aafreen-karim

I started the movie and loved the logo derived from the husband-wife producer duo's names in the begining where "Aafreen-kartik" turns into "free art" productions . Also was touched with thanks to everyone , tribute to Kartiks (director's) cousin who had passed away at a young age .

For the first 20 minutes the movie is sweet and funny .

In the serious scene thereafter I loved how her dad reacts shocked into silence and doesn't act all panicky which would be typical.

The lead actress shows a special awareness of her surroundings whenever she gets emotional and curbs her emotion in public and displays embarrassment with stolen glances to make sure people aren't paying attention to her just like a real person would .

The musical genius is that it feels like it was written in the screenplay and doesn't halt the story . It becomes the emotion in the scene and also takes the story forward .

The story telling ..the narrative ..is not a straight line but interwoven with past and present !!!

Where all actors some of them first timers give nuanced performance, where two perspectives get delivered in same screen time, Simply genius !!!

One character is asking the questions as himself yet it seems like audiences question to another character .

Every line is simple yet cinematic ..carries weight carries meaning ..takes the narrative forward..every action has an underlying meaning !!!

Well done!! Hope you make many more !!!!

Scenes from a marriage (hbo max)

Brutal. Wow !! The last time I thought that I saw two people being brutal to each other was Scarlett Johansson in marriage story where in a fit of rage she tell her husband ki tujhey keedey padein aur Tu mar jaye.

Now this series is different. It gets released 1 episode at a time every Sunday 9 pm. I saw the first episode and thought the wife was a bit off and the husband just pretending that "everything was fine " but they talk things out and this "throws" the audience a bit about their relationship status.

The 2nd episode hits you like a speeding truck while you are standing on a highway. When Jessica stops crying we start crying. She starts as a monster and we hate her from the gut of our being but then obviously the writers are top notch here playing with our emotions. It continues to be gut wrenching . Oh boy it's just a story of marriage !!! So powerful.

Was it a story that the writer compelled to say... Is it essential to say something new in movies

Too much money and effort goes into movies so I think this story was not sparking / stimulating our brains with néw ideas/thoughts for the audience

Leaving the serious part out, the rest was like a home makeover show

And the serious part was ordinary in thought and execution

I think anybody can upload a movie to Amazon prime nowadays and this might be one of them

In times of trouble all one needs is a support system. In this case it is a neighbor . Wish we all had such neighbors The director has always thought of "concept " based movies and a positive resolution to dark situations . I love ayesha's pitch perfect acting!!! Amit brings in the amusement to a heavy situation with his way of talking !!! All's well that ends well. Hope to see many more movies from Kartik!!

This movie shows the power of silence. You don't need to speak and use words to convey emotions. They are felt with your gaze, your smile or the lack of it ...hugs or the lack of it For a student studying films and his first movie the director was able to take a concept and turn it into a tool to convey the depths of a relationship. The scale of this movie is also big and he has managed to explore NewYork , book restaurants and cake shops . The cast is an able support conveying and executing his vision. Must watch !!!

One thing to know about Imtiaz is that he is not a fan of spelling out everything for the audience..recently he said that in an interview where the interviewer said Sadma is his favorite film. So Imtiaz is not going to give you a Taare Zameen Par..or a Sadma type of movie The movie is like a swimming pool....if a grown up person is doing chap chap in kids section you would find it funny and superficial...then you keep wading deeper and deeper and the fear of drowning / surviving kicks in....and if you survive you experience true exhilaration ... I liked the 2nd half more than first...that's where all the deep and heavy stuff lies...and the protagonist drop the pretensions and say their feelings out aloud to us and themselves ..,, In first half Anushka escapes from her overbearing fiancé at any excuse that she could probably find .. yeah even a lost ring. I feel people are having a hard time understanding how stupid /simplistic is that excuse but reflect on life and on excuses people give to "not be with you" or even " to be with you"...and you would find how super silly they always are.. one critic said how is it possible that they sleep together but never have sex. To her I would say if they did you would say love aaj kal is just about sex and if they don't then instead of appreciating the constraint shown you say how is it possible? I mean we are human beings not animals and even they I am sure cozy up. Really Anupama Chopra give a gap of few hours to let things sink in ...

There is only one thing I would have liked is SRK's background story ...probably show his mom or roads leading to his house like in the movie "Lion"...

