Movie Review: Avengers Infinity War...its not about fun anymore

Many many moons ago, when I'd written the review for the original Avengers movie, I had labeled it as being 'super fun'. While not a great description, it perfectly captured the spirit of the movie - highly capable but conflicted heroes coming together in a humor filled, feel good movie with an epic battle sequence that brought some real thrills.

Infinity War also brings together the heroes - over 60 of them at that but this one is anything but 'feel-good. However, unlike the garbled mess that was Ultron, Infinity War plays like a well oiled machine. Sequences flow seamlessly into one another. Parallel plotlines playing out without confusing the audience a whole lot. There's a ton of action and if the airport duel in Captain America:Civil War gave some hope that the Russo brothers had a vision for action - Infinity War emphatically stamps its approval.

However, Infinity War is no fun and games with the good guys winning all the way and spouting fancy one-liners as they show off. Surprisingly, for the context in which Infinity War plays out, that's actually a good thing. The stakes are higher than they ever were. Right from the opening scene, with its grim background chatter and even more grim context and developments, the message is clear. Its not about fun anymore. No friendly banter, no chit-chat, there's no time - war is imminent and its toll will be heavy. So much so, that in the few sequences that Stark tries to be 'Stark' and StarLord tries to be 'StarLord' - it pretty much fails. That's not to say there isn't humor in the film - but these are dark times indeed, and humor almost feels out of place in multiple instances. At other times though, you feel relieved that Marvel has still preserved the funny bone.

The challenge with this approach though, is that there are less personality conflicts, character development or even time to stop and take a breath. The hits just keep on coming - one more devastating than the last. Yet despite this, the movie doesn't feel rushed or hurried. There are some astounding battle sequences, something that comes close to the airport magic in Civil War as well, yet there is a character to the movie that looms large above all of this. Infinity War has a formidable villain, who continues to gain strength and that's such a terrifying prospect that every action, effort starts seeming pointless.

In terms of the act, well they are all well versed with their parts now. Robert Downey Jr. is effective as always, Mark Ruffalo is in a very different avatar for Hulk, Chris Evans is a little too intense as Captain America, Chris Hemworth is vintage Thor and Zoe Saldana is emotive in  a surprisingly meaty part as Gamora. Also, Dr. Strange's powers are really on display in this movie as against his own origin movie. Scarlett Johansson has nothing to do as Black Widow, and I think she's just in for it since she gets to be an Avenger and likes the franchise as such. Nothing else explains her continuing to play the part.

If I have a bone to pick, its with the climax and since its the climax that's all we'll say about it here since I don't want to give any spoilers. Suffice it to say that the ending will baffle you, crush you and stay with you long after you've exited the hall. However, there's ample reason to believe that all is not as it seems and this is more of a gimmick to create a finale for part 1, since there's also a part 2 separately arriving in 2019. If so, then I am dismayed for them having used this cheap parlor trick. And if not, then I bow down to the sheer courage of taking the path the movie does take. (Think Dumbledore being dead before the 7th book in the Harry Potter series - only several times worse).

I had my misgivings about Infinity War before I went in for the movie, despite the hype, especially after the mess they made with Ultron. There were 14 million possibilities (wink) where things could've gone wrong. Still, the Russo brothers have truly matured the franchise and its characters to  come up with the one plotline that made sense. Infinity War is truly a spectacle, a befitting finale for Earth's Mightiest Heroes to engage in a battle that might well end it all. I can hardly wait for the sequel to come.

Movie Review: October..an unconventional blossom

The title of this movie itself seems strange given the context in which it sets up. Save for a line well towards the end of the movie there's little that explains the title. But then, Shoojit Sircar's October is not a movie that is easily explained. This isn't great storytelling, plot progression or phenomenal acting. And yet, it has its own bloom.

Those looking for a conventional love story of boy meets girl should simply stay away. October is unlike anything you would've seen before. Its a brave attempt at unconventional yet very real cinema that is unbecoming of Bollywood and deserves the kudos for that alone.

Slow and measured - there is nothing urgent about the storyline or plot progression with October. It takes a simple premise and then focuses the lens very strongly on the characters - their motivations, their innocence, their emotions - everything and the movie lets that do the talking rather than explaining everything. There are those who would find the movie painstakingly slow, but if they are willing to be patient, they get to see some very nuanced direction from Shoojit Sircar. Still, October isn't one to have universal appeal.

