I recently saw two movies, the names of which form the title of this post. They are as different from each other, as two movies can be. Basically, if Agneepath is Chalk, then EMAET is definitely Cheese. But both of them are equally engrossing, interesting, and very well-made movies. The best part is that they have been produced by the same production house—Dharma Production (Karan Johar's company)—and both have been directed by debut directors. Since I was at a loss of topics once again, I thought of writing a mini review for both of them.
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
If I had to describe this movie in one phrase, I would say it is a 'feel good movie', simply because it leaves a smile on your face, and feeling good about yourself. The story, as you all must have read/heard/seen by now, is very simple and uncomplicated. There are no larger-than-life heroes in it, just real-life ordinary characters. On the contrary, the "Hero" of the film (Imran Khan as Rahul) is introduced as a guy who would in all probability, be called a Loser in reality. Rahul himself is shown to be quite irritated and frustrated with himself on being just Average, while his parents want him to be super talented and extraordinary. I am sure most of us (out of those who have watched the movie) must have identified with Rahul—I know I did. But, as the movie progresses it tells you that it's not bad at all to be average. As Kareena Kapoor's character (Riana) says to Rahul, " Average ka matlab ki tum kuch bhi kam ya zyada nahi karte." This is such a different perspective, that I was actually nodding my head in agreement on this statement. Further, the movie has no dramatic moments, and no so-called high power scenes. The movie unfolds slowly and flows smoothly; you move along with the flow and get intertwined in the stroy of Rahul and Riana.
For me, there were two highlights of the movie. First was undoubtedly Kareena Kapoor!! She is just brilliant! I feel she has inherent spontaneity, flamboyance, and the spark to carry off any kind of roles. I loved her as Riana. In my opinion, Riana's character is a mature version of Geet from Jab We Met, because Riana has gone through a lot in life but she still has that zeal and passion in herself to meet her goals, and knows how to be happy. Although everyone has acted well (even Imran Khan!!), Kareena is easily the best. Second highlight for me was the climax of the movie. It is very unconventional, non-bollywoodish, and very apt I must say. In fact, after a long long time I saw a movie that leaves you wanting and craving for more. EMAET is very short, 1 hour 40 minutes running time, and I wouldn't have minded if it were longer by 20–30 minutes.
Agneepath
This movie is a typical Bollywood potboiler and an out-and-out commercial masala movie. It has all the ingredients of a superhit Hindi film. There's Action, Emotion, Romance, Tragedy, Comedy, Revenge, and Drama all mixed together. The result is a WOW! movie, which will leave you breathless. The strength of this movie easily lies in its actors. What brilliant acting by all of them—Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt, and Rishi Kapoor. The surprise factor in this impressive line-up is Rishi Kapoor as Rauf Lala. He deserves a standing ovation for the way he has portrayed this negative character, just Amazing. And yes, how can I not talk about Sanjay Dutt, who as Kancha Cheena has given his best performance after Vaastav. He looks menacing, scary and every bit as evil as he is meant to be. Although it has been touted as an action movie, for me it was a heart wrenching tale of a family wronged by a cunning man. I think I have not cried so much in a movie ever! I was wiping my eyes after every 10-15 minutes. Another very different aspect of this film is that the "Hero" is not your typical self-righteous law abiding common man, but is more of an anti-hero who works with smugglers, is involved in trade of cocaine, and does not think twice before killing someone. No doubt there is a lot of violence in the whole movie, but you don't feel disgusted and are on the edge of your seats for most part.
However, there is one sore point in Agneepath, and that is the Chikni Chameli song. I have nothing against the song as such, but the actor—Katrina Kaif. She looks so out of sync with rest of the set up and feel of the song. She has no grace and the dance looks crass and vulgar. I am sure Rakhi Sawant or Malaika Arora Khan would have done a much much better job than Katrina. Apart from this, the movie is fantastic!
There is no comparison between the two movies. Both are fabulous and brilliant in their own sense. I would recommend people to watch both of them to get a feel of the diversity of Indian cinema.
Signing Off,
The Movie Buff!
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
If I had to describe this movie in one phrase, I would say it is a 'feel good movie', simply because it leaves a smile on your face, and feeling good about yourself. The story, as you all must have read/heard/seen by now, is very simple and uncomplicated. There are no larger-than-life heroes in it, just real-life ordinary characters. On the contrary, the "Hero" of the film (Imran Khan as Rahul) is introduced as a guy who would in all probability, be called a Loser in reality. Rahul himself is shown to be quite irritated and frustrated with himself on being just Average, while his parents want him to be super talented and extraordinary. I am sure most of us (out of those who have watched the movie) must have identified with Rahul—I know I did. But, as the movie progresses it tells you that it's not bad at all to be average. As Kareena Kapoor's character (Riana) says to Rahul, " Average ka matlab ki tum kuch bhi kam ya zyada nahi karte." This is such a different perspective, that I was actually nodding my head in agreement on this statement. Further, the movie has no dramatic moments, and no so-called high power scenes. The movie unfolds slowly and flows smoothly; you move along with the flow and get intertwined in the stroy of Rahul and Riana.
For me, there were two highlights of the movie. First was undoubtedly Kareena Kapoor!! She is just brilliant! I feel she has inherent spontaneity, flamboyance, and the spark to carry off any kind of roles. I loved her as Riana. In my opinion, Riana's character is a mature version of Geet from Jab We Met, because Riana has gone through a lot in life but she still has that zeal and passion in herself to meet her goals, and knows how to be happy. Although everyone has acted well (even Imran Khan!!), Kareena is easily the best. Second highlight for me was the climax of the movie. It is very unconventional, non-bollywoodish, and very apt I must say. In fact, after a long long time I saw a movie that leaves you wanting and craving for more. EMAET is very short, 1 hour 40 minutes running time, and I wouldn't have minded if it were longer by 20–30 minutes.
Agneepath
This movie is a typical Bollywood potboiler and an out-and-out commercial masala movie. It has all the ingredients of a superhit Hindi film. There's Action, Emotion, Romance, Tragedy, Comedy, Revenge, and Drama all mixed together. The result is a WOW! movie, which will leave you breathless. The strength of this movie easily lies in its actors. What brilliant acting by all of them—Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt, and Rishi Kapoor. The surprise factor in this impressive line-up is Rishi Kapoor as Rauf Lala. He deserves a standing ovation for the way he has portrayed this negative character, just Amazing. And yes, how can I not talk about Sanjay Dutt, who as Kancha Cheena has given his best performance after Vaastav. He looks menacing, scary and every bit as evil as he is meant to be. Although it has been touted as an action movie, for me it was a heart wrenching tale of a family wronged by a cunning man. I think I have not cried so much in a movie ever! I was wiping my eyes after every 10-15 minutes. Another very different aspect of this film is that the "Hero" is not your typical self-righteous law abiding common man, but is more of an anti-hero who works with smugglers, is involved in trade of cocaine, and does not think twice before killing someone. No doubt there is a lot of violence in the whole movie, but you don't feel disgusted and are on the edge of your seats for most part.
However, there is one sore point in Agneepath, and that is the Chikni Chameli song. I have nothing against the song as such, but the actor—Katrina Kaif. She looks so out of sync with rest of the set up and feel of the song. She has no grace and the dance looks crass and vulgar. I am sure Rakhi Sawant or Malaika Arora Khan would have done a much much better job than Katrina. Apart from this, the movie is fantastic!
There is no comparison between the two movies. Both are fabulous and brilliant in their own sense. I would recommend people to watch both of them to get a feel of the diversity of Indian cinema.
Signing Off,
The Movie Buff!
