My Choice In 2017 . . .

My Choice In 2017 . . . 

Best Film - Mukti Bhawan - Hotel Salvation (Red Carpet Moving Pictures, Sanjay Bhutiani, Shubhashish Bhutiani & Sajida Sharma)

Best Director - Amit Masurkar (Newton)

Best Actor Male - Rajkumar Rao (Newton)

Best Actor Female - Parineeti Chopra (Meri Pyari Bindu)

Best Screenplay - Konkona Sen Sharma & Disha Randani (A Death In The Gunj)

Best Story - Siddharth Singh & Garima Wahal (Toilet -Ek Prem Katha)

Best Dialogues - Rahul Dholakia, Harit Mehta, Niraj Shukla & Ashish Vashi (Raees)

Best Editing - Nitin Baid (Trapped)

Best Cinematography - Aseem Mishra (Tubelight)

Best Production Design - A Death In The Gunj

Best Music - Pritam (Jab Harry Met Sejal)

Best Song of the Year - Hawayein (Jab Harry Met Sejal)

Best Background Score - Julius Packiam (Tiger Zinda Hai)

Best Lyrics - Tera Noor (Irshad Kamil) (Tiger Zinda Hai)

Best Playback Singer Male - Atif Aslam (Dil Diyan Gallan -Tiger Zinda Hai)

Best Playback Singer Female - Pavni Pandey (Laila - Raees)

Best Choreography - Vaibhavi Merchant (Swag Se Swagat - Tiger Zinda Hai)

Best Action - Tom Struthers (Tiger Zinda Hai)

Best Costume Designing - Sheetal Sharma (Raees)

Most Ensemble Cast - A Death In The Gunj 

Best Actor in a Negative Role - Sajjad Delafrooz (Tiger Zinda Hai)

Best Actor in Supporting role Male - Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Raees)

Best Actor in Supporting role Female - Ratna Pathak Shah (Lipstick Under My Burkha)

Most Promising Debut Director - Shubhashish Bhutiani (Mukti Bhawan - Hotel Salvation)

Most Promising Debut Actor Female - Saba Qamar (Hindi Medium)

Best Child Artist - Matin Rey Tangu (Tubelight)

Best Comedian - Irrfan Khan (Hindi Medium)

Best Non-Hindi Film - Vikram Vedha

Best Docu-Drama Film - Sachin A Billion Dreams

Best Indian Short Film - The Affair

--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

2017 - The Year of Rajkumar Rao . . .

    2017 - The Year of Rajkumar Rao . . .

     

So it’s about to end the year 2017. For Hindi film industry it was not much good year, not even bad though because some small budget films managed to gain audience’s love while some big budget films  did not work  up to the mark.
Aamir Khan did not have any release this year except Secret Superstar, ShahRukh Khan had two releases Raees and Jab Harry Met Sejal, Akshay Kumar’s Toilet-Ek Prem Katha was welcomed by the people and when it’s about Salman Bhai then for me that is an another thing because for me Bollywood divides in two parts Salman Khan and Others. His films are just like festivals or I can say a celebration for me. I never disappoint with him no matter how critics or audience or other fans say. How much his films earn on Box-Ofiice or how technically strong or not I just don’t care. Enjoyed his Tubelight and eagerly waiting for Tiger Zinda Hai which will be the closing film of Bollywood 2017. Ajay, Hritik, Saif,Varun etc had releases this year some gained love and unfortunately some did not.
Well here I am not going to discuss more in detail about how the year passed but writing about that one actor whom this year belongs to. Yes, He is none other than one of my most favorite actor of our generation Mr. Rajkumar Rao aka Rajkumar Yadav. I have been big fan of his work for a long time from his starting films. He made his debut with Dibakar Banerjee’s Love, Sex Aur Dhokha. He got noticed more in Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 and with Talaash and Kai Po Che. I just loved his performances in these movies but then came Hansal Mehta’s Shahid in which Rajkumar Rao played in and as lead role. Not only the film was superb but I also fell in love with his performance. OUTSTANDING.
In the span of 7 years only he did around 20 films some had less screen presence while in some he played lead too. No matter how much the length of his role I noticed that he does not compromise the quality of his work. It is his ultimate talent and deep understanding of script he chooses one after another. He always justified with all the roles he played in his career no matter how big or small role it was. In seven years of his career he created fan following by giving spectacular performances in every films and also won prestigious awards for his incredible contribution to the Indian cinema. I have heard that ShahRukh Khan is always being his inspiration since struggling days to till date he admires him. I also noticed that he acts like him. Here I don’t mean to say copy but he is as much as talented as ShahRukh Khan. They can not be compared because SRK, Aamir, Akki are big names of Bollywood and having damn high fan following and in spite of this toughest competition Rajkumar Rao managed impress audience and critics with the honesty in his performances. Here my point is to say that I think he has learned so much from  the ShahRukh Khan and obviously he is naturally an actor but he has sharpen the edge of his talent so well.


Why this year belongs to him?
His Six films released this year including guest appearance.
Trapped as (Shaurya)
Raabta (Special Appearance) as (Muwaqit).
Behen Hogi Teri as (Gattu)
Bareilly Ki Barfi as (Pritam Vidrohi)
Newton (Newton Kumar)
Shadi Mein Zaroor Aana (Satyendra)

Trapped was master work of Indian cinema. A Cast Away of Bollywood. It was so unusual and contradiction to Indian cinema which has less dialogues and entertainment masala than other movies. It was responsibility of lead Rajkumar Rao who took the film to the next level. For me it was fabulous treat to watch breathtakingly expressions in a role he played.
In Newton he was honest government clerk and was charged as electoral official for the election in Maoist controlled area. I have already wrote a lot about this film in my review as it was an eye opener and I would say  about Rajkumar Rao  from his eye blinking to dialogues speaking he is an actor with excellence. Once again he left me speechless.
Then in other films Behen Hogi Teri he was superb in comic timing and shows great sense of humor in the role of Gattu. Sweet simple and solid. In Raabta he played as special appearance and he put his efforts to his look. In Barelly Ki Barfi Pritam Vidrohi he was once gain energetic and having swag. His extra ordinary dedication to the role was worth watch. Same happened with Shaai Mein Zaroor Aana. He made simply and lovely pair with Kirti Kharbanda. Again  powerful performance.
This rarely happens when an actor give multiple movies in a one year and proves himself in dedication in each and every role he plays in all of his movies. No matter what business it does on box office because Rajkumar Rao is not that racer of blockbuster or all time blockbuster clubs.
Well overall this year I think he is the only one who deserves Awards for his dedication and contribution and he has already gained so much love from his fans and i am pretty much sure that he will definitely gonna beg the awards. Along with the films he also showed his talent in ALT Balaji’s web series. Bose-Dead or Alive also gained so much praises from the viewers. I have not watched the series yet but loved the promos. He nailed it totally.
My heartiest congratulations to him and all the very best for his future. Keep giving your best sir.
#love #respect #support #salute #hug #bigfan
                        --- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Review of Tumhari Sulu . . .

