Stree 2

Stree, a simple, regular word, was made into an iconic film [and now a franchise] by the creative team, collectively and collaboratively. I did not meet anyone who did not like Part 1. It was a simple, loveable, goose-bump-giving horror comedy film that truly deserved its success. 

When Stree Part 2 was announced, fans like me were thrilled and could not wait to watch the trio unfold the magic with the gorgeous Shraddha Kapoor and Tripathi. After all, everyone wants to know the mystery of Chotiwali Shraddha, as it is evident that she is equally spooky. But story kya hai?

It was out of a collective effort where everyone shone. The story was the hero and the screenplay was the trophy.

So, was Stree2? Did it add to the Josh or like many sequels, squealed into mediocrity? 

Let's chit-chat over the movie, and the controversies surrounding it, all with a pinch of coriander. Yeah, you heard me right. With the prices increasing to as high as Rs 60 for 100 grams, dhaniya aka coriander aka cilantro has become a luxury commodity, much to the chagrin of multiple dhaniya-loving Stree like me. Talking about Dhaniya, sorry Stree-Dhan, the film is allegedly a huge success at the box office. 

While the dhaniya is still unavailable on multiple online marts, Stree 2 is freely available online on YouTube with even fake videos raking in views over thousands. Such is the craze. 

Does the film live up to the hype? Well, the storyline is promising. There is a headless man abducting women who smoke, wear skimpy clothes, and, women who are stereotypical liberals. Why? we do not know. He shaves their heads, siphons away their lives from them, and makes them live stalled lives like widows in the past were made to do. Men who come to protect these women are hypnotized into chauvinism by this headless VFX monster. Until some liberal men, a spirit, and a wolf come to their rescue. Their shenanigans revolve around weakening powerful women even if she is a spirit. 

The dialogue comedy is all fine as the film is targeted for mass entertainment and you just cannot expect Vipul Goyal or Kamra kind of jokes. However, there is room for all these people or say fresh faces including Zakir Khan but why Akshay Kumar? What kind of metaphor was that? The beginning of the film almost kills the hype with Pankaj Tripathi singing an unnecessary song,  an unnecessary love angle with Tamanna Bhatia were other few "can do without such terrifying" elements. The movie felt a little dragged, which is not good for sequels actually. 

While the metaphors in the film were relevant and good, Shraddha Kapoor along with Abhisehk Bannerji was excellent too. So, if Baazigar's success could lead to SRK's rise as a superstar, why Shraddha Kapoor cannot be credited or benefit from Stree 2's success? Why does it always have to be a male star? Nope, I am not a feminist. 

Is Shraddha Kapoor taking away all the credit?

When Bhool Bhulaiya 2 became a hit, who took the credit? Karthik Aryan and rightfully so. So, why much furor over Shraddha Kapoor now? She was brilliant in both films and in the sequel, she came up as the savior, guiding the 3 actors with her LED braid. It is like Avengers where despite the ensemble, Iron men get more accolades. 

Success has many fathers, for the first time, it is enjoying having a mother. Or is it a PR game? Why do you care? The more you care over such insignificant content, the more nonsense you will get to see.

Media esp YouTube media creates unnecessary clickbait and enjoys the trend with stupid videos to earn money on someone else's name in the name of content. 

Bollywood Spooky Universe Ya Saavi Ka Jigra

No, I am not hinting at the irrelevant war going on between Divya Kumar and Karan Johar for Jigra. Neither Jailbreaking stories are monopolistic, nor are horror comedies. Even though Stree is alleged to have heavily borrowed from Stranger Things, the truth is that it managed to win the audience's hearts. And Stree managed to not just win hearts, views but has also successfully established India's first horror comedy universe- Stree-verse. 

Even though Bollywood Boycott Shraddha Kapoor, now after Stree 2, things should change. Like the Manjulika keeps changing in another horror comedy franchise- Bhool Bhulaiyya aka BB. 

