Naz Cinema
(between Capitol Ave & Walnut Ave)
Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 797-2000
- Good for Kids: Yes
31 Reviews for Naz Cinema
Arrogant Management. Dirty seats. Managers extremely rude to customers. They don't accept credit card. Allow parents to bring babies to theaters. They don't trust any print out s you have (if you book your tickets online). Lousy sound system.
YES! I loved the glittering roof with the over the top blinking lights. It was $8 for a 3 hour long movie with 10 mins intermission in between. It wasn't too busy on a Saturday night. It had plenty of seats to choose from. The movie was "Race" and the experience was golden.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (3)
Walk into Naz & you immediately get hit w/ the delicious smells of curry & cardamon. Nowhere else in the Bay Area can you purchase Veggie Samosas & Mango Lassis to take into the theatre w/ you
Pay no attention to the "only white-girl in the lobby" leering - these movies will teach you that we silly white girls pine & swoon over the handsome Indian boys to no avail. Time & time again our hearts will be broken when they choose their true Indian luv & leave us at the curb.....and yet still we come back.
And I confess that it is SO TRUE :-)
I DO pine!
I DO swoon!
Best part is that we get singing, dancing, drama, laughing, tears, and love, all in one adventure .....and with a 15 min intermission to boot!
As far as movie start times? They're pretty non-existent here - think of the newspaper listings as more of a suggestion rather than an actual start time & the flick may or may not start w/in 30 min of what is listed
But this is ALL the appeal of Naz. The first experience I had (& we all remember our first) was LAGAAN. An absolutely amazing story in an amazing atmosphere - wouldn't have had it any other way
And now when I watch my Lagaan DVD, fond memories of NAZ dance through my head & make me want to keep going back!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (4)
Can I tell you something?
I'm sickly obsessed with all things Indian. My apartment drips in saris, pillows, candles, photos, bells and jangles, tapestries and colorful... well, everything. I wear at least 15 bangle bracelets, plus ridiculous jewelry and shawls and salwar blouses on a reg basis. I listen and dance to Indian music, eat the food so much I've resorted to prescription drugs for debloating, and I think Indian men are hot! hot! hot!
For these reasons, its no surprise that my Netflix queue is nothing but Bollywood, right? I also live in a TVless studio apartment, and if I told you how many nights I've cancelled plans with friends to curl up in bed, with my laptop, and watch Bollywood movies and eat gajar ka halwa, you'd commit me.
Today I was introduced to Naz. I now have a place to go to unleash the Bollywood within me (the Bollywood, I would argue, is in us all). The last time I saw a B-Wood movie in a theater in the US? That would be NEVER, friends.
Just go. You'll be treated poorly when you buy tickets, you'll be glared at when you order chaat, everyone will talk through the entire film, babies will cry, your seat will creak, the movie will be 4 hours long...
...it will be like seeing a movie in India.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
The Naz 8 so rocks my world! Yeah, it's a little funky... dark auditoriums, non-functioning toilets, and audience members who think it's just fine to carry on conversations and let their kids hop from seat to seat throughout the film, but who cares?
This is a place where I can see any damn Bollywood film I want, have a pair of delicious veggie samosas instead of or with a bag of popcorn, and marvel at the multitude of posters and blinky lights.
It's a bit of a drive from the City, but well worth it. I'll be going to the Naz 8 as often as I can for as long as it's there!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
i still remember the days when this theater used to be called the "buck fifty" theater. when i was growing up, this used to be the second-run theater that us kids would come to see older movies for cheap. now, the theater has become the premiere bollywood theater of the bay area, and all the stores and restaurants around it sell/serve indian goods and food.
i came here last night to watch jodhaa akbar, the new ashwariya rai movie, which was really good. bollywood movies are super long, and this one was no exception, w/ a 3:42 running time!! thank goodness for the intermission in between, since my butt seriously starting becoming sore from sitting so long. either way, it was worth it, as the movie was so captivating that the 4 hours went by quickly.
this theater does not have your typical movie theater snacks and serves chaat and chai! how great is that! during intermission, the bf got up and got a bhel puri to munch on during the movie, which was tasty. i will definitely come back to check out more films!!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (4)
I love the Naz 8 cinema in Southern California. I wanted to see Don last year but missed it. I wanted to see Om Shanti Om, and I missed. But then last week we piled into the car and made the trip to Fremont for something I had never heard of. It was great!
