graiker01
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Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
A commendable film on Milkha Singh's inspiring tale!
The sheer joy of watching someones hard-work come to life on the screen is inspiring indeed. To portray Milkha Singh's struggle and achievements and his zeal to succeed at the world stage, required an equally earnest and dedicated effort by the filmmakers. This effort is reflected in Bhag Milkha Bhag, and is what makes the film commendable.
Farhan Akhtar's tough physical training for this role pays great dividends on screen. The races look pretty convincing because of Farhan's effort and soon you find yourself cheering for Milkha, if not loudly in the movie-hall then at-least in your head.
The non-linear narrative of the film keeps the movie engrossing, so although you know the basic outline of the story, you can't really guess what would happen next. The story is narrated by Milkha's coach Gurudev Singh played brilliantly Pavan Malhotra by who first recognizes the Milkha Singh's talent.
The women in Milkha Singh's life play a very important role, be it his elder sister (played by Divya Dutta)who single handedly brings Milkha up, or the love of his life (Sonam Kapoor) who is the reason why he changes his unruly ways. Although one must add, that the part where Milkha goes on a romp after a party with Stella(Rebecca Brooks) during the 1956 Melbourne Games does look a bit forced.
Some people may have qualms with the dance sequences but personally they were quite enjoyable and didn't jar the narrative. Keep an eye out for the song with Sonam Kapoor who plays Milkha Singh's love interest in the film. The shot with them both on top of a bridge with green, swiftly flowing water below was captured beautifully.
The director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has a signature style which is apparent like from his previous films- Rang De Basanti and Delhi-6. He can merge music and visuals to great effect. Although in some scenes a little bit of restraint in the stylistic details and drama could have certainly helped.
To emerge as a world leading athlete from India just after independence, when I suppose sports facilities weren't great, with the scars of the partition deep in his mind is some achievement. We salute you Milkha Singh! One must commend the efforts of the filmmakers to bring the story to us.
Farhan Akhtar's tough physical training for this role pays great dividends on screen. The races look pretty convincing because of Farhan's effort and soon you find yourself cheering for Milkha, if not loudly in the movie-hall then at-least in your head.
The non-linear narrative of the film keeps the movie engrossing, so although you know the basic outline of the story, you can't really guess what would happen next. The story is narrated by Milkha's coach Gurudev Singh played brilliantly Pavan Malhotra by who first recognizes the Milkha Singh's talent.
The women in Milkha Singh's life play a very important role, be it his elder sister (played by Divya Dutta)who single handedly brings Milkha up, or the love of his life (Sonam Kapoor) who is the reason why he changes his unruly ways. Although one must add, that the part where Milkha goes on a romp after a party with Stella(Rebecca Brooks) during the 1956 Melbourne Games does look a bit forced.
Some people may have qualms with the dance sequences but personally they were quite enjoyable and didn't jar the narrative. Keep an eye out for the song with Sonam Kapoor who plays Milkha Singh's love interest in the film. The shot with them both on top of a bridge with green, swiftly flowing water below was captured beautifully.
The director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has a signature style which is apparent like from his previous films- Rang De Basanti and Delhi-6. He can merge music and visuals to great effect. Although in some scenes a little bit of restraint in the stylistic details and drama could have certainly helped.
To emerge as a world leading athlete from India just after independence, when I suppose sports facilities weren't great, with the scars of the partition deep in his mind is some achievement. We salute you Milkha Singh! One must commend the efforts of the filmmakers to bring the story to us.
Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan (1978)
The story of an whimsical man - Arvind Desai.
This movie is a rare gem in Hindi Cinema by Saeed Akhtar Mirza. Although it doesn't seem to have a coherent plot, it still keeps you hooked on till the end. It has a very distinct visual style keeping your senses engaged all the time.
The opening sequence is one the most memorable from what I have seen. The craftsmen in a village are shown engaged in creating intricately designed carpets. The scene beautifully shifts from the village to a posh handicraft shop in a prominent Bombay locality where these carpets are kept for sale. We hear the tourists going gaga over the wares of the shop - and a sale is made. The journey from the producer to the consumer is complete.
Arvind Desai is the young and suave owner of this business that he has taken over from his father. He clearly is rich, seemingly well educated and is dating his secretary-Alice from work. His staff at the store, Mahesh who is his cousin and Gopal, lack respect for Arvind specially since he is rarely seen at work.
Arvind doesn't seem to like his work and is seen for most of the time loitering around Mumbai in his car. Mumbai itself is an important character in the movie and gets a lot of screen-time. The sights and sounds of Mumbai in the late 70's is nicely captured in the movie. Although Arvind is uninterested in his fathers business he is not clear with what he exactly wants his in life.
The turbulence in his mind increases as the movie progresses. He is unable to see his cousin Mahesh start his own racket by selling goods at lower prices to customers. The profits dwindle and he is unable to take the pressure from his dominating father. He doesn't take his own decisions and is still controlled by his father as can be seen from the fact that he doesn't fire Mahesh even if he wants to. Arvind also breaks up with Alice over a silly argument, questioning whether he really loved her in the first place. Later he is forced into an arranged marriage which he accepts.
