Is Gully Boy actually worth an Oscar entry?

To begin with, it is not always about selecting the 'Best Film' at the Oscars. If India were to send the Best Movie to the Oscars, the Tamil movie, 'Super Deluxe' should have been a sure shot choice to send to the Oscars. But Oscars is not about sending the best of what India has, but the movie that can bring home an Oscar.

                                    

•  To begin with, this year at the Oscars, India shall have the advantage of its visibility among the 6000+ jury  members because of the movie's director Zoya Akhtar and costume designer Arjun Bhasin are among the members of the jury which also gives them a chance of networking and trying to juice in maximum votes from the jury for their film. Thus, increasing nomination chances (if not winning!) 

                                             

• History is proof that the Academy prefers movies based on the underdog stories set in rural India/slums backed by actors who bring to life the super-strong emotions. Emotion in world cinema is something which is not as openly expressed as in Indian cinema. Hence, when people see something emotional, they tend to incline in that direction as it gives them the sheer joy of something being expressed.

                                             

• To people criticizing that the Malyali Movie ' Kumbalangi Nights', not considered even in the list of movies that could potentially be selected for Oscars is basically because the movie was not even submitted to the film federation of India for consideration by the producers and only the movies that are submitted to the board are considered and a theatrical release is a must for movies to be considered for Oscars which was unlike the case for the Rima Das movie, "Bulbul Can Sing".

                                                      

• And finally, the most talked-about contender for the Oscars, 'Andhadhun' failed to make it as the official entry mainly because 'Andhadhun' lacked novelty or to put it in other words, the western audiences have seen true blue thrillers like Andhadhun which mess with your mind with open endings. Hence, Gully Boy made it through. 

                                             

Finally, to conclude India's chances of winning are fairly decent considering the previous releases and something that needs to be majorly and thoroughly checked is the Right Subtitling. If the subtitling strikes a chord and keeps the essence of emotions intact, Zoya might just bring an Oscar home!

P.S. To anyone saying that 'Gully Boy' is a copy or similar to '8  miles', kindly watch 8 miles and then we can chat!

TGIE Review: Worth an escape to the cinema!

'The Great Indian Escape' is a movie directed by Taranjiet Singh Namdhari and stars Asheesh Kapur, Raj Singh Arora and Raghav Rishi in the lead roles. It is a true story based on the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pak war and an escape made by 3 Indian Air Force officers after they were held as Prisoners of War. it is a story of motivation, bravery, courage, valour and love for our motherland.

                                               

What's Good: Story: Needless to say, the story is one of the strongest points of the TGIE. Performances: The performances by Asheesh Kapur and Raj Singh are absolutely amazing which are ably supported by the rest of the cast. Direction and Editing: Director and Editor Taranjiet Nambi masterfully edits and directs the movie. Dialogues: The dialogues are well-written and do not go to the 'hyper-nationalism' way. Art Direction and Set Design: The art direction and set design are absolutely spot on. They seem to be in sync with the times the story is set in. Chemistry: The chemistry among the leads is absolutely amazing and delightful.

                                            

What's Bad: Raghav Rishi's Debut: The narrator of the entire incident Dilip Parulkar aka Raghav Rishi is a bit unconvincing in his debut. His dialogue delivery is outright flat which hampers the impact the well-written dialogues could have had. The VFX and Superimposed imagery: Another aspect that refrained the movie from having an amazing impact was the superimposed imagery and the VFX which was done in such a way that it was obvious that it is superimposed.

                                             

All in all, The Great Indian Escape deserves your time because it talks about a true story that should have graced the silver screen earlier but could not. Moreover, the movie leaves you with immense motivates you, makes you realise and feel proud of those who are at the border protecting us. I am going with 3.5 stars for 'The Great Indian Escape'. It is a 1 Time Must Watch.

                                     

Crowdfunded Cinema.

There have been various kinds of movies that have to be told but face problems when they have to do not find any producers willing to invest money. Such stories with a desire to be a feature film turn to crowdfund for raising capital for production.

                                        

As evident from its name, crowdfunding is a practice adopted by a lot of indie filmmakers to gather fund for their films. Not only provide funds, but crowdfunding also permits the public to be familiar with the film and its cast (one of the biggest positives when the box office is concerned). Not only that, as per an investor, "Many independent film producers view crowdfunding as an excellent way to raise funds to cover production costs. Film producers are able to start to accumulate an interesting audience for their movie while raising money to make it."  

A few examples of crowd-funded movies is Rajat Kapoor's national award-winning movie 'Raghu Romeo', which won critical acclaim but failed to generate much of the numbers at the box office.

This led to a crisis for him to find investors for his next movie, "Mixed Doubles". It shall not be wrong to say that crowdfunding a successful method of raising capital for content and meaningful cinema around the world which has failed to gather momentum in India simply due to the risks of loss associated with it. 

                                                        

With another crowdfunded movie, "The Great Indian Escape" up for release this 24th of June, deals with real life incidence of a prison break of 3 officers of the Indian Air Force, one of the most outrageous prison breaks ever to happen in the history of defence services. An interesting and honest tale that deserves our attention. A real-life story which otherwise shall have not made it to the big screen if not for crowdfunding. 

                                                     

Therefore, to know the real life incidence of the real heroes of the country, it is our turn as the audience to support this movie and also inspire filmmakers to go the crowdfunding route if they have a story like "The Great Indian Escape" to be told.

                                                       

Cake (Netflix) Review: A cake one shall love to order again and again.

