Wonder Years exactly conveys the feelings I had about this movie when I went into the theatre:
3 hours down the line, and I could hear myself say, couldn’t they have left the original alone? Why disgrace it with a tail that is not befitting the original classic? Despite all this, I knew I couldn’t resist wanting to be there on the first day of the movie. Like I did 3 years ago. The only difference being the meteoric change of expectations.
So most of you reading this would be now anxiously thinking, whats the verdict? Did Munnabhai 2 live up to its original?
No.
It does better.
Vivek echoes general sentiments - this is a total paisa vasool movie:
To me the “paisa vasool” scene of the movie was when Jhanvi during the course of the quiz contest asks Munna, “ Mahtama Gandhi ka kitne bache the aur unke naam kya the?” (or something to that effect). And one of Munna’s hangers on takes a guess. “ Indira Gandhi aur Rajiv Gandhi”. Funny? Of course. And at the same time a brilliant comment on our times where in people have forgotten the Mahatama and associate him with the Nehru – Gandhi family.
– Absolutely bang on Vivek. I felt the same.
Navin Gupta calls Lage Raho a masterpiece and especially notes Gandhism in the movie. I have to agree - the way Gandhi was used was simply laudable.
It’s an inspirational movie without heavy lectures. The character of Gandhi Ji has been used in a brilliant manner in here. The movie teaches some genuine lessons. The story makes us feel proud of ourselves on being a good human being. I am not sure whether movie is successful in teaching us to follow Gadhian Principles but for sure attracts the much needed attention on the principle professed by Mahatma Gandhi and that too in such a lucrative, warm and witty manner.
Overall the movie is a winner. More reviews will be added as day goes by!
]]>Dev Saran (Shah Rukh Khan) is a footballer who resents his successful wife Rhea Saran (Preity Zinta) Rishi (Abhishek Bachchan) owns a PR firm and makes every effort to please his ever cribbing wife, Maya (Rani Mukerji). KANK is the story of these two couples whose marriage is on the rocks.
The movie stands crooked under a weak platform filled with flawed script, poor characterizations, poor logic, pathetic justifications and ordinary performances.
If only the characters had taken efforts and pains to salvage their relationships instead of wasting their time in finding love outside their marriage then the characters would have lived happily. But not for Karan Johar. He wants his characters to indulge in extramarital relationship under flimsy and childish excuses. SRK is incessantly pissed off and makes no effort to save his marriage. One fails to understand as to why a happily married Rani Mukherjee has an affair with SRK considering that her husband has been shown as loving, caring and understanding. What more should a wife want from her husband. Why should career women (Preity Zinta) be shown only as heartless and ruthless and their husbands (SRK) as jealous MCPs. Due to poor characterizations, the audience does not feel for any characters except Abhishek Bachchan.
The opening sequence itself, where Rani speaks to a stranger (SRK) about her reservations about her marriage to a wrong person and then heeds SRKs advise of getting married to Abhishek, makes it clear that the movie will move into a deep mess. How can a modern girl staying in USA behave in this strange manner and not take a stand against the marriage considering that she has no hesitation in entering an extra-marital affair with SRK.
The reasons for the couples’ incompatibility seem very frivolous and are shown in a very forced manner. It is not made clear why Rani is not happy with Abhishek and what she wants from him. He loves her, is ready to discuss with her, wants her to enjoy with him, tries to satisfy her sexually and bears every tantrum of hers. Why would anyone be dissatisfied with such a good husband. Ironically, after all this it is Rani who goes on looking for love outside her marriage when it should have been Abhishek doing that. And what does SRK do that makes Rani fall in love with her. Nothing. On the other hand SRK is frustrated because his wife keeps the kitchen fire burning and hence thinks she is not right for her. Thus, according to KJ a wife should get out of the marriage on frivolous grounds and husbands should ask their wives to become housewives. The film also suggests that couples should not try to salvage their marriage but instead should leave their children and go in search of love.
The characters of SRK and Rani are made to crib all the time for no apparent reason and are never shown making any attempts to salvage their marriages. And when matters go out of hand, the characters of Abhishek and Preity are made to insult and reprimand their spouses thus trying to make the audience sympathize with SRK and Rani and make Abhishek and Preity look stubborn and rude. The audience does not buy this logic and fails to sympathise with the characters of SRK and Rani. Karan Johar wants to send out a message that people who have time and money in hand are free to look out for love outside marriage on flimsy grounds.
