Review of Simmba . . .

Review of Simmba . . . 

So finally it's an end of 2018. Bollywood had some big hits while some didn't perfom well. some big budgeted films didn't collect expected business at Box-Office, some small budgeted films have received such high ROI. Some Hindi worked, some Non-Hindi  such as regional Indian films also worked, even web series created it own platform. I enjoyed many films, learned from many, and some didn't impress me much while very few i skipped. Finally 2018 ends with Simmba.
Stylish Director Rohit Shetty came up with another cop series after super successful Singham. This time he's not Singham but he transfoms himself from a Dabangg character to Singham. Yes, He's our Sangram Bhalerao aka Simmba who decided to earn money from Police job with corruption and at the interval he turns out to be a Singham which is honest with his work and strategies. In short i enjoyed Dabangg character in first half and Singham character in second half in one and only Simmba dashingly and with stylish cop swag played by Ranveer Singh.
After TOH and Zero all eyes were on Simmba for Box-Office rain. Because Ranveer Singh had already given a Blockbuster in 2018 which was Padmaavat and this Simmba made me curious because i loved Singham. I'm big fan of Golmaal first and I was expecting a storm from this combination of Actor-Director.
Rohit Shetty knows how to present an old story as super entertainer. Story has nothing new but what they showed is appreciable. I have not seen the original film Temper from which Simmba inspired but I would like to qoute here this is what masala film we call. I watch all genres films but what i really like to enjoy fullest is a masala entertainer in a single screen theatre. This is what our mainstream cinema is all about. Special thanks to such film makers who don't care about awards or criticism. They just provide a wholesome entertainment for the mass audiences and from which they get revenue. Yes of course there should be sensible films but keeping alive the mainstream cinema of Bollywood should priority too. Rowdy Rathore, Dabangg, Wanted, Singham etc are examples of massy films which i loved the most.
Here in Simmba there's comedy, drama, emotions, little romance, actions and DHAANSU dialogues and all these things make it a perfect masala film of they year. No matter how much time I'm seeing this story keep repeating in our India but still presentation with new face, execution with modern style, written with touchy dialogues keepme hooked on the seat till the end.
Film starts with typical hero entry with fight sequence, then one introduction song for the hero, then police station scene, heroin enters, villain appears, some twists and turns, problem arises, hero finds solution, he fights and fights and fights and at the end he wins. There's nothing new in story. But in parts there are definitely enjoyable scenes, some reality they showed etc make it engaging.
In first half i laughed in many scenes of Ranveer Singh. His one liners, his dialogue delivery style suits for the role. His meeting with other casting etc. He has done superb job. Post Ajay Devgn I think from new faces he's the only one who can justify this role of cop. He's in full form. Solid as Sangram Bhalerao aka Simmba "who knows he's corrupt and tell him something that he doesn't know". I must admit his madness and dedication took this role and film on high level. Salute.
Sara Ali Khan uff such a beautiful face. Looks stunning. Loved her voice too. She acts in her part so well. Her screen timing is less in a pure hero dominated film but still she's very good. She's looking very similar to her mother. Best wishes for her.
Ashutosh Rana simply OUTSTANDING as an honest head constabble. He lends good support to Simmba's role.
Sonu Sood as deadly as he was in Dabangg. This time less fights but still his look and villainous charm impressed me.
Other casting also nice.
Music is already hit. Two remakes are already chartbuster. Loved "Ladki Aankh Marey" and Tere Bin is lovely track.
Ladki Aankh Marey song came and lots of people in theatre sung along with it.
Background music is additional screenplay and gives goosbumps. Fantastic work.
Action scenes are not great but it's good with south Indian gundas. Slow motion trade mark of Rohit Shetty continued here.
Last thing but very important to write is a Cameo by none other than Singham himself Ajay Devgn. OMG it was totally golden moment to watch Singham and Simmba together. Kudos to Rohit Shetty for bringing these duo together. Entry of Bajirao Singham in Simmba is  very perfect. He comes in right timing and received more applaud than Simmba. OUTSTANDING scene people were clapping during the whole scene. I was so happy with this decision of cameo.
And very last thing i must say DON'T MISS THE ENDING. Don't stand up from the seat when you see A Film By Rohit Shetty and Team. Be there because there's surprise for you. Someone else is taking charge in 2019. Rohit Shetty's Christmas gift for all his fans. Can't wait for the venture of 2019.
Overall 2018 ends with a masala family entertaining film Simmba.
Specially for Ranveer Singh's madness i will go with
3.5/5.
--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Review of Zero . . .

