Zanjeer - The Birth of The Angry Young Man

What made Zanjeer such a blockbuster despite the fact that odds were absolutely against it from the very start ? For starters it had Amitabh bachchan who had a made a name for himself then as a good character artist with films like anand and Reshma Aur Shera but had delivered 7 back to back flops as lead. The film was rejected by top stars like Dev Anand owing to the violent theme which supposedly did not work with an Indian Audience. Then what element in Zanjeer not only made it so successful but also started the rebellion movement in bollywood that was later capitalised by films like Yash Chopra's Deewar and Trishul ?.

Directed By Prakash Mehra Zanjeer is about Inspector Vijay (a name still associated with Mr Bachchan) and honest police officer with a volatile temper and a scarred past. His hard handed dealings lands him in an uncanny friendship with reformed criminal Sher Khan (Pran) and in the bad books of Criminal kingpin Teja. Vijay is framed on false charges and how he gets back at the villains forms the crux of the film.

On the outset 40 years down the line this seems done to death. but in 1973 where heroes were more bothered with their pairings and running around trees, Zanjeer became a breath of fresh air. What is most important is the political climate of India during that time. Economic growth was at an all time low and the average man was of no worth. Government was corrupt and power hungry and a state of emergency had drowned all hopes for the common man. In the midst of all this Vijay Khanna comes to screen with his furious temper and strict moral code and the common man had found his medium. Vijay Khanna became the symbol of revolt. The man who would fight the system to keep it intact and India had finally found a hero    The smoldering look owing to Bachchan's amazing acting skills and that heavy baritone became iconic overnight. My father tells people would go upto Amitabh bachchan and aks him to repeat the scene where he thrws Sher Khan out of his office, All of it is proof that what the common man couldn't do in reality it wanted to see on the silver screen.

The iconic scene where Vijay Khanna tells Sher Khan " jab tak baithne ko kaha na jaaye, khare raho...ye mera office hai tumhaare baap ka ghar nahi" is still played over and over again and is recieved by seetis and taali's


 While Pran was the bigger star during that period Amitabh Bachchan took away all the praise for one simple reason - it is because he successfully became the embodiment of the people. Angry, ready to fight, impulsive.And thus was born the Angry Young Man
An image India still associates with Amitabh Bachchan and the film Deewar. But its safe to say it was born with this film. Zanjeer - The shackles of the system that needed strong hands to break.

Considering the times of corruption that we live in now, it is apt that this very film is being remade but the magic of it cannot be made again. Because that baritone and that look is something people have tried and tried but failed to achieve.

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Directed By - Katheryn Bigelow

Starring  - Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton

One of the first things you wonder after you finishing seeing the film is that how Bigelow, whose directorial career was marked by glamorous and nonsensical mainstream cinema, has turned into such a skilled filmmaker. Every scene, every frame of ZDT  is gritty and recieves that golden touch that we saw in The Hurt Locker (2008). Marlon Brando had once commented ' Women can be the most ruthless filmmakers' , how right he was! Bigelow delivers a ruthlessly violent and unapologetic film about what will possibly go down  as the greatest manhunt in history and she no has no qualms in potraying in particular the 'questionable' methods by which the people involved achieved it. It is what i'd like to call controversially beautiful.

ZDT starts off with a series of authentic victim recordings from the WTC on the fateful morning of September 11, 2001. The sense of despair is heightened by the fact that the screen is kept pitch black The film then jumps to 2003 where we see Maya (Chastain) a fresh CIA recruit starting work in  a 'black site' in Pakistan. She is under the charge of Dan a ruthlessly efficient CIA veteran. Dan has detained Ammar ( Trivia  - the man who had helped with minor arrangements for the hijack and is currently in US custody). Dan subjects him to humiliation and torture involving waterboarding and they finally trick him into revealing information on Osama's courier. The trail of the courier is what the film follows for the next 6 years until a chance encounter in Abottabad finally leads them to the end of the tunnel.

