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santanu

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About me

I am from Calcutta, a city from India. I spend most of my free time watching movies with my wife.

Occupation: credit analyst

Married

About my collections

I love watching films with my wife who is also a listal member. I just love being in Listal where we can share our love for our interests to the whole world.

Lists

2 votes
My Review List (29 items)
Movie list by santanu
Published 12 years, 1 month ago
22 votes
The Immortal Jewels of Hindi Cinema (27 items)
Movie list by santanu
Published 12 years ago 2 comments
6 votes
Beauties In The Eye of The Beholder (25 items)
Person list by santanu
Published 12 years, 1 month ago
38 votes
The Future Looks Promising... (26 items)
Person list by santanu
Published 12 years, 2 months ago 15 comments
22 votes
Oh She is So Cute... (8 items)
Person list by santanu
Published 12 years, 2 months ago 2 comments



Recent reviews

A Great Theatrical Experience.....

Posted : 10 years, 11 months ago on 15 December 2013 05:10 (A review of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug)

Is it a good option to spend your Sunday evening watching The New Hobbit movie in town. Now if you like good 3D thrills and the mystical middle earth then perhaps this is one place you surely want to be in.

So this Christmas Peter Jackson comes back with the fifth installment of his middle earth fantasy drama and God it is so entertaining. Yes surely it is no LOTR as it clearly misses the large canvas of the LOTR trilogy and the darkness but who cares when the spectacle is breathtaking and the action being so mind blowing. I liked Martin Freeman as Bilbo and the Dwarfs surely made everyone smile once in a while.

So while The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a big improvement on An unexpected Journey, it falls way short of the LOTR. But that little glitch apart I loved those 160 minutes solid entertainment. A big thumbs up for the 3D version.


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Every Life Has a Silver Lining.....

Posted : 11 years ago on 5 November 2013 06:53 (A review of Silver Linings Playbook)

Life is not fair, it never was and never will be, so what should we do about that? Should we be cry babies or should we get along with our lives without letting any single opportune moment to pass, because every life how pathetic it may be has a moment to excel - the silver lining.

Silver linings Playbook, directed by David O Russel of The Three Kings and The Fighter fame is a noteworthy effort with a simple yet powerful script and a very impressive cast. The narrative is so nicely paced that it peaks on its own and excels beautifully.

The cast is adorable. While Bradley cooper impresses, Jennifer Lowrence steals the show and watching Robert De Niro in a decent role ( after so long) is a real treat.

All in all Silver Linings Playbook is an impressive piece of cinema which is crazy yet so meaningful. It really made my night. Definitely a big thumbs up.


0 comments, Reply to this entry

The Ticket to Happiness

Posted : 11 years, 1 month ago on 22 September 2013 02:51 (A review of The Lunchbox)

The Lunchbox is one most honest love story Bollywood has ever produced. It is a delightful story of life told in such an authentic and simple way that it is bound to connect with every viewer. Debutant director screenwriter Ritesh Batra has delivered a delicious meal in his first attempt itself. He has hit the bulls eye in every aspect of filmmaking. Be it the story, research or direction everything is just flawless. But the best thing about The Lunchbox is the authentic characterization, the widower Govt clerk, lonely housewife, the over smart idiot assistant or the never seen aunty everyone brings in such simplicity and authenticity that the entire set up seems so real. The acting is truly international quality. All in all The Lunchbox is one of the best Indian films in ages. Ritesh Batra take a bow.


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Lootera review

Posted : 11 years, 1 month ago on 22 September 2013 09:14 (A review of Lootera)

I must confess to begin with that I have a thing for Period films. If correctly done this is one genre which has the power to take my breath away. Lootera, the period drama by Vikramaditya Motwane works in parts for me. While the picturesque first half is refreshing and lovely the 2nd half seemed a little out of sync. Normally sandwiched stories never work for me as I strongly believe that a love story and a thriller can not be weaved together into one. While the story ( adaptation of O'Henry's short story The Last Leaf) is a touch predictable, all it needed is some matured performances from the lead.

Now despite everything I have just said, Lootera is a commendable effort by Mr Motwane. He has created some poetic moments in this story which is so heart warming and I loved the last 10 minutes which to me is the best part in the film.The music is brilliantly done and cinematography is really breathtaking. The direction is matured and hats off to Motwane for not Bollywoodising the story. It is truly a vintage love story better than anything I have seen in a while from Bollywood,only thing I wish it had a little more heart in the lovestory.


