Best of Bollywood 2014

After a rocking early start this year with Queen, Highway and Hasee to Phasee, Bollywood was unable to produce a streak of good cinema. With a very few just good movies and of course many dull ones, it was a below average year. Somewhere between this, a masterpiece Hawaa Hawaai was delivered by Amol Gupte who showed yet again that children movies can be unique and brilliant every other time. Mardaani, Samrat & Co, Aakhon Dekhi, Haider showed some promise. Although it was a very good ending of the year starting with PK and marvelously acted and directed thriller Ugly.

Here is the list of my TOP 5 Movies this year:

1. Hawaa Hawaai
2. Queen
3. Ugly
4. Highway
5. Mardaani

After movies, it's worth mentioning other important attributes of cinema that floored us this year.

Best Actor: Aamir Khan (PK) / Girish Kulkarni (Ugly)
Best Actress: Kangana Ranaut (Queen)
Best Director: Anurag Kashyap (Ugly)

This has to be followed by summarizing these aspects and mentioning other great entities that just missed the top list.

Male Acting:
This was one of the rare years where none of the Male lead actors nailed the performance. Till end of the year it was only Shahid Kapoor in Haider who was appreciative. Other than that only few character artists were watchful but in very small roles. For instance Pankaj Kapoor in Finding Fanny, Irrfan Khan in Haider and Vijay Raaz in Kya Dilli Kya Lahore. Other well performed commercial roles include Rajeev Khandelwal in Samrat & Co and Partho Gupte / Saqib Saleem in Hawaa Hawaai. Again towards the end, there were two terrific performances by Aamir Khan in PK and Girish Kulkarni in Ugly. Aamir performed brilliantly throughout whereas Girish Kulkarni mirrored perfection in whatever valuable minutes he got.

Female Acting:
Similar to the unusual male act year, Female performances were also a rarity but in a complete opposite way. It was a definitely a female centric year that saw many astonishing performances by female leads. Starting from Parineeti Chopra in Hasee to Phasee, it was Alia Bhatt who took all the attention with a breathtaking performance in Highway. Unfortunately for her, soon after Kangana Ranaut came with a splendid performance in Queen which was stamped as the best performance in starting of the year itself. The year was hence followed by three more good performances that include Rani Mukherjee in Mardaani, Priyanka Chopra in Mary Kom and Tabu in Haider. Undoubtedly 2014 will be remembered as the feminine year.

Direction:
With few good directed movies by Vikas Bahl (Queen) and Amole Gupte (Hawaa Hawaai), it was Imtiaz Ali who showed some brilliant skills again in Highway. He was responsible for each and every point of success that the movie tasted. It was the last movie of the year that took all attention with a splendid direction by Anurag Kashyap in Ugly. Each scene was tailor made and movie was directed to perfection. The vibe and excitement that he created were just awesome. Full marks to him for all the fervor he inserted into the viewers.

Best Music:
1. Highway - A.R. Rehman
2. Queen - Amit Trivedi
3. Ek Villain - Mithoon, Ankit Tiwari
4. 2 States - Shankar Ehsaan Loy
5. Hasee to Phasee - Vishal & Shekhar

PK

Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Actors: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma

Rating: 3 / 5

Cruising on Raju Hirani's formula and heavily forecasted as an entertainer, PK certainly has not disappointed. Problem lies in more than few places where you'll really mourn that why the main essence is highly extended and deviated. It starts slow to build some trivial story but Aamir's entry takes off the movie to a different level. Although looked like a used concept initially but throughout the first half Raju Hirani miraculously proves that he's a pure comedy master. Everything was nailed with genuine laughs including awesome use of Bhojpuri accent. After a continuous flow of wonderful comedy and great content, second half pulls out the main entertaining crux from the movie. Use of god and religion were over protracted that keeps you waiting for revival of the good times.

Aamir Khan spectacularly performed the character that looked hard for an actor to make it unique. It was his movie completely with other actors just having a minor support to play. Although movie trailed in second half but Aamir's performance was rock solid throughout.

Despite the fact that Raju Hirani's directorial performance was good, he copied his success mantra from all his previous cults. It looked like a mixture that fortunately was presentable. It worked this time for Raju but next time repetitiveness might hurt albeit I can take the risk of saying that I'm confident Raju will excite us again.

Music was substandard and was restless at many places although presence of Aamir Khan made it watchable.

Overall, a terrific first half riding on tremendous performance by Aamir Khan that mourns you why second half was poor.

Ungli

Director: Renzil D'Silva
Actors: Randeep Hooda, Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Movie starts with a very strong theme accompanied by a good vibe that was created by the director right from the word go. Only thing one can hope was that it continues. Every time the scenes play with you by attracting your attention but eventually they keep fading away. Ideas are really nice and deserve appreciation. In fact the ideas and the way they have been implemented are the only highlight of the movie. Rest everything is not cinematographed in a good way that went against it becoming a very good product. At interval you are not very excited and the dramatic turn towards the second half makes it worse. I'm waiting when these type of movies will get over unnecessary emotional add-ons.

