arupmandal1983 Reviews

Photograph (I) (2019)

An ode to a old city......

[8/10 · 14 May 2019]

Photographs bring memories, ghosts of living bodies. It contains a moment but never perpetrates. One can print in gloss or matt, posses the negatives, frame in wood or gold but the construct remains same, elusive from the moment of capture. It does not have a past or a future but stays timeless and as Rafi says the sunlight and the wind gets arrested inside. Ritesh Batra's second Indian film has similar radiance and breath captured all along. It is a film about two characters, both creatures of routine. Rafi is a migrant from UP (Nawazuddin Siddiqui with familiar mannerism and yet adding an unique layer to the character which differentiate this performance from the migrant disapproving Thackarey he plays in the same year) fighting for a place under Mumbai sun. Miloni (a superb Sanya Malhotra in her career best performance) is a CA student boxed in a world of surrender. A passing comment suggests that her artistic vibes were squeezed early in life under the pretext of studies.Today she is a topper exhibit on giant billboards across the city with clipart crown on her head as bland and sanitised as her protected existence. The two engage in an unexpected indulgence as if exploring their own existence in embracing the difference in each other's class, religion and living. Miloni is thrilled at her photograph taken by Rafi, one in which she looks prettier and happier. In a sudden burst of impulse she narrates her fictional parents to die under a Masjid collapse with a face streak of smile on her face (maybe the only time in the film). Rafi on the other hand has more reasons to bring out the quirky smile supposedly inherited from her grandfather. This is a film about music or rather melody. Rafi names the stranger in the photograph as Noorie, inspired by the passing tune reaching his slum. The same Noorie (Miloni) looks back at him from the moving taxi and Md.Rafi's eternal voice comes live with "Tumne mujhe dekha ho kar meherbaan" from "Teesri Manzil". However, more than these underlined sparks its the unhurried rhythm and passing vocals throughout the film that fills all your senses and not just the ears. But above anything else this is a film about Mumbai. Be the tourist hunting photographers or the trespassing hawkers, be the rat infested single-screens or the kaali peelis on the road, be the kulfis on the streets or the shutdown Campa Cola factories, this film is a tribute to Mumbai at its vibrant best.This is the very vibrancy that Miloni discovers only after he meets Rafi and Rafi can finally enjoy after his encounter with Miloni. This is the city which never sleeps with ghosts from old photographs roaming around at night in agreeable coexistence with the drained living bodies. This is a film about coexistence, intentionally shying off from any conflict. Be in Miloni's repressed protests or Rafi's muted emotions this a film about silence. Not all protests need to be aggressive, not all emotions to be expressed in vocal. This is a film about not being able cry and growing a tumour instead. An ode to a city and its dying romance and its undying cinema.

Nirbaak (2015)

Bad....worse.....worst.....Nirbaak

[1/10 · 12 July 2015]

"Nirbaak" is not a mere film, its a medicine for cinephiles. Its a film which makes one understand why good is good and why bad is bad. A film you can watch after attending a film festival instantly enabling you to adjust to the regular popular movies. There's bad movies, B-movies, poor movies and then there is "Nirbaak", a new reference for low in pretentious manufactured film-making. Anjan Dutta has pained as before with few of his songs, most of his directorials and all of his writings on films. But teamed with Srijit he achieves an almost insurmountable.This is a what Germany did to Brazil in last Worldcup, VVS did to Steve Waugh in the Kolkata Test match. Jissu and Sushmita did not seem to have any clue of what they are doing, as if preparing and working on scrips handed over on a day to day basis. Ritwick makes a mark even here only proving himself to be leftover saving grace in an industry which produces and celebrates "Nirbaak". The design in the start credits and the song in the end credits is where anything watchable in the movie is limited to. Srijit wanted to have a poetry up his sleeve...he does that by the way. The cacophonous "Mishor", self patting "Chotuskone" or dumb "Hemlock" all rephrases themselves into poetry in comparison.

Zed Plus (2014)

Excellent in parts,looses the steam overall....

