Phoonk - Review
The makers of the film had organized a contest. You'd be given a handsome reward if you've the courage to watch PHOONK all alone in a theatre, we're told. Honestly speaking, PHOONK isn't scary by any standards, but as a subject, it works big time because somewhere deep within us, we've heard of the power of the unknown.
Whether you're superstitious or not, you may've heard tales/experiences concerning jaadu tona. And you're all eyes and ears the moment someone comes up with an alibi.
PHOONK is easily amongst RGV's finest works [although BHOOTH was scarier] and it holds your attention all through. As a viewer, you're keen to know how RGV would culminate this story. The culmination, of course, would meet with extreme reactions. Some would rubbish it, but the believers might endorse the finale. In my individualistic opinion, it's outstanding!
All said, PHOONK is a fantastic experience. The subject -- black magic -- is its biggest star and that alone would ensure House Full boards outside plexes/cinemas.
Thanks to the hype and curiosity generated around the movie, you expect to be scared from Scene 1 itself. And RGV emphasises on lighting and artefacts, besides an eccentric woman [Ashwini Kalsekar], to create the right atmosphere.
Of course, you do get the jhatkas in a scene or two, but you don't clasp your hands tightly even once, nor does your heart goes dhak-dhak at a lightening speed. Gradually, RGV plays with the camera [excellent camerawork by Savita Singh] and sound [Kunal Mehta, Parikshit Lalwani] to heighten the impact. Like all RGV films, the camera angles bear the unmistakable RGV stamp, while the background score [Bapi-Tutul] takes an ordinary scene to the next level.
RGV is back with a bang. There's a certain consistency from start to end and this time, he gets the right subject to prove his detractors wrong. Every sequence bears the stamp of a genius that RGV is, hits and flops notwithstanding.
On the whole, PHOONK is a fascinating cinematic experience on a subject that's rarely tackled by the dream merchants in Bollywood: Black magic. The subject itself is the biggest star of the film, which would ensure a flying start at the box-office and in turn, prove a jackpot for its producers who've distributed the film themselves.
Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag - Review
Comparisons with SHOLAY are obvious and one presumes, RGV knew it all along that's he's bound to feel the heat by those who swear by SHOLAY. To give the credit where it's due, RGV remains faithful to the classic, not once does he deviate from the plot, not once does he twists facts… you know exactly what to expect and where the story is heading.
Jai, Veeru, Thakur, Basanti and above all Gabbar are characters that attained cult status over the years, especially Gabbar. RAMGOPAL VARMA KI AAG does justice to those characters, especially Gabbar, who wore a sinister look on his face all the while. Terror has a new name now. It's Babban!
Shortcomings? Oh yes! The romantic track, involving Ajay - Nisha Kothari, is a yawn. To be more specific, the by-now-famous 'suicide' sequence doesn't work. Prior to that, Prashant and Sushmita's meeting with Nisha's parents to seek her hand in marriage for Ajay also falls flat. Besides, this is not for the faint-hearted who detest violent films. RAMGOPAL VARMA KI AAG is sure to give them hiccups.
To cut a long story short, the comparisons with SHOLAY will tell on RAMGOPAL VARMA KI AAG.
Nobody has ever seen him and if they did, they didn't survive to tell the tale. But one man believed in his existence. And that is Inspector Narsimha [Mohanlal], who has a single-minded determination to finish Babban.
RAMGOPAL VARMA KI AAG is SHOLAY, yet different. Sure, the story is the same, but the setting and interpretation of the story are different, very contemporary. As a storyteller, the RGV stamp is visible in a couple of sequences. Note Bachchan's spine-chilling introduction. Nisha's introductory sequence also makes you break into a chuckle. The Sachin episode that gives birth to a bitter enmity is tremendous. The sequence outside the courtroom [Bachchan - Mohanlal face off] is remarkable. Bachchan avenging his brother's death by eliminating Mohanlal's family is terrifying…
After a riveting first half, the pace suddenly slackens in the post-interval portions. Courtesy: The prem kahani. These scenes are far from exciting and only add to the length of the film. In fact, the second hour should be judiciously trimmed by at least 20/25 minutes so that the events unfold at a feverish pace.
