Sanket’s Review: “Joker” is an impressive attempt, but could have been much more fun!

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Shreyas Talpade, Darshan Jariwala

Director: Shirish Kunder

Length: 1.45hours approximately.

In midst of conventional potboiler genre, if suddenly a JOKER arrives, than it’s a breath of fresh air unless it turns out to be a turkey! Fortunately, JOKER has its heart in the right place and the film surrenders itself to the humor that could be best described as “PJs” and the plot could be described as “interesting”.

JOKER’s strength lies in the characters around and some fabulous PJs that flock in first half one after another. Kunder doesn’t do much spoon feeding about why the village is not in the map of India. Just one scene on it, the very first one and then immediately the focus skates towards Akshay and Sonakshi. The best part about this venture is its brisk pace and also the length is trimmed down to 105 minutes which works majorly in JOKER’s favor. Even though some corny PJs fall flat on face just like TEES MAAR KHAN’s aplenty felt, still JOKER has staunch support of its innovative concept. Despite few blemishes, JOKER does tremendously well in first half, especially because the film has consistent tone to its core.

Post intermission the film goes predictably and the laughs slowly disappear. But that doesn’t allow me to discredit some amazing moments like the villagers turn sad with a voice, the moment they listen anything in English language from Akshay’s tongue! It seems silly but the set-up of the film allows such humor. However, the film’s ending should’ve been more fun and inspiring instead of being simple one.

The music is good. “Kaafirana” “Sing Raja” and “Yeh Joker” are fairl good songs. Chitrangada’s ravishing dance adds soul to the song. The cinematography is amazing especially because it transports us directly to the village. The story is interesting but there was enough room for twists which would only have enhanced the efficiency level. Kunder’s direction seems to have good control on the proceedings. Compared to his 6 years old JAAN-E-MAN, Joker is much entertaining a film. The VFX effects however are very minimal.

Akshay Kumar’s sharp comic timing works once again. Even though his is the most matured character in the whole film, or compared to any of his recent films, still he does it good. Sonakshi Sinha looks brewing hot in and also shares some comic moments with the villagers. Shreyas Talpade gets decent scope and his accent is definitely funny. Rest everyone in the film does what they were expected to – act as madly as you can!

The attempt by makers is definitely impressive, but could have been so much more! It’s a happy, entertaining film which delivers well at places. Go for it, if you are open to a film which could be silly and smart in one go!

Rating- 2.5/5 (Above AVerage)

Box Office Predictions of JOKER

Shirish Kunder’s last flick released in 2006 called JAANEMAn. After 6 months he is coming back to direction with JOKER which stars Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Minisha Lamba, Shreyas Talpade. The film is releasing this Friday, 31^st August 2012. The business of JOKER may start with very low figure as the buzz is too less. Also the film will have to face severe competition every week with RAAZ 3, BARFI, HEROINE releasing every next Friday. Lets predict what the film may do at box office-

Opening day- 4.75cr

If word of mouth is Good,

Weekend – 17.5cr

Week 1 – 28.

Lifetime- 48cr

If word of mouth is mixed,

Weekend- 16cr

Week- 23.75

Lifetime- 34cr

If word of mouth is Bad,

Weekend- 14.75cr

Week 1- 21.25cr

Lifetime- 27cr

Sanket’s Review: “Shirin-Farhad ki toh nikal padi” has unstable charm.

Cast: Farah Khan, Boman Irani

Director: Bela Bhansali Sehgal

Length: 1.50hours approximately.

In this modern age of Bollywood, its very seldom that you see a middle aged couple romancing on screen. This week’s new outing named SHIRIN FARHAD KI TOH NIKAL PADI is that rare film which focuses on a middle aged couple who are on a love searching spree. The best part of the film is its unapologetic about its over-the-top moments and sugar-coated dollop of emotions. But not everything goes right about this film, thanks to half dozen of songs in this just 110 minutes long film!

The film doesn’t take much of the duration to start up with the vital things. The “Indira-Gandhi” lover part is actually amusing, but after a time its annoying too! Anyways, as soon as Farah Khan enters the screen, the film goes to a new high especially because the connection between the love birds is so routine and inherently innocent. The humor many times hang around Boman Irani’s profession of being salesmen of bra and panty. But the director shows some maturity in the relationship with not throwing the couple in “let-me-say-I-love-you-first” situation just for the heck of it. Instead she wants her audience to realize that these guys have already committed to each other.

