anant_mathur Reviews

Tango Charlie (2005)

A Well Made Film!

[8/10 · 8 May 2005]

TANGO CHARLIE is in a class of it's own. It's not really a war film. It's actually an anti-war film. I'm not going to reveal any part of the story. All I'll say is that it's worth a look. It's very realistic and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

There have been many war films released in the last year or so. But Tango Charlie is not like any of them. Even the reason behind the name TANGO CHARLIE is quite original for the Indian Cinema.

Out of the cast, it's Ajay Devgan who leads the pack. His performance is amazing to say the least. He is very comfortable in this role and makes you feel like he's a real soldier. Kelly Dorji is another guy to watch out for. The role seems tailor made for him. Bobby Deol does a decent job. Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty are excellent in small but memorable roles. Nandana Sen leaves a mark. Tanishaa is getting better with each performance.

Nitin Manmohan needs to be congratulated for having the guts to make a different kind of film. Mani Shankar has done an incredible job with the direction. Surendra Reddy's cinematography deserves a special mention. Every frame makes you feel like you're right there with the actors.

On the whole, TANGO CHARLIE is different. It leaves you with something to think about and is quite entertaining.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001)

Full Khushi for K3G!

[9/10 · 8 May 2005]

I have no idea where to start. There is so much to say...well here goes.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was one of the most awaited films in the history of the Indian Cinema. In the first three days of its theatrical release, the film broke all Box Office Records.

K3G (as it is lovingly called) was Director Karan Johar's next film after his debut with the blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The expectations were very high for K3G and the film met every expectation. The film had a good story, great technicians, wonderful music and arguably the biggest star-cast since SHOLAY.

To me, the two things that stood out the most in the film were the Editing and Background Music. K3G uses someone the newest editing techniques and shows once again how great the new generation of Hindi Film Directors and Tecnicians are.

The Background music is the backbone of the film, it is what makes this film great. It's easy to see that Karan Johar and Producer Yash Johar spent a lot of time and money on the background and let me tell you it was worth every penny. Without the background music the film would not evoke the same emotions that it does. Lata Mangeshkar's voice is used throughout the film with the background music and make you feel every moment of the film. The background music shows how talented Karan Johar really is.

The song and dance sequences are amazing in the film. The sets are very nice and the locations are wonderful.

This is another must have DVD, you will definitely watch it over and over again. A great family entertainer, young or old you'll love it. After all, It's all about loving your parents...

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Once Upon A Time In India!

[10/10 · 8 May 2005]

You can add the name of Ashutosh Gowatrikar to the list of the new generation of Indian Film Directors. An amazing list with the likes of Aditya Chopra (Mohabbatein, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge), Farhan Akhtar (Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya), Karan Johar (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai), Sooraj Barjatya (Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hain), Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam). And Now Ashutosh Gowatrikar (Lagaan).

When I went to see Lagaan in the theater, I had certain expectations of what the story was going to be like. But as I watched the film I realized that it was nothing like what I thought. The story was totally unexpected. It was quite a surprise. Never before has a film done that, usually the trailers, promos or songs of an Indian film give the story away and you get an idea of what the film is going to be like, but Lagaan was a total surprise.

The story is very well told and each character is well etched. Aamir Khan gives one of his best performances in the film. New find Gracy Singh gives an excellent performance. The Direction and Story of Ashutosh Gowatrikar are beyond words. After watching the film, it is very easy to see why this film was sent to the Oscars for the Best Foreign Film category.

A great movie, definitely worth watching at least 10 or 12 times.

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)

One of the best family films ever!

[10/10 · 8 May 2005]

At a time when action films were the norm of Indian Cinema came a family film called "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun". A film that broke all the records at the time. It was the turning point in Indian Cinema to move away from violent films and towards more romantic and creative efforts or as I like to call them "Films without Villains".

Hum Aapke Hain Kaun started it all. The film is directed by Sooraj Barjatya, it is his second film after Maine Pyaar Kiya. HAHK stars Salman Khan as Prem and Madhuri Dixit as Pooja, its about how they fall in love and what they have to go through to finally end up together, throw in some family values and emotion and you have Hum Aapke Hain Kaun.

