i have seen this film @ IFFK film fest kerala,India.....its about human and their emotions,...passions...faith.....director tried to keep the balance while telling the subjects about India and Pakistan... the best scene in this film is at the end of the film..."Hero speaking with kid,,.." .. kid:." you are not a Hindustani... hero :.why..? ... kid :Hindustanis are not nice persons like you...!!! hero : dear ...who told you that..? kid: i heard it from everywhere... hero;its not true...we Indians are also thought like this.....etc...etc.. .... ..this film is right from the heart of the director...he used humor elements for entertaining the audience... and spread a good message their hearts...all other elements like politics,terrorism,Bollywood are secondary elements..
39 Reviews
Filmistaan: Worth a watch for all movie buffs
.
shiraj-dakshy7 June 2014
Nitin Kakkar's "Filmistaan" at last had a commercial release after 2 years doing the rounds of Film Festivals and winning various awards since 2012, the most renowned award being the National Award for best feature film in Hindi in 2012.
"Filmistaan" is a heartwarming story of how films bind two warring nations India & Pakistan. It is a simple story of a wannabe actor and movie buff Sunny Arora (Sharib Hashmi) who is struggling to become an actor and who gets an opportunity to work as an Assistant Director with an American Crew for a documentary in Rajasthan. During the Rajasthan outdoor shoot Sunny gets kidnapped by the terrorists by mistake and is taken to Pakistan and held captive in a small village near the border. In this village he befriends Aftaab (Inaamulhaq) another movie buff who has a business of selling pirated CD's of Bollywood movies. How their friendship becomes stronger and what partition is meant for a common person is explored in the rest of the movie beautifully.
The Story and Screenplay written by Nitin Kakkar himself is the strongest point in this movie. It has some funny as well as heartwarming moments which explore the sentiments of the people of both the nations well. Some of the sequences like when the whole village watching "Maine Pyar Kiya" in zapped attention, or how the kids get entertained by Sunny mimicking various actors, or when the video of Sunny is being shot as a captive is hilarious. All the sequences between the two friends Sunny and Aftab are written and executed beautifully. All the characters are written with a lot of depth. It is the climax which I think could have been written much better, it looks hurried and as if the director wanted to finish the film anyhow.
The dialogues written by Sharib Hashmi blends beautifully, this is again hilarious as well as emotional. It lifts the screenplay, like the dialogue when Sunny states to Aftab about a situation if the nation was one then the cricket team would be the strongest with Sachin, Dhoni, Afridi & Shoaib in one team. All in all the writing of the movie is the strongest point.
The second strong point of the movie is its performances. Sharib Hashmi as Sunny Arora is brilliantly portrayed and to compliment Inaamulhaq as Aftab again a brilliant portrayal creates the on screen bond stronger. Kumud Mishra as terrorist Mehmood creates the conflict well and his portrayal of a silent and yet aggressive character is just too good, I hope he gets more opportunities in the near future. Another brilliant performance is of Gopal Dutt playing Jawwad, the complexity of the character is well brought out by Gopal. The rest of the ensemble cast also does a brilliant job, taking the otherwise simple movie into a different level.
Cinematography by Subhranshu Das captures the rawness of the desert well and blends with the narration well. Editing by Sachindra Vats plays a key role in making the movie a worth watch.
Nitin Kakkar does a commendable job without being preachy as to how both nations India and Pakistan have so much in common and especially the Bollywood connect. For a movie buff like me it was delight to watch "Filmistaan".
"Filmistaan" is a heartwarming story of how films bind two warring nations India & Pakistan. It is a simple story of a wannabe actor and movie buff Sunny Arora (Sharib Hashmi) who is struggling to become an actor and who gets an opportunity to work as an Assistant Director with an American Crew for a documentary in Rajasthan. During the Rajasthan outdoor shoot Sunny gets kidnapped by the terrorists by mistake and is taken to Pakistan and held captive in a small village near the border. In this village he befriends Aftaab (Inaamulhaq) another movie buff who has a business of selling pirated CD's of Bollywood movies. How their friendship becomes stronger and what partition is meant for a common person is explored in the rest of the movie beautifully.
The Story and Screenplay written by Nitin Kakkar himself is the strongest point in this movie. It has some funny as well as heartwarming moments which explore the sentiments of the people of both the nations well. Some of the sequences like when the whole village watching "Maine Pyar Kiya" in zapped attention, or how the kids get entertained by Sunny mimicking various actors, or when the video of Sunny is being shot as a captive is hilarious. All the sequences between the two friends Sunny and Aftab are written and executed beautifully. All the characters are written with a lot of depth. It is the climax which I think could have been written much better, it looks hurried and as if the director wanted to finish the film anyhow.
The dialogues written by Sharib Hashmi blends beautifully, this is again hilarious as well as emotional. It lifts the screenplay, like the dialogue when Sunny states to Aftab about a situation if the nation was one then the cricket team would be the strongest with Sachin, Dhoni, Afridi & Shoaib in one team. All in all the writing of the movie is the strongest point.
The second strong point of the movie is its performances. Sharib Hashmi as Sunny Arora is brilliantly portrayed and to compliment Inaamulhaq as Aftab again a brilliant portrayal creates the on screen bond stronger. Kumud Mishra as terrorist Mehmood creates the conflict well and his portrayal of a silent and yet aggressive character is just too good, I hope he gets more opportunities in the near future. Another brilliant performance is of Gopal Dutt playing Jawwad, the complexity of the character is well brought out by Gopal. The rest of the ensemble cast also does a brilliant job, taking the otherwise simple movie into a different level.
Cinematography by Subhranshu Das captures the rawness of the desert well and blends with the narration well. Editing by Sachindra Vats plays a key role in making the movie a worth watch.
Nitin Kakkar does a commendable job without being preachy as to how both nations India and Pakistan have so much in common and especially the Bollywood connect. For a movie buff like me it was delight to watch "Filmistaan".
And this small adorable film was lying unsold for two long years even after winning a national award.......what a shame!
bobbysing17 June 2014
An adorably sweet, entertaining movie having many enjoyable references of three most talked about subjects in our country i.e., Bollywood, Cricket and Pakistan. Plus it's a rare film talking about cross border terrorism without any kind of negativity and full of hope wherein the lead character of the script is just having great fun with everyone around enacting hilariously.
Having said that, its frankly also not a perfect movie without any flaws as is being projected in many high star reviews. The film leaves many big loopholes unaddressed in its story-plot like what was the actual reason of kidnapping, how was the warning tape used which they shot after making so much effort and what did the shooting crew do after finding one of their members missing? However despite having such big issues left as it is, FILMISTAAN does provide you the promised entertainment constantly in its two hours and doesn't have any kind of dull moment as such in its enjoyable narration, right from the word go.
Actually the film works mainly due to its individual amusing sequences and not because of any detailed plot. It wins over the viewer largely when the characters make an instant connect in many well directed and acted scenes. Like, when Sharib sings "Yaara Seeli Seeli" (to a similar tune of legendary Reshma) & "Maar Daala", when he renders the dialogues of a complete scene from MAINE PYAR KIYA, when there is a discussion over the cricket players and a world cup match, when an old Hakim talks about his days spent in Amritsar before the partition, when Inaamul Haq talks about his business of pirated Indian film DVDs and when they make the ultimate plan in the end.
