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Bavathi (2019)
A GRIPPING DEBUT
First and foremost, I want to congratulate first-time writer-director Ilyaas Waheed for his above par effort to bring a movie not only dealing with an ominous subject but presenting it with such a never before seen visual flair and style. His work as a writer and a director is promising and deeply felt. Our film industry has found a force to be reckoned with.
This film also marks as the first Dhivehi psychological thriller that focuses mainly on the psychosis of the protagonist and delving deep into a few clinical practices used in psychology. It's a slow burner, though. But once it starts to simmer and comes to a full boil, it's an experience both spine-chilling and thought-provoking.
The narrative is hard to explain without spoilers. But I say this much, it's surprisingly imaginative. In most part, there are glimmers of brilliance in Ilyas' writing and directing. And it's the way he peels off the narrative layer by layer using beautiful and sometimes creepy visuals mixed with intense drama that stands out. For a first-timer, I say he is impressive.
Nuzhath Shuaib has established herself as one of the most versatile actors in the local film industry today, showing her acting prowess in a vast range of roles. It's not surprising that she accomplished her stardom in such a short span of time. Here, her performance, which is evenly balanced with restraint and nuance, will put her a notch above the rest. She plays an alienated woman who begins to experience strange occurrences around her once she relocates to Male' after marrying a fitness trainer she meets from her island.
As the narrative progresses, she keeps raising the level of her performance as her life starts spiralling both physically and mentally to a point where her reality becomes blurry. In some sequences, she made me disconcerting and in one pivotal scene, gasping for air even.
However, its at the climax where she bites to the bone of her meaty role showing her acting brilliance with aplomb. It's a role that any actor would die for. But she made her performance so convincingly powerful that it's hard to imagine anyone else in it. I am her biggest fan now.
My admiration goes to all the newcomers in the cast, especially Ahmed Ifnaz Firag and Fathimath Latheefa. The former plays the fitness trainer that Nuzhath marries who is not only sympathetic, he's likeable and will stop at nothing to protect the love of his life. And the latter plays Nuzhath's uncompromising mother. For their debut, both give decent performances.
Even though veteran actor Mohamed Rasheed appears briefly, his role is crucial to the narrative and heavily supports the new actors. He gives assurance to them.
One of the highlights and in my opinion, also an essential character in this movie is the visual effects combined seamlessly into the narrative. I applaud Orkeyz, the VFX and the technical team behind this film to bring the unique vision of Ilyas to the screen with such finesse. If my memory serves me right, no other Dhivehi film to date has used visual effects so extensively, if not effectively as this.
Kandi Visan's cinematography is another plus. The way he has set the mood elevates the mystery and the creepiness around Nuzhath. And the long tracking shots used sparingly are lively and a joy to watch.
Regardless of how much technical effort employed, a film is soulless without music. This is where Mistee, the music composer shines. After a praiseworthy composition for Illnoise, Hahdhu and the recent blockbuster, Gohraalhu, he has done it again. Unlike the previous films, which are of contrasting genres as well, he has composed a piece of brooding and moody music that's so fitting to the sensitive theme of this film. It's at times heart-pounding too.
In short, this film shines in all the filmmaking departments. For a film from a first timer, it's technically good and well-performed by the entire cast with a gripping narrative. Highly recommended.
Thugs of Hindostan (2018)
A well balanced entertainer all the way
Thugs of Hindostan is an all-out entertainer that left me hooked throughout its running time. The narrative well-paced, sets grandeur, action sequences slick and the performance by the principal cast top notch. What else one expects from a film that has Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan?
As the movie progressed, I was impatiently waiting for Amitabh and Aamir to cross paths for the first time onscreen. And when they did, I had goosebumps. It was truly a moment to behold. Knowing the nature of both their characters in the movie and the situation when they meet, the heart-pounding tension I felt was a bonus. The cross talk they exchanged whenever they meet was pure magic. Kudos to writer-director Vijay Krishna for the brilliant screenplay.
