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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 8, 2014 21:39:45 GMT
First reviews are up, since the film had special screening on Sunday already, and has been screened to critics and media yesterday and today as well. Film critic and Mid-day columnist Mihir Fadnavis on Twitter:
"Just watched Dedh Ishqiya. T.E.R.R.I.F.I.C... 500 times better than part one. Get your tickets NOW." "Dedh Ishqiya is going to make 100cr cos 50cr of it is going to be my tickets. Seriously. Mind blown. Saashtaang namaskar to A Chaubey & VB." Taran Adarsh gave the film 4/5 stars saying (amogn other things): ".......But unlike most franchises/sequels, which have an urban backdrop, DEDH ISHQIYA, much like its predecessor, is set in the hinterland, has an unassuming, homespun feel and an old-world charm to it. But let me make one thing clear: Cosmetically, the two films may be in the same space, but the stories are in sharp contrast to one another..... ISHQIYA was sharp, spicy and volatile, with impulsive characters and a storyline taking a somersault every few minutes. DEDH ISHQIYA is no different. It transports you to a diverse world, but like the first part, this one focuses on love and deceit as well. Also, it's far more complex this time around... and the truth hits you like a ton of bricks!.....While ISHQIYA was earthy and rustic, one gets to witness an alternate universe in DEDH ISHQIYA. There's a lot of poetry, music and color this time around. At the same time, there are layers to the story that baffle you. Garnished with chaste Urdu and peppered with unconventional humor and simmering sexuality, the characters indulge in a treacherous game yet again. This time, it's even more dicey and perilous. Abhishek Chaubey deserves colossal admiration for taking the story forward by retaining some characters and adding several new ones. The screenplay is capricious and unpredictable, imparting a flavor that's distinct and one you most certainly haven't experienced heretofore. Expectedly, Naseeruddin Shah is supremely efficient as Khalujaan. Getting into the skin of the character, the actor gives it all to the film, delivering a performance that's sure to be recalled amongst his premium works. Matching Naseer is Madhuri Dixit-Nene, a powerhouse of talent. Cast in an unconventional role, it's a colossal leap for the actress who has several power-packed performances in her repertoire. She also deserves kudos for opting for an unconventional, avant-garde character, which will only win her tremendous admiration and honour in times to come. Arshad Warsi is in terrific form yet again. The actor, a spontaneous performer, wows you with his brilliant act. In fact, Naseer and Arshad are a delight to watch in several sequences, with both complimenting each other from commencement to conclusion. Huma Qureshi is fantastic and if one were to say so, catches you with complete surprise. Her sequences with Naseer, Madhuri and Arshad reiterate that she can stand on her feet, despite being pitted against top notch actors....." The whole review is here: www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/547314
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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 8, 2014 21:42:34 GMT
Another one Dedh Ishqiya Review: 'Little Less Ishqiya'www.moviezadda.com/01082014/dedh-ishqiya/dedh-ishqiya-review....... Dialogs are witty and enjoyable. Camera work is great and the whole backdrop of the film is amazing. Editing should have been more tight and crisp. The movie could have easily been trimmed down to by fifteen twenty minutes...... Music has been a huge positive point in all the Vishal Bhradwaj's film and even 'Ishqiya' had few memorable scores. Sadly, the music here highly lacks over the popularity level. Though 'Dil Ka Mijaaz', 'Zabaan Jale Hai', 'Hamari Atariya' and 'Jagaave Saari Raina' are great scores with fantastic lyrics by Gulzar. 'Horn Ok please' lacks the fun element. Director Abhishek Chaubey tries to repeat the flavor of his earlier film 'Ishqiya' and succeeds in those parts. Although the new chapters could not match the magic of the earlier ones, on individual basis they are good and full of cultural backdrop of Urdu, shayaris, Nawabi richness, dances and many more. The movie had all the potential to be at par with its earlier film but ends up an average product due to its weak and bland screenplay. Naseerudin Shah is good in his part and does full justice to his character. His recitation of the shayaris will remind you of his earlier films like Umraojaan and Bazaar. It's good to see him back in decent films doing good roles after watching him in horrifying films of 2013. Arshad Warsi is outstanding as he was in 'Ishqiya'. His one liner jokes with witty comments and cunning expressions make him the most likeable character from the film. Together the jodi of Naseer and Arshad works well in the favour of the film. If only the makers could have enhanced their character more, the end results would have been much better. It was great to see Madhuri Dixit back on silver screen after a long gap. She slips down easily in her character with total grace and delivers a fine performance. The makers should have given her much better attire as per her personality. Huma Qureshi does her part with grace. Vijay Raaz is superb in his role. Salman Shahid in his cameo was outstanding. Manoj Pawa was wasted. ..... if compared with the dum of 'Ishqiya' this movie has little less 'Ishqiya' in it due to its slow narrative style and weak screenplay. On individual basis and cinematic level 'Desh Ishqiya' is a good film with lots of hard work and efforts indulged in it, but still falls flat in front of its predecessor. Ratings : 3/5