What’s that stupid logic that only two persons who are going through rough times will understand each others woes. Rani and SRK decide to have friendship with each other so that they can meet and talk about how they can salvage their respective marriages. But why don’t they instead talk to their respective spouses and work out the matter amongst themselves. But then KJ wants SRK and Rani to meet on the pretext of solving their problems so that they can spend time together so that they can fall in love This looked very forced one. Moreover, after all that meetings and coffee sessions they don’t even implement whatever they have planned and discussed nor do they take efforts to change their behaviour towards their spouses. It’s only Abhishek and Preity who take any effort to compromise.
There are no scenes that shows love blossoming between SRK and Rani gradually. It’s all of a sudden and therefore the pre-interval scene where SRK professes his love for Rani fails to move and convince the audience.
If SRK and Rani had planned to terminate their illicit relationship then where was the need to confess to their spouses. KJ has clearly chickened out in the end. Its only after Abhishek and Preity’s go ahead does Rani goes ahead and meet SRK. Shouldn’t SRK and Rani have got married to each other after their divorces if they had loved each other so much? Why should the guilt factor come in. And there is also a forced attempt to show Abhi and Preity as goody goody ones who forgives and permits Rani to marry SRK. The audience can see through this forced union. And SRK and Rani are also shown feeling guilty and even apologise for their act. After all this how can it be said that KJ has made a bold movie.
SRK’s incessant sermons on love does not make sense at all considering that he is shown cribbing all the time in the movie. The so-called funny scenes like SRK and Rani misunderstanding each other as Black beast and the scene where they think Abhi and Preity are having an affair do not even elicit a smile leave alone the laughs.
The scenes where Amitabh gives an emotional speech at the end of the Rock n roll song and his conversation with Rani in the hospital were good but in isolation and not contextually. How can the audience take Amitabh’s sermons on love seriously when he is shown sleeping with hookers everyday and flirting with women at the drop of the hat. Hey KJ, is it because AB did not value his wife’s love and could not keep her happy that he started sleeping around with hookers. Another good scene is where SRK jokingly confesses his love for Rani during a family dinner. The scene where SRK is standing at the signal with a bouquet and both Rani & Preity walking towards him is really tension filled.
Technical Crew
Story & Screenplay by Karan Johar and Shibhani Bhatija. The story stretches to eternity and the screenplay is filled with excessive melodrama and improbabilities thus failing to connect with the viewer at an emotional level..
Direction : Karan Johar is confused and makes efforts to justify adultery under false pretexts. He has made the movie look beautiful but without any content and logic
Editing. Sanjay Sankla seems to have gone to sleep making the audience yawn
Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is ordinary and only Mitwa stands out among the other crap numbers.
Cinematography is excellent
Dialogues by Niranjan Iyengar- While some dialogues are effective - when Preity accuses SRK of being a failure in life, he responds by telling her that their relationship is a bigger failure, the other dialogues are purely pedestrian and clichéd for e.g the dialogues in the opening sequence between SRK and Rani do not make any sense at all.
CAST
Abhishek as Rishi has done an excellent job. He has done in a small role what SRK could not do in a lead role. His angry outburst when Rani confesses about her affair with SRK is outstanding.
SRK as Dev Saran only hams, pouts, grimaces, and gives sermons on love that gets on your nerves. Neither the crowd loved him nor could identify with him. No seriousness in his acting.
Preity Zinta as Rhea Saran is good but nothing much to show by way of acting.
Rani Mukherjee as Maya Talwar This is Rani’s most irritating performance of her career.
Amitabh Bachchan as Samarjit Singh Talwar What was Amitabh doing in this movie. Its one thing to show Amitabh as a casanova and one thing to show him sleeping around with hookers everyday.Kirron Kher as Kamaljit Saran is irritating
KJ needs to take a bigger break this time so that he doesn’t inflict any more such disasters on us for the next ten years. KANK is dull & lifeless. The movie takes a lopsided view of extra marital relationships and the reasons shown for the break up are too trivial. KANK is neither bold nor progressive and lacks soul and sensitivity that is needed for the movies based on human relationships. The common man cannot identify with his point of view regarding extra marital relationship though a section of high class society might agree. KANK comes across as a desperate attempt to make a bold statement. Couples, married or unmarried should avoid this movie. You may ruin your married life. Caution.
