Review of Article 15 . . .

Review of Article 15 . . .

Anubhav Sinha last year made a film called Mulk in which i was so emotionally invested and loved it so much. It was story of a Muslim family and lives of Muslims live in the nation addressed brilliantly. If i look back to his old work then Dus comes to mind which is my all time favorite entertaining film. From Tum Bin, Ra.One or Dus to Mulk & Article 15 from fictional entertainment to social issue of the nation based films he emerged as successful director.
It is based on discrimination between castes, centuries stupid caste system and atrocities. Story set in Laalganv of UP state where Ayushmann Khurrana gets transfer as an IPS officer and deals with the case of Honor Killing of 3 girls. Later story unfolds it's not an honor killing but gang rape and murder and 2 bodies found lynched on the tree while 1 girl is still missing and story goes on. It has suspense, social drama, thrill, an eye opener message. It is not high octane cop thriller neither it's an soft hearted film. It has some ground breaking sequences which are eye opener for all the Indian citizen.
In our country what's going wrong not only the fault of government but people themselves are creating mess in the society by breaking Indian constitution.
This film highlights the fundamental rights of humans no matter which caste he/she belongs to. In Article 15 of Indian Constitution there's main thing which everybody needs to know about Prohibition of Discrimination on the grounds of Religion, Caste, Sex or Place of birth etc. It gives message on equality. There is no one in the nation who's caste or religion is upper than other. All are same and there has to be the right to equality. Government and people themselves should stop discriminate among society.
Film is so relevant and kept me thinking again and again whether I'm one of them who's doing this shit or not? I confess here that once upon a time i was when i had no knowledge of any religion or caste or i can say when i was immature. During up bringing children get to know these shit things from their environment like you're from upper caste you should not eat, play or even touch the lower caste children and if you're doing this by mistake then quickly wash your hands or bath. This is what our Indian children learn during getting adult & most shitty thing is they keep doing this even after getting their education. I really feel so awkward or shameful or sad whenever I'm seeing this kind of discrimination nowadays in 2019.
In film there are some breathtaking scenes which proves writing and direction of the story is what makes film worth watch.
Manoj Pahwa feeding biscuits to dog because he has sympathy for them at the same time he hates lower caste people such as Dalits.
Followed by Ayushmann asking castes to all of his team,
Ayushmann is talking to her love regarding issues he faces,
Kumud Mishra explains to Manoj Pahwa what to do if Sir is asking me about the case in details,
Manoj Pahwa runs towards Kumud Mishra to talk with him,
Whole team pre climax walking in the mud lake to find the missing girl,
During interval Ayushmann is sticking Article 15 on notice board of police station and Vande Mataram is playing in background,
Mohmad Zeeshan Ayyub having conversations with Ayushmann in his cameo,
Resembles of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar and M.K.Gandhi leaves very good impact in the screenplay.
Last but most powerful and gave me goosebumps and made me sad was one guy who's cleaning gutter and later Ayushmann address that thing to CBI officer that they what we call rubbishy Maadarjat cleaning dirt of our society.
All of these scenes and some more make the film must watch for all the Indians. If we don't watch it then who's gonna watch it?
Cinematography is top notch, village scenes, forest scenes, lake scenes etc shot superbly.

Background Music is also very nice. Thank God it doesn't have unnecessary songs. Vande Mataram and in climax there's Vaishnav Jan To songe in background.

