Masala
Reviewing since 2014 · Last review Mar 2018
Films
Scoring fingerprint
77 scored reviews · 0–10
Most given: 4 (20 reviews)19% of reviews not scored
In step with the room
Within a point of the Monk Score on 70% of 77 films
Closest peer
Agrees with Lokesh on 91% of 41 shared films
Divergence
From the archive
The film is largely gripping. The subject is well chosen and creates an awareness about our heroic tax officials. It will make for an entertaining, educating watch this weekend, however, I wish it dealt with it a tad more seriously.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1+0.9
The only grouch I have is a couple of songs and scenes that pace down the film and make it a bit lengthy. A sharper edit could have made it even more exciting, but that shouldn't stop you from watching 3 Storeys.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3+0.7
The film is largely shot in London. Hashtag International Embarrassment!! You wonder where the money comes from that the franchise is now in its fourth international sequel? Well there were twelve other people who decided to begin their Friday mornings watching Hate Story IV. You figure now, how?!
Full review ↗TRM 3.2
In short, if wife slandering jokes that you get on whatsapp are your thing, you would roll in laughter. Else maintain a safe distance from it.
Full review ↗TRM 5.2
If you were aware of 1921, my sympathies. If you weren't, the ignorance is indeed bliss.
Full review ↗TRM 4.5
A Death In The Gunj is one of the most sensitive films ever made. It made me think about my childhood and my family. It makes you look around and see if you have deserted a loved one, especially when someone tried to reach out to you in their vulnerable times. I felt a knot in my stomach, fought tears as I walked to the parking lot, couldn't sleep for next two nights and made sure I checked on my family and friends regularly. I don't think I can ever say it enough, but please watch the movie whenever you get an opportunity; on the internet, on a plane or most deservedly on the big screen.
Full review ↗TRM 7.2+2.8
To give its due, the film is song less, doesn't resort to the usual Bollywood nonsense of item numbers and is relatively tighter. A seamless smarter integration of its sub plots and a reasoned out story would have made Ittefaq far slicker!!
Full review ↗TRM 5.5+0.5
Golmaal Again is packed with so many sub-plots that at one point, you may find yourself losing track of what the core is all about. But clearly, the writer's intention is not to convince you. The lead stars have enough chemistry and charisma to make you stay put in the theatre and you won't regret the three hours spent watching this one. If however, you like to take your brains with you to the movies, this Golmaal might not be the way to spend a memorable Diwali.
Full review ↗TRM 5.2
Secret Superstar is a bit unbelievable, like Insia's video getting 30 million views. I mean yeh kuch jyada ho gaya…but these are minor hiccups in an otherwise beautiful film. Go watch it with family this Diwali.
Full review ↗TRM 6.8+0.2
An old man on a wheelchair has an oxygen mask. Raja feels choked and gasps for breath. He snatches the poor man's mask and helps himself. The old man starts jumping in his seat. If you did not find that funny, stay away from Judwaa 2. If you found that hilarious, then consult a doctor.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.7
I almost feel the need of a film sorbet. I want to watch Pink again to cleanse the bad taste Bhoomi left me with. Yet I suggest you must go and watch Bhoomi because, no matter how contrived and superficial, it's a comment on an issue that we all must talk about.
Full review ↗TRM 4.0
Lucknow Central packs some interesting performances, especially from the supporting cast.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−0.3
A slicker second half and more insight into Gawli's transition would have made Daddy a more engaging watch. However Daddy is a realistic movie, watch it if you are a big Arjun Rampal fan.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1
High on machoism and low on logic or reason, Baadshaho unfortunately remains a BAD SHOW.
Full review ↗TRM 3.8−1.8
A Gentleman is a gentle reminder of all other exciting things one can do this weekend, like bury your face in your bed and sleep.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−1.7
Bareilly Ki Barfi is a delicious film brilliantly narrated in Javed Akhtar's voice. If you are not doing anything this weekend, go watch it. If you are already engaged, please cancel your engagements and go and watch it.
Full review ↗TRM 6.0+2.0
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha might have sounded great on paper, but loses impact in its telling. The film gets way too loopy and indulgent that I actually heard someone say 'What crap man!' aptly summing up a film called Toilet.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5
Dear Nawaz, you don't need to prove you are a great actor. You just need to choose wise buddy. After this ordeal, I want to bleach my eyes, my system with some good movies.
Full review ↗TRM 3.8
Despite all my empathy towards victims, a small part of me debated if taking law into your hands is the right thing to do or even promote, in a film. The minor boy who rapes his classmate is also raped in jail. Isn't that tragic too? But Mom is not Pink. It's not a commentary on society's patriarchal mindset or on an immediate need of gender equality. It is an emotional story of a mother getting even with a bunch of criminals.
