Dhh Movie Review

Three cute Friends, Loving Grandpa, Inspiring teachers and Magic, enthralls one and all.

Jignesh Vasavada          

4.5/5 stars

There are times when you feel blessed that you have taken up the mantle of reviewing Gujarati movies. These times come when you are watching movies like Dhh. Yeah, you read it right, Dhh.

What a cute little story taking you into your childhood and back, making you want to believe in the innocence of early days, magic and that anything is possible as long as your friend is with you.

Slave to habit, I will have to add up few observations:

1. What is with Films and Three Friends? Is this the sure shot formula of success?
2. The real Dhh in this movie is the marketing of the movie. Completely missing!! Why does marketing mess up big time. Last time it was Chor bani…now it is Dhh (Duhs!!!).
3. Hanumanji on a Luna, some ride he must be having.
4. Why does a teacher need to wipe a blank board in the beginning of the movie?
5. I love the school here. Teacher announces the subject and the bell rings.
6. Seriously, good question, if Gandhiji is the Father of the Nation, who is the mother of the nation?
7. PVR seems to have realized that their popcorn costs a kidney! Even the straws are non-plastic.
8. The movie makes you wonder what role do parents play in their Dhh kids’ lives?
9. Is it really this easy to bunk classes? Did I have an ignorant childhood?
10. Wonder which radio station plays Sa Re Ga Ma at night!

Boss, what a wonderful movie!

What amazing storytelling!

What super logic!

What cute kids!

What mature handling of relationships and innocence!

The hero of this movie is the minute detailing. Director and Storywriter (with Adityakumar) Manish Saini has scored big time by taking care of a lot of nuances among actors, locations, shots, stories and most importantly emotions.

Relationship among friends, between grandparent and grandchildren, father-son, teacher-student-principal all have been given a lot of depth and crafted with exquisite detail.

The story is about three Dhh friends Gungun, Bajrang and Vakil. They are weak in studies and high on life and friendship. Nothing affects them, like Brijendra kala (Hindi teacher) says, Nirlajjam Sada Sukhi. However, a chance watching of a magic show of Jadugar Surya Samrat (a crisp Naseeruddin Shah cameo) gives them hope of shedding the Dhh. Thus begins the film and the beautiful twists and turns as the kids find a magic mantra with the help of Gungun’s grandfather (Archan Trivedi). Will they shed their tag, will the kids excel in life and studies, well, that needs to be seen in theatres, like NOW.

What a magnificent performance by Archan Trivedi. All his previous filmy choices are forgiven purely based on this role. The kids, Kahaan, Karan and Kuldeep (especially him, with his belly button always open) did a great job of stealing hearts. The songs by Meghdhanush transforms us to and fro and keeps the movie’s pace alive. Sagar Desai’s background too keeps the momentum. Udankhatolu song in both its happy and sad versions rocks the screen.

Dialogues by Parth and Ninad steal the show with some really smart quips (Front bench this classroom ketlo naano laage chhe ne? Gandhiji nu hathiyaar Lakdi hati!!). Even both the letter sequences displays the amazing grip the Director has on the story. Do listen to the content of the letter written by kids, both times and you will know why these guys are intelligent. Very smart Cinematography by Prahlad Gopakumar keeps us engrossed, especially with lovely close-ups.

All in all, this National Award Winning Gujarati Film has it all to make its mark in the hallmarks of good films for the next few years to come.

Folks, take a bow, you wowed us.

Don’t be a Dhh, watch Dhh Today (no, have not been paid to say this)!

Ventilator -Breath Gujarati

The Story of a large family that appears United yet stands Divided (No reference to Congress)

3 Stars

Jignesh Vasavada

I am cursed to have watched the original Ventilator in Marathi, and now when I watched the Guajrati re-make, I just couldn’t help making comparisons. Just couldn’t help being happy and unhappy.

