Monthly Archives: March 2024

Film Reviews

Film Review: Dhak Dhak (2023)

STORY

Four women from different backgrounds and generations are destined to bike-ride Khardung La. Lali, the youngest, played by Sanjana Sanghi, has low self-esteem and is recently engaged. Uzma, played by Dia Mirza, helps her husband run home by secretly working as a mechanic. Mahi, the oldest, played by Ratna Pathak Shah, has recently learned to ride the bike after winning it as a prize. And Sky, played by Fatima Sana Shaikh, the leader of the gang is a videographer. Sky was newly a victim of internet crime when her private pictures were leaked by her ex-boyfriend. And she had not informed them.

TRUE STORY?

Dhak Dhak had an interesting plot but in my observation suffered from a lot of issues. Without a doubt, all four stories were well connected but here is the penny to entwine. The film presses that this is based on a true story. What true story? I did not find the true story on the internet. If this was based on true story then why the real-life footage or pictures were not shown in the end? Was this a lie to sell popcorn? Let me know if any of you has any idea about the true story.

MISINFORMATION

Secondly, Dhak Dhak’s plot-line pressed that Khardung La is the highest motorable road in the world which is around 17,500 ft. If I am not mistaken, this is a wrong information. Forget the world, Khardung La was never the highest in India in the past. It was Dungri La that stands at 18,400 ft. And in recent years, Umling La has become the highest not in India but in the world, that stands at around 19,000 ft.

POOR WRITING

Dhak Dhak’s screenplay was disappointing because after highlighting their origins, the direction could not grow the four characters together. The film didn’t spend or was unable to invest time in developing their unusual friendship. I didn’t get the feel when the continuity pretended that they had already climbed the first ladder of knowing each other. I was surprised and found it bizarre that the bikers were punished on the street with the ear-holding sit-ups, especially Mahi.

There was a very important scene in the film that got terribly wasted due to weak direction. A video about their private conversation while being drunk went viral on social media and was blamed on Sky. Later, it was discovered that a foreigner recorded them. Next scene? They move ahead to their next destination. Did the ladies take no action against the foreigner and ride off to the next destination? Just like that? Knowing the fact that this is a female-centered film, I think the director Tarun Dudeja missed the chance to address. The story could have concluded that character by calling the police and making him record a live confession.

CHARACTERS & PERFORMANCES

I think Uzma got to join the gang very comfortably. Despite the fact that she lied to her husband, I really thought that her husband will raise questions and inquire from the contacts she was lying about meeting them. After all, she was planning to leave alone, not even her daughter was accompanying her. But he let her go. It was strange due to the fact that Uzma was living in a semi-conservative Muslim household. I was expecting a ‘Secret Superstar‘ kind of tension here.

It is not like if the writing of the film did nothing exceptional. Lali’s character had a strong individual portrayal. She represents many millions of girls who are afraid of taking a step on their own. Lali cannot even open a packet of chips. Not that if this problem is threatening but can be. You have the right and must be bold to make your own life decisions. It was a thoughtful scene when her guru asks what the soon-to-be-husband does and she is blank.

And Sanjana Sanghi played her part very well, so did Dia Mirza. In fact, Dia is unsung for her performances in recent years. Her acting has improved if anyone notices. I don’t think I need to invest my time explaining Ratna’s performance. She has been in splendid form for some time now. But Fatima Sana Shaikh has indicated that the audience needs to take her seriously. Watch her when she drops her frustration after a heavy stream destroys her work. All the hearts break when she laments over how people respond her posts and communicate when they see her. I think this was one of the best scenes of the year.

By the way, Taapsee Pannu was one of the producers of the film. She was perfect for the role of Sky. Unsure why she didn’t appear but she was missed.

CLOSING REMARKS

In overall a poor writing, Dhak Dhak was also annoying me with over-usage of songs that were highly unnecessary. The background score was a huge distraction and sometimes the music was louder than dialogues. The final 15 minutes were average and predictable.

