Teacher's Day Movies To Make You Laugh

Source-pikapost.com

It’s that day of the year, when we celebrate the awesome source of inspiration in our lives. No, not Ganesh Chaturthi! Well, yes it starts today and Ganapatti Bappa Morya, but this post is about the reason for which september 5th is celebrated every year! Teacher’s Day!

We have all had teachers at one point in our lives; we have called them names behind their backs, hated the tests marks and been the recipients of countless scolding. But these very teachers have played an important parts in our lives, whether it is teaching us to be more tolerant ,better at taking stands or learning to be incredible impersonators (:p) . No, jokes apart, teachers do shape our lives in ways we can't be thankful enough.

But looking at the pop culture, especially movies, we come across various masterpieces like Taare Zameen Par, Rockford, Freedom Writers, Dead Poet Society, Mona Lisa Smile among others which are primarily concerned with the emotional drama.  Here the students’ lives change forever, thanks to the motivational teachers. Don’t worry , I’m not going to give a list of those movies, but I am going to share movies you must watch where the student teacher relationship is showcased in a light hearted way, bound to make your lips curl like a crescent cut watermelon aka smile.

So sit back and celebrate the day for teachers with these comedy movies!

1.     School of Life (2005)

source:dvd-covers.org

This is a tv movie starring Ryan Reynolds and David Paymer. Amidst the competition for the teacher of year we find the traditionalist David Paymer opposite the new bie Ryan Reynolds and his new approach to teaching. The movie is pretty straight forward with a good heart.

     2.School of Rock (2003)

                                                                                                       source:blogdailyherald.com

Directed by Richard Linklater and starring Jack Black, this is a substitute teacher , a  man ousted from a rock band, who is bringing his rock ethics to the strict private elementary school, well if that aint a recipe of cool, I don’t know what is. WATCH THISSSSSSS!

3.  Sister’s Act (1992)

                                          source-imdb

A lounge singer in a roman catholic setting. That’s all you need to know about this sweet movie starring the amazing Whoppi Goldberg. Her relaxed ways in the uptight environment is a treat to watch as she teaches people to chill a little.

4.  Kung Fu Panda

Stereotyped by the cute animation world, the noodle maker Po (the panda) is selected as the Dragon Warrior and even though his master Shifu initially doesn’t deem him worthy, later due to the grandmaster agrees to train him, bringing out the best of the panda. So cute!

 5.  Rules : Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula

I’m kidding, this isn’t actually a teacher teacher movie but hey I just wanted to put a picture of Milind Soman from his Pinkathon run in Delhi Yesterday (:P)

Okay back to

 5. Choti si Baat

This is not in a typical classroom setting, but this movie is a must watch for Amol Palekar , Ashok Kumar and Basu Chatterjee fans. Simple yet humorous, this movie teaches the socially awkward Amol Palekar to approach the girl of his dreams.

And that brings us to the end of our list, yep, apparently no one wants to make comedy movies with teachers or maybe they think teachers can’t afford to be easy going for the fear of students perceiving them as not strict, or maybe it's fun seeing them as serious beings?

*I do not own any images/videos* No copyright infringement intended*

Dhanak-Movie Review!

Source-internationationalnewsandviews.com

A wide expanse of golden sand with small patches of green and amidst this a lonely road, in want of travellers. And come those little steps of brother sister duo, walking hand in hand, with hope in their eyes. Their aim? To see the dhanak!

"Ye Sansaar Pura Jadoo Se Bhara Hai ,Bas Sachche Man se Dekh" 

Dhanak is a story about a small boy who has lost his eyesight, his sister wants to her brother to get his vision back. For this, she decides to take the journey to Jaisalmer (some 300 kms away) to meet her idol Shahrukh Khan and request him for help. On foot.  It is a story about believing in dreams and daring to the take the leap of faith. Even Chotu isn’t fully convinced, “Shahrukh ke liye bhi koi ghar chodta hai kya?” he only agrees for his sister. Nagesh Kukunoor of Rockford and Iqbal fame has created a simple storyline which drips with simplicity.

Source-koimoi.com

This movie isn’t for an audience looking for a complex web for a plot. For Dhanak is filled with the cute war between SRK and Salman fans in Pari and Chotu. Here in you’ll witness the sisterly sacrifice and love in Pari who rejoices in failing so that she can help her brother in class, we see their excitement for the movies on friday, and their fights like the one where Pari being tired of her brother exclaims, “hey ramji, tune iski ankhein cheen li ,zubaan kyu chod di”. The screenplay like the plot moves at a comfortable place and just when you are about to get suspicious of the positivity and the dream like scenario, reality strikes in but not before Kukunoor forces you to see the magic again.