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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 8, 2014 21:43:42 GMT
Faridoon also tweeted
"The moment @madhuridixit makes her first entry in a grèen tradìtional dress in Dèdh Ishqiya, one can sum it up as Pristine Beauty.."
"Naseer sahab n @imarshadwarsi make 4 one of the best combo in Bollywood ever..the comic timing,the dialoguebaazi is superb in Dèdh Ishqiya.."
"Dedh Ishqiya is a rare cinematic gem, jewelled with layered meaning,classic romance,stellar performances but most importantly it Entertains!"
"Naseer-Arshad,Madhuri-Huma's 'camaraderie' spells magic.Naseer's poetic tomfoolery,Arshad's uncouth humor,Madhuri's aura n Huma's mystery."
"Exquisite usage of chaste Urdu is the big highlight of Dedh Ishqiya.Full marks 2 Abhishek Chaubey 4 going the whole hog justifying d context"
"Naseer,Arshad and Madhuri are outstanding.The surprise package is Huma who's brilliant.Vijay Raaz is superb n so is d rest of d support cast"
"Technically brilliant,great music n background score, Dedh Ishqiya is a must watch film that entertains n makes u think at the same time..."
"Madhuri Dixit is grace personìfied in Dèdh Ishqiya,the tradìtional attire,the jewellery,the Ada,first love Dance n crafty acting chops..."
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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 8, 2014 21:46:19 GMT
Dedh Ishqiya review: Madhuri, Naseer and Arshad dazzle in this delightful film www.firstpost.com/bollywood/dedh-ishqiya-review-madhuri-naseer-and-arshad-dazzle-in-this-delightful-film-1329849.html?utm_source=ref_article......... Set in a decadent and picturesque North Indian heartland that's filled with loveable criminals, this film has everything you could ask for in exchange of the price of a movie ticket. There are love triangles, a bromance, a delicious villain, multiple twists, car chases and, of course, lots of humour. And there's Madhuri Dixit-Nene, looking luminous. She's still capable of keeping an audience glued to their seats when the credits start rolling, all because she's dancing on screen.....It doesn't matter if you sniff out the twists in advance or aren't particularly keen on the Urdu poetry that glints like the perfectly-cut gems in the aforementioned necklace. Dedh Ishqiya is an absolute delight because all its parts fit beautifully. The cinematography, sets and costumes are exquisite. The editing is sharp. Most importantly Darab Farooqui's story is plotted wonderfully by Vishal Bharadwaj and Chaubey's screenplay. Bharadwaj has also written the dialogues and they're stylish, witty and a wonderful change from the awkward khichdi of Hindi and English that we usually hear in Bollywood films. Of course, it helps to have actors like Raaz and Shah delivering Bharadwaj's lines. It's obvious how both these brilliant actors delight in the dialogues and roles they've been given, but they're not the only acting stars in Dedh Ishqiya. Warsi delivers a crackling performance as Babban, infusing great energy and effervescence into the film with his role. Qureshi and Dixit-Nene don't let the men steal the show. In terms of acting, chemistry and plot, the women are often the scene stealers. The greatest praise, however, must be reserved for the director. Chaubey is two films old and compared to Ishqiya, Dedh Ishqiya is far more elaborate, complicated and ambitious. Like a skipping stone, the film touches upon a variety of genres — action, comedy, romance, social critique — and Chaubey handles them deftly. He uses his actors expertly and gives even minor characters the kind of arc that is usually reserved for heroes. Compared to the half-baked stories that Bollywood subjects audiences to, Chaubey's film is nouvelle cuisine that uses its ingredients with sophistication and inventive flair. There's an insightful look at feudalism, both in terms of its old-world charm as well as its potential for brutality, in Dedh Ishqiya. The film contains an ode to the lyricism of classic Urdu poetry, mobsters as well as the familiar two-against-the-world formula that has powered so many legendary films. Chaubey weaves all of this together to create a fictional India in which you'll love losing yourself. And when Dedh Ishqiya ends, all you can say is irshaad.