Acting is not the highlight but certainly an important part to bear all the negativities. Randeep Hooda stood best amongst all above average acting contributions. The way he has handled and executed his role is remarkable. Kangana Ranaut showed good body language and was impressive. Lot was expected from Emraan Hashmi but it was just another average performance by him.

Film certainly has good content and few scenes shot very nicely but still there's something missing that's unfortunately harsh on director. Renzil's overall direction was not up to the mark but certainly it looked well in parts. I feel lot more hardwork might take him potentially to next level.

It's taken care that songs don't hamper the flow of the movie but one risk with Dance Basanti didn't go well at all. Music in background is decent although didn't connect well with the screenplay.

Overall, a movie with good content but below average execution.

Happy Ending

Directors: Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru
Actors: Saif Ali Khan, Ranvir Shorey, Govinda, Kalki Koechlin, Ileana

Rating: 2 / 5

Portrayed as a Romedy (Romantic comedy), there were at least some expectations that directors and writers will work on making it something special or unique for the viewers. But the answer is no. This is somehow made watchable due to consistent laugh ingredients that flow throughout the first half. Story has nothing to offer and rides on the same formula that has been used hundreds of times. Moviemakers have hence not kept any potential expectations from the second half. Moreover, second half is stretched and haunts you to ponder for its ending, no matter Happy or sad. When the movie actually ends, it will certainly make you happy, but not because of it's content but the relief that you'll get.

Ranvir Shorey and Kalki have done excellent acting and mostly are responsible to make this movie bearable. Their small roles were directed well into the movie at proper intervals. Govinda had his fair share of dialogues that he delivered in a charming way. Saif was average but repetitive and Ileana didn't had much to do.

I'm a decent fan of director duo Krishna Raj because of their sense of doing something different in their previous flicks such as 99 and Go Goa Gone. They had brought an impressive unique flavor every time they came together to write and direct. But it's really disappointing that aforementioned effort was not sensed at all this time.

Sachin and Jigar were unable to make any impact this time with their music. Songs interrupted the movie badly although I had found my ways to engage into something else to liberate myself from meaningless possessions.

Overall, a pointless effort that was probably put just to satisfy producer's fantasies.

Kill Dil

Director: Shaad Ali
Actors: Ranveer Singh, Ali Zafar, Parineeti Chopra, Govinda

Rating: 2 / 5

Portrayed as yet another Yash Raj movie with grey shades, this movie had nothing new and even old formulas didn't work well. Good background laughter was tried throughout the first half and they succeeded more than few times in that. Unfortunately no attempt was made to build a plot whatsoever. Rather whatever was being shown had no directions at all. Only at the end for a minute moment, something made sense but the movie was over by then.

It gave a feel that director had no interest to make this flick meaningful and he is happy with whatever substandard commercial material is being made. Shaad Ali is still struggling for more than a decade now after Saathiya, to direct something concrete.

Govinda came into a character role this time and showed some promise. Unfortunately for him, his full potential was not extracted as he could have been used more and in a much better way. Ranveer Singh and Ali Zafar had nothing unique to show and their acting was substandard. For the first time in so many movies, I'd not praise Parineeti Chopra although I'll blame director for that.

Songs were not up to the mark and stopped the movie flow consistently. Albeit the Kill Dil title track was good and background score was the only thing that kept the movie alive.

Overall, a disappointment in all major fronts which was just made watchable somehow.

Rang Rasiya

Director: Ketan Mehta
Actors: Randeep Hooda, Nandana Sen

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Movie was poised in a way such that the first impression of the viewers is about nude painting of gods. Although this is true to an extent but the main motive of the writer was to present how and why an artist thinks to create these art pieces. Movie is a vision from artist perspective that what exactly passes through their mind when they take this step. Apart from the reason behind these types of art makings, this movie is a journey of a painter. It details how a true artist just cares about art and nothing else. It also shows how common people are affected by experiencing gods when they see their stories in paintings. A good war of creativeness vs business is shown.

As per entertainment is concerned, it has a very slow start and rarely picks up in between. It has few good moments but never rises up to the expectations. Second half has some meaning but the best part of the movie is it's ending. The makers deserve some amount of appreciation for the work done towards framing a wonderful ending. It justifies the most part of the movie and passes the message in a very elegant way that nudity is not offensive.

Acting and direction were below average and music was lost somewhere. For this movie, I don't think these things are even relevant to talk about.

Overall, a test of your patience that flourishes a wonderful end.

