PandeyG

A stupid ordinary human being in disguise of a vaguely sophisticated and sufficiently educated guy. Loves to click pictures occasionally.

[PandeyG @aastalks]

'Tranquility' is not the word one would ever associate with Mumbai. Yet, here we are at the crossroads of Time. Standstill. The path we choose today shall determine the future of an upcoming generation. Let's pledge to offer them a 'brighter one'. #photography #Mumbai #lockdown

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

The meltdown in the left ecosystem over #Dhurandar2 is something else. On one side they are busy declaring it pure fiction, wildly detached from reality. Yet, are absolutely furious that a "feature film" made demonetization look defensible. Pick a struggle, comrades!

[PandeyG @aastalks]

@GabbbarSingh

[PandeyG @aastalks]

Trust Porkis...more than our bowlers ! #indvspak2025

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

⭐️⭐️#AapJaisaKoiOnNetflix is a let down. Starts off well with innocuous rom-com energy. Things look set for a cozy popcorn ride until they enter the mediocre choppy waters of Patriarchal commentary.

Well, the hope still survives. @ActorMadhavan is effertlessly charming with his honest middle-aged vibes and occasional smirk that keep the things afloat on screen.

But then the plot commits a cardinal sin of 'defying patriarchy by justifying adultery'. BAM!! The only silverlining keeping this film away from the label of 'woke cinema' is brutally lost and so is lost the connect whatsoever, with the audience. It's a steep downhill from there.

A film that could have been for everyone, given Madhavan's universal acceptance, ends up being yet another #NetflixOriginal taking along only a silver of a silver of Multiplex audience, leaving the rest of us gasping at the shore.

As a cinephile you're left with nothing but disappointment for what could have been. Closing conversation tries to stealthily steer away from those choppy waters and makes an attempt to wrap things back on track. Yet, unsuccessfully so. Alas! The ship has sailed by then.

Overall, watch it for a decent build up and a few moments of sparkling chemistry between #Madhu and #Shri. The film does carry a hangover from #Mrs and #RARKPK and could have been an equal entertainment if only that lovely start wasn't just disguise for a confused dwindling script.

#AapJaisaKoi
#AapJaisaKoiReview
#AJK
[RR: 2/5]

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#KaalidharLaapata is an absolute gem. This film is a warm hug, thanks to the fantastic performances and the genuinely heart-melting chemistry between #KD and #Billu.

A simple story that never drags spilled with these little philosophical nuggets that make you think about the big questions in life. At the core of it the plot is simple. About a lost, ill man trying to rediscover himself and what truly matters in life. Gets aquainted by a kid and how both of them go on a playful survival trip.

Here and there, when the things start getting heavy, the script hits you with such charming, lighthearted moments that keep everything delightfully fresh.

@juniorbachchan delivers a stellar performance, but the real show-stealer for me is #Billu, brought to life by #Daivik. The kid is all heart and shows a lot of promise. Will go a long way for sure.

Overall, If you need a breezy film to lighten up your Sunday, #KaalidharLaapata is the perfect pick. It’s honest, thoughtful, and equally fun. Don’t miss.
[RR: 4/5]

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

⭐️⭐️⭐️#MetroInDino is a quirky ride through a city full of complicated hearts. There is a fun variety of characters and a handful of moments that’ll make you smile, presented musically, wrapped in some catchy tunes.

But let’s face it, there are far too many cues dropped on the way that make the comparison inevitable with #LifeInAMetro, a film that set the gold standard for urban relationship drama two decades ago.

While the original was fresh, bold, and ahead of its time, at least for many, #MetroInDino feels more like a relationship remix full of clichéd and familiar themes, that playfully deals with modern love yet ends up only scratching the surface.

Relationship sermons are well placed and nicely written, yet appear ironical justifying infidelity at times. 'Falling out of Love' might have an alternate route too, it feels.

Overall it's a film that can be a breezy tea-time watch on #Netflix, may not be worthy enough to justify your once-in-a-while matinee visit to theatres. Watch it for the characters, witnessing your favorite actors in delightfully offbeat roles, and a playlist that carries some deserving chartbusters.
#MetroInDinoReview
#Review

[RR rating: 3/5]

[PandeyG @aastalks]

@rameshsrivats Gavah means witness. gavai = witness testimony.

