KAUSTAV DAS GUPTA

Growing up, BaB was a fun joyride that many of us still remember for presenting the lovable and most anticipated pair ofAbishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherji in addition to a good screenplay, story and not to forget hummable music that still resonates on some of our playlists. The question arises, was a sequel needed? In the last few years, we have witnessed many sequels that have failed to captivate our attention solely because of lack of a compelling story. BaB2 is no way different. Trying to cash in on a ‘once successful formula’ without taking into account that the audience has matured in the last decade or so, is the biggest flaw of filmmakers these days. Coming to the movie, and this is my personal opinion, the movie is just average. There are moments which are adorable and you enjoy and there are moments which give you a yawn. The earnest performance of Rani and Saif fail to compensate for the lack of a good script. Especially when the story is Aditya Chopra’s brainchild, you would have expected a better product. Saif and Rani do recreate their chemistry which we have loved in Hum Tum, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic….there’s no doubt there. But despite the comic relief and a subtle romance, you’re left wishing for more. Sidhhant and Sharvari have a sparkling chemistry and a good screen presence but they can do justice to their character as much. It is a cake walk for a veteran like Pankaj Tripathi who is no different to any other character he has already played. BaB2 suffers from a weak script with a forgettable music, which is one of the biggest let downs of the movie. If you ask me, Rani Mukherji overshadows everyone in the movie with her acting. She is loud yet lovable, and she gets into the skin of Vimmi. Being an ardent Rani Mukherji fan, one might question my biasness towards her movies, but you cannot deny that she is an amazing actress who gives her 100% to the character she’s portraying despite a weak script. BaB2 is a disappointing second take which was unnecessary but was still made. While it does gift us with Saif and Rani’s pairing again and a few enjoyable moments, it is still a big let down.

Angrezi Medium comes a lot earlier than Father's Day. Nevertheless, it reminds us of all the sacrifices our dads make for us and expect so little in return. It's a roller coaster ride with hilarious ups and emotional downs. Irrfan Khan returns as the selfless (yet comically manipulative and overprotective) dad and it's a delight to see him again on the silver screen post his diagnosis. Despite looking severely out of shape, physically, he carries out the entire film on his shoulders with just his expressions and acting skills. Radhika Madan is a joyful surprise as the daughter with dreams of her own. The supporting cast comprising Deepak Dobriyal, Ranvir Shorey, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Dimple Kapadia and Kiku Sharda make ample impact. Although it appears stretched, especially on the first half, each and every scene building up to the plot appears justified on the second half. Despite all the efforts, somehow it stays as a good movie with an emotional touch, and couldn't rise to be an incredible movie. Cute is the word that aptly describes this Bollywood outing. Trust me you will leave the theatre moist and smiling.

An iconic movie in years to come, Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhan packs in punches of crisp humour, excellent acting from each and every member of the cast with a solid backing of a story, an element that is seldom lacking from Bollywood big budget movies. Ayushman is on the roll and he is aptly supported by the likes of TVF veterans, Jitendra and Maanvi and experts like Neena ji and Gajraj ji, who recreate the Badhaai Ho magic yet again. Pankhuri Awasthi was the surprise package of the movie. Highly recommended.

Undoubtedly the best in the franchise, FastX sets the perfect stage for an epic finale. While everyone is on top of their game, it is single handedly Jason Momoa who steals the show as the menacing yet the most glamorous, flamboyant and fun nemesis. Since Paul Walker's last ride, this movie also boasts of the best end credit scene. Given the special appearances throughout the movie, the finale is going to be as Barney Stinson would say, LEGEND-wait-for-it-DARY.