A melodramatic climax aside, the film is undoubtedly a quality product, Bhansali always ensures that. But what makes it fall just short of excellence is the lack of the journey within. We never get inside the characters, especially Bajirao’s, a man who is caught in the fierce dilemma between the heart and the state. We only see the events unfold on screen one after another. It is Bhansali tipping his jewel-encrusted hat off to an epic love story in Maratha folklore. But a glimpse of the mind would have made the picture complete.

Without getting into the obvious and tempting misogynist debate, seen just as a film, and not a statement, PKP2 gives us an entertaining and engaging two hours. Heartbroken men or men in general can indulge in some self-pity in this funny whine festival, while us villainous women sit back and belt out a few evil laughs, what else. Let’s reserve our cries of protest for more worthwhile occasions.

There are few fleeting moments towards the end when it seems the scales of sympathy might be tipping in favour of the (now behind bars) parents, and that could be the only weak link in the film, after all the ruthless objectivity displayed thus far. But that doesn’t, even for a second, take away from the fact that the makers have given us a film that is as sharp as its title. Whether or not you have followed the real case, this reel retelling is definitely worth your while.

The film dares to throw some unsettling questions, one of them being, are Pakistani locals supportive of the militant outfits in their country? It even shows the ISI as hand in glove with the LeT. Disturbing scenarios yes, but they explain why the film has been banned in Pakistan. Phantom is no more just 147 minutes of big screen time. The reel and the real Phantom episodes have packed in an almost filmi irony bawling out the difference between the story that should have been and the story that is.

The film is definitely a worth a watch as this is a story that deserves to be heard. But allow us to tell you that while some of you might be carrying a leaked version of the film in your phones, the tale of the mountain man is not meant for touchscreen entertainment.

A quiet little gem. Many films, mainstream and not so mainstream touch upon issues, but seldom do we see a film that is so tender and yet so overpowering. While Baahubali and Bajrangi Bhaijaan continue to be a big lure and with good reason, do make time for this quiet little gem. You won’t regret it.

ABCD 2 does not, even for a moment, pretend to be anything else but a dance movie. Which means if you go looking for a coherent plot line and an insightful portrayal of characters, you will be let down. Yes, it can get better, but ABCD 2 is definitely one step in the right direction.

The story doesn’t delve into the seriousness of the issue of marital discord. There are subplots and then some. A barrage of coincidences follow, that don’t seem to care much for logic or details. It’s the performances and the writing that makes it all palatable.

When a film that has a disabled character at its centre, calls itself Margarita With A Straw (and not Chhoone Chali Aasman, as suggested by Taare Zameen Pe’s Aamir Khan), you know nothing regular is coming your way. This cocktail is a must-try. And you might just ask for a repeat.

There are two kinds of audiences for this film — those who know Byomkesh and those who don’t. Dibakar has a revelation for both. That’s one case neatly solved.