While the direction is nuanced and masterful, Varun Dhawan's performance only lifts the movie further. A character that is quite the opposite of what he has largely portrayed on the silver screen, October might be his best performance till date. Banita Sandhu, given her character's state has little resources to pull off her act, yet she does so convincingly. Gitanjali Rao is striking in her support role as the mother and her courage and strength shine through with her presence alone.

The conversations and dialogues feel real - the kind you would have heard or are likely to hear in these circumstances. None of it feels forced and there is little that is crammed in. In fact, less is more in October, with scenes of scant, if any, dialogue that let the silences do the talking.

If the movie's setting is unconventional, its climax is even more surprising. One that you might not agree with as it unfolds, but given a moment, you have to appreciate the courage of the director and where he is willing to take the story.

Its fair to say that October doesn't blossom in a predictable manner.Comparatively, Shoojit Sircar's earlier offerings (Vicky Donor and Piku) were a much easier watch. Like certain flowers that bloom only in a specific set of circumstances, not everyone would see October in all its glory. Those who do though, might well consider it a rare treat.

Movie Review: Hichki...prescribed pretty ordinary treatment

Apart from introducing its audience to a rarely know syndrome and educating them about it, there is little that is special or unique about Hichki. Highly predictable fare, the condition, prescription and treatment feel terribly dated. Its been done too many times and 'To Ma'am with Love', doesn't really project freshness or a new approach.

Hichki shows up a host of issues - educating us on the peculiar syndrome its protagonist has,  what education is all about, the class divide between students, standing up for what is right and just - or perhaps none of these, since it doesn't really focus the argument in any one direction. While we see the plight of the students, there is little social commentary. Its all in service of a painfully predictable plotline. Pity, Hichki could have been so much more.

Much like its title, the movie stutters its way through to a very ordinary first half. It picks up pieces from multiple movies and severely lacks originality. In fact, its only towards the climax that the movie shows us something new, and moves to a somewhat higher plane. Most of the other time, one can too clearly see, where the 'inspiration' for this particular set of scenes comes from.

Rani Mukherji tries her level best to breathe life into her character as the protagonist of the story. I had no clue about the syndrome prior to watching this movie so I can't judge whether she pulls it off convincingly - it sure appears like it though. Her determination, cheerfulness and more emotional moments do come to the fore quite well. Of course, its nothing she hasn't done before and Hitchki doesn't really challenge a stalwart like her. Some of the kids in the movie also pull off a good performance.

The songs are few and far between but still the movie feels overlong. It doesn't have as much to say, especially in the first half. The surprise towards the climax is truly worth appreciating. Also, the relationship between the protagonist and her father is particularly well handled. Not overly melodramatic and yet delivers the impact. If only the rest of the movie was also like that.

Released 10 years ago and preferably before gems like Taare Zameen Par - Hichki might have stood a chance. In 2018 though, with a string of movies that have broached the same subject and done a great job of it - Hichki doesn't get one to sit up and take notice.

Movie Review: Black Panther...Not king of the jungle

Like the regal animal itself - Black Panther makes a unique imprint of its own. Unlike the panther though, who's supposed to be fast and furious, Marvel's Black Panther is slow and measured. If its story didn't suspiciously resemble that of another king of the jungle and a beloved one at that, I might have given it more credit. Still, this one has claws that are sharp enough.

The start is important. While most pre-opening credit scenes are minor pieces that set the tone, this one starts in a flashback that is of vital importance to the storyline so make sure you don't miss it. Those expecting this to be yet another Avengers fest are bound to be sorely disappointed. Black Panther looks to make its own mark, there's not even a hint of any of the others. The story is less that of a superhero than a hero, raw and visceral, though it doesn't strike a very emotional chord.

The world of Wakanda is one to behold. The technological marvel it is shown to be sets up exciting possibilities for Infinity War (I fervently hope they do justice to that one). The movie has a lot of subtle under-tones - what is the meaning of power, how is it best used and who decides what is best. While brimming with potential and spending so much time getting us to believe in and appreciate the world of Wakanda, the plotline ultimately falls short. It all happens too easy and predictable.

There's also a surprising lack of humor in this one, for a Marvel movie. Chadwick Bose does a good T'Chaka aka Black Panther, not that his role needs much in the way of acting anyways. The movie does a nice job of stitching together the events from Winter Soldier into the storyline of the MCU we've seen so far.

