Achyut_Prashast_Singh's Reviews

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024)

10/10

A surprisingly fresh throwback to the Hollywood sci-fi action films of the 90s.

11 April 2024

The trailer made it seem like an ordinary action movie about two best buddies on a mission to save the country. The film turned out to be much more than that. It was more of a sci-fi action movie on the lines of Hollywood action cinema of the 90s filled with explosions, guns, friendship, pretty ladies and strong male leads.

The film is also surprisingly very fast paced and focused, with minimal subplots. The story is very focused, and with the exception of two songs in between, which didn't feel like speed breakers, it kept me engaged throughout. While an out an out action flick to the core, the film packages set piece after set piece in the first half, but the reveal before the intermission and the writing scores brownie points when the science fiction element comes into focus. Akshay and Tiger are aptly cast as the titular protagonists, but the surprise package is Prithviraj Sukumaran whose villain act is going to be forever etched in my memory. He is the soul of this film and no one, I repeat, NO ONE, could have done this role better than him, he's just that good.

The music is catchy, the banter between the two heroes is hilarious and there are many pop culture references throughout. It's as if this was a Hollywood movie, just with Indian actors and setting. This is a throwback to the good old times when action movies were about entertaining and... well, entertaining. From slow-mo explosions to breakneck fight sequences, the action aspect is really strong and the 3D effects are stunning. So don't hesitate to spend a few more bucks on the 3D glasses. The experience is really worth it.

I might be exaggerating, but this was much better than the entire YRF spy universe combined (excluding Tiger 3, which I haven't watched yet) in my personal experience. While the first half plays out like a simple action thriller, the second half peaks with its transformation into a sci-fi actioner. Even the patriotism is not forced, and it's so good for the most part than a few minor hiccups can be ignored, if any at all. I didn't find any.

I won't be surprised if this film is also somehow bashed the way Ra. One was back in 2011. I constantly was reminded of how so many people hated that brilliant film solely for the science fiction element. But I think the masses have in fact evolved with time, since I watched it in a packed theatre with lots of cheering. While it took a backseat during the sci-fi portions, it returned when the action portions reclaimed the centrestage. The sustained battle sequence in the final act is just perfect. I'm glad I didn't see this film after reading any reviews or with a preconceived notion.

You might feel I'm exaggerating again, but this is a fresh attempt and deserves appreciation. 10 out of 10 stars from my side to BMCM. I would love to watch it again.

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Fighter (2024)

9/10

Has some flaws, but worth a watch, for it truly entertains.

27 March 2024

After streaming it on Netflix, I'm starting to regret not watching this movie in cinemas, especially when I'm a big fan of 3D movies. Fighter is a well-made aerial action film, and considering this genre is relatively new to India, its reception was always going to be mixed. The film packages high-octane aerial action scenes comprising of dogfights, explosions and high-speed stunts aside from a strong emotional appeal.

But all of this is achieved after a long building which consumes almost 48 minutes. Those 48 minutes are where the film's weaknesses lie, because not only are some scenes underwhelming (biryani scene, for example), but we are also treated to unnecessarily inserted songs which serve no purpose to the story. The entire romance between the lead couple is depicted so heavily through their interactions that we didn't really need to see them sing and dance in the middle of a patriotic moment. Sher Khul Gaye song is the best in my opinion but it appears and ends without feeling integral. However, once the film regains its focus, there's no looking back.

The film is definitely very lengthy and doesn't really justify being this long, but once the main story comes into focus, these flaws can be overlooked. The visual effects are brilliant, and the action choreography is terrific. Mind you, there is not much hand to hand in comparison to the high number of aerial battles, much akin to Top Gun series, so don't expect Pathaan or Jawan-esque "mass" action here. This is a new kind of action film and even though it definitely borrows from Top Gun in some ways, Fighter manages to become unique and interesting in its own way.

I would appreciate a sequel to this, but one piece of advice for the makers: please, for the love of God, don't add songs just because it's common to do so. At least not the way you did during the end credits where a patriotic song was playing, then suddenly the couple song came, and the patriotic song resumed. That just felt too random. Other than that, Fighter is an entertaining, emotional action film with lots of fun in spite of some flaws.

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The Killer (2023)

10/10

A slow yet terrific action thriller.

9 March 2024

The Killer is, in simple words, your typical assassin-on-the-run action thriller, except it has a lot of quiet moments and dialogue which make it a unique experience as a whole. In other words, on one hand it's another "professional assassin makes a mistake and goes on a killing spree" movie, but the main character's mind is explored a lot more than what we're used to seeing in this genre.

This means that the film is more than just a mere string of killings, gore and fights. It devotes a lot of time to the character drama which manages to bring the runtime closer to 2 hours. Some might find this kind of execution pretentious, but I personally felt the film was quite fun to watch. We're normally used to watching the assassin just finding out about his targets, ambushing and taking them out. This is where The Killer steps in and makes a difference: we get to see how he spends his time while waiting for the right moment to take out the targets, as well as how he travels across the globe, arranges resources and sets out on a mission of violent vengeance.

That being said, the film also has some really good action sequences, be it a sustained fistfight or just a simple killing which takes the killer a few seconds to execute. I personally loved the way the fight sequence was executed; never imagined that seeing and hearing wooden objects get destroyed would be THIS fun! This scene is the biggest highlight of the film, because aside from its masterful choreography and picturization, this is one of those really intense moments where the killer faces a real competition.

Towards the final act, it did feel a little longer but having enjoyed the similarly slow-paced previous acts, I was still entertained. It did remind me of Liam Neeson's Memory (based on The Alzheimer Case) in a good way. If you like action thrillers but also won't mind them being slower and more talky than usual, check out The Killer on Netflix; it's worth a watch.

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Salaar (2023)

10/10

Top-notch action thriller from the director of KGF.