Bang Bang

Director: Siddharth Anand
Actors: Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif

Rating: 2 / 5

It takes heart to assess another conventional big hyped movie that has nothing special in it. Although it was expected that this would be a similar high action commercialized flick, it looked dud even after having that presumption. It's a mixture of Dhoom plus some common things that adds up to simply nothing. It's a full pack of saleable stuff that gives zero content to the viewers. At the end of first half, it can be guessed that some stupid sentiments will be introduced in the second half. That's what exactly happens and unfortunately that also adds up to nothing. A very silly story that was tried to make exciting using uninteresting things.

Hrithik's performance was applaudable and he was the only reason one can sit through this entire no brainer leaving apart katrina's beauty. He did his best, but again that also sums up to nothing as far as the overall movie is concerned. Reason for decent rating is only him and the way his action scenes were executed. I don't want to comment on anyone's acting as that was of no significance here. Despite that I'd like to appreciate a very small Jimmy Shergil's role that gave false hopes that the movie will be throughout exciting.

Siddharth Anand tried action this time and again succeeded in putting no effort. I've disliked almost all his previous flicks that includes Anjana Anjani. He needs to start thinking creatively to show up something better in future.

Music is good in spite of being the reason for interruption that was charmed by Hrithik's moves.

Overall, a bang bang to heads that Hrithik's antidote also couldn't heal.

Daawat-e-Ishq

Director: Habib Faisal
Actors: Parineeti Chopra, Aditya Roy Kapoor

Rating: 2 / 5

Hyderabadi flavor is on a rise nowadays in Bollywood. A little pinch also brings a smile to viewer's face. This movie offers a sweet start with like-able Hyderabadi accent. It's faintly inspired from Ladies vs Ricky Bahl although it has a different take. Even after a good start and exciting interval, it lacks content in between. It slows down and leaves hope for a better second half that justifies the first one. Unfortunately the later half is just average that neither helps the ongoing slow pace nor increases the entertainment level. It's a good concept, but not compelling enough. Despite that, I'll appreciate the way the theme was calmly flown into the minds and a very good message was passed in a modest way.

Parineeti was the best thing in this movie. She has developed her different flavor that is increasing in it's charm with every movie. The way she delivers the character in her own way is amazing to watch. After every movie of hers, I remain bound to say that my fan level towards her is increased. Aditya Roy Kapoor and Anupam Kher were decent and supported Parineeti nicely.

There was nothing special done by Habib Faisal in direction. It was a below average effort. I loved his work in Do Dooni Char but he hasn't improved a bit after that. I'll expect some hard work from him in his next venture.

Music was good, non interfering and acceptable.

Overall, a good theme delivered in not a very exciting way. Strictly for Parineeti Chopra's fans.

Finding Fanny

Director: Homi Adajania
Actors: Pankaj Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Arjun Kapoor

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Simple, sweet, innocent with no commercial masala is the absolute flavor of this movie. Nothing great about the story but the way its execution has been done is commendable. It just keeps flowing with a very nice consistent blend of great actors. Shot at a Goa christian locality, English aroma never looked odd.

I'll highly appreciate the actors who were responsible for pulling this story to a next level with their artistic skills. The expectations that were set by looking at the star cast were well met by everyone. I'll make a special mention of Pankaj Kapoor as being better amongst the best is remarkable. His screen presence at every moment was impressive.

Next big this about this movie was the Direction. Along with the actors, Homi Adajania did a very good job in creating a charming experience.

Overall a very good cinema that lacks nothing, is good everywhere but never great. It's a luscious flow that can just be experienced.

Mary Kom

Director: Omung Kumar

Actors: Priyanka Chopra, Darshan Kumar

Rating: 2 / 5

With so many successful and unsuccessful sports' movies around, there's really tough to create a new epic with complete originality. But this is always expected when a movie is based on a sports star. Movie kickoffs very well and portrays that it could be a one off sports wonder. However it feels sluggish towards the end of first half where no interesting punches are hit. The main focus of the film was the struggling story of Mary Kom that looked like a documentary in the second half. It gracefully shows the commitment of sports women but the entertainment part was missing throughout the second half. Games were not made dramatic which was in-fact better although the last sequence was extra dramatic.

Priyanka Chopra was dreadful in this performance and gave her hundred percent that was very impressive. It was the best acting what this direction could have produced. Other actors were above average and supported the story well.

I'll give full marks to Omung Kumar to ride this movie at very good speed for the first half hour but then the accelerator failed and gradually movie came to a halt. He was unable to refuel the energy and excitement into this great story.

Overall a wonderful story told that looked like a documentary but the direction lacked entertainment and excitement.

Mardaani

Director: Pradeep Sarkar
Actors: Rani Mukherjee, Tahir Raj Basin

Rating: 3 / 5

Building strong characters, small or big, is always the most important characteristic for movies of this genre. This was expected and was delivered here. Started very nicely without taking much time introducing the characters and still did that in a legitimate way. I liked the way it proceeded to reach the actual story. A substandard story, of which the support was not really needed. First half ended just perfectly to keep you at the edge of your seats although second half made it little slow. Despite being reluctant in the later part, it was never pointless. It has its share of good dialogs if not overwhelming. Lastly a very enriching ending that augments the feel good factor.