                                               source-zeenews.india.com

His writing ultimately leads towards a juncture where as an audience you’ve to take a call, on what you just saw and what you believe. The cinematography with the gorgeous barren dessert against the warm-hearty protagonists and colourful personalities is a beautiful canvass to see. This was expected from a movie by Kukunoor who has even in the past with movies like Dor and Iqbal truthfully captured the beautiful countryside. The dialogues in the movie are the perfect blend of innocence and humour.  This unique road trip movie doesn’t concern itself with too many intricacies but maintains the focus on the two young kids out to fulfill their wish.

                                                                                                   source-berlinale.de

                                                                                         source- bollywoodlife.com

Hetal Gadda (Pari) and Krrish Chhabria (Chotu) are a delight to watch. Their brother-sister love will tug at your heart. Both of them not only look insanely cute but have incredible job at portraying their roles. They totally rule the screen but the supporting cast has done a great job too. Where Rajiv comes as the cool friendly character, Suresh Menon has wonderfully donned the role of an odd man tormented by the death of his family, Vipin Sharma as the uncle is great too!

And binding all this sweetness with harmony, music director Tapas Relia has produced a solid soundtrack with soulful numbers as Jeene Se Bhi Zyaada , Mehandi and of course the lovely rendition of the iconic Dum-A-Dum, which you must listen to if you haven’t already. (I mean how incredible is the voice of Devu Khan!)

You must definitely watch this movie for-

1.       Chotu and Pari       2. A sweet story of hope  3.Humour 

Rating-3.5 /5

'Urban Poor' Needs Spending Lessons

This is my two bits on the 'Urban Poor' article on Buzzfeed. You can read the Buzzfeed article here.

Thank you for the writing the article on this issue as ,going by the number of shares ,it is clear how many youngsters relate with the sentiment. It was beautifully written and the article thankfully puts a spotlight on the misplaced priorities of the newly earning class; all for appearances.

The piece is but a reflection of the problematic ‘peer pressure’. It is not to be pitied upon but must be seen as a red herring; we must stay strong against the allure to put up appearances at the cost of our basic needs. It is natural as humans that we try to fit in but to the point where logic and priorities take a back seat, no. Of course, there will be times when you have to spend, but that’s what savings are for.
Where I disagree with the article is the emotion being conveyed. Yes, the initial years of earning and spending all that we earn on lifestyle expenses makes sense but post 3 years of work, in your late twenties if you are doing the same mistakes it just lacks any sense. And that doesn’t deserve empathy but only a big fat Jackie Chan emoji!

source-joshthepikachu2123.deviantart.com

Spending your hard earned money is great especially spending on yourself. Being self-sufficient is a new high, more so after the broke days of college. Indulging in luxurious retail therapy or spending a lion’s share of your salary in making yourself feel good is definitely acceptable. I have no problem with materialism. And this is what particularly irked me about the article, there was no instance of these young people feeling satisfied with their expenditure. And how could they be, when you are making yourself feel bad for the rest of the month? If the balance in your account is depleting faster than Airtel 4g (ok bad one, I know :P), then there is clearly a lack of basic financial know-how and in the larger and much more glaring level, the absence of self-confidence! 

And if this bad prioritizing is due to the media propagation, then this is just a bad excuse. Everybody knows of the unrealistic ‘vacay’ goals set by media, you are not a Kardashian and being in your twenties is not the same as being in your teens. This must be seen just as the photo shopped magazine covers, unrealistic body goals and the often seen protest against them. If you haven’t realized the truth up till now, the Buzzfeed article is truly a blessing, wake up! You are not in Mean Girls and you don’t have to join the plastics. 

I would’ve loved it had the author as an extension of pointing out the stupid spending tendencies, also would’ve expressed ways to put a stop to this. I am particularly intrigued by her suggestion that at the interviews at these posh cafeterias, the interviewer doesn’t pay for the expenses? (This is probably a sign that, this is a company you shouldn’t work for).

