Rangoon

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 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.

The movie is good if you forgive the cliché ending. The performances of Kangana Ranaut and Saif Ali Khan is mind-blowing. Kangana Ranaut steals the show. Indeed, she is the 'Hero' of the movie. The cinematography is good. The film shows the INA version of anthem which is worth mentioning. Except for the climax, the movie is worth watching.

I watched Rangoon on Netflix. Since I knew my beloved Japanese actor Satoru Kawaguchi will appear this film, I had been eagerly waiting for this day. (Incidentally, it has not been screened in Japan yet!)

The synopsis of Rangoon is so epic. Love, War, Deceit... there are completely wrapped in beautiful screen images and music. From the beginning to the end, I felt my heart beating so fast. Especially, expressive Julia and stoic Nawab Malik... their appearance that two hearts melt in love is so emotional and heartwarming, but on the other hand I became saddened by the feeling of the tragedy.

Satoru as their prisoner Hiromichi, he played the role of bonding lovers, was surprisingly perfectly. He gives a heartfelt performance as a soldier who is never strong and wants to go back to his mother, and his honest acting and comic timing are surely the jewels in his crown.

By the way, before watching this film, I was worried about how the Japanese army would be drawn in this tale. Its canvas is the Burma campaign during World War II. Even though I knew that Shahid Kapoor would play a BIA soldier, I could not think that Japanese would be drawn a villain.

I was excited to the utmost in the fight scene between Nawab and Hiromichi. Both of them were not villains and desperately trying to live in the wartime. Although each of them masterpieces were Hamlet, both had surpassed themselves. Exactly, Hamlet versus Hamlet. I was so glad because my favorite film is Shahid's Haider and of course I adore Satoru deeply.

The scene where Hiromichi left there, was the most impressive. I have never seen a film which Japanese true colors accurately drawn as much as Rangoon. Kill or shame... he was suffering between honor and friendship. So sad, that was wartime. So I think Director Vishal Bhardwaj is awesome who can draw foreign souls.

Also I found a brilliant actor in this film. Kangana Ranaut... How attractive she is! Her innocent smile, eyes that talk too much, adorable action, dance... I'm sure that there is no same feelings on her face as one regardless of which frame in chosen. She is the best actress I have ever watched, and I guess Rangoon further amplified her charm.

However, there were parts which I did not like. In the same director's work Haider, I found reality in fiction. But in Rangoon, the climax where Julia goes to help her lover has lost reality. Of course I understand that Julia and her ex Rusi are excellent action star, but I wanted to see a scene where Julia and Nawab are joined together in the beautiful river. There are many entertainment films in the world, but I like socially which is the feature of sir Vishal.

Still I love this film. Rangoon, I have a soft spot for there. I learned English to watch this, and as a result, saw the landscape of India I had never seen before, heard beautiful music, knew the history of war. And I made friends of foreigners, my life became rich by talking with them. Thanks a lot of happiness, Team Rangoon, I will never forget your amazing work and two Hamlet's chemistry!

A great movie by Vishal Bhardwaj again. Seem to be a bit slow in the end but boils down later on. The story is spell bounding. Acting is awesome by all actors. Kudos to Vishal Bhardwaj. Simply awesome ! This movie will entertains you to the hilt and touches you in a manner that isn't as simple to decipher and understand as it seems to be. And why it should be? After all, it's a Vishal Bharadwaj movie.