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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 8, 2014 21:46:43 GMT
Movie Review: Dedh Ishqiya is a gripping faredaily.bhaskar.com/article/ENT-movie-review-dedh-ishqiya-is-a-gripping-fare-4487986-NOR.htmlThere were too many reasons why everyone was looking forward to Dedh Ishqiya. Madhuri’s comeback, talented star cast and interesting promos being a few amongst them. Does the film manage to pull off over expectations?Yes, it does and the credit goes to the director Abhishek Chaubey. Dedh Ishqiya can come in the category of hard hitting films, which have left an indelible mark on Indian audience in last couple of years. The film rides on a good story, great acting performances, brilliant screenplay, interesting dialogues and a twist, which will leave you awestruck. What’s the story?The story of the film revolves around middle-aged Begum Para (Madhuri Dixit Nene), who organises a festival of poetry in her town Mahmudabad. She has promised to marry the winner of the competition as it was the last wish of her deceased husband. Khalujaan (Naseeruddin Shah), posing as the Nawab of Chandpur, impresses the widow Begum, but everything changes with the entry of Arshad (Baban). Is Dedh Ishqiya better than Ishqiya?If Ishqiya was rustic, Dedh Ishqiya is royal. Just like the prequel Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad have given an outstanding performance. Dedh Ishqiya is fractionally better than its prequel. How is the acting performance?Dedh Ishqiya is backed by great acting performances. Madhuri has again proved that why she is the undisputed queen of Bollywood. Young divas should buckle up as they have to compete with the diva, who is all set to take the box office by storm in her second term in Bollywood. We can say Madhuri is back and ‘with a bang’. Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad might have given disastrous films recently, but their performance in Dedh isqiya will re-establish their fans’ trust in them. One man whose performance has overshadowed everyone is Vijay Raaz. He is definitely the best performer amongst the talented star cast of the film. How are the dialogues?There are some intresting dialogues in the film. “Yahan libaas ki kimat hai adami ki nahi. Mujhe gilas bada de, sharab kum kar de.” You are going to love the dialogues. Watch it or not?For all the cinema lovers, who prefer acting and story over masala, it’s time to book your seats. 3,5/5
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Post by dancelover on Jan 8, 2014 23:37:51 GMT
Wow! If this is Adarsh's four-star review, what would his Five-star review be? Dancelover [snip - d] Taran Adarsh gave the film 4/5 stars saying (amogn other things): ".......But unlike most franchises/sequels, which have an urban backdrop, DEDH ISHQIYA, much like its predecessor, is set in the hinterland, has an unassuming, homespun feel and an old-world charm to it. But let me make one thing clear: Cosmetically, the two films may be in the same space, but the stories are in sharp contrast to one another..... ISHQIYA was sharp, spicy and volatile, with impulsive characters and a storyline taking a somersault every few minutes. DEDH ISHQIYA is no different. It transports you to a diverse world, but like the first part, this one focuses on love and deceit as well. Also, it's far more complex this time around... and the truth hits you like a ton of bricks!.....While ISHQIYA was earthy and rustic, one gets to witness an alternate universe in DEDH ISHQIYA. There's a lot of poetry, music and color this time around. At the same time, there are layers to the story that baffle you. Garnished with chaste Urdu and peppered with unconventional humor and simmering sexuality, the characters indulge in a treacherous game yet again. This time, it's even more dicey and perilous. Abhishek Chaubey deserves colossal admiration for taking the story forward by retaining some characters and adding several new ones. The screenplay is capricious and unpredictable, imparting a flavor that's distinct and one you most certainly