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Madras Cafe review

Posted : 11 years, 2 months ago on 2 September 2013 04:35 (A review of Madras Cafe)

"One Man’s Terrorist is another man’s revolutionist"

Whenever I watch a fast paced political thriller it reminds me of the Bourne movies. The Bourne trilogy has really pioneered in the way these espionage films are to be made and truly I am happy to watch an Indian Political thriller to follow the same footsteps. The latest offering from Shoojit Sircar, Madras Cafe is an incredibly well paced and well written thriller which starts of a ridiculous note but really picks it up from there on.
Making a Political film in an Indian context is a herculean task and hats off to Shoojit for choosing such a bold and interesting theme. It has everything that an engaging thriller should have. To speak of some, the pace never really slackens creating such an intriguing finale, the plot is interesting and Shoojit’s direction is top notch, while the acting department has nothing special to add to, Siddartha Basu impresses in a debut performance.
Now not everything about Madras Cafe is impressive. As usual it is too painful to watch John putting up the same troubled expression throughout the film and honestly it did not feel that patriotic at the end. Now as stated earlier it felt ridiculous to watch Vikram Singh in his turmoil state caused by the assassination while the death of his wife did not feel that painful to him and it felt really naive the way the story started in a church.
Despite all these minor shortcomings, Madras Cafe entertains me with its honest approach. It is a very impressive effort by the director from Vicky Donor. Amidst our celebrated mediocre directors Shoojit Sircar is evolving as a real promising film maker and kudos to him for choosing such an interesting subject. This film really worth’s a watch, don’t miss it.


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A love story without a Chemistry

Posted : 11 years, 2 months ago on 25 August 2013 05:58 (A review of The Vow)

If I be totally honest here, I have to tell that I have a thing for Romantic Comedies. I mean I love them but too bad there are very few films that actually fits the bill these days. Either the story will be ridiculously stupid or the narrative will be too uneven.

The Vows suffers dwelling on a single line plot with nothing much happening around it. Based on a true yet oddly familiar story The Vow starts and ends well, but it is the middle part that does not fit in. The film is all about the moments of impact which unfortunately never comes. The narrative drags in many places and sadly barring one scene hardly there is anything stimulating.

So riding on a predictable story and even more predictable narrative The Vow relies too much on the lead pair to salvage some love and honestly Tatum and McAdums makes the movie really watchable however the story never allows them to generate some chemistry.

So all in all a decent Rom com with a charming lead, not a very encouraging material I know but probably you wont regret watching the happy go lucky story on a lazy afternoon.


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Kai Po Che

Posted : 11 years, 6 months ago on 12 May 2013 06:07 (A review of Kai po che!)

Definitely better than the source material which was way too filmy. I liked the way Abhishek Kapoor has handled the narrative but a little more intensity and depth was required. The characters never really blossomed. However full marks to acting department. The best part about the film is the subtlety in every frame. Nice try never the less.


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Kai po che! review

Posted : 11 years, 6 months ago on 12 May 2013 06:07 (A review of Kai po che!)

Definitely better than the source material which was way too filmy. I liked the way Abhishek Kapoor has handled the narrative but I really felt a little more intensity and depth was required to take it to the next level. The characters never really blossomed. However full marks to the acting department. However the best part about the film is the subtlety in every frame. Nice try never the less.


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Golmal Hai Bhai Sab Golmal Hai

Posted : 12 years ago on 11 November 2012 01:31 (A review of Gol Maal)

Even after the wear tear of 3 Decades of awful remakes and annoying references in multiple comedy films, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s 1979 cult classic Gol Maal stands even taller on the merit of its uncompromised story and pure and heartfelt comedy. The versatile director’s take on Comedy in Gol Maal is purely based on the faked identity and situational moments. There are certain scenes where the impromptu acts of the brilliant actors make it a hilarious experience. Gol Maal still remains to be one of the most revered comedy films in the history of Hindi film history.
Gol Maal is based on a superbly written script. It’s a story of Ramprasad a recent college graduate who finds a job with a finicky man Bhavani Shankar, who believes that a man without a mustache is a man without a character. As the story further unfolds Ramprakash finds himself tangled in complex web of lies. He starts making stories to cover up his lies and finally his every lie compels him to lie further. The story unplugs pure and simple humour and entertains us to the fullest extent.



