Saturday, June 28, 2014

AUTONAGAR SURYA (2014) - TELUGU


This automobile lacks its basic ingredient of ignition itself, the spark plug.

There is so much fire sprawled in the film, but suddenly this fire does not have a spark that would encourage me. The starting titles go through fire, there are lot of vehicles blown in fire, men are set on fire, yet it seems so lacklustre. 

Deva Katta took a well worked out story that was in movies since the age of "On the Waterfront" (remade as Ghulam in Hindi) of 1950's and added nativity and a load of action and more of unwanted songs to make this a Telugu film that has a certain format. An introduction of hero, well placed fights, an emotional backdrop that drives heroes motives, and even a routine comedy side-kick and a hero-heroine thing to bring the so-called romance. What I believe is that, he forgot to add that one-thing that makes a film a good film, that is the vision and voice of a director himself. 

Sticking to safeguards, makes this film run of the mill affair and does not make it stand out. This film has nothing that was great and yes I agree most of the stuff was mediocre yet I would not be surprised if this film is embraced by Telugu audiences. 

If I dig into the technicalities I find huge flaws, the production design was too lackadaisical and listless. The director did not even bother to take care and back date the film aptly. The film is completely lethargic in editing, songs come and go for no reason, the fights are too heavy when they could have been more subtle. The climax is so hurried that I thought the villain was built up well just to be wasted in the end. Veterans like Tanikella Bharani and even Brahmanandam are under used. 

The biggest challenge I found was to bear Naga Chaitanya for nearly 3hours. That is one heck of a task and indeed one of the toughest when you are bound to seat in a movie theater facing him in your face. There is some serious problem with this guy. He makes awkward face as if biting his teeth unnecessarily, his eyes do not show any emotion and his body language is too plain, it seems as if his body below the neck is unresponsive. I wish he pulls up his socks and learns some serious skills in acting if he has to carry the film on his own shoulders.

I must primarily say that I am not an average Telugu audience but rather an aficionado who is passionate about films, watch different kind of films and derive pleasure in varied stories and aspects of film making itself. Thus, I can say that I am not the right one to review Telugu films as I find most of them annoying. Yet, I dare to review hoping for a change and the best part is I still dare to review my rather too critical reviews too. 

This was pure average film as per me and for those who thought that this film was good, I have no comments but will admit that perhaps, I am too critical. A 1/5 for this, just for some good dialogues which are actually wasted in the attempt to please the masses and pass off as a commercial film.

Friday, June 27, 2014

दुनिया-ए-हुस्न-ओ-इश्क़

ऐसा नज़ारा आपने  दिखाया कि  सोचते है हम, 
ये हकीकत है या ख्वाब है 
ऐसा नशा आपने चढ़ाया, कि अब जान गए हम 
दुनिया-ए-हुस्न-ओ-इश्क़ का आप ही शबाब है 

प्यार की रेखा

प्यार करना जानते है पर प्यार को पाना सीखा नहीं 
प्यास नहीं हूँ, या फिर प्यार का  भूखा नहीं 
फिर भी जी रहा हूँ उनके लिए जिन्हे आज तक देखा नहीं 
नहीं मिले तो भी गुज़ार देंगे  ज़िन्दगी, मानकर यही 
की हमारी हाथ में प्यार की रेखा नहीं 

लफ्ज़ खोगया

लफ्ज़ खोगया हूँ, जीने का इरादा भी रूठ गया है 
मौत भी आज़मा नहीं सकता, उससे वादा जो टूट गया है

Monday, June 16, 2014

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (2014) - ENGLISH


Heroes are made in most unexpected circumstances. 

Courage is what takes a man forward. I think the director of this film Dean DeBlois believes that strongly. Because, his belief is evident in the treatment of the film. From characterisation to emotions and even a including a humorous tiny sub plot. This film comes of as a sequel that dares to beat the original itself. 

Its multi layered in terms of screenplay and characterisation. Look at the scene where Hiccup discovers a strange place and in that a person whom he missed. The conversations are good and are deep in emotion. Even the tiny discovery of using the flaps on the tail of Toothless seems endearing. The small things add up to the big picture and give us a magnanimous feeling. Never there was a dull moment in this pacy animated film. 

