Bajirao Mastani – Love and Grandeur

Photo courtesy: facebook.com/bajiraomastani

“Love has no religion; love is itself a religion.” 

The core of this movie is love, love, and love. With larger than life sets, mesmerizing visual appeal, spellbinding performances, and hard-hitting music, this period drama is one of the cinematic masterpieces. Every frame speaks of grandeur and is polished with art. Sanjay Leela Bhansali all the way - from the very first scene to the last one.

The movie is based on the Marathi novel “Raau” by Nagnath S. Inamdar. Set aside the historical accuracies, for which controversies are already there - what truly shows off is that the movie has its soul and the heart; and it sure does inherit the cinematic liberties.

Now, not everyone can make this type of film. So, hats off to Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The movie does not deviate from its main storyline and flow smoothly throughout. One can have the problem with the pace, which is slow sometimes and fast sometimes, but there is never a dull moment. It touches you and grabs your attention to the fullest. There are some flaws, but apart from those, the movie is nothing short of grand. As a director and music director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali scores high.

Kabaddi Kabaddi - a proper sequel

Movie: Kabaddi Kabaddi

Director: Ram Babu Gurung

Photo Courtesy: www.facebook.com/cinemaartproduction

Starring: Dayahang Rai, Saugat Malla, Rishma Gurung, Buddhi Tamang, Bijay Baral, Aruna Karki, Shishir Bangdel, Pashupati Rai, Junu Bista and more.

In my eyes: *** point some (out of Five)

There has not really come a proper sequel of a Nepali movie before. Kabaddi Kabaddi is the one that holds the virtue of continued story. In this sequel of the blockbuster of last year, the charm and the core aesthetics of Kabaddi remains the same even though not being flawless.

Set in Naurikot, a village of Mustang, Kabaddi Kabaddi continues the one-sided love story of Kaji and Maiya. Bomkaji (Saugat Malla) enters the scene as the other solti to woo the soltini. This triangular love story has the backdrop of politics this time. Apart from this main line, there are two sub-courses of two friends of Kaji: B.K. and Chhantyal. Relating each sub-plot to each other and mixing them together with few twists and turns, the movie packs a punch.

One of the good things is that - with all the humor and comic elements, the sentiments and emotions projected at certain places remain strong in the movie. You get not only to laugh from the beginning to the end but also the emotions to feel. A complete package!

EVEREST - Men vs Mountain

"Everest is another beast altogether!" Final word between men and mountain - is always of mountain!! 

photo courtesy:
www.facebook.com/EverestMovie

Based on the real events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, Everest mainly shows the survival attempts of two expedition groups when they get hit by a disastrous snow storm on their way down from the summit of Mt. Everest. This disaster drama and adventure thriller takes us on a trip to summit and down with several jaw-dropping moments.

The best thing in the Everest is its breathtaking cinematography. The success of this movie reflects in the feeling that we get while watching it on screen – the feel of an adventure! It’s terrific and it’s horrifying. It’s like the battle between the mountain and men. The every scene from the base camp to the summit is marvelous. Although not entirely shot in Nepal as it is difficult to shoot on the real top, it never feels that it was shot in Italy or some studio.  Well, it is thrilling and astonishing, is the fact.

PLEASANT - Highway to Dhampus

“The best thing in the life is to change.”

photo courtesy:
www.facebook.com/highwaytodhampus

“We look at the sky but we walk on the ground”, says Laxmi to Ajit. She has desires but she is happy and content with whatever she has in the present. The simple, yet complex elements of life such as love, happiness, compassion and gratefulness are the things that Highway to Dhampus has captured wonderfully.

Elizabeth, a rich socialite trying to change her image visits an orphanage in a village in Nepal with Colt, a photo journalist and Ajit, a sincere helpful pilot cum guide cum translator. Laxmi is a headmistress of the orphanage. With their several meetings onwards, they get connected to each others. The series of events then show how they change – change for the better.

Everyone has the ability to change; life is dynamic and changes are bound to happen. Highway to Dhampus is the tale of ‘change’ – how a person can evolve with the emotions.

Woda No. 6 - 'Halka Ramailo' Bhanda Mathi Chha!

