Chhava (2025)

 

Chhava," Vicky Kaushal's highly anticipated period drama, feels like the kind of film Bollywood and India truly need right now. It highlights a less-discussed hero of our history, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a figure who deserves so much more recognition and respect.

The action is superbly choreographed, the costumes are stunning, and the cinematography is impressive. But what truly took my breath away were the dialogues. Every word felt powerful and impactful, avoiding any unnecessary chatter. The conversation between Vicky Kaushal and Vinit Singh just before the climax perfectly sums up the essence of "Chhava," leaving you with tears in your eyes and a deep sense of pride for this forgotten hero.

It's hard to imagine any other actor playing the strong and commanding character of Chhava as convincingly as Vicky Kaushal. His attitude, body language, aggression, even his eyes—everything was perfectly in sync with the role. This performance clearly ends any debate about who the next big star of Bollywood is. The same goes for Akshay Khanna; his brilliance as an actor is certain.

In short, "Chhava" is an absolute must-watch.

Mimi (2021)

 

A movie which was awaited by a huge audience due to its orthodox starcast and a concept which is comparatively less explored and not demonstrated in the way it should be done. Unfortunately its still not done.

The movie is about an aspiring actress Mimi (Kriti Sanon) who agrees to surrogate to an American couple to fund her Bollywood dream. She is the most beautiful and glamorous women in her locality and her income comes through dance performances. She gets selected for surrogacy by the foreign couple, since dancers and athletes are considered to have the best bodies. After few months of successful IVF, the couple abandons Mimi to decide on her own the fate of the unborn baby. Till this point of time the movie is fun-filled but post this, the story moves towards romanticising motherhood. 

You will have a good time watching the movie every second you see bhanu (Pankaj Tripathi) on the screen, for a change he's got a pretty good screen time. Kriti Sanon too is pretty good and has given her every bit for the character. 

In pieces, the movie is brilliant - when bhanu tries to convince Mimi for surrogacy, when Mimi is pregnant and they try to hide her identity from the world, when the secret is revealed to Mimis parents, when the white baby is born in the small town. Even after all this, the story fails with the writing, though the execution is great by the actors. Something which is most upsetting is that the movie is not in sync with the Indian society and so we get disconnected as the movie proceeds.

So to sum it up, the movie is a mix of comedy, acting and timepass, but you need to keep aside, expectation for a strong concept & common sense/logic.

Padmaavat (January 2018)

An epic period drama of 13th century, beautifully crafted and exhibited by one of the finest makers in Bollywood. Rani Padmavati is married to Maharawal Ratan Singh, the king of Chittor. Allaudin Khilji is the ruler of Delhi Sultanat & wishes to acquire every invaluable object on the planet. He learns about the beauty of Padmvati and takes desperate measure to satisfy his greed. He manages to defeat the Rajputs and breach into the royal fort only to witness his biggest defeat when Rani Padmavati makes the ultimate sacrifice by committing Jauhar.

Shahid Kapoor as Ratan singh had limited scope for performance since he portrayed a typical role of a valor and righteousness ruler that we have been seeing in all our period dramas. Nevertheless, his hardwork in physical transformation and portraying the royal attitude w.r.t. body language, posture, expressions, sturdy voice etc can be visibly noticed. He was a decent bet for the role.

Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, was amazing and has been up to the mark every-time she was on screen. Her expression, beautiful eyes and finely crafted sleek physique marks her as a perfect fit for the role of a Royal Queen. The command this lady had on her voice and words while conversations and delivering speech could get you goosegumps.

Ranveer Singh as Allaudin Khilji, was irreplaceable and expetional. I really cannot imagine any other actor portraying a badass like him. The raw look at Ranveers face, the tiger-claw mark below his eyes and the undone hair adds to the overall personality of a ruthless, truant & heartless ruler he portrayed. Ranveer had an upper hand since Allaudin Khilji belonged to Turko-Afghan heritage & this type of character was never depicted on Indian cinema. All we know is about the Mughal’s and Nawab’s (from stories& movies), that they were extremely sophisticated and classy with their softer aspects, irrespective of them being cruel or kind.

