Movie Maniac goes reviewing : Part II

Yuvvraaj

I had to watch this Salman-Katrina starrer. Not only because it’s a Katrina film, but also since it’s a Subhash Ghai film! The last film of Subhash Ghai was Kisna, an utter flop as I remember. There are a few distinct characteristics of a Subhash Ghai film. All of them are larger than life magnum opus drama with rich families in them. A clear contrast between the rich and poor divide is always shown. Also, in character traits, there will be good characters, perpetual bad characters, and some shady characters who will finally become good. All in all, a film which shows good is conquering over evil after a series of melodrama. The extended family (maama, maami, chacha, chachi, cousins etc) are always shown to be bad! Be it Pardes, Taal, Yaadein or Yuvvraaj, it’s the same common characters there. Although the whole thing is good initially, after sometimes it gets too much to digest! You feel like watching copied scenes from his earlier movies! Change Mr. Ghai, we need some CHANGE! Yuvvraaj thus is a decade too old to be released. The story is all the same, estranged brothers getting together after 12 long years after some over heightened melodrama. One good thing that is common in all Subhash Ghai films is good music. A. R. Rahman certainly doesn’t disappoint you in Yuvvraaj. There are some nice romantic songs like “Tu Meri Dost Hain”, “Tu Muskura” and a fast party number, “Shano Shano”. Almost all songs are pictures amidst beautiful locales in Europe with magnanimous bright colours, greenery, and costumes. Salman, Katrina, Mithun and Boman Irani does an average job. Anil Kapoor does a pretty good job indeed. Zayed Khan seemed simply out of place. I felt like his character was simply thrown into the film in haste! Overall a watchable film, but certainly not a must-watch.

Dostana

I feel there should have been a serious explanation on the name of the film! The film is absolutely not about “friendship” as you all must have known already. Although there has been discussion on the basis the name was given, by some reviewers like Greatbong. The theme of the film is loosely based on “Kal Ho Na Ho – Kantaben” hangover and the Hollywood film “I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry”. Although Kal Ho na Ho was a blockbuster hit, Chuck n Larry film was a terrible flop but I watched it a few months ago. The concept is basically the same. The story revolves around two men (Abhishek and John) and a girl (Priyanka). Then there is also a proper (and not guest) appearance by Bobby Deol. The film overall does a good job and definitely has some laughable moments. What was that Gandalf look-alike saying in the remix song, “main akaashwani hoon, aur ye sach hain ki aap ka beta gay hain!!!!” The film is definitely not a gay joke or gay spoof film as some reviewers have said. Some people have even said that this film is a pioneer in its category (gay film?)! Bullshit! I would tell them to watch Page 3 again or Fire (I havnt seen it though). The music is average, some good beats to hear out. Watch this film if you want some quick dose of fun filled laughter show.

The Man from Earth

This is a low budget film which possibly came and went by and no one noticed. At least it never came to theatres in India. It’s a semi science fiction movie. Semi, in the sense that this is not a typical sci-fi thriller, and definitely not in the star trek genre. The whole film is shot inside a single room. This is a story about a person named John Oldman (pun?) who claims to have been living for the last 14000 years. There was not possible proof left with John to prove his claim. He tries his best to explain to everyone what it is like to be living for so long surviving illness, and all natural calamities. The possibility of a man living for such a long time is a big debate indeed and hence is science fiction. One interesting thing to note is that the people listening to John curse him when he points out saying that he himself was Jesus! People would believe anything and everything but when you question their faith, it becomes bullshit! An interesting climax ends the film, but a whole lot of questions hover around you after you have seen the movie. A must watch.

Dasvidaniya

Vinay Pathak is the king of low budget films. His simple and confident style of acting simply mesmerizes you and you sit back and watch him in a non glamorous, realistic film. Dasvidaniya is a one man film, almost like Bheja Fry. This one has him in a dying man’s avatar, a simpleton living the life of a hard working clerk. He diligently makes a list of “things to do” everyday. Till one day when he discovers himself having only 3 months left to live. His conscious self confronts him and he sets out to a make a “thing to do” list before he dies. The whole film deals with how he executes all of them! A simple film, told in a simple way minus all the glam-sham. The music is average with good songs by Kailash Kher. Watch this film to know how Vinay Pathak exists in between SRK, Hrithik, Salman and all others.

~Lots of Love~