Talvar [2015]

Language - English
Director - Meghna Gulzar
Run Time - 2 hours, 12 minutes
Genre - Drama/Mystery
Starring - Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma

'Talvar' takes us back to the gruesome story of Aarushi Talwar double murder case which absorbed and dumbfounded the entire country. This is not another version of what happened, rather an anthology of all possible versions, upon which the audience can base their judgment.

Bollywood  movies rarely please me, but Talvar was an exception.

What works for this movie is its unique documentary-esque style of storytelling which keeps the audience enthralled throughout. Kudos to Vishal Bharadwaj for that. Also, credit to Irrfan, Konkona and especially to Neeraj Kabi for his performance as 'Ramesh Tandon' (Ramesh Talwar). I'm beginning to like him quite a lot after following his performances in 'Ship of Theseus' and 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy'.

This movie reveals how truly fucked up and bizarre the Indian justice systems' working is, as we get an overview of how this case progressed. It shows how Indian police and investigating authorities are incapable of solving a crime even with the easiest of evidence available and how a case becomes a media trial instead of being just a police investigation.

Although there were some shortcomings according to me. Vishal Bharadwaj, here portrays a biased stand towards the parents' innocence and builds the movie chiefly on that. Also, Tabu's role was unnecessary and could have easily been cut out.

In conclusion, I would like to shower some praise on Vishal Bharadwaj. He is one of the few genius minds in Bollywood. His films move away from the usual run of the mill Bollywood films, and that is one thing I love about his work. His films challenge the typical 'song-dance-drama-sprinkle some comedy' routine to which majority of Bollywood films adhere to and thus seem like a diamond among the soot. More movies should be made like this.

Just go Watch it. This is one movie you should not miss out on.

My Rating - 8.6/10

The Martian [2015]

Language - English
Director - Ridley Scott
Run Time - 2 hours, 21 minutes
Genre - Drama/Sci-Fi
Starring - Matt Damon, Kristin Wiig, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Michael Pena, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Kate Mara and Chiwetel Ejiofor

With such a star-studded cast, one can barely go wrong. (Remember Expendables, Valentine's Day, The Counselor). And you have Ridley Scott as the director. This film had success written all over it.

A great story (everyone loves a hero story), coupled with some phenomenal actors, and brilliant cinematography and we have our masterpiece. One thing that was mediocre was the background score. You cannot have a science fiction movie without a good background score. It was lacking half the times and the other half seemed like it had been picked up from the soundtrack of Interstellar. Well, all can't be Hans Zimmer.

The Martian, based upon the best-selling novel of the same name, tells us the story of Mark Whitney [Damon], who's left behind upon a mission to mars as he was presumed dead. Now all alone on this planet he must find means to survive and somehow alert NASA that he is still alive. How will NASA bring back America's hero?

One may try to compare The Martian with the previous year's space saga, 'Interstellar'; but I ask why? They are completely different and amazing movies and should be left at that. Genius director Christopher Nolan's Interstellar made us think while Ridley Scott's Martian makes us hope. Hope for our hero to survive.

Although not suspenseful, but it was certainly not predictable. Our hero, Mark Whitney's tale sure had its share of ups and downs. Another thing that worked for the movie was the dialogues. The quips and quirks sure added some flavor to what otherwise would have been a pretty mundane movie.

I was a bit sad to see the other actors to receive such less screen time considering the tremendous talent and pedigree they hold to their names.

But Kudos to Ridley Scott and Matt Damon to deliver us one of the smartest, simplest and most satisfying film of the year.

My Rating - 8.8/10

The Intern [2015]

Language - English
Director - Nancy Meyers
Run Time - 2 hours, 1 minute
Genre - Comedy/Drama
Starring - Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro

The Intern, from the trailer itself, seemed delightful. And yes, it was a delightful and heartwarming movie. Seasoned actors Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway put an effortless performance to steal the show.

'The Intern' is a 'feelgood movie', which you'll watch and enjoy, and watch it again and again. But you will not appreciate it, as it does not offer anything new in terms of a brilliant storyline (okay credits for introducing us to senior citizen internships) or a tremendous performance by its cast. What is credible is the amazing chemistry shared by our two protagonists, which makes us love the movie.

