Delhi 6

Delhi-6
India (2009)
Starring:  Waheeda Rehman, Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor

Roshan was born to a Muslim mother and a Hindi father.  He was raised in America and when his grandmother takes ill he is the only one that is willing to travel back to the city the family came from.  He willingly thrusts himself into a world where he placed between two major religions, a culture unlike any he has ever dreamed of, beliefs and customs that people are willing to die to defend, and a black monkey.  As he discovers the roots of his family, meets his parents old friends, and his family's oldest supporters Roshan's life completely changes the more he is immersed in his new world.

This movie depicts culture shock in a wonderful light.  It partially shows the edges of the boundaries that different religions, castes, races, and cultures create simply by being.  It's full of good humor, song, dance, and of course a Bollywood love story - but, it also has a bit of racial and religious clashing.  In the arena of Bollywood movies I found Delhi-6 a good one; finally a movie where I didn't feel like I wasted my time for the first time in a week!

Guru

Guru aka Gurukant
India (2007)
Starring:  Mithun Chakraborty, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai

Guru is a movie that has sat in my collection for months, once again I should have watched it sooner.

This movie is about a villager who left his family and went to Turkey to work at a young age.  His father never accepted that he would become anything.  When he was to receive a promotion he saw little sense in continuing to work for someone else while remaining poor and quit working to go back home and follow a dream.  From that point forward the story unfolds.  Unlike many Bollywood movies that go on and on and on while playing out the plot with nothing new being introduced, Guru was constantly brining new issues or causes into the movie all the way through.  Also unlike many Bollywood movies, Guru is not a sappy love story all the way through; granted the love story does play a main part in the movie, but it is not the focus.  There are a few cute dance scenes which of course I love just because they involve the beautiful Aishwarya Rai.

This movie was about overcoming obstacles.  It depicted how much having the right person at your side can make all of the difference while enforcing that without determination you will never reach your goals.

All in all I have to say I really enjoyed this movie.  Partially because of the messages the movie contains and partially because of it's uniqueness as a Bollywood flick.

Quote:  If you're with me I can beat the whole world.
              If law can be made in a day, it can be changed in a day.
              Think big, think ahead, and think fast.

Koi Mil Gaya - I Found Someone

Koi Mil Gaya - I Found Someone
India - Bollywood
2003
Sratting:  Rekha, Hrithik Roshan, and Priety Zinta
Awards: over 15 different awards

I often look around for foreign alien movies.  In a way similar to written history I am positive that movies and other cultural media help to depict how topics are viewed within a country or culture.  I also pay attention when foreign movies show those who are less fortunate and are invalid or slow for some reason; I find it equally interesting to see how cultures around the world view and treat people who are challenged in such a way.  Another example would be one from Tibet with a group of blind children on a pilgrimage to a location in the roof of the world; that showed quite a bit of how blind children are treated in today's world - another movie for another day when I write that review.  While this movie didn't really help me to understand either from India add ten more movies like it and I might be able to extrapolate what I am looking for.  What this movie did do is to be one of the first sci-fi movies from abroad that incorporated aliens and super powers that I have found.

Rohit's father worked on programs involving contacting aliens and then fell from the scientific community after a strange turn of events.  Rohit was born challenged and finds his way through his younger years happy and care free.  Then one day he discovers his father's research and his whole world changes.

This movie was a great little family oriented movie.  It made me laugh and smile.  In short I enjoyed it!  Between Rohit's developing relationship with Nisha and children dancing and singing with aliens it was a unique and fun little move for me.  Then I discovered that it had a sequel:  Krrrish.  If I have enough time I'll get that review up tonight...  This movie does borrow heavily from about a dozen movies that I grew up watching in the US, but if you can not pay attention to that it's a good intro for Bollywood into the Sci-fi scene.

Aladin

Aladin
India - Bollywood
2009
Starring:  Ritesh Deshmukh, Jaqueline Fernandes, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sanjay Dutt

I can not express how insanely happy it made me to find this movie.  There are just certain stories that always capture my interest, Aladin and the Genie have been one of them for almost 30 years.

