Auluck: Rocky Handsome review

Silent killer John Abraham misses the target

Cast: John Abraham, Nishikant Kamat, Diya Chalwad, Nathalia Kaur, Sharad Kelkar, Teddy Maurya, Shruti Haasan

Director: Nishikant Kamat

Rating: 2/5 

Goa is the new north India for the Hindi film industry. Filmmakers know the formula: Sinister-looking foreigners, local gangsters wearing floral shirts, drug trafficking and bars with Russian boards. All they need to throw in is one or two peppy dance numbers and slow motion action sequences. And yes, that old Goa church is mandatory. Mix the ingredients according to your choice and you’re ready with another morally upright, vengeful hero ready to take on the world. The director’s job gets even more defined if he is a fan of Korean films or secretly loves Jason Bourne.

Kabir Ahlawat (John Abraham) likes body-hugging suits and runs a pawn show in Goa. Anna (a super sultry Nathalia Kaur) and her daughter Nayomi (Diya Chalwad) are his neighbours, but drugs are ruining their lives. Brothers Kevin (Nishikant Kamat) and Luke Ferreira (Teddy Maurya) are the force behind this racket, and they won’t let go of their empire at any cost. As expected, the little child gets trapped in the middle of this chaos and all hell breaks loose.

Is it just me or you also are reminded of Leon The Professional (1994)? You’re still getting settled in your seat while watching lovey-dovey wife Rukshida (Shruti Haasan) pouting with Kabir in Seychelles, and it begins abruptly. The moment Kabir lands on a car’s bonnet like a true Batman fan, you know what you are up to.

Here’s a child who loves nail art, a club dancer mother and a man with no apparent history. Basically, a fast and furious guy has stood up to the dreaded traffickers for reasons extremely personal, but can a predictable, video game-inspired actioner hold your attention for 130-minutes? Looks like a daunting task after the first 30 minutes.

There are moments when you see director Kamat bringing out a different side of the gangsters. In one of the most captivating scenes of Rocky Handsome, we see local don Maanto sadistically slapping Kevin, and the latter not flinching a bit. He spits blood only after everybody leaves the scene and the ordeal is over. The bad guy’s grit is visible. But then, it all goes in vein when too much focus gets attached to choreographing a Kill Bil-style action sequence with one person against the whole army. And, you know how weird it looks when in the middle of a showdown everybody throws their weapon away and resorts to a fistfight. They don’t forget to tear apart their own shirts. In short, masala takes over the centre-stage.

Some slow motion long shots are worth watching, especially those taken in the rain. But how can these supplement for the lack of a coherent theme?

Abraham’s Kabir is a silent and strong guy who cannot paddle a rehashed film forward just on his own. Madras Café and Force gave him the chance to explore a similar territory but those roles were way more nuanced. Here, too many players make his stroll bumpy. Luke, Maantu and other over-the-top gangsters simply stop you from taking the proceedings seriously. Goa isn’t Mexico.

A great affection for drama and theatrics dilutes the most interesting parts of the film: The inside view of the drugs business in Goa. Just when you start noticing the detailed research, it again goes back to illogical bloodshed and miming, over hyped assassins.

Shanker Raman’s breathtaking cinematography or Sharad Kelkar’s supporting hands are not expected to rescue an average film. There is a limit to putting the guns and goons to task, no? And just how much of Abraham’s murderous rage can you tolerate? But who is to blame for the weak storyline? Abraham himself is the producer of the film.

Rocky Handsome may seem a jumbled up version of Abraham to some, and this is the third time he is playing Kabir. Too much of self-introspection and alter ego, eh?

Abraham … err … Rocky Handsome is a very average film with some finely executed action sequences on display. But, make no mistake: Don’t expect anything more from this film.

John Abraham's Rocky Handsome movie poster

Actor John Abraham, who will next be seen in the Nishikant Kamat's upcoming film "Rocky Handsome", has unveiled his "first look" from the movie, where he can be seen toting a gun. John took to Twitter on Friday where he unveiled his first look and captioned the image: "Adrenaline redefined. Bringing you the First Look. Coming Soon. #RockyHandsome (sic)". "Rocky Handsome", which reunites John and Kamat after the 2011 film "Force", also stars Shruti Haasan and Nathalia Kaur. It will release on 25 March 2016.

The film's story revolves around a man who sets out to take vengeance against drug mafia after they take away an eight-year-old girl, with whom he shares a special bond

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Salman Khan Breaks His 'No Night Shift' Rule For 'Sultan'

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who will be next seen playing a Haryanvi wrestler in YRF flick Sultan, is going out of his way for the shooting schedule, we hear.

