February 2013 | Download Bollywood and Hollywood Images

Special 26 Movie Review Details | Bollywood Movie Reviews

Special 26 Movie Poster

Special 26 Movie Review Details :-

SPECIAL 26 may be a fictionalized account of events that occurred in the 1980s, but Neeraj ensures it does not transform into a dry film/documentary that focuses completely and absolutely on the incidents. The film has the soul of a thriller and the director makes sure that it not only enlightens [to the present-day viewer], but entertains as well. While the volatile plot and enthralling drama catches your attention, the execution of the written material, besides proficient performances from each and every member of the cast, makes SPECIAL 26 a game changer, a worthy follow up to the director’s A WEDNESDAY.

SPECIAL 26 brings to the big screen the scandalous and outrageous incidents that occurred in the 1980s. The film narrates the story of a group of con men who orchestrated and executed a series of robberies, targeting the rich and famous, business magnets and politicians by posing as CBI or IT officers, under the pretext of confiscating unaccounted wealth [black money] from their premises.

SPECIAL 26 encompasses three startling cases that sent a shiver down the spine of many a businessman in the 1980s. What makes the film tick is the manner in which Neeraj Pandey integrates these episodes in a sequence and develops a clever cat and mouse saga between law breakers and law enforcers. Like A WEDNESDAY, SPECIAL 26 also sets you thinking, but the motive this time is not to convey any message or make any social statement. The intention is crystal clear: Make an entertainer with a refreshingly different premise, which is a 360-degree transition from the customary masala fare. Yet, it’s sharp, intelligent and thoroughly enjoyable.

Although SPECIAL 26 is about criminals, Neeraj shuns the unwanted bloodshed/violence and coarse language that would make the spectator uncomfortable. On the contrary, a film like SPECIAL 26 teaches you that you can attempt a thriller without resorting to the above-mentioned components, yet make a slick period thriller that’s thoroughly engaging and charming. Also, since it’s a period film [depicting the 1980s], Neeraj seems meticulous about everything that appears on screen, from vehicles to clothing to ambience to the overall look and feel.

Blemishes? Yes, the romantic track is an eye-sore. Was it necessary to include romance and songs in this movie? Why, Neeraj? The first half gets diluted for this reason, although the post-interval portions are simply outstanding. As for the soundtrack, there’s nothing to hum about. Bobby Singh’s cinematography is top notch and captures the bygone era with flourish.

Now to the performances! Akshay Kumar does a complete U-turn with SPECIAL 26. Deviating from the comic/action roles he is recognized for, Akshay truly reinvents himself with SPECIAL 26. No two opinions on that. This is, without doubt, one of the most challenging roles in his career and the seasoned actor enacts it with complete authority. Not only will Akshay’s fans adore him in this new avatar, even the skeptical types will applaud this superb act.

Manoj Bajpayee has been associated with several path-breaking/cult films and one must add SPECIAL 26 to his fascinating repertoire. The skilled actor delivers yet another noteworthy performance that’ll be hard to erase from your memory. Anupam Kher is another splendid actor who has an illustrious body of work and his part and performance in SPECIAL 26 is truly special. In fact, together with Akshay, Anupam and Manoj add so much power to the written scenes and lines.

Jimmy Sheirgill is first-rate, although the focus is primarily on the above-named three actors. Kajal Agarwal, who plays Akshay’s love interest in the film, doesn’t have anything substantial to do. Rajesh Sharma and Kishore Kadam lend superior support. Divya Dutta has a brief role, which she enacts well. Deepraj Rana is alright.

On the whole, SPECIAL 26 is an intelligently woven, slick and smart period thriller with its subject matter as its USP. It’s sure to get listed as one of the most gripping heist dramas based on real life occurrences. A film that’s sure to win accolades, acclaim and awards. Also, box-office rewards!