I would’ve loved it had she along with looking after her juniors had asked her superiors to reimburse the employees for their work trips late night! (which as far as I know happens in a majority of companies already).
 She sympathizes with the newbies having to board a bus due to the light wallet or stifling a sob and goes on to feel the humiliation about be laughed at for not owning an iphone. Now this here is problematic, first there is a need to stop stereotyping and looking down upon buses as a medium of commute,  this is the first step of creating pretenses. Second, Iphone isn't the holy grail and third, even if you are spending a whole lot on putting up appearances, then you should suck it up and not feel pity for yourself. IT WAS YOUR CHOICE. Don’t tell me that society is like that and you have to do such stuff, because this is bull shit. The reality is there is always a way and the truth is that you lack confidence. You are bullying yourself. If you are still getting swayed away by the media painted life in your twenties, then god save your future children.

I know people think, it is easy to say than act. But the bottom line is, money is never going to be enough, and didn’t the panama papers clear that for you? The author has rightfully pointed out the sad priorities of the newbies in the earning bracket. Whatever happened to having fun and seeing the humor in being broke.And this is why it is important to ADD to her article, the clear and simple-spend in your limits and of course

FAN- Movie Review!

                                                                             source:hdwallpaperimages.in

Shahrukh Khan is a true blue super star. Phew, okay then, I think this should keep me safe from all the fans! Hehe ,no, seriously let’s talk about  one of Shahrukh Khan’s eagerly awaited movies of 2016: FAN!

                                                                                                       source-ibtimes.com

The movie has created waves ever since the first teaser was released, after all we were seeing two Shahrukhs, one as himself and one in prosthetics, a good one I must say. In each fan’s life, every little moment which makes one fall in love with a celebrity is but a precursor to the only highlight event there could ever be, every little day is but a build up towards that moment when they will  get a chance to meet their superstar in person. But what happens when the moment materialises? Fan revolves around Gaurav Chandna (Shahrukh Khan), a die-hard fan of Aryan Khanna (Shahrukh Khan again; I did this purposely! :P) , who arranges for a trip to meet his idol on his birthday, but things happen and he is miffed with the person he considered his God. He takes charge in his own hands. And as he says in the movie

Ab tak fan star ke peeche bhaagta tha , Ab star fan ke peeche bhaagega!

One thing must be said about the director Maneesh Pandey, of Band Baaja Baraat fame, he knows the Delhi mannerisms like the back of his hand. The way it has been reflected through the dialogues and body language in Gaurav , his family and friends’ characters is absolutely brilliant. The overall cinematography of the movie is a beautiful blend of the posh world of a celebrity and the unglamourized world a middle class fan. The moving presents itself as a gripping story in the first half, but struggles a bit in the second half with the plot becoming slightly overstretched. Without any prominent background music and the lack of songs overall, the movie becomes a little too intense, seems to assume a length like that of an Ashutosh Gowariker movie.

                                                                                                source: 2hundrednames.tumblr.com

There are certain loopholes, but those are excusable except the one where they call a sweet Sohan halwa when in fact it was Karachi halwa! No, really. The concept is new (it’s not like the Robert De Niro movie of the same name), the approach is fresh and the execution pretty good too. With a little crisp pruning of the plot especially with a thriller like this one, the movie would’ve been even better.

                                                                                                                                               source:ontechbuzz.com

The acting department, or must I say the acting of the actor Shahrukh Khan is absolutely sensational! Reprising a grey rather negative character after so long, his attitude as Aryan Khanna is as believable as Gaurav Chandna’s madness. He has wonderfully portrayed the two characters from entirely different backgrounds. He has helmed the entire film solely by his acting. Supporting actors Yogendra Tikoo and Deepika Amin have done a good job as Gaurav’s parents, while Sayani Gupta is descent too.

Overall, Fan is a movie you should definitely check out! It is a fresh and good concept! As the movie, sadly, doesn’t feature the song even in the end credits, here is Jabra, if you are missing it.

Watch it for:
  1. Shahrukh Khan as Gaurav Chandna      2. The performance Gaurav stages at the beginning  3.A fresh story

Rating:3/5

Aligarh-Movie Review!

Source-picvp.com

Sitting in a dimly lit room, with all the material possessions around him, is a man the dusk of his life. Alone in his room, he has bolted all the locks and closed all the curtains. One hand is holding on to the whiskey while the other is lost in the dance to the voice of comfort on his cassette player.

