koushikdas508's reviews

"Often the best minds tend to lose objectivity in their pursuit of excellence." We often glorify our freedom fighters, our armed personnel, historical monarchs. We are literally obsessed with our sports stars, our movie stars. We talk about our politicians, leaders. And there are lots of movies and web series on them. But, when it comes to "the best minds" who have pioneered our country's development in the field of science, our film industries really lack on-screen portrayals. However, thanks to the rising dominance of the OTT platforms that we've now found at least one.

"Rocket Boys" on Sony Liv is not only a mere historical period-drama with a high proportion of knowledge and enriched with content but also is a fitting tribute to some of the ignited minds of our beautiful country like CV Raman, Homi Jehangir Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar, and last but not the least APJ Abdul Kalam who gave their whole lives to our nation-building through their sole favourite field of science. The day I've watched the trailer, I've decided to have a go at this series. And after finishing all 8 episodes, I can say that it didn't disappoint me. The story focuses on the lives of mainly Dr. Homi J. Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and their efforts to strengthen India's first Nuclear Programme and India's first space programme. Expectedly, there are many moments of goosebumps and some "tears of joy" moments as well. Especially, the hosting of the flag at the climax of the 1st episode, the first entry of the teenage APJ Abdul Kalam at the end of the 4th episode, and the speech of Dr. Sarabhai at his cotton mill in Ahmedabad were enough to get that extra emotional spark in my mind and body as a proud Indian. And that moment where Dr. Bhabha had finally launched India's first nuclear reactor 'Apsara' was no less than a moment of high adrenaline rush. The moment of launching India's first rocket and the satisfying faces of Dr. Sarabhai, Dr. Kalam, and Dr. Bhabha made my eyes moist in pride and joy as a countryman. Yes...There was a bit of melodrama. But it was necessary and certainly not stretched at all. Because it is not only about science but also about the friendship, romance, commitment, and overall lives of both of them.

Coming to the technicalities, I can say that "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and "D-Day" famed director Nikkhil Advani gave his best so far. He has found a team that really worked hard in research to make the script with so much information and almost negligible error. Dibyendu Bhattacharya as Raza Mehdi, Arjun Radhakrishnan as Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam did great. Ishwak Singh sparked and literally looked perfect as Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Rajit Kapoor was not only looking, rather sounding like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru with unique voice modulation. Other actors and actresses were just fitting to their roles.

There should be a special paragraph for Jim Sarbh whenever anyone would discuss this series. I think he has immortalized the "Father of India's Nuclear Programme" on-screen forever. Jim sparked in every cameo and supporting role before but now he has delivered his best shot so far in a leading role as Dr. Bhabha. He was just outstanding and surely the heart of the show.

Editing could've been slightly better but that's alright. The background score and the cinematography were very appealing to the audience.

Overall, it is a fantastic experience not just as an Indian or a cinema/series fanatic, or a science admirer or a history lover but as a combined of all. Kudos to the entire cast and crew members of the series. Along with the Indian series like "Scam 1992", "The Family Man", "Panchayat" etc., it will be right up there at the top branch for sure with a "MUST WATCH" tag!

❤🙏😊

Finished the 3rd season 2 days back! & I'm still in the zone! I strictly decided not to binge watch this season. Rather I did prefer to inhale it with all my heart and soul. And I must say, I'm super-satisfied., literally and expectedly spellbound! The previous two seasons were testing the capacity of our minds, our senses and the art of our imagination as well. But, this season has been a downpour of more & more mind blending stuffs, which are again presented in the best possible way. I've already written enough about Seasons 1&2, but now all the 3 seasons completed the most amazing and the greatest "triquetra" in the world of on-screen creations! Some creations are beyond any rating and review. You just need to sit back and experience it to the fullest. & DARK is definitely one of those! I've never seen such an explanatory way to describe the "Schrödinger's cat" or overlapping reality or the theory of multi-universe or "Bootstrap Paradox", anything related to the Relativity, Time-travel and the Quantum Physics; everything which remain an eternal visual treat to the core! Kudos to the makers, the entire cast & crew! & Admit it or not. Some races are genetically superior. Their thinking, their credibility, their creativity, their senses. Germans are surely at the top of the league! They have promised, so as delivered ! 2020 may have given lots of bad things, sadness but DARK IS PROBABLY THE BEST THING HAPPENED THIS YEAR! A TIMELESS AND LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!