Performances of all the characters are applaudable. I'll give credit to both director and the actors. Rani Mukherjee had an amazing comeback with nearly unblemished acting. Tahir Raj was superb and I'd really want to see him in another good role in near future. All other actors were above average and supported well.

I was not a big fan of Pradeep Sarkar but he has certainly done a very good job here. He deserves credit of a smooth story flow and was also responsible for designing all the characters well. Music was not of any hindrance and together with the background score, it felt good at the end.

Overall a good package with strong characters that gives a feel good factor in spite of its genre.

Singham Returns

Director: Rohit Shetty
Actors: Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor, Amole Gupte

Rating: 1.5 / 5

Riding on a same theme as it's previous version, it was expected that it would have something exclusive to offer. It had a decent beginning with few punch lines and exciting scenes that keeps you waiting for something unique throughout the movie. Unfortunately that's not the case and very swiftly it starts to bore in the end of first half. It has very few good dialogues that are just not enough. These types of movies generally have enough comedy liners that keep viewers going. That was the case with Singham but not in this sequel. Second half was almost a replica of first half that had exactly the same flow that gives an impression that no effort has been made to even find something unique and appealing. The way interest is lost towards the later part is that nothing looks good.

Ajay had to do same things. He might be feeling that he has travelled time and shooting for the first part again. Kareena had a short role and she was decent. Although she was over excited but it didn't looked bad. All other actors were below average.

Rohit Shetty surely didn't struggle much in making of this movie. It looked like he was completing a formality to make a sequel and get away with decent money. Despite that, I'll appreciate him for not having foolish scenes at least in this flick. Also the songs didn't bother the movie flow.

Overall it was neither exciting nor foolish and nothing unique.

Entertainment : Review

Director: Farhad, Sajid
Actors: Akshay Kumar, Tamannah Bhatia

Rating: 1.5 / 5

Pardon me for keeping my expectations low because of obvious reasons but whenever a movie starts, viewer automatically comes to ground zero to get entertained. Entertainment had a good start with very interesting innovations on few comedy scenes. I'll appreciate writers for their hard work, as just because of them, this movie was tolerable. Many hilarious dialogues were written with good effort and research. The sad part is that it didn't stop the director from including silly things unnecessarily. It loses sheen very fast and gets trapped to standard foolishness. I don't understand why this is done deliberately in these kinds of movies. I'd say it was stupid but little bit entertaining. The way film was executed; I'd like to see it as a series of drama episodes rather than a full-blown movie.

Actors didn't have anything to do although everyone was decent in whatever was asked to do.

I'll blame this completely on two debutant directors who didn't bother to put effort on direction albeit the writing part was done in a better way. Farhad and Sajid are involved in writing of such movies for a long time now. Direction is certainly not their cup of tea at-least at this point of time.

Sachin and Jigar were excellent in merging useless songs so well that they sounded good. Movie flow was already broken so songs couldn't do that anyway. Despite that the music was above average and in fact gave some breathing space.

Overall it was a decent writing but horrible in other aspects.

Kick : Review

Director: Sajid Nadiadwala
Actors: Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandes, Randeep Hooda, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Whenever I head myself to a high budget Salman Khan movie, only one things come into my mind, HEADACHE. Coincidently Jacqueline's character also calls him headache initially. Moving to the movie ache, my entire mind was concentrating on what's not bad, not on what's good. I redeem myself from all the miseries these type of movies have given earlier. Not surprisingly, it was a totally different crowd that only waits for Salman Bhai movies to enter into theaters. Really surprising element was the people whistling like anything even before Salman comes, just by seeing name of the movie. When Salman arrives, no dolby effect can surpass that.
Sorry for talking so differently this time deviating myself from the movie review, but when Salman is involved, things can't go in a regular way. Definitely not a headache, rather it is supported by good cinematography and direction. It was a good blend of Salman's phenomenon and a decent plot to carry movie through. It leaves flourishing some interest in viewer's mind in the first half and after the second half, it leaves people full of smiles and with Salman's sensation.

Salman Khan was the real star of the show after many many years. He genuinely acts well and luckily a good plot backs him. No weird scenes or dialogues on this occasion. Randeep Hooda relived his Shootout brilliance and was good throughout. Nawazuddin Siddiqui was the showman in the second half and his small role also left a big impact. Mithun and Jacqueline were just normal.

Sajid Nadiadwala jumped into Direction boots for the first time and was above average on all aspects. I'll not take anything away from him. As a producer and director, he ensured that full justice should happen to this type of plots that generally run only on star power. At-least some legitimate efforts were put this time.

Music wise almost all the songs stopped the flow specially in the second half but I'll pardon Himesh Reshmiya on this occasion.

Overall after a long time, a big budget Salman's movie made sense.