Performances by Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Two actresses, Mohmad Zeeshan Ayyub (Cameo) and other casting brilliant.
Ayushmann steals the show with his intense acting. Ayushmann Khurrana is not a superstar or crowd puller hero but definitely his choices of the film is crowd puller and with this he becomes a star as well as labelling himself as versatile actor. He proved himself in Badhaai Ho or Shubh Mangal Savdhan & i became his biggest fan after Andhadhun. I wish he may achieve lot of success in future. Hatz Off.
Writing work is OUTSTANDING. Direction is FANTASTIC. It's and engaging thriller of recent times.
Note my words it's gonna do decent business at Box-Office due to word of mouth publicity. It's not a film which can break records of first day collection or 100cr or 200cr clubs but for sure it's going to earn what it deserves.
It's definitely recommended to the people of India. Go watch and learn a lot from this one regarding fundamental rights.
Overall one of the finest films came out this year. Kudos to Anubhav Sinha, Ayushmann Khurrana and team Article 15.
3.8/5.
--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Review of Kabir Singh . . .

Review of Kabir Singh . . .

So finally Sandeep Reddy Vanga made a hindi version of one of my most favorite Telugu films Arjun Reddy. For me which is 5/5 stars ratings film. It's not just a film but NASHA. A truly masterpiece. I'm personally so much connected with Arjun Reddy. There are 2 love stories with I'm connected so much one is Tere Naam & 2nd Arjun Reddy. 

Some times back when i heard the news of it's remake in Hindi i was scared whether it will be enough good to re watch that story in hindi or it will ruin the original one. Casting of Shahid will be appropriate choice or not? Then relief came when i got to know that same director Sandeep Reddy Vanga is making a hindi version.
Teaser released last month and in teaser they added one of the best scenes of film when Kabir Singh shouts badwords on call when he gets to know that some guys misbehaved with his love Priti (Kiara Advani) in the name of Holi. I was amazed with that teaser and damn excited to watch it.
Story already i knew and nothing much changes they did in this so all i wanted was to re live the world of a true lover and by profession surgeon who is addicted to cigarettes smoking, alcohol consumption, drugs & SEX and became a self destructive person with ZERO at anger management. He ruins his life when he doesn't get Priti. His character is so negative at the same time so caring and possessive when it comes to his loved one. I don't support alcohol or drugs consumption i want to make one thing clear here that i loved the film Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh but i don't promote to follow him. Specially youths never ever be this kind of person who destroys his life. Take positive things from this character such as Loving, Caring and Study. He's ranker in his field. It's combination of good sides and bad sides of a lover.
When i watched Arjun Reddy in Telugu with subtitles i was hangover till 3-4 days. I was so disturbed at the same time in love with the character. From the core of my heart i had immense respect for Vijay for playing such a fantastic role.
Shahid Kapoor also did the same magic. I really loved Shahid in some of his films such as Vivah, Haider, Kaminey etc where he showed us that he's is a good actor and it needs some great directors to bring that natural acting from him. Here too he proves himself as a fantastic actor. When he came in the industry and did some films people thought he will be the next SRK but unfortunately his career didn't work well but yes in some films he proved that he has that potential of being solid actor but it doesn't come out all the time like SRK.
Nothing much to write about the scenes because it is almost same as Arjun Reddy. Music is one of the big positive point for the film. Whenever Bollywood adapts a film from South or other industry they provide solid music to attract audiences. E.g. Wanted, Rowdy Rathore, Ghajini etc.
Background Msuic is damn good. Entry scene of Kabir Singh, when he rides Royal Enfield Bullet BGM works like an additional screenplay.
Kiara Advani steals the show. She's so beautiful and natural in the role of Priti. Loved her. I wish he may get more work as lead post this one.
Other casting is very nice. Actor who plays role of Kabir's friend is superb. & Who plays brother of Kabir is damn good.
Actually there is so much to write up about the character of Arjun Reddy or Kabir Singh and that can be a long long article but here i will end up writing this review of film in short.
As it is remake and i watched original one so no more technical discussion about the film but yes they handled with quality if it was made by any other Director then it might not be this much good.
I would recommend fans of Shahid go and watch the film. Those who have seen Arjun Reddy they might not like this so much but it's definitely worth watch. It's also for those who's in the acting field to learn what is role playing go and watch. It's for those who believe in TRUE LOVE and to know whether love makes life live or in some cases love makes life hell.
Overall for their efforts and specially for Shahid i will go with
4.3/5.
--- Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Review of Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) . . .