Review of Tumhari Sulu . . .

           

So finally Vidya Balan came back in one fantastic avatar. I skipped her last film Begum Jaan as rarely i skip any movies from Bollywood but reason was i didn't like the trailer much and then not even heard good reviews about the film so decision was the same.

Who says our hindi film industry iz Hero dominated. Even a film in which a lead iz a Heroine can work definitely if it's content driven. In the history of cinema and still it can be seen that a film doesn't have a hero but has an actress as a lead, worked well at Box-Office as well as audience accepted it. (Queen, The Dirty Picture, Kahaani, English Vinglish) these all had strong content and succeeded to tocuh the heart of viewer. I loved all of them.

Sometime it happens when film makers make more repetitive movies by focusing on one subject Women Empowerment rather than focusing on quality of the script and technicalities and that's why some movies on this same track flopped too but anyway not talking about the failure here but this one successfully won my heart. It was great pleasure to watch Vidya Balan after long time in this much fresh role. She put on her weight to fit in the role of middle class women Sulochana lives happily life with husband Ashok (Manav Kaul) and her son. Husband iz doing a job in one old garment company which runs by old aged owners and then grandson takes over the company and how he suffers at his job iz shown in the script.

Our main Hero Sulu aspires to be something which can make her happy. She throws many ideas regarding the business to her husband and tries to find a job about which she feels #MainKarSktiHai (I can do it). Finally she gets it. A job of an RJ at one radio company owned Neha Dhupia and then what happens in her life after getting a job iz all in the film.

It's not that typical melodramatic heavy family drama not even it lacks entertainment.

Film starts with many entertaining scenes, some engaging conversations between Sulu and her husband, Sulu and Neha Dhupia, Meeting of Sulu with Neha Dhupia, Two twin sisters of Sulu advice her on the decision of a job etc such soft scenes which create good impact. In the second half film takes a little serious turn when Ashok faces the problems at job, at home, with Sulu, parents meeting at school etc.

Performance by Manav Kaul OMG what an actor he iz. Totally loved his role. How well he played it. He maintained comic scenes as well as emotional scenes with brilliance.

 So much love and respect for him.

Neha Dhupia also gave superb supporting performance. She iz also mind blowing actress and it's always pleasure watching her with so much maturity in her performance. I always find her glamorous and hot. Wishing to see more from her like this in future.

And finally Sulu #MainKarSktiHai really did it. She nailed it completely. Her healthy physic, her saree, her smile and laughter, her mimicry, her dialogue delivery etc worth watching. She will definitely receive awards for this one. It can be considered as one of her finest performances.

Screenplay iz engaging and good, direction iz simple and ace. Suresh Trivedi successfully extracted outstanding performances from the leads.

Overall i liked the film specially because of the leads. Vidya Balan, Manav Kaul & Neha Dhupia hatz off guys.

My Ratings

3.7/5.

--- by Harsh Desai . . . 

Review of Newton . . .

Review of Newton . . . 

          

Amit Masurkar brings a gem to the hindi film industry. Yes, the title itself made me curious when i heard about it. It went in film festivals and earned so much critical acclaim as well as did so well on box office.
Story of a government officer Nutan Kumar (Rajkumar Rao) who changed his name to Newton. who iz appointed at voting booth in the jungle area of Chhatisgarh where Adivasi live and Naxals rule over there and there was the only one way to solve the problem between Government and Naxals and that was the election. Votes by the citizens of that area.
Newton iz very honest man and work oriented person. These days we can never find this kind of person in any government department. His ethics, his dedication towards work, his honesty etc worth to make his character extraordinary.
Film gears up with talks between Newton and Sanjai Mishra. Sanjai sir explains to Newton that Issac Newton didn't only invent gravity but he taught to the world that Nature does no partiality. It's same with all people and existence.
Followed by first meeting of Newton with Pankaj Tripathi who plays head of the force. His conversation before they left towards the jungle where voting point was decided. Raghuvir Yadav's humorous dialogues, very well showed some realities of Indian election system. No one comes to give vote but when media comes the authority brings people forcefully from their home to cast vote.
When Newton comes to know about people who don't know anything about voting and election system then he talks with the people and tells you choose someone among these candidates and he will represent you to the central government that will be your president (Pramukh,Patel). One old aged man stands up from public and says he iz going to represent them as he was Patel of that area and community. That was the most funniest scene of the film as well as hard reality of the society. Many humorous scenes have something hard hitting reality.
Newton does his duty of voting on the gun point iz superbly executed scene.
The last minutes of climax iz also mind blowing. When Anjali Patil offers to have a tea while Newton was doing some work and says still 5 minutes then after duty we will have tea together iz awesome scene.
If every government officials at least can adapt 10% qualities from this Newton then it will be great for the nation but unfortunately that's not possible in reality. Honesty iz no more nowadays in any field.
Anyway not talking much about the nation but technically film iz a gem.
Undoubtedly it deserves awards for brave concept and people like me who are hungry for content cinema would love it.
Performance by Rajkumar Rao as Newton an appropriate choice. No one else could've played this much better than him. He iz versatile. His eye blinking to dialogues speaking everything he has done brilliantly. His role and himself both are heart winning. Kudos to him.
Raghuvir Yadav shares very good screenplay.
Pankaj Tripathi iz excellent. His comic timing and dialogue delivery superb.
Anjali Patil lends good support. Sanjai Mishra has guest role in the beginning only and he did very good job.
Overall one of the finest films came out this year and film like this must needed for the bollywood and also for the society.
Direction, concept, dialogues and mainly performances all the things worked so well to create a masterpiece.
For honesty of Newton
I will go with
4.5/5.
--- by Harsh Desai . . . 

