SAPF Review: 'Faraar' from Cinema Halls but making Bollywood Proud.

 Dibakar Banerjee's 'Sandeep and Pinky Faraar' finally released after a 3-year delay. The movie opens with a random guy making a certain misogynistic comment and does it with so subtlety that it all makes sense towards the end of this movie. The movie talks about the gender imbalances and stereotypes with so subtlety that leaves you thinking after the movie ends. 'Sandeep and Pinky Faraar' is directed by Dibakar Banerjee and stars the amazing Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yada who ably support the revelation of an actor Parineeti Chopra and Arjun Kapoor have turned out in this mind-boggling drama laced with dark humor, a great story, and disturbing visuals. 

                                            

What's Good:  Acting: OMG! I cannot just begin how amazing of an actor Parineeti is. She literally owns the movie as Sandeep Kaur. Her performance is phenomenal. Arjun too is supremely amazing! It is truly said that every actor is a great actor just needs the right director. Neena Ji and Raghubir Ji are amazing as usual. Story: Just trust Dibakar Banerjee to churn out an amazing movie! He does an outstanding job as a writer, director, and music composer.  Pacing: At a tight 123 minutes, the movie does not go a bit over or is lesser, just perfect including scene-to-scene transition.

                                                           

What's Bad: Joining the Dots: Like every DB movie, this one wants you to join the dots and pay proper attention while the movie runs. Predictable Climax: SAPF suffers from the classic ruin the impact syndrome: Predictable Climax which was spotted from a mile away but you play along with the gender disparity tone the movie has put you in.

                                           

Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar has come 3 years than its original release date but we're glad it did.Makes meso proud ofmy Bollywood which has churned out some really great cinema in the recent past. The movie is dark, gritty and disturbing and gives a tight slap about the misogynist nature prevalent in our society even today without being preachy. It is a Must Watch. I have going with 4 stars and thismakes it my second favourite movie of the year. DO NOT MISS IT!

                                             

 

 

Sardar ka Grandson Review: Blessed to have a Grandson like him!

 This week, apart from an abomination called Radhe greeted us, Netflix brought Neena Gupta, Rakul Preet Singh, John Abraham, Aditi Rao Hydari, Kumud Mishra, and Arjun Kapoor together in a family-drama backed by John as the producer and debutant Kaashvie Gulati directing it. Apart from bringing a mature take on India Pakistan relations, the movie brought forward the concept of Home Relocation.

                               

What's Good: Acting: Neena Gupta shines as the grumpy Sardar through and through. Surprisingly, Arjun Kapoor does a great job as Amreek whereas Rakul is phenomenal and flashes of her character from 'De De Pyaar De' come in at times. John,  Aditi, Soni, Kumud, provide an excellent support to our 2 dynamic leads. Music: The music by Gulraj Singh and Tanishq Bagchi are amazing with the recreated 'Jee Nee Karda' being the best. Concept, Story and Screenplay: The story and screenplay by Kaashvie and Anuja Chauhan is simply unique and brilliant. Technicalities: The editing, cinmatography, and editing are great and fall in place with narrative. 

                                    

What's Bad: Melodrama: While maojrity might find the movie to be over-dramatic but the scenes of melodrama are mainly between John and Aditi so one cannot complain as they seem more on the endearing side. Exploring: While the idea is new and unique, I only wish they could have explored more on the house relocation and a little lesser insight into family dynamics would have been a fair deal.

                                          

Final Word: Sardar Ka Grandson is a scintillating debut by Kaashvie Nair. The subject the movie picks, it tackles beautifully. Netflix is finally churning out good movies but however I wish I could get n opportunity to watch this movie on the big scren. I am going with 3.5 stars for this beautiful movie. You cannot miss it. Sardar ka Grandson is one emotionally chargd movie.

                                           

Platform: Netflix!

Oscar Predictions: Who bags the conveted trophy?

The Blue Dragon Film Awards of Korea, The Filmfare Awards of India, the BAFTAs of the UK, the AACTA Awards of Australia, the Canadian Guild Awards, the European Film Awards are all sort-after awards across the world but the award season is always incomplete without the awards presented by the Academy of Motion Picture and Sciences, or commonly as we know, the Oscars. The Academy Awards are due for the 25th of April and here is the Bollywood Elephant predicting the winners of the 93rd Academy Awards after inferring the results from 18 Award Shows. The Bollywood Elephant presents 2 categories of "Should Win" vs "Likely to Win" for all major categories.