Bhool Bhuilayya 3 and Bollywood ka horror Universe

Bhool Bhuilayya 3 trailer has come out and the film seems interesting with Madhuri Dixit's cameo. Amisha Patel happily married Akshay Kumar and settled abroad after part 1. Kiara Advani is replaced by Tripti Dimri. But the original Manjulika Vidya Balan is back. Akshay Kumar who played her psychiatrist, seems to lost his marble and is in Chanderi Asylum. One thing is missing- Bipasha Basu. The "once upon a time" lead actor for multiple horror films including the one that tanked at BO, giving producers a shrill. Hope the makers will rope her back, giving a dope to otherwise stale Bhatt's horror universe. Their last horror film was Road 2 I guess.  

Whatever it is, I am keen to watch BB3 for Karthik Aryan. He is charismatic, you cannot deny it. So what if he is mismatched against national crush Tripti Dimri with a Tharki Takiya Kalam.

I mean it looked better when she said it for Rajkumar Rao but looks misfit in the BB3 trailer. Tharki is not the key here, it is Tripti Dimri and the roles she has been reduced to off late. Speaking of the Bollywood spooky universe, she did a classy Bulbbul at the beginning of her career, only to gyrate misogynistically in mindless songs after becoming famous. It is another discussion for some other day. Maybe Khanna Aunty will come back from her hiatus.

After all, who stree hai, kuch bhi kar sakti hai! 

So, Is Stree better than Animal Jawan and Pathan?

Yes!

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I am not a big fan of Singham Franchise. I saw the first one out of sheer boredom with a friend and given the overall theatre experience, I liked it. The film became a success. And later, came with multiple franchises/sequels but I have yet to see any of them including Sooryavanshi despite boredom. But I had high hopes for Singham Again. So when I saw an official trailer released on YouTube, I could not wait but had to see it. And it left such a bad taste. Why?

Let's talk about the good things/appeals first. The film has an array of popular stars. It is studded with Bollywood stars, including some of my favorites. From the action genre they have Ajay Devgun [ we like the older version better], Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff [I dunno why is he so underrated?], and Jackie Shroff [80s ka cop verse]. For glamor, it has Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. There are other actors including an over-enthusiastic [straight from the set of Cirkus] Ranveer SINGH, a very talented Ravi Kishan [cast in a serious role?], and a very stale-looking Arjun Kapoor. Still, the film manages to kill Josh and fails to impress. Oops, it was a trailer right, and not a film. Well, the trailer was so elaborate that it barely left anything for the film. Oops, baring the Chulbul Pandey's cameo. 

The film has an interwoven [whyy] holy Ramayan story, where the modern-day protagonist looks less like idols and more like Jokers. 

Talking about the Parallel, which actually makes for a perpendicular bisector with one side having fans of the film, lapping the crap and the other side, audiences like us who are so done with Bollywood hero-worshipping that even interweaving [again whyy] Ramayan would not help but makes it look gimmickry n caricaturish.

Ramayan is not a comic book: Caricaturish Casting

The overall cast, as an ensemble doesn't gel in. It's hard to see Kareena as Maa Sita, though she is one of my most liked actresses, she doesn't fit the bill. If age wasn't an issue, Aishwarya Rai would have still looked better in this role. Ma Sita is someone who commands purity, grace, and respect. Kareena looks far independent and like she will just break into Fevicol's song. The film supposedly has Salman Khan's, Chulbul Cameo. Maybe instead of Ramayan, it could have been Mahabharta as Kareena's Avni has 5 cops coming to rescue her against one villain, as flimsy as Ki ka Ka. Ranveer Singh as Hanumanji is too goofy. And irrespective of all the sins that Ravana may have committed, Arjun Kapoor's casting for this role is like Bollywood at its worst casting ever! Does he cut off as a powerful antagonist who requires an entire army of seasoned actors, fighting with him? Too much.

A Pan masala endorsing Devgan could be a Singham but Ram? Akshay Kumar as Jatayu? Really Rohit Shetty what has gotten into you. The cop universe idea is good but not with the Vimal Gutka gang. It repels more than impresses. The ensemble could have been better. 

Bollywood seems to be currently, obsessed with sequels and franchises. If the formula is working for them fine, but how about original ideas and storylines? There is a difference between Ramayan and Avengers. Avengers is a comic book, and its success may have propelled many filmmakers to make superhero-like franchises of their own but with their limited creativity and myopic narration. 

