Haider is one of the best directed movies of our age. Although the plot remains similar to that of the greatest tragedy of all time, Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, Vishal Bharadwaj has made understandable alterations to adapt the story line perfectly. The film has a very strong star cast for justification of each role. Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Tabu, Kay Kay Mennon, Narendra Jha and Irfan Khan play the pivotal roles in the film.

The movie is set in the hills of Kashmir. Haider (Shahid Kapoor), a young boy, returns home after he hears of his father’s disappearance. Although perplexed by the conditions he observes on his arrival, he decides to continue his journey on his own to find his father. He’s even confronted with the fact that his mother was in a relationship with his uncle. Haider goes to each and every army camp in search for his lost father. Arshia (Shraddha Kapoor), his love-interest, gets a message from Roohdar (Irfan Khan) to inform Haider about his lost father. After enough struggles, Haider understands the plot. Towards the end of the movie, Haider is in dilemma, split between the urge to uncover the truth and the need to remain safe.

One of the best aspects of the movie is the gripping sound track that follows throughout the film. On the other hand, the songs are not as catchy as typical Bollywood music. The Bollywood touch is seen in the second half, which consists of a romantic song picturised between the protagonists. In my opinion, is was a little unnecessary in the rising and gripping plot. No other director could have portrayed the ghost scene as swiftly and simply as Vishal did. Hats off! Shahid Kapoor did a commendable job. After a very long time, he portrayed a character of such intensity and he nailed it. Tabu, who played the mother’s role, did a splendid job while portraying her love as a mother and also as an accomplice. The rounded character needed a senior artist and Tabu definitely did justice to it.

Haider is undoubtedly a must watch for every age group. The movie is sure to keep you glued to your seat and your eyes fixed on the screen.

Call her “ziddi”, brilliant or a totally insane person Priyanka Chopra is limitless. A film’s worth is measured by what the audience takes away from it and while walking out of the theater, one cannot get over the amount of strenuous physical training Priyanka Chopra must have undergone to portray the 5 time world amateur boxing champion “Magnificent Mary”. Mary Kom is the directorial debut of Omung Kumar and also stars Sunil Thapa and Dharshan Kumar.  The Creative Director of the film is Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The movie showcases Mary Kom’s journey from a fearless schoolgirl to a boxer, wife, mother and the constant battle between these roles and her love for boxing. With exhaustive training, doggedness, a focused mind  and her “ziddi” behavior, Kom swims through all the struggles and becomes the face of Women’s boxing. The movie also attempts to bring to light the struggle faced by Indian sportsperson’s in a corrupted system, with minimal facilities available.

The Biopic exploits emotions with the mother-son connection giving it a slightly Bollywood masala touch. Another example is when Mary’s father, who is not on speaking terms with Mary cheers for her while watching her getting beaten up in a match on television and all the blessings and cheer seems to be transcended across the country to Mary’s boxing ring, and she of course wins the match with vigour.

The background score floats average, either not in sync with the emotions in the scenes or almost abrupt in its beginning and ends. A thumbs up to Darshan Kumar who plays Kom’s supportive spouse, a character that husbands should look up to. The movie questions the state of sports in India especially for girls, and lives the most important message that “If the government cooperates and supports, every nook and corner of India can have a champion.” The movie wins in making Mary Kom a household name and is definitely a must watch for its inspiration.

PS- Watch out for the GOAL Dialogue.