Review of Zero . . .

Watched most awaited film of Shah Rukh Khan on very first day. It took me 3-4 days to write down my views about it. I read reviews on first day which were below average or we can say negative reviews. Most of the critics reviewed it with maximum 2.5 to 3 stars. What's shocking for me was collaboration of two people Actor Shah Rukh Khan and Director Anand L. Rai couldn't justify or what? At night finally i saw the film and sadly once again same thing happened with this too. After Thugs of Hindostaan which was also not a bad one but negative reviews made it worse even at Box-Office too. Zero for me is also not a bad film but it's those memes or social media's stupid stuffs which create a negativity among the audiences. Those who haven't seen the film are sharing negative reviews about film. If critics are giving 2 or 3 stars that's their job and as i earlier said in India film criticism focus on pointing out negative or minus points rather than appreciation of attempts.
Well let it go here I'm going to write my thoughts on the film what i liked.
Story of a man from Meerut to Mars is familiar by the trailer. It's a love story of two physically abnormal people. Shah Rukh Khan plays the role of Bauaa Singh a character which is similar to Kamal Haasan's film Appu Raja. In Appu Raja Kamal Haasan nailed it completely. No one else could have done it at that time. In 2018 Shah Rukh Khan took a brave decision to act in a role where he has to prove himself as an actor rather than any hero. As always he has done such phenomenal work. OUTSTANDING performance by him. I would rather say it's one his finest performance in this decade till now. I believe Shah Rukh Khan is the most talented actors among three Khans of Bollywood. Whether it's romance, drama, comedy etc he's brilliant.
For Zero he joined hands with very successful film maker who made Ranjhana, Tanu Weds Manu etc successful films. I was expecting some fun some romance and as i heard in news that climax is gonna be very different for Bollywood so i got all i wanted from this film.
Zero has romance, emotions, drama, comedy and sci-fi fantasy too. Film starts with the funny moments of Bauua Singh which is carry forward by romance with scientist Afia(Anushka Sharma). Story takes turn when Bauaa Singh runs for Babita (Katrina Kaif) then again story takes turn and last 30mins it becomes a sci-fi film.
Anushka Sharma has played role which is very challenging and tough to give justice. She did it very well.
Mohmmad Zeeshan Ayyub lends very good support and some his dialogues are very well written in the first half.
Katrina Kaif who plays role of star and kisses Bauaa Singh when she's drunk. She's extremely good in this role. She looks so sexy she delivers dialogues very well. Perfect choice for this role.
Tigmanshu Dhulia and others are good in their parts.
Such Cameos by Bollywood actresses make it worth watch. Late Sridevi ji, Kajol, Rani, Juhi, Deepika, Alia etc appear like angels in one scene which is high light of the film.
R.Madhvan also has a cameo in this which was surprise for me.
SUPERSTAR Salman Khan has done guest appearance in one song which i obviously loved. After long time it was great to see these two stars dancing together. This Christmas release of Zero reminds me of Tees Maar Khan where there was also cameo of Salman Khan.
Bauaa Singh character played by none other than Shah Rukh Khan which is excellent. Loved him in this role. It was really brave thing to choosing such a character role than a heroism. Loved his comedy, dialogues penned down by Himanshu Sharma, His walk, his running style etc.
Direction is very well by Anand L. Rai Sir, script is quite good but it could have been a great one but it's not a bad attempt at all what i read and heard in reviews.
Mere Naam Tu track is something best music which i have listened in recent times. Kudos to Ajay-Atul.
Ishqedaari is enjoyable because of two stars dancing together.
I loved the very last moment of the film where Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma talks in the end.
Overall it was nice Christmas treat for me.
My Ratings
3.3/5.

--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Review of Tumbbad . . .

Review of Tumbbad . . .

