Ghayal Once Again
wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)
A racy first half gives way to mundane not-so common man vs. system.
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Ghayal Once Again - Preview
Ghayal was the 'citizen vigilante against the system' film from way back then – 1990. I remember liking it as a 16 year old because it was different from the QSQTs and the MPKs of the time.
Ghayal Once Again seems to have the drama, histrionics and anger seething out of its teeth once again. But, this time around I, and most of the audience, have grown up. Not only in terms of the likely target audience aging, but also in terms of the milennials having seen the story umpteen number of times in the newer films with current day “star”s. Is Sunny Deol appealing to the new audience of Bollywood? Maybe, no. Is Sunny Deol appealing to the bigger audience that lies in the heart of India? Maybe, yes.
Sunny Deol claims that this isn't a remake. It is today's system vs. today's common man. I hope this means it is more than adding words like Facebook and Twitter into its language. Even so, I hope it will kero-mama it's way into our hearts even if the music itself hasn't impressed.
Music Reviews:
Bollywood Hungama - "2/5"
koimoi - "2/5"
Music Aloud – "5.5/10"
- meeta, a part of the audience
It was pleasantly surprising start to the film. Characters being introduced seamlessly, story building up well. For once, I felt like the concept of how the story is told can really make an over-told story engaging. Alas, post-interval, the film nosedives faster than you can think.
When I say it started well, it has a lot to do with what wasn't done. There were no typical voice-over type shortcuts; no extra emphasis on trying to explain the background. A little tacky with the mental-illness induced flashback and a few obvious lines that were there just so the audience knows what the characters already know. These were easily excusable considering the setup typical of a film like this was conspicuous by its absence. For example, when was the last time we had a villain who was aware of behavioral issues? When was the last time a child was applauded and the child reprimands her audience with “what's the big deal?”
The performances too were quite restrained. I might be a tad more forgiving because I went in expecting a screaming Sunny Deol. Soha Ali Khan seems worn out but at least she is taking age in her stride. The villains, Narendra Jha and Abhilash Kumar play their parts as business tycoon and spoilt brat well. The four idealistic youngsters – Shivam Patil, Aanchal Munjal, Rishabh Arora and Daina Khan – are competent enough for you to be worried for them.
However, the story writing doesn't support them in the second half. The film goes from being about the menace of the business-politic nexus to a personal story, rather abruptly. Also, all the focus on the main story, the long-long chase sequence is wrapped up all too quickly making you wonder what the fuss was all about. Speaking of which, the chase sequence (like the film) starts out engaging you completely making it a thriller worth its salt and then overstays its welcome.
When the film ends though, you remember what you liked even though you are totally miffed with how it all ended. A lot of what you like has to do with what was avoided – like self-references, songs, romantic track and so on. Unfortunately, you can remember a film for what it is not, only so much.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...If you’ve seen your fill of action films over the years you’ll really be able to appreciate what Ghayal Once Again serves up in its two-hour runtime. The dramatic bits are inconsistent but even so, the film manages to impress. It’s shot nicely, it’s fast and it takes the right kind of approach to building on the legend of Sunny Deol and Ghayal. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...The kids Anushka (Aanchal Munjal), Rohan (Shivam Patil), Zoya (Daina Khan) and Varun (Rishabh Arora) all put in a decent performance but the boy who hits the high notes with his performance is the one who plays Bansal's son. Soha Ali Khan has a confused role. One does not know whether she is just a doctor to Ajay or if there is more to their relationship. ... full review
Thumbs up, by shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...Only wish the climax was not so long-winded. Watch this one, even if you are not a Sunny Deol fan. The action sequences are worth your ticket money.... full review
Thumbs up, by Shaheen Raaj, Star Blockbuster : ...Last Word: Ghayal Once Again is well narrated predictable story with lots of twists and turns which will be enjoyed both by the single theatre as well as the multiplex audiences.... full review
So-So, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN comes across as a shoddy and outdated attempt of the classic remake. Fans of Sunny Deol might patronize the movie; however the aam junta might not take a liking to it. As a result the movie will have a tough time at the box office. ... full review
