Love aaj kal is a story of a 'practical couple' who mutually decide to break up due to their career ambitions. In an amicable break up they throw a party to celebrate their separation. However they keep in touch and eventually realise they cannot let go of the other person. Simultaneously running is the story of a much previous generation and their love story. In this case, love came first, then came ambition. The contrasting notions of love between the two generations reminds us what we are missing out in this quest of proffessionalism and individuality. On the whole it is a very funny movie with even the serious scenes making you laugh. My friends and I fell in love with the 1965 love story of Veer and Harleen. Imtiaz Ali directed the yesteryears in a superbly manner and Saif Ali Khan looked, acted and completely became a very attractive younger version of Rishi Kapoor. It was the best romance I have seen in years. Harleen played by a new comer, (whose real name is missing from every website for some reason) takes you back to the innocent days where girls had a straight parting and a long braid and wore full sleeved simple clothes. I absolutely loved her, and she looked like a million dollars in her simple attire. On the other hand, Saif Ali Khan as a young hip Jai was someone we have seen before in Hum Tum, Kal ho na ho and Salaam Namaste. However because the man never ages he looks good doing it! Deepika Padukone looked like a giant in most of the scenes. Moreover her make-up was average. Her strong Hindi accent is a little putting off because she ruins funny dialogues with it. If I had to change one thing about this movie, it would be Deepika Padukone. She seemed too young and awkward. However with such a good script, great songs and direction everyones flaws are well hidden and what you come back home is wanting a little more of each of the love stories because you want to know "what happened next??!!??!?!"
Reviews
9 Reviews
My Sister's Keeper
(2009)
unforgettable book, unforgettable movie, unforgettable acting
2 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I read this book recently. I knew the movie would be different. They always are (e.g.kite runner). Anyway I was excited to see Cameron Diaz play Sarah Fitzgerald because I knew she would rock it since its something unusual for her style. And boy did she perform! This movie is about a girl dying of lukemia but really its about how the family is "living" whilst she dies. So on the one hand Kate is sitting at the beach covered in a towel breathing her last breaths while her siblings play catch with their aunt and feed the pigeons. Its about a father who understands that he can blow out fires in other peoples homes and rescue them but he is helpless in his own house. Its about siblings who have seen the shadow of death in their homes since the day they were born and behave almost like adults having to face the bitter reality of a disease that has plagued all their minds. In the end its really about a mother who has done everything in her capacity to keep her sick child alive for 14 years. Cameron Diaz has given her performance of a lifetime. Especially in the last scene when she breaks like a piece of glass. The first time in the entire movie. What stuck with me the most, other than Diaz was the lovestory of the 2 sick characters. Taylor and Kate emote such realism while they are dating. In their eyes and actions you see two people who know this is temporary and want to cherish everything they have. It teaches the audience a lesson, that we ought to be that way every waking day of our lives. You don't have to be sick to realise the transience of life's pleasures. I cried a lot during this movie. People around me sobbed, including a boy sitting with his girlfriend. It was moving, sad and very memorable. It reminded me of how a similar problem in my house has plagued our family, and how my mother wont give up and how it has made all of us stones at heart. It reminded of real life, and that is what made me cry.
Kambakkht Ishq
(2009)
Funny, glamorous and predictable
2 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I expected nothing much out of KI because I think Akshay Kumar is an overrated comedy actor and Kareena kapoor is the queen of overacting. Therefore when the movie started and turned into a comedy riot I was pleased. Credit goes to Akshay Kumar for being yet again the same brat he has been in Hera Pheri, or Bhagam Bhag. The only difference is that he is speaking in English and resides in Hollywood. Kareena Kapoor is unbelievable as a surgeon. My sister is a surgeon, and believe you me, no one at age 25 or whatever she portrays becomes a) a surgeon, b) has time to model in Milan WHILST their surgery programme is running and finally c) has nails as long as fairy tale witches (surgeons cannot have long nails... period) However she doesn't have much to do but lok hot, and she does. Finally I would say go for the first half of the movie, its a laughing riot, very funny, some over the top scenes but then again its Akshay Kumar comedy. On the whole very glamorous, great locations, clothes and people but a very predictable story. If there could have been any improvement it should have been in Kareena Kapoors acting.
