The Plot:
This story begins when time itself was Bachcha. Since then till today it's Drona's sole purpose of life to protect Amrit from Asuras (Daemons). Genuinely, it's courageous plot to blend Indian mythological story into fantasy. Pre-requisite to create any (realistic) fantasy is excellent hi-tech skills, fabulous and unbelievable screenplays but this is where Drona fails. It is nowhere near fantasy.
Ratings: ** (2-Star)

 Screenplays:
Fantasy for me is Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings. Unbelievably Believable. When you say Harry or Frado, you know them, their history, their habits, thinking and behavior. But in Drona, you just don't understand who Drona is? What is he like even after torturous 3 hours? Drona himself is confused and doubtful about his own existence. Why? Because director failed to create him and so is the case with remaining two characters, Bodyguard Sonia and so called magician Riz Raizada. I think director could not imagine his characters and that's the biggest flaw of the screenplays. He tried to impose some typical Maa-Beta emotions. First meeting between Maa-Beta is too dramatic as Maa breaks into lullaby which she seems to be singing from ages. Yawn Yawn !!! Expressionless Drona suddenly feels longing for mother when she is been converted into statue by Jadugar (Lovely statue though, I must admit). I can go on criticizing each scene as none of them helped good plot to excel. It just deteriorates with time. By the way, where was his bodyguard Drona when Drona was fighting alone with Asur. Such a visible mistakes makes screenplays drowsy.
Ratings: (0-Star)

 Casting:
Worst in recent times. Abhishek as Drona is as bad as wooden box. As per introduction, Drona is supposed to be powerful, intelligent and one of its kind as his powerful punch can shatter earth. But what you see is ill, tired, malnutrition mythological superhero. I wish Abhishek would have worked on six packs (which is in fashion. Thanks to Dard-de-disco SRK) All the time I was imagining Hritik as Drona. But director Goldie Behl was loyal to his langoti yaar (childhood friend) Abhishek. Mr. Behl, be professional. Abhishek is total misfit for the role. He looks bad, he talks bad, he delivers bad. Just Bad Bad Bad. Priyanka as bodyguard was unsuccessful to guard Abhishek. This babe is real stunt women. Way to go Piggy Chop! Kay Kay Menon is competent actor but not sure who is responsible for his loud over acting. There is nothing for Jaya Bachchan. Her statue is more expressive :-)
Ratings:* (1 - Star)

 Music:
Songs are misplaced. May I know why Drona's bodyguard and army are dancing in garage of Europe when their Drona is in danger. The anthem track 'Drona' fits in well with the theme of the movie. Koi khushi nahi chalkati when Drona sings 'Khushi' song  :-(
Ratings: *(1 Star)

 Other:
The only scene which is worth mentioning is train break in desert. It's shot very well. To create a great fantasy the most important ingredient is out of the box thinking and high level of imagination which you witnessed nowhere. Special effects are as bad as poor TV serials (Shhh... koi hain). What's the matter with hooded army? Art director had lot of scope to design Razpur but why he chose pink for Razpur? Bad choice. Comics would have been better option for Drona as half of the story is in sketch form. Dialogues do not go with the plot. Each sentence of Priyanka starts with "Babuji kahte the"...At one point you feel let her babuji (ghost) talk why is she talking? Doesn't she have her own thinking? Specially designed costumes are another laid back.
Ratings: * (1 - Star)

Suv's verdict:
My sincere advice to Director is - please do not venture into Drona2 as indicated at the end. If you then please do not work with same cast and crew. Your courageous efforts of making Drona are just gone to drain.
If you have time and money then rent Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or Chronicles of Narnia rather than watching Drona. I suppose Jitendra's 'Hatimtai' was better :-)
Overall Ratings:* (1-Star)

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Watch the space for mirror of my thoughts
http://suvarnazs.blogspot.com
Want to know my take on bollywood's latest masala flick
http://blogs.ibibo.com/bollyfatka
-------------------------------------------------------------

The Plot:
A boy kidnaps the daughter of rich industrialist to take childhood revenge. He wants to start his life at fresh but he thinks he can’t unless and until he succeeds in revenge and plays a game with Businessman at his own rules and regulations. The plot is interesting and increases your expectation at the beginning when title depicts the story of boy in the form of pencil sketches. But you loose interest as time passes.
Ratings: **(2 - star)

