Movies

Manam movie review: ANR, Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya’s film is as sweet as honey!


Manam movie review: ANR, Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya’s film is as sweet as honey!

The late legend Akkineni Nageshwara Rao’s last film is a dessert for die hard romantics

For years most of the Tollywood filmmakers have heavily relied on gimmicks of commercial cinema- the so called masala of hardcore action, romance, melodrama, item number and the most essential romantic song in the snow capped ranges of foreign lands. So once in a while when a film comes which doesn’t tick on almost any of the boxes, as a viewer you are bound to feel excited. Manam is one of those films. It’s a commercial film which manages to woo you even with its flaws. Akkineni Nageshwara Rao’s last film is the story of multiple reincarnation. From the start to finish the film manages to capture your attention and puts a smile on your face.
Plot: The story written by director Vikram Kumar and dialogue writer Harshvardhan is a complex tale of car accidents and rebirths. Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, Shriya Saran and Samantha all play dual roles – one from bygone era and one from present time. Now imagine this – Naga Chaitanya and Samantha are parents of Nagarjuna and Nagarjuna and Shriya Saran are parents of ANR! Sounds confusing…isn’t it? But we got to give full marks to makers for presenting this complex tale of relationships in such simple terms.
Performances: Acting department is in fine hands ably led by Nagarjuna. The kind of rapport which Nagarjuna has with Naga Chaitanya is beyond words and their first meeting in the airplane is quite funny. Samantha and Shriya Saran have given commendable performance and have not shied away from playing the roles of doting mother. ANR shines in a small but important part and turns as a savior in the climax. The chemistry between the trio of Akkineni is infectious especially the drinking scene before the Piyo piyo re is outrageously funny. The songs and background score from Anup Rubbens deserves a special mention as the music plays a special part in narration.The I love you antiques between Nagarjuna and Shriya is sweet and funny at the same time. The Kanulanu thaake track has been beautifully shot depicting the ups and downs in lives of a married couple played refreshingly by Naga Chaitanya and Samantha. The cinematography by PS Vinod is a treat to watch. Cameo’s by Amitabh Bachchan and Lavanya Tripathy are so small that if you blink your eyes for a moment and you will miss it. What’s intriguing about the film is it is more about children reuniting with their parents in the next life and less about actual romance between couples.
Verdict: The first half is little slow and takes time to establish its premise. But the second half is where most of the story unfolds. Manam is really good but that doesn’t mean it is sans flaws. The film time and again runs into the territory of being too sweet to digest at times and few of the story points seem to be forced. Manam also gives the vibes of Back To The Future but kudos to the makers for staying away from the aping the English classic. Manam might come off as too simple and too good tobe true for realists around the globe. When was the last time you saw a Telugu movie with ensemble cast, with everyone having equally important roles? Manam is one such film. Last but not the least a standing ovation to the director Vikram Kumar to have put forth such a sweet and simple film. If you have a craving for sweet tooth, go and indulge in this clean family fantasy film Manam. To put forth in simple words, one would say Manam is as sweet as honey!
Rating:3.5 out of 53.5 Star Rating

Reviewed by Subramanian Harikumar
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Heropanti movie review: Tiger Shroff aces as an action hero in this ordinary Bollywood masala flick!


Heropanti movie review: Tiger Shroff aces as an action hero in this ordinary Bollywood masala flick!

Sajid Nadiadwala’s production venture starring Jackie Shroff’s ladla beta has hit the screens and though Jr Shroff has a long way to go in Bollywood, he sure has the potential to become the next ultimate action hero

