Posted by JoginderTuteja on 24 Oct 2009

Rating: *1/2 Fruit And Nut is a film which is neither sweet as a fruit not crunchy as a nut. In fact the best way to describe the experience of Fruit and Nut is that its makers would have actually gone totally nuts in sanctioning a film like this. It is one thing to go bizarre, break the norms and come up with a quirky affair. On the other hand its an altogether different thing if the makers become completely overconfident, try to be extra smart and ultimately fall flat on their face. For a movie that has been sold as a quickie comedy, there is not even a single scene that actually makes you roll with laughter. In fact the latter half of the film is so unbearable that you actually contemplate walking out of the auditorium. Fruit And Nut tries to pack a lot in the overall narrative by introducing newer situations and characters practically every 10 minutes. Cyrus Broacha is a looser who doesnt fit into any role, whether it is being an office clerk, radio jockey, watchman or even a help at a pizza shop. Exaggeration is the name of the game here and though one understands where director Kunal was coming from, it becomes a little too much to digest just 15 minutes into the film. Dia Mirza as the lady in saree is a pleasant watch though. As a young woman who has been kidnapped, she does exude vibes of being someone who deserves to be rescued. However, the kidnapper in question, Boman Irani, gets annoying at places. Of course the purpose here was to irritate but then there is always a thin line between an irritating character and an irritating actor. Thankfully, this is where Mahesh Manjrekar comes in handy as his one liners do manage to bring on smiles. Yes, just like all other characters in the film, he too is quite bizarre. However, one doesnt quite mind that since the dialogues mouthed by him belong to never-heard-before variety. In between all this hardly amusing madness, there are additional characters like villains henchmen, a cop, hired assassins Salim & Sulaiman, a beggar turned RAW agent and a scientist - all of whom only make this 100 minutes film seem like double its length. In the past, there have been quite a few quirky movies like Aagey Se Right and Quick Gun Murugan, none of which managed to make any impact whatsoever at the box office. As things stand today, Fruit And Nut is all set to suffer even worse fate at theaters. Rating: *1/2

Posted by JoginderTuteja on 24 Oct 2009

Rating: *1/2 Fruit And Nut is a film which is neither sweet as a fruit not crunchy as a nut. In fact the best way to describe the experience of Fruit and Nut is that its makers would have actually gone totally nuts in sanctioning a film like this. It is one thing to go bizarre, break the norms and come up with a quirky affair. On the other hand its an altogether different thing if the makers become completely overconfident, try to be extra smart and ultimately fall flat on their face. For a movie that has been sold as a quickie comedy, there is not even a single scene that actually makes you roll with laughter. In fact the latter half of the film is so unbearable that you actually contemplate walking out of the auditorium. Fruit And Nut tries to pack a lot in the overall narrative by introducing newer situations and characters practically every 10 minutes. Cyrus Broacha is a looser who doesnt fit into any role, whether it is being an office clerk, radio jockey, watchman or even a help at a pizza shop. Exaggeration is the name of the game here and though one understands where director Kunal was coming from, it becomes a little too much to digest just 15 minutes into the film. Dia Mirza as the lady in saree is a pleasant watch though. As a young woman who has been kidnapped, she does exude vibes of being someone who deserves to be rescued. However, the kidnapper in question, Boman Irani, gets annoying at places. Of course the purpose here was to irritate but then there is always a thin line between an irritating character and an irritating actor. Thankfully, this is where Mahesh Manjrekar comes in handy as his one liners do manage to bring on smiles. Yes, just like all other characters in the film, he too is quite bizarre. However, one doesnt quite mind that since the dialogues mouthed by him belong to never-heard-before variety. In between all this hardly amusing madness, there are additional characters like villains henchmen, a cop, hired assassins Salim & Sulaiman, a beggar turned RAW agent and a scientist - all of whom only make this 100 minutes film seem like double its length. In the past, there have been quite a few quirky movies like Aagey Se Right and Quick Gun Murugan, none of which managed to make any impact whatsoever at the box office. As things stand today, Fruit And Nut is all set to suffer even worse fate at theaters. Rating: *1/2

