Movie Review: Ek Tha Tiger

Ek Tha Tiger is an entertaining film. While Salman, action episodes and the grand visuals are the plus points, the at-times slow narration is a big negative. It’s very different from the recent Salman Khan films, which in itself is a very good thing. Give it a shot. Am guessing that you won’t be disappointed.

Acting: 8/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 8/10
Technical Aspects: 9/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Yes!! I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It’s very slick and very well shot. Not a treat for Salman Khan fans, but a good movie nevertheless.

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Julayi

Julayi is a time pass flick which really doesn’t work. Nuvvu Naaku Nachav, Manmadhudu, Malliswari; all these movies had one think in common, awesome dialogues, which have been Trivikram’s forte. Instead of sticking to them, he ventured into direction, and except for Athadu, he hasn’t been much successful. If anything, he even lost touch on his dialogues. Julayi is no different. It might be reviewed as an intelligent action entertainer by some, but for me, it was another disaster Telugu movie.

Acting: 7/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 5/10
Technical Aspects: 6/10
Is it worth your time and money??: No. Trivikram fails big time with this one, for even his famous dialogues don’t score. Julayi would have failed even if it released on its original release date in July!!

Verdict: 5.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Via Milano

Place: Via Milano
Location: Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills
Cuisine: Italian
Meal: Lunch 

Food: 9/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 6/10
Buffet for 1: Rs. 578/- (Rs. 299 via Snapdeal)

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: The Dark Knight Rises

The Dark Knight Rises is an entertaining film. To call it an epic might be going a little overboard, but its close nevertheless. Nolan continues with his fine work and gives a perfect end to the Batman Trilogy (end or a new beginning remains to be seen, thanks to Robin).

Acting: 9/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 9/10
Technical Aspects: 8.5/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Do I even need to answer that question?? It’s the biggest movie of the year, and if you still need an answer, hell yeah. It might not be the best of Nolan’s work, but it’s a perfect finish to the series (I hope this ain’t the end!!)

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Republic of Noodles

Place: Republic of Noodles, Lemon Tree
Location: Opp. TCS, Hitech City
Cuisine: Thai
Meal: Dinner (with amma and bro)

Food: NA
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 3: NA

Verdict: NA

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Ruci and Idoni

Place: Ruci and Idoni
Location: Above Godrej Nature Basket, Road No. 10, Banjara Hills
Cuisine: European
Meal: Dinner (with couple of friends)

Food: 8/10
Service: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 3: Rs 1795/-

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Eega

Eega is an entertaining watch. It might not be a perfect film, but it seriously doesn’t matter for Rajamouli takes Telugu films to a different level. He is a director with guts, and proud to have him among us. It’s a much watch film for every Telugu film lover. Leave your inhibitions behind, and go watch it. Am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Acting: 8.5/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 8.5/10
Technical Aspects: 8.5/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Yes. It’s worth every penny you spend. Don’t miss it!!

Verdict: 8.5/10 + 0.5 for Rajamouli

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Bol Bachchan

Overall, an utter waste of time. If you really want to watch a comedy film, grab a copy of the original Golmaal instead of wasting your time on this crap.

Acting: 5/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 3/10
Technical Aspects: 6/10
Is it worth your time and money??: No. Unless you happen to like such boring comedies, or have time and money to space, skip this one please.

Verdict: 4.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Ming's Court

Place: Ming’s Court
Location: Ohri’s Basheerbhag
Cuisine: Chinese
Meal: Dinner (with couple of friends)

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 5/10
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Meal for 3: Rs. 1288/-

Verdict: 6.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Shanbhag

Place: Shanbhag
Location: Basheerbhag, under the flyover
Cuisine: North-Indian
Meal: Dinner (with bro)

Food: 9/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Service: 8.5/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 228/- (Rs. 114 /- per Thali)

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Blue Diamond

Place: Blue Diamond
Location: Next to L.B. Stadium, Basheerbhag
Cuisine: Chinese
Meal: Dinner (with bro)

Food: 9/10
Service: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 483/-

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: The Amazing Spider-Man

Overall, the film gives you the thrills, thanks to the visual effects, but a better story line could have made it a worth watch. The shady screenplay doesn’t make things better either. Watch it without expectations, and without comparing it to the original Spider-Man.

“Spider-Man, Spider-Man, Does whatever a spider can: Spins a web, any size..” Oops, I can’t without my artificial web maker!!

Acting: 8.5/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 7/10
Technical Aspects: 8/10
Is it worth your time and money??: For the visuals and the 3D effects, yes!! Nothing so special otherwise.

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: 100 Degrees

Place: 100 Degrees
Location: Necklace Road, Ranigunj, Secunderabad
Cuisine: Continental
Meal: Dinner (with a friend)

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 843/-

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Siaa

Place: Siaa
Location: Opposite Chiranjeevi Blood Bank, Jubilee Hills
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with family)

Food: 9/10
Service: 7.5/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 4: Rs. 1443/-

Verdict: 8.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Gangs of Wasseypur

Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur absolutely had no story. Except for people from 1940′s looking still the same even in 1980′s, a lot of swear words, vulgar dialogues, and infidelity, there is nothing the film has to offer. The screenplay is very haphazard, and so bloody slow. I just can’t describe how disappointed I was. The acting, music, cinematography, thankfully, were good, and helped me survive! There’s no point writing more. If you happen to like the movie, be my guest and finish the review for me 

Acting: 7.5/10 

Story-Screenplay-Direction: 3/10 

Technical Aspects: 6/10 

Is it worth your time and money??: NO!! No matter what other reviews say, people started walking out of the theater post interval. Unless you like such dark, vulgar films with no story, stay away.

Verdict: 4.5/10

Movie Review: Brave

Brave is just a good film. A better script/fairy tale could have made this another Pixar classic, but that is not to be. The direction is brilliant, and the emotions are perfect. Go watch it without any expectations, and I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Acting: 8.5/10

Story-Screenplay-Direction: 8.5/10

Technical Aspects: 9/10

Is it worth your time and money??: Absolutely. It ain’t like any of the other Pixar films, but is a good movie nevertheless. Go watch it!! (PS: Take your mom along, she’d love it!!)

