Shivaay – Shivaay, We Needed More Of Shiva-ay! 👀

I couldn't resist myself watching this movie first day after watching the amazing trailers which has astounded audience worldwide. And, I wasn't disappointed. 🙈

⏩ Genre :- Action/Drama

⏩ Runtime :- 2 hrs 52 mins.

⏩ Cast :- Ajay Devgn, Abigail Eames, Sayyeshaa Saigal, Erika Kaar, Vir Das, Girish Kamad, Saurabh Shukla.

⏩ Director :- Ajay Devgn

⏩ Plot :- Shivaay is a Himalayan mountaineer and guide who is innocent but is capable of transforming into a mean destroyer when he needs to protect his daughter.

⏩ Direction and Screenplay :- Directed by Ajay Devgn, the direction is not the best part of this film. The frame is quite shaky in few action sequences. But cut him some slack people, Shivaay is only his second directorial venture—the first being 'U Me Aur Hum.' (2008). As far as the screenplay is concerned, it may seem like 'Taken' and 'Rocky Handsome' in some aspects, but  co written by Sandeep Srivastava and Robin Bhatt, Shivaay has a deeper emotional connect, distinct execution and an amazing visual appeal. 

⏩ Editing and Cinematography :- 2 HRS AND 52 MINS!! It could've easily been toned down by 15-20 minutes by editing the "love blossoming" scenes between Shivaay and Olga. The cinematography by Aseem Bajaj is exceptionally good. The usage of electrifying blue, grey and white colors in the frame adds to the tranquility and refreshment factor. The breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains and the cobbled streets of Bulgaria are so well shot and used to maintain the balance of the film. 

⏩ Music :- Music is the one of the best things of Shivaay. The music is extremely powerful and perfectly blends into the narrative.  'Darkhast' and 'Raatein' are soulful and hummable. But the title track 'Bolo har har' is mind-blowing and has the power to produce intoxication into one's being. It takes you to the level of extreme exhilaration. 

⏩ The Highs :-

▶ The story isn't something you haven't seen before; however, the execution and performance by the protagonist is thrilling.

Ajay's character depicts two phases that's parallel to that of Lord Shiva – The server of mankind and the destroyer of evil.

The character savoured with mythological tattoos of the Trishul, Naag and Chandra. –Also, few close-up shots of his eyes. (Remember the Third eye?)

▶ In a world where all the attention is given to the mother-child relationship, it's good to see a film reminds us that a loving and a responsible father too can mean the whole world to his child. Sweet. 

▶ The movie is 172 mins long since the makers take time to set up the plot, but the adrenaline-pumping action picks up from the word go (after 40-45 mins into the movie). Also, if you are an action enthusiast, you would love every bit of it. 

The second half is more entertaining and the background score and chase sequences keep you engaged and refrain yourself from yawning. 

▶ The music blends in so perfectly, you would even fail to recognize whether a song/music is going on in the background or not.

▶ Shivaay’s USP is its cutting edge VFX, which makes the film a reality. 

⏩ The Lows :-

▶The love making scenes between Ajay and Erika (who is just in the starting 30 mins of the movie) are awkward and you feel no chemistry.

 

▶ There are a few scenes wherein actors like Girish Karnad and Saurabh Shukla mouth dialogues that have no or least connection with the central theme. Sighs.

▶ It would've been better had they shown much reference to Lord Shiva's antiques by adding more flavour to Shivaay's character.

Instead what we see is a travel guide/mountaineer (whatever you'd like to call him) jumping from cliffs, constantly smoking a chillum – extremely self-consciously at that, looking meaningfully at the audience as though telling them : Stop me if you can. 

Even the Censor Board couldn't stop him from getting away with weed; since he was sanctioned by Shiva himself with the chants of 'Bolo Har Har' playing in the background. Smart. 

⏩ Performances :-

▶ While his last film 'Dhrishyam' was the psychological thriller, Shivaay marks the return of Ajay Devgn in his action mode. 

Ajay gives a stellar performance in the role that is totally tailor made for him. And as usual, does his signature 'emoting with eyes' thing perfectly. Also, the on screen relationship that he shares with the child actress Abigail Eames is extremely natural and flawless.

▶ Erika Kaar as Shivaay's love interest is beautiful but goes OTT with her accent. Dear makers, we would've been okay with her speaking English as we know she is not an Indian. Her hindi seems too forced.

