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Secret Superstar (2017)

Aamir Khan does it again. He embraces a sleazy personality in a small role and lets young Zaira Wasim shine. Like Dangal, he takes a back step and lets the story be the hero, something other A-list stars should consider as well.

The film addresses many stereotypes and pokes various elements of the glamour and film industry. Debut director Advait Chandan doesn’t waste time with trivial details and gets to the core, very quickly.

The plot is designed to make you uncomfortable and tense, much like wringing a wet cloth. The casting is brilliant, Raj Arjun as the father, Meher Vij as the mother and Farrukh Jaffer as the Grand mother, being pivotal with their actions and inactions, their silence and their words. Little brother Kabir Sajid is adorable and friend Tirth Sharma is endearing.

Zaira has enacted a role many older actresses would find challenging. She balances projecting her own circumstances and being compassionate with ease. It is a heart warming tale, with a message baked right into the title, and not as straightforward as you would expect.

Aamir Khan shows a sensitivity with children and stories which gets better with every film. This film walks the right rope between gut wrenching and liberating with panache. Watch for the superlative performances and simple story.

3.5/5

Blade runner 2049 (2017)

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Blade runner 2049: Director of Arrival, Denis Villeneuve brings us the sequel of Blade runner, 35 years later. I have a vague memory of the first one but seeing this was a wonderfully reflective experience.

Set in 2049, the film continues its basic premise from the previous one. Almost allegorical, it weaves in a modern version of an age old theory in the world of replicants. The background score is haunting, the lack of emotions is stifling and the art direction is mind blowing.

A true science fiction film, the perfect symmetry and minimalism is unique. No unnecessary blinking lights and technical jargon, here life in the future spells out where the human race is headed, albeit not in the next 32 years perhaps. Technology and it’s advances are so poetically placed, that you feel sad, rather than enthused.

Ryan Gosling’s dead pan expression is perfect for his role. Ana de Armas is enchanting, Jared Leto is quietly menacing and Sylvia Hoeks leaves a lasting impact. Harrison Ford is still rocking at age 75, a true legend.

There are many sequences which leave you dumbfounded. How history, artificial intelligence and the modern ruin of society are woven to paint a morbid and dark picture of the future is fascinating. Long at 163 minutes, it’s worth it!

3.5/5

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mother! (2017)

What starts off as shakey camera work, quickly descends into bizzare, finally resting on deeply disturbing.

It may be helpful to read about the film before watching it, as the allegories and symbolism might make more sense. I drew a completely different meaning than what the makers thought of, which shows the film can have many valid interpretations.

Technically brilliant, it’s Jennifer Lawrence’s film all the way. Javier Bardem has his moments, as does Michelle Pfieffer. The opening shot establishes this is not going to be your usual viewing experience. Director Darren Aronofsky has made dark and controversial subjects before, so he’s in his comfort zone. The film though, is thoroughly discomfiting.

2/5

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Victoria & Abdul (2017)

A long awaited film for a Judi Dench fan, it didn’t let me down on her account. Stephen Frears, a royal family specialist, directs a lesser known story of Queen Victoria, Empress of India and her teacher and friend, Abdul Karim.

It was the curiousity of the story and how it would be presented, that drew me to it. The grandeur and pageantry is present, but the pace is haphazard. At times it moves too slow, at others too hurried, yet the royal protocols never seem to be in place where Abdul is concerned, from the first moment on.

Performances are average by the supporting cast, and let down further by the screenplay. Judi Dench, at the age of 82 shows us acting and character from every pore, line and wrinkle, whereas Ali Fazal is a worthy and an inversely proportionate tall co-star. He emotes volumes in his gestures and is not as much in awe as in reverence of his Queen and Empress.

It was a rare insight to what could have been her state of mind and loneliness, but we have to remain satisfied with conjecture and it’s limitations.

2.5/5

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Angels in America: Millenium Approaches (2017)

National Theatre Live is an awesome concept, where you get to see a live recording from London of world class plays with leading actors in the comfort of a cinema seat. I was lucky to catch two screenings of stellar casts tackling enormous issues.

