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Movie Review: Raees

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Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Mahira Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Director: Rahul Dholakia

Production: Red Chillies Entertainment

Music Composition: Ram Sampath

Release Date: January 25th 2017

Raees is a fictitious story of how a young boy named Raees spends his life becoming the leader of a smuggling enterprise – bringing in alcohol to the dry state of Gujarat, India. His mission in life is to have the utmost faith in business, until it is harmful to others. A mafia don turned politician, Raees uses his crime wealth to help the impoverished community while fighting the the police (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and corrupt politicians along the way. Raees’s character is comparable to that of Pablo Escobar, the Columbian drug lord, and also that of Abdul Latif, a Gujrati gangster who rose to fame in the 1980s by dominating the illicit liquor business.

The positives:

  1. Shah Rukh will never fail to impress you with his acting. Raees is very classically a SRK movie –the god-like man on his way to self-disruption.
  2. Mahira Khan – beautiful, simple, and so refreshing. This Pakistani actress unfortunately does not have much of a role in the movie, but she surely does have chemistry with SRK on the screen. At just 32 years old, she she carries a mature, womanly look that fits well with SRK’s character. Although this is her first Bollywood film, she’s been around in the Pakistani film industry since 2011. Fun fact: At age 17, Mahira moved to USA and studied at University of Southern California, but returned to Pakistan before completing her degree.
  3. The songs and music keep you entertained, thanks to music composer Ram Sampath. My favorite is the garba dance song “Udi Udi Jaye.” “Zaalima” is a lovely tune…but placed at an odd time in the story. Oh and how can we forget, Sunny Leone’s popular item number, “Laila Main Laila.” I’m sure there are many out there hitting the theaters just for her, if not for SRK.

 The negatives:

  1. The violence. Too much violence. Especially the butcher’s fight scene – I actually closed my eyes for that one. Keep your kids at home if you plan to see this movie in the theater.
  2. The first hour was pretty entertaining – good mix of action, drama, a bit of comedy, and romance. Suddenly at hour two onwards, the movie takes a sour turn. The plot becomes quite disorganized and the movie just drags…on and on.
  1. I wish Mahira had a bigger role in the film. Of course they couldn’t put an A-list Bollywood actress for this movie – god-forbid they take the slightest bit of attention away from SRK.

In summary, don’t sweat it if you miss Raees in the theaters. You can skip it entirely unless you’re a die-hard SRK fan.

Ratings:

Acting: 4/5
Story: 2/5
Costumes: 2/5

Action: 2/5
Sets/Filming Location: 2/5
Songs: 4/5
Eye Candy: 3/5
Length of Movie: 1/5

Overall: ** (2/5)

Key:

* = flop, don’t even bother
** = time pass, you’ll live if you don’t see it
*** = worth a watch
**** = A hit, see it in the theater!
***** = Bollywood Blockbuster

Top 10 Bollywood Songs of the Week: January 20th 2017

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Bollywood is off to a spectacular start in 2017! This new year brings a few remixes of old classics that are becoming quite popular with this generation’s listeners and dancers. A.R. Rahman’s “The Humma Song” is remixed from the original 1998 “Humma Humma” from the movie Bombay.  “Laila Main Laila” from Raees starring Shahrukh Khan is a modern day take on the original from the movie Qurbani in 1980. Ok Jaanu holds several spots on this week’s charts, and likely will keep #1 for several more weeks to come! Close behind is my favorite of the week, the garba song “Udi Udi Jaye.” This track will surely be a popular one for wedding performances. Check out the full list below.

Rank Song Title Movie, Starring Music Director, Singers Best Time to Listen
1.        The Humma Song Ok Jaanu, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor A.R. Rahman, Badshah, Tanishk Bagchi, Jubin Nautyal, Shashaa Tirupati Evening, Dance
2.         Udi Udi Jaye Raees, Shahrukh Khan, Sunny Leone, Mahira Khan Sukhwinder Singh, Bhoomi Trivedi, Karsan Sagathia, Javed Akhtar Anytime, Dance
3.        Zaalima Raees, Shahrukh Khan, Sunny Leone, Mahira Khan Arijit Singh, Harshdeep Kaur Daytime
4.        Ok Jaanu Ok Jaanu, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor A.R. Rahman, Srinidhi Venkatesh, Gulzar Evening, Daytime
5.        Enna Sona Ok Jaanu, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor A.R. Rahman, Arijit Singh Morning
6.        Channa Mereya   Ae Dil Hai Mushkil  – Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Anushka Sharma Arijit Singh Morning, Daytime
7.        Laila Main Laila Raees, Shahrukh Khan, Sunny Leone, Mahira Khan Pawney Pandey, Ram Sampath Evening, Dance
8.        Ude Dil Befikre Befikre ­– Ranveer Singh, Vaani Kapoor Benny Dayal Evening, Dance
9.        Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Ae Dil Hai Mushkil  – Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Anushka Sharma Arijit Singh Morning, Daytime
10.    Nashe Si Chadh Gayi Befikre ­– Ranveer Singh, Vaani Kapoor Benny Dayal Evening

