BOBBY AUR RISHI KI LOVE STORY pays homage to HUM TUM and BEFORE SUNRISE but it falters Movie Review: BOBBY AUR RISHI KI LOVE STORY falters due to absence of conflict

Star Cast: Vardhaan Puri, Kaveri Kapur

Director: Kunal Kohli

Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story Movie Review Synopsis:
BOBBY AUR RISHI KI LOVE STORY is the tale of a boy and a girl. Kaushalya Prajapati aka Bobby (Kaveri Kapur) is flying from Glasgow to Cardiff. The flight is diverted to Heathrow due to a volcanic ash cloud situation. At the airport, she bumps into Rishi (Vardhaan Puri). Rishi gets smitten by Bobby and he follows her to the railway station. Bobby gets onto a train heading to Cambridge and so does Rishi. Bobby confronts Rishi for being a creep but soon, both start talking. They explore Cambridge and fall for each other. But Bobby has just had an ugly break-up and is commitment-phobic. As a result, both go their separate ways. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story Movie Story Review:
Kunal Kohli’s story is ordinary. Kunal Kohli’s screenplay (additional screenplay by Hardik Gajjar) has its moments but falls flat, especially as the conflict is not too strong. Hardik Gajjar’s dialogues are youthful and also deep. The comic one-liners could have been funnier.

Kunal Kohli’s direction is simple. He pays homage to his earlier film HUM TUM [2004] and also the BEFORE SUNRISE series as for most parts of the film, the protagonists are walking around and talking to each other about life and love. A parallel track is also going on of the protagonists at the therapist’s clinic and it keeps one intrigued as to what must have made them take this step. The mid-point, when the lovers separate, is emotional.

On the flipside, the conflict and the entire track of the parents are not convincing and seem superficial. Moreover, there’s not much of a story and the narrative stagnates in between. There are 2 songs of similar type in the first half and it needlessly adds to the run time, even though the film is just 97 minutes long. The pre-climax is funny but the film drops in the last scene when the characters reveal why they decide to opt for therapy. It comes all of a sudden. Probably, it shows the real picture of today’s relationships but again, it could have been far more convincing.

Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story | Official Trailer | Streaming 11 Feb

Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story Movie Review Performances:
Vardhaan Puri delivers a confident performance. He’s naturally charming and it works well for his character. He does well in the emotional scenes too. Kaveri Kapur does great in her debut film. She’s still a bit raw in some scenes but overall, she manages to do a fine job. Her voice also adds to her appeal. Lillete Dubey (Dr Shanaya Kharody) is dependable as always. Seema Bowri (Seema; Bobby’s mother) tries too hard to be cool. Sameer Suri (Bobby’s father) and Nisha Aaliya (Riya; Bobby’s sister) are okay. Sonam Nanwani (Anjali; Rishi’s friend) makes her presence felt. Raj Zutshi (Rishi’s father) is fair.

Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story movie music and other technical aspects:
The songs are catchy but might not have a huge shelf life. ‘Tappe’ stands out for its lyrics and also as it gives a déjà vu of ‘Ladki Kyun Na Jaane Kyun’ from HUM TUM. ‘Koi Koi’ comes next but is too similar to the first track and the same goes for ‘Tumse Kyun’. ‘Reminisce’ is soulful and sung beautifully by Kaveri. ‘Hoor’ is catchy.

Amar Mohile’s background is urbane and modern, just like the film. Andrew Hall’s cinematography is neat and the focus is more on the characters and not the beautiful locales. The production design is top-class while the costumes are glamorous. Sanjay Sankla and Pratul Gaikawd’s editing is slick.

Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, BOBBY AUR RISHI KI LOVE STORY pays a nice homage to HUM TUM and BEFORE SUNRISE series but it falters due to the absence of a strong conflict in the narrative.

LOVEYAPA boasts an entertaining premise but falters due to weak writing Movie Review: LOVEYAPA boasts an entertaining premise but falters

Star Cast: Junaid Khan, Khushi Kapoor

Director: Advait Chandan 

Loveyapa Movie Review Synopsis:
LOVEYAPA is the story of two lovers in an unusual situation. Gaurav Sachdeva aka Gucci (Junaid Khan) is based in Delhi and lives with his mother (Grusha Kapoor) and sister Kiran (Tanvika Parlikar). He is in a steady relationship with Bani (Khushi Kapoor). Her father is the very strict Atul Kumar Sharma (Ashutosh Rana) and one day, he catches Bani talking to Gucci. She orders her to call Gucci home the next day. Gucci expresses his wish to marry Bani. Atul puts a strange condition in front of the lovers – they should exchange each other’s phone for 24 hours. After completing this task, if they are still in love, Atul will accept the union. Or else, they will both go their separate ways. Gucci and Bani reluctantly agree as their phones consist of several secrets that can possibly lead to their break up. What happens next forms the rest of the film. 

Loveyapa Movie Story Review:
LOVEYAPA is the remake of the Tamil film LOVE TODAY [2022]. Pradeep Ranganathan’s story has all the trappings of a mad crazy entertainer. Pradeep Ranganathan’s screenplay (additional screenplay by Sneha Desai) works partly as the exchange of phones leads to some very funny and even confrontational situations. But the writing is riddled with several issues. Pradeep Ranganathan’s dialogues (additional dialogues by Sneha Desai) are modern and witty.

Advait Chandan’s direction is decent at best. The graphics and effects used in the narrative give the film a novel and new-age touch and also go well with the theme. On top of it, the plot is very relatable. The way the protagonists react while exchanging their phones is how most people would behave in real life. Moreover, the film raises some important points in the second half and scores on the emotional front.

On the flipside, the first half is not up to the mark. Even in the second half, the film falters as the climax is too hurried. An important track of vulgar Instagram messages is forgotten. Certain aspects, which were simplified in LOVE TODAY, are missing in LOVEYAPA. The original film clearly mentions the name of the apps but here, the characters don’t utter WhatsApp or Instagram. The interface looks similar to the real apps but at the same time, they also seem like a cheap copy. It takes away the realism. Those who are not aware of these apps or their functions might get confused. This also means that the film is meant only for the urban youth. Lastly, the use of the song ‘Leja’, which was just well utilized in the web series MISMATCHED SEASON 3 is not a good idea. 