So-So, by Mehul S Thakkar, Deccan Chronicle : ...As for the film, being a remake of 90’s blockbuster Ghayal, the story line does bring in some relevance from the old plot. This makes the situations in which Ajay Mehra has been operating appear more realistic. Baring few shots, which appear like a work of an amateur, the VFX could have been better. ... full review
So-So, by Mohit Patil, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - “Ghayal Once Again” features some surprisingly effective action scenes, but little else. ... full review
So-So, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...Despite its flaws, this dhai kilo ka haath is worthy of a watch. Because they don't make heroes like Ajay Mehra anymore.... full review
So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Most of the supporting cast is just forgettable and so are the dialogues and characterizations. It’s the writing and the direction that is a let down. For someone who promised ‘never again’ after his disastrous debut as director, this comes as a curious turn. Even if he was disillusioned by his favorite directors and it made better economic sense while in production to shoulder all the key responsibilities himself in order to cut costs, this doesn’t appear to be a wise comeback as director. A fresh young and able director might have done wonders with the treatment –enough to give it a fresh new look. With Sunny, it’s just standard oft-repeated, antiquated and outdated rigueur, and that’s just not likely to be appealing in this day and age. ... full review
So-So, by Josh, fullhyd.com : ...Ghayal Once Again is intriguing and exciting from a filmmaking perspective, and may be good enough entertainment if you don't expect much. However, if you want a high dosage of good old aggressive Sunny Deol, perhaps you should just watch Ghayal once again. ... full review
So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...However, if you are a die-hard Sunny Deol fan, Ghayal Once Again will definitely make your weekend. ... full review
So-So, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...On an overall basis ‘Ghayal Once Again’ had full potential to be somewhere close to its predecessor but, due to the half-baked script and bland finale ends up being a bit letdown for all diehard fans of Sunny Deol and ‘Ghayal’. The wounds and pain of Ajay Mehra (Sunny’s character) are still felt from ‘Ghayal’ but out here the painless wounds dries off as soon as possible leaving just a scar to remember. ... full review
So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...And so while Sunny Deol makes for a fairly powerful performer, his filmmaking style is sincere, but keen to stick to the old-school, and rough around the edges. The film is earnest and has a few genuine, emotional moments, but is defeated by an outmoded viewpoint and look. It had the potential to be so much more. ... full review
So-So, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...Ghayal Once Again is very old fashioned, rough hewn and klunky. Everything, right from acting to action, is high strung. But it remains curiously engaging till the end.... full review
So-So, by Renuka Vyavahare, Times of India : ...Despite the flaws, Sunny's idealistic film exudes the sincerity and unbreakable spirit of a common man. If you mess with us, "We will find you and we will punch you." Watch it. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...The name of Ajay’s newspaper in this film is no doubt a bow to Dharmendra’s 1969 film Satyakam in which Deol Senior played an idealist struggling against a corrupt world. That classic deserved a better-thought-out tribute than this one. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...And how is Sunny Deol in one of his signature roles? In one scene, he screams so hard his face turns red – it’s as if someone turned on an infra-red lamp. But that’s lung power, not performance. Looking at him, we see why Ghayal feels dated while the Bachchan vigilante movies still have the power to surprise us. After a while, it’s not the action – it’s the acting. Deol just cannot play emotional scenes convincingly. But at least he looks as if he can move mountains with a single hand, and that’s really what this film needs. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - An OTT melodrama that makes even car chases look boring after a point. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Sidhant Shori , Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Good actions and a decent villain but pretty much nothing else worth your time. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Krish Sripada, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Boring. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...For a movie whose sole sales pitch is ‘ghayal’ man himself, there’s no point in chaffing out logic here. And there is no one to stop him; Deol is also the director. ... full review
Thumbs down, by RAJEEV MASAND, IBN Live : ...Ghayal Returns isn't unwatchable – far from it. But it’s old-fashioned and evokes a distinct sense of déjà vu. I’m going with two out of five. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Suhani Singh, india today : ...Often the film flaunts the earnestness on its cause and then progresses to become ridiculous such as when Bansal announces that the death of his son will lead to a stock market crash and investors committing suicide. Ok then. At best, Ghayal 2.0 seems like Deol, 58, reliving his glorious past as the last ... full review