Posted by JoginderTuteja on 24 Oct 2009

Rating: *** 2008 was a year when more than half a dozen animated films had released. However, most of them failed to make a mark, mainly because of sub standard animation. The only films that at least managed to be noticed were Yash Raj Films Roadside Romeo and Shemaroos Bal Ganesha. Now in 2009, the next instalment of Bal Ganesha has arrived and it is a welcome sign since amongst all animation films centred on mythological theme, this has easily been the best offered from India so far. Thankfully, Bal Ganesha 2 doesnt disappoint as it carries forward the exuberance of the franchise. The animation is a notch ahead, characters are fleshed out well, stories are interesting, music is catchy and most importantly, there are enough rib tickling moments that would keep kids rolling with laughter. This time around, film maker Pankaj Sharma takes a step ahead in keeping the narrative quite fluid for Bal Ganesha 2. He sets the entire team of narrators, a bunch of mice, in the current times and uses a tapori language to make it much more identifiable for kids and adults alike. For those who have missed the first in the instalment of Bal Ganesha, there is a quick recap that brings all audiences on the same page. From here, three distinct stories are told, which are basically episodes from the life of Ganesha when he was a kid. However, each of these three stories dont just have a mandatory twist in the end but also come with a message. Meanwhile, it is clear that Pankaj has understood the pulse of his target audience - kids - and this is why he makes one of his characters make a statement that in current times, it is very much required to keep things short and simple to suit the attention span of a viewer. Also, the song De Taali, which comes in the second half of the film as well as the title roll, is intelligently used to bring in a desired break between the stories. Of course for those looking for a conventional film, there are bound to be complains around Bal Ganesha 2 carrying an episodic feel. However, if one looks at the demand of the target audience, that should hardly be a point to ponder upon. Thats because for kids, what ultimately matters is entertainment, good visuals and some laughs. In all these departments, Bal Ganesha 2 pretty much scores, deserves a one time dekko. Rating: ***

Posted by JoginderTuteja on 24 Oct 2009

Rating: *** 2008 was a year when more than half a dozen animated films had released. However, most of them failed to make a mark, mainly because of sub standard animation. The only films that at least managed to be noticed were Yash Raj Films Roadside Romeo and Shemaroos Bal Ganesha. Now in 2009, the next instalment of Bal Ganesha has arrived and it is a welcome sign since amongst all animation films centred on mythological theme, this has easily been the best offered from India so far. Thankfully, Bal Ganesha 2 doesnt disappoint as it carries forward the exuberance of the franchise. The animation is a notch ahead, characters are fleshed out well, stories are interesting, music is catchy and most importantly, there are enough rib tickling moments that would keep kids rolling with laughter. This time around, film maker Pankaj Sharma takes a step ahead in keeping the narrative quite fluid for Bal Ganesha 2. He sets the entire team of narrators, a bunch of mice, in the current times and uses a tapori language to make it much more identifiable for kids and adults alike. For those who have missed the first in the instalment of Bal Ganesha, there is a quick recap that brings all audiences on the same page. From here, three distinct stories are told, which are basically episodes from the life of Ganesha when he was a kid. However, each of these three stories dont just have a mandatory twist in the end but also come with a message. Meanwhile, it is clear that Pankaj has understood the pulse of his target audience - kids - and this is why he makes one of his characters make a statement that in current times, it is very much required to keep things short and simple to suit the attention span of a viewer. Also, the song De Taali, which comes in the second half of the film as well as the title roll, is intelligently used to bring in a desired break between the stories. Of course for those looking for a conventional film, there are bound to be complains around Bal Ganesha 2 carrying an episodic feel. However, if one looks at the demand of the target audience, that should hardly be a point to ponder upon. Thats because for kids, what ultimately matters is entertainment, good visuals and some laughs. In all these departments, Bal Ganesha 2 pretty much scores, deserves a one time dekko. Rating: ***