The movie starts off with us getting an introduction of Ben Whittaker (De Niro) who has been feeling a bit lonely and bored since his wife died and he retired. He senses a new opportunity in a senior internship program offered by a startup - AboutTheFit - yes, run by Jules Ostin (Hathaway). At first Jules is reluctant to work with Ben, but time passes by, and Ben impresses her and everyone at the firm with his mannerisms and friendly nature and they form a reliable and trustworthy relationship.

What also works for the movie is the exceptional comic timing of the script, coupled with some good performances by the supporting characters.

The movie pleases the crowd and it does that job well.

My Rating - 6.8/10  

Entourage [2015]

Language - English
Director - Doug Ellin
Run Time - 1 hour, 44 minutes
Genre - Drama/Comedy
Starring - Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven

Like every guy in this world, I loved the Entourage series and was awaiting the movie as soon as news came out about the movie. And yes, I liked the movie too. But going back to that, it's not really a movie. It just seems like a couple of episodes stitched together and tagged as a movie.

This was the chance for the show to grow into a proper franchise and make its mark but sadly, it failed. Since I loved the show so much, I'm a bit biased towards saying that it was a good movie. But if you look at it from another angle, it's just a movie about a Hollywood star and his entourage going about the regular routine of women, alcohol, partying, and the usual.

We continue from where the show ended, with the usual tone of failed romances for Vince and Eric (no surprise that Sloan is again no more). Drama's still struggling but Turtle has become a different man altogether, slim and RICH! Let's hug it out Bitches, Ari Gold is back too and the supporting crew of Mrs Gold, Lloyd and Shauna.

We again follow the lives of these individuals as they try to make it big in Los Angeles, rising above failures and petty issues. Yes, we love these characters, and thus we love the movie, but this movie needed something more, something different which was missing. By saying more, we were not asking for so many cameos Mr. Ellin.

Everyone who loved the show, will like the movie. Others could avoid.

My Rating - 6.4/10

Man from U.N.C.L.E [2015]

Language - English
Director - Guy Ritchie
Run Time - 1 hour, 56  minutes
Genre - Action
Starring - Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer

Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a well made movie and all, but sadly, it falls beneath the level of Guy Ritchie, the director of Snatch, Locks Stocks, RocknRolla and Sherlock Holmes series. This movie is very different from his usual movies which are filled with various plots working at the same time and delivering a perfect climax.

Man from U.N.C.L.E. is quite an entertaining movie with Armie Hammer as 'Illya' and Henry Cavill as 'Solo' coming together to form an effective albeit hostile partnership. Add in Alicia Vikander as the 'oh-so-gullible' [is she?] Gaby and we have a charming trio.

The movie set in the Cold War era portrays the American and Russian agents and their contrasting nature perfectly with Solo being all suave and modern and Illya depicted as one preferring everything traditional and old-school. The animosity between these two is what keeps the movie going. Also the awkward romance between pretentious husband and wife Illya and Gaby.

The plot of the movie is very simple. Amidst the cold war rivalry of the two nations, these two agents are teamed up to go against a mutual enemy. The usual tricks of a spy movie are used and the movie is at times quite predictable.

Another thing that works for the movie is the brilliantly shot action sequences which our director Guy Ritchie has somewhat a mastery in. What does not work is thelinear plot of the movie. And what is missing is a good climax. Personally, it seemed too simple the way the enemy was beat.

But does seem like an interesting franchise can grow from here. To add to all this, Cavill and Hammer both show good potential and could become Hollywood A-Listers in the coming years if not considered already. Even Alicia Vikander shows some signs of promise. Looking forward to seeing her in more movies. Was expecting much more from a Guy Ritchie movie though.


My Rating - 6.9/10

Mission Impossible : Rogue Nation [2015]

Language - English
Director - Christopher McQuarrie
Run Time - 2 hours, 11 minutes
Genre - Action/Drama
Starring - Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg

Tom Cruise once again reprised his role as the ultimate IMF (Impossible Mission Force) agent in fifth movie of the series, and boy, at the age of 53, he is among the few actors who can pull off an action movie.

The previous movie was such a disappointment for me, because even though the name of the series is 'Mission Impossible', it became too 'impossible' and an unrealistic plot. Rogue Nation in comparison is a delightful pleasure to watch. Christopher McQuarrie is able to blend old school spy movie within this new age and technological era and that works out brilliantly  It manages to keep you enthralled and captivated for  more than 2 hours.

The movie starts with Ethan Hunt trying to track down a rogue terrorist organization called as 'Syndicate' but sadly, the CIA are not ready to believe that something like this even exists and they dissolve the IMF thus making Hunt a fugitive. Hunt has to evade the CIA, as well terminate a terrorist organization, whose operations remain a mystery.

