A Westerner Watches Bollywood and Indian Art House Cinema
Work in progress. Huge fan of Indian cinema in all its forms and this is a labor of love. The good, the bad the ugly: these films range from Bollywood to parallel cinema to regional cinema to documentaries. (Have seen almost 300 films, so still adding to this list.(Forewarning: SRK fan.)
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- DirectorRajkumar HiraniStarsAamir KhanMadhavanMona SinghTwo friends are searching for their long lost companion. They revisit their college days and recall the memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently, even as the rest of the world called them "idiots".Excellent, very funny but also heart-breaking parody of educational and parental pressure for Indian students to become something successful (like an engineer) instead of follow their own path. Bowman Irani delights and Aamir Khan is at his best
- DirectorMahesh BhattStarsRahul RoyAnu AgarwalAvtar GillRahul and Anu fall in love with each other, but before they unite, they have their own problems to deal with.Based on "A Star Is Born" but with a few differences. I found the acting wooden on all counts (except Tom Alter, known as a speaker of almost perfect Hindi) , but it was still considered a romantic hit. Directed by Maneesh Bhatt who has certainly given better films in his career.
- DirectorShankhadeepStarsIshaan Singh ManhasAnkita SrivastavaDheeraj MiglaniA dark complexioned waitress develops an online relationship with a hunk in her college.Odd little piece of cinema based on Hillary Duff's "A Cinderella Tale". Looks like a beginning film student's project, but I watched it to the end because some of the unknowns in it (and they were all unknowns) showed promise.
- DirectorBhushan PatelStarsBipasha BasuKaran Singh GroverSulabha AryaA supernatural mystery about a young woman whose dead sister relentlessly haunts her.Indian "horror" film with Bipasha Bau and Karan Grover Singh. Double role by Bipasha as wife and also dead sister. Not very scary
- DirectorHrishikesh MukherjeeStarsRajesh KhannaAmitabh BachchanSumita SanyalThe story of a terminally ill man who wishes to live life to the fullest before the inevitable occurs, as told by his best friend.Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan in classic Hindi cinema at its best. A must-see! Rajesh Khanna is terminally ill man who is determined to find joy until the end and also to help doctor friend find it as well. "Happiness"
- DirectorRajkumar SantoshiStarsAamir KhanSalman KhanRaveena TandonTwo slackers competing for the affections of an heiress inadvertently become her protectors from an evil criminal.Great Hindi comedy in true Bolllywood style, complete with romance, bad guys, crazy schticks and moral lessons. Salman Khan, Aamir Khan. "Our Style"
- DirectorRahul RawailStarsMadhuri DixitShah Rukh KhanTinnu AnandVijay falls in love Shivani and proposes her only to be rejected every time. However his love turns into an obsession and turns her life into a hell.One of SRK's villain roles, almost as good as Darr, but not quite. Spoiled rich brat wants uninterested girl and is willing to murder to get her. Decent film and should be on any SRKian's list.
"Consequences" - DirectorSantosh SivanStarsShah Rukh KhanKareena KapoorDanny DenzongpaThe epic tale of King Asoka's life is recounted.SRK. Not well received in India partly due to historical inaccuracies, but won two awards (Filmfare and IIFA)and nominated for 17 other prestigious awards. Did well overseas. Kareena Kapoor is great. LONG but amazing cinematography. Ashoka or Asoka is Maurya Emperor who gave up empire to help spread Buddhism. Worth seeing.
- DirectorAtul SabharwalStarsArjun KapoorZahrah S KhanPrithviraj SukumaranKingship knows no Kinship and there can be only one Emperor in Aurangzeb's world. In Gurgaon, to bring down a criminal the law has to think like one.Arjun Kapoor plays two roles, which Bollywood loves. He is undercover for the cops, taking place of gangster's son. Average.
- DirectorRavi ChopraStarsAmitabh BachchanSalman KhanHema MaliniWhen his only son dies in an accident, Balraaj urges his depressed daughter-in-law to marry a man who has long loved her in silence.Film with Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, John Abraham, Hema Malini and Rani Mukerji (wow!) should have been better, but wasn't. First half, decent; second half, not so much. John Abraham replacing Salman Khan? Nahin...
