Knock Out- Knocked Out of my Senses

‘Was Knock out entertaining?’  ‘Yes for the masses.’ ‘Was Knockout a plagiarized copy of the Collin Farell thriller, Phonebooth?’  ‘Yes.’ ‘Was it as good?’ ‘ Uhh...ok next question’  ‘Will you buy the DVD and watch it again sometime?’ ‘Never in a million years! ‘ . Mani Shankar’s Knock Out, made me wish I had a gun to my head. The story of a morally challenged guy who stops by a PCO (I haven’t seen a bulletproof non STD PCO like the one shown in the movie in my 22 years in Mumbai, clean, transparent, with newspapers and a copy of Vogue on display ) and has a sniper take him hostage making him confess his crimes and sins infront of the world and live television.

Formal Flavours

So there are 5 main characters in this movie 1. Our sniper Sanjay Dutt, who is the guy hidden in the glass building and strutting about in his black sweater, white round neck t-shirt, khaki trousers and fancy piece of metal aiming at the booth. His character has the vision to return 32 thousand crores (catch him with the shunya shunya shunya dialogue) to the Indian treasury. Moving on to character 2. Our sinful ladies man and Indian version of Collin Farell (shoot me now) is Irrfan Khan. With Gucci shoes, an Armani suit, a diamond Rolex (worth 1 Khokha translated 1 crore) and mutant eye ware with purplish red frames, he is the hostage and this dude apparently can transfer millions of dollars from Swiss banks into any account anywhere in a matter of minutes even as bullets are fired. He also cheats on his salwar clad wife, drugs and takes advantage of women, supports a brothel, which is all easily forgiven and dances to the popular Bollywood track’ Zara Zara touch me touch me’ not to mention cheers the audience on as he braves the bullets and  transfers money. Sigh! Character 3. Is our very own desi bred Kangana Ranuat, gone are the days of journos with dark circles under their eyes, khadi coats and jholas, we have reporter Nidhi (character name) reporting crime with an off shoulder tunic, grey stylish overcoat, pursed lips and stilettos! Her English has improved ever so slightly and her role is quite authentic, she conveys the persistent character of reporters today and also cheers on as the money transfer occurs. Finally we have character 4 and 5, who are the cop played by a sweaty Sushant Singh in a blue shirt and once again Raybans (this is a serious trend catching up) and manicured white safari suited politician Gulshan Grover who delivers to the characters effectiveness.

Overall entertaining and irritating!

My Rating: 1.5/5

By: Lily Shroff

Aakrosh – Corruption weds Aggression!!!

After Anees Bazmee’s Deewawangee where Devgan and Khanna share screen space through aping the Richard Gere thriller- Primal Fear,  this is the second time these two actors come together In Priyadarshan’s film- Aakrosh bringing  a shockingly realistic and dingy story to audiences. 

Anger & Aggression

 Depressingly dark, sadistic and a saga on corruption in the North Indian village of Jhanjar in Bihar, the plot unfurls to a situation where 3 Delhi boys disappear suspiciously and 2 CBI inspectors  (our heroes in crisp shirts, trousers and Raybans aka Dabangg) come in to investigate the crime. This film with a strong story line leads to a feeling of queasiness and discomfort. The usually talented and pertinently styled star cast with Paresh, Ajay and Akshaye fail to create value entertainment for the audiences with poorly crafted car chase and roof jumping scenes, add to it over greasy cops, and immensely putting off politicians.

 There are many styling errors in this film particularly with Bipasha, for one she plays the meek wife of a corrupt and abusive police officer (Paresh) so naturally she appears washed out in her nine yard drapes which apparently were saris brought in by Rocky S, all the way from Kolkata.  Her only accessories are her subtle bindis and long mangalsutra. But what is interesting to note is how as a villager she still has pink fake nail extensions in one of the scenes and distinctly obvious ringlets and a set perm! I guess with all the battered woman syndrome endurances, she has the time to ring some curlers into her step cut hairstyle.

The Indian Demure Look

 I would say her acting and stretch of a de-glam look was the worst element in the film (just go to get the popcorn when you watch her fake crying and the icing is her accented hind..scoff away!!) . Sameera Reddy’s item number is a sad addition the film could have done without, no spice at all. But wait... hers is not the only dismal potrayal, catch Akshaye screaming each dialogue by Aditya Khan with such apparent exaggeration. Finally the highlight of grossness is a tongue cut... yes tongue cut Raima Sen ending the film with such a poor climax. With all the negativity, if you still want to see it for the truthful portrayal of the goons who lead sections of our country watch it for Paresh’s excellent depiction of the blatant corrupt Bihari cop, Ajay’s stoned frowns and some eerie scenes. Not suitable for kids!

