Shamitabh

Shamitabh...Instantly you think of two legends - Shammi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachan. Obviously there is no link to Shammi Kapoor in this film but you have to admit it's a great title.

Shamitabh isn't quite what I expected it to be when seeing the trailers and reading the synopsis. Amitabh and Dhanush are both nothing short of brilliant in their respective roles, but i think the story is flawed in many areas and just doesn't grab your attention. I'm not sure how big Dhanush will be in Bollywood, but he clearly has created a niche for himself. Without a single dialogue, he matches Big B in terms of his screen presence so well. He is full of expression and very energetic. Amitabh, as always is the soul of the film. Not only is his acting just top notch but when you watch Dhanush, but hear Amitabh's voice you remember just how amazing his voice actually is. Akshara wasn't as a bad as I thought, but she does not have the looks to go far in Bollywood. Perhaps if we could merge the two sisters (her acting and Shruti's looks) and you'd have something pretty decent!

I didn't like the music. Piddly is no doubt the most catchy and what most people will remember the film for.

On the whole Shamitabh is an okay film - a must watch for both Dhanush and Amitabh, but considering the work Balki did with Paa and English Vinglish it's a disappointment.

i watched in which no STORYLINE is there and seriously END is so low with no result and sadness...and this HASSAN don't know acting..I bet....!! this is the first movie I watched in which no STORYLINE is there and seriously END is so low with no result and sadness...and this HASSAN don't know acting..I bet....!! this is the first movie I watched in which no STORYLINE is there and seriously END is so low with no result and sadness...and this HASSAN don't know acting..I bet....!! This is the first movie I watched in which no STORYLINE is there and seriously END is so low with no result and sadness...and this HASSAN don't know acting..I bet....!! this is the first movie I watched in which no STORYLINE is there and seriously END is so low with no result and sadness...and this HASSAN don't know acting..I bet....!! this is the first movie I watched in which no STORYLINE is there and seriously END is so low with no result and sadness...and this HASSAN don't know acting..I bet....!!

I love when they make films about films, the reason I love some of those offbeat Indian indie flicks (the most recent one being Sulemani Keeda (2014)). So when R Balki came out of the cave and collaborated with personalities of two very different generations, the end result turned out to be a spectacle.

The film starts with a proper flashback montage telling a concise story of a mute, aspiring actor and film enthusiast Danish (Dhanush). The fact that he is a superstar now increases the excitement. He meets Akshara (same name), an assistant director and what follows is although slightly unbelievable (literally, in its premise), it is immensely enjoyable. The muteness vanishes and we welcome Amitabh's (same first name) baritone voice talking for Danish while he acts his character.

The only things that bothered me are one, why would an amateur assistant director help out an aspirant? and two, the voice technology. Of course, it is not a foolproof way for a mute person to speak his feelings. But, all these thoughts withers away as the narrative indulges you into it, demanding your attention about a consequential rags-to-riches story coupled with a mysterious source of envy.

The film amazingly addresses issues of that of envy and ego and how these two feelings can cause self-destruction, creating waves that also affect the people closer to one. The singleton phenomenon Shamitabh turns into two different entities as the film unfolds toward climax. The film basically acts as an intellectual spoof of the cinema industry, and it does it with finesse.

Dhanush is marvelous, and the measure of his excellence is only competed by his co-star Bachchan Sr, who displays a splendid air of being a drunkard wannabe. His mystery could have been demystified, given the importance it plays in the story construction, but it is forgivable. Akshara Haasan did not impress me much because clearly she cannot pull off romantic scenes properly. She may be the chip off the old block, but has a long way in order to master the art of acting.

Other than having a literally impossible setup, Shamitabh excels in all other departments, from the beautiful art setup and production sets to the beat music (by the maverick Illayaraja), from a fine camera job to inventive writing by Balki. He has carved out a fine plot, often taking potshots at recent filmmaking trends viz. masala nonsense, illogical songs (and even more illogical videos), etc. But, these potshots are not cringe-worthy, instead they will make you laugh. The film has a great amount of humor if you watch closely, and helped by Bachchan's fabulous dialogs delivery, you will roll on the floor laughing.

BOTTOM LINE: Despite a drag in the funnier second half, Shamitabh does not disappoint at all. Bachchan's few solo sequences made me yawn, but I am ready to call this the first good Bollywood film of the year. Go watch the next show, because this is one drama we have all been talking about haven't seen. You will be enthralled by the catchy songs.

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES (if few expletives from the mouths of Bachchan Sr and Haasan's second daughter are okay with the heads of the family).

Indian Cinema has not only divulged into an unusual subjects recently but also has created a new trend of parallel cinemas like Cheeni Kum, English Vinglish, PAA etc. Shamitabh have two finest talents in a movie, unfortunately what you get is nothing but a boring and over-stretched film in the end.

Shamitabh talks about the rise and fall of a movie star whose ego comes in his way after he becomes a huge star with help of a cranky-drunkard old man who becomes his voice-lent over.

R. Balki is popular for making movies with high concepts but simple execution and melodious music. He chooses an upright concept this time but fails in the execution part. The first half is definitely a big thumbs in keeping you engaged with background story of Dhanush , the interaction between Amitabh Bacchhan and Dhanush and humor created when both of them struggles to get in sync with each other. However, it is the second half which plays the spoil-sports and never-ending climax will completely bore you down. Screenplay looses the steam and messes up the entire film. Editing should have been crispier, music by Illyaraja is disappointing . Art direction and cinematography is good. Akshara Hassan's over-the-top acting will irritate you. Dhanush, as usual, is outstanding. It is Amitabh's persona which make the film watchable after so many loopholes. The actor yet again proves that is he one best talent in the Industry today.

Overall, the film is meant for certain section of audience who might appreciate this kind of cinema. Average 2.5 /5

I expected more from Amitabh's movie. It was great to watch Amitabh and Dhanush. However other characters were not visible enough to be judged.

There were a few odd points I found.

1] The technology shown was odd but great, but it can be taken for granted as it is just fantasizing the idea. Dhanush was able to speak what Amitabh was speaking. But this effort takes lip sync, and air movements from lungs, which cannot be expected of a microprocessor chip. Although, I should not comment on this technology, but I saw this as far fetched idea.

2] Hero Dhanush was buried ??? It sounds odd with Hindu name.

3] He was buried at the same place what was reserved for Amitabh. If the place was reserved, why he was buried at that place without Amitabh's permission.

However, I saw a great humor in the movie, which was a fun to watch.