▶ Abigail Eames as Gaura, who plays Shivaay's vocally impaired daughter is sweet and charms us with her acting skills.

▶ Sayyeshaa Saigal as a diplomat, does fine for her Bollywood debut. (She is already a renowned name in Tollywood.) 

▶ Vir Das has been roped in as an "Ethical Hacker" for the sake of comic relief and he proves his mettle once again through his perfect timing and killer expressions.

▶ Girish Kamad as the diplomat's father does an impressive job in whatever little role he's been given. (Although his character seems unnecessary.)

▶Saurabh Shukla as the chairman of Indian Ambassy in Bulgaria has a screentime of merely 5 minutes with dialogues somewhat like :

"Shakkal se firangi ho, par dil se ekdum Hindustani. Ghoos kaha deni hai sab jaanti ho." *sighs*

⏩ Watch or Not? Definitely. Shivaay deserves a watch for it's visual appeal, perfect soundtrack and powerpacked performance by Ajay and the cute kid.

⏩ Personal Note – It's indeed disturbing to learn about the paid propaganda unleashed by a lobby to demean a groundbreaking film like Shivaay! Don't go by the critics this time, you know who is funding them. No offense. *winks*

⏩ Verdict – With crisper editing and less melodrama, Shivaay could’ve been the best of the year. But it sure as hell, is worth all your money and time. So grab a popcorn and enjoy the visual canvas that Shivaay is. ❤

⏩ Ratings :- 3.5/5

🙏 Har Har Mahadev. 🙏

Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year. 💁

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil - Waqayi, Yeh Movie Hai Mushkil

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM) has been one of the most awaited movies this year.

The film’s teaser, trailer and songs have already been a hit amongst the audience. After a lot of controversies, ADHM has finally hit theatres yesterday. 

Let's take a look at how we found it. 

⏩ Genre :- Romance/Drama/Musical.

⏩ Runtime :- 2 hrs 38 mins.

⏩ Cast :- Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Fawad Khan.

⏩ Director :- Karan Johar.

⏩ Plot -  Ayan (Ranbir) and Alizeh (Anushka) start off as friends, both coming off breakups, one a serious relationship while the other a casual affair. Eventually, Ayan falls for Alizeh while what Alizeh feels for him is not "Ishq wala" but "Dosti wala" love. Fawad Khan (DJ Ali), Alizeh's ex, begs her to give their relationship another chance resulting in marriage. A heartbroken Ayan finds lust in the arms of a divorced poet Sabah (Aishwarya) who convinces him for a "No Strings Attached" relationship. But Ayan still loves Alizeh and turns into Justin Bieber. Things get seriously complicated in the second half and... (Well, I know what you are thinking - "Isn't this complicated enough?" No. There's more to it.) Ayan gets transformed into the Ranbir from Tamasha while Aishwarya falls for him. Enter, SRK. Then there's some more drama. Few mellow songs. The end. (Deliberately written that to avoid giving away any spoilers. Thank me later.) 

⏩ Direction and Screenplay :- Karan Johar  surely knows how to tug at your heartstrings. Especially, when the target audience are Indians. The direction is top notch. Karan does an amazing job at ensuring that the pace never dulls, by painting in dialogues that keep you engaged. There are enough references to pop culture favs and films that we have grown watching and loving. (Yes. Most of which are his own.) Basically, the movie deals with the fine line between love and friendship and the fact that the former cannot be enforced. 

⏩ Editing and Cinematography :- 2 hrs 38 minutes is slightly more for a romantic film and that could have been avoided with a few cuts in the initial 15 minutes.

Well it's a Karan Johar movie, so it's pretty evident that the cinematography is going to be of top class. Like his every other movie ADHM is beautiful and glossy like a model from the cover of an A class mag. The movie has been shot in exotic locations like London, Paris and Vienna. Also, the majestic grandeur and simplicity of our 'Nawabo ka sheher' Lucknow has been depicted by shooting two song sequences there. 

⏩ Music :- The music by Pritam has already taken us into an euphoric high.

The soulful 'Channa Mereya', 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and 'Bulleya' being absolute favourites. Also, 'Breakup Song' and 'Cutiepie' are peppy but good.

A big thumbs up for the background score which is scintillating and clever. Also, there is a very smooth transition from serious to funny scenes which is commendable. 