Everyone who intends to watch this film does not require any knowledge about the manhunt. Although is you are well read about it, the film becomes that much more interesting. Its extremely well researched. I have a lot of time reading (some would say obsessing) up on America and it political actions, CIA has always been on top of the list and yet i was amazed to find how Bigelow has infused major events like the Camp Chapman Attack (one of the most gruelling attacks on CIA) and the Marriot hotel bombing in Islamabad to the manhunt. Now you have to take her on face value and believe that these events were linked but the way she portrays it leaves no doubt that they had something to do with it. In all, Its a Watertight script.

One of the most interesting facts about this film its not a heroic potrayal of an agency's (an agent in particular) effort to deliver justice much like Steven Spielberg's Munich (no credit taken, it was a brilliant film) and nor is it very matter of fact. You almost feel like you are then agent yourself. You are frustrated when all roads lead to nowhere, excited when you hit a jackpot and downright nervous in the brilliantly shot climax where Operation Neptune Spear is portrayed in its full glory. Bigelow involves you and engrosses you.

Also what is fantastic are the emotional bits. The frustration of Maya who has given over a decade of her life in a mission that her country was fast losing interest in. The grit and determination of the task force that carried out the killing, the nail biting tension of the CIA who knew it was a long shot are some of the example  of a film that is filled with such moments.

Of the cast, Clarke is amazing as CIA agent Dan. Its a calculated performance and is the true potrayal of a spy. He does not own slick gadgets and roam doing action stunts. He is an everyday man, except he's on a mission. But its undoubtedly Chastain as Maya who steals the show. In one word - she is charismatic. Seldom you see such a powerful potrayal but such an underplayed execution. She almost reminds one Meryl Streep, and that's saying a lot. You almost become her and feel every pulse of emotion through the roughly 2 hour 45 minute film.

For all who have been wondering about the climax - trust me its all that it promises to be. Its almost a documentary like picturisation of 2 hour long operation (cut to roughly 30 minutes) and the final scene of the film showing Maya leaving pakistan to finally lead a life that she is unsure she'll ever be able to enjoy is a true highlight of Bigelow's genius.

In all, Bigelow has once hit the bulls eye with a consistently accesible and gritty potrayal of America best guarded secret. She just might spoil Spielberg's party at the Oscars

Rating - 9.5/10

Race 2 (2013)

Directed  By - Abbas Mustan

Starring - Saif Ali Khan , John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, Ameesha Patel, Aditya Pancholi

A trailer of a Sajid Khan film (Himmatwala) welcomed us as we entered the hall. It was let's just say - sad. I was reminded of the familiar saying ' morning shows the day' but chose to shrug it off. Roughly 2 and a half hours later, morning did show the day

Abbas Mustan (the iconic white wearing brothers) have come up with yet another stylish multistarrer and it has all the standard ingredients of their brand of films  - scenic locations, thrilling chases, twists and turns and scintillating women. But much like their previous venture 'Players', Race 2 lacks sense and seems like a mish mash of too many hollywood action flicks. The thrills are old school, you can see the twists from a mile away and some parts are really very childish.

Race 2 starts off like its predecessor -  a car blast and in textbook Abbas Mustan style you are kept glued and clueless about the proceedings for the first half an hour. New characters are introduced like Armaan Mallik (Abraham) a streetfighting mafioso turned casino magnate whose obsession with money is stuff of legends. His step sister Alina (Padukone) who can be equally ruthless when it comes to cash. And his girlfriend Omeesha (Jacqueline) an ex thief turned archery, fencing enthusiast. In the midst of all this is Saif Ali khan resuming the character of Ranveer who offers Malik a chance for a huge profit but has a hidden agenda and his partner from the earlier flick RD ( Kapoor) and his dim witted and horny new assistant Cherry (Patel).

As sides change and betrayal and survival turn synonymous, how Ranveer wins the race is what the film is about. 

One of the best things about Race was you were truly impressed by the twists. Its not like they were unfathomable but they were unexpected on some level. Apart from that competent performances from the lead actors also helped. The biggest problem with Race 2 is that it just tries to rehash the old idea and most of the twists seem forced and illogical. Why is it that when indian filmmakers find a hit idea they do not want to let go and reinvent?. Revenge is best served cold says Saif ali khan in the film, well Ideas arent best served stale. 

