kinshuk-gaur Reviews

Rudra: The Edge of Darkness (2022)

When you cannot even Copy

[3/10 · 4 March 2022]

Recent Indian OTT series have shown a lot of affinity towards British series first was Cheat remake as Mithya and now Luther as Rudra. Unfortunately, both lacked originality that makes them deficient.

Rudra an official remake of Luther which falls flat from the word go. I barely managed to sit through the first 3 episodes and they are exact copy of the original. The dialogues are simply translated to Hindi from English and they do not make any impact but essentially sound silly.

Ajay Devgan fails to display the intensity of Idris Alba. Acting is pretty bad for most of the characters and sometimes even over the top. I fail to understand what Esha Deol is doing in this series neither she can act nor deliver the discourse. The screenplay and the direction is shoddy and the passion and aggression that was an essential ingredient of the original series is missing.

Those who haven't seen Luther might enjoy Rudra.

I would request the Indian OTT makers to stick to the original scripts as Rudra is neither original not fetching.

Shershaah (2021)

Commercial Patriotism .

[5/10 · 12 August 2021]

Movies made on our martyrs will always carry a special place in our heart. Unfortunately, BOLLYWOOD need to ruin their stories with histrionics. I was a teenager when the Kargil war happened and connect with all news around it. Shershah is merely a marketable product without any emotions. We need to take a leaf out of hollywood when make such movies without diluting the real purpose.

Shershah tells the story of Capt Vikram Batra's exemplary courage during the Kargil war. The movie could have been much more effective if it would have been crisp and avoided unnecessary songs .

Biggest drawback of the movie is no connect with the viewers as it lacked the soul, emotion or essence that a war movie and a great martyr s story should induce. Poor direction and screenplay does not add to the movie. Acting is average and Siddhartha Malhotra is not able to spark the exuberance and charm of Captain Batra which can be felt by his original clippings towards the end of the movie. Moreover, Karan Johar has taken care his love for Pakistan. The whole movie gets over before you realize who was the actual culprit .

A movie that could have been a great treat on the eve of our Independence Day has been merely reduced to a poor commercial flick.

Haseen Dillruba (2021)

Boring and predictable.

[4/10 · 2 July 2021]

A thriller should be fast paced and engaging this movie fails on both the fronts.

Movie starts on a promising note but the weak story, poor screenplay and direction does not add to its cause. . Acting- Vikrant Massey is good rest are from average to poor.

Anyways, Netflix can have some face saving here.

Shaadisthan (2021)

Why on earth was this made ?

[1/10 · 14 June 2021]

Nothing much to write about this movie. Good! That people are getting opportunity to make movies thanks to the OTT platform. But such mindless movies are ruining the content.

To showcase a message under the garb of alcohol, sex and drugs take away the purpose and this in no way is women empowerment. A left liberal propaganda just to legitimize all of the mentioned things and in the end they say the movie carries a social communication is quite misleading.

Acting is below average barring Nivedita and her husband serves the saving part.

I don't understand why KK Menon agreed for his nonexistent performance in this one.

The Last Hour (2021– )

Wasted Oppurtunity

[4/10 · 19 May 2021]

This series is one of the few that showcases the beauty of NE India. But unfortunately, great cinematography without any substance does not make a watchable affair..

The show is so snail paced that it makes you snooze. A simple story is stretched to its maximum which results the show neither to be a thriller nor a supernatural.

The acting is terrible from all the actors. Though the benefit of doubt can be given to the regional actors .

Sanjay Kapoor has always been a non actor. As a protagonist he is the biggest drawback of the show. Shahana Goswami is a miscast and sleepwalks the entire show.

The dialogue delivery is muzzled and on numerous occasions the dialogues were difficult to comprehend. Poor screenplay also does add to the series fate. A series that could have been enfolded in 4 episodes was elongated to double its worth. Overall, a very tedious watch. You can skip this as wide-ranging and better content is available to watch.

Radhe (2021)

Bollywood sinking further.

