Kusumita Das
Deccan Chronicle
Most Divergent Takes
- Action Jackson (2014)0.0 vs TRM 2.9-2.9
- Humshakals (2014)0.0 vs TRM 2.8-2.8
- Hawaa Hawaai (2014)4.0 vs TRM 6.5-2.5
- Entertainment (2014)2.0 vs TRM 4.2-2.2
- Bangistan (2015)2.0 vs TRM 4.0-2.0
Ki and Ka
2016 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2016
When the setting itself is so unnatural, it is indeed a task to make the troubles seem organic. Ki and Ka have their fights, but the situations seem forced into the narrative. The tone goes from playful to preachy and that ride is choppy. So the concept, a crackling one to begin with, soon crumbles like a house of cards.
Fitoor
2016 · Deccan Chronicle · Feb 2016
What shines through the 130 minutes is Anay Goswami's painterly cinematography and Amit Trivedi's velvety soundtrack. Fitoor doesn't lack pace, it lacks the finesse and the depth. And we are left with not much to do except marvel at the white beauty of Kashmir, while the real Pip, Estella and Miss Havisham remain buried under that thick blanket of snow, perhaps occasionally stirring in their graves.
Chalk N Duster
2016 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2016
A little more finesse could have helped Chalk n Duster emerge a topper in the genre. With a subject like this, telling the story well was as important as telling it at all. Unfortunately, for now it better hide its report card.
Wazir
2016 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2016
A story that uses chess quite literally as a game and as a metaphor, we'd have loved to see it check-mate us. We'd have loved to lose to the storyteller and have all our guesses proved wrong by the time the end credits rolled. But sadly, this game leaves a lot to be desired.
Bajirao Mastani
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Dec 2015
A melodramatic climax aside, the film is undoubtedly a quality product, Bhansali always ensures that. But what makes it fall just short of excellence is the lack of the journey within. We never get inside the characters, especially Bajirao's, a man who is caught in the fierce dilemma between the heart and the state. We only see the events unfold on screen one after another. It is Bhansali tipping his jewel-encrusted hat off to an epic love story in Maratha folklore. But a glimpse of the mind would have made the picture complete.
Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2015
Without getting into the obvious and tempting misogynist debate, seen just as a film, and not a statement, PKP2 gives us an entertaining and engaging two hours. Heartbroken men or men in general can indulge in some self-pity in this funny whine festival, while us villainous women sit back and belt out a few evil laughs, what else. Let's reserve our cries of protest for more worthwhile occasions.
Jazbaa
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2015
A film like Jazbaa needs a constant tension in the story and in its characters given the straitjacketed situation they are in. The pace needed to transcend inane car chase sequences and seep into the restlessness of the characters. Gupta had a good story to work with and he lifts up the second half by several notches. But sadly, he gets too caught up in pandering to his Korean cinema fetishes to polish the story. He lands on a punch line every now and then, uses one slide of text in the end to make the film seem like one that is fighting the cause of rape, thereby completely stripping it of any character. He told us how to hold a coffee mug. If only he could hold on to a script as tight.
Talvar
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2015
There are few fleeting moments towards the end when it seems the scales of sympathy might be tipping in favour of the (now behind bars) parents, and that could be the only weak link in the film, after all the ruthless objectivity displayed thus far. But that doesn't, even for a second, take away from the fact that the makers have given us a film that is as sharp as its title. Whether or not you have followed the real case, this reel retelling is definitely worth your while.
Phantom
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2015
The film dares to throw some unsettling questions, one of them being, are Pakistani locals supportive of the militant outfits in their country? It even shows the ISI as hand in glove with the LeT. Disturbing scenarios yes, but they explain why the film has been banned in Pakistan. Phantom is no more just 147 minutes of big screen time. The reel and the real Phantom episodes have packed in an almost filmi irony bawling out the difference between the story that should have been and the story that is.
Manjhi: The Mountain Man
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2015
The film is definitely a worth a watch as this is a story that deserves to be heard. But allow us to tell you that while some of you might be carrying a leaked version of the film in your phones, the tale of the mountain man is not meant for touchscreen entertainment.
Bangistan
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2015
Bangistan stands on ground zero. In T.S. Eliot's famous words, the film begins and ends 'not with a bang, but with a whimper'.
Masaan
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Jul 2015
A quiet little gem. Many films, mainstream and not so mainstream touch upon issues, but seldom do we see a film that is so tender and yet so overpowering. While Baahubali and Bajrangi Bhaijaan continue to be a big lure and with good reason, do make time for this quiet little gem. You won't regret it.
ABCD 2
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2015
ABCD 2 does not, even for a moment, pretend to be anything else but a dance movie. Which means if you go looking for a coherent plot line and an insightful portrayal of characters, you will be let down. Yes, it can get better, but ABCD 2 is definitely one step in the right direction.
