The Wareblog

THE PREMISE –

Bachna Ae Haseeno should’ve been the first review to belong here. Somehow, the review did not get to see the light of your LCD and remained confined to the blog post archives folder – all the time, when I merrily kept hitting the keyboard for one movie or the other.

This movie would always remain special for me – for it marks the first getaway during the best phase of 12 months of my life.

As for the review, well here goes…

THE PLOT –

Bachna Ae Haseeno is one movie that promises you, if nothing, at least a superb screenplay – advertised fantastically by the opening title track.

The plot revolves around Ranbir and his ‘stints’ with the Haseenas – Minnisha, Bipasha & Deepika.

The movie provides you all the stories in a nutshell during the first half and then moves on to a damage control phase – from Raj’s (Ranbir) point of view, which so often is the pulse in most YashRaj movies.

The plot snowballs into a predictable climax though and thus leaves you with less than the right punch in the end.

THE CAST –

Ranbir Kapoor is fantastic!

He makes great use of his terrific screen presence – and delivering superb project and chemistry with all his leading ladies.

Minnisha Lamba and Bipasha Basu are equally good in their performances and complement the storyline superbly.

Deepika Padukone is the worst thing that could’ve happened to this movie – why didn’t they have Katrina Kaif for the role? She would’ve looked much more convincing!

The rest of the cast is good too, including Hiten Paintal and Kunal Kapoor.

THE MUSIC –

The music is just so so superb!!

After a very long time we find an album here which can boast of a chartbuster in each of its numbers.

The title song however would have to be the first among the equals – nostalgic when you consider Sumit Kumar singing along his legendary father and Ranbir Kapoor shaking a leg to one of the most popular numbers filmed on his illustrious father.

This album has both shelf life and substance. Two thumbs up!!

THE VERDICT –

Bachna Ae Haseeno is without doubt one of the top entertainers this year and would go down as probably one of the better films to have come out of the YashRaj stable.

This weekend (and perhaps a couple more!), you know what to watch when you are in the mood for movie & mischief..!

THE SCORE –

8.50 / 10.00 (Revised)

THE PLOT –

London Dreams actually did not feature on my must-watch list this weekend, but then there was nothing else to watch (like all those days!) – so, here goes!

I actually did not have an inkling of what the storyline was meant to be when the movie just about began, but quite soon it did manage to meander into a clichéd drama of sorts in prospect.

The story deals with the single-minded determination of a boy to achieve success against all odds and how his best friend goes out of his way to work for his success – and oh yes, all the misunderstandings that follow.

THE CAST –

Salman Khan walks away yet again with the honour for man-of-the-movie. He exudes superb confidence in playing out his character and rarely looks out of place or overboard – which is exceptional given the kind of role he had on his cards.

Ajay Devgan & Rannvijay are just about alright while Asin is completely misplaced – in fact, I wonder what makes folks cast her in the lead when in fact, Sakshi Gulati would have been a better choice (rather than limiting her to a cameo).

THE MUSIC –

The music is not quite at par with the ‘Rock-On’ score but yes, some of the numbers do end up looking and sounding better in the movie than they would on the audio players.

Although the score lacks shelf-life, it’s not an entirely forgettable album.

THE VERDICT –

London Dreams could have been a story better told and time better spent had the director thought of putting more substance and a convincing crescendo to the apparently weak climax.

The movie actually scores low in screenplay at crucial junctures and at some times gives you the impressions of an ad-hoc editing production.

It’s not passable altogether but yes, as I have been saying for some time now, with not much else to choose from, London Dreams is not a nightmare altogether!

THE SCORE –

5.00 / 10.00

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THE PLOT –

All The Best is supposed to be a full-length comedy flick and how I wish it were true.

I actually sat through the movie only due to decent performances by a couple of characters like Sanjay Mishra (Apple Singh) and Bipasha Basu.

The plot actually revolves around a comedy of errors that is brought about by the central character’s (Sanjay Dutt) arrival. Although the plot has been a framework for several well-made films in the past like Golmaal and Rang Birangi, this one fails to live up to that benchmark.