Naz 8 is what an Indian theater in Fremont should be. See you there on Tuesdays for $5 dollar movie night (I'll be the guy drinking chai and eating a samosa (at the theater! Instead of popcorn! That rocks).
Treat yourself to a little south Asian fun and go to the Naz.......
I'm glad to have the Naz8 so convenient to the Fremont BART, where I can go and spend 3 hours getting my Indian cinema fix and getting away from cynical crap that seems to pass for movies in Oakland's theatres (and yes I count ANY Pixar film as cynical crap, though I haven't seen Ratatouille, "the best reviewed film of 2007," which to me screams "cynical crap." Oh, and I did like "Juno." End of curmudgeon rant. )
Now, I can watch my DVDs of "Main Hoon Na" or "Kal Ho Naa Ho" (or any of the others) for free at my house anytime with headphones on so not even the noise of the boom cars gets through, but me, I like the experience of entertainment in a communal setting that's not precious and we're all there to have an experience together. You could watch the DVD at home by yourself, but the fun of it for me is in the group.
That's why I also love the Parkway - people are relaxed, and I often will chat with folks sitting nearby before the films starts. I've never encountered someone shutting people up so he can hear every syllable of the erudite dialog (uptight guy at Juno-Piedmont Theatre, I'm talking to you!) and have an experience as if no one was there. Sometimes people comment to each other, hey sometimes someone even hollers at the screen! And if it's funny, we laugh. You can be part of the film in a way that will never be repeated.
And if I feel really chatty, I go on Baby Brigade night, where me and my friend can comment through the whole film and be the quietest people there as the babies holler all around. Shoot, we went to see "Spiderman 3" on 2-fer-1 Weds just for the relaxation. We knew it would be like the worst movie ever, but the Parkway (even the El Cerrito one, which is still looking for its 100% groove) can make any movie fun in one way or another- fun good, fun bad.
Oh right, so where was I?
Some seem to treat the Naz as an anthropological experience - look at their customs, can you imagine a film where...? I think the Naz is the Naz- like most places that seem "regular" because you the participant are fully part of the culture there, it makes no concession to those who aren't already on board- you are there to take it on its own terms.
To wit: I don't go to a sports bar and get mad or think they're ill-mannered or badly acculturated because there are people there drinking beer, watching games on tv and yelling. Capiche?
It sells what it sells, the people (yep, including you) do what they do. It's authentic like your local pub or cafe or wherever you hang out is authentic because it's people coming to do what they do - I think it distances "you" from "them" to Disneyland it, compare it to an Indian temple, or say "I don't mind Indian people, but...." Like most places people frequent, it has its own culture, love it or not or somewhere in the middle.
For me the mix there is often perfect for what I want from a movie. Sure, the bathrooms could have better plumbing, the theatre is careworn, the staff is mostly more testy than welcoming, and the website doesn't have synopses of the films. But that's the Naz. I can give the management feedback and hope they consider it, I can circulate a petition, I can say nothing and keep going......
And whatever other buttinsky stuff I may do, I keep going because it's another extension of my living room, where we actively talk about the action on the screen, maybe get up and dance a little, grab a bite at the break, and go home singing "dil mein mere hai, dard-e-disco, dard-e-disco, dard-e-disco." Because it's true.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
DO NOT:
- Buy tickets one hour before the movie. Tickets can be purchased online for $6.50 for Tuesday movies.
- Arrive late. You'll have to fight for a seat in the dark and sit up front.
- Attempt to bring in your own food or drinks. They a designated watcher to catch you.
- Leave your seat during intermission without saving it. You'll find someone's child or uncle occupying your seat.
- Assume their will be toilet seat covers at the Mens restroom. Jet black toilets don't make me warm and fuzzy.
- Finally.... Do not talk during the movie while Aishwarya Rai or Kareena Kapoor are in the middle of their sensual scenes. Yes, its breath taking... please don't ruin the moment.
