MOVIE REVIEW: SIMRAN

In an industry so driven by star power, 2017 has been a breath of fresh air with prolific actors in supporting roles carrying the films on their shoulders. Films like Jolly LLB 2, Toilet Ek Prem Katha, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and Bareilly Ki Barfi has shown the strength of an ensemble cast and made the industry realize that film making is not a one man show. Going against this formula is Hansal mehta’s Simran- a film so obsessed with its lead actress that she is present in every frame of the film. While Queen had Lisa Haydon playing a great supporting part, in Simran the only supporting character you care for post the film is the friendly bartender in vegas, who has a two minute appearance.  The main supporting characters are all one note – the frustrated father, the emotionally fragile mother, the caring partner, the stereotypical colleagues and such caricaturish villians that it is hard to care for any of these people. And this is where Simran falters.

Simran is the story of Praful Patel (Kangana Ranaut), a 30 year old divorced woman who works as a cleaning staff in a hotel and dreams of buying her own house. On a trip to Vegas, when she loses all her money, she comes under a lot of debt and is forced to find newer ways of earning money. Hansal Mehta is known for making dark, gritty, doomed stories which are a reflection on the shambles of society. Shahid was about the hypocrisy of the justice system, Citylights about the brutality of migration, Aligarh on homophobia. Simran is a commentary on the lost American dream, the societal lookout on an independent Indian woman and the misplaced fear on brown people post 9/11.

These themes have been handled lightly and film has some genuinely funny scenes- especially one where she asks her parents about the upbringing of the mysterious robber or when she questions the society that her father is concerned about. But many of the funny moments have already been given out in the trailer. And that leaves us with many jokes which feel forced. The best scene in the film comes not from a comic moment but a serious one- when at a gas station, Praful’s card is declined and she frantically searches for cash in her bag. The desperation and anguish is done pitch perfectly and the film could have done with more of such dramatic moments. But the film struggles with identity crisis- it can’t seem to decide if it wants to be a comedy or a serious film and this is most evident in the second half when things become so absurd that you will find your eyes rolling.

                     

 

The film has its strengths- the cinematography by Anuj rakesh Dhawan which makes the film look beautiful- the arching shots of autumn colors and tall trees against the backdrop of the clear sky serve as a metaphor for freedom against Praful’s claustrophobic life. The background music has been used to good effect and the songs are pleasant, never coming in way of the narrative. In a move away from traditional Hansal Mehta films, the film is edited linearly and the film does not bore you for most part. But what Simran benefits from most is the acting by Kangana Ranaut, who nails her portrayal of the NRI Gujarati girl Be it the jarring accent or the innocence and charm Kangana manages to rise above the writing and make the film bearable. She is the only reason to buy a ticket for the film, but do remember this is no ‘Queen’!

Rating- 2.5 Stars

Movie Review: Shubh Mangal Saavdhan

When Shoojit Sarcar’s Vicky Donor came in 2012, it was lauded by everyone for tackling the narrative around sperm donation and infertility in a light hearted manner. Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, a remake of Tamil film Kalyana Samayal Saadham is also  a romantic comedy based on a quirky concept- erectile dysfunction. Vicky Donor worked not only because of the quirky premise but also because it was emotional, daring and in your face. Shubh Mangal makes the serious issue fun and comical but falters in taking the issue head on and striking a connect.

Shubh Mangal Saavdhan mocks how people don’t use the word sex, but never in its runtime of 120 minutes, does anyone mention the word “erectile dysfunction”- not even the doctor. The disorder is referenced in nudge and winks, by eye movements, by biscuits withering away but never by actually saying the word. Only at the end are we shown a book which is titled the Erectile Dysfunction, so as to clear the air lest people confuse between this and another penile disorder.

The film produced by Anand L Rai, is about the Great Indian Wedding- about a Delhi couple Mudit (Ayushmaan Khurrana) and Sugandha (Bhumi Pednekar) who fall in love and decide to get married. Their relationship hits a rough patch when days before their wedding, the couple discover that Mudit is unable to perform in bed. The film handles this serious issue comically with a lot of humour being derived from the interaction between the two families and characters. There is a running gag about the uncle asking to settle long due expenses with his brother, the kid brother getting beaten up for his cheekiness and Sugandha’s mother writing a poem about her honeymoon involving caves and arrows- all of these are hilarious and elevate the film. The film also has its share of poignant moments especially one where Sugandha tries to stretch her limits and takes Mudit to the park.