Review of Chef . . .

Review of Chef . . . 

Director Raja Krishna Menon adapted Hollywood's movie by same name in our hindi film industry. I have not seen the original film, so not having much idea about how well director adopted but i think for me this one iz simply best. It has story of a Chef whose emotional journey, career, family, his choices in life, ups and downs etc showed by them. It's simple plot not having much melodrama and also can't be considered as soft comedy. It works on more on emotional drama less on food. Of course it has some mouth-watering scenes of food which made me hungry during the film and then i had sandwiches with my friend but still it can't be considered as best film on food made in Bollywood. It has some beautiful and emotional moments between Father-Son, very nice cinematography of Kerela, dramatic scenes and dialogues well executed.
Performance by Saif Ali Khan makes it more superior. Undoubtedly he has done very good job as Chef and more as single Father or ex-husband. He iz cool, funny and gives simply solid efforts towards the role. Sometimes i loved his performances while sometimes he failed to leave that level of impact. I think it's more dependent on director who brings out best out of him for example Vishal Bhardwaj did in Omkara. Well, here he succeed to hit the right note. Rest casting iz also fine.
Overall it was good watch for me after long time very fine work came from Saif Ali Khan and happy to see him back.
My Ratings
3.4/5.
--- by Harsh Desai . . .

Review of Mantra . . .

Review of Mantra . . . 

Nicholas Kharkongor's directorial venture having length of only 80 minutes and in this limited time he covered such crucial topics. Story of a businessman (Rajat Kapoor) set in 2004 in the capital of India Delhi. His FMCG company of chips named King iz suffering from dog phase. It's getting very tough competition from another leading company Kipper. He iz trying to balance his business along with family problems. His younger son (Shiv Pandit) started own restaurant named Mantra. His daughter (Kalki Kochelin) iz living own life and seeking independence. His youngest son keeps himself locked in his room only and falling in love with a married women by chatting. His wife wants divorce because of lack of romance in between them. So these are such problems he faces but still makes himself smile in front of people and friends.
It reminded me of Kapoor And Sons. Actually it's different from that but family drama genre in both are superb.
Performances by all OUTSTANDING. I mean they casted very well. It's low budget crowd funded film. It's totally content driven. No masalas are added. Only some segment of audiences will prefer this to watch. I just loved it.
Screenplay iz engaging and somewhere dialogues are very impactful. Direction iz top level. Nicholas has done excellent job. Such scenes are brilliantly showed.
Community group of people enters in Mantra restaurant, Kalki goes to police to file complaint of molestation, Rajat stops his BMW on highway and standing alone there, Rajat's chill out moments with his friends, cameo by Adil Hussain iz worth watching. His conversation with Kalki iz very meaningful. He says I'm from Jharkhand but i have shifted Delhu for job because "wahan kuchh development hi nahi hai, sab yahi ho raha hai" and then camera goes to the hoarding of India Shines.
It throws light on some political, communal, social, economical etc. Director said so much in only 80 minutes film. Hatz off to the team.
My ratings
4/5.
--- By Harsh Desai . . .

Review of Baadshaho . . .

Review of Baadshaho . . .

I'm biggest fan of Director Milan Lutharia's Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. Loved his The Dirty Picture too. I was excited for this and not only the reason was director or any actor but the genre. I always enjoy massy masala movies. In our hindi film industry we have witnessed that many time multi starrer films worked from 70s to till date and many not worked. Multi starrer movies used to be in the genre of family drama or action thriller then later comedy genres too used to have multi star casting. But yes nowadays it becomes rarely that some big names work together for one project. Even for some very big names like Khans there's no content or producer to bring them together. But yes there are some film makers who still prefer to make films with more than one or two actors such as Abbas-Mustan, Sanjay Gupta and some more & Milan Lutharia has also done this great work for cinema.
Making a big budget action movie with regular typical bollywood masala iz very risky for today's film makers because audiences prefer to watch all the time new content rather than repetition of mainstream cinema.
Undoubtedly there are some people like me who still enjoy both classy and massy movies.
So let me talk about the film now.
Story of Baadshaho was predicted from the trailer so i didn't expected new storyline but was excited how they're going to show this and whether it enters in my favourites or not.
I heard some negative reviews about the film on first day morning but as always if i have decided to watch it in theatre, will definitely go and then i will decide whether it's up to the mark or not. It happened with me sometimes that people liked the film so much but i didn't like much (Aashiqui -2) and vice versa (Tashan).
Actually i loved Tashan. It was multi starrer and kickass film. So stylish and awesome.
Baadshaho reminded me of Tashan. Nothing similarities between two, but this one iz also made with that kind of tocuh.
Story set in emergency time of 1975 in Rajshthan. It has some plannings, actions, thrills, suspense, dialogue baazi, chase sequences and what else needed in this kind of film? It happened in bollywood before but this time another film maker saw vision to tell this regular story with masala and for me he succeed.
Milan Lutharia made one more kickass film which iz having versatile actor with whom he has worked before in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Ajay Devgn. Ajay nailed it as Bhavani Singh completely. Then he selected brilliant and i think very underrated actor Emraan Hashmi. He also got very good pairing with this director. Once again Emraan has given one of his finest performance. Here he iz in full form naughty funny avatar.
Vidyut Jamwal the action star also casted here. He iz also great as always. No matter what kind of role he does but for me it's great pleasure to watching him doing jumping and fighting.
Sanjai Mishra also shines in his role. Very good comic timing and extremely talented actor we have in our industry.
Ilean Dcruz looks stunning in Rajshthani look.
Background music iz mind blowing.
Cinematography and amazing visuals makes movie worth watch.
Dialogues written and delivered very well.
*Chaar din ki zindagi hai aur aaj chautha din hai ye samaj kar sari zindagi nikal di*
*Duniya hamari mummy nahi hai jo thali me roti paros ke degi, hath pair marne padte hai*
*Mai aata hu aur kahani badal deta hu*
This year Raees was massy entertainer and after that Baadshaho came. No matter what critics or audience say i loved it and yes it has weak points too but i would rather prefer not to share.
One thing I want to mention here specially because i never expected this from Milan Lutharia. Ending scene. Film could've ended in much better way with some note or twist but unfortunately what was in the mind of director sir who knows.
Overall i really enjoyed it and for this delicious masala
4/5.
--- By Harsh Desai Filmy . . .