Movie: Woda No. 6

photo courtesy:
facebook.com/PriyankaKarkiOfficial

Director: Ujwal Ghimire

Starring: Deepak Raj Giri, Priyanka Karki, Dayahang Rai, Kedar Ghimire, Sitaram Kattel, Jitu Nepal and more

In my eyes: *** (out of 5)

A comedy that does not say ‘leave-your-brain-at-home’. A social drama that has the ability to touch the hearts. Combined together and blended just right. Presented in a way that entertains the audience thoroughly. This is Woda No. 6. Every places has both good and bad elements there; likewise, this “woda” is also not free from the flawed elements. But as long as the entertainment matters, this movie is super successful.

Time-zoned at fictional place Jhulebasti Woda No. 6, Nuwakot in 2058 B.S., this movie is set against the backdrop of civil war. Smells different? A bunch of comedy actors and the serious issue? Do not worry because it carefully balances both in the way we have never seen in a Nepali movie. Neither does the maoist conflict over-sensitize nor does the comedy over-shadow the core point of the movie. This is the best thing of Woda No. 6.  

It does not discuss the goods and flaws of civil war, neither does it portray the political backdrop. What it shows entertainingly and sometimes heart-touchingly is the small effects of that war period on common villagers that turn their life upside down. Story is simple where dialogues play the winning role and the plots happen to be the engaging factor. Credits goes to writer Deepak Raj Giri and the director Ujwal Ghimire, specially for taking out the controlled performance from actors and preventing it from being loud.

Margarita, with a Straw - Heartwarming

photo credit:
facebook.com/MWASOfficial

A girl in her late teens is talent, confident and full of excitement. She loves a guy, seeks for his love and want to have the sexual pleasure. This is very normal for other ‘normal’ beings but supposedly, not for a girl with a cerebral palsy. What if she starts loving a girl too? Not normal, eh! But meet Laila and think again about the people with disabilities and different sexual orientations. Like any other normal people, they also have the similar desires and pursues. Their abnormality is but just one other side of a life. Love your ‘self’ being, love for what you are. This pretty much sums the Margarita, with a Straw – directed by Shonali Bose.

photo credit: www.bollypedia.in

Margarita, with a Straw is not about the cerebral palsy or bisexuality; it is a heartwarming tale of a teen girl suffering from cerebral palsy and discovering her sexuality. It is wonderful that the movie shows the normal features of the character Laila. She is wheel-chair bound and depends highly on her mother but that doesn’t let her self-esteem down. She studies creative writing, she wants to flirt, she watches the porn, she has a crush on a guy, she writes lyrics for a band and she dances. When a judge awards the band as a consolation just because the lyrics is written by a girl with disability, she can show them a middle finger too. She is challenged - yes, but defeated - NO.

Singing Ladies from Nepali Movie Industry

Acting and singing – they’re interrelated. This has to be one of the wonderful traits of performance art.

photo courtesy: You Tube

We have pretty cool singers in Namrata Shrestha and Priyanka Karki. They can literally go professional on the lines of other good singers we have in our country.

Namrata Shrestha crooned the cover for Bistarai Bistarai (original by Rohit John Chhetri) in her movie Soul Sister. Her voice is damn good; it's soothing and beautiful.

Hostel Returns - for an average entertainment

Director: Suraj Bhushal

Starring: Nazir Husain, Sushil Shrestha, Shashi Shrestha, Abhaya Baral, Sushil Sitaula, Swastima Khadka, Sunil Rawal, etc.

photo courtesy: facebook.com/hostelreturns

In my eyes: 50 % of Five Stars                     

Apparently, the basic story-line is the 'returned quotient' in Hostel Returns where faculty has gone into Engineering this time. Like Hostel, it deals with the college life of students staying at hostel. Overall, it makes an entertaining watch.

Plot:

Four boys: Heroic Pratap (Sushil Shrestha) with toned body and the rich father, too innocent and talented Rameshwor Yadav (Nazir Hussain) all the way from Janakpur Dharampur, the hawa Kumaar (Abhaya Baral) for whom is everything sahi ho except from becoming an engineer and normal-er Sameer (Sushil Sitaula) with the far-western accent.

8 Witty and Meaningful Dialogues from Tin Ekanta

photo: A still from video on background

Tin Ekanta (Three Solitude) is a set of three extended monologues. Three stories Weekend, Dhoop ka Ek Tukda and Dedh Inch Upar of Indian story-writer Nirmal Verma are translated by Aashant Sharma and turned into a play by Anup Baral. Good stories, better performances, attractive set design and lighting, nice music, dosage of humor, a good use of videography on background to support the narration but still, have to deal with boredom. The play, as a whole is just not up to the mark.