Pizza : Review

Director: Akshay Akkineni
Actors: Akshay Oberoi, Parvathy Omanakuttan

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Projected as a Horror movie, it starts quite well with few interesting scenes but soon after stuck into some mysterious nonsense throughout the later part of the first half. Although it feels annoying and off-course scary, only thought that comes into the mind is that it definitely should not be just silly horror scenes but should have some meaning. The build up that it creates, shouts that it will justify itself in second half. Luckily second half doesn't disappoint and heads into right direction. With an amazing climax that justifies almost everything and make you feel happy, something in the very end again took the essence of a well thought climax. Although it was not required but keeping in mind the projected theme of the movie, it was defendable.

Akshay Oberoi stood out with his acting skills throughout the movie. He envisaged a very balance act and didn't falter in any scene. I'll definitely bank on this new lad for some more good performances in the future. All other actors were just ordinary.

Debutant in mainstream direction, Akshay Akkineni directed this flick in a very nice way. Although it has some obvious flaws but his direction was never sub standard. He took care of the main essence of this theme and was good in his efforts.

Overall I would say a good Horror watch with some brains in it.

Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya

Director: Shashank Khaitan
Actors: Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2 / 5

Movie from all the angles was shouting overacting but luckily that wasn't the major part of this flick. Thematically picked from DDLJ, it was tried to make in a little different way. Karan Johar yet again delivers just a bearable one time watch movie with all his favorite elements intact. No considerable effort was made to enhance the story quality, it was just consistently okay throughout. I'd just say it was just another sub standard movie with same body but different clothes.

Overacting is the thing that should be blamed more on Director rather than Actor. Although there were all expectations that Varun Dhawan will overact, which he looked like doing in the start, but that's not the case really. He was average throughout and again bearable just as the story was. Alia Bhatt on the same lines did nothing exceptional here and we'll still have to wait for long to see Highway like acting again. Side actors these days have really picked up, thanks to the dialogue writer. Their punchlines and acting were up to the mark and made this movie entertaining. Lastly Ashutosh Rana really impressed making a re-entry in bollywood. I don't think he'll have to wait much for his next big role.

As a first time Director, Shashank Khaitan did nothing but just to copy the previous similar type of flicks. For he's a writer as well, I'll blame him for all the mis-happening elements in the movie.

Music was lousy and was just disturbing the struggling movie. It was at the end that Saturday Saturday song was good but no one will really bother to stay for that.

Overall just a bearable one time watch that will probably not excite you.

Bobby Jasoos : Review

Director: Samar Shaikh
Actors: Vidya Balan, Ali Faizal, Arjan Bajwa

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Initial kick for the people to watch the film was only Vidya Balan, but when a viewer actually watches a film, it's about everything. Luckily the production unit took care of this and came up with an interesting concept. Movie is based on Hyderabadi streets and the place is used in a best possible way. Hyderabadi style and accent is also used very nicely. Story beautifully revolves and develops in the first half with very good comedy punch lines to carry it forward. Everything just looks good and interesting enough but not extra ordinary. Movie looses it's sheen in the second half creating a want of a deserved good ending. Although I would say that the best what could've been done with this story was definitely done.

Coming to the star of the show Vidya Balan who is just so amazing in whatever is expected from her. Very few actors can deliver Nautanki acting in such a good way. Vidya yet again proved that she's comfortable in any role and can remit it with perfection. Side actors were good and supported Vidya fairly specially the two guys including the cafe wallah.

This was Samar Shaikh's first directorial venture although he was associated with many Yashraj films earlier as an art director. Best think about his direction was the way he uses and converts the streets of Hyderabad into an interesting story plot. It was certainly an honest effort from him if not amazing.

Shantanu Moitra has not really concentrated this time and just created the music for namesake. Although it's a forgettable music and stops the story flow but it's bearable and comes at a right time.

Overall an entertaining first half with all cast and crew doing best they can do with this story.

Humshakals : Review

Director: Sajid Khan
Actors: Ram Kapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh, Saif Ali Khan

Rating: 0.5 / 5

When a movie crosses the expectations we often applaud. I'm in a same mood this time because this movie has surpassed my expectations of being stupid comedy of Bollywood. It is not only stupid comedy but also one of the most stupid comedies of Hindi cinema. From starting to end one thing that you'll ask for is just Disprin. Trying to use a comedy of errors concept by not two but three Humshakals and that too of three people may look interesting, but was goofed up completely because of no support from the script. A very sub standard screenplay troubles more and irritates throughout the length. Ram Kapoor had one or two scenes that brought a little hiccup smile but still remains a part of a mindless comedy. Continuous trial of good comedy just gave silliness.

I'll at least redeem all the actors from this sin. Ram Kapoor, Ritesh Acted really well and even other actors were not bad. They just did what best can be done but no acting can take this absurdness away.

I'll say Sajid Khan as a director and screenplay writer tried a lot but the way comedy was intended, it's hard to impress anyone. His sorts of humor even on it's best can just deliver senselessness. Although Houseful series was bearable but this was surely a headache.

