Top critic
Times Of India
Reviewing since 2012 · Last review Nov 2015
Nikhat Kazmi, born Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, was a senior correspondent and well-known film critic from India, who had been writing for The Times of India since 1987. She died of breast cancer.
Films
Scoring fingerprint
80 scored reviews · 0–10
Most given: 7 (22 reviews)5% of reviews not scored
In step with the room
Within a point of the Monk Score on 53% of 73 films
Closest peer
Agrees with Nikhat on 87% of 57 shared films
Divergence
From the archive
Story? Do we really need one! Let's say it's just a simple cops and robbers tale that ain't simply done. The thrills, the chills and the testosterone twists will keep you humming: 'Crazy kiya re!' Time to take a back seat, Mr Bond. Because Bollywood's Dhoom is bigger, better and goes beyond...
Full review ↗TRM 6.4
A film that may not storm the box office, I Am Kalam will definitely stir your sensibilities.
Full review ↗TRM 6.5+0.5
Saawariya is visually overpowering. This is a film meant purely for viewers who find cinema a synonym for aesthete. The allegorical settings and Dostovyskian love fable may not find favour with the aam junta . But for the cineaste, the film is a lyrical odyssey that works at the level of a fable.
Full review ↗TRM 4.5+1.5
The winning duo of Shimit Amin and Jaideep Sahni may not be offering you a Chak De India this time round, but they do sculpt some rare moments on celluloid that end up redefining the pursuit of happiness as something more than mainu chaida, chaida, chaida! (I want, want, want!)
Full review ↗TRM 6.7+0.3
Om Shanti Om is such an unabashed tribute to Karz , it makes you want to run home and dig out the old-is-gold DVD and rewind to the saucy seventies when anything was allowed in Bollywood, including souls that slipped through janams, ghosts that walked, chandeliers that killed, mothers who waited centuries for sons to return and filmy romance was all about haseenas, dewaanas and don't-ask-for-logic attitudes.
Full review ↗TRM 6.5+0.5
This one is drawn straight from the heartland of middle class India. Maybe that's why it strikes an instant chord with it's familiar tale of an ageing man's dream to invest his savings in a dream house for his family in South Delhi.
Full review ↗TRM 6.0
Too long. Too tedious. And strangely plastic. No, this time, Karan Johar seems to have got the formula somewhat skewed. For unlike his earlier successful celluloid soap operas, the audience doesn't get to shed any real tears even though the protagonists keep crying. Nope! When it comes to infidelity, Arth still remains the last word in Bollywood. And Silsila the most silken.
Full review ↗TRM 6.0
Dramatically, it's Priyanka's journey that is the most comprehensive as it tackles her growth from an ambitious, young girl to an arrogant model who fails to handle her success, crumbles and then rises again, like the proverbial Phoenix. The actress delivers a competent performance and yet, has tough competition from the other two girls.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3+1.7
A must-see film, with a delicious sense of humour, Harishchandrachi Factory boasts of some sterling performances by the lead actors (Nandu Madhav and Vibhawari Deshpande) as Mr and Mrs Phalke who end up as the most chilled out couple of the early 20th century. The film works as a period drama too, with an exquisite eye for detail. But most importantly, it lays down the mantra of Indian movie lore. When someone asks Dadasaheb what kind of movies he would like to make, he replies: The one's which are resplendent with our culture and ethos.
Full review ↗TRM 7.4+0.6
The only high point of the film is Shah Rukh's interpretation of the geeky-gawky middle class hero, who would have actually been quite lovable if he didn't metamorphose into his gaudy, over-the-top alter ego, Raj. Debutante Anoushka lacks all chutzpah and can barely hold your attention. Watch it, only for Surinder Sahni ji, a refreshing new take on the Bollywood hero.
Full review ↗TRM 5.8+0.2
Band Baaja Baaraat works smartly as a sociological study of saddi Dilli, with moods, moments and characters that crisply capture the life on the other side of the neon lights. Like Dibakar Banerjee and Rakeysh Mehra, director Maneesh Sharma chooses to look the other way and talk about the earthy, emotional, rough-edged quintessential Dilliwala who peppers his language with street talk, doesn't believe in minding his Ps and Qs, revels in an in-your-face attitude and cocks a snook at the HS (high-society) people...