Intriguing background score, amazing characterization, brilliant screenplay, exceptional concept, exquisite editing, enchanting cinematography, mesmerizing direction and a fitting climax summarize one of the finest series I've seen so far. It has the Class and characterization of "Breaking Bad", the aura of "Game of Thrones", the technique and vfx of "Black Mirror", the exquisiteness and detailing of "The Crown" and the grip of "Stranger Things". & The best part of the series is --- In spite of being a Sci-Fi creation, it kept much humane, never ignore human emotions even inducing proper scientific thoughts and theories.And it did maintain a perfect balance between fiction and reality as well.

I'm nobody to judge or make a review on this MASTERPIECE...So, It is not a review...It's more like my ODE TO 'DARK'!

Thank you Netflix for bringing this "ONE OF ITS KIND" show to us.

Korean films are love. Yes, they are! 'Oldboy', "The Man From Nowhere", "I Saw The Devil", "The Chase" etc. etc. You name it. Korean directors are masters when it comes to deliver messages about social taboo or to execute a thriller on screen in possibly the most perfect way. 'Parasite' adds and in fact stretches the legacy of Korean films in even broader perspective. Genres can be deceptive at times for some cinematic creations. And for films like 'Parasite', it spans over a wide sphere for sure. Kudos to the director Bong Joon-ho for giving this masterpiece which is multi-layered and shows the economic inequality in the pro-capitalist society of South Korea in a way which consists so much mixed emotions, sense of humour, lots of adrenaline rush, few nail-biting moments as well; all revolve around primarily two economically contrasting families. It pin-points out the drawbacks of extreme capitalism and plutocracy in its usual neo-noir black comic style, which will eventually grows on the minds of the audience. No wonder why this cinematic gem has got almost 10 mins of standing ovation at the Cannes and has won 4 Oscars at the 92nd Academy Awards including "The Best Picture" award as a Non-English film for the first time ever in the history of the Academy Awards. It's rightfully the MOVIE OF THE YEAR OF 2019!

Just when many of us started to think Mr. Shah Rukh Khan is gradually loosing his substance as an actor, he does a Comeback; a comeback with his unmatched acting abilities. And he picked up the right script to do it. After directing 3 youth-appealing romantic films, director Maneesh Sharma indeed gave Mr. Khan that scope to be self-indulged in the film which celebrates Khan's previous masterpieces. Being well supported by the supporting characters, KING KHAN has delivered his one of the best performances. It can never be easy to pull off double roles on screen but the way he maintained the balance between the two contradictory characters of Superstar Aryan Khanna & his hardcore fan Gaurav Chandna, it deserves a lot of appreciation. Despite being consisted of a great script, FAN is not deprived of loopholes. Climax seemed heart- rending but a bit unconvincing & irrational. But, the screenplay keeps the adrenaline pumping for most of the scenes in the movie. To be honest, the film gave few goosebumps & emotional touch at times as a SRK fanatic. The Background Music,Dialogues,Cinematography etc. are perfectly suited with the movie. The idea of a song-less film added more taste to the delicious dish. On a nutshell, Its surely a rejoice for celebrating the whole idea of FANaticism. Not only for the admirers of SRK but the movie 'FAN' is also a treat for every fanatic person,one who devoted to a particular persona from any field. It seemed good as a film but great as a SRK fan. And Mr. Khan aces his on-screen dual characters with ease. Thank You Shah Rukh Khan for gifting a worth-cherishing film after a long time.