Review of Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) . . .

Like Akshay Kumar nowadays John Abraham is also doing such films which are having a patriotism elements. RAW aka Romeo Akbar Walter is a story of a banker who's also interested in doing some plays once called in the office of Research and Analysis Wing for a mission of spying at Pakistan before the war of 1971. That time Pakistan was divided into two parts east Pakistan and west Pakistan later that became an independent from Pakistan and took an entity of Bangladesh.

A RAW agent who live in another country and spys for India we have seen several times in Bollywood. Last year Meghna Gulzar made a wonderful film named Raazi starring Alia Bhatt was also based on same theme and like that Romeo Akbar Walter is also inspired by true events happened during the world war before 1971.

I'm big fan of action, thriller, crime saga, gangsters life or a suspens spy films etc. Generally I don't miss these genres.

RAW doesn't have actions but it has thrills and patriotism. It doesn't turn out to be the best of this genre and superior like Raazi and not even stylish like Salman Bhai's Tiger series but still it has something that i enjoyed.

As i read reviews on first day that it's not good one but as i said I'm big fan of this genre so i didn't skip it and went it on very first day for night show. I loved John Abraham's Madras Cafe in which he proved himself a solid actor. Then i liked Parmanu which came last year. I also enjoyed his action thriller Rocky Handsome but i didn't like his Dishoom or Satyamev Jayate which were also having patriotism theme. RAW is for me placed between somewhere of these films. It's not great like Madras Cafe and neither weak like Dishoom kinda films. It has technical problems such as not engaging screenplay but still it managed to be a good watch for me. I liked it in many parts while somewhere it was slowing down.

I must say some dialogues are very well written. Jackie Shroff tells to Romeo during training to be Akbar and go to Pakistan and live there as a spy agent.

Cinematography is marvellous. It seems real Pakistan i don't know exactly where it was shot in Baroda (Vadodara) or Mumbai but several locations are mind blowing. When an ISI officer (Sikander Kher) runs behind John and Azaan is playing in background is AWESOME scene and very well shot.

Jackie Shroff as a RAW officer is very nice. Mouni Roy is also plays her part so well and looks stunning in Saree costume. Sikander Kher also worked nicely.

Lastly John Abraham fans will surely like him for these three roles he's playing as Romeo Akbar and Walter. He's not as good as he was in Dhoom or Madras Cafe but still his facial expressions specially as Akbar he nails it.

Inspite of technically weak i found it a good watch specially for John Abraham. Not writing it's negative points here and ending my review with one best line of the films which i loved the most

"Jab Mai Tumhe Kahu Tumari Chaay Thandi Ho Gayi Hai Iska Matlab Yeh Hai Ki Chaay Tumhare Pine Layak Nahi Hai"

People who have seen it will understand this.

Overall all for another spy film for Bollywood 

3.4/5.

--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Review of Kesari . . .

Review of Kesari . . .