Dhak Dhak, despite an interesting plot and good performances, is a chance missed and deserved a better writing and direction.

RATING 4/10

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Film Reviews

Film Review: American Fiction (2023)

STORY

After feeling immensely annoyed with the majority of book readers showing more fondness towards literary stereotypes from the Black writers, a highly intelligent Black author Monk chooses to stain his writing craft by writing a satirical novel from a different name, so he can indirectly drop his anger towards the authors and publishers. After submitting the book, the agent breaks the news to Monk that the book shockingly received strong praise from the publishers.

REVIEW

Now this is some story that grabs my undivided attention. Because ‘American Fiction‘ is funny, emotional, thought-provoking as well as a commercial satire. The film is adapted from Percival Everett’s novel ‘Erasure’.

What impresses me the most is in the times when the Black voice in America is listened by the highest number of listeners in 405 years, there is this Black upper-class author who prefers to write outstanding novels with fully developed characters and rich language over gang war, police brutality, mistreatment and injustice filled with profane language.

No I am not denying the Black injustice. I just wrote 405 years above, not 248. During the course of bringing the Black revolution, if anyone notices about Black entertainment and literature, almost every plot or context has similar elements and narrative. If you are watching a Black sitcom, film, or a documentary, you have already predicted what the story will offer you. Monk is one of us, who wants to initiate or innovate a new Black idea to be remembered for. Monk is like us, sick of repeated content and willing to offer something new, something fresh.

But the colossal hammering in the reading culture of the new age is that your choices and judgement have gone political. The Black person is predicted and assumed to be following the same footsteps and you have a weird interest for reading or listening to the same Black story again and again.

Think from Monk’s perspective, it is okay if you are the reader but chooses not to read any of Monk’s books but someone else. But if you are Monk, and publishing your own novels is your bread and butter as well as your legacy, what will you do if no one is willing to buy your book despite being brilliant and being million times better than those soulless books.

So what amused me in the Oscar-winning screenplay of this film is that Monk’s irritation grew very well. Monk wanted to pull the nerves of the publishers by writing and mocking a stereotypical literature but on the contrary, they loved the book. Offered a kind of money he never earned. He got a film to adapt that book. If that wasn’t enough, the book was nominated for the best-seller. People like Monk either try to fit the bill or somehow distinguish their own identity while existing amongst the stereotypes.

But being different and changing the era is not for everyone. Monk comes from a dysfunctional family. His old woman has Alzheimer’s and his sister Lisa was taking care of her until she passed away. Their estranged brother Cliff is divorced and is interested in men. The emotional relation of the household is complex and tries to move on from the tragedy. So Monk’s shoulders are suddenly burdened as well as rusted with the shocking progress of the book.

DIRECTION

Not only the screenplay and the dialogues are rich, the direction equally serves the purpose without exaggerating the social mockery. And thanks to Jeffrey Wright for understanding the brain behind Monk’s character and adopting it like fashion. When Monk is advised by his agent to adopt a persona of a convict to sell his fiction, you will observe Jeffrey not giving in too much of a convict while walking inside the restaurant meeting the film producer. Naturally, no serious person can go 360 and behave completely opposite in the first go as many films dramatize the character in a situational comedy. You can observe how Monk is so much done playing a double.

I absolutely liked that dialogue, “The Dumber I Behave, The Richer I Get”. No offense, isn’t that one of the ugliest and the harshest truths in many cases.

This is my first experience with Cord Jefferson as a director. He is basically a writer and my only experience about his writing before was Watchmen. So watching American Fiction was a must. And I like the directors being sincere with their art. Monk meeting his sister and spending minutes about their sibling-hood had a purpose. Cord wanted the audience to go through the process about how losing someone in the family feels like. After spending two minutes of their conversation at the beach, she suddenly suffers the heart attack and passes away.

