DeAr

Sometimes you choose to watch a movie because the premise sounds interesting. What happens when a light sleeper gets to married to someone who snores loudly during sleeping? Interestingly, my spouse also has snoring problem but luckily I am a deep sleeper and have never been bothered by it. :P

The newly wed couple, Deepika and Arjun, try all sorts of options to deal with Deepika’s sleeping disorder – consulting doctors, sleeping on alternate nights. Nothing seems to work for them and Arjun asks for divorce, much to the dismay of his wife and family. Circumstances make him realize that running away from the problem may solve it temporarily but would result in further sorrow. Thus there is a happy ending.

I am not familiar with the cast – Aishwariya Rajesh looks good as Deepika. The name of the movie is drawn from the first two letters of names of the lead couple: Deepika and Arjun. The story is as flimsy as the logic behind title of the movie. Having said that, I’d say it is not very bad and is a one-time light-mood watch.

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Maidaan

Set in 1950s, when Indian football was below par at international level, this movie talks about the contribution of S. A. Rahim, coach of Indian football team in taking the team literally from rags to riches – from the bottom-most to win Asian Games in 1962. He handpicked the team, coached them, inspired them – but was replaced after a couple of unfortunate defeats, although it was not his fault. He was victimized by a combination of an influential official of Football Federation of India and a senior sports journalist. At the same time, fate also went against him, when he was detected with lung cancer. Rahim Sir, as he was fondly called, came back after two years, because of his track record. Luckily the team chosen by him was intact, and they went on to win the title.

Everyone should watch this epic tale of grit, determination, inspiration and achievement. Ajay Devgn, as Rahim Sir, makes an indelible impression as you join him on this battle with many odds right from the beginning. The football players have been played by young actors who have done justice to their roles. Priyamani looks good in her supporting role as Rahim Sir’s wife. You would feel sheer hatred towards the conspiring characters of Rudranil Banerjee and Gajanand Rao, such is the level of their acting.

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Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue

Working in mines has never been safe, being full of risks of both health and also disasters such as fire. In the instant case, which is a real-life story, ground water breaks in from the ceiling of a mine in Raniganj, due to irresponsible flouting of safety norms. Some miners manage to scramble out, whereas 71 are trapped inside. Here comes in Jaswant Singh Gill (Akshay Kumar), a trained rescue officer, but new to the area. The story is about his rising to the occasion, commitment to the task, sheer grit and bravery to overcome all challenges to save the miners. Full of hope, but short on time, Gill identifies people suited to the job but faces lack of cooperation from Sen, who is a local guy, who is burdened with personal agenda. 

This movie is a good time pass watch, but there is no visual treat waiting for you. The story demands most of the movie to be shot inside the partially inundated mine, and rest around it. Some scenes appear dismally done, where the back and fore grounds appear pasted later. Modern techniques have raised the bar of graphic quality and those shots feel like misfits.

Another point to be noted is the character played by Ravi Kishan – that of a pessimistic miners stuck in the mine. With so many successful ventures behind him, I thought it was very nice of him to say yes to a role which is not in the front line. Parineeti Chopra too has a small role, and looks good as Gill’s wife.

Image courtesy: Google