Watched Kesari on very first day of it's release. But as i was busy in traveling i didn't get time to write about it. Finally sharing my views today.
Akshay Kumar is synonymous of Patriotism. Baby, Holiday, Rustom etc and one more film entered in the list. Kesari directed by Anurag Singh based on the true story of 1897 battle of Saragarhi. 21 Shikhs fought against 10k Afghani Pathans. A pride moment for Shikh community, pride for the nation. Kudos to Karan Johar for producing such a brave untold story.
Nowadays actors like Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and others prefer to choose a film which is based on true events and film makers are also more interested in making on reality level rather than typical fictional stories of Bollywood.
Kesari an engaging action entertainer where director taken care of every departments. Whether it's action sequences or emoutional scenes, dialogues writing and performances by leads everything executed tightly.
Solid story with solid execution makes the film worth watch for Akshay Kumar fans, it's for those who like patriotic films, it's for those who like action masalas and for those who are eagerly waiting for the films coming on untold stories.
I didn't know much about the Saragarhi battle where 21 Shikhs fought against Afghanis therefore this film has became an informative stuff as well as i felt proud of Shikh regiment over 100 years ago where they proved themselves as real heroes.
It's story of bravura and self encouragement. Many motivational lessons are there such as leadership quality in Ishar Singh (Akshay Kumar), self esteem, rise above the fear and smart work.
I really enjoyed the film as it's an action film generally i love action masalas, i loved many well made scenes such as Akshay Kumar's entry sequence where he saves an Afghani women from slaughtered. Ishar Singh taking charge 36 fort and then introduction with other characters. Whole battle fight and climate i enjoyed.
Music is quite ok. Sanu Kehndi track was missing from the film. While background score is nice.
Casting is also nice. Shikhs played their role so well. Rakesh Chaturvedi nailed his role. He's damn good here. Parineeti Chopra didn't have much to do here as she has special appearance only.
Lastly the one and only Akshay Kumar as Ishar Singh FANTASTIC. I have noticed that he has improved his acting skills so much. He's superb at comic timing but film by film he's becoming a versatile actor. Loved his seriousness in Baby and here too he's solid and in full form. He always nails the role of Shikh whether that was Singh Is King or this Kesari. I have been his big fan since Khiladi series so it's obvious thing that i go for his films on very first day.
Execution is very tight therefore it wasn't a boring for a minute.
Overall it's solid entertaining masala film and pride for the Shikh community, pride for the nation and as it came in form of film so pride for Bollywood now.
I think it deserves
4/5
--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Review of Luka Chuppi . . .

Review of Luka Chuppi . . .

One more soft romantic comedy from Maddock Films produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by debutant Laxman Utekar. After getting super success by Stree another low budgeted, soft romantic comedy and family drama they presented. Story of Luka Chuppi set in two small towns Mathura of UP and Gwalior of MP. Tale of two lovers who decide to try a LIVE IN RELATIONSHIP but pretending they're married. It's a story of Guddu (Kartika Aryan) and Rashmi (Kriti Sanon) LIVE IN RELATIONSHIP which is a quite taboo or unusual thing in our country and at one stage families of both involve in this matter and what happens then the film is all about.
With fun ride It tries to throw light on LIVE IN RELATIONSHIP topic which is unfortunately considered bad thing in our country. People and their mentality don't allow to those who want to stay in this kind of relationship before marriage. Knowing a person so well by living with him and then only deciding to get married is called LIVE IN RELATIONSHIP. But due to pressure from society or sometimes in the name of Dharma it's considered as sin.
My personal view on this topic is in the favor of LIVE IN RELATIONSHIP not against it.
Here Guddu belong to middle class Brahmin family who stays with Rashmi who's daughter of political party which is already protesting this kind of relationships in their town for the political cause or in the name of Sanskriti (Culture).
From the beginning it's humorous fun ride. Very well written dialogues and superbly executed scenes. Many scenes are entertaining because of writing and performances while some scenes leave impact.
When Guddu leaves home to go for LIVE IN RELATIONSHIP and in background that Babul track plays from Hum Aapke Hain Kaun is the best scene of the film. What a scene. Loved it. Romantic scenes between Kartik and Kriti make film more watchable. Many comic situational scenes by Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurrana, Vinay Pathak etc worth watch. Story is predictable but still humorous writing, excellent performances, engaging execution & background music etc make it a pure entertaining film. Bollywood needs such entertaining films like Badhaai Ho and this rather than sex comedies without quality.
It has some embracing scenes but still it's more family drama than an adult comedy one.
Direction is very good as debut. Simple story with strong topic and entertaining touch.
Music includes remakes more. Cinematography of two small towns is lovely.
Performance Kartik Aryan superb. I liked him in this one more than his previous films. He nailed the role like Akshay Kumar.
Kriti Sanon ufff she looks damn stunning and this time she also acted so well than her previous films. I'm sure once again her fans are going to love her. Obviously she's hot favorite in girls and boys both. Her dressing is also looks sexy.
Other casting superb. All of them done very good job in their respective roles.
So overall it was lovely fun ride for me whatever i was expecting i got to watch in the film.
Nt Ratings
3.4/5.
--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Review of Gully Boy . . .