AMJAD K. MARUF
]]>
More reviews flowing in - I just started another threat to collect blogger perspectives on Kabhi Alvida. This seems to be a big letdown for Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, SRK and Rani Mukherjee yet.
Karan thinks the movie is shoddy and tedious:
But this film is hell-bent on first, romanticising extra-marital affairs; second, mocking at the whole loyalty and commitment angle of a marriage (yes, SRK’s Dev is seen uttering “After all family is family” with a very distasteful sarcasm everytime he’s parting with Maya), and finally by taking an expedient of time leap it relegates broken marriages and families as non-issues and in its own sick way justifies the extra-marital affairs (so much so that the victimised spouses themselves are ready to move on and egg on the star-crossed lovers meet—the scene where Rhea herself says “tumhara pyaar intezaar kar rahaa hai, use rok lo” was the last straw for me).
Oz at Desitrain believes this is Karan Johar at his self indulgent worst :
If Self Indulgence could be measured on a scale then that scale will have Karan Johar and his passionate product KANK right up on the top.
But in the end it’s Abhishek Bachchan, who musters all the courage and with great bravado, rises far above his role. You can see that after some point, Johar fell in love with the sacrificial lamb and eggs Bachchan up to give all he has got. And Bachchan doesn’t fail, which sadly can’t be said about the film.
Shakil on the other thinks KANK is classic Bollywood magic:
So yes, KANK is classic Bollywood magic. In fact, it’s the best example of Bollywood I’ve seen since KHNH, and in my mind lies with all the modern greats. It manages to provide all the highs the lows we demand from the genre without pretentiously trying to be something its not.
Videshi writes on the movie in a hilarious way:
But, if you hate Bollywood, you’ll hate this, because it’s Bollywood at its best.
Everyone is hot. Everyone is rich. Everyone ends up more or less happy.
But it was also a really entertaining movie, in which Abhishek Bachchan proved (yet again) that he is a real actor and that he is one of India’s biggest heart-throbs.
Whoisdeep believes its the second half which ruins the movie - I have heard exactly the opposite.
Which means, both suck eh?:
The first half of the movie picked up very well, some of the scenes in the movie were very good, specially the ones in which Amitabh Bachchan was involved.
The second half is exactly opposite of it, yeah, there are few moments which are very good but the most of the part is kind of bad or in simple language, messed up. The second half is too much stretched and they could have cut many things and made it shorter or less stretched
Akshay AT Naachgaana thinks this isn’t Karan Johar’s best, but still worth a dekho:
All up where does that leave KABHI ALVIDA NA KEHNAA? Well the combination of the stars, performances, chemistry as well as a number of individual scenes ensure that KABHI ALVIDA NA KEHNAA is definetly worth a dekkho once but NO WAY is this an outright classic and despite what Karan Johar has been claiming this is NOT all that different from his previous movies though he has incorporated some new twists to an otherwise old tale!
Filmoholic has written a review which is probably as long as the movie itself. Check it out:
See it or skip it?
It’s not a perfect film, but it’s an important one for the subject it broaches and the position that Karan Johar takes at this time in 21st century popular Hindi movies, and on a more superficial level, it’s beautiful to watch.
Amodini says this is the first Karan Johar movie that was tolerable.
The story, as I’ve implied before, is shaky. One disbelieves the motivation for disagreement between the couples and it tempted to pooh-pooh at the trivial issues the director brings up as reasons for dis-enchantment.
The music is very good ; I especially like “Mitwa” and “Tumhi Dekho Na”. As with all Johar movies, the background score is also effective. Despite all the pros, and the perceived cons, I really liked this movie - the first Johar movie that I have more than tolerated. So, I’d say yeah, see it for sure.
Shrey ki pasand too recommends this movie - finally some blogger reviews who do recommend this one. Good to see some variety:
The another person to see out in this multi starcast is Abhishek and Rani. If you ever thought that Black was the best work till date of Rani than go watch this out. Abhishek is best as he can get and he is improving with time. I found him to be the best in emotional areas where he fights with rani that why she isn’t satisfied with him and at the end when he comes to know the truth.
Overall Rating: THUMBS DOWN!