The scenes immediately form an emotional relationship with the viewer despite having glimpses of some similar gags of Pakistan's famous Umar Sharif and a quite predictable progression post the intermission. But certain warmth in the brilliant natural performances and the convincing direction never lets you count anything damaging in the project and you do enjoy spending time in the theater with both the Hindi film loving characters, entertainingly interacting on the screen.
As a known fact already, the film was shot at a very limited budget but the camera-work doesn't let you feel the same at all. Background score provides the right feel at some key moments and the soundtrack (songs) neither attracts nor teases you when played intelligently in between the important sequences. Dialogues do grab your attention at times, written by Sharib himself and it was a great relief not to see any footage wasted on some silly love angle incorporated deliberately, following the set routine.
Becoming the most appealing feature of the film, Sharib Hashmi delivers an outstanding act and many might not remember that he was only the guy playing Shah Rukh Khan's Pakistani friend in JAB TAK HAI JAAN too. Sharib completely looks like a filmy keeda in his character of Sunny Arora and so does Inaamul Haq playing the second lead making an equally impressive impact. Their chemistry together makes the second half a treat to watch and the open ending does leave you with a feeling of hope quite positively (whereas many may not like the climax too without any clear culmination). Kumud Mishra plays the terrorist perfectly and Gopal Datt supports him well as his close associate. Among the supporting cast Habib Azmi certainly deserves a special mention playing the old Haqim and the rest do perform their roles efficiently.
Summing up, such small but innovative, experimental projects need to be encouraged by the Industry people itself as the viewers are indeed ready for them in this new age of cinema undoubtedly. So do watch FILMISTAAN as a must if you love these kind of unexpected surprises made on interesting subjects in a limited budget, with no star attractions at all .but also keep your expectations level in control in order to enjoy it more.
Further moving ahead of the review, I would like to share a personal feeling I had while watching this lovable work by a talented team, lying unsold for two longs years quite shockingly . And the film made me think that
Why many of these big shots of the industry could not judge the potential of a well made film like this through their own inner instinct, controlling everything sitting at the top? OR Why any of them couldn't feel the possible chances of this film winning hearts all over? OR Why the big stars like the Khans, Kapoors, Kumars and more are not coming forward to take up or promote such kind of honest and worth releasing efforts being made by many independent producers individually.
Further, isn't this short shortsightedness followed by the system fast becoming another kind of a big blockage or hindrance in the path of great cinema being made within the country by some talented yet unknown names? Besides, as a concluding thought just think for a while that if a film like FILMISTAAN kept waiting for its turn, lying unsold for two long years, despite being awarded as the BEST Hindi FILM by the reputed National Award Jury in 2012, ..then how many more similar or may be better small films must be roaming around in the lobbies of these production houses searching for a buyer.
No doubt the thought indeed is a quite scary one for all independent film-makers and this is the reason, why I had an inner feeling of pain, discomfort and repulsion, while leaving the theaters after thoroughly enjoying FILMISTAAN.
Anyway, with a note of thanks to UTV, I hope the thought reaches many other reputed production houses too and we get to see many more such unknown, hidden yet praiseworthy small efforts in the coming times.
Having said that, its frankly also not a perfect movie without any flaws as is being projected in many high star reviews. The film leaves many big loopholes unaddressed in its story-plot like what was the actual reason of kidnapping, how was the warning tape used which they shot after making so much effort and what did the shooting crew do after finding one of their members missing? However despite having such big issues left as it is, FILMISTAAN does provide you the promised entertainment constantly in its two hours and doesn't have any kind of dull moment as such in its enjoyable narration, right from the word go.
Actually the film works mainly due to its individual amusing sequences and not because of any detailed plot. It wins over the viewer largely when the characters make an instant connect in many well directed and acted scenes. Like, when Sharib sings "Yaara Seeli Seeli" (to a similar tune of legendary Reshma) & "Maar Daala", when he renders the dialogues of a complete scene from MAINE PYAR KIYA, when there is a discussion over the cricket players and a world cup match, when an old Hakim talks about his days spent in Amritsar before the partition, when Inaamul Haq talks about his business of pirated Indian film DVDs and when they make the ultimate plan in the end.
The scenes immediately form an emotional relationship with the viewer despite having glimpses of some similar gags of Pakistan's famous Umar Sharif and a quite predictable progression post the intermission. But certain warmth in the brilliant natural performances and the convincing direction never lets you count anything damaging in the project and you do enjoy spending time in the theater with both the Hindi film loving characters, entertainingly interacting on the screen.
As a known fact already, the film was shot at a very limited budget but the camera-work doesn't let you feel the same at all. Background score provides the right feel at some key moments and the soundtrack (songs) neither attracts nor teases you when played intelligently in between the important sequences. Dialogues do grab your attention at times, written by Sharib himself and it was a great relief not to see any footage wasted on some silly love angle incorporated deliberately, following the set routine.
Becoming the most appealing feature of the film, Sharib Hashmi delivers an outstanding act and many might not remember that he was only the guy playing Shah Rukh Khan's Pakistani friend in JAB TAK HAI JAAN too. Sharib completely looks like a filmy keeda in his character of Sunny Arora and so does Inaamul Haq playing the second lead making an equally impressive impact. Their chemistry together makes the second half a treat to watch and the open ending does leave you with a feeling of hope quite positively (whereas many may not like the climax too without any clear culmination). Kumud Mishra plays the terrorist perfectly and Gopal Datt supports him well as his close associate. Among the supporting cast Habib Azmi certainly deserves a special mention playing the old Haqim and the rest do perform their roles efficiently.
Summing up, such small but innovative, experimental projects need to be encouraged by the Industry people itself as the viewers are indeed ready for them in this new age of cinema undoubtedly. So do watch FILMISTAAN as a must if you love these kind of unexpected surprises made on interesting subjects in a limited budget, with no star attractions at all .but also keep your expectations level in control in order to enjoy it more.
Further moving ahead of the review, I would like to share a personal feeling I had while watching this lovable work by a talented team, lying unsold for two longs years quite shockingly . And the film made me think that
Why many of these big shots of the industry could not judge the potential of a well made film like this through their own inner instinct, controlling everything sitting at the top? OR Why any of them couldn't feel the possible chances of this film winning hearts all over? OR Why the big stars like the Khans, Kapoors, Kumars and more are not coming forward to take up or promote such kind of honest and worth releasing efforts being made by many independent producers individually.
Further, isn't this short shortsightedness followed by the system fast becoming another kind of a big blockage or hindrance in the path of great cinema being made within the country by some talented yet unknown names? Besides, as a concluding thought just think for a while that if a film like FILMISTAAN kept waiting for its turn, lying unsold for two long years, despite being awarded as the BEST Hindi FILM by the reputed National Award Jury in 2012, ..then how many more similar or may be better small films must be roaming around in the lobbies of these production houses searching for a buyer.
