Krrish franchise

Koi... Mil Gaya

Directed by: Rakesh Roshan

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Rekha

Released: 2003

Verdict: destroy every copy ? horrible ? bad ? whatever ? flawed but enjoyable - good ? great ? amazing

First of three movie that now create a franchise, Koi Mil Gaya is a shameless rip off of extremely popular E.T., in more ways than one. Is anyone surprised that even music is lifted from other films? I was really annoyed when I recognized two of my favourite soundtracks ? the Neverending story and yes, they even DARED to touch the Lord of the Rings ? and I assure you I am not mistaken as I know that music by heart. Koi Mil Gaya is a film for kids (even though adults can enjoy it as well), and as such it manages to hit the mark. However even as a film for kids it is not too spectacular, especially not in the special effect department. The little blue creeper Jadoo has nothing on likeability of E.T., and looks just way too puppet-ish for anyone to think he is real for a second. The film is worth watching for Hrithik Roshan, who delivers his possibly best performance ever. The level of vulnerability, innocence and sincere emotions he projects is amazing, and that too in a role which is a far cry from macho heroes Bollywood thrives on. His pairing with Preity Zinta is cute, and the actress looks just lovely. Rekha, of course, is one of the most natural actresses ever. I love her in just about anything and everything, so this was no exception. Out of all three films this one has the biggest heart.

Krrish

Directed by: Rakesh Roshan

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Rekha

Released: 2006

Verdict: destroy every copy ? horrible ? bad ? whatever ? flawed but enjoyable - good ? great ? amazing

Papa Roshan has decided to boost his son?s career a bit more, again with something new and unusual (and inspired) and what better (read: easier) way to do that than creating a sequel to a successful movie? And so Krrish was born, Preity Zinta killed off and Priyanka Chopra brought on board ? as not really worthy a replacement (though she looked stunning, she was just kinda annoying silly gal in this). Yet again, the film needs to be watched through children?s eyes and the romantic track needed to be shorter. Performances are fine, but both Hrithik and Priyanka are owned by their older co-stars ? apart from Rekha we also meet the very awesome Naseeruddin Shah as the main villain. Unfortunately somewhere down the line one was grieving that loveable, childish, simple Rohit from Koi Mil Gaya was replaced by his ?son?, brooding Jesus-on-steroids Krishna. That said Hrithik has a perfect image to be a superhero. For adult people and teenagers Krrish doesn?t really work as a film of particular interest, for children it is almost perfect. I personally, though with long pauses in between, quite enjoyed it.

Krrish 3

Directed by: Rakesh Roshan

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Vivek Oberoi, Kangana Ranaut

Released: 2013

Verdict: destroy every copy ? horrible ? bad ? whatever ? flawed but enjoyable - good ? great ? amazing

Last (at least for now) instalment of the franchise has raised many eyebrows with its title. Krrish ?3?? Did we miss Krrish ?2?? Then again numbers do not seem a strong point of Papa Roshan, as we could see during the BO collections aftermath. I was not kind to the idea of the movie, given the previous one was nothing earth-shattering, and the promos very lackluster, the songs just pathetic, reminding one of an outdated 90s films. And after the release I was very put off by all the boasting from various people, mostly Vivek Oberoi, about their own greatness (you do NOT compare yourself to Mogambo and have me nodding in agreement). So I was very sceptical about this venture when I hit the play button and very surprised to find out.... Krrish 3 is a good film. Miles ahead of its predecessor (though sentimental me still prefers Koi Mil Gaya), it has a good enough story to keep you interested and the pace is good throughout. There are moments that are just not needed and overdone (because saving an old grumpy man would simply not play on our heart-strings like saving a cute baby), some of the action scenes are just weird (I kept singing Cause baby you make me tongue-tieeeeed, tongue tiiied...... in my head through the weirdest one ? and btw how unhygienic it all was!) and AGAIN, ironically, the special effects look average. What I couldn?t grasp was the fact nobody, including Kangana?s character, realized Krishna is Krrish. The dude is not acting super secretive while in his costume ? he sits down with everyone and chats (and apparently has a box of spare bracelets to give out for free) after all. The dude has green eyes and six fingers and nobody suspects anything? Not even when they are capable of making his statue and have his IDENTICAL father reveal it? Sorry, I am not buying that.