Whenever a star kid makes a debut, the pressure is always double and expectations sky high. More so when your father is Jackie Shroff whose rustic charm never failed to captivate the audiences in the ‘80s. But Tiger Shroff is nothing like his father even when it comes to looks. The young lad is not a conventional looking Hindi film hero nor is he a chocolate boy whose puppy eyes would melt your hearts. In fact, you can’t really bracket him into any category coz he is unlike any other actor who has entered Bollywood in the recent times. Well, that may or may not appeal to the masses but here’s what I think: The Heropanti actor has a fabulous body and he knows how to use it well onscreen. Surprisingly, he’s a good dancer too. But running around trees and doing cheesy Bollywood steps doesn’t suit him at all. But the big question is – has Jackie dada’s son packed a punch with his debut film Heropanti which is directed by Sabbir Khan and co-stars newbie Kriti Sanon and Prakash Raj in the lead roles? Let’s find out…
Heropanti has nothing new to offer as far as story is concerned. Prakash Raj is a doting father but at the same time very orthodox in his thinking. He loves his two daughters but they don’t have the right to make any decisions for their lives. After his elder daughter Renu (Sandeepa Dhar) elopes with her lover on the night of her wedding, Chaudhary (Prakash Raj) feels insulted and starts a search mission for her. Well, they belong to the Jat community where love is forbidden and love marriage a social suicide. Bablu (Tiger Shroff) enters the picture. He knows where Renu and her lover are hiding and is therefore taken into custody by Chaudhary’s goons. But Bablu is not just good at bashing people; he is also a street smart. He keeps misguiding Chaudhary and his men about Renu’s whereabouts and in-between all the car chasing and fighting, Bablu falls for Dimpy (Kriti Sanon). The only problem – she is Chaudhary’s younger daughter. So done-to-death twist, hai na? What happens next? Will Bablu’s love story have a happily ever after ending? Well, you have to watch the movie for that. But we are pretty sure it isn’t hard to figure out.
What’s good about Heropanti?
Tiger Shroff may have grabbed attention coz of his not-so-conventional looks but I think that’s what works in his favour. Apart from that, action sequences and music of Heropanti is absolute paisa vasool especially the iconic Hero tune that you get to hear in the background. It’s a bit repetitive but who cares – it’s a classic. Tiger’s co-star Kriti is the surprise package. The leggy lass is no doubt stunning but she is equally good with the acting. Yes, it’s not a meaty role but the babe won’t go unnoticed in this film which is all about the hero and his heropanti. Prakash Raj has played a baddie umpteen times in his career but in this one his role isn’t out-an-out a grey one which is such a relief.
What’s bad about Heropanti?
It has to be the story more than anything else. There is no surprise element whatsoever and the plot is in fact quite predictable till the end. But that’s still okay. What’s really annoying is the overdose of melodrama in the second half. Director Sabbir Khan has failed to cash in on Tiger’s USP which is action and not romance. Yes, Jackie’s son is good at bashing up people, jumping from building to building and even at dancing but he sure doesn’t fit into the romantic hero image. Also, he isn’t consistent with his dialogue delivery. At times he is good but then there are times when you doubt if he is the hero of the film.
Verdict
Overall, Heropanti is like any other massy entertainer. If you have no plans this weekend, then you can watch this one with your family. But don’t expect much and you’ll be pleased.
Rating:3 out of 53 Star Rating

Reviewed by Namrata Thakker
* Poor
** Average
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Kochadaiiyaan movie review: Rajinikanth and Deepika Padukone starrer is a risk that pays off in parts!


Kochadaiiyaan movie review: Rajinikanth and Deepika Padukone starrer is a risk that pays off in parts!

After much delay, the Rajinikanth and Deepika Padukone starrer first photo-realistic performance capture film has finally hit the theatres today

What’s it about:
Before the film begins, the makers introduce us to a small feature presentation on what went behind the scenes during the making of Kochadaiiyaan. There are shots of Rajinikanth dressed up in a tight bodysuit doing his signature walk, while Deepika Padukone dances in a similar looking outfit against the backdrop of a green screen. We are told that painstaking efforts were taken to match the expressions of these actors to their live action animated characters. With so much expectation and Amitabh Bachchan endorsing this ground breaking technology there is a lot at stake for this CGI spectacle. A period film of two warring dynasties and empires,Kochadaiiyaan is a one man show of Rana (Rajinikanth) who keeps his enemies closer than his friends, falls in love with the wrong girl, and sabotages and plots against those who consider him his brother. Jackie Shroff and Deepika Padukone Bollywoodize what is primarily a south film made in a local dialect and dubbed unevenly in Hindi. Apart from the fight scenes, the story relies heavily on the visual grandeur brought to life by the art decoration and costume department.
What’s hot:
Soundarya Rajinikanth undertakes an enormous task of not only directing her superstar father, but also breaking new grounds in digital effects for any Indian film. The production values are rich and the introductory visuals catch your attention. 3D works in most parts, especially scenes in the first half where we are introduced to the two empires. The art department pays attention to details in ensuring the emblems, motifs, and signature look of both these empires is distinct and different. Also the landscape, topography and camera work succeeds in drawing you into the depth of the storyline. Rajinikanth or his CGI personna manage to regale and entertain you in a few scenes that will have his hardcore fans wanting more. Fortunately there is a lot happening in the script to keep you engaged, especially the scene preluding the intermission which will keep you guessing the real motives of some key characters.
What’s not:
The films biggest challenge is to use the new medium and technology to reach audiences who are alien to this format. Despite the global success of Avatar and other Hollywood offerings,Kochadaiiyaan is the first desi attempt to step into a totally foreign territory. The concept of photo realistic film is to use facial expressions and body language of a real person and mould it to create unbelievable action and motion sequences that might not be possible on a regular platform. While Rajinikanth’s introductory scene sets the tone for whats to follow, the same can’t be said about the other characters. Especially Deepika Padukone, whose photo realistic performance leaves much to be desired. The technicians have managed to get the postures and frames right, but there’s something missing in the eyes and expressions that disconnects you from the emotions you are meant to feel. The dance routines get comical when the steps are out of sync with the music, similarly the Hindi dialogues don’t really work with the Tamil lip sync.
What to do:
Conventional fans might find it a bit hard to worship their hero in this CGI avatar, butKochadaiiyaan is a big bold step in opening new frontiers to film making, a step that deserves to be supported.




