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Virus (2019)
"Virus" is an outstanding film about human fights
Aashiq Abu is Malayalam cinema's Martin Scorsese. "Virus", although not his masterpiece, is a film that evocatively, yet with tact, makes the most impact with a restrained, thrilling screenplay. This is as much a film about the human fight against the obstacles, as much as it is a gratifying thank you movie to the medical staffs across Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, who tackled the outbreak with sensitivity and conviction. It's so realistically filmed, in fact, that for once you just forget that these are actors. There are many stars in the enterprise and believe me, each one of them is so compelling that you feel for them. And each and every character who is involved in the making of this anti-virus project a success has a significant, utterly important part to play, even the patients. The film is sure to have this year's best writing in Indian cinema. There are minor contrivances like some manipulation and melodrama but these are just minor quibbles in a thoroughly overwhelming and frequently high drama that's outstanding. I insist you see it.
Gumnaami (2019)
'Gumnaami': A gripping and ferociously made drama about politics of fantasy.
While there is no denying that the film has waferthin politics and there's a questionable factual crisis, which was also evident in Srijit's last film 'Ek Je Chhilo Raja', but 'Gumnaami' remains a solid film with filmmaking prowess and it has been elevated by a taut script and it's leading star who is in very fine form.
Motichoor Chaknachoor (2019)
A passably entertaining romcom.
'Motichoor Chaknachoor' has a lot of bumps but a whole lot of love. The film is an effective small town romantic comedy that stretches in an awful manner but works because of some fresh performances by a great ensemble starcast.
Tungrus (2018)
Our good old cocky daze...
Rishi Chandna's ''Tungrus'' is the definitive, best Indian documentary to come out in the last decade despite many other, longer and realized docs which came. It's a personal favourite for me because it is more about cramped human souls than animals and their nuisances in human settlements and suburbs. I loved how the makers quiet in a qualified way explore the regressive, delved-in but surprisingly comical depths at which the family's humane side unfolds. The story is so personal and so relatable about having an unusual pet that you'll take this as an intimate journey of your own, not to mention that it deserves repeat viewing. I am going with four out of five for Tungrus. Make sure you watch it.
Dear Comrade (2019)
Comraderie Win!
'Dear Comrade' is an unusual, heartwarming love story which blends in the strands of its characters in a unique concoction of likability and brilliance in equal parts. The love story at its core, the ambitious drive of passion and the hurdles these lovers jump are like nothing experienced by any Indian cinema before. Coupled with a bunch of unnecessary dance and song sequences and unrealistic action scenes, the film may not be a piece of seamless story-telling, but the execution is compellingly meditative at its heart. The film get sits applauds and sobs at all the right places, and stands out as an evocative, rousing crowd-pleaser which knows how romantic it must be. I also loved the film's ideological take on Marxism. Progressive!
Arjun Reddy (2017)
Toxic Masculinity and soul-sucking Love...
In the end, I was not sure how I felt about Sandeep Vanga's execution of the character whose character he questions: Arjun Reddy. Because I think that he glorifies the boy to an intolerable extent. But for one, I was sure that I love really the convincing brushstrokes of his unique love story with Preethi Reddy. The thing that's equally fascinating as an experience watching the film is that the performances are youthful: Vijay Deverakonda's anger as Reddy is surprisingly authentic, like its his own. And Preethy is charmingly a coy girl, sometimes- or say- mostly, a problematic. But as her character design says, she is likable. The way the film climaxed at the beginning of it is especially unconventional. The friendship he has, this guy Arjun, is something you'll take with you. And be it very unlikable as a story, as a glorification drivel- you'll submit to it.
Mission Over Mars (2019)
A Drama that makes space for the saree...
'Mission Over Mars': a manipulative title almost suggesting what's to come. The main intent of the makers is to repeat its motives: it is establishing the roles of the general Indian moms in making this 'MOM' successful. So ALT Balaji bends the tube and almost breaks it by making 'Mars Orbiter Mission', 'Mission Over Mars'. But who cares? After all, its MOM's show all the way!
But never mistake MOM as a soap-operatic version of true events. Ir don't draw in those similarities between 'Mission Mangal' and this series. Because the feature film was a nationalistic film which focused on hitting right the emotional buttons. But this series comes off as a different one. It lays more emphasis on the women behind the mission: it comes altogether with another set of four women: they have another set of stories. And, there are more real conversations and there are people who are actually discussing the pros and cons behind the mission and a mother who is actually worried about the possible outcome of each and every stage of this mission.
But the narrative lacks the adrenalin rush, the heft of drama, the right kind of emotional consistency or a genuine comical talent which made 'Mission Mangal' soar in style and bask in substance. The characters aren't rooted enough and the series is too long and silly to BE so. It also borrows the incredible silly matter of writing of male characters from the film.
