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Showing posts with label Ajay Devgn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ajay Devgn. Show all posts

Raid 2 | Film Review

Priya Adivarekar

Following the success of its predecessor, Raid 2 dives deeper into the world of high-stakes corruption and justice. With powerful performances and a gripping narrative, the film delivers a worthy continuation of Amay Patnaik’s relentless mission. So, what's the plot? Officer Amay Patnaik is transferred to Bhoj for his 75th raid, this time targeting a corrupt politician - Manohar Dinkar aka Dada Bhai. As Amay uncovers layers of hidden black money, he faces suspension, but refuses to back down. With support from his team and wife, he brings Dada to justice. The story ends with a tease for Raid 3, hinting at a new alliance and bigger challenges ahead.



Raid 2 is a gripping entertainer that not only lives up to the legacy of its predecessor, but builds on it with confidence and flair. Filmmaker Raj Kumar Gupta returns to the director’s chair with a vision that's both expansive and tightly controlled. He masterfully blends action, drama, and suspense into a narrative that remains engaging throughout its runtime. The story unfolds with a compelling pace, along with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing. Dialogues are sharp and impactful, especially in the second half, where emotions run high and the tension peaks. There are several standout moments that genuinely leave the viewer at the edge of their seat, a testament to the film’s strong screenplay.



Ajay Devgn reprises his role as the stoic and unwavering Amay Patnaik, bringing his trademark gravitas to the character. With a performance that is both restrained and powerful, Devgn anchors the film with quiet intensity. His presence lends credibility to the proceedings and reminds us why he remains one of Bollywood’s most dependable stars when it comes to serious, performance-driven roles.

However, it is Riteish Deshmukh who owns the film with his impeccable act. As 'Dada Bhai', he is a revelation. His portrayal of a seemingly noble public figure who harbors a deeply sinister side is both chilling and magnetic. Riteish brings a layered subtlety to the role, crafting a villain who is as charismatic as he is dangerous. His performance is bound to be remembered as one of the film’s strongest assets.



The supporting cast is equally impressive.  Saurabh Shukla makes a comeback, and his character adds some depth to the storyline. Amit Sial's earnest act adds a touch of humour. Vaani Kapoor delivers a confident and effective performance, playing her part with just the right balance of strength and vulnerability. Amit Trivedi’s background score does an excellent job of enhancing the film’s tension without overpowering the scenes. The soundtrack, while not the film’s primary focus, adds emotional resonance at the right moments. For audiences planning to catch the film, a quick revisit of Raid might help set the context, though Raid 2 does a decent job of establishing its own narrative foundation. 

Overall, Raid 2 is a well-crafted sequel that hits the right notes. With packed cinemas and enthusiastic audience reactions, it’s clear that the film has struck a chord. A perfect blend of strong performances, gripping storytelling, and powerful moments.

⭐⭐⭐1/2

Love,

The Dancebee

Singham Again Trailer Review: Ajay Devgn Leads a Star-Studded Cast in Rohit Shetty's Cop Universe Expansion

Priya Adivarekar

 The trailer for Singham Again (launched earlier today) marks a thrilling expansion of Rohit Shetty's renowned cop universe, promising an action-packed spectacle that’s both bigger and bolder. Ajay Devgn returns as the iconic Bajirao Singham, and the excitement is amplified by the film’s star-studded cast.Deepika Padukone makes a striking entry as 'Shakthi Shetty' aka Lady Singham - likely a fierce ally to Singham, bringing a new dynamic to the narrative. Kareena Kapoor Khan reprises her role as Avni, injecting an emotional layer into the story. Together, they enhance the film’s dramatic stakes.


The trailer also teases pivotal roles for Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar, further elevating the ensemble. With their charismatic performances intertwined in this action drama, fans can expect electrifying interactions and thrilling confrontations. Adding to the star power, Tiger Shroff’s entry promises to take the cast to another level, hinting at high-energy sequences that will resonate with action aficionados. Moreover, Arjun Kapoor will be seen in a negative role, taking over as a baddie (influenced by Raavana).

Rohit Shetty’s signature style shines through, combining intense action, humor, and engaging storytelling, all set against a backdrop of pressing social issues. The dynamic between these powerhouse actors is sure to create a mass-level craze, appealing to a wide audience.

Overall, Singham Again is poised to deliver a thrilling cinematic experience that capitalises on its robust star power and Shetty’s proven formula. With a blend of nostalgia and fresh narratives, the film is set to receive a thunderous response when it hits theaters, solidifying its place within the ever-expanding cop universe. Fans of the franchise and action enthusiasts alike will be eager to witness this exciting new chapter unfold. Aaya police with a dhamakedaar Diwali release? We clearly think so.