No doubt the thought indeed is a quite scary one for all independent film-makers and this is the reason, why I had an inner feeling of pain, discomfort and repulsion, while leaving the theaters after thoroughly enjoying FILMISTAAN.
Anyway, with a note of thanks to UTV, I hope the thought reaches many other reputed production houses too and we get to see many more such unknown, hidden yet praiseworthy small efforts in the coming times.
Filimistaan, celebrates 100 years of cinema in a unique / sensitive way by making us re-think to get away with the fences.
binducherungath9 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
http://moviereviewsbybinduc.blogspot.in/2014/06/filmistaan.html Filmistaan, a film by Nitin Kakkar (his debut film), a tribute to Film Industry for its completion of 100 years of cinema. Before its official release on 6th June, 2014, it has won many accolades and awards during various cine festivals (Refer a subheading 'Awards' towards the end of this review). Partition could just divide the land, but people's hearts still remain united. People across the border love watching Bollywood films, it is a great source of entertainment for them. People appreciate the work of artists irrespective of their nationality, rather the fans exist everywhere. Essence of this movie is that a film, its characters, overall this form of art can spread love amongst people, can remove the fences. Nitin has highlighted Indo-Pak cross-border issues but he also projects that people still feel connected with one another. Will we ever get back our old days of togetherness?
The movie begins with an aspiring Bollywood actor Sunny aka Sukhwinder Arora's (Sharib Hashmi) audition for a chocolate advertisement. Although Sunny is not able to get through audition, he gets an opportunity to be an assistant director for an American film crew shooting a documentary in Rajasthan (Indo-Pak Border), for which he travels outdoor along with them. A militant group mistakenly kidnaps Sunny instead of Americans, and make him hostage in a small village in Pakistan in Aftaab's (Inaamuihaq) house. Aftaab, a peddler of pirated DVDs, is a great movie buff, who dreams of making his own film one-day. Aftaab and Sunny hit it off instantly due to common thread between them – Bollywood Movies. Even amidst crisis and gun-toting terrorists around, Sunny's love for cinema remains intact. He does not lose his sense of humour. He entertains children with his mimicking various artists. He is passionate about his camera (which was with him when he was kidnapped).
The mood of the movie never gets grim in spite of the unfavourable situations. The scene where Sunny directs his own ransom video, and insists upon multiple takes is just hilarious. Another scene, where Aftaab does a screening of Maine Pyar Kiya for the villagers, a segment comes where no audio is there due to poor quality of that pirated DVD. Sunny rattles off those lines effortlessly, a very enjoyable scene. It is so touching to watch the camaraderie between Sunny and Aftaab.
What all events unfold? Is Sunny ever able to come back to India? To what extent Aftaab and Sunny bond? Is Sunny able to make a bond with militants as well? Which one amongst the two win – love or hatred / anger? Does love take precedence over hatred?
Both Sharib and Inaamulhaq have given brilliant, simple, natural and endearing performances.
I just felt that the end could have been clearer. But yes definitely, this movie deserves your watch.
Awards: Year 2012: Busan International Film Festival (South Korea) – Special Jury Mention Year 2012: International Film Festival of Kerala (India) – The Silver Crow Pheasant Award for the Best Debut Film Year 2012: Delhi International Film Festival (India) – Best Feature Film, Indian Showcase Year 2013: Jaipur International Film Festival – Best Debut Director and Best Upcoming Feature Film Year 2012: 60th National Film Awards (India) – National Film Award for the Best Feature Film in Hindi Year 2013: 10th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart (Germany) – German Start of India
Filimistaan, celebrates 100 years of cinema in a unique / sensitive way by making us re-think to get away with the fences. It depicts Indo-Pak differences withering away and sharing a common passion towards Indian Films. A good watch.
The movie begins with an aspiring Bollywood actor Sunny aka Sukhwinder Arora's (Sharib Hashmi) audition for a chocolate advertisement. Although Sunny is not able to get through audition, he gets an opportunity to be an assistant director for an American film crew shooting a documentary in Rajasthan (Indo-Pak Border), for which he travels outdoor along with them. A militant group mistakenly kidnaps Sunny instead of Americans, and make him hostage in a small village in Pakistan in Aftaab's (Inaamuihaq) house. Aftaab, a peddler of pirated DVDs, is a great movie buff, who dreams of making his own film one-day. Aftaab and Sunny hit it off instantly due to common thread between them – Bollywood Movies. Even amidst crisis and gun-toting terrorists around, Sunny's love for cinema remains intact. He does not lose his sense of humour. He entertains children with his mimicking various artists. He is passionate about his camera (which was with him when he was kidnapped).
The mood of the movie never gets grim in spite of the unfavourable situations. The scene where Sunny directs his own ransom video, and insists upon multiple takes is just hilarious. Another scene, where Aftaab does a screening of Maine Pyar Kiya for the villagers, a segment comes where no audio is there due to poor quality of that pirated DVD. Sunny rattles off those lines effortlessly, a very enjoyable scene. It is so touching to watch the camaraderie between Sunny and Aftaab.
What all events unfold? Is Sunny ever able to come back to India? To what extent Aftaab and Sunny bond? Is Sunny able to make a bond with militants as well? Which one amongst the two win – love or hatred / anger? Does love take precedence over hatred?
Both Sharib and Inaamulhaq have given brilliant, simple, natural and endearing performances.
I just felt that the end could have been clearer. But yes definitely, this movie deserves your watch.
Awards: Year 2012: Busan International Film Festival (South Korea) – Special Jury Mention Year 2012: International Film Festival of Kerala (India) – The Silver Crow Pheasant Award for the Best Debut Film Year 2012: Delhi International Film Festival (India) – Best Feature Film, Indian Showcase Year 2013: Jaipur International Film Festival – Best Debut Director and Best Upcoming Feature Film Year 2012: 60th National Film Awards (India) – National Film Award for the Best Feature Film in Hindi Year 2013: 10th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart (Germany) – German Start of India
Filimistaan, celebrates 100 years of cinema in a unique / sensitive way by making us re-think to get away with the fences. It depicts Indo-Pak differences withering away and sharing a common passion towards Indian Films. A good watch.
one of the best movie i have ever seen
vis424215 December 2012
full length comedy entertainer + a superb message
during its 1st screening at IFFK...There were only less audience... during its 2nd screening theater was jam packed..and after the show ...Nithin sir was fully surrounded by Filmisthaanis :) and during 3rd screening..there was no space for air to enter ...that too b4 1 hr of show time... that was the response here at IFFK ..from this u will know how good the film is..:)
Sharib has done the lead role..and i have seen only a few actors with such flexibility in any languages other than malayalam...and Sharib bhai...is one among them...he has become a super star for all malayales
positives : whole movie... audience were clapping and enjoying through out the movie...