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

⭐️⭐️⭐️#Raid2 is okayish. Doesn't match the levels of its first part. Partly because the premise is same and the face-off doesn't escalate much. But it does have its moments.

#AjayDevgn portrays an honest officers' no frills avatar with aplomb. #ritesh does everything to appear fiendish yet falls just short and never rises to the pedestal of a 'formidable adversary' that #Dadabhai should operate from. #SaurabhShukla was more convincing for me in a corrupt politician's role. #vaniKapoor is replacable.

That said, the film is not bad. The second part of this successful franchise is also entertaining, evenly paced and totally watchable. Post interval, when the things start to drag a bit, #AmitSial enters to bring them back to track. Keeps the ball rolling thereafter.

Watch it for a decent matinee entertainment.

[RR: 3/5]

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

Just watched #CrazxyOnPrime and ohh man! How the hell did it not make enough noise in cinemahalls.

Brilliant setup. Fast paced script and superb storytelling. @s0humshah is in top form through out the film that never loses the grip on its audience. Not for a moment.

That 'tyre changing' scene has to be amongst the craziest sequences coming out of bollywood in decades. A complete lesson on how nail-biters are filmed, presented & enacted.

Do grab this cinematic brilliance if you too missed it in theatres. Totally regretting letting it go back then. Absolute must-watch for cinephiles. Not-to-be-missed otherwise too.

#Crazxy #CrazxyReview #StreamingOnPrime

[RR:4/5]

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

⭐️💫 #JewelThiefOnNetflix is a let down. Loose script. Frivolous setup and a plot that's dosent carry an iota of freshness.

#SaifAliKhan is straight out of #Race sets. A character that despite all its flamboyance and charm ends up being just a caricature. @JaideepAhlawat had little to support in the film through his earnest attempts. @kapoorkkunal is wasted. @nikifyinglife is hot and shows promise. To be evaluated in some other works perhaps.

Overall it's a futile attempt at an age old 'heist-script' that bollywood has experimented with countless times. Only disappointment to take back home. Nothing to be entertained about while it lasts either.

Skip and lose nothing. In the end it only makes you realize why makers didn't bother for a theatrical release.

#JewelThief
#JewelThiefReview
[RR: 1.5/5]

[PandeyG @aastalks]

@GabbbarSingh Its about knowing the stark difference between asking "what's 2 + 2?" vs. "why 2+2 <> 5?" with gen AI.

[PandeyG @aastalks]

@GabbbarSingh People who understand how generative AI works would never rely on it for anything other than analytical reasonings (if at all). Especially NOT for opinionated responses based on secondary research.

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫#TheDiplomat is a winner. A gripping plot, sharp screenplay, and performances that just don't disappoint. No unnecessary dramatics in this solid, true-to-life political thriller.

If #Article370 had your attention, this one will match, if not surpass, the expectations.

About @TheJohnAbraham : After years of struggling to find a range of expressions for his scripts, he has finally found a script that effortlessly matches his expressions. Those stern gazes, perfectly timed grins are a treat to watch, delivered with such ease. Petition to see him more in such roles. 🙏🙏

Overall it's a film that gives a fascinating glimpse into diplomatic warfare, showcasing one of India’s many tactical brilliances without the usual jingoism. An interesting account by and large that should find its audience and the momentum in the coming days through word of mouth.

Do watch! [RR:3.5/5]

#TheDiplomatReview

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

🌟🌟🌟💫#Jigra is lukewarm. There’s no denying the fire that #AliaBhatt brings to her role. Her performance indeed soars high above a script that, let’s be honest, could’ve used a little more spice for a #JailBreak flick.

#VasanBala’s signature style is apparent, a secret sauce that elevates the film. His quirky, sharp direction adds some much-needed flair, and is easily the second-best thing about #Jigra (after, of course, Alia’s fierce avatar).