Verdict: 8.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Dwaraka

Place: Dwaraka Hotel
Location: Lane adj. J.C. Brothers, Ameerpet
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with bro)

Food: 9/10
Service:8/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 290/-

Verdict: 8.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Ice n Spice

Place: Ice n Spice – Hotel Inner Circle
Location: Behind RKS Saboo Motors, Raj Bhavan Road
Cuisine: Buffet
Meal: Lunch (with family)

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Buffet for 1: Rs. 258/-

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Haveli

Place: Haveli
Location: My Home Tycoon (Lifestyle Building), Begumpet
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with amma and bro)

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 6.5/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Meal for 3: Rs 852/-

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Ferrari Ki Sawaari

Ferrari Ki Sawaari is a decent film and one might actually enjoy it, but it’s very long and dramatic. It starts off with great intent, but becomes too much of a fantasy towards the end. It’s nowhere close to the recent films from the Vidhu Vinod Chopra films (3 Idiots or the Munna Bhai series), but is a modest effort nevertheless. 

Acting: 7/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 7/10
Technical Aspects: 8/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Ferrari Ki Sawaari is a movie with its heart at the right place, but it just doesn’t deliver enough. It’s a family movie, for kids and parents will enjoy it, but I don’t think youngsters will like it so much. Unless you want to take along your parents (like I did) or kids, wait for the DVD.

Verdict: 7/10 
Amma’s Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Viva Italia

Place: Viva Italia
Location: Ground floor, White House, Next to Lifestyle Building, Begumpet
Cuisine: Italian
Meal: Dinner (with couple of friends)

Food: 9.5/10
Service: 9.5/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Meal for 3: Rs. 628/-

Verdict: 9.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Heart Cup Coffee

Place: Heart Cup Coffee
Location: Above McDonald’s, Trimulgherry, Secunderabad
Cuisine: Cafe & Lounge
Meal: Lunch (with a friend)

Food: 8/10
Drinks: 7.5/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 780/-

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Hotel Abhilasha

Place: Hotel Abhilasha
Location: Next to Sandhya Theater, RTC X Roads
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with couple of friends)

Food: 7.5/10
Service: NA
Ambiance: 8/10

Verdict: NA (it's my friend’s restaurant)

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Urban Asia

Place: Urban Asia
Location: Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills
Cuisine: Chinese
Meal: Dinner (with amma and bro)

Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambiance:9/10
Meal for 3: Rs. 1277/-

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Mocha

Place: Mocha
Location: Road No. 9, Banjara Hills
Cuisine: Cafe & Lounge
Meal: Lunch

Food: 7/10
Drinks: 8/10
Ambiance: 5/10
Service: 5/10
Meal for 1: Rs. 479/-

Verdict: 6/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

Acting: 7/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 6/10
Technical Aspects: 9/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Well, if the innocent child in you is still alive, then you’ll love this movie. All the kids around me did. For me, it was good, but nothing extraordinary. The animation and 3D effects are great, but in simple terms, the film is absolutely dumb. If you no kid, then wait for the DVD :)

Verdict: 7/10

Movie Review: Prometheus

Acting: 8/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 7/10
Technical Aspects: 9/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Prometheus is an entertaining film. Its got its moments in abundance, has some great cinematography and some decent acting performances. But its the clumsy screenplay which pulls down the film. The effects are great, and so are the 3D effects. If you like alien movies with not much story-line, this ones’ for you. It’s two hours of spooky entertainment. Give it a shot, you might not regret it!

Verdict: 7.5/10

Movie Review: Shanghai

Shanghai is one of the finest films made this year. Dibakar Banerjee’s drama less way of story telling and some brilliant performances by its cast act as the positives. On the other hand, the slow pace of the film, and its serious monotone might not help it sink in with all kinds of audience. Though I thought it was slow, I liked it. You might too.

Acting: 9/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 7.5/10
Technical Aspects: 8/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Shanghai is a very well made film, bordering on artistic genre. Its problem is the pace and a very predictable script, but some fine performances by all the artists makes it watchable. It’s a one time watch, provided you like such kind of dark movies.

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Rajdhani

Place: Rajdhani
Location: First Floor, Uptown Banjara, Opp. TV9, Banjara Hills
Cuisine: Rajasthani, Gujarati
Meal: Dinner (with bro)

Food: 9/10
Service: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 1: Rs. 274/- (all-inclusive)

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Singh's Restaurant

Place: Singh’s Restaurant
Location: Opp. Gandhi Statue, M.G. Road, Secunderabad
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with bro)

Food: 4/10
Service: 5/10
Ambiance: 5/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 420/-

Verdict: 3/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: All Seasons

Place: All Seasons
Location: 2nd Floor, SBR Gateway, Opposite Motorola, Hitech City
Cuisine: Buffet
Meal: Lunch (with couple of friends)

Food: 5/10
Service: 2/10
Ambiance: 6/10
Meal for 1: Rs. 299/- + Taxes

Verdict: 4/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :) 

Restaurant Review: Taj Mahal Hotel

Place: Taj Mahal Hotel
Location: Next to Chandana Bros., S.D. Road, Secunderabad
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with family)

Food: 8/10
Service: 7.5/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Meal for 4: Rs. 406/-

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Chung Hua

Place: Chung Hua
Location: Behind Balaji Grand Bazaar, Basheerbhag (Road next to Mor Medical Hall)
Cuisine: Chinese
Meal: Dinner (with amma and bro)

Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 3: Rs. 654/-

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Men In Black 3

Overall, an average film. It could have been way better, but is not. However, thanks to some good acting, its watchable. Give it a shot at your leisure. 

Acting: 8/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 6/10
Technical Aspects: 8/10
Is it worth your time and money??: If you’ve liked the MIB series thus far or if gross alien stuff doesn’t freak you out, then yes. You may watch it for Will Smith. 

