…sadly, it has nothing new to contribute to the original film. Haunted houses, creaking doors, strange noises in the middle of the night, and scary looking toys in the attics – all this has been done to death in horror films over the years. Poltergeist gives us more of the same.

There is action, adventure, science fiction and some serious themes about man kind’s survival. An interesting and a very optimistic point is made amidst all the gloom and doom as see and hear of in real life. Brad Bird may not have an answer but he does have an idea which is the premise of the film.

…the show belongs to Kangana Ranaut who steals the thunder, lightning, rain and sunshine. She slips so effortlessly into both those characters that you have to marvel, what a gifted actress she is.

…with Mad Max: Fury Road, George Miller strikes back and how. There is action and more action and so much of it that it takes time to digest and admire what you have just seen when you walk out of the theatre. Basically it is a chase involving huge armored vehicles and no this is nothing remotely like Fast and Furious. Furious would be like an old Ambassador competing with a Formula 1 car running at turbo speed – Mad Max is a billion light years ahead in every aspect.

The film uses many real life references right from the prohibition which closed down many clubs in Bombay to mill workers agitation and the land grab that happened to form the famous Nariman Point are all part of the story, which is fabulous.

What doesn’t particularly work well is the love story which is more or less like any another love story but the city angle that Kashyap has explored is unique in many ways.

Whether it is the accent, mannerisms, expressions or timing, Bachchan shows that if the role has any potential, he can still make mince-meat of it.

Piku offers the most wonderful time at the cinemas, don’t miss out on it.

There is no subtlety whatsoever in conveying the message everything is hammered and hammered hard. The background music is ear drum shattering and the dialogues are cringe worthy.

Not quite sure which was more embarrassing – Shurti Hassan’s character or her acting. Akshay Kumar tries his best to provide a silver lining but the cloud is as dark as a black hole.

There are some smart one liners but it is the climax that gives you your money’s worth and fair to say that the film ends on a high. All in all, if you don’t expect something sensational, you won’t be too disappointed.

It also helps that the chemistry between the lead players is terrific. Nithya Menon is quite a revelation and Dulquer Salmaan gives her good company. The film is a bit stretched specially in the later half and some trimming was the order of the day. But the flaws not withstanding, OK Kanmani still makes the cut.

The acting is from the top draw, along with Kalki, Sayani Gupta and Revathy fit the bill.

With a story that comes straight from the heart, Margarita With a Straw is eminently worth a watch.