Loveyapa – Official Trailer | Khushi Kapoor | Junaid Khan

Loveyapa Movie Review Performances:
Junaid Khan is a bit raw and doesn’t exactly look like a ‘Delhi ka launda’ though he works hard. Khushi Kapoor, too, could have been better but she handles the character better. She’s also quite nice in the emotional scenes. Ashutosh Rana, as expected, is too good and aptly cast. Grusha Kapoor leaves a huge mark. Kiku Sharda (Anupam) is very entertaining. Tanvika Parlikar and Devishi Madaan (Pinti; Bani’s sister) are fair. Nikhil Mehta (Shanky), Aaditya Kulshreshth (Lamba), Jason Tham (Bobby), Yunus Khan (Jaggi) and Yuktam Khosla (Karan) are memorable. Bhawya Chawla (Coochiepoo) is aptly cast. Kunj Aanand (Puneet; Bani’s colleague in the office) and Tripti Shankhdhar (Priya; Kiran’s friend) are okay. 

Loveyapa movie music and other technical aspects:
Songs don’t work and a film like this should have at least one hit song to create some buzz. ‘Loveyapa Ho Gaya’, nevertheless, is catchy while ‘Kaun Kinna Zaroori Si’ has soulful lyrics. ‘Rehna Kol’ is forced. Ketan Sodha, Suyyash Rai, Siddharth Singh and Viplove Rajdeo’s background score is funky.

Rajesh Nare’s cinematography is neat. Chayati Kaushik’s production design is classy while Priyanka Lahiri’s costumes are glamorous. Antara Lahiri’s editing is too quick in the end. 

Loveyapa Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, LOVEYAPA boasts an entertaining premise but falters due to weak writing. At the box office, its prospects appear dim, given the limited buzz, stiff competition from BADASS RAVI KUMAR, the impact of re-releases, and its urban-centric appeal, which may restrict its reach and prove detrimental to its collections.

THE MEHTA BOYS works due to relatability and performances Movie Review: THE MEHTA BOYS works due to relatability and performances

Star Cast: Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry

Director: Boman Irani

The Mehta Boys Movie Review Synopsis:
THE MEHTA BOYS is the story of a father and a son. Amay (Avinash Tiwary) lives alone in a flat in Mumbai. He works in an architectural firm called Sen And Sons, owned by Saumik Sen (Siddhartha Basu). The firm is bidding to design an upcoming reputed university. Amay suffers from a lack of confidence and his colleague and also his girlfriend, Zara (Shreya Chaudhry), motivates him to excel in this project. Suddenly, Amay learns that his mother has passed away and hence, he rushes to his hometown, Navsari. He meets his sister Anu (Puja Sarup), who’s settled in the USA with her family and his father Shiv Mehta (Boman Irani). Amay and Shiv’s relationship is tricky and they attempt to mourn together. Shiv and Shivani had agreed that if one of them died, the other would shift to the USA with Anu. Shiv accepts the condition, albeit reluctantly. Shiv and Anu land in Mumbai. They are all set to take the flight to Florida when Shiv is refused boarding due to overbooking issues. Anu has to rush to her family back in the USA and she requests Amay to accommodate Shiv in his house for 48 hours. Both Amay and Shiv agree to it, though not happily. What happens next forms the rest of the story.

The Mehta Boys Movie Story Review:
Alexander Dinelaris and Boman Irani’s story is very relatable. Alexander Dinelaris and Boman Irani’s screenplay is laced with dramatic and emotional moments that keep the interest going. Alexander Dinelaris and Boman Irani’s dialogues are conversational, but they leave an impact.

Boman Irani’s direction is quite good, especially considering that this is debut directorial. He has taken up a plot that will find resonance, especially in the Indian context where the fathers and sons don’t express their love for each other openly. On top of it, the narrative goes into unexpected territories in several scenes, be it Amay learning that he didn’t wish his father on his birthday, the drama that happens after the restaurant visit etc. Technically as well, the film is quite classy.

On the flipside, the writing loses grip in the second half, especially once Shiv goes back to his hometown. The character of Anu is forgotten after a point. She is given a lot of importance in the initial portions and later, she’s not even talked about. The senior architect’s rudeness in the pre-climax comes as a surprise; this aspect should have been established better and also Amay’s lack of confidence.

The Mehta Boys – Official Trailer | Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry

The Mehta Boys Movie Review Performances:
Nevertheless, Boman Irani excels overall as a writer, producer, director and also an actor. He has played a tough father in the past in many films, but he ensures his performance in THE MEHTA BOYS doesn’t remind viewers of those past acts. He also communicates beautifully through his eyes and expressions. Avinash Tiwary also puts his best foot forward. He, too, excels in non-verbal scenes and his outburst in the car and the speech in the end prove that he’s an actor of great calibre. Shreya Chaudhry performs effortlessly. Her screen presence is very arresting. Puja Sarup leaves a tremendous mark though she’s hardly there for less than 15 minutes. Siddhartha Basu is memorable. Harssh A Singh (Sam Makhija) is great but suffers from weak characterization. Dilip Tekwani (Mukesh; waiter), Kapil Dev (Gomaji; contractor) and Manjushree Kulkarni (Kulkarni; passport officer) are okay.

The Mehta Boys movie music and other technical aspects:
Most of the songs in THE MEHTA BOYS are in the background and don’t register. Gulraj Singh’s background score is a bit too elite but works for the film. Krish Makhija’s cinematography is terrific and the way he uses the close-up shots is praiseworthy. Payal Ghose Kaul’s production design is appealing. Daena Sethna’s costumes are realistic while Charu Shree Roy’s editing is satisfactory.

The Mehta Boys Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, THE MEHTA BOYS works due to the relatability factor and the wonderful performances of Boman Irani and Avinash Tiwary.

BADASS RAVI KUMAR is thoroughly entertaining and thrives on sheer madness Movie Review: BADASS RAVI KUMAR is thoroughly entertaining and thrives on sheer madness

Star Cast: Himesh Reshammiya, Prabhudheva, Kirti Kulhari, Sunny Leone, Simona J

Director: Keith Gomes

Badass Ravi Kumar Movie Review Synopsis:
BADASS RAVI KUMAR is the story of a ruthless man. The year is 1989. Ravi Kumar (Himesh Reshammiya) is a badass cop from Delhi who believes in eliminating corruption. While doing so, he takes the law into his own hands and even eliminates corrupt people. As a result, he has been suspended. Meanwhile, in Oman, Syed Bashir (Manish Wadhwa), a Pakistani top official, asks the world’s biggest power marker, Pedro (Prabhu Dheva), to help him retrieve a film camera reel. It consists of pictures of a file full of information about all the Indian secret agents, their aliases, and also details of where India has hidden its deadly missiles. Pedro starts working on it but due to circumstances, the reel is retrieved by a certain Laila (Kirti Kulhari). Laila tells Pedro that she’ll hand him the reel personally in Muscat in return for a price. Back in Delhi, Commissioner Awasthi (Saurabh Sachdeva) meets Interpol agent Mahavir Ahuja (Prashant Narayanan) and the latter informs the former about Pedro and his Indian associate, namely Jagawar (Rajesh Sharma). Jagawar needs to be arrested in a case and Awasthi recommends Ravi Kumar for the job. Mahavir is astonished by Ravi’s track record but agrees to send him unofficially to Muscat for the job. Ravi agrees, not knowing that this mission is not going to be easy. During the mission, he also comes across his ex-lover Madhubala (Simona J), who incidentally is also the sister of Laila. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Badass Ravi Kumar Movie Story Review:
Himesh Reshammiya’s story is quite ordinary. But Kushal Bakshi and Himesh Reshammiya’s screenplay is peppered with mass-appealing scenes and moments that will give the audience their money’s worth. Bunty Rathore’s dialogues are one of the pillars of the film. The one-liners will lead to whistles and hoots in cinemas.