On this Tuesday night showing, we watched: Jab We Meet
http://www.youtube.com...
http://www.youtube.com...
Thank you Guri for setting up these gatherings! I love Bollywood movies because it reminds me of Pilipino Culture Nights (theatrical plays performed by Filipino college clubs around California). Now I get to blame you for all the future Bollywood DVD's I'll be getting now!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
If you want to know what it feels like waiting in line to get into a large temple in India, I recommend coming for $5 Hindi movie Tuesday. OK...maybe it's not quite THAT bad...but it did throw into sharp relief my considerable lack of skill in the shoving people department.
I feel like I want to give this place 5 stars...but I just can't. What's great about it? Watching recent subtitled Hindi movies in an actual movie theater. What's not great? Everything else.
...bumping them up a star for the fact that you can buy tickets online from:
http://chegg.com/Ticke...
That's a pretty good service for a relatively small movie theater business.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (5)
Cool (5)
After Shalimar, I went Bollywood. My sister and I have an addiction. Bollywood. Guri can't believe how well we sing Hindi songs. It's kind of being in a parallel universe.
We saw Cheeni Kum---which means "Less Sugar."
It actually was pretty fn hilarious.
Yes, there are movies out there where they OVERREACT but this one was pretty good.
I remember when this was the budget movie theater where my sister and I saw Men In Tights when we were in high school, broke, and bored living in Fremont.
Now there is a man behind the counter who sells samosas and Indian Movie posters are plastered everywhere.
Joy's Indian movie tips and etiquette:
Indian movies are long, so there is an intermission, so if you're a girl, you gotta go past the fifty yard line while snaking through all the women droving to the bathroom. I don't know why there is a line to the bathroom. I never know, so guys, don't ask me. I don't know. All women are slower than me. I absolutely don't know what they do in there.
Don't wear something low-cut. You will get the Amrish Puri staredown from the guy behind the counter. *clicky for example*http://www.bollywoodci...
Don't cuss, as much as my Irish potty mouth wants to say F-K!
shhh..there's babies sleeping in the theater.....
The sign clearly says don't bring drinks in, but at four dollars a samosa, get a Lassi and eat at Shalimar first. =)
Tuesdays are only FIVE BUCKS!
Don't hate. Have an open mind, you'll be surprised that Indian movies are pretty good.
For someone addicted to a misunderstood film genre, this was very nice to see it on the big screen rather than at home on a DVD. It was like going to India but only having to go to Fremont, CA. Multiculturalism rocks!
for more bollywood info: http://www.bollywhat.c...
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (10)
Funny (3)
Cool (7)
Naz 8 is a full on cultural experience.
What other movie theater sells samosas?
What other movie theater shows films which have intermissions?
You also have to love the crying babies, the people who walk in late and take their time finding seats in front of you. I'm not saying this to be snide, but it really is part of the authentic Indian movie experience. It comes with an audience which is so invested in the movie, that you can actually hear their emotions - they sigh when the hero suffers a setback, they cheer when the Indian women's field hockey team wins the international tournament by a hair.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I've watched Naz grow from an awkward infant when it took over the historic one-screen ABC Cinema in Centerville (kicking out the Rocky Horror Picture Show along with it), to a hyperacitve teen when it took over the multi-screen GCC theater in the Hub (accomodating the Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday nights - imagine the scene of freaked out Indian families when they'd leave their Bollywood dreamland to a line of dressed up freaks) to a somewhat tired, grumpy Indian grandpa who grumbles while he walks with his hands clasped around his back on Paseo Padre at dusk when it took over the Super Saver Theater in whatever-that-name shopping center by Washington Hospital is called.
I have mixed emotions about this here Naz as I've seen it age. Has it allowed me to introduce non-brown friends to the insanity of Bollywood on the big screen? Of course. Has it allowed me the choice of not one, but several movies where a girl runs through a field while singing with the voice of a portly 70 year old grandma not too unlike what went down with C + C Music Factory's "Gonna Make You Sweat" video except in this case everyone in the audience KNOWS a portly grandma is really singing and is ok with it? Of course. Has it allowed me the choice of watching Shahrukh Khan basically play himself, even while he runs through the length of Manhattan with a heart condition, no matter which door I walk into? Of course. Has it even allowed me to see a current, intense Pakistani movie about the battle between religious moderates and extremists when no other theater anywhere I know is showing it? Of course.