This movie is heading towards the trash bin quickly I think.
More updates as I get more quality reviews.
]]>Hero: Rahul Roy
Heroine: Annu Aggrawal
Music Director: Nadeem Shravan
Director: Mahesh Bhatt
Plot:
This was another movie with a plot of 2 lovers done to death. The guy and the gal meet on the same day, and fall in love. The gal lives in a strict catholic school, while the guy is a good for nothing idiot. Eventually, Guy’s mom convinces the gal to challenge him to become something in life; in process the guy misunderstands gal’s intention, but still goes on to become a famous singer. At which point the mum re-unites the guy and the gal. Nothing dramatic or creative here, but some mind blowing music, and Mahesh Bhatt’s superb handling of the subject were enough to take this movie into a super hit status.
Highlights:
Excellent music. : Aashiqui was without a doubt a great musical score – in fact the music lifted an otherwise dull movie with even duller actors. Everlasting numbers included “Jaanejigar Jaaneman”, “Nazar Ke Samne”.
Trivia:This was the debut movie for Annu Aggrawal, Rahul Roy and Mahesh Bhatt’s lucky mascot, Deepak Tijori. All of them went on to become failed actors in their future endeavors.
Other movies by the lead pair:
No director would be crazy enough to cast Rahul Roy and Anu Agrawal together.
Other movies by the same director:
As a director, Mahesh Bhatt has give out some classics including a lot of nonsense. A selection of his good movies include:
Saransh
Zakhm
Dil Hain Ke Manata Nahi
Arth
Daddy
Naam
Hero: Aamir Khan
Heroine: Madhuri Dixit
Music Director: Nadeem Shravan
Director: Inder Kumar
Plot
Dil was a classic love story cliché, done well. There was nothing in the movie one could not predict, but strong performances, great music and interesting screenplay were enough to catapult this movie into a huge hit. The story revolved around guy and a gal who cannot eye for an eye, but end up loving each other. However, the guy’s parents object to the proposal, thus prompting the guy and the gal to elope from their houses and marry. Guy’s parents successfully convince the gal to give up her love, only to be re-united in the end. It was a classic story done to death, but it sill kept the hankies wet and audiences coming back for more.
Highlights:
Aamir Khan’s and Madhuri Dixit’s acting which eventually won her the filmfare (Indian equivalent of Oscars) award for the best performance.
Super hit music which had the hits “Khambe Jaise Khadi Hain”, “O Piya Priya” and “Mujhe neend na aaye”.
Trivia:
Aamir Khan supposedly wore 6 inch heels to match up to Madhuri Dixit’s height. He is that short.
This was Indra Kumar’s directorial debut.
Other movies by lead pair:
The other movies which had Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit as lead pair were:
Deewana Mujhsa Nahi
Other movies by director:
Other movies by director Indra Kumar include:
Ishq
Mann
Beta
Raja
Masti
Pyaare Mohan
This has been a year of comedies - this is yet another comic caper starring Aftab Shivdasani, Chunky Pandey (whoa?), Zakir Hussain (what the hell?) and Snehal, with Isha Sharvani (Isha who? Remember Kisna? No? Never mind).
Anyhow, this is another movie I think never generated enough buzz in Bollywood or the telly - frankly I haven’t even seen the promo or trailer of Darwaza Bandh Rakho, much less heard any songs. And again, I think its a Factory product, which has a notorious record of producing bad movies.
Here’s quick update on the reviews of this movie:
Media bol:
The folks at rediff have rated it a single star and call the movie lame (what would you expect with Aftab?)
The actors have done their best though. Manisha Koirala, as one of the hostages, disappointed. I guess we could blame it on the lame character. The prime hostage, Isha fits in her role (again lame).
The good bits you ask? Well, the camerawork is pretty much all that keeps your eyes on the screen. There is something to be said in favour of the title song too. But, as I said, these are small reprieves.
And Taran Adarsh seems to have taken a liking to Darwaza over Anthony:
On the whole, DARWAZA BANDH RAKHO is a fun ride that should appeal to lovers of comedy. At the box-office, the main opposition this week [ANTHONY KAUN HAI?] and the big one next week [K.A.N.K.] will affect its prospects. The film will have to rely on a strong word of mouth eventually.
Will do another update tomorrow as soon as I find more reviews, including from blogosphere.
