Ritu's Reviews

Unlike a typical Shah Rukh film that’s met with great anticipation and excitement at the box office, Chak De India met with cynical skepticism. The weak promos further discouraged support. A Yash Raj production with only the Badshah Khan’s star power to uphold the interest of the masses, the film was almost written off before it hit theatres. There was no Esha Deol or Bipasha Basu to sizzle the screen. Rather a group of hard-core, sweaty, athletic females. Unfamiliar faces as far as the audience is concerned. But Yash Raj instilled faith in the ‘Ab Tak Chappan’ director Shimit Amin and let him do his job. In return, Shimit Amin took the bull by the horns and delivered an extraordinary film.
With in the first five minutes you know it’s an excellent story that can boast of originality.
Writer Jaideep Sahni is solid! From Company to Bunty aur Babli, last year’s surprise Khosla Ka Ghosla, and now Chak De India, he proves he’s a prized jewel of the industry. Together Jaideep Sahni and the director with an international resume, Shimit Amin, force audiences to applaud their efforts. A film of substance, Chak De India touches upon many social issues; some in a blatant manner, others inconspicuously.
The basis of the screenplay may be about sports, but you don’t have to be a hockey or sports fan, or for that matter even hold interest in sports to be involved. An energetic, enthusiastic, and entertaining film, it doesn’t let you get bored for a split second. The suspense grips you so you don’t stray from the core and the fine acting immediately captivates.
Shah Rukh Khan uses his charm in a different light. He initially pulls you in with his effervescent aura, but then surprises you with a new face. Literally a new face in terms of his look, but a refreshing new performance is what mesmerizes. This is Shah Rukh’s best performance after Swades. No hamming, no lover-boy predictable expressions; just pure, raw, Shah Rukh like in the good old days. Chak De separates the charmer from the actor. In this film he sweeps you away with his brilliant performance.
The team without whom this film wouldn’t be possible is the unique team of women field hockey players, each with their own distinct identity. Sometimes a huge star cast takes over the script. But here the focus stays on what matters. Not the glamour, but the game. In demanding roles, every actor is full of conviction and each gets in the skin of their character. Two-thumbs up on excellent casting! Special mention to the characters of Komal, Preeti, and Bindiya for the distinct marks they made and honorable mention to the character of Balbir Kaur who added another dimension of enjoyment to the film.
With Shah Rukh at his best and this fun group, there’s no question of missing a typical bollywood romance film.
Yash Raj productions ensure the technical experience of the film is one of quality. The cinematography is superior. Lighting is proficient. Salim-Sulieman provide upbeat music, with a catchy background score.
But all said and done, what is there not to like about Chak De India? Well, it depends on how you like to see the glass. Half full or half empty? If you fall in the half empty bunch, than film will be a bunch of girls repeatedly running around from one end of the field to another and a very rigid SRK hammering at them to be less clumsy. There are bound to be some that’ll complain and say, “kya yaar, no nach ghana, luv shuv..” and so on. If that’s the case, than Chak De India doesn’t cater to these needs and isn’t the film for you. Chak De India dares to retaliate and not conform to the norms of a Bollywood film.
Having done so successfully, it’s a film of international standards. A watch for all ages, it offers more lessons to be learned than just the ones of sportsmanship, values, and ethics that meet the eye. Truly bringing about the patriotic mood and pulling out emotions, Chak De India is spirited and soulful. Clapping, cheering, crying, this film will make you stand up with pride and joy with a well deserving 4 stars on Ritu's Review.

Posted by Ritu at 04:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Mahatma vs. Gandhi, there is the great saint and then there is the common man behind the saint. Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings are preached and honored worldwide. But in order to become the great sage he’s revered as, there came sacrifices. Not just those sacrifices that are universally acknowledged as fasting, going to jail, and so forth; but personal sacrifices in his family life. An idealistic man of firm principles, while he gained the faith of the nation, he lost the faith of his own son.
Gandhi – My Father is the less heard story of Hiralal Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s eldest offspring of four. In a touching tale audiences see the perplexed state of Hiralal; his efforts to be a good son, to his indifference towards his father, and eventually his sad demise. Beautifully depicted, melting the coldest of hearts, the relationship between father and son, as well as mother and son reach deep. Drowning in a foray of emotions you can’t help but sympathize for Hiralal’s predicament and Gandhi’s own sorrowful hurt and disappointment.
An excellent subject to bring to the forefront, Gandhi – My Father shows the pressures of being a saint’s son. A unique story, never shared before, is appropriately highlighted by the filmmaker. Well deserving of an A+ for effort and subject matter, Gandhi – My Father is commendable. Thorough detail and research on the topic seem evident; not misleading audiences to hold any bias. Anil Kapoor’s production company takes the standards up when it comes to production quality. The technical wizardry, lighting, background score, and cinematography are all first-rate. Original black & white footage from the time period, add to the authenticity.
What holds the film back from being the best it could possibly be is the pace and editing. Director Feroz Abbas Khan pays attention to the tiniest detail, but neglects seeing the big picture. He could have narrated the story in a more engaging manner to fully captivate viewers of all ages. The general pace is slow and the episodes run in circles.
Although a film to further showcase Akshay Khanna’s histrionics, Gandhi – My Father is a film where Darshan Jariwala as Gandhi and Shefali Shah as Kasturba steal the show. They’re performances are impeccable! However that’s not to say Akshay Khanna doesn’t shine. He shines as the brightest, most talented actor we currently have in the industry. Bhoomika Chawla in her concise role is highly effective. Stellar performances by the whole cast make it a memorable watch.
Gandhi – My Father is an all encompassing film that educates. While it’s slow pace and lack of zest may deter some viewers, it’s a suggested watch. Viewers will be exposed to a new angle and the debate of how good a father Gandhi was to his son vs. the nation will make the family round table discussion. With respect Gandhi – My Father marches off Ritu's Review with 3 stars.