⏩ The Highs :-

▶ The first half is fun and the banter between Ranbir and Anushka is extremely engaging. 

▶ The highlight of the movie has to be the smart one-liners and jokes that too using words and language that's not only current but also entertaining. (It made me remember the friendly banters between the trio in Kal Ho Na Ho. Sweet.)

References to other films, dialogue-baazi namely the ones from the 80s makes you glee. 

▶ Johar does not season his film with supporting characters – Like no unnecessary best friend or overly protective parent or villain. 

Except for few cameos by his best friends.

Yes, We've SRK... And ek "ladki beautiful."

Guess? 

▶ Also, there are a lot of philosophies being thrown at you right from the beginning but you may very well connect with them.

A lot through shayris to be specific. 

Also, some lines are as good as an honest slap - Why go through it, when one can be friends: "Pyar mein junoon hai. Dosti mein sukoon hai." Corny, but true.

▶ Performances. Performances especially by the lead pair Kapoor-Sharma. They are so good you can't take your eyes off them.

▶ THE SONGS. THE COSTUMES. THE LOCATIONS. Need I say anything more? ❤

▶ The movie is so very relatable for people

who have been through heartbreaks or one sided relationships. 

⏩ The Lows :-

▶ In the second half, the scenes gets heavy on the head and that cloud of ‘been there seen that’ looms till the very end. We start getting Déjà Vus from different films like Tamasha, Katti Batti, YJHD to name a few.

Also, the filmy dialogues start irritating you by the end of the film. Not too much, but yes.

▶ The execution of the narrative gets lost in translation. By the end of the movie, you feel there are many unresolved feelings between the lead pair. Also, Aishwarya's character lacks depth. The reason of her divorce being unknown, her whole persona being a mystery till the end. 

▶ The lame twist in the end, annoys. Couldn’t there have been a better way to work it out? Can't we for once, make the reel-life scenarios like that of the real ones? Ffs.

Thousands of people live with their 'one sided' love story everyday. "Ek Tarfa Pyar Ki Keemat, Tum Kya Jaano Johar Baabu." *Pffts*

⏩ Performances :-

▶ Ranbir is the stand out performer of this movie. He owns Ayan like he’s felt every emotion of the character. Right from the long monologues to the short subtle reactions to his co-actors make his performance much more endearing. He is the soul of the movie. Plus, it’s an excellent return to form for him after a spate of failures recently.

▶ Anushka Sharma is so vivacious and vibrant, she keeps your eyes glued to her all the time. So much so that post-interval, you begin to miss her natural and unconstrained piece, even though the femme fatale Sabah (Aish) is in the centre. 

Stole your thunder, Aish! *smirks*

▶ Aishwarya 'Beautiful' Rai Bachchan looks like she’s strutted out of a beauty pageant with all the exaggerated movements of the hips and shoulders. Also at one point, you feel as if you are watching one of the Ads of a brand she endorses. 

(I maybe wrong, but the pouts, pucker, hair flips, eye rolls say otherwise. *Ahems* )

Speaking of her character Sabah, an alluring poetess, her moments with Ranbir have INTENSE sensuality and passion. But her role doesn’t go beyond what you see in the trailer. Also, was she high the whole while? Or maybe that's what was asked of her. Hmm. (I know most of you boys won't care about whatever has been written about her above. Even I would go watch her for her Oh-So-Beautiful features. Guilty. *drools*)

⏩PS - There is one confrontation scene between her and Ranbir, wherein she is all red and teary eyed - And mahn, her eyes speak volumes with minimal lines! *applauds*⏪

▶ Fawad 'Hot' Khan, as Anushka's ex boyfriend DJ Ali, is at his best!

⏩Cameos :

▶ Shah Rukh Khan too gets a small role and he cracks the most important dialogue of the film, “Ek tarfa pyaar ki takaat hi kuch aur hoti hai, wo auron ki tarah do logon mein nahi batt-ti. Sirf mera haq hai iss par. Sirf mera.” (I am not being racist but, Is he like... tanned? Or is that the standing-next-to-Aish effect? Go figure.)

▶ Lisa Haydon as Ranbir's fling nails the tiny role she's been given. She is funny as hell. Also, the word "Vatavaran" is soon going to be a catch phrase amongst youngsters. 

▶ Imran Abbas ('Mohabbat barsa dena tu' fame) as Anushka's date does a fine job too.