But things go weird post-intermission when things get dragged. Especially the end, where an unnecessary interruption by neighbors only expands the length! Although, there are few very good dramatic moments, but for most of the second half it gets bit off the mark. But this is getting as order of the day in very rom-com these days. You have to go through some poor moments to complete this film, no matter how fabulous the first half was.

The music is strictly ordinary. “Ishq mei kabhi kabhi” and “Rambha mei Sambha” are the only two songs which are good on ears. Choreography of “Rambha mei sambha” deserves special mention. The story is too simple, but the screenplay has some holes, especially because there are some unanswered questions in first half. The director knows her job and she does it very well.

Though the film has an unstable charm to its approach, still, it’s an decent affair thanks to the couple who has sparkling connection in their relationship. Boman Irani handles his emotional scenes with aplomb. He suits his role well. Farah Khan makes an impressive debut and a confident as well. She effortlessly essays the role and compliments Boman Irani very well. Another good thing about this film is that the film is set in a Parsi atmosphere with almost all are real life Parsis. This helps to get indulged with characters immediately. Boman  Irani’s mom, played by Daisy Irani too gives a good support to the film.

All in all, it’s a film that has ups and downs. The overuse of songs definitely chops away the sweetness and glory of this otherwise decent film. Go for it if you could pardon its shortcomings.

Rating- 2.5/5 (Above Average).

Box Office Predictions of SHIRIN FARHAD KI TOH NIKAL PADI

In this age of youthful films, there’s a unique pair of two old people who will be making love on screen this Friday 24^th August. Yes its SHIRIN FARHAD KI TOH NIKAL PADI directed by BEla Bhansali Sehgal and it stars farah Kha and Boman Irani in lead. The film will not have a good start as EK THA TIGER will still retain too many shows at multiplexes where SHIRIN FARHAD KI TOH NIKAL PADI is targeted. Lets predict..

Opening day- 2cr

If word of mouth is good,

Weekend- 8.75cr

Week 1- 13.25cr

Lifetime- 23cr

If word of mouth is mixed,

Weekend – 7.5cr

Week 1- 10.5cr

Lifetime- 15cr

If word of mouth is Bad,

Weekend 1- 7cr

Week 1- 10cr

Lifetime- 12.5cr

Sanket’s Review: “Ek Tha Tiger” is your “sip-the-cola-chew-the-corn-and-enjoy” film.

Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ranvir Shorey

Director: Kabir Khan

Length: 2.15 hours approximately.

Over the roof action is one of the prime element of all action films that Salman stars in. EK THA TIGER is no different. This many can fly in the air just like crows, he jumps from one building to another as if he has just taken one step ahead and yes he also show away his body, his signature scene! . EK THA TIGER provides you plenty such things. But wasn’t this expected in a Salman Khan film? Surprisingly the Katrina Kaif fans will also get chance to see her doing some exciting action scenes towards the finale. In short, EK THA TIGER is definitely far away from perfect film, but it solves its purpose for sure!

The film opens with an overlong action scene. In all between the action scene you so want to know why is this action happening! As expected, it was just an introduction sequence to the film’s genre. Anyways, the first half has glitches in abundance. The humor is very low-brow and the romance isn’t really sweet to gallop. Yes, there are some fine moments between the couple but they are not just enough to make for a compelling love story! However, the problem lies in the story which never agrees to move forward. The intermission point, though bit predictable, gives some high expectations for second half.

And here you go- you get to a very good second half which is bound with too many twists and turns and an amazing last 20 minutes where you also get to see “Dabangg” moment of Katrina. The top class action definitely stays with you, no matter how unimaginable the action is! The pace is slick post-intermission and that adds too much to the positives. The finale alone manages to satisfy your high expectations. Overall, a solid second half!

The music is good. All four songs are very hummable and the choreography is just about fabulous. The cinematography is good. The action deserves some extra point. Especially the climax action is nail-biting and exciting at same time. The dialogues are fine, though the humor is bit underwhelming. The script takes good turn post-intermission and provides some good twists. Kabir Khan once again manages to entertain his audience, with a splendid direction. I would just like him to work on romance portion which lags here big time affecting the first half majorly.

Salman Khan does it very well once again. His expressions are very cool and his character is well sketched. Katrina Kaif delivers a sparkling performance. Apart rom looking fantabulous, her acting skills have got polished. She shines all through the film and manages to stand neck to neck to Salman khan. Ranvir Shorey gets very little to do. He is alright.

On the whole, EK THA TIGER is your “sip-the-cola-chew-the-corn-and-enjoy” film which gives you worth of your price for sure. How you wish, that the first half of the film was bit more enjoyable! Anyways, it’s a good one time watch entertainer for everyone. Recommended!