Full review ↗TRM 6.1−0.1
Kurbaan sure does strike a chord and sets you thinking on stuff that needs to be sorted out before the new world order - a more humanitarian, less violent - sets in. Don't miss it.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6+1.4
Truly, Kaminey's a heady vodka martini, leaving you both shaken and stirred. And no, don't even ask for the popcorns. You'll leave them untouched coz this one just isn't the regular-run-of-the-mill popcorn flick.
Full review ↗TRM 7.1−0.1
The high point of the film is the fact that director Rajkumar Hirani says so much, and more, without losing his sense of humour and the sheer lightness of being. The film is a laugh riot, despite being high on fundas.
Full review ↗TRM 6.6+3.4
The film's a sparkler, from the word go. From the onset of the adventurous train journey that leaves Mumbai for Bhatinda with its quirky passenger duo of a phataka Kareena and an angry young boy-man Shahid, through the winding mossy ways of the heartland (literally, so), till its final filmy destination, the film's a warm and stylish voyage that gently carries you along.
Full review ↗TRM 7.0+1.0
In Ishqiya lingo, the film is a sutli bomb (firecracker) that tickles and explodes. But for the hurried and harried end. Go, have a blast.
Full review ↗TRM 6.9+0.1
...it's not meant to make sense. It's only meant to entertain. And entertain, it does in overdoses. No, this isn't meant for people who are looking for different cinema. Nor is it meant for the viewer who likes movies to appeal to his head. Yet, for those who celebrate and serenade the `silliness' of mainstream masala movie lore and swear by its popcorn quotient, Dabangg is the greatest getaway of the season.
Full review ↗TRM 6.8+1.2
TRM 7.3+0.7
It's a familiar world of bhais, boxers and bustee wallahs which Mumbai cinema has created and re-created, time and again that stares at you in Lafangey Parindey. And it's this familiarity of character and script that actually works against Pradeep Sarkar's third love story which comes after Parineeta and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag. There is an overriding sense of deja vu that overcomes you as you watch the cliche-ridden script unfold in a predictable fashion, where the rough-edged gangster is involuntarily drawn towards his sweet yet strong victim. And yet, it isn't easy to write off the film completely.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1+0.9
TRM 4.7+2.3
This one begins with a disclaimer: As long as you dare to dream (and as long as you remain focused), nothing can go wrong. Ironically, the script seems to lose focus from the very word go....
Full review ↗TRM 3.8−0.8
TRM 3.6+0.4
Don't really go looking for logic or something new in here. And don't even go looking for some high end drama.
Full review ↗TRM 3.7+2.3
A brave attempt, Yeh Dooriyan needed a dash of polish and a healthier dose of story.
Full review ↗TRM 3.6
The film, a remake of a South Indian hit, may end up as another blockbuster, like most Salman films have been doing in the recent past. Yet, sadly, this one's mostly bluster.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6−0.6
The problem with Mummy Punjabi lies in the fact that it is neither a comedy nor a serious film, just something in-between. Wonder who is the target audience!
Full review ↗TRM 3.8
Not meant for those who like run-of-the-mill stuff, That Girl in Yellow Boots is quintessential independent cinema.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1+1.9
TRM 3.6
All in all, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan holds out a promise for a pleasant weekend viewing.
Full review ↗TRM 5.0+1.0
The film tries to strike a balance between art and mainstream cinema and succeeds partially.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7+1.3
TRM 5.4+1.6
TRM 3.2+0.8
The film may be a finely crafted drama, yet it unfolds with thriller pace, keeping you on the edge of the seat till the very end. Enjoy the experience of a revised and re-mixed story, well told.
Full review ↗TRM 6.2+1.8
The humour in Rascals is too loud and often unfunny while Kangna Ranaut is too hysterical and dumb-headed to evoke all the trouble and attention. Okay, so dumbness can be excused in Bollywood comedies which ostensibly revel in low IQ gags.
Full review ↗TRM 3.6+0.4
Love Breakups Zindagi should be treated as a stepping stone to something more substantial -- and original -- from the threesome.
Full review ↗TRM 4.4+0.6
So what is it that actually tickles the funny bone in here? Definitely not Pinto's slow and steady steps.
Full review ↗TRM 4.4+0.6
Ra-One is sure to usher in a crackling Diwali at the box office and give the audience paisa vasool entertainment, with fine performances by both Shah Rukh and Kareena. Even young Armaan is efficient. Go have a blast.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6+1.4
Ironically, it's the songs of the film which stand out much more than the script, narrative, drama and performances.