Even if you want to use Ramayan as a common ground at least make the context worthy, and bring a cast that could do cinematic justice. 

Which Ramayn character Deepika Padukone is Playing?

After "Katappa ne Bahubali ko kyu mara", I guess this would be the next most discussed question which thankfully won't make you wait till the release of part 2. Well, not meaning to brag but I very well guessed the Katappa Bahubali riddle while watching the first film. For this one, my wild guess would be Sugreev. She is a lady Chewing gum oops Singham but most of her dialogue part looks like chewing gum only. 

Deepika tries to be Ranvir and Ranvir goofs up again. I still love Dara Singhji as Hanumanji as I feel he was the best ever.  Deeepika's glam looks, and fit persona get badly ditched as soon as she opens her mouth to deliver some really horrible cliche dialogues. It looks as horrible as her sleep-talking scene from Chennai Express. No, that was entertaining in parts, this one is- caricaturish and repetitive unless the movie shows that she dumps Halwai and becomes a cop. 

It was refreshing to see Shweta Tiwari in a cameo. And Daya is also there with the legend dialog "Daya Darwaza tod". But the delivery? It is an iconic dialogue but the way Kareena spills it out, it lands bland unless supported by CGI and Dolby in theaters. The actors look heavily hamming. Babaji, the Ramayana parallel is so unsettling. Sari pehna ke bindi laga di aur Poo ko Parvati bana diya? Joker ko Hanuman. And added "Jai Maharashtra" as another prop to entice audience' awe?? All these could have looked good a decade back. Today they look stale and very cheap tactics that play with audiences' emotions. Tsch. Problem with the the film is that it has too many caricatures. too many.

Singham ka Bhajipao Chewing gum

It's not about the genre but every idea has a shelf life and while the "cop universe" is a new idea somehow the trailer doesn't cut the thrill it was meant to. There is almost everything in the trailer which in a way is good for fan frenzy and fan pages to promote the content and clippings over the social media. Like they did with Animal, making Bobby Deol' cameo a big hit and quite a puller for people who haven't seen the film, to go and watch the film. Yours truly was being the one. Singham Again' trailer is probably trying to bank the same strategy and may encash it as well. 

Well, to each their own. Maybe the film manage to rest the cliche and entertain all alike. It may be a hit as well. So far it looks like a mass movie, meant for star crazy audience. Such is my love for the franchise which I think is nothing but good old Bollywood star machismo cinema that no longer holds relevance but will entice ensemble fans of ensemble casts. Fans to Rakhi Sawant ke bhi hai. What do you mean she is playing Shoorpnakha in this film? Lolz, they need someone to do an item number with Chulbul Pandey as Malaika broke with Arjun and Kareena replaced Kajal Agrawal as Avni. 

Do not tell me, this film has Kajol as a guest star or SRK's Jawan joining the cop universe. Hey Maa, Mataji. Daya ben, I mean Daya karo. 

I discovered Thomas Tovin in Minnale Murli. And quite liked the film. One of the rarest films where you like both the hero's and the villain's performances equally. They were strong performances indeed. Liked Mohanlal's performance in Drishyam 2 [He was par excellence and the Hindi remake was nowhere near it]. So, when I found a new release on Netflix starring Thomas Tovin, I had to watch it. 

Was the film worth the watch? I have my doubts. 

The film could not evoke a shock or an awe. Though it is a mystery, a la who-dun-it kind of cinema, it felt short on holding attention. Though TT looked quite suave the storyline was more of a narrative than an active investigation. Maybe the language change marred the impact but both the stories have 1 thing in common. In both cases, the suspect kills himself, either by mistake or via a planned move. Watch this film on Netflix to know more.

Paris and Christian Dior!

After watching this film, I also feel like, having a Christian Dior Dress. And why not, watch the film especially the scene where they have a special preview of a new Anniversary collection. 

The names from Bar Dress to Temptation to Venus, are very present in their true aura, regal, archival, and forever retro chic! 