Why does Anurag Kashyap feel he couldn’t ever make Kangana Ranaut’s Queen?


Queen, Vikas Bahl

The filmmaker co-produced, edited and aided in the music department for Rajkummar Rao’s film, but couldn’t direct the film. We wonder why…

Anurag Kashyap co-produced Queen and was involved in its editing, but the filmmaker has no qualms in saying that he couldn’t have made an entertainer like it is. For every filmmaker, he says, a certain conviction is necessary towards the project they take up.
Explaining his stance about making movies which reach out to an entire gamut of audience, he said, “We all try to do that. There is not a single filmmaker who does not want to reach out to the entire audience. “Even Anand Gandhi (of Ship Of Theseus fame) wants to reach out to the entire audience. But we cannot do something that we have no conviction in. I might like some films, but I cannot make them. “Like, I edited Queen and loved it, but I couldn’t have made it.”
Directed by Vikas Bahl, Queen features Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao, and it turned out to be a hit.


'Manjunath' review: It's an important story that deserves to be heard


Cast: Sasho Satyiish Saarthy, Yashpal Sharma, Seema Biswas, Kishor Kadam, Anjorie Alagh, Faisal Rashid
Director: Sandeep A Varma
The 2005 murder of Manjunath Shanmugam, the 27-year-old Indian Oil employee who'd been threatening to bust the fuel adulteration racket in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, makes for an earnest and compelling film in the hands of first-time director Sandeep Varma. Cutting skillfully between his happy years at the IIM Lucknow campus, and the reaction of his friends and employers to him having gone missing for two days, the film opens nicely, constructing a telling portrait of the man Manjunath used to be, and the ghost of a man he'd become following his obsession with correcting malpractices in the petrol trade.
'Manjunath' review: It's an important story that deserves to be heard

The film is based on 2005 murder of Manjunath Shanmugam who'd been threatening to bust the fuel adulteration racket in UP.

In a smart decision that helps the film enormously, Varma casts new-find Sasho Satish Sarathy as the courageous protagonist, who cannot be bribed or bullied into turning a blind eye at the rampant corruption. We're introduced to Manjunath's concerned parents (played excellently by Seema Biswas and Kishor Kadam), who wish he'd take a transfer to Bangalore so they could be closer to him. We also meet crooked petrol pump-owner Golu (the terrific Yashpal Sharma), repeatedly brought to task by Manjunath, who in a drunken rage fires the first of many bullets that kills our hero.
Upto this point, the film is riveting. Varma paints an authentic picture of the Indian badlands, and reveals the lasting bond between IIM graduates, and with their professors even. There's a bruising honesty to the relationship between Manjunath and his mother, and a palpable sense of frustration from his boss who wishes he would just let some things be.
The film slips into a morass of clunky plotting in its final act, when the court case takes over, followed by the candlelight vigil undertaken by IIM students. It all feels very rushed and...umm...obligatory. There are other problems too. Repeated confrontations between Manjunath's spirit and his killer strike a false note, and rock band Parikrama's multiple appearances become tiresome.
Yet these are minor quibbles in a well-intentioned film that wears its message brazenly. I'm going with three out of five for Manjunath. It's an important story that deserves to be heard.
Rating: 3/5

Salman Khan Could Land Into A Legal Mess

Salman Khan Main cover

Sri Devi’s glamorous daughter Jhanvi Kapoor may pose a strong competition to Alia Bhatt          

Jhanvi Kapoor, daughter of Sri Devi and Boney Kapoor is well on her way to give a run for money to most actresses her age including Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra and Shraddha Kapoor, if she enters Bollywood. The star kid has everything it takes in this day and age to make it big at the box office. She has style, elegance, a good rapport with industry insiders, good looks et al. Provided she gets a good break, she can land herself among A-listers.

