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HINDI MOVIE PreviewS
This much-awaited comedy drama centers around four friends, played by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania. In her first release since the birth of her son, Kareena stars as Kalindi gearing up for her wedding to Rishabh played by Sumeet Vyas. But is she ready for the commitment? The makers call it a high spirited and upbeat coming-of-age story revolving around the lives of four childhood friends and the unique challenges they each face. When they reunite, they don't realize how much life has changed from what they expected. One is soon-to-be married, one divorced, one has issues in her marriage and the other is commitment phobic. 
Set in New Delhi where the girls are raised, expect to see modern-day trials and tribulations regarding family acceptance, marriage and societal perceptions. Looks like a stylish, fun-filled, emotional buddy film with catchy music right on time for the summer wedding season. Rhea Kapoor (Sonam’s sister) and Ekta Kapoor are producers.
“Sanju” Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Manisha Koirala, Sonam Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Anushka Sharma, Vicky Kaushal, Karishma Tanna, Jim Sarbh; directed by Rajkumar Hirani; music by A.R. Rahman, Amaal Mallik, Rohan Rohan, and Vikram Montrose.
This biographical film tells the dramatic story of actor Sanjay Dutt with Ranbir Kapoor playing the title role. Coming from a family of cinema legends, we see Dutt in various stages of his enigmatic life, from his early days with his film debut in “Rocky” and the growing adulation of fans to battles with various addictions leading to his darkest depths. There are brushes with the underworld, prison terms, loss of loved ones and speculation whether he’s a terrorist. Kapoor has gone to lengths to capture the style and body language from each stage of Dutt’s life, even taking time between each transformation.
The ensemble cast features Manisha Koirala and Paresh Rawal as parents Nargis and Sunil Dutt, and Vicky Kaushal as Kumar Gaurav. Expect to see a few of his lady loves played by Sonam Kapoor and Karishma Tanna. Dia Mirza plays wife Manyata Dutt. The biopic takes a comedic and heartbreaking exploration of one man’s battle against his wild self and formidable external forces thrown at him and his journey through it all.
“102 Not Out” Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Jimit Trivedi; directed by Umesh Shukla; music by Salim-Sulaiman.
Based on a Gujarati play written by Saumya Joshi, this comedy brings together two Indian cinema stalwarts after 27 years. Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor play father and son for the first time. Bachchan is the 102 years young, Dattatraya Vakharia, who believes in living life to the fullest. His goal is to break the world’s record of oldest living man, held by a 118-year-old Chinese man. To that end, Dattatraya wants to live a stress-free life. However, there is one hindrance, his son Babulal, played by Kapoor. At 75, Babulal seems content with a life of old age stuck in drudgery. Dattatraya must find ways to change his son’s gloomy demeanor so that he doesn’t become a hindrance to breaking the record. This journey changes them and their relationship. Expect emotion and commotion. Watch for an upbeat number sung by Bachchan and Kapoor.
“Raazi” Starring Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Rajit Kapoor, Shishir Sharma; directed by Meghna Gulzar; music by Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy.
We loved Meghna Gulzar’s directorial debut, “Filhaal” (2002), which she also wrote, worth the watch if you haven’t seen it. She also directed the murder mystery “Talwar,” based on true events. This film, adapted from Harinder Sikka’s novel “Calling Sehmat,” tells the true story of a young Indian spy who was married to a Pakistani Army officer during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Alia Bhatt is consistently proving her acting talent. “Udta Punjab,” “Dear Zindagi” and “Badrinath Ki Dulhania” are just some recent examples. Here, Bhatt plays Sehmat, an Indian girl facing extraordinary circumstances as she endures demanding training to prepare for her undercover task. After her marriage to an officer in the Pakistani Army, played by Vicky Kaushal, Sehmat moves to Pakistan. As war is imminent, her mission is to spy for valuable information for Indian intelligence. Rajit Kapoor plays her patriotic father. Bhatt’s real life mother, Soni Razdan, is the mom. Kudos to the filmmakers for bringing this story to light, we’re looking forward to this one.
“Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran” Starring John Abraham, Diana Penty, Boman Irani; directed by Abhishek Sharma; music by Sachin-Jigar.
The Indian Army conducted a nuclear bomb test explosion at Pokhran in 1998. The film tells the story of a team of officers responsible for this covert operation. Leading the dedicated brave team is army officer Captain Ashwat Raina, played by John Abraham. Operation Shakti was carried out while India faced tremendous international pressure not to go forward with the tests. Diana Penty plays Captain Ambalika. This event may not get discussed much as the details are not known but it put India on the course to become a nuclear power. It was shot in Delhi, Mumbai and the Pokhran, Rajasthan, and produced by Abraham whose production company brought us the acclaimed “Vicky Donor” and “Madras Café.” The makers say it’s a tribute to the men and women who selflessly serve the country expecting no accolades in return.