Whilst most animated films have to indulge in a song dance sequence, lot of peppy feel-good music and histrionics of the characters. This film, keeps it pretty simple, it cuts straight into the story, does not waste a moment in discovering characters and the purpose of the film and then achieves it without much hype. Damn, terrific is the writing and kudos to the director Dean DeBlois for his bravery. As it has been said "Fortune Favours the Brave" and this film proves that saying yet again.

The editing is sharp, the cinematography is super and the animation is simply class apart. It embeds the motion picture and the typical storyboard animation beautifully and in an IMAX 3D, it comes alive. Thanks to the pain the animators took in detailing. It's all rendered beautifully on screen.

DreamWorks is not a PIXAR yet, I suppose if it sticks to films like these, I hope it can better that animation company. Of course, since TOY STORY 3, PIXAR did not stand up to it's name yet. And apart from the Shrek franchise DreamWorks itself did not make it big. With this Franchise, I suppose it has got it's breakthrough and can make it big. 

This is a rare sequel and a gem of a film. It's not for kids alone, they have company and the adults will love it. It's dark and yet humorous. I loved it and hopefully you will too. A 4/5 for this. 

Link for the review of the first film in the series : 

Friday, June 13, 2014

इंतज़ार का जंग

अखियों से आसूं बरस के बरसो बीत गये
जबसे दूर मुझसे मन मीत गये

सुहाग रात के हसीन सपने बो गये
पर न जाने उस रात वो कहा सोगये

जंग कर रहे है थे वो दुश्मनों से
हम भी लड़ रहे थे रोज़ उनके सपनो से

तंग आगयी पर संग की चाह मौजूद है
ज़ंग लग गयी तन को, पर मिटा नहीं उनका वजूद है

वही चौखट पे खड़े है आज, 
जहा से कई कदम दोनों आगे बढे थे
मत जाओ करके हम बहुत लड़े थे, 
देश के लिए वो जाने के लिए अड़े थे

गए तो गए, पर न खत न खबर उनका
कौन सुने रोना इस बेकल मन का

पढ़ कर वो खत, हमने रब से और सब से पूछा ये कैसी गद्दारी है
लिखा था उस में "मर मिटे है वो, अब उनकी लाश की तलाश जारी है"

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

उस आस

बुझने न देना उस आस को, जिसके सहारे ज़िन्दगी समायी 
उस आस ने कभी हसायी, तो कभी बहुत रुलाई 
आस था, कि मैं अपनी ज़िन्दगी आपके साये में बिताऊ 
फिर भी बितादी ज़िन्दगी, साथ लेकर तन्हाई 
नहीं मिल सकते तो न मिलो 
पर महसूस न करने देना उस आस से एक पल भी जुदाई

सावन में

सावन में मिले हम, बारिश में भीगने के लिए 
और ऐसे भीगे की ज़िन्दगी काफी नहीं सूखने के लिए

आपकी पैग़ाम

आपकी पैग़ाम पढ़कर ऐसा लगा, जैसे हसीं समा है छाया 
पैगाम पर आपकी नाम से ही लगा जैसे कोई नया मुकाम को पाया 

इंसान ही नहीं

मैं किसी कौम का नहीं, मज़हब का मतलब भी जानता नहीं 
न हिन्दू हूँ, मुसलमान भी नहीं 
और नहीं कोई शिकवा है, हमे इस दुनिया से 
फिर क्यों इलज़ाम देते है लोग की हम इंसान ही नहीं

तेरी खासियत

जिस खासियत बयाँ करने के लफ्ज़  ,वो शक्स हो तुम 
जिस आहट से हर आइना खुश हो जाए, वो अक्स हो तुम 
आपकी अंदाज़ को शायर भी अर्ज़ नहीं कर पायेंगे 
आप जैसा किसी और को खुदा भी बना नहीं पायेंगे

Monday, June 9, 2014

ULAVACHARU BIRYANI (2014) - TELUGU




A dish that's tasty in the beginning but starts to turn bland by the mid way.