THE CAST –

As mentioned, the memorable performances so to state would not feature any more that Sanjay Mishra and Bipasha Basu in the line-up. Atul Parchure has also played his role with aplomb.

In the also-ran category you could easily place Ajay Devgan, Mugdha Godse & Fardeen Khan – all extremely lacking in their projection.

Sanjay Dutt & Johny Lever just about manage to hang on.

THE MUSIC –

The music is extremely forgettable and has nothing to speak about.

It’s one of those soundtracks that come with an expiry date prior to the date of manufacture.

No shelf life – to put it straight.

THE VERDICT –

All The Best is again a movie that has had some amount of audiences due to the extremely pathetic set of movies doing the rounds during the time.

In any normal course of runs, a movie like this would have fallen by the wayside about a week into the release.

THE SCORE –

4.50 / 10.00

THE PLOT –

Well, we didn’t actually have much to do, so we just went in for some purist time-pass. The story isn’t much of an eye-opener, but Blue somehow just clings on and makes you just about stand the whole tale.

The story revolves around marine-lines entrepreneur, his stand-out employee and the employee’s brother. While the men make merry and hunt for treasure, you are left wondering if this is how all shipwrecks are actually discovered!

The plot is a little devoid of attention to detail and therefore leaves you with more to be expected – in fact, the movie ends with a suggestive sequel punch

THE CAST –

Akshay Kumar is yet again looking the part. He easily remains the mainstay of the movie with some reasonable performances from Zayed Khan, Lara Dutta & Sanjay Dutt.

Rahul Dev returns after a long hiatus – but doesn’t quite fit the bill.

Katrina Kaif ends up being a total waste and a showpiece character to state the least.

THE MUSIC –

The music by A.R.Rehman is nothing short of pathetic.

In fact, barring the ‘Chiggy Wiggy’ number, you can hardly even classify a song in the hummable category.

A very poor and forgettable album.

THE VERDICT –

Blue is an attempt at bringing to life a good storyline into mainstream Indian cinema but where it falls short is the screenplay and execution.

If you have nothing else to see and badly need a movie, you might just add on to the queue (if any).

THE SCORE –

5.00 / 10.00

THE PLOT –

I have never been ever so optimistic (read hopeful) about a change in my fortunes than those moments when about half an hour into the movie – I began noticing the attires of the star cast on display. I really hoped and hoped and hoped the movie would save itself and at least offer a ‘one-time see’ experience. But what unfolded was pure horror – an agonizingly amateurish script, coupled with no sensibility quotient and extremely poor screenplay.

Main Aur Mrs. Khanna is about a couple who are forced to live apart in troubled professional times for the husband and when everything is just about to be happily ever after, the husband discovers mythical pain-points in incidents that happened while he was away.

THE CAST –

Salman Khan has tried hard to lift the sinking ship, ably supported in patches by Yash Tonk.

However, Kareena Kapoor, Sohail Khan and in fact props like Nauheed Cyrusi, Dino Morea and Bappi Lahiri have been really out of place and optional with respect to the story (if there ever was one) to say the least.

The only highlight to some extent was the ageing but glittering Preity Zinta – yes, the only part that was Happening so to state.

THE MUSIC –

Sajid-Wajid have always been bankable composers and scored some of the most soulful numbers, especially in Salman Khan flicks. They don’t really disappoint this time either.

Don’t Say Alvida & Rabba are really well made numbers and the kind that will ensure some shelf life for Main Aur Mrs. Khanna – the album.

The cherry of the lot is definitely Happening, the video being surprisingly good looking too.

THE VERDICT –

Main Aur Mrs. Khanna is a definite non-starter. In fact, it is so pathetic that you will actually find yourself stretched even though this one is just about two hours long.

A non-existent storyline with a blurred plot and terrible dialogues & screenplay drive more nails to the coffin than needed.

Whatever points you find on offer below are entirely in admiration of Happening – it’s a pity that such a great number had to bite the dust with the movie.

Steer clear from this one.

THE SCORE –

2.50 / 10.00

THE PLOT –

Wake Up Sid – the plot could be anybody’s guess and what’s more, it fails to surprise all those guesses!

Another candyfloss movie from the Dharma Productions banner that relies more on the ‘likeability’ factor and ‘offering’.