The story has little new to it, but it comes from close to the land of the original tale and so from that perspective it is new enough.  This story begins with Aladin hiding from his heritage.  Through a strange twist of fate he ends up with the magical lamp and from it summons Genius.  Aladin can not conceive of three wishes and is prodded by Genius who is eager to get the three wishes over with and go about his way.

This movie has the comedy, the love story, the Bollywood dance, a cultural overlay, magic, carnies, a genie, and some interesting visual effects.  Oh, there is this funny song that you have to hear.  There's a Genie rap in the movie that cracks me up, I wish I understood the Hindi part - but, that might take some of the humor away.  All in all I was happy to see the movie and at just over two hours the time was much better for this story then the typical near 3 hour epics that Bollywood produces.

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Veer

Veer
India (Bollywood)
2010
Starring:  Salman Khan, Zarine Khan, Mithun Chakraborty, and Jackie Shroff

As the poster says, it Veer is the epic love story of a warrior. The movie boasts some decent sweeping visual scenes as well as a multicultural tale.  Veer is a story of honor, betrayal, and love against the backdrop of a historically epic time in India.

Veer is a Pindari warrior whose father and tribe are betrayed by the British and Madhavgarh's King.  Fate one day brings Veer and his warriors to rob a train that will change the course of history for the Pindari.

Veer has extremely mixed reviews on all fronts, still I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Some say the final scenes aren't necessary, but I find some cosmic peace in the ending; others say the battles were unnecessary, I'm not sure how else one would portray this warrior without them; and still others yet say it was cheesy, every Bollywood romance has a huge element of that.  All in all I'd watch it again.  I hope Netflix soon brings it to the USA masses, I'd like to see Zarine Khan boosted into stardom and this first movie of hers referenced as one of her greats in years to come.

Quote: This story belongs to fearless the Pindari whose saga of bravery was not considered as a part of history by the British. But, they could not stop them from becoming a legend.

"What is the Greatest Thing for a Pindari?" - "Courage"
"And greater than courage?" - "Promise"
"And greater than a promise?" . . .

Faana

Fanaa
India (Bollywood)
2006
Starring:  Aamir Khan, Kajol, Tabu, and Rishi Kapoor

You know how most Bollywood movies have an intermission because they are so long?  The second part of this movie was nothing like the first, it was truly like a second movie.  There aren't many times that I am caught off guard by the turn of events in a movie, usually I find movies predictable... this one was all but predictable.  From drama, to romance, to action, and some adventure this movie evokes many different sentiments.  The cinematography in the movie is absolutely stunning full of amazing sweeping views of gorgeous countrysides and scenery and Delhi as well.  The music is interesting in this movie.  A portion of the same tune is used in about 90% of the musical sequences.  How it changed to fit the different songs is through the whole movie and was still recognizable is unique.  The brave attempts at poetry through the whole first half was cool also; I'm quite sure this would have been a more enjoyable experience if I could understand the native audio - poetry always looses some of its constructive points in translation.

Zooni, a young blind woman who's lived a sheltered life.  She leaves the most important thing in her life, her family, and travels to Dehli in a grand adventure with her father's reluctant permission.  Through most of the movie she is recounting quotes of her father's wisdom, which I found quite enjoyable and personally reminded me of someone I used to know.   Rehan, "God's greatest gift" in his own words, is a tourguide.  Destiny brings them together and what follows if the story of a lifetime.  The path of their relationship takes the most unforeseen twists as Zooni makes a decision to undergo a corrective surgery to restore her sight.  Fanaa is quite cheesy in an enjoyable way through the first half.

Seeing a Bollywood movie with a blind woman as the leading character was interesting to me.  Kajol did a great job in keeping her eyes from reacting to visual stimuli during filming.

In all if you're a fan of Bollywood I have to recommend this movie it wasn't my favorite, but it wasn't bad either.  It's a awesome love story and has the wft? factor going through quite a bit of it.  I'm glad I gave it the chance.

