A roomful of love

Robert L Sungte, January 30, 2016

Room
English (U) Cast: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay
Director: Lenny Abrahamson

A woman (Larson) is held captive in a tiny shed for years with a child (Tremblay) she conceived from her tormentor. She eventually musters the courage to escape from the clutches of the man she so despised — but not without her five-year-old son.

The theme of the movie is woeful and dark, but what makes “Room” so good and bright is that it beautifully plays out the love and survival tale based on Emma Donoghue’s book by the same name. The issues of sexual violence and assault are dealt with in an intense manner; yet the screenplay, also by the author, is given a decorous touch by being more suggestive than bare display of cruelty.

“Room” shows the beautiful bond between a mother and her son, born in an unlikely circumstance. It also questions your moral standing on an ‘illicit child’. This movie is clearly not pleasant, but nonetheless you can’t help falling in love with the story about a mother’s unconditional love for her son.

Larson gives, perhaps, one of her finest performances as the woman simply referred to as Ma. And child-actor Tremblay makes his role looks natural and realistic. There hasn’t been many child-actors of such calibre in recent times. The two, in short, bring to life Donoghue’s characters on screen.

“Room” is full of suspense — it’s a heartrending family drama. You won’t easily forget it in a long time as it sets to make you severely uncomfortable about the way you look at human relationships.
Be ready for soul searching and anxious moments as you are bound to have watery eyes while also cheering for the two powerful characters. Watch it if you want to experience and celebrate the power of love.

High adrenaline romance, action drama

S Viswanath, January 30, 2016

Viraat
Kannada (U/A)  Cast: Darshan, Isha Chawla, Vidisha Shrivastav, Chaitra Chandranath, Suhasini Maniratnam, Sumalatha, P Ravi Shankar, Sreenivasa Murthy, Padma Vasanthi
Director: H Vasu
Rating: Above Average
Viraat is a cleverly stitched social drama with high adrenaline action and mushy romance. Despite its larger social intent, H Vasu’s film is as vacuous as it can be. In fact, Viraat is about a ‘power’ struggle — to bag a power project contract that will light up villages and make Karnataka self-sufficient — between the well-meaning Viraat and mean businessman Surendra Singh. 

The film is also about a ‘love struggle’ among three girls – Keerthi, Preethi and Spoorthi. Each desires to win a man of her dreams. If Keerthi wants a rich business magnate as husband, Preethi is after a He-Man, all macho, while Spoorthi is looking for someone who is also benevolent. The trio finds these qualities in Viraat and therein begins their ‘power struggle’ to snare him.

Meanwhile, Viraat is fighting his own battle against Singh. Does Singh, defeated in his nefarious designs, have a change of heart? Who among the three girls wins Viraat? 

With a plethora of songs and fights, the film is simply unbearable. Challenging Star Darshan’s fans are bound to go over the moon with his machismo, but for the rest, it is indeed a challenging task to sit through the fare. 

This one packs a weak punch

Angel Rani, January 30, 2016, Bengaluru, DHNS

Saala Khadoos
Hindi (U/A) Cast: R Madhavan, Ritika Singh, Mumtaz Sorcar
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad

She is a fisherwoman who worships Muhammad Ali. He is a disgraced boxing coach on a punishment transfer to Chennai.

The common thread, apart from their love for punches, is that both are foul-mouthed. Also, both have a temper that targets tables and crotches.

Madhavan and Ritika Singh make for a fresh pair. Initially, that is. Once the tempo is set, the guru-shishya journey begins its downward spiral.

It is naive to look for suspense in a sports drama that seeks redemption for the coach and his protege. And it’s certain that the Tricolour will fly high, no matter what. The challenge lies in making the path to pinnacle enjoyable. And that’s where Saala Khadoos fails.

The gruelling practice sessions, dirty politics in selection process, foreign opponents, cheering crowds back home in front of TV sets... it’s all a been-there-done-that. And it doesn’t help that the girl also has the hots for her mentor.

Madhavan is sincere and bankable. His bulked-up act gives some meat to the proceedings. The film also has its moments, thanks to Zakir Hussain, the selection chief who picks women boxers in his bedroom.

Ritika overdoes her gritty machchiwali part (she doesn’t remotely look like one), while Mumtaz Sorcar is far more effective as Ritika’s less talented boxer-sister.

Saala Khadoos stays clear of Mary Kom’s emotional overkill. But then, like Chak de India did, it doesn’t manufacture collective euphoria and goosebumps either.

Kamal Haasan in awe of Vetrimaaran's 'Visaaranai'

Chennai, Jan 30, 2016 (IANS)

 Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan is in awe of forthcoming Tamil thriller "Visaaranai" and its director Vetrimaaran.

Kamal saw the movie at a private screening on Friday.
"My heartfelt thanks to late filmmaker Balu Mahendra, who inspired Vetrimaaran to make good cinema. I was totally in awe when I watched his 'Visaaranai' yesterday," Haasan wrote on his Twitter page on Saturday.

The film, which is about police brutality, is inspired from true events and is based on the book "Lock Up".

