ABCD 2

Director: Remo
Actors: Shradhha Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Lauren Gottileb, Prabhudeva

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Whatever appraises this movie deserves, it's only because of dance. It comes up again with breath taking dances that mesmerizes totally. Apart from that, story this time trails behind what was there in first part. A below average script that struggles to buck up throughout. Effort was not put to build the content, rather was done to inculcate the dance performances somehow. This led to inconsistencies and sync up issues. Although dance, the heart of the movie was preserved that brought a decent go to movie watch.

All actors were average and repetitive. Nothing beyond the basic attempt.

Remo did a true heart job that is appreciable. That's only accepted from him and he delivers best what he can.

Music was also below average.

Overall, great dances but nothing else.

PS: Sorry for the delay, was in cycling expedition in Bhutan :)

Hamari Adhuri Kahani

Director: Mohit Suri
Actors: Rajkummar Rao, Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi

Rating: 2 / 5

Title and the first look clearly suggested that the movie will be full of emotional drama. Barring few minutes, unfortunately this was true and sadly it was just Ashiqui 2 changing clothes. It had a good inaugural strong effect which disappears too soon once the movie enters the crying phase. The movie is relatively slow and the content quickly loses its sheen. Filled with lame romance, just somehow it manages not to irritate you.

There was an initial burst of amazing screen presence by Rajkummar Rao and Vidya Balan that immediately faded away when Emraan's character entered. Although I'm a fan of Emraan Hashmi but the movie was good whenever he wasn't there. It was Rajkummar Rao who nailed it in his small role. His part was different from the emotional saga and he played brilliantly. I would have loved to see a story revolving around Rajkummar and Vidya with their strong roles that was certainly possible. Vidya definitely didn't suit in this role. She was just reminding me of Ashiqui 2's Shradhha Kapoor.

Mohit Suri is just trying to reap benefits with his same old formula. He definitely needs to buck up and start putting efforts to show something meaningful in a different way.

Music was below average and brought nothing to benefit the movie.

Overall, lame romantic story where only few Rajkummar Rao's minutes entertained.

Dil Dhadakne Do

Director: Zoya Akhtar
Actors: Dog, Shefali Shah, Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Anushka Sharma

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Despite of boasting a great star-cast, I didn't find the trailer very impressive. Had the feeling that the movie might not have much to offer but was optimistic because of the brand that it was offering. Although the production quality is good, but somehow it gives a feeling of a TV series. May be the way it is directed gives that impression. Sadly, movie's story also follows the same route. It's a full on drama that so many times gave me a feeling that I'm watching a Saas Bahu saga on my idiot box. Moreover the story was slow and didn't have good content. There were few interesting dialogs but nowhere near to pick the movie up. Still it had few lovely occasions that brought the amazing feel of Zindagi na Milegi Dobara. Another good part was that it had a nice cheerful ending that also proved that the title was apt.

Among all the big leads, it was Shefali Shah rising above everyone. She had many emotional variations to offer which she acted brilliantly. All other actors were above average and did their best according to the script. Not to forget the amazing dialogs and acting by the dog. I know it's the scriptwriter and director who should be appreciated for this.

After an amazing stint with Zindagi na milegi dobara, Zoya Akhtar didn't put much effort in this. She took things for granted and expected that people will like the same movie aura again and again. Instead, this turned out to be a bad outing.

Shankar Mahadevan also went the same way as Zoya and delivered just an average music.

Overall, a full on drama movie that should be released in the form of TV Series.

Welcome 2 Karachi

Director: Ashish R Mohan
Actors: Arshad Warsi, Jackie Bhagnani, Lauren Gottlieb

Rating: 2 / 5

Teasers of this movie remind us of many Taliban related movies that have been tried to make hilarious earlier. Few of these have really succeeded despite many of them have failed. I had little expectations that this could succeed but unfortunately from starting itself it didn't show any signs of sense. Foolishness, if crafted well could do wonders but mostly it irritates and that's exactly the case here. Film kicks off a little when the duo reach Karachi. It has few good moments, sadly only few moments. Although it does not kill you because consistently it was able to bring itself to an average level.