Nevertheless, dialogues are utterly symbolic and meaningful. Here are some of them:

1.    It is very unlucky to not being able of getting used to certain habits. Choosing is one thing and getting used to that choice is different, difficult.

2.    When you get old, it gets difficult to sleep at nights. Whether you need 200 grams of worries with 100 grams of tiredness or 300 grams of beer, to get a sleep.

A Bored Evening with Tin Ekanta

Director: Anup Baral

Translation: Aashant Sharma

Story: Nirmal Verma

On stage: Menuka Pradhan, Aashant Sharma, Deeya Maskey, Suraj Malla

(Play is being staged on Theater Village, Lazimpat till 25 August, 2015)

I was eager to watch this play and when I finally did watch it this evening, I feel bad to say that I’m disappointed. I won’t say that play is not good because it has all the good intentions but I, individually, felt it boring. Good stories, better performances, attractive set design and lighting, nice music, dosage of humor, a good use of videography on background to support the narration, but still I couldn’t help but feel bored.

Bajrangi Bhaijaan - Being Human

First thing first, the show stealer in presence of towering Salman Khan in his movie is angelic Harshaali Malhotra, and how. She just wins our heart.

Okay, yes, people are telling the truth, i.e. Bajrangi Bhaijaan is indeed Salman Khan’s best till date. However, I wonder which one is better, Radhe of Tere Naam or Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi of Bajrangi Bhaijaan! Both these movies showcase the actual acting prowess of Salman Khan. He is the ‘Being Human’ Bhaijaan, onscreen and off-screen. And we cannot stop loving him, in fact, this love has just got high after the encounter with Bajrangi.

Top 10 Nepali Movie Songs of 2071

Most of the second half of 2071 B.S. was dominated by Jaalma, the amazing peppy track from movie Resham Filili (released on Baisakh 11, 2072). The hit run of the song is continued in early 2072 as well. Well, if only the devastating earthquake had not hit Nepal!

I am no critic to judge which is best and which is not. And everybody has got his/her own taste in music. From the large numbers of songs from the movies released on 2071 BS, here I have picked my favorite ones.

1. Bistarai Bistarai (Soul Sister)

It is the cover song performed by Namrata Shrestha in her movie Soul Sister. While the original version of Rohit John Chhetri is undoubtedly awesome, this one in Namrata’s voice is equally lovely. Her voice is very good and she has crooned the track wonderfully. Much pleasing to ears!

Top 5 Nepali Movies of 2071 B.S.

The past year, as always, saw about 100 movies released and as always, only a few of them proved to be the remarkable ones. 2071 was the year that gave us wonderful Kabaddi and strong Talakjung vs Tulke. The love-story flicks November Rain and Jerryy became both the money-spinner and audience-pleaser.

Some movies with high expectations let down the audiences. Sadanga, Tandav, Shree Paanch Ambare,  Sambodhan fall in this category. Few masala movies fared big at the box-office. Himmatwali, Lajja, Hawaldaar Suntali, Nai Nabhannu La 3 are examples. There was nothing new to point out in these ones but they were surely entertaining for the targeted audience.

And there were some movies attempting something new, which were good too but the box-office factor didn’t go well for them. Suntali, Mala, Red Monsoon are few to name.

Here I have picked my favorite ones. (Although the post title says Top 5, here are 7 in numbers actually)

Beats of Dil Dhadakne Do

The kind of vibe you get after watching Zoya Akhtar movie is always amazing. Watched it twice and am all praise over it, for the lifetime! Have read many reviews and all, but still here am I writing about the movie I loved so much.

The journey every family goes through, the complications everyone possesses, the shades everybody hides behind, the pretence every society surfaces on, and most importantly, the essence of family and love - Dil Dhadakne Do blends all these in one in such a simple, sweet and heart-warming narrative that one can easily relate to his/her own life; except the magnificent cruise though! Cruise is used as the metaphor and how!
Although the story is set in the elite class of India, it is relatable to all classes and societies. You laugh with them and you feel their pain, you will just feel good when you come out of theatre after almost three hours; that you just came out of the journey, parts of which you would eventually come across in your own life.

