The story is both implausible and clumsy but sheer attitude – or tevar as we are reminded repeatedly – pulls it together. It’s the second half, when Bikram and Bala are at each other’s throats, that the film loses its spell. The narrative momentum is broken by unnecessary songs and a prolonged Bikram-Bala fight, in which Zafar succumbs to the Salman Khan rule – eventually shirts come off and well-oiled chests hurl against each other.

12 Years a Slave is the most devastating experience I’ve had in a movie theater in years. I first saw the film alone in LA and by the end, I was weeping uncontrollably into my popcorn. Salman Khan once said that going to a movie should be like going to a nightclub. If you believe that then don’t step into this one. But if you want to experience a film that is, in equal parts, brilliant and brutal, then head to a theater now.

…So much fun that I wonder if viewers will recognize what a staggering artistic achievement it is. Don’t miss this film.

I recommend that you see Miss Lovely. Yes, it is an acquired taste. But Ashim Ahluwalia’s distinct and intriguing voice is one more sign of how fundamentally and excitingly the Hindi film topography is changing.

There is a lovely running gag about the stages of love and a gorgeous climactic shoot-out. Best of all, the film gives us women who are unapologetically scheming and lusty. They break all the rules and get away with it. It’s wonderfully refreshing.

And yet, Dedh Ishqiya doesn’t have the seductive sparkle that Ishqiya did.

So see Dhoom:3 but with your expectations at half-mast. It’s not the popcorn thrill ride that I expected. There just isn’t enough joy in it but Aamir and the stupendous action make this worth watching. I’m going with 3 stars.

The good news is that The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is less laborious and more exciting than the first film. The bad news is that at two hours and forty-one minutes, it’s still a slog.

It isn’t essential viewing. But you won’t be entirely disappointed either. Just come armed with patience and a full stomach. I’m going with three stars.

Deepika and Ranveer make Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela worth watching.

… isn’t a patch on the best superhero films made in Hollywood but it is a step forward for Bollywood. Somewhere in the future of this franchise, the superhero concept and the requirements of mainstream Hindi movies will merge seamlessly. Until then, cut the Roshans some slack and enjoy. I’m going with three and a half stars.

Captain Phillips isn’t easy entertainment but it is a film that will force you to think. It’s also a visceral experience that shouldn’t be missed. I’m going with four stars.