 

 

Movie Review: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

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Movie Review: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil       Release: October 28th 2016

Director: Karan Johar                               Genre: Romantic Drama

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is this Diwali’s “masala” film – love, laughter,  romance and tears. The story is about an aspiring singer and MBA student, Ayan, who falls in love with a happy-go-lucky girl, Alizeh (Anushka Sharma) on a European adventure. Alizeh, however, doesn’t love him back –  she’s still in love with her ex, DJ Ali (Fawad Khan). The story questions, can a guy and girl be “just friends”? Can you fall in love again if you’ve been in love before? What is it like to love somebody who will never love you back?

The positives:

  1. The return of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. If this is the only reason you go see this movie, it’s worth it. She’s hot, beautiful, and sexy all in one. She plays a divorcee who is ready to entice you with her Urdu “shayari.”
  1. Exceptional acting by Ranbir, Anushka, and Fawad – this was quite possibly one of their best performances so far. The excellent chemistry on-screen makes their characters so convincing.
  1. The soundtrack by Arijit Singh and Pritam Chakraborty is definitely a strong suit of this movie. My favorites were: “Break Up Dance,” “Channa Mereya” and “Bulleya.” Here’s the link to the full video playlist, with some behind the scenes shots!
  1. Special appearances! Some of Karan Johar’s favorites will surprise you!

The negatives:

  1. The drag. The first half keeps you entertained pretty well, but you’re often wondering…where is the twist? If it weren’t for Aish’s appearance in the second half, I probably could have been happy just watching the first half of the movie.
  1. The ending. Quite possibly one of the poorest endings I’ve seen in a Karan Johar movie…completely irrelevant and inconsistent with the rest of the storyline. I can’t give this away so you’ll just have to see for yourself!
  1. Warning: this is a tear-jerker for sure. Whether that’s a good or bad thing for you, plan on bringing a few tissues!

On the whole, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is this year’s romantic drama that has Karan Johar’s love life written all over it. If you’re a fan of his type of movie, or want to see Aish on the big screen, then definitely check it out in theater. Otherwise, leave it to watch for a date night at home.

Fun Facts: Did you know this is Aishwarya’s first time starring in a Karan Johar film?

Summary:

Acting: 4/5
Story: 3/5
Costumes: 3/5
Choreography: 3/5
Sets/Filming Location: 3/5
Songs: 5/5
Eye Candy: 4/5
Length of Movie: 2/5
Overall: *** (3/5) or 6/10

Rated: R (not suitable for children under 17)

Key:
* = flop, don’t even bother
** = time pass, you’ll live if you don’t see it
*** = worth a watch
**** = A hit, see it in the theater!
***** = Bollywood Blockbuster

Movie Review: Mohenjo Daro

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233Director: Ashutosh Gowariker | Music: A.R Rahman | Release Date: August 12th 2016

Genre: Drama/Adventure/Romance | Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde

“Mohenjo Daro” is an adventurous love story that takes place in the year 2016 BC. Hrithik Roshan plays the role of Sarman, a character who will remind you very much of “Aladdin.” Sarman lives in the village of Amri in the Indus Valley and is very eager to explore the nearby civilization called Mohenjo Daro. He finally sets off to see this land to feels that somehow this city is connected to him. Classic Hindi movie plot: Sarman meets and falls in love with the daughter of the City Priest, Chaani (played by Pooja Hegde). Tensions arise when the city’s evil aristocracy get in the way of Chaani and Sarman’s wish to be together. Watch the movie to learn about how Sarman discovers his roots to Mohenjo Daro and fights for his love, Chaani.

The positives:

1. The setting. If you want to learn about pre-historic India and the civilization of Mohenjo Daro, this is the movie for you! Fun Fact: This is the first and only Bollywood movie so far that depicts this era. Mohenjo Daro is a UNESCO World Heritage spot that is now Sindh, Pakistan. It was one of the world’s earliest major urban settlements. The site was abandoned in 19th century BC, and was later rediscovered in the 1920s!

