DNA India, TimeOut, TheWire
Reviewing since 2012 · Last review Nov 2015
Films
Scoring fingerprint
81 scored reviews · 0–10
Most given: 6 (25 reviews)5% of reviews not scored
In step with the room
Within a point of the Monk Score on 62% of 81 films
Closest peer
Agrees with Aniruddha on 92% of 34 shared films
Divergence
From the archive
Imtiaz Ali deserves credit for pushing the envelope once again. After Jab We Met, there were huge expectations of him, but Imtiaz has not let them deter him from making something that is, frankly, a risky subject. The film may not have an appeal as wide as Jab We Met, or may not even be watched as many times repeatedly on television, but it is testimony to Imtiaz Ali's brilliance as a storyteller.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1−0.1
LSD is the 'cool' film youngsters would enjoy, and its realness will strike a chord with a few. The more discerning audience may be left disappointed. But it is film you can't ignore.
Full review ↗TRM 7.3−1.3
I Am Kalam is a gripping watch that leaves you feeling uplifted and positive. Try not to miss it.
Full review ↗TRM 6.5+0.5
Masaan lovingly drawing you into anguish and ache, and leaves you with conflicting emotions. Watching the film is akin to experiencing a good cry – you aren't fully rid of the sadness, and there's a sense of emptiness after. It's not the happy ending you want. But it's good enough.
Full review ↗TRM 7.7
The film relies on a simple story by Jaideep Sahni and also some really witty writing, by Sahni again, that is really the soul of the film. In fact, the film is one more example of Sahni's clear emergence as arguably the best writer in Hindi cinema among the current crop.
Full review ↗TRM 6.7+0.3
It's got a background score that sounds suspiciously like Ocean's 11, a storyline with shades of 21, and clichés that you associate with a 'Bollywood' film. In spite of all that, Badmaash Company is immensely watchable. Without some inconsistencies and a little more imagination, it could have been a lot better.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7+1.3
However, you have to give it to Aditya to attempt a love story that's drastically different from the one he set the trend of in the first place. Coming back after a span of eight years, Aditya chooses a subject that may not set the cash registers ringing in a way, say, a Om Shanti Om did, but tells a heartwarming love story of a middle-class, middle-aged man that needs to be applauded for its minimalism.
Full review ↗TRM 5.8+0.2
Ishqiya, among other things, is a great start for director Abhishek Chaubey. The film — with its great music, superior performances, and memorable dialogues — cannot be missed, unless you are under 18 years of age. This is pure 'adult' fun.
Full review ↗TRM 6.9+0.1
Dabangg is a thorough entertainer, and unflinching at that, the kind audiences lapped up in umpteen films in the 1970s and 1980s.
Full review ↗TRM 6.8+1.2
Right from the gimmicky Mardaani national anthem (that has been playing at PVR cinemas) to tasteless scenes of little girls being turned into sex slaves, to the penultimate shot of Mukerji walking away from the action in slow-motion like she was in a Telugu action film remake, the film piggybacks on a social issue without being as sensitive as it wants its characters to be. Irony dies a painful death when a film against exploitation, does exactly that.
Full review ↗TRM 5.8−1.8
Singham Returns, with its kitsch, hyperbole and melodrama, is a smartly-made film, where the manipulation is apparent, but not always a put-off. Unabashed pulp can be fun too.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3+0.7
Like all Eid releases featuring Khan, Kick too will probably notch-up record numbers due to its haphazard concoction of romance, comedy, action and drama, and the overwhelming domination of the 48-year-old actor, but the film is only marginally better than other awful Khan films in recent times – Jai Ho, Bodyguard, Dabangg 2. The setting seemed ripe for an entertaining no-brainer, but Kick will remain as forgettable as most money-spinners lately. What's worst: The villain deserved a much better film.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5−1.5
Pizza is big on visual trickery and distressingly casual as far as things like plot and credulity are concerned...
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.7
What saves Humpty Sharma is that unlike other formulaic love stories set amid burgeoning families and wedding shenanigans, it spells out its references, and constantly hat-tips iconic Hindi cinema moments from the '90s. It reminds you that, sometimes, dal chawal is sufficient, and if you are looking for some comfort food this weekend, you probably won't mind a helping of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. The film took its time to grow on me but by the time Singh looked at Humpty with long-last affection and said "Jee le apni zindagi" (instead of saying it to Kavya), I knew the time spent on the film wasn't wasted.
