Change Your Image
AdityaShankar0901
Reviews
Shamshera (2022)
Shameshera
Story: 3/5 - The story is good but nothing special. Ranbir as Shamshera is very good, Sanjay Dutt's acting is fine but the role is irritating (mix of different cliché villains of Bollywood - A devout Hindu, An old senile and cruel Inspector, loyal to the British crown, etc.)
Screenplay & Direction: 1/5 - The first half is watchable and good. The second half is horrible. Again, same old Bollywood commercial copy-paste direction.
Production Values & Technical Aspects: 3/5 - Above average for Bollywood movies but not up to the mark. The yellowish tinge is irritating. Movie best felt on IMAX. The sound effects were fine, with no issues.
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022)
Excellent Movie
This movie was one of the best Indian space movies I've seen. Loved this more than Mission Mangal. More than just space research, it showed the brilliant life of Nambi sir. It does speak of rocket science every now and then. That espionage case part wasn't dragged or exaggerated, which was good move from filmmaking point of view. There were a few scenes that were slow but overall the movie was fabulous! There's no exaggeration, no politicizing matters, etc. I can understand the seriousness with which this film has been made. Hats off to the director, and each part of film crew, and of course, to our legend Nambi sir!
Production Values seemed good on OTT. One issue is that some flashback scenes are shown very quickly and it takes time to understand what just happened. Apart from that the film was very good. One of those rare films (like TKF, 777 Charlie, Interstellar etc.) That I can give 9+/10. Loved the last message, Nambi sir is innocent but who was actually guilty?
Crash Course (2022)
A good web-series, boring and slow sometimes
The first few and last few episodes are boring as hell, but the middle ones are exciting. After watching back-to-back episodes, it felt like a short film trying to tell me not to take things for granted. Teenage issues that arise out of negligence are shown (Riddhi Kumar's character mainly)
The business and political side of the story involving Mr. RJ ('don of the coaching mafia') was dragged a lot. Viewers may find it boring. All I can say is that what the series displays can be found relatable if you, too, are into JEE NEET Coaching race during your teenage.
It seems to be influenced by Bollywood formulaic directors. Some cliché moments are there to look for. Unnecessary swearing, toxic masculinity/femininity, vulgar scenes, petty "dosti" and "pyaar" dialogues (that are overused in Bollywood), etc. Are filled in this!
A bit slow at places; it is still overall a good web series to look out for.
Sita Ramam (2022)
Should've been either shorter or faster
Rating:
Story: 2.5/5
Production Values: 3.5/5
Screenplay: 1/5
Review:
Screenplay is very poor, narration is dull and head straining. The story is decent (not bad not good) and production values are good. Story doesn't go ahead.
In short, this film would have been better if it was shorter/faster. Songs and comedy are silly and irritating. It is better to watch on OTT instead of theatres. You need a strong mind to bear 3 hours of the film!
Love Mocktail (2020)
Good Film
Some scenes are boring and some roles are cliché but story is fresh with a positive message. Relatable story and characters. In short, very nice movie but some scenes are boring and this is not the movie for action lovers. It is a feel good rom-com drama film, a must watch film.
Roberrt (2021)
Roberrt
Average film. The second half is much better than the first half. The first half is messy all over the place and feels like comedy. Some scenes near the interval were good. In short, it'll engage the audience, but you need to skip all those silly comedy scenes. Songs are cringe.
Costume design and dance choreography are even cringier than songs. If you skip the songs, film will be more entertaining.
Darshan's dialogue delivery, all 2nd half villain acting, and technical aspects are the only good things to look for.
There are copy-paste buildup scenes from different Telugu and Tamil films, and this is nothing special in any way. Fight scenes have no logic at all!
It is a rehash of the same old massala movies, but the technical aspects are good for a Kannada movie
Final Verdict: Nothing unique, just commercial movie.
Imawa no Kuni no Arisu (2020)
Starts well but gets boring
Starts well but after the 5th or 6th episode, it offers nothing new to see. I liked the first few games that were better, deadlier, and more intricate than Squid Game. But the series deviates from games and slowly focuses on the 'Beach'. That's where I lost all interest. It doesn't offer much for someone interested in the game itself rather than the environment. Almost all characters are annoying. Production Values are great.