We had recently reported that the Bhaijaan has reportedly kicked the bottle for the duration of the shoot and we have now learned that Sallu has also broken his 'no night shifts' rule for the film. For those who do not know this, Salman doesn't like to shoot at nights, but for Sultan, Salman has done away with this rule so that the shooting gets wrapped up on time.

Salman will be paired opposite Anushka Sharma in this film, which releases this Eid.

Happy Birthday Rani Mukerji: Top 10 roles of the Bengali beauty

Happy Birthday Rani Mukerji: Top 10 roles of the Bengali beauty

'Black' (2005): You think of Rani, and the first movie that comes to mind is 'Black'. The nuances of the blind, mute and deaf girl that Rani caught and played could be done by nobody else. She made Michelle McNally her own.

'Mardaani' (2014): Rani Mukerji's last release 'Mardaani' outshone many male-centric movies. Such was the dynamism with which Rani played Shivani Shivaji Rao, that she was honoured and awarded at most of the events and ceremonies of 2014.

'Hum Tum' (2004): Another slew of awards fell into Rani's kitty, when she played the vivacious and fun-loving Rhea Prakash in Kunal Kohli's 'Hum Tum'. Bubbly, intelligent, stylish and yet with a good head on her shoulders, Ria was endearing and 'home' to the wanderlust Karan played by Saif Ali Khan. She also showed a mature distinct side of herself in the film when she essayed the role of a widow. Her crackling chemistry with Saif made the film a huge hit.

'Bunty Aur Babli' (2005): Rani's 'Babli' in 'Bunty Aur Babli' was connivingly cute. Conniving, for she conned people to earn a living, and cute because she was adorably cute in the movie. Her chemistry with Abhishek Bachchan was yet another high point of the movie.

'Veer Zaara' (2004): Rani Mukerji's portrayal of the young and wise lawyer Saamiya Siddiqui in the 2004 release 'Veer Zara' won hearts and awards alike. She was restrained yet powerful in her act.

'Saathiya' (2002): One of her earliest movies, 'Saathiya' showed Rani Mukerji in a light that took her to new heights. Rani played the role of Suhani Sharma opposite Vivek Oberoi. The film, which was a remake of Tamil film Alaipayuthey, told the tale of how a couple passionately in love with each other elope from home to be together.

'Yuva' (2004): Another iconic performance by Rani Mukerji in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Yuva’, where she played the role of a Bengali housewife while her husband Abhishek Bachchan was a goon in the film. Also starring Ajay Devgn, Esha Deol, Vivek Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor, Om Puri and Sonu Sood, ‘Yuva’ became a huge box office success. Rani walked away with the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress that year.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998): Rani is well remembered for her role as the sizzling hot Tina in Karan Johar’s blockbuster ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ along with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. Her performance as the sweet, sexy and sophisticated principal's daughter who falls in love with the popular guy in college, earned her the first recognition of an 'actress'.

'No One Killed Jessica' (2011): Based on the real-life murder of Jessica Lal, Rajkumar Gupta’s ‘No One Killed Jessica’ featured Rani in the role of a feisty, determined news reporter, Meera Gaity, who helps the victim’s sister played by Vidya Balan get justice. The film was well-received and earned Rani rave reviews for the portrayal of the character.

'Laga Chunari Mein Daag': 'Laga Chunari Mein Daag' might have been a disaster at the Box Office but you can't overlook Rani Mukerji's portrayal of the jilted Vibhavari Sahay in this Pradeep Sarkar movie. Revolving around two small-town sisters having a hard time adjusting to life in the big city, this movie is worth a watch just for Rani.

Shah Rukh Khan, Sunny Leone to share screen space in Raees

Shah Rukh Khan and Sunny Leone will be dancing on 'Qurbani's hit song 'Laila o Laila' which had originally featured Feroz Khan and Zeenat Aman.

After winning many a hearts with her wit and brave confrontations during a talk show, Sunny Leone has managed to bag the attention of filmmakers and actors. The latest actor to come in touch with Sunny Leone is superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who will be seen dancing on the song ‘Laila O Laila’ in his upcoming film Raees.

After winning many a hearts with her wit and brave confrontations during a talk show, Sunny Leone has managed to bag the attention of filmmakers and actors. The latest actor to come in touch with Sunny Leone is superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who will be seen dancing on the song ‘Laila O Laila’ in his upcoming film Raees.

The duo will be dancing on ‘Qurbani’s hit song ‘Laila o Laila’ which had originally featured Feroz Khan and Zeenat Aman.

Producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani acquired the rights to Amit Kumar-Kanchan song which is being re-recorded and rendered with faster beats. (Read: Shah Rukh Khan goes ‘tanned, scruffy, kohl-eyed’ for ‘Raees’)

A source said, “Raees is set in the ’80s and there was a need of a song sequence. The makers unanimously selected “Laila O Laila“ which perfectly fits with the dark, gangster theme and period. It was suggested to Shah Rukh Khan and it was his idea to get Sunny Leone on board. A lavish set is being created in Mumbai and rehearsals are on in full swing.” (Also read: Shah Rukh Khan wants the t-shirt his Raees co-actor Mahira Khan is wearing, says on Twitter)

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“She will begin shooting for Raees next month. It will be a two-day schedule,” added the source.

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan will play the role of Shah Rukh Khan’s wife in Raees, which has been directed by Rahul Dholakia. The film will hit the screens on Eid this year.

- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-sunny-leone-to-share-screen-space-in-raees/#sthash.CZymisxQ.dpuf

Shah Rukh Khan and Sunny Leone will be dancing on 'Qurbani's hit song 'Laila o Laila' which had originally featured Feroz Khan and Zeenat Aman. - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-sunny-leone-to-share-screen-space-in-raees/#sthash.CZymisxQ.dpuf

Shah Rukh Khan and Sunny Leone will be dancing on 'Qurbani's hit song 'Laila o Laila' which had originally featured Feroz Khan and Zeenat Aman. - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-sunny-leone-to-share-screen-space-in-raees/#sthash.CZymisxQ.dpuf

Shah Rukh Khan and Sunny Leone will be dancing on 'Qurbani's hit song 'Laila o Laila' which had originally featured Feroz Khan and Zeenat Aman. - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-sunny-leone-to-share-screen-space-in-raees/#sthash.CZymisxQ.dpuf

Fan : Movie Trailer – Shahrukh Khan and Waluscha De Sousa

The much awaited film of Shahrukh Khan’s Fan’s trailer has been released and everybody has been shocked with the concept. Shahrukh Khan is playing dual role in the film, one of a superstar Aryan Khanna and other one is of his huge fan Gaurav Channa. What happens when the same looking fan Gaurav Channa crosses path of his superstar idol Aryan Khanna.

Maneesh Sharma directed this film is an tale of destiny between a fan and his superstar idol. Shahrukh Khan is making comeback after a long years gap with Yashraj Films. This film is going to release on 15th April 2016.

Ki & Ka : Movie Trailer – Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor

The trailer of an unusual film Ki & Ka of Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor has been released. This is going to be first time when that kind of subject film is being made in Bollywood industry. The trailer showed a Man Kabeer played by Arjun Kapoor who don’t wants to work and don’t want to be an ambitious. So he marry to a girl who is going very good in his career.

This is going to be first when Kareena Kapoor is playing any corporate women’s role and also this is a first film of the fresh pair Arjun Kapoor and Kareena. Their chemistry in the film is looking very hot and sizzling, there are comic scenes which will make you laugh. The film is going to release on fool day i.e. 1st April 2016.

Check out the trailer here :-

Rocky Handsome : Movie Trailer – John Abraham, Shruti Hassan

John Abraham is again back in Action style. His upcoming movie ‘Rocky Handsome’ stuffed with power pack action. This will be seen in the trailer of the film, which has been released. John Abraham has shared this on the twitter.

John Abraham will be loved by his fans in Six packs abs doing amazing stunts. This film has both action and romance. Once again Shruti Hasaan will be seen opposite John Abraham in this film. This film is based on the story of Rocky named revenge, who is also handsome.

Nishikant Kamat has directed this film, so there are lots of expectations from this film. His last released film Drishyam was loved by the audience. This was a suspense thriller film starring Ajay Devgan, Tabu. Rocky Handsome will release on 25 March.

The Jungle Book Hindi dubbed trailer in Priyanka Chopra voice

Disney’s upcoming movie The Jungle Book Hindi dubbed trailer got released and actors like Priyanka Chopra, Om Puri, Irrfan Khan, Nana Patekar and Shefali Shah have given the voice for the film. The film is a official remake of 1967’s Walt Disney animated film.

Priyanka has given voice to draconic Ka, Irrfan Khan to bear Balu, and Shefali Shah to wolf Raksha. Om puri has given voice to Tiger Baghira and Nana Patekar has given voice to Sher Khan. Nana Patekar also given his voice to Sher Khan in 90’s animated series which were aired on Doordarshan. The film is going to release on 8th April in India.

Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921) Movie Review

Srijana Mitra Das, TNN, Mar 18, 2016, 05.51PM IST

CRITIC'S RATING: 4.0/5

AVG READERS' RATING: 4.2/5

WATCH TRAILER

CAST:Rishi Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Siddharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rajat Kapoor

DIRECTION:Shakun Batra

GENRE:Drama

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STORY: Rahul and Arjun visit home - but with family secrets tumbling out, is their reunion a happy one? And what happens when pretty Tia joins the Kapoors and sons?

