Citylights tries to be two things at the same time for some things that cannot go together. True it keeps the setting real and the performances support that theme. But, other than that, it doesn’t engage. Just because a film is morose and grim, it doesn’t qualify as one that reaches out to you deep within. It is not good enough to have realistic setting and performances. The story has to make you believe too. That is what Citylights misses.

Hawaa Hawaai’s story has a very “been there, seen that” feeling about it. The melodrama doesn’t help its case. And then it has a preachy undertone, which borderline beats its own purpose. The good thing is, every time it goes into one of these zones, it manages to get back on track pretty quickly. In fact, it even makes some points rather subtly, in contrast to its own style thus far.

Kya Dilli Kya Lahore is not only well-intentioned it is well made too. Certainly worth the 100 minutes.

When it comes down to stories based on real life with soulful narration, there is very little to say other than, “go watch it, because you need to.”

Of course, Lakshmi is a very difficult and intense watch – for women, for sure, and hopefully for men too.

It is not new, it is not profound, but it held me glued – that freeing your spirit can show you how you are in charge and yet, to free your spirit, you need to take charge.

It is refreshing to watch something different being attempted in as rundown a genre as rom-com. It is refreshing to see the lead female protagonist get something real to do – maybe the technicalities are all over the place but at least she isn’t one of the two extremes tomboy/chirpy-bubbly or demure/shyness incarnate. It is a little disappointing to see her too, make her life about her man. But, then again, maybe that is what love does to you.

That’s the root there, the connect – which isn’t there. Certainly a downer, for a film that wants you to experience, rather than just superficially know. Yet, you cannot take away from the fact, that it is brave indeed to make a film like Miss Lovely.

Slow, long and yet it balances between taking its poetry too seriously and dumbing it down for our benefit. Only a few spots you wish were polished a tad better.

For many, the film might be a good enough on TV watch, but I just couldn’t help giving it an extra nudge for the heart it takes to make a film like this. One which takes an understanding, even if a slightly patronizing, look at the generation that’s over the hill.

From love at first sight to till-death-do-us-part style, crazy love via the banter and misunderstandings that any relationship goes through – Ram-Leela has it all, in gorgeous frames, amongst lots of song and dance. That also makes it predictable, long and over-dramatized.