Vivek Oberoi as Kaal is impressive ? at least up until the moment he decides to wear a seriously embarrassing armour, and so is Kangana Ranaut as a mutant. I suppose when she is forced to be subtle, she can really be great. Her change of heart was not too well explored, but it was sufficient still. Priyanka is better than the last time, but she really is ?just there?. The role was not demanding at all. Coming to Hrithik Roshan, this time we do not have to make a choice between Rohit and Krrishna as we get them both. And Hrithik delivers as both ? this time actually a lil more as Krrishna. Not a Best Actor award winning performance, but solid enough to be regarded as one of the better ones this year.

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai

Directed by: Milan Luthria

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Prachi Desai, Randeep Hooda

Released: 2010

My rating: destroy every copy ? horrible ? bad ? whatever ? flawed but enjoyable - good ? great ? amazing

What can a director responsible for overhyped Dirty Picture do with a bunch of actors I would rank from ?not interested? to ?dislike? do? Surprisingly a film I really enjoyed. I have been ignoring this one for quite some time (Why? Read the first line!) but as a person who always insists on watching original before a remake and prequel before a sequel I finally sat down and hit the play button. I knew the film was quite acclaimed, but public opinion rarely sounds in tune with my own sentiments.

From time to time there is nothing better than a good Bollywood gangster flick and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai has ticked every bracket needed to be good. Dark, but never gruelsome or lingering too much on the nasty effects of criminal activity, OUTIM is more or less a masala with a heart, in spite of being a gangster tale, and set in very attractively presented setting of 70s and 80s, thus evoking bit of that nostalgy everybody likes too.

Inspired by real events (at least I found it described like) the film revolves around an idea that criminals and their crimes are of different nature depending on what they have in heart and mind. A willful, ambitious kid that has a secure home grows up to be a selfish and self-loving individual hungry for power, while the one whose attention and approval he seeks came literally out of nothing and while he managed to become the ?king? of the Mumbai underworld his actions are dictated by his selflessness and love for common folk. One is a smuggler, the other is a killer. The interaction and play-off between larger-than-life yet level-headed Sultan (Ajay Devgn) and impulsive, as well as somehow childish, immature Shoaib is the backbone of the film, which in the end gets broken and leaves you a bit numb for a while.

The film has a nice, tight screenplay, that is not weighted down even by two romantic sub-tracks, which bring further understanding of what men the main protagonists actually are. The relationship between Sultan and a Bollywood star played by Kangana Ranaut (I suppose a character created to remind us of notorious Mandakini) is based on caring and love, Shoaib?s selfishness and possessiveness has the upper hand in his love life. His girlfriend (Prachi Desai) is more or less seen as his property, bending to his wishes even when she doesn?t like them or are simply unacceptable to her own mindset.

The film?s strengths are above all good script and performance by Ajay Devgn. Dressed in white, he embodies a towering figure in the game of power, and has an aura of invincibility. He carries the film on his shoulders and charisma and doesn?t make a false step. Emraan Hashmi, whom I just cannot like for whatever reason, is good enough, mostly because he IS supposed to be unlikeable. Kangana and Prachi both play their roles convincingly, even though Kangana?s dialogue delivery and voice will always be a problem. Special mention goes to special cameo by Randeep Hooda, another guy I don?t really care for in general, but like him here.

Once Upon a Time in Mumbai has its share of flaws and illogical moments (why in the world would you need to deconstruct a railway track just so a lorry can ride over it?), and it is not the most exciting gangster movie out there either. But it works, has solid performances and superb music, as well as that already mentioned pleasant vintage touch.

Queen

Directed by: Vikas Bahl

Starring: Kangana Ranaut, Rajkumar Rao, Lisa Haydon

Released: 2014

My rating: destroy every copy ? horrible ? bad ? whatever ? flawed but enjoyable - good ? great ? amazing

?Queen? has ruled supreme at box office and sky-high ratings as well as amazing word-of-mouth were all around. In such enviroment it is difficult not to get curious. In the end Queen was what I expected and yet it was not. I found it a nice, likeable film, but the 10/10 and 5 stars reviews were, in my view at least, quite off. If I still used the number rating system, I would probably settle on 6,5/10 for Queen.

The premise is simple and believable. Young girl gets ditched by her fianc?, just one day before wedding. It leaves her devastated, but she decides to follow her honeymoon plans without marriage and without him. It is obstinacy more than anything, because Rani doesn?t really want to ?get even? with her former beau, neither she is set on liberating herself ? that all happens in course of time, bit by bit. The journey Rani undertakes does not have much of a story as such, it is minor things that she encounters as if by the way that help her realize she is worthy ? of everything she might want.