9 March 2024

When I first watched the promos for Salaar, I liked them but still didn't get very excited as the story was not really revealed much. I expected an ordinary "mass" action movie but when I streamed it on Netflix yesterday, I was surprised how well-written this movie was. Aside from the great action sequences, the film has a very captivating plot and with typical songs and romance being nonexistent, the film focuses on the characters and the main conflict without losing focus at any point.

At first, you might wonder why this first part of the Salaar saga is called "Ceasefire", but as the story unfolds, you will realize this is one of the most befitting titles in the recent times. The hints are in the first half as well (the mother's attitude towards violence). But in the second one, you just get to see it applicable in a very interesting manner.

Prabhas surprisingly has little dialogue in comparison to others, but that is also what makes this role unique. His friendship with Prithviraj Sukumaran's character is heartwarmingly brought on screen. There are a number of villains in this story and all of them perform brilliantly. The female cast delivers an equally praiseworthy performance.

If you managed to enjoy the first 47 minutes, the subsequent film will leave you enthralled as it delivers a crescendo of action, suspense and political games. The world-building is fantastic in the second half and that is something I didn't expect before watching the film. And when it comes to the film's USP (the action sequences), you get to witness some of the finest fight scenes in the history of Indian cinema, notably the Kateramma fight sequence which, if really used CGI to show chopped-off body parts, succeeded in looking visually very realistic. The music is also commendable.

Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire, by its end, raises a number of questions set to be answered in the sequel. Till then, just tune in to Netflix, grab a tub of popcorn and enjoy a thrilling action epic you MUST WATCH!

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Animal (I) (2023)

10/10

Mere depiction of a villainous protagonist is not glorification.

31 December 2023

Warning: Spoilers

Animal has made the headlines for many wrong reasons; it has been labelled as a deeply misogynistic and problematic film which "glorifies" a toxic protagonist. I have to admit there were times certain dialogues left me uncomfortable, but that feeling alone is proof I'm not prone to being "brainwashed" by the film and turning into an "animal" as a side effect of watching it.

Animal is, to put simply, the story of a deranged, broken, unhinged and yet deeply realistic character who happens to be the protagonist. We have seen countless such movies where the bad guy is the main lead and we often end up sympathising with such characters when their traumas are revealed. I found the character of Ranvijay to be the actual bad guy and never actually felt he didn't deserve what he got as a result of his actions. There were some parts, however, where I felt his character didn't deserve the received flak.

Let's drop the moral correctness aside for now.

Animal is packed with raw emotions, is justifiably rated A due to its strongly violent, profane and sexual content. The first half focuses more on the plot and concludes with an intense, prolonged action episode which is alone worth the admission price. Second half onwards, it lays more focus on the characters and one might find it quite dialogue-heavy, but the frequent action and tension keep the entertainment quotient high. By the time it arrived to a satisfactory ending, I felt the film had been interpreted incorrectly by many people who somehow happen to have a more powerful voice and now want to judge audiences for liking a film like this.

Not done.

Animal's biggest plus point is keeping one engaged for 3 hours and 21 minutes; while some scenes were unsettling, I never found any where I felt bored. There is ample depth to the character played by Ranbir Kapoor. It's easy to dismiss the character as a merely problematic person, but if you try to understand what drove him to this madness without forgetting about his subsequent actions, you might discover a good scope for character study.

Performance wise, Ranbir Kapoor dominates the film. Rashmika Mandanna shines the most in what was unfortunately a trolled scene prior to the film's release. Anil Kapoor still has the impactful dialogue delivery and realistic expressions which made him a star several years ago. Bobby Deol has little to do, which could disappoint his fans, but leaves no stone unturned to make his performance memorable. Music is also quite good and I have been vibing to it for weeks now. The cinematography and action choreography are absolutely fabulous and one can feel the grandeur from the production values alone.

Animal seems to have been targeted more at the male demographic, and while having an amoral leading character, also emphasises the power of fraternity, hope, resolution and love while also showing what bad parenting can do to a young mind and corrupt it completely. The psychological aspect seems to have been overlooked by the film's detractors who even went on to shame people for merely liking the film. I on the other hand felt relieved that I am unaffected by the "impact" such dark movies have on one's mind as being claimed by many so-called critics, since there were moments where I refused to defend the protagonist just because he was the protagonist. In fact, he somewhat rightfully loses everything at the end, and I wonder why THAT isn't something one should get inspired by too before imitating what they believe was "glorified".

Animal is one of the best action films of the year where aside from the violence and dark mentalities of broken people, even heated arguments and conversations, where one doesn't just shut up and turn into a good listener as the opponent speaks up against the former, are depicted very realistically. I don't regret watching it at all and staying till the very end. It still won't work for a particular audience, but that's none of my business since I paid only for my ticket, not theirs. In my personal opinion, which this whole review has been about since the start, the film made me excited, unsettled, laugh and shed tears by the end. It's a dark and downbeat tragedy at its core and unlike what the critics are saying, it has a message: don't let your kids become a Ranvijay; don't take their love for granted, and don't force your own morality onto cinema.

If anything, try lecturing adults who brought kids along to see this film; I was absolutely appalled when I saw this happening today. Those who don't understand that A rated films are not for kids are most likely the real ones who get "influenced" by violence whether they see it in the movies or not.

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Chaos (2000)

10/10

A brilliant, complex, twisted mystery-thriller.

25 November 2023

This film is aptly titled "Chaos". Because after a certain point of time, you will find yourself in a chaotic, confused state of mind, all because this film doesn't spoon-feed at all. You will need to think a lot in order to understand it. I wrote the same in the review of its brilliant Indian remake Woodstock Villa (2008), which is not better than the original but has a better ending for sure.

Chaos progresses at a good pace, and I was in fact shocked how short it felt. The first half was easy to understand, but the second one began to make think because of the nonlinear storytelling and twists. Even for a film which is obviously not made on a huge budget, Chaos makes sure you focus on the plot instead. I wasn't able to move till the end.