Love,

Dancebee

Ajay Devgn Starrer Tanaji - The Unsung Warrior to be produced by Bhushan Kumar's T-Series

Ever since the first look of the film was released on social media last year, there has been immense buzz around Ajay Devgn's period drama based on the great Maratha warrior - Tanaji Malusare. The film, titled 'Tanaji' - The Unsung Warrior, unravels the courage and bravado of the principle character, wherein the audience will witness Devgn stepping into the shoes of the celebrated 17th century Maratha warrior from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's troop. There have been several exciting updates related to the film, the latest being a confirmation, that the film will be produced by Bhushan Kumar of T-Series. This will the first period - costume drama under the T-series banner.



Both Kumar and Devgn have had a successful association in the past, with the March 2018 release - Raid, being their most recent hit. Kumar had recently flown to London, in order to meet Devgn and discuss details related to the film - 'Tanaji'. After producing films from various genres, ranging from romance, action, comedy to horror; it would be interesting to see T-Series make a mark with their first film in the period-drama space.



The film would be set in the 17th century, where the unsung story of Tanaji Malusare - one of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's most popular and brave generals, will be explored. While most history aficionados and students might be well versed with Malusare's important role in the 'Battle of Sinhagad' of 1670, there are several other aspects from the brave leader's life that may have gone unnoticed. The film aims to bring to life the story of a warrior, who fought for his people and soil, with immense courage.



Tanaji - The Unsung Warrior will be helmed by film maker Om Raut, who had earlier directed the Subodh Bhave starrer 'Lokmanya - Ek Yugpurush' (2015). This would Raut's second biopic, after his debut directorial venture, based on the life of great leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak. There have been reports that suggest how Kajol might star opposite Devgn as Malusare's wife, or that Saif Ali Khan might be seen as the antagonist. However, there has been no official confirmation on this front.

Currently, Devgn is filming for Akiv Ali's next and Inder Kumar's Total Dhamaal. The cast and crew are scheduled to start shooting for 'Tanaji' in September 2018. The film is expected to hit the screens in 2019.

Are you excited to watch Ajay Devgn as Tanaji Malusare? What are your thoughts on the first look?
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Raid | Film Review

Director Raj Kumar Gupta who is known for his films like Aamir and No One Killed Jessica is back after a hiatus with Raid – an Ajay Devgn, Ileana Dcruz and Saurabh Shukla starrer. The story and dialogues have been penned by Ritesh shah, while Tanishk Bagchi and Amit Trivedi have scored the music. 


Raid is based on a famous Income Tax raid of the 80s. In this film, we see the raids being led by Deputy Commissioner Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) - an honest, dedicated officer, who is tipped off about crores of rupees in cash and valuables stashed in Sitagarh  -- the ‘White House’ of Lucknow, which belongs to a goon-cum-politician - Rameshwar 'Rajaji' Singh (Saurabh Shukla). Going against Rameshwar Singh is a huge step that can lead to Patnaik losing his job, dignity, and even his wife (Ileana Dcruz). But, Patnaik believes in his instinct and raids the palace that belongs to Singh. The raids begin, however, the department is unable to find anything. That's when the much needed twist arrives, as the team gets a lead on where the actual money and assets are hidden. Will the income tax department be successful in extracting all the black money out? Will Singh put his best shot to stop this raid? Who is that one person from Singh's family who has tipped off Amay Patnaik? As usual (and as we always say) - You gotta watch the film to find out!


Bagchi and Trivedi's music is average. Tanishk has recreated two of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's well known songs. However, they are not really needed in the flow of this film. While the film keeps you on the edge of your seat, one feels that the second half tends to get a little dragged. However, if you look at the overall presentation, we like the pace and flow of the film.

Shukla's portrayal of Rajaji might just be the next iconic role for him (after the well known 'Kalu Mama' from Satya). His performance is packed with multiple layers, ranging from comedy to rage and manipulation. Overall, he delivers a powerful act. His command in several major scenes is epic. Illeana D’Cruz as Malini - the dutiful wife of Patnaik, is good. One can see her looking beautiful in a saree again after Barfi and Baadshaaho. However, she has less scope in the film, and limited screen presence. The supporting cast is very impressive; especially Amit Sial as Lallan - a corrupt I-T officer, Sulagna Panigrahi and Sadanand Verma who play pivotal characters from Rameshwar Singh's family. And, one cannot ignore the veteran 85-year-old Pushpa Joshi, who plays Saurabh Shukla's mother in the film. For a debut performance, Joshi has great energy and always lightens up the screen. 


