Fight Club

Problem is, between the whole bunch of them, they don’t have three original expressions to boast of.

To describe their work in this film as performances is an insult to real actors who prepare for their roles, and learn dialogue.

Read about Fight Club here.

PS:Owing to irregular original reviews, we have decided to link to the reviews as and when possible.

Rang De Basanti

Intelligent. Entertaining.There are few promos and build up that makes some films must watch. Of course promos misguide often, but RDB is not one among them.

Very recently there have been series of movies on freedom struggle (including multiple Bhagat Singhs releasing on the same day) and any more period films after the debacle called Mangal Pandey has no takers. And how many times do we read history and feel that they have no practical relevance today?

And DCH faced with the criticism of addressing no issues, even though all it wanted was to promptly reflect a comman man's life and fun.

So to address both parties, the team behind RDB went into smart mixing of history with today's story, that is why I call it intelligent. This blend according to me gave half the winning points as the plot allowed for both DCH kinda fun and seriousness of Yuva. Along with the creation of situations that allowed the characters to replay the roles of freedom strugglers, the other contributing factors were the performances, music, dialogues and of course a story and its narration which does not let the audience's attention slip by. The pace is slow and steady and the story is already engulfing you within it. That is rare.

Highlights in no particular order : There are lot of simple yet fun moments that gives instant smile. The campus shot where the boys bend to drink beer was indicative of the heights they could go to, if need arises. It was intelligent way in which the events of Bhagat Singh etc were mapped to current situation.

One of my favorite scenes is the one where DJ(Aamir Khan) sitting in the car explains Sue about how friendship and all ends at campus…tomorrow each one goes their way."Aaj hum life ko nachate hain, kal life hum ko nachata hai". Another favorite scene apart from the obvious favorite climax scene, is when they hang out in the fields/fort and have absolute fun forgetting the whole world.

Among the performances, Aamir Khan is loveable (and is lucky to get to re-live his both roles in parts – that of DCH and that of Mangal Pandey). His punjabi dialogue delivery is music to ears which was matched well by phoren lady's(Alice Patten) Hindi! Karan's reclusive attitude was beautifully lived by Siddharth in every frame. His eyes spoke volumes. Ever dependable Atul Kulkarni does not disappoint, he once again[may be time for a change ? ] triumphs in a role that suppresses anger and breathes normally. Madhavan and other two guys fill the gaps. Soha Ali Khan Pataudi shows promise and the Sue is refreshing ! Music was quite complementary to film. Binodh Pradan’s cinematography makes you pack and leave on a holiday immediately! Best part is patriotism and romance were present enough to leave an impression but were not over the top, which gives the whole package a sense of reality and meaning.

Little preachy and provocative, but give me such films (Swades, Yuva) any day rather than the candy-floss-plus-europe tour or triangle-love-stories or underworld-voilence. It is dangerous, yet probably true, to think that the politicians of today are no way different to the rulers before independence. It echoes the sentiment that we have to regain our freedom but this time by our own men – whom we have elected. But what is the message exactly. To kill whoever is wrong? This was told to us by Krantiveer too. In fact its ending speech by Nana was more provocative and powerful than a simple radio station confession. Some answers were given by Karan's Q and A session. However, from the film's perspective the ending is meaningful considering all they wanted was to let public know and to awaken them and to believe that the spark ignites the fire which spreads across – exactly the way Azad and Co did.

Rakesh and team, thanks!