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: 4 Seasons

Place: 4 Seasons
Location: Opp. RTA Office, Tolichowki
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner

Food: 7.5/10
Service: 5/10
Ambiance: 6/10
Meal for 3: Rs. 2010/-

Verdict: 6.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Veggies 365

Place: Veggie 365
Location: Madhapur Main Road
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner

Food: 6.5/10
Service: 5/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 4: Rs. 551/-

Verdict: 6.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Cafe Nandini

Place: Cafe Nandini
Location: Jubilee Hills Checkpost
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner

Food: 8/10
Service: 6/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Meal for 3: Rs. 338/-

Verdict: 7/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Department

Overall, a disappointing film. Ram Gopal Varma has definitely got the talent, no doubt about that. But he seems to ditch it and tries to make some dumb-ass films at times. Department just happens to be one of those films. Can the real RGV please stand up?? 

Acting: 5/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 4/10
Technical Aspects: 5/10
Is it worth your time and money??: I so wanna say yes for I want you to go through what I went through. But I’ll be nice and request you to stay away from Department. RGV has gone bonkers, and so will you if you do go watch it. Stay away!!

Verdict: 4.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

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Restaurant Review: Relish (Mumbai)

Place: Relish - International Veg Cuisine
Location: Prem Court, Tata Road, Churchgate, Mumbai
Cuisine: Continental
Meal: Lunch

Food: 9.5/10
Service: 9/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 588/-

Verdict: 9.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Jalpaan

Place: Jalpaan
Location: 4th Floor, Oasis Center, Somajiguda
Cuisine: Buffet
Meal: Lunch (with bro)

Food: 7.5/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 1: Rs. 314/-

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Sahib Sindh Sultan

Place: Sahib Sindh Sultan
Location: 5th Floor, City Center, Road No.1, Banjara Hills
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with family)

Food: 9/10
Service: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Meal for 4: Rs. 2663/-

Verdict: 8.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Sandarshini

Place: Sandarshini
Location: Masab Tank, towards Banjara Hills Rd. No. 1
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with family)

Food: 8/10
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Service: 6.5/10
Meal for 1: Rs. 124/-

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Ishaqzaade

Overall, an entertaining film. Plus points are good performances and Parineeti. A dull second half and the cliched climax form the other extreme. It’s not a movie you need to run to the theater for, unless you wanna watch the gorgeous/pretty/beautiful Parineeti scorch the screen.

Acting: 8.5/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 5/10
Technical Aspects: 8/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Hmm… That’s a tough one. I guess yes, for its got some awesome performances by Parineeti, and even Arjun. Give it a shot at your leisure.

Verdict: 7/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Gabbar Singh

Overall, a decent film. If Salman Khan made Dabangg the third highest–grossing Bollywood film of all time, thanks to PK, Gabbar Singh has the potential to be the highest-grossing Tollywood film. Its boring at times, and makes you yawn. Nevertheless, its few amazing moments and what fans term as Pawanism make this film work.

Acting: 7.5/10

Story-Screenplay-Direction: 6.5/10

Technical Aspects: 7/10

Is it worth your time and money??: After a couple of disasters, a decent Telugu film. Give it a shot!! It’s way better than any of the other crap playing in town!! :) 

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Sitara Grand

Place: Sitara Grand 

Location: KPHB Phase 1, Kukatpally
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with family and friends)

Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Meal for 7: Rs. 1300/- (approx)

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Sizzling Joe

Place: Sizzling Joe 

Location: Food Court, GVK One, Banjara Hills
Cuisine: Continental
Meal: Dinner

Food: 3/10

Service: 4/10
Ambiance: NA
Meal for 1: Rs. 200/-

Verdict: 3/10


For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Hugo

Overall, Hugo is an epic masterpiece expertly crafted by one of the finest directors of our time. It might be a little too long, but the heart wrenching tale of the twelve-year-old hooks you to your seat and makes you a part his adventure. It’s a film with a message, one which tells you that you have a purpose in this world, one which tells you never to stop chasing your dreams. I am inspired, and hope you will be too. Go watch it!!

Acting: 9.5/10
Story-Screenplay-Direction: 9/10
Technical Aspects: 9.5/10
Is it worth your time and money??: Absolutely!! It’s a must watch for every film buff!!

Verdict: 9.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Vicky Donor

Overall, a lovely movie with some impeccable direction and acting. The fact that a tabooed subject with sex as its background is able to run packed houses without being derogative in any sense shows how good this film actually is. It’s one film you might enjoy with your family as well. The second best film of the year for me (after Kahaani).

Acting: 9/10

Story-Screenplay-Direction: 8.5/10

Technical Aspects: 9/10

Is it worth your time and money??: Yes, don’t miss it!

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: The Avengers

Overall, an entertaining film. Some great acting, good direction and amazing effects make this a must watch for every action film fan. Whether you've watched the rest of the series or not, you'll surely enjoy this one. Go get Hulk smashed!!

Acting: 9/10

Story-Screenplay-Direction: 9/10

Technical Aspects: 9/10

Is it worth your time and money??: Yes, totally worth it!!

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Dammu

Overall, go watch this flick only if you happen to be a family or NTR fan. There is big possibility that you might get disappointed too, but hey, if you don’t watch it, who else will??

Acting: 6/10 

Story-Screenplay-Direction: 2/10
Technical Aspects: 6/10
Is it worth your time and money??: No, unless you happen to be this huge NTR fan.