"Khel Khel Mein,Khel Khel Ki,Khel Khel Yeh aa Jayega...Haar Jeet Se,Haar Jeet Ki,Jeet Haar Sikhayega...Khel Khel Mein......!!!"

Despite the flaws,the film offers a good climax. But,the presence of too much songs ruined the creepy flavour of the film.I think,the story demanded more sharp direction.There are some basic faults in the movie.And twits are predictable after a certain point of time. On the contrary, It posses usually brilliant acting from the Legendary BIG & Farhan Akhtar. Neil Nitin sparked in his brief on-screen presence. Good film. It would have been better.Rather I should say,it has been played well but failed to Checkmate the audience.

"When there is a storm, And you stand in front of a tree, If you look at it's branches, you swear it will fall, But if you watch the trunk, you will see it's stability." ... Not a so-called 'perfect' movie. But, I really liked the film,mostly the way of it's story-telling & on-screen execution. Brutal,Dark,creepy & engaging. What else to be needed in an Adventurous Thriller! This recent venture of Birdman's director Alejandro González Iñárritu has lots of reasons to be loved. It has been an enthralling journey with Mr. Hugh Glass (the prime character,portrayed by DiCaprio) & the rush of adrenaline has been felt many times. Another Recognition-demanding performance by the AWESOME Leonardo DiCaprio.Tom Hardy in the negative character has been treat to watch. Background score is well-suited to the theme of the film.

SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI !!! __/\__ The man who is one of those rare modern directors who firmly believe that film direction is a piece of Art. Baring Saawariya(I didn't watch) & Ram Leela(I didn't like), he directed some renowned Masterclass films like Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black & Guzaarish. Almost all of his directorial had a touch of sheer crafts-work which is worthy to be praised a lot. BAJIRAO MASTANI is also not an exceptional in that perimeter. The ravishing & well-decorated set, spectacular cinematography, brilliance on-screen performances, soulful music, gritty dialogues, creepy story-line & mostly the touch of that mythical direction of the craftsman himself, the one & only SLB. FANTASTIC! (y) Discussing about a historical period drama which is one of my most favourite genres, two criteria are very important. 1) How did that period drama manipulate with the actual events in history? & 2) How many over-the-top scenes are there in that drama?

And I must say that SLB's recent directorial venture succeeded in the 2nd perimeter as only 1 or 2 over-the-top scenes are there in the film. & those can be obviously excused as period drama can be 'Larger than life' at times. & For the the 1st criteria which is bit controversial as many people are saying that Kashibai couldn't dance because of her diseases. Nevertheless, excluding that part, the whole scenario of that period of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I & his love for Mastani of Rajputana clan has been executed perfectly, IMO. Stepping way ahead of his contemporary actors, Mr. Ranveer Singh did a remarkable job which will be remembered for a long time. Miss Deepika Padukone is continuing to shine film by film. Her screen presence was a treat to eyes. But, expectedly, comparatively more experienced Miss Priyanka Chopra stood tall as she has been the soul of the film not only for her screen presence but also for her character which is quite difficult to portray & SLB has chosen the right person for the role, which proved as a master stroke! Tanvi Azmi as Bajirao's mother sparkled among the rests.

On a nutshell, SLB's Bajirao Mastani is a Grandiose creation which reminiscing the flavour of his previous cinematic colossal like Devdas or Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. If you a fanatic of Good cinematic creation, then it is surely your 'cup of Tea'. Just loved it !

P.S.: Thanks Torrentz for letting me know that I should definitely go for this film at theaters.

GOSH! CE,HNY & this one. 3rd in a row.