Talk about the rise of broken language that people now find it more poetic and compelling. Jeffrey was so good in translating shock and disappointment on his face when he listens to fan-favorite author Sintara Golden reading an excerpt of her new release. This is followed by a standing ovation and Monk is frozen with the reception. Yes I understand that this language is common amongst the Black American middle and lower class communities but the point is that Monk wanted the Black literature inform the world that Black people are more than this.

SCENES

Without a doubt, the best scene of the film was Monk writing that book and its characters acting on his lines in the same room. Assumed to be a serious scene, what follows is the exaggeration of slang dialogues pressing the exact objection Monk use to make. I have no knowledge if the author writing the book and the story itself were shot in the same frame in any film or a TV show before but I found this very creative.

Another thoughtful scene was Monk discovering that Sintara, about whom he opined to have similar traits of other Black writers writing literary stereotypes, shared his literary views. While they argue on the table, Sintara and Monk brings the best out of the conflict of interests and we the audience view their perspective in a different dimension. And guess what, both are right in their argument.

CLOSING REMARKS

F_03320_R
Erika Alexander stars as Coraline and Jeffrey Wright as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison
in writer/director Cord Jefferson’s
AMERICAN FICTION
An Orion Pictures Release
Photo credit: Claire Folger
© 2023 Orion Releasing LLC. All Rights Reserved.

I think it is unjust to compete ‘American Fiction’ with other magnificent films of 2023. In fact, ‘American Fiction’ and ‘The Holdovers‘ have neither competition nor comparison. Until now, I sense these are the best films with a genuine drama produced with the finest quality of art.

American Fiction make me walk through a pensive mood where opinions are mustard, anger is silent, sincerity is ravaged, and books are colored. Bibliophiles and those who love watching a quality dramedy must consider watching American Fiction.

RATING 8.7/10

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Film Reviews

Film Review: Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video (2023)

STORY

Sajini Shinde belongs to a traditional and conservative Marathi family from Ahmednagar. By profession, she is a Physics teacher at a reputed school in Pune. She has found a man, Siddhant, for an arranged marriage through a dating app. With her priorities in life placed in order, one big mistake ruins her forever when her colleagues insist to get drunk and enjoy her birthday party wild. All the mobiles come out to capture her moment and the video goes viral all over the social media. Her video reaches the school administration, young students, the society, and her family. She is shamed and expelled from the school. The family as well as her soon-to-be husband Siddhant are furious. Besides a couple of feminists, she has no support. And one day, she disappears.

REVIEW

“Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video” is really the title of the film. Reminds me of Saeed Akhtar Mirza‘s films that used to have long titles. Coming back to my assessment, this is a mystery film where two inspectors Bela and Ram investigate the disappearance and get stuck in the complexity of the case. The film grows so intense into the second half, that most of the characters begin to look like involved in kidnapping or killing her. Every arc gives a different and genuine understanding.

I was absolutely sold to the core of the story followed by a marvellous continuity. Because, let me tell you something, in the presentation of a story and between the lines of the continuity, the viewers must always keep themselves open for a broader theory of what that film wants you to sink into. Generally, the film is about the whereabouts of Sajini but moreover, from where I am looking at is a broader picture, that the film is about things that led to Sajini’s disappearance.

This film has made me listen to possibly the best dialogues written for any film of 2023. One of the parents asks the principal if she will send her daughter to a school where a teacher does a sandwich dance between two naked men in a foreign country. I’m afraid she has a point and almost every parent will question about their children’s future. And then there is Sajini’s colleague Shraddha who complains that the fun is acceptable if you are a film star but crime for a school teacher.

Was it even Sajini’s call? She wasn’t eager to get drunk. It was Shraddha who convinced her to enjoy it like that and also was she who uploaded her dancing video by mistake. We can throw the blame on Sajini’s guy who asked her to get modern. Didn’t he know his woman’s definition of being modern would come out of a book? Or was Sajini from a small town, who was trying to fit in and get accepted in modern ambitions, really that dumb to not understand what he approved her about enjoying?

Do you get my point? I am not playing with your mind but informing you that this is a thought-provoking story that is not limited to her disappearance but is too large for assessment. I can write at least 25 pages about what I have watched and how and why is the message of the film so important for all of us.