Review of Mukti Bhavan - Hotel Salvation . . .

Review of Mukti Bhavan - Hotel Salvation . . . 

Finally seen one the most beautiful films of 2017. Sadly this year has very few brilliant films came and this one tops the list for me. It's always great treat for me to watch an out of the box movie. A film that doesn't have typical ingredients of bollywood but it has it's own way to shine out and can make space in the heart of viewer. Yes I'm lover of unusual cinema. Undoubtedly i enjoy all kinds of films but this genre has some special place in my heart. High content, low budget, unusual story telling, ensemble casting and brave production design. It includes films such as Aankhon Dekhi, Masaan, City Lights and many more but here what I'm trying to say that these kind of films rarely come in our hindi film industry. Some brave film makers venture for it.
Story of a Father-Son set in Banaras. Father (Lalit Behl) feels that he iz about to leave the life and his last wish iz to die in Banaras for salvation. He takes his son (Adil Hussain) there and stays in Mukti Bhavan - Hotel Salvation which iz really located in Banaras and it iz belife of hindu religion people Moksh definitely can be achieved if they die while staying there. It's not only Father-Son story but also about death. I would say it's more about life than death. It reminded me of Aarti Chhabria's directorial short film *Mumbai-Varanasi Express* starring Darshan Jariwala which came this year. It reminded me of *Masaan* too. I'm so pleased that one more simple but beautifully told story came in this list.
Writing work done by director himself *Shubhashish Bhutiani.*
Excellent writing. It has humour. Talks of Father-Son makes scene humorous, some serious dialogues very well penned down. Wife of Adil asks when papa iz dying?
Interrogation scene with the manager (Anil Rastogi) of hotel salvation, Father tells about the next birth he wants to take as a Sher (Lion) or Kangaroo that conversation brilliantly written. Many dialogues stayed with me after film.
Direction at it's best. What type of narration this kind of story needs it has got exactly.
Many scenes to be appreciated.
Shubhashish Bhutiani's debut feature made me his biggest fan. Conversations between Father-Son, followed by Adil asking for leaves at office from his boss, Adil realisation scene, vibration of phone many times, climax  and many more where director gave his best. Even shooting at real location makes movie worth watch. Hatz off to cinematographer for capturing such a beauty of Banaras (Varanasi, Kaashi). Travelling by taxi iz also well filmed scene. Solid execution according to the story.
Performances by leads OUTSTANDING. i could see the real faces of Father-Son roles played by them. Both of them extremely good. Other supporting cast also good.
Overall i can say that, this one made me proud to be a cinema lover. Always prefer to watch some beyond the boundaries types films in our hindi film industry.
For honestly film making i think it deserves
4.7/5.
--- by Harsh Desai . . .

Review of Toilet Ek Prem Katha . . .

Review of Toilet Ek Prem Katha . . . 

When trailer released me and my friend who iz big fan of Akki were so much excited. I think after Baby i was this much excited for his film. This time i think not only his fans but other public also curious to know how Akki iz going to show a government campaign with an entertaining love story.

Undoubtedly brilliant concept. No love stories i have seen which has Toilet as villain. Akki falls in love with Bhumi and makes her his better half but very next day of the marriage she gets to know that they don't have a Toilet in their house. They have to go away in some jungle with group of ladies. Film set in the village of Lord Krishna Mathura in UP.

It throws light on Indian citizens and their attitudes towards government schemes and their beliefs in superstition. This unique story and it's and amazing story telling makes movie must watch. I personally liked film. It might not get so much positive reviews from the critics but I'm sure Akki fans will definitely enjoy as well as others who eagerly waited for it won't be disappointed with it. This iz an absolutely fine film came out this year. I wish it may earn so much at box office on these festivals.

First half of the film iz sweet love story with skillfully written comic dialogues which engaged me till the interval. Post interval it's less comedy and more drama. Somewhere i found drama at it's appropriate place while some promotions of government campaign didn't make me impressed. I found it forced. It clears that lead iz a strongly supporter of our present government.

I believe all the times people blame government for so and so happening in the country but no one wants to bring the change. Even sometimes i noticed in real life people don't speak up against something wrong happening in the society until it happens with them. 1 dialogue iz there by Akki "No one raise the voice until it's their personal". Thus, film has ingredients of entertainment as well as social drama.

I found some weak point personally and technically in the film but who cares when they have tried their best to bring change in the country by this brilliantly told story.

Performance by Akshay Kumar iz Kickass. He nails in some funny one liner dialogues.

Bhumi Pendeker iz simply superb. Hatz off to her acting skills. She definitely steals the show. She has became my favourite from the new comers. Divyendu iz awesome.

Anupam Kher Sir and others lend good support. Music iz okayish kinda. Overall it's definitely not to be missed on the occasion of Indian Independence Day.

My ratings for presenting this unique subject film

3.8/5.

--- by Harsh Desai . . . 

Review of Lipstick Under My Burkha . . .

Review of Lipstick Under My Burkha . . . 

Balaji Motion Pictures oftenly brings something which makes me excited to have a great time while watching it's movies. I can't afford to miss it.

LUMB iz a lady oriented film directed by a lady Alankrita Srivastava.

Story of 4 ladies of different ages in life.

1st college student (Plabita) who prefers jeans instead of Burkha, 2nd engaged (Aahana) but having an affair with business partner, 3rd married women (Konkana) working as a saleswoman without letting his husband know, while 4th iz old aged women (Ratna Pathak) which has lost his identity and considered as Buaji by all.

Lives of all these 4 ladies discovered here. What are their desires how they live with their current lives and what kind of freedom they're getting in the society story states that.

This film has brilliantly written dialogues, direction iz amazing. Hatz off to Alankrita who has given immensely bold look to the story. Scenes i have never seen before in any movies of bollywood. It has empowerment as well as entertainment. Screenplay iz engaging i never got bored during the film.

It's low budget and very well made film it deserves more audience to watch. It's an adult because it includes SEX scenes and talks. It's bold and brave film came out in our industry. Rarely this kind of films come. It's definitely film to be celebrated.