Dear Shah Rukh Khan Sir, You are a gem of an actor.You truly are. Exceptions are always high from you. But, as an admirer of your acting,I want you to see you in some sensible films rather than these useless movies.Last Classic from you was in 2010 as My Name Is Khan.Though,Don 2 can be considered marginally.Hopefully, the upcoming FAN & Raees will satisfy me ! ... Coming to the film, Unexpectedly,Rohit Shetty changed his directorial pattern & tried to pour some story & logic in his recently released directorial venture which has been expectedly concluded with the term of "One time watch". The two gigantic monuments in the history of Indian film industry & their renowned heart-warming chemistry went waste due to lack of proper execution & typical monotonous story-line of Revenge,Betrayal & Love. I think, Indian cine-goers have been moved way forward now-a-days to see those romantic couple dance in colourful dresses among yellow tulip flowers or some hill areas with the backdrop of beautiful sunset or to tolerate boring family drama. 1st half was decent but second half was thoroughly disappointing & charmless. After the 1st twist, the whole scenario of the film was crystal clear. Action scenes were superb, I have to admit. Comedy scenes seemed raffle & worthless. Even That USP of a Rohit Shetty film i.e. 'Entertainment' was very much missing in that film. Nevertheless, its a collaboration of "King of Entertainment" & "King of Bollywood" along with the presence of historical 'SRK- Kajol' pair. & it has been entitled with the name Dilwale. So, I should use Heart more rather than to use my Brain. Hahahah!!!

P.S.: Thanks torrent for saving my money.

Generally,there are three types of audience for any Movie,Serial or any kind of show. 1) Who have actually watched & liked it. 2) Who have actually watched & did not like it. & 3) Who have not watched it but unnecessarily denouncing the particular movie or serial or the show on the basis of the reviews of those who did not like it. I think,for this particular film entitled as 'Tamasha', the 3rd type of audience are available in large portion. I've absolutely no problem with those who did not like this film after watching it.Opinion differs from person to person & also the thinking & mindset. And moreover,This very film is not Everyone's Cup of Tea.So,liking & disliking both can be justified at times. But, if you've not watch this film yet & you are still talking rubbish about this, you are a nothing but a MORON. I mean it !

Thank You Imtiaz Ali Sir for giving me & some of us a real modern day ‪masterpiece. Yea,MASTER PIECE! At least, I feel it & I don't want to argue with those who did not like even after watching it. Words fail in describing the chemistry between ‪Ranbir Kapoor‬ & Deepika Padukone. Probably their best,even better than YJHD. Intense story-line, Out of the Box concept, Brilliant on-screen performances, Superb direction & Screenplay, Legendary A.R. Rahman's Music & background score,Irshad Kamil's perfect lyrics............ A combo pack of Cinematic brilliance ! Its like a Vintage Wine. If you start to drink it,you will not find any taste of it but, as your drinking process will go on slowly, your feel for it will rise gradually. I wish I would seen this film at theater.

Realistic,Touching,Brutal n a Well made War film.A Soulful tribute to the USA SEAL Force members who led the Operation Red Wings regarding the USA- Taliban war.The most notable n appreciable part of this film is it showed some good shades of the Afghans.Moreover their 2000 years old code of honor called Pashtunwali n most remarkably their daily struggle against the Terrorist Talibani troops. Kudos to director Peter Berg n the whole cast n crew of the film.Mark Wahlberg is the obvious choice for a war film.And Its not the exceptional one too.As usual,he gave his best.Eric Bana is always a pleasure on screen.Nice Movie.Treat to Watch.

It will be my sheer audacity if I criticize this #Masterpiece.Moreover,I think I should get some time to recover myself as I has just awe stricken by the zenith level of it's creation.As far I concern, this type of films hardly to be found in B-Town! This film Deals with a Philosophical Paradox which sounds boring n yeah, its boring but I must say,if you watch the movie thoroughly,you can never find a single fault in the whole film n the climax which has punched the 3 beautiful tales together will surely give you an immense pleasure in your soul n mind! Kudos to the whole Cast n crew of this film.It consists of some marvelous works of Cinematography n a Superb art of Direction Take A Bow Anand Gandhi Sir.You truly made a gem.Respect to Kiran Rao for producing n encouraging this film. Ship Of Theseus definitely sails on my heart.Loved it to the core Treat to watch!

