Ritu's Reviews

Previews bearing strong resemblance to the Matrix, gave the impression that Krrish, the sequel to Koi Mil Gaya, may be a Matrix rehash. Instead of a fresh subject, it seemed to be an excuse for father and son to team up and cash in on their previously earned glory. However to think that Rakesh Roshan would deceive his audiences in such a manner is a faulty and insulting presumption. As with Koi Mil Gaya the entire unit involved with Krrish plunges into tumultuous waters with another questionable theme, subject to audience approval.
Contrary to what it may appear, Krrish is not the Indian Matrix. The only resemblance it holds is in special effects and costume. Besides that, Krrish is actually the story of a super hero; India’s answer to Superman, Batman, and Spiderman all rolled into one. Krrish is a common man growing up for all intensive purposes, in smallville, with extraordinary capability. How he discovers the answers to his uniqueness, the impact of what his strengths can be used to do, and how he can use them without attracting attention directly to himself is what Krrish is all about. In addition its been padded with romance and melodies to ensure the delivery of a well-rounded entertaining package.
Rakesh Roshan earns full points for his adventuresome efforts to provide audiences with something truly unique on a large budget and grand scale. He fails to hesitate when ensuring quality, finesse, and perfection meet the highest of standards in his films. The best of technicians in their respective fields contribute to giving Krrish a high-profile appeal. Cinematography of Kulu Manali is breath taking and Singapore sleek. Action sequences by pro Tony Ching Sui and Sham Kaushal, make for a cool watch full of “ooh’s” and “aah’s”. Music by non other than Rajesh Roshan is soothing, “Pyaar Ki Ek Kahani” is an unquestionable winner. Although the screenplay has a consistent grip on viewers through the second half, the lagging pace of the first half may encourage wandering eyes. As for the script itself, it’s a solid story complete with clearly etched characters, conflict, climax, and an apt conclusion.
Coming to characters, Krrish could not be enacted by any other artist than Hrithik Roshan. He possesses the brave heart, the build, the brains and the blessed looks needed to create an Indian super hero. His winsome aura endears men, women, and children alike. Indeed, this time around the character of Krrish was far easier to enact than that of Rohit from Koi Mil Gaya, the demands required for this role were not so much performance oriented, as they were presence oriented, but to no disappointment he delivers a flawless performance yet again. Putting anyone else in his shoes, the film would have surely failed. Only he could magnetize viewers for the entire duration.
Rekha, wows with her brilliant performance. Naseerudhin Shah adds spunk to his character. Priyanka Chopra is a slight disappointment, not appeasing in looks or acting.
The father son duo jeopardize more than money again, with their reputation to deliver on stake, but when it comes to these two, the odds are usually pretty good. Once you absorb that you’re a watching an Indian film with a super hero theme, you’ll be more open to enjoyment. It is an entertaining watch with the family, to be enjoyed by kids and the kid with in you. Krrish is surely India’s answer to it’s very own super hero. If you are seriously tired of watching the same old slapstick nonsense comedies, frustrated there’s nothing new out there, everything seems like a romantice love triangle, then Krrish is your answer! Stop complaining because Ritu Mahindru applauds the efforts of Krrish with 3 ½ stars.

Posted by Ritu at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Indian cinema caught on to the fever of sequels and the season of sequels is here! Slated for release still are Krrish the sequal to Koi Mil Gaya and Dhoom II. But the first to reach the finish line PHIR Hera Pheri, the sequel to Hera Pheri.
Catch the memorable characters of Baburao, Shyam, and Raju brewing up trouble for themselves, yet again!

If you haven’t seen Hera Pheri, don’t worry, Nana Patekar’s voice over in the beginning of the film takes you through a quick overview of the characters. So, not having seen it you won’t be lost, but you did miss out on a good comedy!
Phir Hera Pheri shockingly is not directed by original director, Priyadarshan, of Hera Pheri. It’s in fact directed by Neeraj Vora who in the past has worked on many scripts with Priyadarshan. Still Vora is quite familiar with comedy owning penmanship for the screenplays of Garam Masala, Hulchul, Awara Paagal Deewana, and many others, including the original Hera Pheri.
But I’m sure the million-dollar question is, “Is it just as good as Hera Pheri”?
Well to be honest, the first is the first, that experience isn’t so comparable. Its script was far more gripping, and while this isn’t an equivalent, Phir Hera Pheri will give you laughs phir se!
Again, you have the unbeatable combination of Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, and Akshay Kumar. They are the same fun characters they were in the first one. On their end they disappoint to no end where their performances are concerned. Paresh Rawal is immaculate. The perfect Baburao, twice the fun as last time. Suniel Shetty is the placid element between the colorful characters of Baburao and Raju. Subtly is definitely his forefront. Akshay Kumar shines. In the 3 lead starrer, he continues to be the right choice for stirring trouble.
Adding flavor are Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Sharat Saxena, Suresh Menon, Manoj Joshi, and Razzaq Khan, who all prove to be excellent additions. Miland Gunaji looks a bit misplaced.
Though you forget seeing them in the movie, I won’t forget to mention the female leads enacted by Rimi Sen and Bipasha Basu. With absolutely no scope, they walk through their roles without a purpose. Rimi still makes half an ounce of effort, but Bipasha does’nt look appeased by her role one bit.
The characterizations remain strong, but the script itself is on the weaker side. The dialogues carry the right amount of punches, but its truly contingent on audiences to decide if they’ll let loose with their laughter or remain poker-faced.
Comedy is really a personal choice. What one person finds funny may not have the slightest bit of humor to another. Gaging the laug-o-meter in theatres, most people seemed to be in uncontrollable splits of laughter. The few that found the buffoonery to be senseless, remained disinterested.
Himmesh Reshammiya’s music is strictly OK. The punjabi “Yaad Sataye Teri” is hummable. The pace of the film is slow towards the second half. The climatic portion in the end is literally a ridiculous animal chase! The conclusion is predictable and even annoying, leaving a bad taste in the mouth.
Phir Hera Pheri will leave some people in splits of laughter and others with a splitting headache. However overall given audience appeal, cast, and performances the film fares as an easy-going, jovial, watch, but for Ritu and her people, it’s only a 2 star film.

