Can Dangal get India the much-desired Oscar award?

Release date- 23rd December 2016

One Word which describes the film- Motivational

Best Dialogue- "Agar silver jeeti toh aaj nahi toh kal log tanne bhool javenge. Gold jeeti to misaal ban javegi , aur misaalein di jaati hai beta, bhooli nahi jaati."

Genre- Biographical Sports Drama

Music- Pritam

Producer- Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, Siddhart Roy Kapoor

Story & Direction- Nitesh Tiwari

Cast- Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Aparshakti Khurrana, Zaira Wasim, Vivan Bhatena

Budget- 80 Crores approximately (excluding Aamir Khan's remuneration)


India has submitted films for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film since 1957. Out of the 49 films submitted over the years only 3 have been able to make it to the nominated list. Mother India(1957) directed by Mehboob Khan, Salaam Bombay(1988), directed by Mira Nair and Lagaan(2001), directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. Neither of the three managed to win the Oscar.

Dangal is a true story based on the life of Mahavir Singh and his two daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The film traces the inspirational journey of a father who trains his daughters to become world class wrestlers.

Ever since Amir Khan was seen in his 98 kg avtar of an old man with greying hair there has been too much buzz for the film. In today's time when a film is completed in a period of 6-7 months, Amir Khan took 6 months just to gain 25 kgs.
During the time he was gaining weight he was also undergoing training from Kripa Shankar Patel, who is one of India's national coaches for wrestling.

In a You Tube Video Amir Khan said,"Putting on the weight was fun as I could eat and drink whatever I wanted. I had a ball, I have to say but it was uncomfortable. My wrestling training was affected because I was carrying so much weight and I couldn't move fast. You know, your breathing changes when you put on weight. Your whole body language changes, the way you walk, the way you sit, the way you try to stand up".

In October, the film's first trailer was released. In the 3 minutes trailer we got to see so many emotions, like a father's wish to have a son who could fulfill his dream of winning gold for India and how after an incident he realizes that a gold medal can be won even by a girl.
"Mai hamesha yo soch ke rota raya ki chhora hota to desh ke liye kushti mai gold lata, yo baat meri samajh mai nahi ayi ki gold to gold hota hai, chhora lave ya chhori."
After a month, Aamir Khan released a "fat to fit" video where it was shown how he lost weight to shoot the part of a younger Mahavir, who was a national wrestling champion and dreams of winning a gold medal for India at the Olympics.
From the starting, Amir Khan marketed Dangal as a film focusing on Women Empowerment. The first poster of the film had him surrounded by his daughters with the tag line, "mahri chhoriya chhoro se kam hai ke".
All the supporting characters of Dangal were selected after a round of auditions. 
Amir's mother who had seen various TV serials of Sakshi Tanvar suggested her name for the role of Mahavir's wife.
Dangal's music is in keeping with the film's theme. The title song sung by Daler Mehendi is very energetic and inspirational. Recently we also saw Amir Khan's version of 'Dhaakad' where he was dancing to the hit number.
Amir Khan has been creating new records since he acted in 3 Idiots in 2009. His last film PK, is the highest grosser of Bollywood, earning more than 700 Crores worldwide.
Dangal is being released in around 4300 screens in India and 1000 screens abroad.
Amir's films never need any reviews because of his image of a perfectionist. Every one who has seen the film has loved it, so the only questions which are left unanswered are
1. Will Dangal break PK's earning record?
2. Will it manage to get India the much-desired Oscar?

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil- An ode to Love

Release date- 28th Oct 2016

One Word which describes the film- Intense

Best Dialogues-
Ayan- "Aasan Hai Kya? Aisi Mahobbat Karna Jiske Badle Mohabbat Na Mile."

Alizeh- "Pyaar Mein Junoon Hai, Par Dosti Mein Sukun Hai."

Saba- "Main kisi ki jaroorat nahi khwaish banna chahti hoon."