Music was poor and Himesh this time was unable to create raunchy numbers that he's often good at.

Overall good acting but insanely bad script with no entertainment at all.

City Lights : Review

Director: Hansal Mehta
Actors: Rajkummar Rao, Patralekha

Rating: 2 / 5

Movie paces itself very slowly by showing the reason why people vie to leave their state and visit dreamland Mumbai to earn money. It concentrated on how the fast city life fools the innocent families that come from slow backward villages. The slow paced story doesn't make sense for the larger initial half. Till half time there's nothing one can charm about but only a hope that something meaningful will connect soon and justify the initial line up. Film picks up on the entry of security bureau guy who helps in Rajkummar's recruitment as his partner guard. It was this time when you stop relaxing at your seat and genuinely expect some thrill. Little bit unrealistic in it's approach but emphasizes on the extent a person can go for his family. Although movie slows yet again and I'd say luckily the climax was something that makes up for all the slowness that prevailed. It also justifies somehow the initial 2 hours but still not strong enough to make the storywriter guilt free.

Rajkummar was good at his role but definitely not even close to amazing. Hansal Mehta brought out his amazing acting skills in their last venture Shahid but this was just normal. Patralekha was also decent but I'll give maximum marks to the security bureau guard who was the best actor in this flick. He sealed all exciting movements. Hansal Mehta yet again did nothing exceptional but continued his befitting run.

Songs are completely ignorable although Jeet Ganguly puts a decent effort for this type of story.

Overall the movie made by pure heart but extremely slow to pull it over.

Heropanti : Review

Director: Sabir Khan
Actors: Prakash Raj, Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon

Rating: 1.5 / 5

Movie is based on a reserve Haryana family that has a very strict tradition of killing the couple if they do love marriage. The script is based on the similar lines with the inclusion of all heropanti possible within. Starts with a very low standard Haryana family acting and you get a feel if it's really the movie you have come for. The story just goes and goes and Tiger's entry is also not impressive. There's almost nothing meaningful in the movie as the script goes by and it feels that movie just has been made to launch the first timers. There are no strong dialogues rather it's full of silly panti. Off-course no brains were used but the sad part was that the few skills that Tiger has, those were also not used well in filming. All these things apart, something was there in the movie that masked the irritation and the second half ties you till the movie end somehow. Ending was albeit an unnecessary drag and it finished with same few standard dialogues used throughout the movie.

Tiger Shroff is known for his athletic skills and it was expected that the movie will have lots of breath taking action scenes but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I think Tiger should work on his dialogues and use voice dubbing for sometime to start with. I feel he should have started his career in a strong villain role. Kriti Sanon was not at all bad but nowhere any promising factor was seen. I would still believe in her that given a good chance, she might have the capabilities to sail through some respectable lengths. Prakash Raj had a strong important role and he was very well up for it. Be it emotional scenes or any aggressive scenes, his contribution was amazing.

Sabir Khan did a below average job in the direction. Although nothing great was expected from him but I would say he could have done little better. Movie flow was below standard for majority of the time.

Music was the biggest hurdle but surprisingly the best part of the movie also. I think the most I enjoyed was only in the songs and nothing else except one small comedy scene by Sunil Grover.

Overall a sillypanti, with only a few traces of heropanti.

Hawaa Hawaai : Review

Director: Amole Gupte
Actors: Partho Gupte, Saqib Saleem

Rating: 4 / 5

There must be a thought on everyone's mind that Amole Gupte is coming up with another similar child story and nothing will be different thematically. Also that it would be just a go to sports flick. But hold on, Gupte has delivered a charismatic cinema here and proved yet again that child stories can be equally innovative every-time as adult stories can be. Right from the word go, this movie wins on all fronts. Apart from a child sports story, it shows the city dimension from street side poor children's perspective. There's a majestic selection of children roles and the way they are used in story is amazing. Solely they become the soul of the movie. Clubbed with entertaining one liners, it's much more to a sports competition. I'd rather say it's an artistic brilliance, making a sports story just a medium of display.

Partho steals all hearts with his amazing acting, improving a lot from his earlier Stanley Ka Dabba. The way he delivers dialogs and gives expression is just phenomenal. All other supporting children were bang on in their roles. Every child showcased great talent. Not to forget Saqib Saleem who impressively does exactly what was expected from him.

Music alone can't be judged here. The way it was blended with the superb lyrics creating a nice background wherever required in the story was amazing.

All above credits goes to the director Amole Gupte. I'll give almost all credits to him the way he has formulated, directed and created this whole saga. I can just hope for another master class from him.

Overall a shear class with all applauds for Amole Gupte.

