sbmvv_2000
Lifetime Total
5+
IMDb Member
15 years
Reviews
Bãhubali: The Beginning (2015)
It has its flaws but I absolutely loved this movie !
At the outset, leave comparisons with Hollywood behind. Treat this movie on its merits and it is great !
A mythical tale with good, evil and a lot of middle ground, this movie does not try to tell a historical tale nor is it an interpretation of a book but is a wonderful amalgamation of fantasy tropes wound up into an interesting, decently acted and above all, fun story.
The visual effects are very good by Indian standard but about average for the massive budgets of Hollywood.
The battle scenes are well done, if a little over-the-top (but no more so that Sauron demolishing whole armies with his mace or Legolas swinging up onto an elephant by its trunk).
Treat this movie for what it is - fantasy - and you will enjoy it.
There is one thing though - this is India's first foray into big- budget fantasy cinema and it is a revelation. With any luck the momentum will not be lost and more films of this genre, each improving on the next will emerge.
A mythical tale with good, evil and a lot of middle ground, this movie does not try to tell a historical tale nor is it an interpretation of a book but is a wonderful amalgamation of fantasy tropes wound up into an interesting, decently acted and above all, fun story.
The visual effects are very good by Indian standard but about average for the massive budgets of Hollywood.
The battle scenes are well done, if a little over-the-top (but no more so that Sauron demolishing whole armies with his mace or Legolas swinging up onto an elephant by its trunk).
Treat this movie for what it is - fantasy - and you will enjoy it.
There is one thing though - this is India's first foray into big- budget fantasy cinema and it is a revelation. With any luck the momentum will not be lost and more films of this genre, each improving on the next will emerge.
24 (2013)
A revolutionary step in Indian television
The Indian version of 24 did the right thing by cloning much of the original series and transferring it to India.
This series, its production values and its intensity is a trailblazer for Indian television and much credit must go to Anil Kapoor for bringing it to life.
It is not without flaws - some dialogue is a little melodramatic and some weapons obviously phony (due to Indian laws on weapons allowed to be used on film).
However, these should not detract from a gripping plot, excellent acting and a storyline that tugs at the heart of every Indian who wants the country to prevent another terrorist attack.
In all, a superb effort that captures the best of 24 and brings it to India.
This series, its production values and its intensity is a trailblazer for Indian television and much credit must go to Anil Kapoor for bringing it to life.
It is not without flaws - some dialogue is a little melodramatic and some weapons obviously phony (due to Indian laws on weapons allowed to be used on film).
However, these should not detract from a gripping plot, excellent acting and a storyline that tugs at the heart of every Indian who wants the country to prevent another terrorist attack.
In all, a superb effort that captures the best of 24 and brings it to India.
iZombie (2015)
I just love this show - and have no idea why !
This show is not what I expected.
A Doctor Zombie who solves crimes ?
Yet it just works so incredibly well thanks to a plot that does not take itself seriously, a format that fits the situation well and a cast that is just phenomenally good.
The on-screen chemistry between the cast members is augmented by the sense of humour that pervades their interactions and some genuinely good acting.
Rahul Kohli and Rose McIver steal every scene with their banter and their friendship is so refreshingly good-natured that it draws you in to their characters.
I also give a lot of credit to CW for the way Kohli's character is portrayed - he's of Indian ancestry with an Indian name but that is absolutely irrelevant to the character or the plot.
He's a guy who happens to be Indian, not a weirdo or stereotyped joke magnet. It is an example of how Indian men should be portrayed - as guys doing their jobs and much like any other guy.
Rose McIver however, endeared herself to me and I felt like she was a kid sister going through all this. Her portrayal of Liv is exceptionally good.
In all, this show is a pleasure to watch. Good characters, a plot that doesn't take itself too seriously and good camaraderie between the cast members.
A Doctor Zombie who solves crimes ?
Yet it just works so incredibly well thanks to a plot that does not take itself seriously, a format that fits the situation well and a cast that is just phenomenally good.