It features Dinesh, Murugadoss, Samuthirakani and Kishore in the lead roles.
Last year, the film had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and was later screened at the Mumbai International Film Festival, too.

Jointly produced by actor Dhanush and Vetrimaaran, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on February 5.

I'm prepared for no movie offers post 'Saala Khadoos': Ritika

New Delhi, Jan 30 , 2016, (PTI)

Ritika Singh is being praised for her performance in her debut film "Saala Khadoos" but the boxer-actress says she doesn't expect to be flooded with movie offers.

"I am enjoying the attention right now. It feels nice that people want to know about your work, your first film. I want to act in future too but I am a realist. I am prepared to get no work after this," Ritika told PTI.

Also starring R Madhavan in the lead role, the sports movie released this Friday. A professional boxer, Ritika says acting was never on her mind but the opportunity of working with Madhavan and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, who has produced the film, was too big to let go.

"I never thought about acting. I felt I wouldn't be able to do this.  I don't know how Maddy sir contacted me but when he narrated the story, I went into complete shock. My first reaction was 'When are we starting it?' A Rajkumar Hirani production and a co-star in Madhavan, you can't let this go. Also it was giving me a chance to play a boxer on screen."

Even though the film has hit screens, it still feels surreal to her that she has entered the industry and made friends with some influential people here.

Narrating one such incident, Ritika said, "One day I was at Raju sir's home for a photoshoot. Maddy sir was also present. He, Raju sir, his wife all were sitting with me and talking their personal stuff..It didn't feel real."

Having finally been bitten by the acting bug, Ritika wants to do characters of substance and focus on strong scripts.

"I really want to act and act in great roles, which have scope of performance. I don't want to do sing-and-dance routine. I believe script is the king so I would go for powerful stories," she said.

The actress wants to juggle between her acting and boxing, and use her fame to help boxing gain more attention in the country.

"I have this ambition that when I become powerful and famous, I will host an event of boxing or kick-boxing which the entire nation watches. That way, this sport will gain attention. People will realise that there is a lot of talent in India." 

Ram Gopal Varma announces next film on Dawood-Rajan rivalry

Mumbai, Jan 30, 2016 (PTI)

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma is all set to direct his next Hindi movie based on the rivalry between Dawood Ibrahim and Chota Rajan.

Titled "Government", the movie will revolve around the post split intergang enmity between Rajan and Dawood and the sudden rise of Abu Salem.

The 53-year-old filmmaker took to Twitter to make the announcement of his new film, which he says will focus on the actual truth behind the underworld and Bollywood nexus.

"My next Hindi film after 'Veerappan' is 'Government' and one of its characters will be Dawood Ibrahim," he tweeted along with a link giving plot details and character list of the movie.

Apart from the two main characters, Varma said the film will feature characters based on Anees Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan's wife Sujatha, Monica Bedi, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Bala Saheb Thackeray, Abu Salem and gangster-turned-politician from Mumbai, Arun Gawli.

"'Government' will portray Dawood Ibrahim, Chota Shakeel, Abu Salem and others as realistically as I portrayed Veerappan," Varma said.

The director made a point that the film should not be confused with "Sarkar 3", which would be a separate project.

Varma, who was the brain behind cult mafia film "Satya", said unlike his earlier projects on gang world, this film will be closest to reality.

He said "Government" will show "the post split intergang rivalry between Rajan and Dawood which got further complicated because of the unexpected rise of Abu Salem who challenged the authority of Chota Shakeel."

The movie will also look at "the ultra delicate and immensely complex relationship between a criminal organisation and a Government organisation which recently got exposed in the Chota Rajan capture," Varma said. 

Great expectations from 'Fitoor': Katrina Kaif

New Delhi, Jan 30, 2016 (PTI)

Love stories hold a special place for Katrina Kaif and the actress, who looks ethereal as Firdaus in Abhishek Kapoor's "Fitoor", says the upcoming movie is an intense saga of love and longing.

Katrina plays red-haired beauty Firdaus opposite Aditya Roy Kapoor's Noor in the Kashmir-set romance drama, whose trailer and songs have been received well.

"The USP of the film is its fantastic and powerful theme of first love. It is a classics love story about fighting for one's love. For me love stories have always worked. People can relate to such stories more easily than other contents," Katrina told PTI in an interview.

The actress is very confident about "Fitoor", which is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens' classic novel "Great Expectations".

"We have 'great expectations' from the film. It is a very special film for everyone involved with it including me. I have seen it and it has come out really great. It is an intense, well-made film. I am very proud of it," she said.

The movie features the unusual pairing of the 32-year-old actress and Aditya and the duo's sizzling chemistry is already the talk of the town.

Praising her co-star, Katrina said Aditya has given a really good performance in the movie.
"Aditya is wonderful in the film. He is so focused about his work. I was very surprised to see his seriousness. I think a lot of people are going to be shocked after watching his performance in 'Fitoor'." 

