BAAGHI - Movie Review

Baaghi is directed by Sabbir Khan, the lead roles are played by Tiger Shroff (as Ronny) and Shraddha Kapoor (as Sia). Film concept is based on two rebels who have a love chemistry that is being halted by a powerful individual who has an empire situated in Bangkok. When two lovers clash over the love interest, only one will battle his way to the end in taking the girl he loves. The first half progresses well, scripted at a steady pace leaving me interested. The second half becomes a tad bit slow and dragged with some unbalanced scenes being scripted together. It needed to be written better to ensure the viewing experience to the end was on point with the extraordinary action. 

POSITIVES

• What stands out the most in this action drama, is the action itself. Several enthralling, extreme and bone crunching action sequences are inputted in making the drama into an edge of the seat type of viewing experience. The action is bound to come in where there is Tiger Shroff. He unquestionably nails it with his on screen violence, proving that he is an ideal action fighter. Some of the martial art battles were notable leaving a thrilled impression during the film.
• Along with the action sequences, they are complimented well through directional and cinematography creatively to ensure more of the suspense is added into the moves. It has worked well; there are some camera shots that help power some of the stunts. This stood out clearly on screen in helping to push forward the film even though the script may be weak; the action helps to keep you gripped to the movie.
• The story has a good concept but the scriptwriting is weak in ensuring the backstory to the high intensity action supports it to the very end. Majority of the creative thinking has been inputted towards the fighting sequences, as Tiger Shroff manages to execute his on screen action flawlessly. But a better script to help this concept would have guaranteed a well-packed film.
•  The good thing about the script, is that the writers have managed to connect the flashback moments really well in to the present moment. This was done well enough in making the attention fixed as the film progressed further. It helped to provide the details to the viewers despite the film consisting bulk of action sequences. I felt it was squeezed in quite well, but that does not save the script still being poor for a hardcore action. There also are comedy moments that bring a smile to the face, especially with Sunil Grover, the Ya-Ya-Ya young kid and the chemistry between Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor, when they are not tangled in to a fighting situation.

NEGATIVES

• A poor script imbedded into a good idea and amazing action sequences does not do justice to this film that had potential. A much better script would have helped this film and complimented Tiger Shroff's ability to break an entourage on screen, lack of realistic moments seem to be the dark shadow to all the hard work portrayed by Tiger in the film. There were loopholes in the film especially with the young kid who cannot speak. The film in the beginning gives the viewers the reasoning behind the motive that Ronny has, yet in the end the film ignores it completely not giving us any outcome that the kid has to deal with. The reason why this is such a big let down, is because the kid was so good and it was great having him on screen as part of the movie as he does end up being one of the key factors behind Ronny's hardcore, aggressive and stylish action fighting moves. There are flaws as well specially with some scenes not being merged good enough together, it leaves a sour end to some scenes that have not been concluded well enough, they seemed to be left aside and unfinished.
• The villain who has such a powerful empire in Bangkok, has a huge entourage as security to support him and his premises, yet it was simple for Ronny to barge in and take Sia out from a building that was explained as 'Impossible to enter and walk out'. This is cliché, expecting this to be proved wrong was never on the mind as it was obvious it was to happen. But what makes it even more unrealistic is that these security guards and fighters imported from various parts of other countries, tend to come in pairs rather than as a whole in stopping Ronny, it was not believable at all but what keeps you watching is that there will be so much action to come on screen from this very moment. It almost seemed to feel as if it was a video game mode rather than a movie, walking in and reaching levels to reach to the top of the building to the villain. Not impressed by that at all.  

CAST

• TIGER SHROFF - A rebellious fighter never stays down and keeps coming back for more. That is how Tiger is showcased in the film adding more intensity to his character depiction of an action hero martial art trained. He was good to watch, more action, more physique and added maturity from his debut film but yet still has not managed to overcome the emotional moments in his movies. We get given glimpses on the expressive side, he tries but yet it still needs work, it was okay but not convincing enough, but his action makes up for where he lacked in his acting. Brilliant on screen fight scenes really helps bring out the violent side from Tiger Shroff.
• SHRADDHA KAPOOR - As always the bubbly and charming, Shraddha Kapoor adds a bit of all to this film. Bringing the moments to make an audience smile, she brings love to the chemistry and even has a fighting spirit in her as she shows her rebel side too. The on screen chemistry with Tiger was attractive and they both did manage to add more to the film where the script does not let much of character development to continue.

RATING

Overall I would rate Baaghi 2.5/5 as the film is pure gold for action but lackluster in the script department. Despite some good visual shots by the creative team, brilliant action sequences, the chemistry between Tiger and Shraddha, it is the script that lets this film down. The below par writing leaves gaps in the film, unanswered questions, flaws with scenes and not a realistic outcome. I would recommend this film if you would like to simply focus on the action sequences more than the story itself, as a bonus you get to see a matured Tiger Shroff and a good pairing between him and Shraddha Kapoor too. Do not expect an awestruck script in this thrilling battle over a girl, because it is weak and cliché, too predictable. 