Tahir- "Agar baazi ishq ki baazi hai toh jo chahe laga lo, dar kaisa. Agar jeet gaye to kya kehna, agar haare bhi toh baazi maat nahi."

DJ Ali- "Tumhari mohabbat ke samne meri mohabbat kam pad gayi." 


Genre- Romance/ Drama

Budget- 80 Crores approximately

“Jab pyar mai pyar na ho,

 Jab dard mein yaar na ho
Jab aasoun mein muskaan na ho,
Jab lafzon mein zubaan na ho
Jab saasein bas yunhi chale,
Jab har din mein raat dhale
Jab intezaar sirf waqt ka ho,
Jab yaad uss kambat ki ho
Kyun hun mein rahi
Jab wo hai kisi aur ki manzil,
Dhadkano ne saath chhod diya
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil,
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”
~ Karan Johar

It has been two weeks since the film released and despite the mixed reviews it has managed to do well both in Indian and international markets.
I have always appreciated Karan Johar's larger than life films where everything is grand, there are perfect people with perfect relationships and by the end everything ends in a happy note.
But this film is unlike any of his film. This film is a dramatized version of his own life story. The characters of the film experience the unreciprocated love and heartbreaks he has gone through in his life. The characters are so real that in everyone you will find some traces of yourself.

Ayan- In a scene Ayan tells Alizeh that he was sure that one day he would meet someone who will understand his craziness and accept him like he was. He's the 'private jet' rich kind of guy who has everything and still is not happy because he doesn't understand why a girl who calls him his bestest friend can't be in love with him too. He aims to please everybody. Ranbeer as Ayan is the guy anyone can fall in love with. We found him cute, understood his confusion, shared his excitement and at times sympathized with him too.

Alizeh- The girl who knows she has been a fool in love and so values the comfort of friendship more than the excitement of an obsessive love. She is mature when explaining about love to others but when it's about her, she commits the same mistake again, even telling her friend, "Mohabbat karne walo ka vishwas nahi karna chahiye". Anushka Sharma is perfect in the role. At some places her friendship with Ranbeer looks very real and we could feel her enjoyment in bullying him.

Ali- Fawad Khan has a small role in the film. In his unkempt unruly hair he looks messy. His character was important to the story but he has just 3-4 dialogues and hardly leaves any impact.

Saba- Aishwarya did two woman oriented film after her comeback , Jazbaa and Sarabjeet, but both didn't do well at the box office or got her any critical acclamation. As Saba Taliyar Khan she looked so hot and beautiful that even those who hated the film couldn't ignore her presence. The video of "Bulleya" has got 71 million hits in a month and must be the most viewed Bollywood song. Her chemistry with Ranbir is so real that it set the screen on fire. Karan Johar very wisely showed most of the passionate scenes between them in the trailer and created so much curiosity among the audience that the film got a very good opening.

Music is the life and soul of the film. Whether it's the title song which explains the pain of one sided love or "Channa Mereya"  the heartbreak song, they are bound to stay in your mind long after you have seen the film.
Karan Johar has given so much of himself in this film that I doubt that he'll direct another film soon. Karan Johar said that he learned a lot from Aditya Chopra while assisting him in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaynge. Without even watching Aditya Chopra's upcoming film "Befikre", I can say that with this film Karan has shown that he has gone way ahead than his mentor.

In a line, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is that kaleidoscope which will bring to your mind all the meaningful & loving relationships you have ever experienced in your life.

Good one time watch.

Dishoom- Just another Bollywood Masala flick

Release date- 29th July 2016

One Word which describes the film- Masala entertainer

Best Dialogue- "Jab jab hamne aapse pyar karne ki kosish ki aapne apne daam badha liye."