- DirectorS.S. RajamouliStarsPrabhasRana DaggubatiAnushka ShettyA child from the Mahishmati kingdom is raised by tribal people and one day learns about his royal heritage, his father's bravery in battle and a mission to overthrow the incumbent ruler.Telugu film, also done in Tamil at same time and dubbed into other languages, including French. Prabhas is foundling prince. Indian cinema is great at epic historical pieces. First South Indian film to gross over 600 crore worldwide. Highest grossing Telugu film of all time. Excellent. Worth seeing.
- DirectorAbbas Alibhai BurmawallaMastan Alibhai BurmawallaStarsShah Rukh KhanKajolDalip TahilA young man with a vendetta against a business tycoon seduces the man's younger daughter, but she begins to suspect her new lover's connection with her elder sister and his ulterior motive.Shah Rukh Khan is psychotic, ruthless villain, Kajol the victim. Predates their DDLJ and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai jodi. This film is literally "crazy" fun with SRK in one of his best villain roles. "Illusionist".
- DirectorSriram RaghavanStarsVarun DhawanNawazuddin SiddiquiYami GautamRaghu begins walking a fine line between good and evil as he exacts violent revenge on two criminals who killed his family 15 years ago.This is NOT typical Varun Dhawan, but an attempt to break out of the Humpty roles. Violent, violent, violent revenge film. Nawazuddin Siddhiqui is good in this. And you will never look at Varun Dhawan the same. Badlapur is city in Mumbai District.
- DirectorManeesh SharmaStarsRanveer SinghAnushka SharmaRanjit BatraShruti and Bittoo become partners in their very own "Wedding planning ka bijness" in Delhi and in the process discover friendship, love and one another.Bajirao Mastani star Ranveer Singh's first lead role with favorite Anuskha Sharma. Great little Bollywood gem...entire film is worth the line (after huge dance number) when friend addresses him as the next SRK. Possibly prophetic? Worth seeing if it hadn't been a star vehicle for Ranveer.
- DirectorSiddharth AnandStarsHrithik RoshanKatrina KaifPawan MalhotraA young bank receptionist gets mixed up with Rajveer Nanda, a man who has a mysterious background.Authorized remake of Tom Cruise film "Knight and Day". Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif do a credible job. Soundtrack and dancing are awesome. Don't know why it isn't rated higher. Super-fun guilty pleasure action film which my two non-Bollywood fan grown daughters also loved.
- DirectorAnurag BasuStarsRanbir KapoorPriyanka Chopra JonasIleana D'CruzThree young people learn that love can neither be defined nor contained by society's definition of normal and abnormal.Beautiful, beautiful film with Ranbir Kapoor as deaf man and Priyanka Chopra as his mentally challenged friend. This is the kind of film that lifts up a heart. They both show their major acting chops in this one, particularly Priyanka, playing so drastically against type. Must see.
- DirectorSushrut JainStarsKunal NayyarPrithvi ShawAs India, host of the 2011 World Cup of Cricket, begins its campaign to win the Cup after a 28-year drought, three ordinary Indians seek their salvation/escape from a difficult life through their passion for cricket - Sudhir, a penniless superfan who cycles across India to cheer the team; Prithvi, a 12-year old boy wonder who is a cricket prodigy; and Akshaya, a girl cricketer from Mumbai's slums. We follow Sudhir to see what drives the man who has renounced so much, including marriage, for his dream of cheering Team India forever; Akshaya as she competes in the trials for selection to the Mumbai Women's Team, and Prithvi as he copes with the unique pressures of being a cricket phenom in a cricket-crazy nation.Very well-done documentary with three different viewpoints on India's cricket craze. A fan, an up and coming athlete and a girl who plays cricket. If you want to understand just how much India loves this sport, this is an excellent piece to see.
- DirectorPriyadarshanStarsIrrfan KhanLara DuttaOm PuriIn an Indian village, a struggling barber sees his luck begin to turn when residents learn that a famous actor he once knew is coming to town.Based on eternal friendship of Hindu Lord Krishna and Sudama. Very sweet story of a regular guy (Billu) who was childhood friends with a mega-star. A feel good kind of film well worth seeing, although oddly not one of SRK's most popular, probably because he plays himself. Item numbers with 3 Bollywood divas, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are awesome.
