Cast:  Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Rana Daggubati, Vijay Raaz, Abhimanyu Shekhar Singh, Madhu Shalini, Deepak Tijori, Nathalia Kaur.
Direction: Ram Gopal  Varma
Runtime: 145 minutes

Back with his gangster thriller is Ram Gopal Varma once again attempting to make another hit. Department deals with the dirty politics within the police force. Coming from Ram Gopal Varma, Department boasts of one terrific star cast. Let’s check out the review for more details. Fight between Mahadev Bhosale (Sanjay Dutt) and Shiv Narayan (Rana Daggubati) to emerge as the most powerful figure. While Mahadev, who is a corrupt police officer, heads the team The Department, is very clear about his goals. Shiv, an honest but suspended police officer joins Mahadev’s team. Shiv is initially unaware of what he is getting into and he eventually gets greedy for power. These two policemen become puppets in the hands of Sarjerao Gaikwad (Amitabh Bachchan), an ex-underworld don and a corrupt politician.

Survi Verdict:

Unlike Sarkar RGV’s Department is a concept less effort which is all packed with action & action scenes, nothing more than that. Cinematography is bad, seriously it gives you 3D effects without 3D glasses and even music is awful. Everything about the film Department is frustrating. The only reason one will get to watch Department is for Amitabh Bachchan, he is just too good. Much hyped Nathalia Kaur’s Item number is lame. The other co-actor’s work in Department is un-digestible so if you are going to watch it this weekend, get along with Antacid. Ram Gopal Varma’s Department is a treat for those who have free Money and Time. Exactly, it’s again a torture concept of RGV.  On the Whole, If Justice is their CRIME; Sparing time for Department is our CRIME.

Survi Review: 1/5

Final Word: ROGUE HEADACHE!!

Theatrical Trailer:

Cast: Vikram Shekar, Supriyaa, Haasini, Satyam Rajesh, Bobby, Poojitha, Bhaskar and Jagadeeswari
Direction: Shri Kishore
Production: Shri Kishore
Music: KC Mouli
Censor Certificate: A
Runtime: 135 Minutes
Watched at Odeon, Hyderabad

Story: Sri Ram (Vikram Sekhar) is a script writer of popular Serial “Nelavanka”. To complete script work of his serial Sriram goes to Lake view guest house in Nallamala. Few incidents make him see the ghosts around. On his way back after completing his script work, he comes across an incident. Will he return from the guest house? How a Screen writer face ghosts in life? Forms the rest of the story line.

Performance: Vikram Shekar is okay in his character. Fatty Supriyaa is just average. Child actress gave the best performance in the movie. Satyam Rajesh as detective James Pond is fine. All the other characters are relatively new and they were appropriate.

Technical Aspects: The basic storyline is interesting. Screenplay of the film is pretty bad. Direction is very amateurish. Dialogues by Anil are good in parts. Two songs by K C Mouli are good. Cinematography is nice. Madhusudan Editing is alright. Production values are fair to middling.

Survi Verdict: Sasesham starts with some interesting scenes, but lags a lot in the middle. Second half is slightly better. The positive points are story line, music and cinematography. The negative points are lead cast, direction, screenplay and lack of gripping narration. On the whole, Sasesham does not offer anything but for a couple of well filmed scenes. You can safely avoid watching in theatres.

Survi Review: 1/5

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Theatrical Trailer:

Director: Adrian Grunberg
Screenwriter: Mel Gibson
Starring: Mel Gibson, Peter Stormare, Bob Gunton, Johnny Yong Bosch, Dean Norris
Running time: 95 minutes

Mel Gibson as Driver, an American criminal who violently crashes his car into the border wall as he tries to outrun the U.S. Border Patrol. Driver survives the crash only to land inside a hard-core Mexican prison where he enters the strange and dangerous world of “El Pueblito.”  Where he attempts to learn about, then destroy, its criminal hierarchy with the help of a 10 year old kid.

Elevated naturalistic acting from all the lead actors with Mel Gibson leading from the front. Predictable movie but somehow you feel that it’s not really predicting. Awesome movement when he threw back the grenade. Feel like I’m watching Jason Statham instead. Cinematography deserves appreciation. The story line has commercial potential if handled properly. But debut-ant director Adrian Grunberg seems to have lost in between.  Screenplay (Mel Gibson) of the movie is smart and direction is fine. Dialogues are casual. Editing is alright. On the whole, Mel Gibson can still make a goddamn entertaining movie with full of action, a pinch of comedy, and plenty of charm that made him the star. Like Mel Gibson in trigger-happy character then GET THE GRINGO.