[1/10 · 13 May 2021]

Making of a remake of the Korean movie " The Outlaws " as Radhe does not make any sense . The Outlaws did not have a great script though it had good performances and the fast paced thriller touch which made it hugely successful..

Radhe on the other hand is a pain to watch. Loaded with cringy dialogues, over the top pathetic acting and songs which does not make any sense but who cares as Salman bhai will make up for everything and who at all need a script ?

This will be one of the worst Salman movies, though we know Salman cannot act but this movie is such a waste of time and money that you should be banging your head on the wall.

A special mention for Prabhudeva please spare Bollywood which was already in drains and he is sinking it further.

Bottom-line, watch the original and save yourself only if you have the urge to watch Radhe the Pandemic.

Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020)

Not to be missed.

[8/10 · 11 January 2020]

Rarely Bollywood do justice to Historical movies. But Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior stay true to the spirit. Though historically not much have been written when I was in school Tanhaji historical background was mentioned in few lines. Devgan's commitment for the movie makes it a spectacular and a visual extravaganza. Screenplay, direction background music and acting by all the actors are top notch.

A special mention and thumbs up to the VFX and the CGI team which is completely made in India with no collaboration from Hollywood. This one is surely not to be missed.

Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (2019)

A good travel documentary for first hour & some minutes.

[3/10 · 21 September 2019]

I fail to understand why this movie was made. Sunny Deol started off with a nonexistent story for the debut of his son. There is nothing much to write about this movie. Running time of pain stricken 2 hours and 34 minutes in which the audience are wondering! are they watching a travel documentary during the first 1 hour and 20 minutes.

This is a brave attempt to waste a lot of money from the producer of the movie and the audience who watched.

This movie has nothing to talk about. The lead actors are appalling and the supporting cast equally bad. Karan Deol only resembles his father rest has no charisma about him. Sahher Bammba looks out of place and sincerely is not a very good choice as the female lead of this movie.

The screenplay is shoddy and the climax is executed in hurry. Sunny's last venture as a director Ghayal once again showed promise but this movie is very disappointing and waste of money and time.

Its high time Bollywood take cognizance of the fact that content is the king now. You cannot expect the audience to watch such slog any more.

Chhichhore (2019)

Good Movie.

[7/10 · 7 September 2019]

Chhichore is a virtuous movie with good one liners enthusiastic screenplay and good direction. Though the movie does not have a subject that has not been explored in the past.

The movie contains scenes reminiscent from the immaculate 3 Idiots and has the passion of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander. Not writing enough about the movie as the above 2 mentioned movies says everything.

Positives- Good direction, all actors are good in their respective characters though Varun Sharma as Sexa stands out. Some well executed scenes of camaraderie. The movie drags midway but the dialogues do make up for the same and audience are engaged.

Overall, a well-executed movie from Nitesh Tiwari and please do watch for the climax which does give a lesson.

Blank (II) (2019)

An Extended version of Crime Patrol

[5/10 · 5 May 2019]

Age Defying Sunny features as a gritty ATS officer in this movie. The movie has a promising premise and could have ended up as an engrossing movie. Unfortunately, the movie fails to deliver due to poor screenplay and shabby story telling.

There is no character build up and charms come and go. The biggest drawback of the movie is its repetitive narrative and looks ancient in its treatment . Acting is passable even Sunny fails to repeat his histrionics which was the highlight of such roles played by him in the past. Overall watching this movie is like watching Crime Patrol's extended version which ultimately ends up with loose ends.

Badla (2019)

A Good watch for the viewers who do not watch International Cinema

[7/10 · 9 March 2019]

Badla is definitely an engrossing movie for viewers who have not seen the original. Badla is a scene by scene remake of the Spanish thriller "The Invisible Guest". The only difference is the protagonists are flipped. Having said that the movie still delivers and keeps the audience guessing.

The positives of the movie are good acting by Amitabh Bachchan who keeps the spectators guessing with his screen presence and Amrita Singh as a suffering mother. Top notch cinematography and thankfully no songs. The movie moves with a good pace which is an essential requirement of a thriller.