Jackie is one actor who is on the lines of Uday Chopra but not as much irritating. He did a fair job. Arshad was good. He tried a lot and brought the movie to bearable levels. Lauren was okay with less dialogs but an unnecessary dance number was included at the wrong time just to showcase her skills.

Direction was a letdown by second time director Ashish Mohan who comes from another foolish attempt Khiladi 786. He has assisted many comedy movies but needs more hard work to get comic things right.

Overall, an attempted foolishness that was not good.

Tanu weds Manu returns

Director: Aanand Rai
Actors: Kangana Ranaut, Madhavan, Deepak Dobriyal

Rating: 4 / 5

Tanu Weds Manu first part was good but not anywhere close to something great. Surprisingly this one has broken all the shackles and certainly will be counted in one of the most hilarious dramatic comedy. From the start only it builds itself to progress to an awesome humorous environment. We have seen many comedy attempts on married people's life but I'll say this was the best I remember. Absolutely wonderful direction and script line. I'll give full marks to writer Himanshu Sharma who after Tanu weds Manu made a great attempt on a drama comedy script in Ranjhana. But he went miles ahead in this one, as each and every dialogue of first half was perfect. Second half was little bit slow than the first half but I can't take anything away from the movie.

I'll give credit to Himanshu-Aanand partnership who gave life to actors once again. First of all for each character, amazing actors were selected. Moreover all these characters performed to the fullest and amalgamated perfectly into the movie theme. Kangana Ranaut was perfect yet again in both the roles and carried the character wonderfully till the end. Madhavan did an amazing job once again but the show stealer was Deepak Dobriyal. He got enough screen space and he absolutely nailed every single frame of his.

Scriptwise Ranjhana was ok despite Aanand's direction was likable. This time he rose above everything and brought a beautiful piece of cinema that had all elements of stunning movie making.

Music wise I didn't even realize when it came and went. Just mesmerized in the movie throughout.

Overall, an amazing dramatic comedy script writing and marvelous acting by all characters.

Bombay Velvet

Director: Anurag Kashyap
Actors: Satyadeep Misra, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, Anushka Sharma

Rating: 2 / 5

From frame one movie gives a feel that it's made Anurag Kashyap style, but Anurag is much more than that. Unfortunately the 'much more' part was not visible in this retro flick. Despite the time was not wasted in useless things, it was neither invested in sensible things. Started with a cliché retro pattern that has been seen several times, it continued to make viewers ponder on what new is intended. First half puts a question that where the story is heading and what's its motive. Sadly, the second half did not have answer to that. Few comic moments that emerged from serious situations were good. Song sequences were full of weird lyrics although they were momentary, again a typical Anurag pattern.

Equipped with all amazing actors, surprisingly the best to emerge was Satyadeep Misra who played Ranbir's friend. He had enough screen time and he used it excellently to blend perfectly with his role and movie's theme. Ranbir had variety of moments under his belt and he almost mastered all. Anushka was below average whereas Karan Johar did well considering his first acting effort.

Movie was directed well but definitely not up-to the mark. I'm a huge fan of Anurag Kashyap but this was certainly disappointing considering the expectations. Yet he was again successful in building good interesting characters and one awesome side character that always scores.

Music was loud and didn't give a very good feel despite it had unique flavors.

Overall, a cliche retro flick built Anurag style where story had absolutely nothing.

Piku

Director: Shoojit Sircar
Actors: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan

Rating: 3.5 / 5

First thing that came into my mind was Paa since I've known this movie. Everywhere there were some comparisons made regarding the plot and Amitabh's acting. But somewhere it was known that from a different director, this should be different. Fortunately it was distinct in all possible good ways. Plot was very simple, but at the same time it was intelligent. There were no pieces left in maneuvering the movie and each part was brilliantly taken care of. Certainly very nicely and cutely executed story. There were nice dialogues, enriching movie flow but after the first half, only thing that bothered was the motive behind the movie. In the end it was found out that there was not much motive but the journey itself was the crux of the movie. On top of it, the ending was icing on the cake that was certainly delicious.