But Naz has its downsides. I've been to each of the three theaters in Fremont long before Naz took them over, and each time, the general deterioration of each theater post-takeover has been really pronounced. Also, minus - the way expensive concession stand. $4.75 for a small bottle of Kirkland water and a small styrofoam cup of mediocre chai? Yaar, I know when I'm getting ripped off. And while I also applaud their efforts of selling samosas in a movie theater, it would help if the samosas actually didn't taste 3 days old.
And to that lady who brings her 6 year old tired and cranky kid to an 11pm movie and that dude who thinks nothing of it to answer his phone during the big climax when the hero discovers that the villain who looks like his twin is actually......his twin -- just stay home and watch it on pirated DVD, will ya? Sure, there's something authentic about all your cacophony, but I'm an old, cantankerous curmudgeon now and there's laws in this country against swatting people with a stick of partially gnawed sugar cane.
Thank you.
3 stars.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
********** Update 5/15/7 ***************
Life in a ... Metro -
FU** This, Wrong Movie.
Everyone is fu**ing everyone else in the office.
How does anyone think this is a good movie.
Left after 25 mins of the movie.
If you have movie to burn, take a lighter and burn the money, DON'T GO TO SEE this movie, unless you like watching Shilpa "Nice Boobs" Shetty and her really bad acting. She CANNOT act people, please someone tell her that.
********** Update 4/3/7 ****************
DelhiiHeights - The movie review.
Saw DelhiiHeights the movie with Jimmy shergill and Neha Dhupia.
Well Neha might be EYE CANDY, but she cannot act, her boobs do a better job than her.
Jimmy was average at best, he was trying his best not to be distracted by Neha's twins. I have seen better performance. Dude! did not do much of any dancing. No fight sequence, one close enough fight sequence.
The other actor's wife (Simone Singh), Saima is a JOKE. She FUC@##@ forgave her husband after years of cheating. My ass that happens in real world. Low esteem is written all over that. No one should take that crap. The movie makers are sending the wrong message.
The film was worth the $5 at Naz 8. The supporting cast in the movie was funny and that kept me entertained. Oh! the movie buddy I was with was also funny and that helped.
Rabbi's Song made it all worth it.
DelhiiHeights: Recommend: Yes at $5, wait for it on DVD otherwise.
Will I watch it again: Hell No
Will I buy the CD: Sure, if it was $3.
************************************************** *************************
Oh! I am going to be in big trouble for this.
I went to Naz a few hours ago and that was my first visit in more than 2 years. What was I doing until now, well pocket billards I guess.
I saw Nehleh Peh Dellah which SUCKED big time, I have not seen a worse movie than this. It SUCKED so bad, that I would not watch it at home on DVD (even if someone paid me to do that). A Bengali play is 10 times better than this movie.
-1 STAR for charging me 9.50 for a movie that SUCKED.
-1 STAR for having expensive food, $3.75 for 2 Samosas, what do they have in it? chicken, salmon??? $4.25 for Chaat (Din May Chori), $1.50 for Chai (smallest glass ever produced is used)
-1 STAR for not allowing me to pick up tickets in advance.
+1 STAR for having online purchase of tickets, even though it is expensive.
For Bollywood fans, Naz 8 is central and one can find the latest flicks there. It is fun to watch a movie with desis who laugh at jokes with you and sometimes with a delay. It is fun to hear kids compare their parents to what they see on the screen.
One point in the movie Saif Ali Khan is rinsing his mouth with mouse wash. A kid says "Dad does that too"
For a great Desi experience, I recommend a movie at Naz 8 and then food at Shalimar.
For even a better Desi Experience, do the 4pm show, go to Chat Patta Corner in Ardenwood for great Chat and Chai. Read that review for more info.
Summary for Naz 8 Theatre:
Recommend: Sadly :-( Yes. There is no other Desi Theatre with so much desiness.
Will I go back: for the right movie and company I might.
Romantic: Desi Romantic if you are the bunty and you go with a bubli or vice versa.
