Film Reviews
By Rama Gaind
AGNEEPATH – (Path of Fire) – Bollywood film
When revenge is a driving theme, a movie must have a screenplay that’s distinctive and moves at a rapid pace.
Even though it is a remake of the 1990 film of the same name, this one stands alone, a modern-day success.
Vijay (Hrithik Roshan), who lives with his parents in the quiet village of Mandwa, has listened to inspiring, character-building principles about how one should always be prepared to walk through the path of fire and righteousness. When his father is killed he becomes an avenger.
Sanjay Dutt, as Kancha, is superb as a threatening avatar. Hrithik’s sense of direction is just as powerful.
Abbas Ali Mogul has to be commended for the action sequences; director Karan Malhotra’s narrative style is attractive; the songs by Ajay-Atul are situational (with a blockbuster item number Chikni Chameli) and blend perfectly with the earthiness of the film, adding to the energetic atmosphere.
PLAYERS – Bollywood film
Director duo Abbas-Mustan have produced a high-voltage action thriller that has dazzling visuals and daredevil stunts, but lacks an appealing screenplay.
That’s despite the fact that’s it’s a remake of The Italian Job.
Players are a smart group of people who successfully rob gold bullion from Russia. They are Charlie (Abhishek Bachchan), Ronnie (Bobby Deol), Spider (Neil Nitin Mukesh), Riya (Bipasha Basu), Bilal (Sikander Kher) and Sunny (Omi Vaidya), but one of them is a double crosser.
Then the team, joined by Naina (Sonam Kapoor), set out to settle scores and retrieve the valuables.
The acting is passable and Pritam’s music lacks dynamism.
The length, at just under three hours, should have been cut further.
A SEPARATION: A marriage breakdown and the resulting legal dispute makes for a successful formula in this film from Iran.
LIKE CRAZY: This romantic drama sees how visa problems can complicate the love between Anton Yelchin (from America) and Felicity Jones (Britain).
CARNAGE: Roman Polanski’s black comedy with Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster and Christoph Waltz shows how a schoolyard dispute brings about a breakdown in conciliatory talks between two sets of parents.