             Review of Gully Boy . . .

One of my favorite female film maker Zoya Akhtar is back with her another classy film named Gully Boy with it's solid hookline #ApnaTimeAayega
I loved first film of Zoya Akhtar Luck By Chance, also loved her post work Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadkane Do too. Talent is obviously in her blood. Jave Akhtar Sahab then Shbana Azmi then Farhan Akhtar and then there's one more name in the family who make them proud Zoya Akhtar.
Zoya Akhtar proved herself in her very first film Luck By Chance which was not as successful as her other films but i personally loved that film so much than her other films. Gully Boy for me falls in that category. It's an inspirational, class appealing, hard hitting with fascinating characters.
Struggle story of a rapper Murad (Ranveer Singh) from Gully of Dharavi Bombay to Indian Hip-Hop star. He faces almost everything in his life but still passionate about his rap. Zoya Akhtar in 156 minutes covered so many things happen in life of protagonist such as Failure, His Mother beaten by Father, His Father marries another women, Break Up situation with his childhood love Shafina (Alia Bhatt), Dissatisfaction at corporate work, Fight with friends, etc etc but still that passion i could find his eyes to be a rapper. During his struggle time when he had nothing except strong support from his Love Shafina who loves him so much and she always wants his undivided attention towards her and if she doesn't get it then she can break a bottle on someone's head whoever is going to take him away from her. She's brave, she's cute, supportive, ambitious and so much possessive for Murad.
This film can only be understood by those class audiences which preferred Zoya Akhtar's previous chocolates. This might not get more appreciation from single screen cinemas audiences but undoubtedly multiplex and youth are going to make it a blockbuster. It's musical entertaining yet yields powerful social message. It's hookline #ApnaTimeAayega already created high buzz in youngsters. It's definitely for those who prefer inspirational films. I personally in my life face a lot problems whether it's about career or personal life but whenever i get to watch these kind of characters like Murad i inspired from them and positivity stays with me. #ApnaTimeAayega is a new inspirational line for youth and when first time i heard the song when released i was amazed with this track and i have been listening daily since it's release. It gives me so much positivity and goosbumps.
Now talking about film Gully Boy has everything whatever can be expected from these kind of films. Zoya Akhtar has done brilliant job as a director. She executed this story so well. Writing work of Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti makes it superior. Fantastic writing job such as dialogues or raps each and every thing is situational.
Many scenes of film proves that Zoya Akhtar is a super talented film maker. I'm in love with her work. Murad's home scene where foreigners come to visit his home and he recognizes one of them wore t shirt where there was a picture of pop star NAS and then he speaks his lyrics. Meeting of Murad and Shafina in Bus or Bridge or outside her Home, Driving job of Murad, Murad fights with his father for Mother, His job at his uncle's company, his auditions for contest, his pairing with MC Sher (Siddhant Chaturvedi) his serious scenes with Sky (Kalki Kochelin), Making of Meri Gully Mein song, Doori song, and last but the most powerful sequence of the film when he perfomes on #ApnaTimeAayega all these scenes are masterfully directed and make it masterpiece.
Music is the heart of the film. Brilliant and outstanding. songs are going to stay with me for long time. Totally faadu.
Performances by cast is worth watching. Vijay Verma superb, Vijayraaz as a father of Murad fantastic, actress who played mother of Murad also brilliant, One surprise package is Siddhant Chaturvedi who's debutant. Who plays role of MC Sher who's idol for Murad. He lends strong support to main character Murad. He fails at one stage but still he's happy for Murad. Character and Performance won my heart.
Sky played by Kalki Kochelin is under developed character but whatever she had to do she justified with her stellar performance.
Alia Bhatt is electrifying as always. She's gift for Indian cinema. An ambitious Muslim girl possessive for his boy friend, short temper, emotional drama queen etc played with honesty. Take a bow girl. You're the future of Bollywood. Keep giving your best. Love You.
Last thing to write is none other than Ranveer Singh a superstar of coming age. I didn't like this guy in his initial time like Band Baja Barat or Ladies vs Ricky Bahl. I started liking him post his kickass Performance in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Raam Leela then loved him in Lootera, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Simmba. He's so hard working and dedicating actor. He became a star already. He follows himself. He does whatever his heart says. He's fearless, dashing and sometimes too much in off screen image for his wierd clothing styles which is unbearable for me but undoubtedly he has became one of my favorite new actros. Loved his previous works and this one is more contradiction than his previous Simmba or Khilji characters. Here he's perfect choice. I thought he's going to roar here as a rapper but actually he stays silent too in several situations and that time passion can be seen in his eyes. Take a bow man loads of love for your extraordinary dedication for Gully Boy. Once again you proved yourself. I would say #RanveerKaTimeAagya  cheer daal, faad daal, aane de aane de keep rocking man. Stay crazy.
Overall it's a first film of 2019 about which i wrote.
Special thanks to Zoya Akhtar for bringing such a masterpiece for Indian cinema. Keep giving your best.
My Ratings for Gully Boy - Apna Time Aayega
4.2/5.
--- by Harsh Desai Filmy . . . 