Keith Gomes’s direction is more or less fine. There are too many characters and subplots and he tries his best to keep the narrative as simplified as possible. He also makes it very clear in the very beginning that the film is made in 80s style and that ‘logic is optional’. With that directive, the audience will have no reason to complain and will simply enjoy the crazy ride. Since one needs to keep brains aside, the makers go to insane lengths and it would be fair to say that ‘expect the unexpected’. A few scenes that stand out are Ravi Kumar’s lengthy introduction, Ravi threatening Jagawar at the court, Ravi slapping the Godman, the intermission point, Ravi with Syed in the elevator etc. The diamond robbery track is very entertaining and would be loved; it also gives a tribute to the Dharmendra-starrer SHALIMAR [1978]. The pre-climax song, too, will get a roaring response from the audience.

On the flipside, the direction is a bit haphazard. Agreed that the film should not be taken seriously. Yet, things happen all of a sudden and at random in some places and could have been avoided. The writing is weak and the makers should have thought of better ways of summing it up. Lastly, 5 or 6 songs appear back-to-back and it gets tedious.

Badass Ravi Kumar | Official Trailer | Himesh Reshammiya | In Cinemas 7th February

Badass Ravi Kumar Movie Review Performances:
Himesh Reshammiya looks dashing and performs like a pro. His screen presence is riveting and he plays to the gallery perfectly. Prabhudheva is over the top but it works for his villainous role. Kirti Kulhari looks sizzling and leaves a huge mark. Sunny Leone (Nisha) is fine in a cameo. Simona J looks pretty but doesn’t act properly. Johny Lever (Raja) and Sanjay Mishra (Rana) are okay and some of their jokes don’t land well. Anil George (Bhujang), Rajesh Sharma, Saurabh Sachdeva, Manish Wadhwa and Prashant Narayanan lend able support. Mustafa Askari (Raftaar) is aptly cast. Navneet Nishan (Ravi’s mother) and Sulbha Arya (Navneet’s grandmother) are lovely. Pavan Malhotra (Ravi’s father) is fair in a cameo. 

Badass Ravi Kumar movie music and other technical aspects:
Himesh Reshammiya’s music is peppy and enhances the film’s appeal. After a long time, there has been a film where songs play out after every 10 minutes. ‘Dil Ke Taj Mahal Meinn’ is easily the best of the lot. ‘Hookstep Hookah Bar’ comes next; its choreography is memorable. ‘Tandoori Days’ and ‘Bazaar E Ishq’ are well picturized. ‘Terre Pyaar Mein’ is forced but has a lovely melody. ‘Barsaat’, the only song from the album not composed by Himesh (music by Sanjeev – Darshan) has a nice 90s vibe. Ganesh Acharya’s choreography deserves a special mention. Himesh Reshammiya and Sanjoy Chowdhury’s background score is in sync with the film’s mood and theme.

Manoj Soni’s cinematography is grand. The locales of Oman are very well shot. Sunil Rodrigues, Stunt Sam and Deni Jordan Kjurcijev’s action is gory but appropriate for a film of this kind. Arun J Chauhan’s costumes are glamorous. Suresh Selvarajan’s production design is first-rate while Pentaverse Pvt. Ltd’s VFX is a bit tacky. In a way, it works for this film. Ram Ishwar’s editing could have been smoother.

Badass Ravi Kumar Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, BADASS RAVI KUMAR is a thoroughly entertaining flick that thrives on sheer madness – over-the-top action, an unapologetically 80s-style narrative, whistle-worthy dialogues, and the ever-dashing Himesh Reshammiya. Logic takes a backseat – it’s nowhere in sight – and nothing needs to make sense. If that’s your jam, buckle up and enjoy!

MRS is a faithful remake and is laced with yet another memorable performance by Sanya Malhotra Movie Review: MRS is a faithful remake with a memorable performance.

Star Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya

Director: Arati Kadav

Mrs Movie Review Synopsis:
MRS is the story of a woman’s struggle after getting married. Richa (Sanya Malhotra) lives with her parents and brother. For an arranged marriage, she meets Diwakar (Nishant Dahiya), a gynaecologist who also runs his own nursing home. Diwakar and his parents – father Ashwin Kumar (Kanwaljit Singh) and mother Meena Kumar (Aparna Ghoshal) seem respectable and kind-hearted. Richa hence agrees to marry him. Soon, things go South for Richa as she realizes that an extreme level of patriarchy is followed at her in-law’s place. Richa’s mother-in-law not only cooks the food but also takes out the chappals and clothes of her husband. The first few days are tough for Richa, but she manages as she gets help from her mother-in-law. Trouble arises when the mother-in-law goes to meet her daughter for several days. The whole responsibility of running the kitchen and keeping up with the unreasonable demands of Diwakar and his father falls on her. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Mrs Movie Story Review:
MRS is based on THE GREAT INDIAN KITCHEN [2021; written by Jeo Baby]. Anu Singh Choudhary, Harman Baweja and Arati Kadav’s story adaptation does justice to the original film’s plot. Anu Singh Choudhary, Harman Baweja and Arati Kadav’s screenplay is captivating. The writers have nicely set the story in the North. THE GREAT INDIAN KITCHEN had certain cultural references; this aspect is taken care of and hence, the film doesn’t have a ‘South remake feel’. Anu Singh Choudhary’s dialogues are simple yet sharp.

Arati Kadav’s direction is impressive. She keeps the narrative simple and the focus is on the female character and her struggles. The way she gradually realizes the truth of her in-laws makes for a great watch. The way food has been utilized in the narrative – be it to show how it got her closer to her to-be hubby to how it also led to issues between the couple – is praiseworthy. There’s no violence or bloodshed in the film and yet, some scenes are very unsettling. That the film is too real also adds to the impact of the goings-on.

