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Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire (2023)
Salaar: A Prolonged Odyssey with Moments of Attraction
Synopsis: The film invests significant time in world-building but falls short of captivating the audience within its narrative.
First half: The initial segment is rather mediocre. While the Interval block attempts to instill excitement, the audience struggles to connect with the story from the outset. The buildup feels somewhat excessive.
Second half: Exhaustive. A substantial twist at the end sets the stage for part 2, but its impact is diminished by a desire for the film to conclude. The prolonged buildup doesn't adequately match the actual scenes, resulting in a sense of loud anticipation that one wishes to end. Trimming 30 minutes from the 3-hour runtime would have made it a more engaging watch.
Background music is subpar, excessively loud, creating an unwanted auditory experience. The songs merely exist without evoking much interest.
Final verdict: "Salaar" is a film worth exploring when time permits. It has its moments of attraction, but overall, it delivers a rather lackluster cinematic journey.
Dunki (2023)
A Tale of Two Halves: Peaks and Pitfalls
Synopsis: The film unfolds in two distinct acts, each offering a unique experience. However, its notable consistency becomes a stumbling block, potentially limiting the dynamism sought by viewers. Described as "very okaish," the overall product reflects a prevailing sense of mediocrity that permeates the narrative.
First Half: The initial half maintains a moderate pace until approximately 15 minutes before the intermission. Subsequently, the narrative experiences an upswing, albeit with a hint of hastiness. The abrupt demise of a pivotal character leaves little room for the audience to empathize. Comedic elements mostly miss the mark, save for a solitary scene. Clearly defined stakes fall short in justifying subsequent character actions, hindered by a screenplay marked with half-baked plots.
Second Half: Surpasses the first, with comedic lines landing effectively. However, the persistent screenplay issues persist. The film reaches its pinnacle in the final 15 minutes. Editing presents a challenge, particularly in emotional scenes with abrupt cuts that should have been extended for a more profound impact.
Musical Integration: The music, particularly in the second half, stands out as a strong suit, unmistakably signaling the distinctive touch of a Hirani film. It greatly enhances the cinematic experience, seamlessly blending with the storyline. However, there is a point where it becomes unexpectedly out of place, almost jarring, momentarily disrupting the narrative flow. Despite this hiccup, it doesn't overshadow the overall brilliance of the film's musical composition.
Final Verdict: Dunki, though a commendable effort, falls short of realizing the full potential of its talented cast, especially Vicky Kaushal, who has acted brilliantly, and the renowned Raj Kumar Hirani. While not his magnum opus, the film is deemed good without leaving a lasting impression. Despite some shortcomings, Dunki manages to showcase the undeniable talent of its creators and cast.
Tiger 3 (2023)
Clueless
The film's first half is a decent setup, effectively establishing stakes and teasing potential storylines. However, it falters dramatically after the interval. The tension carefully built is squandered by a subpar screenplay, and the last 25 minutes descend into sheer confusion, rendering the narrative senseless. Despite Tiger's attempts to save the Pakistani Prime Minister, the sacrifice of a RAW agent adds to the frustration. While the music and certain sequences are noteworthy, the underwhelming visual effects, particularly in the opening scene, contribute to the film's overall letdown. Additionally, it feels like both halves have been directed by different directors, creating an unsettling disparity in the film's overall cohesion. "Tiger 3" falls short of its potential, leaving audiences wanting more coherence and depth in its execution.
Animal (2023)
VANGA + RANBIR = MADNESS
An Unrivaled Cinematic Experience
Synopsis: "Madness" perfectly encapsulates the synergy between Vanga's direction and Ranbir's stellar performance, making this the standout Indian movie of 2023. Despite its 3:30-hour runtime, the film captivates without a moment of tedium.
First Half: The movie swiftly establishes the father-son dynamic, unraveling the layers that transformed Ranbir into a formidable force. The narrative's depth shines through engaging dialogues, becoming the highlight of the film. The Interval block stands out as one of the most compelling sequences I've ever witnessed.
Second Half: While the pace momentarily decelerates to portray the repercussions of bloodshed on the protagonist and his family, the film never loses momentum. Every scene propels the narrative forward, although some may initially seem misplaced, ultimately serving as essential building blocks for the impending twist.
Musical Integration: Seamlessly woven into the storyline, the songs seamlessly complement the narrative, ensuring they don't disrupt the movie's flow. Ranbir's portrayal reaches a career zenith, with no scene feeling like mere filler.
Noteworthy Element: The main character's vulnerability sets this film apart, defying the trope of invincibility. The post-credit scene marks the movie's second peak, a crucial element not to be missed.
Final Verdict: For enthusiasts of action, gore, and complex characters, this film is a must-watch. It demands both your time and monetary investment, delivering a cinematic experience that transcends conventional boundaries.