Survi Review: 3/5

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Theatrical Trailer

Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Harry Treadaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Murray

Director – Gil Kenan

Screenplay – Caroline Thompson

Source Material – Jeanne DuPrau

Executive Producer – John D. Schofield

City of Ember is the film adaptation of Jeanne DuPrau’s (2003) book with the same title. CITY OF EMBER was founded deep underground to protect a small segment of humanity from an impending doomsday on Earth’s surface. During that time, the secret to leaving the city when the time was right got lost; now, the town’s massive generator is failing, supplies are running low, and no one wants to think about what lies in the darkness beyond the city limits. No one, that is, except curious teens Lina Mayfleet (Saoirse Ronan) and Doon Harrow (Harry Treadaway), which are determined to find a way out of Ember before it’s too late. To succeed, they must puzzle out an ancient document, navigate the city’s crumbling pipeworks, and dodge everything from an enormous mole to the city’s overconfident mayor (Bill Murray). Performances of the two leads are okay, the film tried to up its star factor having supporting roles for Tim Robbins, as well as Martin Landau, an aged pipe works technician, who will undoubtedly get the most laughs out of his taste to strictly stick to his job. This movie is okay unless you read the book first and that it’s only somewhat loosely and yet in some ways very closely based on the book of the same name. Firstly, I liked the design and grandeur of the city and the beginning part of the story. However, as the center storyline begins to unfold, this movie failed to execute and in my opinion, it just crashes. The technicians worked a lot on plans and sets than building engaging script and story. City of Ember lacks Entertainment for kids and Bores the adults.

Survi Review : 2.5/5

Theatrical Trailer:

Cast: Arjun Kapoor as Parma,
Parineeti Chopra as Zoya
Gauhar khan as the dancer
Director: Habib Faisal
Watched in BIG Cinemas, Hyderabad

Ishaqzaade is a romantic film. Two individuals (Parma and Zoya) unfold the unrealistic and daunting political confines of rural India. They both are fiery blooded and are fighting for power and supremacy. But love brews between them in a small town burning with hatred. Coming to performances Priyanka Chopra’s Cousin Parineeti Chopra who shined with Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, makes her mark this time with her acute and composite character. Arjun Kapoor son of Boney Kapoor is fine too, he is quite crazy and unprincipled in first half, and his mother’s berating sobers him up and becomes gratifying and guiltless apologizing for his horrible deeds. Gauhar Khan, who plays concubine Chand, does alright. Her moves in the first song were too good. Supporting cast is pretty fine. The story of the film doesn’t offer anything new. The direction by Habib Faisal is up to the mark. Screenplay is slow and many scenes were not justified properly. Music and BGM is fine. Cinematography is adequate. Dialogues are routine. Editing could have been crispier in the second half many chases and climax was looking never ending after a certain time. First half of the film is mediocre. The second half of the film is a letdown. Plus points of the film are Lead performances, music and typical direction. The minus points are second half narration, Climax, Editing and Runtime. On the whole, Ishaqzaade is just another film with the same story with distinctive direction and a subject but misses the surprisal in between.

Final Word: Old Wine in New Bottle…

Survi Review: 2/5

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Theatrical Trailer:

Cast :- Pawan Kalyan,Shruthi Hasan,Ali,kota srinivas Rao,Brahmanandam,Mallika Arora
Run Time:- 153 Minutes
Producer :- Bandla Ganesh
Music :- Devi Sri Prasad
Direction :- Harish Shankar
Watching at Rajdhani, Dilsukhnagar

Pawan Kalyan’s Gabbar Singh expectations has reached peak levels with the help of the promotional activities by the movie unit. The censor talk about Gabbar Singh movie is also very positive and huge openings are expected from the movie. The Movie releasing in highest number of theaters, Lets check out the review for more details…

Story: Venkatarathnam Naidu (Pawan Kalyan), son of Suhasini and step son of Nagineedu calls himself as Gabbar Singh after liking the character from Sholay. He turns a cop and gets posted to his hometown Kondaveedu. Siddhappa Naidu (Abhimanyu Singh) is a local goon in the village who aspires to turn politician and finally it leads to the rivalry between the two. Meanwhile, the cop sees a village girl Bhagyalakshmi (Shruti Haasan) and falls for her. Siddappa will put on his efforts and turns Ajay, Gaggar Singh step bother his side. How does Gabbar Singh solve all the issues and fights with Siddhappa is crux of the story.

Performances: Pawan Kalyan: He is as fascinating as ever. He is exceptionally handsome as Venkata Rathnam Naidu in this film. He excelled in each department with his masterful ease, be it mass steps in “Mandhu” or Classy steps in “Dil Se”, fierce fights or charismatic conduct towards heroines.

Shruti Hassan: She looks very good and she maintains good chemistry with Pawan Kalyan. She had shown equal ease in performance.

