India Today
Reviewing since 2013 · Last review Oct 2014
Films
Scoring fingerprint
44 scored reviews · 0–10
Most given: 6 (11 reviews)2% of reviews not scored
In step with the room
Within a point of the Monk Score on 45% of 40 films
Closest peer
Agrees with Faheem on 90% of 22 shared films
Divergence
From the archive
It truly is surprising that a film with a story so bland and hackneyed got made in the first place. It is even more surprising that a competent actor such as Ashutosh Rana who made you sit up and take notice of his fine act in his last release Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania agreed to be part of something as banal as Spark, something which this film has none at all. Ditto Sanjay Mishra who blew us with his work in the recent Ankhon Dekhi.
Full review ↗TRM 3.0
...there is nothing new this love story offers. Its treatment is something that you have seen in various small town love stories before.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8−0.8
Haider may seem a bit sluggish in the first half and slightly long. However, it makes up for most of it in the dramatic, intense climax that you are treated to towards the end. Haider is definitely a film you should not miss.
Full review ↗TRM 7.1−0.1
Khoobsurat is not going to blow you away cinematically but has enough to keep you engaged and entertained for its screen time. Warning: Sonam's unduly multi-coloured, garish wardrobe could distract you.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5+0.5
Even Emraan Hashmi's smooching scenes cannot save this film because they are outright thanda. The sad truth is Raja Natwarlal is not the kind of film that can rule your heart.
Full review ↗TRM 4.5−2.5
Singham Returns has enough one liners and ample maar-dhaad, choreographed stunningly for all those who loved Singham. If you are looking for anything more you will be disappointed.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−0.3
Not everything in HSKD is real or logical but all of it is entertaining. For sure HSKD is old wine in a new bottle but one that will make you say cheers.
Full review ↗TRM 6.00.0
If over-the-top situations, silly jokes and a plot with no logic is what you are looking for then Humshakals is for you. You might manage to laugh a few times.
Full review ↗TRM 2.5+1.5
Fugly could have been a better film but in spite of its noble Rang De Basanti intentions it is nothing but frubbish.
Full review ↗TRM 3.4−1.4
The only bright spark comes from Sunil Grover's humorous cameo where he easily steals the show. Heropanti is clearly a film that you should not watch. It is nothing but zeropanti.
Full review ↗TRM 4.2−2.2
Naming the goat in the film Shah Rukh seems amusing and quirky. Still, it is unlikely to get you to rush to theatres the way you do for a SRK film. Ultimately, Yeh Hai Bakrapur turns out to be a lost cause. Watching it on TV may make better sense.
Full review ↗TRM 5.0−2.0
TRM 3.4−2.4
What else do you say about this Purani Jeans? It may keep you off your favourite denims for a long time. So better you stay away from this film.
Full review ↗TRM 3.5−1.5
After seeing this film you miss the Rajeev Khandelwal who debuted in the brilliantly made Aamir (2008). Better to watch the more thrilling CID on TV then suffer Samrat and his company.
Full review ↗TRM 3.0−2.0
Revolver Rani is not a compelling watch like Queen but Revolver Rani has got Kangana and she is pretty much why you should watch this film.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6+0.4
Main Tera Hero is not exactly David Dhawan of yore but it comes close. Largely, due to the effortless charm of Varun Dhawan. Worth a shot for some Varungiri. An extra star just for that.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5+0.5
The filmmakers had enough matter to turn it into a riveting screenplay. Alas, they focused on vulgar jokes, unnecessary songs and some juvenile slapstick moments. What you get at the end of it all is a shoddy product which is not worth watching even if someone paid for your ticket.
Full review ↗TRM 2.8−1.8
Harman Baweja struggles to create an impact in this drab and listless film. He only succeeds in announcing to the world what a chiseled body he's got. Surely, you are not going to bite the bullet for Dishkiyaoon then.
Full review ↗TRM 3.3−1.3
It's not for the faint hearted. If you are looking for entertainment then Nagesh Kukunoor's extremely disturbing film Lakshmi about the menace of child prostitution is not something you should be heading the theatres for. Also, if you do not have the stomach to digest brutally graphic violent scenes, you may not want to spend that Rs.200 on a multiplex ticket, where this film is most likely to find a limited release.
Full review ↗TRM 6.0−2.0
Sadly, even the combined acting efforts of Khurrana and Kapoor are not able to lift this story above the very ordinary. As for Sonam, she fails to impress. It would be a bewkoofi to spend your money on this one in a theatre. On TV, you could give it a try but just for that little crackling nok-jhok between Khurrana and Kapoor.
Full review ↗TRM 4.6−1.6
The good part about Total Siyaapa was that its promos got your interest perked up in the film. Alas, that's exactly where it ended! Unfortunately all the fun bits were packed in the promo itself. There is little fun you have while watching the film.
Full review ↗TRM 3.6−1.6
It's rare that Bollywood empowers it's young, lead female protagonist with a role as brilliant and liberating. Queen is one of those few films that you wouldn't mind watching again. Absolutely recommended!
Full review ↗TRM 7.8+0.2
Highway doesn't have a story that can engage you till the end. Post-interval, the film meanders aimlessly, not knowing how to resolve the conflict it has got into and at one point the director decides, okay it's time to end the chase. If armchair tourism is what you are looking for then Highway may be worth your while otherwise it makes sense to wait for this one till it airs on TV. Beyond scenic locations captured superbly by cinematographer Anil Mehta, there is little it offers.
Full review ↗TRM 6.3−2.3
The film is well-mounted and the production design is lavish though not necessarily real. The Calcutta setting is eye-catching and the cinematography is excellent. The climax captured in the coal mines of Dhanbad is powerful. Overall a story that you have seen in the countless films of the 70s is glossily packaged for the 2014 consumer/viewer.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9
Truth be told. Shekhar Suman, the actor in Heartless, is more impressive than the director of the film. Better luck next time.