DECEMBER 2015 - Movie Of The Month

During December 2015, 2 of the biggest movies from the month clashed on same day release but it was Bajirao Mastani film that managed to stand tall ahead of the rest. 

DILWALE directed by Rohit Shetty, stars Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon in the lead roles. The film had high expectations but never lived up to the potential it had. It was good and impressive at times, but lacked a structured story. The acting was good, Shahrukh Khan and Kajol reunited, blossoming a good love chemistry whilst Varun Dhawan and Kriti adding a younger feel to it. The director known for over-the-top and exaggerated sequences failed to tie down a cast of a different calibre which then caused the film to not live up to its potential. I was hoping for a better screenplay that would juggle both love angles in the film perfectly but it just never clicked. The biggest positive from the film was seeing various emotions, comedy, humor, action, fighting and love but not only between the couples but also to the brotherly bond between the two male leads. The biggest negative from it was the ineffective script that just does not gel the backdrops of the two stories, one being the present moment and the other being the flashback. It was worth a watch and you will enjoy it for the sake of Shahrukh Khan's presence but parts of the script was unnecessary and not up to the mark.

BAJIRAO MASTANI directed by Sanjay Leela Bansali, starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra. Usually I struggle to watch movies associated with battles and kingdom. But this film was a well constructed movie, from the script to the acting, this film was an impressive one. This historically based film is a must watch. Majority of the film has perfection with the exclusion of a few flaws. What you will walk away with is the cast who perform with excellence. Without a doubt one of the finest performances by the leads who bounced off each other on screen perfectly to ensure a collaborated performance. Script was well written and dialogues are likeable. Along with the positivity of the director and the cast and the script too, credit needs to be given for the filmmaker and film writer for ensuring that women are given a much more of a presence in a movie that should have been and usually often is, male orientated. The only let down from the movie was the visual effects, it was evidently unreal and lacked the realism that the film tried to maintain. It became a distraction, the only dark shadow to a great film. I recommend to go watch this film as it will keep you on the edge of your seats, not only because of the battle that is created but also the type of love story and chemistry that blossoms in the film to help progress an enticing movie.

JANUARY 2016 - Movie Of The Month

During the month of January 2016, Airlift was the best film to watch. Airlift is directed by Raja Krishna Menon, starring Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur in the lead roles. This drama thriller is based on true events that transpired during the evacuations of Indians based in Kuwait during the Iraq-Kuwait war.  A strong script, praiseworthy acting and good direction help to take Airlift on to a promising journey.

What stood out for me the most was firstly; a strong script, which ensures a packed movie that, narrates the true story. Whether it comes from the characters emotions and what they are going through, the battle that is taking place, or the consequences the community faces, Airlift touches on every aspect leaving little room for questioning towards portraying a worthy depiction of a true story. Secondly, directional efforts were straight to the scene, not much experimentation was going on with trying to make such scenes seem mesmerizing, this could be due to the type of film that was being portrayed. But the lack of creativity and playing around with shots proves to be a positive, as the film required nothing spectacular. Throughout the film, shots were firm in trying to show realism and as an audience you feel as if you are a part of what is going through the mind of Akshay Kumar. Thirdly, performance was convincing from Akshay, nothing fancy or overly exaggerated, just stuck to his role that compliments the scenario occurring around him. Nimrat Kaur also proves to be a strong presence in pushing the film forward despite starting of slow.

As for the cast, Akshay Kumar packs in a solid leadership figure in being the mastermind behind obtaining the evacuation for the people. He showed emotions, promise and commitment throughout his role that made his character stand out and one that you want to see continuously. From a businessman kind of mentality thinking about himself and his family only, he soon becomes a thinker for others and worries about those around him for once, because unlike what he did in the beginning when it was all about making money, it now was about saving, saving the people and not the money. At times you will feel for his efforts, there be times you will appreciate his assurance as he pledges the safety of the Indians, you just get to witness several sides to Akshay in this film and that leaves him standing and walking tall in the film. As for Nimrat Kaur, at certain points in the film she seemed below par when compared to Akshay Kumar but she soon becomes a prominent figure in making her existence felt. She seems to be side to side with Akshay in the latter parts of the film unlike through the start where she seemed as a shadowing character instead. She has that bit of a upper class persona but soon stoops to the level of Akshay’s mentality towards helping others.

Airlift is a worthy watch as an average film portrays strong details in addressing a true event. But not only does the script and direction seem to be showcased well, credit needs to be heavily given to Akshay Kumar for taking this movie on his shoulders and just airlifting. Without a doubt, whether you like or dislike the story concept, you will witness a solid performance from Akshay, that is something to look out for.

FAN - Movie Review

FAN is directed by Maneesh Sharma and it stars Shahrukh Khan in the lead role-playing both as Aryan and the character of Gaurav. A fan that is crazed by the role model the idol and the superstar. But what happens when a fan has his first meet up with the star and it turns sour? Fan movie embarks on that journey and the outcome. The trailer showed enough for you as an audience to walk in knowing what to expect. 

