir Khan film comes once in 2-3 years. And when it comes, it will be a special treat for all the movie lovers. His last few movies released, even though long back are great examples. Be it Lagaan / Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Rang De Basanti (2006), Taare Zameen Par (2007) & Unbreakable trendsetting blockbuster 3Idiots (2009) Aamir Khan films are exceptional. And his new film Talaash is coming after a long time.

Talaash is directed by Reema Kagti, who debuted as a director with Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd in 2007. And the story-screenplay of Talaash is a combined work from Reema Kagti & Zoya Akthar. Talaash also stars Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Raj Kumar Yadav & Shernaz Patel.

Talaash is the story of Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat played by Aamir Khan and his search for the murderer of a film star in the movie. And this search turns into a life altering chase for him when he is forced to reel under the repercussions of a unsatisfying marriage with his wife played by Rani Mukerji and come face to face with his suppressed grief. Being on his investigational quest and fighting it out with personal struggle, he meets a prostitute played Kareena Kapoor who further adds shades of mystery to the puzzle.

Positives of the film 

Aamir Khan’s acting is top class. His screen presence as a honest cop is phenomenal ditto as the grief-struck father. Rani Mukerji is brilliant in a small role and really convincing as a no-makeup simple unsatisfied wife. Kareena Kapoor does not have much scenes in the first half, but her character is the turning point of the film, especially in the climax. She is charming and very convincing as a prostitute. But the real surprise and the standout performance of the film for me is Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Personally 2012 has been a sensational year for him. PaanSinghTomar,Kahaani, GangsofWasseypur 1&2, Chittagong & now Talaash. A great actor to watch our for!!! RaginiMMs fame Raj Kumar Yadav as AamirKhan’s assistant is confident too.

Another plus point of the film is its music. Ram Sampath’s music is impressive. Jee Le Zaraa is already a chartbuster and the scenes picturised in the same is really soulful and emotional. Cinematography by Mohanan is also good. 

Now Negatives of the film

For me, Talaash is not an ideal film for Aamir Khan after 3Idiots. Many people are going to disappoint with this new Aamir Khan movie. The script is strictly ok but many flaws with a slow pace. Also few scenes in the film are hard to digest and especially the suspense at the climax. Can’t Digest!!!

On The Whole Talaash is a Strictly Average movie(rarely happens with Aamir Khan movies) after a long time. And its targeted for limited audience. Film’s business at Multiplex will be phenomenal especially the weekend. Since its advance booking is great, may cross Rowdy Rathore’s non-holiday record of 15-16crs. But real test will be from Monday onwards as the reports are surely going to be mixed! Don’t think much takers in Single Screens for Talaash & also the chance of a long run (mostly Aamir Movies) is ruled out as two Giant movies are coming in the form of Khiladi786 next week & most anticipated of the year Dabangg2 on Dec21st. 

Verdict : Strictly Average 

P.S : If you are a diehard fan of thriller-suspense, Go and enjoy the movie till climax! If you are looking for entertainment, Talaash is not your cup of Tea! 

Rating – 3/5 (2 for the film & extra 1 for Aamir & Siddiqui’s acting) 

Review by Sree Prasad Nair (http://www.twitter.com/i_spn)

Student of the Year - Exclusive Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair

 

Student of the Year - Exclusive Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair

Directed by     Karan Johar
Produced by     Hiroo Yash Johar
Gauri Khan
Starring     Siddharth Malhotra
Alia Bhatt
Varun Dhawan
Music by     Vishal-Shekhar
Cinematography     Ayananka Bose
Studio     Dharma Productions
Red Chillies Entertainment
Distributed by     Dharma Productions
Release date(s)    

    19 October 2012

Running time     146 minutes [1]
Country     India
Language     Hindi

Theater - Abu Dhabi National Cinemas, UAE

18/10/2012 - 11.30 pm

Occupancy - 100% (All the evening shows were housefull) 

Karan Johar is famous for directing Bollywood's highest grossing films especially in overseas. Be it his smashing debut National Award Winning Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, (for wholesome entertainment in 1998) Kabhi Khushi Khabhie Gham, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna or My Name Is Khan, his films always leaves a message. All the above films he worked with his good friend Shahrukh Khan and both share 100% track record(though KANK & MNIK struggle to get the HIT status in India) All of their films worked wonders at the overseas box office. Student Of The Year is Karan Johar’s 5th film as a director and first film without Shahrukh Khan in the lead. This time for a change Shahrukh Khan is co-producing SOTY instead of playing the lead. Will this change really works ? Can Karan Johar make his film a success without Shahrukh Khan’s presence on it? Will his daring attempt to make a movie with newcomers in the lead roles a successful one?

