Movie Review: Manto

Having read Saadat Hassan Manto as a teenager, he always fascinated me as a writer. As I dug deeper in his life, I found out that he was an out of the world writer. Hence, a movie by his name was to be watched for sure.

After watching the movie, I definitely did understand the essentiallity of freedom of expression. Watching the headstrong personality of Manto, brilliantly portrayed by the lead actor, one can recall writers like Blake or Dostoevsky.
Also, the partition of India goes on in the background and how common life was affected is visible in some places. The fact is reinforced that not everyone wanted the partition. The partition also caused religious tension (which is also a little visible) which terrorised people.
Alongside, the glimpses of his short stories show the social issues of the time (which to some extent continue to be the issues today too).
For Manto fans and who have the courage to face the stark realities (which Manto wrote), this is a must watch.

Movie Review: Sanju

The movie is a biopic yet, it teaches a lot of things; could be called a set of dos and don'ts which we should keep in mind while making choices in our lives. First and foremost is choosing our company wisely. Company matters because company affects. Second thing is for both parents and children, to stay close to family and the fragility of human relations (can be broken in a second). Third, have no fear, stand up for yourself, if need be, take a bullet and die a hero's death (hero of real life). Fourth, ignorance can be very fatal. The movie contains an appropriate example. Fifth, the effects of someone's death can be devastating. So all members of the family should stick together like pillars having each other's back.
Other issues from an observer's perspective I found are the fact that this could be the story of any star kid. Parental legacy can be a burden for the young blooming child. People in power need to take extra care of their children because they will always remain in the limelight. Also, there are definite cautionary parenting tips clearly given.
Dutt seemed to be a kid until his father did not actually become his friend. Death of the mother and support of the father made him grow as a person, the character growth is clearly visible as the movie progresses. The brilliant acting of the actors added to the marvels of the flick. And ofcourse, how important writers are, everyone must know by now.
Last but not the least, anyone's life can teach but the question is, from whose life are we willing to learn?

Movie Review: Hichki

Had already heard it's a movie for teachers.  But it is slightly flawed. Being an educator myself, I couldn't help but agree to this being next teacher's favourite after "Chalk and duster". And flaws? Where?
With some really good dialogues commenting on the education system altogether, this movie is more about faith, brilliance, opportunity and hope. Faith in terms of the unwavering faith the teacher (in the movie) has in the potential of the children and chanellizing it in the right direction.
The fact that every student has potential and a brilliant mind is another aspect of the movie. With the right guidance, wonders can happen.
Another issue brought to the forefront is of the class divide which doesn't let the students have opportunities; resultant of which, they are rebellious and ready to battle. Clearly observed by the teacher herself, there's a reason behind everything. Also, those who do get the opportunity misuse it is also given by the example in towards the end.
The parents of these kids have hope for the betterment of their children and the teacher too is hopeful of the right results despite criticism for her students.
An important point of focus in the movie is the tourette syndrome. The fact that everyone should be accepted with whatever they have because they never acquired it by choice. Parental support for any child is repeatedly harped upon throughout the movie.

Movie Review: Fukrey Returns

Delayed it quite a lot, but did find the time to watch the second instalment of the earlier comic flick. If the comparison was to be made between the two, or I was given a choice to watch one of them again, I would definitely choose the first one. Why? I have my own reasons.
The one major difference to be spotted is the fact that the magnitude of money to be earned (via lottery) is bigger this time. As a result, the lurch the four representatives of the youth fall into is way bigger. Consequently, the female counterparts are just next to invisible. Yet the villain (of the previous instalment) emerges as a round character here (the only one) being caught up in trouble situations and shown to be with less brains than the prequel.
The first half is more fun and reflects on the previous flick (advisable: watch the previous one closely first) but the second half seems more stretched and also a tinge of political chaos is shown to affect the lives of the youth of today. One wrong step, and they were on a run for their lives.
End lesson: money is what matters finally.

Movie Review: Hindi Medium

The title is clear enough to say what the movie would revolve around. The story of a common man who is desperately struggling to give his child the best education taking any means possible to accomplish those goals because only the ability to speak in English is the mode of judgement and understanding of people's educational levels. Alongside this major plot development, there are other aspects easily noticeable.
One of them is the comment on western form of education and the effects it has. The consultancy in the film, the Western education are shown to fill people with artificiality, superficial knowledge, snobbishness, pride and also lack of respect for their own language.
Not only the children, the parents equally are a part of that change due to this form of "education". Due to this "education", class of people has been created who call themselves "the elite". Sharply contrasted with the "non elite", the difference of not just lifestyles and sophistication is shown but also the difference of the basic humanity in both the classes is clear and obvious. The first and the second half show the protagonists in totally different lights and hence their characters undergo development and transformation.
The other aspect, which could also be called an suggestion or maybe an eye opener is that all children, irrespective of their class, deserve equal attention, care, respect and quality education because they too have equal brain as any other and are equally creative. The example of being creative is also shown in the movie where the children create music without any musical instruments.

Movie Review: Padmavat

As I sat to write this review, the first question on my mind was what I would say about the film? All I could think of was "royalty". Being a film about people whose names have been disputed to even be a part of history or not, I found every bit of the characterization to be lively, humanistic and yet majestic altogether. Despite being a period film, the audience couldn't move from their seats throughout right till the end. As it got over, I heard people saying, "Is it over? ". This is the captivating effect it had on the spectators.

Moreover, the audience remains alienated throughout the film, despite their being lively and realistic characters as we get to see them performing feats which are unimaginable in today's time. The madness of empire spreading, the readiness to go to war, the elaborate dressing up and of course living in forts does the work of alienating. The one point where even today's people are intact is of honour and valour. That is not limited to any particular clan or group. It's perhaps for each and every person as that is what defines their self respect and dignity.

I was well aware of the basic plot of the movie because as a child, I remembered of a television series based on the same story. But what prompted me to watch the film was which part of it could offend the sensitive sections calling for such violent and extreme protests. Personally, I found nothing offensive. Everything only seems to add on to give respect, grandeur and grace to the group we have only heard about over the times.
For all who want to get a glimpse into Indian history and tradition, should definitely go for this romance-drama film.