]]>The film also stars Minissha, who is quickly becoming a forgotten heroine.
Here’s a quick round up of reviews on new bollywood movie on the block: Anthony Kaun Hai
Media Bol:
Taran Adarsh craps that the movie works, but intermittently (nobody can understand how though):
Soumik’s script is absorbing in parts and keeps the viewer on toes, but there’s a major flaw. When you have a title like ANTHONY KAUN HAI?, the viewer wants to know ki bhaiya, Anthony aakhir hai kaun?
Surprisingly there are no more reviews on this Sanjay Dutt caper. Will do a quick update tomorrow and update these reviews again.
]]>Rajkumar Santoshi became a household name after this movie. Though Sunny Deol had his usual over the top action, he was considerably restrained, and gave an amazing performance as a wounded man. It wasn’t a surprise then that this movie ended up becoming a monster hit. This movie also gave an otherwise forgotten Meenakshi Seshadri, a much needed career boost. It remains still Raj Kumar Santoshi’s best movie yet.
Smiley more or less matches my sentiments on this movie:
I would say that Sunny Deol’s performance in Ghayal is the best among all his movies though he was equally good in movies like Damini and Arjun. Amrish puri and Om puri gave the best of the performances.
What do you think about this movie? I personally think this was Sunny Deol’s and Raj Kumar Santoshi’s best.
]]>Allright people, the initial reviews are flowing in already, at least from the media side. With 2 days still to go, we are already seeing reviews, from where else? But Indiafm.
Media Bol
Taran adarsh has praised the movie to the skies and calls it a Karan Johar genius:
On the whole, KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is an outstanding film from the writing, performance and execution point of view. It has style, substance, it takes challenges and doesn’t follow formulas
In KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA, the actors get a chance to shine and no one shines brighter than Shah Rukh Khan. Let’s just state one thing here: This is SRK’s finest work after D.D.L.J.
It would be unfair to describe either Abhishek Bachchan or Preity Zinta’s performances as ‘lesser’. Abhishek is brilliant, especially when he gets serious towards the end.
Rani is remarkable yet again. In fact, if you consider BLACK to be her most memorable performance so far, then watch her in KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA. This surpasses her work in BLACK or VEER-ZAARA and PAHELI
– OK Taran Adarsh, you didnt have to be that obvious that you’ve been paid to say this!
Raja Sen from Rediff has trashed this movie in his rediff review of KANK. Close to four hours?! WTF?!
As does the film. Despite the bad handling, the pained acting, fractured narrative and twisty plot, there are moments where you grin. Moments where Khan pulls off some (ad-lib?) panache, where a line actually comes off as funny, where things work. But, in a film dragging close to four hours and making you feel each minute, we deserve way more smiles per hour. And, for all the hype about Bollywood heading into a ‘bold’ direction, KANK ends up being a lot of oversight with barely any insight. No motivations are explained, no headway made. Couples on the verge of marriage would do well not to head into the theatre. You may be dumped for the choice of flick
Blogger Bol
Cine-reviewer does an indepth analysis of the movie and gives it 4/5:
The movie is technically quite a Marvel on the INDIAN screen. No fights, no silly looking stunts, no super-heroes. A movie based on relationships, love and above all the importance of PEOPLE.
The movie should do quite well because of its mammoth Star-cast and remarkable individual perfomances. Some portions may not go well with the audience.
The guy next door thinks the magic of Karan Johar is missing from his earlier movies in KANK (like KJ had any!):
How was it ? Hmm, tough to say. It had all the things you expect in a Karan Johar movie - Big Canvas, Charismatic SRK, Gorgeous Rani , Stunning visuals , Nice songs, Special Apperance from …. You know who, A bit of light moments, A Few passionate ones. But it didnt have the one big effect KJ’s earlier 2 movies had, the effect for which I think they made what KJ is today - It didnt make me (or anyone else) cry…
Hirenshah has gone on a philosphical tangent about this movie and its theme of extra marita affairs. A very interesting review of Kabhi Alvida indeed:
This movie is similar to “Silsila” that came twenty years ago which featured Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan.He had an affair with Rekha in the movie( only?)
Though everybody has acted very well, the movie is over melodramatic in certain phases like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum.