The on-screen chemistry between the cast members is augmented by the sense of humour that pervades their interactions and some genuinely good acting.
Rahul Kohli and Rose McIver steal every scene with their banter and their friendship is so refreshingly good-natured that it draws you in to their characters.
I also give a lot of credit to CW for the way Kohli's character is portrayed - he's of Indian ancestry with an Indian name but that is absolutely irrelevant to the character or the plot.
He's a guy who happens to be Indian, not a weirdo or stereotyped joke magnet. It is an example of how Indian men should be portrayed - as guys doing their jobs and much like any other guy.
Rose McIver however, endeared herself to me and I felt like she was a kid sister going through all this. Her portrayal of Liv is exceptionally good.
In all, this show is a pleasure to watch. Good characters, a plot that doesn't take itself too seriously and good camaraderie between the cast members.
Param Veer Chakra (1988)
A noble, though flawed, effort
Param Veer Chakra is one of those series that is difficult to dislike because of its subject matter.
It tells the stories of the winners of India's highest gallantry award, many of whom received it posthumously.
In trying to humanize the heroes in question it delves into their personal lives and does so with varying degrees of success. In some instances the acting is overly dramatic and the dialogue 1980s Bollywood.
The battle scenes vary in quality. The plus is that you get to see vintage equipment but Ajeets played Gnats and Vijayanta's played Centurions.
Gunfire is very badly simulated and the background music is genuinely appalling.
The acting is a little melodramatic - typical 1980s Indian TV.
However, what lifts this show out of the ordinary (even if you can't understand a word of Hindi) is its attempt to portray how these heroes of the Indian Republic fought and in many instances died.
In its attempt to do so, it succeeds in large part and for that it is a must watch.
Unfortunately, neither a DVD release nor English subtitles are available.
It tells the stories of the winners of India's highest gallantry award, many of whom received it posthumously.
In trying to humanize the heroes in question it delves into their personal lives and does so with varying degrees of success. In some instances the acting is overly dramatic and the dialogue 1980s Bollywood.
The battle scenes vary in quality. The plus is that you get to see vintage equipment but Ajeets played Gnats and Vijayanta's played Centurions.
Gunfire is very badly simulated and the background music is genuinely appalling.
The acting is a little melodramatic - typical 1980s Indian TV.
However, what lifts this show out of the ordinary (even if you can't understand a word of Hindi) is its attempt to portray how these heroes of the Indian Republic fought and in many instances died.
In its attempt to do so, it succeeds in large part and for that it is a must watch.
Unfortunately, neither a DVD release nor English subtitles are available.
Satya (1998)
A thought provoking movie
Satya is one of those movies that left me thinking long after it ended.
The story of a young man who is willing embrace of the gangster lifestyle is extremely well told.
The character of Satya is both ruthless and sympathetic and eventual attempt at redemption is touching.
However, to me, the story of the clash between the police and the gangsters is particularly instructive. The Commissioner thinks in terms of poverty alleviation and literacy while Inspector Khandikar believes in a bullet-for-bullet approach.
The tragedy that follows reflects the reality of the times as the Mumbai police took the fight to the gangsters. Satya's death at the hands of Khandikar mirrors the fate of many gangsters
It is one of the finest films of its genre and represents Ram Gopal Verma at his best.
The story of a young man who is willing embrace of the gangster lifestyle is extremely well told.
The character of Satya is both ruthless and sympathetic and eventual attempt at redemption is touching.
However, to me, the story of the clash between the police and the gangsters is particularly instructive. The Commissioner thinks in terms of poverty alleviation and literacy while Inspector Khandikar believes in a bullet-for-bullet approach.
The tragedy that follows reflects the reality of the times as the Mumbai police took the fight to the gangsters. Satya's death at the hands of Khandikar mirrors the fate of many gangsters
It is one of the finest films of its genre and represents Ram Gopal Verma at his best.
Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973)
Not without flaws but a great movie
This is one of those movies that deserves to be properly subtitled in English.
