A Movie: Whiplash (2014)

One of those movies. It makes me wonder what the hell I'm doing with my life, when there are folks out there, willing to destroy themselves for their passion. Maybe that's all they have - one dream to give meaning to their otherwise mundane existence. But it is worth having such people among us, isn't it? They define a whole new level of brilliance, something that's above everything we've witnessed. And the manner in which they achieve such heights isn't always conventional. Or acceptable.

Meet Andrew Neiman, a student jazz drummer who travels a road that very few people would have the audacity to walk, and make it to the destination. As for his teacher Terence Fletcher, he is either the best or the worst guide for this journey. You'll be in conflict with yourself about this man and his methods, till the very end. Till the last drumbeat. One thing you'll know for sure - J.K. Simmons deserves an Oscar for this role.

Whiplash - a psychological drama revolving around music, and when you hear the word "music", don't be tricked. It's hardly pleasant, but if you have a taste for good cinema, this is it.

A Movie: Hawaizaada (2015)

An inventor does not invent to reconcile with his lady love, to bring about social reforms, or for his country's independence. He invents in spite of, and irrespective of these elements. And that's what the movie lacked.

Hawaizaada could've been a masterpiece - fresh music, good lead actors, and a never-before-seen-in-Bollywood plot. But it ended up being a "khichdi" of themes, accompanied by a lavish European-Indian movie set, which was beautiful, but unnecessary. I understand that the movie isn't a biography, and that the director attempted to give it a fairytale-like feel, but the fusion of facts with fantasy wasn't smooth enough. Even in a fantasy world, I do not understand how a poor outcast like Shivkar managed such intricate designs on his invention. The movie was a bit too lengthy, and the chanting of "Vande Mataram" slogans towards the end was a force-fit, while the protagonist showed little signs of patriotism throughout the rest of the story. His minute-long speech about how India was still in chains due to its social issues like mistreatment of widows - another force-fit, and totally out of context.

Shivkar Bapuji Talpade deserved a better introduction. I would've liked to see glimpses of his genius in the beginning, instead of wondering how a loser like him could've even come close to doing something great, and waiting for Shashtri ji to unveil it for me. I also expected some more Vedic references, given that he was a Vedic scholar.

Oh, and yes, Bollywood film-makers cannot help but attribute everything to a love story, and add a dramatic ending - both of which I could do without.

Mithun's performance is like the winter sun - full of warmth, and just the right amount. Ayushmann remains true to his character, though some scenes were overdramatized. Naman is a flawlessly cute and geeky kid. If not for anything else, you must watch the movie for these three actors. The rest of the acting crew did just okay.

Overall, a feel-good movie, but I'd have preferred a simple script, which remained as true to the facts as Bollywood-ism would've permitted. Nevertheless, the movie enlightened me about something and somebody every Indian should know. We need more movies like this. A salute for the efforts.

A Book: The Boy in Striped Pyjamas (John Boyne)

This is a book I couldn't help but finish in a day. Innocence ripples in its entirety. In spite of being a third-person narrative, the intentional repetition of childish phrases, misspellings and mispronunciations feel as though the story's been penned by a child. Such a horrifying tragedy from the eyes of such an uncorrupted mind cannot be described in words. Bruno, my heart goes out to you!

A Book: The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy)

Words fail to describe the beauty that this book is- the depiction of sorrow using absurdity and playfulness to reveal its magnificent depth. The language is an invention in itself, and more ornamental and expressive than a brilliant painter's master strokes. Melancholy at its best!

A Book: The Return of The Butterfly (Moni Mohsin)

This book is so funny, so funny keh poochhon hi mat! Butter Fly is from a khaata-peeta khandani types family in Lahore, and she is writing in her dairy. Hau, but why she writes only ones a month, haan? Maybe it is because her English is so bad, so bad keh she writes slow slow. Between you and me and the four walls, two lines in the shuruwaat of every month in her dairy I like - first one telling about the halaats in her country and seconds about the halaats in her life. Her shohar and son thinks about the first one only. She eats her dimag to understand, but she is too seedha-saadha to know politicks. She is busy with her summers in London and Dubai, her GTs (arre, get-togethers!), and her costly shoppings in Channel and Brada. It is like a mix-and-match of two worlds na, but she is always living in her sophisty world only - full of paisa and property and servants vaghera. The bombs are bombing in Isloo, and peoples are dying, and Imran Khan is fighting with Nawaz Sharif to safen the country, but they are only worsing things. I said na, it is funny and very lighting to read, so you also read. But the story is also little sad. Just like a sad tyre.