Chaos boasts of some great performances, especially from the leading lady. This is a very thrilling film with the kind of intrigue and tension you expect from a good thriller. There are almost no unnecessary scenes to slow down the pacing, and the film delivers one great twist after another before arriving at a complex ending.

Not many will appreciate the way it ends, but I saw it as a symbol for the human mind's complexity. You don't need to understand everything. Keep that in mind, and Chaos will turn out to be a clever watch.

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Woodstock Villa (2008)

10/10

A thriller that doesn't spoon-feed.

25 November 2023

First off, this film is a remake of the Japanese thriller Kaosu (2000), albeit with songs and some original scenes/characters.

Woodstock Villa had been on my watchlist ever since I found myself addicted to the soundtrack. However, learning that it might be a remake, I checked out the original film first, and still ended up enjoying this remake. In fact, having watched the original, I was able to understand certain twists because both films don't spoon-feed. You actually have to use your brain to figure out what went down in several scenes.

Which is another reason some might find the twists far-fetched and maybe even unbelievable. However, Woodstock Villa is filmed and picturized like a true neo-noir and has a flair. The BGM enchanted me completely and I keep listening to it every now and then. As for the songs, I just thought maybe one song could at least have been taken out, given how fast the pacing is. You don't want speed breakers in watertight thrillers. However, the soundtrack is otherworldly in terms of quality and melody, due to which I can excuse this minor flaw.

Woodstock Villa is a thriller for the thinking viewers. The fact that it bombed with such low ratings proves it. The film, although a remake, has a better climax and ending than the original film. I took some time to figure out why it played out like that, and the moment I understood why, I realized this was a really mind-bending thriller. Give it a watch, but be prepared for the songs to slow down the film a bit at times.

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Jawan (2023)

10/10

A perfect masala entertainer. No complaints from me.

5 November 2023

Jawan is one of the best Bollywood action thrillers in recent times. It oozes the feel of a comic book film from its visuals, action sequences and costumes alone. There's surprise after surprise, and none of it is affected by the simple and at times predictable storyline. In fact, it is impressive how Atlee managed to create a gem of a movie from a rather simple story which even has shades of his 2017 Tamil film Mersal, except Jawan turns it even better with its execution.

From the opening sequence itself, you are captivated and what follows is a totally spellbinding plot. While it is intense and thrilling, it is also emotionally powerful in its depiction of the protagonist's flashback; it is strong enough to move you to tears. Even the songs are catchy and placed at the right time. As for the action, it is the best part of the film and one major reason I would love to see it again and again.

The editing and VFX are brilliant. Close to three hours, but not a single boring moment. But what truly completes this film is the character work. Every character has something special to contribute, and the performances simply elevate the film's entertainment quotient. SRK as Azad is superb as always, but Vikram Rathore might just be the best action role he has EVER played. From his expressions alone, you can feel, "Let's not mess with this guy!" and seeing SRK play such a character was something I never expected. Nayanthara... what an actress! A strongly written character and memorable too. The girl team's actors are also impressive, but it's Deepika Padukone's part which left me teary eyed. I won't forget her character for quite some time. Vijay Sethupathi was fantastic, and a perfect foil for SRK.

The film also succeeds in its intentions to showcase women empowerment without being preachy in any way. Kudos to the writers for making every female character stand out as much as the male lead, and not rendering them useless at any point. This movie truly understands what "heroine" means and by that logic we have multiple of them here.

Lastly, this is a fun film with more surprises as the story continues. The audience in the theatre cheered, whistled, laughed and enjoyed it through and through. I think we need to stop worrying about matching Hollywood and instead focus on our own brand of homegrown action movies. And one last thing... that cameo really caught me off-guard. That was a good one, Atlee.

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Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters: Special 2 (2023)

Season 4, Episode 30

10/10

To the boy who sought freedom, goodbye.

5 November 2023

Having completed the manga last year itself since the story was too gripping to be put on hold, I may not have been surprised by every twist and surprise thrown at me but absolutely LOVED watching this episode in animation. Even thought it's basically a feature length film than a regular 20-minute episode, it delivers a crescendo of nonstop action and drama throughout the duration, and KILLS IT.

The animation was marvelous. If there's one thing I have always loved about this anime from the beginning, it is the action sequences, and the makers definitely saved the best one for the finale. Looking as if filmed from a camera rather than drawn on paper or a computer screen, this episode is the best dose anime action fans can give themselves.

The dialogues, the plot and the character drama alone prove AOT is worthy of being regarded as a high-quality, heart-stopping literature. And this episode shows what happens when you accurately balance fighting with drama: the perfect entertainment. This is one thing this anime has never failed at.

In the end, it's the mangaka we must credit for such an epic, timeless story to come alive on the screen in the first place. Thank you Mr. Isayama. This would never be possible without you writing the story of a boy who sought freedom. Eren and Mikasa would never be forgotten, because part of what makes this story so intense and powerful is them. No matter what opinions others hold, for me this is the most powerful final episode in a long while and would remember it for years to come. Goodbye, Attack on Titan.

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Sound of Freedom (2023)

10/10

You don't need to be an American to shed tears for God's children.

5 October 2023

Sound of Freedom is the perfect example of a film loved truly by the audiences while the critic scores continued to plummet. I had known what to expect from this film, and was not surprised with what it turned out to be. For the first 45 minutes, I kept getting teary eyed, and was reminded of the 2011 South Korean film Silenced, which was a far more graphic and disturbing watch since it had children go through unspeakable things. Sound of Freedom is at times disturbing as well, but the makers have acted wisely by not making it graphic, and just letting the viewers imagine the horror several innocent kids go through all over the world.

Jim Caviezel is terrific in this role. You can see a sincerity and a dedication towards delivering a powerful message which appeals not just to the film's native country, but to others as well. In fact, I'm an Indian and yet my heart wept for those kids and their helpless parents. I just kept uttering from time to time, "Don't hurt the kids, please." I can truly understand why so many viewers in the West shed tears while reviewing it.

