Best 10 Movies/Web-series I have seen in 2018

1738th BLOG POST -->>

I have seen very few movies in 2018 but still I went to watch movies beyond my capacity. I went through the whole list and selected 10 movies or web-series that I liked the most. It's not that these movies/web-series are epic or critically acclaimed or a part of 100-crore club but I enjoyed watching them. So please do not get annoyed by few names which I know do not deserve to be in this list. Haha!

Badhaai Ho (Read the Review here)

Sanju (Read the Review here)

Web Series:- The Reunion (Read the Review here)

Web Series:- Laakhon mein ek (Read the Review here)

Raazi (Read the Review here)

Shahid: (Read the Review here)

Parmanu: (Read the Review here)

Karwaan (Read the Review here)

Mulk (Read the Review here)

Simmba: (Read the Review here)

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA

Best 10 Books I read in 2018

1737th BLOG POST -->>

As every year, I feel that I should mention the top rated books by me. The list does not have any thing to do with the year in which the book has been published. It's just that I got my hands upon them in 2018. Out of 58 novels that I read this year, few books which I am recommending are below. It has nothing to do in the order in which they are listed. You can start any of them to read in the New Year if READING is one of your resolutions:-

1. The Mastery Manual by Robin Sharma (Read the Review here)

2. The Kaafir’s Love by Abhisar Sharma (Read the Review here)

3. F?@k Knows: Dead or Alive by Shailendra Singh (Read the Review here)

4. Freedom from the I by Shashank Kasliwal (Read the Review here)

5. Happiness Is All We Want by Ashutosh Mishra (Read the Review here)

6. Ashwatthama's Redemption: The Rise of Dandak by Gunjan Porwal (Read the Review here)

7. Eleven Gods And A Billion Indians by Boria Majumdar (Read the Review here)

8. In a Cult of Their Own: Bollywood Beyond Box Office by Amborish Roychoudhury (Read the Review here)

9. The Essence of Bhagwad Gita by Atul Sehgal (Read the Review here)

10. Unmet Needs of Entrepreneurship by S. Parthasarathy (Read the Review here)

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!! 

Movie Review: Zero: Made only for SRK Fans! **

1736th BLOG POST -->>

Zero starring Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma and directed by Anand L Rai has been one of the most awaited movies since its announcement and teaser. The trailer was also enough entertaining to take you to the theatre and that is what I did in its first weekend itself, went to a single screen theatre and watched the movie. Unfortunately, I could not find the same audience shouting and whistling in a movie starring one of the three Khans. But I still found movie to be an average stuff. It is nothing that makes it one of the rare gems of Hindi Cinema nor is it so bad that you would consider it in the same list of RGV ki Aag.

The first half of the movie is quite entertaining and seems to be on track with Shahrukh Khan regularly delivering perfect punches that makes the audience giggle, laugh and enjoy the scenes. His reaction to people whenever someone tried playing with his dwarf thing is also hilarious to watch. One thing I would like to mention here is that nowhere the director, writers and dialogue writers have done anything that would insult or humiliate the people born with some physical disability. We also see Shahrukh Khan’s character flirting with another specially-able girl who is suffering with cerebral palsy and also giving attention to him in return. Along with it, Bauaa Singh is also crazy about this famous Bollywood actress who he ends up meeting with somehow, gets crazier and does wrong with every possible person in his life just for being with her.

The 2nd half gets slow where he reaches USA to again impress Anushka Sharma who plays SRK’s love interest suffering with cerebral palsy and most of the movie after here is shot in a NASA like research centre which confines the movie badly as there is not much after which director could have done nothing to make the movie as interesting as its first half. Though this 2^nd half is also different than what we regularly see in our Bollywood movies but the problem is that it’s not interesting enough. In fact, for a change, you miss Katrina Kaif’s character of Bollywood actress which she has played with such perfection and attitude that SRK and Anushka, both with great opportunity to play challenging roles, actually look dwarf in front of her. The another problem with the movie is that the chemistry between characters look plain and nothing charming considering that the movie is based on love angles. Both the relationship Bauaa Singh falls into are half-baked due to a failed script. 