only 3 shows was there + an Extra screening was there [ extra screening was made due to the immense response of audience..i think this is happening for 1st time in IFFK ]..:(
Negative : i don't no whether god can find a negative in it..:)
it got 2nd in audience poll.....but for all people who have watch filmisthaan wants it to win and it deserves the best film title
Nithin sir won the RAJATHA CHAKORAM for the best debutant director..:)
ABOVE ALL..FILMISTHAAN WON THE HEARTS OF ALL PEOPLE IN IFFK..:)
during its 1st screening at IFFK...There were only less audience... during its 2nd screening theater was jam packed..and after the show ...Nithin sir was fully surrounded by Filmisthaanis :) and during 3rd screening..there was no space for air to enter ...that too b4 1 hr of show time... that was the response here at IFFK ..from this u will know how good the film is..:)
Sharib has done the lead role..and i have seen only a few actors with such flexibility in any languages other than malayalam...and Sharib bhai...is one among them...he has become a super star for all malayales
positives : whole movie... audience were clapping and enjoying through out the movie...
only 3 shows was there + an Extra screening was there [ extra screening was made due to the immense response of audience..i think this is happening for 1st time in IFFK ]..:(
Negative : i don't no whether god can find a negative in it..:)
it got 2nd in audience poll.....but for all people who have watch filmisthaan wants it to win and it deserves the best film title
Nithin sir won the RAJATHA CHAKORAM for the best debutant director..:)
ABOVE ALL..FILMISTHAAN WON THE HEARTS OF ALL PEOPLE IN IFFK..:)
The Power Of Cinema. ♦ 70%
nairtejas9 June 2014
No wonder it won so many awards. Because the USP of this film lies in its story, which strives to bring out something excellent out of the age-old conflict between two great nations.
I am spellbound with the performances of the two lead characters, played by Sharib Hashmi & Inaamulhaq. They nicely maneuver the plot which talks about a botched kidnapping of an Indian by foreign terrorists. Apart from entertainment, it provides food for thought: how cinema can bring people together like it does to the lead characters. Filmistaan basically is a comedy-drama but it doesn't limit itself to it; issues like rivalry between the cricket fraternity & its fans is a prime talking factor in the film. How not all people are affected by the beliefs about terrorism is also a point. Then you would ask, does it give a solution for terrorism? No, it doesn't, but at least it tries to bring out a new approach.
Bollywood has been spoken loudly throughout and there is lots of humor surrounding it. We can enjoy the good narration while it makes a point. Music is good, with fine direction & cinematography.
BOTTOM LINE: A pretty watchable flick although you can't complain about the hugely dramatic climax. It is high time that we invest our time & money in such indie films and support them rather go for those absurd cliché-driven potboilers. Recommended!
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
I am spellbound with the performances of the two lead characters, played by Sharib Hashmi & Inaamulhaq. They nicely maneuver the plot which talks about a botched kidnapping of an Indian by foreign terrorists. Apart from entertainment, it provides food for thought: how cinema can bring people together like it does to the lead characters. Filmistaan basically is a comedy-drama but it doesn't limit itself to it; issues like rivalry between the cricket fraternity & its fans is a prime talking factor in the film. How not all people are affected by the beliefs about terrorism is also a point. Then you would ask, does it give a solution for terrorism? No, it doesn't, but at least it tries to bring out a new approach.
Bollywood has been spoken loudly throughout and there is lots of humor surrounding it. We can enjoy the good narration while it makes a point. Music is good, with fine direction & cinematography.
BOTTOM LINE: A pretty watchable flick although you can't complain about the hugely dramatic climax. It is high time that we invest our time & money in such indie films and support them rather go for those absurd cliché-driven potboilers. Recommended!
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
This type of movies will keep the Bollywood alive
shubhamkat-ever10 June 2014
With the amount of crap bollywood is generating these days this movie come as a much needed break....
As a frequent movie watcher i watch the maximum movie releases in India but there very few movies that i actually like.... This is the 2nd movie after Queen that i liked very much...
The story is very simple but the effect that it leaves is very deep....
Performances are the backbone of this movie....
Every person in the movie looks like they are not acting but actually living that character... i recommend this movie to every one who like or dislike bollywood flicks.. In one word this movie is celebration of Indian Cinema.....
As a frequent movie watcher i watch the maximum movie releases in India but there very few movies that i actually like.... This is the 2nd movie after Queen that i liked very much...
The story is very simple but the effect that it leaves is very deep....
Performances are the backbone of this movie....
Every person in the movie looks like they are not acting but actually living that character... i recommend this movie to every one who like or dislike bollywood flicks.. In one word this movie is celebration of Indian Cinema.....
Journey of smile to laughter with Bollywood spices
dineshprakash6 June 2014
Director Mr Nitin Kakkar work is good. He has written the screenplay of this film which is fresh but yes sometimes he takes typical filmi liberty. Dialogues by Sharib Hasmi is impressive. He has penned the dialogues in very appropriate way keeping character in mind.. Dialogues are full of humor and sometimes intellectual and emotional too. The conversation between Vaidya and Sunny is very touching. You will keep smiling between most of the film and suddenly laughter will come as bonus. Makers tried to pacify the prejudice of Indian and Pakistani public and they succeeded. The dialogues, when Sunny realizes that he is in Pakistan makes things clear in good and natural way. Performance wise Sharib Hasmi as Sunny Arora is very good and natural. Inaamulhaq as Aftab is impressive. Kumud Mishra as Mehmood is fantastic. He has portrayed the character so well through his body language, dialogues delivery and expression that it becomes hard to believe that he is acting actually.
Bollywoodpanti
S_Unit71310 June 2014
A film made with true love for Bollywood , about a character and how his life goes through different situation expressing that love to his audience who could be a small group of children playing in the field. I saw this movie with subtitles, I should say this movie is treat for the people who know Hindi and has a good background about the Bollywood. Not sure about those who will watch solely depending on subtitles. Since many of the comic sequence in this movie needs a little bit of background.
It's about a movie buff who lives in his dream world that someday he's going to be a superstar of Bollywood. He faces many difficult situations in his journey but never ever gives up on his dream. There are many heart touching moments in this film which doesn't makes you cry but increases your affection for the character.
A simple film made with honest heart embracing the Bollywood in its own way. This film gives you a definite relief from the current commercial movies being played in the theater.
Go for this movie with all your movie buffs..
It's about a movie buff who lives in his dream world that someday he's going to be a superstar of Bollywood. He faces many difficult situations in his journey but never ever gives up on his dream. There are many heart touching moments in this film which doesn't makes you cry but increases your affection for the character.
A simple film made with honest heart embracing the Bollywood in its own way. This film gives you a definite relief from the current commercial movies being played in the theater.
Go for this movie with all your movie buffs..
Filmistan is dedicated to all the cinema lovers and is enjoyable. Nice attempt
ketgup8313 June 2014
Cult Bollywood films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Ghayal , Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge etc have embedded a lasting impression on cinema lovers and have inspired many film-makers. Filmistaan is dedicated to all the films whom we grew up watching, cherished and loved.
A crazy-cinema lover and wanna-be actor is struggling to get a justified role that will make him a star. A slice chance to work in a documentary with American filmmakers at the India-Pakistan border lands him in the vicinity of terrorist which changes his life forever.