⏩ Watch or Not? - ADHM is basically a love child of Kal Ho Na Ho and Kuch Kuch Hota Hain. Therefore, if you are a sucker for TYPICAL, good, soppy romantic comedies book your tickets rightaway!

⏩ Verdict :- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has some really nice moments, but they suffer the curse of an over complex second half. Nevertheless watch it for Ranbir and Anushka, and Karan’s nearly perfect interpretation of platonic love, unrequited love and heartbreaks.

⏩ Ratings :- 3/5.

Jack Reacher : Never Go Back - Literally. Don't!! 🙅

⏩ Genre :- Action/Crime

⏩ Runtime :- 1hr 58 mins (2 minutes to 2hrs, really?)

⏩ Cast :- Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Aldis Hodge, Danika Yarosh, Patrick Heusinger, Holt McCallany.

Jack Reacher : Never Go Back is an adaptation from a book, 'Never go back' by Lee Child.

⏩ Plot :-Reacher after helping in the arrest of a crooked Southern Sheriff heads to D.C. to try to land a date with a (apparently pretty) military officer he has assisted, but never met. Upon his arrival, he learns that she has been arrested for corruption, or something. So, Jack begins 'investigating' the corruption case, the Reacher way. He gets framed too, has to escape from jail with his intended girl friend, elude the bad guys, and get to know his alleged 'daughter', all in short order. That's a lot for a guy who usually talks less than Jason Bourne. *Winks*

⏩ Direction and Screenplay :- As far as the direction is concerned, 'Blood Diamond' director Edward Zwick does his best to fill the gap Christopher McQuarrie left but fails to do so in most of the action scenes. The movie would have been a lot better with McQuarrie on board. Edward Zwick (Director) alongwith Marshall Herskovitz and Richard Wenk has given the screenplay for this film. The story was weak and incoherent at times. You will be left with silly questions like :-

How did they get here?

How did they get out?

How did they not see them?

And many more...

⏩ Editing and Cinematography :- The cinematography by Oliver Wood is strictly average with warm undertones of maizey hue for the day and midnight blue for the night. Some low light shot are so poorly shot you can hardly figure out the people in the frame. Although the editing by Billy Weber is good, it seems confused as to which scenes to chop off and which to keep, thus leaving us with unexplained scenarios.

⏩ Music :- Henry Jackman's music is okayish and does nothing in the first half, but amps up it's mettle by the second half.

⏩ The Highs :-

▶Unlike the first one from this franchise, this one is a fast paced thriller. It's always throwing something at you, both good and bad, necessary and unnecessary. And believe it or not, it'll keep you on the edge.

▶ Tom Cruise again as Reacher pours his typical charm potion into the character and entertains you.

▶Certain action scenes are well choreographed and so Cruise does not have to fight every five minutes and is running around the whole flick, but they are well-dosed and then brilliantly calculated.

▶ The thrilling climax is worth the wait.

⏩ The Lows :-

▶The villain was intimidating at times but lacked motive. There were plenty of things that were left unexplained at the end. So, the villainy factor was not at all enough.

▶This is another of those movies in which the tough bad guy is always trying to tell the tough good guy how much alike they are so the good guy can say something to the effect that they're nothing alike as he puts a spike through the bad guy's neck or pushes him off a skyscraper. Lack of originality.

▶ Some of the romantic exchanges between Jack and Susan is rather funny. You'd even believe if I told you they were siblings. *Chuckles*

▶ The fact that after a brutal fist fight, the actors, especially Tom Cruise, present a face without any trace of the fighting. That's bullshit, isn't it? Even the director of soft movies could have put some make up on Cruise's face to simulate the harm, the result of the ferocity of the fight. But no, Cruise's face is as smooth as a baby's butt.

⏩ Performances :-

▶Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher is still very impressive for a 54 year old, but you can see it. You can see that he is not even giving us the full frontal of his chest anymore. You can see how his running chase sequences are being edited out. But still, he is the saving grace of the movie. With his charming one liners to his cute looks and intensity while performing stunts or action sequences, he saves the film from falling flat.

▶Cobie Smulders (best remembered as Robin from 'How I Met Your Mother')  as Susan Turner is the highlight of the film. She absolutely stole the show and will definitely leave you speechless with her kickass moves. Literally, this lady kicks ass!
Though it's fair to say her character is massively underwritten, else you would've been more hooked to your seats.

