Ponniyin Selvan 1 (पोन्नियीन सेल्वन १)

​"Ponniyin Selvan 1 (पोन्नियीन सेल्वन १)".

Watched Hindi version movie "Ponniyin Selvan 1 (पोन्नियीन सेल्वन १)". 

This movie is directed by Mani Ratnam. Screenplay by Mani Ratnam and Elango Kumaravel. Produced by Mani Ratnam and Subhaskaran Allirajah. Cinematography by Ravi Varman. Music by A. R. Rahman. It features Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Jayaram Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Jayram, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, Vikram Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Rahman, R. Parthiban. Film runs for about 2 hour and 48 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on 4th Dec 2022 on Amazon Prime.

Chakravarti Chola is sick. Aditya Karikalan, Elder Chola Prince, is expanding boundaries northwards. Arulmozi, Younger Chola Prince, is expanding boundaries in Sri Lanka. Senapati Parvateshwar and other ministers want to make Madurantakar, son of Chakravarti Chola’s elder brother, next king. Aditya Karikalan sends his friend and messenger, Vallavrayan Vandiyathevan, to his sister Kundavai, father Chakravarti and brother Arulmozi. Aditya Karikalan doesn’t want to return to capital because his ex-lover Nandini, is now married to Parwateshwar and is in the capital. 

The die is cast. Can the sick Chakravarty ensure safety of his sons for their return? Can Vallavrayan Vandiyathevan reach all three destinations safe and sound? Can Pandya assassins kill Arulmozi? Can Gungi Rani help Ponniyin Selvan? Who is Ponniyin Selvan?

Aishwarya plays Nandini, the beautiful and vengeful. Trisha Krishnan plays Kundavai and Shobhita Dhulipala plays Vanathi, Ponniyin Selvan’s lover. The beautiful ladies look exotic and act well. Vikram plays Aditya Karikalan and he is impressive. Jayram Ravi plays Arulmozi and he too does well. Karthi plays Vallavrayan, a brave but hilarious character. 

The story is set in 10th century during the Chola reign. It’s about politics of power, story of unrequited love, story of alliances and friendships. Chakravarty’s objective is to bring his sons to capital safe and sound. Parwateshwar’s objective is to install another heir on the throne. Nandini’s objective is revenge. Kundavai’s objective is well-being of Chola empire. Aditya Karikalan’s objective is not to return to capital and not to confront Nandini. Arulmozi’s objective is to follow orders of his father, come what may. How will these diverse objectives play out?

Once the movie starts, audience starts looking for Ponniyin Selvan, but there is no such character in first half. It’s revealed in second half. Direction is good. It’s Mani Ratnam. The last battle on the ship is fantastic, realistic and exciting. The movie is slow in first half but picks up in second. Since first half was to establish characters and interrelations, it can be understood. 

Cinematography is very good. Locations are excellent, exotic and beautiful. Costumes are appropriate, neither too heavy nor too simple. Fighting scenes are realistic. 

At the very end of movie director gives a shock by showing the face of Gungi Rani, that’s not shown until then. This twist raises the curiosity and audience anticipate the next movie PS2 that will be the conclusion.

This set of two movies is based on a 5 book series by Kalki published in 1950s. I haven’t read the books, so can’t say if the movie remains true to the book. 

Positives: Fighting, acting. 

Negatives: Slow first half. 

Watch if you plan to watch the second part.  

Kantara

​"Kantara"

Watched dubbed Hindi version of movie "Kantara". 

This film is directed by Rishabh Shetty. Written by Rishabh Shetty. Produced by Vijay Kirgandur. Cinematography Arvind S. Kashyap. The film stars Rishabh Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, Manasi Sudhir, Achyut Kumar, Deepak Rai Paanaaje, Pramod Shetty, Swaraj Shetty, Prakash Thuminad, Shine Shetty, Mime Ramdas. Music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath. The film runs for about 2 hour 27 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on Netflix on 26th Dec 2022 with Aditi. 

In 19th century, there was a Raja. He had everything but not peace of mind. He finds it when he comes across Demigod (Daiva) Panjurli (Bore spirit deity). He requests the tribals to give him the stone (Panjurli) and in return hands over a vast tract of land to the tribals. Fast forward to 1970. Raja’s descendant demands the land back during Kola dance performed by Shiva’s father with spirit of Panjurli in him. Panjurli curses, Shiva’s father vanished in the circle of fire and the descendent dies. Fast forward to 1990. Son of the dead man is now Raja. He takes care of villagers but the new forest officer has a grudge against them.

Why is forest officer against the villagers? Can Shiva do any good? Will Raja help? Is the village in danger?

Shiva is the lovable rascal of the village. Big hearted, powerful, cantankerous, good for nothing leader. Kamala is his love but she is torn between being the villager and forest guard. Raja always takes care of villagers, is always good to Shiva and desires something. Forest officer is honest, duty bound, decent chap. 

This movie is a Rishabh Shetty show. He is the writer, director and actor. As a director he handles the movie very well. As actor he portrays benevolent Daiva Panjurli, lovable rogue Shiva and ferocious Daiva Guliga impressively. Kishore portrays the honest forest officer effectively. His measured acting brings order. Sapthami plays Shiva’s love interest. It’s good to see an average looking actress casted as protagonist. Achyut plays the two faced Raja and does well. Manasi plays foul mouthed, loving mom of Shiva. 

The story is basically about rights of forest dwelling people who live off the forest. This creates conflict with forest department. Saheb (Raja) sides with the villagers. He too has his agenda. He gives less  and takes more from the simple villagers and they revere him. Thus the conflicts are established. They manifest. So does the spirit of Panjurli and spirit of the fierce Guliga. The movie has smell of earth, feel of forest and the simplicity of life. When I watched the movie, I wasn’t very impressed but as I thought about it later, it grew on me. 

There is an impressive shot of joining the hands of villagers and forest officer, message by Daiva to work together. It is followed by rather perplexing but impactful end.  What does it signify? Mukti? Purity? Shock?

This movie has broken all recent records. It has collected more than 25 times its production cost. It became second highest grossing Kannada film of all times.

Positives: Smell of earth.   

Negatives: Rather perplexing end. 

Watch it. 

Enola Holmes 2

​"Enola Holmes 2".

Watched English movie "Enola Holmes 2". 