Quote:  The choice isn't between good and evil.  That's easy.  The real choices of life are choosing between the lesser of two evils, or the greater of two goods.

Saawariya

Saawariya
India (Bollywood)
2007
Starring:  Ranbir Kapoor, Soman Kapoor, and Salman Khan

Saawariya didn't contain anything new for me, but it was still a beautiful movie. The movie was a cross between Pretty Woman and Moulan Rogue, with a little more innocence then either; not saying it directly pulls from the plots, but the Sawwariya reminds me of both.  With that said the scenes are absolutely beautiful; the filming mirrors that statement as well.  They did a great job creating romantic mysticism with dimly lit foggy scenes.  The town itself reminds me of Venice in general appearance and feel, but has a vibrant look to it in the dark that I don't recall of Venice; all of that with a traditional Indian overlay and some custom neon and coloring to finish it off.  If for nothing else then the sheer romanticism created by the sets alone I would watch this movie again.  The scenery in short is poetic.

The acting was good.  Sonam like many Bollywood actresses is just absolutely gorgeous and plays her part well.  Ranbir allso put on a stellar performance.  One of them a hopeless drifter who sings his way through bars and the other a woman awaiting a love who promised to come back to her the following Eid; they meet on a bridge and the stars can tell the rest of the story.  Together they made a movie that reminds you when love is hopeless life will go on.

I did have to take and download a different subtitle file then the one that came on the DVD and play the movie through an alternate viewer that would let me force overlay subtitles.  The one that came with the movie didn't seem to match the spoken dialog; seemed like a lot more talking was going on then I was reading.  With a different subtitle file I got a much better translation I think and translations of the songs (which are half the reason why I watch Bollywood movies anyway).  If anyone else finds they have the same ailment and need help with the subs let me know, it's a simple process.

Veer-Zaara

A

Veer-Zaara
2004
India
Starring:  Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukherjee

This review is biased, mostly because I fell in love with both Bollywood and Preity watching this movie.  In my mind no greater love story has ever been written.  The depiction of honor, beauty, and valor in Veer-Zaara is epic by any standard.  So much did this film move my heart I could write pages on how this movie made me feel, but that would require spoilers :)    This movie was the first Bollywood movie I had ever watched and has eternally earned the spot of the number Bollywood movie ever; I know someone will argue that.  The culture displayed through this movie was quite interesting as well.  This movie depicts in subtle ways the multiple cultures that exist through northern India and Pakistan.

Veer, a pilot in the Indian army, and Zaara, a gorgeous woman from Pakistan, crossed paths in the strangest way as she was fulfilling a promise made to her beloved grandmother.  The most beautiful love that could never have formed began.  The rest is all in the movie.  The love story in this movie is the foundation for one of the most beautiful struggles I have ever seen.  If I could I'd name constellations after this couple.

I recommend this movie 100% and to those who don't like it, well don't watch it twice :)

The most amazing love story that has ever been conceived is right here in:  Veer-Zaara

Quote:  "Give me this, one day from your life.....I know a day is very precious to you.   But, I promise that you'll never forget this day."

Heer Ranjha

Heer Ranjha:  A True Love Story
Punjab
2009
Starring:  Neeru Bajwa & Gurchet Chitrakar

Heer Ranjha is a true love story from Punjab.  The story is said to be over 300 years old.  Heer and Ranjha have a mausoleum shrine in Jhang that is visited by lovers to this day.  Every year to date in this town there is a festival thrown in their honor.

This movie follows the story of this couple dubbed the Romeo and Juliet of the east whose story of love, dedication, pain, and loss has spanned hundreds of years.  The legend of these lovers has only grown in recent years; their story epitomizes what every hopeless romantic dreams regardless of the centuries that have passed.