Full review ↗TRM 6.00.0
The third act seems to have been given step-motherly treatment, the writing team struggling to put together the pieces and dispel the confusion without resorting to shortcuts and convenient plot twists. The finale is a mess – and bizarre – undoing a great deal of expectations the film builds up to that point. You look back, then, and find loopholes every step of the way – never a good feeling to carry with you outside a movie theatre.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−1.3
It's a pity Suri can't find an original enough story to put his craft to good use to. There's no shame in wanting to remake a film, but plagiarism reflects poorly on a team that has otherwise spared no effort to make a competent film.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9+1.1
Humshakals should set several online forums on fire, with topics ranging from "Is Humshakals Really Worse Than Himmatwala?" to "Saif Ali Khan's Mid-life Crisis – Desperate For A 100cr Hit" to "Must Sajid Khan Get To Make Films Only He And His Friends Enjoy?" If you plan to spend money on Humashakals, though, there's a song created only for you: "Hum paagal nahi hai bhaiyya. Humara dimaag kharaab hai (no translation required)."
Full review ↗TRM 2.5
TRM 3.4−1.4
It's pitiful, because even absurd storylines make for entertaining films if made with an ounce of cleverness and a little integrity. This is purely a rush job, one that – as it happens to the sleeper cells eventually – will turn you into a "coma cell". And lead to such bizarre lines being written.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−2.1
Purely as a film that explores the connection between immigration and crime – and for its ability to come together beautifully as a collaborative effort – City Lights is a fascinating watch.
Full review ↗TRM 6.8+0.2
Where the film fails spectacularly is in its inability to come together as either an unapologetic camp-fest or serious murder mystery, trying to walk the fine line unsuccessfully. As a movie set against the backdrop of the Hindi film industry, it's neither outrageous (Om Shaanti Om), nor sardonic (Luck By Chance), and definitely not cheesy enough (The Dirty Picture).
Full review ↗TRM 3.9+0.1
There's so much goodness, so much warmth and such honesty in Hawaa Hawaai's intentions, it's hard to not have your heart melt. Chances are, the film will also make you want to put on those rolling skates, even though at the risk of landing you hard on your behind or – as Gochi calls it – "naram naram bun pav".
Full review ↗TRM 6.7+0.3
Kabir's first effort as filmmaker has a couple of redeeming qualities – he shows a flair for dialogues and makes good use of Sanjeev Srivastava's music – but ends up biting off a lot more than he can chew in a film that can be best described as wannabe-Gangs of Wasseypur-meets-wannnabe-Kill Bill.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6−1.6
The film is a searing satire, where fantasy and humour mingle with stark reality
Full review ↗TRM 6.2+0.8
A tedious second half apart, the well-timed political satire has its moments.
Full review ↗TRM 5.8+0.2
Breezy at best and hilarious in parts, Main Tera Hero is a trip down memory lane, where the original king of comedy – I mean David Dhawan here – regains some of his touch. Let's go the whole hog next time, Mr Dhawan.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5+0.5
O Teri is the rare film where the script, direction, acting and all other departments fail spectacularly. When an actor as good as Vijay Raaz grates on your nerves, you know it's a disaster.
Full review ↗TRM 2.8−0.8
Lafangey Parindey is more conventional than groundbreaking, but highly watchable nonetheless. In these times of 'propah' characters and experimental filmmaking, it reminds you of a time when films were made purely to entertain. Watch it to enjoy the old-world charm of the masala Hindi film.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1+0.9
With Lakshmi, Kukunoor goes the whole hog, opting for a raw, jagged style of storytelling, losing some of the finesse you associated with some of his earlier films like Teen Deewarein and Iqbal. It's a tightrope walk for a director, depicting harsh realities as authentically as possible, but hoping they don't seem obtuse. He slips at places, but largely pulls off the job, helped along by a motivated ensemble of actors and by infusing the film with honest, hard-hitting moments.
Full review ↗TRM 6.00.0
Of the many things Bewakoofiyaan struggles to say in its two hours-long runtime, one stands out more than the others – the multiplex ticket costs a bomb nowadays. It would be prudent, then, to stay away.