Tanu Weds Manu: Returns
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2015
The story doesn't delve into the seriousness of the issue of marital discord. There are subplots and then some. A barrage of coincidences follow, that don't seem to care much for logic or details. It's the performances and the writing that makes it all palatable.
Bombay Velvet
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2015
The visual grandeur and scale aside, Bombay Velvet fails to live up to its ambition. Don't even try to search for sharp dialogues and Kashyap's trademark wicked humour. That's probably reserved for his indie ventures only.
Margarita, with a Straw
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2015
When a film that has a disabled character at its centre, calls itself Margarita With A Straw (and not Chhoone Chali Aasman, as suggested by Taare Zameen Pe's Aamir Khan), you know nothing regular is coming your way. This cocktail is a must-try. And you might just ask for a repeat.
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2015
There are two kinds of audiences for this film --- those who know Byomkesh and those who don't. Dibakar has a revelation for both. That's one case neatly solved.
Yahaan Sabki Lagi Hai
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Mar 2015
The story has pace but falters when it comes to substance. The background score is a plus and perhaps one of the few things that add some edge to the limping narrative. With better performances and more nuanced writing, this would have been a very different film. Also, the directors needed to have a tighter grip on the many stories they are trying to tell in two hours.
Badlapur
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Feb 2015
As the film progresses the lines between the perpetrator and victim begin to fade. Sriram Raghavan turns the genre of revenge on its head. It's as thrilling as it is introspective. There's no good, bad or ugly. You see how ugly good can get, how bad can have some good too. No sides taken. Go figure.
Whiplash
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Feb 2015
It's a picture of the excruciating pain behind the music, bleeding fingers and bleeding hearts. These 107 minutes are absolutely allergic to clichés. Whiplash leaves you overwhelmed and exhausted, but don't be surprised if you find yourself hooting for an encore.
Shamitabh
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Feb 2015
Shamitabh's strength lies in the mighty performances of its two leading men, which to a large extent fill the holes in the plot and allow us to look beyond the many flights of fancy.
Hawaizaada
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2015
Hindi cinema feeds us enough fiction for us to expect a completely true story told with hundred per cent accuracy. So the factual question marks are not entirely what we fault 'Hawaizaada' for. True or not, it was a good subject that the director had his hands on. But sadly, 'Hawaizaada' limps a bit too much to even come close to convincingly recreate the life of a man who dreamt to be the first one to fly.
Dolly Ki Doli
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2015
This is one of those rare Hindi films that actually ups the ante in the last few minutes and that's a pleasant surprise indeed. A pacy screenplay keeps the narrative engaging and some tight editing manages to keep the film within 100 minutes, again a welcome treat. The writing is crisp and the director keeps a firm hold on all his characters, never letting them fly off the rails.
Crazy Cukkad Family
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2015
The narrative hinges itself on satire, however, the melodrama towards the end dilutes the humour; that could have been avoided. That apart, Ritesh Menon's direction is confident and his portrayal of characters, engaging. Kudos to the editing team for keeping the film under two hours, a minute more and it could have easily flown off the rails. But overall Crazy Cukkad Family manages to be a decent balance of chuckles, LOLs and WTFs.
Action Jackson
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Dec 2014
There are bad films, there are so-bad-they-are-good films. And then there is 'Action Jackson'. Bollywood has trained us well enough to know that we are not to use our grey cells one bit while watching films like 'Action Jackson'.
Ungli
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Nov 2014
So if you are looking for a fun ride, Ungli won't disappoint. But because of its simplistic approach, Ungli is only entertaining, not thought-provoking.
The Shaukeens
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Nov 2014
With a catchy soundtrack, a steady supply of giggles, top-notch performances and an engaging script, Abhishek Sharma's The Shaukeens is a worthy follow-up to his first film, the hilarious Tere Bin Laden. Watch it to get a taste of vintage Bollywood that's not afraid to laugh at itself.
Super Nani
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Nov 2014
Mr Kumar's intentions in Super Nani maybe good, but this is 2014 where the audience is used to a certain standard of message delivery. Think English Vinglish, think Queen, think Highway. The finest shades of 'women empowerment' in Hindi cinema. You cannot wish these away and pretend you have done enough with a preachy, contrived session on family values.
Happy New Year
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2014
Because the film manages to tick most formula boxes, one can expect it to rock the festive weekend, a time when the audience automatically seems to get less discerning. We don't know how much this Diwali release will leave you smiling, but those dazzling lights and eye-popping colours will leave you blinking for sure.
Haider
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2014
The pace slumps a little in the second half, but the slack is short-lived. By then the director's craft has hypnotised you enough to overlook the slips. Considering Hamlet, with all its complexity, is certainly not an easy adaptation to venture into — that alone could well make this Vishal's finest film yet.