There is lot to be liked about Queen. Honest performances for starters. Kangana has been awful since Fashion, unbearable even, but as Rani she manages to charm. She doesn?t over-act, yet she is not too subtle either. Her dialogue delivery will be poor forever ? but well, in this film she gets to talk less. Lisa Haydon is good and believable, so are Rani?s male friends from Amsterdam. And Rajkumar Rao is perfect as a chauvinist, selfish pig of a fianc?. (In fact he was probably the best). Music is appropriately chosen and used, visuals of Paris and Amsterdam enchanting. Kangana?s styling was wonderful. And rarely you see a movie that is so wonderfully non-judgemental. In many ways it reminds one of English Vinglish, but yet Queen is different, not only because it focuses on a different situation and a young bride instead of mature woman, but because unlike English Vinglish it doesn?t ride on stereotypes. There are parts of the film which are just too endearing and touching. Personally I enjoyed the Amsterdam part of the film and Rani?s bonding with the guys more. The beauty of the film also lies in the character of Rani, who is wonderfully innocent, but not stupid ? and in her innocence and with all her good manners she never judges anyone.

But Queen is not as flawless as I was led to believe. The pace is very uneven and many scenes could have been avoided, thus making the product tighter and more enjoyable. The whole Italian cheff thing was not needed and the story could have done very well without it. There are also several moments that I would not classify as ?family friendly?. True enough, nobody promoted Queen as a clean family film, but I did not think those moments fitted with the overal tone of the film. Finally, I had to stop the movie several times. It was just not engaging enough to hold my attention for over two hours without breaks.

Queen is one of those films that should be made, need to be made. Female centric ? and about normal women. With people you meet every day. Inspirational, but not preachy. It is not a perfect film, it is not the best film of the year even. It is so simple it almost gets boring in many parts. But it is also very human and if you are a sucker for simplicity this is a movie for you. Something to unwind with. Not sure I will be watching it again (it really did not effect me that much), but in the end I do not regret the time I spent on it. In the end, isn?t that one of the most important things about films?

Krrish franchise

Koi... Mil Gaya

Directed by: Rakesh Roshan

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Rekha

Released: 2003

Verdict: destroy every copy ? horrible ? bad ? whatever ? flawed but enjoyable - good ? great ? amazing

First of three movie that now create a franchise, Koi Mil Gaya is a shameless rip off of extremely popular E.T., in more ways than one. Is anyone surprised that even music is lifted from other films? I was really annoyed when I recognized two of my favourite soundtracks ? the Neverending story and yes, they even DARED to touch the Lord of the Rings ? and I assure you I am not mistaken as I know that music by heart. Koi Mil Gaya is a film for kids (even though adults can enjoy it as well), and as such it manages to hit the mark. However even as a film for kids it is not too spectacular, especially not in the special effect department. The little blue creeper Jadoo has nothing on likeability of E.T., and looks just way too puppet-ish for anyone to think he is real for a second. The film is worth watching for Hrithik Roshan, who delivers his possibly best performance ever. The level of vulnerability, innocence and sincere emotions he projects is amazing, and that too in a role which is a far cry from macho heroes Bollywood thrives on. His pairing with Preity Zinta is cute, and the actress looks just lovely. Rekha, of course, is one of the most natural actresses ever. I love her in just about anything and everything, so this was no exception. Out of all three films this one has the biggest heart.

Krrish

Directed by: Rakesh Roshan

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Rekha

Released: 2006

Verdict: destroy every copy ? horrible ? bad ? whatever ? flawed but enjoyable - good ? great ? amazing

Papa Roshan has decided to boost his son?s career a bit more, again with something new and unusual (and inspired) and what better (read: easier) way to do that than creating a sequel to a successful movie? And so Krrish was born, Preity Zinta killed off and Priyanka Chopra brought on board ? as not really worthy a replacement (though she looked stunning, she was just kinda annoying silly gal in this). Yet again, the film needs to be watched through children?s eyes and the romantic track needed to be shorter. Performances are fine, but both Hrithik and Priyanka are owned by their older co-stars ? apart from Rekha we also meet the very awesome Naseeruddin Shah as the main villain. Unfortunately somewhere down the line one was grieving that loveable, childish, simple Rohit from Koi Mil Gaya was replaced by his ?son?, brooding Jesus-on-steroids Krishna. That said Hrithik has a perfect image to be a superhero. For adult people and teenagers Krrish doesn?t really work as a film of particular interest, for children it is almost perfect. I personally, though with long pauses in between, quite enjoyed it.