▶ Danika Yarosh as Samantha, a miscast, is quite annoying.

▶ Patrick Heusinger is good as the antagonist  "The Hunter," who won't stop till Reacher is dead. And he does this by means of words and effective action. What pulls us back, is that the character doesn’t have a backstory or even a name (His name is never revealed in the movie; not even in the end credits.), only a black leather jacket and some well-maintained scruff.

▶Aldis Hodge as Espin, the military police commander, is excellent and leaves us wanting for more.

⏩ Watch or Not ? Uhmm... Not so worth on the big screen.

⏩ Verdict :- The film is a good sequel, yet doesn't quite live up to the thrill-ride of its predecessor, 'Jack Reacher'. I feel that this film followed a bad trend that is rising in action movie sequels, where the main character is attempted to be given a much deeper persona, while also trying to be the same person from the first film. Yet it comes out in a very odd, strange blend of who we knew from the first film, It was troubling to have to accept this new introduction to the Reacher, when we have already been identified with him from the first film.

If you come to watch this movie expecting deep mystery or mind-blowing action sequences or superb dialogues, you will be disappointed.
But if you come to just getting entertained for two hours, you will have REACHED your goal. (Sorry. Couldn't resist the pun.)

⏩ Ratings :- 2.5/5

Inferno - Movie Review. Not As Hot As Hell. 🔥

Genre :- Crime / Mystery

Runtime :- 2 hrs 2 mins

Cast :- Tom Hanks, Irrfan Khan, Felicity Jones, Omar Sy, Ben Foster, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Ana Ularu, Ben Foster.

Director :- Ron Howard.

⏩ Plot :- After waking up in the hospital, Robert Langdon - a symbology professor (who is also an art historian and a cryptologist) is tormented by visions which are actually a portrayal of Dante's model of hell. Later, Langdon is being chased by several people and that's when our pretty little Dr. Brooks comes to his rescue. They are on a mission to save half of the world from dying because of a virus that has been planted by a psychopathic tyrant Zobrist.

⏩ Direction :- The third film in Ron Howard's Robert Langdon franchise focuses on the mysteries that lead to the end of the mankind and one and only one man, Professor Robert Langdon, can save the world with his expertise and wisdom that's equivalent to an overflowing stream.
And as far as the direction is concerned, you aren't going to be disappointed at all. Howard's work behind the camera is top notch. It's the screenplay that puts a tiny damper on it. David Koepp's screenplay is by the numbers adaptation of the book with outworn dialogues and poor characterisation. Dan Brown's a writer who has an appealing way of saying stories, although his writing is brutish, sometimes. And the movie would've been magical had their been some better writing on the desk.
You won't find it bad or bland, but yes, it could've been better.

⏩Editing and Cinematography :-

Full points to Dan Hanley and Tom Elkinson on editing as it's fast-paced, crisp and meticulous at the same time. Not a single minute for you to yawn at, in this 122 minutes thriller. The Cinematography lits up your mood with golden hour lighting on warm, old stonework and cobbled streets to eclectic locations from the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Istanbul, Venice and so on. Good job, Salvatore Tantino.

⏩Music :-

Music by Hans Zimmer. Need we say more? It's like an epic volcanic eruption that will char everything around it. With a lot of chasing and running in this film, Zimmer throws all his jacks behind the characters
- from the tick-tock, haunting violin, soothing piano to electronic drums which are just enough to give you goosebumps. The music of 'Inferno' is like the Batman Vs Superman sound on crack. And you're going to love it!

⏩The Highs -

▶The performance by Hanks and Irrfan is outstanding. While Hanks lends in all the emotions, Irrfan tickles your funny bones.
And this, maintains the balances of the film.

▶ For a person who haven't read the book or watched the predecessors, this would be an edge of the seat thriller.

▶The first 70 minutes is interesting wherein the makers plant the seeds of suspicion in your mind vis a vis any character - who could be a sell-out, a Zobrist sympathizer or a spy.

▶ The special effects in certain scenes are amazing. The flood of blood out exploding out of shattered towers may even beat the bloody elevator shot in 'The Shining' and 'Evil Dead.'

▶ While critics may love to sneer at Inferno's clichéd plot of "Saving the mankind" and Bourne style chasing and riddle-solving action gimmicks, the truth is - It actually works.
Tell me, when the main active ingredient of a dish is Tom Hanks; Felicity Jones and Irrfan Khan are the seasoning and Hans Zimmer is the delicious gravy – Wouldn't you have it? Definitely.

