Rudaali (1992)

Director : Kalpani Lajmi

Rating : 4 out of 5

Watching an art film is very different from commercial films, which is very hard to proceed whether you do not care the character performances. Art films most prominent different from commercial is the performances. In commercial ones, you just only care the star power and popularity, but in art film just the character’s performances.
I am simply not a fans of Dimple Kapadia , since I know her in commercial hits like “Bobby” and “Saagar” as exposing sex symbol. But when I watched , her National Award winning role in “Rudaali” I just amazing .
Her performances, her unspoken sorrows, her body languages everything she done is just amazing and I cannot express how she is natural in the movie.

Set in the small village at Rajasthan , unfortunate woman named , Shanichari ,her life struggle and the traitional culture of India is the main plot of movie . This film title “Rudaali” means professional woman weeper at funeral ceremony.

This film open age Shanichari make friend with aged professional weeper (Rudaali) and tell her life story. Shanichari cannot cry throughout her life. She was left by her own mother and bought by drunker to marry him. Property owner favored her, she was call to him as a savant, and they have afire. When her husband died in village festival by plaque, she has to borrow 50 rupees from land load for her husband funeral and her son served at the land load 15 years. When her son came back after his loan, they happily live together but the fortune turns again when her son marries prostitute. Shanichari quarrels with the couple and her son leave her. Now, lonely Shanichari now live togather with the old Rudaali. She suggests her to become a fellow Rudaali with her. However, the problem is that Shanichari can't weep.

Even when the old woman dies, Shanichari comes to know that she was her mother, Shanichari's tears come back to her eyes after long years and she becomes a famous Rudaali taking over her mother's profession.

This film has different storyline from others and many special facts like ; performances, setting in desert of Rajasthan and have very good songs. My favorite one is “Dil Hoom Hoom Gare”(My heart beats with fear) with very sad melody and sweet voice of “Lataji” .
For me, this is one of the saddest films I have watched , and Dimpleji gives one the best performances that come deeply to my heart.

Taare Zameen Par (2007) तारे जमीन पर

Director : Aamir Khan

Rating : 4.5 out of 5

Undoubtedly one of the best films of century, a beautiful story about a young boy who suffered Dyslexia. The creative presentation of debutant director Aamir Khan is the clear proved that he also could establish as director. And art direction, a lots of scenes are beautifully shoot and very heart breaking music.

Of course, it also has wonderful performances. The real star of the film is neither big star Aamir Khan nor other adult casts: “Darsheel Safary” a young boy gives the unforgettable performances as central character. His facial expressions, body languages definitely will make you laugh, cry and take pity on the character that he portrayed. Another is “Tisca Chopra” who can achieved her best as suffering mother and other supporting casts like father and brother are all OK . Aamir Khan enters just the half of the movie and his role is not more than supporting. I am not fan of Aamir, but I love his character (his passion, love, pity on the children) is loveable.
Moreover, one point I love is the main idea of the movie. Parents can accept the genius of their children, means that every child has his own talents and parents have to proud it and allow them to achieve.

Another good point is the film music, exactly not like other masala the misic has its own good way. It can reach the inner sprit of the characters and has very good melody aslo. My favourite song is “Maa” which is very heart breaking song, medlody with meaningful lyrics.

One point I want to admit is I had no expectation on this film at first honestly. But I go and watch this film just to refresh my mind but fortunately, I got wonderful period of time for this.
Overall, this is one of the best films for this year and must watch film before you die. Make sure you go and watch with your children, and rethink again your paternal guide after you have watched whether it is appropriate or not.

Khoya Khoya Chand (2007)

Director : Sudhir Mishra

Rating : 1.5 out of 5

This time is big disappointment from Sudhir Mishra , who gives us many meaning films like "Chameli" , "Dharavi" and many others. Set on the film industery at 1950's a love story between scriptwriter (later director) and raising star cannot create a magic. This film is not clear what the director want to give us , the complex relationships within film industry, the sexual desire of woman and the man power in the industry , as mansion a lot we didn't get the single concept of film.

Nikhat is an ambitious woman in industry. Even she start her career as dancer she become a star under the control of powerful actor Prem Kumar. After the Prem marriage with other lady , Nikhat fall in love with the script writer Zaffar but she cannot overcome Prem's control. She also cannot married Zaffar officially for her career also cannot leave her career for her finical problems. Zaffar aslo try himself to establish as director but Nikhat cannot do his first film. Based on this circumstances Zaffar also have affair with his film star Ratanbala. After these complex condition both Zaffar and Nikhat cannot withstand and Zaffar leave the industry. But Nikhat loose her star power and start drinking and seriously suffer depression. But when Zaffar come back the industry again after years ago , aged and powerless Nikhat want to do his new project. Unaware her illness she do his film named "Khoya Khoya Chand". After that she died and this film comes out as Zaffar's masterpiece.

