"Mahatma" movie review

"Mahatma" is Krishna Vamshi's opus on dumbing down Gandhian values to an alienated generation. He negotiates the script reasonably well with a plot set in contemporary politics that pulls many punches, laughs and whistles. Surprise, many things go well for director besides an A-Team of technicians and artistes. Including a smoother landing in the end thats unthinkable. Even if non-violence is dominated by violence, movie rules your senses for 3 hours.
9.10.2009

"2012" movie review

"2012" by Rolland Emerelt is Hollywood's ultimate blockbuster on a near-distant apocalypse with special fx the world has not seen - on a magnificent scale. The surprise packet is captivating human drama that subtly plays out current obsessions - G8, world-is-not-flat, BRIC nations and beyond. Movie starts in India (Vijayawada) and crackles in eye-popping visuals with superb story-telling for 165 mins. Must-see.
16.11.2009

"Aarya 2" Movie Review

"Aarya 2" had an opportunity to become the first sequel in Telugu to sustain the sizzle of "Arya". But over-kill of reverse-gear antics of Allu Arjun in the name of variety, style and twists make movie plot tedious, unconvincing, jarring and illogical. Only bits and pieces post-interval pull it off besides hero's masterly dancing.
28.11.2009

"Paa" Movie Review

"Paa" is a delectably sensitive portrayal of an overaging kid by Sr.Bacchan with controlled performances by Vidya Balan and Abhishek Bacchan. You will but shed copious tears as climax nears. Ad-maker Director Balki keeps the narrative slick, enlivened with filial emotions. Ilayaraja scores well without a sign of fatigue.
11.12.2009

"Saleem" movie review

"Saleem" is a textbook case-study on how to make a bad movie with loose script, sloppy direction, humdrum dialogues and crassy scenes and cliched sentiments. Cost of this 16-reel ordeal - Rs.23 crores. Too bad for Tollywood. Director YVS Chowdary lost his marbles. You will almost faint seeing a pedestrian love story where hero Vishnu and his father over-act while Ileana looks like a hooker.
12.12.2009

"Avatar " Movie Review

America's greatest export -Hollywood - just got bigger (and better with dollar depreciation) as a 250 million dollar "Avatar" movie invades every available theatre today. Made by James Cameron 12 years after "Titanic", its a blissful fantasty of a completely organic life - devoid of TV, flyovers and respectful of every living thing. Cameron re-imagined nature and made a brilliant and beautiful film -that makes a point on nature vs. science. Its a complicated concept but well-executed in story-telling. Even if movie fails at BO (which I hope not), it fails above everyone else's success - thats how high goals James Cameron sets. Watchable.
17.12.2009

"3 Idiots" Movie Review

You don't get to watch often 20-reel blockbusters which sizzle with non-stop comedy, make you whistle, hum if not laugh out loud and cry all at once. "3 Idiots" is an absolute stunner in story-telling with affection by Munnabhai Rajkumar Hirani. Grab a seat even if you have read Chetan Bhagat's "Five point someone". Movies like this hold our own against Hollywood invasions. Super Duper Entertainer.
25.12.2009

Happy New Year 2010!

When life is a marathon, how does one more new year 2010 that ticks up the next decade - the `10s - turn out for you? All is well, I hope for you - a good rhythm of events, achievements true to your potential and enjoyment of the world as a constant source of magic. Best Regards
1.1.2010

"Adhurs" Movie Review

"Adurs" is not all that "bevars" - an in-form NTR, in-shape two cuties, a bevy of comic villains, stylish settings in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangkok and Rome all these to prop up a hackneyed Hell0-Brother Story. What can render an otherwise life-less script from a Director VV Vinayak who usually sizzles in screenplay is a career-best performance by "lover boy" Brahmanandam. Entertaining even for KCR! 13.1.2010

"Namo Venkatesa" Movie Review

"Namo Venkatesa" is a routine formula film made more like a tribute by Sreenu Vaitla to give a lifetime achievement award to Victory Venkatesh with all the former's "thotti gang" of artistes. Comedy without substance is Sreenu's formula for survival - its hard to appease Venky fans with a where-is-the-plot like this. Movie doesn't match hype. 14.1.2010