Aditi Rao Hydari as Mehrunisa - first wife of Alauddin Khilji, Jim Sarbh as Malik Kafur - a prominent eunuch slave-general of Alauddin Khilji were good too, in fact better than what was expected of them

Bhansali, as usual has directed a beautiful peace or work and the movie is just a treat to your eyes. Till date we have been watching bright coloured sets of the Mughals in Mughal-e-azam, Jodha Akbar, etc, but here you get to see the other aspects of Indian History where the sets are a bit darker and lit by candles and lamps and believe me it’s beautiful to watch them on the big screen.

Music is good. We have only heard Ghoomar so far, apart from that, the theme music is amazing, Binte Dil is an amazing song by Arijit Singh.

This type of movie is rare and I recommend everyone without a second thought.  People may or may not like the story, but this movie has got so much more to offer the colours, acting, script, screenplay, cinematography, etc.

Wonder Woman (June 2017)

A guarded vehicle from Wayne Enterprise delivers a suitcase to Ms. Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) containing a Photograph from the 1918 world war of team. Immediately after the picture is disclosed, the movie flares back to the era when Diana was a kid and also princess of the island Themyscira. The island was a hidden province specially built for ‘The Amazons’ (Women Warriors) by the God ‘Zeus’. Amazons were brought into existence by Zeus to fight against the inhumanity and devils created by his son ‘Ares’ (The God of war). Diana grows up learning the art of war from her aunt, also the greatest Amazon warrior ‘Antiope’. Diana also learns that Ares was only defeated in the previous war and was not killed, so he may come back anytime to complete what was left unfinished earlier.

Princes Diana spots an aircraft, which has lost control and crashes in the vicinity of the island, she saves the pilot and understands from him (Steve Trevor) about the war going on, in the human world.

Diana realizes that the origin of all the evil happening in the world was Ares & decides to kill him and bring peace to human race. She leaves the Island with Steve in search of Ares and enters England amidst the World War.

She struggles with the fact that human mind was evil and believes in killing innocents as well along with the warriors during the course of war, which was not a part of any of the stories told by her mother, Queen Hippolyta.

She finds it difficult to digest the fact and repeatedly gets into war of words with authorities for the sinful acts. She fights the war and fights the God of war as well, assuming the death of Ares will end the war.

The movie is beautifully crafted and edited. The rage on Gadots face during the action and her innocence while conversations is noticeable and proves her to be the best fit for the role. She is beautiful and the sarcastic smile she portrays is amazing (was also observed in Dawn of Justice, during her combat with Doomsday).

The visuals were good, but could have been great. The war at the Beach of Themyscira amongst the Amazons and Germans was Amazing. It presented the perfect beginning to the viewers for the next 140 minutes they were in for. However, when the godly island had everything special compared to human world, the horses used by Amazons had nothing unusual. Not sure what the comic mentions, but a special ride for the warriors could have had added an edge to what it is.

The theme music as we all know is terrific and the best part is it is not used very frequently, so keeps you waiting. 

Director Patty Jenkins has successfully placed in the humor when Diana & Steve interact and understand their worlds. Their love chemistry adds new light to the movie, not breaking your connect to the script.

The previous movies from the DC have failed to perform but this movie may give a sigh of relief to the franchise. The movie has its positives and negatives, but It’s a worth watch and is a masterstroke with its level equal to what we have seen in the Marvel movies.

Badrinath Ki Dulhania (March 2016)

To start with, whatever you have presumed about the movie by its trailer please erease it, since the movie is way beyond that.This movie hits the most rugged chord of beliefs that we have in our mind about Women, which makes them look like “a liability” to their parents and family.