Talking about the performances, the VFX has really been successful in showing SRK as dwarf but it does not surprise you enough as you have already seen somewhat similar SRK in FAN. Also, SRK did not change his acting style even a bit considering that the role was different which is a major setback for the viewers as they expected something majorly unique this time. Anushka Sharma really struggles in playing her role and doesn’t look convincing ever except in some portions of 2^nd half. Katrina Kaif as discussed above is powerful with what she does and even I am surprised that I am mentioning her for her acting skills here. Rest all the other supporting cast are okay with none of the performances worth remembering as such. Overall, Zero is a movie made with lot of guts but average execution. I give the movie 2 stars out of 5. I found it watchable at least for one time.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!! 

Movie Review: Simmba: A Perfect Bollywood Entertainer! ***½

1735th BLOG POST -->>

 There are very directors for whom you go out to watch movie irrespective whoever is casted in the movie that is because they have made such cinemas before which has been able to connect with you. Once such director for majority of Indian audiences is Rohit Shetty. Since he has started making movies as a Director, he has ensured it to be at least a HIT thing if not Blockbuster. And the most popular of all his creations has been Singham series where Ajay Devgn as cop entertained the masses every time he spoke his trademark dialogues or made the villains cry for life. On the same lines comes his new movie “Simmba” which stars none other than one of the most popular actor of our times, Ranveer Singh, where he plays the cop just like Ajay Devgn but he unlike him is corrupt and is in the service only to earn extorted money.

To start with, let me tell you that Simmba is an entertaining movie which ensures that you do not get bored even for 5 minutes and keeps you enthralled and celebrated throughout. You keep witnessing another character of Rohit Shetty transform into one of the roles that shall always be taken name whenever audience’s favorite movies shall be listed and talked about. It is also ecstatic to watch Ranveer Singh as a normal human being after seeing him regularly in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movies where he plays over the top historic characters.

Movie has funny moments throughout that ensures audience is regularly laughing or giggling. The background music again plays its part perfectly to make every tactic of this cop look iconic. The action scenes in the 2^nd half are powerful and worth-applauding. The only problem that I felt throughout the movie was lack of characters’ description which makes it little less exciting to find the protagonist interacting with supporting casts. Except Ashutosh Rana’s character, none of the characters are clearly defined.

One good thing that the director has been able to maintain is keep the character of Simmba funny and entertaining even in the 2^nd half when he gets quite serious to take revenge from the villains. Also, Rohit Shetty has kept the climax quite realistic and grounded rather than getting into his old formula of cars flying and blasting in the air. The cameo of Ajay Devgn as Singham in the climax is a complete single theatre thing which makes you whistle and clap. And the best part comes in the end where another Cop character is introduced which stars another Superstar.

Talking about the performances, Ranveer Singh is as he is, full of energy and entertainment except few places where he struggles in Marathi accent. Sara Ali Khan has very minimalistic role yet she marks her presence even in that small part. Ashutosh Rana is effective. Sonu Sood has again given a top-notch performance as a villain. All the rest star casts are okay. The music of the movie isn’t very great which is a major setback though Aankh Maare remix is doing great on music charts. Overall, Simmba’s arrival and announcement of next Cop series by Rohit Shetty gives me a feeling of something like Hollywood’s Avengers concept that can be created after few years. Amazing Idea, I must say. I give this movie 3.5 stars out of 5.

Go and watch without trying to find much logic into the movie. Enjoy it for the character and masala that the movie has.

Thanks.

Abhilash Ruhela 

This Time by Reshma Joly (Book Review: 4.25*/5) !!!