- DirectorSiddiqueStarsSalman KhanKareena KapoorRaj BabbarThe daughter of a wealthy nobleman secretly falls in love with her bodyguard.Not one of Salman Khan/Kareena Kapoor's best--mostly for Salman fans. Still, it was one of the first Salman movies I screened, and while it is no Bajrangi Bhaijaan or even Ek Tha Tiger, it isn't really bad.
- DirectorVivek SharmaStarsAmitabh BachchanJuhi ChawlaSatish ShahMoving into a new house, a family witnesses an unfriendly ghost who wants to drive them away from the house. However, he befriends a little boy who changes his outlook forever.A great Amitabh Bachchan vehicle for the family, especially since ghost is funny, not scary. SRK has tiny role as father of the boy Amitabh's character befriends. Juhi Chawli is mom. Cute film for the kids. Better than the sequel "Boothnath Returns". Booth: Hindi for ghost.
- DirectorNitesh TiwariStarsAmitabh BachchanBoman IraniParth BhaleraoA ghost returns back from his world to prove something. But on earth, he has something more to do for his country.Sequel to Bhoothnath with Amitabh Bachchan and this time, Bowman Irani (always a funny guy). This time, the ghost runs for public office and the second half is over-blown, but still good family fun and definitely worth seeing. Tiny cameo by you-know-who.
- DirectorMohit TakalkarStarsMohan AgasheRadhika ApteRajit KapoorThis is a story of Shiv. Shiv, with a supportive family, a close group of friends and a normal life in all respects, sets out on a journey to discover what he seeks in the outside world, not knowing when, if at all, he will return. He is searching for something but isn't sure what exactly he seeks. Experiencing a whole new life is simultaneously frightening, exhilarating and intense as he ventures out, completely vulnerable, on a journey that takes him through diverse landscapes of life arid, vast, claustrophobic, open, abundant. He faces insecurity, enjoys adventure and freedom and learns about different philosophies. A trembling mind has set out on a journey into the unknown towards light. Its own light.Example of Hindi parallel cinema. Mohan Agashe is Shiv, college graduate who leaves everything behind to see what is out in the rest of the world. Very slow, but patient viewer is rewarded with some remarkable moments. Nominated for best film at Shanghai International Film Festival.
- DirectorTigmanshu DhuliaAjit SableSanjiv TrigunayatStarsSaif Ali KhanSonakshi SinhaVidyut JammwalA common man who transforms into a gangster revolts against the very system he once obediently followed by declaring war on the police, the government, and the industrialists.No idea what happened to Saif Ali Khan after such a bright start in Bollywood, but this film is typical now. Nothing to really recommend it except some decent action. Even the dancing is not up to par. For Saif Ali Khan fans only.
- DirectorShimit AminStarsShah Rukh KhanVidya MalvadeSagarika GhatgeKabir Khan, the coach of the Indian Women's National Hockey Team, dreams of making his all-girls team emerge victorious against all odds.Literally, "Go win, India", film is widely touted as one of Shah Rukh Khan's best. None of his trademark romance; a very serious role as an unjustly disgraced Indian athlete who returns to coach a national women's field hockey team. Extremely well-received by audiences and critically acclaimed, but don't expect Raj/Rahul to show up. Worth seeing.
- DirectorAziz MirzaStarsShah Rukh KhanRani MukerjiJas AroraA man pursues a woman who is already engaged and eventually gets married to her. Differences between the two lead to a bitter separation that threatens to destroy their relationship forever.Talk surrounding this film is almost more famous than film as this is supposedly where the (now over) rift between Salman Khan and SRK got started. Story: Truck driver falls in love with rich girl. They marry and but don't exactly live happily ever after. One of SRK's slightly more realistic romances. Rani Mukerji is good. Worth seeing.
- DirectorKen GhoshStarsShahid KapoorGenelia DeshmukhMohnish BehlNew love convinces a struggling actor and dancer to enter a talent competition that could make him a superstar.Despite his acclaim in "Haider" (Bollywood's answer to Hamlet) and in "Jab We Met", this isn't one of Shahid's best. However, one thing that can always be said of Shahid Kapoor: that man can DANCE. Watch for the dance sequences, not so much the story.