In its defence Race 2 has that odd gripping scene. For example a heist that Ranveer pulls off while Abraham fights a life or death wrestling match in the cage. The heist for one has surprising attention to detail and what can i say about Abraham and an action scene. With that sculpted physique its like they are made for each other.  But such moments are few and far in between. The humour is the film is pretty good. A special mention for Anil Kapoor and Ameesha Patel, they are genuinely funny and Kapoor's sick jokes do make you laugh. There is enough body show to extract a million wolf whistles from a single screen crowd. The actions sequences have been there seen that feel and as i said the twists can be caught by a 5 year old with a basic knowledge of secret seven. The film also has smart one liners. One particular favourite - Ranveer and Omeesha have an impromptu fencing bout, which Ranveer seemingly loses. After gaining a promise from the lady that she'll meet him for drinks later that night, he says ' Main abhi jaata hoon aur palat ke nahi dekhunga varna tum sharma jaogi'. As soon as he starts walking off her dress strips open and you see a ghost of a smirk on his face. Rest assured, the crowd went wild (and no, you dont get a  peek). 

Of the cast, Saif Ali Khan does well as the steely Ranveer, he has the charm and the intelligence of the earilier film. No complains. Anil Kapoor actually does better this time, you wait for his scenes with Ameesha. Jacqueline and Deepika are good as far as the oomph goes but have nothing to do otherwise. John Abraham is disapponting. Well, that body is worth a salute. It takes determination to pull that off for 10 years. But his biceps and facial muscles seem to have no difference - hard and tight. He has screen presence and also the potential to do better. 

Abbas Mustan serve yet another 'thriller' but it seems to have been made alongside their previous dismal ventures from the past 2-3 years. You wonder where have the days of 'Baazigar' and "Daraar'  gone. Agreed all their films are rip offs but at least they were enjoyable.

 As far as Race 2 goes, its a thumbs down

Rating - 6.5/10 

Lincoln (2012)

Directed By - Steven Spielberg

Starring - Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones,  David Straitham, Joseph Gordon Levitt

Spielberg's 'Lincoln" is not your everyday biopic. Its not about a man's struggle to reach the ultimate pinnacle of American Politics. Its not about his philosophy and best of all its not preachy. Its the tale of an iconic President's last four months in the White House. What's most striking about the film is its relevance. Its a film about man's vision. His vision for a broader future, his vision for a truly 'United' states of America and in textbook Spielberg style its simple. For people like me (and i am sure there are very few) obsessed with the American Presidency, its just what you needed.

'Lincoln" traces the last four months of the President's term. From mid 1865 to his assassination. A time when America was torn apart by Civil War and one of the biggest challenges - slavery. The film starts of with Lincoln (Day-Lewis) visiting a battalion which comprises of 'colored folks' who seem to be proud of serving the nation despite their inferior status. Lincoln a strong advocate of equality finds the perfect oppurtunity to rid the country of racist issues and proposes to bring forward The 13th Amendment which abolishes slavery. As is the case, Lincoln meets severe criticism not only from the House of representatives but from his cabinet too. What heightens the situation is his wife who has been brought to the brink of insanity owing to the death of her young son and also the pressures of handling the white house in such critical times. Lincoln nevertheless marches forward aided by fellow republican and black-sympathiser Thaddeus Stevens (Jones). Along with his cabinet he shrewdly forges the House towards passing the bill. How he achieves this herculean feat is what the film traces.

Spielberg always does period films well. But with this one he has almost touched the benchmark that he set with cult film Schindler's list. The film flows smoothly, not once boring you and he depicts the inner and outer struggle of Abraham Lincoln with finesse. Spielberg's greatest weapon is his screenplay. Although not about lincoln's complete life story, you feel that its the best summary of the 16th President's life. Spielberg infuses humour and light moments to help show Lincoln's personality. One of the best scenes in the film is one featuring a war room meeting. While the entire room is brimming with tension about a renewed rebel attack, Lincoln starts off on a war joke to lighten the mood. Its classic. Lincoln also features one of the best castings in recent times. from Day-Lewis to Jones everyone fits in like a jigsaw puzzle. The debate scenes are beautifully filmed and avid debaters will find it particularly interesting. For a man who shifted from genres like sci-fi, to socio-dramas to biopic with ease, Lincoln is something top be proud of. Spielberg's genius is once again on display.