Delhi-6
(2009)
A movie without a story, an actor without a role..
28 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was by far one of the most painful 2 hour sittings i have ever had. I love Indian movies, and I will continue to watch them with the same vigor, but this movie was bad beyond belief and if I can i want to spread the message so that people don't waste their money on it.
Roshan, played by Abhishek bachchan is an annoying annoying character who is soo lost and confused during most of the movie. Abhishekh Bachchan's American accent is soo annoying because its soo fake. Secondly, he doesn't have many lines other than "what?" "but why?" because once again hes a total goner. Bittu, i.e. Sonam Kapoor is pretty, likable but also another confused character trying to become someone shes not, and pursuing pointless dreams. What i found puzzling was that she is from Chandnichowk, a little place where the electricity goes off after 8pm,water is physically pushed out of a well for domestic use, cows and goats are domesticated, yet she somehow has an ipod and talks fluent English. Some parts of the movie just did not make sense. The entire movie was based around finding this KAALA BANDAR, i.e. a metaphor for soul searching to know whats inside your own heart. But it was unbelievable presented. There were soo many scenes just left incomplete, and so many dialogs felt like they had been forgotten. Nothing happened in the entire movie, there was no story, it was a narration, more like an art film. The main song Arziyan, which is my personal favorite, was cut into hundred pieces through out the film. It is as if this film was made half heartedly, acted half heartedly and produced half heartedly. Nothing was complete. In conclusion, this movie is a definite miss. I would watch Swades over and over again for an NRI concept, but never Delhi 6.
Roshan, played by Abhishek bachchan is an annoying annoying character who is soo lost and confused during most of the movie. Abhishekh Bachchan's American accent is soo annoying because its soo fake. Secondly, he doesn't have many lines other than "what?" "but why?" because once again hes a total goner. Bittu, i.e. Sonam Kapoor is pretty, likable but also another confused character trying to become someone shes not, and pursuing pointless dreams. What i found puzzling was that she is from Chandnichowk, a little place where the electricity goes off after 8pm,water is physically pushed out of a well for domestic use, cows and goats are domesticated, yet she somehow has an ipod and talks fluent English. Some parts of the movie just did not make sense. The entire movie was based around finding this KAALA BANDAR, i.e. a metaphor for soul searching to know whats inside your own heart. But it was unbelievable presented. There were soo many scenes just left incomplete, and so many dialogs felt like they had been forgotten. Nothing happened in the entire movie, there was no story, it was a narration, more like an art film. The main song Arziyan, which is my personal favorite, was cut into hundred pieces through out the film. It is as if this film was made half heartedly, acted half heartedly and produced half heartedly. Nothing was complete. In conclusion, this movie is a definite miss. I would watch Swades over and over again for an NRI concept, but never Delhi 6.
Ghajini
(2008)
Good but not great
26 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Did this year belong to Aamir Khan or Shahrukh khan? I would say none. I think it belonged to priyanka chopra for two great performances in Fashion and Dostana and Farhan Akhtar from turning into an actor and then a t.v show host. Anyway Ghajini is a great movie on the technical aspect with amazing use of cameras. The humor is great, although sometimes Asin's character over acts (where she walks the blind man to the bus station). Aamir Khan looks superb and once again you fall in love with him at a whole new level. The movie is all about him and you cant help but appreciate how much effort he has put into his physique as well as acting. even if this film is inspired or totally ripped off mmemento, hes done a great job. Somethings in the movie are left unfinished. For instance Aamir's character never gets to tell Asin what his true identity is. Out of nowhere the bad guy and Asin have one meeting and the next scene she is dead. Aamir khan has short term memory loss yet after 15 minutes when reminded he remembers everything, so technically he forgets for just a second n a half or something. Lastly Jiah Khan's character was unnecessary. Asin grows on you as the movie progresses. She is beautiful and confident and puts up a great show that by the middle of it, you want them to live together forever! The last scene of the movie moved the whole audience in the cinema hall and no one got up till the credits rolled. This is an entirely Amir Khan show. You need to not think about the flaws and just enjoy his performance you'll be fine.