Dabangg 2 Movie Review Details | Bollywood Movie Reviews

Dabangg 2 Movie Poster

Dabangg 2 Movie Review Details :-

DABANGG 2 is a typical Bollywood film. It’s the kind of cinema we relished in the 1980s and enjoy to this date, but narrated in today’s lingo and format. It may/may not make sense to you, but Arbaaz and team ensure that you are entertained. Thoroughly entertained, actually. It’s riotous, outrageous, wacky, ambitious, absolutely madcap, transports you to an altogether different world. Add to it a sprinkling of desi songs, wicked sense of humor, with Chulbul Pandey taking on the antagonist like the vintage hero would — with fearlessness and daredevilry. Actually, Chulbul Pandey has come to represent the common man and that’s yet another reason why you root for him, feel overjoyed and ecstatic when he triumphs in the finale.

For those who adore masala movies, celebrate mainstream cinema, relish the cinema of yore and of course, hero-worship Salman Khan, DABANGG 2 is your ticket this festive season.

DABANGG 2 begins with Chulbul Pandey moving to Kanpur. Once there, Chulbul gets into conflict with Baccha Bhaiyya [Prakash Raj]. Baccha Bhaiyya, a criminal turned politician, is aided by his two brothers, Chunni [Nikitin Dheer] and Gainda [Deepak Dobriyal]. Things take a turn for worse when Chulbul kills Gainda. the battle lines are drawn.

Like I pointed out at the outset, DABANGG 2 is a hardcore masala entertainer that’s desi at heart. The plot is *not* out of the box [it's the usual good versus evil saga], but it’s completely irrelevant here. What camouflages this deficiency are several interesting episodes that Arbaaz and writer Dilip Shukla have integrated in those 2 + hours. These episodes, aimed at pleasing the hoi polloi and of course, Salman’s die-hard fans and also fans of mainstream cinema, are, to put in filmi lingo, absolutely paisa vasool. In fact, Salman’s star power is so so so strong that you’re ready to overlook and forgive-and-forget any blemish that you may encounter in the movie.

Yes, there are blemishes. The Arbaaz-Mahie Gill track is half-baked. The confrontation scenes between Salman and Prakash Raj lack fiery dialogue. The songs, though popular, are integrated in the narrative without any valid situations. But these are cinematic licenses you overlook in a Salman movie.

Arbaaz Khan, who makes his directorial debut with this film, knows his fundas right. He may have borrowed from the cinema of 1970s and 1980s, but he garnishes it well enough to suit the present-day sensibilities. Sajid-Wajid take the same route they undertook while making the soundtrack of DABANGG. Much like the content of the film, the songs are desi, with a mix of old-world charm ['Dagabaaz Re' and 'Saanson Ne'] and foot-tapping numbers ['Pandeji Seeti' and 'Fevicol']. In fact, ‘Fevicol’ is already a rage and Kareena’s presence in the song only acts as sone pe suhaaga. The action/stunts do complete justice to Salman’s persona. The action plays a crucial role in a masala entertainer and adds so much power to those scenes. Dialogue are of mixed variety.

Salman uses his fists, escapes the bullets, spews venom and threats, bullies the villain, flirts and romances his wife, does the pelvic thrusts… in fact, he does everything that one expects from Chulbul Pandey. Oh yes, he even takes off his shirt, flexing his muscles and showing his well sculptured torso without inhibitions, a mandatory requirement in a Salman Khan movie. Honestly speaking, DABANGG 2 is a Salman Khan vehicle and the actor is the Big Boss here. You cannot imagine anyone else doing what he does. And every time he plays to the gallery, many in the audience [especially at single screens] are sure to fling the loose change on screen as a mark of appreciation for his on-screen antics. He defies logic and gets away with it!

Sonakshi has the infectious charm and radiates confidence all through the enterprise. Arbaaz is just about okay. Mahie Gill has nothing to do. Vinod Khanna is passable.

Prakash Raj is in terrific form yet again. The supremely talented actor is ferocious when the need arises. Nikitin Dheer has good screen presence and does well. Deepak Dobriyal gets better scenes and is hugely competent.

On the whole, DABANGG 2 has Salman Khan, Salman Khan and Salman Khan + Entertainment, Entertainment and Entertainment in large doses. The film has the masala to work big time with the masses. This one will rewrite the rules of the game and the festive occasion [Christmas and New Year] will aid its potential. Sure shot Blockbuster!