1734th BLOG POST -->>

What a co-incident it has been reading two books from the erotica genre back to back where I don’t even remember when I read a book from this genre in last few years! The last book that I read was more from boy’s perspective and how nasty boys are when it comes to having sex with girls. The book that I have completed now is written by a girl from girl’s voice which makes this a totally different reading experience. This is what reading gives you- multiple experiences, approach, thought processes being just that one simple person that you are. The 58^th book that I have completed reading this year is “This Time” written by Reshma Joly which is also her 2^nd book. This is probably the last book I have read this year. Now it’s time to get out of the pages and enjoy the last few days of 2018 enjoying and celebrating.

The book is written in such a poetic sound that never ever did I feel that I am reading a book which has conversations, scenes, story involved. What a wonderful way of putting one’s story of relationship with another person which has intense romance and union of bodies involved. The best part of the book is the way authoress has kept the chapters short still being able to describe whatever she wanted and making you feel the same emotions and feelings that she needed to convey. Amazing!

Another incredible part of this book is that it involves only two characters and there is not even a mention of any third person. Can you believe this? I can still not believe it. These 123 pages are an experience to read which shall take you in the world of intimacy and love which shall take you in a different world altogether where you would want to meet your partner or if you have broken up, get back to your partner, or if you are still not committed ever, will make you die to get into a relationship. This is how beautiful the love making scenes and conversations between the characters are narrated.

Authoress is quite nervous in the beginning of the book where in her note she says that the book is a huge risk as she is writing about sex. And I had assumed this book to be raunchy involving dirty talks and sex scenes but surprisingly, I ended up reading a book which was not about sex but the way two people get together with doubts if it’s love or infatuation and then get into physical intimacy and how they level up their physical intensity with days is what this book discusses and makes you think a lot about yourself, your choices and your love relationship. I am scared to say that I found the reading experience of this book quite meditative and felt that it got over quite sooner in just 123 pages and should have continued for same number of pages more. Kudos to the authoress for revealing her heart so beautifully without getting vulgar and indecent and portraying sex so generously. I give this book 4.25* out of 5.

To buy the book, CLICK HERE

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA 

I also slept with Rashmi Verma by Sexthon (Book Review: 2.5*/5) !!!

1733rd BLOG POST -->>

I have read books from almost all the genres though most of them have been by Indian authors only. Well, to be frank, 99% of them as it has been my personal choice to promote Indian authors as very few Indian readers pick up a book by Indian and I wanted readers to give the same respect to the authors of our country too. The one genre that I believe I haven’t read is erotica but it has also begun finally with the latest book I have read by an author whose pen name is “Sexthon” and the name of the book is “I also slept with Rashmi Verma”. Yes, the title itself says it all.

This book is written in a very entertaining way which ensures that you do not feel that you are reading a pornography content nor do you feel the book going nowhere. The book is divided into chapters and each chapter deals with a different situation in the life of the protagonist though few chapters are interlinked with each other for sure. The narrative of the book is designed such that you would want to know what happens with the protagonist, his crush- Rashmi Verma and his other friends who are either mad about sex or completely sexually deprived. The way author describes and discusses funny tales of protagonist’s friends is highly entertaining and the dialogues used between them is something makes reading the chapters hilarious.

The book starts with how the protagonist is also dreaming to get laid with Rashmi Verma who has slept with almost everyone he knows but only he has been neglected for years and later in the chapters, the desperation and disappointment of the character is discussed. The book also discusses about different genders, different sexual orientation and different approach towards Sex by people in a humorous manner. The brave thing that I could easily decipher while reading the book is author’s guts to discuss Mahabharata’s stories and inter-relating it with these sexually charged characters.

Now talking about the drawbacks of the book, 113 pages are too short for fulfilling the readers’ expectation when the book consists of so many characters. Author just could not talk much about them because he had already set a limit on pages that he wants to complete this book in. Secondly, the conversations written in Hindi are not in the correct accent which makes it difficult to read them and hence you read the English translation provided for them which does not have the same fun that the Hindi dialogues have. It would have been more interesting if author could have added the female perspective too but he focused more on the desperate males. In the 2^nd half, few chapters are boring and does not have quite a meaning to them which makes this book weak. Overall, this book is a light fun content to which I am rating 2.5* out of 5.