Genre- Action

Music- Pritam

Producer-Sajid Nadiadwala
Sunil A Lulla

Story & Direction- Rohit Dhawan

Cast- John Abraham, Varun Dhawan, Akshaye Khanna, Jacqueline Fernandez, Saqib Saleem

Budget- 45-50 Crores approximately

Rohit Dhawan made his directorial debut through Desi Boyz in 2011. After 5 years we get another film from him which is just like his earlier film having all the elements supposed to be there in a Bollywood blockbuster like top stars, foreign locations, scantily dressed heroines, peppy dance numbers and big sets. But all these factors can not mask the fact that the film lacks an engaging screenplay which totally loses appeal in the second half. Like in the first film there is bromance between John and Varun. We have Pariniti in place of Bruna Abdullah doing a really bad item number 'Jaaneman Aah'. Like Sanjay Dutt did a really insignificant role of the owner of a Gigolo firm in Desi Boyz, here we have Akshay Kumar playing the role of a gay guy who is more interested in noticing Varun Dhawan's assets, even using the corny pickup line, 'Your father must have been a baker, cause you've got a nice set of buns'. 
Varun Dhawan and Akshay Khanna have managed to give some decent performances but John and Jacqueline as usual just manage to get whistles from the front benchers.
There is an item number Sau Tarah Ke, picturised on Jacquelin Fernandez, John Abraham and Varun Dhawan shot in Morocco with 200 junior dancers.  There is also a helicopter action sequence which is said to be shot in real time without any body doubles. If this much attention was given to the story we could have got a good film which had repeat value.
Desi Boyz got an opening of 9 Crores in 2011. Now when the ticket prices have almost doubled and the screens have also increased Dishoom getting an opening of 11 Crores can not be called as an achievement.
In a line, Dishoom is just another attempt of making money by just bringing all the elements together in a weak story and offers nothing new to the audiences.
Time-pass.

AZHAR~ Emraan Hashmi's second innings.

Release date- 13th May 2016

One Word which describes the film- Optimistic

Best Dialogue- 'Sikka dono ka hota hai, heads ka bhi tails ka bhi, par waqt uska ata hai, jo palat kar upar ata hai.'

Genre- Biography/ Drama

Music- Amaal Mallik, Pritam

Producer- Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor

• Sony Pictures Networks

Writer- Rajat Aroraa

Direction- Tony D'Souza

Cast- Emraan Hashmi, Lara Dutta, Prachi Desai, Nargis Fakhri,  Kunaal Roy Kapur

Budget- 20 Crores approximately

The film starts with Emraan Hashmi telling the audience, 'Main Teen Cheezon Ke Liye Famous Hoon. Ek - Khuda Ko Maanta Hoon. Do Shaadi Hui Hai Meri. Aur Teen - Match Fix Karne Ka Ilzaam Hai Mujhpar. Main Azhar'.

When he says, 'Ek time pe India ka Captain tha, matlab India ka damaad tha', we know we are in for some great one-liners from the king of dialogues, Rajat Aroraa.

The film is shown from Azhar's point of view, how from being loved by the nation, he was shunned by everyone 'Ab Bhi Log Mujhe Dekhte Hain. Nazrae Wahi Hain, Nazariyaa Badal Gaya Hai.'

The story is simple, it's Emraan Hashmi, who with his brilliant portrayal of Azhar, assisted by powerful dialogues, makes the film worth watching. He has lost so much weight that in his clean shaven look, he actually looks like a 20s something, small town guy, with big hopes of making it into the Indian cricket team. Not only he copied his look, but also perfected his walk and the famous wrist shots.

Kunal Roy Kapoor, in a highly unrecognizable get-up, plays the role of Azhar's friend cum lawyer who believes in his innocence and works for years, to restore his honor.

Prachi Desai as the demure housewife and Nargis as the glamorous film-star are like chalk and cheese. Both of them have small yet significant roles which further add more dimension to the protagonist's character.

When Azhar says,'Woh Mera Ghar Thodna Nahin Chahti Thi, Aur Main Ghar Lautna Nahin Chahta Tha' and later, 'Maine use chhod to diya par kabhi chhod nahi paya' we understand that in life every relationship comes with a price.