Full review ↗TRM 6.4−0.4
Minus the melodrama and manipulation, the film effectively deals with the theme of faith, love and tolerance and it means so much, especially when it comes from the most loved star in the country.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7
Half Girlfriend is an exasperatingly asinine love story sans depth or any kind of reasoning. It glorifies stalking, manhandling, belittles grave medical conditions and girls' education issue with its lame and superficial treatment. It lazily talks about small town life, class divides, language barriers, gender inequality and penury. My childhood debates were far better researched than this painfully pseudo love saga that rolls out for a painful two and a half hours.
Full review ↗TRM 4.0−3.0
...between a poorly directed Hindi Medium and Arjun Kapoor's broken English in Half Girlfriend, you really don't have much of a choice...
Full review ↗TRM 6.5−2.5
Noor is not path breaking cinema. But it's not regressive as well. It tries too hard man. But it has some well-written scenes too. It gets unnecessarily lengthy. But it does have a message at the end. Yeah, a message that comes after much drama and deliberation.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1+0.9
The film is based on one of the most massive mass migrations, leaving almost 12 million people to move houses. There were riots. Millions were massacred; women were raped and abducted. It's a heart-wrenching story aching to be told. Alas we watch a stubborn, high-headed woman whose strange sense of pride and heroism cost innocent lives.
Full review ↗TRM 5.00.0
Tapsee Pannu gets a couple of emotional scenes right but her straight-suppress-my-feelings-face gets too monotonous. The film makes unnecessary judgments on civilians and their choices in order to glorify the defense. Err. Not cool! The film has a few beautiful shots of Mumbai, especially the ones shot in an Iranian café, but the overall plot, the execution, the slow pace and the lazy editing make it a rather dull watch.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9
Phillauri despite some genuinely good performances failed to stir any emotions or strike any chord.
Full review ↗TRM 5.0−1.0
Had the film been snappier, shorter, it would have been more impactful. If you dig Vishal Bhardwaj's brand of cinema, a one-time watch wouldn't hurt much.
Full review ↗TRM 6.0
If the film focused on the crime, without trying too hard to make it easy-breezy and crack jokes that don't have much context to the film, it would have made for a far more compelling story.
Full review ↗TRM 6.2−1.2
TRM 5.8−1.8
Ok Jaanu doesn't convince you with the couple's fear against marriage. Neither does it showcase real career problems. The parents and family are also such boring cardboard characters. You can see the climax well in advance but can hardly see any logic or reasoning in their change of hearts.
Full review ↗TRM 5.00.0
Dangal outdoes Chak De India, only because it's based on a real story. A 'poor' father in Haryana resolves to train his 'daughters' in a patriarchal society fighting all odds is indeed inspiring. What's even more beautiful is the film's treatment. Not even once it melodramatizes Mahavir's poverty or his struggles. Its subtle treatment makes Dangal a must watch. So please watch!
Full review ↗TRM 8.00.0
TRM 5.0−1.0
TRM 5.8−0.8
We have seen Imtiaz Ali and Aamir Khan deal with the same topic in Tamasha and Taare Zameen Par, but Gauri Shinde gives it her signature and links it rather well with romance. It's painfully slow but has some beautiful moments. Definitely makes for a good one-time watch!
Full review ↗TRM 5.6
Rock On 2 is a good attempt on following a band's story. We miss Luke's Rob but we do welcome the new band members who are effortlessly brought into the band.
Full review ↗TRM 4.5
Bratty and Bubbly are best buddies. Bratty loves Bubbly. But Bubbly loves the Beyond-Borders-Bearded-Boy. Then Bratty falls in love with the Bold, Beautiful and Bachchan. And amid this quadrangle of Bratty, Bubbly, Bearded and Beautiful, we get three hours of heartbreak, unrequited love and a free trip to three gorgeous cities in Europe.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1
Our Shivaay is as deluded as his director. He screams at his lady love, for, er..., getting pregnant with his child(?), emotionally blackmails her to keep the baby and then says he is not forcing her to change her decision. Dude, you just tried every trick in the book to dissuade her.
Full review ↗TRM 4.6
MS Dhoni is yet another safe, simple, decently directed, decently enacted, never-ending ode to Dhoni without any crisis to deal with. Watch it only if you are a Mahi fan.