Rs.55 lakh hair colour? It's baseless, says Katrina Kaif

New Delhi, Jan 30, 2016 (IANS)

 Actress Katrina Kaif has brushed aside reports that it cost Rs.55 lakh to colour her hair red for filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor's "Fitoor", saying that "it's not even possible".

"I don't even think that's possible, even if you want to... It is all a kind of slightly sensationalised piece of news that comes out and gets highlighted, which more often than not turns out to be baseless," Katrina told IANS in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

Regarding her hair colour and style in the film, Katrina said that it was the director's idea "with a symbolic connection". 

"This was an idea which Abhishek had. The thought behind it was when the leaves fall in Kashmir and the whole ground turns red... It was a symbolic connection as the colour red signifies passion, love and fire," the "Phantom" actress said. 

"We took a lot of pictures and a lot of discussion and once we had locked in on the hair colour, and then just took one day to do it and shot the whole film in three to four months. Then I dyed the colour back, and it was black again," added the actress, who recently launched L'Oreal Paris's new La Vie En Rose signature collection.

Katrina has even issued a statement denying the rumours around her multi-million hair colour, which according to the gossip mills could have been used to fund education for several students.

"The wonderful thing about being an actor is that people are interested in what you do. But there are also lots of misleading and untrue articles that also come out. And because I am not on any social media platform yet, I don't have the chance to contradict every rumour.

"The team who worked on my hair, did a great job. It was a great idea put forward by Abhishek. As kind and wonderful that our producers are, I don't think they are that kind. I don't think I would have been very nervous had Abhishek not been very confident in supporting me."

London-based hair expert Daniel Galvin, who has worked on tresses of celebrities like popstar Madonna and the late Princess Diana, was roped in to work up the magic on Katrina's tresses for the film.

Even the film's director has clarified that there's no truth to the Rs.55 lakh story.
"I can't help but smile when I read these speculative reports of money spent on Katrina's hair. They are outrageous. But what's important is Katrina and Tabu (who also sports red hair) both look amazing and in my humble opinion, their hair even more so. So let's just compliment the ladies," Kapoor said in a statement.

"Fitoor" is an adaptation of Charles Dickens classic novel "Great Expectations" and will have Katrina playing Firdaus, while Aditya Roy Kapur will portray the character of Noor.

The film also stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Lara Dutta and Rahul Bhatt. "Fitoor" will hit the theatres on February 12.

'Aligarh' director says censor board behaving like 'homophobic society'

Mumbai, Jan 28 , 2016, PTI:

National Award winning filmmamker Hansal Mehta says he was surprised when the censor board asked for certain cuts in his upcoming "Aligarh".
The movie, starring Rajkummar Rao and Manoj Bajpayee, is based on the real-life incident of professor Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, who was fired from his job because of his alleged sexual orientation.

Mehta says the censor board is behaving like the same "homophobic society which suspended Siras due to his sexual preferences".

"When the censor board saw the film they asked for certain cuts. I am a bit surprised by the cuts they have asked for. The film in many ways is about loneliness, relationships, rejection. It's about a homophobic society. What has happened is the censor is behaving exactly like the people who suspended professor Siras," Mehta told reporters at the trailer launch of the film here.

"They (Censor Board) are behaving like a homophobic society... We are taking the matter to the tribunal. It's just that you are breaking the back of a film, you are making us run around pillar to post when we should be taking the film to you, showing the film to everyone," he added.

The trailer of "Aligarh" has been given an A certificate by the censor board.
Mehta said he was showing the trailer in "protest and absolute anger."

"We have only a month to promote the film. It's not only an important entertainment medium but important film for our nation. They have put a stop to the promotions by giving the promo an A certificate.

"This promo can now run only with an A-certificate film. I am showing the trailer in protest and absolute anger," Mehta added.

Bajpayee said he was surprised to know even trailers are certified and said there are other promos which deserve a "double A certificate" owing to their content.

"When I heard the trailer received an A certificate I couldn't understate if even trailers get A certificate. Digitally there are many products— which are good and everybody has the right to make that— but which should be given double A certificate for the trailers.

"There is nothing being talked about or shown in our trailer which will shock the sensibility of a child," Bajpayee said.

The "Gangs of Wasseypur" actor feels there should be nothing like "censor" and believes there are a lot of things to be improvised in the censor board. 

"We are all taken aback and shocked... Somewhere we need to improvise a lot of things at the censor boards level... I believe there should be nothing like censor, especially in today's times when digital media has become stronger than print and TV," Bajpayee added.

When asked if moral policing should be expected owing to the subject of the film, Bajpayee said, "Homosexuality is a sexual preference. Who are those people doing moral policing... Nobody has the right to do moral policing. It's not like we have murdered somebody by making the film. We have done everything under the constitution."

Mehta, however, said the current censor board was very courteous to him.
"Let me clarify, they have proposed an A certificate for the film which we have not accepted. We will take it forward. Let me also tell you, when we showed the film to the censors they were very courteous, they were more courteous than I have seen in the last sixteen years of my career.

"I've never been asked to sit down during a censor board screening. They asked me to sit. They spoke to me with utmost politeness. They tried their best to come out of their own shell. Unfortunately its not easy to come out," he added.
"Aligarh" releases on February 26.