This is one movie where Hunt meets his match, in Solomon Lane, the leader of the Syndicate and it's s amusing to see how each tries to outwit the other. Add in the wildcard British Agent Ilsa Faust, and it gets even better. The occasional quips provided Simon Pegg as 'Benji' are quite enjoyable and lighten up the mood. I was sad to see the immensely talented Jeremy Renner left on the sidelines. He should have gotten more screentime. Rebecca Ferguson makes quite an impression in her second movie and seems like promising future actor.

The movie has been shot nicely, especially the scenes in Morocco, oh what a beautiful country! And the action sequences were suave and stylish, far from the previous movie. Even at the age of 50, Tom Cruise can carry a movie with 'swag'.

Although I have one negative comment is that the movie did become predictable at times. But that should not take away anything from the movie and remains one of the finer films of the summer.

My Rating - 7.5/10

Southpaw [2015]

Language - English
Director - Antoine Fuqua
Run Time - 2 hours, 4 minutes
Genre - Drama/Sport
Starring - Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker and Rachel McAdams

Southpaw was expected to be another thrilling boxing movie, but it came out as a disappointment for me. Even after having some of Hollywood's finest (underrated as well) actors, this movie fails as it is not able to overcome the generic and cliched storyline thats done and dusted. In fact, I would say that the trailer itself showed us how insipid the plot is.

I went to see this movie just because of Gyllenhaal, but sadly, he couldn't churn up brilliant cinema this time. Taking no credit away from Gyllenhaal, he was tremendous as Billy Hope, our protagonist, the lonely father with the never giving up attitude. Also, Rachel McAdams was wasted in the movie as she lasted all of 15 minutes as Whitaker fails to lift the latter half of the movie.
Note - 50 Cent can't act for shit.

The plot is so banal with Hope as the World Heavyweight Champion, losing his wife, kid, title and everything else because of his rage and ego. Fast forward to 'whatamidoing' 'letmegetmylifebacktogether' phases and yes, you can guess the end. If someone calls this the best boxing movie since Raging Bull, that person hasn't seen 'Warrior' which is a gem of a movie.

The thing is, the director Antoine Fuqua, of the Training Day fame, has tried to fuse the a sports movie with drama, but it becomes too overberaing to handle. In Boxing Terms, I would say it has become a match which has lasted all of 12 Rounds without any contender throwing a good punch.

But, Jake Gylenhall is brilliant, as he's been in the past couple of years, be it with Nightcrawler, Prisioners, Source Code, Zodiac, Brokeback Mountain or even further down the line when he did Donnie Darko as a kid. This guy, I feel is one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood currently, and deserves to be called along the best.
Adding to it, I'd say Gylenhaal and McAdams share sizzling chemistry, and I would love to see them together in the future.

One could skip it, unless they are hardcore fans of Gylenhaal or boxing movies, although it is more about the drama than boxing.

My Rating - 6.5/10

Tanu Weds Manu Returns [2015]

Language - Hindi
Director - Anand Rai
Run Time - 2 hours, 1 minute
Genre - Drama/Romantic
Starring - Kangana Ranaut, R.Madhavan and Jimmy Shergill

There are some movies to which there shouldn't be a sequel, and Tanu Weds Manu is one them. Anand Rai tried to make a movie after the 'happily ever after' and delivered something which didn't make any sense at all. I do not know why this movie is garnering rave reviews, but in my personal opinion, it was a terrible movie which had me pulling my hair waiting for it to end.

Barring Kangana Ranaut's marvelous dual performance, there is nothing in the film. And I say that literally, as there is no plot to the film. There are a bunch of sub-plots in the movie, which have been fused together to create a wreckage. R. Madhavan is a terrible actor, and as usual he was just there in the movie, to deliver his dialogues, not to act. I must, though praise Deepak Dobriyal as Pappi and Mohammed Ayyub as Chintu for some good comical performances.

The movie hardly makes any sense, right from the first scene where Manu Sharma [Madhavan] is dragged off into a mental asylum without any reason; and it continues to not make sense thereafter. Some characters are introduced in the movie, like 'Komal', the bride to be in Chandigarh who is kidnapped and then forgotten about.

