praveenkkr Reviews

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

This movie is neither for kids not for adults

[3/10 · 30 March 2024]

When I was a kid, in mid nineties, I watched Godzilla and dragon movies in theatres and was mesmerized. So, I took my kids to this movie with high expectations. But, this turned out to be a huge disappointment.

There is no logic, no realistic situation and no serious story telling attempt.

It's like 'ok, let us get Godzilla and Kong together and add some good VFX, it's more than enough'.

We were expecting some real badass character against Godzilla+ Kong, since it was hyped that not even Godzilla + Kong can defeat this character.

But, this character turned out to be a dud and didn't live up to the hype, not even to a small extent.

Whole movie is without any logic. It is as if the VFX guys came up with some series of events while making the graphics.

There is one scene where the space ship captain is killed. What other team members do? Just continue with their exploration without even sparing a moment of thought for their fellow mate. And how do they return back in the space ship later? The dentist flies the space ship just like that. Random characters do stuffs like we see in cartoon for toddlers.

When Kong gets hurt, they already have a perfect solution in place. They exactly knew that such a thing is gonna happen, as if they had done a time travel and got the tech ready.

We can list many such bloopers. It completely fails to connect with audiences. Even my 12 year old son started pointing out such stupid acts and asking me the reason. I didn't have any answer.

Please get some good script writing team into action even if you need to do away with some VFX members for the sake of getting an engaging stuff. We have enough of this VFX stuffs where we need to lay our brain to rest.

Shakhahaari (2024)

Mind blogging

[10/10 · 23 February 2024]

This movie should be a guide to aspiring directors.

It starts with a crime scene which just sits to next level during climax.

Friendship, love, desire, responsibility, comedy..every type of emotion is present in a thriller where the climax just confuse the audience in a really surprising way. Hadn't experienced this feeling in any other movie. It's just amazing. Can't beleive it's a debut director. The hotel brings nostalgic feeling. Acting is just perfect. BGM is also spot on.

Sad that the movie is not getting even a fraction of recognition it deserves.

Please watch it in theatres and also again on OTT.

Bachelor Party (2024)

Watched only for the sake of Diganth

[3/10 · 4 February 2024]

For me, Diganth is the most talented actor. He is very fit and agile. But movies offered to him aren't doing any justice to his talent.

In this movie, he is made to leap on one leg in the whole movie for no sane reason. There is no logic, no genuine comedy. Just a mashup of old comedy sequences and even dialogues are not new.

Not sure what talent did Rakshitha Shetty see in this director. They show woman in low light, crack adult joke (which doesn't evoke any laugh).

It's like a bunch of friends went to Thailand with camera, wrote story in the flight and dialogues on the fly, just during the scene.

Please stop encouraging such dim wits so that talent gets chance.

Sapta Sagaradaache Ello: Side B (2023)

Excels in Emotions

[9/10 · 4 February 2024]

I liked Side A, but was not much happy about it's pace. Felt it was slow, but it's expected going by Hemanth's previous ventures.

But, Side B is paced nicely. Acting by Rakshith is impressive and so the other actors.

Technically, movie is rich and proves that a talented team doesn't need big budget to make impressive movie. Many things are not obvious in the movie, for example the way the violent dog pestering heroine is handled and used by the hero.

BGM and songs are top class.

On the down side, the movie would have been more impactful if it was made as a single part because the first part emotions is lost.

Also, movie could have been even more faster.

Climax fight could have been more realistic though the violence is brilliantly masked by good direction.

Jailer (I) (2023)

Can Watch Shivaji again instead

[2/10 · 30 September 2023]

It's nothing like a current time cinema. It falls back to 70s when script and other technical aspects are considered. Just that the gore and other unwanted elements are highlighted.

Multilingual starts are added only to get publicity in their respective states. Otherwise, they have absolutely nothing to do in the movie.

You can just watch once in OTT if you are a hard-core rajani fan.