Thanks.

Abhilash Ruhela!!! 

Of Aakash and Aarti by Govind Sharma (Book Review: 3.25*/5) !!!

1732nd BLOG POST -->>

The last book that I had read of Mr. Govind Sharma is “State vs Amrit Kumar” and I had liked it a lot considering it was of only 150 pages and covered a wonderful story where the cop fought against corruption getting against his own seniors and officials. I was very much impressed by the author that he could narrate a wonderful story in such limited words. I picked up his latest book last week named “Of Aakash and Aarti” which is again been limited under 194 pages and author has again impressed me as a reader the way he narrates this story in as less pages as possible which includes multiple characters with different emotional sets.

The backdrop of the story is very well described and narrated which makes it easier for the readers to understand the characters of the lead- Aakash and Aarti. Both the characters are so distinctly different from each other yet gets along well is what becomes a wonderful read initially. And then the ambition of a poor girl is so beautifully portrayed that you fall even for the wrong things that she gets into. It takes guts to confuse readers with what is right and wrong with a character despite knowing that everything done is nothing but completely criminal and immoral. On the other hand, the way Aakash’s association with drugs is shown tells the readers about the ill-effects of getting addicted and what it does to a very good person.

The way the importance of being away from drugs is narrated tells the good intention with which the author has put this novel out for his readers. I just felt as a drawback after a point of time not making his character leave drugs made the story rotate around the same cycle of sub-plot again and again thus making it monotonous and boring after a point of time. The characters of Basant and Rajeshwari Devi is again an interesting set-up. I liked how the author has worked upon the background which makes his characters sound real and happening. Talking about another drawback, I felt that author could not maintain the relationship of Aakash and Aarti regularly in the book. He would either discuss Aarti’s life or Aakash’s but could not take their story forward simultaneously. That could have made the book more evolving. Rest, I feel only the title of this book would prevent readers from buying it as it sounds like a cheese love story though it’s not. Rest, it’s a fine story to which I give 3.25 stars out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!! 

Blogging for Gold: A to Z of Blogging by Anuj Tikku (Book Review: 4*/5) !!!

1731st BLOG POST -->>

The way of communicating with an audience is changing gradually since years and there have been new players in each of the mode that becomes prevalent according to the contemporary time. Earlier, people had only radios to communicate then came television. Post television became prominent, new terms of communicators started getting invented such as VJs, hosts, anchors who started influencing people with their shows. And finally, Internet entered and the whole dynamics of communicating changed. Earlier it started with digital magazines owned by an institution which got its own revolution where a person started speaking by himself through his own website which gave a new term to the mankind- Blogger. And the latest book that I have just completed reading is about how a person can enrich his blog and increment his performance as a blogger written by Mr. Anuj Tikka named “Blogging For Gold”. The book also has the tagline that says “A to Z of Blogging”.

The book is divided into 60 chapters which sounds like 60 tutorial classes being given every day on how a person should approach Internet as a blogger should and ensure that his efforts does not go into vain but he is able to earn something out of it- both monetarily and personally. I am glad that people like Anuj Tikka exists who rather than keeping their findings on how to make the craft successful with themselves spread it with their contemporaries ensuring that everyone grows together in a field that can provide lot of opportunities to both- the creators and the audiences. Anuj has written a really no-nonsense book keeping all the chapters and advices crisp with no diversions or non-clarity in thoughts. You can only bless him after reading this book as I, myself, being a blogger since last 10 years learnt a lot from this e-book which is written by someone who has explored the field for just 3 years.

