Shuddh Desi Romance is pretentious

Shuddh Desi Romance - It is one of the most pretentious films that I have seen lately. It pretends to be uber-cool and ultra-modern and it also pretends to understand the dynamics of live-in relationships, especially the ones set in small towns with nosy neighbours and landlords. The characters in these live-in relationships are shown constantly as people who are confused, irresponsible and without any ideological moorings.

While the texture of Jaipur is captured in a very realistic manner the social fabric of the town is far removed from reality and it seems the entire film is set-up in a place which doesn't exist. Under the garb of modernity, projected through so-called symbols of modernism like girls smoking,

multiple partners etc., the film actually peddles regressive stuff. It does a huge dis-service to live-in relationships.

Even if I ignore for the review's sake, the philosophy of the film-maker and the writer, the film is weak otherwise as well. The concept of the film would have sounded extremely exciting on paper, but fizzles out on screen after first 45 minutes. The scenes and situations just start repeating themselves thereafter, and the film ends just like that. I got bored to death in the second half.

Parineeti Chopra was hugely likeable in the film though. Sushant Singh Rajput acts well. But the debutante Vaani Kapoor looked stiff. Dialogues and songs of the film are few positives of the film.

Rishi Kapoor's versatility continues and seeing him playing a different character yet again provided solace that all was not lost in this film.

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Rishi Kapoor: He makes the Evil Act look good...

This entry has reviews of 3 recent films of Rishi Kapoor, in which he made evil look good...

1. Agneepath - It is definitely a better experience than watching the Agneepath test series. But it is not the film for the miniscule intelligentsia. It is neither the film for the weak hearted. I will also dare not compare it with the original Agneepath because they both are different in their treatment. While the original was high on Big B's performance and over the top dialoguebaazi, this one is more gory but adds more depth to the characters and their motives. Also its not about Vijay Dinanath alone, but about Kancha and Rauf as well...

What works - restrained, but intense performance by Hrithik; Sanjay Dutt as a caricatured villain (with a hint of his traumatised childhood making it feel real) which appeals to the masala film junkie in me; Rishi Kapoor's menancing interpretation of evil (I think he has excelled in his role); supporting characters especially the kids do an amazing job; the change in plotlines as compared to original and the amazing politics of crime makes it more of a Shakespearean tragedy than a normal masala film; the visceral violence and emotions both make it impossible for the audience to ignore the movie.

What doesn't work - the love track, the clunky climax, the screenplay loopholes bigger than Sanjay Dutt and the length of the film. but just for Rishi's Rauf Lala... i am willing to forget them

Agneepath - First reviewed on my facebook account on 26th January 2012

2. Aurangzeb - The film's strength is its delicious and layered writing. After a long time it was good to see a film with a screenplay which engages you as an audience. Then there is Rishi Kapoor. His role is so good and he has excelled yet again in an evil role. Then Deepti Naval in that one scene where she justifies Rishi's evil turn is amazingly done. This crime drama with Gurgaon's shady builder-poitician-police nexus as its backdrop, also provides Jackie Shroff something to chew on. All other actors are either bad or wasted. Climax of the film is little too convenient and underwhelming. There is no point of giving any recommendation as film is already out of cinema halls.

Aurangzeb - First reviewed on my facebook account on 23rd June 2013

3. D-Day - The moment I had seen the teaser of this film, I had high expectations from it. I thought it would be a great action film about spies in Pakistan. Also while Nikhil Advani has given some big flops in past, I had liked Salaam-e-Ishq and Patiala House. And generally when I go into a film with high expectations, I end up getting disappointed. 

But D-Day surprisingly turned out to be a good film, though it was not exactly what I had expected. It was less of an espionage film and more about the emotional journey and sacrifices of its lead characters. I simply loved the film as it remains largely realistic and gritty enough for a spy film. I was happy with the film. Though I found climax over the top and not in sync with the grammar of the whole film, but it seemed justified because of Rishi Kapoor's diatribe at the end.

Out of all the leads, (though everyone acted well) its Irrfan's (Wali Khan) story and his dilemma that touched a chord. And we all know that he is a wonderful actor. He aces it this time again. Then Rishi's Goldman is a character written beautifully. It is perfect coup - great characterization and casting. After Agneepath, Aurangzeb and now D-Day, I can safely say, he is the best villain around.

It seems Shruti Haasan had chosen this week to make me drool over her. She looked even better in this film than Ramaiya Vastavaiya. And if all this wasn't enough Nikhil Advani gives us a gem in the song 'Alvida'. The song in itself is very good (music and lyrics), but the situation in which it has been used and the way it has been shot (won't give spoilers here), it is going to blow you away....

D-Day - First reviewed on my facebook account on 23rd July 2013

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