Thumbs down, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Watch or Not?: If you are a big fan of Ghayal then let me warn you this is no where close to it. Unless you have nothing to do this weekend, watching Ghayal Once Again could be an option. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...But obviously, she does not have the power to extend any such favours to the audience. So watch Ghayal Once Again at your own risk and only if you can withstand the relentless onslaught it unleashes. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...Fortunately, Ghayal Once Again wraps in about two hours and does away with all that was wrong in the first one -- songs, comedy -- to focus on elaborate chase sequences involving the kids in a mall conspicuous by unconcerned shoppers and invisible security or a reliably invincible Deol and a Frank Martin clone over a LaCie hard drive. Nice bit of detailing there. Only the rugged, shockproof model could survive the ensuing destruction and daredevilry. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Saumil Gandhi, Upper Stall : ...But the film is not effective or engaging, because it is too tacky. There are scenes where it looks like the it didn’t make it through post-production at all. Dubbing is off on a number of occasions, and the repeated ariel shots of Raj Bansal’s house become embarrassingly fake, especially in the climax. Some of the plot points written in to make the story creditable are amateurish, and there is generally a sense that this is not a film made by professionals. ... full review
yuvigupta88: 2.5kg hand is back with bang @IAMSUNNYDEOL paa ji u rock now do gadar onec again.......must watch #ghayal once again
Surajyadavo: A good comeback by sunny deol through ghayal once again. The film is on social issues. Good one#ghayalonceagain.
saurabhatnitp: Ghayal once again is revolutionary attempt ... bahut dino baad ek accha combo mila action junoon aur story ka
riamaroy87: Ghayal Once Again Is A Very Wonderful Film https://t.co/F9cKu51QUQ via @sharethis
RamLalit19: Ghayal once again a must watch movie for cinema, society lovers...
poojagaikwad28: Ghayal Once Again Is A Very Wonderful Film https://t.co/f2rV9RkehN via @sharethis
ParxAJ: Ghayal once again.. A worth watch movie.. I loved it.. Typical Sunny paaji's action n style back wit modern technology..
Navjotalive: Hahahahaha..A funny take on Ghayal Once Again. With all its flaws i still like the movie..logic can take a hike :p https://t.co/aHFht9SAWF
MohdNadeem035: Sunny paji tussi cha gaye Ghayal once again superb action movie...!!!!!
iKoolRaj: Just back from ghayal once again vintage @IAMSUNNYDEOL stuff and d film itself packs a heavy punch!
IamGurmeet007: Ghayal Once Again success marks the arrival of @IAMSUNNYDEOL Paaji Once Again, Ab phirse machega Tahalka GHAYAL RULING HEARTS @Ghayalagain
HituHaydin: Movie: Ghayal Once Again, My Rating 3.5/5. good movie .... one time watch at least ..... https://t.co/98aFE5E8KM
goenkagautam: Ghayal once again is a must watch
dwivedishivam50: Ghayal once again is faintaistic movie....thanks to sunny paaji....@IAMSUNNYDEOL
dablarahulkumar: Sunny is back and he is back with a bang. Ghayal once again rocks.
BiswabrataB: ghayal once again is a fantastic movie ,it's a good movie among those movies which had released in previous one year https://t.co/9qRogDEupc
BeingAkshaySK: Ghayal once again is good
BBoxoffice: A Good Film Deserves a Must Watch , if it is True ! Then GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN Deserves It !! https://t.co/ZzyJKmU1yG
AnjulSirohi37: guys yesterday i watch ghayal once again.sunny sir and team rocks.everything is superb.really GHAYAL RULING HEARTS..@Suniel9 @IAMSUNNYDEOL
anilbablududi: When I see ghayal once again movie ... I fill that vin desel coming in Bollywood .... sunny paaji like vin desel @IAMSUNNYDEOL
AjayKum77729333: Guys go & watch ghayal once again awesome movie
abhishekkrpand1: GHAYAL RULING HEARTS Only Ghayal Once Again.......Best Movie hai bhai
Abhijit48344611: I love you sunny sar jee super hit movie Ghayal once again
25de03c6f6b744a: Sunny paaji aagaye sabke dilo par chah gaye #Ghayal Once Again jabardast movie
tbkdotcom: Ghayal Once Again scores 2.5 out of 5 in The Bollywood Khans Scorecard
SJDUBEY007: GAYAL ONCE AGAIN ONE STAR *
madhur_rai: है तो महाबंडल.....पर सनी पाजी को बॉबी का भी खर्चा देखना है...तो देख आइए आप लोग| #ghayal_once_again #failed_to_impress_Ajay_Mehra
Jansatta: Ghayal Once Again review: एक्टर के तौर पर अभी भी बेहद दमदार हैं सनी देओल, लेकिन https://t.co/fpg3b1pFfJ
gradwolf: Thoughts on the surprisingly inoffensive Ghayal Once Again https://t.co/vX6xTGSWFD #plug
amritaolakh22: Gayal once again is totally crap with 2rs storyline and direction Sunny paji entertain but movie doesn't work bcz of story
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: Lots of fist fights
- Language: Clean
- Nudity & Sexual content: One rape scene is alluded to.
