Drive

#Drive - Is #Race on your mind? Then #DhoomMachale! 😏

Its basically a crude version of #Dhoom on 4 wheels, with an attempt to throw in the “thrill” of #Race. Extremely predictable, it fails to engage. May be thats why it was released directly to #Netflix. #SmartMove😬

#SushantSinghRajput is good (or may be I am biased 😜); #JackquelineFernandes is a bimbette as usual; #BomanIrani and #PankajTripathi are wasted; others are whatever!

Overall, nothing much to “drive” you crazy.

2⭐️ from me.

The Sky is Pink

#TheSkyIsPink - One of those films which could easily have been a documentary.

Since its a true story, there is no guesswork or “interpretation” necessary as such. The director seems to have put too much effort in trying to forcefully put in cuteness and humour but thats not hitting the right spot. The plot is woven well but after a point the same things keep repeating and one loses interest. Somewhere the gripping factor is missing.

Other than that, performances are tight; loved #PriyankaChopra and #FarhanAkhtar; #RohitSaraf is cute; #ZairaWasim is alright but does not achieve her potential which was seen in #Dangal.

Overall, an okay one time watch. The only major take away is that your business (sky) is your business (sky) and none of my business. 😬

2.5⭐️ from me.

Baat Toh Karo

#KhandaaniShafakhana - A mediocre attempt of broaching upon a so called taboo subject, using humour.

That said, the storyline is simple and somewhat unrealistic and immpractical. The comedy/wit could have been much better and only draws a few scarce laughs. However, this is a good stepping stone for more open-mindedness in #Bollywood and like they say in the film, #BaatTohKaro.

#SonakshiSinha and #AnnuKapoor are aptly cast; #VarunSharma is too silly and wasted; #Badshah’s acting talent is inversely proportional to his rap; #NadiraBabbar should have been more energetic; #KulbhushanKharbanda is old and cannot possibly show the range of a man from 50 to 80; he just looks 80 the entire time!

Overall, not too bad for a debutant director.

2.5⭐️ from me.

Kabir Singh

#KabirSingh - To like or not to like, that is the question. 😬

I was quite skeptical about watching this one; so much that I purposefully skipped it while it was in theaters. Must say I’m glad I did catch it.

While I absolutely disagree with such kinda of manical intensity bordering on madness, hats off to #ShahidKapoor for portraying the character so well! He owns the film, just like his character owns everything in it! The other cast is simply there because its not a one man show (well actually it is 😏).

The music is amazing. The story is quite typical and predictable.

Overall, its enjoyable if you are not too judgemental about the character’s behaviour and attitude.

3⭐️ from me.

Chhichhore

#Chhichhore - A class apart from other typical films of the college/hostel/friendship genre.

Some might say that the premise is unrealistic and silly but for me it struck the right chords and opened the doors to memory lane!

The characters are very real and we all have definitely encountered/been them during our college days; be it the one-track-mind #Sexa, the angry and foul-mouthed #Acid, the leader of the “mean gang” #Raggie, athletic #Derek or mama’s boy #Mummy. #SushantSinghRajput is perfect as the leader of the pack #Anni; was amazed to see #ShraddhaKapoor fit some role to the T though she reminded me constantly of #VidyaBalan. The entire supporting cast is near perfect- right from #VarunSharma, #TahirRajBhasin, #PrateikBabbar, #MohammadSamad to the canteen cook and the hostel desk employee!

The film is laden with jokes that are quite nonsensical but so perfectly executed that you are in splits. The music is quite hummable. After #3Idiots, I think this has the potential to become a classic.

Definitely worth a watch.

4⭐️ from me.

Batla House

#BatlaHouse - Another product of the realism/true story mill. It has all the elements of a typical police vs terrorism drama but something feels amiss.

#JohnAbraham looks old and stone faced most of the time; #RaviKishen is too bloated for words; #MrunalThakur needs some emoting and voice pitching lessons; rest of the cast does their bit well.

The overall flow is smooth but the end was somewhat abrupt and sudden. They could have spent a few more minutes on the climax easily considering they have spent about 5 mins reading the disclaimer at the beginning word by word in english and hindi both!

Overall, an okay one time watch.

2.5⭐️ from me.

Vacuum Cleaner

#VacuumCleaner - An absolutely fun #natak!

The start is slow and seemingly mundane but once it picks up, it maintains the high till the very end. The premise is familiar but unexpected (unless you already know!). The script, story, etc. are average.

The thing that takes it to another level is the brilliant comic timing and amazing performances by #AshokSaraf and #NirmitiSawant. They are an absolute delight to watch on stage. #PrathameshCheulkar stands out through his dance performance. Other actors are apt.

Overall, its very funny and good entertainment. Recommended watch for a relaxing time.

3.5⭐️ from me.