Gol Maal proves it again that humour can be created with a very simple story and some brilliant acting and one need not to be sleazy or mucky in order to bring smile into the viewers’ faces. The acting department of Gol Maal is so enriched having the likes of Utpal Dutta, Amol Palekar, Bindiya Goswami, Deven Verma and Dina Pathak. Just about everyone contributes to this brilliant sitcom. But the duo of Utpal Dutta and Amol Palekar were just too good. The comic timing of Utpal Dutta was so immaculate that certain scenes have become immortal in our heart. The direction of the master is flawless and the music is outstanding.
All in all Gol Maal is a perfect example of how a comedy film should be made. This is one of my all time favourites and without any doubt this is the best comedy film in the history of Hindi films. I am going with 8 out of 10 for Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s 1979 classic Gol Maal, even after watching it for so many times I still get glued on to the screen every time it is broadcasted.


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Kolkata Unplugged...

Posted : 12 years ago on 11 November 2012 06:45 (A review of Kahaani)

Watching Kolkata on screen is always a real turn on but an entire story set on the back drop of the city is more than a visual treat for me. Now add a smart script and an ably handled execution and I feel we are talking about an unknown phenomenon in Hindi cinema. Honestly after a long time I have enjoyed a good Hindi film which concentrates on the tight screenplay rather than lingering on to the other unimportant aspects of masala ingredients of Indian cinema.
Now before going any more deep into it I have to confess upfront that Kahaani is all the way a Vidya balan film. She is undoubtedly the best Indian actress of present time and she grabs this author backed performance opportunity with both hands and does full justice to it. The supporting cast is enriched with talented Bengali actors and all of them are really good.



The story despite being heavily influenced from Taking Lives is well handled and the smart and tight screenplay keeps the interest alive till the suspense unfolds at the end. The direction by Sujoy Ghosh is more than competent.
Now despite all the good things there are a few minor glitches in the story that really annoyed me. Believe me Kolkata cannot be this dull during Durga Puja when the story is set. Besides the climax on Dashami it hardly looked like Puja time. Also the fact that our IB looked so dumb seemed a little far fledged, I admit that Indian intelligence bureau has a remarkable history of non intelligence failures but they can’t be this dumb. A bereaved woman finds a criminal with such ease whereas the agency entirely depends upon her for the job is shear unbelievable. Moreover the twist ending seemed little half backed. After a superb first half, the last few moments completely looses its tight grip on the story.
All in all after a long time our own Bollywood gives us a good thriller to enjoy. I liked this one and why not I don’t get to see Kolkata everyday on screen. I am going 7 out of 10 for Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani, it is really a good example that even we can produce good cinema without being sleazy.


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santanu commented on a list
My Favorite Films (50 movies items)

"Great list man, take a bow. I just loved it "


11 years, 9 months ago
santanu commented on a list
The 25 Best Sci Fi & Fantasy Movie's 1999-2009 (25 movies items)

"I Missed to vote for your list last time. So it is never late to rectify your mistake I suppose."


12 years ago
santanu commented on a list
The 25 Best Sci Fi & Fantasy Movie's 1999-2009 (25 movies items)

"I Missed to vote for your list last time. So it is never late to rectify your mistake I suppose."


12 years ago
santanu commented on a list
Romantic Comedies ~ They laughed and fell in Love (17 movies items)

"Ahhhh I am not sure about the choices of films, but still well done."


12 years ago
santanu commented on a list
The 25 Best Sci Fi & Fantasy Movie's 1999-2009 (25 movies items)

"Interesting choices I must say...."


12 years ago
santanu commented on a list
Hamza's 500 Greatest Films of All Time! (161 movies items)

"Well some great selection considering the number of entries. Well done...."


12 years ago
santanu commented on a list
most underrated actresses (11 person items)

"Emily Blunt yes I agree but for the rest I am not so sure..."


12 years ago
santanu commented on a list
Lists I Like (43 person items)

"Thanks for adding my list "


12 years ago
santanu commented on a list
The Future Looks Promising... (26 person items)

"Nice, so it took you 10 days to atleast like 2 of them from none."


12 years ago
santanu commented on a list
Hindi Movies I'd Recommend for a Foreigner (8 movies items)

"Swadesh, Tare Zameen Par, Sarfarosh are among the few ones that I would have added. Nice list idea though."