The author has not only given tips on how to increase the readers, subscribers and views on the website but also given solutions on how to write better contents and how a blogger can go beyond just blogging. Not only has he spoken about the benefits one can get by just being a Blogger but taught how a person can earn through integrating their portal with other social media platforms, similar blog sites, affiliate programming e-commerce websites etc. The book opens a great dimension for a person looking out for being a Blogger letting him know the various options he has to explore and convert his hobby into a full-time stuff. Not only talking about just Blogging platform, author has also discussed about being a Youtuber, content creator, self-published author, story-teller, social media influencer, collaborator and what not.

The book is very impressive with its well research and self-experienced content. Though I would like to point out few drawbacks over here- The author has in some places just given references of what to be done but does not give a descriptive solution of how it needs to be done. Secondly, the chapters are not divided into sections which has scattered the chapters belonging to the same subject across the book which confuses the reader if he has completed knowing everything about this one topic or he might get a chapter afterwards on the same stuff. Third and the last, I believe author ended up repeating the same thing quite often to ensure that the reader remembers the same but it becomes monotonous after a point of time. It could have been wonderful if author could have given a summary of all the information in the end as Important Tips that the reader could keep it with himself to refer in future.

Overall, this is a great book for people wanting to create some stuff online and share with people or get popular. I give this wonderful effort 4 star out of 5. A must read.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!! 

The Chapter Black: Scandalous Secret of the Scars by Bushra Rahmani (Book Review: 4*/5) !!!

1730th BLOG POST -->>

 Not the experience of reading every book is delightful and entertaining, some are boring whereas some are thought-provoking whereas some keep hitting you for being negligence towards people who need your attention and concern. The book I have just finished belonged to the latter category written by Ms. Bushra Rahmani namely “The Chapter Black: Scandalous Secret of the Scars”. The book is currently available only in its Kindle edition and I wish it released in paperback version too as it is something you would want to gift few people who have no sympathy with the victims of the society who are dying to make you hear their pain. The cover page of the book is itself very dark portraying a girl sitting with her head bent down speaking about the plight she has been suffering for some while and the story is written in the same tone itself.

I had believed the book would have two different shades of happiness and then the sadness but since the first page of the book, the author has maintained a serious and sincere effort of keeping the victim’s story as much focused as possible so that readers could feel the pain a person who has suffered molestation, rape, kidnapping and acid attack goes through. And the good part is that even when the book is not written in the first person’s voice, it is able to make you feel what is in the mind of the fearful and helpless character who is scarred of every moment of her life. The protagonist’s character is so well built up that even after hours of completing the book, you would keep thinking about her sufferings and pain.

The book is written in a very good English language and as a debutante, I am very much impressed in the way the language has been used in a narration so strong and powerful. The story does not have much happenings, twists and turns but is still able to make you excited to know what happens with the character in the end is commendable. The research the authoress has gone through to understand the circumstances and feelings of an acid attack survivor is evident in every sentence which is applaudable. The way the book ends giving hope to any such survivor reading this book is how the climax of this book should have been rather than keeping everything dark till end.

Talking about the drawbacks of the book, I must say that the book is quite stretched in some parts where the authoress has gone into the same kind of detailing for the same condition of the character rather than trimming down few sentences from those segments where it kept getting repetitive. Secondly, except protagonist, her sister and Zafar, all the other characters are not given due importance. They keep disappearing from the story time and again which does not let the reader connect with the story at times. Overall, the book is a great effort and I rate it 4 out of 5. This is recommended for the people who can bear reading tough violent descriptions suffered by a female character.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA 

Vyom And The Royal Weapon by Tripty Bhardwaj (Book Review: 3.5/5*) !!!

1729th BLOG POST -->>

Reading book of any debutante is a different experience altogether considering that they pour in everything that they have as an author in their first book and does not hold back any idea or potential that they have. This exposes the author in his/her first book itself which is why the first book is very important for anyone in his literary journey. The book that I have completed reading last week is written by another debutante, Tripty Bhardwaj, with the name- “VYOM AND THE ROYAL WEAPON”. As I have already read many books from the same genre, I did not have much expectation from the authoress to write anything different from those books but I must say, the story of the book is unique in its own way.