As a first time director, Nitin Kakkar does a fabulous job in creating a fictional character of movie freak who would do anything to protect the art of cinema. One classic shot - when he gets slapped by the terrorist leader while protecting his camera from being destroyed. The movie begins with a bang with famous mimicry delivered by Sharib Hashmi who entertains in every frame. The film does lose the steam towards the climax and probably could have given you a better ending. However, overall impact will suffice your thirst for entertainment. Screenplay is witty. Background score and music is applauding. Cinematography, editing and art direction is note-worthy. Sharib Hashmi has already established himself as actor whose talent will be embraced and enjoyable. Other actors play their part well.
Overall, Filmistan is dedicated to all the cinema lovers and should be enjoyed. Nice attempt. Good 3/5
https://www.facebook.com/FilmyChowk
A crazy-cinema lover and wanna-be actor is struggling to get a justified role that will make him a star. A slice chance to work in a documentary with American filmmakers at the India-Pakistan border lands him in the vicinity of terrorist which changes his life forever.
As a first time director, Nitin Kakkar does a fabulous job in creating a fictional character of movie freak who would do anything to protect the art of cinema. One classic shot - when he gets slapped by the terrorist leader while protecting his camera from being destroyed. The movie begins with a bang with famous mimicry delivered by Sharib Hashmi who entertains in every frame. The film does lose the steam towards the climax and probably could have given you a better ending. However, overall impact will suffice your thirst for entertainment. Screenplay is witty. Background score and music is applauding. Cinematography, editing and art direction is note-worthy. Sharib Hashmi has already established himself as actor whose talent will be embraced and enjoyable. Other actors play their part well.
Overall, Filmistan is dedicated to all the cinema lovers and should be enjoyed. Nice attempt. Good 3/5
https://www.facebook.com/FilmyChowk
Indian Cinema at it's best !!!!!
rejath15 December 2012
I watched this film at the 17th International Film Festival of Kerala. It was the second and last screening of the film. Though i did get great reviews about the film, i didn't expect this much to be frank. It turned out to be the most satisfying film of the fest...It was the biggest crowd puller of the festival ,needless to say i struggled a lot to watch the film and it paid off well.Each and every aspect of the film was just fantastic , be it the direction, photography, screenplay, editing, music and coming to the performances Sharib Hashmi as Sunny just mesmerized the audience with his splendid act. He was the real star of the film festival.Another notable act was that of Inaamulhaq who came up with a stellar performance.Filmistaan is easily one of the best debut i have ever seen. First time director Nitin Kakkar has made a gem of a film. The Silver Crow Pheasant Award (Rajata Chakoram) for the best debut director which he won at the festival affirms it. Don't ever miss this astounding work !!!!!
Short, light in tone, some fun moments
devesh20079 August 2018
Movie succeeds in most parts with great acting, okay-ish music and soundtrack, and good cinematography. I don't wish to criticise a small budget movie too harshly, especially when they are good with script and storytelling, but editing was a bit too loose. Dialogues were good and witty in parts but could've been better.
An Honest but Mostly Bland Attempt...
namashi_117 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
'Filmistaan' has been made with noble intentions, but for some reason, despite all the honesty put in, it comes across as a mostly bland attempt. It begins well & offers a few chuckles, but a misguided second-hour spoils the fun.
'Filmistaan' Synopsis: A Bollywood buff and wanna-be-actor, gets accidentally kidnapped by a Pakistani terrorist group. Chaos Follows...
'Filmistaan' ideally could have been a laugh-riot while tackling some serious issues. But it doesn't quite do that. While the first-hour moves on a good-pace and it keeps you on the edge, The second-hour is a downer. Also, the open-end leaves you dissatisfied. There's no clarity in the end & that acts as a minus point.
The Screenplay is strictly okay. Nitin Kakkar's Direction is simplistic. Cinematography is standard. Editing is just about passable.
Performance-Wise: Sharib Hashmi is impressive. He enacts the film buff with admirable ease. Inaamulhaq is a delight. He's wonderful. Kumud Mishra hams.
On the whole, 'Filmistaan' is an uneven attempt.
'Filmistaan' Synopsis: A Bollywood buff and wanna-be-actor, gets accidentally kidnapped by a Pakistani terrorist group. Chaos Follows...
'Filmistaan' ideally could have been a laugh-riot while tackling some serious issues. But it doesn't quite do that. While the first-hour moves on a good-pace and it keeps you on the edge, The second-hour is a downer. Also, the open-end leaves you dissatisfied. There's no clarity in the end & that acts as a minus point.
The Screenplay is strictly okay. Nitin Kakkar's Direction is simplistic. Cinematography is standard. Editing is just about passable.
Performance-Wise: Sharib Hashmi is impressive. He enacts the film buff with admirable ease. Inaamulhaq is a delight. He's wonderful. Kumud Mishra hams.
On the whole, 'Filmistaan' is an uneven attempt.
An Endearing Tribute to Cinema that Somewhat Misses the Mark
DareDevilKid12 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)
Rating: 3/5 stars
In Mumbai, affable Bollywood buff and wanna-be-actor Sunny, who works as an assistant director, fantasizes about becoming a heartthrob star. However, at every audition he is summarily thrown out. Undeterred, he goes with an American crew to remote areas in Rajasthan to work on a documentary. One day an Islamic terrorist group kidnaps him for the American crew-member. Sunny finds himself on enemy border amidst guns and pathani-clad guards, who decide to keep him hostage until they locate their original target. The house in which he is confined belongs to a Pakistani, whose trade stems from pirated Hindi films, which he brings back every time he crosses the border. Soon, the two factions realize that they share a human and cultural bond. The film shows how cinema can be the universal medium for co-existence.
Director Nitin Kakkar's "Filmistaan" is an interesting little oddity in today's movie times. It is one of the more self-effacing tributes to Indian cinema, not unlike its memorable lead character Sunny Arora (Sharib Hashmi). Sunny is a fantastic mimicry artist— the kind that can reproduce every famous voice but his own. His love for movies is further apparent in a dire situation when he is mistaken for an American film crewmember and kidnapped by an Islamic terrorist group to a village across the border. But his enthusiasm is infectious; how can you not love a guy that offers to aesthetically direct his own ransom video?
"Filmistaan" is offbeat in the purest sense, which for most part, works in its favor. Silence punctuates a majority of Sunny's early captivity, and a shaky hand-held camera adds to the uncertainty of his situation. Unfortunately, this fiercely leftfield treatment also exposes the few compromises made to attain theatrical release two years after its making. An interval and playback songs appear involuntary in the unhurried scheme of things.
Sunny's predicament is a setup for a larger cross-border message, one that moviegoers are (over) familiar with. In this context, "Filmistaan" fizzles out as soon as it runs out of things to do with Sunny's affable ways. A string of charming moments don't add up to form a whole, especially in a dramatic second half that fails to capitalize on solid characterization. Memorable sequences – one that involves a malfunctioning Maine Pyar Kiya DVD, a Talkies tribute, and a debate between Sunny and the chief terrorist about Tendulkar being a better batsman than Afridi – stand out for their sheer originality, but make the desperate last minutes seem like an aberration. Sunny's equation with his unpretentious CD-pirate host, Aftaab (Inaamulhaq), is fun to watch but inconsistent, particularly when they have their Jai-Veeru moments towards the end.
