Starfish

A parfum advertisement has more coherence that this film. It is like "mexican soap opera meets Bollywood". Countless continuity errors, stereotypical music, poor performances, in a display of exuberance and lavish locations. On the bright side, it can serve very well as a travel advertisement of Malta and southern Italy. If you are the type of person that can't sleep without some white noise or something in the background, this movie is perfect for you. Otherwise, don't bother.

As I have nothing else to say about this movie, I will write this final sentence to fill the gap in this review. Bye.

This movie is a cinematic gem that takes audiences on an exhilarating and thought-provoking journey. This visually stunning film combines breathtaking cinematography with a mesmerizing storyline, creating an immersive experience that captivates from start to finish. The performances are nothing short of exceptional, with the cast delivering nuanced and heartfelt portrayals that bring the characters to life. The director's visionary approach is evident in every frame, seamlessly blending elements of sci-fi, drama, and emotion. The special effects are top-notch, transporting viewers to otherworldly realms that are both awe-inspiring and beautifully crafted. The soundtrack complements the narrative perfectly, enhancing the emotional impact of each scene. What truly sets Starfish apart is its unique and thought-provoking plot. The storyline is rich in complexity, offering a fresh take on familiar themes while introducing innovative ideas that keep audiences engaged and guessing.

"Starfish" isn't just a movie; it's a rollercoaster ride of thrill, suspense, action, and a dash of romance that will leave you breathless and craving more. Dive into the depths of a mesmerizing underwater world, where every scene is a visual spectacle expertly crafted by director Akhilesh Jaiswal.

Kushali Kumar steals the show as Tara Salgoankar, a character shrouded in mystery and grappling with panic attacks from a complicated past. The suspenseful screenplay takes you on a heart-pounding journey as Tara seeks answers to her mother's sudden death, with each twist and turn to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Tushar Khanna, the righteous navy officer Aman; Kushali Kumar, a bold, unruly, and fantastic diver; and Ehan Bhatt, the carefree Neil, injects charm and wit, creating moments that resonate long after the credits roll. And then there's Milind Soman as Arlo, a character who becomes the linchpin, guiding the story to its thrilling climax.

Akhilesh Jaiswal's direction is a revelation, bringing Bina Nayak's "Starfish Pickle" to life with jaw-dropping action shots that redefine the standards of Indian cinema.

"Starfish" isn't just a movie; it's a complete package of suspense, action, and romance. Buckle up for a wild ride as relatable characters make daring choices to find their place in life.

It's fresh air after a long list of action films inspired by the South Indian film industry.

Starfish is a roar to Bollywood to dive again into stories worth telling.

I give it 4 out of 5.

I had to leave the movie in interval, I couldn't tolerate such a mess.

The Starfish movie, despite its ambitious premise, ultimately falls short of expectations on multiple fronts, leaving the viewer with a sense of dissatisfaction and missed potential.

One of the major drawbacks of the film lies in its narrative execution. The plot, which initially promised a unique and intriguing storyline, quickly devolves into a convoluted mess. The filmmakers seemed to prioritize style over substance, resulting in a confusing narrative that leaves the audience struggling to piece together the disjointed events. The lack of a cohesive and well-developed storyline undermines the entire viewing experience, leaving viewers disoriented and detached from the characters' journeys.

Character development is another notable weak point in Starfish. The film introduces a cast of characters with the potential for depth and complexity, yet their arcs remain underexplored and unconvincing. Viewers are left with one-dimensional characters who fail to evoke empathy or investment. The protagonist's motivations and internal struggles are particularly poorly conveyed, making it challenging for the audience to connect with or care about the central figure's fate. The film misses an opportunity to create a meaningful emotional impact, as the characters lack the depth needed to resonate with the audience on a personal level.

Pacing issues further exacerbate the film's problems. Starfish suffers from inconsistent pacing that oscillates between sluggish and frenetic, making it difficult for viewers to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding events. The abrupt shifts in tempo disrupt the narrative flow, hindering the establishment of a cohesive and engaging viewing experience. This lack of pacing cohesion results in a film that feels disjointed and haphazardly put together, preventing any sustained tension or emotional resonance.

Special effects, a crucial aspect of any modern sci-fi film, fail to impress in Starfish. The visual elements intended to bring the fantastical elements of the story to life appear lackluster and dated. In an era where audiences have come to expect cutting-edge CGI and immersive visual experiences, Starfish falls behind, relying on subpar effects that diminish the overall quality of the film. The lack of attention to detail in the visual presentation serves as a constant reminder of the film's budgetary constraints, detracting from the audience's ability to fully immerse themselves in the fictional world.

The film's soundtrack, rather than enhancing the viewing experience, proves to be a distraction. The music, seemingly discordant with the film's tone, fails to complement the on-screen action or evoke the desired emotional responses. Instead of contributing to a cohesive atmosphere, the soundtrack often feels like an afterthought, further highlighting the film's lack of attention to detail in crucial areas.

One of the film's most significant failings is its inability to deliver a satisfying resolution. The climax feels rushed and unsatisfying, leaving numerous unanswered questions and loose ends. Viewers are left feeling unfulfilled and wondering if there were aspects of the story that were overlooked or simply left unexplained. A well-executed resolution is essential for providing closure and leaving a lasting impression, and in this regard, Starfish falls disappointingly short.

In conclusion, Starfish, despite its initial promise, ultimately disappoints on multiple fronts. From a convoluted and poorly executed narrative to underdeveloped characters, inconsistent pacing, lackluster special effects, and an unsatisfying resolution, the film fails to deliver a compelling and engaging sci-fi experience. While ambitious in its concept, the execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a cinematic endeavor that struggles to leave a lasting impact on its audience.

Starfish review :

Based on Bina Nayak's book Starfish Pickle, this two hours long movie turns out to be a royal bore. Beware guys as it can genuinely lull even insomniacs in to a deep snore...sorry to say but Starfish goes astray despite quite a few positives up its sleeve.

Like the exotic locales of Malta and Sicily (Italy) which are beautifully captured here! The underwater sequences are also wonderfully shot which reminded me of one more Bollywood biggie called Blue (2009). Unfortunately just like Blue, Starfish rests on a wafer thin plot which just doesn't go anywhere. After all, how many times can you watch the voluptuous Khushalii Kumar drinking like a fish, doing drugs and partying hard like there's no tomorrow. Glug glug!!

Khushalii Kumar was impressive in last years Dhokha Round D Corner and in Starfish too, she displays adequate acting chops coupled with her abundant sex appeal quite effectively. Kudos to that!!

I was actually expecting some hot chemistry between the macho Milind Soman and Khushalii but just as they come close to kiss, the director shifts focus away from them. Oooff, that's sacrilege!! As for those two (supposed) hunky heroes who get lucky with the leading lady, the less said the better!!

To sum up, Khushalii soars but Starfish drowns...

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.