Kinda reminded me of another movie "sideways"...And even DDLJ ...When you know that you are going to be in a cage for life and would be in a numb relationship just once you want to spread your wings and fly in the open sky and feel the kind of love and happiness and be your true self that you will never feel again Can I just say that just go for the songs .... Yaadon Mein ....Kya gaana hai... Ghar.. Safar.. hawaayein...

Do people sit back and reflect on life anymore???

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: This is an incredible movie which will take you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions almost cathartic. It will take you to the highest high of bliss and the gallows of sorrows. A kid who has the most amazing father (Tom Hanks) who challenges and encourages him in the most positive way loses him to 9/11. There's a theory if the sun exploded we would still have 8... minutes before we realize the impact because it takes that much time for sunlight to reach earth. The kid wants these 8 minutes with his dad to stretch forever.To do this he starts looking through his dad's things and finds a key in a blue vase. He then starts a quest to look for the lock that this key would fit and goes on to meet numerous people of all cast and creed who have gone through or are going through sadness just like him establishing the fact that he is not alone in his suffering and gives him strength to go on with life.The movie is so well written and enacted by the kid and its cast that you can't find a fault with it. You will be chuckling one moment and the next crying buckets/drums/tanks of tears. My all time favorite movie is "Pay it Forward" because of its concept. The 2nd in line would be EL&IC. I thought that The Descendents is the best movie i will see this year but EL&IC is probably better and truly deserved an Oscar nomination.if content was money this movie would be the first in the Forbe's list.

My Week with Marilyn: It's such a tragedy when someone so exquisitely beautiful is really so sad but has to put up appearances for the sake of fans/society. Her beauty touched all and the sadness in her personal life touched us even more. Everyone in the theater sat motionless for 5 min even when the credits started rolling , i guess we just felt so heavy and that in turn is a compliment to Michelle Williams who has portrayed her so well. I had my doubts when i went to see the movie as she looks like a very chubby faced young girl who i didn't think would do justice but i was wrong and the Oscar nomination is very well deserved.Marilyn wasn't conceited , fascinated with her beauty but a multi-layered personality with doubts about herself and her prowess as an actress even as men worshipped her and women adored her beauty.Long after she's gone people are still making movies about a week spent with her. I guess one just can't get enough of of her and then some.

The Artist: I hear of people who see Charlie Chaplin movies and Laurel Hardy movies but i don't recollect watching full movies of them , a little glimpse here and there when i was a kid. The artist is really an exemplary experiment. A charming dashing silent hero whose smile warms the cockles of ones heart is slowly rendered obsolete by the talking movies. Who knew so much can be conveyed with not ...one word being said.The charm of silent movies where a live orchestra was played while the film rolled and theaters had these charming glamorous round balconies with people dressed to the nines is brought out really well. Will the pride of the dwindling star send him to oblivion or will he reinvent himself and change with the times with the helping hand of a guardian angel Peppy Miller the new star of talking movies. Watch to find out. I thought that "The Artist" was an original thought but it seems to by super-heavily inspired from the movie "Singin' in the Rain" a 1952 musical.It has the cheerfull-ness of the 1920's in Gene Kelly's smile and easy nature and in the high pitch of the actress's voice. SITR also talks about the transformation of movies from silent to talkies but in comparison unlike Jean Dujardin in Artist which is self destructive and gloomy, the transition for the actor Gene Kelly is much at ease probably due to his constant companion Cosmos who provides comedy and support to Gene's character and the actress Kathy his love interest. In "the artist" tap dancing is shown to come to their rescue at the end of the movie. In "singin in the rain " it is a part of the narrative in the middle of the movie which helps them transition from silent to talkies.It's an enjoyable watch.

London, Paris and New York: I absolutely love the way Ali Zafar talks and is easy on the eyes too. Aditi Hydary plays the middle class girl next door to the T. The story which starts in London and concludes in New York is of a guy who wears his heart on his sleeves and is not afraid to dive into love/relationship but is constantly met with reluctances and inhibitions of a middle class girl. The f...un is in the journey that these two take while discovering each other's nature, background, interests, future plans and feelings for each other. The contemporariness of the script makes it relevant and enjoyable and the hummable sing along songs add to the fun. My fav is "Voh Dekhne Mein". Liked the movie and recommend the rom-com for an evening out.