Heights of lazy screenplay and direction, just banking on Rajani and absolutely nothing else.

Fooling people in the name of stars should stop.

It is nothing more than crap when it comes to technical aspects.

Hope people can do some intelligent writing for Rajanis next project.

Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare (2023)

Nice hilarious movie, but watch without any expectation

[9/10 · 25 September 2023]

First of all, it is a youth movie made only for entertainment. It is creative in terms of narration, not in terms of story or in any other aspect.

It is made only for entertainment and delivers in that way.

It is not a 3-idiots or Kirik Party kind of story oriented movie.

There are many things going its way. Mainly, it is based on a bunch of characters and all of them are important in their own way, there is no single Protagonist. So, you just need to get involved in it.

Music is nice and complements the story. There is no main "love track" and movie doesn't get diverted in that way. Though all actors are new, they have delivered.

Promotion is a double edged sword. Though the movie got recognition because of so many celebrity actors, they are pulled in only for the sake of promotion. So, promotion has worked here.

On the other hand. We might feel these characters are just a waste and won't contribute to story apart from a bit of comical tough.

Anyhow, we can surely ignore drawbacks and enjoy the move for what it is. It surely tickles.funnybone unlike some senseless high octane masala movies.

Saptha Sagaradaache Ello - Side A (2023)

Typical Hemanth slow burner

[8/10 · 12 September 2023]

Just like his previous outings, director takes his own time to build the story. All the actors have given their best. Environment in the jail is raw and disturbing. Music haunts. Actors quite compete among themselves and excels. Though scenes are elaborate, focus isn't lost.

Splitting into two parts is not a good idea, not only this movie, but any movie. This trend should stop. But in this particular movie, looks like all the entertainment is forcefully pushed into 2nd part. After the brief intro to 2nd part at the end of this movie, we feel that the elaborate scenes were just to stretch the movie into 2 parts.

There is also no string reason to watch first part, one can read couple of reviews to know the story and directly watch 2nd part. It saves both money and time.

Toby (2023)

Not as expected, very much predictable

[5/10 · 27 August 2023]

As any other movie, this movie starts with the introduction to the character Toby but it takes too much time. Toby written on the palm is shown atleast half a dozen time and it gets irritating rather than creating curiosity.

The police inspector character looks very pale. Every character speaks with a long pause that the people in the theatre started talking.

The 2nd half picks up little pace, but the climax is very much predictable, thanks to the trailer.

A person stabbed multiple times and declared almost dead can be seen fighting and killing dozens of goondas within few minutes, just like any masala high octane movie. Bizzare costume and actions cannot elevate the experience.

For example, when the main character is crying during climax, we cannot sympathize with him.

Raj was liked for his story telling and much realistic approach. But here, though the premises looks authentic, it's just like another run-of-the-mill movie.

Music and cinematography are top notch. Acting is very good, especially Jenny (both kid and adult).

But, the content itself is so mediocre especially for the Shetty 'genre', felt so much disappointed. Hope Raj doesn't fall for the love of stardom.

Bawaal (2023)

Family entertainer with right mixture of humour, history, entertainment and emotions

[8/10 · 24 July 2023]

It is a feel good movie with heart at the right place. The characters are introduced in a quick and quirky way. It sails at a nice pace and ends in a right way. Every scene contributes to the story.

Acting wise, Varun really shines. He lives the character. Jahnvi though good in parts, not entirely convincing. Other characters have limited scope but everyone has done their part with perfection.

The best part is how all the emotions are mixed without making look anything artifitial. Sentiments between husband and wife, comedy by the Gujju gang, resposibility of a teacher. There are also life lessons explained nicely without getting preachy. Nice to see such originality without any vulgarity or voilence making it watchable even with the kids. Though, the screenplay is very much predictable.

Music and BGM are just apt.

If you have a couple of hours to spend and have got the Prime membership, just enjoy it.

Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023)

Remaking such movie shows dearth of talent in Bollywood

[1/10 · 26 June 2023]

Has bollywood stooped to such level that they are trying to remake a movie with such a storyline? Or is that they are so incopetent that they can't even remake a movie??

OMG, not sure why these stars even agree to make such movies? Are they so lame or they just don't care?

It is as if the story was made on the go. While shooting for one scene, the story of the next scene would be made.

The acting is so much pathetic. Salman walks and speaks at 0.25x speed. There is no life in the acting of any of the actors. It is just like some robot is acting based on some AI.

Climax is so much pathetic that all other earlier foolishness will have to be forgotten.

Thank god, the fast forward function is so convenient now. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure majority of us wouldn't have watched the movie till the end!

Bholaa (2023)

Bollywood cannot even copy a movie

[2/10 · 5 June 2023]

It became intolerable after some time into the movie. Surprised that the movie was top in trending in prime movies. Found that it is remake of Tamil movie but that movie had very good ratings. So started watching it and was really impressed by the original.

Ajay Devgan, in order to show his heroism, has completely ruined the movie. Below "improvisation" added in the Hindi version: 1. Ajay Devgan drinks alcohol while driving the truck, not sure if censor board were also doing the same while watching.

2. Emotional touch lost as main focus is on glorification of the hero and over the head action.

3. Unnecessary songs and a flashback sequence, again to please Ajay himself, reduces the intensity.

4. Main police inspector role now handled by female (Tabu), looks like it is done again just to look Ajay prominent. In original, hero looks vulnerable in some sequences and doesn't overpower the police character. In Hindi, all roles are toned down and Ajay Devgan acting is stereotyped, he doesn't really suit the role.

5. Too much drama and make up to villains, still they aren't as menacing.

Bollywood seems to be in the hands of a bunch of less talented people who are neither trying to update themselves or allowing fresh talents to come to the fore.

Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery (2023)

We need more such movies that can be enjoyed with full family

[10/10 · 23 May 2023]

This movie comes as a fresh air when there is dearth of content that can be watched with the whole family.

No stars, no big budget, no controversy. Zero vulgarity and zero violence. At the same time, not a single dull moment.

It appears as if story is unfolding next door, which isn't possible when so called star actors and star directors are involved.

Sanya shines and others play the role to perfection.

The way the mali underplays his character shows how good the director is. Every role is casted to perfection. Kodos to Yashowardhan doing this, that too in his debut.

Music is apt. Screenplay is crisp.

Just that couple of scenes are a bit silly and the dialect is bit difficult to grasp sometimes. But can be ignored for the originality and the subtle message it delivers.

Giving 10* so that we get more such content to be enjoyed by whole family.

Need this to be dubbed in all languages including Kannada so that every household can enjoy without a single moment of embarrassment.

Raghavendra Stores (2023)

They named it Raghavendra Stores and trying to sell vulgarity

[1/10 · 22 May 2023]

Wanted to view this movie in theatre as I felt there might be something new going by the title and Hombale Production. But somehow, couldn't watch it in theatre and now after watching in Prime, I'm thanking almighty that I could save money, time and also escape the torture.

While watching this movie, I strongly felt that the director is "Vijaya Prasad" and rechecked to confirm that it is indeed Santhosh.

Anyhow all Santhosh's earlier outings were successfull only because of star power, such quality is expected. Now that Powerstar is no more and rocking star is out of his reach, the director somehow convinced hombale to produce. Pulled in Jaggesh and churned out this movie, which is neither comedy nor an adult movie.

Jaggesh, doing what he does best and Dattanna again doing what is given to him. Both great actors are getting stereotyped to such roles now a days. Easy money?

I started watching at home and after 30 minutes, I had to switch it off as it was getting increasingly irritating.

First one hour is all about the "difficulties" Jaggesh is facing to get married. Next 30 mintues is again "challenges" for "first night". Everything is forced and over the head comedy.