However, the real 'show stealer' is none other than the lead protagonist! Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik is flawless. His intense look, one liners and verbal duals with Singh (Shukla) steal the show. The two actors play against one other with brilliant understanding. As Patnaik, he shows great courage in handling the authorities, including the Prime Minister of India (as shown in the film). He also ensures the safety of his team, while carrying out the risky raid. Devgn effortlessly speaks with his eyes in major portions of the film. The actor has always been known for his intense, powerful performances and Raid is no exception. Fans of Ajay Devgn will like his persona in the film. 


Raid is very relevant in India, especially during the times that we live in. We wish and hope there are more 'Amay Patnaiks' in the department and they never let down the people of India. We need them today more than ever, at a time when corrupted politicians are still making money and continue to rule their thrones for a long time. 

Verdict: Raj Kumar Gupta's Raid is edgy, engaging and gripping. Watch it for the incredible performances, and you will enjoy it!
⭐⭐⭐

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Film Review | Drishyam

Priya Adivarekar
When it comes to versatility, Ajay Devgn is one of the few actors whose name immediately comes to mind. Right from comedy to action, romance and drama; the actor has done justice to almost every genre. And this time, he chose a thriller to win the hearts of his fans. When reports of Drishyam's Hindi remake broke out and the final cast, crew details were revealed, people were curious to see if the film can do justice to the original Malayalam film that starred Mohanlal, or even to the later remakes that saw Venkatesh (Drushyam in Telugu) and Kamal Hassan (Papanasam in Tamil) in the lead. For someone who hasn't seen any of the above mentioned films, I was looking forward to Devgn's Drishyam already. After all, it had Nishikant Kamat taking over as the captain of the ship, the same man who gave us Mumbai Meri Jaan (gem of a film). The trailer increased my excitement around the film, and my expectations soared. Fortunately for me, the film does live up it all, and much more.


While several members of the audience (at the press show) knew the plot and kept comparing the film with previous adaptations and the original film, I was hooked on till the end credits unfolded. Drishyam is a drama - thriller that is based on the theory - what we see is not always the truth. The Salgaonkar family - Vijay (Ajay Devgn), Nandini (Shriya Saran) and their daughters (Ishita Dutta and Mrinal Jadhav) - are living a happy and peaceful life in a quiet village on the Goa - Maharashtra border, until one incident changes their life forever. Vijay's elder daughter (Dutta) heads out for a nature trip with students from other schools, where she comes across Sam, who is introduced as the son of a high profile personality. One freak incident leads to another, and the Salgaonkar family falls in to deep trouble due to Sam. What makes matters worse is the fact that Sam turns out to be the son of Inspector General Meera Deshmukh (Tabu), who along with Inspector Gaitonde (Kamlesh Sawant) leaves no stone unturned to prove that the Salgaonkars are responsible for her son's mysterious disappearance. The sequences that follow will both blow your mind and leave you on edge of the seat, right till the end.


Nishkant Kamat has done a great job of handling a thriller and has kept it simple on the presentation front. He does not indulge in unnecessary graphics or loud background score for thrills. The direction is flawless, with almost zero loopholes, which is a must for a thriller like this. While the first half is where you get familiar with the characters, it is in the second half when the plot thickens and nail biting moments await. A word for the excellent choice of locations, which is like a breathe of fresh air. The film is entirely shot in Goa and parts of Ratnagiri, and Avinash Arun's cinematography does complete justice to the beautiful locations. The editing is crisp, which is crucial for films of this genre. The background score is good, and so are the dialogues (Upendra Sidhaye), which are lucid and to the point. Upendra Sidhaye's screenplay is excellent and has been adapted brilliantly (originally written by Jeethu Joseph) . That is well expected from a writer who has earlier won accolades for his work in Mumbai Meri Jaan. A word to the casting director, who gets every character right and has done a great job of getting together an excellent cast, that have delivered natural performances.


