The movie was internationally acclaimed and everyone involved in the movie went on to become major stars. The movie, made on a budget of Rs. 45 lakhs went on to gross more than Rs. 4 crores, a record at that time. Mother India is still cherished and the innocence and the power shown in the movie are unmatched till now, maybe forever. So before we get back to our weekly round up, we salute the creator Mehboob Khan for giving us this masterpiece.

Now it’s time to check our Friday debutants. This is a quiet weekend for Kollywood, which has four Bollywood entries and one from Hollywood. Now let’s analyze each of these movies.

Mumbai Salsa

A Vikram Bhatt movie; that itself would keep many, a good mile away from the theatre halls. But the current Salsa craziness might help the movie to some extent. Another positive aspect is that the popular stand-up comedian Vir Das debuts with this movie. He has attained a major fan following by being one of the best comedians in the Lo Kar Lo Baat program and after hosting the “Cricket Crazy” program in the recently concluded T20 world cup. Will Vir Das be able to bring a much needed hit to Vikram Bhatt, who has been churning out duds for many years now, and recently with “Speed,” released just a week ago?

Why you should see this movie: Because you love Vir Das and want to know what he is up to.

Why you shouldn’t: It’s directed by Vikram Bhatt.

Bal Ganesh

The movie was released a month ago in the other parts of the country. Looks like once again the Chennai audience are taken for granted. Bal Ganesh is sure to attract the “Hanuman” fans, but this movie is not an out and out 2D movie but a mixture of both 2D and real life. Will the children flock the theatres as they did for Hanuman is to be seen.

Why you should see the movie: Because you can’t wait for Hanuman 2 which is to hit the screens in December.

Why you shouldn’t: The fans of Finding Nemos and Shreks will hate this low-class animation.

Jab We Met

This has all the ingredients to become a dark horse at the box-office. The music of Pritam is a rage among the crowds and the recent breakup between Shahid and Kareena has given enough negative publicity to secure a good opening. The subtle romantic comedy will be a welcome relief for the audience who has been filled with mindless comedies and action thrillers. Will the couple at least win in the reel life? Let’s see.

Why you should see the movie: Because you want to see the Shahid–Kareena pair for one last time.

Why you shouldn’t: Shahid has been a bad chooser of scripts, which is evident in the series of flops after his successful “Ishq Vishq,” except “Vivah,” of course.

Good German

Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney come back together for this world war epic. It’s a murder mystery coupled with love and war. The director has tried very hard to attain the feel of classic old cinema and has achieved it too. But the movie is pretty slow for the Indian audience, but is expected to attract a niche audience. Good German was released almost a year ago in other countries and it was also nominated for the Oscars. Most of the movie lovers would have got the DVD by now.

Why you should see the movie: Because you are a big fan of Steven Soderbergh or George Clooney or both.

Why you shouldn’t: Because you already have the DVD.

Now for the behindwoods pick of the week.

Behindwoods pick of the week is No Smoking.

Should we say more? No smoking is one of the much-expected movies as it is directed by Anurag Kashyap, considered as one of the most controversial and gifted directors of our time. This is strange indeed as he is just three films old (including No smoking) of which one is yet to be released (Paanch) and another was a flop (Black Friday), but was critically acclaimed as the best. No smoking is also internationally acclaimed when it was premiered in the Rome International Festival, recently.

The trailer of the movie is very good and promises to be very dark and very different. The star cast includes John Abraham, Ayesha Takia and Paresh Rawal and special appearance by Saif Ali Khan and Bipasha Basu will increase its glitter. Music by Vishal Baradwaj, who also happens to be the producer of the film, is being lapped up by the music freaks. The unconventional music has increased the expectations of the movie. Hope the movie lives up to the hype.

Why you should watch the movie: Because you want to see a meaningful cinema and you are a big fan of Anurag Kashyap.

Why you shouldn’t: You can’t digest dark movies.

Verdict – Jab we met The Good German I said No Smoking.