If writing and presentation is the heart of DDD, then performance is its heartbeat. Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti have captured the different lives so convincingly in one and Farhan Akhtar has given them the words, as practical as it can get, to speak. However, Pluto’s understanding of people is more wonderful and thumps up for Javed Akhtar to give Pluto his words. Zoya has brought the depth onto the surface with so much ease, now not everyone can do the same as she does in her films. Every character has their own issues and they are projected in such a way that we, the audience, can feel them in a moment. Even the silences in the movie are loud as those silences deliver much intensely, specially for the characters Ayesha, Neelam and Kabir. We can actually get into their heads in those silences and feel them. The way every character has been given their individuality and importance is very endearing as is the way they are interrelated.

Neither the parents nor the children are

perfect, no family is perfect, but we still do love the family. This is what DDD has portrayed about the family; it is true and we all know it, may be realized even more after watching the movie. Likewise, the brother-sister relationship is another highlight of DDD and this shines through the film. Their eye-to-eye talk and their interactions are delight to watch. Equally delightful is to watch the family interaction scenes. Every time all four Mehras come on screen together, the intensity just gets higher. We become like, we do the family talk just in that way! And the main thing, movie floats as lightly as it deeply gets into our heart. It’s a fun watch but never fails to tickle our mind. There’s some serious issues raised but has a humor in all of them. Good movies continue to come, but this type comes rarely.

DDD talks about the women empowerment and gender equality too, and about freedom as well. How easily Frahan’s Sunny argues and makes sense about the talk of equality with Rahul Bose’s Manav that we just get into a thought “yeah, that’s the point”. Anushka Sharma’s Farah tells her story about choosing freedom and becoming a dancer, and we just love that.

Ensemble cast is awesome! The four, wait no, five Mehras are more than brilliant. They are the principal characters of movie and each of them has played their part amazingly. Anil Kapoor as the patriarch Kamal Mehra is outstanding, the perfect fit. He roars in every family discussion scenes, in his scene with Lalit Sood, his confrontation with Manav and many more. But the surprise package comes in the name Shefali Shah. Shefali as Neelam Mehra is marvelous; this is one of the powerful roles of mother in a movie. She has done the job so effortlessly and so outstandingly. Her expressions are too genuine that one can ask for.  Why doesn’t she act often? We want to see her more on screen.

Priyanka Chopra has handled the most

complex part, Ayesha Mehra, and she has just nailed it like a champ. Her character is restrained one, she is suffocated but pretends to be happy; she is successful but she is lonely; but still never gets loud. Priyanka has done this superbly, her silences are deeper and she is every bit convincing as a smart successful businessperson, just as convincing as Shefali in a role of mother. Specially, when she confesses to Manav about not being able to love him and ask for divorce, PC’s awesome. Ranveer Singh is a delight to watch, he is superb as Kabir Mehra. His otherwise high energy gets controlled this time and this suave charming rich Kabir look is wonderful; he is too good in portraying it. He has charmed every time he has appeared on screen. His confused looks, his chemistry with Anushka, his confrontation with parents…he has come out as a gem. Finally, the fifth Mehra is the doggie Pluto Mehra and he’s cute, his explanations for his family in voice of Aamir Khan is even more cuter.

Anushka Sharma as Farah Ali is simply wonderful. So is Farhan Akhtar as Sunny Gill. They shine in their respective supporting roles. Scenes between Ranveer and Anushka and between Priyanka and Farhan are very good. They add a charm to the movie. Rahul Bose as Manav has performed very well. Ridhima Sud as Noorie, Zarina Wahab as Manav’s mother, Vikrant Massey as Rana, and Ayesha Raja Mishra as Indu Chachi have done decent jobs. All other supporting actors are good in their roles.

The direction, presentation, writing and performances only are not the beats of DDD, cinematography and music adds the equal beating to its heart. There are awesome visuals of the ocean, the grand cruise Sovereign and the beautiful Istanbul.  Background score is perfect to the theme. Songs are fun and nice. Gallan Goodiyaan is a delight, Pehli Baar is rocking and Swing is fun. One can easily expect Phir Bhi Yeh Zindagi to come towards the end and title track as the end credits roll, but expectations doesn’t meet in case of these two songs!

Some flaws? Well, there might be. But I can hardly remember any as I’m in too love with this movie. The climax is a bit more filmy and dramatic. And hey, how does cruise dancers dance in Hindi language song? Not a problem, anyway. Movie is worth watching, that’s it.

