Movie Review : Karthik Calling Karthik - Not just a Missed call.....

Genre : Thriller.

Karthik Calling Karthik is what I call a low-budget semi-intelligent film. For most it would also be a taut suspense too, though I had put together the pieces half way through the first half.

So KCK is about a loser, who is also a loner. He starts getting calls from a guy who sounds like him, knows about him and call himself Karthik.These calls change his life. He starts becoming something from nothing. But once he reveals this to his girlfriend and doctor, the guy on the phone gets pissed and ruins his life. Who is the guy on the phone? Will Karthik be able to save himself from this guy? Thats what the movie is about.

The movie is not what you would call a slick flick. It meanders. Specially in the beginning. He looks like a loser, acts like a loser and is treated like one. But once he begins to change, you do not understand how an IIM graduate who is also topper in CA examinations could be this loser in a small private company. The movie does have its share of good comedy, perfectly executed by Farhan in his innocent style, but sometimes the comedy is too childish and feels forced. The first half of the movie is quiet cumbersome, but once you get to the second half, it does throw its share of surprises. The thrills increase and you do feel the pain of the protagonist. But finally, being a film sometimes logics go for a toss and the end is a little dissapointing.

The background score is good and keeps the tension up. Some scenes are elevated by the Midival Pundit and Karsh Kale's backgrounds. The songs are pretty decent.

The film belongs to Farhan Akhtar. You live with him and the other characters are just supporting him through the film. Akhtar  has his limitations as an actor, but he does emote very well. You cannot really differentiate between characters he has played earlier and what he is in this film. He isnt versatile but he is sincere and does a very good job. He plays the suave and the loser with equal sincerity. What he has to work on , is his dialogue delivery. It lacks that punch and  though this movie gave him ample scope to really let go, he seemed stretched. You put someone like an Irfan Khan in the same role and you would see the difference. Deepika Padukone is like a mantle piece, both in beauty and in expressions. Her limitations as an actress are glaring and she has to work really hard to either keep looking this good or to improve her acting skills, coz someday people might just get bored.

Overall the movie is a average thriller, which picks up its pace later. Decent first movie by Vijay Lalwani and I am sure he must have been helped by Akhtar's presence on the sets. Go get it in the theaters if you have nothing else to do, but do not expect an exceptional film. Its a decent film and not just a missed call.

Rating : 6 / 10

Movie Review : 13B - A Logical Thriller

My Say : A decent watch

My friend said " It's a spine-chilling horror. A must see" Then another told me Maddy - urf Madhavan had himself pleaded him to watch this movie. Maddy said " its awesome" So we went. It turned out to be a decent suspense thriller. Horror, it wasnt !Atleast for me...

The movie is a small budget film with a lead good actor and a strong / logical second half. The build up in the first half is comical and at times irritating. But if you stay put, you would be treated to some decent stuff in the second half. Infact, what makes its a good watch is that everything makes sense, nothing is illogical. The screenplay is good and the cinematography is excellent. The background score is adequately chilling , but the songs are pathetic!(Shankar, Ehsaan Loy seemed to have given them a bunch of rejects !! )

Off the actors, Madhavan hogs the limelight, but is the only actor to glue you onto the screen. He suits the role perfectly. He was excited when my friend gave him a positive feedback. It shows how desperate this acclaimed actor of the Tamil industry is to make it big in Bollywood !! Anyways,, if he works on his body a bit and sheds those extra kilos, I am sure he would do pretty well here.

One hillarious concept given in this film is THE DEAD are also upgrading themselves and finding various new channels to contact the Living !!! hahahaha... Like the TV in this case.. I assure you the final final scene will leave u in splits!!!absolutely absurd.

This one is surely worth a watch (on the CD preferably - where u can forward the unwanted bits), surely for putting all the pieces in the right place in the end. A logical thriller.

Rating : 5.5 / 10 ( 0.5 less for an irritating first half)

Movie Review : Gulaal - Gritty and Witty ....

