A still from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Film: Ae Dil hai Mushkil
Director: Karan Johar
Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma
Music: Pritam

Stars : 3.5
Writer director Karan Johar has been making love stories since 1998 and in every decade his definition of love has evolved. In Kuch Kuch Hota Hai he said love is friendship, in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham he said love is family, In Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna he said love is setting free and in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil he says love is heartbreak.

Unrequited love is not a new concept in our films. Over the decades we have watched many films about many broken hearts but Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has a different take, it speaks about the invisible pain with a clarity that is heart breaking. Interestingly this time sorrow does not stem from circumstances but individual mindset. There is palpable loneliness and uncontainable anguish.

Refreshingly written and amazingly performed the film travels the emotional journeys of four distinctive characters: singer Ayan Saigal (Ranbir Kapoor), Alizeh Kahan(Anushka Sharma), poetess Saba(Aishwary Rai Bachchan) and DJ Fawad Khan.

The first half of the film moves like a dream and you cannot stop smiling at the super chemistry between Anushka Sharama and Ranbir Kapoor. The second half poses problems in both the plot as well as the characterizations. Aishwarya Rai disappears suddenly Anushka’s ailment seems unnecessary. But all’s well that ends well and you come out of the theater agreeing that in matters of heart no rules apply.

Watch Ae Dil Hai Mushkil for the superstar cast, the writing, the perspective, Anil Mehta’s cinematography and Pritam’s music. Watch it for the sensational Anushka Sharma and supremely talented Ranbir Kapoor. Watch it if you have had a heart break, watch it if you are in love. Watch it for Karan Johar whose latest message is Love offers passion but Friendship is peaceful.

@bhawanasomaaya

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A still from Shivaay

Film: Shivaay
Director: Ajay Devgn
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Sayyeshaa Saigal, Erika Kaar, Abigail Eames

Music by – Mithoon
Stars: 2.5 

A passionate mountaineer, who lives in a modest village close to the Himalayas, takes tourists on a trek. During one such adventure, he meets a Hindi speaking Bulgarian and the attraction is mutual. An untimely storm brings them closer and now Ms Bulgarian moves into Shivaay’s cozy pad. Few months later, Bulgarian delivers a baby girl and returns back home.

Eight years later Gorra, Shivaay’s daughter discovers her mother is alive and wants to meet her.

The first half of the film concentrates on the mountains and the hero’s love. The story shifts to Bulgaria in the second half because the father has to fulfill a promise to his daughter but before that they have to face many challenges.

What works about the film are the scenic locations, the dare devil action sequences, Aseem Bajaj’s cinematography and the refreshing idea of shooting in the mountains. What does not work is an ancient story repackaged with foreign characters.

The action sequences are good but unduly stretched and drags the film unnecessarily particularly in the second half.

Child star Abigail is wonderful and debutante Sayyeshaa Saigal confident for her first film. Ajay Devgn tries to do something different so if you love the mountains or if you are an Ajay Devgn fan, watch him combine action with emotion.

@bhawanasomaaya

My previous posts can be visited on the following link:

http://bhawanasomaaya.blogspot.in

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In the maddening congestion of Mumbai five regular guys share a common goal: to play football at Juhu Beach every Sunday. While each one has their reason to look forward to the Sunday morning, there’s no doubt it’s a high point of their week.

One Sunday, as a result of the actions of a senile old stranger who joins their game, a ban is issued on playing games at Juhu Beach. The group now has to look for a new place to play in the crowded city of Mumbai. More than just football, the film is about each of their lives and how each one deals with their own physical and emotional space.

Produced by Varun Shah, the movie features ensemble, written and directed by ad filmmaker Milind Dhaimade who quit advertising at the height of his career to make films. In 2010, he along with his wife Rajul, started Love & Faith a film making and design company. So far he has directed over 100 TV commercials.

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 @bhawanasomaaya

My previous posts can be visited on the following link:

http://bhawanasomaaya.blogspot.in

Happy Birthday Shammi Kapoor

Shammi Kapoor with brother Shashi Kapoor

Shammi Kapoor

@bhawanasomaaya

My previous posts can be visited on the following link:

http://bhawanasomaaya.blogspot.in

One of the films to be screened at Discovering India

Discovering India screens feature films and documentaries that are international in character but linked to a recognizable Indian idiom. These films are by filmmakers either originating from India or filmmakers whose heart and art echo back to their homeland. Or they are by international filmmakers who come to India’s locations to reflect its reality with new eyes.

The six films in the Discovering India section are the opening film directed by Deepa Mehta’s Anatomy of Violence (Canada) and the closing film by John Upchurch’s Mango Dreams (USA). Besides these two there are Mainak Dhar’s 417 Miles (USA), N Padma kumar’s A Billion Colour Story (India), Bettina Ehrhardt’s Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds, The Conductor Zubin Mehta (documentary), (Germany) and finally Paul Cox’s Force of Destiny (Australia-India).

@bhawanasomaaya

My previous posts can be visited on the following link:

http://bhawanasomaaya.blogspot.in