My Rating: 1.5/5

By: Lily Shroff

Crook – A shade of grey.

The first thing you look for in an Emraan Hashmi film is the sex appeal. Add to it a Mahesh Bhatt production and you know the storyline will be intense, probably highlighting a social cause and there will be a new chic again probably a shy soft- spoken damsel. Yup, all these things are present in Mohit Suri’s latest flick- Crook! A story about the race war in Australia and our sexy Emraan (Suraj/ Jai) caught in the middle of it.

Upclose & Personal

Debutant Neha Sharma (Suhani) is a chic funky looking gal sporting denim hot pants on the beautiful white sandy beaches of Melbourne along with her stylish shrugs and  H&M style multicoloured bangles. Also to watch out for is the hunky muscled up Arjan Bajwa who plays the angry brother. I expected much more from him and he kinda lingers on the shades of grey.

Lack of strong characterization the film lags through the first half and like the usual Mahesh films the last half hour is a mix up of various intense plots leading to an equally intense climax. 

                                                         

The Punjabi migrant dudes are styled appropriately with their fake jerseys and brightly matched jackets with jogging pants and jeans. An interestingly funky attribute is their spiky haircuts and cool Desi Indian semi branded jackets which bring a hip-hoppish look to the gang. Another striking element is the firang chic who plays a stripper with whom Emraan shares the sizzling kiss (as much awaited and repeated). Toned and striking, she also adds that oomph factor to the style sequence with her funky halters and poker straight hair. Music is just about ok with the ‘ Dane dann’ Punjabi track only lingering in memory. Interesting watch on the whole, not too bad!

My Rating: 2/5

By: Lily Shroff

Eat Pray Love – Philosophies and Personal Reflections? Not Really!

‘What’s a word that best describes me?’ is the question which is the theme of director Ryan Murphy’s film. The search for balance and identity is the story of Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) who is a writer, going about the mundaties of an urbane life, unhappy in her marriage to Stephen (Billy Cudrup) and has along the way lost the will to feel alive and passionate about anything.

Love in Bali

She enters another relationship with a stage actor and still doesn’t find what she’s looking for. So Liz heads out on a journey across Italy, India and Bali quite literally to Eat, Pray and Love! Somewhat of a drab, this film has a strong storyline but does not quite make you smile or think, just possibly shrug with exasperation!  I’m reminded of a film called ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ which showcases the same message of self discovery in a more enjoyable, folk stylish and philosophical way. The initial part lags on and there is no real meaning across her trips.  

India is portrayed through a biased view and highlights a stupidity reflected through an old world image of India, especially with the elephant walking up to her in the middle of the city, dirty Thumps Up bottles and mosquitoes (Is didn’t like that portrayal). From purchasing a lavender satin nightie for herself in Italy and enjoying pasta with friends, to sporting the meditative Osho look in India with jholas, Fab India pants, rudraksh malas (beads) to Indian silk drabby saris (looking like a NGO worker uuggh) to finally strappy spaghettis’ and straw hats in Bali - the styling like the film follows no real effort highlighting a casual local lazy flavour. Compare it to Julia’s usual classy look with her spunky hairstyles in real life opposed to this sad reel, where you may just see hints of a well fit cardigan, a tiny diamond bindi and subtle makeup.

 

The Balance lies Within.

The finality to the cringe fest is watching an over aged yet hammed up Javier Bardem trying to be a sexy happily ever after prince when he just looks drugged out and botoxed in the process. On the whole Eat, Pray and Love at home, totally not worth a watch except to scoff at! With all India has to offer as a film destination they could have at least made her wear some bangles, payals (anklets) or even a nice dupatta (scarf) instead of the sad Indian silk that too with a bun!

My Rating: 1/5
By: Lily Shroff

Do Dooni Chaar – A Dream to Reach a Destination in Style!

A delightful film about families coping through a tough society, trying to fulfil their dreams, aspirations and living up to the best standards they can in a symbolic and judgemental world. Here’s a  film about saving face and the struggle of patriarchal member of the family to fulfil each member's wish along with his and their only salvation being humour, patience and each other.



Hum Do Hamare Do & Humara Bajaj!!!



