You know that the makers have their heart in the right place because of the scale on which they have mounted this drama. The sets and VFX deserve a mention. However, you come back a tad disappointed because unlike Shivi who managed to put the wind beneath his wings, the film itself doesn’t provide even surface-level thrills.

While the waif-like Amy looks mesmerising, Vikram bowls you over with a heart-wrenching performance whether he is handsome or disfigured. Santhanam provides the perfect comic relief. The first fight in a local gymnasium and the BMX bike fight on Chinese rooftops are an adrenaline fix. This is pure escapist fare but will resonate with those who read fairy tales at bedtime.

Inspired by a 2007 Thai film by the same name, this Bollywood adaptation depends too heavily on creaking doors and a shrieking Sanjana to send a chill down your spine.

Amit Sharma’s Tevar, a remake of the Telugu hit Okkadu (2003), is over-a-decade-old wine served on a larger canvas.
Amit makes a smooth progression from 30-second commercials to a 159-minute-long film. His penchant for colours, the right use of the Taj Mahal (as a monument of love), his finesse in presenting the real locations indicate his adroitness in filmmaking.

While the pace does dip in the second half, what makes Ugly tick is the searing honesty with which it is told. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but for those who are willing to let the morally decrepit live.

If you’re not looking for a mentally stimulating fare, enjoy this ride that is basically meant for the filmi keedas.

…the film lacks gloss but it still works as an eye-opener. It also depicts how even back then India had morally corrupt politicians who barely spared a thought for the plight of the common man! Somethings don’t change. In spite of depicting a film based on true incidents, the film is not a documentary and manages to connect emotionally.

There is enough pizzazz to divert you from the cliched plot. It is certainly a step up from Shaad’s last disastrous outing, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007). And what makes this film watchable is the effortless chemistry between Ranveer and Ali. Their poker-faced humour, jibes at one another and ability to break into a song are impressive. Supported by some corny dialogues — like pigs must always eat shit and never attempt to taste gulkand (a sweet preserve of rose petals used in paan) – they draw laughs as quickly as they draw out their weapons.

Somewhere along the 133 minutes, you’re bound to wonder – why did drop-dead gorgeous Rekha agree to do this film? One can say that India’s self-styled Greta Garbo is a frog in the well. She obviously hasn’t seen English Vinglish and Queen during her Parliament break.

One star in the rating is reserved solely for the livewire, Richa Chadha. Like in Fukrey, in Tamanchey too, she gets her bindaas, badass girl act pat.