Verdict: 4.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Chillys

Place: Chillys 

Location: Next to Paradise, S.D Road, Secunderabad
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with cousins)

Food: 8/10
Service: 9.5/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Meal for 6: Rs. 1763/-

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Rubaiyat

Place: Rubaiyat
Location: Cyber Pearl, Hitech City
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with my family)

Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Meal for 4: Rs. 2263/- (with a couple of drinks)

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Via Milano

Place: Via Milano
Location: Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills
Cuisine: Italian
Meal: Lunch (with a friend)

Food: 9/10
Service: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 1555/-

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Viva Italia

Place: Viva Italia
Location: Ground floor, White House, Next to Lifestyle Building, Begumpet
Cuisine: Italian
Meal: Dinner

Food: 9.5/10
Service: 9.5/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 210/- (Pizza and Pasta)
Meal for 1: Rs. 140 (Pizza and Toast)

Verdict: 9.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Haveli

Place: Haveli
Location: My Home Tycoon (Lifestyle Building), Begumpet
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with friends)

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Meal for 4: Rs 799/-

Verdict: 8.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Ohri's Banjara

Place: Ohri’s Banjara
Location: Road No. 12, Banjara Hills
Cuisine: Deserts

Deserts: 9.5/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Damage: Rs. 320/-

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Titanic (3D)

Now how does one rate a classic like Titanic?? I was 11 years old when the movie first released and I still remember the first time I went to watch it. I barely had any knowledge about movies back then, but the sheer grandeur and brilliance of this movie made me watch it a billion times over and over!! (Twice in the last five days in 3D!!) 

After working on action classics like The Terminator, Rambo, Aliens and True Lies, James Cameron comes up with one of the best romantic, epic movies of all times. The way he adds fiction to the true story is absolutely brilliant. The script is too long, dialogues a little cheesy, screenplay a tad slow, but the whole package together is so beautiful that you end up falling in love with the movie. Bottom line, I’m no one to talk about this man. 

Twenty-two year old Kate Winslet looks gorgeous as Rose DeWitt Bukate, and plays her role to perfection. Her performance in the climax is so bloody haunting that I have goosebumps even now thinking about it. Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal as Jack Dawson is one of his best works to date. The chemistry between them is probably the finest you will ever see on-screen. The rest of the cast, Billy Zane, Bill Paxton, Kathy Bates, Victor Garber, and every other actor, is excellent. It’s a shame that it didn’t win any Oscars for acting!

Cinematography by Russell Carpenter is absolutely splendid. The way he captured the romantic moments between Rose and Jack in the first half, and the disastrous sinking in the later half is terrific. It is one of the best work on cinematography I’ve seen to date. Editing by James Cameron, Conrad Buff IV and Richard A. Harris is perfect. Music by James Horner is absolutely brilliant. Be it the foot tapping Irish music for the real party under-decks, the musicians playing till the last-minute before the sink, or the ever loved “My Heart Will Go On”, master-pieces!! 

James Cameron spent over a year with 300 people to digitally remaster the 1997 version into 3D. And the effort pays off, for it was fantastic to watch this masterpiece on big screen again. The 3D effect wasn’t so great, but seriously, who cares?? It’s TITANIC!! 3D or not, go re-live this magnum opus all over again! 

Verdict: NA (now this is a classic!!)

Movie Review: Racha

I have to admit this, what a film! If I had no brains, this definitely would have been a classic. Thank god for I am still sane and haven’t lost it yet!

Firstly, I’d like to know if the director Sampath Nandi is an educated man. If so, is he from this generation, or is he re-living in his after life?? Cos in my opinion, no sensible man would try to make such kind of dumb-ass pathetic movie. The story made no absolute sense, and the screenplay was horrendous. The best part for me was when, out of the blue, our villain arranges for traps and Ninja warriors in a jungle in AP, minutes after discovering where our hero is. I mean how did he even do that?? Wow!!

Ram Charan, where do I even start?? Ok, his dances are pretty good, but someone needs to tell this moron (spare my words), that his dances alone are not going to make him a mega power star or what ever he’s called. Trust me, if he weren’t Chiranjeevi’s son (who happens to be one of my favorite “actors”), this guy wouldn’t even get to be hero’s sidekick. Maghadeera was a hit because of Rajamouli, not this jackass.

The whole cast was absolutely wasted. Senior artists like Bramhanadam, Ali, Kota, Geeta, Mukesh Rushi, Nassar all looked like idiots. Cinematography by Sameer Reddy was alright (thank god for that), but editing by Gowtham Raju was pathetic. It’s the worst editing I’ve seen so far, for the scene changed on most occasions even without the artiste completing his or her dialogue. Dialogues bu Paruchri Brothers are a disaster. And music?? It was a relief, trust me, to have songs barging in into the script without any reason. Except for “Vaana Vaana” song, the rest were alright (Even third grade remixes are better than the one used in the movie). 

Overall, a disaster. If this film is declared a hit (which I believe it is), I can’t imagine what will happen to the Telugu industry in the future.

Verdict: 4.5/10

I give this film a 4.5, for it made me laugh my lungs out on most occasions. The sheer stupidity was a pleasure to watch!!

For a satirical review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

PS: The god’s did show mercy on me for I dared to watch this film. They not only got me a free ticket, but a cola, refreshments and additional 100 rupees!!

Restaurant Review: Veggie 365

Place: Veggie 365
Location: Madhapur Main Road
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner (with a friend)

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 230/-

Verdict: 8.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Shanghai Chef

Place: Shanghai Chef

Location: Madhapur Main Road, Next to Hyderabad House
Cuisine: Chinese, Thai
Meal: Dinner

Food: 8/10
Service: 4/10
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Meal for 5: Rs. 1540/-

Verdict: 6.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Arena - Taj Deccan

Place: Arena

Location: Taj Deccan, Rd. No. 1, Banjara Hills
Cuisine: Multi-cuisine
Meal: Dinner (with amma)

Food: 7.5/10
Service: 6/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 1240/-

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Chutneys

Place: Chutneys
Location: Nagarjuna Circle
Cuisine: South-Indian
Meal: Brunch

Food: 8/10
Service: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Meal for 1: Rs. 237/- (This could in fact be counted as a meal for 2 )

Verdict: 8.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Santosh Banjara

Place: Santosh Banjara
Location: Rd. No. 12, Next to Pizza Hut, Banjara Hills
Cuisine: Indian
Meal: Dinner

Food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 4/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 322/-

Verdict: 7/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Cream & Fudge

Place: Cream & Fudge 

Location: Next to Porshe showroom, Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills
Cuisine: Desert

Desert: 8.5/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Damage: Rs 440 /-

Verdict: 8.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Famous Ice-creams

Place: Famous Ice-creams
Location: Mozamjahi Market
Cuisine: Desert

Desert: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Damage: Rs. 50/-

Verdict: 8.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Agent Vinod

Agent Vinod is one of the weirdest films I’ve seen in recent times. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad film in entirety, but the taking, screenplay and cinematography were so bloody confusing that I began to wonder if The Matrix was simpler to understand.