What makes it superior iz the performances by leads.

Plabita looks sweet and hits the right notes with her dialogues.

Aahana gives hard hitting intimate scenes with her stunning dresses.

Konkana iz awesome as always as Muslim married lady who desire to be financially independent and oftenly facings problem of pregnancies.

But here instead of these 3 young ladies who won my heart iz Ratna Pathak Ji. As old aged women known as Buaji. She has given an extraordinary performance. Her endeavour towards the role iz fantastic. Take a bow mam. Loved your performance.

Overall it's well made bold and beautiful film in hindi cinema.

I will go with 

3.8/5.

--- by Harsh Desai . . .

Review of A Death In The Gunj . . .

Review of A Death In The Gunj . . . 

Konkana Sen Sharma's debut feature film A Death In The Gunj iz piece of master work i have seen in the first half of 2017. In six months only few films came to which i can give a tag of master work. Expecting more from the next half of the year. So this iz totally my kinda cinema for which i eagerly wait always. I have been always big fan of this genre of films. It's a drama set in 70s where a bengali family goes on holiday to hometown gunj (Bihar).

Konkana iz one of my most fav actress. I have loved her performances in many of her feature films and short films too. This time once again she made me to believe in her talent more by doing writing and direction. It's based on short story which was inspired by true events and Konkana mam successfully made it a feature. I will say a worth film. So well told.

Loved the screenplay it has really fantastic scenes such as Gulshan teaching driving to Shutu, spiritual game scene at home, followed by Kabbadi scene, Sex scene of Shutu and Kalki, Puppy eating meal with servants and that folk songs and BGM adds extra butter to the screenplay. It was learning lesson for me as i aspire to be a film maker. A lady director taught me so much about the direction. She proved herself very promising director. 

Set designing, BGM, Costumes, writing etc departments worked well. 

Konkana mam also played beautifully with the performances of actors. She gave an appropriate role to each and everyone. Whether it iz Gulshan or Kalki or Ranvir Shoury all performed brilliantly. Obviously Konkana herself iz a great performer though she could bring out from her cast too.

Not saying much about the story but i really enjoyed it and want some more this kind of masterfully work from Konkana mam.

So with this first half of 2017 completed and wishing that more beautiful films to release for bollywood lovers like me . . . 

For this i think 

4.2/5.

--- by Harsh Desai . . . 

Review of Hindi Medium . . .

Review of Hindi Medium . . .

Saket Chaudhary's Hindi Medium focuses on very crucial topic education system in India. It makes the thing clear that how languages divide our society in parts. While in one dialogue they have stated that English iz not just a language but class. Today's truth iz you must know English to shine in whatever field you're. One thing came in my mind regarding this topic. India's popular author Chetan Bhagat wrote in her non fiction that if Hindi iz your mother then English iz your wife. Many times i have also had discussions about necessity of English with my friends and we have concluded that English matters but not only English matter. It's worldwide accepted language thus we must learn it but we should never forget our national language or mother tounge.

Here in this film one middle class couple trying to get the admission of their daughter in an English school and what kind of things happen with them the film iz all about.

It's sad to know that no middle class or rich people want their children to study in government schools or any other languages' schools except English. It's not totally their fault too because our India has rarely a good government school where students can really have a good environment or teachers to learn in better way. Thus most of the people want their children to study in self finance schools where they can grow in better way.

Talking another sad thing about big self finance school only want business and less they care about the education. One more dialogue i remember regarding this topic from Prakash Jha's Aarakshan that Education iz the biggest business in India.

India facing really big problem of Education. I just wish government can make a really good step to see the bright future of India.

Well there are many different views on this but now talking about the film which iz good enough to educate me more about this problem.  Topic they have selected iz relevant and really make sense to have a good film for public. 

Director coverd many things such as education, English, difference between rich and poor people, Reservation, humanity etc.

Saba Qamar a Pakistani actress iz stunning here as a mother. She has done very good job. Looks beautiful and dialogues delivered nicely. 

Deepak Dobriyal comes late but gives impressive performance as Shyam who lives a poor life but has really honest heart.

Whole film iz one side and Irrfan Khan's performance iz another side. OMG he iz a great, greater greatest actor. Such a brilliance. Immensely having sense of humour. He iz OUTSTANDING as Raj. His performance iz truly winning. Kudos.

Overall it's good film made on indeed necessary subject Education.

My Ratings

3.5/5.

--- By Harsh Desai . . . 

Review of Meri Pyari Bindu . . .

Review of Meri Pyari Bindu . . . 

Meri Pyari Bindu produced by Maneesh Sharma released last week along with RGV's Sarkar 3. I watched Sarkar 3 first because i loved it's previous parts. Later i watched Meri Pyari Bindu. Akshay Roy handles the direction work. Penned down by bengali writers and directed by bengali guy this shows some really very good frames of Kolkata. MPD includes many chapters at various places where lead female protagonist goes to Delhi, Mumbai, Australia, Banglore etc. Each chapter sets in a new city.

Story of a bengali guy Abhimanyu Roy (Ayushman Khurana) urf Booblu Roy who wants to become a famous writer he writes some horror hindi pulps he iz trying to complete his own love story but all the time he fails to give a happy ending. Bindu a childhood friend of Abhi has really good bonding with Abhi she shares all the things with Abhi while Abhi has one sided love for her. It's so complicated love story between them. I would say more they're friends than lovers.

Screenplay has classy narration in the voice of Ayushman. Just loved the narration writing work. Story iz an ordinary which has several limitations but still i enjoyed it because of it's sweet presentation. I agree It's likable in parts because it has some boring and unnecessary scenes too but rest film touched my heart. As film starts introduction of Abhi's books, their childhood memories recorded in cassettes, classic songs sung by Bindu in her voice, followed by some family drama, typical writer's life, use of hindi as well as bengali so well, characterisations of leads, good music, and last but not the least an extraordinary touchy climax i have never seen before in this genre of movies. What a climax. Just loved it. So so so so beautiful and emotional. Felt so much when movie ended.

Performance by Ayushman iz brilliant. He nailed it. He iz very matured actor and it's always pleasure to see him doing this kind of roles. Loved him in Dum Laga Ke Haisha and this time too he won my heart by putting lovely efforts.

