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Ok here it goes...
FILMS
1. MAIN MADHURI DIXIT BANNA CHAHTI HOON (BELEE DAT!)
Where do I begin w/ this masterpiece? This comedy/drama from the RGV camp follows on the same line as his earlier films "Rangeela" and "Mast"... and obviously earlier classics such as "Guddi" and "Bhumika". Antara was simply amazing (dancing & acting) while Rajpal Yadav and Govind Namdeo were great as usual. Antara stands out and has improved immensely, it's great to see Rajpal in a large role for once and someone finally gave Govind a different role (how many corrupt politicians can one guy play?). All characters were portrayed very authentically and were very believable... perhaps this could not have been done w/ so called "A list" actors? Also there was great situational music that worked well in a comedy such as this. Great directing, great story, great climax... great everything. Indeed a true masterpiece
10/10
2. HAASIL
This classic from director Tigmanshu Dhulia follows in the footsteps of such Indian crime classics as Ardh Satya, Nayagan, Shiva, Parinda, Satya, Shool and Company. Like it's predecessors it intertwines crime and politics plus also incorporating a love story. The way these stories merge together very realistically w/out being forced is immaculate. Dhulia even pays homage to American directors of classic crime films as he incorporates some similar scenes in his film. Irfan Khan gives his rendition of Pesci's "do I amuse you" from "Goodfellas" when Ani (Shergill) suggests that Ranvijay (Khan) might not know so much about women. Later, Khan (after gunning down a foe) gives him a swift kick in the face a la Sonny's (Caan) death in the first Godfather. Directing is top notch, dialogue is brilliant, but the performances are what make the movie. Everyone acts well (from top to bottom)... but a special mention must be given to Irfan Khan (in a superb nana-esque performance). Not to mention the great climax (which is rare for bollywood). The only problem I have w/ this movie is the unnecessary, unwarranted and just simply bad music form Jatin-Lalit. W/out the music this film is flawless!
9/10
3. PINJAR
Being an adaptation of a novel, one expected a great story... and Pinjar delivers. The story was definitely its strong point and Manoj was great as usual. The main problems were the music was mainly poor and at times unnecessary also Urmila (probably suffering from a bhoot hangover) overacted every scene (...but she looked so good doing it).
8/10
4. GANGAAJAL
"Dirty" Ajay plays cop (vigilante style) in Prakash Jha's "Gangajaal". Partly inspired by true events this ultra violent crime/drama/action film really hits the spot for bloodthirsty fans such as me. Complete with Takashi Miike influenced torture scenes!!! Despite all this chaos, Ajay shines w/ a great performance and also Yashpal Sharma (who also gave a great performance in "Mumbai se aaya..." btw). Ajay has developed strong screen presence as a ruthless but silent type matching the likes of Eastwood, Bronson and Takeshi Kitano. With twits-a-plenty and moving at a great pace this film unfortunately ends in "same old, same old" bollywood fashion. Oh my, what a disappointment... you would think a film that tried to be different would remain consistent w/ its climax. Here is another example of a possibly great bollywood film which falls short w/ the climax. Though you got to give it to Jha for being smart enough to leave this a songless film.
7.5/10
5. AANCH
My fav Nana does it again w/ a mind blowing performance which is sure to be overlooked (what's new). I have already written a review for this film on this forum (a few threads down).
7/10
6. DUM
Another possibly great bollywood crime/drama which falls short w/ a disappointing climax. Though this might seem a bit "been there, done that", Niwas gives the films a realistic touch w/ many twists (though unfortunately this is clearly a masala film). You would think a RGV protégé would know how to finish a film. Anyways, great performances by Atul and Vivek.
7/10
7. ZAMEEN
This masala action film which flew under the radar in 2003 was simply a great movie going experience - a super fun, mindless action film. This was definitely edge of your seat entertainment w/ gunplay, chase scenes (foot & car) and explosions galore. This film succeeds on many points... First, it manages to tone down the love story (between Abishek and Bipasha), which is not needed in an action film such as this. Second, it has a good blend of masala and realism. Third it has good performances by Abhishek, Ajay and Tiwari. Though it does suffer from one too many preaching scenes and bad songs, it is still much better than the other action films this year (Qayamat, Jaal, Hero, L.O.C.)
7/10
Note - I have yet to see Kagaar or Teen Deewarein (which could possibly go on my list if any good)
Edited By Mola Ram on 1075526310
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Jackie and the other chamcha made the film and it was slickly put together in the end.
h: Still on the waiting list is Pinjar & Tehzeeb which I've got but not watched. I'd like to watch Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, Satta, 3 Deewarein and probably a few others - pity the DVDs are a disgrace to these movies otherwise maybe I would watch them.