She accompanies her mumma to all red carpet events. She has befriended all big wigs of the industry who can offer her dream debuts and she is often seen flaunting her style sense at high end events. Jhanvi Kapoor might be yet another star kid born with a silver spoon in her mouth. However, she can the right ingredients to make it big in Bollywood. Her mumma, Sri Devi debuted in Bollywood while she was still a teenager. Jhanvi is seventeen years old and has been seen strutting in high heels next to Sri at numerous occasions.

Arjun Kapoor joins hand with 'Shiksha initiative'

Arjun Kapoor joins hand with 'Shiksha initiative'

Mumbai: Actor Arjun Kapoor joins hands with P&G Shiksha to support education for underprivileged children and to celebrate the 10 years of the brand's existence. The "2 States" star feels that education provides a "foundation".

Arjun is the latest to join the list of celebrities - Soha Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Kalki Koechlin, Chitrangada Singh, Shruti Hassan, Vaani Kapoor, Pankaj Advani, Priyanka Upendra and Neha Dhupia - who supported the campaign to make key infrastructure interventions.

Sharing his views on joining hands with the initiative, the actor said: “Education is very important and the more we educate a child, the more it will reflect better in our country for future.

“I think regardless of what profession you choose, you need a foundation from where you get your mind from. The basic upbringing and thought process can imbibe in you by studying.

“As an actor I defintely feel my education, my upbringing and my life in those days define my existence today. So it's not only about studies, it's just about my wholesome experience of going to school, meeting new people, getting an understanding of life is what is needed,” he told IANS.

To commemorate its 10th year, P&G Shiksha announces its vision to build and support 1,000 schools in the next five years.

P&G Shiksha has over the years received generous support from many thought leaders and Indian celebrities such as Anupam Kher, Kiran Bedi, Anil Kumble, Rani Mukherji, John Abraham, Abhay Deol, Farah Khan and many more.


Is Deepika Padukone the next Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?

Is Deepika Padukone the next Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?

The hottest and most leggy lass in B-town is moving up the glamour ladder…and how! And her progress reminds us rather of the way a certain Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her name in Bollywood. Here’s why we think the 'Chennai Express' star can become the next big sensation, like the Bachchan bahu…
Almost six years ago in 2007 a tall, slim 21-year-old called Deepika Padukone made her debut in Bollywood with Farah Khan’s film with Shahrukh Khan, 'Om Shanti Om' in 2007. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength, impressing the critics and audiences alike. The model-turned-actor has worked in some meaty projects with A-listers from tinsel town and is carving a niche of her own in an intensely competitive world.

With over 20 films and dozens of enviable endorsements under her sparkly belt, Deepika is currently ruling the filmi roost with not just the most prized hoardings, but the covers of top fashion glossies and the silver screen alike. She has also enslaved the collective male consciousness of the country with her unmatchable elegance. No wonder then that the leggy beauty is being compared with the B-town’s Greek goddess Aishwaraya Rai Bachchan. There are the striking similarities between the dimpled beauty that remind us of the angelic Bachchan bahu….

More Details: Click Here

Prabhu Deva misses Sonakshi Sinha

Director and Choreographer Prabhu Deva (Photo: AFP)
Director and Choreographer Prabhu Deva 

Mumbai: Prabhu Deva is all excited about his first film that won’t be a South remake, Singh Is Bling. Until a while ago, the director was in the process of auditioning for a leading lady who will star opposite Akshay Kumar. While it is known that Sonakshi Sinha is Prabhu Deva’s favourite, having delivered hits like Rowdy Rathore and more recently R… Rajkumar with her, the filmmaker was looking for another face this time around. Word is that he has signed Katrina for the film now.
A source close to Prabhu reveals, “He admits that he is already missing his favourite actress Sonakshi. They have shared a wonderful working relationship in the past and have delivered some of the biggest hits in Bollywood. Both understand each other’s working style well by now and are each other’s favourite. Singh is Bling demanded a fresh pairing or a pair that hasn’t been seen for a while now. Prabhu surely hopes to work with his favourite leading lady soon in the near future. In fact it won’t be a surprise if he offers her a guest appearance or a song in the film, since he considers her as a lucky charm.”





