Golmaal 3

Medium : Hindi
Starring : Ajay Devgan, Mithun Chakravarthy, Kareena Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Thushar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Khemu, Johny Lever, Ratna Pathak Shah
Director : Rohit Shetty
Music : Pritam, Sanjoy Chowdhary (bg score)

It is time for a comedy sequel. 'Golmaal Returns' came after two years from the successful 'Golmaal', now the same team had come up with another part 'Golmaal 3'. Almost all the actors who came in the last movie are maintained with the senior actor Mithun Chakravarthy and Kunal Khemu ('Kalyug', '99' fame) being the new comers. Rohit Shetty, who had directed the previous versions along with other movies like 'All The Best', 'Sunday' etc is the director of 'Golmaal 3'. He had decided to enter the list of comedy creators like David Dhavan and Priyadarshan. Pritam is the music director, Dudley is the cinematographer. The shooting of the movie took place at the coastal areas of Goa.

The story mainly focuses on two groups lead by Pritam (Mithun Chakravarthy) and Geetha (Ratna Pathak Shah). Both of them were lovers once, their marriage didn't happened as the lady's father (Prem Chopra) objected it. Pritam and Geetha are now the guardian of the three members each. Arshad Warsi, Thushar Kapoor and Kunal Khemu are in the first family so as Ajay Devgan, Shreyas Talpade and Kareena Kapoor belongs to the second group. Those members always hated each other. Pritam and Geetha met after a long gap; As per the help of Dabbu (Kareena Kapoor), they decided to get married. Without informing others, how they got into the family life and the after effects of such a thing is told in the later protions of 'Golmaal 3'.

Like the previous versions, here also the director had given importance for out and out comedy situations. There is laughing chances in almost every scenes. The flash back scenes of Mithun Chakravarthy accompanied by the songs from 'Disco Dancer', the revenge happening between the two groups, the opponent group afraid of the finger breaking habit by Ajay Devgan, the step brothers fought each other in the house through actions, attack episodes on Mithun Chakravarthy, the actions of Shreyas Talpade and Thushaar Kapoor, the quotes given by Kunal Khemu, teaser episode on the police inspector, Johny Lever's 'Ghajini' syndrome etc are some of the areas that creates comedy. The chasing scenes are filled with some un realistic shots.

Pritam had given some peppy numbers. Bg score by Sanjoy Chowdhary is good. Songs are shown colorfully. Action scene is also neatly done, filled with some unlimited slow motions. Cinematography by Dudley is colorful. Steven H. Bernard is the editor. Ajay Devgan is a rough and tough guy. Arshad Warsi and Kunal Khemu have done the role with ease. The talking style of Thushar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade creates laughter. Mithun Chakrabarthy in his serious role creates humor. Kareena Kapoor and Ratna Pathak Shah (w/o Nasarudeen Shah, 'Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa' fame) have also done well.


If you want unlimited fun without looking for the logic, you can watch the comedy entertainer 'Golmaal 3'.


Rating : 6.5 / 10

Aakrosh

Medium : Hindi
Starring : Ajay Devgan, Akshay Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Bipasha Basu, Reema Sen
Director : Priyadarshan
Music : Pritam, Ouseppacham (bg score)

A couple of months ago, I happened to see an unusual promotional trailer of a hindi movie as a coming attraction. The visuals in the movie titled 'Aakrosh', showed that it is a village based action subject and seeing Priyadarshan's name in the creator's credit was also an unbelievable one. Also I didn't heard any malayalam project's name as the story base for this new venture. Ajay Devgan and Bipasha Basu comes to the Priyan camp for the first time. LIke last couple of movies, Ouseppachan did the bg score. Tiru is the cinematographer. The movie is based on a true incident which happened in a north indian village in the past, the movie was in the news before its release as the censor board has ordered for some cuts for the controversial dialogues. Robin Bhatt and Akash Khurrana has written the screenplay for the movie.