Krrish 3

Directed by: Rakesh Roshan

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Vivek Oberoi, Kangana Ranaut

Released: 2013

Verdict: destroy every copy ? horrible ? bad ? whatever ? flawed but enjoyable - good ? great ? amazing

Last (at least for now) instalment of the franchise has raised many eyebrows with its title. Krrish ?3?? Did we miss Krrish ?2?? Then again numbers do not seem a strong point of Papa Roshan, as we could see during the BO collections aftermath. I was not kind to the idea of the movie, given the previous one was nothing earth-shattering, and the promos very lackluster, the songs just pathetic, reminding one of an outdated 90s films. And after the release I was very put off by all the boasting from various people, mostly Vivek Oberoi, about their own greatness (you do NOT compare yourself to Mogambo and have me nodding in agreement). So I was very sceptical about this venture when I hit the play button and very surprised to find out.... Krrish 3 is a good film. Miles ahead of its predecessor (though sentimental me still prefers Koi Mil Gaya), it has a good enough story to keep you interested and the pace is good throughout. There are moments that are just not needed and overdone (because saving an old grumpy man would simply not play on our heart-strings like saving a cute baby), some of the action scenes are just weird (I kept singing Cause baby you make me tongue-tieeeeed, tongue tiiied...... in my head through the weirdest one ? and btw how unhygienic it all was!) and AGAIN, ironically, the special effects look average. What I couldn?t grasp was the fact nobody, including Kangana?s character, realized Krishna is Krrish. The dude is not acting super secretive while in his costume ? he sits down with everyone and chats (and apparently has a box of spare bracelets to give out for free) after all. The dude has green eyes and six fingers and nobody suspects anything? Not even when they are capable of making his statue and have his IDENTICAL father reveal it? Sorry, I am not buying that.

Vivek Oberoi as Kaal is impressive ? at least up until the moment he decides to wear a seriously embarrassing armour, and so is Kangana Ranaut as a mutant. I suppose when she is forced to be subtle, she can really be great. Her change of heart was not too well explored, but it was sufficient still. Priyanka is better than the last time, but she really is ?just there?. The role was not demanding at all. Coming to Hrithik Roshan, this time we do not have to make a choice between Rohit and Krrishna as we get them both. And Hrithik delivers as both ? this time actually a lil more as Krrishna. Not a Best Actor award winning performance, but solid enough to be regarded as one of the better ones this year.

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai

Directed by: Milan Luthria

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Prachi Desai, Randeep Hooda

Released: 2010

My rating: destroy every copy ? horrible ? bad ? whatever ? flawed but enjoyable - good ? great ? amazing

What can a director responsible for overhyped Dirty Picture do with a bunch of actors I would rank from ?not interested? to ?dislike? do? Surprisingly a film I really enjoyed. I have been ignoring this one for quite some time (Why? Read the first line!) but as a person who always insists on watching original before a remake and prequel before a sequel I finally sat down and hit the play button. I knew the film was quite acclaimed, but public opinion rarely sounds in tune with my own sentiments.

From time to time there is nothing better than a good Bollywood gangster flick and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai has ticked every bracket needed to be good. Dark, but never gruelsome or lingering too much on the nasty effects of criminal activity, OUTIM is more or less a masala with a heart, in spite of being a gangster tale, and set in very attractively presented setting of 70s and 80s, thus evoking bit of that nostalgy everybody likes too.

Inspired by real events (at least I found it described like) the film revolves around an idea that criminals and their crimes are of different nature depending on what they have in heart and mind. A willful, ambitious kid that has a secure home grows up to be a selfish and self-loving individual hungry for power, while the one whose attention and approval he seeks came literally out of nothing and while he managed to become the ?king? of the Mumbai underworld his actions are dictated by his selflessness and love for common folk. One is a smuggler, the other is a killer. The interaction and play-off between larger-than-life yet level-headed Sultan (Ajay Devgn) and impulsive, as well as somehow childish, immature Shoaib is the backbone of the film, which in the end gets broken and leaves you a bit numb for a while.