Khoobsurat
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Sep 2014
This Khoobsurat may not have the realistic charm of its predecessor and certain twists seem abrupt. But it is the convincing performances by Aamir, Fawad, Ratna and Kirron that manage to lift the storyline. And when little things go wrong, Fawad's intense gaze helps you forget them. Bollywood may have just found its Mr Darcy.
Mary Kom
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Sep 2014
The performances from the lead pair largely fill the gaps in the story telling, but then a biopic relies heavily on the director's craft, which in this case fails to impress. There are flashes of brilliance, yes, but on the whole Mary Kom fails to dazzle.
Raja Natwarlal
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2014
...given that Emraan is back as the roadside Romeo hero, and that Bollywood has well trained us to go easy on the logic bit, 'Raja Natwarlal' could just be a watchable fare.
Entertainment
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2014
There's no story, no script and the worst CG ever, but there may be a chuckle or two. Perhaps that's you laughing at yourself for having to lead such a dog's life for 140 minutes to be precise.
Amit Sahni Ki List
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Jul 2014
Give this one a watch. That's the least you can do. Or should I say that's the list you can do.
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Jul 2014
A few rough edges aside, the lead pair is the reason to give this film a watch. Alia and Varun are to Humpty Sharma… what Ranveer and Anushka were to Band Baajaa Baaraat. This film may not be as riveting as Band Baajaa...but it's the chemistry that makes the film, right from the backbone to the soul.
Bobby Jasoos
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Jul 2014
An average combination of fun and mystery...After a promising start, the story unnecessarily meanders into a family drama towards the end and you are left wondering where is the detective. But she is busy wiping off her tears with her dupatta.
Ek Villain
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2014
The plot is fast-paced but highly indulgent. The hero seeks revenge. The villain doesn't mind being killed. A cop who doesn't know which villain he must side with. The question marks become hard to ignore after a point. Watch the film for Riteish and Riteish alone just to see how effortlessly he slips out of his farcical 'Humshakals' pinafore into the heinous hood of 'Ek Villain'.
Humshakals
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2014
Humshakals could be one of those classic cases of the after party being a little better than the real party. Because after 159 minutes of, let's not get into what that was, it's the behind-the-scenes shots that actually make you laugh, if at all.
CityLights
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2014
Citylights follows the graph of impoverishment, exploitation and the eventual rebellion. The film is as breathless as its protagonists, but there is a certain poetry in its treatment that leaves a mark. Given its premise, some might say it's old wine in a new bottle. But this bottle's certainly a keeper.
Heropanti
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2014
Over all, one might be confused if director Sabbir Khan intended to make a spoof or a film. Go for it, if you are in the mood for cheap thrills.
Hawaa Hawaai
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2014
When the story is predictable, a tight script and screenplay needs to take charge. Sadly, it doesn't. The film's undoing is the expectations it rides on. This one fails to be an Amole Gupte film.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2014
'The Amazing Spiderman 2's major undoing is the overstuffing of characters, sub-plots and back-stories. It's got not one but three prominent villains, besides several more negative characters. It brings together a bunch of characters spread over the comic series and if you aren't familiar with the comics, then the story will seem like a confused cocktail.
Revolver Rani
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2014
For those still in the 'Queen' hangover, 'Revolver Rani' won't be an easy pill to swallow. However, the film does manage to establish Kangna's range as an actor. The transition from Rani to 'Revolver Rani' has not exactly been a seamless one, but full marks for the effort.
2 States
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2014
A key advantage of adapting a bestselling novel into a film is that one doesn't need to sell the story, they just have to tell it. And in the process, they need to stay as honest as possible to their source of inspiration. The editing is at times abrupt, but the sincere performances and the freshness of the film makes these glitches seem too small. It won't be wrong to say 2 States is a good state for Bollywood to be in.
Rio 2
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2014
Long after the end credits have rolled, the colours continue float before your eyes as the samba notes ring in your ears. And just for that, Rio 2 justifies a 3D ticket. Don't miss this musical on wings.
Main Tera Hero
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2014
Keeping things largely distanced from logic, David clearly plays to his strengths. He knows nobody comes looking for any semblance of realism in his films. So he keeps it shamelessly mindless and there is nothing wrong with that. Full marks to his leading man Varun for carrying an improbable plot to the finish line, making it a fun one-time watch. This hero is here to stay.
Youngistaan
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Mar 2014
The political issues highlighted in the film are real and the conclusions offered most times filmi. The film also lacks shades of grey and hence as a political drama, remains somewhat unconvincing. However, with the election fever in the country spreading faster than the plague, a film on a political ideal couldn't be better timed. It's an escape but a relevant one.