Revolver Rani : Review

Director : Sai Kabir
Actors : Kangana Ranaut, Piyush Mishra, Vir Das

Rating : 1.5 / 5

All expectations were high, off-course only because of Kangana's marvelous acting in Queen. The movie was already in heart of most of the fans like me but definitely there was a scare of this revolver flick being a dud. Movie starts with the introduction of few Chambal Dakus who irritated immensely with their poor acting and dialogues. It went like a low grade comedy plot trying to make people laugh in foolishness. Story keeps on continuing without any meaning. Many unusual unique stuff was tried which was pleasant in very few occasions like news reading by a funny reporter and some comedy when Piyush Mishra takes on Vir Das aggressively in the second half. There were rare moments that made us thoughtful that the movie might pick up from here, otherwise it's an effort that is seldom seen.

Kangana starts impressing in the casting photos itself even before her entry. She was the sole factor that makes you sit hoping for something good. Definitely she manages to act well and no complains as per as her effort is concerned. Piyush Mishra was yet again impressive as always and was responsible for some good moments. Vir Das was normal and could not showcase anything phenomenal.

Director Sai Kabir made all actors to do something unique just for the sake of being different that didn't go well. Also he doesn't have a good track record in writing that continues here.

Music was not pleasing and added to the misery.

Overall it was a forgetful movie with Kangana's efforts in vain.

Ragini MMS 2 : Review

Director: Bhushan Patel
Actors: Divya Dutta, Sunny Leone

Rating: 1 / 5

Ragini MMS first part was shown as a reality and this second part was an attempt to make a movie on this reality. What was tried and expected here was the story behind this haunted house, evils and all those recurring horror themes. I often find these stories interesting even if they are above average like the ones in Vikram Bhatt movies. They at-least make some sense as far as the horror logic is concerned. But this one was really atrocious. Neither anything was new nor interesting. Although not a type of movie in which one will cry waiting for the end but of a type in which one will keep on searching some content. The first half was a build up and leaves with some hope of an interesting story of haunted Patwardhan house. It looked that there's lot of scope to channelize on this concept and second half will bring some excitement, but regrettably it was full of foolishness and moreover the ending was absurd.

Divya Dutta was the only actor that looked doing some acting in this revenant plot. She was the only interesting thing in the movie apart from Sunny Leone not for her acting off-course. All other supporting actors including Sandhya Mridul were pathetic although Anita Hassandani was comparatively better.

Direction seemed copied from all other previous horror flicks where nothing new or firm was presented. Bhushan Patel has attempted this genre the second time after 1920 that was much better than this one. Improvement was expected from him but reverse happened.

To start with, Meet Brothers' Baby Doll kicked off the movie well. Although not much of music was used in the movie, it again ended with a kick by Honey Singh's vodka song.

Overall a very dud flick with a revenant plot and below average acting.

Bewakoofiyan : Review

Director: Nupur Asthana
Actors: Rishi Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Sonam Kapoor

Rating: 2.5 / 5

My expectations were less after the unconvincing initial cut of the movie but it didn't disappointed. A beautiful comedy touch has been given to a good pickup story from a normal life where a couple persuades their family for love marriage. It had a very nice start and keeps you attached almost throughout the journey.  A good light hearted comedy where nothing is that great but everything is acceptable and satisfactory.  I'll give thumbs up to the dialogue writer as it suited perfectly with the whole script and was exactly according to what was expected for this type of story. Best part of the movie is it's length. There's almost no drag, no silly surprises and the movie keeps it pace correctly. Although first half is comparatively better where the second half has some slow moments, but overall it brings a smile to your face at the end.

The reason I've started with Rishi Kapoor's name in the Actors list above should be clear. He stole the show from the so called lead actors. I already had expectations from him because one of the major factors, which made me little excited to see this movie was Rishi Kapoor. Once again he rose to the expectations and delivered a fantastic performance. Be it dialogues, screen presence and whatever it is, he was charming. Ayushmann was also very good and proved his worth again. Of course not a big star performance, but a required enamor that he delivers every time. Sonam continues to be a usual dumb actor but thankfully nowhere she spoils the show and brings forth a decent one.

Nupur Asthana worked on yet another light hearted comedy after Mujhse Fraaandship karoge and doesn't disappoint at all. It's again a modest attempt that is least expected from a director always. Hitesh Sonik's music is not used much but mostly goes well with the movie.

Overall a good comedy that is enjoyable and yet forgettable.

Queen : Review

Director: Vikas Bahl
Actor: Kangana Ranaut, Rajkummar Rao

Rating: 4 / 5

My all nerves are shouting that this is one wonderful movie but I'll hold myself to talk about both ups and downs. Movie gives a good earlier feeling but slows down immediately for around half an hour. A very typical Indian girl who honestly follows all the rules and values in the society and living a normal decent life suddenly gets a shock which moves her life. Luckily she takes a decision to travel as planned but the movie slowness remains. I'll say it's all justified to build a plot to deliver an awesome treat to the viewers. Kangana single handedly manages to keep the film alive at that time. Film really takes off after the drink scene in Paris and never seemed to land thereafter.