Full review ↗TRM 4.1−0.1
A huge chunk of debutant director Vinil Mathew's Hasee Toh Phasee takes you through this woh saat din romcom in a refreshing way even though it all happens in the backdrop of a predictable, big fat Indian wedding with uncles, aunts and cousins, adding dollops of colour, fun and madness to it. It threatens to get slightly melodramatic in the second half but quickly saves itself from a deja vu pit.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1−0.1
The film's pace is slightly leisurely which may be a bit trying at times. Also, Dedh Ishqiya's music works within the context of the film but unlike Ishqiya, Dedh Ishqiya is devoid of hummable numbers like Dil toh Bachcha Hai Ji and Ibn-e-Batuta. But, that should in no way deter you from taking this cinematic journey which is more layered and complex than Ishqiya.
Full review ↗TRM 7.4−1.4
One of the biggest reasons to re-visit this classic again is that many of you may have not seen this film on the big screen. That's the way a film like Sholay should actually be viewed. With topnotch performances, extremely well-constructed scenes and superlative directorial effort, revisiting this gem of a movie would be a perfect and the best way to begin your cinematic journey of 2014.
Full review ↗TRM 8.4+1.6
The animation effort is at best amateur and at place drawing too much attention to it because of it being gaudy. The final battle scenes should have been a display of spectacular technical wizardry but it's not. Sadly, you are reminded of the two arrows colliding in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan and Ramayan was made before BR Chopra's televised Mahabharat. It almost looks like they just needed to get over with it once the Kurukshetra war starts. Honestly, by this time, even you are hoping it gets over fast and soon.
Full review ↗TRM 4.5+0.5
The earlier two Dhoom films sizzled. This one fizzles right at the beginning and keeps stalling intermittently.
Full review ↗TRM 6.00.0
The dialogue is very Delhi and some of it raises a few chuckles but it's nothing that you have not seen in other films based in Delhi. Dimple Kapadia is enjoyable to watch and she keeps you engaged every time she appears on the screen. Not all the other characters manage to do successfully. Having said that What The Fish is still a good one time watch...
Full review ↗TRM 3.5+1.5
TRM 3.1+0.9
The otherwise well-intentioned film is slightly marred by its length. The climax in which Dr. Tariq is forced to report in the operation room is not easy to digest. Yet, the few demerits of Club 60 outweigh the genuineness with it has been made.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5+0.5
...Saif does justice to his role, bringing to it a vital spark and zest that flows so effortlessly. Sonakshi Sinha in a brief role does what is required for the part. Bullet Raja's slogan claims "aayenge toh garmi badyaenge." To the film's credit it delivers what it promises.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1+1.9
Singh Saab The Great is a film designed to show Sunny Deol histrionics, the way his fans are by now accustomed to seeing him. To his credit Deol does not disappoint in what is expected of him.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.7
Gori Tere Pyaar Mein! is a good, light-hearted, one time watch. It's breezy and fun for most part.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7+0.3
At a run time of two-hours-forty minutes Ram-Leela could get a bit laborious but you can surpass that because Bhansali comes forth with a love story that is enthralling, sparkling and compelling but not self-indulgent like Saawariya.
Full review ↗TRM 6.4+0.6
There is absolute disregard for coming up with anything intelligent in this film which is supposed to be a crime thriller. Amateur writing, tacky sets, indifferent acting, cacophonous background score and anything random goes in Satya 2. With such lazy filmmaking being the biggest truth about the Satya 2, wouldn't you rather re-visit the Ram Gopal Varma's much more truthful Satya. Honestly!
Full review ↗TRM 3.1−1.1
The comic-thriller is fast paced, constantly taking you from one unexpected situation to another. The dialogue is witty, full of repartees and with many smart one-liners that most characters, even the supporting ones get to mouth and display their comic mettle. When the film slips into thriller territory it does remarkably, keeping the dramatic tension intact, gradually building up the tempo to a lively, entertaining climax. To its credit the film's humour is quirky but not once below the belt.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8+1.2
After his brilliant film debut five years ago in Aamir, Rajeev Khandelwal is an actor who perks your interest when you see his name in the film's credit. After watching this film you wonder did he actually agree to do this film happily? What for and why? Harsh as it may sound but this film could easily be called Boredom Actually.
Full review ↗TRM 3.3−1.3
An honest film made on a difficult subject like this is rare to find. Not many in the Bollywood factory would want to touch a subject like this. Do yourself a favour - watch Shahid, you will come out enriched!
Full review ↗TRM 7.4+0.6
There is so much confusion in this comedy of errors that the film's characters are mouthing lines such as "yeh kya ho raha hai, mujhe kuch samajh nahin aa raha, it's getting complicated." Exactly how you feel while watching Baat Bann Gayi! The end credits roll to say a film by Shuja Ali and team while you are thinking baat kuch bani nahi.
Full review ↗TRM 3.8
There is little thought put into coming up with even a decent screenplay. The dialogue is full of cliches and the acting of the cast is tacky. Super Model is a piece of fiction that is too much for anybody to handle. As audience you are left asking: What the hell is happening here?
Full review ↗TRM 2.8
In the end, it is one man who carries the film and that man is Chandan Roy Sanyal. It is delight to see this young actor, so far restricted to playing supporting characters in mainstream films become the mainstay of this well-made, independent film. Prague is a destination worth exploring.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8
The film is worth more than a few laughs. More because of the way the director spoofs Bollywood's tried and tested conventions and the jokes he cracks at the expense of an industry he is only too familiar with.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8+1.2