I highly recommend you read reviews of movies before you go to them. Some movies SUCK.
Note: Mens Restroom is exactly like the one at Andheri Train Station. Nothing works man, close your nose and hurry.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (7)
Cool (8)
The Naz 8 is basically a typical 1980's movie theater in a 1980's strip mall that hasn't changed much in the past 20 years. Except all they show are Indian movies (they say they are international but really it is Indian). I just had a mango Snapple and pistachio ice cream, so can't speak to the quality of the other snacks. Mostly I think it is excellent that there is an 8-screen Bollywood theater here!
I just went to Naz today. I go here whenever I feel like it; it is very close to my apartment, like eight min. walk away. I saw Life in a...Metro. It's good I mean it's different although I did not like a lot of parts in it which were gross. But I acted like a mature person and didn't laugh or say "eww." Instead I just covered up mostly.
Ok back to the topic. Naz is a good place to go and watch Bollywood movies. I like the location because it's by Raley's and Subway. If I ever want to buy a couple items I can do that after watching a movie. And, my sister likes eating Subway which is right by Naz. Also, Masala Grill is practically next door which is convenient.
I don't like the staff sometimes because they were sort of mean in the past. Once my sister and I went to go see Black (more than 2 years ago), and my sister had a bag of chips in her hand and she was entering the theatre. Well they apparently got furious over the chips and took them away and told us they'll give em back once the movie is over.
Laugh out Loud! I was like give the girl a break it's just a bag of chips, it's not a grand meal from taco bell she's bringing in!! And, I don't exactly enjoy being around smokers but whenever I go to Naz (outside of Naz) I always ALWAYS smell smoke or a residue of it.
But because it's in a good location and they play good movies there, I give it 5/5.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I agree with everything reviewers Lisa T., Anjali K., and Leena K. said about this place.
The best thing I ever saw at Naz (aside from 'Bunty aur Babli') was when two women almost got into a fist fight because one of them was talking during the previews. Please. People at Naz regularly talk through the ENTIRE MOVIE.
Imagine this dialogue, if you will (in an Indian accent):
"Shut up, you low-class ho!"
"Who's low-class?"
"You AND your family, b***ch!"
"You want to take this outside?!"
I laughed harder at that than at Kareena Kapoor's attempts at acting.
The only reason I wouldn't give Naz 5 stars is because the hand dryer in the ladies' room never works, and the toilet paper can be scarce.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (4)
Cool (2)
I am a HUGE Bollywood fan. You'd never know it, but I am. My friend invited me to see a Shahrukh Khan film 3 years ago, and ever since I've been in love. I usually end up seeing my Bollywood films alone nowadays, because I live in San Diego and I make the hour and a half drive to the SoCal Naz 8 near Cerritos. I have a feeling we (in the States) catch the Bollywood blockbusters later than they do in the Motherland, but a Hrithik Roshan fix any time, is always good. And you can eat a samosa while you watch, yum!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
Sure, the customer service is pretty bad, and the temperature is unpredictable, but I still give this place 5 stars. In fact, I think the flaws give it character. Where else will you find a sign that says FOR OBVIOUS REASONS NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK PERMITTED? And who else says, Happy Diwali, Eid Mubarak, Every show is now $10 (as opposed to $8). Yes, they really did raise prices two years back for the holidays.
I frequent this place frequently, sometimes on my own. This is THE place to watch Bollywood. Even if the poster outside says the movie has subtitles, make sure you ask. I had to translate an entire 3 hour film for a friend. And if you want to be part of the action, go on Tuesdays, when movies are only $5 and everyone brings their mama, momma, and loud young child.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (4)
Cool (3)
This theater featuring Indian movies (mostly Hindi, and sometimes in other Indian languages) is not very customer-service-oriented. It is often dirty (though it gets pretty crowded for certain movies, so you can't blame management completely), some of the staff are rude and unaccommodating, the spelling/grammar on signs and advertisements is comically horrendous, and ticketing is a bit disorganized. To top that, a lot of patrons bring young, obnoxious children into movies -- even those with adult-oriented themes.