This movie is directed by Harry Bradbeer. Screenplay by Jack Thirn. Produced by Millie Bobby Brown and others. Cinematography by Giles Nuttagen. Music by Daniel Pemberton. It features Millie Bobby Brown, Louis Partridge, Henry Cavill, Hannah Dodd, Helena Bonham Carter, David Thevlis, Susan Wokoma, Adil Akhtar, Gabriel Tierney, Serrana Su-Ling Bliss, Sharon Duncan, Abbie Hern. Film runs for about 2 hour and 11 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on 12th Nov 2022 on Netflix with Aditi. 

Enola has opened shop as detective. People visit but don’t give her any case, seeing her to be so young and a female. When she is about to close shop, a girl, who works in match factory, comes with a case of her missing sister. 

Will she cross paths with her illustrious brother, Sherlock Holmes? Is their Moriarty? Can she find the missing girl?

Enola is intelligent, smart, has a sharp mind, but isn’t taken seriously as she’s just a girl. She is out to prove herself and help the girl find her sister. The entire Enola Holmes series happens in England, where there are no women rights. Her mother has gone underground and is fighting for women’s rights. 

The story is interesting. Though slow, which is expected, it keeps you interested. There’s also romance in the air. 

Director has created old time England well, however the house where murder happens has modern latch.  He has taken special efforts to ensure that Enola doesn’t look beautiful. The missing girl is really beautiful. 

There is a surprise at the end. It’s a big one. Moriarty is introduced. The identity is the real shock. 

I have read second book of Enola Holmes series by Nancy Springer. This film has nothing to do with it. The film diverges from the book. There are some similarities with Book 4. Probably the script writer took tips from various books to write this movie as an independent script. 

Positives: Old England.

Negatives:  Not much. 

Recommend watching. 

The good nurse

"The good nurse"

Watched English movie 'The good nurse'. 

This film is directed by Tobaius Lindholm. Produced by Darren Aronofsky, Scott Franklin, Michael Hackman. Screenplay by Kristie Wilson-Cairns. Music by Biosphere. Cinematography by Jody Lee Lipes. The film stars Jessica Chastaine, Eddie Redmayne, Nnamdi Asomugha, Kim Dickens, Noah Emmerich. The film runs for almost 2 hours 3 minutes and was released in May 2022. I watched it on Netflix with Aditi, Mihika and Dada on 27th Oct 2022. 

This movie is based on book of same name by Charles Graeber. 

Amy is a nurse. She has a heart condition. But she has hidden this from everyone because her insurance doesn’t cover it. She has to complete few more months in this hospital to become eligible for insurance. A new nurse, Charlie, joins her. He is a very kind and caring man and helps Amy to the best of his abilities. There is a mysterious death at hospital. Hospital informs police as the law requires them to, but stonewalls the investigation. 

Jessica Chastaine plays Amy, the good nurse. She portrays the character convincingly. A human being struggling with heart condition, at the receiving end of her daughters ire for not giving her time, taking care of patients with love. There is a hint of she having feelings for Charlie. Eddie Redmayne plays Charlie. The caring, good hearted nurse who is under cloud of suspicion. 

The story is a slow burn. The story practically has no place. Most of the scenes are in dark. Yet it retains the audience. 

The end is chilling. The culprit in real life was sentenced for 29 murders, but it is estimated that the culprit murdered about 400 patients. None of the hospitals were charged.  Motive of murders was never revealed. 

Positives: Story, end. 

Negatives: Pace

Recommend watching.

The school of good and evil

​"The school of good and evil"

Watched English movie "The school of good and evil". 

This movie is directed by Paul Feig. Produced by Joe Roth and others. Screenplay by David Magee, Paul Feig. Based on book by the same name by Soman Chainani. Music by Theodore Shapiro. Cinematography by John Swartzman. This movie features Sophie Ann Caruso, Sofia Wylie, Jamie Flatters, Charliz Theron, Kitt Young, Michelle Yeoh, Kerry Washington, Earle Cave, Lawrence Fishburne. This movie was released in 2022 and runs for about 2 hour 27 min. I watched the movie on Netflix on 25th Oct 2022.

Sophie and Agatha are two friends. Being black, Agatha is always called witch and threatened to burn. Sophie always stands by her side. One day Sophie makes a wish to join the school of good and evil. Poof! A bird takes them there. Something is wrong. It drops Sophie in School of Evil and Agatha in School of Good. Sophie can’t believe it and wants to right the wrong. 

Can Sophie right the wrong? Would the balance of power be lost? Can Sophie and Agatha‘s friendship stand the test of time?

Sophie Ann Caruso plays Sophie. Her characters has drastic transformations. But she’s not beautiful as the character was supposed to be. Sofia Wylie plays the Ugly Agatha, but she’s beautiful. She too acts well. Jamie Flatters plays Arthur’s son and the character appears out of depth. Charliz Theron impresses as the bad teacher. Kerry Washington is the likable good teacher. Kitt Young plays the villain. 

It’s a movie full of magic. There are shape shifters. There is telekinesis. There are spells. There are fights. The special effects are good. But somehow, the story doesn’t excite and intrigue you. Something, somewhere is missing. Things appear inexplicable. Why a kiss holds so much power? Why is there a need for a powerful man to wait for 200 years? What’s so special about Sophie? I haven’t read the book, so can’t say if it’s the book or the screenplay. 

Movie ends with a confirmed hint of a sequel. 

Positives: Special effects. 

Negatives: Screenplay. 

Give it a miss.

​Jumanji: The next level

​"Jumanji: The next level"

Watched English movie "Jumanji: The next level". 

This film is directed by Jake Kasdan. Written by Jake Kasdan and others. Produced by Dwayne Johnson and others. Cinematography Gyula Pados. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillian, Awkwafina, Danny DeVito, Madison Iseman, Alex Wolff, Danny Glover, Nick Jonas, Morgan Turner, Colin Hanks, Ser’Darius Blain, Rory McCann. Music by Henry Jackman. The film runs for about 2 hour 3 minutes and was released in 2019. I watched it on Netflix on 16th Oct 2022 with Mihika and Aditi. 

Spencer and Martha  have decided to pause their relationship. Loser Spencer wants to feel empowered, confident. So he Jerry rigs the broken video game Jumanji and enters it. His friends Fridge, Martha, Bethany  decides to go in against their better judgement to bring him back. Two grandfathers, ex business partners, are having an argument. The game begins. 