Full review ↗TRM 4.6−0.6
It may seem like a good idea on paper – former stars locking horns, one of them performing somersaults, and a superficial angle about women's rights thrown in, but its execution makes Gulaab Gang a difficult film to sit through. Unless you fancy the idea of watching Dixit play Salman Khan and Chawla channel Prakash Raj, you'll find Gulaab Gang a crashing bore.
Full review ↗TRM 4.5−2.5
The brilliance of Queen lies in its subtlety. The film is essentially a feel-good tale about triumphing against the odds, and utilises all possible tropes you'd associate with similar films (English Vinglish, for example), but does so with a slight flourish. The writing is consistently witty. Even in its more indulgent moments, it's the humour that pulls the film through. Queen is a consistently funny and heart-warming film made of little gems, Kangana Ranaut being the brightest, biggest jewel of the piece. Shine on, you crazy diamond.
Full review ↗TRM 7.8+0.2
...displays massive potential, but never quite manages to live up to it (This year's Shuddh Desi Romance?). It tries to be too many things at once – a slice-of-life comedy, a tearjerker, commentary on marriage – without really managing to nail any one of them. At best, it's a good half time watch.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6−1.6
Even though not free of shortcomings, Highway is Imtiaz Ali's most honest, personal film and, hopefully, the beginning of a chapter in his career that will be dictated more by craft and intention and less by commerce and entertainment. Long silences punctuate conversations, shots of staggeringly beautiful locations linger, the pace remains unhurried, and actors surrender to their characters – these are elements you yearn to experience in a mainstream movie, and the film takes you there.
Full review ↗TRM 6.3+0.7
Film rides largely on the camaraderie between the two main leads, and while the actors do put in all they can into their roles, there's little that oiled physiques, buttoned-down shirts and pectoral muscles can achieve without a decent script or good direction. Gunday has neither.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9−0.9
It's heart-warming, funny and enjoyable. And it touches a chord. What really makes the film work is that its tone is entirely original – a part of which comes from the writing, and the other from the way it's executed – and which remains consistent through the film.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1+0.9
Jai Ho is so sloppily put-together, you wonder if footage of the actor taking a nap over two hours would have been more entertaining. It will, however, ensure the prophecy expressed in one of the songs – "Apna kaam banta, bhaad main jaaye janta" – comes true for its producers in the form of a fat cheque.
Full review ↗TRM 5.2−1.2
It's a sure-footed, even if slightly indulgent, debut – one that establishes an individual style that makes Ahluwalia's future as a filmmaker an exciting prospect.
Full review ↗TRM 6.3−0.3
It's dark, sardonic and funny. Don't miss 2014's first great Hindi film. The actors lift up the written material. Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi carry forward some of the fantastic chemistry they displayed in Ishqiya, both playing off each other's strengths. Madhuri Dixit-Nene fits into the role of a nawabi begum like a hand to glove.
Full review ↗TRM 7.4+0.6
...what makes Sholay truly special is that it gets better with every viewing. Many teens may have not watched the film at all but to most Indians, Sholay is a film that seems to grow in its appeal. The joy of watching the epic film on the big screen, then, is not so much in rediscovering it than in reliving the awesomeness all over again, till you are ready for another encore. And for that reason, the film's re-release is a major cause for celebration.
Full review ↗TRM 8.4
The money seems well-spent: the action set-pieces are decently staged (barring some exceptions, like Khan running down a building in slo-mo, which looks super-tacky), the film is largely well shot, and there are enough twists-and-turns (okay, one major twist) to keep you interested in the story.
Full review ↗TRM 6.00.0
Special 26 demands the viewer to suspend disbelief greatly, especially towards the end, but it does so without ever taking him for granted. Pandey ensures the expectation we pinned on him after A Wednesday isn't misplaced with a simple mantra: Asli power script main hoti hai.
Full review ↗TRM 6.7+0.3
To Bullett Raja's credit, it does provide entertainment sporadically, and Dhulia ensures the film isn't as slapdash as most Devgn-Kumar films in the same space seen recently. Yet, in his effort to make a "big budget commercial film", Dhulia seems to have lost some of his bite as a filmmaker, which is a letdown, given how good a job he was doing with entertaining audiences anyway.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−1.1
...after Saawariya and Guzaarish, this film marks Bhansali's return to form. Ram-Leela establishes that Bhansali's best comes out when he's free of ostentatious pursuits and left to narrate a story with vigour, like he did with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam earlier. It's only half the battle, though. Next time, hopefully, the script too will match up to the director's grandiose vision.