This is the main plot of movie and director capture beautifully the relationship between Prem and Nikhat , Zaffar and Nikhat , Zaffar and Ratanbala. Although this film has some interesting facts , overall is disappointment. For performances Soha Ali Khan , daughter of legendary "Sharma Tagore" do a great work . Her character is very complex and we can seen her pain and love and feel compassion on her. Shiney Ahuja and Rajat Kapoor are OK.

One big thing wrong about this film is the language , dialog between the characters.In Singapore this film got NC-16 rating for the language and some sex scenes. As a mainstream film , film language is not appropriate to be like thas.Good points are the music that we can feel the old classic melody and performances from all the casts. This film should do in more dramatic form and focus on the single concept what the director want to present.

Saawariya (2007) सावरिया

Director : Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Rating : 4 out of 5

This dream-like set movie by Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magic is really emotional and sensible for me. Some kind of movies are just for emotional persons and you cannot feel nothing if you are not. This movie is definitely such kind of movie and you may enjoy if you deeply understand the word "Saawariya" (beloved).

A story of pure love , lose , emotional scenes and dialogs are awesome of me. Falling in love with realizing of losing her already , hiding your uncontrollable feeling and there are much beautiful scenes in the film. And Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnificent presentation on beloved is very close to my heart.

For performances ,the film doesn't need the big stars at all . But the new comers Ranbir Kapoor (Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh's son) and Sonam Kapoor (Anil Kapoor's daughter) are perfect on their debut roles. And Ranbir Kapoor is very promosing and make the Kapoor generation proud in years to come. Salman Khan role is just waste and he just appear and then disappear.

Another strong and memorable performance is from "Rani Mukherji", eventually I am not big fan of her , her performances in film is superb and admirable as an actress.Especially her reaction on Ranbir, when he comes knocking on her doors and admits that he wants to spend time with her. This scene is my favourite one and her feeling on Ranbir as how she value him as a pure friend (of prostitute), although she secretly loves him. I feel that this is another definition of "Saawariya".

But there are few points I don't like are the setting (although sequences are filmed brilliantly) : Where it is located in which Era ? What is the passion between Sonam and Salman love story?

Apart from such small point this film is brilliant and lovable. You can obviously know the passion of word "beloved" and feel it with memory on your beloved ones. Otherwise you will definitely state that this is bored. And no wonder some reviews give underrated.For me, Thanks Mr.Bhansali for this Classic Love Story.

Om Shanti Om (2007)

Director : Farah Khan

Rating : 2 out of 5

Totally entertaining movie from Farah Khan as usual . I cannot feel nothing special than this non-scene storyline and too many songs. Some few songs are being well made and most are not necessary. (especially I love "Ajab Si" , this song is so close to my heart.)But there is the big thing to hide all these things : Shahrukh Khan , Deepika Padukone: promising new comer and 31 stars song "Deewangi Deewangi" . The total plot is not necessary and just the stars are emerge obviously.

For the new very good presentation style , amazing setting and good editing of old film scenes are the other good points of movie . Shahrukh roles are totally very entertaining and I heards a lots of claps even in Cinema Hall. His stardom is just amazing. Deepika Padukone roles are also good-to-look from 70's stars to modern girl. Another good roles are Shreyas Talpade and Kirronji . Kirron Kher give super over-acting and even this is just loving ( I love this actress) .Also ,Arjun Rampal give his best as villain.

Totally , "Om Shanti Om" is the unnatural film with nonscene story-line. But sure you will enjoy and have a good watching time for all very big stars power and funny scenes which are really entertaining. So be sure go and watch with your family.

Elizabeth (1998)

Director : Shekhar Kapur

Rating : 3 out of 5

It should be the time I watch "The Golden Age" , but in Singapore this movie will release next year January.So I decided to watch again its prequel Sehkhar's Classics "Elizabath" . It's a saying that "Movies are greatest disaster for historical facts ." . "Elizabeth" is surely such kind of movie just emphasize in drama and totally ignore the historical facts.

