ABCD review: "Hilarious but with a shaky latter half!!!"

With the Anti Piracy cell & Producers' Association having taken a decision that Malayalam films wont be releasing in Bangalore on the same day as Kerala, it came as a huge blow to many including me. So that meant Malayalam releases has been far & few since the past one month.  Ever since Martin Prakkat's "ABCD" has hit the screens in Kerala, it has been garnering positive responses which increased my curiosity. Thankfully, it released here yesterday & hoping that it is able to satiate my expectations.

Johns (Dulquer Salman) & his cousin, Korah (Jacob Gregory) were rich spoilt brats born & brought up in US whose sole aims in life were to bust money & make merry. Things take a turn when they are sent packing to Kerala by Dr. Issac, John's dad (Lalu Alex) following a tiff with a couple of Negroes. What they believed to be a month long holiday in God's own country, was in fact Dr. Issac's plan to make them realize the value of money. So how will these brats deal with a life bereft of luxuries to which they were accustomed to???

After a dream debut with Mammookka in the blockbuster "Best Actor", Martin Prakkat is back to calling the shots with the legend's son in his latest venture. It wouldnt be prudent to accept the fact that Martin has yet again produced a winner thanks to a hilarious screenplay courtesy Sooraj Neeraj, Naveen Bhaskar & Martin himself. However, Sooraj's script was pretty shaky in the latter half and meanders without much purpose. It would have been much better off if they had made it crisper. As for other technical aspects, Jomon's visuals was impressive as always while Gopi Sundar's music was average at best though 'Johny mone Johny" rendered by Dulquer was catchy.

Dulquer was an absolute natural as Johns while Jacob Gregory was on absolute fire with his humorous one liners & mannerisms. A special mention also has to go the costume designer & hair stylist of Gregory which did impart the required impact. However, Gregory's accent wasnt quite upto the mark but then that could have been the reason why I felt it so funny. This film also marked the entry of theatre artist, Aparna Gopinath who was fantastic & should be the one to look out for in the future.  

Verdict:  In all probability, this should march its way to being a superhit thanks to the hilarious situations and combinations between Dulquer & Gregory which more or less makes up for the slackness in the latter half. In short, dont miss it & have a good laugh!!!

Rating: 2.75/5

Regards...Ben

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani review: "Cool rom com which will be lapped up by the youth!!!"

2013 is almost half way through & Bollywood hasn't had much of an encouraging start except for the surprise blockbuster in "Aashiqui 2". But the trade pundits are predicting that a blockbuster is just round the corner & by the looks of "Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani", we might just have a winner. The promos looks hip & the pairing of Ranbir-Deepika are likely to generate attention considering their past; not to forget that the shots are called by the promising Ayan Mukherjee. So will it create a ruckus at the box office???

Naina (Deepika Padukone) is a medical student whose whole life has always been about devouring the books, to the extent that her life was as boring as batshit. That's when she bumps into her school-mate Aditi (Kalki Kochelin) & gets to know that she is off to Manali with her closest buddies Kabir & Avi (Aditya Roy). Kabir aka Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) believes in living life to the fullest with no strings attached & his dream was to embark on a world wide tour. Naina has a blast with the three of them, little realizing that with time she would fall for Bunny, though they were like chalk & cheese. But will Bunny reciprocate her love???

Ayan Mukherjee had shown immense promise with "Wake up Sid" & he has definitely lived up to expectations with his latest venture. Though the script moves along predictable lines, it doesnt actually test our patience. As a matter of fact, the practicality of relationships is showcased pretty well...the details of which if I reveal here will be a spoiler. However, the film is a shade too long & would have better off if they had trimmed it. Pritam was on absolute fire with almost all the songs being top notch especially "Badtameez Dil"...not to forget the brilliant choreography of the former along with "Dilli Wala Girlfriend" & "Ghagra". Special mention also has to be given to Manikantan's visuals as it were picture perfect.

Ranbir Kapoor has been the toast of the industry since "Rockstar" released & he has once again shown that he is the best among the younger lot by more than a fair distance. Post "Cocktail", Deepika has honed her acting skills & she has done a decent job here. Kalki was the perfect choice for the tom-boyish character while Aditya has continued the good work of "Aashiqui 2".

Verdict: The film will take a thunderous opening & in all probability will breach the 100 crore club with ease. In short, give it a try if you love rom coms as it's definitely one of the best to have come out in that genre!!!

Rating: 2.75/5

Regards...Ben