Its Unfortunate for us that a perfectly made revolutionary Indian film like this went underrated n less hyped.This film is definitely way better than most other melodramatic movies based on Indian Freedom Movememt.This very film consists of the last phase of Indian Freedom Struggle.A soulful tribute to our beloved MasterDa i.e. Surya Kumar Sen,1st Female Martyr of Indian National Movement Pritilata Waddedar,Nirmal Sen etc. n their freedom struggle including revolutionary Chittagong Armoury Raid (1930 AD) n Pahartali European Club Attack(1932 AD).but,this Patriotic drama film mainly focused on the life of Subodh Roy,the youngest rebel to send Andaman for imprisonment n later he lead the Tebhaga Uprising (1945 AD) against the British in Bengal.I convey immense respect to all of them.Hats Off to the director Mr.Bedabrata Pain,Producer Anurag Kashyap n all the cast n crew specially including Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rajkumar Rao n that young boy who played young Subodh Roy n all others for making such an Inspiring,Strong n Remarkable film in every aspects! What a film! Splendid! Loved it to the core.

Pants down and Palms up!...A well directed cocktail by the 'Munnabhai' series famed director RajKumar Hirani,consists of good Humour n a social message,feel-good movie with a perfect entertainment quotient but somehow this very film failed to be called as a 'Masterpiece'...!!! ... *DIRECTION: We all know that Mr. Hirani always brings something new to his film...& this time he did not disappoint us too...Though the film is based on the fiction "Five Point Someone" of Chetan Bhagat,the film has its selfness due to it's awesome direction...!!! 8/10 ... * STORY: May the structure of the story remains unchanged but majority of the subplots n contexts were rewritten as the prime storyline which differs it from the original book-version of it n few of those changes seemed unnecessary n impractical to make it as a Film version with some Desi flavor of 'Five Point Someone'...! 8/10 ... * SCREENPLAY & Editing: Screenplay with new reformed storyline consists of some delectable 'idiotgiri',juvenile humors n tear-shedding moments but problem is that the core message got hammered out sometimes on the basis of Reality vs. 'Reel'ity...! Editing was good...! 7/10 ... * ACTING: Its the strongest part of the film!...Its a curious n eventful journey about 3 Friends who got admidmssion to a reputed Engineering College n all the threes were shared equal spaces on screen...So, its difficult to choose the main Protagonist...!!! Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan did another memorable n well apprising performance as Rancho... Sharman Joshi sparked as Raju n i think he spent most time on screen with his spontaneous appearance... R.Madhavan as Farhan did an excellent job as well as a narrator n also an actor... Kareena Kapoor was always a pleasure... Omi Vaidya did an amazing debut to the B-Town portraying the character of Chatur (Silencer)... Others were perfect at their roles but the Antagonist Boman Irani was the best among all....He Viru Sahastrabuddhe a.k.a. 'Virus' stood out in every criteria of shades of acting n impressed the audience most...IMO, the character of Javed Jaffrey went impractial sometimes...! 10/10 ... * MUSIC: This film shines with it's melodious n lovely Music composed by Shantanu Mukherjee... 'Jaane Nahin Denge Tujhe', 'Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh' n 'Zoobi Doobi' are my personal favorites... 10/10 ... In a country where students are driven to suicide by their impossible curriculum, 3 Idiots provides hope. Maybe cinema can't save lives. But cinema, sure as hell, can make you feel life is worth living...& this is the significance of the film...But, the message "Success nahi,Excellence k piche bhago" did not seem realistic at all n unable to accommodate with our modern Education system as well as our daily life...! .... Anyway, Kudos to the whole team of the film for giving us a gripping,entertaining,humorous Comedy film with some good messages...A movie to be cherished for refreshing everyone's mind... Good one n treat to watch it! ..... Rating: 8/10 Must watch!