neepun Reviews

Fanaa (2006)

different

[10/10 · 27 August 2006]

I saw this movie after seeing Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. I thought this was far better. The only problem is that Kohli should have done his research. There is no such thing as a retinal replacement surgery. This would be a dream come-true to millions of people around the world. He could have given her another form of blindness, where a corneal transplant would have given her vision again. Tabu's different image was a plus--she did a good job. Rishi Kapoor's versatility is great. With what's going on right now with terrorism, this story was relevant and showed how the "new terrorist" is the person next-door. What has impressed me about the director, is that he has done three films of different genres, and is showing that in some respects he may out-do his mentors, the Chopras in story versatility and quality. While I love Yash Chopra's films, Aditya has yet to demonstrate his versatility for directing different genres.

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)

Not as daring as he thinks

[7/10 · 15 August 2006]

The direction of the movie and editing and performances are definitely worth the movie ticket. My basic problem lies with Karan Johar's message and unrealistic fantasy. But Bollywood is about fantasy--I mean how many times in reality will a slum dweller and a millionaire live happily ever after as hundreds of movies show? The things well done were: (1) The Amitabh-Kiron Kher friendship. Although if Johar wanted to be really bold, he should have actually pushed this relationship further. Too many times senior love stories are pushed aside. When she touches his hand before death, was a lovely gesture. However, even in Kal Ho Na Ho, Johar didn't do much with the possibility of showing seniors in love (Dara Singh and Sushma Seth). He just teases us on that.

(2) Preity Zinta's line before intermission that she's having to be a father since SRK isn't one. SRK's whole attitude problem since his injury was actually quite annoying and the character really needed a shrink more than his soul mate of RAni.

(3) Abhishek saying that he's trying to always "jod" the relationship, while Rani tried to talk about "breaking" the relationship.

(4) The Music.

(5) Amitabh's simple stare at SRK and Rani, without having to go into melodrama.

(6) The fact that Kiron Kher did not show sympathy to SRK or try to justify his actions or make Preity Zinta forgive him.

I don't really get how SRK and Rani are soul-mates. Now, if Johar wants to be realistic, how about sequel showing that these two aren't living happily ever after. After all, people that are in adulterous relationships, will often say, that "the grass wasn't greener in the other pasture", once they've gotten married or lived in. In that respect, Arth was far more realistic, or for that chance, even Guru Dutt's old movies.

Clerk (1989)

Manoj Kumar lose his touch

[1/10 · 15 July 2006]

This movie sadly shows that Manoj Kumar is loosing it. After making beautiful movies like "Shor" and "Upkaar", one wonders what he was thinking when he made this movie. All the big stars that agreed to be part of this movie, just proves how they did out of respect, otherwise why would Shashi Kapoor, Rekha, and Ashok Kumar choose such a bad scripted movie. As someone else already said, if you are looking for a comedy, this is one, despite the fact that it's supposed to be a serious, patriotic flick. Even the soundtrack for Manoj Kumar's movies normally have memorable lyrics and tunes. There is nothing that sticks out for this one. It's too bad that the once great director and story-teller, didn't realize that his script was flawed and just decided to be graceful and not make this movie.