Everyone should watch this film, but wait, I think they already have!

Enjoy!

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Come fall in love...with a Classic!!!

[10/10 · 8 May 2005]

Probably one of the greatest love stories ever told. Director Aditya Chopra made his debut as a director with this film. Aditya is the son of legendary Director/Producer Yash Chopra who gave us films like Deewar, Darr, Waqt, Kabhie Kabhie, Dil To Pagal Hai and Veer-Zaara.

Aditya was one the first Directors of the New Generation of the Indian film Directors. With his first film he got rave reviews and was immediately classified as one of the best directors in Indian Cinema. With DDLJ, Aditya showed us what falling in love, respect, and family values are all about. This film also confirmed the Pair of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol as one of the best in the Indian Cinema. It made Kajol and Shah Rukh superstars over night and two of the most sought after actors.

DDLJ also started the trend of love stories in Indian Cinema. Before DDLJ, most Indian films were action films. But DDLJ changed all that and the way of war was changed to a way of love. It's incredible how this film changed the Indian Cinema and the way of making films. DDLJ is a Forever Classic.

It recently set a new record for the longest running film when it crossed the 500th week mark (that means it's a 10 time golden jubilee), the previous record was 275 weeks and was held by SHOLAY (another forever classic). All I can say is you must watch this movie, because "After Raj met Simran, love wasn't the same...come fall in love all over again".

Main Hoon Na (2004)

Farah Khan is a genius!!!

[10/10 · 8 May 2005]

Farah Khan is a genius!!! That's the only way to describe the incredible job she has done with her debut film. One expects this kind of a film from a pro who's been at it for a great many years. But from the first frame to the last, she has held it together better than most pros can. Main Hoon Na is a great example of what a great director can accomplish. Farah Khan deserve many awards and accolades for this film. Nothing seems out of place, everything is perfect. The Chemistry between Shahrukh Khan and Sushmita Sen is electric, it's a wonder that no one ever thought of pairing these two earlier. But I'm sure now we'll see a lot of them together.

The Dialogues (Abbas Tyrewala of Munna Bhai MBBS fame) are excellent throughout the film. If Munna Bhai was the funniest film of last year, then MHN will give any comedy a run for its money this year. The Cinematography and Choreography is eye-catching and beautiful. The songs are perfectly placed through out the film.

The Performance: Shahrukh Khan has given one of his best performance so far (and that too with a bad back). He's the undisputed King Khan. If there is anyone who stands out more than SRK its Amrita Rao and Sushmita Sen. These girls are just incredible, Amrita Rao will take your breath away. She's by far the best newcomer in recent years and sure to be a Superstar. Sushmita Sen has never been so good, her performance as well as her look is quite extraordinary and fresh. Zayed Khan has played his character to the T, he will be well like by all.

Boman Irani and Bindu are excellent in their performances. Bindu's performance is up to par with her performance in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun. Boman Irani shows how talented he really is, in an unforgettable role. Satish Shah will shower you with great comedic moments. He's excellent. Kiron Kher does full justice to her performance. Suniel Shetty as you have never seen before and Naseeruddin Shah in a memorable role.

Overall, MHN is an extremely well made film with excellent performance. I have bought the 2 Disc special edition of the film and its loaded with bonus feature. A must have for all film lovers. Up and coming directors can learn a thing or two from Miss Farah Khan.

Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)

A Laugh Riot!

[10/10 · 8 May 2005]

The funniest film of 2003 and perhaps the DECADE. Munna Bhai MBBS is a non-stop laugh riot! Sanjay Dutt gives another mind-blowing performance.

Rajkumar Hirani is the new kid on the Block, but it doesn't show, one of would think he's a veteran filmmaker by the way he has directed his debut venture. Vidhu Vinod Chopra is not know for producing comedies, but his risk has paid off BIG TIME!!!