Where will they reach? Is it Going to be the same jungle like last time? What dangers lurk there? Will all of them return?

Well obviously the setup of this time is different. It’s cold, dark, snow covered mountains. They have two new players. The twist is that they do not acquire the same personalities as the last time. There is a change. But apart from that the story is very weak. It’s neither interesting nor exciting. When the story is weak you need good action to sustain the movie. The movie lacks in good action too. If story and action are missing, you expect at least good acting. But the acting is only passable. Director also appears to be confused. The ideas are not new, direction is not wow. It’s neither a copy of previous movie, nor has anything different. 

When first time two of them enter magical water and personalities switch, they are thrown away. When four of them enter the water and switches happen, they are not thrown away. The girl riding the horse doesn’t understand horse tongue but she understands when he says Jumanji. 

The film grossed more than six times its production cost. It was a commercial success. 

Positives: Acting of the Danny and Awkwafina.  

Negatives: Many. 

Give it a miss.

Atithi bhooto bhava (अतिथी भूतो भव)

​"Atithi bhooto bhava (अतिथी भूतो भव)"

Watched Hindi movie "Atithi bhooto bhava (अतिथी भूतो भव)". 

Direction: Hardik Gajjar. Written: Aniket Wakchaure. Produced by Jayantilal Gada, Hardik Gajjar and others. Cinematography Madhu Vannier. Music by S. Prasad. It features Sharmin Segal, Pratik Gandhi, Divina Thakur, Jackie Shroff, Sunil Shakya. The movie was released on 23 Sep 2022 and runs for about 1 hour 53 minutes. I watched it on Zee5 on 2nd Oct 2022.

Shrikant, a standup comedian and Netra, an air hostess are in a live in relationship. They keep fighting. One day Makhan Singh comes into their life. He is a bhoot. He tells Shrikant that Shrikant is Makhan’s dadaji from previous life. He has now returned asking his dadaji to fulfill the promise he made. Unite him with Manju. 

It’s a bhoot movie, so it has the bhoot comedy. It’s about a love story of a bhoot, so there are emotions. It’s a movie with actors that are not bankable stars (except Jackie), so there is a breath of fresh air. There is also a message of eternal love. The director appears to be little uncertain which of these is his prime focus. His handling of the story is not smooth. Some times it slows down. 

The three actors (Sharmin, Pratik, Divina) and Jackie do well. A little more work on story was needed and a little more polishing. Thus the Overall effect is not what it should have been. The very end, though, is good. 

Positives: Fresh faces

Negatives: Overall effect. 

Ok for a one time watch, but don’t go to theater for it. 

Chup: Revenge of the artist (चुप)

​"Chup: Revenge of the artist (चुप)".

Watched Hindi movie "Chup: Revenge of the artist (चुप)". 

This movie is directed by R. Balki. Produced by Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and others. Story by R. Balki. Cinematography by Vishal Sinha. Music by Aman Pant. It features Sunny Deol, Dulquer Salman, Shreya Dhanvanthari, Pooja Bhat, Rajeev Ravindranathan, Saranya Ponvannan. Film runs for about 2 hour and 15 minutes and was released in Sep 2022. I watched it on 25th Nov 2022 on Zee5 with Siddhant.

There is a serial killer who is killing film critics with stars on their foreheads. A gory death of different kind for each one. Sunny investigates. Dulquer runs a flower shop. He has a habit of talking to himself. Shreya comes into his shop and life. 

It’s a story of a serial killer but it’s not a murder mystery. Audience come to know the identity of the serial killer less than halfway into the film. It’s not who, it’s why?

The story has uneven pace. The murders are gory. It’s dark. But the motive behind the killings is weak. It’s nota strong motive. The common theme of childhood trauma is present here too. Story happens in Mumbai. However, certain locations look more like south India than Mumbai. 

Sunny is ok and so is Dulqar. Shreya impresses. Pooja looks horrible and so is her her voice. She is beyond recognition from ‘Dil hai ke manta nahin’. Direction is ok. I would expect much more from someone like Balki. Story has inherent flaws of weak motive. 

The killer throws his victim, bound and gagged, from third floor window and the victim only gets minor injuries. Then Sunny, a fit Police officer with free hands and legs, jumps from the same window but he injures his leg and limps. How?

Capture of the killer is also kind of anti climactic. One would expect a high octane action, race against time. Nothing of the sort happens!

This film has earned more than two times its production cost. So it’s a commercial success. 

Positives: Umm….

Negatives: Gory scenes. Overall effect. 

Not a must watch.  

Uunchai (ऊॅंचाई)

​"Uunchai (ऊॅंचाई)".

Watched Hindi movie "Uunchai (ऊॅंचाई)". 

This movie is directed by Sooraj Barjatya. Screenplay by Abhishek Dixit. Produced by Sooraj Barjatya and others. It stars Amitabh Bachhan, Sarika, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Dengzompa, Nina Gupta, Parineeti Chopra. Cinematography by Manoj Kumar Khatoi. Music by George Joseph.  Film runs for about 2 hours and 50 minutes and was released on 11 Nov 2022. I watched it in theater on 23rd Nov 2022 with Aditi, Siddhant and Mihika. 

Amitabh, Anupam, Boman and Danny are best friends. Danny is obsessed with Everest. On his birthday, Danny tells his friends that they will go to Everest base camp together. He suddenly dies. His friends find that he has done bookings. They decide to honor his memory by going to Everest base camp. But the trip is fraught with challenges.

The story is slow. It’s also a very long movie. The combined effect is that it’s not very interesting. Director should have trimmed at least half an hour. It’s acting that props the movie up. 

This movie has skilled actors like Amitabh, Boman, Anupam and Nina. Each character is well thought.  Each one leaves his stamp on the movie. Sarika falters in this illustrious ensemble. So does Danny, despite being a good actor. His voice is also affected. Parineeti holds for against the giant actors.  

Although it’s about a trip to Everest base camp, in reality, It’s a journey of self discovery for each one of them. Each one has his own problems, own issues. They are fighting their own demons. The Himalayas, the height, the uunchai, the determination to reach destination gives them strength. Strength within that they didn’t know existed.

Director brings unnecessary storm on the bridge. Wasn’t necessary. Amitabh’s story is very unconvincing. Danny’s impressive voice has deteriorated beyond recognition. Does the director give a message to ignore medical condition?