Rating- 3/5 (Good)

Number of shows Ek Tha Tiger gets - in comparison with some other recent biggies!

***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. Agent Vinod- 18 shows
8. Housefull 2- 21 shows
9. Rowdy Rathore – 21 shows
10.Bol Bachchan - 16 shows

11. EK THA TIGER- 20 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
9. Housefull 2- 15 shows
10. Rowdy Rathore – 12 shows
11. Bol Bachchan- 13 shows

12. EK THA TIGER- 27 shows

***Movietime: Raja Garden, Delhi***

1.Ready- 19 shows
2. Bodyguard- 22 shows
3. Ra,One- 20 shows
4. Don2- 21 shows
5. Desi Boyz- 22 shows
6. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan- 20 shows
7. Rockstar- 19 shows
8. Agneepath- 16 shows
9. Housefull 2- 20 shows
10. Rowdy Rathore – 20 shows
11. Bol Bachchan- 15 shows

12. EK THA TIGER- 23 shows

***Big Cinemas, Solapur***

1.Ready- 7 shows
2. Bodyguard- 7 shows
3. Ra.One- 8 shows
4. Don2- 6 shows
5. Agneepath- 4 shows.
6. Housefull 2- 6 shows
7. Agent Vinod- 4 shows
8. Rowdy Rathore – 7 shows
9. Bol Bachchan- 4 shows

10. EK THA TIGER- 7 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. Agneepath- 10 shows
8. Agent vinod- 10 shows
9. Housefull 2- 15 shows
10. Rowdy Rathore- 15 shows
11. Bol Bachchan- 9 shows

12. EK THA TIGER- 16 shows

Box Office Predictions of EK THA TIGER

At the very peak of his career, Salman Khan is nothing less than a hit machine. His film EK THA TIGER will hit the 100cr mark is an understatement. EK THA TIGER is expected to shatter all previous opening day record as it releases on holiday- Independence day (15th August). Along with Salman, there will be Katrina Kaif and Ranvir Shorey in the film. Directed by Kabir Khan (KAABUL EXPRESS, NEW YORK), the film is surely to be one of the biggest hit this year!

Opening Day (Wednesday)- 25.5cr

Thursday – 17cr

If word of mouth is Good,

Friday to Sunday- 59cr

First week (9 days)- 143cr

Lifetime- 195cr

If word of mouth is mixed,

Friday to Sunday- 53.5cr

First week (9 days)- 125cr

Lifetime- 167cr

If word of mouth is Bad,

Friday to Sunday- 50cr

First Week (9 days)- 117cr

Lifetime- 138cr

Sanket’s Review : “Gangs of Wasseypur 2” is well organized and smartly assembled.

Cast: Nawazzudin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi, Richa Chaddha, Tihmanshu Dhulia, Reemma Sen, Piyush Mishra.

Director: Anurag Kahsyap

Length: 2.40 Hours approximately

I don’t remind of any sequel which took the story of its prequel ahead. GANGS OF WASSEYPUR 2 is a fitting sequel to GANGS OF WASSEYPUR and a better one than its prequel. It gets difficult to flip your eyes even for once because the proceedings are so fact and engaging that you indulge yourself in it. The film starts of where the first part ended up.

Unlike the prequel, here the story is very well penned and the characters are excellently described. Kashyap knows how to create impact of characters on viewers, then be it even a small characters. Take that Orchestra singer who comes up to sing every occasion in Khan Family. Or the “perpendicular” character who leaves the viewers stunned. These characters and the story around them makes GANGS OF WASSEYPUR 2 an enjoyable fare. But this time there’s gore in abundance. You want the agonistic people to die off badly and thus the violence was given.

Both first and second half are equally satisfying and well organized. Some humorous moments between Huma Qureshi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui adds some laughs to some thrilling moments. Also the very first scene of first part (the one which has one daily soap actress welcoming you) has an extended version in this part. The twists and turns are unpredictable except for the very end which was but obvious.

However, I have a complaint to make. Kashyap has already used funny songs during intense situations many times before. Even here he does it. Frankly, after a point it get repetitive and also doesn’t really evokes a laugh out of you. And finally its length! 160 minutes is too long though it didn’t affect the film much unlike first part.