[6/10 · 6 December 2014]

Zed Plus by Pinjar director Dr.Chandraprakash Dwivedi is a contemporary Indian political satire much in the lines of Peepli Live. While the individual dig ins at the Indian society, media, economy and politics are far reaching, deeper and bolder but the overall lack of better editing and control over flow of events brings down the impact. Then again the efforts to put forward a conclusion/solution also hurts the sense of satire that was running well enough in the 1st half. While the last scene of Nattha working at the city construction site was the best part of Peepli Live and the associated irony of the situation, here the choice of honesty and self realization as retort does not work. But then the film definitely has its moments of brilliance. From the English affluent Samata Mukherjee to the Modi looking Manmohan speaking PM there are quite a few classy strokes. Adil Hussain and Khulbhusan Kharbanda both find themselves uncomfortable in the unknown territory of characterization but somehow pull through. K.K Raina being a far superior actor puts in a fine effort even if put into similar problems. Sanjay Mishra continues his golden form from Kick/Aankhon Dekhi and puts in another hilarious cameo very similar to the meaty role in "Phaas Gaya Obama". The three irritating numbers from Sukhwinder Singh (with Hrishita Bhaat dancing rising from the dead) where he puts in all to make comeback in a non-existent opportunity needed to be chopped off in the first place. The film do have its heart in the right place however an overtly-emotional approach and amateurish efforts mostly from the crew leaves you wanting.

Obhishopto Nighty (2014)

Robert Rodriguez material in Bengali Cinema

[8/10 · 24 February 2014]

This is absolutely unexpected!!!A bizarre,wacky,eccentric Bengali cinema taking on Bengali hypocrisy and mediocrity by the collar while breaking every rule within scope in the process.Its not that all the references (mostly contemporary) are very intelligent or subtle.Its not that the performances (mostly cameos) are top-notch as in Bhooter Bhobisyat or that the film within film concept of presentation is something never seen or tried before.But as a package the film presents everything in such optimum amount that the end product turns immensely appreciable and enjoyable at the same time.The film is a triumph of crisp writing and spot-on sense of humour.Add to that superb editing,decent acts and quite fine music/background score.A censor board member smoking in frustration,a band singer (in real) singing Md.Aziz song for a Tolly party (I am sold just for the digging out the song "prithibi harie gelo"...),a Rabindrasangeet singer suffering from xtra-thakur affair or a journalist turned down from entering a party for wearing sandals -the lack of authenticity all around is brought out so effortlessly and effectively with the enjoyment quotient maintained throughout.This is coming (cuming) of age Bangla cinema like never before where the heroine finds real love even after a handful of voluntary one night stands while a popular hero looses his reel and real life wife to a 'odiya nulia'."Obhisapto Nighty" will in no way garner audience like Bhooter Bhabisyat did (the RDB afternoon show was cancelled as i could not manage company of 4 more people to watch together). People not familiar with this form of arbid comedy (read Robert Rodriguez brand ) would be mostly confused and consider it crass.But given a chance with open mind this is bound to entertain and even enlighten.Watch it.

Ship of Theseus (2012)

Get soaked......

[8/10 · 21 July 2013]

If one has got his/her basics in the right place, whatever is churned out (even if art) automatically scores good while transition from good to great is left to the creativity and imagination involved."Ship of Theseus" does exactly so and not only gets the basics right but also excels in each of them.With mind-blowing cinematography (How cud that be a DSLR?!!!!!), super-crisp editing,superb screenplay,superlative acting (Neeraj Kabi & Sohum Seth take a bow!!!!),music (that song in the monk story was simply amazing) and even comic reliefs there's not much room left for complaints. Now, coming to the gray area of creativity or whatever you call it, "Ship of Theseus" also scores (high enough) but may be not as seamless as its basics (off course IMO).The biggest positive that it has is not being either emotionally or intellectually manipulative.Its a treat to watch a film which is straight enough, with not much hidden in layers and yet so very subtle.Its left for the viewers to perceive once the film ends and continue the journey within.With so many chances that the director could have taken to succumb to push emotional epiphany he never compromises,not even in last reel.And once you know that the same man was involved behind "Kyunki Saas Bhi..." you understand what transformation/compromise(?) means as depicted in the film itself.To talk about drawbacks I found the film lacking in its background score.Not that the realtime sounds as in docu-feature style or absence of constant music is a problem.But more than often it doesn't do justice to the exemplary visuals or images that we see on screen.Those lash green grasses,the centipede movement,the array of photographs,the monk in white walking in rain or through huge sewage lines on both sides with black water flowing below-all of these scenes demanded some musical piece behind.The piece that would bind the film together.Also,of the three stories rather storeys only the first justifies the title while the other two are deeper and close.Yes,though it meets all regular and expected requirements, "Ship of Theseus" could have had a few more exciting requirements to its name.You can't complain,you can only wish and also wish more films like this gets a theatrical release and get the required backing (Thanks Kiran Rao).I am not sure whether this will be a life-changing film for all as selected by the Critics Circle,UK But as inspite of Neeraj Kabi,Aida El-Kashef,Vinay shukla,Sohum Seth and almost everyone else giving of Mr.Mehta (don't know the actor's name) that will stay with me for all as did the father in "A Separation", "Ship Of Theseus" also has every chance to stay with you for long.

