Deccan Chronicle Team
Deccan Chronicle
Most Divergent Takes
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)3.0 vs TRM 6.2-3.2
- Paltan (2018)2.0 vs TRM 4.3-2.3
- Hereditary (2018)9.0 vs TRM 6.7+2.3
- Thithi (2016)9.0 vs TRM 6.7+2.3
- Indu Sarkar (2017)7.0 vs TRM 4.8+2.2
Do Deewane Seher Mein
2026 · Deccan Chronicle
Do Deewane Seher Mein is a flawless love story. It stumbles with pacing and could have benefited from tighter editing. However, it may not soar, but it gently settles into your heart.
Baramulla
2025 · Deccan Chronicle
Baramulla isn't a typical horror thriller — it's a meditative, slow-burning exploration of grief, displacement, and the lingering wounds of Kashmir. By its haunting finale, Baramulla proves it's not about horror but about being haunted — by silence, snow, and stories that refuse to fade. It's a brave, visually poetic film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari
2025 · Deccan Chronicle
SSTKT is not just a poor reflection of our cinematic skill sets; it is a poor refractive index of what film production houses conceive as entertainment or audience choice. Take Varun Dhawan out, and the entire thing falls like a well-decked pack of cards. No bother to pick or reshuffle, simply let go.
Alappuzha Gymkhana
2025 · Deccan Chronicle
Alappuzha Gymkhana tells a heartfelt story about friendship, ambition, and resilience, grounding the humour in its sports world structure. With spirited performances and a strong sense of place, it lingers quietly in the mind.
Bhool Chuk Maaf
2025 · Deccan Chronicle
This is Karan Sharma's apology. It also turns out to be much about nothing. An interesting idea gone away. Poor handling makes it an apology, time to its title 'Bhool Chuk Maaf'.
The Family Star
2024 · Deccan Chronicle
Young actor Vijay Devarakonda tried to salvage a poorly etched family drama but it goes in vain. The love story between the duo fails to take off since Vijay Devarakonda and Mrunal Thakur lack on-screen chemistry and much worse are lifeless duets between the love birds. The director mixing action with family drama goes for a toss since it looks more contrived than realistic.
Kabir Singh
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2019
This film is a fascinating character study that should resonate with those willing to overlook its occasional clunky narrative.
Game Over
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2019
This Taapsee Pannu-starrer is gripping edge of seat thriller...The artistic values in this film are incredible. There's no reliance on cheesy jump scares, just pure dread and atmosphere.
Bharat
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2019
Overall, in spite of the ensemble of some good performers, 'Bharat' is cursed by a mundane script and forceful attempt to get the entire audience in tears. It is a film that seems signposted as a vehicle to attract attention for its committed leading star Salman Khan, but thanks to the team behind it it ends up as a vehicle that never gets out of first gear.
PM Narendra Modi
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2019
The oddly structured film never goes beyond a surface look at Modi's political career.
De De Pyaar De
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2019
Despite its bright premise and superlative cast, the Akiv Ali directorial isn't as smart as it aspires to be.
Student of the Year 2
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2019
The Karan Johar produced film is silly and formulaic with stock characters who are just pretty to ogle.
Avengers: Endgame
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2019
It's a superhero film that really understands that compelling characters and strong emotions are both far more important than spectacle.
The Tashkent Files
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2019
Actors known to be unfailingly effective find themselves being placed on slippery ground as they struggle with their lines of pick-axe bravado.
Romeo Akbar Walter
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2019
While the story does lack an intellectual plot to make this intriguing enough, John Abraham carries the film on his shoulders.
Kesari
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Mar 2019
The lack of a creative driver behind the film leads to a level of fundamental dissatisfaction.
Badla
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Mar 2019
Badla is cleverly scripted and executed with a brilliant cast. It is both engaging and enjoyable. The unexpected ending is the cream on the top of this well-crafted suspense thriller. It is also probably a rare Bollywood film that you have to love because it manages to outsmart you!
Sonchiriya
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Mar 2019
Anchored by terrific performances by its star-ensemble, Chaubey brings his assured directorial mind to an eerily beautiful film.
Gully Boy
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Feb 2019
While this kind of story feels a bit familiar, its excellent music & sense of realism along with the fine performances make up for it.
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2019
Manikarnika is a misguided and typical effort bolstered by only a few noteworthy aspects. Still, Kangana Ranaut remains as the Queen.