At the end, there is a "message" which feels like copy pasted from some other movie.

These type of "star" directors are pulling down the industry and hope production houses like Hombale learn to recognize talents so that we get another "Kantara" type movie.

Gandhada Gudi (2022)

There is nothing exciting, other than wathing PK

[5/10 · 19 January 2023]

Watched it in theatre with full family, including 2 small kids.

Was expecting "Wild Karnataka" kind of experience, but it just fell flat. Especially, kids were utterly dissapointed.

There is nothing exciting, other than watching PK.

Few scenes are really heart wrenching, especially the scene where Appu says "vapas manege hogbeku, movie ardha agirodu complete maadbeku". Such a loss to KFI, Karnataka and humanity.

Seems like the movie was only partially shot and somehow they managed to drag it for 90 minutes and released it in theatres.

Not even a single close-up shot of any animal. There is no clarity for scenes, there is no sequence of events. Narration jumps from one place to another in a random manner. The underwater scene is just 5-10 mins!

Even the cameras used seems to be not upto the mark. Music is underwhelming.

10/10 to Appu.

0/10 to the Director and technical team.

Trikona (2022)

Its one of the movies that should get much more recognition

[9/10 · 28 June 2022]

The attempt of telling a spirutual story in an entertaining way should be appreciated (sometimes entertainment goes overboard).

I feel that we should watch the movie every few months so that we don't forget to adapt the message.

Since the story is told on a road journey kind of setup, it is more relatable to road rage. But, the message applies to all aspects of life.

Acting is top class, as there is a huge team of experienced actors. Suresh Heblikar, Achuta Rao, Sudharani, Lakshmi, Sadhu and every actor has performed very naturally.

BGM is also good, but editing and choreography could have been better.

There are few -ve points too, which we can ignore. For e.g., the action scenes are too much streched. No need of to focus on action so much, since it is not really an action movie.

Dialogues and the comedy, though not bad, feels forced to the story.

Fourwalls (2022)

Unique story

[9/10 · 25 June 2022]

It is a low budget, content and performance oriented movie. Carries a message and leaves us thinking.

Though initially everything looks wierd, one has to wait till climax to know the reason.

[e-mail] (2021)

Very good drama

[8/10 · 20 March 2022]

Though the story line is very much predictible, it has feel good factor. Acting is spot on, no overacting. Bhavana excels among all.

Dattanna and Sadhu do justice to the roles, but such actions were not necessary for such roles.

Music is excellent and Tusu doora song will have permanent place in all our playlists.

Seetharaam Benoy Case Number Eighteen (2021)

Mixed feeling after watching

[7/10 · 31 December 2021]

The overall story is to good and unique. There is no distraction of songs and other unwanted masala. The second half keeps us on the edge of the seat. But, the climax spoils the intensity. Not because of the story, but the execution which is below par. Police inspector, acting like a helpless kid to stop the murder spoils the mood. Adding to that, the villain, reserved to make the appearance only during climax fails, to do justice to the role . He fails to create that menace very much necessary to keep the intensity. Instead, the police is made to look helples.

First half an hour is boring. They could have made it much more interesting or even trimmedit.

Except Vijay Raghavendra, every other character is new and don't have an iota of acting skill. Though it is ok in the beginning, in the climax, it's all exposed. Also, the inspector arriving alone to arrest the criminal without the gun, even after knowing that he is also targeted by the criminal is just an example of many loop holes in the narration.

Though we can bear all the drawbacks keeping the low budget and lack of experience, there is no reason for the shabby camera work. It is as if a 5 year old kid holding the camera, unable to keep it steady.

Another fact that is not at all acceptable is the glorification of smoking, completely unnecessary.

Aelay (2021)

Simple story with situational comedy and suspense

[8/10 · 2 November 2021]

Movie starts as dark comedy with a dead person being visited by village people. The dead persons sin returns from the city and story unfolds as he remembers his father's mischiefs. Story proceeds by shifting between the past and present, with light comedy. Slowly the lady love enters the plot and there is a twist in the present and also the past stories and the suspense element adds up.