The first half of the film is easy and light hearted and hence flows smoothly, but the second half is jarred by clunky editing- there are scenes which make no sense- if they were meant to draw laughs they fall flat. The attack by the bear, the entire character of Mudit’s ex girlfriend, Mudit’s re-entry of his Baraat to please the bride, their going to a room to have sex- all of these seem lost on screen. I am still to get my head around that baffling climax involving bad CGI in the air and a special appearance that is just pointless. Thankfully, all this is packaged in less than 2 hours, and you will seldom be bored.

The inconsistent film is salvaged by great acting from its actors, esepcially the supporting cast. Although a fresh pairing could have worked better, both Bhumi Pednekar and Ayushmaan do justice to their roles. Seema Bhargava was a delight to watch in Bareilly Ki Barfi and she does not disappoint as Sugandha’s modern yet conservative mother. One of the film’s funniest moments has her reciting the poem she wrote on her honeymoon with caves and arrows as metaphors for the human body. Brijendra kala as the miser uncle also brings in a lot of laughs.

Shubh Mangal Saavdhan has its problems, but its heart is in the right place. It gives a beautiful message that love is more than just a physical attraction and being there for the other person in health and sickness. Just for this beautiful message and the moments of comic relief, which don’t let you be bored it is worth a watch.

Rating- 3 Stars

Oscar 2017 Predictions

The endless parade of red carpet looks, precursor prizes and long media campaigns will culminate in sealed envelopes voted by over 7000 members of the AMPAS (Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences) this Sunday. Oscar Voting ended on Tuesday and with this we come to the end of the long award season. This year the Academy has tried to redeem itself over the #OscarsSoWhite blemish with the most diverse set of nominees with 3 best picture nominees with black protagonists (Moonlight, Fences, Hidden Figures).

But will this be enough to make a political statement in Trump’s America? Ellen DeGeneres said in her 2014 opening monologue – “There are two possibilities in today’s ceremony – that 12 Years a Slave wins best picture, or that ‘you’re all racists”. This will be answered on Sunday night, when Oscar voters choose between an escapist musical and a personal take on society.

Until then here are my thoughts on who could be probable winners at the Oscars.

Best Picture- La La Land

Last year the Best Picture race was a three way fight between Revenant, Spotlight and the Big Short- with Spotlight narrowly winning. The 2017 award season also seemed to be going in a similar way in early December- between La La Land, Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight. The Golden Globe awards, often not taken seriously proved to be a major game changer this year. La La land broke the highest win record with 7 wins. Moonlight ousted Manchester By the Sea to win Best Movie (Drama) surging into the Oscar race with widespread support in the backdrop of the political situation in USA. La La Land seemed to be garnering a backlash with many not connecting with the film- It even failed to get a SAG Best Ensemble nomination.

Nevertheless, on Oscar nomination day, La La Land created another record- 14 nominations- the highest ever, along with Titanic and All about eve. But La la Land survived even the hiccup of Hidden Figures which not only won the SAG Best Film award but also beat La La Land at the US Box office. La La Land swept the guild awards where it took the top prize in every guild except WGA (Screenplay).

To understand the reason why there is such widespread support for La La Land across various guilds, we must understand who constitutes these guilds- it Is the people who make the movies- the actors, the directors, the writers, costume designers, cameramen, editors etc. Since all these people work in the Hollywood movie industry- they obviously want to see a film about their live.  And since La La Land has already won most of the guild awards, most of whom are also Oscar voters- it is very probable it will take the best picture.

I agree that a lot of people might not prefer La la land as the best film of 2016- some may have liked Moonlight more, some Hidden Figures or any other. But, Oscar uses a preferential voting- voters rank the films as per their preference and submit it. Even if most voters don’t have La La Land as their no. 1 choice, it is likely that they will have it as their 2^nd or 3^rd choice and that would be enough for La La land to take home the biggest prize.

Chance of Winning- 90% (Could Win- Moonlight)

Best Director- Damien Chazelle (La La Land)

No one can disagree with the fact that musicals in Hollywood are hell of a risk- they can go either way and if there is one person who brought all departments working in the film together to create a stunning piece of cinema, it is Damien Chazelle the director of la la Land. This prize belongs to him.