Amitabh Bachchan. Ohh I'm sorry, SIR AMITABH BACHCHAN. I know it doesn't matter but when Sir will be used in maggy reviews, it will refer to only this amazing actor. Sir's acting yet again made me fell in love with him. The way the character was caught and the way each and every dialogue and movement was performed was remarkable. Sir took the meaning of "Giving life to character" to a different level. To a level that only by seeing the character's clothes, you can imagine sir and the whole story of the movie. Not to forget Irrfan and Deepika who amazingly supported throughout. Irrfan had his share of amazing performance and unquestionably was bang on all through.

Shoojit yet again proved that he can deliver different, strong and entertaining movies every time. After Vicky Donor, expectations will always be high from him and he has stood out proudly this time. I'll give him full credit of making the overall movie fascinating. Certainly one of the best directed movie in recent times.

Background score was not used much but was very charming whenever used.

Overall, a wonderfully directed amazing journey of a man where the Man kills it yet again.

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.

NH10

Director: Navdeep Singh
Actors: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam

Rating: 2 / 5

Riding on not so convincing story, direction and acting were two things that were targeted to make this movie watchable. Similarly to Highway, plot was not the charm here but it was not able to give the charisma that Imtiaz Ali direction brought. Edge of the seat formula was tried but very few things seemed innovative or interesting. Most irritating part was that consistently throughout the movie, every situation was turning out to be negative. It reflected a very unrealistic and worst possible whereabouts for the characters.

Anushka Sharma was brilliant and was very much responsible for all positives that the movie echoed. The intensity and the variety of emotions that she bestowed throughout the sequences were breathtaking. Other supporting actors were also good.

Navdeep Singh came back after 8 years of direction drought after a brilliant Manorama six feet under. Despite of giving him few marks for this one, I'll still say that the feeling he tried to develop was ineffective. Maybe the plot was just not right for his style or he should have done better to rise above all odds.

Music was rightly used sometimes but not compelling enough.

Overall, an intense thriller assisted by awesome Anushka Sharma but completely hollow from inside.

Ab tak Chhappan 2

Director: Ejaz Gulab
Actors: Nana Patekar, Gul Panag, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 1 / 5

Already down on expectations, this movie was predicted to be a standard police story. Unfortunately that was the case which led it to be an extremely bore flick. There's nothing new or exciting. Almost throughout the story, I kept wondering why the movie was even made. Towards the end, it seemed that there was a little silly theme because of which movie was formulated. There was no sincere effort put at all in development of the story. It's runtime is less but still it manages to irritate you throughout. Time is wasted by constantly showing people trying to kill Nana Patekar. A stupid suspense is shown at the end in a way that it's very good. For these types of useless cop movies, Salman should be preferred instead of wasting Nana Patekar.

There was no scope of character acting or even some consequential acting in this movie. Nana Patekar was repetitive but still gives a good performance. Gul Panag looked good but again there was no chance for her to perform well. Ashutosh Rana was completely wasted and I will not blame him for that.

Debutant director Ejaz Gulab had no idea what he was doing. There was no sincere effort put to pick this movie up. Direction and editing was scattered all over the place.

Overall it's an extreme bore flick not even for Nana Patekar fans.

Badlapur

Director: Sriram Raghavan
Actors: Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautam

Rating: 3.5 / 5

The storyline of this movie was straightforward right from the start. There was no attempt of confusing and creating suspense whatsoever. The main focus was Revenge and that dedicated focus led to a brilliant cinematography along with awesome presentation of the script. Movie flows brilliantly right from the word go and all the chords are hit correctly. Few inconsequential things were there but they were important to feel the overall essence of the movie in a complete way.

Full marks to Sriram Raghavan as the credit for brilliance goes to the director. Perfectly crafted throughout, Raghavan always knew what he wanted to show and how the scenes have to be presented. With magnificent Johny Gaddar and Ek Hasina Thi under his belt, he improved amazingly as per expectations after a lull Agent Vinod. A dazzling effort which is more than worth appreciating.

Most important of all, the movie was an Acting treat. Varun Dhawan entered his name in the list of flawless actings in bollywood. His transition in various characters according his timeline was breathtaking. He showed perfect amount of aggression all through which was completely in sync with the scene. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a person you can watch for 10 hours non-stop. Single handedly he picked the movie in the starting with his sheer brilliance. His expressions and body language just come out perfectly every time. Combined with few magnificent short roles by various characters, it was a deluge of brilliant performances.