 Simply one of the best watches all week, the authenticity highlighted of this family plot set in Delhi by debutant director Habib Faisal is real and captures the mood quite perfectly. The adorable Rishi- Neetu pair captivates us with their demeanour and middle class looks.  The casting with Aditi Vasudev playing the short- tempered daughter and Archit Krishna, the gambling teenage brother with raging hormones gives immense volume and relatability to this perfectly rounded family.

 Rishi Kapoor (Santosh Duggal) who plays an underpaid teacher with his ponch and Punjabi accent, dark green pullover sweater over his tucked-in shirt reflects the dad’s of the Indian middle class sections. His demeanour and dialogues portrays brilliantly as he cringes to order an aloo paratha (potato pita bread) at a dhabba (local diner) other than the plain one so he manages to save at least a bit more. The style is authentic from the tacky cluttered Formica based 1 BHK house with unmatched sheets and pillows to the salwars and gold hooped earrings’ that adorn Nitu (character name Kusum) as the tactful woman of the Duggal household. The daughters, need to get a job at call centre to then sport designer Pumas and flashy cars conflict with the other requests of the family.

Dreams through Desires...

The story covers how each member of the household has their own dreams and they all grasp desperately at fulfilling it when news of a little ray of hope enters in the form of an income tax refund for Mr Duggal. An enjoyable element is the chubby cute sister who overrides their plans with the declaration that her husband’s sister would be getting married in Meerut and it would be extremely necessary for the Duggal family to be there and enhance her status in her household by arriving in a car instead of the two –wheeler they possess.

The plot then leads to a corrupt cop, naughty students, cautious neighbours, a gambling teenager, a sweet shop owner and status conscious relatives all to complete this Delhi based family’s adventure in getting a car. Overall family flick must watch and knowingly relate. Overall fresh and fragrant comedy!

My Rating: 4/ 5

By: Lily Shroff

The American – Americano!!!

Just don’t miss the first 5 minutes of this intensely boring film it’s the most dramatic, for the rest, carry your own pillow and blanket. Documentaries on snails will be more interesting that seeing Clooney (Character names: Jack/Edward) drive around suspiciously through the first hour of this colourless film. I have not endured a more painful 2 hours and 15 minutes other than at my dentist’s office.



The Chase...

Director Anton Corbjin totally, completely and entirely manages to get a weekend enthused theatre audience to snooze off into a deep slumber. Rowan Joffe’s script from Martin Booth’s novel ‘A Very Private Gentleman’ unveils the story of the life of a secretive assassin who seeks a private setting in a rundown Italian village to carry on his next project. Wintry greys, pebbled blocks, and depressive emotions portray the grim reality of this profession. The pros are, Clooney in his expressionless yet handsome face of his with salt pepper hair sporting, dark coats, his brown Omega (ever so classy) and tanned trousers.



The beautiful Clara (Violante) plays a prostitute who falls in love with our Americano and adds a little positivity to the script, with her low neck lacy satin dresses and floral shrugs. She glides through the frames like a dew drop before daylight. The slight element of interest is as Clooney does his push ups sporting his tattoos (he is simply allergic to aging) and fiddling around assembling a certain type of gun he’s busy crafting. The detailing goes right down to weapon speed, recoil and shot bursts.

Close Encounters

The quaint elements also are the 2-3 cafe’s as grim as the film Cafe Tucci, Rome Patisseries’ and the only spark of colour is  Clara’s blood red lipstick shade, she carries off beautifully with her Caucasian look.

My Rating: 0.5/5

By: Lily Shroff

Robot – Machines make Love!

‘ Mirror mirror on the wall who’s the fairest (umm.. change to most famous) of them all ! Rajnikanth, with his latest blockbuster hit Robot crossing 22.5 million dollars is a true reflection of narcissism taken to great lengths, thus showcased in an enjoyable and definitely profitable way.



Afro Ash and Robotic Rajni...



   A gripping storyline, with excellent effects from the Rajni anaconda to the Rajni avalanche and finally to the Rajni explosive time-bomb and machine guns...a technical marvel. (Inception makers, watch out! we aren’t far behind) .The Asian companies that pulled off these effects-bravo! Aishwariya Rai Bachchan looked stunning, though not your typical prettily plumpish South Indian leading lady but so very stylish and soothing to watch on the big screen, she delivers aptly to her girly character of Sana.