Full review ↗TRM 4.3−0.3
TRM 2.7+1.3
Gory, yes but Not A Love Story is an interesting study of the darker and more devious spots of friendly neighbourhood types.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9+1.1
The altercations are sweet, the comedy subtle and the backdrop (Himachal, untapped) majestic. Enjoy.
Full review ↗TRM 3.5+2.5
A serious and sensible debut film by director Parvin Dabas, Sahi Dhande Galat Bande is offbeat and fresh
Full review ↗TRM 5.0+1.0
Singham isn't all retro stuff, since scam-tainted India finds a voice and a vision in this mainstream kitsch.
Full review ↗TRM 5.7+2.3
The drama has already gained immense popularity through the long-running television series Office Office and Mussaddi Lal's archetypal common man has become a familiar figure in popular culture. In the celluloid version, Pankaj Kapoor once again proves what a fine actor he is as he carries forth the relentless struggle of the aam Indian against India's endemic bribe culture and official apathy.
Full review ↗TRM 4.1+1.9
Wonder how restless kids will watch Chillar Party? Filmmakers need to realize Indian tweens are extremely smart and fed on a regular diet of Cartoon Network and roller-coaster Hollywood kiddie's flicks. You got to have a story, adventure drama and pace. Or else....
Full review ↗TRM 6.0+1.0
Director Zoya Akhtar follows up Luck By Chance with another sensitive and entertaining study of people, even as she gives Bollywood it's first full blown contemporary road movie.
Full review ↗TRM 6.3+0.7
Bubble Gum may not score high on the entertainment quotient and is definitely not meant for the popcorn guzzlers. But the film has a piquant charm to it, spilling over with mood, sentiment and message. Add to this, the life-like performances by almost all the actors, including the two teen actors (Delzad and Sohail as the hearing-impaired), and you have a film that offers a satisfying experience.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6+0.4
You do end up a few shades disappointed with the sequel, specially since the first part was such a scintillating act. The humour is laid back, the laughs are too few and far between and the tango between Vinay Pathak and Kay Kay Menon lacks the chemistry that crackled between Pathak and Rajat Kapoor in part one.
Full review ↗TRM 3.8+1.2
It's all foregone and predictable apart from being inordinately long. School is agony; school is ecstasy. Always Kabhi Kabhi captures neither and treads the staid middle ground.
Full review ↗TRM 3.6+1.4
This one's definitely not for the fastidious, choosy viewer but for those who don't mind losing it for a bit, Double Dhamaal works like an average Bollywood comedy. Performance-wise, it's one big circus with the guys hogging most of the limelight. The girls -- Mallika and Kangana -- are mere confetti.
Full review ↗TRM 4.2+1.8
Way to go Mr Bachchan. We always maintained you were the best. Of course, the film has its loose and superfluous moments, but those are easily ignored.
Full review ↗TRM 6.0+1.0
All in all, Delhi Belly is a fine example of how the brightest and the boldest, when they pool in their talent, can create a film that is guaranteed to give you your money's worth, even as it re-writes all the moth-balled rules of an ageing industry.
Full review ↗TRM 7.1+0.9
There may be nothing original about the story, yet Murder 2 has enough to give the masses a mast time.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1+1.9
The film has so much soul, specially in the climax, it makes up for any shortcomings in story and vision.
Full review ↗TRM 4.6+2.4
Shor in the City may be another dekko at merry, murky, mad city Mumbai but not once do you get a sense of deja vu. And that's because this one's a completely quirky cameo on a city that continues to hypnotize people with its chameleon hues. The film posits the metropolis as a character in the film.
Full review ↗TRM 6.5+1.5
An interesting watch for kids, Zokkomon may be the beginning of a better branch of tween films.
Full review ↗TRM 4.1+1.9
This one is romance in reverse. And that's the only novelty the film can boast about. While most Bollywood love stories reach a fruition, Love Ka The End works feverishly -- and foolishly -- towards love's decimation.
Full review ↗TRM 5.0
Punctuated with thrilling chases and shoot-outs in the crowded by-lanes of Delhi, Shagird is another interesting film from maverick director Tigmanshu Dhulia who made an impression with Haasil, his very first film.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7+2.3
The film does have a sweetness that grows on you and seasoned actors like Ram Kapoor and Madhoo add a dignity to their roles. The love birds Tusshar and Amrita are in sync with each other, but the film is so predictable and so long, it loses impact.