One important thing to note here is that unlike Taken (2008), this is not an action movie. In fact, I was surprised how a subject like this was handled with minimal to no action/violence and more through drama and suspense. So don't go in expecting big shootouts, fights or explosions throughout the 2 hour runtime. It comes across as an emotional crime drama about one man's struggles to rescue kidnapped children. The music/score leaves a strong impact.

And by the time it came to an end, I felt a quietness. I wasn't crying or angry anymore; I just felt a brilliantly told story coming to a somewhat perfect conclusion. Sound of Freedom is an emotional thriller which will definitely make you shed tears and leave an impact on your hearts. Child trafficking is sadly still a persistent issue in the world and we need to see it not through a political but a human lens instead. No kid deserves to have his/her childhood and innocence snatched away, and this film is a timely reminder for audiences in and outside of America.

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The Equalizer 3 (2023)

4/10

I was disappointed this time.

3 October 2023

Unlike The Equalizer 1 and 2, this film is surprisingly underwhelming. It's not just because it has less action compared to those movies, but because it has a plot which is haywire and hard to process. I still can't understand what the plot was about. Denzel is the only reason you should watch this if you're interested but otherwise this can be skipped as it fails both as an entertaining third part as well as an ordinary action film in general.

The film's first 10-something minutes are spellbinding. I expected more of that, but I guess the makers needed to stop at that and release this as a short film instead. The action scene itself has been all over the promos and hence doesn't surprise you when you see it, but it's the only actual memorable part of the film.

From there, it goes on a downward spiral because what follows is not a movie but a sequence of random, forgettable scenes. The first two movies not only had a lot of action, but their character drama was also on point. This is clearly missing here, and the film turns out to be dull. There's no suspense or thrill factor going on beyond the opening sequence, and even the finale fails to stand out. The villains were weak and at no point did I hate them.

Robert McCall's desire for peace didn't carry much emotional weight either. I didn't feel any emotion by the time the film ended. This is a rare disappointment from Denzel Washington and has surprisingly nothing going in its favor except the locations, the actor himself as well as the few action scenes. It's pretty average and forgettable, and something I won't call a perfect film to end this franchise with. If they make another, I'll give it a watch just for Denzel and the first two movies which I have revisited multiple times. But this one... not really.

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Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

10/10

The best one so far!

1 October 2023

First off, it's sad that this film didn't do very well at the box office due to the heavy competition. But that doesn't mean it's a weak film in any way. In fact, I found myself enjoying it as much as the previous entries in the MI franchise, or maybe, even more. The action sequences and the twists & turns kept me captivated. It is indeed a very long film but I never felt bored at any point.

I just wish the makers didn't spoil some of the best action sequences in the promos alone, because when you watch them after knowing the context, the impact only gets better; not knowing about those particular scenes would've been even better, but those scenes are so good you might want to watch the film again just for them. Tom Cruise has given it his all again, and you've got to give it to him for risking his life so that we can be entertained for a few hours. Also, the villains felt more menacing and lethal than before and many a times I just wanted them to get defeated anyhow.

It's also sad that I couldn't catch this in cinemas, but I will make sure to catch part 2 theatrically because this is Mission Impossible, man. A series which has and will always be about entertaining us first. I personally thought this was the best of the series so far, and can be enjoyed by both the longtime fans as well as the newer ones.

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Ek Tha Tiger (2012)

10/10

What did I watch 11 years ago?

27 September 2023

This is the first time I have given a film I initially disliked a second chance. When I first saw it on TV 11 years ago during its small screen debut, I was bored. The talky parts were replayed multiple times, in order to stretch it to a standard 3-hour broadcast, instead of the action scenes, due to which it felt really long, dragged and boring. Also, I wasn't used to watching any spy movies at that time.

Several years later, especially after loving its sequel, I began to feel my tastes have changed over the years, and that maybe it is the right time to give this film a second chance. The other three movies in the YRF spy universe were watched when I had developed a liking for action thrillers, therefore hating on this one didn't seem fair. I just finished rewatching the film a few minutes ago and I'm glad I did so. The film is a lot tighter, suspenseful and thought inducing than it appeared in the first viewing.

I don't expect to use my brains in a Salman Khan movie, but this film surprisingly had me captivated and stunned even by things I remembered from the initial viewing. The action scenes were good then and are great now. I finally do understand why I might not have liked it then; it appears to have more talk than action several times, so those expecting only fighting might not easily adore this film. But there's still action aplenty, and its choreography is terrific.

There were times it made me really wonder who's on whose side, and the romance part which put me off years ago felt livelier now. It is actually a very well-written story which doesn't drag and is compactly told in 133 minutes. A lot that didn't make sense back then was enjoyable now. Tastes really do change, don't they?

The film's themes of love and espionage clash to deliver a crescendo of action, adventure, romance and suspense, without feeling overdone or downplayed. This is actually the most grounded film in the YRF spy universe to date, because while it has the international scale spectacle, it also manages to be a human story of two spies, from rival nations, in love. I loved this film, and feel glad to have given it another chance.

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Retribution (I) (2023)

10/10

Another enjoyable Liam Neeson action thriller.

19 September 2023

First off, I have watched the original Retribution, therefore a few twists were not too surprising, but the film was so well made I found myself enjoying it till the end. Liam Neeson's character is much more vulnerable and angrier this time, and as his fan, I couldn't ask for more. There's car chases, explosions and other intense stuff throughout the duration, and all of it was worth it. The constant dose of suspense and action will keep you hooked. Even though it is a remake, the film manages to hold its own. While the makers have avoided certain elements of the original, they have added their own as well, which are intriguing to watch. All in all, a smart action thriller for Liam Neeson and genre fans who aren't tired of simple yet captivating movies.

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Ambulance (2022)

8/10

A good remake, but the original remains superior.

