Hellaro – Helluva Movie Mate!

Jignesh Vasavada

4.5 Stars

 

Story of 13 women rising up against circumstances, societal evils and their love of Garba as an expression of freedom (guess, a true-blue Gujarati movie).

There are times in the life of a movie reviewer (I am not a critic) when loss of words is a real possibility. Times when the product or the presentation so overpowers you that you end up forgetting to note. Objectivity takes a back seat and you tend to go with the flow.

One such human moment happened with me last night as I finished watching the much-hyped-much-publicized and much-national-award-among-all-language-movies marketed movie, Hellaro. I actually noted only few basic observations as I let my senses overpower me.

Nope, no major Observations here, more so because the review was always a substitute for the lack of entertainment in the product. I didn’t even notice that popcorn came to me late or that the noted Gujarati director had to ask for them to serve me even as the purser conveniently forgot (I am truly blessed). Not to mention delayed starts or that the filmy folk who are not in the movie dressing up much better than the stars themselves.

But today is not about these inconsequential, there is much to note and write, hence I intend to dive straight in. 

Is Hellaro the most perfect Gujarati movie ever? Of course not.

Is this the best Gujarati movie ever? I dare say, not.

Is this among the most flawless movies in recent times? You could say so.

Is this a movie that deserved the coveted National Award, hence should we watch it, heck, I am no jury, yes, the movie is very good. Period.

Put to rest all your doubts and allow yourself to be transported to 1975 in a small parched village in Kutch desperately awaiting rains (yes, this is before the Narmada Canal days when there was not even hope!!!). A typical male dominated society, like then and now, Hellaro is a folklore of brave village women mustering courage to not only stand up against societal evils but to showcase their love for Garba, here, an expression of freedom and rights.

 Any more and I am spilling the beans. Yes, the story is about this much only. But just like most things in life, there are twists and turns, invocations and emotions that take you on a wonderful journey replete with fun, humour, dance, fights, hatred, love and loads of memorable liners.

 Hellaro is a multi-starrer in a unique way. The hero, fighting for the top spot, is the music. Mehul Surti, (the much acclaimed Mozart of Gujarat) revels in this brilliant rendition of folk flavor interspersed with a touch of the modern. The music drives you all along, helping you define emotions and journeys along giving you fantastic highs and lows.

 A close second is the Cinematography & Choreography. Tribhuvan Babu Sadineni, a veteran of Wrong Side Raju, Ragini MMS & Emotional Atyachar had a brilliant canvas in the form of the Rann of Kutch. And he captures it like a painting. Every frame, composition is a complete painting captivating you in its full glory.

 The choreographers Arsh & Sameer Tanna kept the emotions so well defined with their moves that the listener actually got involved. Each emotion had a different step. I can bet there was not a single feet that was not tapping with the beat.

Next comes Dialogues from the Pitamaah of theatre, Saumya Joshi. He gets it right all the time and gets applauded more than once, a rarity on the big screen. Some gems, delivered by the lead actress shows the maturity of writing and lends a lot of depth into the character.

Everything else can be bundled into the next few. Editing by Prateek Gupta, yet another stalwart from Goonga Pehlwan to Love ni Bhavai, keeps us on the edge with his tight craft. The brilliant climax is full credits to screenplay and editing giving us a lump in the throat moment.

In the acting department, people would jump to praise the thirteen National Award winning Heroines, I would stray a bit and begin with Maulik Nayak who lightens up the screen with a flawless performance. His portrayal is so strong, easy, un-noticeable yet he leaves a strong impression in his role. The Pack of leading ladies led by Shraddha Dangar, Denisha, Kaushambi and others get their fair share of screen and opportunity and they make the most of it.

Aarjav is under-utilized so is Jayesh More. While he is the face of the movie, Jayesh did not seem to have a lot of opportunities to show case his talent. Also, the role of Jayesh's daughter Reva could have been done by someone more talented. 

 

All in all, Abhishek Shah (who seems to be present in every department of film-making) needs to take a Bow. You made a classic which has lifted the benchmark for Gujarati Movies and Film-makers. A big thank you for the entertainment.

Hellaro, sooner or later you will have to watch it, why not sooner.

Montu ni Bittu – Pol Ni Bhavai

Jignesh Vasavada

3.75 Stars (.75 for Hemang Shah)

Boy loves girl, who doesn’t love-love him, falls in love with another boy and then triangulated, story brings us back to the same point. Have we seen this before?

 

Full predictable entertainment, thy name is Montu Ni Bittu. A good laugh fest that begins and ends exactly as you know it will. Yet you don’t mind it at the end of 2 hrs 13 mins. You get up feeling good.