If ever you meet a girl for the first time in your life, can you hug her very fondly publicly? I doubt that and that's what the protagonist Kalidasu (Prakash Raj) does. He plays a 49 year old archaeologist who has been alone for a very long time in life. He has come to terms with loneliness and starts living with it, only on a day, there is tryst and there seems to be an affair that blossoms well. Now this man named Kalidasu, seems mature, humane, sincere and even has that tiny flaws which are common to humans. Yet, there is huge contradiction in the way he perceived love and that was disappointing to me. A man who has been through most part of life, could have behaved in a different way instead of listening to what a youngster tells. 

For the sake of building up a story, one can write anything. Now, how interesting will that be depends on many factors. This story was merely cooked up with uncalled for subplots and an age-old main plot. In Telugu itself, we have many reference of such plots like "Rajahamsa" and "Ashta Chamma".

The acting was commendable by the main leads Prakash Raj and Sneha. The other pair have just fit the bill but did not contribute much. I liked Brahmaji and M S Narayana. Others were just okay. I wish the acting could have been much better than what it actually is, at least that would have added depth to the otherwise shallow script.

The title itself I thought was misleading as there is neither and Ulavacharu nor a Biryani. There are delicacies for sure but they are something else but not the ones mentioned in the title. The writing is too weak at places. Example, the whole explanation of recipe of a cook is too long and uninteresting for me. Though the cinematography and production design was considerably okay, the biggest disappointment came in the form of editing. The cuts are either too sharp or too weak. I suppose, a few sub plots could have been easily edited out. The usage of the music is seriously questionable. Ilayaraja gave good music, but I thought that was not effectively used.

Prakash Raj gave a tailor made film typical to multiplex audiences but fails in adding some interesting aspect and instead gives a half baked dish. The intent can be appreciated but the execution is way below par.

A promising trailer need not transpire into a good movie. A rule that's proven with this film again. It's an average 2/5 film that is for audiences who want to taste something different just for the sake of trying.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

इज़हार

मोहब्बत का इज़हार लफ़्ज़ों से नहीं, मोहब्बत से करो 
इज़हार करना चाहती हो तो लफ्ज़ न सही, अपनी नज़ाकत से करो

कुछ नहीं

आप तो जहाँ हो हमारे, हम आपके लिए कुछ नहीं 
न गम है न ख़ुशी है, दिल के अरमान भी आज कुछ नहीं 

ग़म के नज़राने

जहाँ है पागल खाना मोहब्बत का 
हर दर पर मुकम्मल दीवाने मिलेंगे 
यकीनन हर दीवाने को इस पागल खाने में 
कभी ख़ुशी के ख़ज़ाने तो कभी ग़म के नज़राने मिलेंगे

दिल खो कर

रद्वा खदवा हूँ तेरे खातिर, फिरता हूँ मंज़िल खो कर 
आप तो मेहफ़ूज़ हो सनम, हम जीते है अपना दिल खो कर 

Monday, June 2, 2014

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) - ENGLISH


An epic film that deserves an epic viewing.

A film that's 228 minutes that is 3 hours and 48 minutes longs should have been exhausting. But this one is endearing and thus deservedly has been one of the greatest films ever made. To understand this film and appreciate it more than just the film, one would better be acquainted with the history. It has a great history behind the story. Though, there are few factual manipulations to include more drama, the whole experience of viewing this, is rewarding. It's rewarding to know that such a person existed who fought a war merely on the basis of humanity. He was completely impartial and non-judgmental. 

This was based on World War 1, now when we compare to films made on World War 1, with those made about World War 2, I found that they are very few in number. But this one stands above all other films that are based on World War 2. 

David Lean, the master behind the making of this film, shows his efforts in every frame of it. Indeed, he builds a whole world for the camera and it has great beauty in each shot. Each angle, each move is just so detailed and precise that it's tough to find fault in any frame. From the sun rise in the arabian desert to the landscapes filled with sand dunes. From battles to closed door discussions, there is a certain magnanimity to each frame. The grandeur can be attributed partly to the choice of shooting of the film 70mm cinemascope (Super Panavision 70). For me the greatness would go to the director David Lean and to the cinematographer F A Young. 

