Ek Thi Dayan Movie Review

Attempting films of different subjects is something that Ekta Kapoor is known for; right from The Dirty Picture to films like Shootout At Lokhandwala and Once Upon A Time in Mumbai, she is one producer who hasn't shied away from telling some bold stories. With Ek Thi Dayan, Ekta now adds the genre of super-natural thrillers to her reporitre of some really catchy and eye-opening movies.

Ek Thi Dayan makes you think, do ghosts exist? What exactly is black magic? Is it all a myth or does it have the power to actually work? If you really delve deep, you'd know that this country of ours is pierced with superstitions, erroneous beliefs and what not. Stories of witches and supernatural have been going on since time immemorial, here. Ek Thi Dayan actually makes you realize those rituals & practices which have existed for as long as we could remember.

Ek Thi Dayan tells the tale of Bobo (Emran Hashmi) who is India's leading magician, but he is constantly haunted and even, at times, hallucinates about his past, a childhood which holds some deep secrets. And this "secret" is unknown to even his girlfriend, Tamara (Huma Qureshi). However, inspite of all these hallucinations, Bobo moves on with his life, but just as his career seems to be going really well, the beautiful Lisa Dutt (Kalki Koechlin) enters his life and this convices Bobo that Lisa Dutt is the daayan. It remains to be seen, however, whether she is the daayan, or is it all in his mind.

This movie is unlike any other super-natural thriller that's released in the recent past. Certain things in this world are beyond our understanding and Ek Thi Dayan taps on exactly those things, and holds your attention really well. Direction by debutant director Kannan Iyer is really radical, and it's different from what we have already seen n number of times in this genre. I personally loved the portions in which the film moves onto the flashbacks (in the first hour); these portions are worth a mention indeed. But, Kannan Iyer ensures there is also a suave love story which is running at the same time to the main story, with the integrated songs and music in the narrative.

This is a movie which doesn't quite let you relax; just as you start to think that you know what's going to happen next, the movie jolts you back. And especially the climax of Ek Thi Dayan is sure to hit you like a bomb! The movie does tend to get a little slow and predictable at times, but the scare quotient and the twists which I just talked about more than makes up for the small shortcomings.

Coming to the various performances, Emran Hashmi absolutely takes the cake when it comes to playing his character. He carries the entire movie on his shoulders with aplomb and brings soul into the character. This is, without an iota of doubt, one of his finest performances till date. Another brilliant actor to watch out for is the vivacious Huma Qureshi, who, after playing a small town girl in her first two films comes with a bang to play her character (Tamara) in Ek Thi Dayan. She is oozing with confidence in this new role of hers. Kalki, on the other hand looks the role was tailor-made for her as she slots perfectly in the character. Ek Thi Dayan also marks Konkona Sen Sharma's entry into the horror genre, and this experienced actress plays her part tremendously well, and with gusto and a performance that she'd be proud of.

On the whole, Ek Thi Dayan is a film which is different from the other run of the mill horror movies produced by Bollywood every year. It talks about witches and mixes this with a sweet love story which goes on parallel to the entire film, and with a very absorbing screenplay and some brilliant performances, it's a first of its kind movie that Bollywood has churned after quite some-time. If you are into horror movies, and want to have a good times combined with a few spine-chilling moments, make sure you catch 'Ek Thi Dayan' this weekend, playing at a cinema hall near you.

Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

I, Me aur Main Movie Review

There are movies which are made for pur unadulterated fun, then there are movies which are more of a coming of age cinema which has been on the minds of many a story-teller. I, Me aur Main is one such story, and is directed by first time director Kapil Sharma, has John Abraham enacting the role of an adult who is self-obsessed, narcissist, and a guy who completely refuses to accept responsibilities, be it committment or anything else for that matter.

I, Me aur Main is a story about coming of age, really. Ishaan (John Abraham) is a stylish, good looking music producer based out of Mumbai. He lives with his girlfriend Anushka (Chitrangda Singh) in her swanky apartment, and is his mother's absolute favourite child, and is always protected by her and his sister Shivani (Mini Mathur). The problem is Ishaan takes them all for granted. But, eventually, there comes a day in his life when everything falls apart. And finally, fed up of his taken for granted attitude, Anushka throws him out of her house. He, then moves onto a normal house, and his mother comes and moves in with him, his sister is also upset with him while his boss (Raima Sen) asks him to resign from the job. It is then that his male ego is absolutely shattered to the core and his confidence is shaken.

