Reviewing 2018 so far

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I am back to this page after a looooooong time and much of it is to do with inertia and part of it to the quality of films which have been releasing. Running a blog is tough and being motivated and generating regular content will always remain a challenge. I have seen that from my personal experience. The ecosystem must also provide right vibes for one to take the discussion and the dialogue further on this.

However, it was critical that one must get back to what one loves the most and is passionate about. My last post, as I can see is in Dec 2016 and that was wrapping up 2016. 2017 did not see a single post from me. It will be be unfair on my part to not quote two hidden gems of 2017, one was Death in the Gunj (Gunj) and the second was Jagga Jasoos. Both in different genres and yet they just hold you. Gunj holds you through its brilliant screenplay and some restrained performance from Kalki, Ranveer, and the gem, Vikrant Massey along with the ensemble cast. But, one must give it to Konkona as the debutante director who is in complete command, all throughout. The other gem of 2017 was Jagga Jasoos. A movie ahead of its time, yet Anurag Basu deserves a special shout out, for believing in this genre (musical in this case) and laying so much to claim. Ranbir was special and it was of course the master Saswata who was simply irresistible throughout. A tad lengthy but it made up for it with stunning visuals and a great narration. There were smaller blimps like Gurgaon ( a brilliant Pankaj Mishra), Hindi Medium (the bankable Irrfan) and Mukti Bhawan (have not seen it though). Shubh Mangal Savdhaan, Bareilly ki Barfi and Kadvi Hawa deserve mention too.

Yet again 2017 remained like other years, a list of mindless blockbusters with big star cast and bigger egos and bigger budgets, where cinema took a backseat. But am sure, they have better ROI's and better game plan. However, am not in the league and neither understand the bandwidth.

2018 saw the usual assembly line, and in between came across this little gem called Raazi. Meghna's grip on good film making did not stop with Talvar. A fine film with a great star cast.

Raazi has a a bigger canvas, bigger star and a of string supporting cast that holds the film together and ensures Aalia never falters. She is having a dream run with Highway, Udta...

The movie may have minor aberrations but then let us not be a Roger Ebert and try and dissect it. The plot is intense, narration is indeed stellar and the screenplay holds it. The cast, music, cinematography does full justice and yes it was great to have the team of Shankaar Ehsaan Loy back once again.

These films are far and few. Yet, they remain etched in minds for long. Wish producers remain invested here. Which is why I like Karan Johar and his belief. Bahubali was his another big foray.

Well, what next? I am into Netflix heavily and there are enough gems to cultivate there. "Sometimes" a tamil film is a must see, the docu on Rajneesh (wild wild country) is another unputdownable, and Altered Carbon to name a few.           

Keep surfing the net, till you have another gem like Raazi pouring in. And oh yes! Do not forget to watch, 3 Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri. Francis McDormand all the way!
  

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