Almost every character was developed. The film had a lot to offer. There was dark humor, the continuity had pace, and the suspense was captivating. The film wasted no time in introducing to the inspectors. And speaking about the supporting characters, the film opposes obviousness and gives a more realistic portrayal. Sajini confesses that she loved Siddhant. But Siddhant was not a good guy at all. He was a sore loser who had a bad past with other women. And even after Sajini disappeared, his personality was questionable. And I really liked that in such a scenario, the writer and director of a Bollywood film chose to show that the ideal man of the leading character is not quintessential. Yes, there is every possibility that the chosen portfolio is not the right person.

Radhika Madan as Sajini was outstanding but unfortunately, the story didn’t allow her character to spend much time in the film. And by this thought, I bethink that this story had every potential to transform into a limited series. You can easily stretch it to six or eight episodes and give more breathing to some promising characters like colleague Shraddha, principal Kalyani, and brother Aakash, and run Sajini’s important life events in it. Radhika did a superb impression of a small-town simple-minded girl giving such a raw-scale mannerism while meeting her date or speaking with people. Notice when she doesn’t find Siddhant’s heist joke funny and hides her discomfort in her smile.

CLOSING REMARKS

Although, the film somehow met with a fair conclusion with Inspector Bela delivering a very important message. But from an artistic angle, the film’s final scene should have been Sajini’s video message. With that, the film would have served the purpose. Also, this suggested ending would have hit hard on the audience.

I believe “Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video” is a spectacular debate about freedom and its social conflicts. This film is where liberty questions slavery and selfishness become self-esteem. Everyone performed at an average scale but Nimrat Kaur as Inspector Bela deserves the praise. The direction of Mikhil Musale, and dialogues, and screenplay are the biggest pluses.

Food for thought. Can a woman have her own choice of freedom? Why? Why not? But which one? Good freedom or bad freedom? What is that? Can freedom be bad? And who will decide if that freedom is good or bad? We the society? Or you, the seeker of freedom? Can a woman distinguish good freedom or bad freedom? Hold on a second. can a woman even distinguish what is good or bad? If she can, why are people offended? And if she cannot, why do her parents want her to get married?

Does Sajini have the right to enjoy? Must she have gotten drunk and danced? Must she have avoided doing all this in fear of getting caught by a camera in the era of social media? Does being a teacher dissuade her from all this? If you are thinking about, when will I finish my review then my dear readers, my series of questions will never end because this is all about a woman, and that too, is in trouble. So where does the problem really lie? The problem lies in our minds.

RATING 8.2/10

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Story

My Ideal World T20 Pakistan Squad

Pakistan’s World T20 Squad needs to be finalized now so they can play the squad and prepare them for the major event. With the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League‘s (PSL) 9th edition, Pakistan’s international commitment resumes next month when New Zealand tours Pakistan for 5 T20Is. Then Pakistan tours England in May to play a 4-T20I series. I believe nine T20Is are more than enough for the preparation.

In my opinion, the squad should be selected by considering the PSL 9 performances. I could have preferred Pakistan’s local T20 tournament National T20 Cup but I emphasize PSL because that is the latest competition when the form of the player must be determined.

So I forward you my ideal WT20 Pakistan squad with short details:

MY WORLD T20 SQUAD

1. SHAHEEN AFRIDI (CAPTAIN)

Even if he had not performed or played the PSL, having him would be the priority. The matter of argument is obviously his captaincy that was the weakest amongst all the captains who led their teams in the PSL. In fact, Lahore Qalandars was the first team not to qualify.

Even he is not my choice, Mohammad Rizwan is. But the only reason I have considered him to continue is, (A) It is unethical and very harsh for the Pakistan Cricket Board to select Shaheen as the captain of the format to lead the WT20 and then drop him after one series. And (B) We cannot judge his captaincy from one international series. With the announcement, he should be trusted, given confidence, and the team must be united under him.