My Say : A gritty and witty film.

Maybe Mr.Mehra should pick up the fone and call up Mr.Kashyup and take some tips on abstract, on making statements that do not feel like listening to a lecture!

I cannot believe how could a movie like this be kept in the CAN for such a long time. Maybe, because it doesnt have sellable stars. Maybe, because uptil now the director was considered a Pariah... But with this film, Kashup proves that he can make and sell movies just on his name. The director has finally become the hero of his film in India !

Gulaal is a brutally raw and witty take on the infighting within a state of our country. The politics within the state, and the dirt within this politics. The game of power which doesnt discriminate between its victims.

Its about a mans pursuit to becoming the absolute power within his state and creating a separate domain of his own. Its about this mans blind belief in his ancestory. He is not willing to be a subject of the country, he wants to rule his own! He wants freedom for his people and himself. This ambition is not just his own, but of a few others too. And so begins the game of eimination. Interesting, very interesting.

Kashup's story is extremely gritty and engaging and the execution meets our high expectations. Though there is a drop in the pace in certain parts of the movie and you try to guess where is this all heading, it manages to suck you back in. The pace of the film waxes and wanes and almost reaches a towering crescendo somewhere near the end of the first half. You want to know whats next. The game of politics with the next roll of the dice, brings the fall of another pawn and another and another and the game becomes even more convoluted, yet simple. Amidst all this is stuck a guy who doesnt want to get involved , but is sucked in with dire consequences.

Again what takes the cake is the background score. The songs are extremely meaningful and create the perfect atmosphere for this ride. Concentrate on the lyrics, they send out a message. The performances by each and every character is brilliant. From the ever reliable Kay Kay to the Raj Singh Chaudhary, from Abhimanyu shekhar singh to Deepak Dobriyal. Watch out for Piyush Mishra ( KK's mental elder brother). His songs and dialogues create a lasting impact.

If Dev D was a drug to a few, this could give a high to a broader section of India. Go watch it and I am sure you will enjoy, for some reason or the other.

Rating : 7/10

Quick Movie Review - A Wednesday - Entertaining at the most

Rating: 5.5

My Say: Average

I have added 0.5 point for slick editing and good background music, which keeps this movie on top gear for most of the film. Though its predictable and cliched, it succeeds to entertain. Its of the "Aamir" genre where there is a thrill element in most scenes. Another plus point is that it sticks to the script and does not waste its time in meaningless songs. Its much like the countless run-of-the-mill Hollywood flicks which entertain, just that in India such movies are rare. It becomes slightly preachy towards the end, but thats alrite. Good performances, good editing makes it a good timepass watch. I would have rated it 5, if the editing was not this good....

Review - Sunday - Nothin Sunny About this one!

Rating : 3/ 10

Senseless -thats what you would call this one. From the acting , to the direction, to the screen play. Everything is pure nonsense. Rohit Shetty has now had 3 films - the disastorous Zameen, the no-brainer but entertaining Golmaal, and now this Senseless - Sunday.

This film is actually lifted straight from a Telugu film called "Anukokunda oka roju", which I incidentally saw about 4 days ago. That film was extremely engaging and realistic. Only the end was a little too far fetched and there were some glitches here and there. So, when I came to know that Sunday is going to be made on the same script, I was expecting Rohit Shetty to iron out the glitches in the plot and change the ending. He did change the ending, but rather than ironing out the problems, he has destroyed the rest of the film. Literally. You have to see both the films to really understand what I mean.

The film is about this girl who goes to this party one night and when she awakens , she realises that she has missed out on an entire day. She doesnt even remember how she got back home. She is then followed by a mysterious gang and a taxi driver. Both claim to know her, even though she doesnt. She informs the police and then starts the investigationm to find out what consipred on that missing day.