15 September 2023

Michael Bay and the action genre have become fairly synonymous over the years. With Ambulance, he has delivered another fun action thriller with tons of action and suspense. However, having also seen the original film it is based on, I can conclude the better of the two films is undoubtedly the Danish original, which is about an hour shorter than this remake. Which also means Ambulance manages to deliver some good original elements and as a whole doesn't feel like a totally rehashed version.

The original Ambulance (let's call it what it is, Ambulancen) was so fast-paced and well-edited that it left no room for boredom or any slowness. Here, in Ambulance, there's a buildup to the action which is crafted very well and once the action starts, there is no turning back. This continues for some 2 hours which is why the film doesn't bore at any moment.

However, the climax felt a little dragged. The rest of the film was simply one big action sequence with some storytelling which went on for more than 2 hours, and yet it felt like the makers were in a hurry to wrap up the climax so they crammed it in the last 15-20 minutes. Again, this wasn't a flaw in the original which ended just without feeling dragged. Still, the 2 hours of cars crashing, high-speed driving, explosions and shootouts are more than enough for a decent viewing experience. A few characters are unimpressive, but they are overshadowed by the focused plot and that's another win.

Ambulance is not better than Ambulancen, but is a compelling watch nonetheless. Watch it for the action sequences served with some occasionally good writing and suspenseful moments. But do not forget to check out Ambulancen. It might not have been made on a massive budget, but it looks pretty intense and is totally worth your time.

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Gadar 2 (2023)

10/10

Sunny Deol and Anil Sharma revive the old-school action drama with Gadar 2.

26 August 2023

First off, my rating scale functions differently. I am not a critic. I rate movies based on how much and if they manage to engage me. Gadar 2 engaged me from start to finish. With exciting homages to the first Gadar as well as introduction of new elements, Gadar 2 is actually a much better story than I thought it would be. If you sit back and think for a while, you will realize this was actually a pretty simple yet smart story. There were enough twists and turns, and there were moments where I couldn't stop my tears. Gadar 2 hits closer to him largely because of the first film which even today holds both an entertaining as well as historical significance. It was a larger-than-life yet grounded portrayal of an action hero fighting for his love post the partition; Gadar 2 rehashes the same elements, but with a different style.

Anil Sharma has experimented with Tara Singh's screen presence in the first half, which was quite risky. He however managed to pass the test with flying colors. The second half was an absolute firecracker. Everyone was cheering, clapping, laughing and having a lot of fun. Especially seeing Sunny Deol in his vintage, roaring action hero avatar alone was worth the ticket price. He takes on bad guys with ease, performs seemingly impossible feats and yet I believed all of that. Such strong is his on-screen persona. His screaming never stops being fun. Rather many of us were laughing due to sheer excitement as it brought back memories of his older movies, and reminded us how unlucky the bad guys were, to get to fight him and be smashed to bits. The action sequences were really good. Utkarsh Sharma was actually a surprise. He delivered a good performance throughout the film. Ameesha Patel had less to do this time, but she managed to deliver some scenes where I couldn't hold back my tears. But the man who truly left a deeper impact than expected was Manish Wadhwa. His character was menacing, cruel, unlikable and then some, all due to his brilliant performance. Some might find the pacing slower in the first half, while if you think about it, the pacing is actually fine. Even the songs are not dragged too much, and the film hardly has any dull or boring moments. The entire first half sets up the stage for an explosive second half, which it delivers. Sure, the VFX could've been better in a few shots but those shots are pretty short and hence excusable.

The basic family emotion of Gadar 2 combined with epic action, thunderous dialogue delivery and energetic performances turns out to be a massive positive, and as a result one exits the cinema satisfied. Trust me, Gadar 2 was never supposed to be some educational documentary or a full-fledged history lesson. It is just an engaging action movie about one of India's most loved on-screen families, and just seeing them once again was enough to make me smile. Last but not the least, the hair-rising climax is the best part of the film. No wonder the audience clapped as the end credits began rolling. I was thrilled: you would be too, if you know what to expect from a film like this. Gadar 2 might not be better than Gadar, but is a really fun entertainer and guarantees you a good time at the movies. Book your tickets if you want any since they are still getting sold out!

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Arjun Pandit (1999)

10/10

One of Sunny Deol's career best films!

21 August 2023

Arjun Pandit caught my attention months ago, but it was only recently that I was able to watch the film. Even though the version on Disney+ Hotstar is censored, the film manages to be so intense and engaging you can't even easily predict where the cuts have been made. It has a lot of action, tension, twists and a power-packed performance from Sunny Deol, who surprises as the meek protagonist later becoming the deadly titular antihero Arjun Pandit.

Juhi Chawla equally contributes to the film's quality with her terrific performance. Since the film is a romantic action thriller, her portions are truly integral to the story and much more than just the singing, dancing and romancing with the hero. The Haridwar setting was another big reason I fell in love with this film since I hail from Haridwar and the depiction of its locales at times serves as a throwback to the late 90s when I was born. The Mumbai setting is equally impressive.

There are many times you will find Arjun Pandit a villainous character and wonder if he really has a justification to act the way he does. For that, you have to keep watching and your patience will be rewarded. The music is also excellent, especially the famous "Kudiyan Shehar Diyan" which I have listened to repeatedly both before and after watching the film. While it's a powerful action thriller, it's also a meaningful love story where the hero and the heroine are written with brilliance. The conclusion to the film is an impressive one, and as someone who likes to think and examine the psyche of characters, I found it brilliant in a number of ways. Editing wise also the film is gripping and fast-paced despite being longer than 2 hours. Action choreography is stunning, be it the fighting, shootouts or car chases. Dialogues have been written and delivered with finesse and there are many moments where you will laugh and smile due to excitement.

Lastly, it's Sunny Deol whose screen presence and charisma make it even better. He has the action hero image which has been portrayed well in this film too. It manages to strike the perfect balance between being an action movie and a love story, and by the end, is a totally enjoyable and engaging ride. Must watch!

