Ritu's Reviews

It’s been one heck of a year for Aishwariya Rai! From Dhoom 2 to Guru, and finally her wedding to Abhishek Bachchan, she's been on a role! But look out for a speed bump because on the international front, she may have earned global recognition, but her work has yet to be welcomed with open arms. However Provoked: A True Story may just be the performance that’ll silence her detractors. Take a look at the review of Jag Mundhra’s Provoked: A True Story.

The beauty of a Jagmohan Mundhra film is that it has the ability to take a true story, socially relevant on all fronts, and tell it in an engaging manner. Provoked is a story that speaks directly to the many women in our society. It’s an inspirational and touching subject.
Entirely deserving of a screenplay, the Provoked team can be applauded for their efforts.
However, while the topic is appealing, its presentation lacks in flawless execution. Previously Mundhra had directed Bawandar, again a film on social injustice faced by women, which was brilliant throughout. Provoked does not display the same finesse nor detail. Certain sequences, for instance, interaction with jail mates are exaggerated and showcase amateur acting. But to Mundhra’s credit the order of sequences and flow is well paced. The scenes between Miranda Richardson and Aishwariya deserve special mention. The warm bond formed and sentiments clearly penetrate to audiences.
From a technical standpoint, cinematography is average. Special effects are well done. Art direction is on point, setting the right mood. The dialogues give the screenplay strength and are empowering.
As for acting, Naveen Andrews stands out and takes notice, though he’s given minimal exposure. Nandita Das tries, but goes over the top in her attempt. Miranda Richardson is the most likeable of the supporting cast; endearing, with a commendable performance. Finally zipping the mouths of her mockers is Aishwariya Rai! Ranking amongst some of her best work, Aishwariya is the soul of Provoked. In a surprise act, not only does her natural beauty leave viewers in awe, but her genuine performance is heartfelt.
Provoked: A True Story, can be criticized on a technical front or even on factual basis. But what stands firm is the fact that it’s a story on a true case, Regina vs. Alhuwalia that redefined ‘provocation’ in the cases of battered women. When pushed to the limit, or out of simple fear, what Kiranjeet did may not be the message to walk away with. Rather the lesson for wise viewers would be to seek help before one’s mental state develops to those extremes. Seeking to educate, Provoked: A True Story is deserving of Ritu’s 3 stars.

Watch Provoked and try not to misconstrue the lesson, but understand the deeper intent.

Posted by Ritu at 05:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After their dynamite chemistry in Hum Tum, who wouldn’t want to see Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee together again? Finally, director Siddarth Raj Anand who brought Priety and Saif together in his youthful romantic comedy, Saalam Namaste, now brings us Saif and Rani in a ‘racy’ manner.

Ta Ra Rum Pum – No idea what the name has to do with the story but what the story has to do with is the rise and fall of a star. But not just any star…rather, a dashing, good-looking, young, energetic, race-car star! Saif Ali Khan steals hearts in a flurry as he max’s the gages on his speedometer. Unlike Hrithek or John on motorcycles in Dhoom, Yash Raj goes the NASCAR way!
But it’s not exactly an action packed thriller. It’s a story about a family, their hardships, and how they work together to climb out of them. While that may sound like every Indian family drama, what’s different is this family is young and the main basis of a sportsman and his sport are the highlight.
Shot in New York, the film was meant to connect with NRI’s. From Times Square to Jackson Heights, the places are familiar and hit home. However the mediocre screenplay does not. Rather than hitting a home run, I’d say it gets to about third base. The first half almost seems forced, as Rani and Saif’s love story unfolds. The second half is really where the meat and bones lay. Intended to be emotionally charging, there are two tracks that try to reach audiences. The first is Saif’s emotional graph and the second is the riches to rag component. Saif’s struggle is penned well, but with regards to the new found unwealthy state of the family, the narrative goes overboard, exaggerates circumstances, and makes them unbelievable for viewers who know better.
Like many before him, director Raj Anand does not measure up to the polish of his debut film, Saalam-Namaste. A number of factors can be held responsible, but the mainstay is the shoddy screenplay. Where he excels the most, is in extracting the best from Saif and Javed Jafri. As lover, father, star, or loser, Saif plays his part with immense capability. The actor who at one time was touted incapable of doing a solo-venture, holds this film together. Accompanying him and shining bright is Javed Jafri. After making his crocadile-dundee, ‘eggjacktly’ mannerisms a hit, he steps in another unique and likeable role, in full form. Rani Mukherjee, who reins queen of the box-office and numerous awards, delivers a static performance. Her emotional expressions appear redundant and her appeal lacks ‘oomph’. The child artist in the film perform well and Victor Banerjee takes notice.
Vishal-Shekar disappoint with their musical compositions. The only song you may find yourself humming at is “Shona”. Cinematography and lighting are not up to par in standard shots, but are mind-blowing in the racing sequences. Extremely well executed Binod Pradhan’s camera skills are brilliant.
Ta Ra Rum Pum may not meet some expectations but averages out as a likeable watch. A sure hit with children for the kiddie elements and a must see theatrical watch for the experience of some excellent racing, Ta Ra Rum Pum scores 3 stars.

If you’re not into NASCAR or Formula One racing, you will be after this film! Or at least be on the edge of your seat with the nail-biting racing sequences.

Posted by Ritu at 01:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)