In some ways the acting and delivery of dialogue is 1970s Bollywood but that should not take your attention away from a very good movie.
A lot of action, a very intriguing espionage angle and above all, vintage aircraft!
Even if you do not understand a word of Hindi, watch this movie for the vintage combat aircraft alone.
From Canberras and MiG-21s to Su-7s and Hunters, this movie has them all. The old Folland Gnats are featured and in an interesting twist, the IAF's Mysteres were repainted with PAF insignia to play F-86 Sabres.
The flying sequences are pretty dated but surprisingly good and the espionage subplot is handled very well indeed.
It is a feast for aviation aficionados for this alone.
The acting and dialogue is a little melodramatic and the dialogue delivery is "filmi" but this is still, even with those flaws an excellent movie and one worth watching.
It is a shame that an English subtitled DVD release has not been done for this classic war movie.
In some ways the acting and delivery of dialogue is 1970s Bollywood but that should not take your attention away from a very good movie.
A lot of action, a very intriguing espionage angle and above all, vintage aircraft!
Even if you do not understand a word of Hindi, watch this movie for the vintage combat aircraft alone.
From Canberras and MiG-21s to Su-7s and Hunters, this movie has them all. The old Folland Gnats are featured and in an interesting twist, the IAF's Mysteres were repainted with PAF insignia to play F-86 Sabres.
The flying sequences are pretty dated but surprisingly good and the espionage subplot is handled very well indeed.
It is a feast for aviation aficionados for this alone.
The acting and dialogue is a little melodramatic and the dialogue delivery is "filmi" but this is still, even with those flaws an excellent movie and one worth watching.
It is a shame that an English subtitled DVD release has not been done for this classic war movie.
Murdoch Mysteries (2008)
A superb series.
It is very rare that one can say that a television series is very nearly perfect.
The Murdoch Mysteries is one such example. With excellent acting, interesting story lines, strong but not overly preachy social commentary and just enough nonsense and humour to make you laugh, the cast, crew and team that put this together have exceeded all my expectations.
Running into its ninth season, I cannot think of an episode I did not like. Some I thought defied belief and sense but the humour, acting and general good nature of this series gets you through those spots.
It's Steampunk combined with Sherlock Holmes and the Closer which means it is a lot of fun.
The Murdoch Mysteries is one such example. With excellent acting, interesting story lines, strong but not overly preachy social commentary and just enough nonsense and humour to make you laugh, the cast, crew and team that put this together have exceeded all my expectations.
Running into its ninth season, I cannot think of an episode I did not like. Some I thought defied belief and sense but the humour, acting and general good nature of this series gets you through those spots.
It's Steampunk combined with Sherlock Holmes and the Closer which means it is a lot of fun.
Vijeta (1982)
A superb film, one of the best
It is not often that a Indian military film gets everything right.
From the Kirans to the Oorials and their MiG-21s, to the Vijayantas and the 25 pounders, Vijeta has them all.
I will not repeat what the other reviewers have said but I endorse them all.
A magnificent film, it tells the coming of age story extremely well while never once falling into the trap of trying to be all things to all people.
If you think a Hindi film is all about singing and dancing and choreography, Vijeta will provide you with a new perspective.
An excellent story, well acted and with a strong message, Vijeta is a real classic that deserves to be better known.
Even though made in 1982, it puts the later movie Border to shame and is better made than the pretty decent Lakshya.
From the Kirans to the Oorials and their MiG-21s, to the Vijayantas and the 25 pounders, Vijeta has them all.
I will not repeat what the other reviewers have said but I endorse them all.
A magnificent film, it tells the coming of age story extremely well while never once falling into the trap of trying to be all things to all people.
If you think a Hindi film is all about singing and dancing and choreography, Vijeta will provide you with a new perspective.
An excellent story, well acted and with a strong message, Vijeta is a real classic that deserves to be better known.
Even though made in 1982, it puts the later movie Border to shame and is better made than the pretty decent Lakshya.