Photo Courtesy: Official Twitter Handle of movie @DDDTheFilm

Resham Filili – A Wholesome Entertainer

Movie: Resham Filili

Director: Pranab Joshi

Starring: Vinay Shrestha, Kameshwor Chaurasiya, Karma, Menuka Pradhan, Sisheer Bangdel, Arun Regmi, Ashutosh Raj Shrestha, Laxmi Giri and more.

In my eyes: *** (out of 5)

First thing first, it’s all about entertainment! And this entertainment flick is wonderful, total paisa-wasool. Resham Filili literally makes the audience filili and how!

Resham Filili is the story of two friends, Resham and Hariya, who are common poor men residing in Kathmandu valley and struggling to achieve their goals. As its genre goes comedy, it has a grand package of humor and comic elements, stuffed with the appropriate emotions and sensitivity too. The hype song Jaalma had created for movie is justified, as the movie does not let you down; instead, it refreshes you, makes you laugh out loud and put a pleasing smile on your face.

Plot:

Hawaldaar Suntali - badly presented!

Photo courtesy: www.nepalifilm.net

Movie: Hawaldaar Suntali 

Director: Rishi Lamichhane

Starring: Shilpa Pokharel, Sabin Shrestha, Kishor Khatiwada

In my eyes: */5

Movie is based on real life events of Suntali Dhami, a police constable raped by senior officers inside police quarter on Dashain. However, we can hardly feel any sensitivity of the issue in movie. It ended as just an old-fashioned drama with heroine beating the hell out of villains and shouting out scripted lines.

Plot:

Nisha (Shilpa Pokharel) is a thief, who does so for raising few orphan girls whom she has adopted. She meets Suntali (Shilpa again), a police constable and Nisha’s lookalike, while she is left stabbed by goons.

Multiple Release and Cinema Halls out of Valley

When more than one film releases on a single day, it’s more likely that theaters out of valley (mofasal, as it is called) preferably screens typical mainstream formula movie. Chances are higher when there is Rekha Thapa, Aaryan Sigdel, Rajesh Hamal or Jeewan Luitel involved. That is why I could not watch Sadanga because the cinema hall screened Bhoolbhoolaiya, and recently Nai Nabhannu La 3, because Hawaldaar Suntali was being shown. It was my luck that Mala got a solo release.

I currently reside in Bhalubang, Dang due to my job, and here is one hall "Bhole Chalchitra Mandir", a medium sized old-aged single theater, which looks completely out of date. Screen lacks brightness and contrast, and there are hardly any absorbers, due to which sound is too noisy and unpleasant to ears. No digitalization! Ticket rate for balcony is only NRs. 70. What could it offer on that price, and what profit does it make as the regular number of audience is below 20 most of the times? Seats are covered with jute bags! Have a look at these inside photos. It smells very bad condition of hall and of movies.

(Photos were taken by me, to share about the condition of cinema halls outside valley)

Multiplexes with more than two screens are mostly in Kathmandu only. Only some other big cities like Narayanghat, Butwal, Hetauda, Pokhara. etc  have them outside valley. Majority of cinema halls in other districts are single theaters, which actually happen to be important market of Nepali movies. Such theaters are mostly old, and not digitalized. the point is it cannot justify the technical progress that Nepali film industry has achieved.

Coming to multiple release issue, often in news, it can be heard that formula movies get more number of screens than out-of-mainstream movies. By formula, I mean movies of Lajja, Himmatwali, Bhoolbhoolaiya, Hawaldaar Suntali, etc. kinds. (Rekha Thapa undoubtedly is the queen of such conventional cinemas. She knows how to make money. Next is Chhabiraaj Production.)

It is not so good for movies to get released in same day as it hampers the business, and thus the whole industry that actually is in necessity of uplifting and upgrading. However, in good angle, only good movies can come forward through the competition, which can be fruitful in terms of quality concern. There are some examples too such as both Kabaddi and November Rain were hits despite releasing on same date (Baisakh 11, 2071). Ditto is for Hawaldaar Suntali and Nai Nabhannu la 3. Now, again on Baisakh 11, 2072, two movies are releasing. One is most awaited and much hyped dark comedy Resham Filili, all credits to superhit awesome song Jaalma. Other is re-release: Jhola, absolutely brilliant movie based on Sati Pratha, superhit already on first release back on Magh, 2071. I wish both of them super success.

Case is even more complex when more than two, sometimes up to four or five, movies are released in a single Friday. Film producers, distributors, development boards must have a think about the issue, and the efficient measure shall be adopted. I’ve heard of box-office establishment for quite a long time now, but where is it? No transparency!

