Movies/Entertainment
HINDI MOVIE PREVIEWS
“Hawaizaada” Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Sharda, Naman Jain; directed by Vibhu Virender Puri; music by Rochak Kohli, Mangesh Dhakde, Vishal Bhardwaj.
Set in Bombay, 1895, this inspirational story is about scientist Shivkar Bapuji Talpade who is credited with constructing India's first unmanned plane, eight years before the Wright Brothers first flight. Ayushmann Khurrana learned Marathi for the role and plays Shiv Talpade, the maverick genius without a formal education. His dream is his mission, to be the first to fly a plane. His affluent family, however, doesn’t support his efforts. Mithun Chakraborty plays Shastri, who becomes a mentor but Shiv lacks the resources needed to reach his goals. The British don’t want him to succeed and his efforts are ridiculed. While the odds are stacked against Shiv, sheer determination drives him forward to success. Pallavi Sharda plays Sitara, his love interest. Shiv becomes a hero to those who know him but in a turn of events remains an unsung hero in Indian history. The makers say the movie isn’t a biopic but a fantasy inspired by true events since not much is documented about the scientist. This film has an artistic look and endearing songs, including a rendition of the popular ghazal ‘Dil-E-Nadaan’ by Khurrana. Watch for cameos by a few of B’town’s biggest.
“Shamitabh” Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush, Akshara Haasan; directed by R. Balki; music by Ilaiyaraaja.
After “Cheeni Kum” and “Paa,” Amitabh Bachchan teams up with director R. Balki yet again in an unconventional story. Two individuals come together for a purpose and are at their most powerful when together but then drift apart due to their egos. By all accounts, the story seems to be about a speech- impaired aspiring actor played by Dhanush. Amitabh Bachchan’s character lends his baritone voice to Dhanush, helping him establish his film career and reach the heights of success. Specific plot details have been kept under wraps. Here’s what Bachchan posted on his blog: "Two individuals that possess different talents. The one with one does not have the other of the other. And the other of the other does not have the one of the one. But when brought together they can achieve what individually they could not ... and when they do due to the efforts of a third, they measure up to the best and the highest.” OK then. Akshara Haasan, Kamal Haasan's younger daughter, makes her debut. Director Balki said the film is a small ode to Bachchan’s baritone. Iconic musician Ilaiyaraaja delivers a fresh delightful score.
“Roy” Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Anupam Kher; directed by Vikramjit Singh; music by Ankit Tiwari, Meet Bros Anjjan, Amaal Mallik.
After “D-Day” and “Satyagraha,” the highly underrated Arjun Rampal will be seen in Vikramjit Singh’s directorial debut. Arjun Rampal plays filmmaker Kabir Grewal in this love triangle billed as a romantic thriller. After starring in last year’s blockbuster “Kick,” Jacqueline Fernandez is featured here in a self-confessed challenging double role as filmmaker Ayesha and globetrotter Tia. Ranbir Kapoor plays the title role of a mysterious thief. Anupam Kher portrays Kabir’s father. If Fernandez is playing a double role, is it really a triangle? We have to wait and see. If you like a little drama and suspense with your love story, this should make for an enjoyable watch. The soundtrack has received positive reviews and features Arijit Singh, Ankit Tiwari, Kanika Kapoor and KK among others and is sure to top the charts.