Madhavan taught me about make-up: Newcomer Ritika Singh

New Delhi, Jan 29, 2016, (IANS)

Getting dolled up was not Ritika Singh's style when she was a kick boxer alone. Now that she has stepped into filmdom with "Saala Khadoos", she says she has learnt a thing or two about make-up from her co-star R. Madhavan.

"Maddy (Madhavan) sir has taught me a lot about make-up, dress up and how to wear all these girly dresses and behave like a girl, be presentable in public," Ritika told IANS.

"He especially taught me a lot about make-up, and used to call me to his vanity van and say, 'Ritika, okay watch how I do my make-up, how I am covering this and that... How to seal the make-up.'

"He's a professional, a champion at it. But I swear I still can't do it. The maximum I can do is a kajal (kohl) and a lip balm. So I've learnt how to do that," the 22-year-old added.

Landing an opportunity in the world of acting, Ritika said, has not brought any change in the person that she is. But she admits "there's a change in the way I dress up, in how I do my hair... basically, I have learnt how to be presentable".

"It's difficult, but Madhavan sir has been there to guide me. So, I'm trying to learn more."

Salman not responsible for 'Jagga Jasoos' delay: Anurag Basu

Mumbai, Jan 29, 2016, (PTI)

Filmmaker Anurag Basu has slammed reports claiming that Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is the reason behind the delay in his next directorial venture "Jagga Jasoos",  starring  Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in the lead.

There were reports that after the alleged break up of the couple, Katrina went to see the "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" star that resulted in the delay of the January schedule of the project.

The 45-year-old "Barfi" helmer today took to Twitter to clear his stance on the issue.
"Me blaming Salman for the delay of jagga.:-)HOW WHEN??! Person who created this news shd write fiction we need good writers in the industry," he wrote.

"Jagga Jasoos" has been in making for over two years with Ranbir playing a detective in it.

The film has been facing a lot of roadblocks with Ranbir-Katrina's alleged split being the latest.

The movie is slated for June 3, 2016 release. 

'Assault' on woman: Nawazuddin says incident was pre-planned

Mumbai, Jan 29, 2016 (PTI)

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who was booked for allegedly assaulting a young woman in his housing society, today claimed the incident was "pre-planned" and could have been a publicity stunt.

An FIR was registered against the actor earlier this month under IPC section 354 following a dispute over a parking slot in their housing society in suburban Andheri.

"It was an unfortunate incident. It has happened first time in my life. I know how to respect a woman. It was a planned incident. After seeing the video one will get to know that it (incident) was planned," Nawazuddin told reporters here at a press conference.

The actor said he could not address the issue earlier as he was busy shooting. "I just want to clear things. Police is investigating the matter," the "Manjhi" actor said.

The incident occurred on January 17 when an argument broke out between the actor and the woman over the car parking space, and during the exchange of words, Siddiqui is alleged to have slapped the woman.

The housing society had earlier asked the 41-year-old actor through a notice to avoid parking his car at a spot reserved for two-wheelers.

Siddiqui said he did not know the complainant as she is not the resident of the society and that he came to know about the FIR against him only through twitter.

"I was provoked. I don't know that girl. Even I want to know who that girl is. She doesn't stay in the society. In the beginning of the video one can hear someone saying zoom it," he said when asked about the incident.

"I was very far (when video was shot on mobile) but still I felt it was pre-planned. May be this was done for a publicity stunt. The notice (apparently issued by society) that was being shown on television was not signed. I did not receive any such notice," he said.

'Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods' - Comic book recreated

Jan 29, 2016, IANS

"Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods"; Directors: Louis Clichy, Alexandre Astier; Cast: Roger Carel, Guillaume Briat, Lionnel Astier, Serge Papagalli and Florence Foresti;

"The Mansions Of The Gods" is the ninth animated Asterix film based on the graphic comic written by Rene Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo.

For those unfamiliar with this comic book series, the stories follow the exploits of indomitable Gauls based in Britanny, the north western region of France, as they resist Roman occupation.

Our pint-sized hero Asterix (voiced by Roger Carel) and his dim-witted, oversized friend Obelix (voiced by Guillaume Briat) who live in the village, persistently resist these threats with the help of their magic super-powered potion supplied by the village druid, Getafix.

These Gauls have become feared enemies of the mighty Romans, who cringe and whine at the very thought of their presence.

In this edition, Julius Caesar plots to take over the village by building mansions and fancy living quarters in the forest close to where the Gauls live. He designs this plan with the help of his captain Oursenplus and his fickle garrison, his silver-tongued Senator Prospectus and his architect Squareonthehypothenus.

As usual, Asterix and Obelix aren't going to make life easy for the Romans. They find ways to thwart their progress. But once the mansions are built in the forest and Roman civilians migrate to the complex, the plot gets complicated.

The villagers instead of resisting the Romans, adapt to the new tourist economy and eventually succumb to living the high Roman life, till Asterix and Obelix make the Gauls realise their folly.