I do not remember the dance sequences in this movie because they were all overshadowed by the depth of the story.  The cinematography in this movie wasn't super spectacular.  I think the movie was made to carry a small anti-drug message as well; it is the first Bollywood movie that I have seen where they mentioned marijuana and opium then portrayed those who smoked it as slow and dimwitted.  All in all for the story alone this movie is a must see.  Again Bollywood has brought us an epic love story that will make your heart yearn and tears fall; this movie is well worth its time.

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Guzaarish - The Petition

Guzaarish - The Petition (2010)
Starring:  Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Aditya Roy

Guzaarish is a very deep movie.  With the main character being a magician and the previews showing him doing shows I had went into the movie expecting a slightly lighter tone complete with epic magic shows; this was a false expectation.

The movie chronicles the struggles of a quadriplegic fighting for the court to allow him to end his life after being incapacitated for 14 years.  Ethan (Hrithik Roshan) shocks many people with his petition.  Some are supportive while others are not; Guzaarish reflects the struggle humanity has with the subject and tries to portray both sides while keeping the main character's desire for assisted suicide in the forefront.

Ethan's struggles remind us that each of us no matter our positions in life could end up in a similar fate.  There are two quotes I will leave you with from the movie that I love

• Life is always too short. But it is long enough, if you live fully every
• Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love deeply. Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile

Like all the movies that I watch, this movie is not for everybody...but, if you have an inclination toward the topic I would certainly recommend it.  I think it is a great movie.

Endhiran - Robot

Endhiran - Robot (2010) 
Tamil
Starring:  Rajnikanth, Aishwarya Rai, and Danny Denzongpa


Robot is reported to be the most expensive Indian film in history.  I hope they gross a ton of money for it, their efforts do show!


Every American over the age of about 30 will see a touch of A.I., Terminator, and RoboCop in the background of this movie.  Even so I still enjoyed this movie, granted my opinion is biased.. I just think Aishwarya Rai is gorgeous and I love her other films.


Endhiran begins with a man's life achievement about to come to fruition.  This achievement is to create an advanced robot.  The movie takes a few twists and turns that I did not quote expect; but, the plot was predictable through most of the movie; but it's saving grace was the humor that was incorporated into the movie as well.  The end was quite satisfying and the journey through the movie was worth the time.  As I personally expect with all movies Bollywood there were a few dance scenes.  One of the songs sticks out in mind because it varies greatly from the traditional Bollywood type of music and is more reflective of a poppy trance almost.  They were choreographed and coordinated well. 


Endhiran has it's bases covered with all the makings of a good sci-fi flick and should do well around the world.  While the love story in this movie isn't the typical epic (on a cosmic scale) that I am familiar with from Indian movies, it is still a very cute one.  There are also some very stunning CGI in the movie.  All in all, I watched it and enjoyed it; I do recommend this movie.

Maghadeera

Magadheera (2009)  Telugu  Starring:  Ram Charan Teja, Kajal Agarwal and Dev Gill

I saw this title around many times before I decided to watch it; I enjoy Bollywood movies for many reasons, the epic stories, the culture, and the dance.  Magadheera has the same storyline of your typical Bollywood flick.  Two lovers who face difficult odds in making their relationship work is central to the main premise of the movie. This movie does a wonderful job moving from the past to the present and developing the history as it tells the story of these lovers.  The visuals from the past are stunning in composition and a good portion of the present in the movie provides for a chuckle.  The love story in this I really personally enjoyed, it allows for the romantic dreamer of cosmic love to dream.  Magadheera also has some good action in it.  There's a fight scene that is not to be missed!  The dance scenes are fairly entertaining also.

Bhairava (Ram Charan Teja) displays a grand sense of honor in his actions throughout this movie.  Mitra (Kajal Agarwal) is as beautiful and I think plays her part wonderfully.  Retrospectively this movie is among my favorite Bollywood movies.  It rivals almost anything the great Khans have done.  Sure there are a couple parts that I thought were purely silly, but the story itself was one of the best stories of love and honor I have ever seen or heard of.

For any lover of Bollywood or Indian cinema this movie is a spectacular must see.  Months after I watched it, this is still one of my all time favorite movies and love stories.