2. Hrithik’s acting was the best out of all the other cast members. He also looks “Greek God” gorgeous, even in his simple, rustic village clothing. Yes, even pre-historic Hrithik has dance moves.

3. The songs and music – absolutely stunning soundtrack by A.R. Rahman! You can never be disappointed with that 🙂 My favorite was “Tu Hai” – the video makes a lot more sense when you know the story..!

 The negatives:

1. The extended story line – “Mohenjo Daro” starts off as your typical predictable Hindi movie… but this was OK because you are distracted by the time/era the movie takes place in. Then after about 1/2 way in, you expect it to end.. but no.. the story just continues…another 30 minutes goes by and you are at, what you think, the grand finale scene! Nope, it’s just intermission…

2.  Lead actress Pooja Hegde – she looked the part pretty well but her acting could definitely use some work. She definitely wasn’t as convincing as her role asked for..

3. Dance choreography – quite interesting as they tried to depict what dance may have been like in this era. I appreciated the classical, “story telling” type hand gestures. I do feel they could have enhanced Chaani’s dance steps to be more graceful and intricate as they were far too basic for A.R. Rahman’s melodious soundtrack.

4. The CGI – absolutely unacceptable quality!! Made me cringe.

In summary, the much awaited “Mohenjo Daro” disappointed many Ashutosh Gowariker and Bollywood fans. It may be worth a watch if you LOVE Hrithik or if want to learn about pre-historic Indian era. If you choose to see this in theater, leave your brains and high expectations at the door, especially for the second half of the film.

Ratings:

Acting: 3/5
Story: 2/5
Costumes: 4/5
Choreography: 3/5
Sets/Filming Location: 5/5

CGI: 1/5
Songs: 5/5
Eye Candy: 4/5
Length of Movie: 2/5

Overall: *** or 6/10

 

Key:
* = flop, don’t even bother
** = time pass, you’ll live if you don’t see it
*** = worth a watch
**** = A hit, see it in the theater!
***** = Bollywood Blockbuster

Top Ten Bollywood Songs of the Week – July 28th 2016

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Without a doubt, this summer’s hottest soundtrack is A.R. Rahman’s “Mohenjo Daro.” To be released August 12th, this is Hrithik’s next film after two years off the screen. Don’t miss the very romantic track “Tu Hai” – my favorite! The entire soundtrack is very majestic and soothing – perfect for the morning hours! Other hits this week are from the new movies starring Salman Khan, “Sultan” and Akshay Kumar’s “Rustom.” Are you a Katrina fan? Check out her newly released dance number with Siddharth Malhotra, “Kala Chasma.”

Here are this week’s top of the charts!

Rank Song Title Movie, Starring Music Director, Singers Best Time to Listen
1.        Tu Hai Mohenjo Daro, Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, Kabir Beid, Arunodaya Singh, Suhasini Mulay A.R. Rahman, Sanah Moidutty Morning/Daytime
2.        Sau Tarah Ke Dishoom, John Abraham, Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Akshay Khanna Jonita Gandhi, Amit Mishra Evening
3.        Mohenjo Mohenjo Mohenjo Daro, Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, Kabir Beid, Arunodaya Singh, Suhasini Mulay A.R. Rahman, Sanah Moidutty Morning, Daytime
4.        Let’s Nacho Sau Tarah Ke,  Siddharth Malhorta, Alia Bhatt, Fawad Khan Badshah, Benny Dayal Evening/Dance/ Workout
5.        Tere Sang Yaara Rustom, Akshay Kumar, Illeana D’cruz, Arjan Bajwa, Esha Gupta Atif Aslam Daytime, Morning
6.        Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai Sultan, Salman Khan, Randeep Hooda, Amit Sadh, Anushka Sharma Vishal Dadlani, Shalmali Kolgade, Isheeta, Badshah Morning, Daytime
7.        Kar Gayi Chull Kapoor & Sons,  Siddharth Malhorta, Alia Bhatt, Fawad Khan Amaal Mallik, Badshah Evening/Dance/Workout
8.        Jag Ghoomeya Sultan, Salman Khan, Randeep Hooda, Amit Sadh, Anushka Sharma Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Morning, Daytime
9. Sindhu Ma Mohenjo Daro, Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, Kabir Beid, Arunodaya Singh, Suhasini Mulay A.R. Rahman, Sanah Moidutty Morning/Daytime
10.  Kala Chashma Baar Baar Dekho, Siddharth Malhotra, Katrina Kaif Badshah, Neha Kakkar, Indeep Bakshi Dance