The film also stars Sunil Dutt, after a very long gap, but he does full justice to his role, he's in full form and doesn't miss a single beat. Rohini Hattangadi is excellent. Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani simply steal the show. Gracy Singh is Sweet, Sensitive and spellbinding. Jimmy Shergill is excellent in a role that seems tailor made for him.

Abbas Tyrewalla's Dialogues are superb and are the soul of the film. A definite must see!!!

Hulchul (2004)

A Great Entertainer

[7/10 · 8 May 2005]

Priyadarshan's Hulchul is a great entertainer. Like his earlier film Hungama, this one will also have you in splits. There are a lot of great actors in the film. Starting with Akshay Khanna, Kareena Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Amrish Puri, Arshad Warsi and many more.

Arshad Warsi is hilarious, he picks up where he left off in Munna Bhai MBBS. His character is well etched and has you laughing every time he's on the screen. Paresh Rawal is great as usual.

Akshaye Kumar and Kareena Kapoor have great on screen chemistry its clearly visible in the song "Rafta Rafta". They fit their roles like a glove. Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty are good as usual.

Sadly, this is one of Amrish Puri's last performances, but he does a great job. He will be sorely missed and remembered forever!

Kisna: The Warrior Poet (2005)

Such A Horrible Film

[1/10 · 8 May 2005]

My god!!! What a horrible film. One expects a lot better stuff from Mr. Subhash Ghai. Claiming to be a showman is only good if you can back it up with good films. But lately, Mr. Ghai has disappointed to say the least.

I fail to understand what the point of Isha Shravani's character is in the film. Okay so the girl can do a rope dance, that doesn't mean you put that in the story. Her character doesn't belong in the story. It seems like Mr. Ghai used the First Draft of his film. Doesn't he think he should read his script over to make sure it makes sense? It seems like he wrote it, then forgot about it and then saw this girl who could do a rope dance and figured…Oh I should put her in the film, no one has ever seen a girl doing a rope dance. Mr. Ghai needs to re-read his scripts to make sure there are no loose ends, he seems like an amateur with this film. When I write a script I read it at least 50-60 times and keep changing things until it makes sense. That's what a good writer does. You can't be happy with the first thing you write that's just wrong.

The story could have been so good without the Isha Shravani character. Her character totally screwed up the plot and the story. Mr. Ghai needs to stop making formula films, not every film needs to have a love triangle. Stories can be told without triangles. Mr. Ghai needs to take some pointers from the like of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Mani Ratnam. Stop making the same story over and over and over again. What an idiot! If you're out of ideas, don't make films anymore; we don't need to be tortured like this.

Mr. Ghai needs to go back to film school and learn the latest techniques of film-making and story telling. I feel sorry for anyone who's attending his film school. Doesn't he realize that the audience is getting smarter...People will no longer accept the crap they dished out 10-20 years ago. This film is actually worst than the worst films they made 10-20 years ago.

Mr. Ghai did everything in the film from Direction to Writing to Producing to Editing. He seems to be very proud of that fact because its there in BIG letters in the film...perhaps he should concentrate on just one thing and leave the others to professionals. Okay...I don't want to talk about Mr. Ghai anymore…He's leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

All the performances are average and I'm being generous here. The only one that stands out is a cameo by Sushmita Sen. Isha Shravani need to climb back up the rope she came down from. She can't act and the only reason it seems she's in this movie is because she can dance on a rope. That's the dumbest thing ever!!

On the whole, I have never said this about a film, but...I WANT MY MONEY BACK...Don't waste your time or money on this one. Unless you want to see a girl spinning on a rope at 20 different parts of the film, for no reason what so ever, there is no reason to watch it. This is the by far the worst Subhash Ghai film ever. One expects more from him. DON"T WATCH IT AT ANY COST. Even if it's the last film left on earth, it's better not to see it. I'm so disappointed. I used to be a fan of Subhash Ghai films...Can you believe that!!!

Sholay (1975)

The Greatest Story Ever Told!

[10/10 · 8 May 2005]

"Kitne Aadmi Thei", every Indian film fan knows this dialog by heart. Sholay was released in 1975, also the year I was born in, coincidence, perhaps. The film became the longest running Indian film in the theaters, a record that stood for over 25 years until it was broken recently by another classic "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (holds the current record 500 Weeks and still going - as on May 07, 2005).