The film gets to the point fast yet the first half overall is a bit sluggish. Nevertheless, it picks up pace once the interval hits and last 30 minutes are a whole different ride-fast, thrilling, and exactly what you came for.

Overall, the film is worth a watch especially for the badass character that #Alia portrays and the finesse with which she does that. Plus, Bala’s intelligent direction at play won’t let you down either.

As for Bollywood nailing a perfect Jail Break movie? Well, let’s save that discussion for another time. We will get to that someday. Perhaps!

#jigraReview

[RR:3.5/5]

[PandeyG @aastalks]

RT @reviewRascal: 🌟 #VickyVidyaKaWohWalaVideo is what happens when a film aspires to reach the stars but crash lands somewhere amongst the…

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

🌟🌟🌟💫#Stree2 is a feast to watch for the fans of this franchise. @MaddockFilms & #AmarKaushik have nailed down another offering in the horr-com universe.

The plot is exactly what you can make out from the trailer but that absolutely right dose of humor and horror is what makes it worth every watch. Icing on the cake are those aptly put cameos and songs that are already a blockbuster.

#Stree2 is the film that lies on good performances as much as on the script. Well done to the entire cast for that. For bringing out the best of their comic timings and not missing the landing of a joke even for once.

Watch it for a wholesome entertainment with entire family and kids. #Chanderi has a new ghost to deal with and #SarkateKaAatank is striking all the right cords to put up a show.

[RR:3.5/5]

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

#AuronMeinKahanDumTha #Review 🌟🌟

#AMKDT is a torture of epic proportions. A tale of love that evokes absolutely zero emotions except the one of 'relief' that you get when this tale ends.

Meaningless sub-plots and a predictable plot twist. Top it up with a super-slow screenplay that is desperately trying to appear poignant yet ends up testing your patience instead.

Music is good but only if you listen to it without the film. It's serving as a sleeping pill inside a lullaby concert otherwise. Decent dialogues that aren't helping.

This one is #NeerajPandey's weakest work by far. Even by the inferior standards of melodrama in Bollywood, #AMKDT would feature somewhere at the bottom of the list.

2 stars. One of which for choosing an ensemble star cast and then convincing them to put up a dumb-charade of this scale. Skip, by all means!.

[RR:2/5]

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

🌟🌟 #BadNewzReview

#BadNewz is barely watchable. A sad chemistry of jokes that don't land and a dull script that hardly takes off.

#VickyKaushal's earnest attempt at comedy and a pinch of meta-humor are probably the only things that can help you survive this 2.5 hrs. ordeal. Rest is ordinary.

#TriptiiDimri is hot but that's about it. Those flat expressions soon eclipse the 'bikini clad curves' which aren't helping much beyond pulling a few more eyeballs into the theatres. Word of mouth will soon catchup, unfortunately.

Screenplay lacks the punch that's needed to ruffle chaos out of the confusion that trailer promised. Background score with that beautiful #SRK song tries pumping up the pace that the story never appears catching up to. Writing is a let down.

Overall, #BadNews is nowhere close to being a laugh riot. Watch it for a few lazy grins here and there and #Vicky's decent performance. Everything else is #TaubaTauba.

[RR:2/5]

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

#Maharaja #Review
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

#MaharajaOnNetflix is a hard-hitting masterpiece. Tight script and non-linear screenplay putting forth so many "Wow!" moments in the film.

The beauty of the film lies in how it starts with a simple looking plot of a protective father and how it transforms into a brilliant thriller as the layers of the plot unfold. @VijaySethuOffl making sure that your eyes never get off the screen is an icing on the cake.

Watch it to get amazed with sheer brilliance of execution and a lesson in film-making. Cinema in one of its finest forms. Straight up there with the likes of #Andhadhun. Must Watch!

RR[4.5/5]

[Review Rascal @reviewRascal]

Advance bookings for #Sarfira and the buzz so far is a sorry affair.. Hurts as a fan but.. Alas! You can't escape the destiny you choose to write yourself.

Hope the film is good and the word of mouth catches up saving some embarrassment. A disaster of unprecedented scale is loading otherwise.

#akki #Sarfira