Three students from Delhi were missing, since two months as there is no information, the central government has ordered for an enquiry. The CBI officers Sidharth (Akshay Khanna) and Pratap (Ajay Devgan) reaches the Jhanjar town for an investigation. The local police and the government officials were not willing to support them. They came across the police officer (Paresh Rawal), the village lady (Reema Sen) and even happened to see Prathap's ex-lover (Bipasha Basu). How the officers solves the case in the middle of a tensed situation, is told in a serious manner in 'Aakrosh'.

Priyadarshan has given a different serious approach on the presentation side here. His boldness to take the issue of caste system that still exists in the north indian villages as the theme should be praised. The action mood necessary for such a story is given by cinematographer Tiru through his visuals and the grading style used is suited well. Ouseppachan gave a good backing with an excellent bg score. The action sequences, especially the chasing shots are neatly executed with the help of Thyagarajan and Yadav. The frames have been neatly edited by Arun Kumar (he is looking forward to the release of his debut directorial venture in malayalam, 'Cock Tail' this week). The art work done by Sabu Cyril is also good.

Ajay Devgan and Akshay Khanna have done their job well. Paresh Rawal, who is seen as a humorous person in the director's previous projects, has done his serious role in an attractive manner.

Some of the situations here has got the flavor of movies by directors like Prakash Jha and Vishal Bharadwaj. A couple of songs (including an item song by Sameera Reddy) has affected the flow of the story. The channel name is missing in the tv visuals shown in the beginning, which should have been noticed. The anti climax happening is good, but should have been more realistic.


'Aakrosh', based on some real incidents, is an investigation thriller by Priyadarshan presented in a different style.


Rating : 7.5 / 10

Once Upon a Time In Mumbai

Medium : Hindi
Starring : Ajay Devgan, Imran Hashmi, Randeep Hooda, Kangana Ranaut, Prachi Desai
Director : Milan Lutharia
Music : Pritam, Sandeep Shirodhkar (bg score)

Right from the olden days, we have seen many movies having gangster themes told in the backdrop of Mumbai. There are many examples right from Ramesh Sippy's 'Deewaar' to Ramgopal Varma's 'Company'. Milan Lutharia, the director of movies like 'Kache Dhage', 'Chori Chori', 'Taxi No 9211' etc had come up with his new project that tell the gangsters lived in olden Mumbai titled, 'Once Upon a Time In Mumbai'. Rajat Arora, who worked with the same director in a couple of his previous projects like 'Hattrick' and 'Taxi No 9211', has written the script of this movie. It is produced by Ekta Kapoor, under the banner of Balaji Films. Most of the actors who comes in lead roles have got experience before in doing these kinds of movies like Ajay Devgan (in 'Company'), Randeep Hooda (in 'D'), Imraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut (both in 'Gangster').

As the title tells, the story of the movie happens in Mumbai in the earlier 70's. It is being unfold by the police chief, Angel Wilson (Randeep Hooda). On the week of the Mumbai blasts of 93, he is giving his olden memories where the rise of a gangster named Sultan Mirza (Ajay Devgan) has been shown. Being brought up in the city, he has got a suffering child hood days. when grown up, he also became a popular factor among the people as far the metro is concerned. He calls on a meeting, where he divides the city to four others for carrying out their illegal activites. He used the sea traffic for smuggling activities. He is fond of Rehana (Kangana Ranaut), a bollywood actress, later both of them started loving each other. Shoaib Khan (Imran Hashmi), son of a police man, is being involved in small kinds of robberies right from his childhood days. When came to know about Sultan, he started imitating the former's style. Shoaib also wanted to become a don one day, that rules the city of Bombay. Soon he got a chance to meet Sultan and thus he joined the latter's gang. How Shoaib achieves his dream and whether Sultan allows him to do so are shown in the later portions.