Amit Roy's cinematography is outstanding. Note the scene when Bachchan plays with an apple and simply watch the movement of the camera. Awesome! Dialogues [Sajid-Farhad] are in sync with the mood of the film. Besides, the writers haven't lifted any of those legendary lines ['Kine aadmi thhe?', 'Soja, warna Gabbar aa jaayega', 'Yeh haath mujhe de-de Thakur'], but provide interesting alternatives. Action scenes [Pradhyumna] cater more to the desi audiences. Do not expect the MATRIX stunts here!
Bachchan as Babban is exemplary. The veteran has portrayed a variety of roles in his illustrious career: Vijay in ZANJEER, Vijay in DEEWAAR, Jai in SHOLAY, Anthony Gonsalves in AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY, Don/Vijay in DON, Vijay in TRISHUL, Sikandar in MUQADDAR KA SIKANDAR, Vijay Dinanath Chavan in AGNEEPATH, Baadshah Khan in KHUDA GAWAH, DCP Anant in KHAKEE, Debraj Sahai in BLACK, Sarkar in SARKAR and Eklavya in EKLAVYA. Now add Babban to this enviable list!
On the whole, RAMGOPAL VARMA KI AAG has a strong first half, but a lengthy and violent second half plays a spoilsport. At the box-office, the film will find the going tough in the wake of its comparisons with the mighty SHOLAY. Its dull opening coupled with uninspiring publicity [the posters/billboards give an impression of an outdated film] will make a dent in its prospects.
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Born in upper middle class of Bombay Suburbs, Abhay is bratty, quick witted, very independent and only child of his parents. He has an absolute belief in his ability to tackle any situation, though his lack of practical experience may contradict such a claim. He turns his charm on in a jiffy, eases his way out with a smile and makes people believe in him. He believes in loyalty and forms very strong bonds.
Nisha Kothari as Vasundhra Dave
Neighbor of Abhay comes from a similarly affluent background. Pretty and knows it, naïve and does not know it. Sweet natured and really does not mind Abhay pulling her leg. She tries to pay back in same coin and succeeds mainly because of unbelievable simplicity in her way of thinking. Has utmost belief is in her relation with Abhay and she has never tried to question it. She has a romantic streak in her and believes in chocolates and flowers.
Rajpal Yadav as Kay Jagtap Tiwari
A chameleon like conman who believes that he can con anyone at anytime, this belief leads to his downfall more often than not. His cons are swashbuckling and his appearance in constant makeover. He tries to reinvent himself into a new character everyday. What he does not know yet is that it is cagier to con him than him conning anyone else.
Kay Kay Menon as Nagesh Rao
Through years of his service serving justice he has lost out on his sense of right and wrong. There is deep seated bitterness and resentment that his honesty and ability has not been recognized or rewarded. A ticking time bomb and he is about to change his tracks.
Ravi Kale as Arjun Patil
From son of a primary school teacher in rural Chandarpur to Chief Minister of Maharashtra it has been long and arduous journey for Arjun Patil. Now he has got the power and he would do anything to keep it. He knows the art of politics and understands the culpability of power.
Discretion is second nature to him and backstabbing a habit which he has developed through his meteorically rise in power.
Ranga is a gun for hire, he has been in service for Arjun Patil for quiet a few years and he has a grudge that his loyalty has never been rewarded. Simple minded and very dangerous, he is not really pursued by logic or morality.
SYNOPSIS
Tow lovers, Abhay & Vasu run away from home, little realizing that they will run into a whole bunch of colourful characters including: a rogue cop, a mean killer, a crafty conman and a chief minister who kills his own deputy. As the stakes get higher and the chase picks up, it’s up to Abhay to save the day. It’s a racy story which constantly collides with heady action, super scares and compelling humor. It’s a full speed entertainment right from the word GO!
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The going is good. Till his girlfriend shocks him with the news that she is pregnant. Aditya is cornered. He has to confess to her that he cannot leave his wife as he has been promising her all along. His girlfriend is devastated. She flies into a rage. A brutal fight ensues, in which she accidentally dies.
Terrified, Aditya disposes of her body and returns home, thinking that the worst is behind him. But he couldn’t be more wrong. For the nightmare has only just begun. His wild girlfriend is back as a ghost. And she will stop at nothing till she gets her revenge…
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