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
(2008)
Blah, too Long, too long and too long.
18 December 2008
Im beginning to see a trend in shahrukh khan movies where he tries to crack jokes like "mind it" from Om Shanti Om, and his silly shivering and trying to maintain a conversation with a girl. Don't get me wrong I've practically worshipped this guy since DDLJ and KKHH, no one can be a bigger fan. But now its getting to me. Rab ne has a fantastic beginning with him playing a different character who is shy, loving caring and devoted. Anushkha sharma does a great job but she is far tooo tall for him, and looks far too young. the girl is probably in her teens and he's in his 40's even when he tries to look younger in the second half he still doesn't pull it off. On every scene srk has tears in his eyes for "sacrificial love" and that gets monotonous. I don't think Aditiya Chopra directed this movie. Even in the making videos he is no where to be seen. I missed Karan Johar. Even if the story wasn't strong, his dialogues, costumes, songs, direction would take the movie places. In conclusion this movie is far fetched (watch out for the "i love you" scene where supposedly srk lights up the city for anushka). I would call this movie a pass, and Im disappointed in srk. Watch Swades or Chakde India, don't waste time on this.
Slumdog Millionaire
(2008)
Heart-Breaking tale of a gutsy SlumKing- exceptional
12 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Slumdog Millionaire was one of the best movies of this year. Danny Boyle was extremely smart while selecting the cast, theme and music director for this film. It has the art aspect for the West to appreciate the slums of Mumbai, the poverty, corruption, sex all excellently handled. Then there is a love story which would appeal to all audiences around the world. Lastly to put a cherry on the cake there is amazing musical score by A.R Rehman whose talent South Asians absolutely salute If one thinks about the movie a few days after watching it, the story seems pretty customary; a poverty stricken boy from the slums of Mumbai manages to score twenty-million rupees on a television game show purely by case of luck. However what makes this movie exceptional is Danny Boyle's narration of "why" this boy manages to win the money, and "how"- By connecting pieces of his life together and finding the answers through introspection. He is a complicated character with disturbed relations with his brother, and a long lost love from the slums he is still searching for. In the end the movie leaves a lot of messages about youth, innocence, vulnerability, keeping your shoes in a bag and taking them inside the Taj Mahal to avoid theft, not trusting every mineral water bottle seal in restaurants etc. But the one that strikes out is the value of money, and how petty the whole charade is. This boy has no regrets about his life, in fact in their younger versions they show how living in the slums is also a lifestyle, and it doesn't mean people are unhappy if they live there. It's our way of thinking that luxuries are intrinsic to survival that makes their condition look pitiable. Moreover it also makes one realize that money is worth nothing without happiness, even if that happiness vests in one person, one object, or a relation. On the acting department, Dev Patel has done a great job. I was surprised to see him so nervous and slightly immature on his interviews especially with David Letterman, but since he's only eighteen, and just tasted the glamor I'll give him benefit of the doubt. Frieda Pinto does a good job as Latika, although my favorite version of Latika is when she is youngest and befriending baby Jamal. Pinto looks older than Jamal in the movie which she also is in real life. Madhur Mittal as Salim does a fantastic job and has a Mithun touch to his looks and acting. He is superb in his role. The main flaws in this movie are in Anil Kapoor's character. Hosts of such shows have been Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan and never have they made fun of a guest, mocked them openly and humiliated them. So I don't understand why Anil Kapoor's character was shown to be soo cocky. One other thing I did not like was how Latika had been made a complete prostitute/slut who if imagination may run wild would have slept with 50 people before finally meeting Jamal, and despite everything he treats her like they just met and nothing ever happened. With someone whose gone through soo much, himself and her included, things take a while to get to normal and settle. If she was as in love with him as he was why didn't she ever bother looking for him like he did? why did she go anywhere money called at her? Well these questions crossed my mind but may vary for everyone. Overall the flashbacks in the first half of the movie were superb. Hats off to the little actors who played their characters exceptionally well. The music made it all more entertaining and groping. There was no need for the dance sequence at the end, it almost ruined it. Maybe because none of the leads could dance, or maybe because it didn't do justice to bollywood dances which are superbly choreographed and extremely well performed. Overall, great movie, sort off artsy just believe the story and you won't be disappointed.