The 1st book generally have references from many classics as it’s obvious that authors have their own favorite authors whom they have kept reading until they themselves start writing but I found that Tripty’s story isn’t influenced as there are ups and downs in the storyline which tells how strong and yet vulnerable the authoress is. The command over English is great which ensures that authoress is successful in communicating her imaginative story to the readers as most of the scenes in the book are created in highly fantasy-based world. Not generalizing but mostly the contents related to science fiction is interesting for boys than girls but it is surprising to see Tripty writing such a story covering elements that make the book genuine and thrilling. The only problem that I have felt in Tripty’s writing is the way she narrates the story. It is quite boring. It could have been interesting if the book had little less seriousness in its approach of story-telling and less description of segments which did not actually required detailing.

Talking about the characterizations, this book has many characters in it and almost all of them are widely discussed which doesn’t let the reader feel that he is not aware of the character’s background or mindset. As this book is based on an organization which has some values and morals, authoress had to ensure it is reflected in the conversations between characters which is done with pitch-perfectness. The two different groups of people are nicely portrayed to make you differentiate between them just in the first few chapters itself. It could have been great if authoress could have made some table describing the characters as their group so that readers could refer it when they are reading this book with lot of breaks the way I did.

The way the whole fantasy world is described does justice with this book. The blend author has ensured in the book with sci-fi content, kind of a mythological aspect, and also being philosophical in few parts of it through the characters is wonderful. The book is divided into many chapters which makes it easy to remember the many sub-plots happening in the story one after another. I just felt that the book could have been edited well as 250 pages are too much for the limited number of instances shared in the book. As already stated above, over-description kills the soul of the chapter sometimes. Overall, as a debut authoress, Tripty has made a respectable entry. Vyom and the Royal Weapon gets 3.5 stars out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!! 

Movie Review: Batti Gul Meter Chalu: Watch it for it's court scenes only! **½

1728th BLOG POST -->>

I had heard a lot of good reviews about the movie Batti Gul Meter Chalu and I was doubtful about it considering the performances of Shahid Kapoor in all his recent movie; or I must say, every movie barring one or two. And when the movie also has another actor like Shraddha Kapoor who lacks potential of being a commendable actor who can make you laugh and cry through their prowess of acting then there is not much that you expect with the movie. And sometimes, this is what works for the movie and director. Irrespective of making an average film with few great scenes, a movie is considered as a good cinema which leads to many audiences going and feeling the same because of aura created around the movie. The same has been case with Batti Gul Meter Chalu.

Though personally, I did not feel that the movie is totally unworthy or something like that but it fools you in making you believe that it’s a great movie though it’s just a ship that somehow saves itself from sinking with a sensible 2^nd half. The movie talks about a genuine issue in our country where electricity is a major problem in many villages and outskirts area. Over that, the electricity supplier big gamers enjoy corruption by billing the citizens such overcharged and unacceptable bill that a person has no other option than leaving everything and only fighting with the concerned department to ensure that he does not have to pay such a hefty amount which is nowhere in his budget. This case is not at all given any importance in the first half where the movie is majorly about idiotic segments which leads to nothing except showing us how close the three friends are. It is only in the 2^nd half when one of the friends suffer with this injustice that the movie stands on its leg and delivers something which makes you stay with the movie until climax.