                                                              

• Best Production Design:

Should Win: Mank

Likely to Win: Mank

• Costume Design:

Should Win: Emma

Likely to Win: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom 

• Cinematography (One of the toughest split):

Should Win: Nomadland 

Likely to Win: Man

• Animated Feature:

Should Win: Soul

 

Likely to Win: Soul

• Original Screenplay:

Should Win: Trial of Chicago 7

Likely to Win: Promising Young Woman

• Adapted Screenplay: 

Should Win: Nomadland

Likely to Win: Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm 

• Best Actor in a Supporting Role:

Should Win: Paul Raci for Sound of Metal

Likely to Win: Daniel Kaluuya for Judas and the Black Messiah 

• Best Actress in a Supporting Role:

Should Win: Maria Bakalova for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Likely to Win: Glenn Close for Hillbilly Elegy (Glenn might not have won accolades for her role in this movie but considering the Academy's old history of moving over their guilt by awarding the actor's next worthy performance like they did with Judi Dench in 1999 (snubbed her for 'Mrs. Brown'[1997], Ingrid Bergman in 1975(subbed earlier for The Constant Wife [1966], Renee Zellweger in 2003 (subbed/lost 'minorly' in 2002 for Chicago). Therefore, the Bollywood Elephant speculates Close's much deserving and overdue Oscar win!

• Best Actor in a Leading Role:

Should Win: Sir Anthony Hopkins for The Father

Likely to Win: Late Chadwick Boseman for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

• Best Actress in a Leading Role (The toughest as it has quite an even split):

Should Win: Frances McDormand for Nomadland (cannot stop raving about this performance!!!) Hope this woman creates history by being the 1st Actress to win 3 Oscars in the Lead Actress Category and deservedly so!!

Likely to Win: Viola Davis for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (becomes the 13th woman to win both a supporting oscar and lead actor oscar)

• Best Director:

Should Win: Chloe Zhao for Nomadland (2nd woman to win a directing oscar)

Likely to Win: Chloe Zhao for Nomadland

• Best Picture:

                                                                 NOMADLAND

                              

So here are Bollywood Elephant's predictions for this year's winners of the converted trophy! It would be great to hear from you! Thank you! Cant' wait for hearing from you!

Pagglait Review: A Pagglait you should love to reckon with!

 This week Netflix gifted us with Ashutosh Rana and Sanya Malhotra starrer,' Pagglait'. Pagglait boasts about a spectacular cast that includes names like Sheeba Chadha, Ashutosh Rana, Raghubir Yadav, Shruti Sharma, Meghana Malik, Rajesh Tailang among others. Oscar Winner Guneet Monga produces this heartwarming, moody, and moving piece of visual art directed by the first-time director, Umesh Bisht. 

                                                          

Sanya Malhotra is in absolute top form but it is the haunting performance of Ashutosh Rana as the grieving father that stayed with me long after the movie ended. The rest of the cast is ever-dependable with the credentials involved. The story by Umesh Bisht keeps story organic and very grounded. Arijit's debut as a composer is great just that at times, reduces the impact of some scenes. Umesh keeps the narrative straight and simple and that what drives the charm of this movie. The technical aspects of the movie are great and the runtime is just perfect under 2 hours. 

                                                       

   

With an album of approximately 26 songs, the music album of Pagglait overstays its welcome especially in the intimate moments which could've had the biggest impact. There are certain characters that needed some more backstory. The trailer sets a very wrong precedent for this movie therefore, it is advisable not to see this movie based on what's depicted in the trailer.

                                             

     

Pagglait is a movie that tells us about living, losing, letting-go and self-love. Sanya Malhotra is the performer we need and this is the Bollywood we have always loved! I'm going with 3.5 stars for this beautiful grounded spectacle! Do not miss it!

                                               

      

The White Tiger Review: The Tiger Roars and how!!

 As previously mentioned in my post on the movie 'Tribhanga', Netflix is continuously churning out some phenomenal body of work, and this week it is 'The White Tiger' based on the Booker Prize-winning book of the same name written by Aravind Adiga. The movie stars Rajkummar Rao, Priyanka Chopra Jones, Adarsh Gourav, and Vijay Maurya in prominent roles! It is written and directed for the screen by Ramin Bahrani.