Paan Singh Tomar: Irfan Khan is one the greatest actors that we have in India. N...o Doubt. He takes the script to superlative levels. The dialogues are amusing and situations really funny and not crass. His transformation from a national level athlete to a dacoit in the Chambal Valley makes for a rare story. How many such stories have we heard of. Having gone through what Paan goes through its really easy to understand and empathise with the character Paan especially since he picks up arms when all else fails. He approaches all the govt machinery disposable to him..the army , collector and the no good bribe taking , dishonest, lazy unscrupulous Indian police who instead of protecting the citizens instead loots and harasses them and don't we all know that. One wants to run in the opposite direction when one has to deal with police in India and that's the truth none can deny. Paan knows that the unlawful path will lead to his death but to live under such suppression was just not acceptable to him anymore. In my mind Had it been me, i would have taken that coaching job that being an Olympian offered along with cushy discounts at army canteen and a peaceful retirement life on army pension with family.But in my mind I also want to shoot these stupid police guys who tell me not to take the route to my own home at the Aarey Colony. Thank God then that i have movies to pent out my emotions through Pan Singh Tomar.

The King's Speech: I dreaded that this movie would be really serious boring and predictable. But I was surprised to find that it had its comedic moments and little surprises thrown with the beautiful background and architecture of the British Empire. Colin Firth gives an Oscar winning performance .It was good to see Helena Bonham Carter playing a normal person and not one of the weirdos for a change who cares about her husband and has a quiet self-assurance that in the end he would come out triumphs. The life of the movie is actually Geoffrey Rush who is given the tough job of a guy who confidently steers stammers/people with speech problems to confident speakers and pulls it off with dignified grace given the surprising background lurking in his past sprung suddenly on the audience. It's so nice to know that there are people who go back to history and dig out stories of strength and vulnerabilities of historical or royal figures. Watching 4-5 movies a week feels like reading 5 books of entirely different topics and is a really fulfilling experience for me.

Movie Review Rabbit Hole: It's a great film, the kinds of which keep the tears streaming unleashed, the kinds which causes physical pain to your heart. The story of a couple who have lost a child and are trying to cope in their own way with the mother making peace with the driver who caused the accident and the father tries to move on while still surrounded by the memories of the child. I damn the critics for panning this movie. There are some question raised about god too..like a couple in group therapy says that "god needed an angel so that's why their child died" and Kidman says "well he is god if he needed an angel he should have made one." our connection with GOD is a way to soothe our nerves and find answers which cannot be explained by science or religious heads etc. This movie should be watched by one and all.

The Fighter: It's a true story about the early years of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward and his brother who helped train him and Christian Bale physically transforms himself to resemble the real guy to the T.An Oscar very well deserved. Apart from the interesting boxing matches ( I don't enjoy the sport) it also talks a lot about relationships and how mothers build a world around themselves not ready to believe the truth about their children, about people on addiction not able to grasp the mess their lives are in and the gravity of the situation, A person(Mark Walberg) who is capable of achieving much more but is limited due to family obligations or what his family thinks is best for him , a family who wants to do good by one son while still living in an unreal world of hope for another and thus also unknowingly pulling down Mark. Also Amy Adams plays a Girl friend who is not miss goody two shoes and gives it back as good as she gets it, says sorry when she is wrong and accepts that she might have not achieved much in life herself but wants what is best for her BF Mark.Melissa Leo who plays the mom gives great facial expressions of disappointments and when she is happy for her sons and sorry for her behavior and scared when mark gets thrashed in the boxing ring. With 2 Oscar wins you gotta watch this one for sure.

Saat Khoon Maaf: This movie has enough chutzpah to keep you chuckling, gasping, dreading , nauseated & repelled and speculating about what will happen next. i love the edge of the seat thrill. Priyanka has risen upto the challenge of playing a character which showcases all kind of emotions good and bad. Usha Uthup is sneakily present and you realize only after a while of her presence. the able cast of Susanna's maids and aids are wonderfully wicked and loyal to her. How bad a marriage can turn out if you meet the wrong person, worse than HELL i guess.The scenes between Irfaan and priyanka are so well executed & every slap is as unexpected as the last one. John Abraham is stoned to doom. neil nitin point his leg/stump at her and scares the daylights out of us. Anu kapoor makes us puckish. one of the best scenes is where khan explains to the Russian about all the other husbands and priyanka does a Russian roulette before she kills him.Everyone playng her husband do such a wonderful job that even we are rooting for them to be killed. We want to Drink their BLOOOOOOOOOOOOD!! A good original movie don't miss it