 

Movie Review: Tamasha

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Untitled.pngMovie: Tamasha

Director: Imtiaz Ali

Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone

Release Date: November 27h 2015

Genre: Romantic Drama

This year’s Diwali season comes to a close with Imtiaz Ali’s film, “Tamasha.” This is not your average Hindi movie…so don’t expect several song/dance numbers or a typical love story. Rather, it’s an abstract drama that will keep you hooked after the first 45 minutes of the movie. Ranbir and Deepika’s characters are two strangers who meet in Corsica on vacation and decide to not share their real identities with each other for the duration of their trip. They also agree to never meet or make contact ever again…but that’s just the beginning of the story. If you’re a Ranbir Kapoor fan, this is a MUST see for you. I’m pretty sure he will be nominated for some awards for his performance in this film. Deepika’s performs well and of course still looks stunning in casual attire/minimal makeup throughout the movie. Ranbir and Deepika make excellent co-stars, as they use to be a couple in real-life!

The positives:

  1. Ranbir Kapoor’s acting is phenomenal. His character was really difficult to portray, so kudos to him! He definitely comes out of his comfort zone for this role, but with such ease and incredible grace.
  2. Focus is entirely on Ranbir and Deepika’s characters with few supporting actors.
  3. The first part of the movie is set in Corsica, France – absolutely gorgeous!
  4. No useless song/dance sequences. “Matargashti” is the fun, memorable track. “Heer tho Badi Sad Hai” is the comic relief track with authentic Bhangra dancers. Way to go A.R. Rahman!

 The negatives:

  1. The message in “Tamasha” is quite cliché, but told in a non-conventional way. This movie will hit home with the young adult/professional crowd.
  2. The first hour of the movie is slow with boring series of flashbacks… but try not to give up on it.
  1. You might feel confused for some parts of this movie, but this is the intention.
  2. If you cannot completely “let-go” while watching this film, you will probably not like it.

On the whole, “Tamasha” is worth a watch if you’re a Ranbir or Deepika fan, but otherwise don’t sweat it, especially if you’re not a fan of unconventional Bollywood movies.

Acting: 4/5
Story: 3/5
Costumes: 2.5/5
Choreography: 2.5/5
Sets/Filming Location: 4/5
Songs: 3.5/5
Eye Candy: 3.5/5
Length of Movie: 2/5
Overall: *** (3/5) or 6/10

Key:
* = flop, don’t even bother
** = time pass, you’ll live if you don’t see it
*** = worth a watch
**** = A hit, see it in the theater!
***** = Bollywood Blockbuster

 

Movie Review: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

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prem-rathan-dhan-payo-salman-khanMovie: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (PRDP)

Director: Sooraj Barjatya

Starring: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Neil Nitin Mukesh

Music Composed by: Himesh Reshammiya, Sanjoy Chowdhury

Release Date: November 12th 2015

Genre: Drama/Comedy

This Diwali’s Bollywood release, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (PRDP), tells a story about a charitable, lighthearted man, Prem Dilwale (Salman Khan), who is on a mission to meet the philanthropic and beautiful Princess Maithili (Sonam Kapoor). His “Prince and Pauper” comedic role is the highlight of this film. PRDP is not just a love story, but actually moreso a glorified Zee-TV drama about family conflicts between siblings. If you’re a Salmaan Khan or Sooraj Barjatya fan, don’t miss this film – otherwise save your popcorn money on something more worthwhile.

The positives:

  1. Fan of retro, 1990’s classic Bollywood movies like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun? This one is for you. Fun Fact: Sooraj Barjatya last casted Salman Khan 16 years ago in Hum Saath Saath Hain.
  2. Sonam Kapoor is stunningly beautiful and all her outfits are simple yet gorgeous. Her acting on the other hand, is questionable. She has not yet found a way to surface above the spunky, goofy, giggly role she plays in all her movies thus far.
  3. Want a good laugh? You can always count on Sallu (Salman) to bring home the comedy. His character is similar to his “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” role.
  4. The colorful sets and scenery are worth watching this for. Don’t forget the hit title song “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo” – perfect for a wedding dance song! Also don’t miss the romantic number “Jalte Diya.”