Aligarh is based on the true story of Marathi Professor S.R.Siras of the Aligarh University. He was suspended from the university on charges of immoral activities, based on the sting video made after forceful entry inside his bedroom by journalists and staff of the college. The immoral activities in question: him making love to a man.

                                     source-bbc.com

Aligarh is much more than a mere documentation of how the shameful and gross injustice that was meted out the man who was three months close to his retirement. Hansal Mehta has made Aligarh with an aim to project the human side of the issue. He skilfully plays down the public angle to capture the personal space. His movie is about recognising the common man amidst the sheer lablelism that people indulge in. As Professor Siras says,” gay word se mujhe problem hai baba, koi meri feeling ko teen aksharon mei kaise samjh sakta hai?”.

                                                    source-zeenews.india.com

Manoj Bajpayee has owned the role of a professor caught up in rough seas. You can feel the ageing man with the droopy shoulders and the delayed, thoughtful replies. He is the agent through whom we meet the regular man, a lonely man. When the petitions start to roll, to help him fight the case, this simple man replies he is not interested in activism. He just wants to live with dignity. The cinematography is laced with scenes of silence with Manoj Bajpayee doing his nothings to highlight the heart-breaking loneliness of this ‘outsider’ who teaches Marathi in an urdu speaking town.

                                                      source-catchnews.com

Rajkumar Rao is the Good Samaritan of the movie, who is the man who is intent of fulfilling his duty to ask the right questions as a journalist and move beyond to understand the man the Siras was. His chemistry with Manoj Bajpayee is very natural.There is also a good supporting cast but the focus doesn’t move much from the central players.

Where the dialogues by Apurva Asrani are absolutely reflective of the common man’s tongue, the music by Karan Kulkarni both enhances the emotions and give a good support the story. The screenplay is laid is such a way to slowly disclose and bring out the gravity of what had happened that ill-fated day. But although the intent might’ve been to highlight the sad banality of the professor’s life after the incident, I as audience felt a little detached due to the prolonged silent scenes in the movie. The writing lacked the hard impact which one felt right in the gut with a movie like Shahid.

Nonetheless, Aligarh carries a good intention of highlight the ‘human’ amidst the issue.

Watch it for-

1.  The unfair incident 2. Manoj Bajpayee   3. And Rajkumar Rao.

Rating-3.5/5

Will the real journalists please stand up?

A still form the movie Spotlight.
source-youtube.com

Every form of media is significant for it is our connection to information of what is happening in a location or an area. They being our sole connection to the information must make them feel responsible for any news they share.

One may say that with the advent of technology, we have other platforms like Twitter, Facebook etc from where we can get our information. But why these are not considered reliable source for news is the presence of personal opinions and the absence of other point of view. When the media reports an issue, it is important that we keep our prejudices behind and call out any bias. Because, what is actually happening should always trump over what looks best suited to ones’ convenience.

With the prominence of social media, there has been a rise of both pros and cons. Let’s focus on the boon; people are now aware of calling out any bullshit. Media is therefore, rightfully facing the music for their pathetic coverage of various events like Malda , Chennai floods, Assam floods, Deepika Padukone’s objectification ,Pathankot attacks and the latest JNU row. From ignoring critical national events, to TRP oriented ‘breaking news’ to blatantly biased reporting, media is failing at its job.

Recently Ravish Kumar, from NDTV, hosted his entire show with a black screen, condemning the state of reporting today. I’m not interested in defending Mr Kumar or NDTV, and his style may seem dramatic, but remember he never claimed to be the saint. I’m interested in the point he raised, the duty of a journalist.

                                            source-youtube.com ,mahtab alam

Whatever happened to fair reporting, anchors now-a-days are busy pronouncing judgements. It is definitely human to have views, but while at a job, it is crucial for the anchor to leave his personal views for the open-eds and concentrate on questioning and listening answers from their interviewees. The alleged reveal of tampering of the JNU video is deplorable. How can a journalist not proof-check the evidence displayed on the national television? Isn’t that his only job before presenting news?

This is where the recently released Hollywood movie Spotlight (watch it!), directed by Tom McCarthy comes in. Based on the ‘spotlight’ section of investigative reporters from the Boston Globe, the movie showcases the team’s instrumental effort in exposing the ‘systematic abuse of children in the Boston area by the Roman Catholic priests’. An incredible Oscar nominated movie, Spotlight is the example of what truthful reporting can do to the society. They start with a difficult topic with a conjecture of something huge but do not run the news without proper proofs. And they work hard at it.