Hashmi typifies the longing that drives majority of this industry; he stops short of the naive Bharat Bhushan from Bheja Fry (Vinay Pathak's crowning moment of glory), and combines well with the conflicted presence of the tolerant terrorists (Mishra, Dutt; intense). Inaamulhaq is uninhibited, and even when his character is saddled with sentiment, he makes you believe that he is a delusional filmmaker scripting his own climax. "Filmistaan" could have worked as an untiring situational comedy without the heavy-handedness of borders and antagonists.
"Filmistaan" is still worth a watch, at least for a genuinely unique protagonist that almost overshadows the final botched-up third act of the film.
Rating: 3/5 stars
In Mumbai, affable Bollywood buff and wanna-be-actor Sunny, who works as an assistant director, fantasizes about becoming a heartthrob star. However, at every audition he is summarily thrown out. Undeterred, he goes with an American crew to remote areas in Rajasthan to work on a documentary. One day an Islamic terrorist group kidnaps him for the American crew-member. Sunny finds himself on enemy border amidst guns and pathani-clad guards, who decide to keep him hostage until they locate their original target. The house in which he is confined belongs to a Pakistani, whose trade stems from pirated Hindi films, which he brings back every time he crosses the border. Soon, the two factions realize that they share a human and cultural bond. The film shows how cinema can be the universal medium for co-existence.
Director Nitin Kakkar's "Filmistaan" is an interesting little oddity in today's movie times. It is one of the more self-effacing tributes to Indian cinema, not unlike its memorable lead character Sunny Arora (Sharib Hashmi). Sunny is a fantastic mimicry artist— the kind that can reproduce every famous voice but his own. His love for movies is further apparent in a dire situation when he is mistaken for an American film crewmember and kidnapped by an Islamic terrorist group to a village across the border. But his enthusiasm is infectious; how can you not love a guy that offers to aesthetically direct his own ransom video?
"Filmistaan" is offbeat in the purest sense, which for most part, works in its favor. Silence punctuates a majority of Sunny's early captivity, and a shaky hand-held camera adds to the uncertainty of his situation. Unfortunately, this fiercely leftfield treatment also exposes the few compromises made to attain theatrical release two years after its making. An interval and playback songs appear involuntary in the unhurried scheme of things.
Sunny's predicament is a setup for a larger cross-border message, one that moviegoers are (over) familiar with. In this context, "Filmistaan" fizzles out as soon as it runs out of things to do with Sunny's affable ways. A string of charming moments don't add up to form a whole, especially in a dramatic second half that fails to capitalize on solid characterization. Memorable sequences – one that involves a malfunctioning Maine Pyar Kiya DVD, a Talkies tribute, and a debate between Sunny and the chief terrorist about Tendulkar being a better batsman than Afridi – stand out for their sheer originality, but make the desperate last minutes seem like an aberration. Sunny's equation with his unpretentious CD-pirate host, Aftaab (Inaamulhaq), is fun to watch but inconsistent, particularly when they have their Jai-Veeru moments towards the end.
Hashmi typifies the longing that drives majority of this industry; he stops short of the naive Bharat Bhushan from Bheja Fry (Vinay Pathak's crowning moment of glory), and combines well with the conflicted presence of the tolerant terrorists (Mishra, Dutt; intense). Inaamulhaq is uninhibited, and even when his character is saddled with sentiment, he makes you believe that he is a delusional filmmaker scripting his own climax. "Filmistaan" could have worked as an untiring situational comedy without the heavy-handedness of borders and antagonists.
"Filmistaan" is still worth a watch, at least for a genuinely unique protagonist that almost overshadows the final botched-up third act of the film.
Its a great movie on many levels
sanjay-patole7 June 2014
After I had seen the trailer, I knew I had to watch this one. I went expecting funny sequences, off-beat story and good acting. Well, I did get just that but so much more.
The film gives a strong and poignant message that deep down inside, all human beings are the same. They have the same fears, aspirations, fun loving characters. It shows how childhood conditioning can influence our thoughts and form preferences about good, bad, right and wrong. And how real life experiences can break those beliefs.
As far as the script goes, it is very basic and straight-forward. Absence of big stars and their trademark acting styles is such a big relief.
About funny sequences, there is one in particular (which I cannot describe in detail) is when the hero gets a chance to act in front of the camera. I am a person who laughs with abandon. I think the people near my seats did not like it very much becoz I was laughing my head off.
I recommend you to watch this movie as I enjoyed it very much. I wish I could forget the whole movie just so that I can watch it again :)
The film gives a strong and poignant message that deep down inside, all human beings are the same. They have the same fears, aspirations, fun loving characters. It shows how childhood conditioning can influence our thoughts and form preferences about good, bad, right and wrong. And how real life experiences can break those beliefs.
As far as the script goes, it is very basic and straight-forward. Absence of big stars and their trademark acting styles is such a big relief.
About funny sequences, there is one in particular (which I cannot describe in detail) is when the hero gets a chance to act in front of the camera. I am a person who laughs with abandon. I think the people near my seats did not like it very much becoz I was laughing my head off.
I recommend you to watch this movie as I enjoyed it very much. I wish I could forget the whole movie just so that I can watch it again :)
Give it a watch, it has a heart.
adityakumarprasad6 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The movie is based on a wanna-be-actor Sunny who gets kidnapped (mistakingly) and taken to Pakistan near Rajasthan border.
Watch it for the two lead actors Sharib Hashmi (Sunny) and Inaamulhaq (Aftaab) who have given a great performance. Kidnappers keep Sunny in Aftaab's house and Aftaab makes his living out of selling pirated CD's. Goes without saying they immediately connect!
The story revolves around Sunny's life while he is kept in custody. His multiple failed attempts to escape and his wanna-be-actor wala junoon keeps the fun alive and kicking in the movie.
You will love the spontaneity of the character who is so deeply engrossed in his love with Bollywood that even at places where you expect him to deliver a sentimental dialogue, he repeats typical Bollywood dialogues. When he first realises he is in Pakistan, he innocently worries about him not carrying his passport! Another beautiful part of this movie involves Sallu bhai's movie - Maine Pyaar Kiya. Watch it and you will know why and saying so. If you do not stop laughing don't tell me I did not warn you! :)
The movie is short (slightly less than 2 hours) and you will not believe that its already interval as the 1st half is really engrossing. 2nd half drags a little, could have been done with few detailed scenes.
You might be able to predict the end but then its not supposed to be a suspense movie, its a movie with a heart and shows the world how India and Pakistan essentially has the same culture and likings, if only the border was not there in-between it could have been a better world.
Watch it for Sharib Hashmi.
Watch it for the two lead actors Sharib Hashmi (Sunny) and Inaamulhaq (Aftaab) who have given a great performance. Kidnappers keep Sunny in Aftaab's house and Aftaab makes his living out of selling pirated CD's. Goes without saying they immediately connect!
The story revolves around Sunny's life while he is kept in custody. His multiple failed attempts to escape and his wanna-be-actor wala junoon keeps the fun alive and kicking in the movie.