PS. My shohar said it is not sad tyre, but satire (He only bought the book, so have to give him credential). Sunne mein toh same hi lagta hai na?

A Book: Inferno (Dan Brown)

Well, this is the same old plot with professor Robert Langdon and a female companion in a feverish chase with the help of clues, which of course, only the professor can decode. The book is gripping (for the most part), fast-paced, thrilling, and has a positively surprising turn of events - perfect for a movie. Dante's Inferno was a bit of a force-feed, though it did introduce an element of darkness in the story. There are many repetitive "scenes", and I could live without those lengthy narrations of architectural history. The story drags at times, and might as well have been written in 300 pages instead of 600. The best thing about this book, though, is an attempt to address a global issue that deserves more attention than it is probably getting at the moment.

A Movie: Queen (2014)

Queen is all about letting go, and about being yourself in an unapologetic yet acceptably balanced manner. We are familiar with stories that show drastic transformations in characters, but here, the transition is handled in a manner that is natural and soothing. The movie is full of moments that make you smile, and most of them are because of the downright simplicity of the protagonist, Rani.

Rajkumar Rao as Vijay plays the perfect male chauvinist who is the driving factor for Rani to break free. Queen has a lot of stereotypes with respect to gender, society, and even country, but they fit in perfectly as stepping stones in Rani's unintentional quest for her true self. Few scenes are quite impactful, but not necessarily in an intense manner, which is something I really like. Of course, I will leave those for you to explore.The background score is decent, and the shots spanning across different countries are lovely, though not breathtaking. The story might remind you of English Vinglish. The songs definitely will. Amit Trivedi is one of my favorites, and I was expecting something more original from him.

Kangana Ranaut as Rani is of course the lifeline of the movie. Bits and pieces of her typical Delhi/Punjabi-accented English dialogues remind me of Suri in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, but unlike him, she delivers them in an effortlessly cute way. She is innocent. Her beauty is radiant. She loves her family and friends with all her heart. But more importantly, she loves herself, that too without being overt about it. She is as strong inside as she appears calm outside(look out for the scene where she won't let go of her handbag when a guy tries to mug her). She dances like nobody's watching, and she doesn't get emotional when she kisses a guy for the first time. She takes you along with her on a journey that makes you feel that life can easily be beautiful if you want it to be.

I would have gone for a rating of 4/5 if not for Kangana. You must watch this movie for her, and you'll realize why she doesn't deserve even a fraction less than 5. You won't think twice before crowning her the Queen of Bollywood in 2014.

A Movie: 300 - Rise of an Empire (2014)

Well, you cannot help but compare a movie with its prequel. 300: Rise of an Empire might not live up to your expectations, but it is worth a watch if you are a cult follower of this historic fantasy. Booming sound effects and mind-blowing visual effects in 3D with the signature sepia tones keep you engaged throughout. The environment of the naval warfare is adequately dark, with the ships, the oarsmen, the gigantic sea waves, and the grey skies. Then there's bloodshed and gore in the battle scenes, which I have to admit, are marvelously captured. Few movies can play so much, and yet so efficiently with slow motion. The build up of the story is good, and the costumes and occasional background music blend well with the portrayed era. The battle strategies aren't quite commendable but the action is. Dialogues aren't very inspiring or powerful enough for a war movie.

Themistokles is not even half the hero and leader Leonidas was. Somehow, Sullivan Stapleton lacks the presence Gerard Butler did, both as a character and an actor. He speaks passionate words, but the passion does not reflect in his voice (Remember 'This is Sparta!'?). He fights well, but his body does not carry the aura of a true warrior. His heart beats with patriotism and his brain is sharp, but his eyes reflect neither of these qualities. The darkness in the plot fails to seep through all characters but one. Artemisia is probably the soul of the movie. Eva Green's depiction of a vengeful Persian commander is a potent, yet delicious cocktail of beauty and brains. Her shrewdness and her skills in leadership, combat and manipulation make her the perfect villain. However, I was slightly disappointed to see her give up so easily in the end. I think we should consider the chemistry between the 'good guy' and the 'bad girl' here, because this story had good scope for it. Unfortunately, it was sparse and had little spark.