Generally i skip horror genre films. I think it's the only one genre of films which i don't enjoy. I'm filmy buff so i watch almost every films but horror i skip because i find it unreal or sometimes i feel it doesn't make sense to me. I love psycho thriller kinda but not pure horror. I have watched rarely few horror films which includes Vastushastra kinda films.
In 2018 some small films which have low budget in making or new casting turning out to be a BLOCKBUSTER. Tumbbad is one of those films of 2018 which has earned so much good response from the critics as well as audiences. It's also succeed in business at Box-Office.
Heard about Tumbbad from social media and planned to not to miss it but unfortunately living in a small town having only one cinema and it even doesn't get on time screening of films that always disappoints films lover like me.
Finally after 50 days of it's release it came on web so i could access it. Whatever i heard about the film was absolutely true. It is undoubtedly one of the best films of this year. It's brave attempt by Sohum Shah who produced and acted as a lead in the film.
I was thrilled by the brilliant presentation of a horror tale. Not going to write more about the story here.
Story set in early 90s involves three chapters. From beginning to end it's masterfully made. I lost myself in the world of Tumbbad. I was excited but still i got more than what i was expecting.
Debutant director Rahi Anil Barve has done superb job along with co-directors Adesh Prasad and Anand Gandhi (who made masterpiece Ship of Theseus). These three guys and Mitesh Shah also wrote a screenplay of the film which is very very engaging. Sound Designing is mind blowing. Cinematography by Pankaj Kumar deserves so much appreciation. Loved the Camera angles they have taken the shots. Each frame looks stunning. Visuals are mind blowing. Overall such a fascinating watch for me.
I thought it's going to be just ok when it started but very first 5 mins of the beginning made me more curious a.bout the film. It's quite late but still wrote a few words about a film which i liked and it definitely deserves more audiences therefore they can be sure to make these type of films for Indian cinema.
Thumbs Up for this venture.
My Ratings
4.2/5.
--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Review of Laila Majnu (2018) . . .

Review of Laila Majnu (2018) . . .

Sajid Ali is a younger brother of one of my most favorite film makers and very talented and Imtiaz Ali Sir.
Screenplay penned by Imtiaz Ali and execution done by Sajid Ali. I would say Sajid Ali is following the footsteps of his elder brother.
He's tried to make as beautiful film as his brother filmed. He has tried to add so much romance and emotions which can be seen in the films of Imtiaz Ali.
Laila Majnu is a classic tale which is for me always fresh to witness with new faces and from the new story tellers. This time love story set in Kashmir where a Laila (Tripti Dimri) and Qais (Avinash Tiwary) fall in love with each other and at the some point due to their families problem they aren't going to be together thus it takes turn where she gets married arranged by her family and He leaves Kashmir and stays in London till the interval. Post interval there's 4 years of time span and he comes back to Kashmir and what happens post interval I'm not going to write here because that's the soul of the film. Till interval it's quite typical Bollywood romantic emotional film but then it turns out to be something else which makes it a masterpiece for me.
It's unfortunate that i couldn't watch it in the September when it released. Because it wasn't released in my town. But still better late than never I guess finally it came on web and I watched it.
Film starts with Laila's introduction with her friends at college, some lyrically best songs come in the very first 30 minutes. Music isn't popular but still i loved the songs because it works like an additional screenplay. Each song placed perfectly and sung by my favorite singers Atif Aslam, Javed Ali, Mohit Chauhan etc so regarding music i would say this film may not have the chartbuster which is very important thing but still it has quality songs rather than forcefully added ones. It hasn't touched the Pritam or A.R.Rahman music.
Cinematography is very very beautiful succeed in capturing the beauty of Kashmir. Loved the visual landscapes of Kashmir.
Dialogue writing isn't great but definitely good. It has some catchy dialogues between Laila-Qais. Lyrics of the songs are more better in story telling than dialogues.
Direction is very nice, beautiful, engaging. Debutant director made this much beautiful film is really proud moment for his brother, for the industry and cinema lovers. My best wishes with him for the future. I read some reviews about it. It might not have collected that several crores at the Box-Office but i must say i loved this film so much and one of the beautiful films of this year.
Climax scene is one of the best i have ever seen. It made me cry.
Namaj scene is so painful and loved it immensely.
Talking over a phone by Laila-Qais is romantically presented.
Qais talking to his sister and brother-in-law scene is superb.
There are many scenes and Kashmiri touch which make it worth watch.
I saw one interview of Imtiaz Ali where he said he has grown up with so many ladies around him in his family so it's always great thing for him to present any female character with some natural touch. It always happens in his films Jab We Met or Highway he presented lady character so beautifully and same thing i could see in his brother Sajid Ali.
Lastly performances. Except leads there are nothing much to talk about the performances.
Tripti Dimri as Laila is quite good, suitable in the character of Kashmiri Muslim girl with desires. She looks stunning.
Avinash Tiwary as Qais is debutant Actor and i must say he is the best debut actor male of this year.
OMG what a stellar performance in his very first film. When i started the film i didn't expect that he's going to take this film or this classic story to the next and modern level but he proved himself very nicely. He's the one who takes the film on his shoulder post interval. He's as normal rom-com hero in the first half but in second half he's someone else totally. I'm not going to reveal much here but he has done mind blowing job in playing dual personality.
How Imtiaz Ali succeed to bring out dual personalities from Ranbir Kapoor in Tamasha his brother Sajid Ali succeed here to bring out the dual personalities from his protagonist Avinash Tiwary.
What a spectacular performance. Namaj scene, climax scene that Laila Laila, La Ilaha IllAllah dialogue with such a natural emotions made me cry. Take a bow man. Hatz off.
Tere Naam, Veer Zara, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Laila Majnu  these type of love stories all the time prove that true love exists in the world.
Also shows that what a person can become in love and how much time he can face in the WAITING.
This is definitely for those who believe in true love. A  must watch.
Overall loved it and expecting this kind of thing from Sajid Ali. Welcome to the Bollywood Sir i hope you may achieve more and more love and respect like your brother.
4.2/5.
--- By Harsh Desai Filmy . . .

