Rangoon

Vishal Bhardwaj is back after Haider(2014) with a love triangle set in the era of world war 2. He was saying in promotion that this is his first love story while most of his work before this was containing love story as a backdrop. I was amazed to here this. But after seeing the trailer, I made up my mind that this film is gonna be a Love Story. I was waiting for 24th February since November. You can not believe me but it's true that it was really hard for me to sleep last night. As I'm a huge Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor fan. The curiosity level was damn high. So I went to watch 9 am show.

Movie starts with a tiny but very well captured war sequence. Then moves towards the film industry situated in Bombay. Rustam is a film producer, as well as lover of his heroine Julia. He has been approached by British Officer to arrange a special show of Julia and her band for Indian soldiers working for Britishers. For the purpose of security of Miss Julia, Britishers have arranged Nawab Malik. Journey starts from Bombay to Rangoon in train, but because of a tragedy, Julia and Nawab Malik get closer to each other. Their love makes the way to end or not is the question. Other questions are also there (like some kind of suspense) which we will get to know in post interval part.

If I talk about story, then till interval I was enjoying a good stuff by Vishal. At the moment of interval, Alvida song was playing, and I was just into that. I just loved it! Post interval there are moments, but Julia and her train sequence was the best part. Ending could have been more justified or you can say more detailed. It was cleared but not so much effective. The visuals could have been better I guess. If this is your dream project, than you don't let it go anyway like this. I know i am revealing much, but, I felt it so.

Okay, now only positive talk! Direction and camera-work were as usual like we had seen in Haider. But the Kashmir and its snow were missing. Arunachal was good, but not my cup of tea. Dialogues were good. Shahid and Kangna's dialogues were lovey. Officer's dialogues were the biggest plus point, as they were witty as well as very well spoke. Some Ghalib's couplets from his mouth was a funny thing to see!

Saif Ali Khan delivers an easy performance. He is the perfect choice for Rustam. Kangna is good, but I don't like her in Dancing moves. Supporting cast is superb. All actors and supporters are fine enough. Ye Ishq Hai, Miyan Gaye England, Bloody Hell, Alvida- all are fantastic. Gulzar Saa'b's lyrics are too good. I like Jan Gan Man by Bhardwaj. It gave me goose bumps.

Kissing scenes are best! No one can imagine how to capture a kiss like Vishal has done. I think he is more romantic than serious deep inside his heart. I guess that's why he can compose such a romantic numbers with a great melody.

If you compare this film film with his last film Haider, than for me, it is not that good. Haider was the best film of that year. This is good film, can be there in nominees, but I doubt of its winning. It has many things missing. But for me, many positive vibes the film has been offering since beginning, the climax ruined all. I'm not opposing the script, but I don't like the visuals.

On the whole, Rangoon is a dream project of Vishal. So his fans out there, please go and watch it. Make this film his biggest hit at box office. He is one of the creative and intelligent directors of India. You have to give him what he deserves. This film belongs to him. And this film without its STAR could never been possible. Yes, Nawab Malik aka Shahid Kapoor is at his best. After Haider, Tommy Singh in Udta Punjab and now this film, he is on role! I hope this film gets him another award. He is going higher and higher. No one can give competition to him now as his cinema and his acting skills, both are extremely high. Kudos to Mr. Kapoor.

For Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor, with Love and Respect 8/10.

If I am going to watch a 'first day first show' of Rangoon, there is no need to say that I am a big Vishaal Bhardwaj fan. I started waiting for the release date since I came to know that 'Rangoon' was being directed by Mr. Bhardwaj. From very first scene to 5 minutes before the end, film is so good that you really have to appreciate the story, direction, music, acting and all. But if you talk about climax, it is so disappointing that you can't believe it is the same film. I mean, how would you feel if after having a perfect cup of Coffee in the evening, you are suddenly forced to taste the 'plum sauce'? Or, while watching a whole 'Bhardwaj' movie, you are forced to watch the climax of a typical 'David Dhawan' or 'Anees Bazmee' film? It doesn't mean that I don't like the movies of these two film directors, or I don't like 'plum sauce' at all. But is there any combination? I mean, seriously? Besides the disappointing ending, overall it is one of the best Vishaal Bhardwaj movies. It makes you feel as good as watching 'Omkara', 'Ishqiya' or 'Haider'. Cast is good. Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor are great in their roles. Kangana is the pure 'soul' of the film. She has acted really good and has looked really pretty in the film. Music is fine. Dance performances, war scenes are also great. But, if you don't want to feel as bad as I am, it is recommended to leave the hall 5 minutes prior to the ending.

When you see such an ensemble, you ought to expect a lot from the movie. And when it's Vishal Bhardwaj's directorial, it seems to be a cherry on the cake. But here, the cake is not so delicious. After a slow first half, the movie progresses well in the second half but fails to impress. Bhardwaj's ambitious concoct of a love story against the backdrop of second world war seems loose. The story lacks crispness and does not look intense.

Coming to performances, Kangana is the hero of the movie. she effortlessly portrays her character of Julia, who is stuck between love and obligation. Her transition from a naive and beautiful girl to a strong and bold lady scintillates through her eyes. "Bloody hell".

Shahid is one fine actor who has been constantly diversifying his roles. And Vishal Bhardwaj always brings best out of him. He is terrific in this one too and let's his eyes do the talking.

Saif, with reminiscence of Langda Tyagi, gives one fine performance. His portrayal of an obsessive lover, who thinks that Julia is his to posses, brings a lot of conviction.

The last scene is way too dramatic, cinematography is good but unrealistic at times. Had the story been more crisp, it would have been a treat to watch these actors sharing the stage; but sadly it is not.

Vishal Bhardwaj directed again in Shakespearean style War and Love triangle saga to give tribute to Azad Hind Fauj like he directed Maqbool, Omkara and Haider Movie. Kangana Ranaut is the USP of this movie as there is just good performance from Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor. Good Music created by Vishal and Gulzar sahab. There was so many songs which break the pace of the drama. Only Bloody Hell, Ye Ishq Hain and Mere MIyan gaye England were good to listen. Script need to be better treatment as there was more Dance or Performances of Julia but Pankaj Kumar's Cinematography is also good ingredient.

As movie has collected 6 crores on day 1 so it seems 40-50 crores will be lifetime collection.

Vishal Bhardwaj when comes to film making has a vision that is illustrated in his earlier ventures. The music in his movies always stand apart this could also be seen, as a highlight in this undertaking.

Rangoon is set up in the pro-independence India. This movie is different from his earlier Shakespearean outings Haider, Omkara and Maqbool. The Cinematography is excellent. The music is as usual the high point of the movie.

Leading cast is excellent, with Saif again portraying frightening and is reminiscent of langda Tyagi from Omkara.

Shaid deserves an applaud not as superlative performance as in Haider but still top notch.

Kangna again shows why she is considered as a queen of Bollywood . She dances and manages action sequences with ease.

The movie keeps the viewers engrossed throughout. The patriotic song Jan Gan man infuses patriotism when played and beautifully composed by Vishal.

Than what is the issue with this flick? The problem lies in the script of this movie. The last 20 to 25 minutes of the movie struggles and make it tedious for the viewers.

The climax is elongated and gives an unscrupulous taste to the movie. Overall an highly ambitious project from Vishal but the climax could have been glossy and absorbing which has always been a forte of his earlier movies. Also, regulars in Bhardwaj's flicks the likes Irfan Khan and KK Menon are missed. Overall a good watch