The movie has almost recouped its production cost already. A commercial success. 

Positives: Actimy. 

Negatives: Pace, Length. 

Not a must watch. 

My summer Prince

​"My summer Prince"

Watched English movie "My summer Prince". 

This film is directed by Peter Sullivan. Written by Jeffrey Schenk, Peter Sullivan. Produced by Barry Barnholtz and others. The film stars Tylor Cole, Jack Turner, Marina Sirtis, Casandra Clementi, Lauren Holly, Banessa Angel, Walter Plathe, Ash Santos. Cinematography by Theo Angell. Music by Matthew Janszen. The film runs for about 1 hour 36 minutes and was released in 2016. I watched it on Netflix on 4th May 2022 with Aditi. 

Mandy is an assistant to PR executive who wants to do more than just being an assistant to the hot shot boss. Her firm is engaged by Queen of Edgemere to damage control the reputation of Crown Prince of Edgemere who takes bath in a fountain while on tour of America. Diedra (the executive) catches a bug and Mandy assumes her identity.  

It’s a romantic movie. So it’s not hard to imagine that Mandy and the Prince will come close. But how does it affect the Prince and his public image? How does Mandy handle her first assignment? Will her lie be exposed?

Tulare plays Mandy. She plays an aspiring girl from humble background who wants to achieve what her father could only dream of. She looks beautiful and acts decently. Her presence lightens the screen. Jack plays the Prince. He portrays the suffocated Prince who is expected to do what the position wants rather than what he wants. He looks handsome, has a very pleasant personality and lovely smile. Lauren plays Diedra, the stern, no nonsense PR executive. Marina plays the ‘all knowing’ Royal communications head. 

The story is good and on expected lines. It has good flow. Shooting has happened in limited locations. It was shot in Czech Republic, Switzerland and America. Director controls the narrative well. The end is a little hasty. If it had ended in America instead of Edgemere, it would have been better. 

It’s a Royal gala of a country and there are only 5-6 couples dancing. Looks like poor royals, although they are not supposed to be. 

It’s a feel good movie and you really feel good. 

Positives: Tylor, Jack, simplicity.  

Negatives: End. 

Recommend watching. 

The gray man

​"The gray man".

Watched English movie "The gray man". 

This movie is directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo. Produced by Joe Russo and others. Written by Joe Russo, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely. Music by Henry Jackman. Cinematography by Stephen F. Windon. It features Ryan Gosling, Ana de Ray, Chris Evans, Dhanush, Julia Butters, Jessica Henwick, Regé-Jean Page. Film runs for about 2 hour and 7 minutes and was released in July 2022. I watched it on 13th Aug 2022 on Netflix.

Past:  A murder convict is given a choice of being incarcerated for more than 30 years or walk out of prison. The catch - he works for CIA as assassin, code named Six. Present: He is asked to kill a persons by new chief, he does, but finds out that he was one of them. Now the Hunter becomes hunted.

The movie starts on an interesting note. It proceeds a little differently with the protagonist captured twice. But when you start to think that this movie might be different, he identifies the location of the hostage and then it simply becomes a masala movie. From this point it goes down hill. It loses its USP. 

Ryan plays the assassin. He looks a kind hearted soul rather than a ruthless assassin. As a result even his fight scenes are not very convincing. Ana plays another CIA spy who looks beautiful, is an expert marksman and is in two minds about Ryan and his fight. Chris Evans plays the antagonist. He is smart, has great body and acts well. Dhanush makes a guest appearance. His change of heart is unconvincing. Regè plays the bad CIA boss.

This movie ends such that the director can choose to make a sequel. 

This movie has recovered more than double its production cost in less than a month. A commercial success. 

Positives: First half

Negatives: Second half.

Not a must watch. 

Love and Gelato

​"Love and Gelato".

Watched English movie "Love and Gelato". 

This movie is directed by Brandon Camp. Written by Brandon Camp. Produced by Brandon Camp and others . It stars Susanna Skaggs, Owen McDonnell, Anjelica Washington, Valentina Lodovani, Tobia De Angelis, Saul Nanni. Cinematography by Thomas Scott Stanton. Music by Kostas Christides. Film runs for  1 hour and 50 minutes and was released in June 2022. I watched it on 26th Jun 2022 on Netflix with Aditi .

Lina promised her (now dead) mother that she will spend a summer in Rome with mothers best friend, before starting her university. Here she meets two young men who are diametrically opposite. She also meets Howie and Francesca, her mothers friends.  She falls in love with the city and gelato. 

It’s a coming of age romantic drama. Lina comes to Rome for a vacation and it turns into self discovery. Secrets tumble out of the closet. Two young men vie for her. Who will she choose? 

Two things were not palatable. The significance of gelato is not enough to include in movie title. The end after one year was unnecessary. It was good to hear lot of Italian dialogues after a long time. 

Susanna plays Lina. The American in Italian setting. Tobia (rich, playboy) and Saul (poor, honest) play the young men. Owen plays Howie, the silent lover. But it’s Valentina’s Francesca that everyone loves. She portrays a happy go lucky, fun loving, single, middle aged Italian lady. 

Positives: Feel good. 

Negatives: Gelato.  

Watch when you are in good mood. 

Can you keep a secret

"Can you keep a secret?"

Watched English movie "Can you keep a secret?". 

This film is directed by Elise Duran. Screenplay by Peter Hutchings. Produced by Claude Dal Farra, Brice Dal Farra, Brian Keady. Music by Jeff Cardoni. Cinematography Autumn Eakin. The film stars Alessandra Daddario, Tyler Hoechlin, Sunita Mani, David Ebert, Kimiko Glenn, Laverne Cox, Robert King, Judah Friedlander. The film runs for about 1 hours 35 minutes and was released in 2019. I watched it with Aditi on Netflix on 30th Jan 2021.

Emma is a junior marketing executive. While returning from a disastrous marketing trip, she puts out her heart and frustration about work, life, friends, colleagues and boyfriend to a handsome total stranger seated next to her. Next day the stranger visits her office. It turns out he is the boss of company. He doesn't want anyone to know about his trip to Chicago and she doesn't want anyone to know what she had told him. Can they keep the secrets?