But it is also a harmless watch that, if not anything, if extremely unpromising, is still a feminist take on a space mission where frequently the political ambitions of the men have been splattered and a jingoistic overdrive which we always want to avoid. Not perfect, but knows where the highs and lows lie.
Rangasthalam (2018)
A special crowd-pleaser with no emotional dearth!
'Rangasthalam' directed by Sukumar is the most fabulously made village drama of the year. Not only does this set-in-the-eighties film have an ensemble cast, it has slow-burning relatability and crowd-adoration in every sense of word. Starring a beautifully performing Ram Charan and amazingly tender Samantha Akkineni, the film is a textured, strong film which comes with a poignant plot and fine execution. The story sings of a deaf and mute man called Chitti Babu and his life as an irrigation worker in the village which is Rangasthalam. The film has a strategic metaphorical appeal with a poignant colour scheme which dazzles and entertains. On the whole, 'Rangasthalam' is the kind of star-driven entertainer which we want- with colours and fervor.
Ratsasan (2018)
A Great cop film which is actually Unpredictable!
'Ratsasan', actually, is a melodious film which is actually a covered, nicely packed thriller. Not only does it come with a compelling story, it establishes itself in the form of a true-blue original where authenticity is all in shape, nothing taking its place. The film is freshly paced and genuinely grounded, so that you never feel of it as a generic cop film. Vishal and Anupama really deliver career-best performances. If you don't look beyond its offerings, the film is real fun to see and experience.
K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018)
An Important Mass film for Bollywood to Taste!
The Kannada film 'KGF: Chapter-1' starring the Kannada superstar Yash is a well-made blockbuster in every sense of word. It uses its cinematic tricks to make a clichéd film which is committed to its hero wholeheartedly, but it is an achievement, because it tells a strong underdog narrative with a dark, gorey, meaty undertone. The film has been scripted in an entertaining way, and nothing feels dragged. Its a strong film which uses its strength to make an ultimate crowd-pleaser with vintage vibes. It is also a visually stunning film which has a good pace. But above anything, it works as a massive improvement over any entertaining mass film- since it is a larger-than-life depiction of slavery in times when there are not many movies showing this in Bollywood.
Take Off (2017)
'Take Off' lifts off in the Nature of a true Malayalam mainstream film
'Take Off' is a strong feminist feature film which doesn't shy away from presenting a bold picture of the events around which it is centered. Parvathy Menon is a yet another addition to the club of strong Malayali film characters, and replaces the line previously led by Malar Miss (Sai Pallavi) from the romantic flick 'Premam'. But above anything, what makes 'Premam' a ride genuinely unmissable is its strong writing which never meanders, even when the direction does. It is a realistic film in each count.
The Verdict - State Vs Nanavati (2019)
Review- A great tale of betrayal and politicized history
'The Verdict: State Vs. Nanavati' is a beautiful Bombay ode to the late 1950s India and the sprawling Anglican-Indian culture there as much as it is an informative, amazing courtroom drama.
The film acquires the essential spicy elements which deconstruct the variants of the court case the film has as its base- the film is back to the roots, but it doesn't choose to be a silent, noisy courtroom procession recreation- and how would it, when the maker is Ekta Kapoor, and the base is ALT Balaji?
But the film breaks its stereotypes by creating a sweet love triangle which pays homage to the cinematic style of the gone days. But when it comes to creating the court case in actual, she also rouses the inner Anubhav Sinha- or as we can say by looking at the recent times- Ajay Bahl. These are really well-executed sequences with the cast at top of their game- looking at Elli Avram, we can say she is definitely matured and not worth only 'least expectations'. Manav Kaul as KM Nanavati is also absolute.
Watch 'The Verdict- State Vs Nanavati' for its important story. But more importantly, its a relevant in terms of direction also- something Rustom never managed to achieve.
These proceedings are told, but, with mainstream brushstrokes. The film isn't as broad in its mannerisms as its records. It doesn't even look for depth.
But it still manages to be one of the best Hindi web shows of the year. I am going with 3 out of 5 for the series and an extra half for Manav's outstanding performance, making it 3.5 for 'The Verdict- State Vs Nanavati'. After 'Bose' series, an unbelievable offering by ALT Balaji.
Hostages (2019)
A genuinely tiring thriller set on a good pitch
'Hostages' is what makers thought would be a success. In its first episode, it somehow does manage to bend its clichés and tell the story in a suspenseful manners with musings of a Bollywood emotional.
But after this one episode, everything starts going so terrible, you just want to skip all of it. The stpry starts going generic. Actually, the base material of 'Hostages' does carry potential, but the selection of its source material lets it so down, it is one of the most exhausting web shows of this year. I am going iwth 1.5 stars for the Ronit Roy and Tisca Chopra starrer 'Hostages'.