The Hollywood debut director of India , Shekhar Kapur made us proud with this movie. The exciting storyline, excellent sets , make-up , costumes and excellent performances. Cate Blanchett (my favourite) as Elizabeth I of England is regarded as the very strong performance I have seen. A woman between love and duties and one whose cannot possess herself whose is the Queen. There is nothing to say for her performances and she became my favourite actress in Hollywood since I had watch it about 3 years ago.Even there are a lots of Claims of Anti-Catholicism for this film , as a viewer I love it .
And another character Geoffrey Rush as Francis Walsingham is very strong ,as a reliable ambassador and loyal "spymaster" of Queen. Anyway this is another should watch film for movie lover and very nice movie as a n0n-history people. For me I have to wait for its sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age .

Chak De ! India (2007)

Director : Shimit Amin

Rating : 4 out of 5

My last night late watch of "Chak De! India" make me feel so nervous through the entire show. The most exciting , delightful tale of Indian Women Hockey Team win the World Cup. Definitely one of the best film came out from India Film Industry in this decade , is presented by the outstanding story line, powerhouse talents and remarkable direction.

Story of a team-spirit , unity , loss and gain , national spirit and dignity. The performances are really nice , even commercial king "Shahrukh Khan" came out from "Raj-Rahul" shell and give the career top natural performances as "Kabi Khan". A man of big hope , a loser and try to pay back his dignity to country is remarkable.

Moreover, all hockey girls make the substances for each of their part. Vidya Sharma , Preeti Sabarwal , Komal Chautala make the unforgettable characters for the whole film.
For me the most significant lady is "Bindia Naik" , a player of experiences , own dignity , jealous and hard-to-train type. Her seduction on Kabi is one the best scene in film. Shilpa Shukla will be the most outstanding thing of Chak De after King Khan. She should make herself more well-known face and hopefully she will make more movies.

Another character I like is Karishnaji , the woman in-charge of the team . Her reaction between the girls and coach , her still simple but nice performances are left in my mind.

Anyway this is one of the best film I watched these day and simply you also agreed with us that this film should have gone to Oscar this years if you been watch. So for me , what is your next Mr.Shimit Amin ?

Jab We Met (2007)

Director : Imtiaz Ali

Rating: 3 out of 5

The most delightful film I have watched these days, apart from reality but this can refresh my tired mind. Very cheerful presentation of love , loss and value of life.

This is about a romantic journey of Aditya and Geet who met accidentally and the bond and love through their romantic journey ,played by real lovebirds Kareena and Shahid. Apart from their break-up rumors their onscreen chemistry is still attractive. Kareena give the outstanding performances of girl-in-dreams as well as Shahid play heart broken, and confused guy splendidly.

The most delightful thing for me is the very meaningful Soundtrack and the featuring style of songs.I really love "Tum Se Hi" , for the dream like romance feeling of a guy is very prised for me.Another songs are "Aao Milo Chalo" and "Aaoge Jab Tum" for my favourite Ustad Rashid Khan .

Anyway the film is the best romantic Hindi film of this year as far as I concerned and both leading actors give their top performances. One more thing I love personally is the fact "similarities between late the train and lost the love" .I really like this fact and feel this is right .Another scene is the last kissing scene and this is really so sweet and make perfect movie. Definitely you should go and watch either your family or your girlfriend/boyfriend.

The Story of Qiu Ju (1992)

Director : Zhang Yimou

Rating : 3 out of 5

This movie make me remind the beautiful mind and honest spirit of country people , their helpful and quiet straight mind . The film tells the story of a peasant woman, Qiu Ju, who lives in a rural area of China. When her husband is kicked in the groin by the village chief , Qui Ju, despite her pregnancy, travels to a nearby town, and later a big city to deal with its bureaucrats and find justice. But the chief doesn't mind her and even help her when she was troubled in her child birth. But the end , at her child first month ceremony ,the counts take the chief , for her case to the city and she run along with the police car.

This story is very simple and this is just about human mind for justices and open-minded.Qui Ju not angry with the Chief and she just want him to prologize her husband. And the Chief also don't mind her and help her when she was in trouble.Moreover this film also show the Chinese traditional believes and their child policies.

Mr. Zhang try this movie to be more natural in every scenes. And Gong Li (talented Chinese Actress) give the outstanding , natural performances by her rural looks. But for me I just like this film and cannot make as my favourite.But should watch for drama and art film lovers.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)

Director : Priyadarshan
Rating : 2.5 out of 5


Priyadarshan's Bhool Bhulaiyaa is really enjoyable film through the whole. Comedy, suspense and exciting dance sequence.One reason I go and watch this film is for my favourite Vidya Balan. Since this is the third remade of Manichitrathazhu some of the scenes are totally copy of first original (especially Vidya Balan look at climax) ! The film is totally the pure family entertainment and relaxation .