In short: This is not bad, it is way overrated.
Ojing-eo geim (2021)
A Thrilling Web Series
Though not as intricate as Alice in Borderland or any similar web series, Squid Game manages to engage the audience till the end. Most characters have depth, and all the actors have done justice to their roles. Sound mixing and costume design are excellent. The actor who played an old man Oh Il Nam was one of the finest among the cast. His dialogue delivery and comic timing were so natural and he was likable(?;-)
Rating:
Story: 2.5/5 - Starts slow at first but not bad after the game starts.
Screenplay: 3.5/5 - Some unecessary (adult) scenes but pace is perfect
Characters & Acting: 4/5 - Few annoying characters, but rest are good. I didn't find anyone's acting below average.
Production Values: 5/5 - The costume design of guards and the front man, the VIP Masks, the wall decors, VFX, Sound Mixing, Lighting, etc were brilliant for a web series
Total: 15/20 - 8/10.
Suzhal - The Vortex (2022)
A suspense series worth the time but nothing extraordinary
Short Review:
The ending isn't satisfying at all, but the small stories the audience gets to explore are good. Keep mind free and expectations low; you'll certainly enjoy this!
Long Review:
The series takes many turns, and everyone seems like a suspect. However, the ending wasn't good. When the face of culprit is revealed, it feels there were lots of unnecessary deviations until then. Why waste time?
Why did I watch all these episodes? One will start to think after knowing the true culprit. But I won't ruin the charm by giving away spoilers; just keep in mind this is not "extraordinary" in any way. It is interesting, though. The small stories embedded in it are thought-provoking and sheds light upon societal issues as well.
Pace is quite slow made me skip many times, then it catches up. Overall, nowhere is close to "Excellent" but a very good web series for suspense lovers.
Chase in the dark (2022)
Good story
The story was very good. It's a rehash of a Korean film called Blind. The intro scene is very well directed and gripping.
There's been an attempt to balance experimental and commercial content in the film, and it is quite well done. But the guy who has played the cop lacks an emotional display, and he seriously underacts. Half of time, he speaks in half sentences, that too in half-English + half-Kannada! But, he shined well in all anger and revenge fight scenes. VFX and production values are horrible at some places but aren't a big problem.
In short, it has some errors in filmmaking. Except that, it is a certain natural treat for suspense and experimental film lovers, and we'd want to see more films like this in KFI.
Vikram (2022)
Sure entertainer but nothing great
The movie is about series of mysterious murders and it's connection to drug rackets run by 'Rolex' (set in the same universe as Kaithi) (spoiler free synopsis)
The first half is better than the second half according to me. I came here looking for a suspense movie and the first half provided exactly that. Second half was all about loud stylized action, just like KGF or Pushpa.
In the first half, the audience learn about characters by observing their actions and decisions. Not much is told but shown. Kamal's character and background is shrouded in mystery though. This is evident from the trailer (which too, thankfully, didn't reveal anything!)
However, there are small hidden details (easter eggs) to look out for, and references to Kaithi and Kamal's previous films are fanboy moments for die hard fans. The film expects the audience to be attentive to detail
There are also some brilliantly shot scenes, revealing them would be a spoiler! Cinematography and Action Choreography join hands, are in sync, and they're way better than other films of the same genre. The songs are placed properly and don't feel like break from the plot.
The story and screenplay is way too old and cliché to be called good. This is just a massala commercial film with better suspense, cinematography, detailed action than other films of the same genre.
Mission Mangal (2019)
Mission Comedy
The film focuses on the useless personal lives of its characters than the story itself, and takes quite some deviations until Akshay or Vidya come up with some motivational lines and the film comes back to its topic.
Technical Aspects are decent, above average, I can say. Vfx was also realistic, except at some places, the satellite looked like some botched-up 3d cartoon!
Its screenplay portrays ISRO as some kindergarten or summer school circus where you happily dance, sing, and paint walls! (There's this infamous On-Off scene to look out for) Someone rightly said that this film is parody of ISRO. There's everything being done except science.