TRM 6.4−0.4
...a bloody enjoyable film, even if for all the wrong reasons. Watch it in all its big-screen glory, and live to tell the tale.
Full review ↗TRM 5.7−1.7
TRM 7.4−0.4
Boss, in all fairness, isn't appalling by Kumar's standards, and that's the best thing that can be said about it. The director seems to have some sense of how to tell a story, even though it's largely functional.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9−0.9
The Lunchbox is an exceptional film, a rare gem that arrives only once in a few years. Miss it only if you are allergic to all things awesome.
Full review ↗TRM 8.4+0.6
Table No 21 may not be the perfect start to 2013 we were looking for, but it's a well-paced thriller with some highs and quite a few lows, and it's never boring.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3+0.7
There are rare moments in Inkaar that click, like Mishra cheekily referencing his own film, when at an ad film presentation for a condom brand, Verma comes up with the tagline, Iss Raat Ki Subah Nahi. The film, though, comes nowhere close to that, or any other, Mishra film. If you're wise, you'll refuse the offer to watch Inkaar at the multiplex near you.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−1.3
TRM 5.4+0.6
Ah well, maybe I'm giving it more thought than it deserves, because frankly the film did make me laugh out loud in a couple of places. If your expectations are low, you may not be disappointed with Desi Boyz. To be fair, it's Akshay Kumar's best film in quite a few years.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.7
While good acting is always an incentive, it's a director's vision that makes a film truly watchable, and Imtiaz makes Rockstar stand out from what the mainstream churns out every week.
Full review ↗TRM 6.3+1.7
Watch The Dirty Picture for the gutsiest, most versatile actor we have today.
Full review ↗TRM 7.0+1.0
The old-world charm of Mausam is likeable, but doesn't salvage it. In the end, the only thing epic about the film is its unwarranted length.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.7
TGIYB, in the end, is a middling effort that has its share of highs, but leaves you unmoved and slightly disappointed.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1−0.1
It's a bit like a pocket dynamite - small, but effective. Give it a shot.
Full review ↗TRM 5.0+1.0
Simple as Shabri is, director Marathe makes the film a gritty watch that keeps you fairly engaged. At around 95 minutes, that's not so bad.
Full review ↗TRM 4.5+1.5
Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster draws you in at the very start, keeps you hooked throughout, and ends on a high. In other words, you have very little reason to miss the film. Don't.
Full review ↗TRM 6.2+1.8
Even though die-hard fans will freak out, SRK'S G.One lacks the chutzpah of Main Hoon Na's Major Ram, where he similarly vanquished a terrorist called 'Raghavan' at the end.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6+0.4
The only saving grace of MBKD is Ali Zafar, who plays the 'Brother' in the film. The Pakistani actor is amazingly natural on-camera, confident and talented in equal measure, and brings some charm to an otherwise listless film.
Full review ↗TRM 5.0−3.0
When Not A Love Story started, it seemed like it was a bad film so enjoyable that it could be recommended. But soon, you realise that this kind of skullduggery wouldn't be advisable for anyone. As the low-held Canon 5D follows Mahie Gill's bosom, or is placed strategically below her legs, you are sickened by the desperate attempt at titillation.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9−2.9
TRM 5.6−1.6
Watching Hum Tum Shabana is akin to putting yourself through torture. Recommended for those who hate themselves.
Full review ↗TRM 3.2
A super performance by Pankaj Kapur aside -- he's brilliant as usual -- there's not much going for Chala Mussaddi. You'd rather stay home and watch reruns.
Full review ↗TRM 4.1−0.1
A good plot (lifted from another film) and a lovely performance by Prashant Narayanan could have made Murder 2 watchable, but shoddy writing ruins it. A shorter, slicker thriller would have been more enjoyable than the masala mash that is Murder 2.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−1.1
Shaitan may or may not be the best thing to happen to Hindi cinema, and reactions to the film will probably differ. But whether you hate, love or are left indifferent by it, give it a shot. Mainly because it's made by a filmmaker with a unique voice. Most don't have any.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1+1.9
Watch Stanley Ka Dabba as soon as you can. It'll probably be the best film you'll be watching for a long time to come.
