Sanket’s Review: “Blood Money” lacks intensity.

Cast: Kunal Kemmu, Amrita Puri

Director: Vishal Mahadkar

Length: 1.50 hours approximately

This week’s BLOOD MONEY is a film which clearly displays how aimlessly the film is executed. The film has a decent plot to speak off but the director never quite utilizes the intense elements in the film which should have been included. So, BLOOD MONEY lacks intensity and there is where the film slackens. The film boards off with a boring murdering scene and soon falls into the married couple who has just come out of the country.

The film takes no time to move with the story, but the efficiency in the film lacks big time. Yes, the first half does have some good dramatic portions and also the music gels up well within the momentum. The film cycles away the first half smoothly though it doesn’t actually surprise you.

The second half wanders because it goes too slow and editing isn’t crisp. But it accelerates in last 30 minutes, though the climax is bizarre. Take the climax, which does have few unexpected twists but they are so clumsy and convoluted that one cant do anything but laugh on it. To give away the flaws I have to push away the spoilers and so without going in much detail, its just not made well. Logic is something which is thrown out of window forcefully and here is where the film wraps up as unintentionally funny!

Few scenes though are noteworthy like the one just before the interval in the hotel room when Kunal’s boss asks him to choose between truth and happiness! It’s a terrific scene and it suits well in the narration. Also few dialogues in the climax where Kunal Kemmu attempts his Dabangg act and delivers some amazing dialogues to the antagonist. Sadly, there are very few such offerings in this thankfully short film.

The songs are good and remain with you even after the show is ended. The cinematography is fine. The story could’ve been better but nonetheless it is well written. The director could have taken care of petty things and could’ve used it in the climax but unfortunately he goes with a smooth path and hence the conflict is never quite realized. The background score is terrible because its too loud and too uninteresting.

Kunal Kemmu surprises and how! He shows how good he can be when given the proper material. He slides well in this role and remain a silver lining of this silly fare! Amrita Puri is strictly average. Rest all has no quality of talent.

BLOOD MONEY is watchable if you are going with no expectations. Partly fair and partly boring, BLOOD MONEY is nothing more than an ordinary film.

Rating- 2/5 (Average)

Sanket’s Review: “Agent Vinod” is a lazy attempt.

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor.

Director: Sriram Raghavan

Length: 2.35 hours approximately

AGENT VINOD is a film that is dragged to an undeserving 155 minutes which has a 15 minutes introduction scene of Saif in the beginning. The film could have been easily brought to 20-25 minutes shorter as the story doesn’t have much in it. It’s a film that has been made on such a huge canvas that it pulls the bar of expectations but what we get on screen is far behind of the hype that the film has. Director does the film over the top because in each of his sequence, one can notice that the film is trying to be clever, but its actually not!

The writers are to be blamed for the half-baked role written for Kareena Kapoor. Her character more so becomes a caricature, thanks to filmy dialogues and poor direction. Also the screenplay writers fail to maintain rhythm of the film because every scene is followed by some random action and chase scene.

Why the first half of the film partially works is because you know almost nothing about where the story will head and the curiosity is still there to know, what will be there in its kitty! But as the film proceeds further, the pace slackens because what we get in the name of story is same old rehashed version of spy film. There are some delicious moments in first half like the one where Kareena’s character is introduced to interrogate Saif with heavy doses. Also the one when Saif Ali Khan cons Prem Chopra to clone his cell. It’s a humorous as well as a thrilling scene. But sadly, there are very few such scenes in this long flick.

The film does pick some pace post intermission but again it drops down soon because there are so many characters introduced in this half that you don’t exactly figure out that why these characters are needed! The Gulshan Grover episode with the mujra dance is the best part of the film because it thrills and the appearance of Gulshan Grover lightens up the screen. But the film is so dragged that you beg for a spare. The moment you feel that the film is about to end, you are served with yet another story.

Pritam’s music is very good. All four songs leave strong impact and all are energetically choreographed. Special mention to the choreographer for “Dil Mera Muft Ka” which is shot in lavish venue and is bound with some bold dance steps. The cinematographer doesn’t give any such views which will please the eyes. Sriram Raghavan fails to execute the film because his aesthetics and nuances about this film clearly lacks. It’s a lazy attempt and hence it should have been handled well by the director.