First half of the film starts off light-hearted and then turns dramatic enough to keep you lured ahead for the remainder of it. First half shows Gaurav's journey of being the number 1 fan and his path of achieving his dreams of meeting his idol. Pre-interval it was a mixture of humor and tense scenes that helped gather this film to be two sided. The second half becomes a thriller with action implemented to the film but begins to derail with loopholes in the script that leaves the film to be questioned. But apart from the script, the performance was a pleasure to watch.

POSITIVES

- The idea was an eye raiser amongst the many. The film was questioned and so was Shahrukh's strategy of doing a movie on him. But what the film specially tries to deliver is a strong message about fans that begin to see their life only around a star. The movie conveyed the message really strongly giving us the rise and fall of a fan as well as the consequences that a star would face and how he would have to deal with it. The dialogues were a good standout in the creative department of the film; the one-liners and notable dialogues impressed leaving it a delightful viewing experience. The cinematography showcased some exciting viewing shots to compliment the emotion running through the star in the scenes.

- On the acting front, the main star, Shahrukh Khan delivers a fine performance both as Aryan and as Gaurav. Playing the double role, he manages to put in a strong presentation and giving this film two sides for the viewers. Despite the unbalanced script, the star himself manages to carry the film to a decent watch. You get to witness Shahrukh Khan playing two roles, which may just be a bonus for the die-hard fans. But from a film analyses perspective, Shahrukh Khan proves to be the positive in making this questionable film a success to a certain extent. 

- The background scoring in the film helps to push the film forward with more in particular with the tension rising scenes. Credit must go to the composers for adding a helping touch to the film. Where the action is being carried out, the music helped to nurture it much more making it a good battle between the characters.  

NEGATIVES

- A movie that as been creating a huge buzz, anticipation was high and eagerness was built up unquestionably. But it is a shame that a good concept had a poor screenplay. The movie had several scenes that were firstly, a distraction with the likes of handheld camera shot type of videography and secondly, several scenes that seemed needless. Majority of the films have these unrequired scenes, but FAN seemed to of had a tad-bit too many. The editing also needed to be more sharper to help build up more concentration in the serious scenes.

- A major let down with the film was persona of Shahrukh Khan and his stardom power. In the real world a star has enough power to get what he or she wants. Some may query this but many know that anything can be done to avoid or get what they want. Fan movie is a depiction of what problems positively or negatively a star could face and most likely some scenes may have been taken from Shahrukh's real life. But what the film tries to side step is what a star can do behind closed doors. The film touches upon it slightly through management, security and secretary. But it just seemed so unreal that a huge superstar can't use his name and brand and power to address to things he needs to in the movie. At a point when fingers get pointed to the real star, surely there is so much more that he and his team can gather to tackle what needs to be said and done. 

- The movie was crying out for songs, there was a perfect scene in the film where a slow song could have been incorporated but instead we were given acoustic instrumental backdrop music. It was suitable enough but a scene like that in particular requires vocals with the songs to help bring out more reactions.

- More unrealistic scenes portrayed in the movie towards the status that Shahrukh Khan has. Outside his house thousands of fans stand and cheer in hope of catching a glimpse of the superstar. But only for a huge collection of police officers and security guards keeping fans away from the star. In the movie there are interactions between Aryan and Gaurav, which escalate to longer lengths but security, seem far from the superstar in the movie. There is no way the real star can chase anyone or take a stroll in the area without having his entourage surrounding him to protect him from fans.

CAST

- SHAHRUKH KHAN (ARYAN) -

The real star represented the way Shahrukh Khan would be both on and off a movie set and into his private life. Despite the film using his celebrity status as the core foundation for this film, it is his fan that delivers the more eye-catching performance. But as a star, this character manages to add the importance of a star to the film, which was set up as light-hearted and purely as a fan obsession. Shahrukh is in his element as a star, showing his work ethics and proving why he is seen as King Khan in the industry.

- SHAHRUKH KHAN (GAURAV) -

Every admirer wants to meet their idols and have a story of their first ever meeting as a positive one and not negative. Gaurav played his role so well, that you would feel nervous about putting him ahead of Aryan as the best performer in the film. We all know it is Shahrukh Khan, but the character development both visually and as an actor, Gaurav manages to make this movie a satisfying watch. When things are great, he was good but then things turn sour, he still manages to deliver a performance that you will enjoy. The Delhi boy being a huge fan has his moments of happiness and at times a bit too fascinated. He manages to excel as a fan that idolizes his star and shines as a sharp thinking stalker. 

RATING

Overall I would rate Fan 3.5/5. The hype was surrounding this movie because of such concept not being utilized much in Indian cinema. That was a standout but it needed more effectiveness from the creative front. The film script was a let down; it was the dullness to this bright movie. The star himself manages to carry the film to an exhilarating encounter between a star and a fan. It has moments where you just appreciate such fine moments, then it adds the sourness to the sweetness by making this film turn in to a battle. What the film tries to expose, was screened well enough to leave that thought to the audience. A decent subject matter with poor execution especially in the second half of the movie, which had the more powerful scenes, was lacking the realism a star would be dealing with, both with the public and with the media.