One of the biggest challenges for Black Panther is that it misses a formidable foe. Don't get me wrong, to make a 'villain' of this sort takes courage and I respect the deep-rooted nature of his very being. However, whatever his motivation, the villain succeeds when he is terrifying due to his unpredictability, alarming in his ruthlessness and having his own twisted sense of a moral compass that justifies (to him) his every action. With Black Panther, the villain hardly gets to spread his wings and in some senses we can't even see his as a villain per se. Enuff said.

 People are raving about it as if its the most thoughtful movie Marvel has ever made. I wouldn't go with such high expectations. What Marvel does seems highly familiar. I found Ragonarok smarter and braver.

The Black Panther has bounded up the charts with the grace and speed of its namesake. It makes no such progress in my books - expect an average watch, with a bit less of the Marvel humor and more serious undertones that sets it up nicely for Avengers: Infinity War.

Movie Review: Padmaavat..not a worthy sacrifice

Its no secret that I am not a fan of the Bhansali brand of a cultural and arts show disguised as a movie - and that too at 3 hours long. It is surprising though, that despite knowing that, I've ended up watching all his so-called magnum opus' in the theater. Padmaavat, sadly, is no exception to either of those two statements.

All that controversy prior to the release of the movie was for naught. If history was distorted, it surely wasn't to show Rajputs in a poor light. Of course, if one truly viewed the movie from a more in-depth standpoint, one could argue an unintentional subtle commentary on the choices and decisions of our Indian princes of those times. However, on the surface, its all aan baan shaan for the Rajputs so this was much ado over nothing.

I could understand if Shahid Kapoor had protested though. Such calibre is given a completely one-dimensional and weak role that one wonders why it needed Shahid Kapoor to begin with. This is a role he could do in his sleep - with one constant expression on his face, through the movie. A few scenes in which he is meant to erupt about the Rajput rules and style - he thunders at such a decible that it borders on hamming. Perhaps he was also voicing his own frustrations with his character in the movie.

Much has been said about Deepika's gorgeous presence in the movie - I'll simply say that's a huge overstatement. Deepika has the most blank expression on her face through the 3 hour runtime and lapses back to her monotone dialogue delivery. After such strides forward with movies like Piku , Padmaavat is almost a step back for her. In fact, Bajirao Mastani was a better expression of her talent as well as her beauty. The only jewel in this rather over-embellished but finally unimpressive crown is Ranveer Singh and this one is a Kohinoor at that.

Ranveer embraces the vile and despicable Khilji with such fervor that he might well be the barbarian himself. His presence is the only thing that lifts this movie from its pedestrian standards and gives it a chance to shine.From his unpredictability, to his on-point barbarian dance moves - everything about Khilji has a unique stamp of its own. Despite these efforts though, we still get a very superficial view of Khilji - his motivations, his ambition, his ego or even his obsession with Padmavati herself. Character development is not one of Mr. Bhansali's fortes.

Padmaavat starts off strong moving at a rapid pace initially - to the point that you are wondering, what else would be shown for the remainder of the movie. However, when talks of Diwali and Holi celebrations abound while the enemy is at the gates, its a grim reminder that Bhansali is in-charge and the folk dance is about to begin. The song Ghoomar, while exquisitely choreographed, is just a shimmering display of more jewellery. Deepika does the routine as if its a chore to perform while the blank expression on her face continues. The song between Ranveer and his Man Friday is too nonsensical to even comment on. The CGI, where it comes in, is painfully apparent. I didn't watch this one in 3D - the mere thought of those glasses on for 3 hours would've cancelled the movie watching plan altogether - so I can't comment on that either. The climax, if we can call it that, is just too over-done - with heavy background score and repeat sequences of Rajput women running everywhere, to commit an act that is now, rightfully lost to the pages of history.

Ultimately, Padmaavat, while a visual extravaganza - is not worth the sacrifice - the sacrifice of 3 hours of your time at the very least. Neither is it worth the 180 cr that went into making it in the first place. Here's hoping I don't go for the next Bhansali offering in the theater - I've made enough sacrifices already.

Movie Review: Newton..smart and intelligent

Ever since the trailers came out for Newton, it has intrigued. With smart humor and a seemingly scathing view of our current political scenario, it was one we believed could be the better watches of 2017. Well, if it needed any more bolstering, its now going to be our official entry to the Oscars. While I am not sure of that particular claim, I can confirm that much like its namesake, Newton is a one-of-a-kind which, if it doesn't come up with an astounding discovery and has nothing to do with falling apples, still applies a restrained but critical lens on the state of our country and makes a powerful impact on its audience.

