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Masala (Marathi Movie) Review

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Direction: Sandesh Kulkarni

Production: Umesh Kulkarni and Girish Kulkarni for Aarbhat Nirmiti, Pravin Masale

Story: Girish Kulkarni

Screenplay: Girish Kulkarni

Cast: Girish Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash, Mohan Agashe, Hrishikesh Joshi, Sneha Majgaonkar, Dilip Prabhavalkar

Music: Anand Modak

Rating: * * * ½

Plot: Revan (Girish Kulkarni) tries out a number of businesses but fails to find success in any. Due to this, he is forced to live a nomadic life in order to escape his creditors. Being an obedient wife, Sarika (Amruta Subhash) agrees with whatever her husband decides. Circumstances land the couple in Solapur, which is the hometown of Sarika’s cousin Kalyan (Hrishikesh Joshi).

Revan and Kalyan decide to join hands and start a business of selling groundnuts. Will Revan finally achieve success?

Review: Starting a business and running it successfully are two different things altogether. But if you keep your passion alive and learn from your mistakes, even fate will be forced to come by your side. This phenomenon is presented in Sandesh Kulkarni’s Masala in a light hearted manner that produces plenty of smiles.

As a writer, Girish Kulkarni continues from where he left in Deool (2011). He presents another subtle rural script that doesn’t go overboard and involves the audience right from the onset. Although there is not much romance shown between the lead couple, the interactions and actions between them clearly indicate the deep love they share hence making the audience feel for them.

Apart from this what keeps you entertained and provides humour is the inclusion of some interesting characters and incidents. The writer and director’s (Sandesh Kulkarni) efforts are seen in the realism that is oozed from the proceedings in terms of the conversations and truly realistic performances. Things do become a bit slow in the latter part of the second half. However, the climax makes up for it as the conclusion of the tale will move as well as delight you.

Top-notch effort is shown by M H Ramachandran as a cinematographer. A single take scene where Revan and Kalyan ride a bicycle together deserves special mention. Narendra Bhide’s background score is apt. Although there is not much scope for music, songs ‘Yan Madti’ and the title track go well with the film.

Girish Kulkarni gets into the skin of his character wonderfully. His portrayal of Revan is sure to fetch him lots of appreciation. Amruta Subhash deserves similar applause for playing Revan’s wife with realism. Mohan Agashe (as businessman Mehta) and Dilip Prabhavalkar (as a scientist) once again prove why they are respected names in Marathi cinema.

Hrishikesh Joshi and Sneha Majgaonkar play their part well while Dr Shreeram Lagoo excels in a cameo. Jyoti Subhash offers good support.

In a nutshell, Masala acts as a breath of fresh air that will be appreciated by the lovers of meaningful cinema. The movie has a chance of clicking at the box-office.

Hate Story Box-Office Prediction

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Direction: Vivek Agnihotri

Production: BVG Films

Cast: Paoli Dam, Gulshan Devaiya, Nikhil Dwivedi, Mohan Kapoor

Music: Harshit Saxena

Release Date: April 20, 2012

Star Value: There aren’t big names in Hate Story although Paoli Dam is very much popular in the eastern region of India due to her bold acts in Bengali films.

Hype: The promos of Hate Story have managed to raise eyebrows due to the bold scenes and dialogues. Such high level of boldness is rarely seen before in Bollywood. However, the hype that one would associate with this film is missing despite the fact that the boldest Bengali actress is making her Hindi film debut.

Music: Songs of Hate Story have failed to become popular. There is not a single song that has managed to catch viewers’ attention from the promos and radio broadcast.

Prediction: At the most, Hate Story will get an average opening. It not only needs to impress initially, but, after that, will also require positive word-of-mouth if it has to succeed at the box-office.

Vicky Donor Box-Office Prediction

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Direction: Shoojit Sircar

Production: Rampage Motion Pictures Ltd, Rising Sun Films Pvt Ltd, JA Entertainment Pvt Ltd, Eros Entertainment

Cast: Ayushman Khurana, Annu Kapoor, Yami Gautam

Music: Akshay-Ajay

Release Date: April 20, 2012

Star Value: Two debutants – Ayushman Khurana and Yami Gautam – are been launched in Vicky Donor. Hence, there is no star value in the movie. Just like last week’s Bittoo Boss, the film relies only on content.