Director Sriram Raghavan seemed to have been inspired from Casino Royale so much for he decided to make this film on pretty much like it. The plot is no where close, but to me, it seemed like a lot of shots were rip off’s from the James Bond film. Saif Ali Khan tried really hard and put a lot of time and effort to become the Indian Bond. He even put his decision on marrying Kareena on hold until the film was out. Alas, though he comes up with a pretty good performance, the boring, boring script fails him. Except for him, the millions of actors playing different characters in the film do nothing but confuse you. Of them, Kareena looked the most out of sorts.

The fast paced action in the film is so bloody fast that you can neither make head nor tail out of what’s happening on-screen. The cinematography, thought brilliant in few episodes, could have been way better. The screenplay, especially in the first half, is so confusing, that I couldn’t differentiate between the good and the bad guys.

Agent Vinod is a film you can watch once. Give it a shot if you have nothing else to do this weekend!!

Verdict: 6.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Jiva Imperia

Place: Jiva Imperia

Location: White House Building, Begumpet
Cuisine: Buffet
Meal: Dinner

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Meal for 3: Rs. 1147/- (Buffet: Rs. 299/- per head)

Verdict: 8.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Olive Garden

Place: Olive Garden 

Location: Hitech City Main Road
Cuisine: Indian
Buffet Meal: Lunch

Food: 7.5/10
Service:6/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Meal for 4: Rs. 950/- (Buffet: Rs. 199/- + Taxes per head)

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Mozzarella

Place: Mozzarella Global Cuisine
Location: Opp. Audi showroom, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills
Cuisine: Buffet
Meal: Lunch

Food: 7.5/10
Ambiance: 8.5/10
Service: 8/10
Meal for 1: Rs. 320/-

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Kahaani

Vidya oh Vidya!! Wait, did I start my The Dirty Picture review with the same line?? Actually, who cares, for Vidya Balan has stumped me again!! This girl is absolutely brilliant, and is most probably gonna win all awards even in 2013!

Kahaani is a thought-provoking suspense thriller. It’s not perfect by any means, but the sheer presence of Vidya Balan, and some beautiful performances by the rest of the cast makes you forget all its flaws. Vidya is, am running out of adjectives here, stunning, and Parambrata Chatterjee is brilliant. After delivering a couple of duds, director Sujoy Ghosh comes up with a winner with the help of his co-writers Ritesh Shah, Sutapa Sikdar and Advaita Kala. As mentioned in the film, a pregnant woman searching for her lost husband against all odds makes you feel for her, and you can’t help but take part in her quest. Sujoy was able to maintain the tempo perfectly, creating beautiful moments, not once giving away the suspense to make you a part of that quest. Exciting screenplay, excellent cinematography in the bustling by-lanes of Kolkatta, and a decent background score keep you, maybe not at the edge of you seat, but close enough.

Kahaani was not so well promoted, and doesn’t have good openings to boast off. It’s got no dancing numbers nor any sleazy skin shows. But it’s got Vidya, and Vidya brings all the entertainment we need. After The Wednesday, this is one of the best Bollywood thrillers I’ve come across. Don’t miss it!!

Verdict: 8/10 + 1 for Vidya 

And for the first time so far, amma loved a movie more than me.
Amma’s Verdict: 9.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Xtreme Sports Bar

Place: Xtreme Sports Bar 

Location: KBR Park Road, Rd. No. 2, Banjara Hills
Cuisine: Lounge Meal: Dinner 

Food: 8/10
Drinks: 8/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Meal for 1: Rs. 496/-

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: The Artist

I knew this was the toughest review I was ever going to write even before watching the movie, but boy, was it an experience. Jean Dujardin, man, take a bow, for you were out of this world!! (He now joins the list of my all time favorite actors).

The moment you know that it’s a black and white silent movie, you have this notion in your head, a notion you cannot describe. But having enjoyed the all time Indian silent classic Pushpak years ago, I kinda was motivated to watch this film (even before it won the Oscars). I am glad I did. 

The Artist is a movie which you can connect with. It’s very predictable at times, but brilliant, moving yet humorous performances by Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo and every other cast member, not to forget the dog, Uggy, make you fall in love with them. Every character is so well written that you can emotionally connect with them. The cinematography, though in black and white is absolutely mind-blowing, and the direction perfect. The background musical score adds so much life to the film. The screenplay was good, though, pardon my ignorance if that’s how it’s supposed to be in b&w classics, was kinda slow at times. 

Overall, a fabulous film, one of the best I’ve seen so far. If you wanna have a delightful experience, go watch The Artist, with pleasure! 

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: De Thali

Place: De Thali
Location: White House, Next to Life Style, Begumpet
Cuisine: Rajasthani, Gujarati
Meal: Lunch

Food: 8/10
Service: 7.5/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Meal for 1: Rs. 189/- (all-inclusive)

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Liu's Chinese

Place: Liu’s Chinese Restaurant
Restaurant Location: S.D Road, in the lane behind Nanking, Secnderabad
Cuisine: Chinese
Meal: Dinner

Food: 3/10 (Vegetarian only)
Ambiance: 7/10
Service: 4/10
Meal for 3: Rs. 786/- (Veg – Rs. 400/-)

Verdict: 3.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Ishq

Well, I expected Ishq to be a mass film, but it turned out to be this classy entertainer. Someone on my facebook page said Ishq is a hit for Nitin after a long time. I don’t know how big a hit it will be, but for what it is, it will definitely run.

It could have been way better with a little more effort from the director Vikram Kumar (Story-Screenplay-Direction). The movie starts of well, but the first half was such a drag. Good, but the screenplay ruins the moments. It resembles Ala Modalaindi quite a bit too. Nevertheless the film picks up pace in the second half and takes you on a roller coaster ride.