 The negatives:

  1. The story was quite mediocre and the screenplay was definitely nothing to brag about – I honestly expected more from Sooraj Barjatya.
  2. Other than the two songs mentioned above, the rest are forgettable fillers. Bollywood has largely revolutionized in the past several years to have fewer number of useless songs, yet this movie just reminds you something time-warped to old age Bollywood style with song and dance numbers every scene change.
  1. There are several cringe-worthy moments especially surrounding the “dishoom” scenes that remind you of old Bollywood movies.
  2. Neil Nitin Mukesh gets the award for WORST actor in this film. If Salman had co-stars who could actually act, this movie would have been successful.

On the whole, PRDP is nothing more than a time-pass Bollywood film to enjoy with your family this Diwali season. Leave your brains and high expectations at the door.

Acting: 2.5/5
Story: 3/5
Costumes: 4/5
Choreography: 3/5
Sets/Filming Location: 4/5
Songs: 3.5/5
Eye Candy: 3/5
Length of Movie: 2/5
Overall: *** (3/5) or 6/10

Key:
* = flop, don’t even bother
** = time pass, you’ll live if you don’t see it
*** = worth a watch
**** = A hit, see it in the theater!
***** = Bollywood Blockbuster

 

 

Movie Review: Bajrangi Bhaijaan

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Director: Kabir Khan, Producer: Salman Khan

Actors: Salman Khan, Harshaali Malhotra, Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Synopsis: Salman Khan, “Bajrangi,” is a Hanuman-loving Indian citizen who stumbles across an innocent, mute 7 year old Pakistani girl, “Munni” (Harshaali Malhotra) who is lost in Delhi and cannot find her family. She follows Bajrangi and he eventually takes her to his home. He develops a strong, loving friendship with the girl but eventually takes it upon himself to return her back to her family. This film tells an endearing story of how Bajrangi and Chand Nawab, a Pakistani reporter, try to find Munni’s home in Pakistan. “Bhajrangi Bhaijaan” is a heart-warming tear-jerker that you don’t want to miss!

The positives:

  1. Absolutely award-winning performance by “Munni” (Harshaali Malhotra) – an extremely adorable and very talented child actress. She steals the show the entire time!

2. This is NOT your typical “India/Pakistan” love story/war movie. It is, though, an emotional roller coaster of drama and comedy – be ready to laugh and shed some tears!

3. The first song, “Selfie Re Le Le” is very fun, upbeat, colorful and catchy – it definitely lightens the mood at this point in the story. What’s a Salman Khan movie without his classic dance movies??

4. Salman plays the antithesis of his normal Bollywood hero roles. It almost feels like he is trying to make up for his real-life sins by playing a virtuous, modest, humble man in his reel-life.

The negatives:

  1. Length of the movie – too long! There were plenty of scenes that were dragged out.. A good 30-45 minutes could have easily been cut out.

2. Too many slow-mo, dramatic, hindi TV-show type shots. Picture two lovers running through the fields towards each other – except this time it’s Salman and a little girl.

3. “Chicken Dance” was the worst song in this movie. It seemed like a filler song meant for a kid’s movie.

4.  Kareena Kapoor, “Rasika,” did not play a major role in this film. No item songs in this movie, guys. Harshaali was most definitely the lead actress and superstar of the film.

Fun Facts: The scene where Nawazuddin Siddiqui is introduced as the reporter is actually based on a 2008 YouTube video called “funny Pakistani reporter.” Ha!

What did Aamir Khan have to say about Bhajrangi Bhaijaan? Check it out! 

Overall – this movie is a Bollywood HIT meant for everyone to see, even if you are not a Salman Khan fan. No worries if you missed it in theaters – be sure to check it out on DVD.

Acting: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Costumes: 3/5

Choreography: 3/5

Sets/Filming Location: 5/5

Songs: 2.5/5

Eye Candy: 3.5/5

Length of Movie: 2.5/5

Rated: PG

Overall:  7.5/10

Key:

* = flop, don’t even bother

** = time pass, you’ll live if you don’t see it

*** = worth a watch

**** = A definite hit!

***** = Bollywood Blockbuster

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Movie Review: Dil Dhadakne Do

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Movie: Dil Dhadakne Do

Director: Zoya Akhtar

Release Date: June 5th 2015

Cast: Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Anil Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, Shefali Shetty, Rahul Bose

Now here’s a fun-filled family comedy that you shouldn’t miss! The dysfunctional Mehra family invite their friends and relatives to join them on a cruise to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Their shenanigans throughout the 10-day journey to Turkey & Greece will keep you laughing and engaged the whole ride!

