iamggn Reviews

Photograph (I) (2019)

A Film That Thrives On Silences!

[8/10 · 17 March 2019]

The city's love affair with unusual encounters is an element that sets it apart, and having stayed in Mumbai for over two decades, like most other Mumbaikars, there exists a set of people, and stories, and conversations that I keep going back to.

To story of Photograph focuses on one such peculiar encounter that eventually translates into an unexpected connection. Rafique and Miloni meet by chance, and a product of that moment gives them disparate reasons to meet again. The screenplay convincingly lets the viewers comprehend the circumstances the protagonists are accustomed to through little, insignificant instances; Ritesh Batra's tendency to not be too loud and lucid replenishes the cinematic narration with a pinch of exquisiteness. The role of supporting characters is vital, because it is their expectations that largely dictate the protaganists' actions. To argue that the plot is unrealistic may not be entirely authentic, especially because almost every decision that Rafique and Miloni resort to is bolstered by the desire to divert from what is usual, to avoid what is mundane. However, if the writer compulsorily asks me to point out an element that is unrealistic, I would probably tell him that it is impossible for a CA Inter student to take out time for such lengthy hangouts.

The entire cast is spectacular. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a natural, and it is phenomenal to witness him stick to his character throughout the run-time. Sanya Malhotra wonderfully portrays the introverted Miloni, who also harbors a quotient of curiosity. Farrukh Jafar as Dadi, and Geetanjali Kulkarni as Rampyari put up brilliant performances. Saharsh Shukla and Sachin Khedekar are impressive as well. Vijay Raaz, in an unpredictable role, is refreshing as ever. Jim Sarbh is decent. Ritesh Batra, who delivers a convincing comeback, is an artist that the industry must be proud of.

Photograph is a film that thrives on silences, and it is beautiful to acknowledge how, at times, they overcompensate for the absence of words.

Badla (2019)

Predictable in Parts but Appreciable Throughout!

[7/10 · 8 March 2019]

I had read reports that suggested that the movie is a 'copy' of the Spanish film 'Contratiempo' (The Invisible Guest), but since the movie credits both, the original film and Oriol Paulo (original screenplay), it's safe to say that it's a 'remake' and shouldn't be confused with an act of plagiarism.

Sujoy Ghosh's 'Kahaani' had proved to be one of the most spectacular crime-thrillers of recent times; when I walked in to watch Badla, I hoped to watch a flick that harbored similar levels of intensity, intelligence and realness. The film might not have entirely fulfilled that desire, but it didn't stand really far either.

The title of the film gives away the focal point of the plot - revenge, but who's revenge is the story about? Naturally, this is the question that the viewer, right since the beginning, tries to answer. As we familiarize ourselves with the plot, the makers try to bewilder us and discard our predictions with alternate hints; unfortunately, they don't succeed comprehensively. Another element that thwarts the story's realness lies in the characters - all the major characters are overly intelligent, while this is still acceptable, what makes it worse is that they somehow forgo their intelligence during specific parts of the plot, which is of utmost convenience for the storyteller, but not much for the viewer. The film certainly capitalizes in taking us aback with the use of what Amitabh Bachchan's character refers to as "details". It also convincingly manages to fool us into misjudging the motives that bolster the characters' actions, this, for me, was the most impressive factor. The mystery-revealing climax was partly predictable; it does raise a major plot-oriented question, but sadly I can't possibly point it out in a spoiler-free review.

The star cast is decent, with Amitabh Bachchan serving as the cream of the crop. Amrita Singh and Taapsee Pannu were successful in portraying their characters appreciably. The performances of Tanveer Ghani and Tony Luke were fair, although certain parts wete mediocrely put forth. Manav Kaul pulled of an average performance as well. Sujoy Ghosh's adapted screenplay and direction deserves a special mention, and plays a role in making the viewers overlook the loopholes. Other departments too managed to bring to light a satisfactory performance.

Finding Fanny (2014)

A Collaboration Of The Finest Actors Conveying A Peculiarly Lovable Tale.

[6/10 · 13 September 2014]

Finding Fanny definitely helps you in finding the expected solace. The plot presents a road journey involving a post master and his troupe of hysterical companions.

I went inside the cinema hall with an expectation of experiencing something unusual and that was exactly what the movie bestowed upon me. Most of the Indian flicks in recent times are supported by hackneyed ideas and illogical story lines and this is the region where Finding Fanny stands out. Also, the film gets covered up convincingly within a tolerable run time of 110 minutes thus managing to keep the audiences awake. According to me, the conclusion drawn out was slightly stereotyped. But even then, it was acceptable.