Patiala House:A perfect dish with all ingredients in the right measure..Anushka's bubbly character, Punjabi background, our original bobby couple Rishi and Dimple, the omnipresent Indian Shaadi and cricket.The film essentially debates the eternal Indian subject whether to put our dreams/wishes on the back burner for what tradition/parents demand or go against them to find success and happiness in pursuing our dreams. This movie really surprised me because i expected a gloomy tale looking at the trailers but Akshay's glum character is suitably balanced by the rebellious streak in all other well cast members , anushka's charm, her kid brother, and the wonderful track of Hard Kaur the singer which was a surprise once again and above all with fun songs well and differently picturised with no romantic songs/dream sequences in the swizz alps.highlight of the movie is when akshay manages to get the final wicket and i had a smile and moist eyes at the same time. Well done Akshay, a first for your acting capabilities.Kudos to lyricist.."Mujhe Yunhi karke Khabon Se Juda, Jaane Kahan Chupke Baitha Hai Khuda, Janoon na main kab hua Khudse Gumshuda" ..great stuff!!!Go, watch and have FUN this weekend.

Dhobi Ghaat-Mumbai Diaries:I didn't even know that Mumbai Diaries was a part of the title but thats what the film is truly about.Mumbai is not just a city/habitat but a character which is the common thread linking the 4 human characters.It's like a person molding all of them differently.A bored wife from small town finds Mumbai - a companion,the ocean - a confidante, Mumbai rains- the romance that she could never find in her husband.A girl from New York finds Mumbai to be an exploration of the landscape and of human beings,life in its by lanes and how it changes by day and by night,discoveries and realities of life ,of the wedge still existing between the rich and the poor so simply shown in the way that tea is served to an employer and to a Dhobi.Prateik Babbar perfects the lingo and nuances of a Dhobi/life in slums to the T.Pratik's character is so well defined from how he goes by the railway tracks doing his daily morning ablutions while the sky is still dark, the place where he lives, the bed soaked by the first sign of rains and for some privacy just a curtain made of patches of cloth and no door.Aamir's character becomes intertwined with a woman who is just an accidental and disconnected find and goes on to become a muse and then to someone whose loss is nerve-wracking.There are just too many beautiful moments only to be seen to be experienced in this movie, the first time Prateik/Munna gathers enough courage just to share the armrest in the theater with Monica Dongra/Shai and how happy and blissfully he is doing that, how he finds shame in being a rat killer,how he falls in love but restrains himself even while having the opportunity, how he even tries to make her feel jealous even while realizing the futility of doing so. These characters are what every Mumbaikar is all about, going about our daily lives/chores while still aspire to find love, build a connection with another person,achieve our dreams, find a little romance by the sea, culinary bliss in the Malpua of Mohammed Ali road and Bhel-puri of Juhu. It's all there in mumbai and in this beautiful film. The background score and the Mumbai noise lifts the film, the casting is apt and such a delight and the story lucid.I loved the end.For a first time director its certainly an achievement to transform her vision so beautifully on screen. Sheer Poetry in motion. Take a bow!

The Way Back: A story about a bunch of people falsely declared traitors by Stalin's regime taken as prisoners. Some of them decide to runaway and break free. There is a dialogue by Ed Harris to Jim Sturgess(Neil Nitin Mukesh's doppelganger) that he is ready to run from the prison because he can take advantage of one of his weakness and that is kindness. And Jim asks how. and he says that if at any point he falls he knows Jim won't leave him behind and he never does throughout the movie. This group was really a bunch of really decent people ,an artiste , a forgiving husband, a heartbroken father , a comedienne by nature and finally the young toughie-vulnerable-survivor girl who comes later and wins everyone over. The Journey itself is soo sooo tough that I can't believe that someone wouldn't just give up and rather die but that is the strength of our survival instincts. These people born in Russia dealing with the snowstorms dressed in layers of clothing travel through mountains & Lakes, sun stroked- sand stormed -mirage filled deserts in those snow boots with feet swollen to elephantic proportions and skin burned to red-flesh eating anything they could lay hands on and sucking water from drenched piece of clothing staring death in the face. That kind of determination is not only tough to portray but I am sure must have been tough to shoot as well. When the girl dies it really is one of the most horrible deaths I have seen on screen. Finally only 4 of them make it through and reach India where they are welcomed with open arms and hearts..no passports no papers notwithstanding. Thank God for a positive end to this real life story. The end where finally Jim goes back to Polanf to his wife when U.S.S.R was dissolved and meets his wife was icing on top of everything. Again a great triumphant story from history so kudos to the person who went back digging to bring it out on screen. Very fulfilling experience again.