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Archive for the 'Thrillers' Category
First of all I wish to thanks “Mr. Ronnie Screwvala” for being a unique producer who has the guts to back up projects like “A Wednesday”. Secondly, Kudos to writer & director “Neeraj Pandey”, who brings a fresh & new tide in the vast ocean of Hindi Cinema.
“A Wednesday” is not a big movie, but it is many times powerful than all the 50-70 crores projects being talked about in the news. It’s a movie which shows the signs of intelligence and the art of film making flowing in the veins of our young directors. It’s a movie made with courage, with conviction and with a strong point to raise in favor of a common man.
Without giving away the main plot, the story is about confrontation between a man played by Naseeruddin Shah, who has planted bombs in the city and Anupam Kher, the Police Chief of the city. In simple words it’s like fire between two stalwarts of our Hindi Cinema and they both make it just worth watching. I remember seeing two giants together on the screen last time in “Saudagar” (Dilip Kumar & Raj Kumar) and way back in ”Shakti” (Dilip Kumar & Amitabh Bachhan). And like those two movies, this one too satisfied my expectations to a large extent.
Though the movie starts with some predictable scenes of planting bombs in public areas. But after this weak start, the moment first phone call goes to the office of Anupam Kher, the film is straight away in the top gear and never looks back. The script is strictly to the point and that takes the viewer to the edge of his seat with every passing minute. Many movie buffs may judge the main twist post interval but even after you have cracked it, the movie still has the grip to keep you glued to your seats.
Performances have many surprises in store for the viewer. First of all, Jimmy Shergil is completely convincing and once again impressive in his act of an angry young police officer. The four terrorists and the entire supporting star cast has done a commendable job which makes you believe the unexpected happening on the screen. Cinematography and Background Music both completely support the vision of the director.
Frankly speaking, the script has its flaws like what happened to the bag planted by Naseer at the station in the start of the movie. But these loopholes must be (essentially) ignored to enjoy one of the most powerful film of this year.
The last 20 minutes need a special and standing ovation for both the director and the actors. The long, strong and impressive explanation by Naseer about his reasons is a kind of landmark in Hindi Movies. You will find each word, completely justifying our day to day experiences in life. You will feel that whatever may be the outcome, this man (Naseer) is somehow saying the right thing, which you may have felt at some moment in your life.
The worth praising fact about the movie is that it doesn’t take sides for any religion or its followers. There are references to some Hindu & Muslim characters, but they do not indicate any partiality on behalf of someone particular character. At many times, the silence of the actors, just says it all.
And the best part is that the director refuses to tell the real name of the man causing all troubles in the end. And the narration says that “If a name is given then it will lead to un-necessary conclusion, so let it be a common man who chose to fight for his own safety”. And that, in my opinion is the most unexpected and original climaxes you may have seen in a Hindi movie. A well written and fantastically executed climax scene, when both Naseer & Anupam shake hands and cross each other is simply excellent.
The two volcanoes of talent, Naseer & Anupam Kher have nothing to prove about themselves, but they do prove one thing…..that we are not making much films which can tap the talent available in the country.
Imagine Naseer in “Jaane Tu….” & Anupam Kher in “C Kkompany” after watching “A Wednesday”. You will surely understand what I am trying to say. I also remember “Nasser” & “Om Puri” together in “Maqbool” in the same context.
Coming back to the movie, “A Wednesday” certainly takes its place among the Top10 movies of both Naseeruddin Shah & Anupam Kher. And the director “Neeraj Pandey” is a talent to watch out in the coming future.
An essential Watch, even at the cost of a holiday from your work.
Rating : 4.5 / 5
There are numerous movies made on the cause of Terrorism and about the people behind the inhuman acts. But here comes a movie which emphasizes on impact of these happenings on people from different parts of life, rich and poor, brave and strong, young and old. And the sensitivity with which the consequences have been captured by the director is indeed commendable. Nishikant Kamat’s first Hindi venture is a praise worthy effort, which shows you the aftermath of Mumbai Train Blasts and amazes you in the two hours of its narration.
There is a new trend catching up fast with the filmmakers in Indian Cinema, to take up 5-6 stories together and then telling the story from different angles with different characters. Naseeruddin Shah tried this in his debut directorial venture, then Anurag successfully adapted this in his “Metro” and you may recall many more movies made in the recent times with the same multi-plot structure.