Then, you start thinking, evaluating and the fun begins.

Like always, few observations:

1. This is my first ever film which I saw sitting next to the heroine’s parents. Oh my God! It was intense.
2. How many ads precede a movie? Just so many that when we see the cancer ad, there is a collective sigh of relief and happiness, now the movie would start. Arrey even the interval has scores of ads.  
3. Wonder why Vijaygiri Bava had to thank so so so many people (including myself). He has made a good movie, we need to thank him.
4. Which Pol was the movie shot? I want to see women doing the Ketchup Dance as morning exercise, again. Yeah yeah, that is how these women exercise.
5. Sorry, if this sounds eeech…but Mehul Solanki has a mole in the ear! 
6. Now, this film is better than others, the rider wears a helmet and pillion does not. And, none of them wear helmet at night, what re!
7. Funny to see police wala parking their vehicle during night checks opposite a NO PARKING sign board.
8. You know a person is a painter if he has paint all over his body, most of the time.
9. Now, this is perfect Amdavadi opulence. You can spend on a multi-crore bungalow but cannot afford a security system or a watchman.
10. I am just curious, the heroine kept saying, What The…but never got to complete it…wonder how she wanted to complete the same…(Hell, Fafda, Time, Film, Faydo, Help…) Couldn’t get the right answer from people sitting around me.

Now, the movie.

A perfect-for-everything-and-everyone Pol boy Montu (fun-masti-rocking Maulik) is visibly in love with a Pol Girl Bittu (cute-beautiful and natural Aarohi). He does everything to impress her including managing/repairing her home appliances to guiding her 30 plus suitors. But she has Friend-Zoned him (I relate to this feeling). During one such outing they come across an abstract painter Abhinav (handsome, dashing, boring Mehul) and she starts crooning Painter Babu, I Love You.

Now the triangle keeps getting murkier and things keep moving around, guided by Montu’s friend Darri (Magnificent, Lively, Great comic timing, Hemang). Love leads to engagement and then to marriage to Montu’s misery and predictably towards the climax. Keeps you gripped despite you knowing right from the day the trailer was released how it was going to end.

Right then, let us play evaluate, evaluate.

Story: By Ram Mori is the weakest link with glaring gaps. Somethings just don’t add up. How come a breakup happens over something so silly? The characters, though fairly well defined, some of them just do not have relevance or closure. Many such characters like Bittu’s Father, Montu’s Mom, Neighbour Bahu (played by a very talented Kaushambi). The twists and turns are just too casually handled. Dialogues are crisp, fresh and funny. They keep tickling you to laugh out loud.

Performances: Imagine the story where the side comedian takes the accolades in the presence of stalwarts! We waited for Hemang to come and liven up the screen. Very happy to see Maulik carrying the film so well. Aarohi, nothing new, oodles of natural talent despite a casual character sketch. Happy Bhavsar is just perfect bundle of talent. Her portrayal of Mohini Madhuri is just class apart. Mehul Solanki is the weakest link. Poor dialogue delivery, deadpan, yet good looks. We wish he had less-to-none dialogues. Vishal and Bansi (her first movie and she looks so beautiful!!) excel in the presence they get. Pinky Parikh too makes a good mark.

Music & Lyrics: Mehul Surti scores like a legend. My personal favourite is the Aditya Gadhvi voiced Pardesi Mena. Great Beats. The garbo penned by Chirag Tripathi too is

powerful (I have been asked to write this :) no but seriously, it is good). Rang Dariyo by Parth too is hummable. Amdavadi Song by Dilip Dave too is a good ode to the city. 

Cinematography gives it a grand and colourful feel, though we catch lights in some scenes.

All in all, Vijaygiri and Twinkle have made the Janmashtami Weekend rocking with a nice and funny Montu Ni Bittu. 

Go Hopeful (with a capital H), watch it with full family, because even if the heroine wants to swear, What The…Montu stops her and she ends up saying Rani No Hajiro (whatever that means).

Good Going Vijaygiri Filmos…

Pics Courtesy Montu Ni Bittu Promotions

Dhunki – Trance by Chance

A cosmos of chef-turned-entrepreneur meets coder-turned-entrepreneur meets realities of life.

2.75/5 The .75 for Kaushambi and Vishal.

Jignesh Vasavada 

Well the good times for Gujarati cinema for the year 2019 seem to have begun rolling. With a good film last week, this week too appears promising, not to mention, the coming few months. However, there are miles to go in few departments.

What is heartening is that film-makers are experimenting, with styles and genres. Dhunki is one such experiment, slightly late in time, yet not too late.

