Yes, the idea of digital content is to experiment, explore unique or seemingly bizarre concepts. But with platforms like Netflix, the standards have been set high and it cannot become a dumping ground for failed experiments (Bard of Blood, Drive and point in case House Arrest)
What we have here is the concept of ‘hikikomori’ – a Japanese societal phenomenon of isolation. Great idea, but does that make a great movie? Far from it.
Let us leave aside the name, because that’s a lie.
These are four stories or rather interpretations of darker human psyches. Some makers have played safe and some have pushed boundaries, the result is inconsistent. Indian filmmakers have started treating Netflix as a testing ground for their unfulfilled creativity that was too brave for mainstream. We the digital audience are the guinea pigs, so expect to be surprised, manipulated, cheated and sometimes times intrigued.
The Family Man does not promise to bring anything extraordinary to the genre. Like every espionage, there is this one hero vs some anti-national elements, both working on and against a certain ‘operation’ which is always supposed to be ‘the biggest ever’. Having said that, Family man stands competent in handling the socio- geo-political explication and summarize it in a fairly gripping 10 episode series.
Uncomfortable middle class stereotypes, a northern small town, identifiable characters and some tongue- in- cheek humor, feels like home for our non conformist hero – Ayushman Khurrana. With a promising trailer that sets a rather absurdly humorous premise, Dream Girl starts off with an intention to leverage and continue Ayushman’s winning streak in this genre. But there is only as much entertainment to Dream Girl as Ayushman and some other veteran actors could carry on their shoulders through this otherwise confused and bumpy ride.
Disclaimer: This review is only going to be full of applauses and admiration to the brilliance that Gully Boy is.
India’s first true-blue street musical, Gully Boy chronicles the life of Murad, a boy living in the world famous slums of Dharavi, inspired by the real rappers – Divine and Naezy.
An actor of the explosive energy levels of Ranvir Singh, who was last seen making an almost 10 mins long full-blown Bollywood hero entry in Simba, simply appears as the third (least) important person in soft focus in the opening scene of Gully Boy. In focus stays his friend (played by the supremely talented Vijay Verma) who sets up the scene of Dharavi and the humdrums of its residents for whatever is to follow.
Acceptance of well scripted and unexplored genres from low to medium budget movies and back to back rejection of ‘super star ‘ movies at the box office marks 2018 as the year of ‘evolution’ in Cinema.
Here are the 10 movies of 2018 that make it to the ‘paisa wasool’ list.
No hills or hike trails to wander through, no beaches to tan your day away and no food or shopping ‘must haves’. Yet Hampi has an unfiltered charm that has been attracting backpackers across the world to its discovering.
Why Hampi?
So a bunch of us (friends) argued for almost two months over deciding a place of common interest for an extended weekend. Despite all votes to Goa, some mystical force had us book tickets to Hampi. Thanking that force and breaking down the arguments for Hampi.
Gripping pace, gritty visuals and graded background score. All this unveiling the stories of two men in parallel timelines, intertwined in the undercurrents of Mumbai’s dark corners.
The opening scene is a disclaimer of the brazen recital that is to follow. The first few minutes set the premise for the best use of a censor free medium. You now know this is for the brave-hearted content hungry audience all set to binge.
The last time we saw Ranbir Kapoor (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) he was still in his never-ending phase of playing Man-child roles and lip-synching heartbreak songs that top lists. His talent remains unquestionable despite his choices. So when Rajkumar Hirani announced a biopic of his most favourite actor with RK, it was the best of both worlds. The first look of Sanju had the fans, critics, and media going berserk with praises.
The three men of Sanju are outstanding – Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Paresh Rawal. If it was called a father-son drama or a friendship story, it would be fine. But here’s what has led to my disappointment.