As far as the performances are concerned, both Ajay Devgn and Tabu make an impact with their power house performances. While Devgn's expressions and perfect dialogue delivery makes you relate to his Vijay Salgaonkar, Tabu's portrayal of Meera Deshmukh has the right attitude and angst. Performance after performance, Tabu has proved why she is one of the best female actors in the Hindi film industry and her act in Drishyam is no different. But if there is anyone apart from these two who steals the show, it is Kamlesh Sawant's excellent portrayal of Gaitonde. He plays it with such perfection, that you will leave the cinema hall hating him to the core. The thirst for revenge in his eyes can be seen throughout the film, and Sawant has delivered a performance that will be remembered for long. Shriya Saran's portrayal of Nandini is good, as she plays her part of a meek yet mentally strong housewife pretty well. Ishita Dutta makes an impressive debut as Devgn's elder daughter in the film and emotes well. Rest of the cast that includes Rajat Kapoor, and other actors who play the roles of Uncle Martin, Prabhu sir, Sam (the boy who is often seen in a sprite commercial, plays the baddie here, and he almost makes you feel like slapping him) among others have all done a good job. A special mention of the little Mrinal Jadhav, who left me spellbound with her incredible act. This young girl is such a natural. She has the power to move you with her adorable presence. In fact, I almost shed a tear or two during a pivotal scene, which involved her. Surely, kids these days are taking their job seriously and are going beyond being just cute. Child actors like Mrinal and Harshaali are proof. Well done, girls!

Verdict: Overall, Drishyam is one power packed film that has got everything right. Be it Nishikant Kamat's direction, the cast's incredible performance or the perfect technical aspect, they have nailed it in every department. It is certainly one of the best Hindi films of the thriller genre that I have seen in recent times. It may not be your regular, entertaining commercial fare, but Drishyam has got everything that a good film should - drama, suspense, action, thrills, humor and above all - an excellent plot. Don't miss it for anything this weekend. A must watch!

Have you seen Drishyam? Tweet your feedback to us on Twitter with the hash tag - #Drishyam - at @priyaadivarekar

Love,
The Dancebee

I don't believe in six packs - Ajay Devgn | Exclusive Interview

Priya Adivarekar
I happened to meet the face of all things action, the person who took a quirky dialogue like 'Aata majhi satakli' to the league of 'Mere pass maa hain', the personality who is synonymous with the name Bajirao Singham, on a quiet and pleasant Saturday afternoon. Co-incidentally, it also happened to be the day when he marked his debut in the Hindi Film Industry, with the super hit 1991 romantic-drama Phool aur Kaante. "Wow, really? I have completed 23 years in the industry today? Didn't remember that. Thanks for informing me. It sure has been a long journey," he said, when reminded about the special day.

Actor Ajay Devgn, who is making waves with his brand new avatar in Prabhu Dheva's Action Jackson, is a busy man, as apart from focusing on his production ventures (one of the recent ones being the Marathi film Vitti Dandu, which was a treat to watch), he is also gearing up for his second directorial venture, Shivay.

Excerpts from a fun conversation with the talented actor, where he talks about his new release Action Jackson, directorial venture Shivay, and why he doesn't promote the concept of six pack abs.

Picture courtesy: Jitu Savlani
Your look in Action Jackson is very different. Did you undergo any particular fitness regime to achieve it?
Not really, but I did lose a lot of weight. Prabhu wanted me to achieve a lean look and stray away from the look I had worked on for Singham. The main reason behind this was the fact that Martial Arts is an integral part in the film, so I worked on getting a leaner body. Also, I had not trained with swords since quite sometime, which I used to do earlier, so I took a little time to get back to it as well.

Is it difficult to maintain a body like the one you have achieved?
Not very difficult, because we maintain a decent body. If you have to get into the kind of look that I am sporting in the film, then it takes at least a month to tone up completely. Starting from scratch would be a problem, so we always maintain it. Also, I don't believe in six packs, because it is technically not good for one's body. For Action Jackson, we went for a lean body with zero fat on the stomach.

Do you see any difference between the kind of action and stunts that are shown today, as compared to your earlier days in the industry?
Absolutely! It was much more difficult that time. Stunts and action is a lot more easier because of the new techniques, technology and the safety measures. People can use harnesses today, which wasn't the norm back in time. But, I try to avoid using a harness as much as I can, unless the stunt really requires me to use one.

Your character in this film is a breakaway from the image of a good cop that you have built with the Singham franchise. Were there any apprehensions about playing a baddie?
Well, it is not just a breakaway from my role of a good cop. I have done various films and have convinced the audience with each portrayal. If I did Singham, then I have also done something like a Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, where my character and performance was equally appreciated. Then there was Company. So, I have done a lot of films that belong to the Underworld genre. That way, I have always done a mix of good and bad roles. Hence, there weren't any apprehensions.
Stunts and action is a lot more easier because of the new techniques, technology and the safety measures. People can use harnesses today, which wasn't the norm back in time

A lot of your fans have been asking if they will see you in a comedy film anytime soon.
But, Action Jackson has a lot of comedy. Though there is tons of action, you will see a lot of comedy as well. We all know that the Prabhu Dheva style of humor is fantastic and hilarious. Personally, I do not like the buffoonery kind of comedy. But, Prabhu's style of comedy is not just like ki bas kuch ulta seedha bol diya. It is not about the dialogues, but a lot to do with the comic timing, which is fabulous.