On the flipside, though the film is 106 minutes long, it drags in the middle. There’s not much of a story in the film and as a result, viewers might get restless once they understand what the makers are trying to convey and would want to know what happens next. Secondly, since it’s an OTT release, a chunk of the target audience must have seen the original film. As a result, they might not be interested to see the same story again.

Mrs. | Official Trailer | A ZEE5 Original Film | Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya

Mrs Movie Review Performances:
Sanya Malhotra delivers a very convincing performance. She also carries the film firmly on her shoulders. After PAGGLAIT [2021] and KATHAL [2023], she seems apt for such lead roles and doesn’t disappoint. Nishant Dahiya is aptly cast and performs as per the character’s requirement. Kanwaljit Singh plays a role different from his set image and manages to do well. Aparna Ghoshal gets a limited scope. Nitya Moyal (Saavi; kid) is cute. Gulsita (Saavi’s mother), Varun Badola (Tunnu) and Loveleen Misra (Nirjala; Diwakar’s bua) are there for a scene but they leave a huge mark. Harshika Kewalramani (Bubbles) is okay.

Mrs movie music and other technical aspects:
The music doesn’t work and all three songs – ‘Baar Baar’, ‘Rukte Rukte Chali Re’ and ‘Spirit Of Richa’ – manage to register because of the visuals. Sagar Desai’s background score is much better. Pratham Mehta’s cinematography is lovely, especially the scenes of food. Brinda Parameswar’s choreography deserves special mention. Karishma Gulati’s costumes and Nida Khalid Shaikh’s production design are very real. Prerna Saigal’s editing could have been slicker.

Mrs Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, MRS is a faithful remake and is laced with yet another memorable performance by Sanya Malhotra.

02/08 – Celebrate Saraswati Puja 2025 with KCBA!

The Kansas City Bengali Association (KCBA), a proud KCdesi Community Partner, warmly invites you to celebrate Saraswati Puja 2025 on Saturday, February 8th. Join us in honoring Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, music, and the arts, in a day filled with devotion, cultural programs, and delicious food.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, February 8th, 2025
  • Venue:
    Village Presbyterian Church on Antioch
    14895 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221

Program Schedule:

  • Puja Starts: 10:30 AM
  • Anjali: 12:00 PM
  • Lunch: 1:00 PM
  • Cultural Program: 2:30 PM
  • Pithe Puli Utsav (Traditional Bengali Desserts): 3:30 PM

This event is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Bengali traditions, enjoy vibrant cultural performances, and savor authentic Bengali delicacies. Whether you’re a member of the Indian diaspora or simply curious about the richness of Bengali culture, this celebration promises to be a memorable experience for all.

For any queries, please contact KCBA at kcba@kcbengalis.com.

Let’s come together as a community to celebrate Saraswati Puja with devotion, joy, and a shared appreciation of culture!

02/01 – Celebrate Saraswati Puja 2025 with ABKC Sangam

Celebrate Saraswati Puja 2025 with ABKC Sangam

The Association of Bengalis Kansas City Sangam (ABKC) invites you to join the vibrant celebrations of Saraswati Puja 2025 on Saturday, February 1, from 10 AM to 4 PM. The event will be held at Rising Star Elementary School, 8600 Candlelight Lane, Lenexa, KS 66215.

Event Highlights:

  • Cultural Program Special Attraction: Enjoy the captivating Bangla Natok (play) “Arun Barun Kiranmala.”
  • A day filled with devotion, cultural performances, and community bonding.

Subscription Details:

  • $20 for Members
  • $25 for Non-Members
  • $15 for College Students
  • $12 for School Students (above 6 years old)
  • Free Admission for children below 6 years.

For More Information:

  • Sonali Choudhury: 816-739-8612
  • Arup Majumdar: 732-501-8689
  • Dithi Banerjee Bose: 716-780-3067
  • Ayota Banerjee: 352-872-8479

Mark your calendars and join the celebration of knowledge and wisdom with your community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Prime Commercial Plot for Sale in Spring Hill, KS

Prime Commercial Plot for Sale in Spring Hill, KS

Looking for the perfect location to build a high-traffic travel plaza or commercial venture? A prime 16.06-acre commercial plot is now available at the southeast corner of 183rd Street and US 169 Highway in Spring Hill, Kansas.

This site has been meticulously planned and comes with several approvals to kickstart your business vision:

  • Site Layout: A 12,000-square-foot travel plaza with 10 pumps, 8 truck fuel stations, and designated spaces for two drive-through pad sites and one retail pad site.
  • Truck Parking: Space to accommodate over 70 trucks, making it ideal for long-haul travelers.
  • Franchise Ready: Approved for a TA Travel Center franchise.
  • City Approvals: The City of Spring Hill has pre-approved the site for a Community Improvement District (CID) with potential sales tax rebates on construction materials.

This strategically located plot is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a booming area with a guaranteed flow of traffic and long-term business prospects.

For more details, contact DF Real Estate LLC at 816-933-8063 or email DF3LLC@gmail.com.

New Travel Plaza Coming to Garden City, MO – A Prime Investment Opportunity

New Travel Plaza Coming to Garden City, MO – A Prime Investment Opportunity

Garden City, Missouri, is set to welcome a new travel plaza along S State Route Z, offering a strategic stop for travelers and truckers alike. This 12-acre site, approved by the City of Garden City, will feature a 10,000 square foot travel plaza with 8 fuel pumps, 4 EV charging stations, and 6 truck fuel stations, ensuring convenience for all types of vehicles.

With parking space for around 70 trucks, this travel center is designed to accommodate heavy traffic flow, making it an ideal stop for long-haul drivers. The site is currently under review for a TA Travel Center franchise, further enhancing its potential as a key highway service location.

For more details on investment or leasing opportunities, contact DF Real Estate LLC at 816-933-8063 or email DF3LLC@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new development!

FOR SALE: Arrowhead Liquor Store – Prime Location in Sugar Creek, MO!

FOR SALE: Arrowhead Liquor Store – Prime Location in Sugar Creek, MO!

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity! Arrowhead Liquor Store, located on US 24 HWY, is a spacious 4,500 sq. ft. liquor store with an additional 4,500 sq. ft. basement (previously a DJ dance floor & restaurant). The store sits on a 12,000 sq. ft. parking lot in a high-traffic area surrounded by businesses and residences.

Prime Location – High visibility on US 24 HWY
Huge Potential – City-approved for 4 gas pumps
Growth Opportunity – Sales expected to rise now that highway construction is complete

Turn this into a highly profitable liquor store!