2. MOHAMMAD RIZWAN (VICE-CAPTAIN)

407 runs in 12 innings that included 4 half centuries BUT at the strike rate of 122. Due to this reason, he must bat in the middle-order. The biggest plus is his leadership quality, Shaheen will be lucky to have his output on the field. 

3. BABAR AZAM 

Pakistan’s no.1 batsman in all formats and the leading scorer in the PSL. Thankfully is back in form and will be under less pressure because he will not be relied as a captain. The edge over Rizwan is that his strike rate in the PSL (142.6) was far better than Rizwan (122.22). So he must either open or come at 3.

4. NASEEM SHAH

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Doing heavy duty at such a young age and naturally a quick bowler. Returned from injury with 15 wickets in the PSL and that too at an economy rate of 7.56 (the second-lowest among all Pakistani bowlers who took minimum 10 PSL wickets).

5. SAIM AYUB

A unanimous choice and the brightest prospect in batting who can bat in all three formats. His shots-selection, powerful hitting, and his amazing opening-run with Babar has cemented his place. Saim scored 345 runs at a strike rate of 157 in 11 innings. He also hit most sixes in the tournament (21). He also turned out to be a handy part-timer who took more wickets (8), with better average (22.37) and economy rate (7.45) than Faheem Ashraf (6 at 46 and 9.85 respectively).

6. SHADAB KHAN

One of the key players whose lack of form disturbed Pakistan’s performances in the ODIs and T20s last year was one of the best captains in the PSL, scored over 300 runs and took 14 wickets too. Shadab led Islamabad United to PSL glory and was declared Man of the Series. 

7. SAHIBZADA FARHAN

266 runs in 8 innings at 133.66 is impressive and fits in the bill to open with Saim if Babar is not planned to start with latter. 

8. IFTIKHAR AHMED

259 runs in 11 innings including 7 not outs! A strike rate of 193.28 which was the highest among the top-scorers with minimum 200 runs. He hit 17 sixes which was the highest after Saim. He is the most-wanted hitter any team would rely at 6 or 7.

9. USAMA MIR

Easily the most improved T20 player who was also the leading wicket-taker in the PSL with 24 wickets at an economy rate of 8.13. The only genuine spinner of my ideal squad has only one competitor, Abrar Ahmed who took 16 wickets at a better economy rate (7.82).

10. AZAM KHAN (WICKET-KEEPER)

The big show is yet to impress in T20I but his franchise T20 form keeps pressing the national side to give him more time. Why? He is unarguably one of the biggest smashers from Pakistan for T20 games. And in the PSL, he proved once again why Pakistan still needs him. He scored 226 runs at a heavy strike rate of 171 which is the highest among the top scorers after Iftikhar. He was also declared the wicket-keeper of the tournament. 

11. MOHAMMAD ALI

Second-highest wicket taker with 19 wickets. There is no reason I will not include him in the bowling department. With Shaheen and Naseem, he is the most ideal fast bowler to start the match. 

12. AGHA SALMAN

In the last few months, Agha Salman has build some reputation as a batsman. He is quite a favor in all three formats and offers all kinds of shots. With a given situation, he is flexible to bat at any position. Scored 310 runs at a strike rate of 140.27. 

13. HASAN ALI

Pakistan’s Hasan Ali reacts during the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup semi-final match between Australia and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on November 11, 2021. (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP)

My ideal choice was Zaman Khan but the reason why I chose Hasan over Zaman is because not only that he had more wickets (14) than Zaman (11) but also had a better average (22.42 > 28.72) and a better economy rate (8.26 > 9.87). Hasan adds more aggression and spirit in the team and is a handy slogger. 

14. SAUD SHAKEEL

Saud Shakeel is another impressive consideration to rival Sahibzada Farhan for opening with Saim. In comparison, Saud Shakeel scored more runs (343) than Farhan at a better strike rate (141). He can easily be played in the middle if Pakistan decides not to play Azam Khan in the match. Then having Saud, Rizwan, and Iftikhar in the middle will boost run-rate acceleration.