haven't experienced heretofore. Expectedly, Naseeruddin Shah is supremely efficient as Khalujaan. Getting into the skin of the character, the actor gives it all to the film, delivering a performance that's sure to be recalled amongst his premium works. Matching Naseer is Madhuri Dixit-Nene, a powerhouse of talent. Cast in an unconventional role, it's a colossal leap for the actress who has several power-packed performances in her repertoire. She also deserves kudos for opting for an unconventional, avant-garde character, which will only win her tremendous admiration and honour in times to come. Arshad Warsi is in terrific form yet again. The actor, a spontaneous performer, wows you with his brilliant act. In fact, Naseer and Arshad are a delight to watch in several sequences, with both complimenting each other from commencement to conclusion. Huma Qureshi is fantastic and if one were to say so, catches you with complete surprise. Her sequences with Naseer, Madhuri and Arshad reiterate that she can stand on her feet, despite being pitted against top notch actors....." The whole review is here: www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/547314
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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 9, 2014 7:28:15 GMT
Movie Review:DEDH ISHQIYA Has Heart In Right Place But Loses Mindwww.boxofficecapsule.com/news/Movie-ReviewDEDH-ISHQIYA-Has-Heart-In-Right-Place-But-Loses-Mind-5256Pluses: Madhuri Dixit proves her worth, Arshad Warsi sparkles in every scene, Huma Qureshi fits the bill, Naseeruddin Shah is simply outstanding after long time, Viajy Raaj is superb, taut direction, fitting dialogues, soulful music Minuses: editor takes a walk as it is 20 minutes too long, too much Urdu used in dialogue which might work as deterrent, too slow and no novelty in terms of suspense unlike the prequel Critic Rating: 4.5/5 Business Rating: 2.5/5 Verdict: Watch it for sake of pure old classic kind of feel Detailed Analysis: Vishal Bharadwaj and his camp delivered some real rustic gem i.e. 'Omkara', 'Kmainey' and 'Ishqiya'. Now his ex assistant Abhishek Chaubey is back with the sequel of sleeper hit 'Ishqiya'. This time Madhuri Dixit gets in the shoes of Vidya Balan. To start with, film has almost similar plot as of its prequel. Though sadly film has simpler and obvious plot this time around. Film tells a story of widow Para Begum (Madhuri Dixit) who is looking for a husband who should be a poet as per the last wish of her late husband. Razaakh (Arshad Warsi) and Ifftekhar (Naseeruddin Shah) arrive in her town and fall in love with Muniya (Huma Qureshi) and Begum Para respectively. There is local MLA Jaan Mohammad (Vijay Raaj) who is desperate to get married with Begum and thus this equation forms the complex situation. Who is in love with whom and what everybody gets in the end truly form the rest of the story. Film has decent enough plot but screenplay falters especially in terms of engagement. Too much stretched shots, unnecessary overuse of shero - shayari and uninspiring suspense work as spoilsport. Though strangely people like me who are fond of Urdu shayari will be amused but majority will find quite a few dialogues incomprehensible. Editing is lazy as film is easily 20 minutes long and so is the background music which never rises above average. Performance wise Madhuri Dixit is scene stealer and proves once again her stardom of 90's. She looks apt in this role and owns the character in every which way. Watch out for her dialogue delivery especially when she says 'Ifftekhar'. Arshad Warsi excels big time but suffers from not so well written character. Naseeruddin gets ample screen time and after all worthless acts in 'Jackpot' and 'Sona Spa', here he delivers a gem of the act. Huma Qureshi is good and will entice few chuckles with bold dialogues. And last but not the least, Vijay Raaj is mind blowing as local powerful MLA and makes you sit back and notice every time he comes on screen. Dialogues are top notch and once you get it, you will have goosebumps. Songs are soulful but