Sujoy Ghosh adapted screenplay and direction is good. Ghosh has done a fair job compared to other filmmakers who are blindly copying stories and remaking.

Badla's weakest link is the main lead Tapsee Pannu who is not convincing in her act as a shrewd business woman. Rest of the characters also are not in finesse compared to the original movie.

Though the original is a classic masterpiece and by no means I am comparing. Overall, a good watch for the audience who do not watch International cinema. The bottom line is Bollywood movie makers need to be smart as Indian audience now have access to the International Cinema and they need to focus on original stories rather merely adapting from around the world.

Bombairiya (2019)

Sheer Torture

[2/10 · 3 February 2019]

I am not sure why this movie was made in the first place. Though it has a noble topic but the way it has been portrayed on the screen is a disaster and comical. It was torture to sit and watch this movie.

Shabbily directed ,bad acting from all the actors. Worst editing. Nothing worth to mention about this movie

Please save yourself from the torture. This movie is not even worth watching if this is the only thing to watch. Strictly avoidable.

Zero (III) (2018)

Bollywood need to pull up its socks.

[4/10 · 22 December 2018]

Zero is one of the highest anticipated movie of 2018, but falls in the line with all the previous duds starring mega stars this year.

The movie did look promising but with sheer illogical sequences fizzes out like an inflated balloon after the air is released Zero relies heavily on SRK histrionics alas, gets too heavy for him to carry in the end.

SRK tries too hard but the poor screenplay and the vision of the movie fades as movie progresses. Anushka tries hard in her character but overacts in certain scenes. Katrina does what she does best is to look good.

Director Anand L Rai seems out of form and his vision for the movie is unconvincing on the screen. Poor screenplay and the length of the movie become too tedious to watch. The second half of the movie is highly illogical and unconvincing.

Unfortunately, this movie also in the list of huge budget disaster. Bollywood seriously needs to work on its content and storytelling and should not merely rely on the star power. Another opportunity wasted.

Namaste England (2018)

The best Horror movie ever.

[1/10 · 18 October 2018]

I was itching to write something about this movie with 15 min into it. Trying hard to restrain myself, but after a pain striking hour watching this junk I was left wondering. Why? on earth I am watching the king of nepotism Arjun Kapoor and the puerile Parineeta performing their histrionics on screen.

I was away from this movie to regain some sense and breath. I don't know what happened in that hour because it was scary. I got an impression of watching some get together scenes of a couple of people.

I am sure of never being so magnificent in my writing ever. Please save yourself, this gives a sense of Armageddon.

The best Horror movie ever.

Tumbbad (2018)

One of the Original best since long.

[8/10 · 12 October 2018]

TUMBAAD is a highly engrossing movie and a Visual treat.

Original Story amidst a backdrop of folklore makes Tumbbad a delight. Though watched it at its initial screening at the Venice festival but writing this review after re-watch again.

Story about greed that start from an ancient treasure hidden in a mansion. The process of reaching to that wealth and the desire to grab more of it and in the process going to any extent. I'll sum this movie in these couple of lines not giving the entire story and the plot.

It has some Excellent background score and gripping screenplay. Does have some minor flaws that can be ignored. Overall, original story and folklore make it a worthy watch with a superlative effort from the actor and producer Soham Shah. Enjoy almost two hours of adventure with a seasoning of Horror and you will not be disappointed. Did read some weird reviews from critics mentioning it " as an art film" not for everybody and some even mentioning " it has a lot of Marathi influence and Hindi speaking audience might not like it " very sad Indeed. My request please do watch it.

Teefa In Trouble (2018)

Nothing exceptional worth the Hype

[4/10 · 11 August 2018]

Promos of Teefa in Trouble looked promising, but in turn was rather stale and I was very disappointed. I had watched quite a few Pakistani movies in the past and this is one of the weakest movie I came across.

Ali Zafar is one the most promising entertainer, I would mention from Pakistan. He being the lead and the producer of the movie just paid attention towards the glamour quotient in the picture and did not bother to care about the story and script of the movie.