The movie that tells the story of the Mumbai almost 35 years before, had been neatly handled by the director. The buildings, costly cars, roads, studios, hotels, police officers, hundred rupee note etc has been projected as it is happened in those days. Art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai had lot of work to do in that area. The costumes and the make up department (evident in the case of Imran Hashmi), did their job well. The lead characters had got the shades of real life characters Haji Mustan, Dawood Ibrahim, Mandakini (actress) etc that lived in the city in olden days. The theater showing the old blockbuster 'Bobby' and the rise of stardom of Amitabh Bachan through the heroine's words, substantiates the period well. The dialogues used in the movie needs special mentioning. Unlike other movies, here you have got an abrupt ending, which won't be easily digest for us. The character of Emran Hashmi hass got shades of Ram's role in telugu movie 'Jagadam', directed by Sukumar.

Ajay Devgan had done the lead role in a lovable way. The romantic boy Imran Hashmi has got a different job to do, he is good in the rough and tough appearance. As always, Kangana Ranaut performed well. Randeep Hooda is also notable in the police officer's suits. Pritam's songs goes with the story, Sandeep Shirodhkar gave an excellent bg score. Cinematography by Aseem Misra is excellent and editor Akiv Ali also did his job well.


'Once Upon a Time In Mumbai' is yet another gangster movie told in the backdrop of Mumbai. Those who love such subjects, should certainly watch it.


Rating : 7 / 10

Raajneeti

Medium : Hindi
Starring : Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Ranbhir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee, Katrina Kaif
Director : Prakash Jha
Music : Wayne Sharp, Aadesh Srivasthava

Irrespective of the language, most of the multi-star projects is always a visual treat for the viewers. Though the content may decide the success of such a project, placement of many stars in the promotional posters is good enough to give the initial pull in theaters. New film 'Raajneeti' has got many artists like Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Ranbhir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee, Katrina Kaif and even Nasrudeen Shah also comes in a guest role here. You will be curious to know about the creator of such a mega project, it is none other than Prakash Jha. Those who have seen political thrillers told in the backdrop of Bihar, like 'Gangaajal' (Ajay Devgan) and 'Apaharan' (Ajay Devgan, Nana Patekar, Bipasha Basu), knows the capability of the director. UTV along with the director has produced the high voltage political drama, 'Raajneeti', made in a mega budget of around 75crores.

The film tells the story of a rich family which has got most of the members holding a prominent position in politics. The elections are in the pipe line, the leader of the party who is also the elder member of the family is critically ill and his younger brother now takes the temporary leadership. The two cousins Prithviraj Prathap (Arjun Rampal) and Veerendra Prathap (Manoj Bajpayee), are fighting each other to gain the leadership of the party. Veerendra got the support of Sooraj Kumar (Ajay Devgan), a lower cast rebel leader for the fowl plays. At this time, Samar (Ranbhir Kapoor), the younger member of the family returned after his studies from abroad. He was not interested in politics. Situations became worse, Samar has to stay back since his father is killed.

Prithviraj is taken into custody for attacking the police, a rape case is also registered against him as per fowl play by Veerendra. Samar, under the guidance of the party's senior leader (Nana Patekar) succeeded in taking Prithviraj out of the jail. Samar's love story goes parallel, Prithviraj's marriage happens, Samar takes revenge against those who cheated and killed his father, a couple of members from the political family is also killed later and thus goes the incidents of 'Raajneeti'.

Some of the incidents happening here is adapted from the epic, Mahabharatha. The scenes in which Soorja is supported by Veerendra in the party meeting, Sooraj's mother visiting him towards the end, the climax gun shot situation etc are some of the examples. The quarreling inside the family featuring Veerendra has got the flavor of the hollywood hit, 'The God Father'. The rich political family in the film also resembles the Nehru family, which played the vital role in the country in the post independence era. All the artists in the film have done exceptionally well, their costumes and make up along with the art direction of the movie needs special mention. The huge crowd gathering in the meetings has been neatly handled by the director. Music by Wayne Sharp is also good. Sachin Kumar Krishnan's cinematography and Santhosh Mandal's editing helped the frames, featuring a couple of stars in every scenes to be rich and colorful. Prakash Jha needs special appreciation for making such a mega movie in the political background.

