SashaHalima Reviews

My Brother... Nikhil (2005)

Film for Thought...Superb!

[10/10 · 12 May 2005]

My Brother...Nikhil -- The movie left me in tears. It was refreshing to see an Indian film, dealing with a social issue that didn't try to make the issue out to be a exaggerated and hypocritical wrong thing.

I just remember seeing Girlfriend and being appalled at how the film portrayed homosexuals. I have friends that are homosexuals and they are some of the nicest people I've ever met, and that film making them out to be these insane horrible individuals was a real turn off...and that's another review!

But back to the main topic, My Brother...Nikhil was fabulous from the storyline, to the music (Le Chale - will leave your heart mourning with tears in your eyes - no matter which version you hear -- I like the Shaan version the best ), the acting is fabulous! Sanjay Suri is amazing! If he doesn't get a Filmfare or a nod from some sort of higher film academy it would be really sad. I mean, his acting, directing, everything. It's been a long time since I've seen a Hindi film that I walked away from and said "wow." There is a part of the film where Lillete Dubey who plays Nikhil's mom tells him that he was a weak baby and she wishes that he had died then as a child. This is after the family finds out Nikhil has contracted HIV...needless to say, the scene will make your jaw drop. Sanjay and Lillete are beyond amazing in this scene.

Kabhi is another song in the film... it's really a laid back tune...very Goa-Esq I think. Kind of like what Jack Johnson's music is to the US's coasts would be what Kabhi would be to Goa I suppose. It has that a beach like, laid back, but trendy sound to it. Juhi was good. She played the role as if it was made for her.

One of the things that I found the most interesting and the most refreshing about the film is the element of HOW. Meaning, the audience never finds out HOW Nikhil contracted the virus, they are just aware of the fact that he has it. I liked this dramatic element a lot because I feel that it doesn't take away from the virus or the situation at hand. It shows Nikhil has human, like you and I, a person with feelings...a golden boy who has been ousted by his surroundings. I'm glad we do not know, it leaves the mind to wonder.

I saw the making of the film on the DVD of it that I rented (it's on the Elite Films DVD version) and they were talking about how the story is based on a true story of something that did actually happen in Goa. I wasn't sure if it really was, but after wards I thought it was quite admirable to do a film such as this in Hindi cinema.

Another element of the film is the fact that it starts in the 1980s in India...which is the same decade that the USA has it own AIDS "scare".

Even if the subject matter bothers you, or you do not like Hindi films, go watch it just to Sanjay Suri portray what I would consider the role of his career!

10/10

Girlfriend (2004)

Pitiful

[3/10 · 11 September 2004]

I was actually disappointed in this movie. It was suppose to be one of those films, from the previews etc., that was liberal and accepting and opening new doors in Bollywood cinema...it was everything but that!

This is one of the most closed minded films I've ever seen. The promos and previews give off the impression that this film is applauding homosexuality, but it isn't. It's actually a extremely conservative film, that contradicts all of its promotional items.

As a young person in the new generation, who is a free thinker, it's very disappointing, to see one's culture come farther and farther and more accepting to the new ways of the world, only to be shot down by a film like this.

I am not homosexual, but I have friends that are, and this film could be considered offensive if anything. Offensive, without reasonable doubt, and no redeeming quality, as other one-sided/racist/supremist/conservative etc. films have -- i.e, American History X, Fire, The Believer etc.

Spoilers....

"Girlfriend" makes homosexuality out to be a bad thing. These people didn't choose to become this way, it just happened, and this film treats it like they are a spick of dirt that should be killed -- as is Isha's character, who is also clinically insane in the film, is.

But if we must compare it to other Indian controversial films, let's compare it to Kya Kehna with Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta. Boy flirts with girl, Girl flirts with boy, Boy and girl have sex before marriage, Girl gets Pregnant without being married...

The different between these two films is that in 'Kya' in the end Preity's character, talks about the fact, that when a baby is born in wedlock it's a gift from god, but when it's born out of wedlock it's treated like a rotten tooth in society. Babies didn't ask to be placed on this earth, so why should they suffer, and is her baby actually some sort of rotten tooth? Of course not and we get a happy ending.

In Girlfriend, lesbianism is denounced, degraded and then the Lesbian in the film, is killed because she's insane.

This movie really DOES NOT have steamy scenes, they don't exist, it's all in the promos. Indian films with steamy scenes -- check "Jism" , that is what Indian cinema is scared of. I remember seeing articles about protesters protesting "Girlfriend" and burning the posters.

I found it amusing because, after viewing the film, Lesbians should be burning the posters because it makes them look bad. The film is extremely tame and pretty pitiful. I give it a 3 -- Amrita, Scenes and I feel sorry for it.

A better movie in the same general area -- "Fire," "Earth," "Jism," "Touch of Pink".

