Ajeeb Daastaans
Four shorts explore the surprising ways in which unexpected catalysts inflame the uncomfortable emotions simmering under fractured relationships
When I first saw the trailer I was very much excited to see the film as the starcast it has is powerhouse of talent and glamour both.
The movie is composed of four short stories as follows:
1) Majnu- Jaideep Ahlawat's characterization is big disappointment...the story itself is never gripping enough, though I felt it had all the ingredients but the the proportions were not right.
*1 out of 5*
2) Khilauna- Nushrat's potrayal of househelp is not real, on the other hand Abhishek Banerjee looked the part every inch...the plot is very predictive and even the end never came as a shock to me which it was supposed to be.
*1.5 out of 5*
3) Geeli Pucchi- Here onwards the movie starts getting better, both the lead characters are spot on, one can appreciate the brilliance of Konkana Sen Sharma as well as Aditi Rao Hydari played her part with grace. The plot was very good and the subtle use of societal differences that still exists in the world were upto the mark.
*3.5 out of 5*
4) Ankahi- This is the Best one.
Shefali Shah and Manav Kaul are brilliant in this, The story is fresh and it feels light but it isn't. The complexity of life is shown in such a wonderful way that you will overlook some unreal things very easily like someone willingly refusing to hear, but the end guarantees that the heartbreak of Manav Kaul's character will straighten his mind for real😅
*4 out of 5*
Overall 2.5 out of 5 for Ajeeb Dastaans
Note: If you are cinema lover just skip the first two stories😉
When I first saw the trailer I was very much excited to see the film as the starcast it has is powerhouse of talent and glamour both.
The movie is composed of four short stories as follows:
1) Majnu- Jaideep Ahlawat's characterization is big disappointment...the story itself is never gripping enough, though I felt it had all the ingredients but the the proportions were not right.
*1 out of 5*
2) Khilauna- Nushrat's potrayal of househelp is not real, on the other hand Abhishek Banerjee looked the part every inch...the plot is very predictive and even the end never came as a shock to me which it was supposed to be.
*1.5 out of 5*
3) Geeli Pucchi- Here onwards the movie starts getting better, both the lead characters are spot on, one can appreciate the brilliance of Konkana Sen Sharma as well as Aditi Rao Hydari played her part with grace. The plot was very good and the subtle use of societal differences that still exists in the world were upto the mark.
*3.5 out of 5*
4) Ankahi- This is the Best one.
Shefali Shah and Manav Kaul are brilliant in this, The story is fresh and it feels light but it isn't. The complexity of life is shown in such a wonderful way that you will overlook some unreal things very easily like someone willingly refusing to hear, but the end guarantees that the heartbreak of Manav Kaul's character will straighten his mind for real😅
*4 out of 5*
Overall 2.5 out of 5 for Ajeeb Dastaans
Note: If you are cinema lover just skip the first two stories😉
Yet again another anthology of four twisted short stories under the production of Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta dwelling about revenge, love, entitlement, jealousy in span of 2 hours plus minutes . Every story ends in a shocking revelation which itself is enough to watch these set of movies.
1. Majnu - Shashank Khaitan (Director): A wedding carried out just as business arrangement in a large mansion puts the girl in a state with no marital happiness where she meets a guy with mystery around him.
Fatima Sana Shaikh gives a nuanced performance and she has never looked this beautiful before in any other movie. Jaideep Ahlawat gets to play a role quite different from his usual style and he aced in last few minutes. Armaan Ralhan, the new kid in the block is here to stay and he gets his act right. Shashank Khaitan has done a good job of presenting a story in interesting manner which holds your interest right from start to end.
2. Khilauna - Raj Mehta (Director): A story about cunning manipulative maid is embroiled in trouble. The story is stitched in a way that the mystery is well managed and you keep your guessing hat on.
Nushrat Bharucha does a decent job as maid. Abhishek Banerjee is good but seems repetitive from other movies of his. The climax gives you chill down your spine but the way how they showed the possibility of crime carried out is next to impossible.
3. Geeli Pucchi - Neeraj Ghaywan (Director): A tale of friendship between two factory worker and how they learn about each other frames the story.
Konkona Sen Sharma as rough and tough tomboy character has literally just nailed it. Even the way she has captured the mannerisms makes your believe in her talent even more. Aditi Rao Hydari as simple housewife is adorable and plays her part equally well that you can't take your eyes off her. The camaraderie between leads is sight to behold but climax is heartbreaking.
4. Ankahi - Kayoze Irani (Director): It is one of the most matured story among the lot which depicts story of deaf and dumb guy and a married woman.
The story does evoke right emotion and credits has to be given to the leads. Shefali Shah is one of the most underrated actress and with this movie too she is just mere perfection. Manav Kaul is equally good in his part. If there is anything to be complaint about then it's ending which seemed forced to just to fall under the same category of other story or movie title.
Do watch this movie and I would highly recommend it as every story has its own charm and it is tight knit movie.