The movie is a mess which starts with four years after 'Tanu weds Manu' as both are frustrated with each other and visit a mental asylum [a marriage counsellor would have been a better option] where Manu is forced into being admitted and Tanu runs away to her hometown 'Kanpur'. Thereafter, the drama kicks off where they want a divorce, then not, leading to Manu finding a Tanu lookalike, falling in love with her, wanting to marry her, and it goes on.

The film is so predictable, even after attempts by Rai to add sub-plots and extra characters. Another failure that I noticed in the movie was 'unprofessional dubbing'. During many scenes we could see that the characters voice did not match with the lip synchronization. Even the songs were extremely bad, apart from the catchy 'Banno'.

A movie to miss, unless you are a fan of senseless comedy/plotless movies and/or Kangana Ranaut - who is turning out to be one of the best actresses in Bollywood.

My Rating - 5.8/10

Piku [2015]

Language - Hindi
Director - Shoojit Sircar
Run Time - 2 hours, 3 minutes
Genre - Drama
Starring - Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan

Don't get me wrong, Piku is a pretty well made movie which touches the heart and has excellent performances from its three main actors. But to me, it seemed a tad bit boring. Not to be insensitive, but a movie circulating around 'Constipation' can become bothersome. And too much potty talk is always bad.

Shoojit Sircar manages to make good films, but they remain just good. Vicky Donor, Madras Cafe and recently, Piku, were all quite good. But that's it. Sircar hasn't yet been able to make exceptional films. His films always manage to touch the heart, but somewhere they fall quite short, and that is where he must improve upon, I believe.

Piku is a family drama, which circulates around Amitabh Bachchan as Bhaskor, a 70 year old, constipated man, and his daughter Piku, who sacrifices everything to take care of him. Bhaskor is demanding, attention craving, vile and selfish as people in the movie call him too.
But that does not hinder Piku [Padukone] from taking total care of him, including missing dates and meetings to talk about Bhaskors's yes you guessed it, poop!

Enter a situation which leads to a road trip and there comes in Irrfan Khan a.k.a Rana Chaudhary. Rana is clearly infatuated with Piku and cannot seem to fathom why she would sacrifice so much for Bhaskor. Over the trip, the three bond, Rana even helping out with the constipation. Watch to see how the rest unfolds.

In all, a decent movie, which could have been made better if it hadn't been fixated on one topic. The acting is top notch by the veteran actors. There could have been more of comedy to lighten up the mood.

My Rating - 6.8/10

Mad Max : Fury Road [2015]

Language - English
Director - George Miller
Run Time - 2 hours
Genre - Action
Starring - Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult

MAD MAX has to be the best movie I've seen this year. It is exhilarating, captivating and invigorating. I haven't seen the earlier movies but it does sure feel this movie must have done justice to its predecessors. Believe the hype, the movie will leave you grasping for more.

I may be over exaggerating, but the movie is perfect in every way. The acting - Tom Hardy as always is exceptional, but sorry Tom, Charlize Theron as 'Imperator Furiosa' kicks ass and steals the show. Credits to Nicholas Hoult also who portrays the War Boy 'Nux'.

The film is shot so remarkably, that we are left in awe. Look out for the scene where the rig disappears into the desert storm. And the action sequences have been shot so magnificently. This has to be one of the best action movies in a long time. It reminds you what action movies are.

The accompanying soundtrack by Junkie XL is also quite riveting, keeping in the line with the plot of the movie. I'm so excited for Batman vs Superman, as Junkie XL and Hans Zimmer are composing the soundtrack together!

Set in a dystopian future where humanity as a concept has seized to exist and the last remnants of society have been placed under the tyrannical rule of Immortan Joe. We get an early glimpse of the protagonist of the film Max [Hardy], who has been captured the War Boys - the cult of Immortan Joe.
Amidst all this, we see Furiosa [Theron] driving a war rig to collect gas. She is seen taking a detour which alerts Joe, who's wives  are with Furiosa, and the chase begins. Luck fortunes, and Max is united with Furiosa, as both are escaping the War Boys, and we are to WITNESS [pun intended] a magnificent, violent and action packed chase sequence. Do they make it to a safe haven?

Even the supporting characters of the movie deserve a lot of praise, be it Immortan Joe, his wives or his sons. The casting is perfect and everyone does justice to their roles. I wish Rosie Huntington would have had a larger role though.

This movie is not to be missed on. One of the better movies seen by me in recent times. And a must watch for all adrenaline junkies who love action.

My Rating - 9/10