Of the cast, Sally field is commendable as the distraught First Lady. David straitham is pitch perfect as Secretary of State Seward. Jones delivers one of his most powerful portrayal's since 'The Fugitive', one could say his like a Robin to Day-Lewis's Batman. Jones is simply breathtaking as the liberal republican and his debating scenes in the parliament are awe inspiring. Talking about 'robin's', Joseph Gordon Levitt too chips in with an able performance. But the film undoubtedly belongs to amazingly versatile Day-Lewis. If you have read up on Lincoln extensively you'll know its a stellar performance. From the voice to crouched demanour to the easy attitude Day- Lewis seems like he was born to the role. Effortless in his execution and measured in potrayal. This should (definitely) fetch him his third Oscar,

In all, LIncoln is an interesting film backed by brilliant performances and most importantly the vision of one of the most visionary directors. Please, please, please dont miss this.

P.S - if you have ever read the Gettysburg Address, you should look forward to Day Lewis' rendition of it.

Rating - 9.4/10

Countdown 2012 II

Some of the films made this year were very offbeat, most of them didn't even have bankable stars and yet they managed to make a mark at the box office. It made me wonder whether there is a substantial audience for these kind of films, and if there is its a very good sign for the Indian Industry.

The best film list ranges from films with simplistic treatment to ones with complex screenplays.

An extremely difficult list to make, i have done the best i could.

Here's presenting you the pride of Indian cinema in 2012..

Best films of 2012

5. Vicky Donor

A sweet and simple film directed by the usually serious Shoojit Sircar had MTV man Ayushman playing a typical delhi-ite who after a chance encounter with Annu Kapoor, a fertility specialist, becomes a sperm donor. Thrown into this is his love story with bengali girl Ashima and the fierce cultural rift that ensues.  Smartly written and laced with quirky characters, this film drew you in from the word go. Sometimes keeping it simple is the best option

4. Barfi!

If there was ever any doubt about the talent of Ranbir Kapoor, it all evaporated with this wonderful, bittersweet film. Barfi traces the life of a deaf and mute over 40 years highlighting his failed yet not so failed love story with a pretty bengali girl and his understated,special bond with an autistic girl. Agreed, the film seemed to be dragging in the second half, but RK and Anurag Basu had infused enough charm into this one. Ranbir Kapoor has landed in the best actor favourites list of many awards functions, and it wont be too much of a surprise if he sweeps it all. Priyanka chopra too pitched with an exemplary performance.

3. Gangs of Wasseypur I&II

 

Anurag Kashyap's two part epic set in the badlands of India was a tale of vengeance between generations of gangsters. A heady combination of violence, lust and greed, tinged with humour and a thumping score this starless film scored big time at the box office. Evenly paced and gut wrenchingly funny in parts, GOW introduced to us the crackling talent of Nawazuddin Siddique. At 5'4 the man commanded the camera from the first frame in which he enters. Gritty performances from Manoj bajpai and Tigmanshu Dhulia also helped. 

One of the most commercial ventures undertaken by Kashyap, this bullet ridden saga was a winner. 

2. Kahaani

Sujoy Ghosh peaked with his debut film but lost his spark with no brainers like Alladin. He regained his name and fame with this deliciously taut thriller that the entire nation took notice of. A story of a pregnant woman who comes to Kolkata, the city of joy, in search of her missing husband kept us on the edge of the seat as it traversed many twists and turns. An ensemble cast featuring some of  the best talents of Bengal, the nation got a peek of  what actors from Kolkata are capable of. Whether it was Parambrata or Kharaj or Saswata (whose Bob Biswas became a legend) everyone aced their roles. Never has Kolkata looked better on screen. The solid storytelling of ghosh helped the film immensely. Shot in noir-ish style in a time of festivities in Kolkata, Kahaani was a display of strong performances and an even stronger direction.

