Nagma

Tanu Weds Manu: Returns2015

The title of the movie is not exciting enough as it makes one wonder what story is left to narrate after a happy ending in the prequel. Tanu and Manu are unhappy after 4 years of marriage and are keen to part ways. The film then revolves around their independent lives which supposedly gives freedom to both to lead their lives their way. Madhavan plays his character of a simple and disturbed doctor effortlessly. The movie however has the most entertaining elements coming from Deepak Dobriyaal (Pappi ji).He is just unbelievable with his rib-tickling dialogues and expressions. "Pappi ji" in fact has quite substantial screen time and he will not leave his presence in any of the scenes being unnoticed by the audience. The film further elevates to a higher level of entertainment and that is contributed by none other than Kangana Ranaut (Tanu & Datto). Tanu as a free-spirited woman who wants to re-live her past with her ex-flame (Jimmi Shergill). Her entire personality and attitude which you would rather detest in real life looks ultimately glamorous on screen. The second character, Datto...is of a state level athlete hailing from Haryana. Datto will take your breath away with her completely innocent and rustic personality not to mention the perfect "haryanvi accent" which appears to be Kangana's natural mother tongue. Both the characters are completely opposite and it becomes difficult to believe that both are played by the same person. Kangana gives a path-breaking performance and this again proves her immense talent. Lot of credit goes to Anand L. Rai who has managed to create such a powerful sequel with strong characters. So please do not miss this complete "paisa vasool" movie....otherwise in Datto's words"Baawde ho gae ke?"

Khoobsurat2014

Khoobsurat , a Walt Disney movie actually appears to be a fairytale. The main characters Dr.Mrinalini Chakraborty (played by Sonam Kapoor) and Prince Vikram (played by Fawad Khan) are a deadly combination. It can be easily said that both of them are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful looking people in the glamour world. The story revolves around Dr. Mili who has been assigned a very difficult task of making the wheel-chaired Maharaja (Prince Vikram's Dad)recover and stand up on his feet. Mili is a free-spirited woman and is shown to be averse to the disciplines imposed by the Maharani (played well by Ratna Pathak). Mili's mom played by Kiron Kher is a character similar to her earlier roles as a punjabi mother.However, somehow you would still enjoy the comical scenes and would not complain that it is repetitive. Mili is smitten by Prince Vikram (Viku as she quickly nicknames him) charm and good looks of course!and she doesn't mind expressing her feelings. Prince Vikram on the other hand is strikingly opposite and is also engaged to a princess (played by Aditi Rao Hydari). Best part of the movie is that it is fun-filled and will manage to keep a smile on your face throughout. You need not analyse too much on the story as it just simple and sweet. I am a little disappointed with Sonam's acting which is good but could have been better...she was nearly there ....but a little far from nailing it! This could have brought more life to the movie because she was the main protagonist. I hadn't known Fawad Khan till I heard and saw this movie. This was his debut and I must say that he performed really well. This down to earth, heart-throb is quite an experienced actor back in Pakistan and has won many accolades and awards for his roles in popular tele-series "Humsafar" and "Zindagi Gulzaar Hai". These series are worth watching for his fans and also for his exemplary works. Khoobsurat is a complete visual and emotional treat! You would crave for more when the movie ends because "abhi toh party shuru hui hai!"

Finding Fanny2014

Homi Adajania seems to have tried his hand at bringing some flavour of Woody Allen into his film, Finding Fanny... but alas it seems to be nowhere close! The first basic element missing is a natural depiction of a typical Goan life. None of the characters seem to have put in the native accent or even tried speaking the Konkani language. Just wearing a western attire is not enough! Deepika and Arjun have showcased normal performance. Dimple Kapadia and Pankaj Kapoor's characters are a little over the top and it is a pity that it is a complete waste of talent. Highest marks to Naseeruddin Shah who seems to be in much better control of his character and also he has earlier delivered an excellent performance as a Goan priest in the Shahrukh Starrer movie in the 90s, Kabhi haan Kabhi Naa which is unforgettable. Overall the storyline is quite weak and predictable. At the end of the film, I bet you will not find your "Fanny"!

Saving Mr. Banks2014

In my view, Emma Thompson steals the show. Tom Hanks is definitely realistic as Mr. Walt Disney but Emma is the showstopper. Mary Poppins is a novel very very close to her heart and she does not believe that it would ever be possible to bring the story to life on the silver screen. Mr. Disney (Tom Hanks) makes every possible effort to convince Emma (the writer) to give the copyright and also help his team create a movie (based on the novel) as she would want it to be. Movie goes through the entire journey that Emma takes in her life especially her attachment with her father which keeps flashing on and off as memories on her mind. There is a gradual transformation in her character and makes the movie worth a watch! If you are an emotional soul, then you should definitely watch this Disney movie.

American Hustle2014

If you have a fairly good understanding of the current political scenario in India, then the film may not appear to be a surprise package. Irwing (Christian Bale) a married businessman based in New York meets Sydney (Amy Adams)and takes on a partnership to earn fast money by becoming con experts. However, their hidden crime is soon detected by FBI and agent David (Bradley Cooper) gets them arrested. Subsequently, puts a condition of getting the charges dropped against them if they help him expose the Congressmen involved in the ongoing corruption in the Atlantic City. I would say that our bollywood movies are equally competent in showcasing such political drama especially with the onset of multiple sting operations against the existing political leaders and mafias. The only difference is that this movie boasts of the American "FBI" sting operation technology (video recording)as early as 1978. Makeover of Christian Bale as a man in his mid-40s is splendid along with his superb acting. Bradley Cooper is charming and brilliant as always. But the main attraction is Christian Bale's wife (Jennifer Lawrence). Her dialogue delivery is awesome and puts a dominant presence to her character even though she does not have a major role in the movie. All in all the movie basically belongs to Christian Bale who witnesses an entire turn of events in his life affecting his family, his business and of course himself. But mind you! No matter how intelligent Christian's character is, this character is not as powerful as to outsmart the multiple con experts existing in India! Oscar nominated movie but didn't seem to be that worth watching. One time watch I would say!!

Hasee Toh Phasee2014

It seems that director, Vinil Mathew was not very clear about the storyline while making ' hasee toh phasee'. Towards the beginning of the film, you seem to ignore the weak points thinking that the next part of the movie would be good ....but unfortunately, I carried this feeling right upto the very end. Nikhil (Siddharth Malhotra) and Karishma (Adah Sharma) get engaged after 7 years of relationship and are going to be married within a week's time. During this time, Nikhil meets Meeta, (Parinitee Chopra) who happens to be Karishma's sister and spends good amount of time together and develops a close bond with her. Parinitee should now come out of her so called 'bubbly' roles else she would soon get typecast in such roles. Her facial expressions and gestures in the initial part made her look completely possessed and horrifying. For sometime I was under the impression that she is playing a role of an autistic but to my surprise she was later portrayed as a super intelligent chemical engineer who is miss know-all and can even repair a car and hack her father's bank account.Overall her role was quite over the top and not convincing enough. Siddharth in comparison was much better and he did show improvement from his last performance(Student of the Year). There are few fun moments but are not enough to keep you entertained. The film title should have been 'Hasaa to phasaa' as Nikhil did not seem to be having any intention of wooing Meeta at any stage. On the other hand Meeta seemed to be trying her best to impress Nikhil.Basic storyline is just an old wine in a new bottle and sadly the chemistry between the two characters is missing. You would be wondering how on earth they are falling in love with each other and it feels as if love too has become quick and robotic in this current age of technology. Therefore when you watch this movie, please do not carry high expectations as I do not want you to be the next audience to feel badly 'phasee'.