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Naked (2017)

Happy Death Day (2017)

Naked: A story of a man who wakes up naked in an elevator and has to solve the mystery of how he got there and why he can’t make it in time for his wedding.

2.5/5

Happy Death Day: A story of a college girl who dies on her birthday and has to solve the mystery of who is her killer. It successfully combines murder mystery with teen slasher and mean girls.

3/5

‘Time Loop’ movies are interesting if made well, exhausting if they have sloppy direction. Both the films had a fun premise which kept the audience on their toes, revealing new layers of the plot everytime. They were a light watch where the audience ends up rooting for the protagonist.

The Darkest Hour (2017)

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Director Joe Wright brings us another period drama, this time with a very tight timeline on a subject the world is well aware of.

Winston Churchill, (a faultless performance by Gary Oldman), was handed the reigns of a government which was facing a certain downfall. How his government navigated it’s way through a political as well as hierarchical crisis, coupled with Churchill’s inner dialogue and relationship with his wife and secretary, forms the drama of the film.

Gary Oldman and his prosthetics team deserve every accolade. He looks every bit the part and acts as if he has been coached by Churchill himself.

The remaining cast support him ably, namely Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup and Ben Mendelsohn, providing the tension, support and bring out various shades of the prime minister.

It was a riveting watch with great attention to detail and authentic recreation of the era, with many climatic moments and speeches.

3.5/5

Padmaavat (2018)

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali has attempted a film about a subject that should have been a matter of pride, but has now become a matter of protection.

Padmavati, rechristened Padmaavat, is a tale about an ethereal Queen, and everyone who saw her, or didn’t, was mesmerised by her beauty. Her marriage to the King of Mewar and the subsequent interest in her by Emperor Khilji show us the inner workings of politics, power and war.

The director is no stranger to scale, or aesthetics, and he has gone a step further than his previous epic Bajirao Mastani. The film needs atleast two viewings to take in all the details, metaphors, costumes, dialogues and expressions.

Deepika Padukone is the pragmatic Queen who represents not only courage and dignity, but rules of engagement as well. Though her physical beauty is striking, it is her resolute and visionary thinking that make her truly remarkable.

Shahid Kapur is perfect for the role of King Ratan Singh. He embodies the characteristics of Rajputs in every manner of his being, reserving his reactions to only necessary situations. He, like Deepika, speaks volumes with his eyes.

Ranveer Singh portrays every sin in one personality in a menacing and convincing way as Khilji. Achieving a spectrum of disturbing, violent, obsessive and repulsive actions and gestures shows his growth as an actor.

The Indian Republic Day is when India adopted the constitution 70 years ago, which is a living document. An opportune day to write this review. Let’s honour our freedom and those who fought for it by rebelling against forces who want to harm our country and it’s creativity.

It’s a film of pride, of choices, of honour, of valour and a celebration of everything Indian. Everyone must watch it, and exercise their democratic right to.

4.5/5

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The Greatest Showman (2017)

Hugh Jackman has a certain sincerity which is synonymous with all his performances, and this long cherished dream of his shows us every ounce of it.

Debut director Michael Gracey has made a stunning film, an original musical which has great performances from the principal cast, namely Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya.

The central premise is a risky venture, but isn’t every worthwhile idea a step, or many, outside our comfort zone? A noteworthy supporting cast communicates many messages; prejudice, equality, loyalty and unique individualality to name a few.

An entertaining and heart warming tale which is predictable yet endearing.

3/5

The Post (2017)

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Directed by Steven Spielberg, this matter of fact film couldn’t have been released at a better time. Its making and release was perhaps orchestrated to highlight what the American nation is currently going through.

Art has always been used to say a truth that may have been drowned or obliterated by history or power. What Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep give is one of their ordinary performances, doing an extraordinary service to the American people.

Sorry to side track in a review, but remember ‘WMDs’? Weapons of mass destruction which didn’t exist, leading to the invasion and ruination of so many countries. Were the leaders who did that held accountable? No.