The court scenes in the movie are the only reason why I would even recommend this movie to you. The way humor is made a part of it is what makes the script, dialogues and experience of this movie considerable and uplifts the movie from its below average meter. Rest, there is nothing that I would like to talk about the story has there’s nothing in it. The dialogues are irritating in the movie as just to justify the local language of Uttarakhand, the usage of words like bal, thehra, sakna etc. are inserted in every sentence which itches a lot as an audience. Talking about the performances, it is only Shahid Kapoor’s performance in the 2^nd half that needs to be mentioned alongwith a powerful cameo of Sameer Soni. The songs are forgettable except Dekhte Dekhte which is also inserted where it was least needed. Overall, it’s a movie which has only few scenes to hold you otherwise it can be easily missed and forgotten. I give this one 2.5 stars out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!!

Movie Review: Tigers: An Unjustifiable movie! **

1727th BLOG POST -->>

I have never been a fan of movies based on documentaries or belongs to the genre because it tries to be too serious to make audience thrill with its content. The news reporters have started telling news in much interesting way than a documentary speaks about its subject matter. When I came to know about Zee5’s latest release starring none other than Emraan Hashmi, named “Tigers”, I was quite positive about the high probability that I would get mesmerized by the movie which would make me watch other renowned and acclaimed documentaries but Alas, the movie could not prove anything pragmatic about the whole thing and I ended up feeling disappointed when the end credits rolled out.

The movie starts on a promising note where an MNC is refusing to take any kind of responsibilities for the side-effects that their product is causing to its citizens. And then the screen switches to few set of people who are on video call with the character played by Emraan Hashmi of a salesman (who have stood against a big MNC and got stuck in between of a situation where he wasn’t getting any support) and assuring that if a documentary is being made on him will they face any legal issues.  Emraan Hashmi takes them into the flashback and this is where there is some more hope generated from the movie as it’s based in Pakistan and about a cause that should be spoken about clearly and loudly. But irrespective of a simple and justifying performance though not superlative or overwhelming, Emraan Hashmi could not do much to save the movie which has too simple plot to intriguing the audience.

The script is not very strong in order of its plot where a simple salesman is going to charge a big MNC in a country where every other person is corrupt and involved in everything going wrong around. There is nowhere in the movie where you would get shocked, surprised, astonished, thrilled and impacted with the twists and turns. This is a very good story on which a movie could have done wonders but Alas, Tigers did not owe up to the opportunity. Talking about the performances, the supporting casts are okay and there are no performances which could be mentioned specifically for their outstanding feat. Overall, Tigers is a movie which speaks about an issue which is very serious and prominent even today though this movie is stuck for release for 4 years but its execution is not that great which could move audience as much as the issue did. I give this one 2 stars out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!! 

 

Movie Review: Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi: A stupid movie! *

1726th BLOG POST -->>

Talking about Happy Bhag Jayegi first, I hadn’t liked the first movie itself to which I had given just one and a half star. There was no chance of having any kind of expectation with its sequel this time having Sonakshi Sinha in the lead whereas Diana Penty is in the supporting role. And as expected, this movie is much worse than the first one. This one is named Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi and I do not know about Happy but audience must have surely ran away from theaters watching this movie. Right from the 1^st scene, the movie is more about just going through it’s total running time as if the director and makers were in some hurry to close this movie. Every scene looks underwhelming and unprepared.

There is not even a single dialogue in this claimed comedy movie which you would be taking with yourself out of the theatre. There is not a single ROFLing moment that shall stay with you leave for months but even for hours. All the characters seem to be just acting their part in the scenes without putting any kind of effort in being a part of their characters. The only one person who seems to be commendable in the movie is Jimmy Shergill and that too because he has become too comfortable in playing such kind of roles where he is expected to keep an angry face and deliver dialogues which are funny yet terrifying. Anyway, he has played his part well.