Posted by Ritu at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Om Puri, Suneil Shetty, Anupam Kher, Shahid Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, and Kareena Kapoor all walk blindly in to the trusted hands of director Priyadarshan, known for his comedies. With his track record, there is little to fear. Granted he’s made some boo boo’s along the way, however his success exceed the amount of failures. But then again, with Chup Chup Ke, they may be coming close to a tie.
An upbeat, rib tickling first half is met with a lukewarm second half. Drama unevenly enters the second half, with no comic relief. It becomes more of a sappy family saga about love and life, ruining the carefree pace. Had the transition from easy breezy to heavy and intense been paced with occasional humor, the results would have been enjoyable and effective. Instead the presentation interrupts laughter with an abrupt halt. As it is, the story’s not solid. The humor quotient is low and the fire of romance between Shahid and Kareena weak. Not enough depth is placed in establishing the relationship the two share.
The saving grace is the performances of some key characters. Shahid is back in form with Chup Chup Ke. He proves he has propensity after all. His acting works for a comedy and succeeds in breaking smiles. Suniel Shetty is gregarious as an older brother. This film allows him to showcase more talent than he’s been professing recently Paresh Rawal, to no surprise is above par. He needs no one’s consent to state he knows what he’s doing. However, best of all this time is Rajpal Yadav! The man is just absolutely fantastic! An absolute joy, brightening each scene with his presence. Besides these 4 key entertainers, Om Puri is effective, Anupam Kher apt, and Shakti Kapoor functional. As for the ladies, Kareena Kapoor is moderate in her performance. Playing the role of a mute girl (perhaps to the relief of some), she’s average in her delivery. Neha Dhupia owns a small role, but one that sheds better light on her, than the D-grade films where she’s the lead. Sushma Reddy fails to take major notice, but is proficient.
Use of white colors gives the film a fresh appeal. Cinematography is artistic. Himmesh Reshammiya’s music is nothing out of the usual. In fact its starting to sound repetitive.
Priyadarshan falters in Chup Chup Ke. He doesn’t create riots of laughter and leaves the audience with mixed feelings. Chup Chup Ke, khul ke gets Ritu's 2 stars.

Posted by Ritu at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Duo Abbas-Mastaan don’t know what failure is when it comes to directing what they’re best at - commercial thrillers. From Baazigar to Humraaz, Ajnabee, to their most recent Aitraaz, they leave little room for error. 36 China Town, stars candid celebrity couple, Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna, and also debuts internationally applauded model Upen Patel. If girls couldn’t get enough of John Abraham’s physique, check out the chiseled features on this guy…

Abbas-Mastaan films are never an insult to the viewer’s intelligence. Their films are full of suspense and surprises even for the most avid watcher. In addition, there are barely any loose moments or holes in the script. At then end there is a feeling of having sat thru good entertainment and great acting.
36 China Town, does not meet these standards. For director’s that leave little room for error, their biggest blunder in 36 China Town is the script. Its an overall weak plot with average execution. Writer Shyam Goel appears to be lazy, relying on his directors, the cast, and music to support his pointless murder mystery. Forget challenging your mind to solve who the killer is, you just don’t care. Its so disappointing that it’s not worth the effort. The slow pace further takes away from the thrill.
Technically a prolific package, 36 China Town proves looks can be deceiving. The cinematography is first-rate, allowing the visual appeal to empower.
Nasally sensation Himesh Reshamiya belts yet chart topper. “Aashaqui Hai Meri” is hypnotic when Upen Patel puts on his moves. Choreography by Ganesh Acharaya for both versions of the song is commendable.
From the full cast of Paresh Rawal, Payal Rohatgi, Johnny Lever, Tanaaz, Isha Koppikar, Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna, Upen Patel and a score of others, the only actor that brings life to the film is Akshaye Khanna. He is absolutely super! Next in line worthy of credit is Upen Patel. With a great on-screen presence, the role of a ladies man inarguably suits him and he performs with confidence. Kareena is average. Shahid reminds one of a cartoon character, with his over the top facial expressions. Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever share good chemistry. Payal Rohatgi and Tanaaz pull through with decent performances. Isha Koppikar makes a timid appearance. Tanushree Dutta features in a pointless song with Shahid, 30 seconds apart from the first song.
36 China Town is not nearly as clean and well thought out as previous Abbas-Mastaan thrillers. For once they are the ones that are guilty with giving audiences a yawner. I yawn rudely and entirely manner less giving it 2 ½ stars.

Posted by Ritu at 04:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)