Angels of America – Millenium Approaches : Set in the 80s in Reagan’s America, the cast deals with the AIDS catastrophe and the reality of its beginnings. Andrew Garfield, James McArdle, Nathan Lane, Russel Tovey deserve mention for the spectrum of emotions they put on display. Their harsh circumstances, hallucinations and escapades make for intense viewing. Looking forward to part 2 next week.

3.5/5

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Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf (2017)

National Theatre Live is an awesome concept, where you get to see a live recording from London of world class plays with leading actors in the comfort of a cinema seat. I was lucky to catch two screenings of stellar casts tackling enormous issues.

Who’s afraid of Virgina Woolf: A high energy exchange between a middle aged couple, who project the cracks in their marriage onto their guests. Imelda Staunton, known for a variety of brilliant work, notably Professor Umbridge from Harry Potter, is a tiny powerhouse of talent. She shrieks and screams throughout, berating her partner and her morality. Conleth Hill matches her every step of the way, as they play pat ball with the insults. Caught in the crossfire are a young couple, who also succumb to the pressures of pretending and reveal their own shortcomings.

3/5

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Annabelle : Creation (2017)

Annabelle : Creation – Wasn’t a patch on its predecessor. Yes there were a very jumps and scares, but you could count them on one hand. Director David F. Sandberg got the era and mood right, with a few creepy moments and an eerie backstory, but the freaky feelings didn’t linger like they did in the first one.

2/5

Lipstick under my burkha (2017)

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The title may suggest a story that centers around a burkha clad woman. It isnt. In this case it’s the context of a veil which shrouds Indian women, their fantasies, desires and sexuality.

The way the film is narrated is a master stroke. It may not be clear in the beginning, but very soon you realise what’s going on and how wonderful it is. The writing of the film is fast paced and anything but lazy. Tiny details and passing nuances speak volumes about the circumstances and outlook of the four protagonists.

Director/writer Alankrita Shrivastava has ventured into unexplored territory for the Indian audience. Both men and women need education on this subject. She handles it with maturity and wisdom, never using any scene or story for reaction but rather a deep understanding of what’s missing and what should be happening.

The performances from the four principal cast members is flawless. A big salute to Ratna Pathak Shah for doing what most actors wouldn’t. Konkona Sen Sharma is her usual dependable self, strong in the face of chauvinism. Aahana Kumra is a revelation, living life on the edge and being as comfortable in pretence as she is behind closed doors. Plabitha Borthakur is an example of many youths who may not be following their dreams because of cultural or societal restrictions and prejudices.

The supporting cast is made up of many actors, the ones who stand out and do a great job are Sushant Singh, Vikrant Massey, Shashank Arora and Jagat Singh Solanki. Varying degrees of being gentlemen to complete chavanists, they portray the array of attitudes women have to deal with.

From making your blood boil to stirring up a memory, to erotic abandon and some applause worthy laughs, this is the best film of 2017, so far.

4/5

Jab Harry met Sejal (2017)

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Finally! After a while I liked SRK as a romantic lead in a fun film which didn’t take itself too seriously. Imtiaz Ali has a certain way of story telling, and indulges you with glimpses from his past patterns.

Anushka is far and away one of the best talents we have in this industry, she is the life of the film. Her range of emotions make you laugh and cry with equal ease. Her portrayal of Sejal is dramatic, naive and very funny.

SRK has done a role stepping outside his usual realm, yet being unapologetic about it. He is real, and from the credits scene onwards, he establishes what Harry is all about. He hits the humour home every time, deriving it from his apathy towards the bizarre situation he is in.

The story is convenient to drive the plot forward and show you stunning Europe. The logic isn’t strong, but the moments that make up the interactions between the couple are super. The chemistry is intense and some of the songs are well placed and soulful.

The title is a rip off and the story is oft repeated, but watch it for the banter between the two, which is the best part of the film, and let’s you sail effortlessly from start till end.

3/5