▶ The difference between the book and the film is interesting. Perhaps, the makers aren't afraid of taking the risk with plenty of book-readers in the wind. Also, you might want to know about Dante as the film ends and you head for home.

⏩The Lows -

▶ The irrelevant and conceited speech by Ben Foster (Zobrist) at the very beginning. Why would they go for this in the first place beats you, because all he does is parrot out the most obvious facts about population growth before leaving the stage.

▶ Too many knots and twists most of which can be foreseen. Typical angle of a good guy turning bad and vice versa.

▶ Character development is poor. The only character whose story is crystal clear is Dr. Sienna Brooks. Not even our protagonist, Professor. *Sighs*

▶ The climax is unfortunately cold and unattractive. As the movie proceeds your expectation for the climax increases only to get chewed upon at the end.

⏩Performances :-

▶Tom Hanks is in the soul of the character ab initio and he doesnt strike one bad cord. He displays all the vulnerability and expressions that Langdon's character demands.

▶ Felicity Jones as Dr. Sienna Brooks is fine. She has been given a great character amd screenplay but her lack of expression is a put off.

▶ Irrfan Khan, does not disappoint as Harry 'Provost' Sims, the mysterious, enigmatic head of a covert security agency. Despite occasionally losing control of his diction, Khan manages to hold his own and delivers the movie's funniest and most honest scene, in which he murders a character and deadpans, "Sorry for the messy job."

▶Sidse Babett Knudsen as Elizabeth, the head of W.H.O and one of Langdon's flings is excellent.

▶ Omar Sy as Agent Bouchard is deadly and perfect for the role.

⏩ Watch or Not ? Uhhmm... maybe.

⏩ Verdict :- This adaptation of 'Inferno' is an interesting blend of history, art, science, eureka moments and alarmist prophecies with enough twists and turns to keep a viewer sufficiently engaged BUT it's not devoid of potholes.

Ratings - 3/5

🙏 Prizmi Tripathi 🙏

Mirzya - Movie Review. More Show, Less Say. ❤

▶ Genre :- Period Romance / Drama / Art

▶ Runtime :- 2 hrs 15 mins.

▶ Cast :- Harshvardhan Kapoor, Saiyami Kher, Anuj Chaudhari, K.K.Raina, Om Puri, Art Malik and Anjali Patil.

▶ Director :- Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

⏩ Plot :- Mirzya is based on the folktale of Mirza-Sahibaan. The film is based on two different eras. One, where Mirza tries to win Sahibaan by competing with her brothers. And in the present time, Monish(Adil) tries to rekindle the romance with his childhood love Soochi, after an incident in their childhood did them apart; while Soochi's fiancée Karan and her fam tries hard to drag him down.

*WARNING : MIRZYA ISN'T FOR THE MASSES. THIS MOVIE IS HIGHLY FOR A NICHE AUDIENCE WHO UNDERSTANDS AND ARE A FAN OF ART FILMS.*

⏩ Direction :- Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has given us beautiful films like Rang De Basanti (One of the best films of Bollywood so far) and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. And he awes us with his style of story-telling with Mirzya. It seems like a work of art in motion that is beautifully painted onto the white canvas of our theatres. Too much of hard work has been put into the direction, especially those done in Ladakh. And the result is a visual spectacle. The transaction between the two eras has been done smoothly. Rakeysh has risked the commercial aspect of this movie – adding an artistic angle by emoting the happenings in the lives of Monish and Soochi through Rajasthani folk-dance.
The way the camera just hovers over the sand dunes and the road for that matter, is aesthetically pleasing.

⏩ Editing and Cinematography :- The editing is top notch. Although the movie is slow-paced, one doesn't get bored because of the sleek editing. A special mention to Cinematographer Pawel Dyllus - Take a bow! Dyllus has soaked the past era in a shiny iron-grayish tone whereas he has glazed the present with blazing sun and brownish orange. Especially the lush landscapes in Ladakh and the huge palace proves his spirit in the work.