Saif Ali Khan is fantastic as he delivers everything to the perfection. For him alone, Agent Vinod becomes a watchable fare. He infuses life in the film. Kareena Kapoor is saddled by badly sketched role for her. Among all others, Prem Chopra is damn impressive.

AGENT VINOD is disappointing and boring often. The film lacks a decent plot and also the director fails to create any interest among the viewers. There are few countable good scenes and a terrific performance by Saif Ali Khan in this otherwise mediocre action flick.

Rating- 2/5 (Average)

Agent Vinod has lesser shows compared to some biggies- take a look!

***Maxus Cinema: Bhayander, Mumbai Western:***
1. Ready- 21 shows
2. Bodyguard- 23 shows
3. Ra.one- 21 shows
4. Don2- 22 shows
5. Desi Boyz- 21 shows
6. Agneepath- 19 shows
7. AGNET VINOD- 18 shows
***E-Square, Pune UR***
1. Ready- 18 shows
2. Bodyguard- 21 shows
3. Ra.One- 19 shows
4. Don2- 18 shows
5. Rockstar- 17 shows
6. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan- 16 shows
7. Agneepath- 15 shows
8. AGENT VINOD- 12 shows

***Abirami Cinemas, Chennai***
1. Ready- 8 shows
2. Bodyguard- 8 shows
3. Ra.One-8 shows
4. Don2- 9 shows
5. Agneepath- 6 shows
6. AGENT VINOD- 4 SHOWS

***Velocity, Indore***
1. Ready- 16 shows
2. Bodyguard- 17 shows
3. Ra.One- 16 shows
4. Don2- 16 shows
5. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan- 13 shows
6. Desi Boyz- 14 shows
7. AGENT VINOD- 10 shows

Box Office Predictions of AGENT VINOD

After a failure in KURBAAN, this pair of Saif and Kareena has teamed again for a action-thriller Agent vinod directed by Sriram Raghvan. The film has created curiosity for the youth audience. Also the "Pungi" song is being loved! The film releases on 23rd March 2012. Lets predict what the film may do at the ticket counter...

Opening day- 8cr

If word of mouth is Good,

Weekend 1- 27.25cr

Week 1- 42cr

Lifetime- 73cr

If word of mouth is mixed,

Weekend 1- 26.5cr

Week 1- 38.5cr

Lifetime- 54cr

If word of outh is Bad,

Weekend 1- 26cr

Week 1- 36.5cr

Lifetime- 48cr

Sanket's review: "Kahaani" is convincing and unpredictable.

Cast: Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chattopodhyay, Nawaquddin Siddiqui.

Director: Sujoy Ghosh

Length: 2 hours approximately

It is most risky thing to keep audience unaware of what the twists in the film will be. Come to think of it, suspenseful films are very difficult to make. One slight downer, and the whole project goes wrong. yes, one slight mistake and KAHAANI would’ve lost it in very beginning. But its a Thumbs Up to the screenplay and script writers who smartly trafficks the film with enough characters and plot that there is no time to think what will be presented in next few reels. Despite of so many characters the film manages to be convincing and unpredictable till the culmination.

The story revolves around Vidya Balan, but there are many characters right from beginning and each character is so well established and brought up in the story that you’ve no idea who is doing what! KAHAANI is amazing story! The film builts up the background where intense drama and thilling portions are brought in perfect blend. Thankfully, the director doesn’t puts his camera on dramatic woos, rather concentrates heavily on Thriller. Sujoy Ghosh is truly talented as a narrator and he does this film with sheer smartness.

The first half takes time to catch on, because its a heavy story and you know almost nothing about this story. But thankfully director doesn’t spoon-feeds us with flashbacks and stuff, rather he jumps directly in the story. The very first scene in the metro train is so stunningly made that you are engrossed about the film. Yes the film has its glitches in this hour as it is slow at times and unnecessary footage is given to the plot which involves Parambrata’s role having soft corner for Vidya Balan. Anyways, one of the best scenes of the film involves the one right at the intermission which shocks you like a mega watt.

But what happens in second half, is just spell-binding. The film carries the same route but this time the story gets more interesting and editing gets even more crispier. You need to be attentive towards the film otherwise you are missing something vital in the plot. The director does builts so much of expectations for the climax, that you’re are desperately waiting to see what actually is the case. And fortunately, climax is simply brilliant and the film ends up with a message, which actually doesn’t connect because you’re still to come out of the sheer twist at the end. What a second half!