Screenplays:
Sloppy. To make any movie successful, it is very important to have strong screenplay. This is where kidnap lacks. Intentions are good but what’s the point if you can’t express it. Most of the scenes look unbelievable especially the scene of Jail break. Emotional scene between Mother and Father of abducted daughter are too artificial. Some scenes are foolish like Sonia wants to take bath and there is no enough water so she asked Kabir and her explanation ‘Samza karo Kabir, mujhe nahana jaroori hain’ Apana Kabir takes her directly to sea. Ha Ha Ha :-) And Yes, our damsel in distress never forgets to wear cloths that show her curves :-) Also she is obsessed of swimming in sea.
By the way where is Police in this whole drama? Is our system so weak or you thinks audience are fools. The important point is missing here. I am not convinced with the reason orphan taking revenge. You feel like taking a nap Zzzzzzzzzz……….
Ratings: *(1 - Star)

Casts:
Imran Khan as a kidnapper took his act quite seriously but dialogues and screenplays couldn’t help him. In each scene he has shown various shades of his character as a boy full of revenge, young Kabir gets attracted to sultry hostage, caring friend etc. We have seen him in ‘Jaane tu ya Janne na’ as a college, chocolate boy and in Kidnap its totally contrast Imran with stubble. Sanjay Dutt is nothing great and he looks old but still performs all the stunts with same enthusiasm as young Imran. Minissha dear, you need to take acting as seriously as your skin show. Minissha  nowhere looks 18 infact her mother played by 'Chak de fame' Vidya Malvade looks more younger than her. It’s such a mismatch. Vidya next time take a role which suits your age.  Rahul Dev is expressionless. Reema Lagoo is wasted.
Ratings: **(2 - Star)

Music:
Music by Pritam is repetitive. Background score for any thriller is very important aspect but music director fails. Only ‘Mit Jaaye’ sounds good.
Rating:*(1 - Star)

Others:
Dialogue writer had lot of scope to write meaty dialogues but he failed to do so. In one of the scene Sanjay Dutt says “Main 40 minute me nahi pahoch sakta, main kaise aau?” to this Imraan says “Nahi pahuch sakte tho Fly”. I can’t believe that Sanjay Gadhvi is the same guy who gave us series of Dhoom. He better stick to Dhoom series. Nothing much to mention about Choreography or Cinematography.
Rating:*(1 - Star)

Suv’s verdict:
Now I know what it means “Do not judge the book by its cover”. Promos looked promising but actual product is boring. There are no good releases this week and if you don’t have anything to do then better take a nap kid rather than watching kidnap. Choice is yours.
Overall Rating:* 1/2 (1 and a half Star)

Watch the space for mirror of my thoughts
http://suvarnazs.blogspot.com
Want to know my take on Bollywood's latest masala flick
http://blogs.ibibo.com/bollyfatka

The Plot:
Mahadev is popular letter writer who aspires to be a novel writer. He makes his fellow villagers life easy (miserable) by his writing. Various lives in Sajjanpur revolves around highly educated Mahadev and you keep wondering (like Mahadev) in this world of e-mail, SMS and MMS, post card is such important part of these uneducated souls. Mr. Benegal three cheers to your plot.
Ratings: **** (4-Star)

Screenplays:
First few scenes are very well written to establish the identity of the characters.  All small and significant stories are woven effectively. Mr. Benegal tried to touch all urban as well as rural current issues through excellently directed screenplays like nuclear deal, frequent power shutdown, uneducated MPs and their fraud degrees, Murder suspect and eunuch contesting Panchayat election, Bal vidhwa and her remarriage, kidney sell, SEZ plant etc. There is either message or sarcasrism in dialogues which are delivered smartly. Screenplays remind me old goldies like Chupake Chupake, Bawarchi, Chitchor, Golmaal, Ankur and many more.
Few scenes between Mahadev and childhood love Kamala are repetitive. Dream songs were unnecessary. But you will surely enjoy the ride to Sajjanpur.
Ratings: *** (3-Star)