Parineeti iz as cute as always. She has a role of naughty and bubbly girl and she iz fabulous in playing this type of roles as i have noticed her since Lady Vs Ricky Bahl. Well here both of them make good pair. Lovely chemistry.

As i heard in reviews of critics that it's not a worth watch film but still i loved it. Sometimes it happens with me when film goes down in the eyes of audience and critics but still i find it good. This time too personally i loved the film and i don't care about negative reviews of the film. Yes obviously adding this into my collection 

My Ratings

3.7/5.

--- By Harsh Desai . . . 

My view on the Book - DeAttached - Shades of time . . .

My view on the Book - DeAttached - Shades of time . . . 

I have been writing and sharing my views about Bollywood movies on social network with my friends since January 2013. This iz for the first time happening that I'm writing a review or i can say my views on any book.

DeAttached by author Ram Joshi.

One of my college mates suggested me to read a book which has written by his brother. I was already connected with the writer on social website Facebook where i regularly like his posts . I really like his nano tales which he writes a story in 2-3 lines only. That's fabulous. When the book was launched my friend messaged me and she said that the author iz his brother. Then later i came to know about the author in detail. I felt so happy that some guy from my town Mandvi has written a book. A national selling book. I felt proud when i came to know about him.

Author's Intro - Ram Joshi an IT graduate born and brought up in Mandvi (Kutch -Gujrat) and currently living in the city of Baroda (Vadodara).

This iz a result of his thoughts, experiences and solid reading material in the form of a fiction.

About the Book - DeAttached includes two stories of the same time which unfolds the hard hitting story of a women. Can't say much about the story but from starting to end it's very gripping, extraordinarily told and simply penned down. It has romance, emotions, drama, suspense, thrill, travelling experiences and many more things in just one book.

I have read many fictions which only tells the story of the protagonists while this one iz way better than those regular fictions because it includes so much thoughts and thinking of the writer. Writer told many true and noted points on many things and most of them are similar to my thinking and that's why i loved this writing work so much. I would say this iz a masterpiece iz have ever read. Those thoughts, words, lessons and short stories inside this book made me inspired to write about the book and not writing this because of my that friend said. & i would recommend my friends to read because there are mind opening things shared by an author. Many things made me think twice thrice that how this author could say which iz in my mind. It's really awesome. I less share my thoughts with people when i have a deep thought regarding something which generally people can't understand and i kept it in mind but in this book Ram Sir said the same things which i have in my mind since long time. Such thoughts on Love, Realtion, Life Problems, God, Career, Freedom, Respect, Beliefs, Eternal happiness, and most importantly human values.

For me It's a mixture of a fiction as well as self help book. It inspired me a lot and i wish many people read it and gain so much lessons from and as the author said a good book can touch the human heart and it can be a life changing read.

Feeling proud that someone has wrote a book that inspired me a lot iz from my hometown Mandvi 

Hatz off #love and #respect Sir Ram Joshi . . . 

--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Here attaching an Amazon link to grab your copy -  http://amzn.in/7Aqyvx1

Review of Baabhubali 2 - The Conclusion . . .

Review of Baabhubali 2  - The Conclusion . . . 

An S S Rajamouli iz back with his most awaited film for the Indian cinema. Post Baahubali there was huge number of audience which was waiting for it's final part. They announced it in 2016 but then it was postponed to 2017. Finally on 28th of April it got released. I'm lucky that i got tickets for the first day. Because in almost single screens as well as in multiplexes all the tickets were booked in advance. I also booked in advance therefore i could watch it on the day of release. Whenever i watch second part or a sequel of any film i expect more from it if i liked first one. I expect screenplay to have enough grip. I liked Baahubali The Beginning and obviously millions of people liked that entertainer and expecting more from it's conclusion part.

I found storyline here iz kind of predicted. Standard of story was regular where two brothers fight, mother's emotions, revenge, drama, romance etc but here how they presented the story iz breathtakingly brilliant.

Hatz off to S S Rajamouli Sir for being this much level of visionary and ambitious director who puts a lot a lot efforts in making of the film.

Storytelling iz what makes it worth watch for me. Each scene was directed so masterfully. Kudos.

Director's vision of delivering a BIGGEST VFX film into an Indian cinema succeed. There iz more visual effects than it's first part. No one else could've thought about vfx at this level where Rajamouli took it.

By not comparing it with first one it iz a solid entertainer. S S Rajamouli knows how to make an entertainer which involves so much money and efforts and I'm sure he must have calculated the return as he has experience of market of his first part. He iz definitely gonna get highest return ever at box office. Indian public will surely appreciate and enjoy this epic.

I liked it because of Director's work, engaging screenplay well somewhere it's slow but still enjoyed, performances of leads whether it's Prabhas, Rana or Anushka all of them have done immensely really very great job. Loads of #love and #respect for them. All the characters are incredible. I'm sure these are going to stay with me for a long time.

The success lies in the vision of Rajamouli. It iz phenomenon and will emerge as biggest blockbuster. Not a single movie lover gonna miss it. I think It's must not skip movie. He sets an era.

Story wise it could have been concluded better but who cares when Rajamouli tells story in LARGER THAN LIFE way.

Hindi music was much better in Baahubali while here it's missing. Specially that Background music.

I found action sequences somewhere brilliant and while some seemed so over. Rajamouli's style of action iz awesome. Never seen before.

Overall i liked it enjoyed it and recommend people to go with friends and family and have fun because it deserves some really sound collection at BOX OFFICE which will set a new benchmark. Ummm may be worldwide 1000cr. Let's see what happens . . . 

Jai Mahishmati 

My Ratings 

3.8/5.

--- by Harsh Desai . . . 

Review of Trapped . . .

Review of Trapped . . . 

VikramAditya Motawane's debut Udaan was a gem. I loved that critically acclaimed dark treat. His next was poetic drama Lootera i liked that film too. His these two previous works made me big fan of his direction. Once again i feel proud of him today. His third film he gave Trapped and this time also i liked his efforts. Produced by Phantom Films Trapped iz not everyone's cup of tea but i found it very good as i loved some films which iz only about a main protagonist e.g. Cast Away. Tom Hanks' Cast Away was adventurous solo drama where he stays away from his land to another but this iz a story of a man who gets locked himself in an empty apartment in one of the areas of Mumbai where he was searching for a room to get settled with his girl friend. It differs from Cast Away because here many people(Mumbaikars) surrounded around him in tallest buildings but still he finds himself alone there. 