The plot is great, but the treatment is pathetic. The songs are forgettable and the placement ridiculous. Sometimes such movies instigate me to make films. Atleast I could make a film on-par with this stuff. Anyways, in the acting department "Ayesha" who is the central character fails to impress. Ajay Devgan has an Okayish Role, while Arshad Warsi is stale(He needs to introspect and do some different roles for a change). In my view Irrfan Khan tries hard, but fails to tickle your funny bone too much. I dont blame the actors; its the dialogue writer, the script writer, the screen play writer who deserve all the flack. The film is too loose and flawed. Maybe if I would have watched this film before the Telugu flick, I would I been less critical, but when you see how some truly awesome scenes have been murdered by the adapter, you cringe. Watch the Telugu flick if you can. It has some truly amazing comedy scenes and a better and tighter execution. Even the preformances are better.

Rohit Shetty should now try making an original film. Golmaal was also adapted. He basically lacks the vision and talent requisite of his position. He even copies an action sequence from a Telugu film called Pokhiri (which incidentally is an awesome film). He completely lacks originality and when he does try something different it is crappy.

If you get a ticket around 60-70, then and only then venture the cinema halls. That too just to chillax in that environment or with your friends, to enjoy the few laughs that the film has on offer. I cannot say whether this film will flop or not, because box-office reports say WELCOME has grossed well above Taare Zameen Par. If a total B&*$ S#$% film like WELCOME can gross around 110 Crores, then this film can be a Smash Hit aswell...

Disturbia.......

A story abt. a chaotic guy who lands up in an official house arrest…….

In the beginning of the movie Kale (Shia la, the main character) is shown with his father sharing good times fishing, but on their way back met with an accident in which his father dies.. kale held himself responsible for this n an year later he is reprimanded by his prof. at the school for sleeping in the class, whom he punches once he was instigated (coz he mentioned abt his father) and he was sent to his home by the court with 3 months of house arrest. With all the gadgets tied to Kale’s body making sure that he doesn’t leave the vicinity oh his house (poor fellow).. for the first few days he had nothing to do except playing games n watching TV but that too was taken away seeing his behavior by his mother. Left with nothing to do he starts spying upon his neighbors and their activities.

n one nite he gets suspicious of his neighbor, Mr. Turner (if i remember it rite), n it was all because he saw the similar description of a serial killer in the news…n the same time their comes a sexy girl in their neighbor shifted from the main city (Kale lives in suburb; which is why the movie is named Disturb+Suburbia).

n now the real story starts when he starts spying in make plans to know more abt him sending his friends to break into Turner’s car n eventually into his house n in this process Turner catch hold of the heroine n how he threatens her not to follow him n all…Ronnie (a friend who was also a part of this plan) was caught in Turners house when the police comes n they found noting wrong. n in order to save his son (Kale), the mother went to turners house to request for not to press charge, but as was true he was a bad guy-he played his tricks n abducts her….n the story goes on abt how he (Kale) saves his mother n police came n all the n no. of dead bodies that r there in Turners house n all……

all in all it’s a worth watching movie n if I have to rate it, I would give it 7/10…

Die Hard-4

the review has been written by Priti Sankhla

“Die hard 4 caters what was expected. Nothing more, nothing less. This forth movie of the Die hard series deliver exactly what the first one did viz. Simple plot, great stunts, stylized villains and somewhat contemporary plot. It also has the same short coming viz. super hero who can single handedly ruin a team of well prepared, treacherous villains, doing the world good mainly as a by-product of saving a family member.
There are times when you will raise your hand in the air and say “Kuch bhi”, but the absurdity of the scene is soon taken away from your mind as you notice the camera angles and creativity. The hero, Bruce Willis, of course knows to jump perfectly, dodge bullets, climb elevators using ropes, survive F35 attack, safely leap& jump collapsing bridges and gas inflammation.Oh and get away with scratches, just to make him look more macho….nothing hurts John Mclain as expected….
So though you may wonder after coming out of the hall, the lack of content, yet the class, in what you watched in last two and a half hour… remember that’s what was promised …Worth a watch ...”