Hype: A very bold issue of sperm donation has never been touched before in Bollywood. Due to this, the promos of Vicky Donor have made heads turn and have also managed to create some hype for the movie.

Music: Although songs ‘Rum Whisky’ and ‘Pani Da Rang’ are quite catchy, they haven’t gained popularity. They might become popular if the film does very well.

Prediction: Vicky Donor does stand a chance in getting average opening first up. Since the film is purely based on content, it is absolutely necessary for it to impress at the onset. If it manages to do that, it will become a surprise hit of the year. If it doesn’t, no need to mention about its fate. It has a chance only in urban multiplexes.

Baboo Band Baja (Marathi Movie) Review

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Direction: Rajesh Pinjani

Production: Neeta Jadhav, Rajesh Pinjani

Cast: Mitalee Jagtap Varadkar, Vivek Chabukswar, Milind Shinde

Music: Rohit Nagbhide

Rating: * * * 1/2

Plot: Jaggu (Milind Shinde) is a member of a local band in a remote village in Maharashtra. He wants his son Baboo aka Babya (Vivek Chabukswar) to join the same profession. However, Baboo’s mother and Jaggu’s wife Shirmi (Mitali Jagtap Vardkar) is determined to educate her child so that he can enter a more respectable profession. Will Shirmi succeed in her noble task or will Baboo too end up being a band baja wala?

Review: Not-so-long-ago, Amit Abhyankar’s Jana Gana Mana (2012) gave an important message that every child has a right to education irrespective of his social class. The same message is put forth in Rajesh Pinjani’s debut flick Baboo Band Baja, although in a different way. Like Abhyankar, Pinjani too succeeds in spreading the message with honesty.

The story hardly moves forward in the first half but the interesting sequences, conversations and confrontations and most importantly, the direction makes sure your interest is very much alive. In fact, it works well here as you become absorbed in the rural mood of the flick and even start feeling for the characters. The same absorption is continued even in the post-interval sequences, although things continue to go at the same pace.

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Some appealing events nicely lead up to the pre-climax portion. They could have ended the film in the pre-climax itself though. But having said this, the makers surely deserve applause for the message given.

Rohit Nagbhide’s songs are apt for the subject and so is the background score. The cinematography is applause-worthy as it beautifully captures the remote village. The editing should have been tighter, especially in the funeral scenes.

Mitalee Jagtap Varadkar gets into the skin of her character with such mastery that it is difficult to believe that she is putting on an act for a movie. It isn’t surprising that she won a National Award for the performance. Milind Shinde molds himself perfectly to play Jaggu. He gives a terrific act too.

A difficult character is played by ease by child actor Vivek Chabukswar. The actor deserves a lot of applause as it could have been a daunting task for any kid. He too rightfully deserves a National Award for the act. The surprise package is the actress who played the mad woman. She is outstanding!

Overall, Baboo Band Baja will please those who prefer off-beat cinema. The film is in desperate need of positive word-of-mouth. The fact that it is released with four other Marathi movies will surely affect its chances at the box-office.

Kashala Udyachi Baat Movie Review

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Direction: Pramod Joshi

Production: Balasaheb Bhapkar and Shashank Bhapkar for Sai Prasad Media

Cast: Sachin Khedekar, Anupam Kher, Atul Parchure, Mrinal Kulkarni, Anjan Shrivastav, Suresh Menon, Suresh Menon, Kishori Ambiye, Kishor Pradhan, Rajesh Upadhyay

Music: Salil Kulkarni

Rating: * * * ½

Plot: IT professional Aditya Pradhan (Sachin Khedekar) has reached the pinnacles of success in no time. This has ensured he has everything in life. However, the race to become successful has just reduced him to a money-making machine as he has just forgotten to actually live life. In fact, he regularly faces wrath from his wife Sakshi (Mrinal Kulkarni) and daughter Tanisha (Shruti Welankar) for not being able to give time to them.