Background score often connected well and the music was good as an independent entity.

Overall, acting treat to the viewers along with a great thrilling direction.

Roy

Director: Vikramjit Singh
Actors: Arjun Rampal, Ranbir Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandes

Rating: 2.5 / 5

This is one movie that has the potential to make you think in vain for a very long time. I really don't know if I'll be appreciating the movie or cursing it because continuously it kept me in that state of mind without letting my mind divert till the end. Certainly lot of effort was being put in the script writing and it had all the ingredients to become one overwhelming watch. First half portrayed two stories running in parallel in a perfect sync. It showed something awesome is around the cards that may keep you spellbound. There were few very good dialogues that made sense in some way and kept the essence of the movie flowing. It's hard not to mention : Zindagi bhar hum sawaal mei hi rehte hain, bas jawab badalte jate hain. Second half was no different and didn't come out as expected. Little disappointing and may be irritating also for many.

Acting was pretty good by both the male leads. With whatever chance they had, they performed brilliantly. Jacqueline on the other hand is still struggling with her acting skills. But this movie had nothing to do with acting. Full time I was lost in understanding what director wants to show. Not breathtaking but certainly a decent direction effort that was amazingly supported with the editing. I would definitely say that Anurag Kashyap would have nailed the script and direction if Vikramjit would have fed him with this. Although I'll give full marks to Vikramjit for the thought and effort he has put into this.

Music was good but was never well connected with the movie albeit the background score was appreciative in parts.

Overall, a nice illusion created to make you think but nothing really delivered. Even if it makes you frustrate, it's worth a watch.

Shamitabh

Director: R Balki
Actors: Amitabh Bachhan, Dhanush, Akshara Hassan

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Shamitabh is a well thought script especially for movie making. It has some unnecessary technological hype but that is easily pardonable. The best part is the way it has been executed especially in the first half. Just when you think that movie has something more to offer, it enters a bleak mode. Movie flow along with the script is ruined towards the end. Loads of drama and stretch towards the end extract the unique script essence from the movie and make it ordinary.

Rising above everything was Amitabh Bachhan. As soon as he enters, he heavily augments the movie standards. One description that will literally make sense for him is Classic Artist. Everything about him was pitch perfect. Definitely one of his best flairs in recent times. Dhanush was pretty good albeit he was playing a mute guy. Akshara Hassan gave a very poor performance. Whenever she was onscreen, it was putting questions on every aspect of movie making. But soon it was understood that no other good aspect could make a scene better if she's there.

R Balki has a good track record of his previous two movies. Although Cheeni Kum and Paa were very well directed, this one was an average effort. At many places, direction weaknesses were easily seen. Definitely a better attempt was expected from him.

Music chords were often connected well with the movie flow. Neither music director Illayaraja did anything extraordinary nor it was asked or expected from him.

Overall, potentially good script ruined by the drama in the end.

Hawaizaada

Director: Vibhu Puri
Actors: Ayushman Khurrana, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Sharda

Rating: 1.5 / 5

The movie appears to be very kiddish in the starting. It was tried to make serious at the same time that fueled the sluggishness constantly. A boy thrown from his house in a weird manner is caught by a peculiar scientist who identifies his talent and then they both start to build a hawaijahaaz. It exhausts you both towards the end of first half and second half. Movie sets looked very specious and added to the viewers' trouble. It has a good vedic reference that slightly enforces few philosophers thought that vedas are more scientific than religious.

Ayushman looked good in various scenes and gave a decent average performance. Mithun's character was very distinct and somewhat funny at the same time. Like in all his roles, he has developed a skill to never disappoint, at least at this point of his career. Other actors were just average despite not getting good dialogues to enhance their performance.

Dubutant Vibhu Puri gave a failed attempt taking set decoration too seriously and missing on other important aspects. He has assisted Sanjay leela bhansali before and that relation was visible in the movie. He might have to think out of his comfort zone to get the things right next time.

Music and background score always looked disconnected.

Overall, a confused and a failed attempt that probably could have been better.