Casting:
Ekdam Mast. Shreyas as Mahadev has immense screen-presence. He is confident, spontaneous and impeccable. He is there in almost each frame but you still want to see him more and more. I don’t mind calling him Amol Palekar of 2008. National Award is not far for this immensely talented actor. Amrita as a wife longing for husband is surprising excellent. She needs good director to extract best in her. Other supporting cast justified their character. Ravikishen as a compounder is superb and Ravi Jhankal as eunuch is superlative. But best of them all is Illa Arun – a desperate mother determined to marry her daughter with a dog. She is on screen only for twice or thrice but her dialogue delivery, her lines can’t stop you to jump on seat with laughter. She is winner. So is Divya Dutta and all characters are treat to watch.
Ratings:*****(5-Star)

Music:
Music is just okey-dokey. The only situational song 'Aadmi Azaad Hai Desh' that carries a message about democratic India and human rights makes an impact.  'Munnibai' song too touches the current issues.  Ashok Mishra handled department of lyrics. 'Ek Meetha Marz De Ke' written by Swanand Kirkire has melodic touch.
Shantanu could not give us soothing music as good as Parineeta.
Ratings: **(2-Star)

Other:
You will wonder is that a real Gaon or a set? Great art work by Samir Chanda ! Movie rules mostly on its dialogues. Superb job by Ashok Mishra. This is a true depiction of today’s India moving towards modernity - there is computer, mobile connectivity and cable but still lacks in education. Lot of thought has been given to each small thing cloths, body language, behavior and customs. Everybody knows the kind of movie Mr. Benegal has given to audience but this genre of comedy and commercial cinema is commendable.
Ratings: **** (4-Star)

Suv’s verdict:
This movie may or may not appeal urban audience but its going to be huge hit in rural circuit as they will be able to relate with the characters. Instead of watching the slapstick, ajar, meaningless and cheap comedy, visit Benegal’s Sajjanpur. Sometime I really wonder why movies like Singh is King or Welcome are super hit… Anyways…
You are welcome to Sajjanpur so don’t miss the invitation and have a great stay there.
Overall Ratings: ***1/2 (3 and ½ Star)

The Plot:
Unusual, Strange and Thrilling Day in Mumbai Commissioner’s Life is WEDNESDAY. Unknown caller makes a normal Wednesday as Revenge Wednesday for Police Force of Mumbai. His demand is to release four dangerous terrorist otherwise Mumbai will have to face horrifying-blasting Wednesday.
I do not want reveal more than this. Watch it and find out unexpected twists and turns!
Ratings: *** (3-Star)

Screenplays:
There is no taam-zam, naach-gana, pyaar-mohabbat, rona-dhona, no bollywood usual masala. It’s intelligent and effective drama which ties you at your seat. It unfolds so rapidly that you do not get a chance to think about anything. You will remain un-blinked throughout the movie to watch what happens next. It is no non-sense movie. Each scene adds value to fast moving story line. Saga gets unfolded just in 100 minutes. You even feel who needs intermission Let the movie keep rolling.
Ratings: **** (4-Star)

Casting:
No doubt! This is powerhouse performance by great actors Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher. They slipped into the characters naturally. It is like watching Jugalbandi between two veterans and you can’t decide who is better than whom. Deepal Shaw as a reporter did not have much to do. Aamir Bashir as a family person yet dedicated cop is honest in acting. Jimmy Shergill is fantastic. We knew he is good actor but could not believe that he can act as a rough and tough guy with his chocolate looks. Bollywood directors give him a chance and he will surely shine.
Ratings:****(4 Star)

Music:
This songless movie has effective background music. Nothing much to mention.
Ratings: *** (3 Star)

Other:
Cameraman’s lens captured the high rises of Mumbai. But then the more emphasis of the movie is on dialogues and screenplays. Dialogues in last unpredictable climax scene questions your own existence in this unsafe India. You feel helpless as well as powerful at the same time. Watch it and just think.
Hats off to debutant director Neeraj Pandey who could dare to make such a low budget effective movie.
Ratings: *** (3 Star)

Suv’s verdict:
I may call it as a sequel of ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ but with intelligent stroke. It is thought provoking thrilling drama. This movie is for those who yearn to watch some serious drama and performance. Bollywood is getting matured and glad to see that few production houses are betting on such a ‘jara hatke subject’.  It’s worth watching if you are looking for quality cinema.
***1/2 (3 and half Star)

To know my take on other bollywood masala flicks, visit http://blogs.ibibo.com/bollyfatka