It is the end that got my blood pumping, though I feel it should have lasted a bit longer. When I think of 300, the only word that comes to my mind is 'Sparta'. And yes, it is worth watching this movie just for that moment, just to see Leonidas and his men avenged, just to see Sparta fight again.

A Movie: Highway (2014)

The reason I adore this movie is probably a little personal, for two reasons - the relationship between the two central characters, and of course, the mountains. But then, why wouldn't it be for anybody who's watched it?

Today, almost every person I meet has the same thing to say- "I wish I could run away from the artificiality of the city, and lie on the genuineness of nature's lap". Believe me, Veera has lived your dream. Your craving to do what she did will make you fall in love with Highway. You will feel free. As for the relationship between Veera and Mahabir, the best thing about it is its completeness in spite of so many things left incomplete. She manages to dig through his silent and thick exterior, and yet there's always something he keeps to himself. You wish there was more, and yet you want to let them be. At one point, you realize that they are both crazy and complicated, and that's why they are together.

Alia Bhatt is THE HERO here. She has portrayed Veera to perfection, capturing every nook and cranny of her emotions, her innocence, and her weirdness. She hasn't done many movies, but this will remain one of her best performances ever. Randeep Hooda has been true to Mahabir - a thug with a grudge because of demons of a disturbing past, and plays him with utmost sincerity. The transition in his behavior towards Veera is delicate and touching. The performances by other actors, though for scanty periods of time, aren't bad either. Out of the many powerful scenes, two would be Veera's mixed expression of laughs and tears while sitting beside a stream in Kashmir, and Mahabir weeping on seeing Veera treat him like his mother used to. There are many more, but I don't want to be a spoiler here. Other elements of the movie worth mentioning are the cinematography (Goosebumps-y views of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir), the background score (Couldn't be better), the songs (Rahman is a magician), and the humor (Just enough).

The most beautiful aspect of the movie is that the audience feels a connection with the story. Hats off to Imtiaz Ali for Highway. It isn't easy for a director to build two characters that are poles apart, and then portray a bond between them - a bond that is too beautiful to be explained or given a name, and yet believable. The narration is real and surreal at the same time. You must not miss Highway for the world. It is a breath of fresh air. Literally.

A Movie: The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Okay, let me find fitting words to describe this one, while I salute Peter Jackson for such mind-blowing awesomeness. He just keeps raising his own bar! Only once in a few years do you watch a movie with such perfection - plot, performances, cinematography, special effects, background score,...you name it!

This movie is more captivating than its prequel, and kept me hooked for the entire 160 minutes. My favorite parts are the fight sequence with the orcs, elves and dwarves (believe me, it surpasses the best battle bits in LOTR), and the conversation between Bilbo and Smaug ('O Benedict, thy voice!'). The humor is intelligent, and Bilbo's character has emerged with a touch of casual courage that is displayed effortlessly by Martin Freeman. Legolas has been portrayed with some depth unlike in LOTR where he only plays the loyal friend and side-kick. Tauriel is an impeccable blend of femininity and fearlessness. The subtle love triangle between Tauriel, Legolas and Kili is endearing. The dwarves keep the air alive, and they sure can surprise you with their agility in combat. Ian McKellen as Gandalf doesn't spend too much time on screen, but when he does, he is flawless as always. Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman is a gallant hero. And for once, I have a reason to hate the elves, thanks to the Elvenking, Thranduil.

Please watch this movie in IMAX to absorb its totality. And please stay through the end-credits for the song. "I see fire" sums it all up. I wish I had a time machine just to watch the sequel!!!

A Movie: Ram-Leela (2013)

Many things have gone wrong in this movie. Was Sanjay Leela Bhansali not convinced of his characters, of the plot, or of himself? With no proper build-up for the love story and the protagonists and totally disconnected scenes, you'll end up more than confused. You won't feel for the lovers or the love story, because you aren't sure if there's one. The portrayed era itself is clouded in a misty haze of contradictions, with misplaced English slangs here and there. The supporting roles were underutilized, especially somebody as skilled as Supriya Pathak.

