Tag: Aamir Khan

Movie Review: Dangal

Okay, first things first. Dangal is an excellent movie – entertaining, sensible, inspiring, and, surprise, surprise!, a very clean PG movie!

I had a lot of mixed feelings about going to watch Dangal. I’m not a big fan of Aamir Khan (I do concede that he is an amazing actor, of course. Still, we cannot be fans of each and every amazing talent there is, can we?) and I’m wary of sports biopics. (Mary Kom was good but Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and MS Dhoni were strictly average. Also, the screenplay-ed stories of living people always seem weird to me)

But it got good initial reviews and I was on Christmas vacation, so I thought of giving it a try. It was almost after a year that I was going to be able to see a movie with my husband, after all.

My first thought into the movie revolved around Aamir Khan’s ears – they are so distinct that they’d be his identification even if he got an exhaustive movie-style plastic surgery. But 5 minutes into the movie, they disappeared. So did Aamir Khan himself. From then on, only Mahavir Singh Phogat, his amazing daughters, and their awe-inducing training routine and camaraderie prevailed. We all know the story of the movie by now, so I won’t dwell on it. But I cannot dwell enough on the powerful performances by all the actors. They are so real, so earnest, so natural – minus the melodrama that ensues with films like this. ALL of the actors, including the narrator of the movie – the skinny and ever-faithful cousin, make an impact and help carry the story and the feelings forward.

Also, I think that all these “protests” about Aamir Khan forcing his ambition on his daughters are ridiculous. One often needs a nudge while pursuing an unconventional path. Plus, he did not see a wrestling future for the girls until they beat up boys who were calling them names. He tapped their potential. He did not force a fish to fly, he in fact recognized the flying fish while others were calling them weird. We need more fathers like this!

The music of the movie needs a mention, too. It complements the film. None of the characters mouth the lyrics, which is great. The songs only carry the story forward.

Now, if I had to pinpoint the flaws in the movie, I would have to say that Aamir Khan being locked up in a storage room during his daughter’s Gold medal bout is silly. I mean, come on! So childish. But then, it does not really take away from the fantastic movie!

Kudos!

 

Movie Review: Jaane tu..Ya jaane na….

The quientessential question: So, when do you know it’s love??

Yup, that’s the main theme of the latest “fresh” movie on the block. Produced by Mr. Perfectionist Aammir Khan and starring Imran Khan and Genelia D’Souza(Remember the peppy girl from “Tujhe Meri Kasam”, and the crybaby from Masti??), this movie tries to explore the avenue of a guy and a girl’s ability to be best friends without falling in love. Sounds passe? It is, but the presentation is not.

Some super cool comedy, fresh new young faces, fast-paced direction, and ofcourse sweetness at its best, this movie does manage to win your hearts. Just ignore the very stupid airport-reunion plot!! 😛

 

Rating: Almost Green! 🙂

Movie Review: Taare Zameen Par

“Kholo Kholo Darwaze
Parde Karo Kinare
Khuntey Se Bandhi Hai Hawa
Mil Ke Chhudao Saare!!”

And so goes a song, from one of the most intelligent and sensible films that Bollywood has ever produced. For those who don’t understand Hindi,(although that’s strange, since they are reading the review of a Hindi film…) let me translate it. The verse says,“Let’s open the doors,and roll the curtains, and let’s all free the air that’s been tied to a leash!” 🙂

Well, this is just one gem from the invaluable treasure called Taare Zameen Par! The more-than-promising debut of Aamir Khan as a director, and another major step in the evolution of Indian Cinema, the movie makes a permanent mark in the minds of all those who watch it.

Centred round Ishaan Avasthi(Played so well by Darsheel Safary….u can’t miss the sparkle in his eyes…), a dyslexic 8 year-old kid perceived as naughty, lazy and hopeless by the ignorant adults around him, the film provides a heart-wrenching insight on parent-child relationships, social stigma about education, and how an understanding teacher(Aamir Khan, ofcourse!) can turn coal into diamond- without applying pressure!!

Not banking on any of the tried-and-tested formulae for a hit movie(Yeah, no glamourous babes, no high-fundoo action, no family melodrama, no corny comedy, not even the typical rona-dhona  found in sad children’s movies!!!!), the movie still succeeds in making the audience laugh, cry, wince, hope, and most of all, feel, for the characters in the movie!

And yeah, Don’t miss its titles, its dialogues, and the scenes between the art teacher and the dyslexic boy’s parents!!! And HOW can I forget… the 3*9!!! Didn’t get me? Watch the movie, you will!!! And the flipbook, as well!!

Interesting (and important) concept, good story,soulful music, beautiful lyrics, superb performances, technical finesse, and an ammazing direction by Mr. Perfectionist, this movie is a must watch, both for the child and the parent in you!!!!

My Rating:Green, green green!!!!!