Plot orbits around a crook Teefa (Zafar) who is sent by a gangster to Poland to kidnap Anya (Maya Ali) and bring her to Pakistan. The gangster wants to marry Anya to his son, Anya happens to be the daughter of his best friend (Javed Sheikh). In the process Teefa falls for Anya. This leads him in trouble with Anya's father, Poland police and the gangster in Pakistan. How he gets himself out from all this misfortune is the whole description.

The highlight of the movie is its cinematography, the scenic locations in Poland is captured brilliantly. The music suits the mood of the movie.

Presence of so many loopholes in the screenplay makes Teefa in Trouble tedious to watch. The climax is stretched like a chewing gum. The guy who plays Teefa's friend despite trying too hard is not at all hilarious but aggravating. Movie allows a reasonable stimulus from Bollywood .

Acting part, Ali Zafar takes most of the screen time and is average but go overboard in some scenes. Maya Ali looks beautiful and does a decent act but needs to work on her expressions. Javed Sheikh the most experienced actor in the movie is at his run-of-the-mill average. Rest cast is ordinary but loud.

Considering this being publicized as one of the costliest and highly commercial Pakistani movie and might earn good at the box office is still a substandard. I had watched better Pakistani movies in the past.

This movie is a huge let down and does not work due to a wafer thin plot and outdated treatment. Director Ahsan Rahim and producer Zafar if had paid more attention on screenplay and script the movie could have been better.

Bottom-line the flick does not live up to the hype and hoopla surrounding it.

Fanney Khan (2018)

Test of Patience

[4/10 · 4 August 2018]

If Hindi movie filmmakers keep on making such insipid movies like Fanney Khan it will not do any good for the Hindi cinema. Atul Manjrekar debut as a director also credits for screenplay is a failure in both departments.

The movie is an official remake of a Belgian movie (If it has to be remake a better movie could have been adapted) but does not help its cause.

Story is about a days gone by struggling artist who wants to make her daughter a successful singer. The movie does not have any originality and the execution is also not up to the mark.

The only saving grace is Anil Kapoor and the girl who plays his daughter. Talented actor like Rajkumar Rao is wasted. Aishwarya looks attractive but overacts in some scenes though she does not have much to do.

Music is average. I am so exhausted after watching this movie that don't feel like writing more. Do not waste your money and if you are a fan of Anil Kapoor please wait to watch when it gets screened on the television.

Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran (2018)

Good Watch

[7/10 · 27 May 2018]

This will be one of my shortest reviews. I read couple of distinguished critics bashing this movie. Probably they are saving their blessing for Race 3. With new breed of producers like Anushka and now John and many coming in the picture putting their money on movies which normally producers might not do is a good sign. Parmanu might have some flaws and taking a lot liberty is still a good watch. I'll not go into the story. John has acted well and this might be his one of the best performance after Madras Café. Script is engaging and cinematography is very good. The last 30 minutes of the movie is somewhat winning. Just the initial hiccups and the family part of John depicted is bit exaggerated in otherwise crisp movie. Watch this weekend with your entire family and enjoy some cherish moments.

Baaghi 2 (2018)

Can't even copy

[4/10 · 18 April 2018]

Normally, I watch movies on the first or the second day of its release and thereafter, give my views. I watched Baaghi 2 on the 2nd day, but for this one I was holding back as I wanted to rematch a Hollywood oldie which I had watched a long time back ( I'll tell you the reason later). I don't want to waste anybody's time including mine and just to sum Baaghi 2 is a blatant copy of a Telegu hit Kshanam. Ok, so what Ahmed Khan the director had done differently is added more spices to the recipe for the Hindi audience and served it hot but garish. Let's look at the masala's ingredients.