The movie is very finely crafted and directed by the makers blending a social cause with some super-awesome humour and portraying it to the viewers. The first half of the movie is full of laughter and funny elements, whereas the second half includes some emotions, beautiful romance (obviously the Alia-Varun chemistry has to come into the picture), some bad piece of acting by Varun and continuation of the humour.

Varun Dhawan seems to have improved with his acting skills but still needs to learn a lot as to how to cry, he sucks when he does that on screen. He is great with his comic timing though.

Alia Bhat, probably one of the best actress now in the Bollywood, is awesome. She looks great in the movie from the beginning itself. She dances well, acts well, her expressions, body language, everything is just perfect.

Sahil Vaid is Varun’s friend in the movie and is probably visible in all the scenes wherever you can find varun. He is one of the most important part of the fun element in this movie and has delivered a great performance, better than what we could see in the prequel.

The movie is about Badrinath Bansal, who belongs to one of the wealthiest family of Jhansi and is looking for a typical wife, which he finds in Vaidehi Trivedi who belongs to a middle class family and is an extremely carrier oriented and ambitious woman. However, Senior Bansal who controls all activities at home is a strict & typical Bihari father (No offence) is looking for a handsome dorwy and daughter-in-law that can gel with family and act as per his norms. Now, Badri cannot just give up on the girl he loves (also considering the fact that he shouldn’t) fights against all odds and tries head to toe to get things done. To understand what happens next and how things go hay-wire, please watch the movie.

The music was OK. “Tamma Tamma again” was the best, and “Roke Na Ruke Naina” was good. Apart from that the music wasn’t that great when compared to “Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania”.

To sum it up, it’s a great movie and a must watch. Please watch it with family and make sure that all stereotype family members of the family watch this. 

Have fun, Enjoy...

Madaari (July 2016)

Irfan Khan – He is Fantastic. No doubt, he one of the very few International actors of Indian origin. Some shots in the movie are amazingly carried by him, it never feels as if he is acting, it is so real.

Jimmy Shergill – He has done a decent job and that’s what he always does. He has played a detective and seems pretty good.

The movie is a social thriller wherein Mr. Nirmal Kumar (Irfan Khan) loses his son in an accident which was due to poor construction of a bridge, which is an outcome of corruption in the India. This fellow now takes the charge to expose all the government officials and the ministers involved & kidnaps the son of Home Minister as a part of his plan. Mr. Nachiket Verma (Jimmy Shergill) has been assigned the job to track and arrest Nirmal with the primary objective to bring the kid back home. So all the planning and plotting begins and the movie ends with a great message. This movie probably is inspired from The Wednesday, Rang De Basanti or Gabbar where a common man stands up to fight against all odds, but you need to watch the movie to know what happens.

The story line is great and the script is very powerful. I can’t understand why the movie wasn’t promoted. These are the kind of movies that have got sense and people love to watch these movies.

Music, there are only 1 or 2 songs, that too are synced with the movie and do not carry away the essence.

Really would suggest all to watch the movie, if not now, eventually but do watch.

Sultan (July 2016)

Salman- it seems he has finally realized that no matter what, a descent script is the basic requirement in making of a successful movie. Salman has always done good when it comes to act as a intense character, where aggression is required. It was that kind of movie which suits him. And it can be easily observed that he has worked really hard.

Anuskha - Not so great, I dont know why the character din suit her. Probably she couldnt do the haryavani character that good. 

Randeep Hooda & Amit Sadh were supporting characters & have done good. No doubt about that.

The movie overall revolves around the life of a Sultan Ali Khan, who gets into Akhada wrestling, becomes a pro wrestler & and also an arrogant Ass which leads to his downfall & few years later he is offered an opportunity to wrestle, but in a ring and not Akhada. His love affair, family issues & other stuffs run simultaneously. Then theres some drama in the end wherein he is severely injured yet manages to win the finals of the MMA type wrestling competition.