Directed by Louis Clichy and Alexandre Astier, the storytelling is simple, fluid and punctuated with mild humour. It is genuine and unpretentious, retaining the satirical elements and witty charm of its source material, with colourful characters that certainly know how to deliver their trademark puns and great punch-lines.

The screenplay is well-designed and each character is given his due screen time. The dialogues are pulpy and the voices of ace star cast suit the characters to perfection.

But the script, never reaching a sensational climax or furthering any character arc more than its standard, is quite frankly, all over the place with ellipsis, which can sometimes be very helpful to a film but here it is just lazy and sloppy. Especially in explaining the character traits of Getafix, Fulliautomatix and Cacofonix.

The action sequences are a series of set pieces strung together around a wafer-thin plot and sub-plots, but they are entertaining nevertheless. The slapstick and running gags are well-timed and thought-out, but they are not the most inventive sequences.

Visually the frames are colourful and the animation lively. The characters animated beautifully in 3D are faithfully recreated. You feel that they've leapt straight out of the pages of the comic.

Overall, despite its appeal and lovability, the film misses to add depth and gravitas to a full-on Asterix Adventure.

'Saala Khadoos': Clearly a champ

Troy Ribeiro, Jan 29, 2016, IANS:

Film: "Saala Khadoos"; Cast: R. Madhavan, Zakir Hussain, Ritika Singh, Mumtaz Sorcar and Nassar; Director: Sudha Kongara

"Saala Khadoos" is an inspirational sports drama, based on some true incidents. The film revolves around the theme of exalting women to join and shine as sports stars.

Adi Tomar (R. Madhavan), an embittered boxing coach, whose boxing career is ruined owing to a devious plan executed by his then coach, Dev Khatri (Zakir Hussain), has lost all hope, till he spots a poor local girl Madhi (Ritika Singh) in Chennai who sells fish but is keen on boxing. He then trains her to represent India.

Through the lives of Madhi and her sister Laxmi aka Lux (Mumtaz Sorcar), the film highlights issues like politics in sports, girls being discouraged to take up sports by their families and the fact that girls too are equally talented and can become champions.

R. Madhavan essays the title role playing Adi Tomar, the disgruntled boxing coach full of angst against the system, to perfection. His frustration, bohemian lifestyle, passion for boxing and even the determination to make Madhi a champion boxer, are real. With his dishevelled appearance and boxer-like physique, he looks every inch the part that he plays and emotes with equal fervour.

Ritika Singh as Madhi, is the star of the film, not merely because she is the protagonist, but because she puts her heart and soul into her character. Whether it is fighting with grit in the boxing ring, dancing on the streets with gay abandon, being awe-inspired by her mentor, giving vent to her anger, or her disappointment and agony upon losing a match and letting down her 'Master', she slips into her role with convivial ease and portrays the gamut of emotions with spontaneity and restraint, as the scene demands, delivering an electrifying performance.

Mumtaz Sorcar, as Lux, Madhi's elder sister, ambitious, but not talented enough, who is blatantly envious of Madhi, is equally a delight to watch as an actor in an honest portrayal.

Zakir Hussain as the quintessential corrupt and slimy National Women's head coach, indulging in politicking too, is impressive and does justice to his character, making one sufficiently abhor his unethical ways.

Nassar as the junior coach in Chennai, who takes pride in his students and is supportive of Madhi, renders a fine performance.

The rest of the supporting cast although with limited screen time leave an impact.
A simple story, well-told, in a linear narrative, with well-etched characters and right amount of drama, "Saala Khadoos", is brutally honest. Sudha Kongara's writing and direction is praiseworthy, as she has dealt astutely with the subject with no major deviation.

The screenplay is extremely measured, well-presented and captures the essence of the subject and the relationship between Madhi and her mentor aptly.

With minimal sound design and constrained camera movement, the film offers a realistic feel.

The music is nothing to write home about by way of melody, yet the powerful lyrics by Swanand Kirkire, depict the emotions of the characters in that context flawlessly.
With a thumbs up to woman power, coupled with a strong subject and good performances, "Saala Khadoos" is bound to strike a chord with a cross section of viewers, irrespective of being sports lovers.

'The Boy' - Old fashioned and incredible

Troy Ribeiro, Jan 29, 2016, IANS:

Film: "The Boy", Director: William Brent Bell; Cast: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans, Jim Norton, Diana Hardcastle, Ben Robson, James Russell, Jett Klyne, Lily Pater and Matthew Walker; Rating: **
A house-bound horror film, director William Brent Bell's "The Boy" with its moody atmosphere and committed performances is fairly effective as an old fashioned, slow-blooming chiller, which is a bit incredible, but nicely crafted.

It is a love quadrangle between three humans and a doll. Driven in a prepaid taxi, Greta, a young American from Montana, with a troubled romantic past, "needs the money." So she takes up the job of a nanny, in a desolate English village. When her car pulls up by the Gothic mansion, she is fascinated by the structure and even more so, by her rigidly conservative, prospective employers - the Heelshires - who speak very highly of their son, Brahms, whom she is supposed to be taking care of.

