User Review: Aap Ki Khatir and Volver

Aap Ki Khatir 

Even though I didn't enter the theatre with too many expectations, AKK actually disappointed me more than I thought it would. The pace is uneven, music is unbearable and generally performances are just about average. Even though Akshay Khanna is putting in good performances, he needs to be more careful about his movie selection if he wants to seriously take his career somewhere - after all the lad has got potential and it will be shameful to see him waste it with such unwise choices. Priyanka needs to mellow down a bit - there is only a subtle difference between trying too hard and overacting and am sure she would not like to be remembered for the latter. Suniel Shetty and Amisha had no chemistry at all and the performances were quite forgettable. I liked Dino Morea even though his vagabond character doesn't evoke much sympathy.

I feel it would have been much better if the 'Aap' in the title were meant to be the viewers. There is hardly any 'Khatir' and unfortunately the movie is quite trashy from a viewer perspective especially if you have already seen 'The Wedding Date' (the original flick from where the inspiration for AAK is drawn). Forget AKK if you have already seen TWD and if you haven't, then just get the DVD for TWD.

PS - As an afterthought, am also wondering how come Kareena and Priyanka didn't have any accent if they were raised in UK. This is a general flaw in most of the Bollywood movies - subtle pieces just don't fit together with the surroundings. Is this a theme worth exploring - common mistakes or rather discrepancies in Bollywood movies? 

VOLVÉR

Watched this much acclaimed Pedro Almodóvar movie after its release here in the UK last week. And unlike most of the other hyped-up movies, this one really lived up to our expectations. Penélope Cruz (in fact the entire cast) has given an absolutely impeccable performance. Even though I am not a Spanish expert and had to understand the movie through the English subtitles (which I hope were of much better quality than the subtitles applied on many Bollywood movies), it was easy to comprehend and even the dry humor was easy to catch.

This is the story of women from three generations living across Madrid and a Spanish village - what they endure, their failed relationships and interactions with each other. Added to this a murder, some old family secrets and voila! - you have a potent mix!

Also touches upon a bold social issue - which unfortunately still remains a taboo to talk about in Indian society! Basically highly recommended for all movie buffs interested in anything beyond normal Hollywood or Bollywood stuff!