one hit track is missing and even the best track 'Hamari Atariya' comes right at the end. Special mention for 'Jo Hum mein tum mein qaraar tha' and few more golden thumris used beautifully in the film. Watch out for song/thumri during action in climax! But its direction which saves the film - amazing finesses in shot taking, rolling tears and painful eyes with contradictory combination of humorous dialogues keep you glued to the screen. If director Abhishek Chaubey would had spent more time on script than directing it, it would had been the perfect effort. Film will release around 2000 screens tomorrow and should take a good start riding on star power of Madhuri and sequel factor. But will film sustain in coming days, that is a million dollar question. Slow pace and self indulgence harm this well made flick big time and sadly, that might prove game changer at box office. Go for this one if you don't mind old time pure content full of self indulgence!
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leaf
Dancing in the chorus
Posts: 29
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Post by leaf on Jan 9, 2014 7:33:01 GMT
Super excited! I'm hoping to catch it this weekend.
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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 9, 2014 9:44:14 GMT
Movie review: Dedh Ishqiya is totally worth the moolahindiatoday.intoday.in/story/dedh-ishqiya-movie-review-madhuri-dixit-huma-qureshi-naseeruddin-shah-arshad-warsi/1/335220.htmlBollywood doesn't have a fabulous track record when it comes to doling out sequels. In most cases, they seem as excuses to make more money than to tell an engrossing tale, show character development or paint a new, vivid world. Director Abhishek Chaubey accomplishes all of the above and thereby makes a compelling case that sequels are not redundant. Here's a sequel which is totally worth the moolah. That's because Ishqiya doesn't want to be a successful franchise, it wants to be a good movie which keeps the viewers entertained. ..... Dedh Ishqiya's success can be attributed to the taut story of Darab Farooqui which is aided by Chaubey's fine screenplay, Vishal Bhardwaj's rib-tickling, naughty dialogues and Dr Bashir Badr's lovely Urdu poems. Chaubey conjures a quaint, lyrical and extravagant world, which he uses to highlight the waning wealth of feudal society. The film is at its best when characters poke fun at each other. Subrata Chakraborty's production design recreates the enchanting mehfil-like atmosphere and mushaira, transporting you to another world. Setu's camerawork captures the old-world charm beautifully. In an ensemble film in which every actor gets moments to shine, it's Vijay Raaz who stands out most. This isn't the first time he has done so. From Monsoon Wedding and Ragu Romeo to Delhi Belly, Raaz has demonstrated the ability to win audiences over with his talent. Equally impressive is Salman Shahid as Mushtaq, who shines in the two scenes he features in. Even though Mushtaq initially equates Khalujan and Babban to Batman and Robin, audiences have the modern-day equivalent of Jai and Veeru in the two. They lure trouble but they are MFEO (made for each other). Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi make for an awesome twosome yet again. Their camaraderie is more noteworthy in this film and both sink their teeth into their respective parts. Warsi in particular is a riot continuing with his rambunctious ways. Qureshi impresses as the feisty aid. Dixit fits like a glove as Para, the gazelle-like beauty trapped in a mansion. Only this the damsel in distress, with a shadowy past, doesn't need a knight in shining armour; she plots her own freedom. We stayed back till the credits rolled only to see Dixit dance, often with her face alone. Dixit adds more essence to the credit song. With "Hamari Atarya Pe", she creates the real Dhoom. That too with effortless grace. Last year we saw two disappointing part three of two popular action films. But if Chaubey and Bhardwaj can pull off the magic they do in Dedh Ishqiya, we don't want to stop them.