She receives a strict list of rules and a routine which she must adhere to. But, when the time comes to meet Brahms, Greta is perplexed. She is introduced to a porcelain doll and not a human being. Moreover, when Mr. Heelshire tells her, "be good to him and he'll be good to you, be bad to him and..." in a polite, yet threatening tone, this, sets the foundation for the fear tropes meant to be unnerving.

Unsure if her wealthy employers are deranged or diabolic, Greta sticks on.
Soon, the senior Heelshires leave for a long wanting holiday and the unsuspecting nanny is left behind to fend for herself against an apparent "boy, who communicates through the doll".

Suddenly, Greta finds strange things happening in the house. Her belongings disappear and reappear and she hears a child's laughter and sobs, echoing through the hallways and at times, she finds the doll throwing tantrums.

The film has many tense moments created by the general foreboding of the house itself, jump scares and nightmare sequences, but they soon pale with the exposition, making the sequence of events seem naturally unfounded and dismissive.  The final act, with preposterous clichA¿s, gradually turns the film into an incomprehensible saga that hinges on absurdity.

On the performance front, with a character path that is forcibly mapped into the plot, Lauren Cohan as the poised Greta, is convincing. With the initial smirk on her face and later the uneasiness standing near the doll, she displays the scepticism and apprehension effortlessly. 

She is aptly supported by Rupert Evans who plays Malcom, the sympathetic and caring local grocery delivery man. He is funny, flirty and shares a cute, on-screen chemistry with Greta, which is not exploited to the fullest.

Veterans Jim Norton and Diana Hardcastle as Mr. and Mrs. Heelshire, and Ben Robson as Cole, Greta's abusive boyfriend, add the required creepiness to the sub-plots of the film.

With excellent production designs from designer John Willets, every frame with brilliant lighting is atmospheric and well-captured by cinematographer Daniel Pearl. Especially impressive are his exterior shots and the transition shots -- the dissolves that show the change from night into day.

The editor Brian Berdan deserves praise for seamlessly interlacing scenes and creating many edgy moments along with Bear McCreary's understated score. Overall, "The Boy" is not the best of horror films or worst, it simply pivots on a weak script.

'Mastizaade': Crude, crass, unimpressive

Film: "Mastizaade"; Director: Milap Zaveri; Cast: Tusshar Kapoor, Vir Das, Sunny Leone, Riteish Deshmukh, Suresh Menon and Shaad Randhawa.
A sex comedy, high on testosterone and low on IQ, "Mastizaade" is a blow to your sensibilities. It even slips notches below "Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3".

Designed specifically to cater to the adult front benchers with everything crass and obnoxious, the film is about two friends Aditya Chotiya (Vir Das) and Sunny Kele (Tusshar Kapoor) who are addicted to sex.

Their modus operandi is to join the various addiction centres to ensure easy prey for their despicable yearnings. They boast among their friends for possessing 'Chick-rays', an X-ray vision that enables them to scrutinise easy girls.

The duo chance upon twin sisters Laila and Lily Lele, effectively played by Sunny Leone, only to realise that their 'Chick-rays' is ineffective on them and that according to them is the sign of true love. What follows is their pursuit to woo and convince the sisters.

The script pivoting on a flat, wafer-tin plot is injected with equally frivolous, insufferable sub-plots and blatant below-the-belt jokes.

With lazily crafted expositions, the film tilts heavily on done-to-death scenes and dialogues with sexual innuendoes which are loaded with puns, rhymes, double entendres and names like Lele, Kele, Chotiya, Urashit and Sondas.

The characters are one-dimensional with most of them obsessed with sex. On the performance front, every actor executes buffoonery with aplomb and flourish. Tusshar and Vir Das lack the charisma of macho beefcakes. They are asexual dowdies and that is what makes this film a drudgery.

Riteish Deshmukh as their friend Deepak in an undeveloped character in a miniscule role is charming, but unexploited.

With the right amount of oomph, Sunny Leone in a double role is the saving grace of the film. She essays the roles of Laila and Lily with distinct costume and speech. While she is fluent as Laila, she stammers and stutters at the opportune moment with an innocent expression as Lily.

Of the supporting cast, Asrani as Urashit - Laila and Lily's father and Suresh Menon as 'Sondas', his openly gay son, are stereotypical and eyesores.

Sushmita Mukherjee as Asrani's wife and Gizele Thakral as the banker Titli Boobna is wasted.  Shaad Randhawa who plays Deshpremi Singh, Lily's the wheel-chair bound fiance is a pleasant surprise but the character does not do anything to boost his career.

The film boasts of a cleverly manipulative cinematography, especially Sunny Leone's introductory scene.

The music with a few rehashes of Sunny Leone's popular numbers does nothing to boost the viewing experience.

Overall, with blatant product placements which include boosting Pattaya tourism, poor humour and garish treatment, the film fails to leave an impress.