Full review ↗TRM 7.0+1.0
Watch Ragini MMS only if you dig cheap thrills. But don't worry about losing sleep thereafter.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−1.3
Funny, dark and engrossing, Shor In The City is the kind of reassuring film you yearn to watch amid, well, what 'Bollywood' has to offer every week. Also, it articulates something you have only probably thought before – 'Karma IS a bitch.'
Full review ↗TRM 6.5−0.5
TRM 5.0−1.0
For a film that you don't expect much from, FALTU over-delivers. Watch it if you are looking for some mindless fun.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1+0.9
Watch it nonetheless. The heady cocktail of sex, drugs and dialoguebaazi that Dum Maaro Dum presents you with is hard to come by.
Full review ↗TRM 5.4+0.6
TRM 3.8−1.8
Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana benefits greatly from Sharma's presence, Amit Trivedi's enjoyable score and a funny second half. It's a light-hearted drama that leaves you with a smile, but in the week of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and Skyfall, LSTCK is at best a good third choice.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1−0.1
Joker isn't as awful as you expect it to be, falling a few degrees short of entering the 'So Bad It's Good' category, a list which has had two brilliant additions this year.
Full review ↗TRM 3.4−1.4
At under two hours, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi demands little of you and delivers enough for you to not grudge spending time and money on it. I suggest you watch it for some honest moments and a lovable performance by Boman Irani.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3+0.7
Jism 2, then, has it all – ham, cheese and breasts. If that's not your idea of entertainment, what is?
Full review ↗TRM 4.1−2.1
Kya Super Kool Hai Hum amuses you intermittently but largely leaves your brains in a tangle, and the mind gasping for breath. In other words, dimaag ki macho deta hai.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.7
To sum, Dibakar Banerjee's Shanghai walks the thin line between mainstream and meaningful cinema, and does so beautifully. The rare, well-deserving Rs100cr film? Who cares! There's more to cinema than box office records and opening weekend numbers; Shanghai is the perfect example. Watch.
Full review ↗TRM 7.4−0.4
Ticking all boxes you expect from a film belonging to the genre, Maximum ends up as a 'me too' among many RGV-inspired films in the last few years, even though that may not have been the intention. Sadly, there was potential.
Full review ↗TRM 4.1−0.1
There's nothing excessive in Kahaani; everything is just right — the pace, the length, the drama. It's the work of a group of well-intentioned and able technicians who work together in harmony to carve out an unblemished piece of cinema. Namrata Rao's editing is watertight, while Setu's cinematography captures Kolkata's sights and sounds brilliantly.
Full review ↗TRM 7.3+1.7
Director Shakun Batra shows rare deftness for a first-time filmmaker in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (EMAET). It is full of honest, warm moments that - to their credit - work without the manipulation most directors resort to in films belonging to this genre. Instead, Batra relies on sharp dialogue, and some well-etched out characters. I'd go a step further and say that the film is the best you would have seen recently in the two genres it melds together - a romantic comedy and a coming-of-age-drama, something Wake Up Sid just about fell short of.
Full review ↗TRM 6.4+1.6
Players is hilarious. I haven't chuckled this much at a movie in a long time. The first time I laughed hard was when Victor dada (Vinod Khanna) introduced each 'Player' to Charlie (Abhishek Bachchan). After introducing Ronnie the 'illusionist' (Bobby Deol), Bilal the 'explosives guy' (Sikander Kher) and Sunny the 'make up artist' (Omi Vaidya), Khanna turned to Riya (Bipasha Basu). Her job description - "the hottie who charms every man she comes in contact with", or something to that effect. This was followed by a shot of Bipasha strutting around in a bikini, assets on display. Cut to close-up of Khanna sporting a leery grin, winking at Bipasha.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−1.1
Devoid of fluff, the hyperbole toned down, and shorter, Agneepath would have been a far superior film. In its present form, it packs in enough punch to warrant a viewing. How much you enjoy it, though, will be directly proportionate to how much melodrama you can withstand. Old school Hindi film lovers, however, are in for a treat.
Full review ↗TRM 6.7+0.3