15. IMAD WASIM

Now that is the most discussed player since the knockout phase of the PSL until now. He has retired from international cricket but hold on! He is from Pakistan and our cricketers don’t take retirement seriously. Jokes aside, what matters is that when a major cricket event is scheduled and Pakistan is expected like every other participant to shine, the pride of the country comes first. 

After this PSL, is there a doubt or a question about his being a better all-rounder than Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf? I don’t even remember when was the last time any of them clicked or did any favor to the national side. And here is this guy, who won four consecutive man of the match awards for his multiple clutch performances! It is about making your team a world champion, do yourself and us a favor, drop your retirement, and make yourself available for the upcoming series. 

CLOSING REMARKS

The chief selector must take the responsibility to shape a perfect T20 squad. No matter what squad is finalized, the best interest of the team should be prioritized. It will be highly annoying to see controversial picks that has mostly been the custom of national selection committee for announcing the squad. I say good luck for the preparations and may we see Pakistan champion again. 

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Film Reviews

Film Review: The Holdovers (2023)

STORY

In 1970, Professor Paul Hunham of the New England boarding school, Barton Academy, is tasked to babysit five students during the Christmas break. Four of them luckily leave on a ski trip when they get permission from their parents but Angus Tully can’t get it. So he is bound to stay under Hunham’s supervision. In the coming days, Hunham and Tully form an unlikely bond and develop an understanding.

REVIEW

Alexander Payne returns to the director chair to give us a dramatic sketch of a bizarre situation that revolves around three characters. Mary Lamb (played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph) supervises the cafeteria of the school and has recently lost her son in the Vietnam War. The melancholy is fresh and is unable to move on. Angus Tully (played by debutant Dominic Sessa) is a bad news and jeopardizes his school life. The emotional tragedy is that he was in delusion to travel to Saint Kitts with his family but his mother left him to go honeymoon with her new husband.

And a very sorry figure of Professor Hunham (played by Paul Giamatti) has lived most of his life in this boarding school. The current headmaster was Hunham’s former student so the professional longevity reminds us of Mr. Chips. He is alone, socially awkward, hesitates to connect the world outside the school. He is a grumpy professor who sticks with old-school traditionalism of teaching.

What the director wants us to watch and observe is a beautiful element of emotion that is hidden between the two rocks of Gibraltar. Hunham and Tully are unhappy being together and why not? After all, the Christmas break is here and they are stuck with each other instead of enjoying their holidays with their loved ones. But Hunham is a lonely fellow. Watching Tully enjoying his skating makes him smile. And in that smile, you observe his thoughtful face with lazy eye talking to his life.

And speaking of lazy eye, Paul Giamatti admitted in an interview to Howard Stern that he had to wear a big soft contact lens and was difficult to perform with that.

And it is never comfortable to perform with lens for lazy eye. The concentration becomes very challenging. He was outstanding throughout the film. I do not have much knowledge about Giamatti’s career but this maybe the highlight of his career since John Adams.

There were a few points that distracted my attention while observing. I am confused about a fact that a boarding school that usually maintains discipline, why most of the boys were sporting long hair. I have no knowledge but was sporting long hair in boarding school an acceptable fashion? How come Angus recovered after dislocated shoulder so quickly? It takes around 12 to 16 weeks in full recovery.

WHAT DID I MISS?

Many of you will not like it but I just don’t get it why Da’Vine Joy Randolph is receiving so much critical acclaim and winning several awards. Yes, she was very good but not at all phenomenal. On the contrary, I believe she missed the mark of being wow. I wanted her character to be more broken and shattered. After listening to the music at the party, she is shown crying in the kitchen. I wanted this moment to entwine her resistance and breaking point.