We have a strapping Six pack abs Tiger Shroff who can merely act. Mimicking scenes from Ghayal ( Lock up scene in the police station enacted wonderfully by Sunny Deol) and Rambo movie in his own tantrums ( craved by masterly excellence from Sylvester Stallone ). Disha Patni the lady looks gorgeous but seriously need acting lessons or else people she will be vanished as they have overlooked Neha Sharma who started her carrier earlier than Disha (lookalikes). Manoj Bajpayee such a talented actor wasted and can be seen hamming on occasions. Randeep Hooda goes over the top and lacks authenticity of the charachter. Prateek Babbar is given a chance after long but misses out and is too loud and overacts. Darshan Kumar and Deepak Dobriyal wasted.

Ahmed Khan had a wonderful script copied from Kshanam he ruined by adding the extra masala. Dejectedly, this is the best he could offer with some scatterbrained music and catastrophic Madhuri's dance number by pokerfaced Jaqueline.

The Telegu version was subtle and more gripping as a thriller combined with some excellent acting from the star cast. In contrast Baaghi 2 even after lifting extract by extract is no match and fails miserably. Flipside Indian audience has made it in 100 crore club in the meanwhile. So whom I too complain.

Also, FYI the Telegu Movie Kshanam also seeks inspiration (appropriate to describe). Yes, friends this is also not the original script but the writers have used their brain and have carefully crafted the script. Kshanam is stimulated by the awesome Hollywood flick Bunny Lake is Missing and Gone Baby Gone. ( I wanted to watch Bunny lake is Missing again as I mentioned initially the reason for delay as could not get time to rewind)

But my humble request to all the Indian directors if you are remaking, plagiarizing getting inspired and what not, do it decently. ( Brutally Plagiarized)

Hate Story IV (2018)

Flesh Show without any story

[4/10 · 10 March 2018]

Watching Hate Story 4 is like watching a swimsuit edition on fashion TV. You can enjoy it for 5 to 10 minutes. But if you have to watch it for over 2 hours it becomes tedious, knowing the camera is being continuously focused on the female breasts. This is poorest movie of the Hate Movie franchise.

The director thought Indian audience can be fooled by merely depicting flesh without any story. Unfortunately no story to boast . Promoted as a thriller the movie doesn't have any, whatever is all cheap excitement . Viewers can identify beforehand.and the movie becomes predictable.

Acting - Gulshan Grover has not been given enough opportunity to showcase his talent. . Vivan Bhatena is average but he also falters in the climax. The main lead Urvashi Rautela looks stunning but is a failure when it comes to the demand of the character portrayed by her. Karan Wahi looks miscast-ed in the role. Ihana Dhillon is only skin show.

The dialogues are cheesy, Songs that sound good are the old ones remixed else the music is ordinary. Editing is shoddy, cinematography is good.

Vijay Pandya should focus on the script for his upcoming movies. Skimpily clad girls can get him likes for the trailer but no audience in theaters.

Pari (I) (2018)

Valor Attempt to make a good Horror movie.

[7/10 · 8 March 2018]

Pari is an impressive movie in the Indian horror genre which otherwise is cliché. Though it has its positives and blemishes. But being an ardent horror fan I like any new attempt as a fruitful experience. I liked the valor attempt from the producer and as an actress Anushka Sharma to explore on the least forbidden path of hindi cinema. Pari also explores the horror category about Muslims and Djinns which if I recall has been rarely used as a backdrop in any movie. Good to see no Christian style exorcism and hindi horror style mumbo jumbo.

The story kicks of depicting Arnab( Parambrata Chatterjee) returning from Barakpore with his family. While driving amidst a deep forest in rain all of sudden his car hits an old woman wearing burqa and who dies on the spot. Arnab finds her daughter chained in her house. He rescues Rukhsana (Anushka) and keep her in her house and things move fwd will not give any spoilers.

Meanwhile we are introduced to Professor Qasim Ali ( Rajat Kapoor) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Professor meets Arnab and explain him that he is living with a Peri (As per Persian mythology a mythical superhuman being, originally represented as evil but subsequently as a good or graceful genie or fairy). She being the daughter of Ifrit the most powerful Djinn. How things proceed therafter please watch the movie. Though lot of gore Black Magic , Chained women , child abortion is being depicted which could not be digested by many viewers.