The plot involves a useless and aimless brat who eventually finds his feet through several hiccups and incidents and also ends up meeting his soulmate én route.

THE CAST –

Ranbir Kapoor is repetitive and predictable. However, his screen presence continues to offer the ‘feel-good’ factor and keep you involved.

Konkona Sen Sharma is outstanding – very natural and very very exceptional. Her role perhaps takes the ‘hats-off’ award precisely because she does it without even you realizing it.

Anupam Kher and Supriya Pathak are good in their acts. Rahul Khanna just about clings on too. The support cast is good in patches.

THE MUSIC –

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy continue to churn out one great score after another. Quite essentially, the music of Wake Up Sid makes it all the more watchable and in fact, the album surely has more shelf life than the movie. Iktara is definitely the cherry on top!

THE VERDICT –

Wake Up Sid would find favour among the general audiences primarily on account of its ‘feel good’ and ‘I-identify-with’ factors. In fact, although highly predictable in its storyline and a stereotype screenplay, the movie is definitely watchable and better than all movies currently screening.

All these factors would add up to the blockbuster score for the movie and probably, Wake Up Sid would end up being one inspite of all its minuses.

THE SCORE –

6.50 / 10.00

THE PLOT –

I had seen the Telugu version of Pokkiri – starring Mahesh Babu. However, I walked into the auditorium unwillingly and rather out of a rejection towards Dil Bole Hadippa.

The movie began with the expected ways of Salman Khan walking around doing his own thing – almost as if this were an extended photo shoot or stage show.

The plot seemed to have been borrowed frame-by-frame from the South Indian version(s) except that amidst all the sub-plots, you suddenly find yourself staring at not just the possibility of a different storyline but in fact, a possible box-office winner.

Wanted shines in parts as a well-made masala adventure ride and comes across as a pretty watchable flick.

THE CAST –

Salman Khan builds on gradually in the movie and deceptively ends on a high – reminding one of the superb act in Tere Naam, although this one is quite different and yet so alike!

Ayesh Takia plays out her part without any fuss and so do the supporting cast. Govind Namdeo & Prakash Raj are appreciable in their essays but eventually it’s Mahesh Manjrekar who stands out once again with his exceptional acting and screen presence.

THE MUSIC –

Sajid-Wajid score good enough to complement the storyline in parts and in fact, some of the songs have this ‘growth’ factor attached to them – in case you choose to rerun the tracks as is often the case after sitting through the movie.

THE VERDICT –

Although the movie began on nothing worthwhile or promising, the storyline graduated to a pretty decent plot for a masala movie like Wanted. In fact, with a dearth of good movies at the screens, Wanted should be able to do fair business and surprise even more folks.

THE SCORE –

6.50 / 10.00

Every now and then I end up realizing – “You are but a small fry..!”, almost as if The Almighty himself is speaking those words right into the innermost corridors of my ears.

I remember that fateful day of April, 1993 when I was idling away surfing channels and suddenly saw this message flashing across – “A tribute to Divya Bharti”, I had a few thoughts myself of what was being conveyed here, but being in the third standard at that time I ran across to my sister asking her what had happened. She seemed to freeze and moments later told the unacceptable –

Divya Bharti was no more.

I don’t care what the reasons leading to this tragic event were. None of that is going to help us get her back. But all I know is Divya was a great actress and an even more charming face. For years after she has left us, fans across the world have played their part in keeping her spirit alive. Today, it really makes me wonder how passionately fans can keep their idols alive for years together – long after they’re gone.

So why all this blue talk?

Well, more than blue, it’s about being distraught at the news I received today – “Lisa Ray is battling multiple myeloma”.

Again, Lisa Ray has been an epitome of beauty for a great many over the past decade or so. I recall having seen her for the first time on a Zee Television flick named Hanste Khelte (in a song sequence – “O meri Rekha…”) and have been an ardent fan ever since.

While I have obviously sat through all her movies (including Kill Kill Faster Faster) and found her grow as an actress every single time, I have also admired the poise and ethereal nature of her beauty. Lisa Ray has always been that perfect manifestation of woman perhaps generations (or at least generations of genuine fans & admirers!!) would swear by.

