Title: Ghajini

Starring: Aamir Khan, Asin and Jiah Khan

Director: Murgadas

Release Date: 9 December

Reviewer: Shalandra Bunseelall Rating: from 5 Stars

Review coming soon

Title: Bachna Ae Haseeno

Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Minisha Lamba, Kunal Kapoor

Director: Siddarth Anand

Reviewer: Shalandra Bunseelall Rating:from 5 Stars

Despite the box office disaster of his debut movie Saawariya, Ranbir Kapoor has to rank amongst the most promising stars of the new generation. The handsome and talented son of superstar actor Rishi Kapoor has made quite an impact with film-makers and the ladies in the industry.

After briefly dating Sonam Kapoor, Ranbir is now happily involved with Deepika Padukone, another rising actress who made a sparkling debut in Om Shanti Om. They are seen on screen for the first time in Bachna Ae Haseeno, a movie that also features Bipasha Basu and Minisha Lamba in lead roles. The movie revolves around Raj (Ranbir) - a young Casanova who matures through life and learns from his mistakes.

First he innocently has an encounter with Mayi (Minisha) and soon breaks her heart. He then gets involved in a live-in relationship with an aspiring model named Radhika (Bipasha), who will give up everything for him. Afraid of a commitment he heads off to Australia and meets Gayatri (Deepika) - a focused young lady who will change his life forever.

Siddarth Anand, the director of movies like Salaam Namaste and Ta Ra Rum Pum has made a superb feel good romantic entertainer. He cleverly traces the lead character through the different stages of life and allows the viewer to relate to his situations. The performances from the cast are charming as they compliment each other magnificently. One of the other high-lights of the movie is the visually pleasing locations and the great music which helps as the story progresses.

Judged by the squeals of delight from the female patrons at the movie theatre each time Ranbir appeared topless, the verdict is clear - a new superstar has arrived

Title: Hijack

Starring: Shiney Ahuja, Esha Deol

Director: Kunal Shivdasani

Reviewer : Shalandra Bunseelall Rating: from 5 stars

Shiney Ahuja may not be the most popular actor amongst his co-stars but he definitely is a bundle of talent. Here he teams up with debut director Kunal Shivdasani with an engrossing theme of a plane being hijacked that has been inspired by real life incidents and a few Hollywood flicks.

Ahuja plays the role of maintenance manager named Vikram, who works at the Chandigarh airport. When a group of terrorists hijack a plane, Vikram decides to take action as his daughter is on board the same flight. With the help of a hostess named Saira played by Esha Deol, Vikram works swiftly and tactfully keeping in mind that a similar incident had tragic consequences for him in the past.

With a theme of terrorism, Kunal Shivdasani delivers a high voltage action thriller that keeps the interest alive, though the climax does tend to get a bit far fetched at times. The movie belongs to Shiney Ahuja who delivers a noteworthy performance as Esha Deol is reduced to the sidelines. Though the production values may not be slick and stylish, the movie is definitely recommend for those die hard fans of action entertainers

Title: Love Story 2050

Starring: Harman Baweja, Priyanka Chopra

Director: Harry Baweja

Reviewer: Shalandra Bunseelall Rating:from 5 Stars

As a critic of Indian movies it is often refreshing to come across a movie that defies the stereotypes associated with Indian Cinema. Sadly however audiences for many years have resisted change resulting in the most ambitious projects failing to be appreciated at the box office. Love Story 2050 is one such movie that defies the norm and takes Indian cinema to a new level with special effects of an International standard.

The story revolves around a lonely and wealthy guy named Karan (Harman) who falls in love with the beautiful Sana (Priyanka). Their romance is perfect until tragedy strikes and Karan is left heartbroken. Enter the picture Dr Ya (Boman Irani) – Karan’s uncle and a world famous crazy scientist who has been experimenting with a time machine. When he finally gets it working, Karan and Dr Ya undertake a journey into the future to try find a lost love. While the first half of this movie cements the romance between the lead pair, the second half is a mesmerizing trip into the future with robots and flying cars.