The genocide in Bangladesh during 1971 was also taken as reference.The cinematography is great the use of blue and green color is spectacular as it gives an eerie tone. The setup is quite dark in the entire movie where the dark forests and rain makes presence of an unknown entity. Background score is thunderous and also complement to the spookiness. The breathing sound of Ifrit adds to it. We are spared, no songs though 2 one hindi and one bengali but used in the background. No unnecessary comedy. Acting part Anushka and Rajat Kapoor standout. Anushka as Rukshana put in lot of effort and that shows on screen. Rajat Kapoor as a brutal and real professor is top notch. Parambrata Chatterjee as Arnab do justice to his role. Ritabhari Chakraborty in her first hindi movie is passable and looks preety. Rest of the cast is ok as they do not have too much say in the movie.

The problem with Pari is its writing and screenplay Abhishek Banerjee (story and screenplay), Prosit Roy(story and screenplay) is very weak. This movie obscures the viewers, because the director and the writer are not clear in their narrative. They wanted to make a horror movie but the poor love angle between Rukhsana and Arnab is not plausible. Though It was important to show the sexual connect as Rukhsana is the devil daughter who wants to increase the legacy of Ifrit. But making her so much in love with Arnab is confused writing. Also, the child Rukhsana give birth to is a normal as it was born out of love leaves the viewers thoughtful. The explanation of Ifrit during the second half sounds like spoon feeding. Overall, good acting and some innovative film making goes sour due to bad writing. Still Indian audience need to wait more for a polished horror movie.

1921 (2018)

Revamp the horror style ASAP

[4/10 · 4 February 2018]

Vikram Bhatt's affinity with colonialism continues with 1921, depiction of huge vintage mansions of UK, scenic locations, Exorcism which has been highlights of the 1920 franchise. 1921 has nothing new to offer, rarely any scary ticks. The writers of the movie Vikram Bhatt and Esha Desai as an associate fails miserably. Vikram Bhatt it seems is taking inspiration from Ram Gopal Verma by churning out insipid horror movies. Vikram Bhatt's horror movie graph is on a downslide, 1920 and Haunted are a few successful movies that Bhatt have in is repertoire in the past decade. The plot of the movie revolves around Ayush ( Karan Kundra) who goes to York (UK) to excel in playing Piano. The sponsor is Wadia (Vikram Bhatt) and is the owner of a mansion Wadia Manor . Ayush serve as the concierge of this mansion to recompense his sponsorship. After a few day stay in the Wadia Manor Ayush experience paranormal situations and is being haunted by a spirit in a short stay. Ayush seeks help to counter the spirit from Rose ( Zarine Khan) who could see spirits and interact with them . Rose conveys Ayush to remember some unfortunate instance that might have happened with him in the last couple of days. Intially Ayush denies but later through a letter explains Rose about her interaction with Meher Wadia co owner of Wadia Manor. Meher tries to threat Ayush by giving her a warning about a revelation to her uncle Wadia ( Vikram Bhatt) about so many unwanted people visiting the mansion to listen Ayush play piano. The same night Meher accidentally gets killed and Ayush blames himself of killing her. Rest of the story needs to be resolved by Rose . How she gets all the details about Meher to identify the evil spirit. The rest of the story is about discovering the dark secret which haunts the past of both Rose and Ayush. I'll not be a spoiler to discuss the entire movie.

There is zero chemistry amongst the lead pair. Zarine acknowledged to appear sexy busty bosom looks beautiful and manages to showcase some acting skills in a few scenes. May be, primarily as she has not been given an opportunity to shed her clothes which is surprising. Karan Kundra as Ayush his debut as a lead actor in a hindi movie earler was seen in Mubarkaan. He looks jaded, lack luster without any screen presence clear indications that he cannot act.