Few Observations (Please bear with me the comparisons, because they are bound to happen):

1. Why are we Gujaratis portrayed so loud? Apple to Apple, Marathi villagers seem a quieter lot and the humorous scenes hit well there.
2. What would it feel to debut at 90 years? The grandfather in the film, at 90 made his debut in films. Watch out for him, he gives magnificent performances.
3. No one wears helmet in Gujarat, it has to be noted film after film.
4. What is the  Dr Juhi Chawla doing there? Amusing herself and having a ball in a situation which should evoke anger. So misplaced completely avoidable.
5. I was bribed black coffee to say this. The background score was magnificent, flawless and very lucid. It must be noted, Parth Bharat Thakkar has been choosing seats next to me only to influence my decisions for two movies in a row. I must be really important. Its just that the background score here is actually fantastic. Blends very well. Parth you need not have taken so much trouble of stalking me.
6. Manan Desai has never called me so many times to know my view of the film (suddenly I feel so good). Manan too does a fantastic single expression role.
7. Did I actually read Ordertory and idoltory in relation to Mataji and navratri offering?
8. Jai Shri Krishna is not Good Morning. Interesting subtitle issues galore.
9. You can perform in a hospital, the guard stops you yet you continue. Wow.
10. Do notice, Jackie Shroff’s lips are saying something and his dialogues something else.

Well, I admit, I was emotional towards the end. Ventilator, a name that would send shivers down your spine, here is light, rib-tickling, painful, stretched and tear-jerking in various parts. 

Lyricist Niren Bhatt. Pic Coutesy Buddybits

To be honest, there is no clear male/female actor hero of the movie, instead the real heroes are Niren Bhatt (Lyricist), Parth Bharat Thakkar for music (no, not because of the coffee) and the writer (Rajesh Mapuskar).

Gijukaka a father figure is on ventilator and the entire family from Mumbai to Chorwad to Mehsana to Ahmedabad rally around to visit him at the hospital and pay their respects (with a feeling that they may be for the last time). 

Parth Bharat Thakkar with Umang Vyas and Aditya Gadhvi

The film is a magnificent display of emotions excellently captured enough for each viewer to relate/identify with some character or the other in the film with some relative/friend in his/her life. It captures small nuances like the need to repeat the same story over and over again to every new visitor (this too sounded far better in Marathi). Captured also is the excitement of an impending death in the family, the selfishness of self above all else, the Mumbai and small town divide, the relations between father-son, the vast difference between the nature of relatives in villages and city-bred. It is all there. And sorry if I may say a large chunk is captured naturally in Marathi. Sadly in Gujarati it just does not flow well.

Ashutosh Gowarikar giving the Muhurat Clap. Pic Courtesy TOI

Jackie Shroff, personally I think, was a perfect misfit when it comes to dialogue delivery. The entire involvement, natural accent  was missing, killing the purpose. Characters don’t blend as well as they need to. Ojas Rawal a powerhouse of all things funny is completely wasted as is Jayesh More. Pratik Gandhi stands out like a perfect hero. He delivers where it matters. Mitra Gadhvi too does a consistent good job. Sanjay Goradia, a natural comic, after a point becomes cacophonous and unbearable. Why do they have to be so loud.

While the first half is loud and stretched, the second half has all the emotions. Some scenes really stand out as Jackie begins to take control. The scene with Archan Trivedi melts your heart. All the ventilator scenes be it the Grandfather touching the screen or the siblings and even Pratik Gandhi talking to his father are teary ones. You will be left with a lump in the throat and you will have none but Niren Bhatt and Parth Bharat Thakkar to blame.

Do not miss the cameo by Emotions Salesman Malhar Thakar, am saying it after long, he was good. Juhi Chawla is just a pure misfit.

Manan Desai with Director Umang Vyas

Songs are just well blended and would do well. Bhada na Makan ma, Amba Re Amba all stand out.

Well, if you ask me, do not miss this movie. And if you have Netflix or any other service please watch the Marathi one too. I promise you that you will want to re-read my review and agree with my angst.

Watch it, watch it.