Positives: 

1. Priyanka Chopra was stunning! Everything from her outfits, hair-dos, to her sculpted body (check out her biceps!) and even her acting – top-notch. She has built this athletic body for her upcoming ABC TV Show “Quantico,” in which she stars as a FBI-trainee.

2. The comedy was mostly right on – not the typical cringe-worthy stuff you would expect in Bollywood. Ranveer was absolutely hilarious and very natural.

3. Anushka Sharma was the hottest she has ever been. She plays a dancer on the cruise and Ranveer’s lover. Anushka and Ranveer make a great on-screen couple – remember them in Band Baaja Baraat? Check out Anushka’s “swing dancing” in this film.

4. One of the songs, “Gallan Goodiyan” was shot in one take!! It’s fabulously choreographed and makes the audience feel like they are at the party!

Negatives:

1. There was no hit “item-song” which I think this movie was lacking, however the focus was not on the songs in general which may have been a positive.

2. The movie was 2.5 hours long…but to be honest it goes by pretty fast because you’re laughing through most of it.

3. Yes, Anil Kapoor is graying. Let’s not forget he is 58 years old! He suits his role very well in this film as a manipulative patriarchal figure.

Fun-Fact: This film is narrated by Pluto, the family dog, whose voice is played by Aamir Khan.

On the whole, Dil Dhadakne Do is a hit and a must-see Bollywood film for the entire family. You can’t go wrong with this stellar cast and talented director Zoya Akhtar!

Acting: 4/5
Story: 4/5
Costumes: 3/5
Choreography: 3/5
Sets/Filming Location: 4/5
Songs: 3/5
Eye Candy: 4/5
Length of Movie: 2/5
Overall: 3.5/5 or 7/10

Key:
* = flop, don’t even bother
** = time pass, you’ll live if you don’t see it
*** = worth a watch
**** = A hit, see it in the theater!
***** = Bollywood Blockbuster

Movie Review: PK

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Director: Rajkumar Hirani

Release Date: December 19th, 2014

Genre: Comedy Drama

Well, Bollywood, what a way to end 2014! PK, in my opinion, is one of the best films we have seen lately in Bollywood. As expected, Aamir Khan delivers an outstanding performance. Without giving much away, this movie is about “PK,” an alien who lands in the deserts of Rajasthan on a mission to learn about human life. Unfortunately, his remote gets stolen within the first few minutes of the movie. This remote is his only way to communicate with his planet to return home. He spends his entire time on Earth trying to find this remote, learning that he must pray to “God” to get it back.

The positives:

  1. Everything that may make you “cringe” about religion is openly discussed in this movie. PK’s child-like innocence sheds a light on the hypocrisies humans have created in order to practice their individual religious beliefs.

2. Anushka Sharma was fabulous in this movie: spunky, fun, and absolutely suited the part. Her short hair gave her a fresh, new look however I was not a huge fan of her lip-job…

anushka-unveils-new-poster-of-pk-12_th3. Supporting actor Sushant Singh Rajput (debut film: Kai Po Che!) was attention-grabbing for sure – but why was he wearing the same outfit the entire movie?? Check him out in the song, “Chaar Kadam.”

  1. Supporting actor Sanjay Dutt was entertaining as usual and perfect for his role. Fun fact: he was scheduled to go to jail on the last day of his shoot for this movie!

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  1. This comedy family-film will likely spur some philosophical discussions amongst moviegoers. It is interesting to hear the differences in perspectives on PK amongst grandparents, parents, siblings, teachers, friends and especially religious leaders.

The negatives:

1. The soundtrack is not the highlight of the film. Other than “Tharki Chokro” (which I love), it was clear that “song and dance” were not the focus of this film. “Love is a waste of time” was, a waste of time.

2. PK was a 2.5 hour long film, the average length for a Bollywood movie. I don’t mind 2.5 hours if there are glamorous song/dance sequences…however this was not the case. The movie did drag in the middle – but overall this did not outweigh the positives!

On the whole, PK is a must-see film for everybody at home. Don’t be late to the theater – the first scene is hilarious!

Acting: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Costumes: 3.5/5
Choreography: 3/5
Film Sets/Location: 3.5/5
Songs: 2.5/5
Eye Candy: 3.5/5
Length of Movie: 2.5/5
Overall: **** (4/5)

Key:
* = flop, don’t even bother
** = time pass, you’ll live if you don’t see it
*** = worth a watch
**** = A hit, see it in the theater!
***** = Bollywood Blockbuster

Pk-Peekay-FIlm-Poster