#comedy – Movie Pub – Movie Reviews

Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota (2018) – Movie Review

Get Wild, Get Crazy, Get Screwed!

Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota (In English: The Man Who Feels No Pain) is an action comedy film written and directed by Vasan Bala.

The film follows Surya (Abhimanyu Dassani), a young man, who has a rare condition called Congenital insensitivity to pain, meaning he can not feel pain. Because of the strange condition under tragic circumstances; Surya has been raised in solitude by the odd-couple combination of his father (Jimit Trivedi) and his mischievous grandfather Ajoba (Mahesh Manjarekar). In that solitude, Surya develops his fascination for fighting against the criminals by watching action films on VHS tapes, and even starts practicing martial arts on his own. What happens next is the real fun when Surya steps into the real world and starts fighting his foes.

I went for watching this film, without having any idea that what the film is about. I wanted it to surprise me with its content, and exactly that’s what happened. The film is something I’ve never seen anything like this before in the history of Indian cinema. As a director, its a second film by Vasan Bala, and he completely surprises the audience with his brilliant take of this film. The camera angles, lights, colors, slow-motion shots, and of course the unconventional story, all work together really well.

It is the debut film for Abhimanyu Dassani as a lead actor and totally steals the show. His relationship with his Ajoba is one of the best and core parts of the film. Along with leads, the film also has Radhika Madan as Supri, Surya’s childhood friend and love interest; and Gulshan Devaiah as Karate Mani and Jimmy. All of the characters in the film have a niche role to play, nobody feels out of place.

The story of the film is layered and filled with emotions, and as it progresses it gives the sense of fulfillment. The humor in the film is very well placed in the story, which works at all the moments. The action sequences in the film are so real, intense and funny at the same time. The action choreography of the film is so perfect that it’ll definitely make you remember old Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee films.

Verdict : Watching this film is like reading a comic book, which has a superhero, a heroine, an enjoyable story, and a cliched villain. 😛 Don’t miss it at any cost.

Rating : 4/5

Check the trailer here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb0-Mw_V_bA

Simmba (2018) – Movie Review

Here comes Simmba!

Simmba is a comedy action drama film directed by Rohit Shetty. The film is a spin-off of the Singham film franchise.

The film follows Sangram “Simmba” Bhalerao (Ranveer Singh), a corrupt police officer hailing from Shivgad, the same town as Singham (Ajay Devgan). When Sangram gets transferred to Miramar, Goa, following his unethical nature he quickly befriends with a local don Durva Ranade (Sonu Sood). But soon, Sangram is forced to lead a moral path after tragedy strikes his closed ones.

The film sets in the Rohit Shetty’s cop universe, and it is the third film in it. The plot of the film is pretty straight-forward with full of action scenes and some sprinkle of comedy and romance. The most part of the first half of the film is filled with comedy moments but only a very few of them actually lands. Before the interval and till the end, the film is filled with a lot of tragic drama and spicy slow-motion action sequences. The film would have been wrapped within two hours but has dragged unnecessarily because of too many slow-motion shots, remake songs, and a love story. The film also tries to bring audiences’ attention to an important social issue, which is a good thing, but it causes the drastic tonal shifts in the film.

The whole and soul of the film is Ranveer Singh, and he surprisingly manages to amaze the audience in most of the runtime. Sara Ali Khan as Shagun, Sangram’s love interest, also tries well to keep her role charming, but actually the role was not needed for the story. The reprising role of Ajay Devgan as Bajirao Singham actually steals the show with claps and whistles. Along with Ajay Devgan, there is one more cameo role by the big star from Bollywood, which teases the next possible film in the cop universe.

Verdict : The film is an average Masala entertainer for the masses.

Rating : 3.2/5

Mi Band 3 (Black)

Boyz 2 (2018) – Movie Review

A total crap.

Boyz 2 is a Marathi adult comedy film written by Hrishikesh Koli and directed by Vishal Devrukhkar. Boyz 2 is the sequel to the film Boyz (2017).

Boyz 2 continues the coming of age story of three college friends Dhungya (Parth Bhalerao), Dhairya (Pratik Lad), and Kabir (Sumant Shinde). Like its prequel, this film also focuses on the immense fascination of teenagers towards adulthood/sex.

Even if all the film sets in a college with students, everything else is focused except educational aspect, which is actually a really bad thing about this film. The only different thing about this film as compared to its prequel is an abruptly woven message. The message about how technological advancements in form of mobile phones and internet has made teenagers addicted to it, and how they’re misusing it. Nowadays, this is a very common and serious issue which can be observed among teenagers. Like its prequel, this film is also filled with a lot of double meaning dialogues and vulgarity, so it’s not at all worth to watch this film for the sake of that particular message.