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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 9, 2014 10:01:39 GMT
Movie review: Dedh Ishqiya is not to be missedindiatoday.intoday.in/story/dedh-ishqiya-movie-review-madhuri-dixit-huma-qureshi-naseeruddin-shah-arshad-warsi/1/335233.htmlIt's dedh times more wicked than Ishqiya and it flaunts Madhuri Dixit's return. Dedh Ishqiya would be worth a watch if only for as much, but there is plenty more in store (as expected) that shouts out loud for applause. Ishqiya started off with an advantage this sequel will not get. Like all first films, it had concept novelty on its side. You had a couple of brazen rustic conmen with hearts that flutter at the tiniest tease, thrown into a mix of dark wit, crime and amoral amour. In a broad sense, Dedh Ishqiya is basically reloading that winning formula, if only at a royal scale its decadent Nawaabi backdrop allows. In a finer sense, the film is not blindly peddling what worked once. You spot a thought process that tries taking the existing formula to a new level. The effect is alluring. The cocktail of crime, passion and black comedy borrows from the Arabic interpretation of the seven stages of love to narrate Khalujaan and Babban's (Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi) new adventure. These are dilkashi (attraction), uns (infatuation), mohabbat (love), aqeedat (reverence), ibaadat (worship), junoon (obsession) and maut (death). The influence renders an unusual edge to the twists, and also complements the poetic whiff about Darab Farooqui's script. Despite the near-fatal outcome of their misdemeanours in the first film, Khalu and Babban are far from reformed. Khalu arrives in the palace of Mahmudabad where the beauteous Begum Para (Madhuri Dixit) is hosting a festival of poetry and music. He passes himself off as a nawaab. The intention is to loot the palace but Khalu falls in love. On the other hand the Begum, a widow, is looking for the right match. When Babban arrives in Mahmudabad, he falls for Muniya (Huma Qureshi), the Begum's maid. The women are more deceptive than Khalu and Babban can imagine, we realise as the reels roll. Director Abhishek Chaubey goes one up with treatment in Dedh Ishqiya, seamlessly fusing his tale of love in the time of intrigue with suspense and humour. He also reserves ample space to excel for each of his talented actors. Statuesque in screen presence and dancing to Birju Maharaj's beat as only she can, Madhuri would perhaps have hijacked all limelight if not for Naseeruddin Shah. The veteran actor casts an underplayed spell as Khalujaan, his rough-hewn avatar as a conman only rivalled in perfection by the gravitas he lends to his royal guise. Arshad Warsi has pleasantly slipped into a comfort zone when it comes to striking the right chemistry with Naseer. Their scenes together remain a highlight and Arshad is impressive in the way he measures up to the veteran. Huma Qureshi's character comes alive only in the later half. She adds a sexy spark amid the seasoned cast. An act you simply can't ignore comes from Vijay Raaz. He smoothly blends his streaks as the gullible lover obsessed with Begum Para and the hardboiled goon who lives by the gun. Dedh Ishqiya makes desi go dangerous all over again. It's a whopper of a start for Bollywood in 2014. In a line, not to be missed.