Ranbhir Kapoor is matured and has emerged as an excellent artist here. Nana Patekar is silent, but his eyes are filled with emotions. Ajay Devgan and Arjun Rampal have done their part well. Manoj Bajpayee has also got some dramatic behaviors to do. Nasrudeen Shah should have been given a lengthy role. Nikhila Tirkha, in the mother role is good, but her performance in the anti climax area, needs more professionalism. Katrina Kaif is an artist that maintains her star position only by glamor, her dialogue delivery in the beginning is a problem as usual, but later on it is adjusted and her appearance towards the end resembles a real life portrait also. The non popular face who comes as the police officer is good in his action and gestures.


'Raajneeti' is a political entertainer made in a mega budget; It reveals the political plays that exists in the system to grab and maintain the power.


Rating : 8 / 10

Athithi Tum Kab Jaaoge?

Medium : Hindi
Starring : Paresh Rawal, Ajay Devgan, Konkanasen Sharma
Director : Ashwini Dheer
Music : Pritam

The release of some of the hindi films in this period with around 1000s of prints globally, shows the increased popularity and the scope of business happening in the entertainment media; Now international banners have started investing in the bollywood area. A film with the pakka hindi title, 'Athithi Tum Kab Jaaoge ?' is being produced by none other than Warner Bros. Don't forget that they have given many big films including 'Harry Potter', 'The Lord of the Rings' etc.

Director Ashwini Dheer, who came from the mini screen is relatively a new name in the industry. He has written the film 'Krazzy 4' and has directed a film named 'One Two Three'. Ajay Devgan has done many action oriented roles in the first decade of his career, but films like 'Golmaal' series and 'All the Best', changed his serious image. Konkanasen Sharma is one such kind of actress who can handle any type of roles, films like 'Page 3', 'Mr and Mrs Iyer', 'Wake Up Sid' etc. are good examples. Paresh Rawal, who is also a notable character actor in bollywood these days, comes in the role of "Athithi" in the film.

The story is about a married couple (Ajay Devgan and Konkanasen Sharma), who lives with their kid in Mumbai. Ajay is a struggling writer, who is working on his first film script and Konkana is working in a private firm. One day, a distant relative (Paresh Rawal) of Ajay reaches their apartment. The guest stayed with them for a couple of days and later it was known that he is having no plans to leave them in the near future. The family is fed up, as they don't like the strict and unwanted habits followed by "Athithi" on the food, cleaning and other related purposes. Ajay tried his best to get the Athithi departed, but most of the time it ended in failure. Whether Ajay succeeded in keeping the uninvited guest out of their family, is shown in the climax of 'Athithi Tum Kab Jaaoge?'.

Though the film is filled with many realistic situations that created humor, some of the areas like the hotel raid and the associated incidents should have been avoided. The 'farting' of the Athithi character is repeated many times, which can lead to restlessness. The bombing scene at the shooting spot is an area where you are having an ultimate humor. The climax is also done well. Cinematography by Azeem Bajaj is good. Paresh Rawal is excellent in the lead role, like wise Ajay Devgan and Konkanasen Sharma also did well.


'Athithi Tum Kab Jaaoge?' is a simple family subject without much gimmicks, hence it is a watchable one.


Rating : 7 / 10

London Dreams

Medium : Hindi

Starring : Ajay Devgan, Salman Khan, Asin, Ompuri

Direction : Vipul Amrutlal Shah

Music : Shankar Ehsaan Loy

After the super hit film, 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', bollywood stars Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan teamed up againthrough 'London Dreams' directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah ('Aankhen', 'Waqt' and 'Namasthey London' fame). After being introduced as a second heroine through an average film like 'Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka', Asin had grown up through films like 'M.Kumaran S/o Mahalakshmi', 'Gajini', 'Pokkiri' etc reached hindi through telugu. Her first hindi film was a remake subject ('Gajini) with Amir Khan. She repeated almost her same style of performance in the remade film also. Since it became a hit, she got a chance in the multi cast project; also the heroine's character being a native of tamilnadu, might be the another reason for her to get the lead role.