Unable to take control over his life and make proper decisions, he gets disoriented. As well put by his Marxist friend, there is quite a disconnect in terms of his thinking and his actions. Even though Arvind seems to have the right thoughts and ideals he doesn't ever act on them. Examples of this are seen throughout the film.
The film ends in the most enigmatic way staying true to the title. Arvind's ways continue to baffle. But in the end that could be said about most men- even though we seem rational, we continue to make confounding and irrational choices. Arvind never really comes of age in the movie, and maybe will never be able to make the transition. Do watch the movie as it will linger in your mind for days.
The opening sequence is one the most memorable from what I have seen. The craftsmen in a village are shown engaged in creating intricately designed carpets. The scene beautifully shifts from the village to a posh handicraft shop in a prominent Bombay locality where these carpets are kept for sale. We hear the tourists going gaga over the wares of the shop - and a sale is made. The journey from the producer to the consumer is complete.
Arvind Desai is the young and suave owner of this business that he has taken over from his father. He clearly is rich, seemingly well educated and is dating his secretary-Alice from work. His staff at the store, Mahesh who is his cousin and Gopal, lack respect for Arvind specially since he is rarely seen at work.
Arvind doesn't seem to like his work and is seen for most of the time loitering around Mumbai in his car. Mumbai itself is an important character in the movie and gets a lot of screen-time. The sights and sounds of Mumbai in the late 70's is nicely captured in the movie. Although Arvind is uninterested in his fathers business he is not clear with what he exactly wants his in life.
The turbulence in his mind increases as the movie progresses. He is unable to see his cousin Mahesh start his own racket by selling goods at lower prices to customers. The profits dwindle and he is unable to take the pressure from his dominating father. He doesn't take his own decisions and is still controlled by his father as can be seen from the fact that he doesn't fire Mahesh even if he wants to. Arvind also breaks up with Alice over a silly argument, questioning whether he really loved her in the first place. Later he is forced into an arranged marriage which he accepts.
Unable to take control over his life and make proper decisions, he gets disoriented. As well put by his Marxist friend, there is quite a disconnect in terms of his thinking and his actions. Even though Arvind seems to have the right thoughts and ideals he doesn't ever act on them. Examples of this are seen throughout the film.
The film ends in the most enigmatic way staying true to the title. Arvind's ways continue to baffle. But in the end that could be said about most men- even though we seem rational, we continue to make confounding and irrational choices. Arvind never really comes of age in the movie, and maybe will never be able to make the transition. Do watch the movie as it will linger in your mind for days.
Ghanchakkar (2013)
A quirky suspenseful comedy !
Ghanchakkar is a refreshing comedy revolving around a laid back criminal Sanju (Emran Hashmi) and his "fashionable" wife Neetu (Vidya Balan).
The film begins with the uneventful life of Sanju having to deal with his wife's bland food and his mother's doting phone-calls. Living a passive life and having somewhat given up his criminal days as a safe opening expert, he takes on a bank robbery job with Neetu cleverly pushing him into the decision.
Enter two seemingly unlikely scheming bandits Pandit and Idris the played superbly by Rajesh Sharma and Nimit Das who create the 'master plan'. The heist itself is brilliantly hilarious - Utpal Dutt's mask still cracks me up. After the successful robbery they decide to stay low for three months and forcefully give Sanju the responsibility of safekeeping the money.
Three months pass....and Sanju has lost his memory of the robbery...or has he? What ensues is determining who is scheming who! The film does lose its steam in some parts and would have done with some more threads but to the director's credit he still manages to keep the suspense and doesn't dumb the film down. Add to that Hashmi's poker face,which doesn't give much away, adding to the intrigue. Vidya Balan is also quite good as the dominating Punjabi wife.
The final act is surprisingly good for a Hindi film and keeps a few threads still open, leaving the viewer to interpret it in his own way. Overall a good effort, I certainly would recommend this unconventional comedy.
The film begins with the uneventful life of Sanju having to deal with his wife's bland food and his mother's doting phone-calls. Living a passive life and having somewhat given up his criminal days as a safe opening expert, he takes on a bank robbery job with Neetu cleverly pushing him into the decision.
Enter two seemingly unlikely scheming bandits Pandit and Idris the played superbly by Rajesh Sharma and Nimit Das who create the 'master plan'. The heist itself is brilliantly hilarious - Utpal Dutt's mask still cracks me up. After the successful robbery they decide to stay low for three months and forcefully give Sanju the responsibility of safekeeping the money.
Three months pass....and Sanju has lost his memory of the robbery...or has he? What ensues is determining who is scheming who! The film does lose its steam in some parts and would have done with some more threads but to the director's credit he still manages to keep the suspense and doesn't dumb the film down. Add to that Hashmi's poker face,which doesn't give much away, adding to the intrigue. Vidya Balan is also quite good as the dominating Punjabi wife.
The final act is surprisingly good for a Hindi film and keeps a few threads still open, leaving the viewer to interpret it in his own way. Overall a good effort, I certainly would recommend this unconventional comedy.