Revie of Thugs of Hindostan . . .

Review of Thugs of Hindostan . . .

When i heard the news that Yash Raj Films is making a biggest budget film which starrs none other than two big names of Bollywood Mr. Amitabh Bachchan Ji & Perfectionist Aamir Khan in lead roles. The excitement level was too high for me. Obviously not only me but fans of these stars, general audiences, critics and the entire film industry all were super excited for this one and it raised in general audiences because they released it on festival. Since many years it's definite thing at least one big film comes on Diwali. Some sets the records and some don't satisfy the audiences.
This Diwali it was biggest film Thugs of Hindostan from Yash Raj Films. A month ago i saw the trailer and that was definitely good but still i didn't expect much after  watching trailer. I loved Director Vijay Krishna Acharya's debut Tashan no matter how badly that preformed at that time. It was entertainer for me. His next was Dhoom 3 which i didn't like but loved Aamir Khan's performance in that film.
This time he came with epic saga set in 1795 during British government.
All the time it creates top level excitement among the audiences and set high buzz whenever two big stars share screen together.
It was Vikram Samvat 2075 morning i read the reviews of Thugs of Hindostan from well known critics and i felt quite bad not because reviews were average but how they penned down such negative words. Same day i discussed with one of my friends who's also movie buff. She said the same thing what i thought about Indian critics who believe reviewing a film means pointing out negative things from the film.
Well let it go it happens often whenever some big films lack something or less appealing. As it was planned i went to watch it in cinema in the night show.
After trailer my expectations weren't much high but all i wanted to see that was two megastars working in the same frame. It happened for the very first time when Amitabh Bachchan Sir and Aamir Khan signed a film together. I wanted this treat since long time. I can't express what a pleasure for me to watch them on big screen.
Written and directed by Victor aka Vijay Krishna Acharya Thugs of Hindostan i found more mass appealing and entertainer for single screen cinemas rather than less preferable by class audiences of multiplexes.
Story of Khudabaksh (Big B) who is taking revenge against the British rulers. Not writing more about the story here as it is clearly predictable from the trailer.
It has revenge, patriotic, actions, thrills, mind blowing VFX etc ingredients included by the Victor to make it a BIG one.
From the beginning to the end whether it's jungle scenes or fort, sea, battle ground etc scenes are just amazingly shot. Cinematography is very beautiful.
Now about performances Katrina Kaif has very small role like Dhoom 3 but she looks stunning in her outfits and makes the scene more hotter.
Ronit Roy is quite good in her part.
Fatima Sana Sheikh is awesome. She doesn't only acts well but also looks stunning and catchy. She is doing so well.
Mohmad Zeeshan Ayyub is superb and adds humor with his one liners.
Legendary Mr. Amitabh Bachchan as Khudabaksh nails the role completely. He is fantastic in it. His entry scene, fight sequences, dialogue delivery in which he is unbeatable. All the way he is master. At this age his dedication level is what makes him versatile. Hatz off to Sir Ji.
Lastly this film would have been nothing without him.
That Firangi role played by perfectionist Aamir Khan. I saw his interview with Karan Johar on his show Koffe With Karan Season 6 where Aamir Khan said this time for Thugs of Hindostan he gave first priority to his role than the script. Generally he chooses script first then goes for the role but this time he chooses role over script.
He is OUTSTANDING in his role. His character is what he defined himself "Bahot Hi Kaminey Ko Angreji Mein Kya Kehte Hain"
That twists in his role makes the film watchable. He is badass guy. He is master in cheating. These all things make his character superb. I took more interest in his role rather than the film.
I found the film quite good and obviously not bad at all as read in the reviews. I didn't get it why people don't understand that this is a film by Victor not by Sanjay Leela Bhansali or Ashutosh Gowariker so they should not expect such things from Victor. Victor has his own ways while they have their own way.