                                                source-youtube.com,movie clips coming soon

Let’s not be fools in thinking that newspapers must not work for popularity, because it is a business, like any other. It was even shown by the characters in the movie who wanted to be the ‘first’ ones to report, competing with another newspaper, in order to gain the top position with the audience. But be assured, that the reporters collected evidence, background checked the victims, proof checked their sources before publishing their report.

And this is what is ignored by the media today! Without credible arguments what will be the difference between the news channels and social media? News channels do have the means and the reach to affect opinions and they must feel accountable and responsible for it. We have many reporters from our own country like Chitra Subramaniam , P Sainath who have done served their best to journalism. I do not read newspaper or watch news channels to hear opinions by the anchors, social media already does that.

What we expect from our journalists is to deliver factually sound reports and what we as readers can do ,is keep an eye out for any sensationalism and use reason.

Neerja Movie Review!

Source-bollyspice.com

She was kneeling by the flight’s door; in front of her a scared passenger. And like a dark nightmare, were two men standing behind with blood on their mind and guns in their hands. They were trying to negotiate with voices outside. There were tactics, resistance, convincing and frustration and within seconds a gun shot. A life lost, lost in front of the 22 year old flight purser.

Neerja, is a film by Ram Madhvani, based on the real life brave heart: Neerja Bhanot. The story captures the hijacking of the ill-fated flight Pan Am 73, by four terrorists from the Libya backed terrorist organisation Abu Nidal , with a focus on depicting the immense courage, devotion and quick thinking of the Ashoka Chakra awardee Neerja Bhanot.

                                                        source-indianexpress.com

The story is one that must be shared and let me say Ram Madhvani and Saiwyn Quadras have done a pretty good job. The cinematography is well done, with both the sequences done at home and in the flight. The screenplay is only descent ; it is nothing extra-ordinary or new. There is as expected, a dose of foreshadowing, but marginally avoiding clichés. There are some attempts to creatively infuse extra melodramatic situation in the story like the singing scene in the flight or the one featuring all the kids but they seem superfluous and filmy. With a story like this, the viewers automatically experience very deep respect and easily connect with the gravity of the situation and so those attempts are unnecessary. But let me warn you, the story will make you cry a river.

                                  source-pinkvilla.com

Crucial to stories like these is the casting. Sonam Kapoor as the lead actor did make me skeptical but I have to say ever since the first look, she looked promising.She has done a great job. She not only looks the part but has wonderfully conveyed the emotions, we can only imagine Neerja must’ve experienced.

                                                                      source-india.com                      

Supporting the protagonist is the fantastic Shabana Azmi, who fits like a glove to role of Rama Bhanot(mother). She feels like the second lead, the audiences feel her worry, her pain and sympathise with her. 

Yogendra Tikku , as Harish Bhanot (father) has done an amazing job too. Shekhar Ravjiani as Neerja’s love interest Jaideep, in his short role, is very endearing. The music of Neerja by Vishal Khurana is very appropriate to the story. It pairs well with the plot except the one time where it seems to be just placed for the emotional milking. There are some soulful numbers as Gehra Ishq and Jeetein hain chal.

At the end of the day any movie, which is based on real life bravery, is expected to evoke emotions like motivation, pride and makes you question life and your actions. Ram Madhavni’s Neerja does a good enough job on the scale.

Neerja Bhanot’s story is an incredibly awe-inspring one. She suffered, she overcame and she displayed paramount courage and loyalty!This is the story you must know.

 You should watch the movie:

    1.For Neerja and her story     2. For the great acting performances by Sonam and the cast.  

       Rating-3.5/5

Taandav!

Zindagi ki yahi reet hai.
Ye Jeevan hai iss jeevan ka.
Ces't la vie.
Welcome to the real world, it sucks, you are going to love it!

Life is difficult. We are all judged every moment like in a Bigg Boss house ,some even hear Arnab Goswami like voices in their heads ;shouting, "The nation wants to know!" .In this world full of expectations, is it easy to stand by your principles?

And sometimes things get so crazy that we get to the point of WHY JEEJUZ WHY ME?!

Stories can be told in 30 second ads. Simple story, engaging screenplay and great storytelling.In this brilliant short film by Devashish Makhija , with music by Nucleya ,starring the incredible Manoj Bajpayee , we see how one decision taken by Head Constable Tambe leads him to unleash the Taandav! 
(video courtesy- muvizz.com, youtube)

Self Appointed Goons?