   Another thing to watch out for is the excellent technical head gear she sports throughout, with vibrant saris and dresses designed by our very own  Manish Malhotra, coupled with sequins, feathers , beads, gold chunky bracelets and semi precious stones they work to create an ethereal and majestic feel. The film is extravagantly stylish is an understatement indeed. Imagine a cross between a theme party of Red Indians, Egyptians and the cast of Star wars, then  invite the Terminators and Transformers 1, 2, and 3  and you have the design wardrobe of Robot.

Ebay, the Head gear's totally worth it!!!

   But while one takes in the millennium metal belts, patent leatherish minis, flower pins and enormously funky accessories, (I so want causeway to come out with them soon) let’s not forget the star’s futuristic style quotient - Rajnikanth in his dual avatar as Dr. Vasi the scientist, with his yeti sort of appearance portrayed by stylist Aalim to Chitti his creation, a human android robot (also his look alike) with long side locks , metallic extensions and dark shades. The script portrays a robot created who then develops human feelings and falls in love with his master’s girlfriend (Sana) and thus wants her for himself. From a good robot hero who fights goons and mosquitoes about to capture our damsel in distress , to cooking a 7 course meal, to cleaning up the house, being a driver, a calculator, a friend  to a jealous villain with  bullets shooting out of his manicured fingertips this 3 hour film will keep adults and kids enthralled.   ‘ Kilimanjaro..iska roop nikharo...Mohenjodaro isko dil main utaro..aaha ahaaha’ (Mount Kilimanjaro Oh thee mighty one...compliment my beloved’s. form. Oh excavated city of Mohenjodaro take her into your heart..aaaha aaaha)...barring these lyrics, maestro Rajnikanth and director Shankar’s  Robot has sweeped me into entertainment heaven  off my feet.

My Rating: 4.5/5

By : Lily Shroff

Khichdi- A bland comedy with a twist!

Popular sitcom hit screens this week through Khichdi-The Movie, with bling and dandiya outfits galore. Gujarati pronunciations and their cute demeanour take the world by storm and fond recognition. With the gang of Praful in colourful kurtas, Babuji with his grey safari suits, Himanshu with well... let’s just say prints don’t go with stripes and patch work sweaters (fashion dies a quiet death in this film). 

 The icing on the cake is however cute Hansaben, the mirror image of the strutting bahu of the household. Done up with gajras (flowers) in her well set bun to bandhni saris all the way with at least 18 bangles on each hand along with layers of chunky American diamond necklaces she is the only one managing a smile through the plot of this film. Even though today’s youth may laugh at the attire for a simple Sunday afternoon you can’t help but smile at the eagerness of her innocently and adorably dumb character portrait of the oblivious housewife and her struggle with a western accent through her ‘What is?’ dialogue (Interpretation of What’s the matter or What is it?) that she so confidently greets the audience in.

As for the entertainment value this film fails to deliver sufficient storylines focusing on how Himanshu the eligible Gujju bachelor wants his love story with Parminder (the pretty heroine in colourful patialias and parandas) to be legendary and therefore goes about spoiling the well set match to add a little spice and make it into the love struggle and triumphant story. With a murder and a slapstick courtroom scene roped in, you can just leave your brains at home and smile ever so often at the unity in dumbness this family portrays through the film. Loud and bright orange with a sprinkle of stripped purple sweaters would be the best way to describe the essence of Khichdi.

My Rating: 1/5

            By: Lily Shroff

Going the Distance- When it’s worth the wait!

Drew Barrymore and Justin Long star in this cute flick about long distance relationships aptly titled ‘Going the Distance’.

Set in New York and San Francisco this one delves into the difficulties and hassles of surviving a long distance relationship. With off shoulder tees for Drew and Justin sporting the chequered shirt rolled up sleeve- slightly geeky look, the chemistry in the film between our stars is just about okay.

With subtle uncomfortable moments and a little tacky dialogue the film fails to entertain let alone humour the audiences. However the supporting cast with Christina Applegate (the overprotective sister) and Rhode Island cutie Charlie Day (Justin’s roommate) manage to give the flick some volume with their extreme characterizations. Spotted cleaning her dining table after her sister has had her fun; Christina beautifully layers her neuroticism and perfection through her pencil length skirt attires and tightly pulled up hair in a neat ponytail. As for Charlie with his daffy look and background score he inappropriately provides as the couple make out, are among the few instances that make the film scrape through the 2 hours. 



Love conquers all

Over all not a very stylish film, just about so-so with the attire, though I did like the choker Drew sports in the last scene.