Acting of all the characters are very much natural without stressing the fact that it is a comedy. BGM kept to the minimum, only the screenplay and acting is made to take up the front seat.

Since I'm not a Tamilian, I'm not sure if the actors have acted in any other movies, but they are very natural. The feather son duo excels.

Anyhow, few scenes seems to be out of place, but they are important to the story. For example, the father is shown as tricking people and even his kids for his profit, but the scene showing good side of him doesn't got enough intensity.

Fan (2019)

Can watch any serial, any time

[1/10 · 8 August 2021]

Started to watch this movie as it has 8+ rating. Within 10 minutes, it became unbearable. Cross checked the rating to make sure if I'm not watching wrong movie.

Fast forwarded to 70th minute and the story hadn't progressed a bit. More over, it had become even more irritating. A man collapses and the hero starts crying and tries waking him up, also delivers a full page dialog.

This movie is just to showcase the hero. They could have chosen a good script or a good director.

Why Amazon hosts such movie and how it garnered 8+ rating is a million dollar question.

Ikkat (2021)

Watched it as a random pick but enjoyed it.

[9/10 · 30 July 2021]

As seen in trailer, movie begins with two couples fighting. It starts slow but once it picks up the pace, the smile on our face and the suspense, though it's not intense, remained till the end. There are only very few characters, and they do good job in executing the script. Music and bgm is very apt and apt.

OTT is a boon for these films which relies solely on the script. Hope to see these movies in good numbers.

Karnan (2021)

Too much of a drag without focusing on actual subject

[1/10 · 19 June 2021]

Though this movie is about the oppressed, it ends up being a commercial pot boiler because of dhanush. He is not bad, we have seen him in asuran where he proved his mettle, in a fictional character. The backdrop of this movie is not fictional. It is based on real incidents. But, in each and every frame, we see the hero. In the climax, we see him welding the sword and riding the horse. We see people falling on heroes feet to save them.

So, the entire story appears to be built based on him. Typical Indian movie style. Hundreds of people beaten up by tens of police when the whole village was prepared for war!

Also, there are many scenes that runs for several minutes which doesn't contribute to the story. Crisp editing could have trimmed 30mins and kept the movie more enjoyable. Action scenes, duets are all added just for the sake, doesn't serve any purpose.

May be the director shouldn't have established any link to the real incidents and made this completely fictional. It's misusing the history for individual gains. Could have been so much better if bias was towards the history.

Naanu Avanalla... Avalu (2015)

Our kannada film industry doesn't deserve this movie and the actor

[10/10 · 15 June 2021]

Such a wonderful movie. It shows the difficulties of the 3rd gender. Hats off to the director and the producer that they dared to attempt this.

This movie cannot be realized without Sanchari Vijay. He just gets into the skin of the character and we start really feeling for him.

Kannada audiences doesn't deserve this movie and the masterclass of acting.

There is a necessaity of a platform for such movies which can also reach vast audiences.

The best actor national award is the only consolation.

Nam Gani B Com Pass (2019)

Simple story yet entertaining

[8/10 · 6 June 2021]

There is comedy, suspense and sentiment. It's a very simple story. It doesn't turn out to be what we expect. Acting by everyone, including new comers, is very nice. Anyhow, some parts turns out to be not logical.

Bloodshot (2020)

One hell of an action film, if you forget shortcomings

[10/10 · 26 May 2021]

It's an all in all action film which has a strong story line. But, action scenes takes the lion share and it's intentionally done to treat action lovers. So, it certainly doesn't deserve such a low rating.

Few shortcomings I felt was that the action scenes are over cooked. There are barely 3 action scenes each consuming minimum 15 minutes. There is no character development, which is accepted in many action movies like mad max etc.