'London Dreams' tells the story of two friends (Ajay and Salman). Among them Ajay is too ambitious to become a singer in the younger days itself. But his father didn't allow him to sing. After the demise of his father, son reached London, traveled here and there, finally when grown up, he becomes a street singer. He got two companions to play the instruments. His friend at the village is spending an unstable life. By the time, Ajay becomes a popular singer in abroad. He has got the heroine to perform in his troupe. As per his friend's request, he also reached London. Realizing his friend's talent in singing, Ajay asks him to join the troupe. The new star soon dominates the troupe leader. Thus he soon becomes a hero there. Though Ajay loved the girl who works with her, he kept silent about this. But his friend, who is the new member, soon gets into affair with her. After losing the lover and fame; Ajay's jealousy started to work and what he does to overcome this, happens later.

Whatever things that the director had tried to discuss here like the friendship, love, hatred, jealousy, fame etc lacks detailing. The bond of friendship between two heroes are not shown clearly, the way in which Ajay becomes popular is cinematic, we don't know the reason for the heroine being attracted to the new friend, even though Ajay gave her a break. The anti climax scenes happening in the stage looks like a drama scene. Also the happy ending for the film is childishness. (I never expected such things from a director who gave a different film like 'Aankhen').

Music is by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy; they gave some peppy numbers which is not memorable, but it felt didn't bad. Ajay's body language didn't suits a singer, but he managed well in serious situations. Salman's role has got a comic shade, which he did well. Asin looked non confident in most of the scenes including the songs. Let us wait till her next project to give more comments.

The title of the film 'London Dreams' is big; but the content doesn't impress you to think like that...

Rating : 5.5 / 10

All The Best

Medium : Hindi
Starring : Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu, Mugdha Godse, Johny Lever
Direction : Rohit Shetty
Music : Pritam, Sanjay Chowdhary


A hindi film with a star cast Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu etc may not be a big thing to promote as multi cast projects are usual in the bollywood industry; but if it is a comedy subject directed by Rohit Shetty, after comedy hits like 'Golmaal' and 'Golmaal Returns' and more over produced by Ajay Devgan himself, then it is interesting. Cinematography is by Dudley and Pritam is the music director.


Different from the usual style, here you have got the title song featuring the main stars in the film with a bulk of dancers in a peppy number. Ajay and Fardeen are close friends. Fardeen's elder brother (Sanjay Dutt) is in abroad for a long time; he is sending money every month for his brother. Sanjay believes that his brother got married and is staying in their own house at native. In the mean time Fardeen and Ajay gets into some financial troubles. They decided to give the house for rent. At the same time Sanjay reached there. He sees Bipasha, Ajay's wife and misunderstood her as his brother's wife. How both friends manage the situation in the presence of the senior who stays with them for few days is told in an out and out comedy background.


May be we might have seen the same situation many times in malayalam films also. Even directors like Priyadarshan, Sidhiq Lal and Rajasenan have given n number of films in this manner. But the power of comedy is so high that if neatly presented, it can still attract the crowd. This is what happened in the case of 'All The Best' also. Since the director came to the cine field in the early 90's and has got experience in giving comedy hits recently, the chance for errors are less.


It is a fact that after a long gap, I had got some un believable laughs for a hindi film throughout in many scenes. The scenes featuring Johny Lever is a good example and the combination scenes of Ajay & Sanjay are also notable.


Though they do serious roles most of the time, here Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan had done well by handling many lighter situations. Background score by Sanjay Chowdhary cope up with the situation well.


'All The Best' is a time pass, funny entertainer with an old theme. Those who are really interested in comedy films can watch it.


Rating : 7.5 / 10