Mitron – The Friendly Super-Son

Yeah Yeah, One more 'Different' Gujarati Friendship Story

Jignesh Vasavada

3.5 Stars

There is something very cute about Jackky Bhagnani, that innocent appeal, that adorable bechara feeling that makes you want to buy a movie ticket to his movies. It is this endearing feature of his persona that should have been used to promote the film, they would have saved all the money.

Still there were a lot of learnings while watching this movie:

1. Who will tell me honestly, is this an autobiography of Jackky Bhagnani? Come on, a wannabe chef being forced into movies? Please, poor him.  
2. Who did the homework on Ahmedabad? When does Light ever go in Ahmedabad? Unless of course you cannot afford the excruciating bijlee rates, lights never go off here. Premise hi galat hai. 
3. Love adds speed. Yes, here the family has been searching for the house for 30 plus mins in an innova, a distance that lovers cover in 1.7 mins, yeah yeah that short from Pol to Pol.
4. Why did the hero have a GJ-1 Scooter and Heroine have GJ-4, Aa toh just!!
5. There are one too many Mirror shots, guess they wanted to make a mirror image of the original movie (yes yes this is a re-make).
6. This movie was conceived and shot in the pre-Vijay Nehra days, else the street food cart would have to be replaced every day of the shoot.
7.  Since when did YouTube have an office in Gujarat? And why does it have to have a greek/german/godknowswhat language speaking gori? Why?
8. I wonder, if Lester D’souza, the owner of Upper Crust, is marrying off his daughter, why will he outsource his catering? Why?
9.  Never sit next to a Music Director while watching a movie, I have never focused on the sound so much in my entire life.
10. Yes, this film is about a Gujarati, based in Gujarat, you know how? None of the characters wear helmet while riding a two-wheeler.

Finally, the Bhagnanis have gotten the mantra of success right, only that they got the equation wrong. Touch Gujarati family and you have success, but touch them for a movie then the Gujarati ought to be a financier!!

Boss, what are the characters doing? Speaking Gujarati or Hindi? One of the things that Khichdi got it right was the dialogues and their delivery. Something I feel Mitron ends up confused.

Otherwise the movie is delightful, wish it was in Gujarati, it would have been a run-away hit (though it has all the makings of one here).

Jay (JB) is a good for cooking things is list-less till he decides to marry for money. Avni (Kritika Kamra, with puffed under eyes) is ambitious and being forced to marry. Their lives intertwine and as fate would have it they become business partners. Whether the partnership will go Band Bajaa Baraaat, is anyone’s guess (duh!!). Yeah, Yeah, the movie is as simple as this.

Wonder why did they even have friends when the movie was all about hero and heroine? Guess it was always about three friends (they had to fit them in). Pratik Gandhi excels in whatever role he has been given. Truly class. Prateik Babbar looks good, has no role. He needs more meat in the role than on his body. 

Shivam Parekh (5 dialogues) is absolutely non-utilized. Kritika excels in her debut role and seems to be a bright candidate. Jackky rocks with a brilliant performance. Now, if the film doesn’t work then boss, meet an astrologer, or actually become a Chef!!!

Watch the movie for the screenplay, cinematography and some amazing background score. Truly, very high class. Songs blend very well with the narrative. Overall a good package to spend the weekend with.

And yes, the movie ends with not one, but two songs.

P.S. Please find the screenshot of the True-Caller identity of the number. I have done your bit, don’t waste time on the same. Language is Telugu.

Shu Thayu - Bus Kai Nai

Shu Thayu…Saheb…Tamne Shu Thayu

Jignesh Vasavada

2.5 Stars 

Ahmedabad: August 25, 2018

Expectations are sure a huge burden to carry. The shoulders of Krishnadev Yagnik and team sure seem strong to have been sculpted to carry the same.

So, when Shu Thayu was announced, it was a weighed with the huge burden of the comeback team of Chello Divas (yes, the same film which has more than 25 different versions disguised as Urban Gujarati cinema). Did it really carry the burden well, or are the team themselves saying, Shu Thayu?