Still, Naz is the one reliable place to watch the latest and greatest Bollywood hits. Most of the films have English subtitles; you can go to the web site to verify this and check the schedule. On Tuesdays, you can watch movies for just five bucks, although sometimes it's worth it to pay the extra three and go another day when it's less crowded. As you might have guessed, tickets are normally $8, and you can also buy them online for $1.50 more. It is worth it to do so when a major film releases (for example, under the Yash Raj banner and/or starring Shah Rukh Khan). Also, even if you have bought tickets in advance, show up at least 30 minutes early when it's a large release, because a long line starts forming to get good seats. Even when there is a show on the hour every hour.
Pair the movie with Masala Grill next door (and see my review on it).
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (2)
Because sometimes only the big screen can do Salman Khan and those over-the-top Bollywood dance sequences true justice ...
Theaters are clean and comfy (this is crucial given the three-hour run time for the average Indian flick).
The concession stand offers samosas as well as popcorn, but you may not want to linger - something about the lobby lighting makes you feel like you stepped into a Vegas casino off the strip, and not in a good way.
You'd be better off grabbing some chaat at Dana Bazar (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) before or after.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (5)
Cool (8)
Traditionally, I have not been a huge fan of Bollywood. If I look at my personal success rate (# movies enjoyed / # movies watched), it's pretty low. But, it's trending up... Bollywood is producing far more satisfying movies these days - better editing, better special effects, better storylines - and Naz 8 is the best place see them. Not just because there aren't many other options, but b/c it stays somewhat true to the Indian film experience with its less than perfect service, timed intermissions, and delectable indian snacks. The Bhel Puri is incredible! The theaters are also equipped with comfortable seats and good sound systems. And the bay area patrons are far less rowdy than the average film-goer in India. :-)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
today was the first time i saw a bollywood film (heyy babyy) in the us. the only other time i've seen one was when i was in nz during their int'l film fest.
honestly, i was kind of impressed. i don't know what i was expecting, but the theatre was clean, bathrooms clean (although the lady before be did not flush...she didn't use any tp, either..???), good sound system, and service at the concession stands decent. we ordered some popcorn as well as some papri chaat. both were good.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Is The Naz's facility the most fresh, state of the art movie theater around? Well, no--this location has been around for years, serving as home to General Cinemas and a bargain theater, among others.
Are the mens' rooms fresh? NO, and that's all I have to say about THAT.
But when I go too many weeks without a Naz trip, I really start to feel like I'm missing out--and I am.
Naz has been around in Fremont for years & years, first in the old theater in the area of F'mont Blvd now known as "Little Kabul," another home to many movie houses over the years, then in the Fremont Hub, in the former home of another major multiplex. It was in this home that the Naz gained my attention through an article in the local paper: a young anglo reporter took the plunge, & reported on the amazing assault on the senses that is the Bollywood film, and the amazing array of international foods that the Naz served at this time--popcorn, nachos, samosas, whatever. He was clearly impressed. But apparently I wasn't ready to cross that line just yet.
Flash forward years later, to another article about Bollywood cinema. "Krrish," ( http://www.netflix.com... ) a sort of superhero flick, Bollywood style, is expected to be a huge hit, one to draw fans from outside the Indian culture, in to see their first Bollywood film. I took that as my cue.
So, I grabbed my 13-year old son. We got our tickets, popped by the snack bar for samosas and mango lassis, then spent 3 hours in awe.
And went back & saw it again.
And have been back many times since, sometimes multiple times in a week, sometimes seeing every movie on the list.
We've seen Bollywood films where there is no singing and dancing. We have seen ones that keep the genres down to only one or two. We have even seen movies that are only two hours, and even one or two where people kiss! But none of this is the norm. What we can generally expect is three hours of singing, dancing romantic comedy, tragedy, action and adventure--where lips never quite meet. Sexy anyhow--Hollywood, take note! Many are Bollywood takes on Hollywood films, and many are seriously good films that kick butt over the closest Hollywood alternative you can find. "Cheeni Kum," ( http://en.wikipedia.or... ) for instance, is far superior to the American restaurant-themed films released around the same period, "Waitress" and "No Reservations"). An aquired taste? Yeah, maybe. And it's like they say for parents: make sure a new food is sampled many times over a period of time, to make sure it is properly introduced.