Lara Dutta plays the role of a public-prosecuter who was once a big 'Azhar' fan. She tells her friend, 'Peeche abhi bhi bhaag rahe hai, bas wajah badal gayi hai.' She looks smart and confident and gets ample opportunity to leave an impact.

Apart from the main characters, other cricketers don't get any opportunity to rise and shine. Gautam Gulati as Ravi Shastri and Varun Badola as Kapil Dev disappoint.

Tony D'Souza, earlier known as Anthony D'Souza made his directorial debut with   Blue (2009') followed by Boss (2013). Azhar, is more believable than his last two ventures.

Both, Itni si baat' sung by Arijit Singh and 'Bol do na zara' sung by Armaan Malik are melodious and can be heard on loop.

The film collected approximately 21 Crores over the weekend, which is good, considering Emraan's last few films were completely rejected by the audiences.

    

In a line, despite the well played captain's innings in the film, people may not change their views about Azharuddin but Emran Hashmi successfully manages to leave an impact in his second innings as an actor.

Must watch for Emran Hashmi's fans and all those who love Rajat Aroraa's one liners.

Dilwale ~ An attack on the hearts (read mind) of fans

Release date - 18th December 2015

One Word which describes the film - Mediocre

Best Dialogue - 'Hum shareef kya hue ... poori duniya hi badmash ban gayi.'

Genre - Romance/ Action/ Comedy

Music - Pritam Chakraborty

Producer - Gauri Khan, Rohit Shetty

Story - Yunus Sajawal

Direction - Rohit Shetty

Cast- Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Vinod Khanna, Johnny Lever , Sanjay Mishra, Boman Irani 

Budget- 100 Crores Approximately

First of all I want to say that I am not a fan of Rohit Shetty kind of comedy. I loved Singham (2011) but as it was a remake of the 2010 Tamil blockbuster Singam not much credit can be given to Rohit Shetty for it.

When you have the money and talented actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Vinod Khanna, Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra and Boman Irani it's really disappointing to see a film which reminds you of several other films you have already seen in the past.

The film starts with a very colorful set where the houses, streets, cafes have all the colors of rainbow which instantly remind you of Shetty's All The Best: Fun Begins (2009). Like Ajay Devgan here also our lead actors are car mechanics who modify cars.

For the next 40 minutes the film just keeps going on and on without any proper story-line. We wonder why Varun Dhawan who gave an award winning performance earlier this year in Badlapur agreed to play a character where he has to talk in a kiddish voice and say insignificant dialogues like, 'Mai apki maang mai sindoor bharna chahta hoon' (this to SRK).

When Kajol makes her entry the film catches some speed and we get engrossed in her style and beauty. Quite a makeover I must say as no where she looked like a mother of two kids. Her chemistry with Shahrukh is perfect. 

Shahrukh Khan sports two looks in the film. In his clean shaven look he reminds us of Raj from DDLJ but here he is called 'Kali'. In his bearded look when he looks like a gangster (the same look he has kept for his upcoming film Raees) the director calls him Raj. Guess the director got confused between the looks and names.

Jhonny Lever is back as Mani Bhai and brings the same 1990's kind of comedy.

Mani Bhai - Ye tune do ghadi kyun nikaali?
Veer: Main ye dono ghadi chor ke haathon me pehna dunga, is se wo do ghadi ka mehmaan ho jayega.

There is a 5 minute date scene in the film which Rohit Shetty has straightaway copied from the 2 minutes date from Hollywood series How I  met your mother.

The film has the usual cars colliding and flying in air. The only difference is that Scorpios have been replaced by BMWs and instead of small time gangsters we have mafias who deal in gold and use high end rifles.

Two songs of the film 'Rang De Tu Mohe Gerua and 'Janam Janam' sung by Arijit Singh are quite melodious. 'Rang De Tu Mohe Gerua' shot in Iceland reminds us of 'Suraj Hua Maddham' from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.

In a line the film is made to cash on the chemistry of Shahrukh and Kajol and their fans will watch it.

