Archive for September, 2008

Movie Review: Welcome to Sajjanpur [Sucks]

I do not know why stereotype directors go out of their way and produce crappy movies which are completly out of their league. And I do not understand how great actors consent to such roles.

I was too excited to watch this movie partly because the music is really nice and because it’s a Shyam Benegal’s movie. However, it turned out to be complete torture. It had absolutely no storyline till the interval after which it was a little watchable.

For the first half, random characters were coming on screen and doing random stuff. To make matters worse, they threw in some songs which really weren’t necessary. Furthermore, no one probably watched the movie after the production was over, otherwise, they would have noticed that KK’s voice does not suit on the bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan.

The fact that an excruciating street play about the Singur problem was deliberately inserted in the movie proves that directors take their movies as their playground and do not even think about viewers’ reaction.

Benegal wanted to make a comedy movie. Then why on earth did he try to insert public service messages in favor of eunuchs (like he hasn’t already) and against stupid superstitions (Marrying a girl with a dog to remove some kind of astrology issue)? They were really irritating and the message got out all wrong. Also, it was a movie for villagers and illitrate people with really good songs (thanks to Shantanu Moitra). Maybe he should have made a documentary.

Stay away from this movie.

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A Wednesday Movie Review

There is nothing much to say here about the movie as most reviewers and critics have already spoken very high of the movie. The movie is simply superb. The best Bollywood movie I have seen till date. I wasn’t expecting this movie to be this good. To be frank, I wasn’t even planning on going to watch it. However, as I liked the trailer and the fact that there was no other movie worth watching the day it was released, compelled me to go for this one. And it was one of those best decisions I usually make ;).

All the actors in the movie are superb. This is a no frills movie sans any nonsense and stupid comedy. The director was so keen on keeping the movie confined to the context that he didn’t even allow any songs in the movie. And that’s probably a good approach for such movies as there is usually no requirement of songs in thriller movies.

Speaking of the director, this is Neeraj Pandey’s first try at direction. And I must say, a superb one. Hats off to the new guy who blew the old players away.

The screenplay is awesome. You might guess the ending halfway through the movie, but still, the movie will keep you gripped to the screenplay. The thrill will pump your adrenaline to the levels of Speed 1 and the likes.

This is a must watch for everyone. Watch it in a theater.

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Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi – A Nostalgic Musical Treat

The upcoming Barjatya brothers (Rajshri Productions) movie Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi might not create much hype from a box office returns point of view, however, it sure is a nostalgic musical treat for long time bollywood music lovers.

Rajshri Productions is known for its family movies. The name got famous with Hum Aapke Hain Kaun which ran in the production house’s own theater “Rajmandir” for over 1 year.

As the name suggests, Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi should probaby be a family entertainer. The music was recently released and that is what separates the movie from the rest of the crowd.

The music score is directed by the legendary Ravindra Jain. Yes, the same Ravindra Jain who judges various musical talent show across many channels. He has also composed the lyrics for all the songs.

The semi classical songs are very much different from the current Bollywood songs. The music takes you back to to the times of Maine Pyar Kiya & Hum Aapke Hain Kaun. Most new bollywood music lovers might not like the songs at all and may declare them as old fashioned songs, however, they sure are a trip down memory lane for old time Bollywood music lovers. Pre mp3 era, people who used to buy Cassettes and CDs of Hindi films as soon as they got released will definitely feel nostalgic and would love the songs.

All the singers have sung very well. Voice of Suresh Wadkar has given that 90’s touch to the songs :). The various instruments used in the music coupled with duet scores filled with chorus voices form up a lively musical treat which carries you away on a musical journey.

Please do not download the music. Buy the CD. If you want to listen to the songs before you buy the CD, please go here – http://ww.smashits.com/music/hindi-film/songs/7435/ek-vivaah-aisa-bhi.html.

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