Posted by Ritu at 04:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you’ve seen Himesh Reshammiya as a judge on TV or in an interview, you can tell while he’s clearly passionate about music, he’s very private otherwise. Aap Ka Suroor – The Film, provides some insight on Himesh Reshammiya, the musical maestro himself.
Great curiosity looms over Himesh, the man who even with his given success hides beneath a hat and barely ever smiles; clueless when it comes to expressing joy. The mysterious aura that surrounds this man will force many to view the film. Even if you do so, rolling your eyes and shaking your head, in disbelief of your own actions. But it’s only natural to wonder. After all, he’s proven he has the ability to get just about anyone up on the dance floor, so now we see if he can take on the challenge to keep people seated through his 2 ½ hour feature.
It comes as a pleasant surprise that AAP KA SUROOR – the film actually has a storyline and is not just an extended music album from the singer/composer. With a rock star, a murder mystery, a sting operation, a love story, upbeat music, a fresh face, hot Mallika Sherawat, and the sights of Germany the producers try to ensure there is enough to entice audiences. But where they come through with their part, the director and writer do not. Banking off of Himesh’s musical star status (although largely exaggerated in the film) it was a smart idea to develop a story around a rock star and have Himesh play himself. Although the story holds some suspense it doesn’t have the twists and turns to make you sweat. As for the love story it lacks conviction and is very amateur. Little spoofs on Himesh’s habits and antics offer humor. Unfortunately the film is a victim of poor direction. Key details are neglected. With the amount of money spent on this venture, at least cinematography is up to par and Himesh doesn’t disappoint with his music. For Reshammiya fans, be rest-assured the music is up to the mark.
When it comes to acting, it’s a whole new ball game. The music composer is stiff in front of the camera and can’t even play himself naturally! With his limited range of emotions he tries to express and not draw a complete blank. In romantic seems he appears either awkward or angry. Making her debut as a leading lady on the big screen is Hansika Motwani. With a photogenic face, sweet smile, and decent acting, she’ll win hearts. Heart-stopper Mallika Sherawat, enacts a poorly etched character whose shades change abruptly. But to her credit she effortlessly seduces as usual. Misplaced but well done is her Sholay knock off dance to “Mehbhooba o Mehbhooba”. Playing Himesh’s sidekick, as his business partner is Shravan. He brightens up the screen with his jovial character.
AAP KA SUROOR – the film was best left as a music video. Not that anyone was expecting a mountain out of this mole hill, but something worth applauding would have been nice! If anything, it’s perhaps worth a forwarded watch on DVD with Ritu's 1 ½ stars.

Posted by Ritu at 04:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Shaad Ali created a wave with Bunty Aur Babli. The script was so strong it created real-life heists and gave birth to a number of Bunty Aur Babli like scams. Whether is was seeing Big and Little B dance together with Aishwariya in “Kajra Re” or Rani’s ever so popular designer outfits, later emulated by the masses, the film made a statement. FUN was in!

Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is an energetic musical romance comedy. A number of Bunty aur Babli fans will drop from the list, feeling a slight disconnect to this comedy. It’s not nearly as clever of a screenplay. With a basic story your average joe-schmo writer could come up with in his sleep and narrate in 6 minutes tops, it’s amazing how Shaad Ali pulls along for 2 hours and 20 minutes. But what’s even more striking is how he’s able to entertain for a good 2 hours of that duration. Fun is his motto, fun is his mantra, as Shaad Ali keeps the film, light, bouncy, and flowy. Substance free the movie skips along pointlessly. The first half sets the situation and can be a bit of a bore. The second half is where the film picks up with the addition of Bobby and Lara.
When viewing a Yash Raj film, you know you’re going to get quality cinema, if nothing at least on the technical front. The production house ensures the best of cinematography, visuals, gloss and style are in tact.
Keep in mind it’s a “musical romance comedy”, therefore there are songs at every turn. The good thing is, much of the story is communicated through the musical pieces and thankfully Shankar Eshan Loy are behind the tracks. As always, every track is worth its every penny. The lyrics by Gulzar aren’t exactly poetic masterpieces, but do a fair job in telling the story. In fact the lively music, with creative sets, and excellent choreography is the strength of the film.
Amitabh Bachchan does what would be equivalent to an item number for a bombshell. He’s merely there for star power and has no relevant part to play at all. Looking good while dancing, but not so much in his Pirates of the Carribean attire, he has the best track. Abhishek fits in the role of a punjabi boy from Batinda, but seems to be delivering an extended performance from one of his Bunty aur Babli characters. Although he hams a bit, he still succeeds in making audiences laugh with his comedic timing. Preity Zinta looks delightful and is a complete natural. Bobby Deol is in form after quite some time. He’s extremely likeable in the second half and proves why he’s deserving of this industry. The same can be said for Lara Dutta. She molds herself perfectly for the role. You forget it’s ex Miss Universe Lara Dutta, but really this drop dead gorgeous foreign hottie.
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is a tension free entertainer with a must buy soundtrack. The film is likely to appeal to younger audiences with modern sensibilities. Ritu smiles at Jhoom Barabar Jhoom with 3 stars.

Posted by Ritu at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)