1. Paan Singh Tomar

Irfan Khan is synonymous with versatility, add to that a director of Tigmanshu Dhulia's stature and you are sure to have fireworks. It is the amazing yet true story of a national athlete forced to turn into a dacoit. Shot with a rustic style, it potrayed an India not many of us can claim to know. Moving and amusing in equal measure, Irfan Khan keeps you hooked to this one. The man can express so much with his eyes. I was happy to see that this film did well at the box office. films of this kind need to be appreciated. As for me, this is undoubtedly the best film made this year. 

Others who failed to make the cut (but are amazing nonetheless)...

   

Talaash                                        Shanghai                       English Vinglish

The Countdown - 2012

For the past two years , i have been writing this article. I have never had much trouble finding the five best and worst films of a year. You always have that dedicated bunch of filmmakers who will serve you trash in the name of entertainment. Again, you always have a set of skilled filmmakers who give you your money's worth.
But 2012 is different for the simple reason that i had a huge list to edit (for the worst and best films). While you had renowned directors make a fool of themselves, you had newbies raising the bar. And of course the really bad ones who cant make a film to save their lives were also there (read shirish kunder).

Here's presenting you the shame of indian cinema in 2012.

Worst films of 2012

5. Jism 2

Pooja bhatt could have simple made a porn flick without taking the trouble of turning it into mainstream cinema. The most unintentionally funny film in recent times, the sequel to the Bipasha basu sizzler had an intelligence officer hire a pornstar to seduce a terrorist (!), although the entire world knows where he lives. The fact that a very busty Sunny leone was roped in for the movie was no plus, for obvious reasons...we've seen enough.

4. Joker

Shirish Kunder was seen going all guns blazing on twitter and talking about how a cvertain 150 cr flick lacked quality. Seems he forgot his filmography (which includes the preposterous jaaneman). A no brainer from the start to end, Joker had absolutely nothing in it. It was obvoius that it was a vain attampt by a star choreographer turned director to get her out of work and unskilled husband a job. Although Akshay kumar pitched in with a restrained performance, Joker had lost the game at its scrpiting stage itself.

3. Housefull 2

Sajid Khan famous for his big words and obnoxious taste in cinema (The man is remaking Himmatwala for god's sake) delivered his third film and has managed to appear for a third time in my worst films countdown. As i said some directors remain consistent. Unfunny, lacking logic and downright boring Housefull 2 much like many films of its kind roared at the box office garnering a cool 100 crores. But for those who have lived through this ordeal of a film know and understand the familiar hindiproverb  - "Paise paani mein bahaana".

2. Department

Sometimes i wonder what made RGV, maker of slick gangster flicks like satya and corporate, go drown the drain. There are confusing, this one makes you feel nauseous. A pointless film about gangsters, cops and politicians Department was a total disaster. And whats the deal with his bloody camera ?!. The most irritating   

feature in this film was the camera angle - which ranged from the item girls backside to sanjay dutt's armpit. 

1.  Rowdy Rathore 

Looking to continue the trend set by some elite bollywood personalities of remaking southern flicks Prabhudeva and his leading man Akshay Kumar forgot the one essential thing - the script was so bad that it was not ewven entertaining. Arguably the worst film to have been made in the past coule of years Rowdy Rathore had all the worng things - Over the top villains, laughable dialogues (Jo socha main mar gaya, woh saala arthi pe ghar gaya...seriously ?) and a hammy lead pair. What is most disappointing is that the film had such an impressive pedigree - Sanja Leela Bhansali as producer, Akshay Kumar as the hero, Prabhu deva as director and Nasser as the villain. 

If you have watched this one, my condolences.

If you havent, thank the lord.

Special mention - Players, Agent vinod, Raaz 3.

You will have the best five in another 24 hours. Watch this space for more.