📍 Address: 11404 E US 24 HWY, Sugar Creek, MO 64054

Interested? Act fast—this won’t last long!

AravindKCRealtor – Are you watching the Fed Interest Rate discussion?

Fed Holds Steady on Interest Rates – What That Means for You

At its latest meeting, the Federal Reserve chose to pause its series of rate cuts, citing economic uncertainty. Officials indicated they’ll be closely analyzing future data before deciding on any further adjustments.

What Did the Fed Announce?

According to the Fed, job growth remains strong, and inflation is still somewhat elevated. Their next steps will depend on “incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks.” You can read the full statement here.

How Does This Impact Mortgage Rates in Kansas City?

While the Fed’s decisions influence the economy, mortgage rates aren’t directly tied to its policy moves. Since markets had already anticipated this pause, local mortgage rates will likely be driven by broader economic factors and global events.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home in KC?

If you’re thinking about buying, consider these points:

  • Interest Rates Might Stay Higher for a While – Even if future data supports rate cuts, there’s no guarantee they’ll drop significantly in the near term.
  • Home Prices Are Climbing – Kansas City’s housing market remains competitive, and waiting for lower rates could mean paying more for the same home later.
  • Owning Builds Wealth Over Time – Instead of paying rent, buying now lets you start building equity.
  • Pre-Approval Gives You an Edge – Having financing in place puts you in a stronger position when the right home comes along.

A Quick Look at Recent Fed Rate Decisions

The Federal Reserve sets the federal funds rate and discount rate, which affect borrowing costs:

  • In early 2020, rates were slashed to near zero to support the economy during the pandemic.
  • With inflation surging in 2022, the Fed hiked rates to slow spending.
  • The first rate cut since 2020 happened in September 2024, with additional cuts following in November and December.

Let’s Chat!

Curious about how this impacts your homebuying plans in Kansas City? Whether you’re ready to buy now or just exploring your options, I’d love to help you navigate the market. Let’s connect!

04/27 – Experience the Magic of India at Passport to India 2025!

Welcome to KCdesi Prime Partners: Ram Lakkireddy

Welcome to KCdesi Prime Partners: Ram Lakkireddy

KCdesi is proud to introduce Ram Lakkireddy, an exclusive KW Kansas City Metro Realtor, as a KCdesi Prime Partner! With a remarkable background and a passion for serving the Kansas City metro area, Ram is here to bring unparalleled value to the KCdesi network.

Meet Ram Lakkireddy

Ram is a licensed Realtor with KW Kansas City Metro, offering expert real estate services in both Kansas and Missouri. Residing in Overland Park, Kansas, he brings over 20 plus years of experience in civil engineering, construction management, and project analytics to his real estate career. This wealth of knowledge forms a strong foundation for guiding clients through the complexities of buying, selling, or investing in real estate with confidence and clarity.

What Sets Ram Apart?

Known for his dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Ram specializes in both residential and commercial real estate. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer searching for your dream home, a seasoned investor seeking the next big opportunity, or a business owner looking for the ideal commercial space, Ram’s approach is always tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.

A Trusted Partner in Real Estate

Ram brings a wealth of experience and expertise that makes him a trusted partner for KCdesi members. His advanced degrees in civil engineering, business administration and analytics combined with his real estate licensure in Kansas and Missouri, empower him to deliver exceptional results. With a passion for building strong client relationships and a deep understanding of the local market, Ram ensures that every transaction is handled with professionalism and care.

Get in Touch

We’re thrilled to have Ram Lakkireddy as part of the KCdesi family! If you’re ready to explore the real estate market in Kansas or Missouri, reach out to Ram today and experience the difference of working with a true professional.

Welcome to KCdesi Prime Partners, Ram!

Let’s embark on this exciting journey together and continue building a thriving, connected communities in the Kansas City Metro area.

DEVA is a mixed bag. It has a powerhouse performance from Shahid Kapoor but weak writing Movie Review: DEVA is a mixed bag. It has good performances but weak writing.

Star Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, Pravessh Rana, Pavail Gulatie

Deva Movie Review Synopsis:
Deva is the story of a rowdy cop who gets entangled in a complicated murder case. The film is the official Hindi remake of the Malayalam hit Mumbai Police, which was also directed by Rosshan Andrrews himself. The story revolves around inspector Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor) from Mumbai Police. He is arrogant, hot-headed, violent and known for not obeying rules. But he is good at heart and takes pride in carrying out his duty as a cop, even if it means upsetting a powerful politician like Apte (Girish Kulkarni). He is also emotional towards his near and dear ones. Dev’s sister Alka (Bhawana Aneja) is married to his respected senior Farhan (Pravessh Rana). He also shares a brotherly relationship with his colleague ACP Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulatie). Fate brings Deva close to constable Sathaye’s daughter Diya (Pooja Hegde), who is an honest crime journalist with a newspaper. The two eventually fall in love. But Dev’s life goes through an unpleasant twist when Rohan gets killed by a mysterious killer while he was being felicitated. On top of that, just when Dev cracks the case, he meets with a serious accident.

Deva Movie Story Review:
Bobby Khan’s story is interesting in parts. Although the film is about the working of the police department through the character of Dev, it is more like a murder mystery. Of course, there have been plenty of whodunits in films and, especially, web shows in recent years. But Deva stands apart due to the angle of amnesia thrown into the mix. However, the story doesn’t culminate in a convincing way. Although the identity of the killer is a surprise, it raises a few major questions. The angle of amnesia, although interesting, is not dealt in a satisfying manner.

Bobby Sanjay, Abbas Dalal & Hussain Dalal, Arshad Syed and Sumit Arora’s screenplay is also a mixed bag. While it was a smart idea to start the story at an important juncture and then move to the flashback, what follows in the first half isn’t pleasant as this portion is too lengthy. In fact, it takes around 1 hour 20 minutes or so for the interval to arrive. The narrative in the second half also moves at a sluggish pace at times. There are also a few major questionable points. The track of the politician Apte is forgotten for unknown reasons. The romance between Deva and Diya is also half-baked. The audience doesn’t realize when the two fall in love. Also, the film is promoted as a massy entertainer but it doesn’t exactly fall in the genre. Abbas Dalal & Hussain Dalal’s dialogues are mostly conversational.

Rosshan Andrrews’ direction is impressive. He has handled a number of sequences like a pro. However, he is let down by writing.