- DirectorYash ChopraStarsSrideviRishi KapoorVinod KhannaFate leaves Chandni shattered as her love Rohit disappears from her life. She meets Lalit and they befriend each other until Rohit knocks on her door.Chandni is a Yash Chopra romance classic that is credited with bringing the romance musical back to Bollywood. The storyline is weak, Rishi Kapoor isn't at his best, but the performance of Sridevi as Chandni is mesmerizing. Chandni means moonlight, and she is as ethereal and beautiful in this film as the name of her character. Watch it for her. Sridevi is sometimes called "The Last Empress of Bollywood". Watch this and find out why.
- DirectorRohit ShettyStarsDeepika PadukoneShah Rukh KhanSathyarajA man travelling to Rameswaram via Chennai express for his late grandfather's ashes immersion finds himself in trouble after helping a don's daughter and her cousins board the train.Another SRK film that Indians love to hate, but box office tells a different story. This is a film, however, for someone well-seasoned in Bollywood and SRK films and music. Otherwise, you won't get any of the very clever but inside jokes, and this film contains them by the droves. Deepika Padukone is perfect foil for his 40 something "common man" role. One of my favs.
- DirectorSuneet AroraStarsRavi KishanRahul SinghSanjay SwarajThe Shades of Grey deals with interpersonal relationships of seven couples instigated by a master planner that changes their lives. The colleagues seemingly living happily help, slowly reveal pasts of treachery, deceit and lies.This film is parallel cinema, but it goes way beyond that almost to experimental cinema. It even has an odd look, having been shot on what looks like videotape, not film, and a "nude" scene by Ravi Kishan. Admittedly, it was tempting to give up on this after the first half hour, but I watched it til the end and found it oddly satisfying. If you like standard fare, this is not for you. If you like edgy and different, you'll like this.
- DirectorHabib FaisalStarsAditya Roy KapoorParineeti ChopraAnupam KherA story of Gullu, a Hyderabadi girl frustrated with dowry-seeking men and Taru (a charming Lucknawi cook), who crush old-fashioned world-view.Daawar-e-Isha (Feast on Love) is one of the very first Bollywood films I saw (I think because it was on Netflix). It is very typical, cutesy Bollywood fare with decent performances by Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapoor. And it did win an award for lyrics. However, it blurs together with other offerings of the same type. Watch when you are just being lazy around the house one day.
- DirectorAbhinav KashyapStarsSalman KhanSonakshi SinhaSonu SoodA corrupt police officer faces challenges from his family, gangsters and politicians.Some folks missed the fact that the over-the-top action sequences and its larger than life character in Dabangg released was the point--a cop who is almost a superhero, not believable. Salman Khan plays corrupt but good guy Chulbul to a "t"; Sonkashi Singh does the love interest well, winning a Filmfare for it. It also won a National for Best Popular Film. (Dabangg means bold and assertive. Very apt.) Worth seeing!
- DirectorArbaaz KhanStarsSalman KhanSonakshi SinhaPrakash RajChulbul Pandey invites a fresh trouble when he kills the brother of a notorious politician and the former swears to wreak havoc in his life.See review for Dabangg but know that in some ways, Dabangg 2 is even better. The film (in which Chulbul and wife transfer to a famously lawless town) outdid opening day for Ek Tha Tiger and became the 10th highest grossing film ever in India and worldwide despite the fact that critical reception was mixed. Also worth seeing, just for fun.
- DirectorYash ChopraStarsJuhi ChawlaSunny DeolShah Rukh KhanDarr is a girl's (Kiran) story caught between one man's (Sunil) love and another man's (Rahul) obsession.The performance that set the bar in Bollywood for this kind of film is in this movie. Shah Rukh Khan is nothing short of brilliant as the mentally unbalanced young man who is the obsessed stalker of K-K-K-Kiran and who goes after her even after she marries. Audiences loved his villainy but also his vulnerability. This is truly one of the great performances in Bollywood that you shouldn't miss. Darr is Hindi for "fear".