Sholay was written by the great Duo of Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan know as Salim-Javed. The duo also gave us films like Don, Shakti, Shaan, Zanjeer, Seeta Aur Geeta and Deewar. The film was directed by Ramesh Sippy and had music of legendary R.D. Burman. Sholay gave us a Character called "Gabbar Singh" played by Amjad Khan, who made his debut with this film. The character of Gabbar Singh is so creative that many film makers have tried to imitate him for their films.

Sholay did for Indian Cinema what Casablanca did for Hollywood. It became an instant classic and broke all the rules of film making and characterization, while preserving the values of Indian cinema.

Sholay just won the Filmfare Award (2005) for being the Best Film in the last 50 years of Indian Cinema. Sadly, when Sholay was first released in 1975 it didn't win any major Filmfare awards. But when you think about all the great films that were released in that year, its easy to see how it may have been over looked. 1975 may have been the best year for Hindi films with the likes of Deewar, Chupke Chupke, Hera Pheri, Khel Khel Mein, Julie, Mausam, Ponga Pandit, Rafoo Chakkar, Uljhan, Dharmatma, Do Jasoos, Faraar, Geet Gaata Chal, Chhoti Si Baat, Aandhi and Milli - all releasing along with Sholay.

Sholay had the biggest star cast of its time with the likes of Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri, Sanjeev Kumar, Sachin, A.K. Hangal, Leela Mishra, Satyen Kappu, Mac Mohan, Jagdeep, Asrani, Helen, Jalal Agha, Iftekhar, Keshto Mukherjee and of course Amjad Khan. The Greatest Cast Ever Assembled for the Greatest Story Ever Told!

Veer-Zaara (2004)

Instant Classic

[9/10 · 7 May 2005]

INSTANT CLASSIC...those are the only words needed to describe Veer-Zaara. Yash Chopra promised a new love legend and boy did he deliver. This movie is totally Aditya Chopra's baby. I know Yash Chopra has directed it and I don't want to take anything away from his talents, he's one of the best directors in the world. But Aditya Chopra who wrote the story, dialog and screenplay deserves his due. How I wish he had directed Veer-Zaara. This is totally his baby.

From the opening scene to the closing scene...you're in awe of this wonderful story of love and friendship. All the war movies released in the last few years claimed to be showing the friendship between India and Pakistan and yet when you watch them you realize they have nothing to do with friendship. Veer-Zaara is not a war film and yet it showcases the friendship from a humanity standpoint. What a great sub-plot.

Now for the performances...Even though Shah Rukh Khan has been winning awards for SWADES. I think he did a better job of acting in Veer-Zaara and Main Hoon Na. SWADES has him playing the same character as always. Veer-Zaara and Main Hoon Na had the scope of showcasing something different and I think he should have won for one of those. His role is Veer-Zaara has him playing Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh; the role seems tailor made for Mr. SRK. He goes through even the most difficult scenes with ease, which shows how talented he really is.

Preity Zinta, if there's one actress who gets better with each performance, its miss Zinta. She is just a sight and a treat to watch in this film. And trust me, long after the show is over, if there's one name you remember from the film its Zaara Hayaat Khan.

Rani Mukherjee is another actress who everyone loves to watch on screen; with Veer-Zaara she proves that the size of the role doesn't matter it's how you portray the character that will have people remember the character. We'll always remember Saamiya Siddiqui.

Since we're talking about characters, we can't go on without talking about Divya Dutta, she's simply amazing in this film. The role is made for her; no one else could have pulled of the character so well.

There are lots of cameos in the film; I'll leave those to your imagination, just in case you haven't seen the film.

There are so many things you can talk about when you speak of a film like Veer-Zaara, but the bottom line is its top quality. You won't find many films like this. In fact, I doubt that you can.

On the whole, it's a wonderful family film and also the perfect date movie. So no matter who you are...IT'S WORTH THE MONEY...so watch it!