Other Artists:  The main villain Abhimanyu Singh did justice to his role of a Political goon with his monstrous looks and dreadful representation. Suhasini as mother & Naagineedu as Pawan Kalyan’s step father do not have much role to play in this film.  Tanikella Bharani is decent in his negative role. Ajay is fair in his character. Ali and Brahmanandam they did well within their limitations.

Story and Screenplay:  Its thin plot-line is stretched too long and the film relies entirely on Pawan Kalyan and funny lines. Screenplay runs the story in a convincing way by establishing characters, comedy sequences in such a decent manner. Except 2^nd Half drags and slow climax episode screenplay successfully carry the entire film without boring the audience.

Dialogues: Dialogues department in this film needs a special commendation. There are some power-packed dialogues in Gabbar Singh. Especially loved,

*Meeru Ittu vasthe kutha, Nenu aattu vasthe kootha

*Mimalini Ayudhala tho kadhu Vayadhala tho champestha

*Pata Vachi Paadi yenlu ayindi, ayina power thaggaledhu

*Ikkada Teesukovadalu levu Thelchukovadale

Direction: The direction is cool in few scenes and wild in some other scenes. He opted for pitiless bloodbath to feast the mass audiences. He also neglected the family audiences while considering the second half emotional scenes. But Harish Shanker has given his best to the film, loved his efforts as dialogue writer.

Music: The biggest plus of the film is music by Devi Sri Prasad. The “Gabbar Singh” title track, teasing“Pilla“and Massy “Kevvu Keka” featuring Malaika Arora Khan is very impressive with its powerful music and raunchy steps. The two other songs in first half are good.

Technicalities: Jayanan Vincent’s cinematography is extraordinary. He perfectly shot all the action scenes and the songs. Likewise, Gowtham Raju’s editing is also adequate. Fights by Ram – Lakshman are OK, Interesting interval fight sequence. Production values by Parameshwara Art Productions are good.

Survi Verdict: The first half of the film is good. But the second half is okay and lagged at times, as the director weaves to insert too many things in too short time. The sentiment scenes in the film are not dealt well. For any film, a good climax gives greater impact. But this film’s climax is very slow and filmic. On the whole, Gabbar Singh is definitely worth a watch for Pawan Kalyan’s style, DSP music and Harish Shanker’s entertaining Dialogues.

Survi Review: 3.25/5

Final Word: “Power”ful Package

Till Then Check Out My Take on Gabbar Singh Audio — Click Here

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Theatrical Trailer:

Release Date: October 12, 2012
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Director: Ben Affleck
Screenwriter: Chris Terrio
Starring: Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Synopsis:

Based on true events, “Argo” chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis–the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist named Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.

Theatrical Trailer:

Crores of Indian people glued to their television screens to watch Mr. Perfectionists Much awaited television show “Satyamev Jayate”. Its not the reality show or a publicity stunt, its the first serial that tried to showcase the real picture of India and the issues that need urgent attention.

Aamir Starts the program with the revolutionary lines:

Sirf hungama khada karna mera maksad nahi, Meri koshish hai ki yeh surat badalni chahiye!

Mere Seene mein nahi tho tere seene mein sahi, Ho kahi bhi AAG lekin aag jalni chahiye!!

This week Satyamev Jayate team works on the serious Female Foeticide issue. Large-scale killing of girls before birth has led to a serious gender imbalance in the Indian population, and severe social problems as a result. It involves the collusion of families, doctors and a social structure that encourages the desire for a boy child – at any cost. The result has been the death of over 3 crore unborn girls since independence and a generation of young men, many amongst whom will find it very tough to get a life partner.

Amisha Yagnik, Praveen Khan’s struggle for not supporting Female Foeticide was heart wrenching. Must appreciate journalist Meena Sharma and Shripal Shaktawat for their brave sting operations. Team Satyamev Jayate please try to upload all the sting operation videos. The doctors involved in this flagitious crime need to exposed.

Its a shame that indian goverment has put no efforts to solve this problem. Salute to Aamir and his team for such a wonderful enriching episode making every indian viewer think about this issue. I doubt if there would be a single person who did not cry watching this show. People who go out of their way to bring about change. Lets pledge and start discussing this issue in public and save all the females in the wombs. Satyamev Jayate.

Aamir Asks : Do you want the Rajasthan government to create a fast track court for a quick resolution and judgement on the cases related to Female Foeticide?

Y for Yes, or N for NO and Sms to 5782711

After watching Satyameva Jayathe,I’m eagerly waiting to see what action would the government of Rajasthan take against doctors involved in female foeticide. Aamir Khan has a wonderful way of presenting facts and also a very convincing art of taking people along – an important message delivered excellently. Kudos!!