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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 9, 2014 10:17:34 GMT
Dedh Ishqiya review: You don’t watch a film like this, you soak it in!www.sify.com/movies/dedh-ishqiya-review-you-don-t-watch-a-film-like-this-you-soak-it-in-review-bollywood-15046884.htmlIt’s the enchanted world of Urdu shayari, the rustle of precious silks and ada (style) beautifully contrasted with ruthless treachery and dark humour. Aesthetics seep through every pore of the film -- be it the language (soak in words like lamhat, raks, uns, roobaroo), the elegant embroidery on a character's costume, the andaaz, the dance, the subtly powerful performances, or the setting itself. Which is a fictional town called Mehmoodabad in mofussil North India. ....... The film is as humorous as it is dark. Though the film essentially trails criminals -- the definition itself is re-examined. There are those "criminals" that defy society's conventional notion of love, those that remember their manners around a children's school, and those that don't mind narrating a "lateefa" or "afsana" as their dying wish. -..... There's no doubt about it -- such exciting, arresting characters haven't been seen in Bollywood in some time now! ...... And one so wanted to see more of the dance—choreographed by Pandit Birju Maharaj and rendered by Dixit. Abhishek Chaubey’s sequel (he also directed Ishqiya in 2010) is just as entertaining as the first, if not more. Chaubey tells the story (by Darab Farooqui with hints from a popular literature work by an Indian Urdu writer whose name could be a possible spoiler) like a fairytale with the urgency of a graphic novel. Delightfully bereft of moral judgment, the film, in a stroke, exposes the underbelly of royalty in India bound as it is by chauvinism and tradition. The twist in the second half is delightfully original and amusing! Add to that the crackling dialogue, superb production design (you are indeed transported to this fictitious Mehmoodabad), luminous cinematography and soulful music. The performances are effortlessly brilliant. Naseeruddin Shah is masterful as the roguish uncle who is called ‘Mareez-e-Ishq’ by a doctor, and Arshad Warsi matches step as the aggressive and equally foolish Babban. A pair made in cinematic heaven, Shah and Warsi complement each other beautifully. Madhuri Dixit lights up the screen with her towering screen presence, acting and beauty. Perfectly cast as the graceful Begum, it’s a pleasure to see Dixit onscreen in a worthy picture. Huma Qureshi brings out her character’s varied hues expertly. Then there’s Vijay Raaz who plays a local MLA Jaan Mohamed and you forget blinking for those moments. So powerful and humorous is his rendering of this character, he often turns out to be the scene-stealer. There's so much to be savoured in the film -- from the performances, aesthetics, music, and the story itself. You don’t watch a film like this, you soak it in! Rating: Four stars
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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 9, 2014 14:12:17 GMT
Film review: Dedh Ishqiyawww.timeoutmumbai.net/film/film-reviews/film-review-dedh-ishqiyaIshqiya, Abhishek Chaubey’s debut film, was spunky, stylish and quirky, and marked Chaubey’s promotion from screenwriter (for Vishal Bhardwaj’s films) to assured filmmaker. Yet, it’s with Dedh Ishqiya – the sequel to the 2010 sleeper hit – that you get a real sense of Chaubey’s command over craft. Dedh Ishqiya has its problems, best dealt with at the beginning of this review so we can then delve into the (many) good parts. A threadbare plot is one – it’s largely one-dimensional and straightforward, and to some degree recycles events of the first part.... It’s the story (by Darab Farooqui), then, that’s the only mediocre aspect about Dedh Ishqiya. But the storytelling sets it apart. Chaubey and co-writer Vishal Bhardwaj’s screenplay is filled with masterfully written scenes, which are staged to perfection by the director. The writing is consistently poetic – which goes well with the old-world Lucknowi royalty setting – and every scene is executed with equal lyricism. Chaubey’s staging of the scenes is outstanding, and his ability to get the best out of his actors seems like the handiwork of an accomplished filmmaker. Beautifully aiding Chaubey’s cause is some fantastic, and largely Urdu, dialogues by Bhardwaj, replete with charming analogies and irony. It’s a brave move, commercially – the liberal use of Urdu dialogues in a mainstream Hindi film – but it goes a long way in establishing the right mood and flavour. You’ll probably want to watch the film a second time, only to soak in the atmosphere and to play the dialogues over in your head again. Also worthy of praise is Subrata Chakraborthy’s production designer and Satyajit Pande’s cinematography. It’s these elements that make Dedh Ishqiya a modern film even as it keeps its old-world charm intact.... The actors lift up the written material. Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi carry forward some of the fantastic chemistry they displayed in Ishqiya, both playing off each other’s strengths. Madhuri Dixit-Nene fits into the role of a nawabi begum like a hand to glove. It should be mentioned here that the makers don’t seem awed by her presence; she gets to portray everything we associate with the actor – grace, charm and those fantastic dancing skills – without it ever weighing down the film. Huma Qureshi plays feisty better than most young female actors today, and makes a wonderful impression once again. Manoj Pahwa needs all of three-four scenes to ensure he leaves a mark.... Right from when the first trailer of the film released – the one about the seven stages of love – Dedh Ishqiya has been a movie to feverishly look forward to, and it more than meets expectations. After Rajkumar Hirani’s two Munnabhai films, each of which stood out for their individual brilliance, it’s the two Ishqiya films that achieve the feat (incidentally, Warsi has acted in all four). It’s dark, sardonic and funny. Don’t miss 2014’s first great Hindi film. 4/5
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Post by Ally Kumari on Jan 9, 2014 14:15:45 GMT
Movie Review: Dedh Ishqiya not a sequel made in hurry for profitsindiatoday.intoday.in/story/movie-review-dedh-ishqiya-not-a-sequel-made-in-hurry-for-profits/1/335306.htmlLet's digress a bit. After the super success of Munnna Bhai M.B.B.S, director Rajkumar Hirani came out with Lage Raho Munna Bhai a couple of years later when the makers thought they actually had a good enough, engaging story to tell. Precisely for those reasons Rajkumar Hirani and the co-writer of Munna Bhai series Abhijat Joshi have taken more time to come up with the third part Munna Bhai Chale America, which has already been announced. The very good part about Dedh Isqiya is that like the Munna Bhai series, it is not a sequel made in hurry for profits alone as the over-riding goal of the franchise. It is a well-thought, well-articulated story which sucks you into its painstakingly crafted world. That it is also peopled with meticulously fleshed out memorable characters adds to the overall fun. ....... Director Abhishek Chaubey succeeds in transporting you into the crumbling, feudal order of the past. He gets the setting bang on, infusing a certain nostalgic feeling for the ancient havelis and mansions. He reminds you of the bygone times when people lived by tehzeeb and tameez, even if superficially by some...... The production design is admirable. Note the mushaira scenes, not as radiant like what they must have been in times of yore yet realistic and decadent enough to today's times where Begum will, to put it crudely give herself to the wealthiest nawab-poet. Both Shah and Warsi show that they were made for the parts of Khalujaan and Babban respectively. They don't love each other, they don't hate each other yet they cannot do without each other. After last week's tepid Mr Joe B. Carvalho, Warsi demonstrates that if given a good part he knows how to excel at it. Shah also, as you can easily decipher has enjoyed sinking his teeth into his part. Welcome back Madhuri Dixit to tell us that you still have the luminosity intact. You may not make our dil go dhak dhak like before but you can still make it go aflutter. Qureshi continues with the remarkable growth that she has shown in her performances (D-Day and Shorts) last year. On the technical side, the film's cinematography is tasteful and elegant. The film's pace is slightly leisurely which may be a bit trying at times. Also, Dedh Ishqiya's music works within the context of the film but unlike Ishqiya, Dedh Ishqiya is devoid of hummable numbers like Dil toh Bachcha Hai Ji and Ibn-e-Batuta. But, that should in no way deter you from taking this cinematic journey which is more layered and complex than Ishqiya. 3/5
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Post by dancelover on Jan 9, 2014 22:04:53 GMT
20 minutes too long? Out of how many hours? This reviewer should cool off and chill out! D
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Post by dancelover on Jan 10, 2014 18:12:59 GMT
Crossposted in Language Corner: Meaning of Movie Titles
1.5 Loves.
Suggested titles for USA & UK: "A Love And A Half!" "Poetry Of Love" or "Poetic Love"
Dancelover
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