R Balki brings us a story that is immersive; though dark yet irresistible. 

Chup is a psychological thriller that gets inside our head and stays there craving for a second watch. Not because it is mind-bending but because it’s poetic to see each frame growing beautifully to its noir best. With the classic background score along with black and white frames, the film echoes the passion of the Director R Balki is. Giving us “Kaagaz ke phool” rewind that never wither away. 

Dulquer Salman is in his best form, mastering the genres at his best, comedy, romance and now a psychological thriller. The traits his character displays, the nuances he brings in, will immediately make one fall in love with him. He is in skin of the character, giving a stellar performance in the serial killer mystery who doesn’t play who done it? but why. The magic lies behind the why and that’s where we go “chup” not giving you more on it. 

Coming along as a guy next door selling flowers, with highly intriguing personality falls in love at first sight with beautiful Shreya Dhanwanthary who plays Nila. Her chemistry here and the growth of the character is well presented. She is just not the love factor singing along, she brings in the right adrenaline rush with her first film review. We all know by now, Chup is a story of a serial killer who is killing film critics brutally. The novel story idea here is winner and top of it, its execution. And since the roast is on us, it’s all the more fun. Films are indeed personal. 

It is pleasure to see Sunny Doel back in the form, bringing in the right weight with his rock-solid personality bringing the house down in couple of his scenes. His role reminds one of his films “Darr”. It has those elements where his character seems to be crossing path with Sunil from Darr. He never disappoints and brings in the right investigative elements giving Chup a good closure. It is good to see Pooja Bhatt on screen, lot of credit goes to the casting director to ring in the right cast. She is here to understand the psychology of the killer, helping to nail down the “Why”?

The film takes a cinematic liberty towards the climax but nevertheless Chup is a noise breaker to many who feel Bollywood is over. Looking at R Balki’s filmography we never thought he would bring us a story of a serial killer, a psychological thriller layered with Indian Classic and make a slow burner a pure entertainer and he does it so effortlessly. Be it the background score, or Chups Original Soundtrack, Chup is a complete immersive experience. Along with its beautiful cinematography Chup is a visual delight. 

Chup Revenge of the artist is indeed a Tribute to the great Artist Guru Dutt is. Yes is, coz his work still continues to stir our hearts. Legends for a reason. If you’re a Bollywood muse who gets freaked out by too much quiet, this is the flick for you. Bollywood is here to make some noise. 

PK Verdict: Gold****

Bollywood finally is about to get relieved from its parched spell. Ayan Mukerjis Dream becomes a reality, Brahmastra emerges as an entertaining astra. It may not be perfect but it dares to vision something new and delivers a magnum. The film has all the elements of being a wholesome entertainer and eventually it is. It has the soul of magic, the body of work and passion to dream; making their fantasy believable. Makers may not save the world but positively Bollywood. Thanks to the makers for finally ringing in originality. 

Brashmastra Part 1 Shiva – By now we all know Part 1 is the story of Shiva essayed by Ranbir Kapoor who has a deep connection with the fire element, playing an Agni-astra. Ranbir has a certain poise no other actor has, his innocence plays a key part in helping us connect with the character he plays, taking us through the journey of Brahmastra along with him throughout. That makes the film work. Alia Bhatt plays a girl next door, playing his love interest and we are so used to seeing them together that even makers don’t give us much of her back story. Their chemistry is doubtlessly brilliant. Her chirpiness and his swag along with the story sways it all. The film has breath-taking sequences keeping you at the edge of the seat bringing a wow factor in. At the same time, the momentum at times shivers a bit giving you pace to breathe, but at no point they loosen up. Rest of the support cast is brilliant along with the special appearance of the King Khan which is known to all by now and of course is terrific. 

Amitabh Bachchan of course brings his grandiose, just his presence elevates the weight around. He is a Boon Bollywood has and it is glad to see makers justifying his presence in films of such calibre, he punches hard and takes the punch equally hard. Brahmastra rings in some brilliant action. The VFX that looked weak in the trailers, doesn’t look bad at all on screen. Film though VFX heavy roars high on content, grounding your belief in the story well. Mouni Roy is good but yet a weak cast, considering the line of cast Brahmastra has. She leads the role of antagonist and for Hero to emerge, the villain has to be stronger. Nevertheless, her presence never goes out of the place, considering there is no physical combat but combat of super-powers, she sails through.

The film has great Music, Pritam hits the right chords and all the songs are well paced in the film and only elevate the mood further. Dance ka bhoot track has a brilliant ending tempo, Deva Deva is good and Love Storyian in Kesariya doesn’t hurt your ears at all. 

Ayan Mukerji with Brahmastra wins our hearts, with his sheer belief in his creation and giving Bollywood its first event film and as they say “This is just the beginning”. So of course the Best is yet to come as Part 2. For now, you should definitely enjoy the Brahmastra magic and cherish the film as it clears the litmus test. Brahmastra concludes part 1 shiva making a path for the part 2 – Dev. Just hoping the makers don’t take as long as part 1 for Brahmastra to be on screens again with Dev. For now, cherish the originality Bollywood has delivered, though not a six yet a brilliant boundary.

Brahmastra Part 1 Shiva – PK Verdict: Gold****

Short Ridiculous Review- The Kashmir Files.
In my review I won’t tell the movie was honest or not, it clearly portrayed Kashmiri pandit’s Exodus or not, because like a billion Indian even I don’t know the real story and for me film failed to give that clarity and left the hall with a confusion, though towards the end it gave some good GYAN and insight on Kashmir that i never knew and it left me curious, lll read and will do my research on that.

Why it a hit with houseful shows: first of all its a drama more on political side that suffice the interest of current ruling party, like Vivek Agnihotri’s last film that was released during Rajya Sabha elections 2019 that shows how congress was responsible for Shastri’s death, this film shows how congress was responsible for Kashmiri Pandit’s exodus. I believe most of the people watching movie don’t even know what Genocide is, what 370 is, what the real issue is.

Why to watch: To know the unknown history of Kashmir- monologue by Darshan Kumaar, and feeling that Kashmir hamara hai, hindustan ka hai.

What is missed: The movie is mostly shot in Studios and Mussoorie so you will miss the feel of real Kashmir, Clarity on the issue, yet it’s a thought provoker.

Ridiculous Rating: 3