Uri: The Surgical Strike
2019 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2019
URI is edge-of-your-seat ride through recent history featuring Vicky Kaushal's competent performance at its centre.
Simmba
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Dec 2018
Simmba boils down to yet another poorly pencilled script that tries to compensate it's shortcomings with every other ludicrous means.
Aquaman
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Dec 2018
The film is overlong and predictable, but it retains it's excitement and holds the audience's attention to the end.
Kedarnath
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Dec 2018
In the conclusion, Kedarnath does have some genuinely likable moments but when the monotony of the drama gets exposed, the film's pace breaks down and the entertainment level drops. The film somewhat manages to regain its speed in the climax. But till then, you find it is already late.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Nov 2018
A low-stake, contrived story filled with futile characters and hampered by exposition makes this sequel a dull affair.
Namaste England
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2018
Namaste England, which uses the same template of 2007 hit Namastey London, is forced and takes the audience for granted.
First Man
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2018
Since the film focuses mainly on Neil's family relationships, the moon mission feels secondary, and therefore it lacks lot of drama.
Tumbbad
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2018
Tumbbad is miles above the average Indian fantasy-horror film in terms of both sophistication and vision.
Helicopter Eela
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2018
A wonderful actress already, Kajol is the sure shot reason you love watching Helicopter Eela throughout.
Jalebi
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2018
Bollywood fans have a good appetite for sappy love stories, but Jalebi is a kind of a film where fans will pray for the end to come as quickly and painlessly as possible. With a catch-line like 'everlasting taste of love', the film had a promise of delicious recipe of romance but this is a poorly baked dish which is completely devoid of any taste, forget the everlasting effect.
Venom
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2018
Venom volumes up its darker tone, but it ends up being bizarre and lazy than smart and gritty.
Andhadhun
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2018
Sriram Raghavan has set his focus on making the usually serious murder mystery a gripping yet entertaining one.
Manto
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Sep 2018
Manto is quite realistic in terms of changing dynamics of a relationship - be it friendship, marriage or even life as a whole. That is truly the crux and the best part of the film - because it stays true to what life as a whole is - bunch of roses with thorns.
Batti Gul Meter Chalu
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Sep 2018
Shahid is the gravy of a spicy misal while Shraddha, Yami, Divyendu and other actors are just the toppings.
Mitron
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Sep 2018
This Jackky Bhagnani starrer is a surprise treat, if you are fond of watching a rom-com with some laughs, a good cast, and a good heart.
Manmarziyaan
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Sep 2018
The film can be viewed as a beautiful character study about three fallible persons, but somehow compatible on a deeper level.
Paltan
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Sep 2018
JP Dutta gives his best to lend authenticity by using the real terrain but after an hour of the movie it is like deja vu.
Stree
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2018
Overall, Stree has a lot to like about - it is funny, spooky, crazy and a little bit different. It has some really interesting ideas; its execution is less than stellar, but it still works. If you like humour and meta element in your horror, you will love this movie.
Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2018
It is a kind of film where the otherwise good ensemble is also kind of bored performing the same old buffoonery.
The Spy Who Dumped Me
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2018
The main attraction for this movie is the two lead stars, Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon, who share a really good chemistry.
Skyscraper
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jul 2018
While Johnson looks cool doing all that unbelievable action, the film bugs you with constant 'been-there-seen-that' feeling.
Isle of Dogs
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jul 2018
'Isle of Dogs' is fast paced, colourful, and an absolute delight all around. And Anderson once again demonstrates that he is among cinema's all time greats.
Hereditary
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2018
'Hereditary' is ultimately a riveting and spiraling film which showcases what the genre is capable of when it's taken seriously by a talented director. This is an exceptional piece of film that pulls all the right stops to frighten the audience, leaving a lasting impression on your mind.
Incredibles 2
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2018
While 'Incredibles 2' is not Disney-Pixar's best, but it's certainly a solid sequel to a beloved film.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2018
The film provides many jaw-dropping moments with some really good scares, that hardly to find in any typical movie.
Kaala
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2018
Overall, Kaala falls short of expectations as it doesn't live up to the tag of a 'Rajnikanth film'. Though there are a few moments here and there, these are overshadowed by slow narration and some boring scenes. All in all, if you're expecting a larger-than-life performance, you'll be disappointed.
Book Club
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2018
If you're looking for cerebral, intellectually stimulating fodder; look elsewhere.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2018
'Solo' is an action-packed and fast-paced film and a wonderful addition to the ever expanding Star Wars story.