Kismat Konnection
(2008)
blah
29 July 2008
If you're a Torontonian, then there is a high possibility that you will not like the film. Yes the movie is shot in Toronto so that should be interesting enough right? But that's where you are wrong. The film is shot all over Toronto, parts of Niagara, India, and a city or two I'm sure. Firstly, any single person in Toronto does not live in a two story house by him or herself. And if you are going to design a house, why not even get a glimpse of what a house in Toronto looks like. The staircase was so Indian, the lamps were Indian, and the fact that you showed a one story house from outside and two stories inside was SO Indian! Moreover Adelaide street where Mr. Shahid Kapoor lived does not have houses. It is highly commercial and totally packed with no rooms for houses. Secondly, Vidya Balan is sitting at Sheldon Lookout and her waving friend sits across the lake to her. This is not possible because the rocks she's sitting on face a huge lake, and the sky line of Toronto. And if someone Is sitting on the other side, unless you have bionic eyes, you cannot see them. Lastly, the two love birds go for a walk in Toronto, at Harbour front, then walking around King Street, then Bay street, but when the song is nearly ending, they are actually at Niagara falls which is two hours away from Toronto! But the audience is made to believe its all still Toronto! If you are going to use an outside location, at least get its geography right. Toronto is flooded with Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshi's and Srilankan's all of whom are big on Bollywood. But this much error in presentation of a movie by such a well known director is just sad. The movie is okay. If you have time to spare watch Jab We Met again. This one is a pass by.
Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
(2008)
funny and refreshing!
16 July 2008
Just when my faith in Bollywood movies was near its last breath, there came Jaana Tu Ya Jaane Na as a pleasant surprise. Being in a dorm far away from home, and therefore no access to a 24hour B4U, I watch tailors on you tube. And to be honest the trailer for this movie was absolutely idiotic. Imran Khan was cute hiding behind a buffed image but when Genelia D' Souza came and started singing in a voice that made me press my mute button faster than I ever had. But with time the trailers got better and the songs began to grow on me. I followed my instincts which made me trust Aamir Khan's credibility and I went finally to watch the movie.
The movie had a very typical plot in which two friends like each other but it takes them two and a half hours, four songs, and two heart breaks to realize it. Imran Khan, plays a regular guy living with his mom who shelters her son from any kind of violent behavior (although nature has other plans). His best friend is an aggressive angry young lady Aditi played by Genelia D'Souza. They are inseparable yet not in love, or at least they think. However things change after college when Jai (Imran) falls in love with Meghna (Manjari Phadnis) and Aditi gets engaged to Sushant Modi (Ayaz Khan). Their jealousy and possessiveness for one another comes to surface and both end up being unhappy with what they have, which is what they always wanted. It follows then how they build the courage to admit their true feelings for each other, and hurt the people they are committed to.
The look of the film is extremely cool and reminds you that some one spent money making it. The dressing is top notch with Imran Khan looking so stylish yet casual and Ayaz Khan dressed as the perfect upcoming business tycoon. Manjari Phadnis looks amazing since I last saw her in Mumbai Salsa which was a good but low budget film. The make-up and dressing has done to her what was done to Priety Zinta in Kal Ho Na Ho, where she became an overnight head turner from a cute and bubbly actress. Genelia D' Souza at certain moments resembles Sunali Kulkarni from Dil Chahta Hai. The actress looks gorgeous in the second half of the film where she reveals her mature side. However I still feel there are sophisticated ways of playing a wild-cat, Genelia came across as screaming too much at times and mumbling when she was not.