Yuva (2004)

Independent-esq

[10/10 · 12 July 2004]

The first review I ever read for this film was on IndiaFM and that was after I watched it. That review completely underrated this film. Just from looking across the web I've come across a couple rotten reviews too, all of which I don't agree with.

SPOILER WARNING:

A lot of people complain about a "real" ending for Little B's character Lallan - not just the scene in jail before he goes for sentencing. But did anyone ever care to use their imagination for a change? The problem with a lot of Indian cinema is that most times they are very predictable and feed you detail for detail everytime. It's disgusting sometimes, because it's overdone in so many ways. I find it very refreshing to see a film come along that doesn't do that.

I've also read a lot of complaints about how the Kareena/Vivek story doesn't strike as a deep, heart-wrenching one. Does it have to do that to be good? Less is more no? Why should it have to be overdone in the Muhjse Dosti Karoge-Main Prem Ke Diwani Hoon format? Can't simple, sweet love be acceptable? Did anyone see the ending for Bichhoo? or the infamous Lagaan for that matter?

Then there is the Ajay/Esha story that I read was no big "woop". 'The fact that they win elections doesn't make a difference, you aren't leaving your seats jumping up in the air'. I beg to differ...

While Politics plays a large role in this film, intelligent movie go-ers who can read between the lines and appreciate the film for what it is, looking beyond the politics of it all, will disagree.

This movie reminds me very much so of an IFC production of some kind - rich in raw emotion, with clean and simple real acting.

Speaking of the IFC I read that this film 'wouldn't appeal to the masses' because of the politics and thus, it wouldn't be a 'worthy' film... hmmm where have I heard that before??? Oh yeah! Michael Moore "Bowling for Columbine" - yeah! and he won an Oscar! So much for not appealing to the masses - that DOES NOT mean it's a bad film. And it is NOT grounds to call it a flop either. Come on people use your brain, that's what it's there for!

Abhshiek is amazing in his negative role as Lallan and I would not be surprised if he won Filmfare's Best Villain. In this role he really did squash doubts that he isn't a Baachan(sp?).

Rani is as beautiful, and talented as always. She really did this role justice as Lallan's wife.

Esha was sweet and simple, she didn't need to do extreme acting - less is more.

Ajay - well he doesn't disgust me anymore. Another surprise - he did his role well. Who knew he could play a college student and do it well. Too bad, he won't let Kajol do another film with Shah Rukh (but that's another review).

Kareena, good role, she played it well.

Vivek surprised me - he did his role justice.

The music is amazing! From the techno, to the ethnic to the chorale sounds, it was awesome. First class on that!

Final verdict - forget the critics - they know nothing anyway - WATCH THE FILM!!! Make your own decision.

Main Hoon Na (2004)

Great Farah Khan Debut!

[10/10 · 5 July 2004]

Farah Khan, who brought us the best dances moves ever, has taken up making pictures! Great move on her part I must say! As a dancer I always looked up to her for amazing steps (Dil Se, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, recently Bombay Dreams, to name a few!) and when I heard she was producing a film, I was a bit "iffy"...

Main Hoon Na, is "Grease" meets "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" meets "James Bond" (I think I read that somewhere online, and thought, that is so true)!

The music is amazing! The title song, "Main Hoon Naa" is superbly sweet and really reflects the "I'm here now" that the film conveys... "Chale Jaise Hawain" is a true campus song, and reminds me greatly of "It's Time to Disco" from "Kal Ho Naa Ho" (another Shah Rukh Khan-er)... "Gori Gori Gori" is very 1920s meets present day, with flapper-esq dance moves and scat-sound, reminds you of those zoot suit-ers... "Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha" is suppose to be the major love song in the film for Shah Rukh and Sushmita, it's very catchy and if you don't like it the first time, don't be surprised if it sticks in your head and eventually grows on you... "Tumse Milke Dil Ka Jo Haal" is the other love song of the film and features all four characters, it's the song that most of the promos for Main Hoon Na feature, it's another cute catchy one that'll have you humming without knowing it... and lastly, there is "Yeh Fizaein" which is the last song of the film, and is during the credits (which are done very unique!!!), the song is catchy and the video is totally "Grease" meets "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai".

Amrita Rao is excellent in the film. If there were any doubts about her before, this should seal the deal, that she is a up and coming Preity Zinta.

Zayed Khan (Suzanne Khan-Roshans's brother and Hrithik Roshan's brother-in-law) proves only further that he can surely act, although I think his dancing needs a bit of work. But he's definitely by far better off than his cousin Fardeen (who paired with the other Amrita (Arora) in "Kitne Door Kitne Paas"). Zayed is keeping the lineage alive! Check out "Chura Liya Hai Tumne".

Sushmita Sen was incredible, I was very surprised because usually she has a awful habit of letting Aish cast a shadow over her and chooses very poor and corny roles. The last time I can honestly say I've seen Sush this good was in "Fiza" for her guest role, and before that "Biwi no.1". Way to go Sush!

