HALLA BOL!!

Film: Halla Bol

*ing: Ajay Devgan, Vidya Balan, Pankaj Kapoor, Darshan Jariwala, Anjan Shrivastav.

Dir: Raj Kumar Santoshi

Banner: Pyramid Symira Productions

Rating: ***1/2 (3.5/5)

REVIEW

One of the first big releases of the new year doesn’t disappoint. A cinema based on politics and corruption is rarely engrossing. But Raj Kumar Santoshi is a prodigy in this space. Be it Ghayal or The Legend of Bhagat Singh or Halla Bol. Santoshi delivers the goods once more.

This story is a clash of an immoral actor with politics and corruption where he turns himself as well as the society around him for good. Ashfaq (Ajay Devgan) is a budding actor groomed by Sidhu (Pankaj Kapoor). Hailing from a small town Ashfaq makes it big in Bollywood very soon after he comes to Mumbai. But the stardom comes to him at a price. Differences crop up between him and his family. Life takes a turn once more when he is an eyewitness to a murder in a celebrity clad party. His struggle with the system starts as soon as he comes forward to say the truth. Then there are a lot of twists and turns which make the journey engrossing.

Technically, direction is very good. The script and the screen play are effective. Though, occasionally, the film reminds you of Ghayal and RDB. Though the second half has a lot of dialogues which will be applauded by the audience the first half has a fair share if moments too. The climax is something which looks slightly half baked and doesn’t quite become the high point of the film. Editing is good. Pacing of the movie is also good. Probably the only thing that can be done without are some songs- especially the quawaali. Cinematography is a let down. Art direction is good. So is audiography. Background score is also something that stands out.

The film has a credible cast. Ajay Devgan portrays the character naturally. Some of his sequences with Darshan Jariwala are memorable. Vidya Balan doesn’t have much to do but does justice and thus lends able support. Ajan Shrivastav is first rate. Darshan Jariwala is simply superb as the politician. He adds to his baggage of great work after Gandhi My father. But the person who steals the show is Mr Pankaj Kapoor. Hes just mind blowing. Be it his recitation of Harishchandra, his conflict with Ajay or his climax speech. He is outstanding. Many a times he overshadows Ajay Devgan. Cannot understand that why he was not used more in the climax. Mr Kapoor is surely in the race for Best Actor in Supporting Role for the next awards. He just mesmerizes.

Overall a very well made film. Worth catching this one up!

HUHHHHH!!

Film: Welcome

*ing: Akshaye Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Malika Sherawat, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Feroz Khan, Paresh Rawal

Dir: Aneez Bazmee

Banner: Feroz Nadiadwala (Base Industries)

Rating: **1/2 (2.5/5)

REVIEWAs the film kick started I wanted to kick myself for buying a ticket for this film. Things could have only got better after the first 20-25 minutes and luckily it did. This is an exceptional example of films with more style than substance. Thus can be put into the ranks of Dhoom2, JBJ etc. A pillar of a good cinema is a good script but here this is missing. Also there is so much of resemblance to No Entry (Directed by Bazmee) that it seems there is a formula which has been twisted and turned to make it look new. If No Entry said e=mc^2, Welcome says mc^2= e.

There were times we could see lift ups from Hollywood in our desi flicks but these days who wants to go so far. If you remember No Entry, Malika (Sherawat), Nana and Anil plot is an extension of the Bips- Fardeen- Anil track. The ending had to look slightly different as against No Entry and so instead people hung on a cliff, they had a hut on a cliff in which the cast gets stuck up. Akshaye Kumar and Katrina duet resembles in look to (Fanaa- Humko Deewana Kar gaye). And seriously the top of the car ripped off is a concept done to death.

Technically the film has not much to boast. The editing and art lead a lot to be desired. But cannot blame editing if you don’t have good script. The music is also mediocre. The song involving Malika Arora is badly choreographed, and shot – surely Malika Arora Khan can look much better. The makers try too hard to make this one look different by giving some funny gestures to characters till the time the film doesn’t grip you and then conveniently forgets it. Seemed as if Paresh Rawal got cured half way through the film. Voice over of Om Puri is half baked. Akshaye Kumar who was in top form in 2007 disappoints.

But there are positives also. There are sequences which you cannot take eyes off and just cannot help burst into laughter. Nana, Anil, Paresh have an amazing comic timing. Any time these people are on the screen the movie zips through. Malika Sherawat and Katrina deserve a special applause. The chemistry between Akki and Kat is as sizzling as ever. Feroz Khan is good in a smaller role. Vijay Raaz and Mushtaq Khan too leave an impression. Asrani is wasted. The sequence of the film is the pre climax sequence at the ‘Samshan ghat’.

All an all so-so.