12 years ago
santanu commented on a list
Movies Hollywood Was Afraid to Make (8 movies items)

"nice list"


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
The Future Looks Promising... (26 person items)

"@Very Dark are you certain about that? Nice to know that they can't act. I thought my whole life that they were good actors. Just kidding, you are welcome with your views."


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
Unfortunately-Timed Movies (17 movies items)

"nice list"


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
Memorable quotes from Famous moviesS ♥ (13 movies items)

"What a collection"


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
Nose Surgery (37 person items)

"Very few looks better with the change"


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
Top World War II Movies & Mini-Series (133 movies items)

"brilliant list"


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
Down the list with 30 people (Donieee) (30 person items)

"Nice list"


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
Best Leading Actress(2000-2012) (12 person items)

"oscar winners for each year...."


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
The Future Looks Promising... (26 person items)

"@rawtomatoes, Thanks a lot"


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
The Letdown: Film (13 movies items)

"Totally agree with The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day it was a big let down"


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
The Future Looks Promising... (26 person items)

"Thanks for the suggestion, I really liked him in The Adjustment Bureau, I am including him."


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
Director's Cut:Actors Cut From Movies (15 movies items)

"great list..."


12 years, 1 month ago
santanu commented on a list
Favorite Directors. Best Movie? (45 movies items)

"Some really good choices...."


12 years, 2 months ago
santanu commented on a list
Favorite Feel-Good Movies (10 movies items)

"I loved Amelie & Big Fish...."


12 years, 2 months ago
santanu commented on a list
My Top 10 Super-Hero Movies (10 movies items)

"Dark Knight at number 3???"


12 years, 2 months ago

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Comments

Posted: 11 years, 10 months ago at Dec 31 22:15
2013 - i say it with a List
www.listal.com/list/happy-new-year-babes
Posted: 11 years, 10 months ago at Dec 25 22:45
Congratulations! You are one of the most valuable players coming from India!!!

Check the list : www.listal.com/list/most-valuable-listal-players-sorted

...and of course Merry Christmas!!!!
Posted: 11 years, 11 months ago at Dec 21 9:39
Merry Christmas :)
Posted: 12 years ago at Nov 11 18:34
it's ok man i do the same error every weeks (lol). thanx for your vote and comment.
Posted: 12 years ago at Nov 11 18:14
Thank you for the great comment
Posted: 12 years ago at Nov 11 18:07
thanx for your comment for my list The Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Movie's 1999-2009. you find it interesting but not enough to vote for it (lol) thanx
Posted: 12 years ago at Nov 8 1:22
Hi there and sorry to bother you, but, would you have any interest in taking part of a competition I'm hosting around here? I already thank you for your attention in advance! =]
Posted: 12 years ago at Oct 25 16:06
Hi, please check out my list :

www.listal.com/list/lists-i-like
Posted: 12 years ago at Oct 24 12:49


Will definitely add Taare Zaamen Par when i next update the List.
Posted: 12 years ago at Oct 23 15:47
Hi..

This is my new Project on some of the finest Indian Movies.

www.listal.com/list/hindi-movies-id-recommend-foreigner

Hope these movies get your attention.
Posted: 12 years, 1 month ago at Oct 6 18:05
Hi, thanks for the vote on 'my own world'
list
Posted: 12 years, 1 month ago at Sep 23 13:12
thanks for the friend request,
list votes and the comments
Posted: 12 years, 1 month ago at Sep 18 10:39
Hi, thanks for the friend request,
list votes and comments!
Posted: 12 years, 2 months ago at Sep 17 19:48
Thanks for the vote
Posted: 12 years, 2 months ago at Sep 16 3:42
Thank you for voting for My Top 10 Favourite Movies list.
Posted: 12 years, 2 months ago at Sep 15 19:59
Thank you for the vote and comment :)
Posted: 12 years, 2 months ago at Sep 13 15:12
Take a look and vote all my lists:
timebomb.listal.com/lists
Thanks!
Posted: 12 years, 2 months ago at Sep 13 10:35
Hi, thanks for the vote
on my 'amazing kids' list
Posted: 12 years, 2 months ago at Sep 11 2:27
thanks for your vote and comment its very kind of you for welcoming me.. have a good day and be safe..