Posted by JoginderTuteja on 24 Oct 2009

There is something about first time film makers that excites Karan Johar. For his production house Dharma Productions, most of the directors chosen by him are those who are making a film for the first time. Ayan Mukerji has given a successful WAKE UP SID, Rensil DSouza seems all set for a success with KURBAAN while Tarun Mansukhani, who gave a HIT last year with DOSTANA, is making two more movies for Karan - animation flick KOOCHIE KOOCHIE HOTA HAI and DOSTANA 2. "Thats the mantra", says Karan in an unabashed tone, "I prefer first time film makers to work with me as there is certain hunger in them. They want to succeed and its the freshness in their approach which makes the entire experience of making a film all the more exciting. I am happy with this strategy so far and dont want established film makers." This is the reason why entire 2010 would see Dharma Productions unleashing one film after another, all of which would have a first time director at the helm of affairs. Other than Karans own MY NAME IS KHAN, there would be Siddharth Malhotra coming up with STEPMOM remake, Punit Malhotra making his debut with I HATE LOVE STORIES and Karan Malhotra beginning work on AGNEEPATH remake. How does the director in him, who has been making films for 11 years now (Karan made his debut with KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI in 1998) keep away from the temptation of giving creative inputs with so many newcomers at the helm of affairs? "You have to be believe me when I say that I allow them to make their own films", he smiles, "Eventually if I come in their way and do everything then whats the point? In that case neither them nor me would ever have objectivity of the work that we do."

Posted by JoginderTuteja on 24 Oct 2009

There is something about first time film makers that excites Karan Johar. For his production house Dharma Productions, most of the directors chosen by him are those who are making a film for the first time. Ayan Mukerji has given a successful WAKE UP SID, Rensil DSouza seems all set for a success with KURBAAN while Tarun Mansukhani, who gave a HIT last year with DOSTANA, is making two more movies for Karan - animation flick KOOCHIE KOOCHIE HOTA HAI and DOSTANA 2. "Thats the mantra", says Karan in an unabashed tone, "I prefer first time film makers to work with me as there is certain hunger in them. They want to succeed and its the freshness in their approach which makes the entire experience of making a film all the more exciting. I am happy with this strategy so far and dont want established film makers." This is the reason why entire 2010 would see Dharma Productions unleashing one film after another, all of which would have a first time director at the helm of affairs. Other than Karans own MY NAME IS KHAN, there would be Siddharth Malhotra coming up with STEPMOM remake, Punit Malhotra making his debut with I HATE LOVE STORIES and Karan Malhotra beginning work on AGNEEPATH remake. How does the director in him, who has been making films for 11 years now (Karan made his debut with KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI in 1998) keep away from the temptation of giving creative inputs with so many newcomers at the helm of affairs? "You have to be believe me when I say that I allow them to make their own films", he smiles, "Eventually if I come in their way and do everything then whats the point? In that case neither them nor me would ever have objectivity of the work that we do."

Posted by JoginderTuteja on 24 Oct 2009

Khannas have been shown the door. Barely a week after the release of MAIN AURR MRS. KHANNA, exhibitors have lost confidence in the film. Majority of leading multiplexes have discontinued the screening of the film in the second week and are continuing to trust BLUE and ALL THE BEST to deliver the goods. What becomes further embarrassing for the film is the fact that WAKE UP SID has been revived. The Ranbir Kapoor starrer, which had two bountiful weeks for itself, was kept aside in the Diwali week. All screens were occupied by the three biggies that arrived last Friday and all Karan Johar and Co. could have hoped was to see if they get some open space in week to follow. Well, that has pretty much happened with Khannas making way for Sid. Meanwhile, this week there are two small time films that have arrived sans any fanfare. BAL GANESHA 2 has come with the kind of publicity which is even poorer than the first instalment. Thats disheartening since this is one franchise which easily boasts of best quality due to its 3D animation. On the other hand FRUIT AND NUT fails at the title level itself. It doesnt give any indication whatsoever of what this Boman Irani-Dia Mirza starrer is all about; something that is never a happy sign. None of these two films bring in any scare factor that could stop ALL THE BEST and BLUE from making further fortune at the box office in week to follow. Enjoy the ride till ALADIN and LONDON DREAMS hit screens on 30th October.

