Judgemental Hai Kya- Film Review

I liked the film. That does not mean you will like it. It's that kind of film (isn't all art?). It is quirky, with an uneven pace (probably deliberate, and may be because mental imbalance is one of the subjects it deals with through its main character), and is full of switches between the present and the past- flashbacks, if you will.

Still, I give it full marks for keeping the suspense going, and for interspersing the serious plot with comedy in the form of some of the supporting characters- Kangana's boyfriend (who is not sure of his status- ha, ha), the two cops (Satish Kaushik is one), and Jimmy Shergill, who is not into comedy, but is a refreshing add-on.

The idea of using characters from the Ramayana, is great, and the sets of the rehearsals for the Modern Ramayana were brilliant pieces of art. Weaving in Duniya mein logon ko (the song) is also a nice touch, and so is the intro to the art of dubbing for films-we rarely get a look at the post-production activities that go into film-making.

It has lots of good things, if you are not too judgemental!

Manikarnika- Film Review

It's worth a watch, if only to review an important lesson in our history under British Rule. Their treatment of Indians, the servility and treachery of many Indian rulers, or their brethren, and many such eye-openers  are revisited. The end of the Peshwas and their re-location to Bithore near Kanpur was something I did not know about earlier.

Apart from this, we are made aware of many social customs that were turned on their head by Laxmibai a.k.a. Manikarnika during her stint as the Queen of Jhansi. Even if there is exaggeration that is obvious at times, cinema tends to be larger-than-life, and it's excusable..a film needs to be watchable too. Her decsription as the only Man among Indian rulers (by a Britisher) seems apt.

Kangana has poured her heart out, both as actor and director, and done a decent job of both. It's a bold attempt, and worth a watch. Danny, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Atul Kulkarni have decent supporting roles. Ankita Lokhande too.

Simran- Film Review

Simran is a name that became immortal in Hindi cinema after DDLJ. This film is Kangana's show all the way, and she does not disappoint. Though not as good as Queen in terms of viewing pleasure, it's a decent watch. It subtly makes a point. The hero is trying to be independent, while the heroine already is!

Parents don't like independent children, so the final scene of the father trying to strangle his daughter is quite apt. Most parents here think that way (unfortunately), and that leads to many unpleasant consequences for the daughters (sometimes the men in love with them too).

I think with tighter editing, the film could have been better, but I am not complaining, if we get to see more films about free-spirited women who can go to Las Vegas and gamble away their life savings, and punch a big guy and force him to call the Security- Go for it!

Tanu Weds Manu Part 2- A Review

Watched this delightful film without having seen the first. And it was a laugh riot from scene 1 where husband and wife explain what went wrong with their four years of married life. I had expected this kind of fireworks from Shadi Ke Side Effects-that wish remained unfulfilled.

The rest of the film is also in the same vein, mainly due to the character of Pappi (Deepak Dobriyal) who with his amazing takes on various things steals the show from the lead actors, in my view. The others are good, but this guy is class! If I watch the film again, it'll be to watch his antics.

Kangana is good in both roles, and appears fairly different in the second. I personally don't agree with the choice made by Mr. (Madhavan) Sharma in the end, but what the heck, that's artistic license to disagree, and should not come in the way of enjoying a thoroughly enjoyable movie- not everyday that this happens.