Deadpool 2
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2018
Deadpool 2' delivers exactly what you would expect- comedy, action, and an overall good time. It ends up achieving the rare feat of improving upon the original, even if it's only a slight improvement. In the summer of big blockbuster entertainers, this Ryan Reynolds film keeps the ball rolling.
A Quiet Place
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2018
The film intensely relies on the senses for full immersion and it keeps the viewers petrified with it's great visual style.
Lady Bird
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Mar 2018
There's simply not enough conflict and the characters are not fleshed out, rendering them little more than stereotypes.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Feb 2018
We're presented with characters and their genuine emotions, as the movie goes through a roller-coaster of heartfelt emotions.
The Shape of Water
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Feb 2018
While the premise isn't exactly anything new, it's del Toro's masterful execution that makes this film stand out.
Padmaavat
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2018
It's pretty and partly absorbing but not quite exhilarating...This Bhansali magnum opus is the kind of film that tries too hard to get your attention in the runtime of almost three hours.
The Commuter
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2018
A flashy piece of dumb entertainment...
Darkest Hour
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2018
Although not consistently engrossing, the film stands tall on the magnificent performance by Gary Oldman.
The Post
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2018
This movie isn't 'Spotlight', but it is one of the better journalism movies made.
Insidious: The Last Key
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2018
'Insidious: The Last Key' fails to live up to 'Insidious' franchise's high standards, you can watch it only if you are a fan of horror films in general and looking for some thrills. The ardent fans of the franchise will be disappointed.
All the Money in the World
2018 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2018
'All The Money In The World' is a letdown by Ridley Scott. It is, at best, an okay watch.
The Greatest Showman
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Dec 2017
The story is interesting and the performances are fantastic, but it's the musical numbers that make 'The Greatest Showman' stunning.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Dec 2017
'Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle' won't become a classic like the original Jumanji, but as long as family entertainment during this holiday season goes, this is a functional movie.
Wonder
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Dec 2017
'Wonder' tells a great story with layers of deep feeling and questions of identity and makes the whole thing feel like a breeze.
An Insignificant Man
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Nov 2017
You may like him or hate him but you can't ignore Kejriwal, this 96-minute long political thriller tells you why.
Justice League
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Nov 2017
While the characters and their camaraderie is fab, the plot is incoherent and flat.
Secret Superstar
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2017
Although a little over-dramatic towards the end, Secret Superstar effectively strikes the emotional chord. With Zaira Wasim's fine performance as the lead, this film has very good repeat value.
Victoria & Abdul
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2017
Victora & Abdul is a could-have-been-better movie about an interesting story. Despite the ravishing chemistry between lead actors, the film is an underwhelming watch.
Blade Runner 2049
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2017
Villeneuve's Blade Runner is grim, gritty, appropriately allegorical and morally ambiguous sans an iota of force. Ridley Scott, with his alarmingly precognitive visual and mortal landscape, had done to the generation what Black Mirror has consistently been achieving with millennials.
American Made
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Sep 2017
In Doug Liman's biographical crime drama, Cruise plays an anti-hero in this 'money-trumps-moral' tale.
It
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Sep 2017
Indulge in this misadventure if horror works for you in spite of the repetitiveness and the good old mirrors, open doors, shrieks and shrills still scare the daylights out of you. If not, go grab a copy of The Shining and let Jack Nicholson do his job.
The Dark Tower
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2017
One doesn't have to sit through the entire series in order to get the drift of the story as the film easily manages to portray it, even if in the most neglectful way, which kind of works if you are just in a cozy mood and want to catch a film, any film.
Indu Sarkar
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Jul 2017
If you cannot tolerate apartheid in the name of politics, this Madhur Bhandarkar scrapbook straight from the 70s is for you.
War for the Planet of the Apes
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Jul 2017
If you are one of the many completists of the franchise, then you may want to sit through this 150-minute torture of a war drama.
Baywatch
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2017
The first half does not possess a single element of intrigue; all-in-all, a downer.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2017
The role, that once earned Johnny Depp an Oscar nomination, sees him take a backseat in the face of conflict; not typical of Sparrow, is it? The nemesis gets taken down by passing characters while he watches on in powerlessness. And the closing shot- which is bit of a healer, if I may add- is so Bollywood in its treatment that you would reach out for your tissue wondering how could someone cough up 200 million, in the hope of turning it into a blockbuster, with a clumsily written swashbuckler like that.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2017
This film does provide answers to the existing questions, but its current conflict fails to match up to the first instalment.