Talking about the other actors- Sonakshi Sinha has acted the way she does but because of weak script and unfunny scenes, she could not add any substance in the movie and ended up making a mockery of herself. Piyush Mishra is great in the scenes with Jimmy Shergill. Their comic timing is something to watch for in this movie. Rest all the actors even those who are playing the Chinese ones are disappointing and are not convincing enough to uplift this movie. The bad script and no storyline is the main concern why this movie could not fly. Talking about the songs, there are none of them that could either make you feel romantic or end up dancing in your bedroom. Overall, a movie to be forgotten as soon as possible. I give this one just 1 star out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA 

 

Movie Review: Sui Dhaaga: Innocent and One-Time Watch! ***

1725th BLOG POST -->>

Varun Dhawan is one actor I find in this generation who ensures atleast an average entertainment if not something great. I became his fan as a complete desi viewer since Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania which I thoroughly enjoyed. This is the reason which compelled me into watching “Sui Dhaaga” the latest release of Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma. The first surprising and satisfactory take-away of the movie is that both the actors who are actually glamorous have been able to play this role to almost perfection where both of them looks genuine and no one can tell about their real-life handsomeness and beauty.

As a movie, Sui Dhaaga’s first half is very strong showing the characters and their inter-relationship beautifully where Mauji’s helplessness at job and joblessness speaks very well through his body language and desperate reactions – Mamta’s sincerity and commitment as a wife and daughter-in-law is commendably shown where she is able to emote her weak life condition in every scene – Mauji’s father played by Raghubir Yadav is regularly shown in irritation and frustration seeing his son taking risky decisions of entrepreneurship – Mauji’s mother role played by Yamini Dass is one of the interesting characters who doesn’t speak much but is able to display her charm in every scene she is a part of .

The second half is mostly about Mauji and Mamta’s struggle with job and their decision of setting something of their own. The movie becomes predictable and slow in this latter half but still is able to be with it without getting bored because of great performances of each and every one. The dialogues are beautiful and captures the emotions of the moments perfectly. The songs by Anu Malik are fine and suits with the essence of the movie. Talking about the drawbacks, as mentioned above, 2^nd half’s predictability is a concern. Also, the way Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma’s creative side is shown without any skillset mentioned in backdrop which is a complete logic defying element. Overall, Sui Dhaaga is a movie which can be watched once for its innocence. I give the movie 3 stars out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!! 

Swami in a Strange Land by Joshua M. Greene (Book Review:- 2.5*/5) !!!

1724th BLOG POST -->>

It is quite evident to all of you who have been following my book reviews and personal blog that I am quite attracted towards spiritual concepts and the first thing that attracted me towards mythology and spirituality was when I picked up a copy of Bhagavad Gita: As It Is being sold by Iskcon volunteers on a Mumbai local railway station. This version of Gita is written by Iskcon founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. And who would not want to read about the personality which introduced you towards a new concept in life. Jaico Publication published the biography of Swami Prabhupada written by Joshua M. Greene recently which has become the 52^nd book I read this year thus completing my annual target of 2018.

The book covers the spiritual life of Prabhupada on his devotion towards his Guru and how he ends up reaching overseas just to fulfil his Guru’s wish of spreading the Krishna consciousness all over the world. The book is divided in three parts- Prabhupada’s life in India, America and the World. The most interesting one that I personally liked is the one in America which discusses his struggle in gaining the followers and popularizing the Krishna consciousness and the Hare Rama Hare Krishna chant. The impact of these two sentences is nicely discussed throughout the book. The biographer’s research on the life of Swami Prabhupada is commendable and covers many such personal events which is nearly impossible to bring out in public or say, even know about it. Kudos to author for the same.

Talking about the drawbacks of the book, I must say that author should have divided the book in small chapters rather than three vast sections. This made the reading experience quite hectic where author just kept speaking continuously which becomes boring after a point of time and remains just a drag. Also, regarding the spiritual concept and belief or the meditation techniques that Prabhupada himself followed is nowhere discussed which is a very big setback for a spiritual reader who went through these 300+ pages to know new ways of meditation and spirituality. Even regarding the struggles in opening the first few centres is hardly discussed. The book just keeps on speaking the same thing for most of the middle section of the book which took me 10 days to complete this book. One of the struggling reads ever. I give this attempt 2.5 stars out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!!