1. The Film begins with a lot of people to thank. Just too many.
2. Why Why do these actors not wear seat belts or wear helmets, why? (Or am I too paranoid/hopeful).
3. Deeksha Joshi has 5 clearly visible moles, 2 lightly visible ones and one highly invisible mole on her face.
4. ISRO just did not have to spend so much for a moon surface landing, this movie offers a lot of space on the heroes’ faces.
5. Daaru is injurious to health, even in Mount Abu, so relieved.
6. English subtitles of Gujarati movies are a huge distraction. I learnt, Dadagiri is Bossiness.
7. Just because it is a movie about a chef does not give you a reason to forget your manners, never talk with food in the mouth.
8. Looks like Radio Industry is truly throwing up good actors and rich bosses, RJ Ankit (the firing boss), RJ Aarti (the tycoon boss), Chirag Tripathi (the non-hiring boss), wow, good cameos.
9. Daaru Peene Dhingli thai jay chhe! What a line, Loved it.
10.  It will always haunt me, you go to an investor to seek 1 million of funds and have no plan on hand!!

And therein lies the challenge.

But before that, the story.

Nikunj and Shreya, colleagues in a digital firm, quit based on a goof-up and follow their passion of opening a food delivery start-up. Nikunj’s wife (kaushambi) and Shreya’s fiancé (Vishal) keep giving them reality checks even as they duo struggle to keep their passion up and running. Looking at the clever trailer, we are sure how this will end for the protagonists, however, there promises to be some twists. The way the movie ends, it is good.

But can someone please tell me, why does the story need to have so many close-ups? Extreme Close-ups? With a weak story line and average sub-plots, there is just no scope for any kind of facial expressions, then why did Anish and his DOP adopt this classical line of film-making. Beats me, even as I count Pratik’s nose hair, get irritated by Deeksha’s every interfering hair-line, Dr Vishal’s ear (I assume he is an ENT surgeon). Why! Why!

Also, I am confused. Is this film about food? Then where are the array of very well shot extreme close-ups of dishes? Only three dishes, Dal-fry, some non-veg dish with cream and something else? Why? If it was about an app, then why focus on a chef? And if it was about a start-up then where is the marketing plan, the passion, the ‘Real Disappointment’. To be fair, there is a lovely sequence of investors giving gyaan, not money. Very relatable.

Yes, there are some really good sequences, emotions, connects and attempt at humour. Once in a while you also feel the pain, you relate to incidents (home selling, struggle for jobs, at jobs). But all in all, had some more hard work gone into the story and detailing, I am sure, this movie would have been more gripping. Ditto, the pace, it is sometimes too slow, sometimes just ok, but never takes off.

Anish Shah’s directorial debut is commendable. But he just needs to get more story oriented and practical. Among the actors, Kaushambi and Vishal score high, a truly commendable task considering they were number 3 & 4 in the cast. Kaushambi looks and acts fresh and confident while Vishal does a great job of a MCP. Pratik is a natural, but I feel is more of a package than just a face. Extreme Close-Ups spoil the plot. Complete opposite stands for Deeksha, who does not get too many emotions to show her strength. Her Extreme Close-ups are futile.

Music by Siddharth Amit Bhavsar is fine, Niren Bhatt’s Urdu-Gujarati lyrics are good but not catchy.

All in all a truly good urban effort. Definitely worth a watch, worth spending your weekend. Dhunki times for Gujarati cinema are here.

Pics Courtesy Dhunki Promotions

Chasni – Just Sweet not Diabetic

A 25 year old love meets a 25 year young lover and interesting family fun happens. Good performances, great visuals and rocking music.

3.5 Stars

Jignesh Vasavada

It took a long time to arrive, yet it seemed worth the wait. Chasni does add the much needed sweetness to the dry and coarse run that Gujarati Film Industry had been witnessing thanks to the World Cup and Exams.

Yet, it is not still the perfect film of 2019.

1. Love and values still seem to rule the Gujarati film narrative.
2. Finally, some Ariel shots of a city, other than Ahmedbad’s Nehru Bridge, Surat, rocks.
3. So, you are in love with a girl, you know her house and don’t know who her father is? Wow!
4. The saga still continues, seat belt and helmets are still missing.
5. This is the first Gujarati film that goes by the rule, Actors refer to permit while drinking.
6. Sejal ben is so beautiful that she actually sleeps with her make-up on, seriously!
7. The daadi seems to have a voice of a young lady, wonder what she eats?
8. Brushing of teeth is not the priority of our actors, bed tea and breakfast is the norm.
9. I still don’t understand, is the girl living in a hostel in the same city? Surat?
10. There must be truly lot of money in a driving school!