'Dilwale' mints over Rs.365 crore worldwide

Mumbai, Jan 23, 2016, (IANS)

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's film "Dilwale" is going strong overseas, collecting $25.6 million internationally. The romantic action comedy movie has made a gross collection of over Rs.365 crore worldwide.
The Rohit Shetty-directorial is the highest collecting film in Singapore, South Africa, Netherlands, Malaysia, West Indies and Jordan, claims SRK's production banner Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

The banner also claims that it is the second highest collecting film of all time in overseas markets such as UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Peru, Kuwait, Indonesia, Egypt and Morocco. 

Some other countries that saw the highest opening weekend for a Bollywood film include Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Pakistan.

Pakistan and Australia saw trends of a different kind, where "Dilwale" is said to become the third film ever to cross $2 million and the first ever SRK film to cross Australian dollar one million, respectively. 

While in Britain, it earned one million pounds in just five days. 

"Dilwale" is now the highest grossing Shah Rukh-starrer film in the overseas market, read a statement from the production house.

Only 16 films so far have crossed $10 million overseas, in which SRK has nine films, which shows the reach and following he is enjoying overseas.

"Diwale", which marked the return of Bollywood's most-loved onscreen couple -- SRK and Kajol -- after five years, released alongside filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Bajirao Mastani" on December 18 last year.

Anderson offered half of Duchovny's salary for new 'X-Files'

Los Angeles, Jan 23, 2016, (PTI)

Actress Gillian Anderson says she was offered half of David Duchovny's salary for the highly anticipated new "X-Files" series.
The 47-year-old actress, who plays FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the show, said she was shocked and had to fight for a wage equal to that of her male co-star, reported People magazine.

"It was shocking to me, given all the work that I had done in the past to get us to be paid fairly. I worked really hard toward that and finally got somewhere with it," Anderson said.

"Even in interviews in the last few years, people have said to me, 'I can't believe that happened, how did you feel about it, that is insane.' And my response always was, 'That was then, this is now.' And then it happened again! I don't even know what to say about it," she adds. "It is ... Sad. It is sad," she added,

"The X-Files," that first premiered on world television back in 1993, has been revived for an all-new 2016 series with returning cast David Duchovny (Fox Mudler) and Gillian Anderson (Dana Scully).

The series premieres on Saturday, January 30.  

Cupid caught in Naxal crossfire

S Viswanath, January 24, 2016

Ricky
Kannada (U/A), Director: Rishab Shetty
Cast: Rakshit Shetty, Haripriya, Achyut Kumar, Ravi Kale, Shashikala, Veena Sundar

Finally here is a film that is off the beaten track and makes one sit and watch. 
Rishab Shetty’s Ricky, despite its commercial mould, is a film with a difference. Set against the context of forceful land acquisitions for SEZ projects and Mangaluru’s mountainous regions as colourful canvas, Ricky is a riveting romance. 

Slow-paced and understandably so, given director Rishab’s larger social intent, Ricky charts the tumultuous love story of Radhakrishna and Radha as subtext, spotlighting on how Naxalism breeds and how State is responsible. 

With several poetic passages for dialogues to drive home its message of skewed development versus displacement, the film speaks of how people – deprived of their green fields, hamlets and livelihood – are left with no choice, but head to jungles and take to guns, as Naxals.

Radhakrishna aka Ricky and Radha’s puppy love blossoms into full-fledged romance. Both get betrothed, but Ricky, being an environment conservationist, heads to Kashmir to track a white leopard. 

Back home, Radha, losing her parents to State’s arbitrary acquisition of land for a SEZ project, is drawn to Naxalism. Ricky returns to learn that Radha is now Comrade Seetha and Prithviraj, her master and mentor, and Red Salute (Lal Salaam) her life’s slogan.

Does Ricky win back his lost love? Do Seetha and her comrades get convinced by Ricky’s counsel to shed violence? These are questions Ricky raises in a forceful manner. 

For once, the heroine takes centre stage with Haripriya doing full justice as demure Radha and fiery Naxal Seetha. Rakshit Shetty as the love-lost beau is adequate. The major irritants are crass comedy of Sadhu Kokila and half a dozen songs which distract one from the otherwise sensible narrative. 

Go for Ricky. And Lal Salaam to Rishab Shetty. 
Way to go! 

Real and inspirational

Robert L Sungte, January 24, 2016

Joy 
English (U) , Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper
Director: David O Russell

“Joy” is based on the rags-to-riches real life inspired drama of ‘Miracle Mop’ inventor and entrepreneur Joy Mangano. Like any real life story, there are many ups and downs. So, you can expect family drama and emotional struggles as Joy tries to fulfil her dreams of becoming a successful woman.

The film has Jennifer Lawrence playing a largely positive side of Joy’s life who is seen as a mother hungry for success. Since her childhood days, Joy has always been positive, but life puts before her enough family problems. Despite the lack of a formal business degree, she never stops for looking for her eureka moment. We also get to see how having a bright idea alone does not make one successful. In fact, the most challenging part of her life comes when she starts production of the ‘Miracle Mop’ and connecting with womenfolk to buy her product.