While the story of this movie is simple, it’s the posh treatment of the sets, locations and special effects by director Harry Baweja that makes this movie refreshing and loveable.He spares no expense in launching his handsome son Harman who bares a striking resemblance to Hrithik Roshan and is a superstar in the making. He makes a fantastic debut and is one of the most talented dancers in the industry.

Priyanka Chopra is perfect in her role. Music composer Anu Malik has definitely re-invented himself with a simply breathtaking soundtrack that features numerous chartbusters. So if you enjoy your fair share of Hollywood science fiction projects, then check out Love Story 2050 a brave project that takes gigantic strides for Indian cinema.

Title: Ugly Aur Pagli

Starring: Malika Sherawat, Ranvir Shorey, Zeenat Aman, Sapna Bhavnani, Tinu Anand

Director - Sachin Khot

Reviewer: Bashan - Rating: from 5 stars

It is the story of Kabir, a carefree guy who has been studying engineering for the last ten years now, whose life goes for a sixer when he meets the quirky and kinky Kuhu

Kabir always wanted a girl to love but he never in his wildest dreams thought he would encounter a girl who could make him dance around circles, run semi naked, ride cycles without seats, wear high heeled ladies shoes

Kuhu a.k.a Pagli is an obnoxious, strong and withy gill who is totally out of control! She has a knack of reeling you into her life, enamoring you and disrupting your life in a way you never knew possible! Pagali has been going through a personal crisis. And she feels that the only way she can overcome it is to put someone else through what she's been going through.

Kabir a.k.a Ugly is the poor, nerdy, goofy, charming and desperate who tries hard to escape Pagli's clutches, but in the process, ends up falling even more miserably in love with her! Will he survive all her insane demands and tantrums or will he run screaming for cover? Wait and watch!

Title: Mission Istanbul

Starring: Sunil Shetty, Zayed Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Shreya Saran, Abhishek Bachchan

Director - Apoorva Lakhia

Reviewer: Bashan - Rating: from 5 stars

Vikas Sagar (Zayed Khan) is one of the most promising journalists in the country. Owais Husain (Sunil Shetty) who heads a controversial Istanbul based news channel makes him an offer to head the channel for an outrageous salary and other perks. This offer came at a better time for Vikas who was undergoing a painful divorce with his wife Anjali (Shriya Saran)

But little does he know that one decision will change his life forever. When he voices his plans to quit the channel, he is reminded by Turkish commando, Rizwan Khan (Vivek Oberoi), how others who quit had been bumped off because they knew too much. In a place where the gun has the last laugh, will a journalist survive or will he fall prey like many others?

Title: Mera Baap Pehle Aap

Starring: Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Genelia De Souza and Om Puri

Director: Priyadarshan

Reviewer: Shalandra Bunseelall Rating: from 5 Stars

With a title like Mera Baap Pehle Aap (My Father You First), be prepared for a light hearted entertainer dealing with the unique relationship between a father and son that sees the successful combination of lead stars Akshaye Khanna and Paresh Rawal working again with director Priyadarshan - the team that made mindblowing comedies like Hulchul and Hungama.

Here Akshaye Khanna plays the role of Gaurav, the son who spends most of his time taking taking care of his child like father Rane, played by Paresh Rawal. When Gaurav meets Sheeka, played by Genelia De Souza, they strike up an amazing friendship that gradually blossoms into love, however when Sheeka introduces Rane to her teacher named Anuradha memories of an old romance begin to surface with mixed reactions. Mera Baap Pehle Aap is a well written and well made movie that promotes love through the different stages of life clearly sending out the message that love is eternal.

The lead stars are adorable especially the relative newcomer Genelia, who is a breathe of fresh air. The lovely actress will soon also be seen in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, but before that blockbuster arrives make sure you check out this movie and remember to take the family along.

 

Title: Bhoothnath

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, Aman Siddiqui, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanshu Chatterjee

Director: Vivek Sharma

Showing: At Ster Kinekor & Nu Metro cinema's

Reviewer: Shalandra Bunseelall Rating: from 5 Stars

I was surprised that despite having big name stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla and superstar Shah Rukh Khan in a guest role this movie was failing to attract the audiences locally and Internationally. Even I was cautious of watching this movie, which many thought was a complete kids flick. However Bhoothnath exceeded my expectations as an absolutely cute and adorable movie about the relationship between a smart young sboy named Banku and the ghost that he befriends when his family moves into a mansion in Goa.

