Shab tries its best to avoid clichés and comes across as a thought provoking film that offers a refreshing take on human relationships in the modern world that’s driven by opportunism and hypocrisy. However, Shab is far from being a seamless film in that it unravels like a puzzle and may therefore end up puzzling the average viewer looking for a straightforward story of love and heartbreak. Yes, there is plenty of that in Shab but Onir like any intelligent filmmaker hates to spoon-feed his audience. The only way to enjoy the film is to lend yourself completely to its ebbs and flows or else you are better off skipping it altogether.

Flaws aside, Mom benefits from a good production value that makes it far superior to the Raveena Tandon starrer Maatr. The performances may not be topnotch but they are reasonably good. But ultimately it is a cliché driven film that fails to match its pre-release hype.

Just don’t listen to the naysayers! Fast & Furious 8 (aka The Fate of the Furious) is everything it promises to be and more. The latest edition is indeed bigger and grander than all the previous instalments and achieving that is no mean feat. 

It wouldn’t be outrageous to describe Begum Jaan as cinematic disaster of epic proportions that not only lacks purpose but also is devoid of entertainment that viewers seek in commercial movies. Let’s look at the various factors that make Begum Jaan a colossal failure.

Barring minor flaws, Poorna has all the makings of a film that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. Now it remains to be seen how well the audience receives it.

This is easily one of the best superheroes movie ever made and is already creating a strong buzz with its premiere. Even if you hate Hugh Jackman or the character of Wolverine, you won’t find any reason to dislike this movie. Although if you are not a big fan of action or if you are easily grossed out by blood and fighting on the screen then this movie is not for you. A new generation of very limited X-Men mutants is also introduced in this movie creating some seriously interesting theories about which you should figure out more in the cinema.

Overall, Rangoon is a visually enchanting film that leaves one high and dry. The fact that we expect a lot from a filmmaker of Vishal Bhardwaj’s pedigree doesn’t help the movie’s cause either. Had Rangoon being made by a lesser filmmaker it would have passed for a decent film but coming from Bhardwaj it can best be described as an average film.

Jolly LLB 2 is a highly entertaining film that also succeeds in delivering some food for thought in a most unsuspecting manner. The film takes swipes at the judiciary, highlights its complexities and flaws, but ultimately reinstates faith in the judicial system. For a courtroom comedy-drama the film has surprisingly high levels of action and suspense. Jolly LLB 2 is a very well made film but it pales in comparison to Jolly LLB. However, Jolly LLB 2 has something for everyone. It’s certainly a must watch if you are an Akshay Kumar fan. As for others, you wouldn’t be disappointed if you do choose to watch it but don’t go expecting another Jolly LLB.

While Kung Fu Yoga is an out and out Jackie Chan film, as one would expect, it does feature memorable performances from Sonu Sood, who is also the movie’s distributor for India, and the lovely Disha Patani who is a sight for the sore eyes. Chan, Sood and Patani are of course well supported by the others.  Kung Fu Yoga is nowhere near the best of Jackie Chan. But then we all know that the grandmaster is well past his prime. Be that as it may, Chan still has a few surprises left up his sleeve.

Overall, Raees makes for an engaging cinematic experience that takes a departure from the recent films of Shah Rukh Khan. Although Raees does hark back to some of SRK’s early films, it is quite unique in its own right. The film is both raw and gritty and succeeds in transporting us back to the Gujarat of the 1980s.