OMG – Oh My God!

OMG – Oh My God!
2012
4/5 stars


The store of outspoken atheist Kanji Lalji Mehta (Paresh Rawal) is destroyed in an earthquake.  The insurance declares it an "Act of God" and refuses to pay.  Kanji decides to sue God, through His earthly spokespersons, to get the money owed.  Surprisingly, Lord Krishna (Akshay Kumar) takes human form, and comes Kanji's aid.

This somewhat controversial comedy-drama provides thought-provoking points about religion.  The final two-fold message is positive, though. Firstly, that God is everywhere, and temples and idols are not necessary.  Secondly, people should not fear God, but love Him as a friend.

Rawal is fantastic in his role, both humorous and serious.  Kumar's small but important part is played with gentleness and even godliness.  Mithun Chakraborty played a minor character with perfection. The music is mainly incidental and background (with the exception of one item number) and some of it is quite beautiful.  Overall, if one is willing to have religion examined in skeptical ways, this is a fine movie.

English Vinglish

English Vinglish
2012
5/5 stars

Shashi (played by Sridevi) is disrespected by her husband and daughter, in part because of her lack of English.  When she visits New York to help her sister with a wedding, she secretly takes an English class.  In the process, she discovers self-respect and self-love.

This comedy-drama is simply fantastic.  Sridevi, returning to acting after 15 years, gives a flawless performance.  The supporting cast, from Sridevi's husband (Adil Hussain) down to her young son (7-year old Shivansh Kotia) all give solid performances, with Mehdi Nebbou (as Laurent) and Priya Anand (as Sapna) being especially impressive.  The music is mainly incidental/background, but some of the songs are beautiful.  Shot mostly in NYC, the location shots look great.  The plot itself is touching, funny, and inspirational.  I can't rate this film high enough, as it was as close to perfect as I have seen.

(This film includes a delightful cameo from Amitabh Bachchan.)

An Evening in Paris

An Evening in Paris
1967
3/5 stars

Rich and pretty Deepa (Sharmila Tagore) comes to Paris to get away from failed relationships in India.  She meets Sam (Shammi Kapoor), who falls in love with her and tries to win her affection.  In the meantime, wicked gambler Shankar and his evil friends are scheming a way to get Deepa's money.  What follows is kidnapping, impersonation, and dangerous adventures.

Filmed in four locations outside India, An Evening in Paris is lovely to watch.  As for the plot-- the better part of the first hour of the is spent with Deepa in various locations, pretending to ignore Sam who is behind her, singing.  All the excitement comes in the last 30 minutes or so, and the climax occurs too quickly.  Kapoor is energetic and exuberant in every movement, which is entertaining.  Tagore, who shocked the public by wearing a bikini, does a nice job of playing a double role.  The music, and there is a lot of it, is catchy with a definite 60's feel to it.  Tagore's costumes were exceptionally lovely.  Overall, though the acting is great, the movie is somewhat dull up until the "thriller" aspect begins, and there just isn't enough suspense to make it better than okay.

Chennai Express

Chennai Express
2013
4/5 stars

While escaping from an unwanted arranged marriage, Meena (Deepika Padukone) is helped by Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) to board the Chennai Express.  This begins an adventure with the two of them running for their lives from her father's gundas, while they slowly fall in love.

The plot of this romantic comedy is an well-worn one, and isn't particularly freshened by the chemistry of Padukone and Khan, but it's still a fun movie with a good message: "never underestimate the power of the common man".  Khan and Padukone give good performances with both the humorous and serious scenes. The music is solidly fine, with one exceptionally beautiful song ("Titli").  Padukone's costumes are gorgeous throughout the film.  Despite it's predictability, it's typical enjoyable Bollywood, and would make a good introduction to those not familiar with the genre.

Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

(translates as "Secretly and Stealthily")
2001
4/5 stars

In this drama, happily married Raj (Salman Khan) and Priya (Rani Mukerji) are devastated to learn that Priya can not have children.  She considers adoption, but for certain reasons, settles on the idea of a secret surrogate pregnancy.   Raj finds a young prostitute, Madhubala (Preity Zinta) who is willing to carry a child for the couple.  As can be expected, the path chosen by Raj and Priya is not a smooth one.

For the most part, this is a solidly good film, that has the viewer uncertain as to what will be the eventual outcome.  Those familiar with Hollywood's Pretty Woman, will recognize certain scenes, but they work quite well in this setting, too.  Khan seems to have only one emotion in this movie,  and  Mukerji spends most of her time weeping.  However, they are generally convincing in their roles, especially as they are the backdrop for Zinta's exceptional performance as Madhu. Regardless of how one feels about the topic, the movie is worth watching for her alone.

The cast also includes Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Prem Chopra, and Johnny Lever.

Om Shanti Om

Om Shanti Om
2007
4/5 stars

The less known about the plot of this film going into it, the better.  In brief, Om Prakash Makhija (Shah Rukh Khan), a "junior artist" at the movie studio, is in love with top actress Shantipryia (Deepika Padukone).  They both meet with an unfortunate event, and are killed.  Thirty years later, Om Kapoor (Shah Rukh Khan) realizes suddenly that he is the first Om reincarnated, and sets a path to avenge the death of Shanti.

Comedy and drama combine to make this an entertaining film.  In addition, Om Shanti Om, makes gentle fun of itself and Bollywood movies in general, adding another level of fun. Both of Khan's performances are solid, and Padukone (in her debut role) is a confident, convincing actress.  The movie is full of  Bollywood big names giving special appearances and cameos --well over 50-- giving an added dimension to the movie, as the viewer tries to recognize them all.  It contains impressive dance numbers, with mostly good music.  Overall, while not perfect, Om Shanti Om is thoroughly enjoyable.

(Other cast members include Bindu in a small role, Kirron Kher as Om Prakash Makhija's mother, Arjun Rampal as Mukesh Mehra, and Shreyas Talpade as Pappu Master.)

Note: This movie can be rented from Amazon video.

Baahubali: The Conclusion

Baahubali: The Conclusion
2017
5/5 stars

In this second part of Baahubali, Shivu has discovered his identity and raises an army of rebels to defeat the evil king.

I will have to repeat what I said about Baahubali: The Beginning for most of this review, as The Conclusion was just as spectacular.  The costumes, sets, and music (incidental and songs) were all great.  The acting was solid.   For the most part, the CGI looked great.  The action sequences, with one exception, were realistic and exciting.  On the whole, it was a most satisfactory conclusion.

Note: this movie is available to rent from Amazon.