Reviews

I am surprised that this movie has not got any recognition for its original screenplay and for direction. For those people who say that the movie has great special effects, I say that they have missed the whole point. Sure, Starship Trooper had great special effects, but what makes the Matrix so compelling is the plot and screenplay.

The idea that we are living in a make-believe world, and not even aware of it, is a fallout of the concept of Maya, or Illusion. I am surprised that a two guys from the west could articulate this theory so well. This movie works at a higher level, and those who get it will enjoy the movie much more.

I had seen this movie as a kid, but all I remembered was the climax scene, because it was so powerful. I saw it recently and enjoyed every moment of it.

The story is set in colonial India, when the British have disarmed the people, and continue to oppress villagers, through tax collectors called "subedars". These subedars in turn lust for more than the tax.

The movie is about one such subedar, who while on his routine tax-collecting tour to a small village, gets attracted to one of the women. The woman, Sonbai, is married, but her husband has just left for the city in search of a better job. Sonbai(played excellently by Smita Patil) refuses to give in, and while escaping the subedars men, takes shelter in a spices factory.

The gate-keeper refuses to allow the subedars men in, and is determined to protect the honour of Sonbai. Here the cowardice of the fellow villagers surfaces, who decide that it is better to give in to the demands of the subedar, than to face his wrath. The movie successfully conveys the cowardice of oppressed men who cannot even think of rebellion, and even beat up their wives when they protest against their decision.

A brilliant film.

I have to say that I disagree with most of my friends who liked this movie. The fact is that there is so much trash in Indian Cinema that something mediocre is hailed as a masterpiece. Deepa Mehta is quite over-hyped yet again.

The movie is very well shot, and some good performances. But the dialogues display the same melodrama of other Indian movies. The script does not do any justice to the pain and devastation of the partition era. The scenes intended to elicit horror and sadness are diluted by frequent jokes that have a disgustingly feel-good quality. A lot of the story telling is naive, predictable and manipulative.

Looking at the movie, the partition period of India seems like just another riot, and nothing more. The partition is as painful a memory to indians as the holocaust is to jews. You wouldn't think so after watching this movie.

I enjoyed the movie quite a bit. Although I had a lot of Catholic friends while growing up, I am not very well versed with the Bible. As a result, I did not get quite a few one-liners. At the same time I noticed that very few people laughed at the very same jokes. Either they were difficult to understand, or not funny in the first place. Having said that, I liked Ben Affleck.

This is only the second Satyajit Ray film I have seen (the first being Two Daughters). I must say that I regret having not seen his movies till now. Agantuk is a very beautiful and simple movie. What is complex is the characters, and the way the story unfolds.

I am mostly impressed by Satyajit Ray's vast knowledge about various topics on history, science, religion and society, which is clearly evident from the movie. Satyajit Ray is a master film-maker, and gets out the best performance from his actors.

I am surely looking forward to seeing more of his work.

The story of New Delhi times is nothing new at least at this age and time. The saga of corruption and criminal-political nexus has been beaten to death in Hindi pot-boilers. It may have been relevant movie when it was made.

What stands out though is a simple narrative, and excellent performances by Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Om Puri and Kulbhooshan Kharbanda.

It is also one of the few movies made in India that looks at the difficulty and paradox inherent in a crime-journalist's profession. It is hard to maintain objectivity while covering a story and not feel empathy towards those suffering at the same time. The journalist played by Shashi Kapoor faces this dilemma while trying to uncover a dubious racket involving politics, riots and murder, and in the end decides to stick to what he thinks is right.

There are some movies that are loved by almost everyone who you come across and yet happen to be box-office failures. Andaz Apna Apna, an intelligent and hilarious comedy falls in that catogory. For once, an Indian director has kept in mind the sensibilities of the audience, and not churned out a Kader Khan type stereo-typical hoax. The movie is about two guys who dream of riches, and try to accomplish that by wooing a millionaire's daughter. A humorous drama unfolds while a lot of complexities surface in the story. The complexities add to the sheer comedy of the entire plot. Aamir Khan plays the a street-smart guy, while Salman Khan gives an unexpectedly good performance as the dumb guy. The villian played by Paresh Rawal,and his henchmen, Junior Ajit and "Kaliaa" make you laugh in your sleep. Although the movie borrows from a lot of other movies, despite shoddy camerawork, and despite being "loud" at times, it remains one of the scarce "funny" movies Bombay has come up with after movies like Padosan, Golmal and other Amol Plaekar movies. It is sad that it didn't do well at the box-office, for that means producers turn back to formulas and creativity is abandoned.

It is the most perfect movie I have ever seen in my life. From the casting, to the direction to the performances. But the most amazing feat was achieved by Amjad Khan. Even today, people remember Gabbar Singh, the infamous dacoit played superbly by Amjad Khan. His opening scene is known to every Indian kid like a poem in the English class..."Kitney aadmi they?...". In comparison, people seldom remember that Amitabh's name was Jai and Dharmendra's name was Veeru in that movie. This is not to play down their roles. It just amazes me how a new-comer could side-line such stalwarts. Ramesh Sippy has not been able to repeat his directorial performance, with "Shakti" not living up to its promise.