Alexandra plays Emma. She is beautiful and has mesmerising eyes. She also acts well. Tyler plays the rich, down to earth Jack. He looks somewhat like Akshay Khanna. He has a good smile. 

Well, it's a love story. So the relationship goes through strangers meeting, liking each other, falling in love, breakup, longing and happy ending. It's basically about sharing your secrets and insecurities with someone you love and knowing that the person will keep your secret. 

The story is ok. It neither entices nor bores you. You don't abandon but you aren't excited either. You just go with the flow. The importance of secret and keeping the secrets is not handled convincingly. 

Thre story really starts and ends in an aeroplane. 

This movie is based on 2003 novel with same name by Sophie Kinsella. I haven't read the novel, so can't say if movie is true to it.

Positives: Alexandra and Tyler.  

Negatives: Handling. 

Not a must watch.

All the old knives

​"All the old knives"

Watched English movie "All the old knives". 

This movie is directed by Janus Metz Pedersen. Written by Olen Steinhauer. Produced by Mark Gordon and others. Music by John Ekstrand and Rebekah Karijord. Cinematography by Charlotte Bruus Christensen. This movie features. Chris Pine, Thandiwe Newton, Jonathon Pryce, Mitchell Williams, Ahd, David Dawson, Lawrence Fishburne. This movie was released in 2022 and runs for about 1 hour 40 min. I watched the movie on Amazon Prime on 1st Sep 2022.

A mission had gone wrong in Eastern Europe few years ago. Chris and Thandiwe (both CIA agents and lovers) broke off after that. Thndiwe is now married and has 2 children. Chris’ boss calls him and asks to interview Thandiwe for a potential leak that resulted in failure of that mission. They meet. 

It’s a movie shot mostly in a restaurant and a long dialogue between the protagonists with events of past shown in flash back. The story is slow yet it’s gripping. It’s not happening but it’s riveting. Director deserves credit. The real reason of betrayal, however, appears weak. 

The chemistry between the lead characters is sizzling. There is a strong undercurrent of sexuality and love, yet there is a kind of distance and formality. There is a conflict between personal and professional feelings. 

Positives: Direction. Chemistry.  

Negatives: The real reason. 

Recommend watching.

83

​Mandar's movie review

"83".

Watched Hindi movie "83". 

This movie is directed by Kabir Khan. Produced by Kabir Khan and others. Written by Kabir Khan and others. Cinematography by Asim Mishra. Music by Preetam. It features Ranveer Singh, Jiva, Chirag Patil, Jatin Sarna, Harddy Sandhu, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Sakib Salim, Adinath Kothare, Ammy Virk, Nishant Dahiya, Pankaj Tripathi, Boman Irani, Nina Gupta, Deepika Padukone. Film runs for about 2 hour and 41 minutes and was released in Apr 2021. I watched it on 16th Sep 2022 on Netflix with Aditi and Dada .

It’s the story of Indian cricket teams feat of winning the 1983 World Cup. India had won one match in the previous two world cups. Nobody gave even an outside chance to India. They were derided. They were insulted. They were laughed at. Not only by foreigners but even our own countrymen. Even the team members didn’t think they can win World Cup. They didn’t think they have it in them. But one person differed. Captain Kapil Dev. He believed in himself and his team. He went there to win. He instilled the confidence in the team that they can win. He won. 

Ranveer Singh plays Kapil. He looks like Kapil and plays the role admirably. Jiva plays Shrikanth. Although he doesn’t look like him, he has picked his style impeccably. Chirag Patil plays his real life father, Sandeep Patil. Jatin Sarna plays Yashpal Sharma. He impresses with his acting. Harddy Sandhu plays Madanlal. Tahir Raj Bhasin plays Gavaskar. Sakib Salim plays Mohinder Amarnath. He plays calm and composed Jimmy very well. Adinath Kothare plays Dilip Vengsarkar. Ammy Virk plays Balwindersingh Sandhu. The emotional guy. Nishant Dahiya plays Roger Binny. Pankaj Tripathi plays Man Singh. Whatever role he plays he makes Justice to it. Boman Irani plays Farrukh Engineer. Nina Gupta plays Kapil’s mother. Real Mohinder and Kapil also make guest appearances, but not as themselves. 

When the players are introduced, you are disappointed because they are not look alikes. It takes time to get used to them. But as the movie progresses the characters grow on you. You start to like them and end up loving them. 

Director has made a focused movie. It covers just the World Cup. Pure and simple. He has avoided turning it into a biopic. So there are no flash backs. No childhood stories. No love interest back home. No villain. It’s only the story of World Cup. It starts with the team selection and ends with World Cup win. Director deserves credit for not letting the focus wander. 

When you make a movie on any game, the game that you show in the movie should look real. This is because the actors are not real players, so even if they act the person, it’s difficult to act the player. In this movie the action on ground is very realistic. Director has also mixed it with certain shots from real matches. 

What is the highlight of the movie? Is it the World Cup final? No. That’s the second best. The best part of the movie is the Zimbabwe match where Kapil scored 175 ( a World record that he didn’t know he broke) when India were at 17/5. That match runs the emotions of spectators high. It gives a great sense of achievement and fulfillment. World Cup final is also very effective but it’s second best. 

Those who followed Indian team then connect to the film immediately. It’s nostalgia. Those who haven’t also like it.

Since it was released during pandemic time, it made a loss at box office. 

1983 World Cup win was a watershed moment for Indian cricket. It gave Indians confidence that they have it in them, they can win. Indian cricket changed forever after this win. 

Positives: Realistic take. Acting. Nostalgia. 

Negatives: Umm….

Recommend watching. 

For more movie reviews, please visit:

Mandar's Movie reviews 

http://mandarmoviereviews.blogspot.com

Charlie’s angels

"Charlie’s angels".

Watched English movie "Charlie’s angels". 

This movie is directed by Elizabeth Banks. Story by Evan Spiliotopaulous, David Auburn. Produced by Elizabeth Banks and others. It stars Naomi Scott, Ella Balinsca, Kristen Stewart, Elizabeth Banks, Kate Jackson, Sam Calfin, Noah Centineo & Patrick Stewart. Cinematography by Bill Pope. Music by Brian Tyler.  Film runs for about 2 hours and was released in 2019. I watched it on Netflix on 11th Sep 2022. 