Chance of winning- 90% (Could win- Moonlight)

Best Actor- Casey Affleck (Manchester By The Sea)

It seemed like this award was Casey Affleck’s to win until the SAG happened. Backlash against Casey Affleck’s past allegations of rape has made two time winner Denzel Washington the new favorite for this award. Personally, I felt Denzel’s performance was too flashy and was very dialogue dependent. On the other hand Casey Affleck’s quiet, understated performance especially in the breakdown scene with Michelle Williams is my favorite performance of last year and it deserves the Oscar.

Chance of Winning- 55% (Could win- Casey Affleck)

Best Actress- Emma Stone (La La Land)

Natalie Portman may have given the year’s best act in Jackie but the Oscars aren’t just about who gave the best performance- it’s about a combination of love for the star and love for character.  The Academy loves to award young upcoming actresses with this award (Jennifer Lawrence, Brie Larson) and Emma Stone fits the bill perfectly. Not to forget that she is the definitive star of La La Land, the story revolves around her and the film is remembered for her ‘yellow dress’, her ‘Audition’ song and her choice at the end. Personally I would not mind Isabelle Huppert winning but Stone has already won the Globe, SAG and the BAFTA- she is almost a lock. This will make it the first time in 13 years that the Best Picture and Best Actress are for the same film.

Chance of Winning- 80% (Could win- Isabelle Huppert)

Best Supporting Actor- Mahershala Ali

He may not have been nominated at the Globes or he may not have the longest onscreen time but he has won the SAG and most voters still remember his dynamic speech at the SAG about Trump’s Travel ban.  Dev patel has become a recent favorite to win this after his BAFTA win, but even Harvey Weinstein can’t take this away from Moonlight.

Chance of Winning- 70% (Could Win- Dev Patel)

Best Supporting Actress- Viola Davis

Two words, Viola Davis. End of discussion.

Chance of Winning- Are you kidding me?

Best Original Screenplay- Manchester By the Sea

Manchester by the sea is a beautiful film and the fluidity with which the narrative unfolds deserves this win. La La land may be skilfully made, but everyone agrees it was a light film, yes even in the last 20 minutes.

Chance of Winning- 80% (Could Win- La La Land)

Best Adapted Screenplay – Moonlight

Arrival won Adapted Screenplay at the WGA, but there Moonlight was nominated for Original Screenplay. Although Moonlight may win in this category at the Oscars, Arrival would give it a fight for sure.

Chance of Winning- 70% (Could Win- Arrival)

Best Animated Feature – Zootopia

A Disney movie talking about racial discrimination with a female lead. And earning a Billion Dollars worldwide. How can this not win? For people supporting The Red Turtle, Sorry I can’t watch a dialogue-less animated film.

Chance of Winning- 90% (Could Win- Kubo and Two Strings)

Best Foreign language Film- The Salesman

It’s interesting how Toni Erdman fell off the lead and Iran’s Salesman became the reply Oscar voters wanted to give Trump for his travel ban for 7 Muslim countries. I am yet to see the film, but Asghar Farhadi has never disappointed me.

Chance of Winning- 60% (Toni Erdman)

Best Original Song- City of Stars, La La Land

In 2014, songwriter Robert Lopez became the youngest EGOT winner after winning an Oscar for Frozen’s ‘Let It Go’. This year thanks to another Disney film, Moana, Lin-Manuel Miranda is up for his EGOT. But it’s unlikely that he will win it over the one song La La Land has been promoting all over – City of Stars. Unless La la land splits its vote over two of its nominated songs and Moana wins.

Chance of Winning- 65% (How Far I’ll Go, Moana)

Other Awards- 

Best Score – La La land (Could Win- Jackie)

Best Costume Design – La La Land (Could win- Jackie)

Best Editing- La La Land (Could win- Arrival)

Best Cinematography- La La Land (Could Win- Arrival)

Best Production Design- La La Land (Could Win- Arrival)

Best Sound Editing- La La Land (Could Win- Hacksaw Ridge)

Best Sound Mixing- La La Land (Could Win- Hacksaw Ridge)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling- Star Trek (Could Win- A man called Ove)

Best Visual Effects- The Jungle Book (Could Win- Rogue One)

Best Documentary- O.J. Made in America (Could Win- 13^th)

Best Animated Short- Piper (Could win- Borrowed Time)

The Oscars 2017 will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. See you at the Oscars!