Deva Movie Review Performances:
Deva rests on Shahid Kapoor’s strong shoulders and he doesn’t disappoint. He is outstanding and brings in the arrogant attitude of Dev in a convincing manner through his heroisms. He also switches on to a calmer state in the second half, which was the requirement of the story. Pavail Gulatie once again displays his mature acting skills. He is impactful despite limited screen time. Pravessh Rana is good in the role of Dev’s senior. Pooja Hegde is more than a typical heroine and she does well. But, as mentioned above, her love track with Dev is half baked. Meenal Sahu, as Rohan’s fiancée, is fine in a supporting role. Kubbra Sait is wasted in an inconsequential role as Dev’s junior. Girish Kulkarni once again succeeds while playing a crooked man with a touch of humour.

Deva | Official Trailer l Shahid Kapoor | Pooja Hegde | Rosshan Andrrews

Deva movie, music and other technical aspects:
Deva has an enjoyable track ‘Bhasad Macha’ by Vishal Mishra right at the start. But strangely, there are no other songs in the film, except composer Jakes Bejoy’s ‘Marji Cha Malik’, which only plays for a short duration twice in the background. This point also stops the film from being a massy affair. Jakes Bejoy’s powerful background score suits this kind of a flick.

Amit Roy’s cinematography is impressive as he captures the city in a different way. Supreme Sundar, Abbas Ali Moghul, Anl Arasu, Parvez Shaikh and Vikram Dahiya’s action packs a punch. Sandeep Sharad Revade’s production design is a nice mixture of real and rich. Niharika Jolly and Malavika Kashikar’s costumes are praiseworthy and they suit the character.

Deva Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, DEVA delivers a mixed bag. Shahid Kapoor shines with a powerhouse performance, and the direction is top-notch, elevating the film’s cinematic appeal. However, the impact is diluted by weak writing, which not only hampers engagement but also stretches the narrative unnecessarily, making it feel overly intense and sluggish. At the box office, limited promotional buzz, its urban-centric appeal, and writing flaws will significantly hinder its prospects.

Real Estate Trends and Winter Homeowner Tips

Real Estate Trends and Winter Homeowner Tips

Real Estate News Roundup

The real estate market is buzzing with activity as we enter 2025. Here are some key updates shaping the industry:

REITs Gaining Momentum
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are rebounding after recent challenges, with sectors like mobile data and residential properties showing strong potential. As long-term bond yields stabilize, REIT dividends are becoming increasingly attractive to investors.

Urban Development Opportunities
Efforts to reduce the federal government’s real estate footprint could bring new life to urban areas. Privatization of government-owned properties and repurposing office spaces may create valuable opportunities for private investors and help address housing shortages in cities.

Luxury Market Surge in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.’s luxury home market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by political changes and new appointees in the federal government. This surge highlights the impact of political transitions on regional real estate dynamics.

Philanthropy in Real Estate
The real estate community in Los Angeles is stepping up to help wildfire victims by offering free representation and resources to those displaced. These efforts demonstrate how real estate professionals can play a vital role in community recovery during crises.

Winter Weather and Real Estate Tip

As Kansas City embraces winter’s chill with temperatures hovering around the 20s and 30s, it’s a prime opportunity for homeowners to prepare their properties. Sealing windows and doors, insulating pipes, and optimizing heating systems not only safeguard your home but also enhance energy efficiency—a key selling point for potential buyers. A warm, inviting home during winter creates a lasting impression on prospective buyers and adds comfort for current residents.

Stay proactive and take advantage of the season to maintain and enhance your property value.

THE STORYTELLER makes for a hatke experience but will get affected due to a slow narrative Movie Review: THE STORYTELLER makes for a hatke experience

Star Cast: Paresh Rawal, Adil Hussain

Director: Ananth Narayan Mahadevan

The Storyteller Movie Review Synopsis:
THE STORYTELLER is the story of two elderly men. Tarini Bandhopadhay (Paresh Rawal) lives in Kolkata and has just retired from his job. His son is asking him to join him in the USA, but Tarini is reluctant to shift. One day, his friend Bankim (Rohit Mukherjee) and Bankim’s wife (Tapati Munshi) inform him that there’s an offer for the job of a storyteller in Ahmedabad. Tarini has been an avid storyteller his whole life. Hence, he’s asked to take up the offer. Tarini agrees and he moves to Ahmedabad. The job application was published by a rich businessman, Ratan Garodia (Adil Hussain). Ratan is suffering from insomnia and hence, he wants someone to tell him stories so that he can have a sound sleep. Thus, Tarini begins narrating him stories every night. He also learns that Ratan never married, and he still longs for Saraswati (Revathy), his sweetheart from his young days. But that’s not all. Tarini also stumbles upon a shocking secret about Ratan. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

The Storyteller Movie Story Review:
THE STORYTELLER is based on Satyajit Ray’s short story ‘Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro’. The film’s plot is a bit different from Ray’s short and it is novel. Kireet Khurana’s screenplay (additional screenplay by Allcap Communications and Srijato Bandyopadhyay) is slow-moving but has engaging moments and also unexpected turns. Allcap Communications and Srijato Bandyopadhyay’s dialogues are quite memorable.

Ananth Narayan Mahadevan’s direction is simple. This is a film devoid of action, thrill or violence and relies completely on storytelling (pun intended) and performances. The characters of the protagonists are well fleshed out and the bond they share is heartening. Also, Tarini, a hardcore fish lover, moving to Ahmedabad, that too in a vegetarian household, makes for a fun watch. There’s a twist in the tale that comes unexpectedly.

On the flipside, it is not convincing to see Tarini, a staunch Kolkata resident, agreeing to move to an alien city. Also, the manner in which Suzy Fibert (Tannishtha Chatterjee) befriends Tarini and they start hanging out looks difficult to digest. The bigger problem with the narrative is the absence of conflict. Both Tarini and Ratan are hurt by each other, but they never get into confrontation. It, somewhere, takes away from the realism of the film. Lastly, the film has a niche appeal and is not for everyone.

The Storyteller Movie Review Performances:
Paresh Rawal delivers a smashing performance and gets into the skin of a character of a Bengali intellectual. Adil Hussain, as expected, gives his hundred per cent. He, too, is convincing as a Gujarati businessman. The equation between the two actors is one of the strong points of the film. Tannishtha Chatterjee is quite likeable. Revathy delivers a confident part and slips effortlessly into the role. Jayesh More (Manikchand) has a crucial role and leaves a mark. Anindita Bose (Anuradha; Tarini’s wife) has an arresting screen presence though she’s hardly there. Rohit Mukherjee, Tapati Munshi and Kaveri Basu (Mouli; maid) are okay.

