Review: Peepli [Live]

Verdict: Good

"K" Rating: 3/5

Watch: DVD

Face it - watching a movie promo of  unseen actors,backdrop of a rural village, with a story touching upon the serious issue of farmer suicide  may not particularly spark your interest in watching it - add in "Aamir Khan Production" and volah! you have an audience. Peepli[Live] is a tragi-comedy [tragic comedy]. It sheds light on a serious issue in a satirical manner. The movie does not offer a solution but definitely makes one think on how demoralized and convoluted we have become as a society. It does offer good comic timing. Stick out the  first few minutes of the rough rural feel and you'll find yourself absorbed in the story, not even once missing the big stars.

The story revolves around a poor farmer Natha(Manikpuri) who is unable to repay an agricultural loan. Natha decides to commit suicide when he learns that the government is doling out Rupees 1 Lakh to dead farmers as compensation. As his brother edges him on, he and his village Peepli become the center of a Media and Political circus. Where everyone uses Natha's impending suicide as a vehicle for their own personal gains.The village of "Peepli" gets "[Live]" coverage News Channels as the nation watches, debates and awaits Natha to perform the deed. The movie reminds one of Naseeruddin Shah starer 1988's "Hero Hera Lal". Manikpuri as Natha and Yadav as his brother are commendable in the movie.The music of the film is close to being folk, with a very earthy and rustic feel.

Peepli [Live] tends to be rough around its edges in its treatment. The language is bucolic and tends to be a challenge for the average urban audience. This is where the subtitles provided in the international release will  help. Some scenes in the movie are repugnant and cross the line from being humorous to  just boorish.One scene in particular bears resemblence to Slumdog Millionaire in its Eik factor.

All in all, I would advice waiting for the DVD to come out. It has an interesting story to tell. Peeli[Live] is definitely for the masses and does not cater much to the classes.

Madam Tussauds NYC: SRK Arrives

After London and Los Angeles Shahrukh Khan has finally arrived in New York City! Now his fans can visit his statue at the Madam Tussauds in New York aswell. NYC is synonymous with SRK movies, as a lot of his movies have been shot there (see SRK Tour of NYC). The unveiling was done in true Bollywood style with dance performances by local Indian troupes to his songs. This also marks the DVD release of "My Name Is Khan" produced by Fox Searchlight Pictures in North America near the Indian Independence Celebrations.

Ra.1: London Schedule Ends

Friday the 13th, marked the close of Ra.1 shooting schedule in London. Everyone in the crew boogied to SRK songs as the partied in celebration. Shahrukh Khan tweeted "Last few shots in london...so did my classical pose for all."as he posted this picture for us. He seems to have lost a lot of weight for the movie and yet looking his best! After all he is the "King!"

Review:Aisha

Verdict: Timepass

"K" Rating: 2.5/5

Watch: DVD (or Theater if you're have a gals party)

Alright "Aisha" is officially India's first  out and out Chick Fick! and is rightly up there with its Hollywood counterparts with its pink n purple look, its feel, its music and can even give them competition, in our own Indian way. Aisha's closet with Dior clothing and shoe rack full of Jimmy Choos  reminds one of Carries style in Sex and the City. However Aisha is an apt portrayl of the South Delhi upper middle class, socialite scene. This desi adaptation of Jane Austin's Emma is a light, breezy,timepass movie.

Now lets see what does not work for the movie - at  couple of places in the movie the film looses its pace and drags ( the camp song sequence for example ),the movie could have been shorter in length. The ending seems to be picked right out of an infamous 80's  movie and is too abrupt. Its also light on the "magical romance "quotient.

Abhay Deol's talent is wasted in the movie. Sonam Kapoor has given a good performance and looks good. Cyrus Sahukar as the Delhi Punjabi munda and Amrita Puri as the desi girl from Bhadurghar in addition to Ira Dubey are simply exalting. Kuddos to the casting director for finding such a brilliant ensemble caste! India's latest import, our desi version of Angelina Jolie- Lisa Hayden definitely adds the oomph factor. Music wise "Gal Mitthi Mitthi Bol" proves to be a great club-number, "By the Way" is peppy, very today. 

Review: Once Upon A Time in Mumbai (OUATIM)

Verdict: Good Watch! 

"K" Rating: 3.5/5

Watch: DVD/Theater

There are many movies made after the epic "Company",on the Mumbai underworld but none as impactful. OUATIM is the only one which can be counted as a close second. Ajay Devgan has worked his charm again, this time playing an infamous smuggler of yesteryears.The movie transports the viewer to the 70's- an era ruled by smugglers and glamorous divas where the stage was just getting set for the underworld dons to arrive. OUATIM attempts to portray on celluloid, tales that are now considered legendary, ones which still intrigue and fascinate us.OUATIM is heavily "inspired" from the life and times of Haji Mastan and the early days of Dawood Ibrahim (even though the disclaimer says that might be coincidental)

Ajay Devgan has given a stellar performance. Kangana Ranaut is gorgeous and look fabulous as the 70's heroine. Emran Hashmi is good and suits his role well (reminds one of his role in Jannat). Prachi Desai suits as the girl next door.Randip Hooda is excellent as the tough cop.Pritam's music for the film is alrady a hit with "Tum Jo Aaye" and "Pee Loon" topping the list.

Catch it the theater to relive the Mumbai of 70's or wait for the DVD, definitely worth your time, if you like his genre of films.

Promo: Anjaana Anjaani

Alright, here is the first-in promo of the Siddharth Anand's  Anjaana Anjaani starring Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. The film is supposed to be inspired from the hit American sitcom "Friends". It has some first-time in hindi movie scenes shot at the NY Ice rink and  Cafe Lalo (When Harry Met Sally). The movie is due to release Sept 24th, 2010, its produced by Sajid Nadiadwala.
**Movie has been delayed in its release to Oct 2nd in light of a pending Supreme Court verdict wrt to Babri Masjid on Sept 24th.