It is just an entertaining and inspiring movie for sure but lacks the seriousness, details, and depth which is expected from a film themed on such an event.
Kabir Singh (2019)
W.O.R.S.T.
Kabir Singh and Bullywood simps are gonna hate me for this. This is the worst movie of the whole century. There are films that I hated to the core, but the list is incomplete without this. Of course, this is applicable to Arjun Reddy too, and whatever language remakes of it that are done.
But, Vijay Deverakonda only does those kind of films, and that film suited him very well. Only Bekhayali was good here, and yeah Shahid has done justice to his role, but overall this film sucks to the core and gives a completely obssessive and self destructive message about love.
*The very fact that this film made 6 times more money than invested shows the disappointing mentality of our audience!*
2.0 (2018)
Sasta Nasha 2.0
Birds died by radiation
Audience brain dead by watching this
I mean, come on! You don't have any better script? I really loved Enthiran. This one ruined the legacy by mixing science and spiritual beliefs with some morals and massala, all aided by some cheap but good vfx.
The film may be commercially successful but from content point of view it fails miserably in keeping up legacy of part 1.
Runway 34 (2022)
Excellent movie
No scene has been wasted. The story is mish mash of some real event with the rehash of Sully. However, if you haven't watched the original, you might like this! Although a remake, it was done very well!
Pace of 2nd half could've been fastened without changing the script. Vfx is good but not sufficient. More originality could've been there. Remake doesn't mean you can copy line by line! Some more mystery and humor should've been there. If so, it'd have been a sure hit, or at least would've broken even.
Baaghi 3 (2020)
Baaghi dekh ke theatre se ghar bhaag gaya main!
What kind of kink do these Bollywood filmmakers have towards a girl who swears all the time?! What fun do you guys get by seeing some cheap girl/guy swearing all day in half-Hindi half-Marathi style?!
Leave that, coming to the film, only actions (which are also copied) are good. Maybe songs. Nothing else.
(The story of all Baaghi series is the same. There's Ronnie. Someone close to him is kidnapped by some large organization. Tiger Shroff (Ronnie) destroys the whole organization/mafia, with a mix of his gymnastic and karate skills, and an expressionless face that probably means anger)
Sorry, Tiger - You deserve better films, not SoTY2 or Baaghi series; These are ruining your career.
Bãhubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
Bahubali 2
Rating:
Story: 3/5
Screenplay & Direction: 3/5
Production Values: 4+/5
Total: 10/15 = 6+/10 (appx)
Review: Story and direction aren't impressive but they are above average. Prabhas shines in his role well. Background music, costume design, and many other things are very well taken care of in Rajamouli films.
Does justice to Bahubali 1, but some action scenes and long songs were lame.
Bãhubali: The Beginning (2015)
Baahubali
This movie is very good except for the war scene and all lame actions. If you consider all these, overall this movie is average. Visually it is spectacular and so is the sound design. Remaining nothing was as impressive as promised.
Dharmaveer (2022)
A Very Fine Movie
The cinematography is proper here. They've not ruined the biopic by adding massala to it. The sound and production values along with it makes the film come real. Feels like someone is recording events live there. Especially that "Tumhi Ek Maarla..." scene. Prasad Oak's acting is fine. It is said that fine acting is that thin line between overacting and underacting. I felt Prasad Oak lies on that line. Film is slow at certain places - like how most biopics are. (3.5/5)
Thackeray (2019)
Neatly made with an inspiring story. Black & White Screenplay was annoying. Nawaz is perfect in his role as Balasaheb Thackeray
Rating:
Story: 3/5
Screenplay: 2/5
Acting & Dialogue Delivery: 3/5
Production values: 2/5
Total: 10/20 = 5/10
Plot Synopsis:
The film revolves around charismatic and chauvinistic political leader Bal Thackeray as he goes from being a cartoonist to establishing the Shiv Sena party.
The film simultaneously shows the growth of Shiv Sena party, the internal conflicts it had, clashes with communists (and eventually crushing the communist uprising), from being just an organisation to forming the government in Maharashtra.