The music is good. Shotti Bolchi in beginning and Ekla Cholo in middle both arrives on valid note. The cinematographer must be thanked by those who haven’t yet visited Kolkata. I am one of those and after watching the film I am very familiar with the atmosphere. The story settles well within the city. The editor deserves a special mention for a fabulous editing post-intermission.

Vidya Balan is stupendous as the central protagonist. She is just terrific in about every scene. Just note her kiddish portion with that tea stall kid or even with that kid in the hotel. Her anger, frustration, fun, audacity, everything is framed with flawless energy by Vidya! Every side character does very godo job, and yes I mean every damn side actor! The best ofcourse has to be Parambrata who gets enouh screen space.

KAHAANI is Sujoy Ghosh’s film all the way. Although Vidya does a remarkable job, but its Sujoy who brings everything right in place. KAHAANI does have everything going in its way, though few hiccups pre-intermission and the Parambrata-Vidya soft plot. But apart from that, KAHAANI is a film that keeps you thinking even aftre you come out of theater. The best part is, the director doesn’t leave anything unanswered when he is framing the confidential about the story. A very engaging ride.

Rating- 3.5/5 (Very Good)

Sanket's Review: "Chaar Din Ki Chandni" is watch-and-forget kind of film.

Cast: Tushar kapoor, om Puri, Kulraj Randhawa, Anupam Kher, Chandrachur Singh, Farida Jalal.

Director: Samir Karnik

Length: 2.15 hours approximately.

It seems director Samir Karnik is very obsessed with the success of YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA (YPD) because in his new film called CHAAR DIN KI CHANDNI the story reminds you of YPD of lot many times post-intermission. The resemblance is so crystal white but despite that, the director never wishes to bring any change till the film culminates. In this film we have a lover boy disguising himself as Punjabi (Bobby deol in YPD) also the plot has many characters arriving in frame and disocvers somenthing's wrong in the premise! YPD stamp all over it!

Though not thoroughly boring, this film does provide few genuine laughs. The film starts very slow and there's hardly any motion in the story pre-intermission. the few noteworthy scenes are the one in Gym where Tushar kapoor boasts about his gyming brothers to Kulraj so much that with every one boast he adds up a 20kg bar to their lift-up. Its an hilarious scene. Sadly, the film draws very few such scenes.

The second half anyways does not bore you because the film does have some corny twists in the plot. the climax of this film also reminds of YPD because of the funny action set-up. The Dirty Picture dialogue is with good humour and does evoke a laugh. The film surrounds around such a bizzarely written screenplay, that everything that comes on screen cannot be taken seriously even if its an serious emotional sequence. Thankfull, not many sentiments are forced in the film unlike many films and thus it helps to have a command on the pace.

The film is shot in some fantastic locations and they are treat for eyes! The music is average. "Chandni" track is fine, but "Kangna" stands apart. Rest songs are not pleasing. The film also has some songs from old movies to add to the comedy, but its an lame attempt which is tried in dozen of films before. Samir's narration is quite flat and there is nothing like excitement. 

Tushar Kapoor simply falls flat on face with his acting skills. He does well in Punjabi version, but overall he disappoints big time. Kulraj's acting finally is noticeable. She does get neglected post-intermission, but she has spontaneous tone in her act. Om Puri is the best amog the lot. Chandra Chur Sing is wasted. Anupam Kher goes over the top at times. But the scenes between him and Om Puri are funny! Johnny lever in a brief character is not so funny.

Watch it and forget it, is all what you can do with CHAAR DIN KI CHANDNI. It could've been better had the jokes been more funny. Watch it for yourself and decide.

Rating- 2/5 (Average)

Box Office Predictions of KAHAANI

KAHAANI set in Kolkata has caught some attention because of interesting promos and music. The film releases this week 9th March 2012. The film has Vidya Balan in lead and Sujoy Ghosh is the director. Lets predict what the film may do..

Opening day- 4.75cr

If word of mouth is good,

Weekend - 17.25cr

Week 1- 26.75cr

Lifetime- 46cr

If word of mouth is mixed,

Weekend- 16.5cr

Week 1- 24.25cr

Lifetime- 34cr

If word of mouth is bad,

Weekend - 16cr

Week 1- 22.5cr

Lifetime- 29cr

Sanket’s Review: “London Paris New York” takes its time to establish the premise.