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Adipurush (2023)

1/10

Less of a movie, more of an endurance test.

11 August 2023

When I decided to watch this film, I had made up my mind to ignore the costume and design changes, and to embrace it with an open mind. But this film, after a decent intro, turned out to be horrible. Adipurush doesn't just fail as an adaptation of the Ramayana, but also simply as a film. Even with a plethora of action sequences, it is nonchalantly executed and feels extremely dull.

The VFX, first off, is horrible. I can't believe how the makers were even confident to release this in cinemas. The low quality work renders the film's action sequences unenjoyable, as a result of which they feel dragged and overlong. I'm an action movie fan but this film tested my patience with every passing second. Forget the offensive dialogue, even the simple dialogue fails to evoke any emotion, with the exception of a handful of lines.

The film also turns out to be unintentionally funny many times. Lord Hanuman's character is made comedic and aggressive, and the performance by his actor is at times parody-like. For instance, when he is captured in one scene, the way he reacts before falling down is purely hilarious. I feel sad saying this because I worship Lord Hanuman and to see him like this was heartbreaking. Kriti Sanon was a surprise, though. She acted her role sincerely. Sunny Singh had this one weird, choked expression whenever he got attacked or hit. Saif Ali Khan delivered the best performance among the lot, but the weird CGI rendered many of his scenes unbearable to watch.

And Prabhas? He ended up disappointing me even though I'm a big fan of him. He emotes with just one expression which is either of worry or rage, and nothing else. The film betrays the source material in many ways, especially with that 1-minute long disclaimer at the beginning explaining all the deal with the cinematic liberties and stuff and how it is not "necessarily" an adaptation of Valmiki Ramayana. Ignore that. All of that.

Because before the release, its writer claimed the film to be based entirely on the Ramayana we have grown up watching and listening to. No wonder he retracted and later claimed it was not Ramayana. No doubt it isn't, because Ramayana was not a boring CGI fest with zero emotional appeal or connect. Ramayana is not just about a war between good and evil but also a study of the people involved in it. Adipurush piles up one set piece after another, filled with unwatchable VFX, but forgets to add any emotion to it. As a result, I found the film incredibly boring and hard to finish. I had to take multiple breaks, pause it and then resume it: not with the intention to enjoy but to finish it. My excitement died out in the first 45 minutes itself. Rest of the viewing was a mere chore.

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Zinda (2006)

3/10

Murda (dead) instead.

8 August 2023

If you haven't watched Oldboy before watching this, let me sum it up: it's a dark revenge story with themes and twists which are at times so sickening you might not be able to watch it without pausing and calming yourself down first. As a psychological drama, its emotions are deep and explored with finesse. As a mystery thriller, it keeps you hooked and willing to unravel the mystery. And as an action movie, it packages memorable fight sequences brilliant enough to give many modern films of this genre a run for the money.

And then there's Zinda.

Sanjay Gupta's Kaante was a remarkable film even though it was "inspired" by Reservoir Dogs. Since the latter's director Quentin Tarantino praised it, Gupta might have wanted to do the "inspired" thing again and then proceeded to rip-off a totally different film: except he was caught this time. Zinda is a big disservice to Oldboy from the cringe-inducing first scene itself. The songs are horribly high-pitched and as someone watching it with headphones on, my ears suffered a temporarily irreparable damage.

Storywise, this film definitely has some merit since it copied a very well-made, acclaimed film. The positives are few, but there are moments where it truly shines. The fast pacing and tight editing, first of all, are its biggest merits. The film cuts to the chase pretty quick and the dark tone does create some intense moments from time to time. The biggest positive of this film is John Abraham, who might show up a little late but overshadows Sanjay Dutt and other performers. Lara Dutta has some annoying lines, while Dutt just looks tired. Casting him was a decent choice since he does have that intense look Choi Min-sik carried in the original film. However, the dullness in the overall film doesn't even spare him of all people, and the result is damped down further by the execution.

The biggest negative of the film, however, is the hammer fight sequence which made Oldboy a respectable choice of global action fans. Zinda's makers deserve the props for filming the fight in a continuous long shot akin to the original, but the execution and choreography are laughable. You can clearly see none of the blows are landing on anyone and the sound effects implying they do only make it worse. Added to it was a very weird CGI knife, which one can spot from a distance and identify as fake. Obviously.

The film simplifies Oldboy a bit too much. The protagonist somehow manages to have an upper hand all the time and we don't get to relate to him or sympathize with him. The violence is definitely extreme, but the integral sexual element of the original is almost totally gone. The complex psychological themes and the distress are watered down to the extent the film runs dry. The only part where it gets slightly watchable is the penultimate 20 minutes, with some intense dialogue, but whether or not you compare it to the shocking climax of the original, Zinda's tameness is enough to put you off. Added to it is an unintentionally comedic shot which ruined the seriousness of the sequence.

The film is dark, violent and brooding but there's no sense of urgency to finish it. You could conveniently pause at any point and take a break. I in fact found it so forgettable I even forgot the parts I hated the most. The film is not boring, which is good, but what it provides us with is not the reason; it's the curiosity to see how much could a big director like Gupta mess it up. Oldboy's ending left many viewers feeling numb while Zinda's ending will leave you feeling you are dumb.

The makers released it as Zinda (alive) but without realizing it was already Murda, or dead on arrival. A few good parts for sure, but definitely far and few. Not worth the time!

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Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

10/10

If this isn't a masterpiece, I don't know what else is.

1 August 2023

Oppenheimer is a rare biopic which, in spite of being driven entirely by dialogue and character drama, never bored me at any point. I was so amazed by the film that even after many a times not understanding the scientific stuff and all, I was glued to the screen, understanding it through the characters and their actions alone. I loved every bit of it and was totally focused. Once it was over, I walked out with a sense of satisfaction.