Review:
The film's slow pacing and B&W cinematography were not needed. It ruins the film for me. However, Nawaz's acting suits his role very well, and I probably cannot imagine any other popular Bollywood actor who'd fit into Balasaheb Thackeray's role so well. Nawazuddin's powerful screen presence can be felt very well.
Storyline was good, no problems with it. Some factual inaccuracies are expected when Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena MP) is part of the film crew.
Final Verdict:
Overall, this movie is between average to good. You can watch it if you're interested in biopics. The black and white scenes and the screenplay is very annoying. Nawaz is perfect in his role. Story is greatly inspiring.
777 Charlie (2022)
777 Charlie - Simple & Impactful
777 Charlie - This movie is living proof that a movie can be good without complicated storyline, expensive production, and high octane action.
Rating & Review:
Story: 4/5 - Story was good, the only issue was that they could've given a bit more context. A little bit more if the story had details and subplots it'd have been perfect. But to each his own!
Narration, Screenplay & Direction: 4/5 - Felt slow at times but most of the time it was good. Some scenes were unnecessary to the story (ex: the dog show scene)
Production Values: 5/5 - Great! Considering the budget and need, the VFX was very good and promising.
Others: 5/5 - No other issues.
Total: 18/20 = 9/10
Final Verdict: This movie is a light-hearted movie about dog-human relationships. If you're a dog lover, or even if you're not one, you might like this film.
(I just hope there's a sequel, or maybe the next project of the director somehow connected to this film, it'll be nostalgic!)
When I saw many pan-Indian films like KGF, RRR, etc., This one is good for a change.
If you're looking for simple themed movies then this is one of the best. It is nothing short of 10/10 but the pacing was an issue.
Dia (2020)
Dia - A Dumb Movie
So the point of the whole movie is suicide.
If movies like Kabir Singh, Radhe Shyam, and Dia are called "Romance," then our industries seriously need some improvements.
Kabir Singh ruined his whole life each day craving for his girl, while, one of the lead characters in this one commits suicide directly without even thinking!
I can understand his situation when he lost both his mother and lover. But what's the point of showing him commit suicide. They could've at least left the audience to make up their own ending the way it suits them.
Seetha (2019)
Lol what a simp! Cringe!
Far from reality
The only good scene was police chase comedy scene
Rest all comesy was unnecessary
If it were a full comedy film then it'd have worked
Song Nijamena is perfect
Given 1* for these alone
Otherwise wouldn't have wasted my time reviewing this, I wasted time watching the film.
RRR (Rise Roar Revolt) (2022)
Good mass entertainer but nothing special about it
RRR is surely an entertaining movie and has a good story but nowhere close to saying "Pride of Indian Cinema", it is just an expensive project which turned commercially successful. The content is good but nothing special.
What I do like about the film is that when S. S. R does a period film; he researches that and makes moments perfect. It feels like the audience is living in the British Raj era. But, the slow story and cliché actions ruin it.
So, RRR is watchable and fun too. But lot of hero worship, over-the-top actions, and lame dance steps (especially the climax song Ettera Jenda in Telugu & Sholay in Hindi), is cringe and childish. The production values and VFX work (especially in dynamite blast scenes) are quite impressive for an Indian movie. It is a very good movie for one time watch but nothing like "Pride of Indian Cinema"
Rating:
Story: 2.5/5
Direction: 3/5
Production Values: 3.5/5
Others: 3.5/5.
James (2022)
James
1. Story: 2/5 - Nothing fresh, 1 star given for the plot twists and 1 star for climax.
2. Production Values & Technical aspects and VFX: 3/5 - Good job! It needs improvement, though.
3. Action and stunts: 3/5 - performed with style and smoothness. A bit exaggerated sometimes. But treat for action lovers!
4. Songs: 2/5 - decent
5. Acting & dialogue delivery: 5/5 - No doubts! Appu's fine acting and Shivanna's voice is excellent
Total: 15/25 = 6/10.
In short, it is not as great 8+/10 reviews say, but is not as bad as haters say. The film has an average story but it does have nice action and vfx work. It does a good job in entertaining but doesn't create any impact.