It then does not help in any way to come face to face with such a piece of news from the least expected quarters. It’s one thing to appreciate and express solidarity with Lisa for being bold in her fight against cancer but what is simply not digestible is the fact that things go wrong for reasons unexplained and more importantly, on subjects unasked.

That brings me back to being a small fry.

While I read my prayers and express faith in the Almighty to bring Lisa back to her glorious self and endow her with scores of years to grace our fan-fury longings (Yellow Talks Rock - And You Know Who This Is For..!!) , I also keep that doubt alive in the corner of my heart – is there always an event about to unfold that bluntly puts across that we are only mortals and no more?

I guess.. or maybe not.. or perhaps, I just don’t know..!

THE PLOT –

All Hype & No Fizz – Kaminey summed up so to speak..!

With all the hype surrounding the movie that was further fuelled by exaggerated star ratings by various critics, I was led to believe that my weekend was awaiting an exceptional treat (It also doesn’t give you a reality check when your batchmates who’ve already seen the movie tag it a treat all the way.. morons is one word you can attribute to such leechers!)

There is absolutely no plot in the movie – the ending is a foregone conclusion and ever so slowly meanders towards the same along with two brothers (twins) with vocal impairments. And yes, don’t be surprised if you find yourself struggling hard to ward off your dozing instincts during the run of play.

THE CAST –

Shahid Kapur is a mere shadow of his Jab We Met self meaninglessly having to cope with the unnecessary impairments of vocal faculty. The support cast too seems to be struggling hard to deliver but sadly aren’t able to bail out a sinking ship.

Priyanka Chopra is the only saving grace – she looks great in the much restrained make-up version and is exceptional in her dialogue delivery and screen presence. Two thumbs up to her lone act..!

THE MUSIC –

Vishal Bharadwaj has lost the touch not just in his direction but also music direction it seems. You seriously doubt if this is the man who gave us Maachis and Omkara. Except for Dhan Te Nan and the wedding number (perhaps rendered more hummable by Priyanka Chopra’s act) – absolutely nothing makes you take notice.

THE VERDICT –

I have my doubts in giving a verdict this time around, the reason being so many ‘elitist’ brains around me declaring this a treat – but then, what the hell.. I’ll give mine anyways..!

In case you have nothing more worthwhile to do, you can definitely go for this one – otherwise, I doubt if you will ever have the same respect towards most movie critics out there.

THE SCORE –

5.50 / 10.00

THE PLOT –

Amazingly Awesome – two words for Love Aaj Kal.

For a change, I am at a loss of words to jot down the plot here. My best attempt would be that this movie takes you through a rollercoaster one-of-a-kind drive down a boulevard of emotions only Imtiaz Ali can deliver.

The story brings to the fore simple adages like ‘Love is timeless’ and ‘Love happens but once..!’ but most importantly does not meander in the entire run. Simply put, Love Aaj Kal will keep you hooked inspite of a predictable ending – very much underlining the fact that means justify the end..!

THE CAST –

Saif Ali Khan is simply beyond bounds of praise. He does full justice to the role(s) and comes up triumphs on all scores including a terrific screen-presence, something that has failed to elude him post-Dil Chahta Hai.

Deepika Padukone is surprisingly subtle and pulls off almost every piece of act with amazing grace. Perhaps, for the very first time, I have fully admired Deepika Padukone – the actress.

The rest of the cast, including Rishi Kapoor support the storyline very well and more importantly – do not appear stifling in any case.

THE MUSIC –

Another champion score from Pritam who delivers on the promise made with Jab We Met, as much as the director.

Twist and Chor Bazaari are already booming all over. Aaj Din Chadheya and Dooriyaan blend well with the screenplay though and Aahun Aahun wraps up things in style the Mauja Hi Mauja way.

A very well made album to state the least.

THE VERDICT –

One of those rarities which portray elements of contemporary cinema and find favor with any kind of audience.

So simple… So subtle… And yet, so very superb – exemplary at times..!

I can’t bet on you but for my cause – I will definitely give this one another watch..!

THE SCORE –

8.00 / 10.00