It’s always good to watch a movie with a feel-good theme and director David O Russell adds his own energetic touch with a realistic setup. Jennifer is as always brilliant with her performance and her co-stars Robert De Niro as Joy’s father and Bradley Cooper as a telesales genius are convincing in their roles.

Joy’s success story would have been better told if the meandering script had been tightened to some extent. From a director who gave fans solid entertainment in “American Hustle” and many others, “Joy” at times feels a bit outstretched. However, the film remains inarguably inspirational and touching.

Embark on a Tricolour ride, history airlifts your pride

Jaydeep Saha, January 24, 2016

Airlift
Hindi (U/A) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Kumud Mishra, Nimrat Kaur, Prakash Belawadi and Purab Kohli
Director: Raja Krishna Menon

If you Google “Arkantos”, you will get no Greek link to his valour; he is just known and restricted to strategy game lovers. The lead of Age of Mythology has one common aspect to share with Ranjit Katyal — they never existed.

The evacuation of a lakh and 70,000 Indians from Kuwait when Iraq had invaded in 1990 was not single-handedly taken care of by this selfish businessman.

Note: This character of Ranjit Katyal, played by Akshay Kumar, is formed from the heroics of at least two real life bravehearts who lost almost everything to help fellow countrymen leave Kuwait.

Rich, happy and money-minded with a look-down-upon attitude towards his employees, Katyal leads a lavish lifestyle with his wife Amrita (Nimrat Kaur) and daughter. But a personal loss in form of a murder awakens the real Indian in him. He gathers his employees and along come their acquaintances. Later, this snowballs into an operation where his nationality comes into question.

Akshay leaves no stone unturned to bring out the best in him. His expressions to dialogue delivery, anger to fun — this Akshay is someone no one has ever seen before.
Nimrat is misused but she knew when and what she had to deliver. She does it with attitude and style.

But the characters to watch it for are cantankerous mushroom George (Prakash Belawadi), and focused and kindhearted Sanjeev Kohli (Kumud Mishra). Hate George and he wins it.

From a superb casting by Vicky Sidana to excellent “masculine” cinematography by Priya Seth and a great director to lead the team, the film has everything to please you. If it lags somewhere, it is somewhat in a loose screenplay in the first half; unnecessary songs, especially choice of Tulsi Kumar’s falsetto in an intense moment and unused Purab Kohli.

Menon’s exquisite and staunch approach towards this movie is bound to give you goosebumps when KK’s voice smears pure emotions on your heart.

P.S — Watch this movie for Mishra: “Kohli” is a sheer Rahul Dravid “backfoot” cover drive on an Oz pitch.

Prince Narula declared 'Bigg Boss Nau' winner

Mumbai, Jan 23, 2016, (PTI)

Without much surprise, Prince Narula, of "Roadies" and "Splitsvilla" fame, today emerged the winner of the ninth season of reality show "Bigg Boss" in a star-studded grand finale.

Prince, who was considered a frontrunner for the title since the beginning courtesy his fanbase due to his previous shows, defeated Rishabh Sinha, Mandana Karimi and Rochelle Rao to win the trophy.

He takes home cash prize of Rs 35 Lakh.
Actress Katrina Kaif attended the finale of the superstar Salman Khan-hosted show along with Aditya Roy Kapur to promote their upcoming romantic saga 'Fitoor', presented Prince with the winning trophy.

The duo also performed on the song 'Pashmina' from the Abhishek Kapoor-directed film, much to the audiences' delight.

This was the second time that Salman greeted his ex-girlfriend on the "Bigg Boss" stage.
Katrina first appeared on season four in 2010.

Their meet on the show raised eyebrows also due to Katrina's recent reported break-up from beau Ranbir Kapoor.

Salman praised Katrina on her journey from London to Bollywood and how she became a dancer from a non-dancer.

Salman told her the country is in love with her because she's beautiful and talented.
"Katrina, you are one of the strongest women I have ever known," the 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' star said to her.

Also present at the finale were eliminated contestants including Kishwer Merchant, Suyyash Rai, Keith Sequeira, Aman Varma, Nora Fatehi and Priya Malik, Giselle Thakral and Yuvika Choudhury.
Actress Mouni Roy, of 'Naagin' fame, performed a romantic dance number with Salman on the title track of his last year's production "Hero".

Mandana's boyfriend, Rochelle, Prince and Rishabh's folks were also in attendance.
Actor Ranvijay Singh, who hosted "Splitsvilla" and judged "Roadies", both the shows where Prince participated and won, was also present to cheer him up.

Before the winner announcement, the top four went through some grilling competitions as Khatron Ke Khiladi host Arjun Kapoor entered the house along with contestants Raghav Juyal, Sidharth Shukla, Mahii Vij and Sana Saeed to challenge the frontrunners of Bigg Boss to a 'Kabhi Peeda, Kabhi Keeda'task.

Rochelle and her boyfriend Keith put up a stunning water act, while the former Miss India also joined Mandana, Kishwer and "Bigg Boss 8" winner Gautam Gulati for a sassy dance performance.

The show will return for its 10th season, which will open its gates for commoners, who get a chance to participate on the series along with celebrity contestants.