When I started watching this film, I wasn't aware that it would have such an iconic exhibit underlying a very modern-day Cinderella Story. 

The Film

Mr Harris Goes to Paris AKA MHGP is an old-world, charming movie about a woman with humble means who dreams of a haute couture. It is the story of a sincere English Housekeeping lady Ada [Mrs Harris] who suddenly stumbles upon a beautiful Dior dress and instantly aches to own one. 

But you must wonder if a cleaning lady would manage to earn her dress or not, and if she does, then by what means? 

As they say, the Universe conspires with those who sincerely inspire. Well, it's London, and everything is made possible. So in turn of events, she ends up having a beautiful piece and losing it too in no time. 

The premise sounds so good and the film has really heart-warming scenes. Netflix left no stone unturned in showcasing this film on my timeline until I clicked to watch and left it mid-way for weeks. 

So last night, fully determined as I am, I managed to watch another chunk of this film and completed it this afternoon. Well, why would you be interested in my timetable, so let's move to Mrs. Harris, a very talented Leslie Manville, and her Dior story.

So in a Do or Dior case, Mrs Harris manages to earn a fortune in the form of her late husband's pension arrears[see I told u it is London and things are quite possible], a small reward for returning a priced jewel that she found on her way and a portion of a lost betting money. 

Lo and Behold, she lands in Paris. The plane journey was kind of unnecessary and bore no relevance to the story. But what unfolds next is - pure filmy that even Bollywood and Indian TV will be awed to learn. The film doesn't just climax with her acquiring the new dress, but it further explores something very striking MS Colbert challenges Mrs Harris's innate desire in the Hous of Dior.

Watch the film to know more as I do not want to seed spoilers and plant my opinion 😊 

Numerounity Review: There is an Ada in all of us.

Ok so it is a "feel-good, Dior Cindrellla" Kinda story but unfortunately not a very seamless or flawless one. The struggle is quite a miss. Suddenly Mrs Harris gets everything on a platter. The erstwhile financial crisis of CD, the chance meeting with the trio Natasha-Andre-Marquis, winning the way into seamstresses Cove, etc. Certain transformations served more as cliches than evolved. 

The film lacks Ada's struggle but is filled with cliches that I may have lapped a decade back saying Awwww. The story and portrayal are indeed heart-warming and Leslie Manville becomes a familiar face to watch. 

The more impressive performances came from Lambert Wilson and Isabell Huppert who played the roles of Marquis and Colbert respectively. Alba Baptista [Natasha] looked dreamingly beautiful and Lucas Bravo as Andre was good too. The biggest star of the film is the costume designer- Jenny Beaven. 

Vintage Dior fashion preview truly transports you into a different world and every time the camera moves inside the Dior house, you are star-stuck. It left me wanting more of it but the story moves back to a dull London, but for a reason. 

As I said- Ada is quite relatable, though we do not have a gem of friends like her, the character is quite relatable. You could sense her loneliness, her indifference towards her insensitive employers, her comeuppance with loss in solitude, also including her fascination with a dress without any ulterior or exterior motive beneath. I gave her a silent yet resounding applause when she mouthed-

"Them are the days when you can treat people like scum and expect Loyalty in return"

Verdict: It is a sweet, harmless film..I may watch it again [for the new-found love for the CD world]. Warning- the film may make you want to groom your hair or dress up a little more couture, a little more Parisian, if you are not already. 

As Jean Paul Sartre said- Pour Soi, En Soi

I am gonna explore that more. Go watch this film. Am told that there are 2 more films made from the same book, I really want to see them including Mrs. Arris Goes to Paris starring Angela Lansbury [1992]

.....

PS: Is it a better film than "Ticket to Paradise" also streaming on Netflix? Oh, any day. 👍

Thanks to Netflix, and other OTT platforms, I can watch a good deal of movies while nursing my toddlers. Sleep bereft during pregnancy and post-delivery, became a luxury that I could not afford or buy until my mom came. Of course. 

While watching movies at theatres has its own fun but new mother like me esp with twin children, can only dream of going out. Hence, OTT comes as a fresh breeze wherein you can watch, re-watch, and snack on movies and series in the comfort of your child's mood and your sleep availability. 