I think the most unexpected enjoyable characters were Naseerudin Shah, Arbaz Khan, Soheil Khan and Paresh Rawal. They added great comic elements with their witty dialogs and amazing joke timings. Pratik Babbar as Genelia's brother does an outstanding job symbolizing most boys today who have a world of their own and are criticized for being creative and always misunderstood. He is hilarious because he is cool, yet rude but at the same time neglected. Imran Khan as a new comer would be readily accepted because not only does he have the looks he can act. He has some problem laughing which needs practice but other than that he is very believable and the cute guy in college you can picture and once had a crush on. His eyes remind you of Aamir Khan and that's about it. I expected him to be a bit more flamboyant and proud being the nephew of a superstar but he was extremely modest in his character. The movie though was a lot about him there was no fancy entry with background music while he walks slowly towards the camera, or no slow head turning to reveal his face, or no song to introduce him. I think that was the best part about this movie. It wasn't an advertisement of Imran Khan. It was the introduction of new faces that proved they could act. One of the flaws if I may add is the role played by extras. I felt they could have looked better and had had more sophisticated dialogs and personality. The songs of the movie are enjoyable with Pappu and Kahin to Hogi Woh being my favorite. It's hard to imagine A.R Rehman composed them because I always associate him with intense music such as Guru, Bombay or Dil Se. It's a totally different side of him which is evidence to his versatility and genius. All in all this movie is an entertainer to the fullest with frequent reality checks about the dynamics of Platonic friendships, and the truth about relationships be it parents, ex-lovers or siblings. I think it's a must watch to reinstall our faiths in Indian movies after the disaster of Tashan, Mere Baap, Love story 2050 and many more this year.
The movie had a very typical plot in which two friends like each other but it takes them two and a half hours, four songs, and two heart breaks to realize it. Imran Khan, plays a regular guy living with his mom who shelters her son from any kind of violent behavior (although nature has other plans). His best friend is an aggressive angry young lady Aditi played by Genelia D'Souza. They are inseparable yet not in love, or at least they think. However things change after college when Jai (Imran) falls in love with Meghna (Manjari Phadnis) and Aditi gets engaged to Sushant Modi (Ayaz Khan). Their jealousy and possessiveness for one another comes to surface and both end up being unhappy with what they have, which is what they always wanted. It follows then how they build the courage to admit their true feelings for each other, and hurt the people they are committed to.
The look of the film is extremely cool and reminds you that some one spent money making it. The dressing is top notch with Imran Khan looking so stylish yet casual and Ayaz Khan dressed as the perfect upcoming business tycoon. Manjari Phadnis looks amazing since I last saw her in Mumbai Salsa which was a good but low budget film. The make-up and dressing has done to her what was done to Priety Zinta in Kal Ho Na Ho, where she became an overnight head turner from a cute and bubbly actress. Genelia D' Souza at certain moments resembles Sunali Kulkarni from Dil Chahta Hai. The actress looks gorgeous in the second half of the film where she reveals her mature side. However I still feel there are sophisticated ways of playing a wild-cat, Genelia came across as screaming too much at times and mumbling when she was not.
I think the most unexpected enjoyable characters were Naseerudin Shah, Arbaz Khan, Soheil Khan and Paresh Rawal. They added great comic elements with their witty dialogs and amazing joke timings. Pratik Babbar as Genelia's brother does an outstanding job symbolizing most boys today who have a world of their own and are criticized for being creative and always misunderstood. He is hilarious because he is cool, yet rude but at the same time neglected. Imran Khan as a new comer would be readily accepted because not only does he have the looks he can act. He has some problem laughing which needs practice but other than that he is very believable and the cute guy in college you can picture and once had a crush on. His eyes remind you of Aamir Khan and that's about it. I expected him to be a bit more flamboyant and proud being the nephew of a superstar but he was extremely modest in his character. The movie though was a lot about him there was no fancy entry with background music while he walks slowly towards the camera, or no slow head turning to reveal his face, or no song to introduce him. I think that was the best part about this movie. It wasn't an advertisement of Imran Khan. It was the introduction of new faces that proved they could act. One of the flaws if I may add is the role played by extras. I felt they could have looked better and had had more sophisticated dialogs and personality. The songs of the movie are enjoyable with Pappu and Kahin to Hogi Woh being my favorite. It's hard to imagine A.R Rehman composed them because I always associate him with intense music such as Guru, Bombay or Dil Se. It's a totally different side of him which is evidence to his versatility and genius. All in all this movie is an entertainer to the fullest with frequent reality checks about the dynamics of Platonic friendships, and the truth about relationships be it parents, ex-lovers or siblings. I think it's a must watch to reinstall our faiths in Indian movies after the disaster of Tashan, Mere Baap, Love story 2050 and many more this year.
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