This film is about a young couple arriving at the ancestral mansion of the latter. Ignoring the protests of their superstitious uncle, they move in to mansion, when unusual and supernatural events begin to happen. Really very exciting !

For ,the climax scene I really want to congratulate my loving Vidya. Her dancing sequence is not great like Shobana, Soundarya and Jyothika in early version but we can see how much she had to try for the dancing and facial expression of her character at climax. For the whole this is also shoud watch film with your family and you all will get very great movie time.

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag - Journey Of A Woman (2007)

Director : Pradeep Sarkar
Rating : 1 out of 5
My most awaiting movie come out as a disaapinted one . This movie is really good until about 15 minutes before the end. But the ending is really director-made end and I cannot satisfied the end. Actually all the performers are talented but the script is badly written and cannot manage the reality.
But one point I love this film is beautifully features the Banaras. The movie opening scene make me remember Satyajit Ray's Aparajito . Beautiful Banaras , the culture and two lovingly sisters. Actually the songs scenes are really cool and loveable especially "Hum To Aise Hain" and "Kachchi Kaliyaan".

For performances Rani is really nice and Konkona is perfect like her others. Jayaji , Anupam , Abhishek and Kunal are good in their respectivw roles. Anyway this film is really good film but not outstanding. This is totally in commercial way and I don't like it as a film. But one reason you should watch is for the powerhouse performances by the leading ladies (Konkona and Rani).

One more point I need to mention is the coming out film is not Peadeep original script. The original one is very bold and Aditya Chopra change this for family audience. So I think this is the worst point transforming the imperfect film. Mr. Sarkar should choose the right production house for his dream projects.

15, Park Avenue (2005)

Director : Aparna Sen
Rating : 3 out of 5

Aparan Sen's movie "15, Park Avenue" is one of the movies which cannot make me bored for rapid watch. The sensational and natural acting from all the casts and director's talent make me to have a very good movie time.
Starring the hindi cinema finest actresses : Waheeda Rehman , Shabana Azmi and Konkona Sen Sharma : and the most sensational director "Aparna Sen" : What the great perfect chose to watch.
This movie ia about two sisters Meethi, (Konkona Sen Sharma) who suffers from schizophrenia, and her much older sister Anjali (Shabana Azmi)

. This movie beautifully features a girl love , sister love and the imaginary world of mentally-ill girl. Konkona play the character of a girl : Meethi who love in world created by her own apart from her unfortunate real life. She once love a man named Jojo and they engaged. But the gang rape by political goons during Meethi's work assignment , her Jojo left her . But in her world she married him and live happily at their home 15, Park Avenue ( I guess they engaged on 15th December and may be that why she think her home no is 15) . But she was managed by her sister and she cannot chance to find her own world (totally mad). My favourite (Konkona) play her part remarkable and give the finest performance in cinema.
Another talented lady : Shabanaji (who play Meethi's mother-like-sister) is another perfect character in movie. She is physics professor , a smart and perfect lady and much love and sympathy on her 18 years younger sister. But she cannot manage for her personal love ,relationship and she always think about her family and sister. Shabanaji performance the complex of her character very well.
Most reviews states the final scene that not too much clear . For me , Meethi find her world , her dream husband and her children ( totally mad , free her mind without any boundaries) and this scene is most outstanding from film.

Anyway 15, Park Avenue is watchable film but not perfect like "Aparna"'s previous " 36 Chowringhee Lane" and "Mr. and Mrs. Iyer " . But the performance are worth enough to cover the imperfect script. For me I love this just for "Konkona" and "Shabana". I am waiting forward for Aparna's next release "The Japanese Wife" which will come on next year January.

Not One Less (1999)

Director:Zhang Yimou
Rating : 4 out of 5

Another heart warming movie from Zhang Yimou : "Not one less" give me a excellent and precious watching time. A beautiful storyline of teacher and student relationship , very natural direction and innocent performance by the central character will make you get a precious movie time. Yimou Zhang has given us a little gem, a beautiful story, with such wonderful participation by all those children, as well as the fine photography and Bao San's occasional accompanying music.

This movie is about 13 year-old substitute school teacher, Wei Minzhi (played by the actress of the same name), in the Chinese countryside who is placed in charge of the school after the previous teacher leaves temporarily for a month. Minzhi is told not to lose any students, and when one of the boys, Zhang Huike ; class troublemaker , takes off in search of work in the big city, she goes looking for him to bring him home .
This movie has no high-profile actor but all the casts are very brilliant . This moralist , documentary style film effectively blurring the boundaries between drama and life.

