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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

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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

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Top Indian Wedding Dance Songs 2014

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It’s Indian wedding season. And it’s likely you’ve been asked to “do a dance” by your friend, aunt, cousin, brother, sister, mother. Well, if you’re feeling stuck with selecting songs to dance to, no worries – I’ve created the list for you! These are Bollywood hits – old and new. Note: If you are looking for specific songs related to a theme/time era, contact me and I will help you out!

Group co-ed songs:

1. Diliwaali Girlfriend – (Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani – YJHD)

2. Balam Pichkari – (YJHD)
3. Tune Mari Entriyaan – (Ram Leela) 
4. 1234 get on the dance floor – (Chennai Express) 
5. Badtameez Dil – (YJHD)
6. Chingam Chabake – (Gori Tere Pyaar Mein)
7. Munde marde seetiyaan – (Aman Hayer)
8. Sadi Galli – (Tanu Weds Manu)
 
All girls:
1. Nagada Sang Dhol (garba/raas) – Ram Leela 
2. Ghagra – (YJHD)
3. Nimbooda – (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)
4. Rangeelo Maro Dhol Na 
5. Maya Yashoda – (Hum Saath Saath Hain)
6. Badi Muskhil – (Lajja)
7. Genda Phool – (Delhi 6)
 
All boys:
1. Bachana Ae Haseeno – (Bachana Ae Haseeno)
2. Besharam – (Besharam)
3. Muqabala – (Muqabala)
4. Tera Hero Idhar hai – (Main Tera Hero)

 
Old School Wedding Songs:
1. Mehndi Laga ke rakh na (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge)
2. Are Are – (Dil To Pagal Hai)
3. Didi Tera Dewar Deewana – (Hum Apke Hain Kaun)
4. Bole chudiyaan – (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham)
5. Mehndi hai rachnewaali – (Zubeidaa)
6. Mere haathon me nau nau chudiyan he – (Chandni)
7. Mujhe Rang de – (Thakshak)
8. Pairon me bandhan he – (Mohabbatein) 
9. Paise lo – (Hum Apke Hai Kaun)
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Have suggestions to add to this list? Comment below!