All said and done, Chasni is a nice, well-paced light-hearted movie which is definitely a one-time watch, with the family.

A simple story line which yo-yos between a Gujaratified ‘Crazy Stupid Love’ to Dikri Vhaal No Daryo, it keeps you engaged.

Ramnikbhai, a typical Kathiyavadi living in Surat is married for 25 years and gets shocked by a 25 yr young kid Rahul into realizing that he is married in a love-less relationship. Thus begins the journey of a love-guru advising the veteran in re-gaining his wife and life. In between we also journey upon the love-lost-re-united life of Rahul and Shreya.

Now, Abhinn-Manthan, the director duo do a good job over-all. But the story is quick in the first half, drags with unwarranted emotional scenes in the second half. Some scenes are weak, some a just not required. A deft re-look at the over-all product could have actually cut 20-30 mins making it a crisper product.

However, what really stands out in the film which has great performances is the class cinematography of the veteran Tapan Vyas (yes, I am his work’s fan, and no, I have not been paid to write this!). He just hooks us with his skills forcing us to marvel at the shots and at all times reminding us that we could actually be watching a Bolly/Hollywood kind of product.

The other department where the film scores is the music. Some truly hummable, well-timed songs help the narrative and keep us hooked. Tuj Re is not only pictured romantic but actually feels soothing. The Break-Up song reminds you of the Heer toh Badi Sad hai ji format, rocking and fun for a Gujarati Movie. Take a bow Manthan Joshi and Prashant Satose.  

Next up is a cameo sort of role of the under-utilized Ojas Rawal. What lovely comic timing. Simply lights up the screen, every time he enters. We could actually hear the audience delighted with his presence. Maira Doshi is cute and beautiful, but could work on her dialogue delivery. Sejal Shah as Vasanti is just perfect. You can’t get it wrong with her or for that matter with Divyang Thakkar. Only challenge with Divyang was the limited expressions, which however were completely overshadowed by the confident body-language and the chemistry.

Last but not the least, Manoj Joshi. He seems to be carrying the film on his shoulders. Which is good as well as painful some times for the viewers. He gives us some truly amazing scenes in the bedroom (arrey baba veg ones), drinking, fantastic Cinema Hall scene, but he could have given some more screen space to the youngsters and there could have been a balance. No, I am not complaining, just hoping the good product could have been better. More power to the ever-green Joshiji. 

Go out and watch Chasni, with your family, it is full of fun, humour, values and a paisa vasool. 

Trust me, it is not every time that I get to say this.

Pics Courtesy: Chasni Promotions on the Internet

Chal Jivi Laiye – Joi Laiye

Jignesh Vasavada

3.75/5 (.25 extra for the bubbly heroine)

Boring son, Happy father meets bubbly girl in God’s land giving us a good time, philosophies and fun.

So, life is full of stress, work and commitments. And we forget to live. Well, Bollywood and Dhollywood are hell bent on driving you to make a life out of living, though am not sure how much of a life do the makers have left after this hard work!

Well, few observations:

1. All Ahmedabad needs now is a coast. We seem to have a host of Coconut corporates.
2. This must have been the most ideally marketed movie in recent times. Even the premiere was magnificent.
3. Is Tushar Sadhu wanting to be Gujarati’s next Heart-throb? Watch to movie to realize.
4. The servant must be the first one in the world singing Angrezi mein kehte hai…while making juice.
5. Guess rich people are like this only. The servants are more plumpier than their sons. Wow, I want to be rich.
6. The Spelling of Rafting was Raftting (not the maker’s fault, but what the hell!)
7. India is really prospering in the villages, even village kids are wearing Ray Bans.
8. Gujaratis are magnets. They seem to attract Gujaratis everywhere.
9. For a full-fledged role, Arunaji just got a Special appearance mention. She rocks.
10. So, your pop is kidnapped and taken in a car, you search for him on a bike shouting papa papa all the way, why? Wait till you spot the car.

But sincerely, the movie is a good weekend watch. The effort is very visible. The experience is very pleasant. All in all Vipul Mehta scores again after two good ventures. Guess, here is one more 100% director.

The story revolves around a workaholic son and happy go lucky retired father. The first five minutes of the movie is so fast paced it’s as if the crew just wants to rush to Uttarakhand. Fine by us. We too are ok with the free tour.

The dramebaaz father has a medical and part of his bucket list he wants to do a road trip with his always-on-the-phone son. Welcome to Uttarakhand and its winding roads and Alakhnanda streams and beautiful people. So amidst loads and loads of dialogues and emotions and PJs and meeting with a bubbly girl the story takes us to unexplored areas of the Devbhumi culminating at Kedarnath. This is where Vipulbhai gives a pleasant twist. And the movie paces towards a beautiful end. All through the movie there are few emotions you will experience. Laughter, Tears, Frustration,  Aww Cho Cute & Wow are some of them.