But “Mumbai Meri Jaan” stands apart from these all both in quality and content. There are moments in the movie which are immensely realistic and the viewer can relate to characters he is close to. The script has some sequences which you may have thought of while watching the tragedies and their victims on news channels in your secured homes.
Like the story of Soha Ali Khan, which thoughtfully showcases the psyche of reporters and news channels, when they want to cash on each new tragedy and mis-happening on their channels. You may have also thought sometimes that how a reporter can ask a person who has lost his entire family about “How is he feeling?”. It’s simply inhuman to have such courage to ask such question to the victims. This question is answered when there is a twist in the story and the reporter Soha Ali Khan herself becomes the victim. She loses her fiancé in the blasts and then another reporter asks her the same question. That’s a brilliantly executed sequence with feel, depth and questions unanswered.
The best of the 5 main characters is Paresh Rawal, giving one of his finest performances as a police constable retiring in few days. Along with Vijay Maurya as his assistant both emote and act as real life characters on the street. They superbly show the pain and discomfort caused by the faulty system in their own different ways. Worth watching performances by both.
Madhavan, can be seen in his best ever cameo in a Hindi movie. People who may not be his appreciators would find it hard to ignore his fine act as a person who was there in the train but survived. Many would have faced the same trauma in days after, who were there in the trains at the time of the blasts.
The two masters Irfan Khan & KK are again at their best and they prove once again why they are considered the top among the younger generation. Irfan Khan is a treat to watch as a poor person who is thrown out of a Mall and takes revenge from the rich in his own unique way. KK gives a unforgettable performance as a strong person, who helps the blasts victims to reach hospital. After that day, he finds hard to trust any other person out of his cast and the sequence of his transformation has been canned impeccably.
Though the movie has its loose ends and it also has a Mumbai ambience which some may find tough to relate to. But still you cannot afford to miss it, if you love this medium of expression.
Together Paresh Rawal, Irfan Khan, KK, Madhavan & Soha Ali Khan make this movie worth watching for every single person who feels for his nation (East or West). A treat for lovers of cinema. A must watch in Hindi Cinema after a long time.
Rating : 4.5 / 5
20
Apr
08
The Game (1997)
One of the few flawless and cleverly written scripts balanced with professional and polished performances. The movie just gives you no time to think and take a rest. A fast paced mystery thriller is about a Game which is played with your life after you willingly accept to play it, signing the due papers. Sounds interesting. Indeed it is. A novel idea executed perfectly takes you into the world of deceit, fun and adventure. Michael Douglas the lead actor, is gifted a company’s offer card by his younger brother. The company provides a unique service of providing new thrill to your life by playing a game with you. The game is completely unexpected, dangerous and has almost everyone involved in it. Bored with his routine lonely life, Douglas opts to play the game and signs the papers. The next few days he experiences the time of his life and every five minutes there are new twists and turns in the game to blow your mind. A roller coaster ride which will not allow you to go for breaks in between the movie. Sean Penn as the younger brother has very few scenes but he just takes you for a ride in the climax sequence. An intelligent brain twister with top rate performances and a brilliantly directed movie not to be missed at any cost.
Directed By David Fincher
Starring : Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Deborah Kara Unger & More
01
Apr
08
Crash (2004)
A beautiful piece of emotions portrayed on the celluloid. Unfortunately the problem of racial biases is still there in major parts of the world and this movie is one of the best ones on this topic. Multiple characters with different but inter-connected storyline is the base of the script which shows how people from various backgrounds deal with this racial discrimination problem in their life. The director, skillfully has shot some of the most powerful scenes, like the sequence of shooting the girl child and the last car accident scene. The visualisation in these has to be appreciated. Truly deserving it won three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing of 2005 at the 78th Academy Awards. The film came with a very fresh outlook towards its theme and was the unexpected contender at the awards since it was shot at a very limited budget. Ir-respective of its low budget the movie has an immense impact on the viewer. The situations and sequences in the script are very similar to what we all experience in our daily life, especially by the people living in that part of the world. That was the reason responsible for the movie getting a unanimous response from all sectors and became an instant hit. A great movie recommended for a thoughtful viewing.