The well-staged action and above par art direction only play second fiddle to the masterful acting by both Amitabh and Aamir. I would like to throw Fatima Sana into the mix too. While Amitabh gives a poised performance as Khudabaksh, a freedom fighter who is well focused on his objectives, Aamir Khan has fun with Firangi, a devious, chameleon-like character who always kept me guessing. He twists and turns the table at the most unexpected instances. Fatima as Zafira, an expert with bows and arrows, who is hell-bent on freeing herself from her inner wounds also gives a noteworthy performance.
Sadly, the only weakest link in this movie is Suraiya played by Katrina Kaif. She's only there to perform a few item songs. But every other aspect in this movie makes up for it.
Englishman, Lloyd Owen as Clive, the main villain talking to his fellow Englishmen in Hindi is a real downer. If only director Vijay came up with a creative device like shifting their lingo from English to Hindi within one shot. But overall Vijay handles this historical epic steadily steering it to a rousing finale.
I have a feeling this film will break records easily. Highly recommended.
Vikram Vedha (2017)
A thought provoking film
Vikram Vedha is one of the best crime/ drama/ thrillers I have ever seen, English films included. This compelling film left me on the edge of my seat throughout its running time and after the final credits rolled up, made me seriously think about right and wrong.
Vikram, convincingly played by Madhavan is a ruthless encounter cop who believes he knows what is good or bad as clearly as day and night until he meets Vedha, the criminal he has been assigned to bring down at any cost. Once they meet begins a battle of wits and wills making Vikram question his very own conscience.
Vijay Sethupathi easily steals the show as Vedha, an aging criminal with a richly nuanced performance. His introduction is so memorable. As the film delves deeper into his character, even I was forced to change my whole perspective about him, just like it did to Vikram in the film. Kudos to the intelligent and taut screenplay that captivated me into the twist and turning mind games played between Vikram and Vedha. It's just a treat to watch the intense interplay between Madhavan and Vijay from start to finish. And how often in a film have we rooted both the protagonist and the antagonist and made us wonder who is who?
This gem is brilliantly written and directed by husband and wife, Pushkar and Gayatri. This film stands out in every aspect of filmmaking. A rare masterpiece and a must see for everyone.
Pink (2016)
Realistic and gripping
PINK is a relevant cautionary tale, a wake-up call and a powerful social commentary that depicts the plight of women and their place in the Indian society. The first half of the film proceeds as a fast paced intense thriller while the second half as a riveting courtroom drama that left me chilled to my bones.
The entire cast gives admirable performances but the film belongs to Amithabh Bacchan as a veteran lawyer who returns from retirement to defend three helpless women with one charged for attempted murder. He is simply at his wicked best here. But Piyush Mishra as a ruthless prosecutor almost gives Amithabh a good run for his money.
The narrative is spellbinding thanks to a raw and a realistic screenplay. As for the direction, there isn't a false note in the direction of Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury. It's simply flawless.
This is a film not to be missed.
P.S. The title of the film is real food for thought.
Jalaibee (2015)
Crunchy, sweet and tantalizing
If you ever wondered if Pakistan makes stylish films in the tradition of Guy Ritchie or even Matthew Vaughn, then look no further. Jalaibee is the real treat. It's a caper crime thriller that will captivate you from its topsy turvy opening to its topsy turvy closing.
The plot revolves around two orphan friends who get tangled up big time with one complication after another in a desperate attempt to repay a debt they owe to the local mafia. At the same time two brothers exact revenge on the king of the said mafia. Things go haywire as more characters cross each others paths that leads to a roguish ending.
The score and the soundtrack are cool.The topnotch direction, the stellar cinematography and the wicked screenplay will make you forget the few shortcomings in the acting department.
Trivia, this was the first Pakistani film to be shot with an Arri Alexa. And yes, it also features a Ford Mustang 73.
This jalaibee is crunchy, sweet and tantalizing. Highly recommended for a bite.