Prakash Raj dubs for Heropanti

Prakash Raj

Prakash Raj is playing an important character in the Hindi film Heropanti. This is a remake of Telugu film Parugu which stars Allu Arjun and Sheela, while in Hindi Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon play the lead roles. 

Prakash Raj, who plays the father of the lead actress in the Telugu version, is doing the same in the Hindi version too. In the last two days Prakash Raj was busy dubbing for his character. The film is produced by Sajid Nadiawala and slated for a release in May.
This is Kriti Sanon’s first Hindi film. She had made her debut in Telugu opposite Mahesh Babu in 1 Nenokkadine. 




Sonakshi Sinha to play a girl of 40s in Rajinikanth's next


Bollywood beauty Sonakshi Sinha is all set to take you back in times. As, the actress has taken the challenge to sport a look from the 40s in her Tollywood debut with superstar Rajnikanth.

A leading tabloid reported that the actress who is supposed to start shooting for the film by May first week, will sport a look from the 40s.
It's also being said that the actress was given a choice for two roles in the film. One was of a modern girl and another of a girl next-door from a bygone era, and Sonakshi selected the latter. She will play the girl from the 40s.
She is supposed to start shooting for the film by May first week and will sport a look from the 40s.

In the film Rajinikanth will be seen in a double role. He plays a royal who returns to rule his kingdom after getting an education abroad and then is seen as his grandson.

The tabloid also quoted a source as saying, "Sonakshi will play the royal's love interest and Anushka Shetty will be paired opposite the Rajini of today. The two characters do not have any scenes together. The role picked by Sonakshi is meatier. The film's director Ravikumar too thought that she is well suited to enact the role of the girl from the 40s."
The film is being written and directed by KS Ravikumar, who also penned the story and screenplay of Rajini's Kochadaiyaan.


Humshakals trailer to release on Wednesday

The trailer of Saif Ali Khan starrer Humshakals will be launched worldwide on Youtube Wednesday.
The trailer will see fun multiply into nine and will make the audiences fall out of their chairs with laughter, said a source close to the production.
Poster of Humshakals
Poster of Humshakals

"The promo of the film is fast paced and the USP of the trailer is watching Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh , Ram Kapoor in triple roles. The confusion and fun triples when our beauties Esha Gupta, Bipasha Basu and Tamannah enter their lives," the source added.
Co-produced by Fox Star Studios and Pooja Entertainment, Humshakals is directed by Sajid Khan, known for making an out-and-out comic content.
Saif Ali Khan, who played a Gujarati boy in Kal Ho Na Ho, will again experiment with the Gujarati accent in the film. The actor will not only be seen speaking in Gujarati, but he has also decided to add a comic twist in the film.
The film is releasing on June 20.

Five things you didn't know about Rajinikanth

Our reporter Ekta Marwaha interviewed Rajni's wife, Lata Rajnikanth, where she reveals 5 things that we didn't know about superstar Rajnikanth. Read in.

Kochadaiiyaan hits the screens on May 9.



1.      Weekdays or weekends, shooting or not shooting each day begins with a prayer

2.      Loves a simple home cooked meal
3.      Enjoys music, there's no particular genre but he certainly likes classical music most
4.      Big movie buff
5.      Amazing sense of humor

Govinda unveils first look of 'Abhinay Chakra' at IIFA


Tampa Bay  Actor Govinda, who is set to revive his home banner Mangal Tara Films after a gap of nearly seven years with 'Abhinay Chakra', hopes everyone will like the movie.
"I am extremely excited to unveil the first look of my film here at IIFA. It is a great platform. It is a very special film its an entertaining film," he told reporters.
Govinda had last produced the film 'Ssukh' in 2005 which failed to create magic at the box office.
"This film is from my home production Mangal Tara I am here for the first look and I hope everybody likes the film. The film has element of comedy. I am playing a cop in it," he said.
The film is directed by Deepankar Senapati and is slated to be released in August. Govinda is also part of Shaad Ali's 'Kill Dill' and Anurag Basu's 'Jagga Jasoos'.

For More Details Please Visit : http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140426/entertainment-bollywood/article/govinda-unveils-first-look-abhinay-chakra-iifa

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