Directed By Paul Haggis
Starring : Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock & More
22
Jan
08
I Confess (1953)
I Confess (1953)
Its one of the most under-rated films directed by Alfred Hitchcock. You will find more written about his other movies rather than “I Confess” in books and articles about his style of film making. But the film is truly a memorable experience as it includes thrill and emotions in the right dosages. The film got mixed reviews at the time of its release as it was way ahead of its time. The amazing feature of the movie is that the viewer is shown the murder and the murderer right in the first scene and he also confesses to the priest for his crime. And when the suspicion shifts on to the priest himself who has heard the confession, then you can just feel the restlessness with the priest, as he knows the truth, but cannot speak for himself. Hitchcock uses flashback in a very romantic manner which gives a soft touch to the otherwise a thriller movie. The climax is brilliantly directed and the movie shows the mastery Hitchcock had in choosing his stories and subjects. A must see for all Hitchcock fans and lovers of quality thrillers.
Directed By Alfred Hitchcock
Starring : Montgomery Clift, Anne Baxter & Karl Malden
12
Jan
08
Instinct (1999)
Simply Brilliant, Superb and Congratulations to all associated with this film. I was not aware of this movie and its excellence and just got hold of it by chance. A fine example of good cinema on an unusual plot. All the actors play their heart out in the movie and that makes it a must watch for everyone. The film is about Dr. Ethan Powell, who chooses to stay in a jungle with Gorillas and stays there with them for 2 long years. During his stay with the awesome creatures an incident happens which in turn makes him a killer and he just chooses to becomes silent. Young Dr. Theo Calder, takes up his case and tries to make him speak about what actually happened. Then starts the outstanding expressions of life, our values and human feelings hidden in all of us. It is a kind of new psychological journey which makes you think that the animal world has still got that innocence which we humans have lost somehow. The film makes you re-discover yourself and raises a question that what we are doing with our gift of life. I rank this film, as one of best movies I have seen. A Shining Five Star rating and Strongly Recommended for all lovers of good cinema.
Directed by John Turteltaub
Starring : Anthony Hopkins, Cuba Gooding Jr, Maura Tierney & More
15
Dec
07
Final Destination – 1 & 2
You may have seen movies in which a person can predict something which is going to happen, but the same theme is most effectively adopted in this movie and specially in its 1st & 2nd part. The sequences give you thrill and make you stick to your seats as the film moves. Special mention and praise is deserved by the special effects people who have done some amazing works. I bet you may have never seen a road accident more effective before in any movies as it is there in the part II of the sequel. The moment you finish Part 1 you will be eager to know what happens in Part 2. A highly entertaining and fast paced adventurous movie you will love to watch again.
Directed By James Wong
This highly successful flick from the South is like a tribute by Maniratnam to the cult movie “GODFATHER”. Though it’s a highly inspired movie, still it has the power and guts to grab you from your collars and impress you by its execution. Among the top 5 movies of Kamal Hassan & Mani Ratnam, “Nayakan” is also considered as one of the “Top 100 Movies” by many critics all over the world. The film is about the underworld and revolves around the life of a child who is forced to become the biggest gangster of the city. The mannerisms adopted by Kamal Hassan to play the character are a real treat to watch. Along with the toughness of a don, he also shows the sentiments of a human soul with ease. His act leaves an everlasting impact on the viewer and the film truly deserves all the appreciation it has been receiving. Very Strongly Recommended for all.
Directed By Maniratnam
Starring : Kamal Hassan & Others
Music : Illayaraja
08
Nov
07
The Birds (1963)
It was only the brilliance of a master film maker which made this film possible even when there were no computers and no graphical options available for special effects in the movies. It was really a brave attempt on Hitchcock’s part to opt for such kind of subject and that is why he is one of the most loved film makers all over the world. The film revolves around the incidents of attacks by birds on the humans. Some sequences are brilliantly executed and the most innovative scene is the climax shot worth watching and thinking too. Though there are mixed responses towards the end of the movie but still it does not take away any merits of the film and it’s a real masterpiece by Hitchcock. Definitely among his top 5 films.
Directed By Alfred Htichcock
Directed By Alfred Htichcock
Starring : Rod Taylor, Tippy Hedren & Jessica Tendy
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