One more thing which I didn’t like about this film is to what extent it objectifies women/girls, which is just unacceptable. Nowadays a lot of movies do that, and this film is no different than those crap films.

The only enjoyable and surprising thing about this film is the guest appearance by Girish Kulkarni and the scenic beauty of Leh Ladakh.

Verdict : Don’t watch this film. Do some good with your time.

Rating : 2.2/5

Badhaai Ho (2018) – Movie Review

Delivering Soon.

Badhaai Ho (Congratulations – in English) is a comedy-drama film directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana in a lead role. After the huge success of Andhaadhun (2018), in this film as well Ayushmann is just unstoppable. Like his debut film Vicky Donor (2012) and last year’s released film Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017), this one also talks about very unconventional (sexually-implicit and less talked but important) and fresh topics with the apt flavor of comedy to convey it nicely.

The film revolves around the middle-class Kaushik family consisting Nakul (Ayushmann Khurrana), a 25-year-old working professional, his father Jeetender Kaushik (Gajraj Rao), a middle-aged man working in the Railways, his mom Priyamvada (Neena Gupta), a middle-aged typical housewife, his younger brother Gullar (Shardul Rana), and his Grandmother (Surekha Sikri). Without wasting much time, the film gets into its central topic and things go embarrassing for everyone when Nakul’s mother Priyamvada gets pregnant accidentally (it is embarrassing to be a middle-aged parent in the Indian society). Without a second thought, as being a mother, irrespective of what people are going to think and say, Priyamvada decides to have this child. What follows next is the fun and drama filled ride of Kaushik family as they deal with this awkward and difficult situation and how they all are able to get over it.

This film is a perfect recipe for a family drama with a loud laughter and convincing performances. The story of the film explores the moments of fun and confusion when characters are thrown in an awkward situation which they haven’t asked for. All the performances are compelling, in particular, Gajrao Rao, Neena Gupta, Surekha Sikri, and Ayushmann Khurrana impersonates the day-to-day characters with their exceptional acting skills. Sanya Malhotra, who had made her debut in Dangal (2016), who is playing the role of Renee, Nakul’s colleague plus love interest is worth mentioning, and by looking at her performance, a long inning can be expected from her in Bollywood. The film is deliberately kept short, sweet, and simple, and the audience will definitely enjoy every bit of it. The screenplay and dialogues are written beautifully and lands perfectly at every moment. Music of the film is also good and complimentary but seems overdone at some places.

Verdict : A perfect movie treat for this weekend.

Rating : 4.2/5

Andhadhun (2018) – Movie Review

Every Artist has a Secret.

Andhadhun is a black-comedy crime thriller film directed by Sriram Raghavan, who is well known for his work in the films of the similar style like Ek Hasina Thi (2004), Johnny Gaddaar (2007), and Badlapur (2015). The film is inspired by the 2010 French short film L’Accordeur (The Piano Tuner).

The film revolves around Akash (Ayushmann Khurrana), a blind and talented piano player, who spends his time focusing and sharpening his skills. Not so long into a film, while playing the piano at a diner, Akash is noticed by yesteryear actor Pramod Sinha (Anil Dhawan). Pramod is blissfully wedded to Simi (Tabu), and on the occasion of their wedding anniversary, invites Akash for a private concert to his apartment. When Akash arrives at Pramod’s apartment, unknowingly he gets involved in Pramod’s mysterious murder, what follows next is the witty and gritty tale of complete chaos.

Undoubtedly, Andhadhun is one of the brilliant films of the year. Sriram Raghavan, with his peculiar way of storytelling, glues the audiences’ eyes to the screen. This is the film where you may forget to eat a popcorn in your hand, because you may think that you might miss a little detail, which will make you lose a track.

The film portrays day-to-day characters and puts them in dangerous yet funny situations. The film also explores the dark sides of its each and every character. Characters are very well studied and put into the story, even a small character has a purpose and leaves a mark on the audience. Along with the leads, the remaining cast of the film is also great, in particular, Radhika Apte as Sophie, Akash’s love interest, and Zakir Hussain as Dr. Swami are excellent.

The background music and all the songs in the film are apt, which elevates the film’s overall drama and thrill component. Some of the moments in the film are very well shot and surprises the audience with the brilliant use of camera angles. At some places, the film slows down but picks up the momentum eventually. After the interval, I was stunned by each and every aspect of the film’s first half, which of course elevated my expectations, and when the film ended with an even more exciting second half, I felt just fulfilled.