Supporting Nepali Cinema always.

Weak Script for Good Content - Few Nepali Movies

I argue if people tell that Nepali movies do not have a variety of subject matters or good stories because there was, there is and there will be, nice stories with varieties of contents. Nevertheless, I agree when people tell that Nepali movies do not comprise a convincing structure and effective screenplay. Leaving some exceptionally good ones, many Nepali films have the problem in the script.

I want to talk about some movies, which I felt had nice subject matter but failed in presenting them due to the weak screenplay.

1. Shree Paanch Ambare tried to raise the problem of street-children and their life. How they grow up, face the problems, struggle to survive but end up in the street itself due to the circumstances formed the basic storyline. But the way it was executed with very unconvincing and weak plot, unnecessary songs, loud background music ruined the otherwise nice subject. I was completely disappointed with this one. Talents of Saugat Malla and Keki Adhikari seemed wasted.

Mala - A suffered soul

Movie: Mala

Director: Sudeep Bhupal Singh ‘Bobbie’

Starring: Priyanka Karki, Aryan Sigdel, Prajwal Sujal Giri, Sumina Ghimire and more

In my eyes: *** (out of 5)

From the very start, Mala has the feel of the horror movie and it maintains the scary atmosphere throughout the film, however, it is less horror and less thrilling compared to its suspense element. Now, we are not watching the full-fledged horror movie to comment about the horror and thrill magnitude. There are few other horror or suspense thrillers in Nepali movies and somehow they all look same in the setting. But, Mala is a bit different and more than just an average flick; it triggers a serious issue in the unique way of storytelling, thus making it a decent watch.

Plot:

Mala (Priyanka Karki) in a white blouse and white sari with long free hair and sad dark face gets into the woods to hang herself from a tree.

Raghav - Decent Storytelling

Raghav is basically a story of a student studying abroad and his relationships. It is a tale of how one suffers under different circumstances in life to finally realize the true essence of it. Set in America, this movie

has tried to project the complications on screen that one has to face whilst studying in foreign land such as long distance relationships, family pressures, friends, university and jobs during study period, eagerness for green card, etc.

The main thing I loved about this movie is its screenplay that is very close to reality, and

30 Days in September - Intensely Brilliant

By the time, you are done with the play; you will find some sort of shake in your brain. This terrific play will crawl into your mind and reawakens the bitter truths that can be found around in the same society we live in. Directed by Anup Baral, this play by Indian playwright Mahesh Dattani is adapted into Nepali by Aashant Sharma and Bal Bahadur Thapa.

It deals with the post traumatic stress disorder that Mala is suffering from because of the sexual abuse which she got by her own mama (uncle) during her vacation in September when she was 7 years old. Abuse continued every year and by when she was 13, she was used to it, moreover, she was willing to have sex more. This effect haunts her still at her thirty, society labeling her as characterless woman. Mala confronts her mother for why she did not prevent her from abuse but her mother always tells to forget the pain and prays to God, despite knowing the reality that Mala has faced. Deepak enters their life, and

Mala Limbu looks like Sofia Vergara!

I came across the photos of Mala Limbu from her debut movie One Way premiere. She looks smoking hot in that red outfit, no doubts! Oh wait, I then noticed something. My eyes are telling me that the new actress in K-town pretty much resembles the very famous actress Sofia Vergara, whom I know as Gloria, with her famous Colombian accent, from TV series Modern Family. Look at these women with killer-looks. Red-hot! What do you think?

Mala Limbu (Left) and Sofia Vergara (Right)
Photo Courtesy: www.bishalchautari.com and www.huffingtonpost.ca

Suntali – Fresh and Beautiful

Suntali's poster (courtesy: www.suntali.com)

Movie: Suntali

Director: Bhaskar Dhungana

Starring: Priyanka Karki, Suryamala      Khanal, Karma, Arpan Thapa, Pramod  Agrahari, Rajkumar Pudasaini, Bipin Karki

Rating: *** (out of 5 stars)

One word that sums up all the beautiful features of Suntali is “fresh”, ‘fresh’ in terms of location, storyline, presentation, music, cinematography and performances.

Plot:

Suntali (Priyanka Karki), as an unexpected guest, with an unknown minacious man Bajrang (Pramod Agrahari) returns to the village at the time of engagement of Sundar (Karma), son of Chinmaya Subedarni (Suryamala Khanal) who is the powerful matriarch of beautiful village.