Zodiac - Meticulous

Cast : Jake Gyllenhal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr.

Rating: 6.5/10

I went to this movie with my mind full of expectations of a psycho thriller which would end with a twist that wud stun me, because thats what David Fincher has always given me. Be it Se7ev or Fight club or The game, he has never dissapointed. In a way the end does surprise me, but not in the way I wanted. It is after all a movie based on real life events and real case files and hence there is no artistic freedom to David.

The movie is meticulously made - because it plots down 22 years of pursuit of a killer named ZODIAC, from 1969 to 1991. Its about this serial killer who has an unconfirmed number of killings.He appeared first in 1969 and then killed people with gaps of months and even years. It shows the pursuit of 3 people - 1) Journalist - Downey Jr. 2) Cartoonist - Jake Gyllenhal and 3) Policeman - Mark Ruffalo, who tried to solve the mystery of this killer. This killer used to send letters to the Press and tell them how he killed people and if they did not put weird crypted notes on the front page he would kill more. Also, he used the cypher symbol and the name ZODIAC which he picked from a watch brand. This killer was hungry for Publicity and tried various stunts to get that. 22 years of pursuit by the 3 guys is shown painstakingly.

Acting is top class and Downey Jr. gives his role the Johnny Depp- Jack Sparrow kinda spunk. The movie does has its boring bits, but again it is because the movie traces all the events that occured during the pursuit. It also has some loose ends, which seem stunning because if that would have been the case, police would have caught the killer much earlier. It some how depicts the lack of coordination between the police officers in various states of the US. But the atmosphere and the detailing is meticulous (I cant find a better word). I think David should return to the SHOCK genre he belongs to after this, because he has done a good job on real life stuff - but I rather have his shocking fantasies. Watch this 2 and a half hour movie for the story and dont hope for a twist which you cannot comprehend.

"Aap ka saroor "

This movie has the distinction of belonging to the rare but increasingly growing categories of extremely unwatchable, loosely made films. It surpasses all records of loose editing, bad screenplay, useless dialogues, incoherent situations, and the unique ability of jumping from flashback to the present without the audience having a clue. For all mortals who would still want to hear the non existent storyline...

The movie begins with Himesh (or HR as he is known throughout for some incomprehensible reasons) on a tour in Germany and he is arrested for the murder of a journalist.A sting video apparently shows him misbehaving with and then killing the journo. His time in jail is mostly spent in thinking abt Ria ( Hansika Motwani)...who is his event manager. Love blossoms in typical Reshammiya style with songs in nasal twangs thrown in. There is also a problematic father-of-the-girl who tries to nip the love in the bud. Among these complexities is the villain- (Darshan Jariwala) who is a sponsor but is in deep debt so he wants to remove HR from this planet. Also thrown in is Mallika Sherawat as a lawyer who also doubles up as a bar dancer primarily. The climax is the much awaited revelation that Khurana had worn mask exactly like HR’s face and then killed the journo...so that he could pay off his debts...

Confused ?..Thats exactly how the movie is supposed to make you feel...still feel like going for it ?....May God help you survive the ordeal...amen !!

Dot the I - shocking!

Rating : 6.5/10

had seen this movie sometime back but had not planned to write a review of it untill I saw the promo of "NAQUAAB", the soon to be released ABBAS MUSTAN thriller with Akshaye Khanna and Bobby Deol. It seems to be a frame by frame copy of DOT THE I. Even in the promos you know it. I would wish you all to see DOT THE I before this movie comes to the theaters, bcos the film, the story is completely original, shocking and brilliant. Abbaas Mustan have a sure shot success in their hands!

This is not a main stream Hollywood film, it is probably a small budget intelligent flick. It was realased in 2003 and that you might not heard of it, is a testament of of its lack of popular stars. We miss loads of such good films.