- Concept: Common man vs. system
- General Look and Feel: Nothing out of ordinary, no complaints either.
![[Facebook page of Ghayal Once Again]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Twitter account of Ghayal Once Again]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Ghayal Once Again]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Ghayal Once Again]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Ghayal Once Again]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (12)
"Kero mama"????
I thought that kero mama was from Arjun Pandit or similar sounding film from Sunny's first 3 movies in Bollywood; wherein he is part of a wayward friends' team. Maybe I have got my Bollywood all mixed up :-(
@Fan oh dear! oops. It is my Bollywood that is embarrassingly mixed up. 'kero mama' is not from *Ghayal*.
KERO MAMA is from Sunny's 1985 super hit ARJUN. Arjun Pandit released in 1999 and was a dud :D
I am a bog Sunny Deol fan but haven't expected this from him. At least he doesn't have that charm he used to have once.
Ghayal was one of the 3 cult classics and box office super hits which saw Raj Santoshi collaborating with Sunny Deol. Ghayal was a box office blockbuster among the masses and a movie that capitulated Sunny to superstardom. Unfortunately Ghayal-2 is way too cliched and out of sync with the times. This movie might have worked well had it released about a decade and a half ago with Santoshi at the helm. As of now, it stands very little chance of recreating the magic of Ghayal.
Ghayal Once Again review - it's the best gift he could give to his fans. This movie is better than recent Hindi action movies. He has worked very hard and tried to make a great action thriller. In chase sequences it's clear that that a lot of vfx elements are used. He has no songs so the speed of the film is well maintained. Overall 4 stars from my side. Story is better than Dabang and Dhoom3
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
nice blog
At first 15 minutes i got fed up, with sunny's direction.
From cricket starts to politicians, everyone has praised this film. Whether it was Sachin Tendulker, Amir Khan or Arvind Kejriwal (well he likes every film he watches. So…….) – they all agree that Neerja is a film that one should not miss. But let’s not get carried away so soon. Let’s have an in-depth look at the movie Neerja and find out what it’s all about and whether it is really worth spending your hard earned money on the movie or not.
Yet one more movie @Meeta where I think that i watched a different film than the one you have reviewed.
The film that I watched was unbearable to the point that I abandoned my efforts after 50 minutes. The only things that I was able to retain in those 50 minutes are
(1) a massive hangover of the original Ghayal. Every few minutes a black and white reference to the original is made. In that case i might as well watch the original.
(2) Unreasonable efforts being made to justify why no sequel happened for 26 years. In today's world, 5-10 minutes should be sufficient for a director to explain why we had not heard of the protagonist for 20+ years. That too without melodrama of some serious neurological conditions.
(3) characters are being introduced in a long drawn way. And despite 50 minutes having gone by I still was unsure if all the characters had been introduced or not.
It's a pity to watch Sunny Deol fall into such depths. Probably a younger and more aligned with prevailing times director would have been a better choice. But what's the use of crying over spilt milk.
I guess I have a little too much respect, maybe a little more than necessary even, for the time, energy and money that the crew of 100s spend on a movie over months. I try to take as much positive as I possibly can.
Great movie.
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