Aditya’s life takes a drastic turn one day when he is confronted with a puzzling as well as a shocking situation. There is just nobody who can solve Aditya’s problem. Just then, he comes across a blind stranger (Anupam Kher). Is the stranger a solution to Aditya’s problem?

Review: You have a successful career, family, hefty bank balance, bungalow, expensive car and all the luxuries of life. But does that really mean you are living life and not merely existing? What is the use of such enormous success when you can’t share it with your family? Such harsh reality of today’s urban life is portrayed in Pramod Joshi’s Kashala Udyachi Baat! And while that happens, you get to experience a moving saga that will motivate you to live life to the fullest.

Although the puzzling situation, which Aditya faces, was earlier seen in the Hollywood flick Groundhog Day, it works very well here as it also gives a kick start to the proceedings. And those who haven’t seen the Hollywood film will be awestruck by the twist. Aditya’s confusion produces some humorous and interesting situations. However, dialogue writers (Joshi and Sanjay Dole) could have used the problem in increasing the funny situations.

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The hold is continued in the second half when Anupam Kher’s character gains full control. What follows is a series of incidents that will touch hearts of city dwellers as they will realize the importance of living rather than just being money-making machines. This is followed by a climax that will bring a smile on your face and you will come out of the theatre rejuvenated.

The film, however, also has few flipsides. At one point the events in the second half might appear stretched and preachy. This might not be accepted by entertainment-hungry audience.

Salil Kulkarni’s music suits the mood of the flick except the item number. Technical areas like cinematography (Salil Sahastrabuddhe) and background music (Bapi Tutul) score well too.

Sachin Khedekar once again gives a delightful performance. Whether it is comedy, tragedy, helplessness or anger; he portrays every emotion with flawlessness. Anupam Kher is simply lovable! It’s a delight to watch him perform as he gives some valuable gyan and at the same time makes you laugh.

The film is well supported by cameos from Atul Parchure, Mrinal Kulkarni, Anjan Shrivastav, Suresh Menon, Suresh Menon, Kishori Ambiye, Kishor Pradhan and Rajesh Upadhyay.

Overall, Kashala Udyachi Baat! gives an important lesson that will surely move the urban workaholics. The film relies heavily on word-of-mouth if it has to succeed at the box-office.

Bittoo Boss Box-Office Prediction

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Direction: Supavitra Babul

Production: Kumar Mangat, Abhishek Pathak

Cast: Pulkit Samrat, Amita Pathak

Music: Raghav Sachar

Star Value: Bittoo Boss has debutant Pulkit Samrat in the lead while Amita Pathak plays the girl opposite him. Hence, there is no star value in the movie. The film is entirely dependent on the content, just like the makers’ first film Pyaar Ka Punchnama.

Hype: The promos of the movie have succeeded in tickling the funny bone of the audience, especially the line ‘Bittoo Sabki Lega… Photo’. Although the film appears promising judging by the promotional clips, the hype isn’t as much as the makers would have hoped for.

Music: From the songs, only ‘Bittoo Sabki Lega’ has managed to impress and become a bit famous. It looks like music is not the strength of the movie.

Prediction: Bittoo Boss will fail to get a positive opening. Its chances rely entirely on the film’s initial response. Even if it does succeed at impressing initially, it will depend heavily on word-of-mouth publicity. No prizes for guessing the fate of the film if the content fails to impress at the onset.

Aavashicho Gho (Marathi/ Malwani Play) Review

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Writing: Sanjivani Jadhav

Direction: Sanjivani Jadhav

Cast: Sanjivani Jadhav, Mangesh Kasekar, Manjusha Morgaonkar, Madhu Shinde, Mayur Pawar, Swapnil Sane, Sonal Bhanushali, Vishal Dhawle

Production: Sanjivani Jadhav

Sets: Pradip Rangankar

Rating: * *

Plot: Janai Malwankarin’s (Sanjivani Jadhav) husband hasn’t returned home after the train blasts that rocked Mumbai years back. However, she is sure her husband is alive and will return. She also continues to live as a married lady. People around her do everything to make her believe that her husband is no more but Malwankarin doesn’t budge. So, will her husband return?