Verdict : Without a second thought, just go for it. A must watch.

Rating : 4.4/5

Click here for trailer : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iVYI99VGaw

Home Sweet Home (2018) – Movie Review

Genuinely beautiful.

Home Sweet Home is a Marathi comedy-drama film directed by actor turned director Hrishikesh Joshi, who is also playing a role in this film, and which is also his first film as a director. The film is known for renowned actress Reema Lagoo’s last performance prior to her death. The film features Reema Lagoo and Mohan Joshi in the leading roles.

The film revolves around an old married couple Shyamal (Reema Lagoo) and Vidyadhar (Mohan Joshi), in their 60s, who are living happily in an old and spacious apartment in the Central Mumbai area since past thirty-five years. Mainly, the film talks about the people and their definition and perception about their home they are living in. After living so many years in the same old house and because of her problem of knee-joints makes Shyamal starts thinking of shifting to a new apartment. And on the other hand, Vidyadhar, who is satisfied with life, wants to live in the same house. The decision making about selling their own house and moving to another place forms the core of the story. And how they both and people around them go through ups and downs while taking this particular decision.

Along with the leads, Hrishikesh Joshi is playing the role of a property broker, Spruha Joshi is playing the role of Vidyadhar’s niece who is living with them, and Vibhawari Deshpande is playing the role of their house-maid. Every single cast in the film has acted brilliantly and made this film as much entertaining as possible. Throughout film’s runtime, poetic lines by famous writer-poet Vaibhav Joshi are woven beautifully in between. The conversations, which happen between the characters are amusing, & conveys so much about keeping balance in the relationships and surroundings which we live in. The film is slow burning in the second half, and at some places, the story loses its path. In some moments, the film goes in a serious mode but jumps back to normal with the right use of comedy and soothing music.

Verdict : A simple and sweet, heart-touching family film, which no one should miss.

Rating : 4/5

Check trailer here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w94LU-wLEiA

Sui Dhaaga: Made in India (2018) – Movie Review

Everything is alright!

Sui Dhaaga: Made in India is a comedy-drama film directed by Sharat Katariya.

The film sets in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, and revolves around a low class sweet married couple Mamta (Anushka Sharma) and Mauji (Varun Dhawan). Mauji, an illiterate young man, has inconvenient work, whose father never stops cursing him, and he has not even touched his wife Mamta’s hand despite being married for years due to lack of space at home. But he always carries himself with a big smile despite facing odds saying “Sab badhiya hai” (Everything’s alright). Although he appears to be an incompetent man, Mauji is also a skilled tailor, which his father (Raghuvir Yadav) considers to be a disadvantageous mode of occupation. Soon after being fed-up of his boot-licking job and getting motivation from Mamta, Mauji decides to set with his own business of sewing machine. Although facing all the hardships from his surroundings due to their innocence and family responsibilities, Mauji receives constant support from his wife, and in no time, the couple sees positive results. The film talks about social issues and entrepreneurship, and at its core, it is the heart-warming story of Mamta and Mauji, who are constantly supporting each other, and finding their way towards respect and self-reliance against all odds.

The film has a good and fresh storyline, which keeps the audience engaged throughout its runtime, with the apt flavor of comedy. Varun Dhawan is known for his stereotypical comedy roles, but this one is surprisingly different and excellent. Anushka Sharma’s character represents the emerging strong women of Indian society, and it is definitely inspiring for everyone. Both of their performances are powerful and compelling. The story of the film has too many ups and downs, which drags the story a little bit, and makes it boring. The upcoming events in the film can be easily predicted, which makes it not so interesting.

Verdict : A good time comedy-drama family film for the weekend.

Rating : 3.5/5

Check trailer here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUe3p23AJMo

Stree (2018) – Movie Review

She is coming…

Stree (A Woman – in English) is a comedy horror film directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Raj and D.K. The film is based on the Indian urban legend about a witch who knocks on people’s doors at night.

The film sets in the strange and small town of Chanderi, which is haunted by a ghostly woman named ‘Stree’, who abducts men during the nights of the festive period. The film opens with a tagline saying, “The film is based on the ridiculous phenomenon”, and yes, as the topic of the film is completely fresh and unusual, it successfully delivers the same. The film revolves around Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), a skilled tailor in a town, who falls for the mysterious girl (Shraddha Kapoor), who also only appears during festival season. As the festival starts, Vicky’s close friends start disappearing, which makes him set out and confront the ‘Stree’ and bring his abducted friends back, with the help of librarian Rudra bhaiyya (Pankaj Tripathi), who has analyzed the myth of evil spirit ‘Stree’.