- DirectorPavan KirpalaniStarsJimmy ShergillNushrratt BharucchaArif ZakariaDuring the inaugural party of one of the largest malls in Asia, a newly recruited security guard must work to stop a supernatural threat.The only thing this film has to recommend it is Jimmy Shergill who, despite never achieving super-stardom, is still a darn fine actor. Unfortunately, it is one of those movies where you know the actor probably took the job because he needed the work. with no pre-info, I had hopes it might somehow mimic its namesake, but absolutely not. Darr means fear but Jambhaee (yawn) would be better as a title.
- DirectorRaj KanwarStarsRishi KapoorDivya BhartiShah Rukh KhanA singer (Rishi Kapoor) marries his biggest fan, but his uncle (Amrish Puri) plans to kill him in order to gain his money.Shah Rukh Khan's first big screen appearance and it is Bollywood legend, particularly since he never appeared until the second half of the film and his performance was still acclaimed. Even if it wasn't any good (but it really was), I would still tell you to see it. There are just some films you have to see in Bollywood to understand Bollywood. This is one of them. (Deewana means crazy and constantly shows up in film lyrics as well as titles in B-town.)
- DirectorSanjay Leela BhansaliStarsShah Rukh KhanMadhuri DixitAishwarya Rai BachchanAfter his wealthy family prohibits him from marrying the woman he is in love with, Devdas Mukherjee's life spirals further and further out of control as he takes up alcohol and a life of vice to numb the pain.It seems often to be a toss-up as to whether Swades or Devdas is considered SRK's finest film ever. Devdas certainly has the better pedigree, being the 16th adaptation of one of the most wildly popular, famous pieces of Indian literature ever of the same name, authored by the legendary Bengali writer Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. It is about the destructive nature of unfulfilled passion. This Sanjay Leela Bhansali production is lush beyond belief but that doesn't over-shadow the intensely great acting by both SRK and Aishwarya Rai. This is another must see from the Bollywood canon.
- DirectorSanjay GadhviStarsAbhishek BachchanJohn AbrahamUday ChopraDhoom reinvents the classic cops and robbers tale for the 21st century. Fast bikes, big action, and non-stop fun make for a thrilling story.First of three films starring Abhishek Bachchan as ADI Jai Dixit and Uday Chopra as his sidekick Ali. In this, they chase motorcycle criminal mastermind John Abraham who won two awards for best villain for this. The much-touted theme song "Dhoom Machale" originates in this film. Debates are held about which of the three is better or if any are that great, but this is another of those series you should see to be Bollywood-savvy. Plus...it's fun. Dhoom is literally "boom" but here it is used in the sense of excitement.
- DirectorSanjay GadhviStarsHrithik RoshanAbhishek BachchanAishwarya Rai BachchanBack in action DHOOM:2 reinvents the action comedy genre and propels it into the 21st century. Go on and enjoy the ride once again with Jai and Ali.Second in the Dhoom Series with Abhishek Bachchan as Jai Dixit and Uday Chopra as Ali. This time, they are after jewel thieves Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan. I loved the chemistry between these two. Thrilling chases, a few explosions, master disguises--all add to the typical action film fare, but again...it's not for the intellectual. It's just for fun. Worth seeing.
- DirectorVijay Krishna AcharyaStarsAamir KhanKatrina KaifAbhishek BachchanJai and Ali return to catch the clown thief, Sahir, who has targeted various branches of the Western Bank of Chicago.Third in the Dhoom Series with Abhishek Bachchan as Jai Dixit and Uday Chopra as Ali, it is considered by many to be the weakest in the trilogy. But imho, no film with Aamir Khan in a central role can be that bad. Khan plays the double role as circus entertainers/thieves. Khan's portrayal has the two characters delineated well. Again, a thrill ride, but a fun one and worth seeing.
- DirectorMani RatnamStarsShah Rukh KhanManisha KoiralaPreity G ZintaA radio broadcaster's intense attraction to a mysterious woman opens the door to a tidal wave of powerful emotions and desires.Not so popular with Indian audiences but did phenomenally overseas. First Indian film to enter top 10 box office in UK. A tragic tale of love which follows the ancient Arabic 7 stages of love, using romance between a city boy and a village girl-turned-terrorist to do so. SRK and Manisha Koirala as leads, Preity Zinta's debut. Soundtrack by A.R. Rahman considered one of his best. Includes iconic train-top performance of Chaiyya Chaiyya (which became an anthem for the entire country). Winner of many international film festival awards. Very worth seeing!