Brok industries has invented a product that can solve world energy problems. The chief scientist Elena has found a weakness that can allow it to be used as EMP weapon. She goes to her boss but is asked to shut up. A friendly Secretary directs her to Charlie Townsend agency. She meets Charlie’s angles and the roller coaster ride begins. 

In previous movie the angles were normal beautiful girls (Drew Barrymore, Lucy Lu and Cameron Diaz). Here the angles are beautiful but not in the same league. They are also a bit jazzy and sassy. Ella plays a black, ex MI6 agent. She looks good, needs some work on her teeth, fights well and impresses. Kirsten plays an annoying angle with rich background and colorful hair. She too looks beautiful, especially in the opening scene and fights well. Naomi plays the scientist who shows courage, can’t fight but is still fearless, she’s a computer wiz and also looks good. Elizabeth and Patrick play Bosley (Bosley is a post). Elizabeth is an established one and Patrick is retiring. 

The story is weak. But it’s not the USP of the movie anyway. The USP is the fight scenes and fighting ladies. Both are very good. Fight scenes are sleek and ladies fight very well. 

Towards the end of movie, it’s shown that a lady is now Charlie. Her face isn’t shown. So if there is a further installment of this movie we may get to know who it is. May be one of the original three angles?

Positives: Action. 

Negatives: Story. 

Watch if you like action or if you feel nostalgic. 

Brahmastra

​"Brahmastra".

Watched Hindi movie "Brahmastra". 

This movie is directed by Ayan Mukherji. Written by Ayan Mukherji. Produced by Karan Johar, Ranbeer Kapoor, Ayan Mukherji and others. Cinematography by V. Manikandan and others. Music by Simon Franglen. It features Ranbeer Kapoor, Alia Bhat, Amitabh Bachhan, Nagarjuna, Shahrukh Khan, Dimple, Mouni Roy, Saurabh Gurjar. Film runs for about 2 hour and 47 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on 17th Sep 2022 in movie theater with Mihika, Jayant, Sucheeta and Dada .

In ancient times, rishi-munis obtained various Astras. Brahmastra was the ultimate weapon. For generations there have been keepers of the Astras who keep them hidden and safe. Three of them have a piece each of Brahmastra. Junoon and her two lackeys are out to obtain all three pieces. They are determined. Shiva is a DJ. He falls for Isha. He starts getting visions of Junoon and her minions trying to obtain Brahmastra and killing a keeper in the process. 

Why is Shiva having these visions? Who is Junoon? Which keeper is killed? How is Shiva involved?

The movie starts with Ravan dahan followed by a grand set of pandal, a huge idol of Durga. This is where hero and heroin meet. there is a Punjabi song at Dashahra mahotsav. Director is confused if he wants to show Dasahera, Durga Puja or Diwali. He ends up showing all three together. 

From then on, it’s full of action and special effects. Credit should be given to the artist for excellent special effects. The superhero acts, high speed car chase, control of fire. Except the breakup of mountain in final scene, special effects are good. 

Ranbir plays Shiva. He has superpowers but doesn’t know it. When he realizes it, he is afraid of it. Then he starts controlling it. Although this is the central role, he falls short in acting department. He lacks the poise. He appears mostly confused about everything but sure about his love for Isha. Alia plays Isha. She has returned from England but doesn’t speak a single word of English. She is a modern girl but believes in magic and superpowers, without question or apprehension. She looks beautiful, very beautiful and acts well. Amitabh plays Guruji. A Guruji is expected to be the most powerful keeper, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. He is Amitabh, so no question about acting. Mount Roy plays badass villain Junoon. Dimple, Nagarjuna and Shahrukh have guest appearances. 

This is 1st movie of the series of three. Junoon’s boss Dev will be revealed in Part 2. Probably it will be his story. Logically 3rd part should  be the showdown between Dev and Shiva. 

There are several inconsistencies. Shiva, an orphan, lives in a rented space. He has a very modest house but it has a high end coffee machine. Hero (who must have travelled by road) reaches Varanasi earlier than Villains who have super powers. One of them has super powers of fast movement. Fire doesn’t affect the minions of villain because they are wearing a mani but later suddenly it starts affecting them. Everyone has super powers but finally it comes to hand to hand combat. The Brahmastra is very unimpressive. Just a disc. They could have used their imagination more effectively. 

Indian audience had to turn to Hollywood to watch superhero movies (Marvel, DC etc.). Here you get the homegrown version. A homegrown superhero. 

Positives: Special effects. 

Negatives:  Inconsistencies as mentioned above. 

Recommend watching if you like superhero movies. 

Anek (अनेक)

​"Anek (अनेक)"

Watched Hindi movie 'Anek (अनेक)'. 

This film is directed by Anubhav Sinha. Produced by Krishan Kumar, Gulshan Kumar and Anubhav Sinha. Written by Anubhav Sinha. Music by Anurag Saikia. Cinematography by Ewan Mulligan. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Andrea Kevichüsa, Loitongbam, JD Chakravarty, Manoj Pahawa, Kumud Mishra, Hani Yadav, Abhinay Raj Singh. The film runs for almost 2 hours 25 minutes and was released in May 2022. I watched it on Netflix with Aditi on 27th Jun 2022. 

North East. Unrest. Tiger Sanga is fighting a separatist battle. To bring him to table, Indian intelligence agencies create a fictitious personality, Johnson. Ayushman is undercover intelligence officer posing as arms dealer. Aido is an aspiring boxer. She wants to play for India, win Gold, then talk to India about North-East. Now someone is posing as Johnson buying weapons. 

This movie is on Northeast problem. It shows  the heavy army presence and locals alienating from India is a vicious circle.  An intelligence officer who is expected to do his job, use all the resources and get out. But he gets involved in the human emotions. The buildup is good. But the movie slows down considerably after the half way mark. At one point, audience is confused as to what exactly director wants to convey. 

The actor who plays Nico is good. Andrea has a very expressive face. But she looks too young for Ayushmann. Ayushmann has macho look and acts well. Manoj Pahawa does well as usual. So does Kumud Mishra. 

Cinematography is good. The gun fights are good, except for the fact than most of the times bullets conveniently miss the targets. Night scenes are shot well. Beauty of Northeast is captured very well. 

Positives: Subject

Negatives: Slowness

Not a must watch. 

CBI 5: The brain

"CBI 5: The brain"

Watched Malayalam movie, dubbed in Hindi, "CBI 5: The brain". 