A PROMISING NEWCOMER

Dominic Sessa is the one that impressed me the most. His mannerism and physical performance were splendid. Notice when he dislocates his shoulder and the treatment in the hospital immensely hurts him. That act of suffering was well executed. You may also notice him when he humiliates Teddy. Dominic needs strong backing because we are looking at a promising newcomer.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

HOLDOVERS_FP_00406_R
Dominic Sessa stars as Angus Tully and Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham in director Alexander Payne’s THE HOLDOVERS, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Courtesy of FOCUS FEATURES / © 2023 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

‘The Holdovers’ is one of the most excellent examples of a well-crafted film-making that is set in the 1970s. I would like to particularly praise the cinematographer Eigil Bryld for making the 1970sh tone of the film so meaningful. The major accomplishment of this film is that it just doesn’t look like if the film was based in that era. ‘The Holdovers’ looks like a lost record of the film history library discovered and released. That’s because Bryld shot the film digitally using an ARRI Alexa camera.

CLOSING REMARKS

The humor was exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed Tully’s troubles and Hunham’s irritation. I was deeply disconnected in the selection of soundtracks that mostly were folk rocks. The plot-line doesn’t allow to stretch due to a restricted growth in the screenplay. This is why I felt that the second half was quite slow. 133 minutes of the screen-time is too lengthy for such a film.

But overall, I think ‘The Holdovers’ has successfully build the reputation in our emotions. There is a special corner for such a film that tries to bring smile after plenty of disappointments in life.

What the audience of the film needs to observe is three unlikely companions of a particular situation sticking around in line of duty, command, and nature whose lives are melancholic.

‘The Holdovers’ is like a nomad with a caravan and a dog seeking happiness.

RATING 8.4/10

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Film Reviews

Film Review: Friday Night Plan (2023)

REVIEW

‘Friday Night Plan‘ is a Netflix coming-of-age comedy-drama about two brothers Sid and Adi who get a chance to drive their mother’s car and attend a party at Nat’s with whom Sid has a crush. The film stars Babil Khan, Amrith Jayan, Aadhya Anand, Medha Rana, Ninad Kamat, and Juhi Chawla.

This film gives an insight about an introvert Sid who has been a pupil in the same school for eight years but has not gained any recognition and reputation like others. He has a crush on the girl but doesn’t know how to interact and impress. But then suddenly, he is the talk of the school and has built a status because he won a football tournament for his school. And now he is more uncomfortable.

There is always a need of the background story for the main character in the coming-of-age genre. This film grew Sid by talking about his past in the later phase of the film that developed more reasons behind his being extra silent and careful. His younger brother Adi is the best detailing for a younger brother as he was fast, smart, chill, irresponsible as well as a troublemaker. The last two traits are obviously not the best qualities in the person but in a character because the smart Adi just couldn’t realize why losing a car to the police was a big problem. Instead, he suggests that the mother will take care of it as he does not want to give up the party at all.

The heated argument between the two was interesting because they opened up their lives to each other. What Adi brings to the story is trouble as well as relief for Sid. He is his hype-man and really wants his brother to calm his solemnity and open up to the world. It is so well shot without exaggerating when Adi starts praising his brother when Nat enters the room.

CLOSING REMARKS

‘Friday Night Plan’ has a very simple and straight route for the continuity of the story. There are no interesting filming techniques to bring an excellent crafting from a coming-of-age. Also, for such a simple story based on one day, this film is too lengthy and slow for having a screen time of almost two hours. The dialogues were easy-going and realistic.

The whole sub-plot of inspector being furious over being egged was a bit time wasting and unnecessary stretch. Another reason why I say that the film was too simple is because Juhi Chawla’s role of the mother of two kids didn’t get to test. She came nowhere close to her car getting towed. If I was the writer, I would have her character do the talking with her sons and conclude the film on a better note.

I am getting fond of Babil’s acting since watching him recently in The Railway Men as I watched that first. His character execution, voice, and behavioral attitude is a gift from his deceased legendary father and anyone can observe that.

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Friday Night Plan’ but for me, it was at least 30 minutes long and deserved a better conclusion to all dramas that occurred in one night.

RATING 6.5/10

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