Peter O Toole perhaps, was remembered as Lawrence more than his own name. Such was the impact of his character and his depiction was pitch perfect in every aspect. Peter showcased equanimity while there was war being shown, or while grappling with his own emotional internal conflict. War is brutal but more brutal is the war within. In a war of arms, you are killed for once. But in an emotional war, each moment is deathly. Peter showcased a rare poise and I am certain the whole film experience could have been so exhausting that he would have considered it an experience of a life time that more worthy than life itself.

Amongst other things, I liked the music which was given by Maurice Jarre. The music was right up there and in such a long movie, music was very much needed to keep the emotional quotient. The music had the much needed variation. Be it the english war themes, or one to amplify arabian desert sounds or even arabian traditional music or the pathos of Lawrence too. There was a music needed for every bit and it was there all over the place. Never I felt it was over the board or too loud, it was just right. 

All the actors have done a commendable job. Above all others, I loved Alec Guinness as Prince Faisal and Omar Sharif as Sherif Ali. 

Thanks to David Lean and the producers of this epic. It's one of the most courageous decision of all those involved in the making and thankfully it paid great dividends in terms of awards and rewards. A definite 5/5 for an epic of a film. 

Sunday, June 1, 2014

CITY LIGHTS (2014) - HINDI


Definitely not a bad film, watch it for the acting by everyone. 

This is a film of the downtrodden families and the helplessness of the people living that life. There are lot many compulsions and obligations they shall be having. Mostly, they are in forced circumstances making them go for desperate measures to improve their life style. The protagonist Deepak Singh is one such poor should who is driven to take desperate steps to improve the living of his family.

Rajkumar Yadav becomes Deepak Singh literally. From the Rajasthani accent to the demeanour, to the attire and even body language, everything is pitch perfect with him. Its good to find a new-age actor who becomes the characters rather than just playing the part. Rajkumar Yadav has gone way beyond many of his contemporaries. The next best part was of Manav Kaul who played the tight security guard "Vishnu".  Manav was damn good in his role, just refreshing to see a new face play a character with such conviction. Also, the heroine of the film Patralekha was commendable. While others did their job well. So this film was a lot about acting above all else.

This is an official remake of the British-Filipino film "Metro Manila". It's heartening to see a lot of credit being given to the original film. Never saw the original film, but this film was weak at places while it was brilliant at some places. Deepak comes back drunk and asks his wife, (who takes up the job of a bar dancer) to dance for him. That was a brilliantly performed scene I felt. Coming to the weakness, it lies in the writing that defies logic. 

It's a film that tries hard to be as real as possible. Real locations, realistic characters and more-so the scenes that could have possibly happened. But, there are a few things that did not satisfy my logic. So I was a bit disappointed by what was offered by this team of "Shahid" which I think was a brilliant film.

Hansal Mehta did great job in extracting acting, but he stuck to the script so tightly, that he might have forgot to ask a few questions to the writers and producers. So thus, he had presented some flaws unintentionally. The editing should have been more precise. The film though 2 hours in length seems long with not much happening. The intimate scenes of the main leads could have been trimmed down is what I strongly felt.

It's a good film still, but not a thoroughly satisfying venture to me as a viewer. A 3/5 for a film that's good and could have been so better. 

About Me

My photo
I firstly declare here that all the content written in the blog is exclusively written by me and I hold the copyrights of each and everything. Be it a poem or a movie review. Also, the videos or photographs I upload or attach are exclusively owned by me. This declaration is important in a world that seems so worried of piracy. The prime purpose of these blogs is to put my writings and photographs on the net. and well to start with.... I live in my mind, and existence is the attempt to bring my thoughts into physical reality, I celebrate myself, sing myself and I am always happy in my own company.....I am not the best in the world but I strive for excellence and thats what keeps me alive... Talking much about oneself can also be a means to conceal oneself--Friedrich Nietzsche