Its a nice 3 hrs watch wherein the 1st half is his past and the 2nd half is the current. The movie consists of emotions, romance (minutely), action, tragedy, like a typical bollywood Masala movie. 

Music is Ok, whats great is the theme & you will love it for sure, 

The movie is undoubtedly a must watch for Salman Fans. for others, its upto you. I personally liked it.

Njoy.

Captain America: Civil War (May 2016)

Probably one of the best movies of Marvels.

Chris Evans (Captain America)- He needs no credentials to his skill, Handsome, physique, athletic & great acking. A complete package convinces which makes us feel we are actual looking at a Superhero "Cap. America".

 Robert Downey (Iron Man)- Had a slightly intense role as compared to rest of his movie with the Iron Man Character. And we all know how well this character suits him. He is great & for a change you will see him doing action, Hand to hand with and without his suit. can be noticed, he is really working hard.

Winter Soldier, Antman, Falcon, war machine, black widow, Hawk Eye, Vision, Scarlet Witch all have got descent roles. WInter Soldier & Black widow have dominated their character a bit amongst these, however the movie was obviously lead by first two.

Black Panther & Spiderman are the two new characters, perfectly opposite. Spiderman is comedy & Black panther is an extremely serious & intense character. Already waiting for these movies.

The movie overall is probably one of the best Marvel Movie till date, something of the other keeps on happening continuously & the breathing time is hardly anything. By time the you digest one shot, the other is already on the way.

Action scenes are really great & the concept is also good, mean to say the build up of he civil war. The script has moved away a lot when you compare this movie with the comic, but we need to understand that the movie when on scree demands something that is acceptable by the viewers.

So to conclude, a great movie with script, concept, action, comedy & Acting... Please watch its a movie thats worth, not necessarily in 3d but , do watch.

Baaghi (2016)

Tiger Shroff - Though not great, but still better than what he did in Heropanti. No doubt he is great with his athletic skill & physique but needs to improvise on acting. still not bad but there is much more to see, what can we expect out of an actor in his second movie.

Shraddha Kapoor - She is better, seems she is gaining experiencing with each movie & it is noticiable. Though the trailer of the movie gave some idea about her role, but thats not the fact.

Sudheer Babu (negative role) - this guy is good. A great athlete, physique better than most in the industry & acts pretty good.

Movie - The story is not very complicated, like any other Hindi movie, the actress is kidnapped & her better half fight the world for her. And the moment this guy begins his move, the Hindi movie turns into a chines / Thai movie with some amazing action and great martial arts moves. The fight scenes will be pretty much familiar to those who have watched Ong-Bak & Tom Yum Goong.

so not much to say about the movie, its simple, those who like Tiger Shroff, Sharaddha Kapoor or action movies are gonna ejoy this. Rest may easily avoid.

Fan (2016)

Shah Rukh Khan in and as "FAN".

The movie is a treat to all the Fans, SRK lovers are just gonna love the movie. Watching their favourite star act at his best for straight ~140 mins is really something great.

This is probably one of the best movie movies of SRK in the last decade. He has worked on his physique a lot, it could be well noticed & the energy & efforts he has put in can be observed.

The movie is all about revenge somewhat similar to the movie “Darr”. A fan does everything he could do to get noticed but it backfires at him when the star dislikes his ways. The fan then converts himself into a freak & tries to bring down the stardom of the star. What he does & how can be best be witnessed on screen.

First half of the movie is flawless & perfect. The chase scenes & action in the second half is a setback (You don’t see a superstar run behind someone to teach him a lesson). Thing could have been better but yet, it’s not something that will bore you take your interest away.

Direction, Script, Filmography everything is good & acting is great. One more thing I wanted to see is the Jabra song. Atleast while the movie ends, they should have played it.

Anyways, to wrap up, the movie is good, not necessarily to watch it in theatre, you will enjoy equally if you see it on a television.