Full review ↗TRM 6.3−0.3
A film like Pink is so imperative that everyone must watch it. We as a nation keep telling our girls, our daughters and our wives to behave a certain way, to dress a certain way, to even talk a certain way so that they are not misread or misunderstood.
Full review ↗TRM 7.8+0.2
The film was gripping in the first half. There is nothing sexier than a woman kicking some serious butts, but it slips into Singham mode way too easily and way too quickly. You applaud the fight sequences for the first time, cheer for her the second time, get bored soon and feel like kuch bhi dot com towards the end of it.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−1.3
Mohenjo Daro presents the age-old story of good versus bad in times so alien to all of us. Despite having a spectacular set, the film doesn't give any great insights into history or the civilisation. There is hard work for sure. Full points to the team for recreating that era. I felt transported to that era, bought into their stories also but I feel sorry that the film didn't cut much ice with me. Watch it for the sheer magnificence, the sheer scale.
Full review ↗TRM 4.5+0.5
Rustom despite having an interesting plot tries to play safe, please everyone and resorts to Bollywood formulae of forced humour and even more forced insipid songs.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6−0.6
If you can suspend disbelief, surgically detach your brains, laugh at illogical buffoonery that rolls out in the name of humour, then my dear friend, you DON'T need to watch this film. You need help.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5−3.5
Sultan is a refreshing change to all Bollywood films made on sports.. It shows the story of a slacker/loser becoming a winner, fighting some personal battles and equating the victory with his personal win as well. Beautiful. Sultan is indeed rare. This, only, if you forget Lagaan, Chak De India, Mary Kom, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Kai Po Che, Patiala House, Iqbal, Dil Bole Hadippa, Sala Khadoos, Azhar, Ferrari Ki Sawari, Hawa Hawai, Paan Singh Tomar…phew!
Full review ↗TRM 6.5−0.5
Raman Raghav lacks the vulnerability of Ugly. It's just black. It could be in a Swiss account. In theatres it just seemed pointless to me.
Full review ↗TRM 5.9−1.9
The first half of the film scores high on the screenplay as it seamlessly shifts from one character's story to the other, taking us through Punjab's gorgeous houses and fields. The second half, however, loses its focus, like most Hindi films, and starts addressing love stories. I think we all must watch Udta Punjab and educate ourselves.
Full review ↗TRM 6.8+0.2
The film doesn't engage you much. I, not even for once, felt the need to investigate the case or make whodunnit guesses or sit on the edge of my seat, which is not a great thing for an emotional thriller Te3n aims to be.
Full review ↗TRM 5.8−0.8
If your idea of humour is red ants crawling over a disabled man's crotch or an old man farting as he mounts a bike or a blind man being asked to jump into a waterless pool, then I have two things for you. 1. You need help. 2. God bless you.
Full review ↗TRM 4.3−2.3
The story is sad. The treatment is bad. It is long and loopy and manipulative but it hurts more because it is based on a true story.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−0.1
Azhar could have been bad-ass, controversial, exciting, masaledaar… alas the simplistic safe treatment leaves it pretty bland.
Full review ↗TRM 5.0−1.0
TRM 4.6−1.6
Laal Rang could have been red hot alas turned out to be like a red flag to a bull. Don't be in the red, spend your weekend on a beach or at a shopping mall and paint the town red or else you will see red. In a line, the film loses fizz sooner than you expect. Watch it only if you like Randeep Hooda. He is fab in the movie.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−1.1
SRK keeps it subtle, however, I wish Aryan's stubbornness and arrogance were further explored, both in writing and acting. Fan is implausible, unreasonable and unconvincing.
Full review ↗TRM 6.8−1.8
Ki And Ka suffers from lazy, confused, amateur writing. There is out-of-character behavior and illogical scenes inserted in the name of feminism.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8−0.8
The action of the film is impressive but without much emotional context, it fails to leave an impact. Also, the film uses more knives than all the episodes of Masterchefs put together. It looks sharp and slick initially, alas turns into an unnecessary gore fest towards the end.
Full review ↗TRM 4.2−2.2
Kapoor and Sons beautifully delves deep into human emotions and easily makes it as one of the finest films of the year so far.
Full review ↗TRM 7.2+0.8
TRM 4.8
The plot of an Osama doppelganger torn between Americans and terrorists is funny indeed but loses punch because of lazy writing and loud performances.
Full review ↗TRM 4.4−0.4
The film does have a couple of flaws. It tends to get a bit slow and manipulative in between. But these are small hiccups in a film that besides telling an inspiring, fearless story briefly comments on the need to bring up our daughters as fearlessly as we bring up our sons. Shabana Azmi nails it in that last scene. I walked out with moist eyes and a lump in my throat, and that's saying a lot.
