Margarita with a Straw

Director: Shonali Bose, Nilesh Maniyar
Actors: Kalki Koechlin, Revathy, Sayani Gupta

Rating: 2.5 / 5

The movie starts on a very light note with a standard case of a struggling differently abled person. It catches your heart in the first look but doesn't continue to do so. Nothing great, new or refreshing as per the story line is concerned but the U.S.P. of the film lies in its simplicity. It is been crafted very well and the cinematography is extremely smooth and uncomplicated. Main focus of the movie flow was honesty and that was executed brilliantly. No compromises were made regarding whatever was planned to show and was demonstrated in a very subtle way.

Gradually and in a very elegant manner the director portrays how the feelings of a disabled person is no different than any normal person. If storyline and direction are treated independently, definitely the direction is something to appreciate in this movie. It was a composed and a very well organized effort.

Keeping aside all the things, acting is something that actually ruled the show here. I'll not say it had mind-boggling performances but every actor acted just above the required good level. Kalki Koechlin was very well in parts and more than acceptable throughout. Revathy did her job in a good standard way but Sayani Gupta was a charming surprise. An integral part of the story, she supported Kalki really well and was the main reason to push the movie standards up.

Background score was average although a strong one would have really helped the movie.

Overall, it was a simple and honest movie with good acting performances. A little bit of work on story would have taken it to the next level.

Detective Byomkesh Bakshy

Director: Dibakar Bannerjee
Actors: Sushant Singh Rajput, Anand Tiwari

Rating: 3 / 5

When Byomkesh Bakshy name is heard, it is expected that the plot will be intelligent and will be solved with no ammunitions. The movie has done justice to this theme. Plot is genuine and well worked by Dibakar Bannerjee and the original writer Saradindu Bandopaddhyay although doesn't give a bigger kick as compared to the original series. What wins here is the cinematography. Back 1940s Kolkata scenes are shot tremendously with an amazing blend of background score and direction. Story might throw an opinion of being slow but it's perfectly fine if it makes people think constantly throughout before revealing the actual facts. Few interesting characters are built very intelligently that enhances the overall feel of the movie.

Sushant Singh Rajput was completely amalgamated in the role and had a perfect body language. He displayed the attitude that was required and never went for overkill. Anand Tiwari supported him well by displaying a good Bengali look. All other characters performed well with few impressive dialogues to back them.

Although Dibakar Bannerjee has had his flaws in his earlier flicks but still a good work is expected from him every-time. This time he stood up-to the reputation he has built. Direction was never exaggerated. Simple looking plot was executed in a simple way.

Very rarely it happens that you want to write so much about the musical connect. Sneha Khanwalkar was bang on with the amazing background score and music that connects well with the movie. It often changes the mood effectively with a seductive touch. It gives it shots in between and ends with a ravaging touch.

Overall, an excellent cinematography and a genuine plot that is slow but perfectly fine as it makes you think constantly.