How did it feel walking into the Naz for the first time? Well, part of why it took so long, I guess, was the idea that my white face would not be welcomed. Yes, we are noticed when we walk in. Once, one of the young concession attendants asked if we like Indian movies. When he didn't understand our order (chaat), he said, "I'm not Indian." I replied, "neither am I!" Everyone is pretty much friendly and accepting, and if you smile, they'll smile back.
No, the Naz is not a high-end theatre, but it serves a real purpose in the community, both for transplanted Indians, and for people like me who want to enjoy & appreciate the full flavor of the modern American culture, at least as available here in the Bay Area.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
the place is bascially a run down old theatre. i'm suprised they can't manage to do any upgrades. the place rakes in the bucks with their full fare tickets and food, so it's clearly a decision by the management to keep profits high. yes, there are distribution costs for the films, but cmon, hire some janitors at least if you're not going to replace the dirty carpets and floors.
it's essentially the only place to go see bollywood movies, so they have a monopoly. indians flock here to get their fix of shah rukh, ash, abhishek, etc. i like watching hindi movies with my wife, so we go here often. everytime i think that maybe, just maybe, they might have cleaned the bathroom, i am dissappointed.
i guess you could say well hey, it's all part of the experience. but as a paying customer, i expect some basics like clean floors and bathrooms. if you live in the south bay, i'd recommend century theatres berryesa, which plays hindi movies, but only on one or two screens. i assume they are owned by the same people, cos they share a website. the century theatre is more up to standard.
We had a funny and infuriating "customer service" experience that brought me straight back to India. When we arrived, we bought tickets for the next random showing. The ticket collector wouldn't let us past the rope until exactly 15 minutes before the start of the movie even though no one was around. He finally let us through so that we could buy a snack at the concessions stand, but he would only "hold" our tickets. When we finally sat down to an almost empty theater, it took us 2 minutes to realize that the movie was not subtitled. We immediately left the theater and had a problem getting a refund or exchange on our tickets.
I talked to the ticket seller who quickly pointed to the sign that said "No refunds" and immediately called over security. The security guy/bouncer gave us a hard time, so I asked to speak to the manager, who he suggested was "The Big Boss". I then talked to the manager who didn't want to help until I told him I would write a letter to his boss. After some arguement with each person, the manager granted us a handwritten pass that allowed us to return to the theater the next day for a specific movie at a specific time. We weren't angry, it was just a matter of principle!
We returned the next day with no problems and enjoyed our movie. I would still recommend a visit, especially if you like eating a samosa and chai while watching a Bollywood film. Where else are you going to get that here? Just keep an open mind and make sure you check on the time table to see if there are subtitles!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
Naz Cinema is the greatest theater to watch Bollywood movies (outside of India, that is). It has the full-on Indian ambience -- read into this what you will -- and be sure check out the graffitti in the ladies' room.
We are soooo spoiled to have a fulltime Bollywood movie theater here in the Bay Area with an amazing 8 screens that I will overlook the cramped seats and broken heater/AC and just enjoy the show!
Their sound system is very good, by the way, all the better to get down to the funky tunes that make it a Bollywood flick.
By the way, this is for the ladies: you HAVE to come early so you can get your eyebrows threaded at Beauty Plus, the Indian beauty salon just across the plaza (see my Yelp review). It costs just $7 and they do an amazing job -- your friends who just spent $30 at some upscale waxing salon will be so jealous. It just takes around 10 minutes.
It hurts like a mofo, BTW. Which is why you have to take your mind off the pain by watching Govinda, Kareena Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan dance around trees for the next three hours.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (7)
Cool (6)
Nothing better than a day at the Naz. The dancing, the beautiful women, the charismatic men...did I mention the dancing? A perfect day in Fremont starts with the lunch buffet at Madras over at the Fremont Hub Shopping Center, a blended cappucino from the coffee shop across from the Naz, sneaking the blended cappucino into the Naz, then settling in to 3+ hours of Bollywood bliss. At intermission, stop at the concession stand for samosas and chai.