Dabangg 2 (2012)

Directed By - Arbaaz Khan

Starring - Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Vinod Khanna, Arbaaz Khan, Prakash Raj

Before I start i would like to make it clear that i took all the necessary precautions needed for a Salman Khan film. I left my logic and brains in the hostel, ignored my knowledge of the laws of physics, did not expect a storyline. Frankly i just needed to enjoy myself after a rough week. And despite all this i did not get the one thing i WAS expecting - uninhibited entertainment. Isn't that the promise/excuse all Salman films come wrapped in?

Picking up from where the prequel ended. Chulbul-Robin Hood- Pandey has taken a voluntary transfer to Kanpur hoping to make big name for himself in a big city. He has his father, his wife and his brother by his side. Life from a professional as well as personal viewpoint is good for Pandey. But Kanpur is a crime ridden city, under the rule of Mafioso turned politician Baccha Bhai (Raj) who along with his brothers terrorise the city and have no regard for the law whatsoever. Quite expectedly Chulbul comes face to face with his adversary in a style reminiscent of the earlier film - he hates crooks and the man at some level hurt's Pandey's ego.

As both sides lay out their cards, the fight turns personal and what Chulbul does next (which truthfully isn't rocket science) is what the rest of the film is about. 

While Dabangg 1 wasn't close to being a great film it was wholeheartedly enjoyable. The unpredictability and rustic style of Abhinav Kashyap is what attracted the audience and gave Salman his resurrected image. This is where Dabanng 2 fails big time. I was never expecting a storyline (I Swear!) but this film completely lacks direction. Arbaaz does not know what he wants to do with film. His obvious intention is trying to turn Dabanng into a franchise (like Indiana Jones or James bond) and you are reminded of the earlier blockbuster in a number of ways - comic characters like the camera guy and the phone guy returning, to the mention of 'between two legs' to flashbacks dedicated to the prowess of Salman or slapstick sidekick cops. So you have random unplanned songs popping up here and there and fight scenes involving slo-mo shots to show the impact of each blow. Those smart one liners are there but few and far in between also the standard item song       

featuring a very sexy Kareena Kapoor-Khan is present. Now one asks me despite the standard ingredients whats wrong with the film?. The problem is, while Arbaaz knows what he wants to show he does not know how to show it. As a result the songs seem forced, the humor seems untimed   (except a select few scenes) and the actions lack the thrills of the earlier, film, or for that matter any Salman Khan film. You are thrown off track with the screenplay continuously changing directions and cant seem to concentrate on important moments- which, frankly, was the strength of its predecessor. But despite all this (in all honesty) there times when you find yourself enjoying during the film - like the scene in which he kills the villains brother(according to me the best scene in the film) or when he playfully teases his father or his banter with his strong willed wife. But in a 129 minute film, these moments are precious little. What Arbaaz does correctly though is to allow his elder brother to take center stage and the film(like any other) focuses solely on Salman - a demand against which Salman fans will not hear a word.  

But where Khan jr loses out, the elder Khan takes on the responsibility of taking the film forward. Appearing in a role that has Salman Khan written on it from start to finish, Salman picks up effortlessly from the earlier film. The attitude is pitch perfect, the body is tighter than ever and the aura is present in every scene. Salman delivers exactly what is expected from him - entertainment without any excuses. He is once again fantastic as the honest-yet-not-so-honest cop and delivers a sincere performance.But sadly this time its a thumping act in a not even remotely thumping film. What is also a major deterrent to the film is the lack of a good villain. Prakash Raj who has become B-Town's favourite bad man is saddled with a sketchily written role.He is nowhere as mencaing as Chedi Singh (Sood) and is reduced to a nose flaring, eyes popping caricature.

All in All.Dabangg 2 has Salman and despite whatever happens its a sure shot winner at the box-office (sometimes i wonder i should just make a collage of salman pictures and distribute it to theatres...it would be an easy 100 crores). It has the correct ingredients but not in the correct measure. Salman delivers yet another time with a great performance but his brother just makes a yawn inducing recipe of the rest. Watch it  only if you are major Salman khan fan. And lord (and possibly the entire world) knows i am not.

Rating - 6.2/10