The Storyteller movie music and other technical aspects:
Hriju Roy’s music is soulful but doesn’t have a shelf life. Hriju Roy’s background score is subtle. Alphonse Roy’s cinematography is stunning, and the locales of both Kolkata and Ahmedabad are well captured. Preetam Rai and Bablu Singha’s production design is classy yet realistic. Ritarupa Bhattacharya’s costumes are straight out of life. Gourav Gopal Jha’s editing could have been faster.

The Storyteller Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, THE STORYTELLER makes for a hatke experience and rests on the towering performances of Paresh Rawal and Adil Hussain. However, due to the slow narrative and negligible awareness, the viewership might be affected.

Despite being based on a superb idea FLIGHT RISK is marred by a weak and silly script Movie Review: FLIGHT RISK features a superb idea but a weak script

Star Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Madelyn Harris  Topher Grace

Director: Mel Gibson

Flight Risk Movie Review Synopsis:
FLIGHT RISK is a survival thriller. Winston (Topher Grace), an accountant to the gangster Moretti, is hiding in a remote part of Alaska after the gangster gets arrested. Madelyn Harris (Michelle Docker), a deputy US Marshal, locates Winston and nabs him. She is given a small plane and a pilot, Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg) to take her and Wiston safely to the city of Anchorage. The plane takes off and soon, Wiston and Madelyn realize that their pilot is actually a hitman sent by Moretti to assassinate the accountant. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Flight Risk Movie Story Review:
Jared Rosenberg’s story is arresting. But Jared Rosenberg’s screenplay is not without its share of blemishes. Jared Rosenberg’s dialogues are okay and some of the one-liners uttered by Mark are quite graphic and shocking.

Mel Gibson’s direction has the old-world feel. In fact, this genre, too, has been attempted after a long time. Some of the scenes are very nail-biting. The first half is much better and the way Winston realizes that the pilot is not who he claims to be is intriguing. The scene where Madelyn tases the hitman is also a great sequence. Since the run time is just 90 minutes, the film moves at a great pace.

On the flipside, the film gets quite silly after a point. The makers want to show the hitman creating havoc after being tied down. But in order to get to that point, the writer inserts a laughable bit of Madelyn’s sunglasses falling on the hitman and he uses it to break free. Moreover, the hit man is literally 5-6 feet away and it’s bewildering how Madelyn and Wiston didn’t realize what he is upto. The villain doesn’t have much to do after a point. Lastly, the buzz is limited and the absence of subtitles makes some dialogues difficult to comprehend.

Flight Risk Movie Review Performances:
Mark Wahlberg is damn good in the first negative role of his career. His body language and evil smile further enhance his performance. Michelle Dockery plays the lead role with panache. Topher Grace raises laughs and later on, gets the serious act right. Maaz Ali is great as the voice of Hasan, though a similar track was seen in the 2021 Hindi film FLIGHT.

Flight Risk movie music and other technical aspects:
Antônio Pinto’s music is well woven into the narrative. Johnny Derango’s cinematography is decent and thankfully, not jerky, as it happens in such films. David Meyer’s production design and Kristen Kopp’s costumes are appropriate. Action is realistic and not gory. Steven Rosenblum’s editing is slick.

Flight Risk Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, FLIGHT RISK rests on a superb idea but is marred by a weak and silly script. At the box office, the limited buzz will impact its box office collections.

SKY FORCE is the ideal Republic Day entertainer with action, grandeur and an emotional connect, with Akshay Kumar’s performance as the icing on the cake. Movie Review: SKY FORCE is the ideal Republic Day entertainer, with action, grandeur and an emotional connect.

Star Cast: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur

Director: Sandeep Kewlani, Abhishek Anil Kapur

Sky Force Movie Review Synopsis:
SKY FORCE is the story of two brave pilots. The year is 1965. India and Pakistan are on the verge of a war. Kumar Om Ahuja (Akshay Kumar) is a group captain of the Indian Air Force and is stationed at the Adampur Air Base in Jalandhar. Ahuja is married to Preeti (Nimrat Kaur) and he has a close bond with Squadron Leader T Krishnan Ahuja aka Tabby (Veer Pahariya). Tabby is married to Geeta (Sara Ali Khan) and she is pregnant. One day, station commander David Lawrence (Manish Chaudhari) asks Ahuja to recce and find out about the preparation by the Pakistani forces. Ahuja asks Tabby to join him. Both enter the Pakistani territory and get attacked. Ahuja and Tabby hit back. They click photographs of their artillery and warn the Indian forces to be ready. Their request is not taken seriously and a day later, their base gets attacked severely, leading to the loss of lives and planes. Yet, the Indian Air Force decides to hit back. While the Pakistani air force has the fast-paced American Starstriker planes, Indians are in possession of the comparatively weaker Mystere aeroplanes. Nevertheless, Ahuja and his Tiger Squadron attack that too at an air base situated deep in the Pakistani territory. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Sky Force Movie Story Review:
Carl Austin, Sandeep Kewlani and Aamil Keeyan Khan’s story is novel as not many are aware of this chapter of history. Carl Austin, Sandeep Kewlani and Aamil Keeyan Khan’s screenplay (additional screenplay by Niren Bhatt) is engaging and doesn’t waste a single moment. Carl Austin, Sandeep Kewlani, and Aamil Keeyan Khan’s dialogues (additional dialogues by Niren Bhatt) are weak. There’s only one clap-worthy dialogue in the film and ideally, a movie like this should have had more exhilarating one-liners.

Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur’s direction is quite good, considering that it’s their first film. The characters are neatly defined and the film scores on the emotional front, especially in the second half. What’s also refreshing is that there’s no jingoism and the whole Pakistani angle, especially the track of Flight Lieutenant Ahmed Hussain (Sharad Kelkar) is very touching. Though the first half has issues, it does have memorable scenes like Ahuja and Tabby recceing in the Pakistani territory and the sudden attack at the Adampur air base. Post-interval, one gets a surprise as one gets to know that even Tabby left the air base. The investigation by Ahuja in 1984 is engaging while the finale is very moving.

On the flipside, the first half doesn’t pack a punch as intended. Some of the aerial scenes give a déjà vu of FIGHTER [2024]. After a great start in the second half, the narrative again dips for a few minutes, though it picks up eventually. The soundtrack doesn’t work and lastly, the mass appeal of the film is limited.

Sky Force Movie Review Performances:
Akshay Kumar delivers a power-packed performance. He’s there throughout the film and though he excels in action, he is even better in the dramatic and emotional scenes. This role required an actor of his calibre and as expected, he does full justice to it. Veer Pahariya makes a fine debut but has scope for improvement. Thankfully, he plays a heroic character and hence, even his performance gets liked a lot. Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur add star value and perform ably. But their screen times are limited. Sharad Kelkar leaves a tremendous mark and his casting is apt. Manish Chaudhari, Soham Majumdar (Debashish Chatterjee aka Cockroach), Varun Badola (Air Vice Marshal Amit Narang), and Gurpal Singh (Mehta) lend able support. Rajat Kaul (Sandhu aka Bull), Mohit Chauhan (Air Chief Marshal Arjun Sinha) and others are fine.

