Shyamaprasad knows his niche in Malayalam cinema. What he has in store, no other film maker has. The themes he opts for are universal, more inspired by world cinema than rooted in Malayali culture. While his shot-taking style screams of his peculiar stamp, the dialogues paint sheer drama. Artist starring Fahadh Fazil […]
Read Time : 6 Minutes
A Flying Jatt – The gawky superhero is half funny, the film is not!
Remo D’Souza’s A Flying Jatt is one film that reminds why we shouldn’t underestimate India’s child brigade and their choice of cinema. As couple of months ago, in a rather busy Subway outlet, sat a spirited kiddo who was busy articulating what didn’t work for him in Batman vs Superman. They were […]
Read Time : 2 Minutes
‘The Bit Player’ review – entering the listless life of a background actor
Okay! I am aware of the Filipino culture and their language – which could be one of the reasons why I happened to be amused by Jeffrey Jeturian’s EKSTRA (The Bit Player) when I caught it at the 6th Bengaluru Film Festival. But, that is not entirely the reason why the […]
Read Time : 4 Minutes
‘Apur Panchali’ review – one of the finest Indian biographical films ever
Ever wondered what the kids of American sitcom “Small Wonder” could have grown up to? Or closer home we have had Master Raju (of Chitchor & Kitaab fame), Baby Naaz (of Boot Polish fame) among several others. Very early in their lives they discovered what limelight is all about and […]
Read Time : 10 Minutes
‘Pinneyum’ review – Of subtexts and great acting
I have a new accomplishment – of having watched an Adoor Gopalakrishnan film in Mumbai on its release weekend. The show almost saw a full house as the film features an onscreen pair rooted by the masses – Dileep and Kavya Madhavan. Sounds surreal, but this is real. Pinneyum marks Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s return to filmdom after […]
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Happy Bhag Jayegi – Not a happy ride this is!
It is difficult to make people laugh. More so when the makers are burdened with too many check-boxes to tick. Mudassar Aziz’s Happy Bhag Jayegi is just that. Picture this… There is Diana Penty who makes her comeback. Oh wait, there is Abhay Deol too. There is an India-Pakistan angle to which […]
Read Time : 8 Minutes
Raise your hands, if you love Jaan-e-mann’s music…
Shirish Kunder’s debut directorial venture Jaan-e-Mann released during Diwali 2006. The film’s soulful soundtrack was set to tune by maverick composer Anu Malik with words penned by veteran lyricist Gulzar. Jaan-e-mann had two of our macho heroes court the beautiful leading lady in grandiose. Pitted against another biggie flick, where a traditionally love-struck […]
Read Time : 5 Minutes
‘Ijaazat’: Sensitivity, Empathy, and Gulzar’s Lyrical Storytelling
Ijaazat. Gulzar knew how to name his films. As a matter of fact, the title is almost a counter-statement on what the protagonists end up doing! Ijaazat starts on a placid note. The zingy Asha Bhosle number “Chhoti Si Kahaani Se” followed by our male lead alighting a train only […]
Read Time : 10 Minutes
10 luminous characters, one gifted actor – Manisha Koirala
Manisha Koirala – One of the finest female actors commercial Indian cinema has ever seen. A face that could launch a thousand beauty brands – ethereal is too small a word to describe her. Blessed with a gorgeous pair of dove-like eyes, powerful dialogue delivery and a strong screen presence, she reigned […]
Read Time : 5 Minutes
Rustom – An earnest Akshay Kumar makes it work…
1959’s Nanavati Case is not to be forgotten easily. Two Bollywood films (Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke, Achanak) have already milked its possibilities. The case is a thesis for public relations and media students on how a tabloid phenomenally staged a media event thus manipulating public opinion. With the verdict being declared […]