You will love the spontaneity of the character who is so deeply engrossed in his love with Bollywood that even at places where you expect him to deliver a sentimental dialogue, he repeats typical Bollywood dialogues. When he first realises he is in Pakistan, he innocently worries about him not carrying his passport! Another beautiful part of this movie involves Sallu bhai's movie - Maine Pyaar Kiya. Watch it and you will know why and saying so. If you do not stop laughing don't tell me I did not warn you! :)
The movie is short (slightly less than 2 hours) and you will not believe that its already interval as the 1st half is really engrossing. 2nd half drags a little, could have been done with few detailed scenes.
You might be able to predict the end but then its not supposed to be a suspense movie, its a movie with a heart and shows the world how India and Pakistan essentially has the same culture and likings, if only the border was not there in-between it could have been a better world.
Watch it for Sharib Hashmi.
A rib-tickling comedy that never loses sight of an underlying tragedy
Barev201317 November 2014
"FILMISTAAN" a Comedy with a Message Named Best Indian Film at Stuttgart Indian film festival, 2013 FILMISTAAN, the debut feature of director Nitin Kakkar, a brilliant comedy with a serious message, was named best film at the 10th Stuttgart Indian film festival. This fictional tale of an Indian assistant director who is kidnapped by Pakistani terrorists on a border shoot in Rajasthan and finds that his jailers love Bollywood films as much as he does was awarded the "German Star of India" prize with a cash consideration of 4000 Euros as well.
While Filmistan has no major movie stars and none of the ad-hoc dance numbers typical of Bollywood films it was nevertheless highly appreciated throughout India where Mr. Kakkar seems to be part of a very dynamic New Wave of innovative directors in a rapidly changing Bollywood film scene.
So-called Bollywood films made in Bombay (Mumbai) in Hindi, the National language, serve as a powerful unifying cultural force and Lingua Franca in a country with 23 official languages and some 200 regional dialects. Since many of the top Bollywood stars such as The Three Khans — Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Amir Khan — and the leading sex-symbol, Katrina Kaif — are all of Moslem background, this film industry is a sub-conscious salve for the wounded feelings of Indian Moslems who have all too often been pitted in mutually destructive conflict against the Hindu majority and still have to endure all kinds of vicious discrimination.
In India's next-door neighbor Pakistan, a 99% Moslem country carved out of the body of India (Hindustan) through the bloody Partition of 1947 and basically at war with India ever since — the Bollywood films of India are every bit as popular there as they are in India the supposed enemy. Thus, very much as was the case in East and West Germany and is still the case in North and South Korea, India-Pakistan is like one giant extended family divided into warring camps by an arbitrary line drawn in the sand. What the film "Filmistan" does is draw attention to the absurdity of this tragic political division with bold strokes of faultlessly rib- tickling comedy while never losing sight of the underlying tragedy of the political issue – in short, a Masterpiece. In the context of the present political situation, the implication of the title FILMISTAN is that Pakistan and Hindustan (India) are actually a single country united by the Stan of cinema.
The opening title sequence is already a dazzling rapid-fire collage of things to come. A wannabe actor and worshiper of Bollywood films by the name of Sunny manages to get a gig as an assistant director on a foreign film being shot in the desert on the Indo-Pakistan border in Rajasthan province. Cross border Islamic terrorists abduct him thinking he will be a useful American hostage. When their leader wearing an outrageously outsize turban realizes he is just a small fry Indian he describes him as "not worth a sparrow's fart". It turns out, however, that one of his captors is a traveling vendor of pirate DVDs of Bollywood movies who takes a shine to him. An interesting comment on film piracy in passing!
While our disheveled hero Sunny is not much of a screen actor he has an amazing ability to imitate famous actors and total recall of film dialogues — and the tale takes off from there. The kids in the poor Pakistani border village where has been taken to are immediately enthralled by him and adopt him as a kind of grown up pet. The nightly entertainment in this border village is an outdoor screening of a pirated Bollywood DVD. One night the film on view is an old Salman Khan vehicle, "Main Pyar Kiya hai" (I have been in love) from back when a young Salman looked like an Indian version of Tyrone Power. Halfway through the sound goes dead (whaddya expect from a pirate film!) — to the dismay of the audience and Sunny is released from his improvised cell to fix the glitch. It is technically unfixable, but — Aha — Sunny know all the dialogues by heart, and proceeds to supply all the familiar Salman Khan deliveries as a live performance! The Villagers cheer wildly and from then on he is a captive hero entertainer. Eventually Sunny and a new Pakistani friend escape but run into deadly serious obstacles trying to get over the heavily patrolled border back into India. Breathtaking suspense! -- Will they make it or not ...?
The comic touches, even from the way the local camels are presented, are simply brilliant and occur every few minutes, however there are also dramatic moments throughout, a perfect blend of elements unlike most Indian slapstick comedies aimed at the unwashed masses. Comments on the basic unity of Pakistani and Indian culture are also woven into the script everywhere like silver thread into a colorful Sari. Actor Sharib Hashmi who plays the sly hostage Sunny, will probably emerge from this film as a new Indian screen star. This guy is "100% Entertainment" as one of his captors describes him after his Salman Khan stand-in performance.
Some of the comedy will undoubtedly be lost on outsiders unfamiliar with Bollywood names but the overall effect will have no trouble coming across to any audience. Yes, this is a great comedy on a deadly serious theme that turns into an unexpected tear-jerker at the end — tears of joy mixed with tears of sorrow for a painfully divided people. How director Nikitin Kakkar has achieved this is a minor miracle from Indian Film Country "FILMISTAN".
Bravo! Eleven stars out of ten :) ***********
ALEX, Stuttgart
While Filmistan has no major movie stars and none of the ad-hoc dance numbers typical of Bollywood films it was nevertheless highly appreciated throughout India where Mr. Kakkar seems to be part of a very dynamic New Wave of innovative directors in a rapidly changing Bollywood film scene.
So-called Bollywood films made in Bombay (Mumbai) in Hindi, the National language, serve as a powerful unifying cultural force and Lingua Franca in a country with 23 official languages and some 200 regional dialects. Since many of the top Bollywood stars such as The Three Khans — Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Amir Khan — and the leading sex-symbol, Katrina Kaif — are all of Moslem background, this film industry is a sub-conscious salve for the wounded feelings of Indian Moslems who have all too often been pitted in mutually destructive conflict against the Hindu majority and still have to endure all kinds of vicious discrimination.
In India's next-door neighbor Pakistan, a 99% Moslem country carved out of the body of India (Hindustan) through the bloody Partition of 1947 and basically at war with India ever since — the Bollywood films of India are every bit as popular there as they are in India the supposed enemy. Thus, very much as was the case in East and West Germany and is still the case in North and South Korea, India-Pakistan is like one giant extended family divided into warring camps by an arbitrary line drawn in the sand. What the film "Filmistan" does is draw attention to the absurdity of this tragic political division with bold strokes of faultlessly rib- tickling comedy while never losing sight of the underlying tragedy of the political issue – in short, a Masterpiece. In the context of the present political situation, the implication of the title FILMISTAN is that Pakistan and Hindustan (India) are actually a single country united by the Stan of cinema.