                                             

There is so much to speak about the amazing work the actors have done on this film. Adarsh Gourav and his filmography have always been fascinating to me when he started off his career in a Manoj Bajpayee film called 'Rukh', he was destined for staying in cinema. He owns each and every frame he is in(except the ones with RR) and commands your attention. In particular, when he confronts a beggar. His consideration among 'potential' nominees for Golden Globe Best Actor is a testament to his prowess. Rajkummar Rao has aged like fine wine and only he knows how he gets better with each viewing. PCJ and Vijay Maurya don't have much to do but bring their own signature with whatever little they have. The socio-political commentary which runs through the entire movie is great and the nuances work just right about fine. The dialogues penned and fit the scenarios well. Bahrani's direction is good and keeps the pace of the movie well enough.

                                             

However, with a lot of positives, the only thing that feels a bit off about this epic watch is Bahrani's screenplay. He seems to have lifted right off Aravind Adiga's work as it is and there seems something missing about the overall impact of this movie. The background and sound wizards could've been better with their melodies and tunes.

                                       

Overall, The White Tiger roars loudly enough so that people across the globe hear him. The actors, the dialogues just propel the story and the subtle socio-political commentary becomes the cherry on the cake. I'm very happy to go with 4 stars for 'The White Tiger'! I'm really very glad and proud that the Indian Cinema is heading in the right direction!

                               

P.S. Watch this Tiger Roar!

Tribhanga Review: A Samabhanga Film!

2021 has begun on an extremely interesting and amazing note for our entertainment industry. In a span of 15 days the entertainment industry has gifted us with some great content like Nailpolish (Zee5), Ram Prasad ki Tehrvi, Gullak Season 2 (Sony Liv), and now the streak continues with Tribhanga (Netflix). The movie stars Kajol, Tanvi Azmi, Mithila Palkar in the lead roles, and the men Kunal Roy Kapoor, Manav Gohil, Vivek Tattwaadi, Kanwaljit Singh among others. It is directed by Renuka Shahane who is better known as Madhuri Dixit's elder sister in Hum Aapke Hain Koun!

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Whats's Good: Acting: The performances by each and every actor is phenomenal. They embrace their characters with so much conviction that one cannot distinguish between the reel and real characters. Story and Direction: The story is beautiful and intricately told by Renuka Shahane! Her directions evoke the right emotions at the right time and you cannot help but get swayed along with her as she tells you the tale of 3 generations of women. Technicalities: The technical aspects of Tribhanga are done with care and love, much like Renuka Shahane's delicate storytelling. 

                                           

What's Bad: Duration: The movie is just 95 minutes long and at times feels that there is so much which Renuka Shahane could have gone slow with and explored more in detail. Music: I wish there was some nice signature background tune that would've propelled the already commanding narrative better!

                                     

Final Words: Tribhanga is a beautiful exploration of mother-daughter bonds and offers a subtle statement on feminism and the kind of cinema the audience deserves. There is a whirlwind of emotions the movie leaves you with along with a lump in the throat! I am going with 4 stars for this beautiful saga! Do not miss it!

                           

The Best of Bollywood and OTT Content in 2020!

 This year has been tough for the movies and everyone associated with cinema. In 2020, a total of 27 notable releases came out in theatres, and approximately 35 movies released on OTT platforms like  Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar, etc. Considering the dull and gloomy 2020 has been, the Bollywood Elephant has decided to only focus on the positives and the best films and series 2020 has offered!  

                                           

First, we pick the best actors, music, dialogues, singers, story, screenplay, direction, and finally my Top 5 films of the year!

FILMS:

Best Actor (Male): This year it was really tough to pick 1 when one is spoilt for choices. However solely based on this man's phenomenal performance as Aaloo and the entry scene in particular sealed the deal for me to pick him as the performer of the year (male). Rajkummar Rao yet again proved how effortlessly he transforms from Aaloo in Ludo to Montu sir in Chhalaang! I wish he gets his due at the box-office soon!

                                           

Special Mention: As a middle-class man tired of his work who stumbles upon a bag full of cash, Kunal Kemmu's comic timing and perfect antics lifted his movie, Lootcase, a level higher! 