Undoubtedly it's going to be compared with Baahubali series too therefore people were excited to see bigger than Baahubali but unfortunately script wise it is not ahead than that.
Another thing i noticed here is there was no involvement of Aamir Khan in the making of this film. Such involvements means in writing or direction etc. All he did is performed his role and definitely enjoyed working with Bachchan Sir. If it was handeled by Aamir Khan than this would have been something else product. A more superior, more class appealing, more content driven. Obviously Aamir Khan is known for his films not by the heroism like Salman Bhai. If his films are good then definitely it's going to make sound business at Box-Office as well as satisfy the audiences.
On the whole i got to know that people were expecting some cotent driven film as it was from Yash Raj Films, Starring Bachchan Sir & Aamir Khan but unfortunately due to an average or i would say usual script it's less engaging and somehow class audiences aren't going to like it because of lack of quality content. Because they've seen Aamir Khan doing a film like 3 Idiots, Pk, Dangal which are more content driven and giving message to the society while this one is clearly an entertaining one.
Well it's nothing good for me to write anything negative regarding the film and i must say i enjoyed the film especially because of Bachchan Sir and Aamir Khan on big screen first time.
I want as general audience want Aamir Khan to come back soon with his style of films like Dangal and all because we know he is master in it and he is able to contribute more quality content to the Indian Cinema.
My Ratings specially for two megastars.
3/5.
--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . .

Review of Andhadhun . . .

Review of Andhadhun . . . 

Sriram Raghvan is one of the best film makers in our hindi film industry who makes thriller films. Loved his previous work such as Ek Haseena Thi, Johnny Gaddar, Badlapur etc and once again he made one more thriller for the audience. This time with more thrill more twists and much better execution. Inspired by one short film based on piano player who's blind but the witness of murder and so much things happen in this two hours thriller drama what I'm not going to write here anything regarding the story. From the beginning to interval i didn't take off my eyes away from the screen because i didn't want to miss a single important moment.
It's not only of the the must watch films of the year but also i would consider it one the finest thriller ever made in Bollywood.
It has dark thrills as well as excellent humour which is missing in nowadays films. Top notch direction by very talented and experienced director. While watching i was just amazed how he showed such scenes so masterfully and sharp editing makes it more amazing.
Background Score also works as an additional feather in the screenplay. Use of 70s songs perfectly well.
Raghav worked with Saif twice, he introduced Neil, he worked with Varun Dhawan who's totally massy hero but Raghvan turned his image into classy one with Badlapur. This time he joined hands with very talented Ayushmann Khurrana who's famous for his romantic comic roles but for this he also excelled himself for the role of blind piano player.
Performance by Ayushmann Khurrana is brilliant. Last time i saw Hritik Roshan played role of blind for Kaabil and this year he is the one who won my heart for this role. Ayushmann from RJ to emerging as versatile actor. My best wishes with him for future.
Radhika Apte also plays her role so well. She's superb as always. She has also working experience with Raghvan in Badlapur.
Last but not the least the my most fav Bollywood actress Tabu. OMG she has done OUTSTANDING job like always. Each scene of her i enjoyed to the fullest. Just few days ago watched her awesome interview with Rajeev Masand where they talked about her ten best performances of her career but whenever i see her in any of her films whether that film worked or not, whether it has big star (Drishyam) or small fims (Astitva) whether she's lead (Chandani Bar) or she's in the supporting role (Biwi No.1) she won my heart all the time. She's the only one actress who has done almost quality films and justified with her roles each time.
Undoubtedly this time too i loved her performance and she looks stunning all the time. #love #respect #hug #bigfan of Tabu.
Overall Andhadhun is must watch of 2018.
My Ratings
4/5.
--- By Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Review of Gold . . .