Sky Force | Official Trailer | Akshay Kumar | Veer Pahariya | Sara Ali Khan | Nimrat Kaur

Sky Force movie music and other technical aspects:
Tanishk Bagchi’s music is okay. ‘Ae Mere Watan’ is the only song that is touching. ‘Maaye’ is on the lines of ‘Teri Mitti’ [KESARI; 2019] but doesn’t hit viewers like the latter. ‘Rang’ is well shot while ‘Kya Meri Yaad Aati Hai’ and ‘Tu Hai Toh Main Hoon’ are forgettable. Justin Varghese’s background score is exhilarating.

Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran’s cinematography is splendid. Craig Macrae and Parvez Shaikh’s action is spectacular while Double Negative’s VFX is top class. Sujeet Subhash Sawant and Sriram Kannan Iyengar’s production design is superior. Shivank Kapoor’s costumes are reminiscent of the bygone era. A Sreekar Prasad’s editing is slick and the film packs in a lot despite the 125-minute run time.

Sky Force Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, SKY FORCE is the ideal Republic Day entertainer. It has not just action, scale, and grandeur but also a strong emotional connect. More importantly, it tells a fascinating and unknown chapter from history that’s sure to make every Indian proud. The performance of Akshay Kumar is like an icing on the cake. At the box office, it might start slow but has the potential to pick up significantly from the second day onwards due to positive word of mouth.

HISAAB BARABAR makes an important comment but the film fails to impress due to a weak script Movie Review: HISAAB BARABAR makes an important comment but the film fails to impress.

Star Cast: R Madhavan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Kirti Kulhari

Director: Ashwni Dhir

Hisaab Barabar Movie Review Synopsis:
HISAAB BARABAR is the story of a common man’s fight against a corrupt system. Radhe Mohan Sharma (R Madhavan) is a senior TTE and he lives in Delhi with his son Mannu (Shaunak Duggal). Radhe is divorced from his wife. He’s so honest that he gives a detailed accounting of the fines that he collected, down to the last penny. He meets a beautiful girl (Kirti Kulhari) on the train and soon, they start dating. Radhe has an account in DO Bank and one day, he realizes that Rs. 27.50 has been cut by the bank without any explanation. He goes to his branch and the clerk (Faisal Rashid) doesn’t take his complaint seriously. Radhe, however, persists, more so when he sees that a similar amount has been cut from his colleague’s account without explanation. Finally, the matter reaches the manager (Rajesh Jais). He credits Rs. 27.50 to Radhe’s account and also gifts him a TV worth Rs. 25,000. Radhe is happy with the gesture but also realizes that the gift is given to him to shut him up. But Radhe is unable to get over the fact that by deducting minuscule amounts from the accounts of every customer, the bank is doing a scam possibly of more than Rs. 2000 crores. He decides to investigate the matter. This brings him under the scanner of DO Bank founder Micky Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh). What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Hisaab Barabar Movie Story Review:
Ritesh Shastri’s story is an eye-opener. Ashwni Dhir and Purva Naresh’s screenplay (additional screenplay by Ritesh Shastri and Dolphy Fernandes), however, doesn’t create an impact because of silly plot points. Ashwni Dhir’s dialogues (additional dialogues by Purva Naresh) are simple and in some places, hard-hitting.

Ashwni Dhir’s direction is okay. He keeps the narrative easy to understand, despite the fact that the scam being pulled off by Micky is a bit complicated. The character of Radhe is well-fleshed out and one roots for him. The scene where he explains the scam in a food court is memorable. Also, aspects like a bank looting public money, the system being friendly to the rich, the bulldozer justice, etc, make the film very relatable and true to life.

On the flipside, there are too many issues with the narrative. The twist at the interval point is unexpected. But soon, the Kirti Kulhari track raises a lot of questions. How come Radhe never asked her what she does for a living, though they were dating? And why does she suddenly become so tough on him? The makers reason that duty comes first for her. But even while doing so, she could have been a little gentler. The entire bit of Radhe rejecting her proposal 15 years ago is also added forcefully and gives a déjà vu of Rajkummar Rao’s revenge angle in SHAADI MEIN ZAROOR AANA [2017]. Further, Radhe, in his entry scene, jumps in a moving train with lots of oranges. But some scenes later, he’s unable to do so, without any fruits in his possession, even though the train picks up speed gently. The makers probably wanted to show Radhe pursuing his love interest but again, it could have been handled convincingly. Thirdly, the bulldozer justice track is also handled in a silly manner, especially the way Monalisa (Rashami Desai) behaves after the incident. Lastly, the finale is too convenient.

Hisaab Barabar | Trailer | R Madhavan | Neil Nitin Mukesh | Ashwni Dhir | Premieres 24th Jan On ZEE5

Hisaab Barabar Movie Review Performances:
R Madhavan is the best performer in the film. His sincerity and his straightforward dialogue delivery enhance his performance. Neil Nitin Mukesh gives his best foot forward but somehow, the performance leaves a lot to be desired. Kirti Kulhari is superb but is let down by the writing. The same applies to Rashami Desai. Ishtiyak Khan (Credit card seller) raises some laughs. Faisal Rashid and Rajesh Jais leave a mark. Manu Rishi Chadha (Dayal) is just okay. Shaunak Duggal doesn’t get much scope. Jyoti Negi (Railway clerk), Kalyani Jha (Ranganathan), Sukumar Tudu (Inspector Tyagi) and the other actors playing cops are fair.

Hisaab Barabar movie music and other technical aspects:
Aman Pant’s music is forgettable. All three tracks- the title track, ‘Mann Mann Rangeyo’ and ‘Sab Jag Andha’ – fail to impress. Aman Pant’s background score is better.

Santosh Thundiyil’s cinematography is neat. Laxman Keluskar’s production design gives the vibe of a TV show. Even the title styling is outdated. Masumi Mewawala and Irfan Khatri’s costumes are straight out of life while Irfan Khatri’s costumes for Neil Nitin Mukesh are stylish. Siraj Sayed’s action is minimal. Manan Sagar’s editing is too quick to leave an impact in some scenes.

Hisaab Barabar Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, HISAAB BARABAR makes an important comment and is embellished with a fine performance by R Madhavan. But the film fails to impress because of a weak script.