 Cast: Aditi Rao Hydari, Ali Zafar 

Director: Anu Menon 

Length: 1.40 hours approximately 

This week’s new film LONDON PARIS NEW YORK is a film that lacks pace at times, though it’s entertaining for the remaining part. The film focuses too much on the witty conversation between the leads, but when it comes to drama everything falls in place too easily without any clutches which becomes difficult to gallop for the viewers. But not entirely clichéd, this film offers some good laughs and also has a good storyteller in the form of director. 

The first half is completely shot in London, if not for one take in Paris before the intermission. The contact between the lead happens quite conventionally but thankfully its believable. The film continues with string of jokes by Ali Zafar’s character. The humor is not exactly smart but it does help to make his role believable. The first half has glitches because there is hardly any movement in the story. The jokes are funny but then between one jokes to another, the film misses the catch. 

It does take time to establish its premise, and hence the second half oozes speedily. The Paris episode brings some story and drama finally and there on, the film manages to keep you attentive in its proceedings. Also the break-down of Ali Zafar is undoubtedly the best scene among the lot. That scene in particular if had failed; the film would have lost everything which it had in its next reels. It’s a poignant sequence and director succeeds to execute it very well. 

It’s a token of thanks to cinematographer who gifts us outstanding locales of London and Paris. The New York locations may have been seen before, but the rest two are amazingly shot. Ali Zafar’s music is good and maintains good feel as well.  

It’s Ali Zafar who potentates the show all the way. He is the best thing about this decent flick. He injects energy in every scene and he enjoys himself in front of camera. It’s a wonderful act! Aditi Rao Hydari looks gorgeous in each frame, and has a complex role to take on. She does very well overall. She plays her innocent character in London with charming presence and maintains terrific spirit in the bold role of Paris and finally comes as a revelation in New York with her subtle face. The chemistry is gelled well, but had the story been convincing in initial portions, the film would have been more within the positive bar. 

The director has good command on youth relationships and he executes this silly plot in very restrained mannerisms and manages to make an honest attempt. It’s a feel-good film. Despite of few downers, LONDON PARIS NEW YORK is likeable. 


Rating- 2.5/5 (Above Average)

Sanket's review: "Paan Singh Tomar” is a film you should not miss for any damn reason!

Cast: Irrfan Khan, Mahie Gill, Zakhir Hussain.

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia

Length: 2.15 hours approximately

A film which has an terrific written material cannot go wrong unless its given wrong hands of execution. Tigmanshu Dhulia’s latest film PAAN SINGH TOMAR’s script and execution both goes wheel within wheel. The film unfolds with a brisk speed and never turns down if not for few here and there’s post intermission. The biggest asset unarguably is the central performance and this makes the film one of those which has everything going within the right bar.

Speechless is the word to describe how first half moves because there are numerous moments which offers some good laughs and also enthralls. The race competitions are excellently shot because it brings the tension in mind of what will be the result! In-fact the race competitions add too much to the inspiring part. Wonderfully penned and fantastically directed, the first half is mostly flawless. The scenes mention worthy are the one between the journalist and the protagonist who is in his dacoit uniform.

Not surprising, but yes the second half wanders in the plot. Though there are some turns in the story, but the coherency is somewhat missing. The focus on the story shifts away too easily when it should’ve been with some conflict. Still despite of the misgivings, PAAN SINGH TOMAR catches the fire towards the end. In its finale, the film manages to push the envelope of message which director Tigmanshu Dhulia serves rightly.

The film has good background score which does enhances the intensity level, but its used too often and the efficiency decreases. The locations give us the required feeling and take us back in ancient. Its no doubt an tremendous work of script writers, but Tigmanshu also carefully sketches it on celluloid.

Irrfan Khan is heart of the film. He excels in every damn scene. Be it any! In his former period he is fun , soft hearted and innocent which he displays with sheer classiness where as when he turns a dacoit he shows his revenging part unmistakably. Mahie Gill has nothing in second half but she does well in those scenes with Irrfan Khan where they argue for silly reasons. Zakhir Hussain lands up in a surprise portion and he does his petty part with sincerity. Also the gang members of Paan Singh in the film give some laughs and also play their part genuinely well.

For any damn reason, PAAN SINGH TOMAR must not be missed. An excellent first half and an less than excellent second half makes PAAN SINGH TOMAR a treat. There could be a book written on the positives of the film, but for that you have to see this film. Thumbs Up!

Rating- 3.5/5 (Very Good)