So earlier this month, I caught these two movies [read title] using my husband's Netflix account. Thank God, I didn't have to buy a Prime subscription like I did for Dahad and Satyaprem.  It was worth it for Dahaad though and Satyaprem could have been better than the bha oops pasuri it turned out at many places. Never mind, Karthik Aryan and Kiara Advani's film had one of my favorite stars- Supriya Pathak, and that made up for it. That reminds me- if Kehvat Laal's family been released on OTT yet and is there any update on "Carry on Kesar"? 

For the uninitiated, these are two Gujarati films I have meant to watch. Yeah, after moving to Ahmedabad, I have developed a strong liking for Gujarati movies too. There are so many good Gujarati films to watch like Golkeri, Dear Father, Thai Jase, and more.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to find them on OTT whereas you can find almost every K drama or typecast Hollywood film online. BTW, you can watch some quite good Malayalam films on OTT [with translation and subtitles of course]. Start with Jaya Jaya Hey on Hotstar, which also houses some other amazing movies including the recently released Baipan Bhari Deva [Marathi].

Murder Mubarak

Murder Mubarak is a modern-day multi-starrer with popular names like Karishma Kapoor, Sara Ali, Dimple Kapadia, Vijay Verma, Pankaj Tripathi, Tisca Chopra, Sanjay Kapoor, and more. However, if one guy steals the show is [un] lead actor but a very important part of the film- ... GFY [Go Find Yourself, sometimes it is good to search deserving actors on Google too]. You would have seen him on TVF Aam Aadmi Family or the recently released- Mamla Legal Hai.

The rest of the stars are either too overwhelming [like Sara Ali's Bambi Todi] or too underplayed [Like Dimple Khanna in a very minuscule role yet looking so delish and Tisca Chopra playing a typical Aunty Turn Modern in Chetan Bhagat' era]. Actually, the film's treatment is quite CB's style, and no matter how interesting the plot is or could have been, the characters look caricaturish. The film also has Grusha Kapoor who brings ease and freshness in her small role. Pankaj Tripathi looks the same as in almost all his films of late and his constant dig at his assistant looks borrowed. 

Overall, the film is indeed a good one-time or a repeat watch if you ignore the over-imposing cliche characters built in Indian Novels, further translated on screen. You expect some suave characters too and no Vijay Verma alone enough cannot fill that gap completely for the film with Brijesh Kalra.

Merry Christmas on the other hand has just one star- Vijay Sethuraj. I am sorry but I am big fan of Vijay Sethuraj, especially when he acts in Hindi films or series. Yes, I watched the whole Farzi for him. And he was the reason, of course along with the mystery built-in with Bollywood demi goddess Katrina Kaif in the film's trailer. I am so oblivious to the directors these days that I learned it is S Raghavan's film from a friend's Facebook post. However, the unkind comparisons with the director's previous venture- Andhadhun didn't act as a dampener. Until they showed Luke Kenny's dead body, the film made me think they were going to kill Vijay Sethuraaj or he would kill Katrina as it was obvious that he killed Rosie. Radhika Apte played the gold mining lover's role perfectly. Am sorry if you have not seen the film but I didn't tell you that she played Rosie or Bouganvillea. 

Bad jokes aside, except for the over-extended demolition scene [which may have been a good watch in theaters as the suspense unfolds], I was quite besotted watching Sethuraaj and his Tamil accent Hindi. Sanjay Kapoor was loud as ever in his new-found stereotyped genre but if that's what it is, it is what it is. 

Notwithstanding any comparison with the director's previous hits, I liked Merry Christmas and you know why. 

So, here's a short and sweet personal review of the two murder mysteries hitting the OTT. If you have seen the film, do care to share your views in the comment [if you are still reading my blog even after years of inactivity]. 

Both the movies are 1000 times better than Neeyat [reviewed earlier in this blog]

And since I mentioned Mamla Legal Hai, I must share it is a great watch. Go and watch it [again] on Netflix. Oh Netflix, I love you.