Full review ↗TRM 7.6−0.6
Shot beautifully, Fitoor does appeal to you. Anay Goswami's lens captures Kashmir beautifully. There are shikaras, snow-clad mountains, wooden houses and, of course, chinar leaves that have a special talent of turning everything mediocre into OhhhMyyyGoooodddThat'sSooooBeauuuutiifulll.
Full review ↗TRM 5.0−1.0
The beauty of Saala Khadoos is that it's building to a finale that you can see from light years: a grand international match with a badass Russian boxer who, we all know, will be biting the dust by the end of it. You see, the writers have done such a fine job that it doesn't shock the viewers at all.
Full review ↗TRM 5.4−1.4
Airlift, on one hand, is very real but at times fails to keep the audience on the edge of their seats that one would expect from a rescue thriller. Raja Krishna Menon manages to build tension but not enough to pause you from stuffing your face with that bag of popcorn. And then the need to insert those songs in between that robs a thriller from its pace and impact. Despite that it makes for a great weekend watch.
Full review ↗TRM 7.00.0
Overall, despite Amitabh's gyan on pyar, ishq, mohabbat, despite him going overboard with his analogies between life and shatranj, the film doesn't give you much insight into anything. It's an emotional thriller with an ending that you can see from a mile yet is impactful. Watch it once. It won't hurt.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5+0.5
If you gush calling Bhansali an artist, his movies oh-so-beautiful, sheer poetry and all that, then Bajirao Mastani won't disappoint!
Full review ↗TRM 6.7
If you are still alive at the end of the film, you would notice a book in apna Bravo's house. It reads Isaac Newton. That makes perfect sense. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, subtly establishing it as a revenge story. Errr NOT!
Full review ↗TRM 3.8−1.8
I feel Shagun Batra dealt with the same issue in Ek Main Aur Ek Tu a shade better, devoid of any dramatics, real and urbane. But Tamasha, despite bringing in a touch of tamasha, is a one-time watch for sure.
Full review ↗TRM 6.2−0.2
I knew it was a Rajshri film, where people play jewellery-jewellery in their living rooms, wear saris and sherwanis to bed and roll red carpets to their loos. But Prem Ratan Dhan Payo takes the Dhan part way too seriously.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−3.1
The film tries to get all preachy about fat people, that everyone has feelings and all that. But the same film also made a string of gay-fashion-designer-rich-blingy-show-off-Sindhis-small-eyed-Chinese-Japanese jokes. It's then a trifle hard to take this movie seriously.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.7
The film gives such gyan on life, love and universe that it seems less like a whodunnit murder mystery and more like a satsang. There is a spiritual spin to everything. A character in the movie says, I like holding my coffee mug close, because I want to hold my life close and feel it with my naked fingers. I laughed out so loud that my cheeks still hurt. Yep, you can hold the coffee mug close, hold your life close too. I am not sure if you should come anywhere close to Jazbaa.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6−1.6
I would rather poke myself in the eye with a blunt knife (REPEATEDLY) than watch any Prabhu Deva film ever again. Trust me that will be a breeze in front of this nonsense that spools out mercilessly for three hours.
Full review ↗TRM 4.3−4.3
The trailer says it's NOT a love story. The film is promoted with an interesting, twisted end. Err NOT! There is nothing new about the ending of the film. The only good thing about the ending was…that it ended.
Full review ↗TRM 4.00.0
TRM 3.9−0.9
I wish the film engaged me a bit more. 26/11 attacks enraged the entire nation. It made us feel vulnerable. A film that deals with it should stir my patriotic sentiments. I should be able to empathise. Alas, it felt like a decent film on anti-terrorism, something that I have already seen before.
Full review ↗TRM 5.2−0.2
Brothers, despite being a powerful story, lost the plot in the telling. I suggest get a DVD of Warrior instead.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.7
... the film raises an important question on what's right and what's wrong. A film that sparks off a debate is such a rarity in Hindi films.
Full review ↗TRM 6.5+0.5
Most of all Bajrangi Bhaijaan makes you feel proud, proud of the fact that we come from a secular country like India where a Muslim director takes the biggest Muslim superstar, christens him Bajrangi and makes him chant Jai Shri Raam a million times in a film that releases on EID! Watch it. It's a fun family watch.
