Gaurav Pradhan

Shikara is a great piece of art and the director Vidhu Vinod Chopra has done a great job in handing such a controversial topic so delicately. From the trailers and promos it appeared as if this was a movie that’s going to be all out about the atrocities that Kashmiri Pandits had to witness in 1990-91, and I guess that’s the reason why a lot of the movie goers have been giving it negative reviews - some even calling it a cheap gimmick to get a commercial success. It felt as if the central theme would highlight rapes, deaths and violence on Kashmiri Pandits. However, in my opinion this is a beautiful love story of two individuals - Kashmiri Pandits beautifully portrayed by Sadia and Aadil Khan, and an equally supportive star cast in Priyanshu Mukherjee. The characters of Shiv and Shanti are shown in love and their strength of relationship lies on a HOPE that they will return back one day to a normal Kashmir, one day to their Shikara - their Home. The culture of Kashmir or as it is known as “Kashmiriyat” is beautifully portrayed all along and especially the part where all of it gets diluted over time in refugee camps during a wedding sequence. The script ensures that it remains apolitical and non-religious. Finally, for those viewers that maybe disappointed of VVC not showing any violence or blood shed or riots between Hindus-Muslim; I think we may have to wait for another filmmaker to depict it. For those looking to experience a simple love story, then please go and watch this movie.

Superb, had almost missed out on this one but finally managed to take some time out to watch this. SKTKS celebrates FRIENDSHIP, actors are brilliant - Karthik Aryaan and Sunny Nijar steal the show while Nusrat adds the oomph factor. Good supporting cast with Alok Nath - in a completely different, "non-sansakari" avtaar with evergreen Virendra Saxena. Songs are amazing, and some having a catchy tune. Good to know that it's inching towards the elite100 crore club. Must watch...!

This one is a must watch . Danish Sait Rocks all the way. This is easily one of the best political satire movie in recent times. I think this character has an amazing scope to be developed with more scripts around politics. It was on my watchlist after watching the trailer but I missed it in the theatres. Luckily spotted it on Amazon Prime. I understand little bit of Kannada, but subtitles really help ...so do watch this even if you aren't from Karnataka.

Brilliant. Only a film maker like Kashyap can do this magic on screen - Mukkabaaz is all about 'hero-heroine pyaar' formula of the 90s, but shot from Kashyap's lens bringing it out the same in its most raw format. Beautifully captured the true essence of UP, the evils of the caste system that are very real even today. Direction is brilliant and what truly stands out is the hard work of this legendary lead - Vineet Kumar Singh. For those who may not be able to place him, a better point of reference would be - He is Danish Khan (Faizal's elder brother) from the movie Gangs of Wasseypur. I happened to see a few of his interviews at the time of movie promotions on YouTube where he talks about his training for the movie, commitment to the role. Its one of those performances that will stay with you for a long time. The rest of the star cast is good and a special mention Zoya Hossain for a splendid performance as the lady love. This movie packs a lot of punches - a few solid ones. This one is a must watch.