Time-pass 

Review of shaadi ke side effects

Release date – 28'th February 2014

One Word which describes the film – Mundane

Best Dialogue - 'Meri galti hoti hai to main sorry bolta hoon, meri wife ki galti hoti hai to main sorry bolta hoon. Ladai hoti hi nahi .' 

Genre – Comedy/ Drama

Music – Pritam

Producer- Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor
Pritish Nandy

Story & Direction -Saket Chaudhary

Cast - Farhan Akhtar , Vidya Balan, Ram Kapoor , Vir Das , Ila Arun, Purab Kohli

Budget- 40 crores 

Saket Chaudhary made his directorial debut with  Pyaar Ke Side Effects (2006) . In this film he takes us to what happens after the romance , the candlelight dinners and the honeymoon is over. 

Farhan and Vidya are both talented actors and so we expected a lot of on screen fireworks on the screen. The film started in a good way showing great chemistry between the lead actors .But slowly as the love went away from their wedding , viewers also started losing interest. 

The main problem in the film is , the lack of well defined characters.

Farhan's character is confused most of the times and one can't understand whether he wants to be with his wife , his friends , wants alone time or wants to just watch a football match . 

Vidya since the start of the film is shabbily dressed and has no other work except for  having a baby , taking care of the baby , talking about that baby and then planning for another baby ! As if a housewife's life just revolves around a baby.

Purab Kohli , Vir Das and Ila Arun must have been added as after thoughts in the film as their presence took the film nowhere and after sometime they just made a silent exit from the film.

There were few good dialogues in the film like , "I felt like Sehwag. Ek do match kharab kya khele team se hi nikaal diya aur naya young, player rakh liya and ' doosro ke bacche and puppies sabko acche lagte hai ' but making a complete film just on the basis of few dialogues is not a very good idea.

In a line the film justifies its name and is like marriage which sometimes is sweet , sometimes exciting and sometimes so boring and mundane that we start wondering that were we better off as singles .  

Timepass . Can be seen in theaters.

Rank - 4 (Out of the 6 films I have seen in 2014)

Review of Yaariyan

Release date – 10'th January 2014

One Word which describes the film – Candyfloss
Best Dialogue  – (can't think of a single good dialogue)

Genre – Romance / Comedy/ Drama

Music – Pritam , Mithoon ,

 Arko Pravo Mukherjee , Anupam Amod , 

Honey Singh

Producer- Bhushan Kumar , Krishan Kumar

Story & Direction - Divya Khosla Kumar

Cast - Himansh Kohli , Serah Singh , Dev Sharma , Rakul Preet Singh , Nicole Faria

Budget- 19- 20 Crores (Including P & A) 

Bhushan Kumar 's company Super Cassettes ( T-Series) controls more than 60% share of the Indian music market . For his wife's directorial debut film he chose the best 5 music directors , 13 singers which covered all the music styles from sufi to rap to pop songs. The result is a collection of melodious songs which one will keep humming long after the film ends.

The film starts with three guys and a girl who are friends and study at a hostel in Sikkim. The boys are more interested in making girlfriends than in any other college activity. After showing some  American pie kind of scenes the story moves to Australia and then the director has tried to include every possible idea right from racial issues to mother son angle to love triangle to patriotic to Holi and last but not the least first kiss . 

Because of so many twists and turns though the film has speed yet it fails to leave any long lasting impression on the mind of the viewers. You don't get bored but neither the characters stay in your mind.

Instead of  the story , screenplay and dialogues the director has focused just on getting the skimpiest shorts and skirts for the leading ladies which is a major reason for pulling the teenagers to the theaters.

    

Despite getting bad reviews the film has managed to collect 20 plus crores in just 5 days which shows that the current generation doesn't care much for story or acting and is comfortable with vulgar jokes and cheap comedy.  

In a line the film can be seen for some beautiful scenic locations , some scenes which make you laugh and the songs.

Time pass

Rank -6/ 6 ( Films released in 2014)