There are 3 prime characters in this film and just a dozen extras. One rich, lonely man - Barnaby Caspian (Brilliantly potrayed by James D'Arcy) , one deeply enchanting lady - Carmen Collazo ( Natalia Verbeke - you have to see her to believe her beauty - her sex-appeal, when she dances - you are completely floored) and one poor enchanter Kit Winter(Gael Garcia Bernal - the perfect chocolate boy) The story is about deception and betrayal, but thats true about many triangular love stories. This story is truly different - its shocking.

Carmen is about to marry Barnaby, when on her bachelorette party - she meets this dreamy eyed guy Kit. As a part of some Bachelorette fun, she kisses this stranger in front of the whole restaurant. But its much more than a small kiss, its something deeply seductive. Later, she dwells on the kiss, and starts to think why did she stay lip locked for such a long time with this stranger, when she loved another man. At the same time, Kit falls in love with Carmen ( who wudnt!!!- she's wow) Then starts the betrayal, Carmen's illicit affair with Kit. Meanwhile, some ghost of the past comes back and haunts Carmen. She is afraid for her life, but Barnaby assures her safety and love forever. When Barnaby comes to know about this affair, he is completely shattered. What happens next is what's shocking. You would never know whats happening, and you cant even imagine. Its twisted and truly different.

The performances are simply great - Carmen plays the perfect lady in distress. She exudes amazing feminine sexuality and portays her helplessness with utmost grace. Kit is good , but Barnaby is awesome - playing the multifaceted character with aplomb. The screen play and direction fit the storyline perfectly and I have no complaints. I think this movie would satisfy anybody who sees it. Its the perfect pot-boiler for a Bollywood Flick and hence the apparent lift for Naquaab! The real winner is the story .

This movie was completely written off by Americans and was a complete flop, but still I dont think it deserved that. Maybe it lacks substance and maybe it seems too far fetched, but it is original and shocking.

This movie is rated R for strong sexuality and explicit language, so for all those Under 18, I think Naquaab will be their best way of knowing this twisted script. The thing that goes for this movie is that its not the usual run of the mill kind of stuff. Pick up the DVD today.

The Train

Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Sayali Bhagat, Geeta Basra, Aseem Merchant

The Train is just another Indian movie which revolves around two things to catch the audience for the full length of the movie; emotions and skin. The Train, is a rip-off of the Clive Owen-Jennifer Aniston thriller Derailed. Emraan Hashmi is married to Sayali Bhagat and also has a daughter who is suffering from Diabetes since birth and needs to have a kidney transplant. The search for suitable donor is on and that requires more than a million.

Emraan works for an advertising agency in Thailand and is losing out control on his job. His assistant Charlie is the only character who got light moments in the film though for 2 minutes in totality. The movie starts as usual with a hot scene of in bathroom.

Emraan on his way to his once meets Geeta Basra in a train. Emraan who was losing out with his wife got a friend and Geeta also claims to be alone as her husband is busy in his work and is normally out of town. Then starts their love story, which in a short while moved to Emraan’s favorite act Kissing and then they search for a hotel for the night. Just as they were in the room a person (Aseem Merchant) came to rob them, and on taking their wallets he found that they were not husband wife and so he beats up Emraan and then raped Geeta.

Then begins the procedure of blackmailing and extortion. Geeta do not want this story to reach to her husband and so they did not complained to police. The film now revolves around how every move of Emraan to get rid of Aseem goes against him only. The blackmailer took Rs One Million (yes Rupees in Thailand) which Emraan and Sayali have saved for their daughter.

Although the movie follows the blueprint of the original film, it does so, at an almost snail-like pace, killing the audience slowly. The movie becomes so predictable that we 6 friends were watching it and each of knew what’s next.

Though I personally felt that newcomer Sayali Bhagat deserved a better movie to start with but Geeta Basra was more focused on make up then acting. Emraan is again good only for kissing which he does with both the actress in this movie.

2/10 (Skip it)