The opening title sequence is already a dazzling rapid-fire collage of things to come. A wannabe actor and worshiper of Bollywood films by the name of Sunny manages to get a gig as an assistant director on a foreign film being shot in the desert on the Indo-Pakistan border in Rajasthan province. Cross border Islamic terrorists abduct him thinking he will be a useful American hostage. When their leader wearing an outrageously outsize turban realizes he is just a small fry Indian he describes him as "not worth a sparrow's fart". It turns out, however, that one of his captors is a traveling vendor of pirate DVDs of Bollywood movies who takes a shine to him. An interesting comment on film piracy in passing!
While our disheveled hero Sunny is not much of a screen actor he has an amazing ability to imitate famous actors and total recall of film dialogues — and the tale takes off from there. The kids in the poor Pakistani border village where has been taken to are immediately enthralled by him and adopt him as a kind of grown up pet. The nightly entertainment in this border village is an outdoor screening of a pirated Bollywood DVD. One night the film on view is an old Salman Khan vehicle, "Main Pyar Kiya hai" (I have been in love) from back when a young Salman looked like an Indian version of Tyrone Power. Halfway through the sound goes dead (whaddya expect from a pirate film!) — to the dismay of the audience and Sunny is released from his improvised cell to fix the glitch. It is technically unfixable, but — Aha — Sunny know all the dialogues by heart, and proceeds to supply all the familiar Salman Khan deliveries as a live performance! The Villagers cheer wildly and from then on he is a captive hero entertainer. Eventually Sunny and a new Pakistani friend escape but run into deadly serious obstacles trying to get over the heavily patrolled border back into India. Breathtaking suspense! -- Will they make it or not ...?
The comic touches, even from the way the local camels are presented, are simply brilliant and occur every few minutes, however there are also dramatic moments throughout, a perfect blend of elements unlike most Indian slapstick comedies aimed at the unwashed masses. Comments on the basic unity of Pakistani and Indian culture are also woven into the script everywhere like silver thread into a colorful Sari. Actor Sharib Hashmi who plays the sly hostage Sunny, will probably emerge from this film as a new Indian screen star. This guy is "100% Entertainment" as one of his captors describes him after his Salman Khan stand-in performance.
Some of the comedy will undoubtedly be lost on outsiders unfamiliar with Bollywood names but the overall effect will have no trouble coming across to any audience. Yes, this is a great comedy on a deadly serious theme that turns into an unexpected tear-jerker at the end — tears of joy mixed with tears of sorrow for a painfully divided people. How director Nikitin Kakkar has achieved this is a minor miracle from Indian Film Country "FILMISTAN".
Bravo! Eleven stars out of ten :) ***********
ALEX, Stuttgart
Beauty of cinema across borders where humanity prospers...
Shahrukh1710 June 2014
A must watch for all those who love to watch something different than the usual stuff that we get to see throughout the year.
Firstly, the lead actors namely Sharib Hashmi and Inaamulhaq were absolutely outstanding in their respective roles.
Next, the director Nitin Kakkar has done a very decent job in bringing the lives across borders together.
Lastly, this film has a set of its own moments plus good humor along with some soulful music. Though the ending scene seemed a bit diverted to me as compared to the whole flow of Filmistaan.
But, surely everyone needs to watch this remarkable piece of cinema for its uniqueness and freshness. Highly recommended... 4.5/5 stars...
Firstly, the lead actors namely Sharib Hashmi and Inaamulhaq were absolutely outstanding in their respective roles.
Next, the director Nitin Kakkar has done a very decent job in bringing the lives across borders together.
Lastly, this film has a set of its own moments plus good humor along with some soulful music. Though the ending scene seemed a bit diverted to me as compared to the whole flow of Filmistaan.
But, surely everyone needs to watch this remarkable piece of cinema for its uniqueness and freshness. Highly recommended... 4.5/5 stars...
Great Fim!
david-scott-wadley15 April 2017
Worst movie ever
bbrhashmi30 December 2017
One of a kind !
varghesejunior28 February 2015
A really well made movie. Watched it first on an Air India flight from Bangalore to Delhi. Very contemporary, it describes the animosity between two nations and how cinema can act as a bride across this barrier between them, even among terrorists.
Aspiring wannabe actor Sunny travels from Mumbai to the Indo pak border for a foreign documentary shooting, where he alone is kidnapped by terrorists in Pakistan when they mistake him for the foreigners. Sunny is now kept prisoner among them, where he soon gets along with the villagers across the border and being a cinema buff himself, makes use of cinema to bridge the gap between different cultures.
The concept is great, music is slow and melodious, all actors have played their parts well. The film is so natural that you feel you are in the desert areas among the actors. And the climax is really noteworthy, something you'd never expect.
Aspiring wannabe actor Sunny travels from Mumbai to the Indo pak border for a foreign documentary shooting, where he alone is kidnapped by terrorists in Pakistan when they mistake him for the foreigners. Sunny is now kept prisoner among them, where he soon gets along with the villagers across the border and being a cinema buff himself, makes use of cinema to bridge the gap between different cultures.
The concept is great, music is slow and melodious, all actors have played their parts well. The film is so natural that you feel you are in the desert areas among the actors. And the climax is really noteworthy, something you'd never expect.
Fantastic movie... Loved it. Great job Nitin Kakkar.
chakravartydeep26 August 2016
Loved the movie. Such a serious topic with such humor and suave. Nitin Kakkar, your story telling and direction is FANTASTIC! This painful topic of India and Pakistan you dealt so delicately. Showed that the humans are always humans above the political reigns. How human bond develops so strong for no reason. How humans stand up for the right and wrong listening to the heart. This class of movies really need to be marketed better. Without publicity we miss watching them in time. The humor is so well timed and so unbiased (in my personal view). Excellent job. Never knew this movie existed.. I hope you keep making such good movies and mass appreciates it. Best wishes.
Filmistaan came to rescue when I Got bored after the mainstream bolllywood movies
jindal-shail22 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I think the well established players in bollywood need to look around and see whats happening. Movies like this are just too good to watch. My litmus test for a good movie is that, I should be totally engrossed in the movie throughout. Filmistaan passed the test with flying colours. So much of creativity and magnificence. The story of the movie is not that big, but the way it has been portrayed with executive class performances from all the little known actors here are commendable. Another good part is, it is difficult to predict what will happen next. I cannot imagine how has someone directed such a movie and the lead actor is simply great. Mixing comedy with emotions: a difficult feat to achieve. Very thin line but superbly executed. And definitely the movie has a heart and soul of its own.Film has got A Unique Personality of its own.
filmistaan is a beautiful entertaining film
vishalbhatia018 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I am in love with this movie, the actors have worked exceptionally well . new actors have showed great comic timing and nice direction. This movie created a new space for such actors by giving them a good script and it show cases the clean family film . Sunny Arora the film crazy guy gets trapped in India famous enemy's Pakistan's border town while shooting an American's documentary movie . He has won the heart of the locals and also to some extent also his captivators . The drama enfolds as the following events take place when he attempts to escape. The movie creates some superb comedy. The Movie has not only given a some refreshing stuff to "bollywood" but also created some class entertainment . If it needs comparison , i will compare this movie to the quality of work like " Peepli Live ".
Fuddu
bhatia-vikas10031 March 2021
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