The Plot:
Aftermath of another illfated day of Mumbai – the day was 11th July 2006 when 7 bomb blast shattered the life line of Mumbai local trains. Plot is sensitive and genuine it traces the life of five individual.
Thomas: A South Indian ‘Chaiwala’  is ill-treated by riches. He has urge of vengeance which he fulfills by unusual manner.
Nikhil: Established software engineer, travels by local train to help the environment who witnesses the blast which changes his entire belief and doubts his patriotism.
Rupali: A well-known TV reporter who goes all out of the way to catch the grief of people to make sensational news for her channel. But 11th July makes herself sensational news to increase the TRP of the channel.
Suresh: Hard code Hindu who thinks each and every Muslim is terrorist including France footballer Zinedine Zidane
Kadam: Young fierce constable and his journey with old and retiring constable Tukaram Patil.
Ratings: **** (4 star) { One is missing as few questions are unanswered in the story telling }

Screenplays:
Natural. Each scene directed by Nishikant Kamat witnessed the real Mumbaikar. Looks like Mumbai is in his veins. He used first 25 minutes effectively to depict the each character. He is brilliant in establishing each of them just in 5 minutes.
I do not want to mention any particular screenplay here as each scene is so important to unfold the five various stories. I want all of you to watch it and understand the meaning of each screenplay because its expressions that speaks and not the actors.
Whether its Hollywood or Bollywood I did not find any movie where various stories are told in such effortless manner. You do not loose any link when one story jumps to another. Hats off to Director!
Ratings: **** (4 Star) {One is missing as its bit slow after the intermission }

Casts:
PERFECT. I am sure that Director must have given a lot of thought before signing them. Irafaan Khan does not need proving that he is one of the finest actor happen to Bollywood. He may be having just 2-3 dialogues but he conveys immensely through his facial expressions. Key Key is in his natural self. Watch him when Yusuf offers Shirdi SaiBaba Prasad, or when Tukaram Patil gives him word of wisdom. Madhavan, I am happy that you are getting role of your caliber finally. Audience will remember you for this character. Good show. Soha, good to know that you are concentrating more on your script and role unlike your brother. You had done full justice to your role but you have way to go. All credit goes to director who could extract best in Soha. Looks like director picked Vijay Maurya from theaters. You tend to forget its movie whenever Vijay Maurya comes on screen as loyal but disturbed constable.  He is so natural that you don’t mind believing that he is real constable. And here comes award winning performance by Paresh Rawal. His body language, his facial expression, his dialogue delivery is flawless. After watching his performance the only thing that came to my mind is why he is underestimated so long. I will be disappointed if he won’t win National Award.  I would like to mention other supporting characters as well. There are many but each one is just too good.
Ratings: ****(4 Star) { One is missing as I felt Konkana Sharama Sen would have done better job than Soha}

Others:
This movie has only one background song which has excellent lyrics about ‘Jeevan.’. Recreated scenes of bomb blast makes you cry. Lighting is used effectively. If expressions are soul of the movie then dialogues are the life of the movie. Do not miss the dialogues by Tukaram Patil about communal rights and his last retirement speech. Rahul’s friend talk about 9/11 and un-secure life in America. Direction is superb and I don’t mind comparing Nishikant Kamat with Madhur Bhandarkar. Mr. Nihikant Kamat, we prefer to watch such meaningful cinema rather than mindless drama. So gear up for next release.!!! We are waiting.
Ratings: ****(4 Star)

Suv’s Verdict:
If you are craving for meaningful cinema then this is NO NO MISS. Don’t go with the intension of entertainment. This is serious movie which has hard hitting message at the end. If there are budding terrorist then they must watch it, at least they will realize that path adopted by them is so wrong. I spent most important six struggling years of my life in Mumbai and I could instantly connect to spirit of Mumbai. If you are Mumbaikar then it will surely give you strength to tackle the situation. Its must watch for its soul stirring experience. MUMBAI IS JAAN OF INDIA – Aey dil hain aasan jeena yaha…
Ratings: ****(4 Star)

Check out my review at

http://blogs.ibibo.com/bollyfatka/Bachna-Ae-Haseeno--5.html 

Read my take on it at

http://blogs.ibibo.com/bollyfatka/Singh-is-Kinng-Review--Watch-it-only-for-Aksh.html

Its worth watch for Akki