It's small film size wise and budget wise too. Phantom films as always prove that a film can be made at lowest possible cost and this time too they managed to make a worthy film under fixed small budget. No more casting, Not much outdoor sequences, no more extra songs and they only focused on whatever they wanted to show in the script. Only one protagonist iz there and few other actors which have very few time screen sharing. In whole film we only see our hero Rajkumar Rao who stucks in apartment and tries hard to escape from it. when he gets locked inside the apartment to the end each scene iz engaging and nail biting. Climax iz fab. His flashbacks, rat scenes, how he tries to deliver message to the watchman and others that he iz locked at the top floor of this building iz brilliantly directed. Very well edited film which has length of around 100 minutes only without an interval.

Yet another quality product i got from Phantom Films. I'm big fan of this production house. Motwane sir inspired me again to show whatever you want to show. Your content must be out of the box. You don't need to follow the typical rules of Bollywood movies. All you need iz a story and how you're telling it to your audience iz the main inspiring thing of Phantom Films.

Here credit goes to Motwane Sir, Phantom Production House and none other than super talented awesome actor Rajkumar Rao. He iz nowadays greatest actor we have in our Bollywood. He nailed it. It's always pleasure to see him on screen whether he iz doing supporting character or lead. Hatz off.

Kudos to Director and team.

3.8/5.

- - - by Harsh Desai . . . 

My Choice in 2016 . . .

My Choice in 2016 . . .

Best Film - Aligarh (Hansal Mehta, Sunil Lulla, Shailesh R. Singh, Karma Pictures & Eros Entertainment)

Best Director - Karan Johar (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)

Best Actor Male - Sushantsingh Rajput (MS Dhoni - The Untold Story)

Best Actor Female - Anushka Sharma (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil & Sultan)

Best Screenplay - Nitesh Tiwari, Piyush Gupta, Shreyas Jain & Nikhil Mehrotra (Dangal)

Best Story - Ali Abbas Zafar (Sultan)

Best Dialogues - Ritesh Shah (Pink)

Best Editing - Shivkumar V. Panicker (Kapoor And Sons)

Best Cinematography - Mirzya

Best Production Design - Udta Punjab

Best Music - Vishal-Shekhar (Sultan)

Best Song of the year - Sultan Title Track (Vishal-Shekhar - Sultan)

Best Background Score - Vishal-Shekhar (Sultan)

Best Lyrics - Amitabh Bhattacharya (Bulleya - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)

Best Playback Singer Male - Atif Aslam (Tere Sang Yara - Rustom)

Best Playback Singer Female - Shilpa Rao (Aaj Jane Ki Jidd - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)

Best Choreography - Jabra Fan (FAN)

Best Special VFX - FAN

Best Action - Baaghi

Best Costume Designing - Mohenjo Daro

Most Ensemble Cast - Kapoor And Sons

Best Actor in Negative Role - Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Raman Raghav 2.0)

Best Actor in Supporting role Male - Fawad Khan (Kapoor And Sons)

Best Actor in Supporting role Female - Kirti Kulhari (Pink)

Most Promising Debut Director - Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury

Most Promising Debut Actor Male - Harshvardhan Kapoor (Mirzya)

Most Promising Debut Actor Female - Fatim Sana Shaikh (Dangal)

Best Child Artist - Zaira Wasim (Dangal)

Best Comedian - Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Freaky Ali)

Best Set Designing - Rustom

--- by Harsh Desai . . .

Review of Kaabil . . .

Review of Kaabil . . .

Watched Hritik Roshan's most awaited revenge thriller Kaabil directed by Sanjay Gupta. It's not only like those Sanjay Gupta's typical revenge thriller it's emotional too. Film starts with a sweet love story of two blind people Rohan (Hritik) and Supriya (Yami) who decide to live with together. As they start living their married life happily, enjoying company of each other and supporting each other then twist comes when a villain enters in the story and rapes Supriya.
First half it's romantic and emotional while post interval it's revenge thriller. Rohan takes the revenge with the villains and proves himself Kaabil without seeing. Here they showed emotional love story and proves that sometimes two negatives can create positive vibes while on other side they showed the dark side of society too. They can't fight with a political power they didn't get any help from corrupted system thus protagonist decides to fight on his own to take the revenge of his wife. He makes plans and using his mind power he punishes all of them.
There iz so much LOVE in this world we get from many people but still there are some dark sides of society too.
I was excited when i watched trailer and wished Hritik and team on twitter about the film. I decided to watch both Kaabil and Raees. Finally watched both back to back. First i watched this one and then went for Raees.
Kaabil has potential to become a blockbuster. It's well made and can be consider as Sanjay sir's finest work so far. I liked his thrillers but this one iz different from all of them. It has some really good dialogues which iz said by Rohan to police officer. In that 4-5 minutes scene writing works outstanding and makes sense.
Direction iz also very good. Emotional scenes as well as thrilling moments well executed. He succeed to bring out brilliant performances from the cast.
Performance by Yami Gautam in this iz for me his best till date. She looks adorable and acts as a blind girl is phenomenal.
Roy brothers are also fantastic. Specially Ronit Roy as Marathi politician adds super thrill to the film. His dialogues in hindi cum marathi makes his role more worth.
Now at the end i would say that it couldn't have been this much Kaabil-E-Tarif if it hadn't Hritik Roshan. Yes he iz the one who makes movie much much better. His bravura performance of a blind guy who thinks himself Kaabil and doesn't consider blindness as the weakness. His role iz well portrayed. He has done very good job. I liked his performance in many of his movies. He was fab as Rohit in Koi Mil Gaya. He had done great in Dhoom2. Role of Krrish also fantastically he played. He played role of Mughal in Jodha-Akbar which was marvellous. Even Kites, Guzarish, ZNMD etc are good. But i think this one iz after long time he came in full form of acting. He invested his sweat to this role. His facial expressions, his dialogues, his dubbing scenes, fight scenes, romantic scenes and thrills etc worth watch for me. Hatz off to him for this role. In the start of January i found one of the best actor nominations. I wish he beg awards for this and of course love from his fans too. Love You Sir.
On the whole for me It's enjoyable, engaging, emotional, revenge thrilling drama for something different in thriller genre.
4/5.
--- by Harsh Desai . . .