Review: Lost-and-found sagas can be entertaining if there are interesting dramatic moments to keep the audience glued. A bunch of unusual and crazy characters act as an added advantage. Although Sanjivani Jadhav’s Aavashicha Gho deals with the above concept and also has crazy antics of supporting characters, it falls short due to a weak script.

The play scores in the initial moments when Malwankarin’s belief is pitted against other characters. This provides good entertainment due to the constant humour. However, after a point of time, you realize there are a good number of scenes which have nothing much to do with the main plot. Plus, the majority of humour and gags that follow fall flat.

The important scenes where Mama tries to prove to Malwankarin that her husband is dead aren’t too appealing and appear lengthy. The twist in the climax does come as a surprise but the explanation provided is far from convincing.

Fortunately, the performance area turns out to be a plus point. Sanjivani Jadhav carries the proceedings well on her shoulders. She is likable in emotional as well as comic scenes. Mangesh Kasekar shows confidence playing Sanjivani’s son-in-law. Manjusha Morgaonkar’s act as Kasekar’s wife is commendable. Madhu Shinde shows maturity in his act. He had the difficult task of impersonating unusual characters.

The surprise package turns out to be Mayur Pawar. His antics provide a good dose of laughter. The rest of the actors Swapnil Sane, Sonal Bhanushali and Vishal Dhawle offer good support.

Overall, Aavashicho Gho is high in performance and direction but low when it comes to writing.

Housefull 2 Review

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Direction: Sajid Khan

Production: Sajid Nadiadwala for Nadiadwala Grandson

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Asin, Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, John Abraham, Ritesh Deshmukh, Shreyas Talpade, Boman Irani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shazahn Padamsee and Zarine Khan, Johnny Lever, Chunkey Pandey

Music: Sajid-Wajid

Rating: * * *

Plot: There is fierce animosity between the families of Chintu (Rishi Kapoor) and his illegitimate brother Daboo (Randhir Kapoor). Both challenge each other of finding the richest groom for their respective daughters Heena (Asin) and Bobby (Jacqueline Fernandez).

This gives rise to a number of unusual situations and mistaken identities involving a large bunch of characters like Sunny (Akshay Kumar), Max (John Abraham), Jolly (Riteish Deshmukh) Jai (Shreyas Talpade), J D (Mithun Chakraborty), Parul (Shazahn Padamsee), J Lo (Zarine Khan) and Aakhri Pasta (Chunky Pandey).

Review: It was evident from the promos of Housefull 2 that it has no scope for things like logic and reasoning. So, if you keep those two elements at bay, chances are you would enjoy the comic caper by Sajid Khan. Although it goes overboard on few occasions, it won’t matter much if entertainment is the only thing that you are looking for.

Writers (Farhad-Sajid, Sajid Khan, Tushar Hiranandani and Sajid Nadiadwala) succeed in the daunting task of merging the sub-plots and mannerisms related to the large number of characters and at the same time continuously providing some rib-tickling moments. The foursome deserves praise since handling a complicated plot with such huge star cast can be a headache for anyone. The fact that they created every character different from the other also deserves mention.

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As the film isn’t a flawless product, it has its share of flipsides too. Some incidents go a bit too overboard. Examples – The snake and alligator scene, Malaika Arora’s track and a fight scene involving Vindu Dara Singh. Even the climax could have been plotted in a better way but since you have already had your share of humorous moments, it doesn’t act as a dampener.

Director Sajid Khan’s passion for entertaining cinema is noticeable in this flick. He has nicely repeated the humour from his successful television shows. An example of this is actor Ranjeet’s ‘Aye’ effect which will surely stay etched in your memory for long.

Composer duo Sajid-Wajid has been successful in such commercial films. They don’t disappoint here too. The track ‘Papa Toh Band Bajaye’ turns out to be the best of the lot. However, the use of other songs does make the proceedings lengthy. Technical departments like cinematography (Manoj Soni) and background score positive marks too.

