Makdee

One of the better family films, especially for children, is what 'Makdee' is. Bharadwaj's commendable directorial debut, where he also composed the score and wrote the screenplay is a tremendous achievement. He tells the story with a simplicity and sincerity that would appeal to children. His inspiration from Grimm's tales is clear (one that particularly comes to mind is 'Hansel and Gretel') but he wonderfully makes 'Makdee' his own work. The playful cinematography adds to the larger than life quality of the story. The viewer is glued to the screen straight from the opening scene. The songs are cheerful, tense and add to the narrative (thanks to Gulzar's fine lyrics), especially the song that reflects Munni's fear of the spider-witch and her memory of her mother.

While some may find that the performances are over-the-top, it's very appropriate for a children's film because they love loud characters. But, this is not to say that adults won't enjoy it. Shweta Prasad fits the role, especially as Munni. Certainly one of the better young actresses and her following films e.g. 'Iqbal' only prove that she's getting better. Alaap Mazgaonkar lends adequate and hilarious support. Makrand Deshpande is suitably loud and hyper. And, a barely recognizable Shabana Azmi is terrific. Not only does she look completely different, she acts that way and stands among one of the memorable villains. However, on the downside, the extras look uninvolved.

Even though I felt the supernatural element fades away towards the end, the film does deliver a message. 'Makdee' is one of the finest children's films to emerge from Indian cinema. If only parents took there children to watch this instead of trash like 'Krrish' or rip-offs like 'Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii', one could have expected more such sensible children's film from the creative filmmakers of the country. Hats off to Bharadwaj (more so for making a risky attempt) and his cast and crew.

Makdee is one of the most watched films in our childhood. The thing that I liked the most of this film is it's music. Be it 'Panga', Kasai', 'Mai' or the Makdee theme, every song is really lovable. In childhood we enjoyed specially the horror elements but after revisiting I understand that the screenplay is perfect even in today.

And when we come to acting dept. Actors like Shabana Azmi, Makrand Deshpande, Daya Shankar Pandey & Shweta Basu Prasad are there. Shweta was such a talented actor from her childhood. She played 2 different characters with perfection. Not just the children but everyone can enjoy this film. Makdee is a PURE NOSTALGIA for many of us.

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I decided to re-watch this movie when I was with my younger siblings, because I was of their age when I watched this movie. It is so fun, and horror at the same time. It is very though provoking movie. very very nice movie to watch. I also listed it as "My 50 Most favourite Hindi Movies". Do see the list.

This is an excellent movie not only for kids but also for elders. This movie runs around two about 10 years old identical twin girls and a myth in the village. One sister in simple and the other one is naughty. The myth is about a Churhel (Evil Soul) in the village. The naughty sister teases & make fun of the other one but when the other one falls in a serious trap, the naughy one plays with her own life to save the other. This is a fun filled movie. A pure and healthy fun and also gives a good message to kids in the end. The songs are lovable. Pertucularly kids will enjoy the movie. The acting of the girl artist is excellent. Shabana Ajmi is there in a different role. The direction of the movie is great. A must watch for sensible cinema viewers.

Horror films are never adviced to children. But, Vishal Bhardwaj in his debut venture tried to fuse the two and does it successfully. Not a proper horror film, but scary enough for Kids. It's a colourful film, it has to be. Not a complete fairytale, but a joyride. Songs, to my surprise, have some meaning but still suitable for everyone.The butcher man's character brings a smile on your face every time. But it's Shweta Basu, as Chunni and Munni who steals the show. Even in emotional scenes, she was so convincing at her age. Adults can also enjoy this kind of film but it wouldn't be scary for them. But don't expect a Maqbool or and Omkara here.