Posted by JoginderTuteja on 24 Oct 2009

Khannas have been shown the door. Barely a week after the release of MAIN AURR MRS. KHANNA, exhibitors have lost confidence in the film. Majority of leading multiplexes have discontinued the screening of the film in the second week and are continuing to trust BLUE and ALL THE BEST to deliver the goods. What becomes further embarrassing for the film is the fact that WAKE UP SID has been revived. The Ranbir Kapoor starrer, which had two bountiful weeks for itself, was kept aside in the Diwali week. All screens were occupied by the three biggies that arrived last Friday and all Karan Johar and Co. could have hoped was to see if they get some open space in week to follow. Well, that has pretty much happened with Khannas making way for Sid. Meanwhile, this week there are two small time films that have arrived sans any fanfare. BAL GANESHA 2 has come with the kind of publicity which is even poorer than the first instalment. Thats disheartening since this is one franchise which easily boasts of best quality due to its 3D animation. On the other hand FRUIT AND NUT fails at the title level itself. It doesnt give any indication whatsoever of what this Boman Irani-Dia Mirza starrer is all about; something that is never a happy sign. None of these two films bring in any scare factor that could stop ALL THE BEST and BLUE from making further fortune at the box office in week to follow. Enjoy the ride till ALADIN and LONDON DREAMS hit screens on 30th October.

Posted by JoginderTuteja on 24 Oct 2009

With TUM MILE, Emraan Hashmi has now worked in his costliest film till date. Abound with VFX and special effects, the film could pretty much turn out to be a landmark film for Emraan who has made a career out of working in medium budget films, majority of which have turned out to be successful at the box office. Still, Emraan is cautious when he talks about the scale at which TUM MILE has been shot, "I know one thing that Mukeshji (Bhatt) knows where to spend money. He does approve a certain budget only when it is required by a script. For a film like TUM MILE which takes the viewer to the horrific night of 26th July 2005 when floods struck Mumbai, it was required that the film gets a real look." No wonder, an entire factory was booked at stretch for the films shooting. Also, special sets had to be created since they were required to be filled with water with the cast and crew in the midst of it and shooting the film. "Mukeshji gave us all the liberty which was required for the film. Yes, we had to step up the budget but still it hasnt hit the roof as such. Its all still quite reasonable", he adds. On a parting note, Emraan quips, "Give the same subject and demand similar visuals from the Hollywood folks and you would see such insane amount being spent. In comparison, we have achieved so much in so little. Bollywood has actually come a long way when it comes to special effects. Today we can proudly proclaim that Hollywood can learn from us on how to effectively control budget and still make the desired impact."

Posted by JoginderTuteja on 24 Oct 2009

With TUM MILE, Emraan Hashmi has now worked in his costliest film till date. Abound with VFX and special effects, the film could pretty much turn out to be a landmark film for Emraan who has made a career out of working in medium budget films, majority of which have turned out to be successful at the box office. Still, Emraan is cautious when he talks about the scale at which TUM MILE has been shot, "I know one thing that Mukeshji (Bhatt) knows where to spend money. He does approve a certain budget only when it is required by a script. For a film like TUM MILE which takes the viewer to the horrific night of 26th July 2005 when floods struck Mumbai, it was required that the film gets a real look." No wonder, an entire factory was booked at stretch for the films shooting. Also, special sets had to be created since they were required to be filled with water with the cast and crew in the midst of it and shooting the film. "Mukeshji gave us all the liberty which was required for the film. Yes, we had to step up the budget but still it hasnt hit the roof as such. Its all still quite reasonable", he adds. On a parting note, Emraan quips, "Give the same subject and demand similar visuals from the Hollywood folks and you would see such insane amount being spent. In comparison, we have achieved so much in so little. Bollywood has actually come a long way when it comes to special effects. Today we can proudly proclaim that Hollywood can learn from us on how to effectively control budget and still make the desired impact."