This movie is directed by K. Madhu. Produced by Swargachitra Appachan. Written by S. N. Swamy. Music by Jakes Bejoy. Cinematography by Akhil George. This movie features Malavika Menon, Jagathi Sreekumar, Asha Sharath, Saikumar, Renji Panicker, Sudev Nair & Mammootty. This movie was released in 2022 and runs for about 2 hour 44 min. I watched the movie on Netflix on 16th Jun 2022.

Kerala. A number of murders including a minister, his personal doctor, a journalist, a sand mafia boss and a police officer. CBI in action. Investigation headed by Mammootty. CBI is clueless. Most challenging case. 

Can Mammootty and his team crack the murders? Are the murders related? Who is behind this?

It’s a murder mystery, pure and simple. No fuss. The investigation starts and runs into trouble with dead ends, false leads and facts that defy logic. Mammootty wades through all this to reach to the mastermind. But can he get evidence?

Mammootty has an easy presence in the movie. He underplays the role, doesn’t act much. But looks natural. He has adopted style of walking with both hands behind for this movie. His age shows. Saikumar portrays a negative character but the character fizzles out half way in the movie. He acts well and is very expressive. Asha Sharath looks good and acts well. Renji acts well but looks stiff. May be that’s how he is. Soubin Shahir acts well but doesn’t fit the description of a computer genius. 

The direction is good. Despite being on a slower side owing to the investigation audience remains with the movie. Background score is used very effectively in this movie. There are some loose ends like why give medicine and show face, why carry program on USB, why use land line etc.  that director doesn’t bother about. Eliminating them would have made movie better. 

End of the movie, though, is a little too convenient. One error and the mystery is solved. Some more excitement would have helped. Least suspected theory works here too!

Positives: Overall effect. 

Negatives: Convenient end. 

Watch if you liked the review.

Ananya (अनन्या)

​"Ananya (अनन्या)"

Watched Marathi movie "Ananya (अनन्या)".

This movie is directed by Pratap Phad. Written by Pratap Phad. Produced by Sanjay Chhabria and others. It stars Hruta Durgule, Chetan Chitnis, Suvrat Joshi, Yogesh Soman, Renuka Daftardar, Ameya Wagh, Sunil Abhyankar, Rucha Apte. Music by Samir Saptiskar. Cinematography by Arjun Sorte. Film runs for about 2 hour and 5 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on Amazon Prime with Aditi on 26th Aug 2022.  

Ananya Deshmukh, M Com gold medalist is daughter of a government employee from lower middle class background. She is engaged to the son of an industrialist. She is very happy. Marriage is after she gives her CA exam. What more can one want? Fate doesn’t concur. She is in an accident and loses both her hands from elbow down. She is helpless. The engagement is broken. She is blamed for the misfortune. 

Can Ananya overcome the helplessness? Can she become self sufficient? Does she find a purpose in her life?

It’s an interesting story. Offbeat. Director and Producer deserve compliments for choosing this subject. Director handles it well. Director shows flashes of brilliance in scenes like one where Hruta stands in front of the photo of Devi or when there are pyrotechnics in the background at the time of her Eureka moment, or the ball dance scene etc. However he isn’t consistently brilliant. The scene where her father and brother blame her and her accident for their plight is melodramatic. He even tries to turn movie  into comedy towards the end unnecessarily and also stretches the end of the movie. It’s unpardonable. Had he trimmed it by another 15 minutes it would have become better. 

Hruta plays the protagonist Ananya. She has an expressive face, looks beautiful and acts exceptionally well. This movie gives her the latitude every actor desires. I watched her in a play recently. She has put on weight. Yogesh plays her father. He acts really well except for the drunk scenes. Suvrat also acts well but looks older than the character’s age. Renuka, Sunil and Rucha support them well. Chetan needs to improve his acting. Ameya plays the knight in shining armor. 

Make up artist Vinod Sarode deserves special mention. He creates the severed limbs of Ananya very well. Very good prosthetics. They look real. 

Music is good. When you watch the movie you don’t fast forward the songs. The song that starts the movie is good one. 

There are continuity errors. In the front camera the brother holds cake in right hand, in back camera he holds in left hand. Such things are avoidable.

Positives: Flashes of directorial brilliance, acting. 

Negatives: Length, some not so brilliant scenes, comedy. 

The movie is good. It could have been better. Nevertheless, recommend watching. 

Nikamma (निकम्मा)

​"Nikamma (निकम्मा)"

Watched Hindi movie "Nikamma (निकम्मा)". 

This film is directed by Sabbir Khan. Screenplay by Venu Sriram. Produced by Sony Pictures, Sabbir Khan. Cinematography Hari K. Vedantam. The film stars Abhimanyu Dasani, Shirley Setia, Shilpa Shetty, Samir Soni, Abhimanyu Singh, Naren Kumar, Sachin Khedekar, Vikram Gokhale. Music by Amal Malik, Javed-Mohsin, Vipin Patwa, Gourav Dasgupta. The film runs for about 2 hour 27 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on Netflix on 21st Aug 2022 with Dada and Aditi. 

Adi is likable young man, has photographic memory but is lazy and is good for nothing. Marriage of his brother and arrival of sister-in-law endangers his exalted position in the house. Transfer of his sister-in-law to Dhaamli RTO and a long business trip of his brother means that he and his sister-in-law have to go to a new town. The sister-in-law turns him into a servant. Here a sweet girl directly proposes him. There is a local leader and aspiring MLA, the villain. 

The story is ok. But it’s not neat and tidy. Direction is gaudy. Director resorts to overused lines like’Bhabhi maa saman hoti hai’.  Adi is the young hero who trashes 10-15 musclemen many times. So many things happen but the sister-in-law is none the wiser. His brother is so stupid that he thinks that the local gunda is virtuous. Adi doesn’t know where his sister-in-law works even after being married to his brother for 2 years. Why bhabhi doesn’t rein in the hot headed dewar?

This movie features Abhimanyu, son of Bhagyashri Patwardhan. He tries very hard to act but can hardly act. His acting is pathetic. Shilpa plays bhabhi. While trying to act stoic she forgets to act. She looks stunning in saris that accentuate her beauty. Abhimanyu Singh plays the villain. His acting sways between brilliant and shallow from scene to scene. Vikram Gokhale plays a cameo. Samir Soni plays the poor husband of Shilpa. Shirley plays Adi’s love interest. She looks cute but that’s about it. 