Read on, but not before my mandatory 10 observations.

1. Has Malhar lost age and Kinjal gained glamour? My God, what good and nice looking pair!!!

2. The premiere was like a rich wedding party with a proper colour theme. You could actually see bystanders asking, Shu Thayu?

3. Looks like the sequel of Chello Divas is such a huge burden that they even gave Michael the same quantum of role as in the original film.

4. So, there is progress. Helmets are visible with bikes. Only that the heroine’s head is cheaper and less important than the hero’s because only he is wearing the helmet.

5. Every scene is a magnificent product placement. You can actually count the brands, the locations and the products that make their appearance and disappearance.


6. Malhar desperately needs a dialogue (delivery & content) makeover. The stereotyping is also stereotyped.

7. What is By Swear of your mom? I assume, Maa Naa Sum? Dal is lentil soup (for the puritan English speaker) not curry.

8. Over-ambition or pure confidence, the film has sub-titles with the hope of targeting non-Gujarati audience.

9. The producer seems to have used the Karsandas location for a hospital, looks more like a swasthya kendra with MRI facility.

10. So, what is finally the heroine’s name, Deepika, Dipali, or Dipli? You keep wondering all the time.



The madness begins from the word go. The loud gets louder and the overacting gets exaggerated and the film commences. But then you have been promised an unFORGETable laugh riot, so you begin adjusting and taking in, as Manan expresses his love and intention to marry 3D (Deepika/Dipali/Dipli) to her father. A street smart, smart alec fast forwards us through his funny journey of love and acceptance and manages to get a yes and the film begins.

Few situations later our man hits his head on the stone and the audience too feels the pain, all the way to the end. The injury is multi-pronged, the dialogue writer’s head too seems to have been hit, the screenplay writer’s head too, the location guy’s head as well as the gag writer’s head. All of them suffer amnesia/loss of memory, speed, innovation, flow and the product goes for a toss.

In the state of forgetfulness and foolhardiness, Manan’s reception and marriage take place (yes, in the same order) and his friends help him through the entire journey.

What was being built up for a laughter riot, emotion of friends, ingenuity and love turns laborious, unbearable and sometimes funny. There are occasions of laughter and some real good slapstick but most times you are engulfed by the lack of innovation in the scenes and dialogues. The film gives you fun in installments like the Reception sequence, the initial falling in love scene, most of the interactions with Mitra Gadhvi and the friends.


Malhar sometimes even seems to be mumbling dialogues. While he does put on good acts, it just does not add up, after all there is only this much you can do with 4-5 dialogues that have been written for you. Mitra Gadhvi (Chikna) excels in a great performance. His character, his performance, his timings are just spot on. Aarjav Trivedi, drooling in his delivery is pretty artificial, Yash does a good job while the beautiful, glamorous Kinjal Rajpriya is under-utilized. Rest of the characters have a forgettable outing.

The screenplay, the story, the dialogues fall very short of expectations not giving us enough meat to chew on for the 2hrs plus something time. Music is present but nothing stands out. Songs, have good lyrics but not very hummable, at least not in the first go. 

Krishnadev Sir, Chello Divas rocked, Karsandas super rocked, even Vandha Vilas, I personally found it hilarious, but Shu Thayu forces me ask, Saheb, Tamne Shyu Thayu?

Premji - The Rise of Gujarati Cinema???

I will be honest.

Premji - The Rise of a Warrior is a not the greatest Gujarati film to release in recent times.

There is no direct comparison, but the other two Gujarati Blockbusters by Abhishek Jain were a better watch.

But then, why does Premji stand out?

Why should we watch Premji?

Well, simply because we must.

No, I am not advocating an activist and blind Gujarati lover approach. But all Gujarati movies  (Jo Baka, Dhirubhai...etc) inclusive should be seen by Gujaratis to ensure that the industry gets a boost.

This is not the time to be discerning. We will have to tolerate an average product but if the film makers see that they are not cutting losses and there is a wave which is willing to contribute to the rise of Gujarati Cinema, then chances are, the wave will take it forward.