Best of Bollywood 2018 - My Choice . . .

Best of Bollywood 2018 - My Choice . . .

Best Film - Andhadhun (Viacom 18 Motion Pictures & Matchbox Pictures)

Best Director - Nandita Das (Manto)

Best Actor Male - Ranbir Kapoor (Sanju)

Best Actor Female - Alia Bhatt (Raazi)

Best Screenplay - Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, Yogesh Chandekar & Hemanth Rao (Andhadhun)

Best Story - Mitesh Shah, Adesh Prasad, Rahi Anil Barve & Anand Gandhi (Tummbad)

Best Dialogues - Anubhav Sinha (Mulk)

Best Editing - Pooja Ladha Surti (Andhadhun)

Best Cinematography - (Tummbad)

Best Production Design - Padmaavat

Best Music - Niladri Kumar, Joi Barua & Alif (Laila Majnu)

Best Song of the Year - Chhogada Tara (Loveyatri)

Best Background Score - A.R.Rahman (2.0)

Best Lyrics - Irshad Kamil (Mere Naam Tu) (Zero)

Best Playback Singer Male - Arijit Singh (Binte Dil) (Padmaavat)

Best Playback Singer Female - Ghoomar (Shreya Goshal) (Padmaavat)

Best Choreography - Kruti Mahesh Midya (Ghoomar) (Padmaavat)

Best Action - Tom Struthers (Race 3)

Best Costume Designing - (Padmaavat)

Most Ensemble Cast -  (Manto)

Best Actor in a Negative Role - Ranveer Singh (Padmaavat)

Best Actor in Supporting role Male - Vicky Kaushal (Sanju)

Best Actor in Supporting role Female - Tabu (Andhadhun)

Most Promising Debut Director - Rahi Anil Barve (Tummbad)

Most Promising Debut Actor Male - Ishaan Khatter (Beyond The Clouds)

Most Promising Debut Actor Female - Sara Ali Khan (Kedarnath)

Best Comedian - Pankaj Tripathi (Stree)

Best Non-Hindi Film - KGF (Kolar Gold Fields)

Best Web Series - Sacred Games

Best Docu-Drama Film - Omerta

--- by Harsh Desai . . .