What? a Karan Johar movie without Kadva Chauth? Spidey think so:
What makes KANK worth looking forward to is seeing how Karan Johar, who usually manages to fit all of ‘Indian culture’ from the moon-gazing Karwa Chauth to the glitzy marriages into his movies, tackles this ’sensitive’ theme with his favorite ladies in tow.
Shubradeep has a great review (amongst the best so far) on Kabi alvida na kehna:
Shahrukh Khan, as Dev, uses his gaunt, tired look to portray the angst of Dev, who feels completely let down and helpless, but tries to stay in control. He does overdo his tortured personality bit in couple of scenes, but is generally credible as the restless tormented soul. Rani Mukherjee, as Maya, looks homely all through the movie and that juxtaposes her failings and improprieties well
The songs, especially the rambunctious party numbers, are a drag. Not all of them help the story line and they don’t strike a chord in the first go; worse, they introduce that element of fantasy in what otherwise is a very credible movie. The finish of the movie is slick and good
Printed Sepia thinks Karan Johar should stick to family melodramas rather than such hatke films:
Karan johar is better off as a brand ambassador of glycerine products.
P.S: I am a big AB BABY fan. I saw his bare chest in antar mahal. And in KANK i saw his long hairy bare legs. OOh.. One good reason to watch KANK. DHOOM-2 trailer is being shown.
Funenclave rates the movie average, and says its NOT worth spending 150 Rs on. Do you agree?
Overall, it is a below average movie, not worth spending 150bux on it. Although the roles played by each person are quite ok according to their character, but the storyline makes the movie fall down flat. Only saviours are Amitabh Bacchand and Kiron Kher, who add the comedy touch to the movie.
Sudhar Kamat does a brilliant review, comparing KANK (Kabhi alvida na kehna) and Closer:
KANK, unlike Closer, is not about morality, it’s about vulnerability.
In Closer, infidelity is wrong. In KANK, it’s human.
Closer does not forgive cheaters. KANK is more kind.
Closer is so dark, real. KANK sugarcoats it, makes it distant.
August 21 Update
Greatbong celebrates his two years of writing, by giving us a review on Kabi Alvida. And he says it best:
There are other smaller issues—for a director who prides himself on originality and opposes the Hindi film industry from being referred to as “Bollywood”, KJo sure does copy sorry internalize many sequences from other movies
In conclusion, despite having its moments (few and far between) and despite holding some amount of promise, “Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna” totally fails to be anything more…
Keep a watch more reviews to follow.
OVERALL RATING SO FAR - MIXED! People are not liking this movie I think.
]]>Next Update 8.9.2006.
The reviews of Omkara have started to flow in. By the looks of it, it seems Vishal Bharadwaj has a winner on his hands. And the starcast of Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgan and Vivek Oberoi need a hit desperately at this time of their careers.
I am more than eager to check out this movie - after a long time Bollywood seems to have come up with something interesting. Lets do a quick round up of reviews floating around:
Media Bol
Times of India’s Nikhat Kazmi has been effusive in its praise:
The treatment is absolutely original. From the rustic flavour of the dialogues to the folksy lyricism of the music, the raunchy dance numbers, the mofussil setting and the riveting climax: Omkara is a well-garnished, aesthetically appeasing platter of stylish Bollywood at its creative best.
Indiaglitz calls it an experience:
I would say, check out ‘Omkara’. It’s an Experience just to see Saif’ stained smile. Mr Shakespeare you can rest in peace. Your heritage is in safe hands with Vishal Bharadwaj.
Rediff has already heaped praises on this movie and calls it an excellent remake of the play:
As a man stricken, in turns, by jealousy and love, Ajay Devgan is admirable. Saif and Kareena prove they really need a good director to shine, so can the rest please stop offering them ghastly boy-meets-girl roles and recognise their potential? Konkona Sensharma, who plays Langda’s wife Indu, is her usual efficient self, as is Naseeruddin Shah in his role of the politician Bhaisaab.
Indiafm has a similar take - it is surprising to see Taran Adarsh giving a arsty movie this high marks:
On the whole, OMKARA is a brilliant film from the making point of view and is also embellished with topnotch performances
Funnily enough, a newspaper from Kenya has carried a review too and calls it a landmark film!
With Omkara, he delves more into the Indian audience’s heart with a theme on love, relationships, power, sex and jealousy - a movie that has all the makings to become a landmark film of this decade in Indian Cinema.