 

 

Ten Months Too Soon – Oscar Predictions 2017

I know what you must be thinking. Didn’t the Oscars just end. Who tries to predict the Oscars in April, 10 months in advance. Well, Movies keep coming throughout the year without a break and hence The Award Season never halts. Sundance is already over. Cannes and Tribecca are lined up in the next two months.

Trailers are coming out each day and it’s time we try to separate the best from the good and try to predict which of these could land up at the Oscars 2017. Expect Martin Scorcese, Ang Lee, Michael Keaton, David Oyelowo, Jessica Chastain, Michelle Williams and a lot of familiar faces in addition to the breakout stars. Don’t get Star Struck. Here are the films you can expect to see next year at Oscars 2017.

The Birth of A Nation

When this film premiered at Sundance earlier this year, it blew everyone away. Such was the acclaim that it went on to win the top prize and also clinched a historical deal with Fox SearchLight for $17.5 Mn. With the trailer which debuted yesterday, expect it to sweep the Oscars after the #OscarsSoWhite controversy gripping the Academy this year.

The film is written, produced, and directed by Nate Parker, who also stars as Nat Turner, a slave boy who learns the Bible and when given an opportunity of a preaching tour uses the Bible to start the biggest slave revolt in American History. (Trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezWiUTXB11A)

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 9/10

Silence

Directed by Martin Scorcese, Need I Say more? His last 5 films have been The Wolf of Wall Street, Hugo, Shutter Island, Departed and The Aviator. And with a December release consider this a lock for the Best Picture race. Set in Japan, the story is about two Jesuit priests from Portugal who face persecution when they travel to Japan to spread Christ’s message. The priests are played by Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver, with Liam Neeson as their mentor.

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 9/10

Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk

Ang Lee, an Oscar favourite, winning Best Director for both of his past two films Life of Pi and Brokeback Mountain is back with a war drama comedy based on Ben Fountain’s award-winning novel. It’s a story told from the point of view of 19 year old private Billy Lynn who along with a group of soldiers from the Iraq war reveal what actually happened in the Iraq battle featuring a Football game. Although the lead is a newcomer Joe Alwyn but the supporting cast has the likes of Kristen Stewart, Steve Martin and Vin Diesel. Steve martin is expected to finally win after his 3 hosting stints. Expect this to do well in technical categories as well and maybe this will even win Ang Lee his first Best Picture.

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 8/10

The Founder

Both the 2015 and 2016 Oscar Best Picture films starred Michael Keaton (Birdman and Spotlight). In Founder, Keaton plays Ray Kroc, an Illinois salesman who meets the brothers Mac and Dick McDonald, operating a hamburger restaurant in southern California in the 1950s. Kroc subtly manoeuvres himself into a position to take control of their company, buys it and makes it one of the most famous brands in the world- McDonalds. Laura Dern plays Keaton’s wife. Directed by Jon Lee of The Blind Side.

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 7/10

Sully

Clint Eastwood + Tom Hanks. Just give it the Oscar already. Tom Hanks plays American pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who saves 155 passengers abroad his plane by heroically landing on the Hudson River. No one expected American Sniper to win 6 nominations at the 2014 ceremony, similarly Sully should benefit from Clint Eastwood’s reputation and Tom Hank’s popularity.

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 7/10

Manchester by the Sea

Another winner from Sundance, this one is a family drama which has been getting unprecedented acclaim for Casey Affleck, who has to return to Manchester by the Sea after the death of his brother. Michelle Williams also stars as Casey’s bitter, brittle ex-wife and Kyle Chandler as Casey’s brother. I am expecting a lot of acting nominations in addition to the Screenplay and Dialogue. If it can carry its momentum it could well get a Best Picture nod.

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 6/10

A United Kingdom

The film tells the epic love story of Prince Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), heir to the throne of Botswana who shocked the world after marrying a white British Bank clerk Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike) in the late 1940s. Forced to renounce the throne after marrying Rosamund, he returns back when the country’s economy falters. With powerful actors, expect this to get acting nominations and a Best pic nom isn’t outrageous.

