Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local

Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local
Rating: 9/10

Having liked Abhay Deol in ‘Socha Na Tha’ I have seen all his movies since his debut, well not sure if he did anything more than ‘Ahista Ahista’ and ‘Ek Chaalis…” the former was hopelessly disappointing while ‘Ek Chaalis..” is a complete comedy thriller. Earlier in the day I was watching an India-Pak test match and the commentator were on about this “Corridor of Uncertainty” where if pitched right, one is not sure which way the ball would go. As the hero of “Ek Chaalis..” you remain in this corridor of uncertainty where you are not sure which way the balls would go. So maybe not that much of a family entertainer but a must see never the less. It has a feel of ‘Pulp Fiction’ but seems to be pretty original, let me know if you have seen this in any other language. Abhay fits the bill perfectly as a Call Centre guy named Neelesh (I wonder when was the last time a lead was given that name!) who misses the last local train and then fate/destiny takes him to ride that will change his life forever. In a brief interval of two and half hours he manages to gamble with the underworld dons, fall in love, and see gang wars, heartbreak, police encounter and lot more…

Verdict: Don’t miss

Chak de! India

Rating: 8/10
I must confess I haven’t had time to see many movies of lately, but this one I made it a point to see it, wanted to see it across few days but saw it in one sitting. With the T20 win recently the movie is well placed to raise the patriotic fervor. It’s about a talented hockey player with a haunting past out to prove a point and redeem his lost stature. His only chance is to lead the Indian hockey team to an improbable win in the world cup. His challenge is to make them play as a team. Still no big deal you might think, then think again, it’s the women’s hockey team we are talking about here. Some typical Bollywood stuff here, might be a bit away from reality but then that’s what dreams are made off. Nobody gave India a chance in 1983 with odds as high as 1:70 at one stage and the rest as you know is history. With no lead actress to distract the King Khan, he gets on well with his job this time! And I quite like the movies churning out of Bollywood mill of lately daring to focus on the story rather than lead couples.

Verdict: Don't miss.