Nitin looked dashing, Nitya Menon bubbly, and Ajay superb. Plus points are good acting performances and entertaining second half. A pacier first half could have worked wonders for the film. On the whole, Ishq works both for class audience and mass audience.

Verdict: 7.5/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Poola Rangadu

I’ve never seen a comedian, or should I say a hero, build a six-pack body for ten minutes of a film. Sunil, respect. And ya, take a bow!!

Poola Rangadu is a regular mass masala flick with not much depth to it. It’s a film which makes no sense in reality, but who cares about the story and practicality as long as it caters to the mass audience, right? The plot is very similar to Maryada Ramanna, and there isn’t much scope for Sunil to change his style. Yet, he managed to carry the film on his shoulders and entertains to the fullest. His dances are superb, and his body, well, he could give Salman Khan a run for his money.

Plus points are Sunil, comedy and the climax fight. It’s been a long time since I laughed so much for a Telugu film (though it made no proper sense). On the flip side, the story is very predictable with nothing new to offer, and the screenplay is mediocre. It kinda stumps me that Sunil accepted to do a similar kinda film all over again.

If you don’t happen to love mass comedy flicks which make no sense, Poola Rangadu isn’t for you. If that’s what you crave for, it will entertain you to the fullest. Go enjoy the “Pocha Mummy Festival”!

Verdict: 6/10 + 1 for Sunil!

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Love Failure

Firstly, I thought I was going in to watch a straight Telugu film, not a dubbed one. With that out, let me talk about Love Failure.

M. Balaji has made some awesome short films. I absolutely love his work. He kinda makes you feel that it is you he's talking about. Love Failure is one such short film, unfortunately, one which is dragged for more than two hours. If you've seen his work before,there nothing new the film has to offer. He's got a couple of episodes from Mittai Veedu, and the rest is an extended version of the original nine minute Kadhalil Sothapuvathu Eppedi. He's even got most of the cast reprising their roles.

Siddharth is good in the leading role and really tries hard to woo you. Amala Paul is decent to look at, although I kinda felt her to be outta place. The dialogues are brilliant, music is decent, and direction spot-on. However, the draggy never-ending story pulls the film down. First half is pacy and the second half makes you yawn. The biggest blunder, atleast for me, is that the film actually ain't about love failure; it's about infatuation failure. (I say that with a lot of experience. If this is love, then, argh, nevermind!!)

It's got its moments in abundant and reminds you about yourself a zillion times. But Love Failure fails to create the magic. It's more of a teenage love story (infatuation) with a predictable ending, and looks more like a youtube film than a commercial feature film. Bottom-line, it's not something you need to run to the theaters for, nevertheless, a decent watch.

Verdict: 7/10

For a deatiled review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Post Jab We Met, we've had a bunch of chirpy love stories release. Most of them had the same old concept of rich kids (either one) falling in love, then breaking up, and finally ending up together (Anjaana Anjaani, Break Ke Baad, etc). From the trailer, this pretty much looked like one of those films. There were even rumors of it being a Hollywood rip-off. But, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu is nothing like those idiotic flicks, nor is it a rip-off. It's a very cute little movie with some excellent, if not brilliant performances.

Directed by debutante Shakun Batra, EMAET has its heart in the right place. It is not one of those typical love stories (I would infact not categorize it as a love story). It's more of a lighthearted comedy with friendship as its backdrop. Imran Khan is getting better as an actor, Kareena, well, is just gorgeous, and their chemistry is great. Perfect casting, decent music, excellent cinematography, slick screenplay, what more do you need to make a good feature film??

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu might be predictive, but is a very well executed movie with a refreshing feel to it. Some might not like it, but I did, and suggest you go watch it.

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: 100 Degrees

Place: 100 Degrees
Location: Necklace Road, Ranigunj, Secunderabad
Cuisine: Continental Meal: Dinner (with mom and dad)

Food: 9/10
Service: 8.5/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Meal for 3: Rs. 1006/-

Verdict: 9/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Anand Sagar

Place: Anand Sagar
Location: Dharam Karam Road, Ameerpet
Cuisine: Indian

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 5/10
Meal for 2: Rs. 145/-

Verdict: 8/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Restaurant Review: Vasudev Dhaba

Place: Vasudev Dhaba
Location: Sindhi Colony, Secunderabad
Cuisine: Indian

Food: 6/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 6.5/10
Meal for 3: Rs. 531/-

Verdict: 6/10 

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me :)

Movie Review: Agneepath

Ok, firstly, I am no big fan of Amitabh's 1990 version of Agneepath, and so went to watch the movie with no expectations. But still, I walked out of the theater with a head ache. Karan Malhotra and Karan Johar, what the hell was that?? I mean, I really wonder what these guys were thinking when they started to make the movie. With this script, and the obvious comparisons to the 1990's film, they should have known that it was an absolute disaster in the making!

Except for Sanjay Dutt, and maybe Katrina Kaif, the film stands no ground. It is a three-hour long, slow, boring movie (did I mention long??). Sanju baba is really good, but he aint Dark Knight's Joker to save the movie. Hrithik tried really really hard to live up to Amithabh's character, but failed miserably. How can he, when he does not appear on the screen until exactly 45 minutes have passed by? And Priyanka, our irritating slum dwelling heroine makes sure that she wears designer sarees with backless blouses all the time, her pallu covering less than half of her bosom, is horrendous. The best part of the movie though is in the climax, when our Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, twice stabbed by the intimidating, bald, scary Kancha Cheena, lives long enough to avenge his father's death. I can't believe that I live in a generation where such kinda dumb and dull movies are still made.

I suggest you stay away from this movie at all costs. Instead, go buy a DVD of Amitabh's version, which though not a classic, is way way better than this version. I expect Mithunda  to entertain you much more than Chikni Chameli!!

In one sentence, it's not Agneepath, but agni pariksha for us!!

Verdict: 3/10

For a detailed review, please visit sasikanth.me/agneepath

Moving!!

Hello!!

I've got myself a new domain sasikanth.me, wherein I shall be posting my further reviews. Hope to see you on my new site..