It is extremely difficult to pick the best from such a mammoth star cast. Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty prove why they are considered respected veterans. Although Akshay Kumar has played a comical character umpteen number of times, it’s a pleasure to see him perform. The above mentioned ‘Aye’ effect suits him perfectly. Riteish Deshmukh and Shreyas Talpade do well too. John Abraham succeeds in showing his comic side.

From the girls, Asin manages well. Shazahn Padamsee is average while Jacqueline Fernandez and Zarine Khan need acting lessons. From the supporting cast, Johnny Lever is likable, Boman Irani is strictly average. Chunkey Pandey is once again outstanding as Aakhri Pasta.

Overall, Housefull 2 is for those who prefer non-stop entertainment without giving any trouble to their topmost organ. Others should stay miles away. The positive opening coupled with the type of product it is, will make sure it will earn big bucks at the box-office. Hence, one can say Sajid Khan has scored a hat-trick.

Housefull 2 Box-Office Prediction

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Star Value: Housefull 2 has a long list of actors including Akshay Kumar, Asin, Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, John Abraham, Boman Irani, Ritesh Deshmukh, Shreyas Talpade, Jacqueline Fernandez and Zarine Khan. It also has few other stars in special appearances. Naturally, one can say it has a very high star value.

Hype: The two crazy promos of Housefull 2 have created a good hype for the movie. The film is in the news due to its ensemble star cast, which has young faces as well as the veterans of Bollywood.

Music: The peppy fun number ‘Papa Toh Band Bajaye’ has been liked by the masses. Apart from the witty lyrics, ‘Anarkali Disco Chali’ has become popular as it is Malaika Arora’s first item number after ‘Munni Badnaam’. Hence, the music has also helped popularize the movie.

Prediction: Mostly due to the huge star cast, Housefull 2 will surely get a positive opening. Whether Sajid Khan will score a hattrick of successful films will depend on its initial response.

If it does receive thumbs up at the start, it will become the highest money-grosser of the year so far. However, if it doesn’t, it will still earn good returns for the producers in the first week (especially first weekend). The big advantage that Housefull 2 has is that it caters to single-screen as well as multiplex audiences.

(Posted under the category BOLLYWOOD.)

Kunjam Kunjam Down Memory Lane!

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Like most Twitter users, I too have a habit of glancing at the ‘trending’ list as soon as I sign in. Last week when my eyes fell on it, I was highly surprised to see Baba Sehgal’s name in the list. As people start trending even for all kinds of antics (slapgates being the latest), my first concern was to see the reason behind the trend. Fortunately, it was for a good reason. Baba’s latest single ‘Praji Kunjam Kunjam Control’ had become the talking point among Twitteraties.

This took me down memory lane – back to the early nineties when Baba was the talking point (only in real world as there was no virtual world back then). I clearly remember during that time, after returning home from school; my daily winding up task included listening to the whole cassette (CDs were unheard of) of Thanda Thanda Paani (Baba’s first album). It had become a daily activity, apart from watching the same songs on TV.

Coming back to his latest single, it can be said it’s a typical rap song which can be easily associated with Baba. However, despite that, it has something which is never found before in a Baba number: it deals with the social issue of killing the girl child.

There have been numerous documentaries and short films urging the society against killing the girl child. Unfortunately, they have not created the desired impact on the youth, who term them as boring. But the message coming from a rap song will certainly make heads turn.

The credit mostly goes to the lyrics for putting forth the message in a clear, straightforward manner. But in doing that, Baba hasn’t compromised on the rap factor. Example – ‘The Jhoola Is Jhooling, But She No More Living, Hey Butcher Stop Your Fun, Please Let Her See The Sun’. Of course, there are some vague lyrics in between but that is how Baba’s rap songs have always been. From the video, Baba showing affection towards an old lady deserves mention.

Just hope this doesn’t turn out to be just one off incident of an Indipop artist trending. If it doesn’t, one day Indipop itself will trend!

See the song here –