As the film’s trailer had suggested the film is the really good combination of its comedy and horror aspect. This type of combination was previously seen in Go Goa Gone (2013), a brilliant horror comedy film, which was directed by Raj and D.K, and Amar Kaushik was on the assistant director’s team, so the same flavor of comedy can be seen in Stree. The film is a mixture of satire, dark comedy, and ample but impacting horror. Along with all these elements the film also talks about a common woman’s condition in India and gives a clear message that all women should be empowered and respected and should be considered as a powerful human being as men.

There are some jump scares in the film, which with the screeching background score and subtle visual effects works really well. The performances are top notch, every single character in the film gives the outstanding performance. Rajkumar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi are among the proven talent pool of the industry and they actually steal every scene they are in. It’s not a perfect film, the film feels a bit longer at some places, and there are some flaws and loose ends, but those can be expected in its scheduled sequel.

Verdict : A fun ride for comedy lovers with some flavor of horror.

Rating : 3.8/5

Check trailer here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzeaGcLLl_A

Soorma (2018) – Movie Review

The Greatest Comeback Story

Soorma (Warrior in English) is a biographical sports drama film based on the life of hockey player Sandeep Singh. The film is co-written and directed by Shaad Ali.

The film depicts the extraordinary story of the international hockey player Sandeep Singh (Diljit Dosanjh), through his first step in hockey, his love life, his surprising rise in the world of hockey, and mainly the accidental gunshot injury which paralyzes him and puts him in a wheelchair. This fateful catastrophic event completely breaks him and his dreams, but against all odds, Sandeep gets back on his feet and makes the greatest comeback to international hockey.

Along with Diljit Dosanjh, the film also stars Tapsee Pannu as Harpreet, a really good hockey player, Sandeep’s love interest, and the sole reason for Sandeep to learn hockey. Angad Bedi as Bikramjeet Singh, who is playing Sandeep’s kind and supportive elder brother. And Vijay Raaz as Harry, Sandeep’s stubborn and quirky Coach.

Unlike most other real-life sports films, this one is not just only about a struggle and rise, but it also tells the story of a fateful fall and an epic comeback. The story is good and inspirational but is crunched in the runtime of just two hours. The movie was high on content and drama that it could have been made of at least three hours, which would have let some really crucial moments to breathe and would have been much more impactful to the audience. The first half of the film almost make audiences remember the storyline of Sultan (2016). The film definitely gives Chak de! India (2007) and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) vibe to the audience but does not reach that level of maturity and sincerity. The performances by all the actors are really good, no doubt in that. The film definitely inspires throughout its runtime, and finally treats the audience with the India-Pakistan match. 😉

Verdict : The film is worth to watch, has some little flaws but can be neglected.

Rating : 3.7/5

Check out trailer here :

Isle Of Dogs (2018) – Movie Review

I Won’t Hurt You…

Isle of Dogs is stop-motion animated film written, produced and directed by Wes Anderson, who has received consistent praise from critics for his work in his films like The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Moonrise Kingdom (2012), and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). The ensemble voice cast of this film includes Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Bob Balaban, Greta Gerwig, Frances McDormand, Courtney B. Vance, Fisher Stevens, Harvey Keitel, Liev Schreiber, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, F. Murray Abraham, Frank Wood, Kunichi Nomura and Yoko Ono. The film is receiving praise for its animation, story, and deadpan humor.

The film sets in an imaginary Megasaki City of near-future Japan, where a dog-flu virus has spread and has infected every dog of the city. To deal with this situation, Kenji Kobayashi, the tyrannical mayor of the city, signs an order of banishing all dogs to Trash Island. The execution of this order starts with a dog named Spots, who belonged to Atari Kobayashi, the orphaned nephew, and ward of the mayor. Saddened Atari steals a plane and flies alone to Trash Island to search for his lost and only friend Spots. Rest of the film follows around little Atari’s adventure to find his dog with the help of the group of dogs, and ultimately uncover the deadly conspiracy behind all these series of events.

The ensemble voice cast mentioned above is mostly for the dogs who are playing the prominent roles in the film, and when it comes to human characters, then most of the characters actually speak in the native Japanese language.

The film is unlike any other conventional animation films, it is totally different and raw in many aspects, the stop-motion animation works really well here, and definitely more Impacting and totally worth it. The story and the characters in the film are compelling, and sheer fun to watch. The direction and the cinematography are just superb. The background score with Japanese flavor of music with drum rolls is just overwhelming, it just absorbs you into it.

Verdict : Totally unusual and worth having experience. 🐕 Just go for it get amazed.

Rating : 4/5