Thanks :)

Restaurant Review: Papa Johns

Place: Papa Johns

Location: Road No. 12, Opp. Nissan showroom,  Banjara Hills

Cuisine: Pizza

Meal: Lunch (with a couple of friends)

After enjoying a movie, we decided to go hog at Papa Johns. I loved their pizza's while in the US, their garlic sauce is yumm!! So here we were at their Road No. 12 outlet at about 3:00 PM on Saturday afternoon. One table was occupied, and rest of the place was empty. We sat in a corner and took a while to decide on our order.

We ordered a Meal for Two (half and half of  Small Garden Special and Veg. Barbecue pizza, a portion of Cheese Sticks, and 2 x Pepsi), Tandoori Chicken for One, Original Breadsticks and a bottle of water. We sat there for about 30 minutes thereafter, but nothing, not even the water or Pepsi's were served. When after that long we asked the waiter to get us the water at least, he serves the Cheese Sticks. After about 10 minutes, the Pepsi's were served, but still no water. Then he brings us the Pizza for Two, which was supposed to be a half and half, but it turns out to only Garden Special. We ask for a replacement and he takes the pizza back in. Then came the water, along with Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks, not the Original Breadsticks we ordered. At this point I totally lost it. I asked if the Manager was in the store, and was answered in positive. Five minutes later, another waiter comes and informs us that the Manager is not in the store. 

We walked out!! 

Ten minutes after we sat at our table, the place was empty. We were the only customers in the store and it took the waiter more than 30 minutes to get a bottle of water. And then he messes up our order big time. We would have continued with our meal if the Manager (who was told to be in store) attended to us, but he was amiss. 

I had great expectations from this place. Their pizza's are good, no doubt about that. But if the service is this pathetic, I would never return to this store. Surprisingly, these were the same guys who delivered a pizza on time when I ordered one on New Year's eve. But such horrid service is not going to gain them customers in the restaurant. 

Food: NA

Ambiance: 7/10

Service: 0/10

Dumbo's Rating: 3/10


PS: We did taste the Cheese Sticks. They were good but not great.

Restaurant Review: Roti Shhoti

Place: Roti Shotti

Location: Opp. ICICI Bank, Prenderghast Road, Secunderabad

Cuisine: North-Indian, Chinese

Meal: Dinner (with Mom and Dad)

I've been wanting to try out a new (good) restaurant for a really long time. Googled a bit and found this vegetarian restaurant with good reviews. So decided to give it a try. I didn't know the exact location, so called in to ask for directions. The guy was very cheerful and helped me pinpoint the restaurant. So here we were, at around 9:00 PM on Friday evening. It was bigger than I expected. We walked in, and the place was abuzz. They have a party hall, and the crowd in there was very loud. We were promptly seated at a table for four. The ambiance was alright. I believe its a house redone into a restaurant. 

The reviews mentioned this place to be light on pockets, but the menu had another story to tell. It was expensive, but not exorbitant. I read good things about their "Potato and Spinach Honey Chilli" and "Anjeer Panner Kabab", so decided to order them. The "Anjeer Panner Kabab", which was their specialty, was unavailable, so instead ordered "Tiranga Panner Tikka". We were suggested to order "Manchow Soup", so decided to give it a try.

It took less than 10 minutes for the soup to be served, and it was good. It was a bit spicy, and had a nice flavor to it. The fried noodles were giving it a nice taste. Then came the "Potato and Spinach Honey Chilli". I've never ordered anything potato for a starter before, and was hoping this would be good. And it was. It was spicy, but the honey flavor made it taste delicious. The aloo was boiled to perfection. Named "Potato and Spinach..", there was barely any spinach in the dish though. It was served along with tangy schezwan sauce which was yumm. Dad loved it. The quantity was so good and we were struggling to finish it.

In about 15 more minutes, the tikka was served. The presentation was very good, and the panner looked fresh. But we were kinda disappointed with the taste. There was no proper flavor to the dish, and it was as if we were eating raw panner. The stuffing was very very less, and had no taste to it. I don't need to go to a restaurant and spend 160 bucks to eat charred panner, do I??

For the main course, we ordered "Khazane E Lazzat" (their version of Malai Kofta, stuffed with nuts), Warqi Paratha, Mughalai Naan (Naan stuffed with nuts and coconut) and a Masala Kulcha. Again the Mughalai Naan was unavailable (something I was looking forward to taste), so we were suggested "Mirchi Pyaaz ki Roti".

The kofta's gravy was delicious, but the koftas were bad. They were very hard, and I barely found any nuts stuffed into them. The gravy was very thick, and had a keseri flavor to it. It was mildly sweet. The Masala Kulcha was really good; soft, properly stuffed, and oozing out butter. The Warqi Paratha was ok, nothing great. I was expecting the mirchi roti to be spicy, but it wasn't. It was actually really good. 

Overall, except for the soup and the honey potato, rest of the food was nothing great. I went in with high expectations and was partly disappointed. For the price, the quantity of the food served was good, but items from the menu being unavailable didn't help the case. Also, the place was a little too loud, which was kinda annoying. I'd mostly prefer Santoshi to this place for its easy on the pockets. It is definitely not the best vegetarian restaurant in town as other reviews suggest, but wasn't bad either.

Food: 7/10

Service: 7.5/10

Ambiance: 8/10

Meal for 3: Rs. 777/-

Dumbo's Rating: 7.5/10

Movie Review: Businessman (Edit)

Mahesh and Puri!! Their last film broke Telugu movie records, and you expect this one to be a bigger and better movie. But due to my recent experiences, I went to watch without any expectations, and at the end of the film I walked out quite satisfied. The movie makes no sense, has no story or nothing, but thanks to the brilliant acting by Mahesh, and pretty good dialogues by Puri, Businessman is a decent watch.

Filming for the first time without his favorite actors Ali or Brahmanandam, Puri Jagannadh makes Businessman without a comedy track. Thanks to the slick screenplay, you never notice the lack of comedy though. There are highs and lows, but overall, it works. Might not be as big a hit as Pokiri, and might not run in multiplexes, but is sure to run houseful in B and C centers.