There are continuity issues. Yellow motorbike is burned by villains but later Adi is shown riding the yellow bike. Entire workshop is burned but the mobile survives in pristine condition. Etc. 

In short it’s a weak story, bad acting, gaudy direction and unconvincing presentation. The time you spend watching is not worth it. 

Positives: Umm…. 

Negatives: Almost everything.. 

Give it a miss. 

RRR (आर आर आर)

Watched Hindi version of movie "RRR  (आर आर आर)". 

This film is directed by S. S. Rajamouli. Written by V. Vijendar Prasad and S. S. Rajamouli. Produced by D. V. V. Danayya. Music by M. M. Keeravani. Cinematography K. K. Senthil Kumar. The film features Ram Charan, Jr. NTR, Alia Bhat, Ajay Devgan, Olivia Morris, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody, Shriya Saran, Mark Bennington and Twinkle Sharma. The film runs for about 3 hour 5 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on Netflix on 4th Jun 2022.

British ruled India. Wife of Delhi’s Governor takes away a talented little tribal girl forcefully as a showpiece in her house. The protector of the tribals Bheem (Jr. NTR) comes in her search to Delhi disguised as Ashraf, the mechanic. Ram is a police officer in Delhi. He is staunch supporter of British and will do please his masters coming to become Special Officer who’s allowed to carry gun. They meet, without knowing their real identities, and strike a friendship, a deep bond. Eventually truth is revealed. 

How good is their friendship? Will they remain friends or become foes? Can the little girl be rescued? Why is Ram supporting British?

The movie starts with two impactful scenes. One scene is where the girl is taken forcefully. Second scene is where Bheem captures a Tiger. The wolf and the tiger are not real. They are created using special effects. But they are very good, look almost real. The movie remains interesting till Bheem and Ram meet. Then it slows down. Bheem’s love affair was not really called for and slows the story down further. 

The fight scenes are very good. They are unreal but look authentic. So are the special effects. Credit to the technical expertise. Old Delhi is very carefully created and looks alluring. 

Jr. NTR plays Bheem well. He has good physique and portrays the humble tribal. Ram Charan plays Ram. His bearded look is better than clean shaven one. Some times he tends to freeze. Ajay Devgan plays Ram’s dead father and does very well in the cameo. Alia Bhat is wasted as Ram’s love interest. What a waste of talent! Twinkle plays the little Malli. She is very sweet. 

Although the direction is good, Rajamouli isn’t able to create the magic of Bahubali. The story doesn’t capture audience’s imagination. It’s the action and special effects that take the movie through rather than story. 

You have to keep the rational thinker inside you away to watch this movie. How can a tribal and police officer dance so well? Why do British accept them in the party? How does a tribal get help in Delhi? How can they do impossible action? How can arrows overpower bullets? How can a motorcycle fly up the fort? These are the questions you shouldn’t ask. 

This movie has grossed more than twice its production Cost in less than 3 months. It’s a commercial hit. It’s enjoyable but paddles in comparison with Bahubali

How to sum up the movie in one sentence?

Spectacular fight scenes, fantastic special effects, unbelievable plot, weak story, good acting. 

Positives: Special effects, Jr. NTR, Ram Charan. 

Negatives: Impossible things. Not as good as Bahubali. Wasted Alia. 

Watch if you like what’s written above otherwise give it a miss.

Sher Shivraj (शेर शिवराज)

​"Sher Shivraj (शेर शिवराज)"

Watched Marathi movie "Sher Shivraj (शेर शिवराज)". 

Direction: Digpal Lanjekar. Written: Digpal Lanjekar. Produced by Chinmay Mandlekar, Digpal Lanjekar and others. Cinematography Reshmi Sarkar. Music by Devdutta Manisha Baji. It features Chinmay Mandlekar, Mukesh Rishi, Ajay Parkar, Varsha Usgaonkar, Mrunmayi Deshpande, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Mrinal Kulkarni, Astad Kale, Vaibhav Mangle, Akshay Waghmare and Digpal Lanjekar. The movie was released in Nov 2022 and runs for about 2 hour 40 minutes. I watched it on Amazon Prime on 11th May 2022.

This movie is about the story of Afzal Khan. His attack. Destruction of temples and idols. Agreement to meet for treaty. Afzal Khan’s treachery. Shivaji killing Afzal Khan. The story is well known to every Maharashtrian.

Movie starts with Shivaji Maharaj visiting Raje Sawant in Tal Kokan. Director smartly uses this scene to introduce most of the main characters intelligently. 

Chinmay Mandlekar plays Shivaji with ease. He is a skilled actor and he is accepted as Shivaji naturally. He plays an active role in this movie as compared to previous three movies. Murunal plays Jijabai and she too is more active as compared to previous three movies. Mukesh Rishi plays Afzal Khan and he does exceedingly well as usual. Astad Kale plays important role of Vishwas. Ravindra Mankani plays Shahaji raje, he looks tired, very tired. Mrunmayi plays a cameo in this long movie. Alka Kubal plays cameo of Bhavani. She looks सोज्वळ rather than रणचंडी. 

Digpal (the writer and director) plays Bahirji Naik. In previous movies Prasad Oak and Harish Dudhade played Bahirji Naik. Digpal (the actor) can’t be compared with Prasad and Harish. He falls awfully short. It’s inexplicable why the actors playing Bahirji keep changing. Since the all powerful director plays this role, Bahirji Naik gets to kill Adilshahi soldiers while singing a song. You should not exploit footage just because you are director. It’s abuse of power!

This movie uses animated animals, especially animated elephants are very easily recognizable. Special effects need some more work. Comparing with this movie, special effects of recent movie RRR were way superior. 

Now the story. The story on which this movie is based is relatively short. It’s about one encounter between Afzal and Shivaji. Grant some time to the director to build the background, establish the characters and set the tone. Considering all above you have to keep the story fast and movie crisp, it shouldn’t have been more than about two hours long. It’s at least half an hour too long. Length shortening would have made the story “happening”, movie crisp and watching enjoyable. 

Positives: Chinmay, Mukesh, Vaibhav

Negatives: Digpal, length

Watch if you have watched first three movies in this series of eight.