Baaghi 2 : Viewer's Guide

Commercialization of cinema is not a bad thing when done appropriately. But, Baaghi 2 is a big example of how incredible scripts could be ruined when commercialized. Ahmed Khan has remade a terrific investigative thriller like "Kshanam" into a half - baked action drama for gaining profits at the box office.
Okay, first things first. Tampering the script is an offence. When I left the movie hall, I was mainly disappointed because the makers made changes to the original screenplay which has affected the original script in a very bad way. The soul of the script was lost with this remake.
Tiger Shroff does terrific stunts and he is an emerging action hero. No doubt about that. In Baaghi 2, he does some insane stunts with a ripped body, but the fact remains that all of the major action sequences in the movie are unnecessary inclusions and has done irrevocable damage to the original script.
In Kshanam, Adah Sharma was brilliant as the heroine and her performance was the highlight of the movie, especially the emotional scenes. Disha Patani, tried hard but ends up half - baked just liked the movie, despite her stunning looks. Oh, and the Item Song "Ek Do Teen" featuring Jacqueline will add to your misery as the remake of the song is as shoddy as the remake of the film.
Wait. If you haven't seen the original, then Baaghi 2 might entertain you. The movie has catchy songs, raw action, stunning heroine, ripped hero and a smart villain and an interesting plot. (Thank God that is the same).
With 25 crores raked in on Day 1, the movie   is already off to a flying start.

Watch it or not?
Entertainment lovers, Go for it. You could even end up liking it if you haven't seen the original. If you have seen the original, then this could be a painful watch. Even Disha Patani can't save you.

My Rating : 2/5

Annihilation : Viewer's Guide

Mutation is not a new premise to Hollywood. Based on Jeff VanderMeer’s best-selling Southern Reach Trilogy, the plot of Alex Garland's "Annihilation"  revolves around a group of military scientists exploring a "shimmer" engulfing the area around a lighthouse which was formed after it was struck by a glowing heavenly body.

The immense possibilities put forward by the magnificent story is limited by the screenplay, which focuses on the life of protagonist while also exploring the world inside shimmer. Annihilation could have been a game changer if the screenplay focused more on the "shimmer" and if the script had explained the fictional concepts like "DNA Refraction" rather than just mentioning it.

Nonetheless, the movie is an engaging watch, thanks to a brilliant performance from Natalie Portman and eye catching frames by Rob Hardy. Alex Garland does a good job and the movie is worth a watch for its visuals.

Watch it or not ? : Streaming on Netflix now, Annihilation will surely be a good watch for Sci Fi lovers, with its interesting storyline and performances.

My Rating : 3.5/5

Hichki : Viewer's Guide

Yash Raj films have been making some brilliant films over the past years. Their last outing "Tiger Zinda Hai" became the highest grosser of last year while "Qaidi Band" despite having a good script, tanked due to lack of star value.
Their latest film Hichki is a fresh adaptation of the book "Front of the Class", a true life story of Brad Cohen who is a Teacher & Motivational Speaker in the U.S. The plot of "Hichki" revolves around how a Teacher with Tourette's Syndrome transforms a bunch of haughty teenagers into best of students despite her challenges.
This film deserves a watch for Rani Mukherjee's spectacular performance as Naina Mathur. She has always been a terrific actress and this script has given her the opportunity to bring out the best in her.
After a hiatus, "We are Family" director Siddharth P Malhotra is back in business. His direction deserves appreciation as he transforms the script into a heart-warming movie. Hitesh Sonik's music is good and goes well with the mood of the film. Hichki is a good watch all credits to the fresh script, direction and performances from cast, especially Rani.

Watch it or Not ? : Hichki should not be missed. It is definitely one of YRF's best.

My Rating : 4/5

Oscars 2018 : This year's biggest regret

Darren Aronofsky came up with a magnificent thought in "Mother!". Starring Javier Bardem and Jennifer Lawrence, this psychological thriller was truly poetic in its rendition. This year's Oscars were a bit of a surprise with "Mother!" not even making to the nominations.

The plot of "Mother!" revolves around a struggling writer who lives in a renovated mansion with his wife and how their life changes with the arrival of some uninvited guests. The narration of "Mother!" is done intelligently and Darren Aronofsky does a splendid job in retaining the suspense till the very last frame. The viewers are left in disbelief during the climax scenes when the mystery unravels.

With "The Shape of Water" taking away a good share of nominations and "Get out" winning the Best Original Screenplay, Oscars 2018 had some very good nominees and some deserving winners. Frances Mcdormand did play the role of a strong mother in "Three Billboards outside Ebbing" but Jennifer Lawrence literally lived her role in "Mother!". She has portrayed her role with subtle elegance and her performance is a major highlight of the movie.

The intense performances from the cast and the brilliant narration makes this movie an interesting watch for movie lovers. Hollywood has had some great movies which are poetic in nature and has open endings. "Mother!" stands out from others in terms of concept and creativity in narration. Rotten Tomatoes rightly identifies the movie as a "thought - provoking product which may not appeal to mainstream tastes". Aronofsky's exquisite vision did not quite appeal to the tastes of academy jury and hence "Mother !" becomes this year's Oscar regret.