⏩ Screenplay/Writer - The expectations were soaring high considering the screenplay was written by the man himself, Gulzar. The man who can make silences convey more than words. The lyrical narrative with metaphors like Rajasthani folk-dance as a background for Monish-Soochi's love story is soooo captivating. But the story buildup is poor and that is where Mirzya falls flat. In this 135 minutes film, there is hardly any moment where the passionate love story touches your soul. It's wavering on the surface with little to less emotions. It's like the base of the building itself is shaky. Kya Gulzar Sahab, Shakespeare would be so disappointed. *Sighs*

⏩ Music : Music is one of the best and effective elements here. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have poured their heart into making this music of this film. The melodies and the instrumentation are so very beautiful. Also, the rendition of title track by Daler Mehendi coupled with powerfully evocative lyrics gets you every time.

⏩ The Highs :
▶ Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has presented the age old story in new brackets like the stretch of snow against that of sand; the bow and arrows against the guns.

▶ The film plays out like a highly stylised, spectacular Broadway musical, it’s as though you are witnessing larger than life theatre on a 70 mm screen.You can actually see the film in its soundtrack alone. This remains the main stay of the film.

▶ Mehra's presentation of Mirza-Sahibaan’s saga, one of India's most famous folklores is stunning. He nails it every manner. But he takes a backseat with its portrayal in the present times.

▶ Gulzar, who is back to giving Screenplay after 17 years chooses voice-over and a group of tribal men-women who wear colourful clothes and dance to songs reflecting the protagonists’ mental states. And it works.

▶ There is one scene, just one scene where we actually connect – when these two lovers look at each other, look into each other’s eyes, and break out in laughter, telling us that they are delighting in each other’s presence. It's beautiful.

▶ There is very little chest thumping and dialogue baazi and no item song or gimmick to make the film appeal to a broader audience. And the promos have been indicative of the texture and fabric of Mirzya. A risk taken here, is commendable.

▶ The performances are brilliant. The new pair is as fresh and beautiful as a daisy. In the given screentime, everyone's performances are remarkable.

⏩ The Lows :
▶ The filmmaker doesn't try to add his own tadka by breaking down the feudalism or the power over the women in the society, but simply accept the story as it is. Maybe one couldn't connect to the whole plot because there was nothing new.

▶ You can actually see the film in its soundtrack alone. For some places it also acts as a takeaway because then, there is room for just few dialogues.

▶ Unlike his other films, here, Mehra has highly focused on its craft instead of the story that's why the viewers can't connect.

▶ Just like a dialogue in the movie where a character quotes Romeo's monologue on Juliet : "She speaks yet says nothing," this movie speaks louder than words (with all the visuals and music), but alas, says nothing. (When it comes to dialogues.)

▶ It's highly disappointing as to why the antagonist (Karan) is given more lines than our protagonists.

⏩ Performances :
▶ Harshvardhan Kapoor could've got a better break than Mirzya. This Kapoor lad is full of potential. (unlike his sister. *coughs*) He shined in the few lines he got and appears to have a quiet spark which may surface after some more refining and grooming. From his debut film, we can surely say, he's here to stay. And yes, he comes out as a better actor than the leading lady. Points for that.

▶ Saiyami Kher is like a breath of fresh air in Bollywood with her natural beauty and perfect curls. Her character Soochi is a challenging one wherein she has to be bright, mischievous, impulsive, sensible and volatile at the same time, for her heart is hanging between two men. And she manages pull off the role brilliantly.

▶ Anuj Chaudhari as the estranged fiancée is great with his emotions and delivery. The way is depicts the idea of a person who can risk his own life for the lady-love and at the same time, kill the lady's love is beyond excellence.

▶ Art Malik as the Shakespeare spewed father is good at times, but for most of the time his dialogues seem jarring and inaudible. Miscast.

▶ K.K.Raina as the majesty is just fine.

▶ Anjali Patil as the girl who knows Mirza's soul, is magnificent.

▶ Om Puri gets lost somewhere in the middle of the film and the maker doesn't bother to bring him up. But for the little to no role that he has, including the narration at the beginning of the film he does full justice.

⏩ Watch or Not? - Yes, for the people who loves poetry and art films, theatre; this film is just for you. And for those who love sparkling love stories, this may make you yawn. Decide.

⏩ Verdict : I am still aweing at the visual spectacle this film is. It's a heartbreakingly beautiful poem coupled with beautiful performances. Thank you Mr. Mehra, for pushing the boundaries and making this film.

▶ Ratings - 3.3/5

🙏 PRIZMI TRIPATHI 🙏