This film speaks of a time when leaders were served justice, and history should and will repeat itself.

3/5

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Goodbye December and second half of 2017

The Young Pope. Christmas in July. Divina turns 16! AIPC. Passion for Masterchef Australia re-ignites. Ground Yourself Cafe. Galaxy chocolates from Doha! New friends with old ties. Lipstick under my Burkha. 2 sunny years. Harry Potter Improv. Dinner on the Tram. Australian Survivor Marathon. 12 hours of National Theatre Live from London. The Block intro. 27/9. The Bachelor/ette: predictions and favourites! Will & Grace returns! Mumbai Diwali. Bhavika turns 21! Dad completes 50 years in Dubai! Ghoomar. Aerial 39th with a Balloon ride over Melbourne. The Perils of Padmavati. Hogwarts2HH DreamS. Diva 2018. Summer in St. Kilda! Hello South Yarra! New Year in Noir.

2017 was a year of massive change, movement and fulfilment. While the universe works in mysterious ways, it taught me never to stop asking or dreaming. It yields when the time is right and has plenty for everyone, all the time! We just have to ask the right way, and wait for it to unfold.

May 2018 be the year of relaxation, recouping and remembering. May we venture into unknown places, meet interesting people, and connect everyone in a web of charged cosmic energy.

Love. Laugh. Live.

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Wonder (2017)

Director Stephan Chbosky presents a heart warming and sensitive tale about a family and young 11 year olds, who come to terms with the new addition at their elementary school.

Based on a novel by the same name, the beauty in the writing is that it doesn’t get preachy or one-dimensional. It’s real, understated and supports the performances by giving many perspectives.

Acting is brilliant all round, with Jacob Tremblay taking the lead with a nuanced performance. He is ably supported by his class mates. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson as his parents are adorable, as they show the challenges of navigating through this delicate phase. His sister, is played by Izabela Vidovic, who shows us what it would be like to be the older sibling in this scenario.

A fitting end to the journey of a steep learning curve, it gives insights and moments which linger far after the movie finishes.

3.5/5

Tumhari Sulu (2017)

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Debut director Suresh Triveni shares a nuanced portrayal of Sulochana and Ashok’s life, with their son. Their simple existence and humble home don’t ask for reflection, just admire the art with which multiple messages are slipped into one frame.

Vidya Balan is a powerhouse of talent, proving yet again that she’s on top of her game. Very few would attempt a role like this and succeed, but she hits the ball out of the park. Her portrayal of Sulu, and her chemistry with her husband is endearing. Manav Kaul is a revelation in a meek avatar, as a doting husband and father. Their pair proves opposites attract!

Neha Dhupia as Sulu’s boss shows a vulnerable side and the rest of the supporting cast, who are perfect in their roles, move the story along with precision towards its fitting end.

The film succeeds because of its taut writing and honest emotion. The humour is real, not silly or vulgar. It was a delight to watch and deals with many prevalent issues. It exceeds all expectations!

3.5/5

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Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

Multi-talented Kenneth Branagh is the lead actor, producer and director of this film, based on the classic novel by Agatha Christie, and manages to set himself apart very successfully from his previous characters.

The movie has a host of actors; Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer, and Daisy Ridley, all in supporting roles, each doing their part well to keep the audience guessing who is the murderer.

The opening act and the scenes that follow set up the premise of the film well, and reach a fitting conclusion in an appropriate length of time. Great cinematography and visuals don’t distract from the murder at hand, rather paint a lovely period drama.

An interesting watch, especially if you haven’t read the book.

3/5

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The Circle (2017)

Director James Ponsoldt shows us a world where technology and creativity work together to create an illusion of transparency.

An interesting concept, it would work more as a short film rather than a full length feature, as many sub plots were left unexplored.

Performances are dependable with Tom Hanks being his usual charismatic self, in a character that has little gray area. Emma Watson is more nuanced in a role that shows the vulnerability, ambition and intelligence of her character.

A decent flight watch!

2/5