Raanjhanaa (2013)

Better than most cliché Bolly offerings...

[8/10 · 23 June 2013]

Raanjhanaa is anything but cliché,unique in so different ways unlike most Bolly offerings these days.First you have an unconventional hero, who can act and look the role he is playing (He actually looks like a 9th grade student at the age of 30 as he did in "3"). He impressed previously in 3 or Aadakulam.He might not be as good here but his effortless act is most definitely one big reason for which the film clicks.Secondly you have a role written for a Bolly mainstream female lead which has so many shades that any actress with even decent acting skills could have made a career out of it.Sonam won't,no surprises.She looks BEAUTIFUL nevertheless.I am not sure who in India could have looked so beautiful,young and yet do justice to this fantastic role-but in case choice was necessary acting should have been preferred over looks. :( .Thirdly you have two genuine actors, playing the supporting acts and giving the best performances in the film.Not Abhay Deol (though he is good in cameo),its Md.Zeeshan Ayuub and Swara Bhaskar (she was even better in Listen Amayaa & Aurangzeb) who stays with you way more than anyone else. But the biggest positive aspect that the film delivers, are its characters.Each of them are so very real,with so many shades and flaws that you can relate.The relentless hero cursing his love being rejected,the scheming heroine spitting on the hero-Raanjhaana does have a coming of age effect working for it.It has a genuine story though the screenplay, primarily in the 2nd half fails.With a very vibrant,fast and effective 1st half ,the film suddenly looses its steam in the 2nd, trying to push itself in uncomfortable zone (read politics).With more than a few far-fetched sequences,unnecessary comic reliefs & punch lines and a stiff Sonam lingering around, Raanjhanaa loses its holds,falters.Rehman too does not help with his tunes, though the background music is pretty good.But then you often move helter skelter while trying some new road,only promising to improve in the next venture.Anand Rai does exactly so and gives a far better love-story than the cliché,bore to the core YJHD.

Kai Po Che (2013)

Love in the time of Godhra

[4/10 · 23 February 2013]

A bromance more melodramatic than all recent romances. Kai Po Che has a screenplay as loud as Amitabh's Agneepath only served in 2013 gen next plates. Niceties and extremities at every turn of the story. If this is a mellowed down version of the novel I am really scared of the original book. Performances are all good with Raj Kumar Yadav being the best. He was a treat to start with while had to give in to the screenplay near the end. Amit Sadh and Amrita Puri are good giving few high points that the film has. Sushant Singh Rajput is going to be a star in a few weeks time. Not that he is bad, but the film, script, plots focuses on him with such blazing intensity that he succumbs. The character's incredibility puts your temper under real test. Camera, music are fine while the background score is irritating. A crowd pleaser which tries to please so much that your senses fell interfered.

Skyfall (2012)

Bond with a difference..........

[6/10 · 3 November 2012]

Unveiling the old Aston Martin is the moment of the film for me and if nothing else SkyFall is a very commendable homage to 50 years of Bond bonding to all fans.Not a very intelligent plot or screenplay that was expected out of Sam Mendes, but its those small moments which makes you remember the different episodes watched over years.Daniel Craig is very good and brings out a humane Bond yet again.Judi Dench is as always.Ralph Fiennes is superb in his small role.Xavier Bardem nominates himself for "Heath Ledger Memorial Award" and gets your adrenaline pumping from the time he shows up.Though he arguably registers as the best Bond villain,I expected more from him which the otherwise flat script does not let him into.The whole low lit climax is an excellent work of camera while the rest of the film is too whitish( not sure if it was the issue with the theatre).Though Casino Royale still remains "The Bond with the Best" , SkyFall is definitely "The Bond with a difference"....

Chakravyuh (2012)

Naxal movie over coke or pop-corn ;)..............