The the part of the film is relation between the young teacher and class troublemaker . She try to control him at first and punished him for this bad habits . But when he have to go city for his family financial issues , she try to find her (but also a teacher spirit , not only for her duty). This film also give us the spirit of unity , problem-solving skill , the knowledge and difficulties of rural education.
For all . "Not One Lee" is another must-watched film from early Zhang Yimou . For me this film reminds all of my school teachers and gratitude of them for being me today.

Lust , Caution (2007)

Director : Ang Lee
Rating : 2.5 out of 5

My heart is still beating even after watching for "Ang Lee" 's latest release "Lust, Caution" ; a movie about a woman spirit changing from sexual explicit to Forbidden Love .

Setting in WWII-era Shanghai , new comer Wei Tang give the outstanding performances as innocent Wang Jiazhi who was used as a lure for the mission. The movie open with the women group who playing Mahjong. After that Mark Tai Tai (Wei Tang) goes into the cafe ,places a call, and then sits and waits. She remember her story began several years earlier as shy and innocent Wang Jiazhi. The student group in Hong Kong to assassinate a top Japanese collaborator, Mr. Yee (Tony Leung) and she has to play as Mark Tai Tai who will gain Yees trust by befriending his wife (Joan Chen) and then draw the man into an affair. Anyway they fail but Wang have to lost her virginity to her friend to seduce Mr.Yee . After 3 years later, the group restart their plan and that time she can influenced Mr. Yee. But finally Wang really fall in love to Mr. Yee and she let him escape from their plan . At the end all the students are killed by Japanese for their plan and Mr.Yee enter the room where their (Mr.Yee and Wang) first encounter.

Sex paly very important role in this movie ,Wang's love for Mr. Yee . Actually Wang is sexually abused by Mr. Yee for the first time. The later sex scenes show the mutual understanding, love ,obsession and sexual emotion between two characters especially for second and third encounters.

Anyway the movie shown in Singapore is edited version and the sex scenes are just briefly shown and no explicit scenes. Mr. Lee rated this film as "M21" in USA and Taiwan but for others like mainland China and Singapore he cut out about "10 minutes" of sex scene. Over all this movie is good emotional and should watched.

For actors' performance Wei Tang is the most outstanding and main charcter. She give the outstanding and natural acting.She one of most promising star that she will be the leading lady in Chinese Cinema followed by Joan Chan , Gong Li and Ziyi Zhang.

Other characters are faint and not clear even Mr. Yee. I think Mr. Lee waste the talented Joan Chen for neglected wife role and just playing Mahjong . For the whole this film is watchable. Good but not be classics like "Brokeback Mountain" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". But congrats Ang Lee for giving us this wise emotional movie.

Salaam Bombay! (1988)

Director: Mira Nair
Rating: 5 out of 5

A perfect movie, movie of satisfaction : When I start watch "Salaam Bombay" about 2 hours ago in my school library, I am very excited. Usually I watched such arty film in my own room with peace and usually in cinema halls. But this film draw me into its deepest scene of Mira's directional talent.
I just cannot catch up how she control the whole sets with these street-children. The most realistic movie that makes me thinking whether I am watching reality show or a man made movie.

The performers are really amazing and so sure that most of the cast were never faced the camera. Even in such condition the most cast give the outstanding , fabulous and memorable acting. Mira's debut film make me feel the perfect satisfaction , sorrow and some scenes were even kept in my memory for long.I just want to share the some memorable scene for me.

"Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu" song scene dancing prostitute, her daughter and Chaipau . The scene make you warmly feel the beautiful , kind mind of a prostitute and very sweet relationships of mother-daughter. "Hansa Vithal" may be she is 10+ years old but her performance is really amazing for me in the whole movie.
Next is the scene where Chaipau steal a little chicken and give to "Sweet Sixteen". Really cute scene of a boy's pure love to his unknown older girl. And Manju jealous on "Sweet Sixteen" is another outstanding scene in movie that show the human mind.
Chillum and Chaipau is another good plot of the movie and the friendship spirit keep me cry at funeral scene.Chillum character is another prominent character in the movie : a destroyed man by the drug and trading of drug.

The most stunning female character is Rekha played by Aneeta Kanwar : a prostitute , neglected wife and mother.
Anyway "Salaam Bombay!" is a must-watch film before you die and this movie give the lowest lives in Bombay and can regarded as the most realistic movie from India Film Industry.