My Rating: 1.5/5

By: Lily Shroff

Anjaana Anjaani- Fate will Find You!

‘I met a boy and his name is Anjaana....Anjaani rahon main ek humsafar mili’ (through life’s uncertain ways I met a life partner) the title track lyrics pretty much sum up the plot of director Siddharth Anand’s new film Anjaana Anjaani starring the charming and notorious Ranbir Kapoor and piggy chop lips- Priyanka Chopra.

Cool & Chic

 It’s an okay watch nothing fantastic, but what is interesting is the styling by Mamta Bhatia Anand who is also the director’s wife. The pretty locations shot in Vegas, San Francisco and New York are another reason to watch this film on the big screen.  One tends to make mental shopping list pointers on Priyanka’s cool purple head muffs along with matching lavender scarves and Ranbir’s trendy brown jackets.

Wow Winter Wear

A chic and youthful look portrayed throughout the film, cool swade boots, and lovely options of a winter wear collection catches the eye.  Whites and denims linger on for the western desert feel through a significant portion of the movie. The fashion radar is on a high with even the car which is a convertible in red named Blush... decorated with retro pink ribbon on the steering wheel and an Indian feather keychain on the rear view mirror, and leather  seats, the automobile is also is a personal reflection of the youthful character of Kiara (Priyanka) in the film.

On the whole maybe ok for a light watch or you could wait for it to come on the tele but outfits uber cool.

My Rating: 2.5/5

By: Lily Shroff

Wall Street- Money Never Sleeps – Conspiracies and Currency!

A dark stock exchange drama, titled ‘Wall Street: Money never sleeps’ is the latest feather in Michael Douglas’s cinematic hat. When I say dark, I mean dark cinematography, dark grey suits, single malt scotch, Cuban cigars and formal attire all the way. The leading men mean business in this intensely heavy film which unfurls a money minded saga with Gordon Gekko, Michael’s character returning to play ‘the game’ he once lost.

Smokin Hot Even Now!!!

 Also playing the morally correct and hopelessly in love boyfriend is Shia LaBeouf (character name Jacob) strutting about with his principles and desperate attempts in providing finance to a project he believes will change the future of the world via alternative sources of energy.

Money Never Sleeps!

Since money equals serious business the attire in this flick rarely deviates from the formal shirts and trousers to anything else.  The leading lady played by Vogue’s latest cover girl Carey Mulligan  is the daffy simple chic clad in maroon mufflers, sporting a bob look sort of like Demi Moore in Ghost. Her wardrobe also complements the mood of the film which is pretty depressing and serious with dark long trench coats yet with an air of elegance. Watch out for the Bulgari rock she sports and the vintage Oscar de la Renta gown, which definitely worked for me!

My Rating: 3/5

By: Lily Shroff

Dabaang – The Return of the Alpha Male!

Chulbul Pandey, the lead character's name in Salman Khan’s latest blockbuster hit Dabangg simply spells the return of the alpha male!  Ladies beware as the men are back, No we are not talking about geeky spectacles or pot bellied strutting men in hipsters and tees.

 

Subtle Saris and Crisp Shirts

 

From a fashion perspective, Dabaang's  costume designer, Alvira Khan showcases the return of crisp white shirts tucked over broad shoulders, a formal look so to speak but ever so attractive. Silky trousers and flashy aviator Ray bans top it up with an attitude to kill and you have yourself a smart completely irresistible hunk. But  where Sallu sports the confidant  undercover police man look with his alias name Robin Hood Pandey,  debutant Sonakshi Sinha  in contrast portrays a light and quiet Indian touch with saris and lehengas reflecting a demure bhartiya (Indian) nari (lady) in true essence.   



Shirtless tans, coloured stoles, kundan jhumkas, dramatic kajal and stylish branded eye-ware carefully compliment the storyboard of this flick, set in the state of UP where attitude meets the law and society. Also making waves is Malaika Arora Khan through the classic Munni Badnam Hui item number in the film. With scintillating cholis, bright ghagras and enormously fun moves , this one will be the hit of the wedding cocktails and bachelor parties.

Munni aka Zandu Balm

What’s interesting to note is with a little length of cholis, maybe Vikram Phadnis with his new collection of bridal couture can transform the item wear portrayed in the track to a classy ethnic outfits using the sprinkle of  vibrant colours, sequinned prints and voila you have the Munni collection,  Now that’s an idea to explore!

My Rating: 4.5/5

By: Lily Shroff