Banku lives in the house with his mum (played perfectly by Juhi Chawla) while his dad Aditya (Shah Rukh Khan) spends time away as an Engineer on a cruiseliner. At first everyone warns the family to stay away from the house, but without heeding their advice the family settles into the house until strange happenings between Banku and his "friend" make them uncover a mystery that has to be resolved. Bhoothnath is a wonderfully made movie that should have been promoted more aggresively.

The performances are the life and soul of this movie with child star Aman Siddiqui and Amitabh Bachchan (as the ghost) delivering knock out performances, while it's refreshing to see the successful combination of Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla teaming up again. While debut director Vivek Sharma scores by carefully balancing the fun and the emotional under current, it's the music by Vishal Shekhar that is the downfall of the movie. Overall Bhoothnath is a charming movie that will be loved by the young, and the young at heart. Dont miss it.

 

Title: Tashan

Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor and Anil Kapoor

Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya

Reviewer: Shalandra Bunseelall Rating: from 5 Stars

Tashan is a movie that has been making news for many reasons. It was while the shooting of this movie progressed a romance blossomed between Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor resulting in the split between Kareena and Shahid. It's also during the shooting that Saif slit his wrist with a knife to prove his commitment to his new lady love.

Tashan also ranked as one of the most eagerly awaited movies based on an internet poll, considering the movie featured other big name stars like Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor, and the movie was produced by the prestigious Yash Raj Banner. The story revolves around Pooja (Kareena) who works for an underworld don named Bhaiyaji (Anil), who is desperately trying to improve his English. Pooja finds him a teacher named Jimmy (Saif) and soon she convinces Jimmy to help her rob the Don. Their plan is almost successful until Bhaiyaji sends out the tough and handsome Bachchan Pandey (Akshay Kumar) to bring back his money and the couple.

It's hard to believe that this movie is from the same production house that made blockbusters like Dhoom, Fanaa or even Jhoom Barabar Jhoom which was crazy yet entertaining. There's not much to like about this action flick that has a mixed plot and too many unnecessary scenes that just seem to drag on forever. The music is bad (also not typical of a Yash Raj Production) and performances are nothing out of the ordinary. There are some good moments but these are very few and some of the dialogues are absolutely shocking.

Yes, Kareena Kapoor does appear in a bikini for the first time, but even that does not save the movie. Watch at your risk - you either going to love it or hate it

 

Title: Krazzy 4

Starring: Irfan Khan, Arshad Warsi, Suresh Menon, Rajpal Yadav, Juhi Chawla

Director: Jaideep Sen

Reviewer: Shalandra Bunseelall Rating: from 5 Stars

Rakesh Roshan has to be amongst the most respected film-makers in Bollywood. With blockbusters like Kaho Na Pyar Hai, Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish (all featured son Hrithik in the lead role) to his credit, the talented director launched Krazzy 4, a movie which he produces but is directed by debutante Jaideep Sen. Though with the unusual title you would expect a totally non stop wacky comedy, this simple low budget movie provides great entertainment. The story revolves around four crazy guys at a mental hospital.

First there's Mukerjee (Irfan Khan), a doctor who is no longer allowed to practice. Then there Gangadhar (Rajpal Yadav), the historian who believes in practising and preaching everything about Mahatma Gandhi. Next on the list is Dhaboo (Suresh Menon), the guy who refuses to speak and lastly there's the short tempered and violent Raja (Arshad Warsi). These four guys strike up a friendship with their psychiatrist Dr Sonali (Juhi Chawla), however when she is kidnapped it's left to these crazy yet determined guys, to figure out the mystery behind her disappearance.

Krazzy 4 is worth every cent if you are seeking decent entertainment. The performances are cute, while it's great to finally see Dia Mirza doing something decent. However the highlight of the movie is the musical picturisations of two songs. Yeh To Bata is the biggest hit song at the moment, which has been shot on sexy Rakhi Sawat who oozes sex appeal, while the ladies should be satisfied by the two guest appearances by Bollywood hunks Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan who grove to the hit title track.