Review of Raees . . .

Review of Raees . . .

so finally after long wait he arrived with his spectacular avatar Raees. King iz back. It was one of my most awaited movies of 2017. I really didn't want it to clash with Sultan. I felt happy when i got the news of postpone. It's teaser was only enough to make me fall in love with SRK again as always. But this time it iz not that typical romantic movie by him but it's totally massy entertainer. It's a movie where hero plays a character "In and As". Like Don this one iz also starring Shahrukh Khan in and as Raees. It's one of those films where protagonist proves himself in the "In and As" image. Raees iz loosesly based on story of 80s bootlegger of Gujarat named Abdul Latif. Who was Muslim and was importing liquor from outside of Gujarat and used to sell in the dry state. He has superb mind of business strategies as well as he had daring too to be in the illegal business. As one dialogue iz there "Baniye Ka Dimaag Aur Miyaan Bhai Ki Daring". He starts his life by keeping mother's advice in the mind which was "Koi Bhi Dhandha Chhota Nhi Hota Aur Dhandhe Se Bada Koi Dharm Nhi Hota" he believed in that and he learned business by working with some other bootleggers of those times at his teenage. He starts from the job and one day he wants to be a businessman of this industry.
It starts similarly as others biopic where we can have some glimpse of childhood. Here same story how one muslim child becomes a baniya of this illegal business.
It's the one which has outstanding dialogue baazi which massy cinema needs. It has potential Hero-Villain stuff like cat-mouse which can be served as delicious biryani for massy audience. I'm not only that guy who watch only classy cinema but I'm big fan of massy films too. I enjoyed Amitabh Ji's, Dharam Ji's and Sunny paaji's massy action packed with killer dialogues. And still i watch this films whenever i found it showing on any channel of tv.
Raees iz the one where all the dialogues shown in the trailer proved very true in the film.
"Baniye Ka Dimag Aur Miyaan Bhai Ki Daring"
He has awesome mind of business and daredevil for those who comes in between him and his business.
"Dhandhe Se Bada Koi Dharm Nhi"
He believes in the business and always finds ways to grow it at any cost.
"Patang Katne Ka Darr Hota To Chadata Hi Nhi Firki Pakdta"
He has no fear of anyone or anything. Whatever he iz doing he trusts himself.
"Apna Time Shuru"
He has shown ups and downs and his time comes when he becomes messiah too.
"Aa Raha Hun"
"Raat Aur Din Logon Ke Hote Hain Raees Ka Zaman Hota Hai"
"Battery Nhi Bolne Ka"
and many more dialogues by Raees while in his opposition there iz no weak officer but the strongest one J.A.Majmudar which iz played by none other than Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
His killer attitude of being Raees iz unbeatable. It was really enjoyable when SRK and Nawaz shares the screen. Both are mind blowing.
Like Raees he iz also Ziddi officer he wants to finish Raees anyhow no matter where he gets transfer but he says
"Aap Mera Transfer Kahin Bhi Kar Do, Raees Ko Nhi Chhoduga Main".
I watched trailer and loved it and was damn excited and this time my expectations were so high as it's buzz was too. I always wanted to see SRK in this kind of kickass role rather than romantic roles. He iz superb in romantic but still i think he can do some thriller roles better. I loved him in Darr and Bazigar where he played thriller roles. Trust me It's one of his finest roles he ever played. No one else could've played it better than him. It's not his best because for me still Swades, CDI, Don, Bazigar, MNIK etc are his bests. Raees has undoubtedly awesomeness and he nailed it completely.
Raees iz fantastic start in massy cinemas of 2017. It's commercial which has potential to become blockbuster. I wish it become. In the first half i found the script little regular but SRK and Nawaz took it to the next level post interval. Narration from the beginning iz also fabulous. As they showed Gujarat, Liquor, Muslim Areas, Mumbai Areas, Guns, Kites, Trucks, Roadways, Seaways, Boats, Smugglings... etc are very good. Entry scenes, fight sequences some emotional scenes are also well directed.
All movie one side and climax on another side. What a power packed and unexpected climax it has. Loved it so much. Climax iz the most superior part of the film.
SRK's performance iz OUTSTANDING. Lots of #love and #respect for him. He has done very good job as Raees. As i said earlier he proved himself in the image of "In and As". Raees iz the character which iz played marvelously by him. He fits in the role. Hatz off. #ApnaTimeShuru what a killer performance ♡ it's long lasting to be remembered for me.
Nawaz - OMG this time he iz THE BEST. He always proves himself as an honest actor but this time his versatility iz something that made me his biggest biggest biggest fan. He shines as Majmudar. Who gives his best to destroy Raees.
It reminded me of Kahani in which also he played a role of police officer. That "out out" dialogue from that film iz still unforgettable for me and this time too his dialogues are very well written as Raees' which can be remembered for the long time. It's totally award worthy and my respect for him increased after watching this.
Nawaz sir said in one interview before the release of film that he thinks that it's his best rolw till date and after witnessing i think the same. For me i think it's his best till date. He iz an institution of acting from where every aspiring artists can learn a lot. I will definitely talk about this role whenever in the future i will meet him. #love #respect #bigfan
Mahirah Khan looks beautiful but she has to learn more about acting to leave an impact to the audience.
Zeeishan iz fantastic as Sadiq who superbly lends support to Raees. Other casting iz also fine.
Laila song by Sunny Leone iz enjoyable for massy audience. I loved the music of this track. Zaalima iz good while Udi Udi Jaye by Sukhwinder iz also fine. Ram Sapath's BGM iz brilliant. Loved it. It reminded me Don's BGM. This kind of films must have engaging BGM.
Costume Designing iz impressive. Specially SRK's Pathanis are making him more natural.
Cinematography iz fantastic. Some scenes of Gujarat specially of my district Kutch. When SRK came here for the shoot i saw him from the distance and he wore green pathani and when that scene of 1 minute came i felt so so so happy :)
On the whole It's entertaining for me. I liked it more because of the SRK's performance and also Nawaz impressed me so much. Dialogues are enjoyable. It has some limitations too but who cares about that when they worked hard for creating this. Ignoring bad points and counting plus points i think for me It deserves
3.5/5.

--- by Harsh Desai . . .