This is the time when Gauri (Prachi Desai), his neighbour comes into his life, and from her he gets to learn the actual importance of relationships in someone's life. And finally, the day comes when he needs to make a choice. This movie has several awesome scenes, which are worthy of a mention here. I loved the attitude that comes across right from the start of the movie, in John Abraham's moves, the way he speaks and walks, and in everything else. His relationship goes from bad to worse with Chitrangda Singh, and in addition to all this, there are scenes which John and Mini Mathur share which looks straight out of real life. Brilliant touches, these!

On the other hand, there are moments when the movie seemed to be running out of steam, or runs on the expected path. I did not quite understand why the relationship between John and his boss Raima gets repetitive after a point of time. Additionally, if John wanted to introduce a new singer into the market, why didn't he pursue her all the way (or atleast that's what the viewer gets, a half-baked effort on the script-writer's part). The debutant director does a decent job and there are times when his brilliance does shine through in the movie. However, the screenwriting is what leads him down at times. However, I especially appreciate the fact thatsongs has been especially been restricted in the movie, which goes with the movie, to be frank; a nice touch indeed.

John Abraham comes out of his action figure and does the job of the man-child really well. He doesn't deviate into a negative theme, but enacts the part brilliantly. Chitrangda lends a certain glow into her part, very well done indeed. Prachi adds much needed zest into the enterprise, and she shines especially in the small scenes. Mini Mathur is very natural and she shines through in her scene, so does Raima Sen. However, Sameer Soni doesn't get much scope, while Errol Peter Marks is decent.

Overall, I would say 'I, Me aur Main' is for the youth.  Had it taken the unconventional route, it would've been so much better. But then again, it is not boring, it doesn't really preach anything. A strict one time watch for entertainment purposes.

Rating: 3 / 5 Stars

Special 26 Movie Review

When one steps into the movie hall to watch a movie titled 'Special 26', he/ she doesn't really have gargantum expectations, to be frank. But, when you see that it is helmed by Neeraj Pandey, whose 'A WEDNESDAY' is still fresh in everyone's minds, you know that this might just turn out to be something of a special affair. On one hand, while 'A WEDNESDAY' was more about the common man, this, 'Special 26' is completely dedicated to a con-man, or rather con-men! However, inspite of being such a wonderfully entertaining movie, the main issue remains just the same - law breakers and law-enforcers. What's more, it is more of a caper, inspired by true incidents. 

Inspite of being a completely enjoyable film, one must be warned that it is not one of those run of the mill, mindless comedy/ action movies which we have all come to expect off-late, frankly speaking. You might be wrongly believed to assume that it is one given the fact that it has Akshay Kumar written all over it, and the brilliant actor is synonymous with movies like Housefull and Rowdy Rathore, amongst others like Khiladi 786. However, Special 26 is a heist drama and borrows heavily from real life incidents which makes the on-going proceedings even more interesting to watch.

Although, this movie is out and out about criminals, however the director shuns all the bloodshed or the use of coarsed language that would otherwise make the viewer a little uncomfortable. I think, actually movies like Special 26 point at the fact that movies and GOOD movies can be made without shedding blood and all, onscreen. There are a few blemishes, yes, like the romantic track that was unwanted, really, especially in a fast movie like this. All it does is slows down the pace of the movie. 

If one looks at the performances, Akshay Kumar steals the game without a doubt. He almost does a complete U-turn with this movie. Deviating from the comic/ action roles that he is known for, Akshay completely reinvents himself with this fare. This is, without an iota of doubt one of the most challenging roles that Akshay has ever played, and he comes out with elan. He does his part with flare. Not only will Akshay's fans adore him in his new avtar, even the skeptical types will applaud his superb act. 

Manoj Bajpayee has been associated with many path breaking or "different" movies. And with Special 26, he has proved what a brilliant actor he is. He delivers yet another superb performance that will be remembered for times to come. Additionally, actors like Anupam Kher & Jimmy Shergill play their part to perfection. Everyone in Special 26 is absolute firs-rate, no two ways about that. 

Overall, Special 26 is a very nicely made, and intelligently woven, slick and smart thriller with a subject matter that is inspired by true incidents that has happened in the past, which, according to me is its major USP. I am sure it would go down as one of the most interesting, and exciting heist dramas to watch on the silver-screen. It is sure to win accolades, and you make sure that you don't miss this superb movie. Special 26 has 'special' written all over it.

Rating: 4/ 5 stars