Much has been said about the Neeraj Ghaywan episode GEELI PUCHI starring Konkona and Aditi Rao Hydari. As always Neeraj deals with caste politics as it impacts present day India even today and he throws in a twist with gender based complications and love thereof! Konkona's work on this character, whether entirely directed by Neeraj or some of her own doing is brilliantly observed. From her purposeful walk, not to be confused with the more sensual gait, to her hardened look at everything around her, she projects the absolute determination of someone out to make the best of whats available to her given the circumstances. Her most tender moments are on display with the stray that she feeds and has for a pet, profusing affection as though it were her own, at once chiding and showering it with what it needs. If there was a metaphor for fulfillment of give and take without judgement, then this should be it!! It is one of the most underrated scenes of the short. The plot is strong, the performances lovely, Aditi Rao Hydari providing the delicate and easily hurt vulnerability. Another player that really puts in an outstanding performance in however short a role is the actor playing Aditi's husband. The character's endearing love for his wife, just comes through beautifully.
However the last episode ANKAHI is what stays with you a long time. Its a world of privilege all around and the issues the characters grapple with may seem superfluous, but they are real too. Shefali Shah and Manav Kaul's silences say much more than the spoken dialogues by the rest of the characters. Manav Kaul in particular is especially lovable. He has realised that hearing people speak is futile 'cause more often than not they lie when talking. He prefers to read minds through their eyes and it is just a heartbreaking moment when he rues the fact that he was taken in even by that one trait of his which he thought was dependable!!
While the first episode is nice as a revenge tale, it is a little more masaala in its approach. Its skillfully done, with actors putting in their best. The loneliness and desire of the Madam Bouvary like character that Fatima Sana Shaikh plays and her thug husband who cant give her what she needs played by Jaideep Ahlawat is delicious in parts.
The weakest episode is KHILAUNA. The domestic servant character Meenal played by Nushrat Bharucha is completely miscast though she tries valiantly and the rest of the happenings a bit too laborious in trying to shock, more than anything else. The construct is worked hard at of course, but just fails to sit in the end.
Overall very watchable for three out of four with one very easily avoided!
I don't know what is making people give this low ratings, but, if you are a fan of conventional, predictable, happy endings, then walk away, this is NOT the movie for you. Coming to the plot, it is beautifully scripted and actors have been chosen perfectly, Nushrat ne thoda overacting kiya, but overall, she was good. Each story had a twist or a turning point that would keep you on the edge of your seat. There wasn't a single dull moment there. The last story might feel a little slow to some people, but, wait for the end, that heartbreaking yet satisfying message will definitely blow your mind.
Watching Trailer
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4 Stories directed by 4 directors in their own way. But I must say I found a very good storyline in all four shorts with a remarkable and stunning twist at the end of every story. All the female leads have given their terrific performances but Konkona Sensharma, Nushrat Bharucha, and Shefali Shah deserve special mention. Manab Kaul again proved his efficacy and definitely the best among all-male leads. So far direction is concerned when we are getting some massive examples and superfine effects in Indian web series this film doesn't carry any directorial magic.
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Shall I praise it or abuse this film ? I praise the actor's who justified their roles mainly last two stories characters. Music was pretty decent every character has justify their role in whole movie . Why do I abuse this film . My first point is now a days indian movies are just adding sex scenes to some good stories at unwanted time and a good story doesn't need sex scenes to get praised or get good collections. My next point is according to me first story was designed good climax was also okay but few characters lack their performance but story was routine. Second story was good but the climax hit my nerve like seriously a small child who can cook clean can abuse even so she can do such things just by telling it is a toy. Are clarify tho karo kaise kiya usne kyu kiya etc. Third story was pretty good decent and climax has a tiny twist which I like it and felt bad at same time. Fourth story it started with peace , with speaking single word in many scenes actors delivered great performance . But same time that climax was really bad pissed me off
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Ajeeb Daastaans is literally Ajeeb. It's an interesting film of series of four short films Majnu, Khilauna, Geeli Pucchi and Ankahi. Fraud, Tragedy, Manipulative Revenge and Love sums up to these films respectively. The characters are interesting, story and narration is unique that every film can be made a featured film. MAJNU: Jaydeep Ahlawat was rock solid handsome throughout with his acting and looks. Fatima Sana Sheikh was different; this was her second best performance on screen after Dangal. Armaan Ralhan was good. KHILAUNA: Nushrat Bharucha, Abhishek Banerjee and Inayat Verma nailed it, their character was strong and given justice. GEELI PUCCHI: You can just imagine to watch a cast of Konkana Sen Sharma and Aditi Rao Hydari, they are so beautiful with their craft. ANKAHI: Manav Kaul was impressive along with Shefali Shah. Their story was out of the box in a cluster of shock yet ends up on a sad note. Overall Strong Acting & Casting • Good Direction & Narration • Story & Screenplay • Unique and Interesting blend of stories •