Oppenheimer is Christopher Nolan's masterpiece which he has painted with the help of talented actors such as Cillian Murphy who has sunken his teeth into the portrayal of the protagonist. He dominates every scene he is in, and I'm hoping he definitely gets an Oscar nod next year. If not him, then at least Robert Downey Jr. Deserves one for sure. His electrifying performance is so good you won't even think about seeing an old Tony Stark at all. Similarly terrific are Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and Florence Pugh who leave the desired impact.

The first half focuses on the character more than the main explosion which is later showcased in one of the most ingenious and cinematically remarkable ways. That means I should also warn you to not come merely for the explosion. This is a heavy dialogue-driven drama with little bit of action and almost no violence. A thriller feel is maintained throughout with the help of the background score, and that makes many scenes more intriguing to watch. I personally felt the human drama of Oppenheimer was more appealing than the explosion itself, because that is what this film is actually about: his life before and after the nuclear test. The film also excels in the technical departments; the sound editing is truly remarkable, and will make you hold your breath multiple times.

I must say Oppenheimer turned out to be even better than what I had imagined. It was nowhere boring to be fair, and that's rare for a movie which is so long and driven entirely by conversations. Those who blindly follow the hype and go for fun are bound to be disappointed because this biographical & political courtroom drama has neither the set pieces nor the sci-fi of Nolan's previous movies. It is the kind of film which gets better with subsequent viewings. I'm just glad it made me return to the big screen after months and delivered what I paid for. The only sad part is, there's no IMAX near me, otherwise I'd have gone a second time too.

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Death Note (I) (2017)

1/10

Words fail to contain my disappointment.

20 July 2023

Warning: Spoilers

I am a huge fan of the Death Note anime. I spent nights binging its episodes on Netflix and always wanted to watch more and more. It was that addictive. In just 37 episodes, it managed to be a well-made supernatural mystery, a crime drama and a psychological thriller all at the same time without trying too hard. Its concept alone was so good that the negative reviews for this so-called adaptation couldn't stop me from curiously checking it out and... while I seemed to like it in the first 15-20 minutes, it turned out to be a trainwreck.

Whenever I'm watching a "good" movie, I don't think too much and just engage with it like some bystander who wants to give the makers a chance to entertain him. But during this film, I couldn't help but feel enraged at the execution. Light, who is originally a very intelligent person in the anime, is reduced to a brat who just manages to find the Death Note and things get out of control. I have no problems with different iterations but since this is an "adaptation" of Death Note and has its characters Light, L, Mi(s)a and Ryuk, I couldn't just view it like another film, especially after having seen the anime as well as the first live-action adaptation done brilliantly by the Japanese themselves.

What's good about the film is the dark tone, and a couple of deaths. It really pushes the horror quotient unlike the source material which isn't really a horror title. A couple of twists are decent. There's mostly talking but one action sequence towards the climax is executed with rawness and intensity; gotta give the credit where it's due.

But the bad? EVERYTHING ELSE!

The biggest undoing of this film was L. No, not only the casting, but he was written for this adaptation in such a weird and unconvincing way even someone who looked like L would appear pathetic. L in the anime was a smart detective who did a lot of things but never expressed his rage or acted violently like a vigilante. He always behaved like a proper investigator, and in fact considered Light his first friend. The makers avoided all of that, making him scream and act in an over-the-top manner. One of the biggest highlights of the source material was the mind game between Light and L which led to debates about whether or not L knew Light was Kira himself.

This film on the other hand never explained how L found Light was Kira; he just knew. Why? Because he's THE L. His screaming and behavior got on my nerves very quickly. He had no composure whatsoever and looked like he had some sort of anxiety going on inside of him. And Mia... where do I begin? If the intention was to make us hate her, the director succeeded. But if not, I don't know what to say. She totally overshadowed Light in so many parts it was irritating. Light and Misa in the original were portrayed in a brilliant manner where Light was the one doing the manipulation and acting like someone with a God complex, which also served as a basis for the series' commentary on how some lines should never be crossed. But here? No, sir! Gone is that God complex, gone is the lack of guilt that made it hard to fully root for Light and gone is the commentary in spite of some dialogues about right and wrong.

Willem Dafoe's voice was the only actual good thing about this film; even the VFX for Ryuk was horrible and it looked better only with his red glowing eyes and face covered in darkness. And also let's talk about the music. Some really weird choices, I must say. The climax scene had some annoying acting from L's actor going on and the song that played didn't seem to fit the tone. And sorry for missing that one shot that made me laugh a lot: L's reaction to Watari's death. You need to see it for yourself to believe me.

Moreover, I heard there could be a sequel and that is absolutely scarier than the first decapitation in the film. Sadly we will have to mention this film every time we talk about live action anime adaptations because I have never personally seen a more horrible adaptation than this. This film legit made me angry, even as someone who was watching it with an open mind and was enjoying the initial few minutes. When you search Death Note on Netflix, you will find the anime as well. Go watch that and you won't regret it while this... this is going to cause a lot of damage, especially if you are familiar with the source material and know it's outstanding.

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The Contractor (I) (2013)

10/10

A captivating thriller.

19 July 2023

First things first, don't let yourself be tricked by that poster showing Danny Trejo with a knife into believing this is an action movie, because it's not. The film is a drama/thriller driven almost entirely by dialogue with a few small and infrequent action bits. It, however, is a well-written, well-edited and well-executed film which keeps you intrigued from the beginning till the end. It feels like a small-scale story and hence the characters and emotions are portrayed in a grounded manner.

The suspense makes this film a captivating thrill ride. The main twist might sound predictable, but the film has enough other surprises to keep you intrigued, and the editing is superb, as the film never feels dragged or overdrawn even though it lacks big action scenes. The score is spellbinding from the very first second itself, and the film manages to make you feel something for every character.

The Contractor is, all in all, a terrific thriller which is worth watching at least once.

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Pathaan (2023)

10/10

SRK is back with a bang!