The girl playing Rose's friend does a decent job and the Character named Vasudha is ok. Rest of the cast is all English players playing their respective characters. Vikram Bhatt as Wadia is passable. The main protagonist is Zarine in the film and can be said is her finest performance till date of whatever she has done earlier has been a flesh show. The positives of the movie are Cinematography, VFX are good Vikram Bhatt utilizes the modern technology but does not have a good script. Zarine who satisfies your eyes when she is on screen rest all is in sorry state. The Victorian era has been depicted with ease on the screen.

Areas of opportunity - The movie has been stretched like a chewing gum and there are too many twist and turn in a simple story that the viewers want to pull their hair. The direction of the movie is ok but the letdown is the script, screenplay bonded by age old techniques in horror that Bhatt showcase. Editing is also shoddy. Thankfully we have been spared of any exorcism in this movie. The songs sounded outdated and considering the lead being depicted as an inspiring musician more effort was needed in the music score. On the contrary Bhatt movies are known for excellent music scores. Background score is too loud and is a cacophony for ears. The movie is quite disappointing as we never get a scary moment. You might get one or two surprise indifferent faces to show some cheap thrills. Though I am cognizant of the fact that a monster or reformed faces does not necessarily fright you. Mr. Bhatt though has refrained from showing somebody possessed and the person flying and walking on the roofs. He had tried to create a fearful environment by flickering lights and dark ambience with the spirit suddenly appearing or passing. Overall 1921 is fourth installment of the 1920 franchise and is the weakest of the lot. Even 1920 London had a better ghost. Vikram need to quickly revamp his style of horror or else he will also fade like the Ramsays in 90's and RGV in the modern era.

Aval (2017)

Some respite for Indian Horror.

[7/10 · 23 November 2017]

With not too many Hindi horror movies being made in India "The House Next Door " comes as a fresh breath of air. Though this movie was simultaneously made in three languages Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. I have watched the movie in Hindi as I do not understand the other two languages.

I loved this movie and liked the coil and seizures in the plot. After a long time, I enjoyed an Indian Horror movie. Debutant director Milind Rau explores the not so prevalent Horror genre in the Indian movies. Somewhat he succeeds in this genre where the veterans of Indian horror like Vikram Bhatt and RGV have miscarried in the past some years.

The movie starts depicting romance between Dr. Krish (Siddharth) and Lakshmi (Andrea Jermiah). They get married and move into a beautiful house located in between the picturesque location of the Himalayas. Dr. Krish is publicized as country's no 1 "Deep Brain Stimulation Specialist".

Things start to change when a family reaches in the vicinity of Dr. Krish and Lakshmi. The house next door belongs to Paul (Atul Kulkarni) who is accompanied by his family that includes two daughters Jenny (Anisha Victor) and Sarah (Khushu Hajare)and his wife with her father.

Situations lead where the need for false exorcism arises. The Exorcism fails miserably and the priest goes into a coma. I'll not create any spoilers now so to know the rest of the story, kindly watch for yourself.

The movie has lots of positives- Acting of all the characters are up to the mark. Siddharth last memories of him in Hindi movies for Rang de Basanti and Chasme Budoor stands out. Andrea Jeremiah performs effortlessly as usual. Anisha Victor is pretty notable as Jenny. Maybe her first movie. Rest cast is respectable in their characters.

The Exorcism scene is being portrayed excellently and might give you some chill or edge of the seat moment. However, on the flipside, it might remind you as an amalgamation of the cult The Exorcist, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and the Conjuring series. Cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna is excellent, Visual effects Devesh Patel is commendable. The background score and editing are good.

Areas of Opportunity- Being an ardent Horror movie fan after each twist and turn I am forced to recall the inspirations of the plot/scene. I can recall all these movies while watching this 2 hr. 17 min saga (The Exorcist, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Conjuring series, and The Ring). But still, the writer and director have done a fair job of binding the stories together. This happens all the time but I haven't used the word plagiarism.