Watch it only for Mahesh and Puri. If you like neither of them, still go watch it!

(Actually, after second watch, I have a feeling it will break Pokiri's records very easily)

Dumbo's Rating: 7.5/10 + 0.5 for Mahesh!!

For a detailed review, read on...

Plot
The movie kicks off with the police commissioner (Nassar) declaring Mumbai to be a Mafia-free zone. Surya (Mahesh Babu) lands in the city with the intentions of becoming a don, and in his own words, to make Mumbai  beep. He takes the local goons, and the local minister Lalu (Sayaji Shinde) under his control. He makes the commissioner's daughter Chitra (Kajal Aggarwal) fall in love with him, and later falls for her himself. The rest of the film (not story) is about Surya's real intentions and how he turns mafia into a business.


Actors Performance
Mahes Babu is terrific as Surya. He looks uber cool and dashing. He has his way with the dialogues, and thanks to Puri, he mouths some terrific stuff. His expressions, intensity and antics are really good, and I loved his acting in the climax episode. He does create some humor (only humor in the film) as well. But I really feel that he needs to try something different from these kinds flicks. He's one of the better actors in the industry today, and I believe that he has more potential than this.

Kajal looks great, but when it comes to acting, she sucks. But trust me, she's way better than rest of the Telugu heroines. Nassar is really good in the role of the commissioner. Other than him, no one has any major role. Prakash Raj, Subbaraju, Sayaji Shinde are all alright. Dharmavarapu tries to create some laughter, and is ok. The girl who played Kajal's friend (Ayesha) was really really annoying the first time around, but you kinda get used to her.

Story-Screenplay-Direction
Puri Jagannadh thanked Ramgopal Varma at the start of the film for helping him come up with the idea of Businessman. For a second there, I thought I was gonna walk out with a headache. But thankfully, Puri just uses RGV's style of movie making. There is honestly no story to the movie, but he has a concept, and he uses it for two and half hours. Thanks to the amazingly scripted dialogues, the concept, or rather the film works. Since there is no story, the screenplay needed to be effective, and Puri makes sure that its crisp. Every scene is effectively planned, and very well shot. There was not a single boring moment in the film. The climax was a little too weak and predictive though. Direction is pretty decent. He makes Mahesh look really really good.

Other Departments
Music by Taman is good. He's copied tunes from various films, yes, but they still work. After a really long time, I loved the theme music of a Telugu film. 'Bhag Saale' is impressive. The re-recording and sound effects are very good. Cinematography by Shyam K. Naidu is alright. The close up shots were canned well.  Editing by S. R. Shekhar is perfect.  Choreography by Dinesh is mediocre, and could have been way better. Production values by R.R. Movie Makers are good.

My only problem with the movie was the censoring. I mean, since when did cleavages or bikini shots get blurred in a movie?? Forget cleavages, even the thigh of the item girl was blurred. Same thing with the dialogues. When the movie is given 'A' rating, I don't see a point for the censor board in being so harsh. Not that I want to see stuff or hear shitty dialogues, but hope that it doesn't become a trend.

Restaurant Review: Thai Express

Place: Thai Express

Location: Above Qmart, Road No. 3, Banjara Hills

Cuisine: Thai (and Chinese)

Meal: Dinner (with mom and dad)

After a really long time, here I was trying out a new restaurant. Wanted to try Thai Express, which was right next to my house for a really long time. Called in advance and made a reservation for three, but when I walked in, the place was pretty empty. It had good ambiance, and the decors were pretty decent. We were promptly seated at a table for 6.

Though the place was empty, it took a while for the waiter to attend to us. We ordered the Tom Kha soup and Golden Money Rolls for starters. I wanted to have Basil fried rice really bad, for I loved the one they served at Thai restaurants in the US. They had Basil curry served with white Rice, but no Basil Fried Rice. So instead went for their special (recommended) Tom Yum Fried Rice, along with Veg Drunken Fire Noodles. I wanted to order another vegetable dish, and when I asked the waiter, he suggested Phat Thai Vegetables with gravy.

It kinda took forever for the soup to be served, and further long for the rolls. The soup looked yummy, but it wasn't as good as it looked. It was very thin, and was made of watery coconut milk. The vegetables, were a little raw as well. Flavor was alright, but overall, disappointment. 

The rolls, thankfully were awesome. Crispy, perfectly baked, and the stuffing was spicy and tasty. The sweet chilli sauce (mix of duck sauce and chilli sauce) was yummy. 

After a long long long wait, rest of the food was served. The food was presented very well, and I really was hoping that it would be as good as the rolls if not the soup. The Drunken Fire Noodles with Vegetables was excellent, and was the best of the lot. It was spicy, and perfect. There was a slight lemon touch, which made it taste delicious. I wish he'd given more of the crushed peanuts. 

The Phat Thai Vegetables was served with white rice. Though the curry tasted alright, the rice was of bad quality, and a little over cooked. For a recommended dish, I honestly expected something better than this.

The worst of the lot though was the Thai Express Special Tom Yum Fried Rice! It was fiery spicy, and had no flavor to it. I asked the guy to modify it by adding a little salt, but that made no difference. He infact made it more spicy. Again, the quality of the rice was bad. Pathetic!!

Overall, a big disappointment. Except for the Golden Money Rolls and Drunken Fire Noodles, the rest of the food was bad, if not pathetic. The quantity of the Noodles and the curry was good, but the amount of rice was really less. For such exorbitant prices, I'd expect better quantity. Added to that was the horrible service. I had to keep asking the waiter to fill my water glass every time it got empty. The best part was when I asked him to fill my glass, he did, but didn't bother to fill either dad's nor mom's glasses which were both empty as well!!

I am definitely not going back to this place for a really really long time. Visit at your own risk, but if you do, do try their rolls and noodles.

Food: 6.5/10

Ambiance: 9/10

Service:4/10

Meal for 3: Rs. 1080/-

Dumbo's Rating: 5/10