2 July 2023

Due to some unavoidable circumstances, I couldn't watch Pathaan theatrically, but the streaming release gave me that chance to experience one of the highest grossing actioners of the year. And well, I totally enjoyed the film. The plot is simple and typical of what you usually expect in a big-budget spy film, but the stunning action choreography, fast-paced storytelling and a gripping plot make Pathaan a feast for the viewers who love action and thrill.

Shah Rukh Khan is fantastic as the titular character and it is indeed tough to imagine someone else in this role; SRK totally commands the screen presence with his performance and delivers the promised fun. Deepika Padukone is also terrific in most of her scenes, while John Abraham shines as the antagonist after a long list of heroic lead roles he has played over the years. His character is written brilliantly and manages to leave a terrifying, unforgettable impact. Others are also adequate.

Just like the previous installments of the YRF spy universe barring Ek Tha Tiger, Pathaan doesn't have too many songs and instead remains focused on the plot. The biggest draw is the film's action, which is executed stupendously with some great visual effects. The interval twist is not something which is unpredictable, but is enjoyable and lays foundation for a much more exciting second half, which eventually gets served with a mind-blowing cameo!

Unless you expected Pathaan to have a very complex, groundbreaking or convoluted espionage storyline, you are good to go as the film is enjoyable despite its occasional predictability. The fights, stunts and explosions are sufficient to compensate for any other flaw you might stumble upon. Clearly one of the best action flicks of the year with a strong repeat value.

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Kantara (2022)

10/10

The true "hero's journey".

12 May 2023

First things first, if you are expecting Kantara to have some offbeat, never-seen-before and convoluted storyline, you might want to rethink. The story of Kantara is very simple and straightforward, with the biggest highlight saved for the final act. The story before that is a pretty simple one, and some of you might think it was overhyped. Well, Kantara is not simply a story. It is an experience. There's the conflict, but there's also the world building. Yes, it is indeed about a man becoming a true hero and saving the day, but Kantara is in no rush to show that. It's a slow but captivating journey, and keeps you engaged as the conflict develops with the right dosage of twists and action.

Kantara became notable mostly for its soundtrack and the climax. But director and lead actor Rishab Shetty has done a fantastic job making the rest of the film an equally engaging watch. There's a plethora of characters, but it doesn't become difficult to keep a track of them. There's also some unexpectedly effective usage of humor and horror, which I personally did not expect. The locations chosen to serve as the backdrop are beautifully captured and eye-catching.

The fight choreography of Kantara is first-rate. From the stylish first fight to the goosebumps-inducing final one, the action is a major draw and incorporates some really fine acting from Rishab Shetty. The cinematography is sharp and the editing is brilliant. There's hardly a boring scene in the film and the music is also memorable. Yes, there are a few places where you might feel this is like a typical masala entertainer. It indeed is, but just executed and presented like a class entertainer.

The real fun in Kantara happens around the last one hour, when things get real serious and our hero goes through a solid transformation. There's a light tone in the initial hour, but once the tone darkens, there's no looking back. Kantara delivers so much and yet doesn't feel like a premeditated story. At the end, it feels like an immersive experience which pulls us into its world and atmosphere. The makers did a fabulous job overall, for they seemed to understand it's not only the story but also the execution where the magic lies.

Having successfully displayed that, they have given us a rare action film where both performance and choreography come together to deliver the perfect action sequences. Also, the Hindi dubbing is the second best I have seen in recent times after Ponniyin Selvan Part 1. You will slowly forget you are watching a dubbed film, or even simply a film as the story plays out.

Yes, Kantara is that good of a film. It has got the repeat value as well, due to which I won't hesitate to buy a ticket if it ever re-releases theatrically in the future.

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Kabzaa (2023)

2/10

Wannabe KGF tanks real hard.

6 May 2023

Prior to its release, the film did remind everyone of KGF and with a boisterous tagline like "The next big thing in Indian cinema", one would expect at least a watchable film. But Kabzaa, as described by many after watching it, turns out to be Kabz (constipation) instead. It's outright horrible and aside from the cinematography and a few good action bits, is a complete disaster with no redeeming features.

The director and editor seem to be confused about the execution since the movie is roughly two hours long, which is a good thing and also a bad thing because the story feels very much a rushed and condensed version of a bigger story. And still this could be resolved by just giving a decent conclusion to it, but by the time the sequel announcement appears on the screen, the sheer horror is undescribable.

Upendra acts decently but his character is written very poorly. His transformation from a law abiding citizen to a feared gangster is unevenly portrayed and there is no emotion one can feel for his character. Shriya Saran does what the average love interest does, but she goes into the motivational preaching zone and it annoys you to the core. Sudeep? Decent as always but with zero impact on the story. The film also gets unintentionally funny sometimes, and I personally couldn't stop laughing out loud during such scenes.

The blackout effect which was used decently, if not masterfully, in KGF Chapter 2, is replicated terribly here. For once I was worried if something was wrong with my device. Even the sound editing is pathetic, and there are a number of scenes which don't contribute anything to the plot. Upendra's character is either fully vulnerable or simply invincible. It gets annoying after a point of time to see him mouth some really cliched and over the top dialogues, and all one could feel is regret and burdened to finish this "gem" of a movie.

Songs have zero positive impact on the film. Also, while the film is brimming with characters, everything happens so fast that there's no room to emote or connect with them. The film only gets slightly watchable in its penultimate 10 minutes or something, but the last shot will leave you scarred in case you didn't like it.

I feel very relieved for not watching this film in cinemas. Even if my time ultimately got wasted by watching it at home, my money is still safe. Kabzaa is what happens when you work without a script because there's no way one can greenlight such a disastrous story. Other films of this genre usually receive criticism for being lengthy and at times slow, while this film receives it for being too short and fast. Majority of the action scenes are average, with the exception of a few shootouts. All in all, Kabzaa is one of the worst movies ever made and the fact that a sequel is still happening as of now leaves me in shambles. It's a proper "so bad it's horrible" movie in a true sense.

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