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The Attacks of 26/11 (2013)
The Attacks Of 26/11-Movie Review
The Attacks of 26/11 is a movie directed by Ram Gopal Verma on the horrific and barbaric terrorist attack on the city of Mumbai and in essence, a proxy war waged against India, beginning on 26th November 2008. Many expected this movie to be a dud or even worse, a disastrous rendition of an event that shocked us all. Contrary to all that, the movie is nothing like these descriptions and makes for a good watch.
The movie was more of a play-out the events drama, so the plot was not something that was woven out of thin air but rather the actual truth stitched together piece by piece. RGV uses an interesting narrative angle: The Joint Commissioner of Mumbai Police narrating the incidents to an inquiry commission. This too was inspired from the actual commission which deposed Rakesh Maria(the actual JC at the time of the attacks). Nana Patekar essays the role brilliantly, as he not only acts, but embodies the character, flowing with it in a tone which is hard to describe but if I had to, I would put it this way: " Aisa lagta hai ki he was the actual JC at the time of the attack".
A young newbie actor Sanjeev Jaiswal plays the role of Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the terrorist who was captured and later hanged. Although I didn't have my hopes riding on him, Sanjeev does a decent job playing the character. He has a mean look throughout the movie which tends to get a bit over the top at times but overall, is not too farcical.
Also, the highlights of the movie were: a. Due credits were given to all parties involved. Despite the hardcore media bashing it received post the attack; the Mumbai police had worked their level best last night. RGV encompasses all of this but also makes room for their errors. Plus, the movie is well crafted to ensure that the message (Terror has no religion) doesn't die as the director sensitively handles the possible religious inflammation over certain scenes
Lastly, the flaws. The movie was a bit abrupt and short for me. For starters, it didn't cover the shootings at Nariman House, Oberoi Trident and Taj adequately. The brave operation by the NSG which resulted in the extinguishing of the terrorists was omitted. Also, the role of the attack's masterminds was just touched upon briefly and not detailed.
To end it, all I will say is this. The movie released on 1st March 2013. 3 days later, nearly all shows at the cinema nearby are sold out. Mind you, this being a RGV movie, is a complete surprise after his recent debacles. So, this movie has something. Something that packs a punch.
Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola (2013)
Dekho Magar Pyaar Se
I generally don't do film reviews and frankly I wouldn't have done this unless my driver hadn't been late to pick me up.So if you hate this post, you know whom to blame.
That done with, Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola or MKBKM is in one word, a riot.You can easily see Vishal Bhardwaj dripping all over this flick as he does an excellent job directing this movie(and singing one of the tracks as well).I wont give away the plot but it revolves around three characters: Harry Mandola, a rustic rich construction business owner who's acute alcohol consumption keeps him swinging between two personalities i.e. a bumbling,heavily accented fool and the other of a suave,daughter adoring father.Second is Bijli, Harry's daughter who is a beautiful,wild spirited girl with a golden heart.She's childhood friends with the last main character,Matru. Matru is a LLB graduate who works for Harry as a driver cum man-Friday. Oh! Did I mention Gulabo, the pink buffalo?
So,with that background,the plot revolves around a hostile government land acquisition in a village.But in MKBKM, it's not the plot but the funny little scenes which matter.Both,intense and comic at the same time,Bhardwaj has created a film which is obvious in it's plot yet keeps your wit running as to what happens next. Pankaj Kapur takes away the accolades for his brilliant acting and performance while Anushka's role was far more of being eye-candy with assistance in sub plots (Not that I'm complaining!). Imran Khan too plays second fiddle to Pankaj Kapoor, but his skills and versatility as an actor are simply great.The music as well as direction had the usual yet hatke style of all Vishal Bhardwaj movies. Lastly, the flaws. The dialogues although well written, were heavily accented and required a bit of North Indian blood in you to grasp their meaning. Secondly, although the movie is rated U/A and there are no scenes of sexual depictions, the sly abuse laced language could result in some odd questions from a younger crowd. I mean would you be willing to answer a 7 year old's question: "What does Bhencho mean?" Plus, some scenes are blunt and simply added for over dramatization so if you're one of those so called "true cinema lovers", you might throw up. So to sum it up, as Anushka Sharma's waist says, Dekho Magar Pyaar Se ;)