While the Khans and Sultans of Bollywood are always locking horns over exclusive release dates to avoid box office clashes, 5 August seems to be ‘the’ lucky Friday for humbler flicks. They don’t dazzle us blind with star power, and neither do they have the media buzzing about them. But in this long queue at the box office window, some might wing big. So, which of these will you catch at the theatres this Friday?
1. Budhia Singh: Born To Run
Meet the Forrest Gump of India, Budhia Singh. This Manoj Bajpayee starrer tells the story of Budhia, the marathon runner from Odisha, who famously ran from Bhubaneswar to Puri in sweltering heat at the age of five. Bajpayee plays the coach in this touching story that also won the National Award for the Best Children’s Film this year. It is spirited and boasts of genuinely solid performances by Bajpayee and Mayur Patole. The story of India’s ‘marathon boy’ might get you running to the theatres too.
2. Chauthi Koot
Chauthi Koot takes us back in time from Udta Punjab’s drug narrative to the Sikh separatist movement of the 80s. Gurvinder Singh’s film got critical acclaim at Cannes in 2015 and even won the National Award for the Best Punjabi Film. What’s interesting about this one is the clever storytelling through its sound design. The canvas of Chauthi Koot isn’t a lavish one but the fear etched in its narrative is palpable. The slow pace of the film might take some getting used to, but it’s definitely worth a theatrical experience.
3. Fever
Fever might be a wannabe Bond flick but it has a real Bond girl. This one even has a Don hangover too. Rajeev Khandelwal plays the part of a contract killer who has a weak spot for beautiful girls ( of course, they usually do). That’s where Gauhar Khar, Gemma Atkinson and Caterina Murino come in. If the identity game interests you, you might as well watch a classic Bond film and give this ‘thrillex’ a miss.
4. Michael Mishra
When Munna Bhai’s Circuit falls in love and decides to set himself straight, this is what happens. If the film’s trailer and promotions are anything to go by, this Manish Jha film starring Boman Irani, Arshad Warsi and Aditi Rao Hydari can be given a miss. The actors haven’t bothered promoting it either.
5. Babuji Ek Ticket Bambai
This story set in the world of prostitution is not a new one and the talented Rajpal Yadav seems to be quite wasted, at least in the film’s trailer. The less we say about this one, the better it is for the film and its makers.
6. Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara
Can a man and a woman co-exist happily till death do them apart? That’s the premise of this rom-com. Joy Mukerji’s son Monjoy Joy Mukerji makes his directorial debut with this flick, that doesn’t boast of a fresh narrative or great acting, but does have a melodious Mohit Chuahan number. Is that worth risking your precious weekend for? Maybe not.
7. Moods Of Crime
Two students of criminal psychology can’t escape the thrill of committing a crime, just for fun. And the the game gets ahead of them. They turn into compulsive offenders in the process of completing their summer project. The premise of the film is a clever one, but the trailer fails to grip thanks to the over simplified idea that seriously lacks a twist.
If these weren’t enough, you’ve got a little bit of Hollywood to choose from too.
8. Suicide Squad
This is the third flick based on DC Comics’ antihero plot line starring Will Smith, Viola Davis, Jared Leto and an impressive ensemble cast. If you’re into superheroes, dark humour and psychotic villains, the Suicide Squad will rock your weekend.
9. Jason Bourne
We’re not done chasing Jason Bourne just yet. Matt Damon is his thrilling best in the latest franchise offering, and so are Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel and Tommy Lee Jones. The high adrenalin chase film just got bigger and better.
Our recommendations for your choc-a-block weekend are Budhia Singh, Chauthi Koot, Suicide Squad and Jason Bourne. Get booking!
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