Full review ↗TRM 4.0+1.0
Watch it for its novelty and for the fact that Ragini MMS makes a heady cocktail of sex and horror that's so very different from run-of-the-mill Bollywood.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3+1.7
Don't miss this rich and nuanced soul curry for both, the young and adult heart.
Full review ↗TRM 7.00.0
The highpoint of the film lies in the fact that it explores paranormal activity without abandoning science and rationality. And that indeed is a rare achievement. Set against the backdrop of a medical college, the film takes up the usual issues of ragging and student suicides but gives it such a tangy twist, you end up literally KOed.
Full review ↗TRM 6.0+2.0
TRM 3.5+1.5
TRM 5.2+0.8
The storyline may be interesting and hold potential as a drama about a bunch of kids trying to blow up a terrorist plot. But its delineation is so serious, so tedious and so unfunny, it makes us adults fidgety. Can't imagine what it would do to an audi full of restless kids!
Full review ↗TRM 3.8
Watch it for its unbridled goofiness, the attempt to laugh at the Punjabi stereotypes and for the Deol chemistry that makes you chuckle, now and then.
Full review ↗TRM 5.0+1.0
This one's got neither sum nor substance and is sure to make you impatient.
Full review ↗TRM 3.6
You can't go cackling like a bunch of geese with fake accents, faux oomph and freakishly bad performances.
Full review ↗TRM 3.2−0.2
Dark, devious and different, Yeh Saali Zindagi is brain-and-brawn drama. Wish the Censor hadn't beeped so much.
Full review ↗TRM 5.4+1.6
The film does make you sit up and raise a fist against the most prevalent malady of our education system.
Full review ↗TRM 4.0
The film has an impeccable first half and could do with some editing in the second half. But the high drama, the arresting performances and the spunky audio track (Amit Trivedi) make NOKJ a memorable viewing.
Full review ↗TRM 6.4+1.6
TRM 5.4+1.6
The film however lacks consistency and some of the comic situations fail to evoke any humour. While the brothers try to co-exist peacefully in the ramschackled bungalow and almost end up killing each other, the drama holds your interest. But as it moves out into the wilderness, with blondes, dogs, drugs and cops, it loses track.
Full review ↗TRM 3.4+1.6
High production values -- glitzy locales, jazzy styling -- and Pritam's pop numbers and you have a film that can be an average weekend getaway. Nothing more, not even Mallika Sherawat's item number.
Full review ↗TRM 4.0+1.0
The problem with F.A.L.T.U lies in its tone. It doesn't know whether to unfold as a full blown comedy or take itself seriously by providing some gyan on the education system.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−0.1
The film predominantly suffers from a lack-lustre script (Althea Delmas Kaushal) which often borders on the corny.
Full review ↗TRM 3.8+0.2
Don't be mislead by the title (no, it isn't a morning show film) and don't be foxed by the low key publicity. This one's truly a surprise. Check it out.
Full review ↗TRM 3.8
The film does show flashes of substance and form, but there's a whole lot of flab that renders it formless.
Full review ↗TRM 3.2+0.8
Patiala House may not match up to his debut film, Kal Ho Na Ho, but director Nikhil Advani does make amends for the disastrous Chandni Chowk to China. Watch this family drama for its redefinition of patriotism in a going-global age, dominated by the growing Indian diaspora.
Full review ↗TRM 5.2+0.8
Fun while it lasts, Tanu Weds Manu throws up Bollywood's newest obsession -- small town girls and their gunas (values) -- once again. A meatier storyline and a less messed up climax would have worked wonders for the film.
Full review ↗TRM 5.4+0.6
Serious, sensitive and stirring, 7 Khoon Maaf is a whole new cinematic experience. Watch how Indian cinema is metamorphosing into something more substantial and glocal.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3+1.7
Intermittently interesting, Utt Pataang has a problem of plenty. You've seen this so many times in experimental gangster noir.
Full review ↗TRM 4.5+0.5
A lyrical ode to the modern malady -- metro-eccentricity -- Dhobi Ghat is intelligent and artistic cinema.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3+1.7
TRM 5.0+1.0
