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!

              

 

          

Ludo Review: An interesting Game which should've gone on longer!

 2 years after the debacle of 'Jagga Jasoos', director Anurag Kashyap is back with his multi starer movie, 'Ludo'. The movie stars Rajkummar Rao, Abhishek Bachchan, Pankaj Tripathi, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, Asha Negi, Pearl Maane, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Shalini Vatsa. It is scripted, directed, and photographed by Basu himself who collabs with his companion, Pritam for music!

                                                 

What's Good: Acting: This time RR walks away with the cake from Tripathiji's hand. He is terrific. Abhishek, Tripathiji, Aditya, Rohit, Pearl, Lata, and everyone else is absolutely PHENOMENAL. Fatima might be a hindrance however can be overlooked! Story: Basuji's writing is absolutely phenomenal. No one could have made an anthology so nicely and connected the dots so beautifully. Music: 'Hardum Humdum', 'Abaad Barbaad', 'Dil Julaha' are absolute gems and Pritam gives us one of the few albums worth remembering after Malang and Love Aaj Kal 2 this year! Technically:  The movie is pitch-perfect technically! Absolutely nails each and every aspect.

                                                  

                                   

What's Bad: Screenplay: Like most of the movies, the back and forth narrative does not work for me personally!         

                                     

Final Word: Ludo is a beautiful, colorful, funny Chaotic Mess and should not be missed by anybody! Bachchan shows us his capability as a fine actor and the fact that he deserves a great director who can justify his talent! The movies absolutely stunning and interesting like the game in real life! 4 stars! One cannot just miss it!