Anyways, the music is average. “Kaala re” and “Chee Chaa Ledar” remains best of the lot. The script and screenplay is excellent.  Despite of having so many characters the story speeds up speedily without much complexity. And Kashyap’s execution is top notch. He knows how to bring smart humor out of normal scenes and also has those basic aesthetics well learnt.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui shines throughout the film. Though the focus is not totally on him, but his excellent work stumps you! Huma Qureshi gets enough scope and she does a very good job here. Her expressions are very accurate and relevant. Tigmanshu Dhulia remains in his character and does a good job as well. Richa Chaddha again has remarkable screen presence as mother of Nawazuddin. She has unimaginable talent. Rest everyone including the small gang does fantastic job which makes GANGS OF WASSEYPUR 2 an enjoyable ride.

It’s a film that has those nail-biting moments and also has that quirky humor which fills up the bridge. It’s a well-organized, smartly assembled and n joyous ride. Watch it because the merits of this film are too high. And if not for that, then watch it know that amazing reason of why two of characters are named “perpendicular” and “tangent”.

Rating- 3.5/5 (Very good)

Box Office Predictions of GANGS OF WASSEYPUR 2

After the success of the first part named GANGS OF WASSEYPUR, the makers have come up with the sequel within less than two months! Slated to release on  8^th August, the film is directed by Anurag Kashyap. Lets see how will GANGS OF WASSEYPUR 2 start and that will reflect how successful the first part was.

Wednesday- 3.75cr

If word of mouth is Good,

Thursday- 3.5cr

Weekend (Friday to Sunday)- 14cr

Week 1 (9 days)- 27.5cr

Lifetime- 33cr

If word of mouth is mixed,

Thursday- 3.25cr

Weekend (Friday to Sunday)- 12cr

Week 1- 24.5cr

Lifetime- 27cr

If word of mouth is bad,

Thursday- 2.75cr

Weekend 1- 10.75cr

Week 1- 21.5cr

Lifetime- 23cr

Sanket’s Review: “Jism 2” – suitable tagline would have been ‘to watch this film is to laugh.’

Cast: Sunny Leon, Randeep Hooda, Arunoday Singh

Director: Pooja Bhatt

Length: 2.05 hours approximately

Bipasha and John’s version of JISM didn’t really have any engaging story neither the intimacy level was higher compared to the sequel. But, for once, it wasn’t as hollow and over the roof as this one is. In-fact, frankly it was not entirely unwatchable unlike this one. JISM 2 clearly focuses on revealing dresses of actress, close-up shots of her toned body and dozens of kisses that comes just to remind its audience that the film is named JISM 2 so you have to take it. How I wish, there was any kind of sincerity in at-least one department except of over-the-top one.

The film starts with the way you would like to have it- yes, a sex scene! The plot of the film, if you can call it that, revolves around a so called intelligent agency that is in search of a gangster. Even before the film reveals its cards further, you have already predicted half way through of the film very correctly. Yes, it’s that predictable and puerile! The tasteless songs flow in to fill the first 40 minutes of the film. When you finally witness one decent engaging scene, you expect something to happen, but nothing ever happens!

The second half particularly can be best described as sleeping pill. What is Bhatt trying to make out of the story is something which nobody really can know, yes, not even her I guess. The film tries to throw some curveball in form of twists, but they are so clichéd that it only cuts down the pace. Sadly, even a talented Hooda is wasted in such a terrible role. If the love scenes are something that engages you, then surely you have one long scene in this half to cheer. But for that, you have to bear this whole 125 minutes of pain. The climax has some of the most hilarious situations that lands up. But even the climax is stretched to an unending length.

Music is simply poor. Apart from one tolerable song “Abhi ABhi”, the music is largely ignorable. The dialogues are so outdated and poorly written that it brings laughs out of you. That strikes me to lend a suitable tagline for this film- “to watch this film is to laugh”. Pooja Bhatt definitely needs to polish her directional work and must learn some aesthetics and nuances of such films from any one member of the Bhatt camp. The screenplay involves nothing more than just countable decent scenes. And about editor, well I suspect if anyone was even hired to do that work, seeing the sluggish pace of the film.

Over-acting is the thing which JISM 2 offers in abundance. Not a single player of this film has attempted to act well in this already boring film. Randeep Hooda’s emotions serves you good laughs, and Sunny Leone’s expressions suggests that she might have got cheated as she might have thought she is doing a horror film. Arunoday’s performance did have some elegance in beginning, but too soon even he hams it up big time.

JISM 2 is better left untouched. It’s that film where everything is going wrong and the makers are still to realize that. If relishing those hot intimate scenes on big screen was your only agenda to buy from JISM 2, then it may give you some worth of your money back!

Rating- 1.5/5 (Poor)