Let’s just say it — this film, like the October-born Librans, is moody and petulant and yet, almost obsessively sentimental.

It’s a bit exhausting to narrate the multiple entanglements, but the trying situations retain pace and keep one interested, curious and concerned about the events to follow.

Drafting an inspiring story about a teacher who manages to tame even those on the verge of delinquency will naturally tug on a certain emotion. Just that the number of films that have blindly lifted this formula renders this one to be almost formatted if not clichéd.

Anurag Kashyap fans may be a bit disappointed here. The filmmaker who doesn’t hold his blows, seems constricted in telling this story. Not that there aren’t enough bloody noses and hammered eyes, but the overall treatment seems to be tweaked for universal appeal. There are scenes which scream Kashyap, but it’s a ‘milds’ version of the filmmaker.

Ribbon makes one realise several things about the world around us — jobs have become demanding beyond decency, maternity leave is a career killer and an inconvenience at best and trust no one with your minor child. But despite all the ills inflicted upon us, it summarises with the predictable message that if we band together, we’ll get by.

Given the premise the first one set, this one was poised to be a big reveal for reasons that led to Kattapa’s supposedly heinous act. But the flashback he narrates is engaging enough to serve as a suitable distraction and by the end of this film, this reveal is of little consequence.

While this would qualify as an average watch, in a cricket-crazed nation like ours, this hagiographic tribute serves as the highlights of an iconic match — packed with best shots, wickets and commentary to match.

This film makes one think of the benefits the Prime Minister’s Swachh Bharat campaign could derive if a small part of it were assigned to the cleansing of our minds.

Writer-director Ruchika Oberoi’s Fedora prize at last year’s Venice Film Festival for Island City is well-deserved. Her approach to storytelling could be variously inspired by many, but she delivers on the style and format to make this a compelling watch.

Director A R Murugadoss’ obsession with themes like good over evil, conscience over corruption and pow over bow continues with Akira.