Daytime shows tend to be sparsely attended, but at night it gets pretty wild at the Naz. For the full experience, catch a late-night show with a packed house. The sound system at the Naz rocks, so when those dance scenes start up, it almost like being at a concert. For those of us who are Hindi-challenged, most of the movies are subtitled in English--check the "timings" page on the website to make sure.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Movies here are non-Hindi speaker friendly. I don't speak Hindi. However, the subtitles can fail to be functional when displayed in white and when the character doing the talking conveniently decides to wear some spotless white shirt and the cameraman opts to point the camera in a way that the white shirt spans the entire length of the bottom of the screen such that those much-needed subtitles are camouflaged like chameleons. I hate it when this happens.
The theater is .. okay. It's so Indian .. no fake smile, no warm welcome, it's all business here. Late at night, the place is really busy. I don't mind Indian people, but when you put them together and give them a singular destination .. they turn into a raging mob, paying very little heed to the notion of personal space. Also, since most of the people here are families and old people, you also don't get the same rambunctious crowds that frequent theaters in India. No infuriated yelling when things have gone horribly wrong (the only thing that can ever go wrong in these movies -- OMG, so-and-so's father refuses to consent to so-and-so's marriage with his/her star-crossed lover). None of the fanfare and throwing of confetti to celebrate a happy ending. Interaction with the silver screen is nil, naught, negligible. The people that come here bring to the theater the worst of both their worlds. They're mundanely polite Americans while they watch their movies and ruthlessly impolite Indians when push comes to shove in dark crowded corridors.
But, I wish every theater sold samosas and chai at their concession stand like they do here .. this is probably my favorite thing about this place.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Bollywood is good, especially with the Jolly Green Giant in your company. I don't think I would have felt comfortable going here without my Indian friend, but one day I'm sure I'll take a BART journey to catch some flicks and curry when I know nobody will be around to stone me.
As for the theater, it was your standard small theater with several screens. No stadium seating. Kinda like a porn theater. Didn't try the snacks, but I will next time.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This review is actually for the newly released movie playing in Naz Cinema - Umrao Jaan. A remake of a beautiful film (originally screened in the 1980s with Rekha and her complementary co-star), with stars Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan (serving as Amreen/Umrao and Sultan, respectively), this movie was way too drawn out and lacked acting finesse on all levels with all people, save for Abhishek's stellar performance. Aishwarya really is just a pretty face and should not act. Her eyes are captivating, but her dances (muscle spasms, Ash?), dialogues and sudden "love" (helllloooo, LUST!) were just too forced to be believable. I was a bit disappointed in seeing her Kathak (well, I can't even call it that really) performances, because, even though she maintains a natural grace, her body movements did not vibe a la Kathak style, paling in comparison to Rekha's lovely dances in the original.
Kidnapped at a young age, Umrao is sold into a brothel (coti) in Lucknow, and grows up with a man and a woman who become her pseudo parents until she comes of age and is ready to participate in her first "mujra" (aka special courtesan event, and time to lose her virginity to a very special Sultan). Abhishek was of course his great leering self and did a good job playing *sshole Sultan who is so consumed and maddened by his love for Umrao. Umrao soon becomes Umrao Jaan, as she goes through that lovely rite of passage with him and similarly goes psycho in her love for him. Alas, they cannot be together "for obvious reasons" so the story is dragged out for another 3 hours. I was waiting and waiting and waiting for intermission so I could use the bathroom, but the damn thing never came, so eventually I resorted to a quick run! The story and characters weren't developed at all, and 99% of the time is taken up by shots of Ash staring at Abhi and vice versa. Ash's costumes were interesting, but the sets were kinda dull compared to the OG version. Don't waste your time and money in watching this film. Watch the original one, and you won't be disappointed.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Glorious Places In the…
Movie theaters that is. After working at… -
Calgon, Take me away!
These are the places that take you from here to…
Hot and New
- The Refuge
44 reviews
San Carlos, CA
- Face Reality Acne & Skin Care…
29 reviews
San Leandro, CA
- Tina's Kusina
19 reviews
Mountain View, CA
- Back A Yard Caribbean American…
170 reviews
Menlo Park, CA
- Wakuriya
18 reviews
San Mateo, CA
