Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Dhoom 3: No Boom

After watching the movie, I had a lively debate with my sister-in-law. Five minutes into the movie, I was squirming in my seat unable to take the mindless and childish action scenes, far-too-many songs and amateurish performances. Though towards the end, movie does get a bit interesting. My sister-in-law on the other hand enjoyed the movie, thoroughly.

Our discussions led to many interesting points. She said that while we appreciate such stunts and gizmos in a James Bond movie or any other western flick, why can't we accept it in an Indian movie? Valid point.

Secondly, I was probably disappointed with Aamir Khan doing a masala movie. Having seen him make intelligent and sensible movies, it feels odd to watch Aamir in a different shade. But then I think that is a wrong way to look at it. As an actor, I am sure Aamir also wants to do as many different roles as possible. As a fan, it is not our right to say what type of movie an actor should act in.

Finally, maybe I didn't like the movie because it was a masala movie. It has all elements - comedy, emotions, action, romance, humour and, of course, very little logic. Maybe that is the issue. Maybe I have grown out of these formula movies. Nothing wrong with the genre though. Going by the amounts such movies are raking, there does seem to be a big market for it.

Bottomline: Dhoom 3 is a B-grade movie with A grade stars and a very big budget. It is an expensive "imitation" of couple of English movies.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Ivan Vera Mathiri, Etho Mathiri

As there were good reviews and ads publishing an appreciation letter by Superstar Rajinikanth, I decided to watch the movie.

The movie is set in the background of violence instigated by a politician in the law college which results in the death of a student. There is a huge out pour amongst the public. The hero decides to teach a lesson and kidnaps the minister's brother who is out on parole upon surety provided by the minister.

This results in the minister losing his position. Hero releases the brother thereafter. Now, minister's brother seeks a revenge and kidnaps the heroine. The rest of the story is hero's efforts to rescue his fiancé.

I am not sure if the movie is indeed as good as it is claimed in the promotions, though the way the story has been handled is bit different. For one, the hero isn't portrayed as someone who seeks to clean up the society of bad elements. He is inspired to teach the minister a lesson only for one particular incident. Despite knowing that minister's brother is a killer, he doesn't take the law into his own hands. He just kidnaps him and releases him when his objective is met.

But that's that. Bit different. Many elements seem to be force fit and half hearted attempts to satisfy movie goers.

Fantastic? I am not sure. But maybe it is bit vera mathiri (different) in some ways.