                                                

                                                   

Best Actor (Female): As Amrita, Taapsee Pannu breathes a new life into the hard hitting drama 'Thappad'. Her vulnerability, her angst was pitch-perfect and there is absolutely nothing her performance fell short of. Thinking about her climatic act in the movie still gives me goosebumps.

                                                 

Special Mention: As a mother determined to make a comeback to Kabbadi, Kangana Ranaut was astounding as Jaya in Panga.

Best Supporting Actor (Male): This was a battle of fathers but as a father standing by her daughter who is willing to divorce her husband, Kumud Mishra was phenomenal and effective as Sachin Sandhu in Thappad. What words, what emotions especially when he confronts his son!

                                          

    

Special Mention: Another father who decided to be his daughter's biggest cheerleader, Pankaj Tripathi was endearing as Anup Saxena in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl.

                                                   

Best Supporting Actor (Female): As a mother reluctant about her daughter's decision to divorce her husband, Ratna Pathak Shah was great, phenomenal, and incredible as Sandhya Sandhu in Thappad. Her confrontation scenes with Kumud Mishra are absolutely a testament as to why we love her!

                                        

      

Special Mention: Picking a single special mention is tough therefore all the ladies in 'Thappad' namely Tanvi Azmi, Geetika Vidya Ohalyan, Dia Mirza, Maya Sarau were spectacular as the supporting cast.

                                                    

       

Best Music: It is a battle between 'Malang' and 'Love Aaj Kal 2' for this one and the Aashiqui 2 trio: Ved Sharma. Mithoon and Ankit Tiwari win this by a whisker! Malang had 2020's best music.

                                                   

  

Best Playback Singers:  

Crooning to Love Aaj Kal's 'Meherma' was absolutely a favorite which was sung by Darshan Raval!       

                                                         

After giving us Ghungroo to grove last year, Shilpa Rao's crooning of Hardum Humdum was another delight. 

                                                       

Best Story and Screenplay: Adding a water-tight screenplay to an already powerful story and add to it towering performances. Anubhav Sinha and Mrunmayee Lagoo make an effective and phenomenal 'Thappad'! 

                                                             

   

Best Director: Thappad was a story that could've fallen flat if not for its director, Anubhav Sinha.

                                                

  

Top 5 Films (in particular order):

5. Panga:

                                                                

4. Maska:

                                                                  

   

3. Ludo:

                                                              

     

2. Raat Akeli Hai:

                                                           

      

1. Thappad:

                                                             

WEB SERIES:

Best Actor (Male): Pratik Gandhi, initially an engineer. I'm glad that he gave up his job because we cannot have anyone else to be Harshad Mehta in Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story.

                                                     

   

Special Mention: Kay Kay Menon as Himmat Singh was phenomenal in Special Ops!

                                                            

  

Best Actor (Female): All Hail! The queen is back! 10 years later, Sushmita Sen graces our screen yet again, for the best in Aarya!

                                               

  

Special Mention: It took time but as Mohini Rathod, Sheeba Chadha ensured that everyone stood and took up notice of her in Bandish Bandits.

                                                         

Best Supporting Actor (Male): As pradhanpati, Raghubir Yadav was simply phenomenal! His effortless comic timing with Jeetendra Kumar was phenomenal!   

                                              

 Special Mention: As the menacing Hathoda Tyagi, Abhishek Banerjee scared the wits out of everyone!

                                                             

Best Supporting Actor (Female): Alongside Pradhanpati, Neena Gupta brought her own flair to Manju Devi and her chemistry with Raghubir Yadav was crackling!

                                            

   

Special Mention: The original master player of Mirzapur, Beena Bhabhi's grey shades were effectively brought to life by Rasika Duggal!

                                                                  

     

Best Original Story: Prosit Roy and Avinash Arun's writing in Paatal Lok was nothing short of phenomenal.

                                                 

        

Best Music: The magical touch of Shankar Ehsaan Loy came back in the classical and fresh 'Bandish Bandits' and this was the best music album by far in 2020 including movie albums and other singles.

                                                   

Best Director: This one was a bit tough but Avinash Arun and Prosit Roy bag this for Paatal Lok.

                                                 

TOP 5 Web Series (in particular order):

5. Panchayat:

                                                      

4. Taish:

3. Paatal Lok:

                                                               

2. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story:

                                                     

1. Bandish Bandits:

                                                         

So here are my favorite and best of 2020 content! I hope you like it! Please Share your lists as well as how much you agree with my choices!