REVIEW: So, Kapoor & Sons remixes Bollywood's family drama in a bold new-age avataar. Forever bickering Harsh (Rajat) and Sunita (Ratna) have two sons, successful Rahul (Fawad) and confused Arjun (Sidharth). Suddenly, Tia (Alia) enters the Kapoors' lives, kissing Rahul - but dating Arjun. How does this triangle square up - and does grandad Kapoor (Rishi) get the family photo he desires?

There’s a strong Karan Johar impression on Kapoor & Sons, but that was expected. After all, he is the producer of the film.

But what we didn’t expect was the finesse with which director Shakun Batra has narrated a predictable story. You may find Kapoor & Sons a rehash of some Dharma Productions’ films, but the treatment makes it an engaging 140-minute film.

Rahul (Fawad Khan) and Arjun Kapoor (Sidharth Malhotra) are brothers living entirely different lives in London and New Jersey.

Alia, Sidharth in a still from Kapoor & Sons. (YouTube)

While Rahul is established as a successful writer, Arjun is still struggling to find his true calling. Back home in Coonoor, their family has three more members: Daddu (Rishi Kapoor), father Harsh (Rajat Kapoor) and mother Sunita (Ratna Pathak Shah). A call about 90-year-old Daddu brings both brothers home.

It’s a dysfunctional family which doesn’t think twice before yelling or throwing an angry cookie jar at each other. And no, they don’t do it in jest.

Kapoor & Sons review | A nice family drama after a long time

In all seriousness, the Kapoor family is sitting on a ticking time bomb. And then enters Tia (Alia Bhatt), the potential trigger.

But, are we not looking at a typical Bollywood family film here?

Sidharth and Alia have a nice chemistry in Kapoor & Sons. (YouTube)

Well, here begins the director’s meticulous planning. The writers of the film, Shakun Batra and Ayesha Devitre Dhillon, have done a fabulous job in providing every major character a chance to flourish. Rahul’s character grows, so does Arjun’s. Tia takes center-stage, but without cutting into someone else’s breathing space.

The screenplay keeps gaining momentum. There are times when Batra eases out pressure, but only to keep the safety valve from blowing up. When you meet Rishi Kapoor’s character, you immediately realise his love for theatrics, but you also see a method in his madness. His irrepressible desire to watch porn can’t conceal his longing for a family photo.

Unfortunately, his enthusiasm for life isn’t contagious as Harsh and Sunita are struggling hard to save their marriage. But, it’s something based on trust and breach of that may result in permanent damage.

Alia Bhatt has done justice to her role. (YouTube)

Similarly, not everything is right between the brothers, especially when the younger one has grown up in the shadow of a perfect, successful big brother.

The heated exchange we witness at the dinner table is deep rooted in their psyche and began years ago, before they realised the monster that was approaching their lives.

And now the elephant is in the middle of the drawing room but no one knows how to deal with it.

Just when the audience begins to laugh at the absurdity of a plumber trapped in the middle of a family fight, it becomes so emotionally violent that they start recognising the familiarity of the proceedings.

This is entirely Batra’s success who has given the characters a reason to hate each other, unlike most Bollywood films where conflict meets resolution without much hassle.

The language Fawad, Alia and Sidharth speak in the film is true to their character graphs: Very urban in nature yet restrained and suitable for a place like Coonoor.

The kissing scene between Fawad Khan and Alia Bhatt has such a good build-up that it doesn’t look dramatic even a bit. Their sexual connotation laden conversation is so apt that you can fit any two young faces there.

Ratna Pathak as a jealous and tired housewife is a treat to watch. The emotions float on her face yet you can see the real person behind it. She, along with Fawad Khan, is the pick of the actors.

Fawad Khan is the pick of the actors in Kapoor & Sons. (YouTube)

Fawad Khan is like a dormant volcano, simmering from the inside. After a while, you expect him to go for controlled eruption, but he surprises you by going all out. His capabilities as an actor are on a full display in Kapoor & Sons.

Alia Bhatt is that piece of cheese that makes the sandwich lustworthy. There is a scene between Alia and Sidharth Malhotra where she narrates a past incident and that completely chaffs out the innocent chirpiness we associate with her from her character. Needless to say that she has done justice to her role.

Watch: Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra in Kapoor & Sons trailer

Sidharth Malhotra has also understood the required nuances. Fawad, Alia and Sidharth have a lovable chemistry which will make you sit and notice, but from an objective distance.

For the want of a better term, Kapoor & Sons is an emotional roller coaster. It’s a tear jerker for sure, but also features the intricacies of a middle class life.

No dark secrets here, but the shock value is definitely there. You’ll love it for being spontaneous, precise, fast paced and well...lovable. A fantastic family drama after a long time.