Review of Gold . . .

Gold a sports drama set just after the Independence from British Government. A story of Indian Hockey Team which brought the Gold medal at Olympics in 1948. It was such a precise moment for the nation for winning a first Gold as a "Free India" after the Independence. Written by Reema Kagti along with Rajesh Devraj not only a sports drama but also patriotism is there. Actually it's seen in Bollywood many times earlier that each sports based film must have several ingredients of patriotism to target general citizens not only for those who's interested in the sport. Well after all each sport is emotionally related to the nation. Whether it's Hockey, Cricket, Football or even wrestling etc.

I generally don't like any sports much but it's always great to watch a film made on it. Loved Lagaan, Chak De India, Bhag Milkha Bhag, Dangal, Sachin : A Billion Dreams, Dhoni - An Untold Story etc and many more are some of the finest films made on different sports. Many of them worked so well at Box-Office also won the hearts of audience. For me Gold falls in this category. Yes definitely it worked for me. I won't compare it with other films or not even it can be compared to Chak De India which was also based on Hockey. Undoubtedly that was great film and Gold is nowhere near to it but it has it's own merits.
Story of a Tapan Das a bengali common man who's passionate about the Hockey and especially he aims to achieve a Gold as a "Free India". He isn't a good in his personal life but his love and passion for the Hockey makes the Hockey committee to give him a chance to make a team for the country which can bring a Gold. His meeting with the president of association turns out the win win deal and he comes up with such a fantastic team to fight the battle at Olympics ground.
Casting of an A lister actor for this role is such an appropriate choice by the makers. Akshay Kumar is nowadays doing some really very good films which is great thing for him, for the industry and of course for his fans. He's giving one by one hits with some good contents. This time too Gold is pure 24carat. One more superb choice by Akki. I think for the first time he is playing a role of Bengali person. He nailed it completely. His comic timing is perfect i can say that he's the only one after Govinda whose comic timing is unmatchable. His several dialogues, his Bengali accent, His Jugaad scenes remind me of his character of the film Khatta Meetha. Loved everything here about Akki.
Mouni Roy looks stunning and lends very good support as his wife. She's damn good when she speaks Bengali language.
Amit Sadh has done brilliant role. His swag of belong to royal family, his attitude to play as central forward etc deserve an appreciation. Very good job man.
Vineet Kumar Singh initially plays the role of captain which is mind blowing. He has damn good talent.
Sunny Kaushal is surprise package. Kunal Kapoor lends very good support to the team and film. Other casting is also very nice.
Screenplay is engaging except songs i think i have enjoyed every single scenes of the film. Loved many scenes such as Communal riots after Independence, Pakistani players cheer up the Indian team, Tapan Das meeting with committee members, Tapan Das and Samrat doing the selection process etc and of course the breathtaking climax.
Direction is good, cinematography and special effects also good and it's stated in the film that not a single person can win the game it's team which wins the game so it's a contribution of spectacular performances from the casting which creates the film worth watch.
Akki fans will have such a gem treat for the Independence Day.
It's good thing that lady director Reema Kagti who made Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd and psycho thriller Talash made such a fine film based on sports.
Overall very nice efforts by Akshay Kumar and his team to achieve Gold.
My Ratings
3.9/5.
--- By Harsh Desai Filmy . . .