Think of a more subdued version of Peepli LIVE - while vastly different in terms of their subject matter - the treatment given to the movie is quite similar. Things are implied, not stated. There is a lot of speaking through metaphors and analogies, none of which is truly explained. There is a significant amount of symbolism which you can easily miss if you don't dig deeper. You need to see the apple fall from the tree multiple times to truly get all the deeper stuff.

From the outset the movie is slow and measured. Its in no hurry to tell its story and yet, somehow it captures your interest. Some scenes linger and you linger as well, thinking if there's particular significance to these scenes. Some have it, others don't but you don't mind the pacing. There's a particularly telling shot conveying helplessness despite best intentions which could well feel like a fitting end to the movie itself.

A lot of the 'dialogue' actually happens in the background - a mother harping about her son not getting married, a policeman talking about how appearing as a maoist (while not being one) is a sure shot to making money, a flurry of shots of just faces - simple, wearied and clueless - these aren't the focus or spoken by the protagonist - yet are amongst the most revealing in what the director is trying to convey. Its protagonist is far from ideal or a role model - and yet he leaves his mark for at least trying.

Newton didn't really need the prowess of Rajkummar Rao. Now that it has him though, the storyline is uplifted by a wonderful restrained performance. Through the intermittently blinking eyes, the plain manner of speaking and the quiet determination of the not-so-stupid common man - Rao gets well into the skin of his character. He is wonderfully complemented by Pankaj Tripathi, though the characters are adversaries (if you can call them that). The supporting cast notably Raghuvir Yadav and in a short cameo Sanjay Mishra also provide fine touches.

Those who would expect a satire that's easily understood and provides a lot of laughs should best stay away. Newton is one of wry humor, that too only on the surface. Peel the layers and you'll find a movie of substance - that is bound to leave an impact.

Movie Review: Lucknow Central..no thrills behind these bars

There is plenty an inspiring movie when it comes to convicts planning and plotting in a jail cell. In fact, I had thought of far more interesting and apt titles like Lucknow Central..the not so great escape or Lucknow Central - far from redemption. However, it would've been blasphemous to name this rather ordinary offering in the presence of these greats so I kept it simple and boring (pretty much like the movie).

The issues with Lucknow Central are several - not enough mystery and intrigue, no connect with any of the characters, not even the protagonist, trying to do or show too many things and not a thrilling enough build up or climax. And then, there's the pacing that finishes whatever little hope remains.

While it starts off at a brisk pace, the set up feels too contrived - as if this is only a flimsy sequence to land up the protagonist in a jail cell and that's when the real story begins. Even so, the sequences feel disjointed and over-extended. In the hands of a more seasoned director, it may well have been presented with a lot more finesse. As it stands though, it all feels like it came together too easily. Unfortunately, this feeling continues pretty much till end-credits

One of the biggest challenges of the movie is the protagonist - Kishen himself. A small town guy with big dreams - he seems far too sure of himself irrespective of the situation he is in, making him closer to Michael Scofield than an Andy Dufresne. Its almost like he has a free hand to decide which direction he wants to take his life and hence the movie, while plot-wise he is supposed to be in a desperate situation. While Farhan performs Kishen earnestly, the character itself lacks depth.

The songs are somewhat of a saving grace with Meer e Karwan sounding particularly melodious. Rangdaari is the opening song, but by playing it in the background, every few minutes in the first half, it loses its charm. The other big support is the supporting cast who still seem to believe they have a good thing going, and give it their best. There is a particularly inspired bit with a superimposing of Kishen while the movie Agneepath plays in the background. While not perfectly executed, its a novel touch and you wish there was more such novelty on offer. Apart from that, the humor provided largely by the supporting cast is a welcome relief amidst the tedious and slow proceedings on-screen.

I guess this criticism is particularly harsh because I've seen the TV series Prison Break. If I hadn't, I'd probably be okay with not knowing back stories and a more fleshed out version of the supporting characters, expecting meticulous and deep planning at every step of the heist and even then facing a fair number of unforeseen challenges and situations. However, I am pretty certain that even if I hadn't, with its rather convenient plot developments and absolute lack of urgency despite the supposed heist Lucknow Central would still have fallen woefully short.