Analysing films

Over the weekend amongst a host of unproductive things done, managed to do something productive- could watch Madras Cafe. Summed up in a line: Parts of the movie done well, but parts needed re-work. I am not a cinema expert in the true sense, but a connoisseur definitely. Therefore I went into the cinema with a lot of expectation, especially with Shoojit's last outing, Vicky Donor, being an absolute delight. Where does Madras Cafe score, the plot overall, definitely was spot on, the characters, particularly that of Prakash Belwadi and John (John I always thought was good in dark, gritty, brooding, action oriented roles, remember Force and Karam, it is comedy where he fumbles and badly) looked good, the locations and the detailing overall was very very authentic. The climax and the bombing of the election rally was extremely well crafted. The overall dark, brooding and the lighting of the film lent an overall tension and a trifle banality to the film. However, there were parts w

One of the major challenges that directors face is when they carry the baggage of a superstar and have to deliver what they are best at. Rohit's tryst with comedy and action is well known and so also is his timing. His Zameen to Golmaal 3 has been one long journey, but they all seem to carry his distinct trademark stamp. Chennai Express, fails here miserably. We all went with a sense of anticipation and an element of trepidation too. With big stars like the Shahrukh and Depeeka, can he deliver. I think the baggage was heavy and Rohit lost the plot somewhere midway. It could have been a nice plot started nicely and in between Chennai Express became a local train and stopped mid way into too many number of stations. MAKING THE JOURNEY DRAB AT A POINT... The journey starts well with Deepika's entrance being mint fresh and bringing a sense of bravado to the character. She seemed to be in her elements through the movie and never did she once seem to trip on it. Shahrukh, unfo