[5/10 · 27 October 2012]

Chakravyuh is one naxalite movie which would be so comfortable watching in a mall after shopping with a coke in hand.No qualms at all!!! A very sensitive and important issue of today's India coloured in a Bollywood potboiler palatte.The problem of the common man presented in a larger than life scale.Yet it is better than Jha's earlier attempts like Rajneeti or Arakshan,mainly because of a few noteworthy performances.Anjali Patil is the find of the film and only gain for the long run. Abhay Deol can sleepwalk through this kind of a role and does so.Arjun Rampal is not bad while Manoj Bajpai is good in the 1st half and simply absent in the 2nd. Hrishikesh Mukherjee 's 1973 Namak Haram had two friends fighting for values over worker union problems which transforms to armed rebellion & radicalism in 2012.Though the level of film making has only gone downhill in this transformation, the problem of Indian democracy used in the backdrop has grown out of control and proportion.Thanks to Prakash Jha for daring to make his sympathies known..

Afterglow (2012)

Much ado about nothing..................

[3/10 · 27 October 2012]

There is nothing much to love about Pratim D Gupta's directorial debut cinema but his love for cinema is quite evident in this attempt.From excerpts from Eternal Sunshine... to posters of Amelie or Amores Perres , from Woddy's Mere Anarchy to Black Swan meets Charulata the film had such a beautiful wrap around.But Priyangshu Chatterjee alone marred every promise that the film had.What a terrible performance!!!!!!!!!!! Dia's is kind of Ranji century which should book her a promising comeback berth at the national level.She was good,specially in few scenes beyond expectation.Still with Priyangshu having almost 90% of the screen presence and a sloppy cliché screenplay it never transcends to the lyrical form it desires to and Anjan,Aniruddha,Suman,Shoojit & Imtiaz Ali claims it to be in today's T2.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2187003/

Aiyyaa (2012)

Almost surreal at times..............

[6/10 · 20 October 2012]

Incohorent,inconsistent and even unbearable at times.Characters and caricatures as loud as possible.But there are quite a few moments and allegories in "Aiyaa" which stand out so much that you might even doubt whether all these loudness and

incoherence were actually intended and involves surrealism.Doesn't seem so, once viewed till the end yet for a film watched with almost -ve expectations "Aiyaa" is exceptionally brave and original.Female fantasy has rarely been excavated before in mainstream Hindi film like this.Some of the dialogues are so good that it is difficult to associate them with the rest of the film.Rani is good while nothing to stay long.Nothing much to say about anyone else as far acting is concerned.Amit Trivedi's music is the best thing about the movie."Aiyaa" is as whacky as it can be with the execution going wrong terribly every now and then.But the moments where the deliveries are on line and length,its difficult to resist.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2255934/

English Vinglish (2012)

A surprise packet of Laddu..............

[7/10 · 17 October 2012]

Good things come in small packages and "English Vinglish" is the latest addition to such a package.Simple,sweet,predictable film which never tries to do more or different, much like its lovable protagonist.Sridevi is terrific in her comeback venture and gives a performance which would rank among her best along with Sadma. Debutant director Gauri Shinde's blotted approach,treatment, casting and crisp editing makes EV a joyride which could be otherwise a saccharine tale of a lost housewife.Adil Hussain, Mehdi Nebbou(remember Munich),the two kids,the niece,the teacher,the class-mates are all perfect in their roles and add so much without trying anything at all.As a feel good movie to bring a smile to your face, I found it way better than Barfi,the latest sensation.You can avoid it if you are not much into sweets but if you try this LADDU without being much JUDGEMENTAL you may end up liking it.Anyway,it does not have much side effects.

Chittagong (2012)

Better than most melodramatic flicks on Indian freedom movement....

[8/10 · 15 October 2012]

Almost nothing outrageous happens throughout the film.Even the armoury raid takes only about 10 minutes in the 105 minutes long film that too pre-interval.And thats the beauty of Chittagong, which depicts this forgotten tale (outside Bengal) so efficiently through silences,emotions and expressions.The honesty involved in making the film, touches you deep down and makes you forget the few flaws here and there.Manoj Bajpayee,Nawazuddin Siddiqui,Jaydeep Ahlawat,Raj Kumar Yadav all shine again after GOW and are aptly supported by Dibyendu Bhattacharya,Shaheb Bhattacharya,Anubrata and others.But its Delzad Hiwale as young Jhunku (loved him in Bubble Gum) and Vega Tamotia as Preetilata who stand out and make the deepest marks.Eric Zimmerman's camera is beautiful to say the least.Bedabrata Pain has really surprised with the maturity in execution,treatment and tight cholesterol free screenplay.Leaving apart the personal tragic story behind or his identity as a NASA scientist,Chittagong judged only in its own merit scores higher than most films on Indian freedom revolution.This definitely requires more screenings,viewings and word of the mouth publicity.