The leading actors did a good job, and the grandeur was magnificent. The songs were amazing, and so was the choreography. I loved the raw passion depicted in the romance. Without a doubt, the chemistry was flawless. Priyanka sizzled with her hot number. If you think it's worth watching Ram Leela for all these things, please do! Else...well, you can skip it. :-)

A Movie: Captain Phillips (2013)

If you are clutching someone's hand while watching Captain Phillips, you will not leave it for the last 30 minutes without even realizing it. Such is the impact of the thrill in this movie. You can't lay your eyes off the screen, because there's always something happening- something you can't miss. What I loved was the unbiased approach used to build up the characters. At some point in time, I actually start pitying the "bad guys".

Barkhad Abdi has made a hell of a debut in his portrayal of a pirate leader for whom it's only about business and survival, and who at the same time shows glimpses of reluctant humane behavior. But it is someone else who totally steals the show in the end. After hearing about the controversies related to the true story, you might not want to worship the captain, but after watching this movie, you sure will bow down to Tom Hanks!

A Movie: Prisoners (2013)

Grim and dark throughout, and even disturbing at times, this suspense thriller will keep you at the edge of your seat till the very last second. With the supremely subtle hints and quite a number of detours, you might end up deducing two or three theories about the missing girls without being sure of a single one. You may leave the theater wondering if the climax should have been what it was. Then you realize that it probably was the best way to end the movie. Did it leave room for doubt? Maybe, and more likely not. But it did stick to the theme of the plot, and I think it was one of it's strongest points.

Hugh Jackman definitely stole the show, but I loved Jake Gylenhaal as well. Credits go to the other actors too, especially Paul Dano. He reminded me of the kidnapper in the German movie "M". I didn't know if I was scared of him or felt bad for him- maybe both.

Prisoners is one of the best I've watched this year. Guys, this sure isn't something to miss!

A Movie: The Lunchbox (2013)

The essence of Mumbai is beautifully captured, and so is the daily life of a typical middle class working man and a housewife. The sequence that shows the dabbas passing from one hand to another in the beginning is one of my favorites. The characters unfold slowly and quite convincingly. There is a subtlety in the humor that occasionally surfaces, and these moments are quite enjoyable. Without a doubt, the performances are flawless, including aunty's voice! :-) I love the scene with Ila and her mother after Ila's father dies.

The love story is simple, sweet and innocent. It's cute and romantic to see two grown-ups conversing in a medium that we used as teenagers, and then falling in love through it. I found a hint of melancholy and pessimism in some parts of the movie, which misled me to imagining a different ending. I'm glad I was wrong, but I think I expected a bit more out of it. Probably the 5 star rating by different film critics raised the bar in my mind.

And of course, how can I forget? Like Stanley Ka Dabba, this movie will make you crave for food. Be prepared.

A Movie: Jobs (2013)

Aston Kutcher did a marvelous job as Jobs. :-) The resemblance is almost flawless in every sense, be it looks, dialogues or mannerism. The movie drags in the first half and lacks energy. The second half is comparatively better, but still not good enough. I definitely expected more from this biopic. C'mon, this guy is a role model to entrepreneurs across the globe. He deserved a better tribute!

A Movie: Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara! (2013)

The characters lack depth and intensity, esp. when compared to the prequel (Ajay Devgn rocked in that one!). Akshay Kumar seems to be playing the spoof of a retarded don. Imran is all handsome, but too weak and mellow for a gangster. Sonakshi is her usual self and does a decent job. It was nice to see Sonali Bendre after so many days, though I think she deserved more screen presence. The first half is dragging, and some scenes are disconnected. Songs are not bad (Sonakshi looks gorgeous), and the background score is okay too. The plot is weak - the love story lacks passion, and the gangster stuff is far from thrilling. I would have loved a twist in the end (like Jasmine was Sultan's daughter, and conspiring to avenge his death, etc.). Hmm, a little disappointing, I must say.

A Movie: Chennai Express (2013)

The movie is totally unapologetic about being mindless. Deepika's best performance till date. It was smart of the director to have minimized the typical SRK romance("Raj, naam toh suna hoga na"), and concentrate on the humor. Fultoo masala. Loved it!!!