'Cake' is a Pakistani movie that released on Netflix recently stars Sanam Saeed, Amaina Sheikh and Adnan Malik in the lead roles. It is directed by debutante director Asim Abbasi. The film deals with a dysfunctional family where the illnesses of their ageing parents amidst their personal turbulence as the kids gather together for their parents.

                                                       

What's Good: Acting: Some fabulous acting is done by the exceptional leads and supporting cast. Story: Absolutely not on the same as Kapoor and Sons, there is a difference about this Pakistani drama. Chemistry: The chemistry where expected is sparkling and crackling. Message: A message common to all Pakistani movies, is the importance of staying together is depicted with absolute subtility here. Ode to 90s Music: The amazing background score reminisces us about old Bollywood music. 

The Best thing about Cake: They are the family next door!

                                           

What's Bad: Sub Stories: The sub-stories in the main story might be tough to follow. Length: The movie ends in just 125 minutes. 

                                           

If you are on Netflix and do not watch 'Cake', then I can confidently say that THIS SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT WATCH. Pure raw emotions, minimal melodrama, intriguing storyline, top-notch performances. I am going with 4 stars for this beautiful piece from Neighbouring Cinema!!

                                           

P.S. Do watch it. Might just turn out to be your 'movie of the year'!

Bharat Review: "Ye Naya India hai." Salman should realize that!

This week  saw the release of 2019’s biggest summer release, the Salman ‘Bhai’ Khan starrer ‘Bharat’, based on the Korean film, “An Ode to my Father”. The movie has an outstanding supporting cast that includes names like Ayesha Raza, Kumud Mishra, Sunil Grover, Shashank Arora etc. Post watching Bharat, it can surely be said that Salman Khan still has commitment issues.

                                                            

What’s Good: Acting(yes, acting!): With such an amazing supporting cast, the acting is pitch perfect. Even Katrina Kaif manages to act well. It’s ‘Bharat’ aka Bhai who lets us down (like always).  Music: Vishal Shekhar’s music is one of the better things about this movie. The Aunt-Nephew connection: The subtle undertones of the relation are pretty decent. Cinematography: The cinematography is pretty decently done.

                                             

What’s Bad: Length: At approximately 167 minutes, the movie highly overstays its welcome, drags a lot in the first half. Direction: Ali Abbas Zafar’s direction is one of the biggest problems of the movie. He decides to borrow the main storyline but forgets to add emotions to the movie. Forced Patriotism: The patriotism is forced. Absolutely unnecessary. Various shades of Salman: Salman is super highly unconvincing as his timeline spans over 70 years pass. Not only that, Salman practically becomes invincible in this drama. 

                                              

Bharat is not good, not average. It is an above average watch that too only suited for single screen and not the multiplex. I am going with 2.0 stars for this Salman starrer. At least, it is one of the better Salman Khan movies to have released.

                                             

P.S. So glad that Priyanka Chopra walked out of this drama.

DDPD Review: Le Le Pyaar Le!

This week saw the release of Ajay Devgn and Tabu's 'De De Pyaar De' which was directed by debutante Akiv Ali. The premise revolves around a man who goes to India with his girlfriend to his family for their approval. An interesting premise, let's see how it is:

                                                       

What's Good: Acting: Tabu is an absolute delight. Devgn and Rakul Preet are good. The supporting cast and many surprise appearances are phenomenal and elevate the movie experience. Music: The music is nice and the revamp 'Hauli Hauli' will stick with you for long. Comic Timing: The comic timing is simply pitch-perfect. Message and Strong Emotion: The movie has a message which may not have been delivered is not interesting but is important and laced with strong emotions.

                                                 

What's Bad: Dialogues: The dialogues are poorly scripted. First Half: Takes a lot of time to build up. Poor Rakul-Ajay Chemistry: There is barely any spark in the chemistry between them. Penultimate 15 minutes: The penultimate simply spoils the ride the movie took us for and undid the magic it was creating.

                                                   

Overall, De De Pyaar De is an amazing joyride which leaves you happy and surely is a One Time Watch which could have been better. It was surprisingly a good movie with a good message given in a 'thanda' way. I am going with 3 stars for De De Pyaar De and an extra 0.5 for Tabu!

                                                   

P.S. We have all known Tabu the 'actor', DDPD introduces us to Tabu the 'Diva'!

John Wick 3 Review: Now that's how you make a sequel!

John Wick series is an action based thriller franchise whose last movie John Wick: Chapter 2 hit the screens in 2017. John Wick 3: Parabellum (meaning prepare for war in Russian) hit the screens this 15th May and can be said: "This is how one makes a sequel." 

                                               

What's Good: Acting: Keanu Reeves yet again tells us that no one apart from him can play 'Jonathan Wick' and Ian McShane tells us that no one can play the manager of the Continental better than him. Action Sequence: The action sequences are beyond outstanding and well choreographed. Story: Begins from where the prequel had left, the story is interesting and engaging. Background Score: The background score dwells very well with the narration. Pacing: The 129 minutes of the movie pass unnoticed. The brilliance of the director and the screenplay writer.

                                              

What's Bad: Poor Climax: The climax somehow reduces the impact of the movie big time. Intertwingling narratives: The multi-narrative pattern for this movie somehow just increases the level of confusion.

                                         

John Wick 3: Parabellum is a fine action thriller elevated because of the story, characters and John Wick himself. I am going with 3.75 stars for the movie. Also, eagerly waiting for John Wick 4! An absolute treat for lovers of the franchise and for those who haven't seen this franchise, there is still time that you watch this amazing action thriller!

                                       

P.S. It is perhaps the best in the franchise for me and if not the best then at par with Chapter 1 and way above Chapter 2