Source-dppindia.com

People scoff at any suggestion that there is an environment of intolerance in the country. They start quoting numerous events from the past in order to save what is happening in the present. They accuse where were you when blah blah horse-shit .Well I’m sorry on at least this account, for this accusation of theirs will go to waste ,I was born in July 1993 and it is only in the past few years that I have gained what is called a youth conscience.

Forget my birth information, unless you are interested in sending over any gifts, I have all the right to criticise our government and its leaders. And no, that does not mean, I am affiliated to any group, for it plainly sucks! Groupism sucked in school, in college, in office and it sucks everywhere .Have some individual opinion. But let me proclaim, I am a liberal and I am not a terrorist. In fact I am a humanist, unlike many other formations ruthlessly getting violent every other day.

Just because things have happened in the past, doesn’t mean the present government gets to go scot free of any criticism. No politician is as pure as the amul milk. BJP ,Congress ,BJongress all the same. Besides it is actually quite foolish when people keep questioning Arvind Kejriwal for every decision ,after his election promises, but defend BJP madly when questions are raised against them.

And coming to these protectors of national identity, unless you are Batman , who are you to become a vigilante and take law in your own hands? Who gives you the right to bring your vein popping angry self at every place trying to protect the Indian identity? 

          Just a view of how stupid one looks when unnecessarily protecting the  unthreatened "bharat maata" (courtesy-the youtube uploader and tanmay bhatt)

ABVP,VHP, RSS and Shiv Sena have a right to opinion but they have absolutely no authority to keep unleashing violence at every single occasion they stand opposed to. Don’t ask me why I’m not accusing any muslim group because right now I’m not talking about them. These right wing groups have been accused of rousing the tension at JNU, they have been accused of barging in and stopping the screening of the Muzzafarnagar documentary, RSS goons were involved in beating up students for the Rohit Vemula protest in front of RSS headquarters, Shiv Sena have been involved in threatening Pakistani artists,  VHP against stone pelting SRK’s cars in Ahmedabad yesterday, in Valentine’s day forceful garland exchange events at places and countless other cases, of moral policing in Mangalore and many areas.

Let’s get back to the JNU, when we call this country a democracy, how come anytime any other opinion surfaces it is automatically tagged leftists, liberals, sickulars etc. Now even if it is ,what is wrong with that? Why are these right wing parties so aggravated about any dissent? And where the dissent crosses the limit like it has in this situation, why are the slogan raisers not arrested? Why does a JNU student union leader arrested for a discussion, which he didn’t even call for? Why is he singled out even after he repeatedly showed respect for the constitution? Is this not witch-hunting? Think of it, the ABVP hashtag of #shutdownJNU was categorically ridiculous and at the same time perfectly mirrors their ridiculous ways of protest.

Thousands of simple questions are important here. Haven’t extreme form of these protests not happened in Kashmir before? How many of those protestors arrested? Isn’t BJP in alliance with PDP in Kashmir? And why the non-substantiated comment by the Home minister? Do the freaking investigation properly within the limit of JNU framework. Why bring the police forcefully into the student institution? Remember ,these are learned students after all. On what basis is Kanhaiya responsible for loose slogans raised by other alleged outsiders? And of course, amidst the mega mud-slinging by the equally opportunistic politicians continues, PM will not comment about the issue at all, even as his own party ministers shamefully thrashed journalists and JNU teachers in front of the court today. 

And what is appalling is that a lot of people encourage this sort of violent vigilantism.Just read the comment section of any JNU related post and you'l see a number of people saying ,"yahi karna chahiye gaddaron ke saath" (This is what should be meted out to the anti-nationals). Yes, just like to Akhlaq and to the Tanzanian woman in Bengaluru.

What intolerance? 

Fitoor -Movie Review!

Source-songsmp3.com

The opening credits of the movie, informs the audience that Fitoor is inspired by the revered Dickensian novel-Great Expectations. The story revolves around Noor, the poor kid with artistic genius who falls in love with the out-of-league Firdaus: the mysterious Begum’s daughter. Time separates the two and there begins the story of love, rejection, family politics, and madness. But don’t be fooled, Fitoor is sadly nothing like the intense and iconic literary piece.