Full review ↗TRM 6.6−0.6
The film doesn't underestimate your IQ as most Hindi films do. Watch it if you have got nothing to do on the weekend.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−0.1
The film suffers majorly from poor writing and poorer editing. The dance group has three months to prepare for the international championship; alas, they spend three days that felt like three years to convince Prabhu Deva to be their choreographer. The film in the second half is as sluggish. You lose patience. ...if you are a DID/Jhalak Dikhhlaa Jaa/Just Dance fan. If you have broken your fingers, sending a thousand messages to save your favorite contestants on reality shows!! If Dharmesh, Punit, Cockroach, Raghav are familiar names who bring a big smile on your face, then you must watch ABCD 2.
Full review ↗TRM 5.4−0.4
There is a lot of pain in the movie. So much pain that I felt it. In my head. The kind of pain that the entire strip of Panadol won't be able to fix. My temples are still pounding. Decent storyline lost in cheesy, very cheesy, no no no, cheesiness-raised-to-the-power-infinity dialogues that I feel I have devoured the entire Cheesecake Factory at MOE.
Full review ↗TRM 3.3−0.3
Bombay Velvet is beautifully shot, beautifully acted, beautifully edited but remained beautifully boring!! Watch it if you are a Ranbir-Anushka fan.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5−0.5
Fake hair is well balanced with real moments and real people. The early morning milkman, the newspaper delivery boy and his cycle, the misty wintry mornings, the old Kolkata buildings and the roadside kachoris make Piku a delectable ride. Watch and drool.
Full review ↗TRM 7.3−0.3
Watch it with family. It gives a free nostalgic trip to the world of scooters, video audio tapes and landline phones and everything nineties.
Full review ↗TRM 6.8+0.2
Let's just say Mr. X is a quarterly deal between the Bhatts and their bhanja with everything typically Vishesh films --- hot Chiquita, check, bad CG, check and kissing scenes, hell check!! My only question to Mr. X was Y! Why were you made? Watch it only if you are a huge Hashmi fan.
Full review ↗TRM 3.2−0.2
Watch it once for some great performances and fabulous production values that one hasn't seen in Hindi films in a long time.
Full review ↗TRM 6.5−1.5
I wonder what kind of conviction or payments made such talented actors; (from Naseer to Om Puri to Sushant Singh to Atul Kulkarni and Anupam Kher) take up such blah of a film. Dirty Politics is very dirty, no, not the kinds you are thinking. That dirt is usually deleted for a UAE release!! Bummer!!
Full review ↗TRM 2.5−0.5
Watch it for the debutant director's attempt at telling a different story with gorgeous actors that make enough eye candies!
Full review ↗TRM 4.1+0.9
It breaks my heart to see so much money, time and effort being spent on building such massive gorgeous sets for a film that doesn't have much to tell.
Full review ↗TRM 4.3−0.3
Dolly Ki Doli could have been spunkier, funkier and all things better. Watch it only for Rajkummar Rao, Varun Sharma and Archana Puran Singh.
Full review ↗TRM 5.2−0.2
TRM 4.6−0.6
I won't rate the film because to capture genuine efforts of a genuine filmmaker like Hirani in numbers will be unfair. So go watch the film. Like it or dislike it. But be fearless to question it as well, just like PK does, unapologetically, unabashedly in the film.
Full review ↗TRM 7.4
If your idea of good action is shoving a sharp knife into someone's mouth, down his throat cutting his intestines. If your idea of good humour is a Sonakshi Sinha desperate to see a naked Ajay Devgn. And your idea of good music is songs like Keeda, Chichora Piya and Surya ast Punjabi mast, then, one, I am FURIOUSLY judging you. Two, I AM STILL JUDGING YOU!!
Full review ↗TRM 2.6+0.4
Ungli deals with corruption in a very simplistic, superficial way. It never reaches out to the root of the problem, is quick to judge the poor Pandu hawaldaar or the auto drivers on the road and is quicker to punish them. It would be better if they dealt with what caused corruption than ways to deal with it. It even ends abruptly with no concrete message. Ungli is not as bad as O Teri or Fugly, but not even close to the best corruption movie of all times --- Rang De Basanti. If RDB led to an awakening, Ungli does just the opposite. It put me to sleep.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8+0.2
...if you don't have a problem with a misogynist point of view, can deal with regressive writing, the film might work for you. Besides the film has a decent first half, some smart lines and Above All, a dancing Govinda.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−0.3
TRM 4.4−1.4
So if you don't mind three aged men with high libido and low underwear blatantly hitting on a girl who is oblivious to good touch bad touch (Lagta hain madam ne Satyamev Jayate nahi dekha!), then The Shaukeens might work for you. Watch it only if you are a die-hard Akshay Kumar fan.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9−0.9