Yes the movie has content and enough material but what makes it moving is Kangana and only Kangana. I don't know how many times I want to say that she acted fantastically but that's so true because there was not even one moment when she kept any foot wrong. Lisa Hayden played a good part to assist kangana for some time. Second half was little bit down but again it was Kangana who kept it continuously alive. The movie has few very good light moments with nice acting by some foreign actors. Rajkummar has a little role but not impressive or of any significance.

There's one good Shadi ka music by Amit Trivedi that reminds of his earlier ones but still suits good with the movie. Oldie Hangama hogaya is the song that puts breadth into the whole movie theme, certainly a good choice.

Vikas Bahl yet again after Chillar Party brings forth a good and a sweet movie with his Direction that enhances the movie feel and acting. I'll take nothing away from him, the way scenes are directed or I should say Kangana is directed and the way whole scenes are created is highly appreciable. He produces a smile to everyone's face with his talent that includes story and screenplay.

Overall I'll say Kangana is literally a current Queen of Bollywood and the superb female lead acting that she has delivered is seen after a long time, very long time.

Shaadi Ke Side Effects : Review

Director: Saket Chaudhary
Actors: Farhan Akhtar, Vidya Balan

Rating: 1.5 / 5

As understood from the title that the movie is purely based on post marital issues with a try to introduce a witty element for the viewers. Fun to see but definitely not fun to experience. Thematically this has been shown numerous number of times and it's very difficult to show something unique. Similar feeling propped in the start but it kept on showing some content just before you develop a feeling of dislike. At interval some how the movie survives although it gives a feeling of drag. Second half from starting to end confirms that this is the one dirty drag that haunts you till you have the headache. There's no effort made on anything and it shows up in the screen throughout the second half. It's easily one hour extra and I'd have been happier if it would have ended in the interval itself.

There's nothing to blame the two brilliant lead actors because they had nothing special to do in this flick. They tried what best they can do and gave their best shot possible which is definitely not enough as far as this movie is concerned.

This was just the second film after Pyaar ke side effects for Saket Chaudhary and since he was also the writer, I'll say he didn't bank upon the opportunity. Riding on his previous version, he almost squandered the chance.

After a long time Pritam disappointed with no chords connected with the script this time. Music was poor and added to the overall disappointment.

Overall, something was tried in the concept but with no results.

Highway : Review

Director: Imtiaz Ali
Actors: Randeep Hooda, Alia Bhatt

Rating: 3.5 / 5

I used to be a strong believer that if story is not strong, movie will not be likable, be it anything. This film has certainly changed this perception. For all those (only story lovers) who hated or will hate this movie, seriously I'll not be having any harsh feelings.

It's a very slow paced movie but keeps you attached throughout specially in the first half. It flows like a calm river without much dialogues and will tie you with amazing direction by Imtiaz Ali. Background score is good and works well with the movie. Very less songs are used and off course another AR Rehman's great Patakha Guddi is one of them. Second half brings the film down as it becomes extra slow and starts haunting you. Thankfully suddenly it picks up, and after some hiccups, fascinates in the end. You'll feel a want to watch the sky in silence without any disturbance.

There were many expectations from Alia Bhatt, and so effectively from start to end, the girl delivers a wonder performance. You start liking her from the start and she charms till the last scene. Randeep Hooda finally got a role to prove again he's a good actor.

Experience how a zero story wonder show marvels with strong acting and direction.

Gunday : Review

Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Actors: Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra

Rating: 1.5 / 5

For this movie, I'll summarize it before the full review because the movie went just like it's trailer, the first one was very interesting and others were terrible.

Gunday fascinates well in the start with good cinematography and direction. Two child actors who played young Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor picked the story line with their wonderful acting and dialogue deliveries. First fifteen minutes enjoyment gives a good feeling and one starts expecting atleast something good from the movie, but the film comes down with a huge impetus similar to a hanging criminal whose support is removed. Unfortunately the hanging person is the viewer itself. Their is an effort made on dialogues but nothing suits well when the actor grow up. I would have loved the movie to continue with the child actors and rather give last fifteen minutes to the lead actors.

Priyanka Chopra fans like me will keep on searching for something good from her but she never delivers anything. Rather after her entry, search for any kind of story will begun. Ranveer and Arjun tried to act well but they never succeeded. At the interval, you would love to leave the dud but I gave it a chance if someone can pull it from the grave. Stupid climax is predictable which I shouldn't say climax at all. Songs deepens your wound although Entrian song force you to shake a leg for a minute.

Second half gave few glimpses of pickup but all proved to be fake. I'll applaud for Irrfan Khan as he managed to act well in this type of story flow as well, the reason I managed to complete the film alive. As far as direction is concerned, I'll not blame it a lot and would rate it decently.

Overall, this is surely avoidable and I'll suggest a better time utilization this Valentine.