Good creative people will jump into the arena. Imagine a Khichdi movie in Gujarati, why didn't it happen? Not because of lack of funds or ability. But purely because of lack of conviction.

If a Gujarati family can enthrall Hindi audiences, why can't it do the same in its Mother Tongue?

As far as Premji - The Rise of a Warrior is concerned, I can tear apart the movie and let Vijaygiri Bava take one in the chin. But will it hep him make another better movie. Probably Not. And that is the reason I feel the wave should be encouraged. There are 8-10 good Gujarati movies being planned this year.

It is well known that Vijay has bet his all on this movie. Haven't we all done something like this in the past?

But can we give him a constructive feedback, the space and watch the movie with the eye of a critic but heart of a Gujarati?

Here are the firsts that this movie promises.

Maulik Nayak as a comedian. I have personally known him and in his company you cannot just not laugh. He is the true gift to Gujarati cinema in a long long time.

Happy Bhavsar just re-iterates her class. Well Controlled and effective dialogues.

Malhar Pandya and Namrata Pathak stamping their class.

Watch out for Aarohi Patel. She has a mix of a director's and an actor's blood.

Vishal Vaishya as a villian he is scary and authoritative.

Music is melodious, soulful and appropriate.

Brilliant Camerawork, Locations and visuals.


All in all, I feel, as a Gujarati, you must decide to keep aside Rs 1000 for the next 10 Gujarati movies coming up and go through the motions. #maxkyahoga you will sit in the A/C or miss out a couple of Chinese or Mexican food outings naa. But what if the industry gets the shot and it gives you an additional entertainment option?

The rising industry will get a lift.

Go watch it, its nice, its Premji - The Rise of a #goodgujaratifilm. 

Oh Come On, Let them Cheat!

It was Gujarat, 2001, two weeks from my marriage. I was working with Indian Express and courtesy few senior journalists, we decided to join the Examination Squad and raid schools.

So, off we went to more than 12 schools boldly walking from one class to the other and simply requesting to the stunned pupils to declare any material they had. We collected more than 30 dustbins of material with which we made a campfire.

One school stunned us. As soon as the Board paper was out, one guy furiously started solving it. The paper was rushed to the nearest Photocopying shop and multiple copies made and passed on to the students.

Earlier, in 1992, I had posed as Raju Dholakia and cleared the 12th English Exam (which he was failing for two years) with 68%.

In 1991, Chennai, our Chemistry paper was fairly tough, so our invigilator simply said, "Guys relax, just solve the paper together, only don't make noise".

I could go on and on and I am sure everyone will relate to this and add numerous stories here.

So, how are we different from the parents and students of Bihar? Why are we stunned? Is copying a latest craze or its just that finally the journalists are searching for stories at the right places (besides Prince and others)

I feel it is the education system based on marks and one solitary examination to be blamed.

Here is Why.

Xth and XII are God
So, if I fail my 10th or 12th or score low, what kind of future can I expect? Of course, these two years are a family mourning years. No one does anything important. Of course these are followed by more entrance exams and more number crunching. You may be an intelligent all thru your life but 10 and 12th finals you score less you are stamped (it was opposite in my case).


Where are the Teachers
Have these sucking journalists done a series on where are the teachers in village and town schools? Or even for that matter the city schools? So, the parents cannot teach, the teachers won't teach and yet the student will have to be intelligent to crack the Board exams. Grow up.

Teaching Profession Sucks
We hand the reigns of our child's future to the teachers who are poorly paid, non-committed, ill educated, tuition hungry and then expect them to prepare our kids for Boards (I am not saying Life, yet). So, you dont pay teachers, who do not turn up and then parents can't even teach so, what happens?

Schools are Inadequate
Where are the classrooms, where is the infrastructure? Where would the students study? Show me the space? So, there is no reason and location for the kids to go to study and then, post that the students still dream of a future and the road to the future runs through the Board Exams.