Satyamev Jayate (Episode 1) [Hindi]:

Satyamev Jayate (Episode 1) [Telugu]:

Directed: Georges Melies

Cast: Georges Méliès, Victor André and Bleuette Bernon

Released: 4th october, 1902

Genre: Adventure, Sci Fi

After watching Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, i was in search of Father of Fantasises Georges Melies Directed “A Trip To The Moon” (Aka. Le Voyage Dans La Lune) (1902) finally got its restored print link must thank the Lobster Films for Restoring the print for the Future. Melies’s A Trip To The Moon is about a group of Astronomers/Scientists travelling to the moon on shuttle shot by a big Cannon. While on the moon they take rest and see the surprising Mushroom subterranean enviornment on the moon. While searching on the moon they faceuped alien species, how the humans survive the attack and return back to earth forms the rest of the story line. Being the first of Sci Fi and Action genre film. The way Melies shot the whole film in wide and long shots to provide the view as if sitting we are sitting in theatres. A Trip to the Moon is shot years before the directors started experimenting on close up shots. Melies misses some logics, but its understandable for its time period. Though Melies uses the same magical techniques what he used in his earlier flicks, But this time he uses them to narrate a story. The magical effects, Impressive sets and decent sci fi story makes A trip to the moon a Avatar of early 1900′s.

Survi Review: NA

Facts about this flick:

* Movie was shot with 16 frames per second which was standard frame that time.

* A Trip To The Moon entirely hand-colored movie.

* No official credits are included, Georges Méliès left a record in a 1930 letter with cast and crew credits. Ballet girls from the Fthe Theatre du Chatelet portrayed the stars while the Selenites were portrayed by acrobats from the Folies-Bergere.

* Georges Méliès intended to release it in America and thereby make lots of money. Unfortunately, Thomas A. Edison‘s (Invented Electric Bulb) film technicians had already secretly made copies of the film, which was showed across the USA within weeks. Melies never made any money from the film’s American showings, and went broke several years later (while Edison made a fortune on the film.)

* This A Trip To The Moon was the remake of Melies’s earlier film with the same title, released in 1898.

* The ending sequence of the parade and statue was considered lost until 2002, when a well preserved complete print was discovered at a barn in France.

* A Trip to the Moon was sold in both black-and-white and hand-colored versions. A hand-colored print, the only one known to survive, was rediscovered in 1993 by the Filmoteca de Catalunya. It was in a state of almost total decomposition, but a frame-by-frame restoration was launched in 1999 and completed in 2010.

A Trip to The Moon (Full Video):

Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Randeep Hooda, Esha Gupta.

Director: Kunal Deshmukh

Music Director: Pritam

Watched at Sensation Insomnia, Hyderabad

Story: Sonu’s (Emraan Hashmi) quest for his personal heaven creates hell for all around him until with the help of a cop Pratap (Randeep Hooda), he breaks away from it all and does something extraordinary to make things better for the greater good of the community. Sonu is a smooth talking street-smart gun runner, who has the gift of the gab and knows his trade inside out. ACP Pratap is a hardened maverick cop, who has a personal vendetta against the gun nexus. He will go to any lengths to crack down this nexus and he handpicks Sonu to do this job, as he is the perfect candidate to enter this racket undercover and make his way to the top and expose everybody involved in the illegal gun trade. Sonu falls in love with a beautiful young doctor Jhanvi, along his journey and that throws his life’s course into a spin with out of the blue and far-reaching consequences for all three of them.

Performances: Emraan Hashmi is very good in the lead role. He suited well in the character abusive dialogues suited his mannerisms. Randeep Hooda is pretty good and his performance in the climax is neat. Esha Gupta is pretty hot in her steamy Hot scenes and Lip Locks. Acting wise she need to develop a lot. Manish Choudhary did a alright performance as the bad guy. Zeeshan Ayyub as Emraan’s friend given a decent performance. Brijendra Kala was okay as ACP Pratap. Rest of the cast offer average support.

Technical Aspect:

 The story line has a similarity to that of Nicholas Cage’s Lord of War (2005) film. The wallpapers takes the inspiration from Jason Statham’s Mechanic (2011). The script of this film has potential. But the director handled the subject amateurishly. Screenplay of the film is not up to the mark and reminds us of their earlier flicks Jannat, Blood Money and Crook. Where Hero works in the crime world Tries to change and from there whole look will change. Director did not put any lead scenes that built tempo. Music by Pritam is Very good. Background music of the movie is adequate. Dialogues are a bit abusive but OK. Cinematography is alright. Editing is not up to the mark.

Survi Verdict:

First half of the film is pretty routine as it establishes the characters and love track and then reveals a twist. The second half is better. Emraan Hashmi, Randeep Hooda, Intimate Scenes and Music are the positives of Jannat 2. On the flip side its regular story, screenplay, narration and runtime. On a whole, it’s a disappointment to the crowds who come to theater expecting Jannat range flick.

Survi Review: 2/5 (rated 0.5 more the songs)

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