Shah Rukh Khan is as amazing as always. Totally a slap in the face for Filmfare for giving his Best Actor to Hrithik for "Koi Mil Gaya" rather than his "Kal Ho Naa Ho". In this film, he just keeps on proving further that he's a extremely versatile, trendy and class one actor!

Great movie! I bought the double disc DVD! Fantastic Job Farah Khan!

Captured by You (2003)

'Charade' Meets Indian Cinema

[10/10 · 28 June 2004]

Does Audrey Hepburn's "Charade" ring any bells? It should, because "Chura Liya Hai Tumne" is so very similar to it. Replace three male villains, with two male and a female bad a** + replace the heroine's husband with her uncle + add in her cousin and the cousin's son + mix it up with Bollywood style some decades later = Chura Liya Hai Tumne/Charade. Esha Deol is no Audrey, and Zayed Khan (in his debut film) is no Gregory Peck, but it's still an awesome film. Some elements are extremely corny, for lack of a better term, stereotypical of Indian films and at times so rawly raunchy, you want to just cringe. But aside from that, it is an excellent story, great songs, and superb acting on both parts by Zayed and Esha. They have amazing chemistry and the story line keeps you on your toes. "Boys Are Best", is my favorite song from the film, it's light and airy, reminding me of a Hindi reprise of a 60s Frankie Avalon movie. While, "Do you Love Me" is too cute, quirky and simply adorable. "Mohabaat Hai Mirchi" is exactly how it sounds, "HOT," with the bad girl looking like she belongs in Indian Playboy, for sheer silicon looking breasts and no dancing technique or talent along with her six-inch-stripper-heels -- sure to make men sweat in their seats. This movie only proves further that Esha Deol is an excellent dancer, (see "Naa Tum Jano Naa Hum"), and that Zayed Khan should make another one (wait! he did "Main Hoon Naa"). Final comment - watch it!

Bollywood/Hollywood (2002)

A Good Laugh!

[10/10 · 28 June 2004]

If you like Lisa Ray and Rahul Khanna, this film is totally for you. I first saw Rahul Khann doing VJ work for AVS and I saw him in "Earth" with Aamir Khan and was totally blown away by his performance. When I first heard about B/H I thought it was going to be completely stupid and senseless, but, even though it can be called a spoof of Indian cinema, it is any but the aboved mentioned. It was a nice light laugh, especially with the Shakespeare-rattling grandmother called the first girlfriend a "white whore" and always referring to the "levitating accident". I couldn't stop laughing. Some of the characters were extremely stereotypical, but that's okay, because it only adds to the films appeal and a light hearted refreshing approach to an east-west fusion film. This is definitely much better than "American Chai" and merits up there with the likes of "Bend it Like Beckham". For another great Lisa Ray film, definitely check out "Kasoor", she'll blow you away. After seeing a film like "Raaz", it really makes you think that Bipsha Basu's performance was somehow based or gathered closely from Lisa's in "Kasoor". A definite step into dramatic/crime Indian cinema. Bollywood/Hollywood is a great film, and you should check out the films from the director too, "Earth", "Water" and "Fire."

Ishq Hai Tumse (2004)

New Twist on a oldie.

[6/10 · 25 June 2004]

It's cute but lacks emotional depth. Good performances from Bipasha and Dino, with no actual help from any of the other actors. I really enjoyed the beginning when there was lots of conversation and flirting between the actors, but as the film continued some of those sparks were lost and it was just a film begging for the end to come. Bipasha and Dino were surely much better in "Gunaah". However, this was better than "Raaz", so it's all about opinions I suppose. There is no violence and extreme drama, as most Indian movies have. However, it is a light and airy film, which is good for those days when you want to watch and Indian movie without the emotional baggage that comes with it. Costumes are great, not overly westernized with overly-seen-big-brand-names-everywhere or easternized with tacky-multi-neon-colored outfits, and the bowling scenes are pretty corny, but all in all, it's decent. Watch it.

Gunaah (2002)

Unexpected...good.

[8/10 · 25 June 2004]

I always like Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea as a couple, especially when it came to modeling. And I saw them together in "Raaz" and I was like, okay, it was alright. Maybe they shouldn't make movies together. I actually found Bipasha to be better with John Abraham in films like "Jism" and "Aetbaar". However, after seeing "Gunaah" I really was amazed. It's so pure. I totally think one should see it. The fact that Dino has literally no lines in the film, and most of the acting is based on pure chemistry, feeling and eye contact, really does do wonders. There is wonderful acting chemistry between them. It's not very often you can see a pair light up the see like this. The emotional content of the film is truly superb, and I think that's what the real summary of it is. There is action, bad guys, and hidden loves. Go see it!