Mugging, TextBook Flaws and more...
The format is wrong. The process of education is flawed. Cramming is encouraged, madness is allowed. Out dated syllabus rules and then you expect the kids and parents to hit the Board with flying colours? Come on, please have a heart.

We are privileged to afford tuitions, send kids to expensive schools and much more. Is the same applicable to 90% of the other India? Yet, we will bring them on the same platform as us and ask them to compete on marks.

Cut the Crap, let everyone copy maxkyahoga at least the neglected India has the chance to catch up with the privileged India and fight a fair war from there.

Let the best Copying process win.

BTW, I made a career out of Copy writing. 

Krish Shall Not Rape

Krish was always cuter than me

So, Nirbhaya II has happened in Gujarat. Guess as a country, we are good at keeping scores.

But what changed post Nirbhaya I?

The only un-asked Indian questions are,

How far are we away from Nirbhaya III (I have bought candles at an wholesale rate, need to begin using them).

When is the next time I can get my mug shot in a newspaper expressing my concern for the girl child and how helpless is the government and our society (my new hairstyle will last only 15 days).

Fast, I need an Update for my rapidly increasing Social Media Base, my concern for the women will get me great likes and even shares. I can click a candle selfie.

I am angry (at something, I don't know), need an issue soon.

And so much more glib talk.

Why is no one really concerned about attempting a different strategy to counter the same problem.

After all, didn't Jobs (yeah yeah woh Apple 4 guy...) say, If you do the same thing the same way you get the same results?

So, here is straight coming to the point.

Why don't we start from home. Why not commit to get our son/s to be better human beings before we start commenting and pointing fingers. Our attempt.

Here are our 10 Commandments for Krish our son to help see better perspective.

1. Krish Shall not Rape
Can you promise that?

Shreelinee, Krish and Self

We (Shreelinee and Me) can and We will. The way we bring him up will ensure that he values this thought.

2. Krish shall be sensitive to Women's needs 
We will ensure that he understands that there are certain boundaries that he cannot cross. There is a certain amount of sensitivity he needs to show towards women.

3. Krish shall respect women
Women are not objects. Women are the reason he is here. Women do not have to be looked down upon, but at an equal level. Women are and can be better than men in most cases and Krish will know it is alright to let it be that way.

4. Krish will be in control
Yes, he would grow up, his hormones too shall rage, he too would have bodily needs, so does everyone else. We will connect with him early in life and ensure he understands how to differentiate the same and manage it. We will teach him to identify when the girl is saying No and when he has to learn to withdraw.

Krish Loves Posing

5. Krish will know Flirt vs Lewd
The world flirts. Both sexes flirt. But there is a thin line before it turns Lewd. When the right time comes, We will be alert and help him understand what is Flirt and what is being Lewd.

6. Krish would know Sexual Harassment
This is not only for his own knowledge, but to help prevent the same happening in his environment. He will mature to be a responsible male.

7.  Krish, Bollywood can be ignored
Sheela may be jawan, Munni may be badnaam but Krish will know what to follow. Item numbers do not glorify women. They only make them sexual objects. The song may be catchy, but the lyrics are best ignored. Dance and forget.

8. Krish will fear punishment
Krish will know every wrong act will be punished and those against women, severely. If everything fails, his fear will be permanent, we will ensure that.

9. I will be Krish's Role Model

Krish in his school uniform

Just the way my father has been mine, so will be me. I respect women, do not objectify them and live healthily, he too will follow my footsteps. Chastity (virtuous or pure from unlawful sexual intercourse) begins at home.

10. Krish will pay it Forward
He will pass it forward to his next generation. He will ensure that our values live beyond us, just the way I am doing that of my virtuous Gandhian Grandfather via my father.

All, I can say is, in a country of 1.2 billion it is impossible to curb or prevent rape. But can we begin with our homes and surroundings?

Can we begin with the males of our families. Maxkyahoga next generation Society will surely benefit, child by child, adult by adult.

I have. Hope you too.