The film has a nice, tight screenplay, that is not weighted down even by two romantic sub-tracks, which bring further understanding of what men the main protagonists actually are. The relationship between Sultan and a Bollywood star played by Kangana Ranaut (I suppose a character created to remind us of notorious Mandakini) is based on caring and love, Shoaib?s selfishness and possessiveness has the upper hand in his love life. His girlfriend (Prachi Desai) is more or less seen as his property, bending to his wishes even when she doesn?t like them or are simply unacceptable to her own mindset.

The film?s strengths are above all good script and performance by Ajay Devgn. Dressed in white, he embodies a towering figure in the game of power, and has an aura of invincibility. He carries the film on his shoulders and charisma and doesn?t make a false step. Emraan Hashmi, whom I just cannot like for whatever reason, is good enough, mostly because he IS supposed to be unlikeable. Kangana and Prachi both play their roles convincingly, even though Kangana?s dialogue delivery and voice will always be a problem. Special mention goes to special cameo by Randeep Hooda, another guy I don?t really care for in general, but like him here.

Once Upon a Time in Mumbai has its share of flaws and illogical moments (why in the world would you need to deconstruct a railway track just so a lorry can ride over it?), and it is not the most exciting gangster movie out there either. But it works, has solid performances and superb music, as well as that already mentioned pleasant vintage touch.

Queen

Directed by: Vikas Bahl

Starring: Kangana Ranaut, Rajkumar Rao, Lisa Haydon

Released: 2014

My rating: destroy every copy ? horrible ? bad ? whatever ? flawed but enjoyable - good ? great ? amazing

?Queen? has ruled supreme at box office and sky-high ratings as well as amazing word-of-mouth were all around. In such enviroment it is difficult not to get curious. In the end Queen was what I expected and yet it was not. I found it a nice, likeable film, but the 10/10 and 5 stars reviews were, in my view at least, quite off. If I still used the number rating system, I would probably settle on 6,5/10 for Queen.

The premise is simple and believable. Young girl gets ditched by her fianc?, just one day before wedding. It leaves her devastated, but she decides to follow her honeymoon plans without marriage and without him. It is obstinacy more than anything, because Rani doesn?t really want to ?get even? with her former beau, neither she is set on liberating herself ? that all happens in course of time, bit by bit. The journey Rani undertakes does not have much of a story as such, it is minor things that she encounters as if by the way that help her realize she is worthy ? of everything she might want.

There is lot to be liked about Queen. Honest performances for starters. Kangana has been awful since Fashion, unbearable even, but as Rani she manages to charm. She doesn?t over-act, yet she is not too subtle either. Her dialogue delivery will be poor forever ? but well, in this film she gets to talk less. Lisa Haydon is good and believable, so are Rani?s male friends from Amsterdam. And Rajkumar Rao is perfect as a chauvinist, selfish pig of a fianc?. (In fact he was probably the best). Music is appropriately chosen and used, visuals of Paris and Amsterdam enchanting. Kangana?s styling was wonderful. And rarely you see a movie that is so wonderfully non-judgemental. In many ways it reminds one of English Vinglish, but yet Queen is different, not only because it focuses on a different situation and a young bride instead of mature woman, but because unlike English Vinglish it doesn?t ride on stereotypes. There are parts of the film which are just too endearing and touching. Personally I enjoyed the Amsterdam part of the film and Rani?s bonding with the guys more. The beauty of the film also lies in the character of Rani, who is wonderfully innocent, but not stupid ? and in her innocence and with all her good manners she never judges anyone.

But Queen is not as flawless as I was led to believe. The pace is very uneven and many scenes could have been avoided, thus making the product tighter and more enjoyable. The whole Italian cheff thing was not needed and the story could have done very well without it. There are also several moments that I would not classify as ?family friendly?. True enough, nobody promoted Queen as a clean family film, but I did not think those moments fitted with the overal tone of the film. Finally, I had to stop the movie several times. It was just not engaging enough to hold my attention for over two hours without breaks.

Queen is one of those films that should be made, need to be made. Female centric ? and about normal women. With people you meet every day. Inspirational, but not preachy. It is not a perfect film, it is not the best film of the year even. It is so simple it almost gets boring in many parts. But it is also very human and if you are a sucker for simplicity this is a movie for you. Something to unwind with. Not sure I will be watching it again (it really did not effect me that much), but in the end I do not regret the time I spent on it. In the end, isn?t that one of the most important things about films?