The Fate of the Furious
2017 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2017
In The Fate of the Furious, our heroes walk away from crashes that would put Captain America on the disabled list.
Pink
2016 · Deccan Chronicle · Sep 2016
Kudos to writer Ritesh Shah for maintaining such sensitivity while writing the screenplay of the film. Watching this film should definitely be on your to-do list for the weekend.
Thithi
2016 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2016
While many young directors brag about their debut with a star actor, Raam Reddy is a perfect example of a top class debut director.
Point Break
2016 · Deccan Chronicle · Jan 2016
By the end of this film, you can be assured that you will have a few more 'things to do' on your bucket list.
Hamari Adhuri Kahani
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2015
The film is largely a run-down version of the other films that have drawn from the lives of the Bhatts, but it in the last five minutes, director Mohit Suri surprises you with a coherent and dramatic conclusion that strings together stray pieces of the story to form a clear, pretty picture. Too bad the only good part lasts for not more than three minutes, but for its worth, it does give a fitting closure to what seems unfinished business, as the title suggests.
Dharam Sankat Mein
2015 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2015
Earnest, but clichéd...a bold attempt and some very good performances by the lead cast may make it worth your while.
Mosakutty
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Dec 2014
Though it is a usual love story, director Jeevan has attempted a different screenplay and the settings are also new. But, a sense of déjà vu sets in down the lane, which cannot be conflicted.
Dracula Untold
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Oct 2014
It is nothing more than one long, excruciating yawn...
Hercules
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Aug 2014
Most important, the pacing is snappy. It may sound like a backhanded compliment to praise this sometimes cheesy movie for never taking itself too seriously, but in a summer of bloated spectacles, this modesty should not be underestimated.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Jul 2014
The humour is deadpan, the lines crisp, the characters are random and together they make it work in a very refreshing fashion. Anderson deserves full credit for being true to his oeuvre, and giving the audience what they expect of him. You must watch this movie for both Fiennes and Anderson, and for a lesson in the film watching experience itself. It doesn't pander to audience whims but instead is an honest attempt at being bizarre. And you what? It works.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Jul 2014
It's gotten to be a very familiar ploy in Hollywood to remake previously light, cheesy entertainments with well-crafted, heavy grandiosity. So if there's a failing of 'Apes,' it's that it feels like yet another manufactured franchise. Talented people like Reeves and Serkis are brought in like HGTV fixer-uppers to restore mossy pop-culture properties. But, alas, they're very good at it.
Transformers: Age of Extinction
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2014
Bay is very talented at all things visual, the 3-D works well and the robots look great. But the final confrontation alone lasts close to an hour, and at some point, you may find yourself simply in a daze, unable to absorb any further action into your brain. But one viewer's migraine is another's euphoria. You decide.
Chef
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Jun 2014
From the mouth-watering carne asada to the molten chocolate cake, Jon Favreau's 'Chef' is a delectable take on an out-of-work cook who experiences career rejuvenation when traveling cross-country serving Cuban entrees on a food truck.
Godzilla
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · May 2014
We're not bombarded with excessive CGI here. Godzilla isn't oversold, although for some, his lack of screentime won't be satisfying enough. However, the balance between the family-focused story line and intense action sequences is bound to please others.
Dekh Tamasha Dekh
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2014
What it spotlights is a system that panders to stupidity which always spreads like an epidemic. It indicts the system, i.e. police, that is so scared of religion and religion-wallas, is so desperate to seem neutral that it would rather watch people kill each other than step in and put a stop to this nonsense. The film tells us that snuffing out a riot is possible at every moment of the life of a riot. You just have to cut off phone lines first.
Rio 2
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 2014
With so much going on, it's a wonder this kids' movie is only five minutes longer than the original. But for the music and brilliantly picturesque look, it's worth the 3-D ticket.
Bewakoofiyaan
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Mar 2014
The film has no major flaws but it doesn't have many great moments either. And the end result is as empty as Mohit's bank balance.
Total Siyapaa
2014 · Deccan Chronicle · Mar 2014
It has a lot of stereotyping on mannerisms of Punjabis, but if all that were funny, one could have even sat through it. The only saving grace is Kirron Kher, who packs a solid performance and holds the film.