Apunkachoice has the first negative review on this movie perhaps:
Vishal Bhardwaj has made a laudable attempt at adapting a literary work that was written around 400 years ago. But seen apart from Shakespeare, the movie is an average flick that tells a story which many can relate to, but may not be impressed by.
From Hindustan Times:
He is ably aided by his star cast, all of whom seem comfortable in an interesting mix of Hindi and Bhojpuri. Devgan puts in a restrained performance, while the crude and crafty Tyagi is perhaps Saif Ali Khan’s best portrayal ever. Oberoi looks like he is all set for a resounding comeback. Konkona, Kareena and Bipasha lend credence to their roles.
Media Rating (5/6) = 83%
There dont seem to be more media reviews yet. Will update it again.
Lets see if bloggers have anything to say on this movie yet.
Blogger bol:
Cooltintin is favorable in his review, but thinks that the language (UP) might be a barrier to an otherwise excellent film:
Anyone who has followed Indian cinema since the 70s will note the clear influence in Vishal’s work-style from his previous two movies.
If you have not seen an Indian movie in a long time, this is the one to break your hiatus with.
Dhammo says the movie is long, but well worth it (spoilers alert):
Much of our ranting against most Hindi movies we have seen in recent times has been about the lack of a decent script. But Omkara definitely doesn’t lack in that department. If anybody could tell a good story, the bard could. That given, how do you tell an English story, especially in Hindi.
Vishal Bharadwaj shows you how.
Whoisdeep “>is mighty impressed as well:
From the beginning only the movie gives a different impression, it has comedy, it has action, it has drama and a very good climax…
So to sum it up, I would give the movie 4 stars out of 5. It is a “must watch” movie and should watch only in theatres
Neha stayed up late to write a review on this movie, perhaps because she loved it. I know that feeling - have done that so many times myself:
The editing could have been slightly tighter, but the movie is just a visual treat, that you don’t mind the extra-languid shots, or the odd fade-outs. The reds, green and abundant natural light add a great sense of earthiness. The casting fits well, except for Vivek Oberoi and Bipasha Basu (who play the roles of Cassio and his mistress Bianca).
I completely agree about the Vivek Oberoi part - he was miscast.
Karan probably has the first negative take on this movie in the blogosphere, and felt disappointed, and rates is just about average:
But mincing no words now, I have to admit that I was disappointed with Omkara. With a plot pregnant with far far more drama than Maqbool, it simply didn’t have the intensity or the power of the latter. Save for the last ten minutes, when the rein from the bland characters finally passes on to the actual plot that it ends on an above-average note, the film’s got mediocre written all over it.
Shahid feels though Omkara strays from the original a bit, its certainly worth a dekho, minus the long slow middle portions:
The pace drags in the middle portions and too much footage is unnecessarily wasted on Billo. This is a trivial character but, due to Bipasha Basu’s presence, gets a few scenes, a couple of songs and a dragged out sub-plot. You sit through this in patience for the climax and finale and it lets you down with the lack of expected sparks.
And there is a German reviewer who has written a post on this movie, rating it 9/10. I couldnt make out anything else, but if you do - hop in there and read it.
Brangan does a great analysis on the movie, and like everyone else is surprised by Saif Ali’s superlative performance as Iago:
Shakespeare’s Venetian noblemen move to the Hindi-heartland underworld in a lewd, lusty, enormously satisfying adaptation.
But then the strangest thing happened during the scene where Langda is passed over for promotion; after seeing the expressions that flit across Saif’s face – from surprise to bewilderment to shock to disappointment to resentment to rage to cold acceptance – the character came together completely.
Resident expert Desitrain gives this movie a thumbs and calls it a creative and brilliant effort:
A Minus. Every attempt should be made to go to the theater and enjoy this spectacle. A creative and brilliant endeavor miraculously has found its way to our cine screens, in the dried, parched lands of Bollywood. It’s now your turn to come out and support this outstanding attempt.
And now some more reviews that you should (no excerpts here)
http://dileepzone.blogspot.com/2006/08/omkara-indian-othello.html
All in all, Omkara looks like a thumbs up! Will do another roundup in coming days and update the ratings.
Blogger Rating: 7/8 = 88%
I will put my review on the movie soon. But in a nutshell - Omkara ROCKS!
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