Pratik Parmar’s  cinematography is just top class. Next in line is the effortless, lively, bubbly and oh so pure Aarohi Patel. There is a collective haaaaaash every time she comes on the screen. She alternates easily between all emotions. Music by Sachin-Jigar and lyrics by Niren Bhatt and song sung by Jigardan has given Gujarati its anthem for 2019, Chand ne Kaho. Other songs too are very good. 

Story is the third winner coupled with dialogues.

Siddharthbhai is his natural best. Thankfully he has humour here though his Gujjubhai antics don’t seem to dim. Yash Soni has three expressions that takes him through the entire movie. Background music is loud, screenplay doesn’t keep us hooked. It’s as if now you laugh, now you choke, now you laugh again, now you cry. Nope doesn’t work.

All in all, a good movie very well packaged and good for the weekend especially against all there is to offer. You can safely say, Chal Joi Laiye.

Pictures Courtesy: CMP

Short Circuit – The Name Says it All

Jignesh Vasavada 

2.5 Stars

A film on time, about time finally out before it went out of time.

I always knew that being a Radio Jockey has its privileges. But being a good Radio Jockey has its baggage. Everyone expects you to be everything and there lies a trap. Not too many have bitten the bullet, and yet a few have been ‘Short Circuited’.

Short Circuit is a good looking package which needed a strong shoulder.

But first few Observations:

1. Why can’t Government pass a rule saying all Heroes need to compulsorily wear a helmet. Not only the lead man but his side kick too travel without helmets, so much for safety campaigns.
2. Wonder where does one get Alcohol so easily? All Gujarati movies show freely available alcohol!
3. Check out the tie-knot. It keeps automatically loosening and tightening.
4. Why does a security guard always have to be hindi speaking, not to mention, a dumb fool.
5. Did she actually say it or I heard it wrong, Baking News (at the Dangee Dums outlet)? Hear it out.  
6. Just because you are the hero, you won’t even allow your friend to take his chance at the pool table?
7. So, the girl is a PhD in Quantum Physics, yet she asks about Northern Lights!
8. Artificial Intelligence has taken a leap for Gujarati! Wow Silicon Valleybhai, Ae Haaaalo J J
9. Here is a gun that vaporizes flesh, bones and everything yet cannot do the same to plastic glasses? Wow!
10. First ever research facility where lab assistants (in orange overalls) have guns and security has a stick!

 

Well, now comes the tricky part, reviewing the story without revealing it.

Samay (RJ Dhvanit), an engineer is caught in a time loop/time bounce. Events keep happening and he keeps bettering his action plan to counter the murder of his first-sight-love Seema (Kinjal Rajpriya). Assisting him in this endeavor is his funny friend Bhopo (Smit Pandya).

As sequence keeps repeating things begin to happen and the movie moves towards a definite but very prolonged end. Yes, the story is crisp, short and very pointed.  

Any further and I will spill the beans, so let me stick to evaluating the performances.

The film is and around RJ Dhvanit. Well, to be honest without being hurtful, he still needs to learn to act, run, eat namkeen, give different expressions, sleep in the right position and get the right angles. His body and body language needs a serious boost. There is a kind of monotony in his method that does not help build the story.

Kinjal Rajpriya does a good job. She looks fresh and very much in the role (though her Shuu Thayu beauty is missing). If Smit Pandya had carried the previous venture alone on his shoulders, this time he just does not get the space, time or enough dialogues. A little more and he would have filled a lot of gaps.

Utkarsh Mazumdar, the scientist looks and feels strained. A little younger talent would have helped the cause. A talking villain Jacob (Vikee Shah) stretches the end way too much. Music wise, Mehul Surti has managed to keep it non-interfering and helps keep the pace (whatever little it has). Cinematography rules here. Jeremy Reagan makes the entire experience pleasant.

The story, well, I will leave this part blank.

The marketing of Short Circuit may have gone overboard in promoting this as Gujarat’s First Sci-Fi film. For a fledgling industry like Dhollywood, it would be prudent if we rate original works as First or Second. Else, simply let the Box Office do the talking.  

Well, is it worth a watch? Why not? If you are a RJ Dhvanit fan, if you do not watch English movies, if you want to see something different, yes it is worth your quick time (it is a sharp 2 hr film). Only don’t get caught in the time loop beyond 12 midnight, because, one min late and the language would change.

Happy Viewing.

Pictures Courtesy: Short Circuit Promotional Material