You have worked with various directors, including Rohit Shetty, who just like Prabhu Dheva, is known for his masala action/comedy entertainers. Do you personally believe their approach is similar?
Not at all! Both the directors are completely different. Its true that they direct entertainers, but their style of film-making is completely different. Prabhu has a different approach towards a particular subject, while Rohit believes in a different style all together. Prabhu presents his characters in a very stylish and sleek way, while Rohit keeps things very real. Even their approach towards action is dissimilar. In Action Jackson, the action is stylized.

Several people who have worked with Prabhu Dheva before call him a demanding director. What was your experience?
Every good director has to be demanding. Its mostly with the newcomers that one has to be strict, because they are fresh, raw and their potential needs to be extracted in the right way. But on a personal note, I think he (Prabhu Dheva) is a very cool guy. It was fun working with him.

And what about the dance? It is a Prabhu Dheva film, after all.
How was it dancing in the song, Keeda?
(laughs) Honestly, I was quite prepared. Even during the script reading sessions, I trusted him completely, because I believe he is the best choreographer we have in our country. And Keeda (laughs) well, I really don't know what I have done.
Every good director has to be demanding. Its mostly with the newcomers that one has to be strict, because they are fresh, raw and their potential needs to be extracted in the right way


You have always stayed away from booking festival dates and the entire release monopoly.
How would you comment on this fight for release dates as far as 2016?
I have always stood by the fact that no monopoly is good for this industry and in the future, it will eventually decline. No one can just get up and decide ki yeh date humne book kar liya hain. We need to understand that several films are being made and everyone is eyeing a good release date. Either you need a holiday or a long run. Like for Action Jackson, we haven't got a Holiday, but we have got two weeks before the next film (PK) comes up. So, multiple films will clash and that is exactly what happened with Jab Tak Hain Jaan and Son of Sardar. Both the films did well. If there is space for two films, then everything is fair. Whatever is good will eventually be a hit. Plus, distributors have also balanced things out.

How was heading towards the Marathi film industry as a presenter like?
When the script of Vitti Dandu came to me, I really liked it and decided to back the film. The story really inspired me. Its a touching story about the relationship of a grandfather and grandson and is set during the 1940s.

Are all your energies now focused on Shivay, since you don't have any release in 2015?
Yes! And that is exactly what I have been planning since the last three years. I wanted to take an entire year off and concentrate on this project, which I will be directing. We start shooting in January. I will also be acting in the film. In Shivay, you will see a lot of action, but there is also an emotional base. There will be a lot of intensity and drama in the film. You won't see item numbers. There will be romantic songs, but not the unnecessary kinds. They will be used to take the story forward. Many people have asked me if the emotion in this film will be similar to my directorial debut (U, Me aur Hum) and my answer is that it will be emotional in a different way. U, Me aur Hum dealt with Alzheimer, which many people did not understand. But Shivay will be different.
Apart from Shivay, I will also be presenting Gangaajal 2.
I don't believe in six packs, because it is technically not good for one's body. For Action Jackson, we went for a lean body with zero fat on the stomach


And what about Raajneeti 2 and Satsang? Will you present and act in them?
He is still working on these scripts, so I can't really comment. The idea of that film (Satsang) is pretty good, but we will still have to figure things out. As far as acting in them is concerned, a lot will depend on how the final script eventually turns out.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge will complete 1000 weeks on December 12. Tell us a little bit about the first time you saw this film.
(laughs) Honestly, I still haven't seen this film. It just so happened that I never got the chance to watch it. And once the film has released and it has been long, you don't really get back to it. In fact, I hardly get the time to watch my own films. There are several films where I have worked, which I still haven't seen. I watch a lot of International cinema and also take keen interest in some Indian films as well.

-- By Priya Adivarekar --
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Priya Adivarekar

Priya Adivarekar - Founder and Creative Director at Diary of a Dancebee. She is also a renowned Voice Actress and award winning artiste, with serious passion for dance. When not working round the clock, she can be seen reading, enjoying a movie-binge or listening to music.
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