Also, the climax and last 20 – 25 min towards the end slightly falters with its sluggish pace. To sum up The House Next Door is a glossy horror movie though it might be considered to be weighed down due to owing lot of inspiration. We know that almost all the horror movie directors do take creativeness from the cult horror movies. The Ramsay's have done in their era. RGV and Vikram Bhatt in the modern era, but what stands out is the execution. Viewers have always been fond of the horror movies but were not catered appropriately. This movie is one of the few Indian movies that will stand out and to the audience tolerance do not have unnecessary comedy. Kudos to the director for sticking to his genre.

Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017)

Waste of Time and Energy.

[4/10 · 7 August 2017]

Imitaiz Ali is a director who has given some fresh breath of air to his love stories and some are excellent like Jab We Met, Love Aajkal and Rockstar. But lately he is also in a syndrome of serving the same old trash with an altered packaging. Jab Hary Met Sejal is a complete disaster coming after Tamasha. Tamasha still was better in the content.

Jab Hary Met Sejal biggest drawback is that it does not have any story but just bits and pieces of certain instants fused together. Scenes of Jab We Met, Tamsaha and Love Aajkal amalgamated together as moments. The plot is wafer thin that it will leave you speculating. This is the story , Hary is a tourist guide and is verge on completion and departing one of his tour. At this instance one of the tour member Sejal a Gujrati girl insist Hary to help her find her lost engagement ring that she misplaced during the tour. Almost 90% of the movie revolve around Hary and Sejal looking for the ring around the picturesque location of Europe encountering with some misdemeanors.

This movie is so boring that even 20 minutes in the movie you feel its ages. Shahrukh Khan and Anushka are the only two who carry the entire burden on their shoulders. Shahrukh Khan looks jaded as he has played such characters for so long. I have lost count of roles when his charming personality is wooing a girl who could be single, engaged or married but ultimately falls for him. Awkwardly Shahrukh's charm does not work in this movie and he is exasperating at times.

Shahrukh needs to do something different as he is no more conclusive playing roles which he was doing 20 years ago. Anushka looks pretty and her acting is passable. She also gets on your nerves after a while with her unimpressive Gujrati accent.

Direction and screenplay do not have much to do as there is no story in the movie. Superfluous songs also add to anguish. I feel this one of the most wretched movies by Imtiaz Ali. Please skip this movie and let the producers and directors know you cannot just serve us crap. Highly avoidable.

Indu Sarkar (2017)

Poor attempt to showcase the Darkest Era post Independence

[5/10 · 2 August 2017]

I was very excited after watching the promos of Indu Sarkar. Subsequently watching the movie, I felt frustrated. This movie does not explore the fanaticism and the profundity of Emergency, the darkest period in India post-Independence. Madhur Bhandarkar falls in a cliché, showing the protagonist Kirti Kulhari as Indu Sarkar who is a casualty of the Emergency. The movie straight away goes in the mode of a female victim against the government as shown in lots of women oriented potboilers in the past.

Indu Sarkar do start by pouring the annoyances that were the highlights during the emergency like "Nasbandi" . Thereafter, goes to show the democratic suppression by the formerly govt.(No points for guessing that right). But do not explore anything substantial during that period.

OK, we do have Turkman Gate instance, a funny guy who resembles Jagdish Tytler. Chief is exactly a replica of Sanjay Gandhi played by Neil Nitin Mukesh. Nothing more to add to it. Such movies should serve as an information for the generation born after the most darkest era post-Independence. Flick is merely reduced to a below average Hindi movie that has an army of bad guys and people opposing him.

Indu Sarkar created much hype prior release. The then in power Congress opposed the movie mentioning this a propaganda movie and shows Gandhi family in bad light. Even with Hysteria surrounding this flick it still tumbles flat. The resemblance of a few characters in the film is reduced just to narrative which is also a disclaimer towards the start.

Direction, Editing and Cinematography are below average. The biggest let down is the screenplay which do not help Indu Sarkar and the most important the punch and the characters of Emergency are not developed.

I will urge the audience to watch " Hazar Khwaeshein Aisi" which displays the poignancy and the destruction during the competently that Indu Sarkar bombs at.