The story, screenplay, dialogues are all so dull that it feels nothing is ever happening in the movie. Abhishek Kapoor and Supratik sen have both failed miserably to incorporate and adapt depth of the novel. The makers have tried to woefully simplify the novel for the movie ,loosing its essence. The story seems flat and when things do happen; they fly by so soon, like the climactic, tell-all scene with Tabu and Noor scene in London. Staying true to the book would've made it a masterpiece but what we get are scenes that seem incomplete. The emotional connect is almost absent, where you don’t feel Noor’s poverty, riches, devastation or anything. In fact, the movie fails to convey love and passion completely.

                                                                                         source-india.com

This bad storytelling transfers on to the actors too. Aditya Roy Kapoor has done better acting in other movies, the connection was missing. Katrina is just alright and her character sketch pretty lousy .Tabu does a great job but even she fails to hold the imagination as one would’ve expected her character to do which highlights again highlights the failure of the direction and script.

The only thing which is commendable in the movie is the cinematography, thanks to the heaven on earth- Kashmir. The set design for both locations ,Delhi and Kashmir, were artistic and beautiful to look at. Another department ,which does a good job ,is the styling department who are on point with the lead actors looks, for both Aditya and Katrina are looking absolutely stunning in every scene along with the whole supporting cast.Though,Katrina Kaif's alleged fifty lacs rupees red hair weirdly keeps changing its shade. 

My problem with the director escalates to Aata Majhi level when he doesn’t incorporate the brilliant soundtrack by Amit Trivedi properly in the movie. The songs seem like a loose toss ,not giving justice to the soulful numbers: Pashmina, Ye fitoor mera, Tere liye, Raanga re , Honedo batiya and Haminastu .Mr. Director ,a lot of those missing emotions were stored in these songs! Bad decision like Mr Bhansali did with Aayat in Bajirao. To add karela to the green sabzi , the eye feasting music video for Pashmina was not even played with the end credits. FTW!

After watching Fitoor, you might feel dissatisfaction or give a nonchalant shrug.

Watch it for-

   1.   Katrina and Aditya’s looks    2. And the Kashmir scenes (for Kashmir only) 

Rating-2

Airlift Movie Review!

source-purefilmy.com

Akshay Kumar has been doing some good movies recently but they have been mixed with some not so good ones. How that works for his career is not my concern, but does he draw me to the theatre is the real question. The decision, whether I should make that trip to the movie hall, was made because of Nimrat Kaur in the cast. 

source-filmibeat.com

Airlift is Raja Menon’s representation of the largest civil evacuation in history –the evacuation of Indians who as one character in the movie says were rendered “refugees because of Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait”. This is one of those few movies, which has tried to show war time on ground reality. The story is about what happens when an Indian businessman, who proudly considers himself Kuwaiti, is faced with the horrid reality of Iraqi occupation. The movie captures his initial inconsideration to his gradual resolve to ensure and execute the safety of his 1,70,000 stranded compatriots.

But the story is not like your typical serious mission movies, as one would expect.The movie incorporates Hindi film industry elements with song, dance and sentimental scenes, to perhaps pacify the intense situation in the movie. You’ve got your oh-i-hate-the-bureaucracy scenes, to the rise of patriotism on seeing the flag scenes, and of course the one absolutely amazing hearted supporting actor. But none of these bring down the movie drastically. I would in fact dub Airlift as the guide to making Indian style rescue operation movies. It caters to all. I literally saw the audience clapping and whistling furiously in every patriotism laden scene.

source-airliftboxofficecollection.in

The cinematography and the dialogues are dealt in a good fashion and the casting is also pretty great. The supporting cast of Purab Kohli , Inaamul haq , Kumud Mishra and Prakash Belawadi have all done great justice to their roles. The way the characters are written is also pretty realistic with our main leads initially showing their grey sides. Nimrat Kaur is also just a supporting character, but she does an amazing job. Akshay Kumar, the hero of the movie feels somewhat similar to Oskar Schindler’s role in Schindler’s List, but none the less equally brilliant, being based on real life heroes Sunny Mathews and Vedi. He essays the character convincingly.

The music is essentially there to lighten the serious plot and is only descent.

Airlift  does become one man army kind of a story, when in reality many more were involved but the creative freedom does not become out rightly outrageous. if you can get past the little Indian-ised emotional interruptions .Airlift is a good movie with a simple yet intelligent plot and great acting.

Watch it-

1.       For the great Indian rescue story    2.For the good movie making   3.And wonderful acting.

Rating-3.5