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 6/10

The Light Between Oceans

Acclaimed director Derek Cianfrance, (Blue Valentine, A place beyond the Pines) is back with a tearjerker set after WW1 about love and sacrifice. An Australian lighthouse keeper (Michael Fassbender) and his wife (Alicia Vikander) find a baby girl stranded near the beach and adopt the girl. Some years later their world turns upside down when they meet a woman (Rachel Weisz) who claims she lost her child at the same time when they found the girl. If the trailer is any indication, the cinematography, music and acting should see nominees. (Trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk7yw00a4fs)

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 6/10

Promise

Helmed by the director of Hotel Rwanda, this is an epic love triangle between a medical student (Oscar Issac), an American journalist (Christian bale) based in Paris and a sophisticated woman. The story will take place in the final days of the Ottoman Empire, which was dissolved by the World War allies in 1922. Christian Bale is an Oscar favourite and after upsets in form of Inside Lewyn Davis, A most violent year and Ex-Machina, Will this be the film that finally gets Oscar Issac his nomination?

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 6/10

The Zookeeper’s Wife

Schindler’s list won the Best Picture for Schindler’s efforts to save the Jews from the Nazi army. This one tells the true story of Antonina Żabińska, the wife of the Warsaw Zookeeper in the late 1930s who saved the lives of Jews fleeing the Nazis by hiding them in animal cages. Jessica Chastain plays the titular role and we can safely presume a Best Actress nod for her.

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 5/10

Loving

This drama from Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter (2011), Mud (2012) and Midnight Special (2016)) is the most talked about film at Cannes this year.The story is about the interracial marriage of Mildred and Richard Loving, following which the couple was sentenced to prison in Virginia in 1958. This landmark 1967 civil rights case Loving v. Virginia resulted in the legalization of interracial marriages in America.

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 5/10

La-La Land

This one can go any way as past musicals have done and its Summer release isn’t making a case for it either. But Damien Chazelle’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated “Whiplash cnnot be out of the race completely. The story is about a jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) who falls for an aspiring actress (Emma Stone).

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 4/10

Jackie

In an election year, Natalie Portman plays Jackie Kennedy, wife of ex President John F Kennedy. The film will recount the days of Jackie right after the assassination of JFK in 1963. After Naomi Watts failed to win any applause for Diana and Nicole Kidman’s Grace of Monaco opened to bad reviews, I doubt if this will reach Best Picture, but if it’s any good, expect a best Actress Nomination for Natalie.

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 3/10

Lion

This Harvey Weinstein backed film tells the story of an Indian kid (Dev Patel) who searches for his parents after being adopted by an Australian couple. Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara also star in this film.

Chances of Best Picture nomination- 3/10

The list doesn’t end here. There are more films like

Passengers
The romantic space thriller starring Chris Pratt and Jlaw. Blockbusters usually don’t get the Oscar acclaim.

Weightless
Terrence Malik directs this romantic thriller starring Christian Bale and Natalie Portman. The film has voice overs by Ryan Gosling, Cate blanchett, Rooney Mara, Michael fassbender. But there are concerns if this will release in 2016.

Queen of Katwe
David Oyelowo also co-stars in this biopic of Ugandan-born world chess champion Harriet Mutesi, played by LupitaNyong’o, Oscar winner for “12 Years a Slave.

Florence Foster Jenkins
Meryl Streep is playing the alleged worst singer of all time. Maybe a nomination for Streep, but no way Best Picture. Directed by Stephen Frears and co-starring Hugh Grant.

Nocturnal Animals – A drama starring Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kim Basinger, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Michael Shannon, Isla Fisher, and Armie Hammer.

Collateral Beauty
An amazing cast led by Will Smith, Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, Edward Norton, Michael Peña, and Naomie Harris. But again it will be more of a box office wonder than awards darling

Hacksaw Ridge
A world war drama directed by Mel Gibson. Given the hate for Mel gibson currently in Hollywood, the film looks like a hard sell to the Academy.

Snowden
Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays ex- CIA agent Edward Snowden.

The Girl on the Train

Helmed by Tate Taylor who directed The Help back in 2011, this has potential. But, not every film can be Gone Girl.

Looking at all the expected frontrunners, the Oscars next year again seem to be heavily skewed toward drama, wars, biographies and emotional films. One thing that’s certain we shall many faces of color walking the red carpet next year. This list shall obviously be altered when smaller indies get noticed at the various film festivals throughout the rest of the year. There will be more films like Precious, Selma and Beasts of the Southern Wild which have not been noticed yet. And there shall be some in this list which will open to awful reviews at and shall lose the steam off in the race. The Award season shall officially begin in September. Until then keep a lookout for more Oscary stuff. See you at the movies!