The performers assembled were certainly top-notch. Naseeruddin Shah is charming as ever while enacting the character of a depressed post master belonging to a delirious village. Deepika Padukone looks completely adorable while playing a lonesome widow. The naturalness that she is able to carry along with her throughout the movie is unquestionably worth admiration. Arjun Kapoor as Savio is greatly expressive. His last couple of projects have undeniably managed to bring out the best in him unlike his initial performances which were not really up to the mark, in my opinion. Dimple Kapadia is bold while playing the role of Deepika's mother-in-law. Pankaj Kapur too is one of the several laudable elements.

Direction by Homi Adajania is fair. A quirky adventure where the protagonist tries to find his long lost love is wonderfully put on the big screen. Screenplay by Homi Adajania and Kersi Khambatta is odd yet likable. Editing and Cinematography departments have managed to pull of their respective jobs decently. Music by Mathias Duplessy is disparate and alluring.

In addition to the above mentioned qualities, a number of unpredictably bizarre sequences are bound to leave you hilariously flabbergasted. If you are someone who is tired of watching clichéd narratives and masala dramas, then this must be the movie that you're looking for.

Raja Natwarlal (2014)

A Moderate Con Flick Involving Appreciable Performances.

[6/10 · 1 September 2014]

Raja Natwarlal is unmitigatedly acceptable. The film serves as one of the better con films compared to other bollywood projects belonging to the same genre in recent times. The story expounds the life of a small-time con artist who after confronting unexpected circumstances sets out on a mission to avenge the death of his closest ally.

The first half of the film is quotidian, just like any other heist film. It is the second half where the plot actually gets intriguing and engaging. The film doesn't seem to tire its viewers as it possesses a tolerable run time of 140 minutes. Besides this, an amazingly drawn out conclusion similar to that of Christopher Nolan's 'The Prestige' fills you with absolute contentment.

The casting department is worthy of admiration for gathering such a group of commendable performers. Emraan Hashmi, once again in a similar lead role, is rapturous. Humaima Malik's enticing good looks poised with conventional acting skills unquestionably make an impression. Paresh Rawal is brilliant while playing Emraan's mentor in the film. Kay Kay Menon, while playing the major negative role is elegant. Deepak Tijori in a short but crucial supporting role is garden-variety.

Film's direction is laudable indeed. Kunal Deshmukh has definitely managed to be conspicuous especially towards the end. Screenplay by Parveez Sheikh is neat. Dialogues by Sanjay Masoom are witty. Cinematography and Editing departments have undeniably managed to make a hit. Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja is fresh and alluring.

Summing everything up, the movie is decent. Neither the best nor the worst. However, it is way better than all those masala flicks which get undeserving responses from the audiences. Emraan Hashmi buffs will definitely embrace this one.

Bangalore Days (2014)

A Jovial Romantic Drama Poised With Laudable Performances.

[8/10 · 10 June 2014]

Bangalore days is full of life. The movie talks about the tale of three cousins who travel to Bangalore in the pursuit of chasing their dreams.

The story revolves around the journeys of these three twenty- somethings and how each one of them cops up in accordance to the twists and turns in their individual lives. Because it consists of a prestigious star cast, the expectation bar among the viewers regarding the flick was too high. And let me tell you, it is unmitigatedly worth the hype! The film is incorporated with appreciable transitions, commendable drollery, a congenial run time of 170 minutes and one of the most pleasurable story lines. All these factors bolstered by exquisite performances add to the film's charm fashioning it into a complete package.

Kudos to the person who took the task of assembling such an effulgent movie troupe. Nivin Pauly, as one of the three main leads, was as natural as he could have been. Also, the way he narrates their journey diversifies the script making it even more delectable. Nazriya, as the main female lead is creditable. She is much blessed with the skill of exhibiting emotional scenes and is bound to get better with age. Out of the three leads, Dulquer Salman's portrayal was paramount. Enacting the character of a rowdy biker driven by complex emotions is not a piece of cake, but Salman has hit the spot effortlessly. Fahadh Fasil has been the cream of the crop while enacting his part that of an angry young husband, his performance was just simply flawless! Parvathy Menon as RJ Sarah was like a cherry on the top, she definitely managed to make an impression. Other minor roles played by Isha Talwar and Kalpana were mediocre as well.

Anjali Menon has unambiguously managed to make a hit with her 2nd major directorial venture. Also, a distinguished and wondrous screenplay leaves you mesmerized. Editing and Cinematography departments have definitely aced at their respective jobs. All the locations from Kerala and Bangalore have been impeccably put on the big screen. Music and other background scores by Gopi Sunder too were very much above average.

Summarizing everything, Bangalore days is a perfect blend of meritorious drama, affable romance and rollicking comicality. Lovely is the word for it! People who take pleasure in watching jolly youth dramas and love stories will surely fall in love with this one.