Student Of The Year is about three friends : Rohan played by Varun Dhawan , Abhimanyu played by Siddharth Malhotra and Shanaya played by Alia Bhatt. Rohan is from a rich family but had a bad relationship with his own father. Shanaya is Rohan’s girlfriend since childhood and always worried about

their future just because of his flirting with other girls. Abhimanyu is from a middle class family and super confident about his positive future. He always gives tips to Shanaya to get Rohan back from other girls and somehow finally he develops a hidden crush for her. But one incident made significant changes in their life and destroy their friendship. There onwards their main aim is to get the prestigious Student Of The Year Trophy!

Positives : Director Karan Johan proved that he don’t need Shahrukh Khan’s presence on his film to make it a good watch. 

Without a doubt SOTY is one of the best film released this year. Be it direction, story, performance or music, SOTY is a brilliant film from Mr.Johar. He knows exactly what he gets with his films. Also running time of SOTY is perfect. A good ‘2hr 25min’ Karan Johar movie you rarely see. All his previous films were targeted mainly for families, this time he changed his style and made it an absolute festival film for the youth with a fast paced entertainmentplus good story. Ofcourse you can see bikini scenes and kissing scene in this Karan Johar film. But still you can see SOTY with your family.

Another plus point of the SOTY is it’s brilliant music & choreography of songs. Music by Vishal-Shekhar is brilliant and all the songs are foot tapping numbers. Radha and Ishq Wala Love are already chartbusters. Choreography by Farah Khan & Vaibhavi Merchant are just brilliant. Infact after Munni & Sheila, this will be Farah’s best work! Cinematography by Ayananka Bose is top class. I’m sure many of the one-liners and gay jokes are going to popular. 

It will be very difficult to point out the most brilliant performance from SOTY. Every single actor should be appreciated for their respective roles. David Dhawan’s son Varun Dhawan was an assistant director to his father & also the assistant director of My Name Is Khan. But SOTY proved that he don’t need to assist direction anymore. Varun is charming & confident, got good screen presence and above all an excellent dancer. He made a brilliant entry as an actor. He already won many female fans just with the films trailer and going to win many more hearts with this film. Siddharth Malhotra is not behind either. I would like to repeat the same mentions about Varun for Siddharth too. A real scene stealer and a confident debut. 

Watch out his fantastic entry scene in the film. Alia Bhatt (Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter) surprises everybody. When the first trailer comes out most of the people ‘including this writer’ feels that Alia – A big miscast in SOTY! She may be 19yrs, but her screen presence, dare to bare show & excellent acting made me to reverse my opinion about her. Cute, Bubbly, Sweet & Stunning in bikinis too. A smashing performance. I doubt many of you know that Alia Bhatt is the same cute baby girl acted as baby Preity Zinta in Akshay Kumar’s Sangharsh. 

Sana Saeed, child artist in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Salman Khan’s Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega is making an entry as an actress with SOTY and she did her jealous role very well. Rest of the new comers did their part well. I would like to add a special mention to Kayoze Irani (son of Boman Irani) His acting is just amazing. I bet you that last 10min dialogues of him to Rishi Kapoor, well U Guys Miss Those Standout Performance At Your Own Risk !!!. Good to see that Bollywood is offering many young talents this year. Arjun Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Yami Gautam, Huma Qureshi, Esha Gupta, Ileana, Diana Penty & stars of the SOTY are only strengthening the DEBUT’S Presence in 2012! Tough Year For Jury To Select the New Comers!!! 

Rishi Kapoor as gay principal is very funny yet brilliant especially in the climax. Ronit Roy as College Coach is good. Ditto for Ram Kapoor as Varun’s Dad. It was such a pleasure to see one of my personal

favorite actress Farida Jalal after a long time in a small role with witty one liners. Manjot Singh of Oye Luck Lucky Oye was funny too. Rest of the cast played their roles well. 

I can’t find out any negatives about the film. Two back to back songs are there but good at the situations. Climax may turned out be a bit dragging for few, that’s about it… No harm done.

Overall, Student Of The Year is a well made film coming from Dharma Productions. Among Karan Johar’s best works and better than his previous two films. The film has all going for its favor = love, romance, songs, jealousy, good story and excellent performance plus great direction. It should do well at the box office and I’m sure it will. A 8-10 cr is on the cards with a weekend of 33crs. A Deserving Super Hit, Strongly Recommended !!! 

Verdict : A Brilliant Film For The Youth & Their Beautiful Family 

Rating – 4.5/5 

This Reviewer can be contacted on Twitter : @i_spn : https://twitter.com/i_spn

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