Posts

Failed to impress: Mahesh Babu’s ‘Guntur Kaaram’, Teja Sajja’s ‘Hanuman’ & Nagarjuna’s ‘Naa Saami Ranga’

Image
Yes yes yes, before you comment or come at me, I know I am late to write about these films, which released probably some 20 days ago. However, I thought I’d address all these festive releases together. Now, you must be wondering why ’Saindhav’ or ‘Fighter’ isn’t here - Couldn’t sum up interest to watch these two — so, writing about them may or may not happen. Anyway, as per the headline, I’d first like to establish that I am not saying that none of these films could make a mark for me but I am going to highlight that while majorly none of them impressed me, some bits and pieces were pure celebratory. Mahesh Babu’s ‘Guntur Kaaram’ was apparently the most-anticipated film that his fans were patiently waiting for. It served in several aspects but not in terms of the story. The story takes a lot of time to build. Many of the characters are underutilised. Some characters were placed only to increase head count on the screen. Sreeleela felt like a misfit until she started dancing, which by
Post a Comment
Read more

‘Ambajipeta Marriage Band’ is refreshing change in storytelling, shows supporting female character stronger than lead

Image
Supporting characters have become integral part of a film’s storytelling in the past decade. Several times, supporting characters have become saving grace of a film or have successfully made their presence felt even in a hero-centric films — ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ is one such example. ‘Ambajipeta Marriage Band’ does the same but has taken the norm a notch up.  While the film’s hero is Suhas, it is his sister Padma, played by Sharanya Pradeep, who takes away the show with her brilliant performance. She is wronged in the film but that doesn’t let the role’s spirit die. She doesn’t shed a tear for ‘why did this happen to me’ but fights back instead. She has some fantastic, whistle-worthy moments and dialogues in the film. You cannot help but celebrate her courage - even as a man. After her, there are certain scenes of actor Jagadeesh Pratap Bandar of ‘Pushpa’ fame that make you realise his talent, his worth and caliber as an actor. He just eats up those scenes.   Suhas also proves his actin
Post a Comment
Read more

Defending the climax of Nani and Mrunal-starrer ‘Hi Nanna’

Image
Ever since Nani-starrer ‘Hi Nanna’ released, a few of my friends and family members debated about how the climax is not justified. However, I think ‘Hi Nanna’ is a perfect example of how a happy ending doesn’t necessarily has to be a happy ending for the audience. The climax of the film is a happy ending for the characters of the film. If you think about it, Yashna (Mrunal Thakur’s character) had a rebirth after her accident. Her mother kept referring to her survival as the second chance at life. So, why the hell would Nani’s character Viraj ruin it for Yashna when she said ‘I wish I was the one to meet you in Connor, I wish I was the one married to you, I wish Mahi was born to me’, which was totally opposite to what she felt before the accident. She had second chance at love but she fell for Viraj only. Viraj wanted to move away but Yashna chose to draw herself closer to Mahi and him. So, the climax was all about Viraj’s true love winning.  When Yashna’s father says that Viraj likes
Post a Comment
Read more

Prashanth Neel elevates 'Ugram' as 'Salaar', gives wings to Prabhas' career - Husband's POV

Image
When I walked out of the theatre after watching 'Salaar', my husband spoke about how Prashanth Neel made a fantastic and elevated version of his successful debut film 'Ugram', something which he believes has not been attempted by directors before. He was discussing how several directors have said in the past that they could make one (or more) of their popular or bad films in a better manner in today's time and age. However, almost none of them had the courage to recreate their old hits/flops and transform it into a completely new cinematic experience, which Prashanth seemed to have done with 'Salaar'. My husband also showed me a sequence from 'Ugram', which currently is unavailable on any social media platforms to revisit, which Prashanth took to another level with Prabhas. 'Ugram' felt like a naive attempt at executing a very well-written script, while 'Salaar' felt like a film made by a person who now understands the value of cinema
Post a Comment
Read more

Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video: Teachers, I am sorry

Image
All it takes for your favourite teacher to get sacked from your school is a viral video that shows her having fun and living her life by her own rules. More often we come across news that a teacher was fired for her dancing/drinking video or belly dancing because 'what will they teach our children if this is what they do in their lives'. A) What women does after their working hours is none of anyone's business B) It isn't a sin to get drunk/party/dance/sing or post a bikini picture on social media. Both the points mentioned doesn't affect the job or role she plays at an organisation or even at home. Both of them do not give any one of us the right to defame the person. But unfortunately, women, especially teachers, go on facing one of the other kind of discrimination their whole life. Sometimes, things go out of hand - just what 'Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video' talks about.  The film, as the title suggests, is about a teacher who is seen dancing at a club on t
Post a Comment
Read more

'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' is our mirror & Ananya plays many of us

Image
I started 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' with no expectations at all. However, it turned out pretty good. And to my surprise, Ananya Panday (who plays Ahana) is the one I am rooting for in this film, which also stars amazing talents like  Siddhant Chaturvedi (who plays Imaad) and Adarsh Gourav (who plays Neil).  Why Ananya isn't cast for these kind of roles? Unlike many of her contemporaries, Ananya has proven to be good with complex characters and emotions. I remember rooting for her even in Deepika Padukone-starrer 'Gehraiyaan'. Among all the kind of roles she has done so far, Ahana was perhaps Ananya's age and relatable (for her and even for the audience). You don't  have to be only showing your thumkas on screen to get appreciations, and Ananya just proved that.  Also, digressing a little but I have to mention that I truly think that 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' is way too better and a well thought film in comparison to 'Gehraiyaan', which was sold as some
Post a Comment
Read more

40 minutes into 'The Archies', I gave up

Image
I was very excited about 'The Archies' because I was looking forward to see if Suhana Khan has even one percent of aura that her father and superstar Shah Rukh Khan has. I wanted to see if Khushi Kapoor will have a better debut than Janhvi Kapoor, and if Agastya Nanda, nephew of Abhishek Bachchan and grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, has it in him to live up to the reputation his family has in the film industry.  However, I could only watch the film for 40 minutes. Why? I felt it was extremely boring, all over the place and not the kind of musical I am a fan of.  Suhana Khan doesn't have a screen presence. Apologies if it may sound hurtful but she is totally missable. If she's a part of a dancing sequence, you'd notice background dancers more than her. Khushi, I felt, was much better. She sounds A LOT like Janhvi Kapoor. So much so that you feel that Janhvi might have dubbed for her little sister. She has screen presence but lacks expression (case with many newbies).  S
Post a Comment
Read more