Main Tera Hero (2014)

A Meaningless Plot Involving Goofy Characters.

[3/10 · 6 April 2014]

Main Tera Hero is not at all up to the mark. The movie is another typical Bollywood Rom-com which fails to entertain. It is blessed with only a little number of sequences which possess good humor. Besides this, it just disappoints you. The story tells us about a flamboyant youngster who travels to Bangalore to achieve a degree but instead finds the love of his life before a heap of illogical chaos unleash. Performances are mediocre and some episodes exhibited are awfully bizarre.

The actors in performance are neither highly impressive nor depressing. Varun Dhawan, in his second film was seemingly fair to middling. Opposite him was the lovely Ileana D'Cruz who doubtlessly managed to make a hit. Nargis Fakhri, who was another integral part of the story line was absolutely unsatisfying. Supporting roles enacted by Arunoday Singh, Rajpal Yadav and Saurabh Shukla were garden-variety. Anupam Kher in a minor role was strictly ordinary.

David Dhawan has been successfully managing to provide us with films containing genuine comicality, but over the years, his flicks are getting worse. It was Chashme Baddoor last year, and this year, it is Main Tera Hero. Screenplay was simply absurd. Editing and Cinematography departments have probably managed to hit the spot. Music by Sandeep Shirodkar was slightly above average.

In short, the movie is silly and nonsensical. It might have worked out for me if the makers would have chosen to enhance the plot equipping it with some sort of basis. Watch it only if you are in love with typical Bollywood entertainers. Elseways, avoid it.

American History X (1998)

Has Anything You've Done Made Your Life Better?

[8/10 · 3 April 2014]

American History X is stirringly thought-provoking. It serves as a wake up call for the masses that differentiate on the basis of any particular entity.

The movie reels off the story about a Neo-Nazi skinhead who was once against the black progeny, but later figures to prevent his brother from choosing the same path after getting a reality check. The movie is incorporated with peculiarities of anger, violence, compassion and honorable philosophy. It possesses an ideal run time of 2 hours and manages to blow away. Also, an unforeseeable climax diversifies the movie making it even more disparate.

They probably couldn't have assembled a better cast. Edward Norton, who played the lead role was undeniably striking, no wonder he got nominated for the 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' category at the Academy awards. Edward Furlong was simply alluring while enacting an integral character of the story line. Greater supporting roles played by Beverly D'Angelo and Avery Brooks were commendable. Accompanying them were Ethan Suplee and Guy Torry, they pulled of a splendid task as well. Minor roles impersonated by Jennifer Lien and Elliot Gould too were above average.

Film Direction was brilliantly executed. Consorted by David McKenna's screenplay, Tony Kaye, the director, doubtlessly managed to produce the necessary ambiance. Editing sector was absolutely praiseworthy. Likewise, music by Anne Dudley was pleasing. Cinematography was garden-variety.

All things considered, the film is top notch. Controversial yet soothing. Violent yet placid. In a single word, EPIC. Watch it and I'm certain that it will leave you thinking about racial abuse and its intracacies.

The Green Mile (1999)

The Ultimate Vivifying Fantasy Drama.

[9/10 · 28 March 2014]

The Green Mile is unambiguously invigorating. It is a tale that comprehends the true nature of life exclusive of how it is everyday all over the world. The story exhibits the daily lives of prison guards who are altered after an unexpected inmate makes an entrance to the green mile.

Notwithstanding the fact that it possesses an overlong run time of 180 minutes, it doubtlessly manages to make a hit. The plot may seem to be chimerical, but beyond any question, it is heart-rending. The movie latches on to all the necessary requisites, precisely, a thought-provoking story line, commendable dialogues and a very compassionate conclusion.

The casting department deserves special appreciation for assembling such a splendid movie troupe. Tom Hanks, who played the leading role was gratifying as ever. Michael Clarke Duncan and David Morse played the greater supporting roles. They were undeniably supreme for the roles assigned to them. Supporting them were Barry Pepper, James Cromwell, Doug Hutchison and Sam Rockwell who were stirring as well. Minor roles played by Bonny Hunt and Michael Jeter too were satisfactory.

Frank Darabont definitely aced at the film's direction. The screenplay adapted from Stephen King's novel was exquisite. Yet another time after 'The Shining' and 'The Shawshank Redemption', Stephen King has assured audience satisfaction. Editing and Cinematography departments have pulled off a fair job. Music by Thomas Newman was alluring as well.

Summarizing everything, the movie is simply ravishing, appealing from all the angles. Wish I could come out with the story but then, "What happens at the mile, stays at the mile." Rent 3 hours for this one and you will embrace it, without a doubt.