Shamitabh - Ego Clash

Movie: Shamitabh

image source: bollywoodhungama.com

Director: R Balki

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush, Akshara Haasan

For me: **1/2 (out of 5 stars)

In one scene of the movie, Dhanush tells the media that it can even create hatred between one person’s face and his voice. Same is the major and basic plot of Shamitabh - face vs voice. Shamitabh is the story of a dumb man aspiring to be an actor and his life, from his childhood to his journey towards stardom to his rise and fall. It is the tale of how human ego arises on the surface creating conflict between two people and how it ruins each other.

Plot:

Daanish (Dhanush), a young dumb man, comes to Mumbai after his mother’s death, to pursue his dream of being actor. After some juggling between here and there in film studios and hiding in one vanity van, which he terms ‘five-star hotel’, he meets Akshara (Akshara Haasan), an assistant director.

Sambodhan - addressing corruption

source: https://www.facebook.com/NepaliMoviePosters

Movie: Sambodhan

Director: Hemraj BC

Starring: Dayahang Rai, Namrata Shrestha, Prashant Tamrakar, Binaya Bhatta

In My Eyes: ** (out of 5 stars)

Oh yes, corruption is indeed the most challenging problem of Nepal in present scenario. Movie Sambodhan tells the fact that corruption lies somewhere within each one of us and in many daily doings, so the change must start from ourselves to eradicate corruption from its roots.

Plot:

Ramji Gole (Dayahang Rai), senior inspector is leading an investigative case of serial murder, which has taken place in a very similar manner – coins scattered over dead body.

The Theory of Everything - Inspiring and Brilliant

***This is not a review, but the feelings that I got after watching this beautiful movie. If I could give rating, it would be 5 out of 5 for me.***

The Theory of Everything is the very inspiring and heart-touching life story of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, which wonderfully shows his journey from his university days to his health fatal to his survival, his relationship with his partner and his success in Physics. It comes across as the ingenious theory of struggle and success.

It is adapted from the memoir ‘Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen’ by Jane Wilde Hawking, ex-wife of Stephen Hawking. I simply loved this very inspiring story; it’s a biography and it’s a love story at the same time.

There are so many wonderful elements in the screenplay. I particularly loved how Jane unselfishly helped Stephen and stood by him in his entire struggle; also the fact how they both get attracted to and become closer to different individuals who are there for their support. Feelings between Jane and Jonathan seem natural, so is the bonding between Stephen and Elaine. It is a bittersweet love story, as at last, Stephen and Jane parts away but without any bad feelings and that seems pretty much correct thing to do in the given situation, so making it bitter and sweet at the same time.

Director James Marsh has done an amazing job in executing the movie so brilliantly. It touches the heart to its core and inspires the millions. Background music and cinematography are wonderful.

Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne
image source: www.focusfeatures.com

There are certain scenes, which are just so astonishing, such as the scene in which Jane forces Stephen to come outside the room but later sees how he is suffering; the expression in her face then is just so natural and amazing. She is about to cry but she does not - Perfectly projected! Likewise, the scene in which Stephen leaves the dining table, where he along with Jane and his friends are having dinner and conversation; he struggles hard to get up to the room and sees his daughter upstairs but cannot succeed to reach there and later the following 'thank you' scene between Stephen and Jane is emotional and very wonderful. One of the best scenes of the movie. Scene between Stephen and Jonathan in the church is equally nice. And there is a marvelous scene towards end, in the hall at America where he sees the pen of a student dropped on the floor and he getting up there on his own to return; he almost cries on the reminder of how the disease has affected his life. He then gives a powerful inspiring speech, which is simply awesome.

Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking
Photo Source: imdb.com (cropped screenshot)

Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking is superb, fantastic, outstanding and many more. He has sunk into the character so perfectly that his expressions, his body language, everything looks absolutely genuine. Felicity Jones is equally amazing. Every emotion on her face seems effortless and very natural. She is just beautifully marvelous as Jane Wilde Hawking. The movie would not have been the same without these two brilliant and powerhouse performances. Other supporting actors also have done nice job. It is no wonder that this movie is all over awards this year. Best picture, best actor, best actress, best director, best adapted screenplay, best original score……..big win!

The Theory of Everything is worth applauding and worth watching movie due to its striking screenplay, very polished direction and very genuine and strong lead performances. Simply put, an excellent movie.