But lock, stock, barrel and more, the film belongs to that powerhouse actor, Ranveer Singh. He OWNS the film on-screen as much as Bhansali does behind the screen. You loathe his essay of Khilji, look at him with renewed respect as an actor who is less than eight years around but has the rare capacity to bring to life such a deeply evil character. Eyes, body language, smiles or tenor, he proves that dedicated actors can go beyond the vision of a script or even of a passionate director.

As a Salman-athon, this film is full value for money and more for both Salman Khan and action buffs, so if we have to judge a film on that base, it is bang on target. But for non-Salman fans who still like their tryst with commercial entertainment, I somehow felt that this film lacked the repeat value of the best espionage dramas. But, since my rating is always for how close a film succeeds in its original intention and target audiences, I will go for a midway score.

Ajay Devgn is fabulous as the mercurial Gopal, and, especially, astoundingly good as the nervous man scared of the supernatural. Arshad Warsi is an element, and Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Khemu are in even better fettle. Parineeti Chopra has a role that is easy in some ways and difficult in others, but she blends into the ethos like a pro. Tabu is a complete surprise again – she is outstanding as Anna. Another surprise is Prakash Raj as Venu Reddy, who eschews his standard villainy to be an enjoyable baddie. Neil Nitin Mukesh, Khedekar and Tikekar have nothing to do.

“Secret Superstar” has no secret about it – it is an open book on how if movies were actors, this one would be a superstar! As a David, let us hope that this week’s Goliath – “Golmaal Again” – matches it in performance! It will then be a bumper festive season, unlike last year that had two duds taking cover under their 100 crore Indian nett business.

This is one film that should appeal across the country, and well, it’s still not too late to put in the subtitles for the English dialogues!

Don’t give a miss to this Indian ‘Chef’ if you want delectable fare.

After eons comes a Hindi film that relooks at hallowed time-tested genres that gave Hindi cinema some of its biggest classics. Let us hope that today’s audiences, who think it unfashionable to patronize such fare, make an exception here. “Judwaa 2” is masala entertainment, unapologetic, undiluted and, of course, as unique for today’s times.

No matter what the initial box-office will be (nowadays such films grow by word-of-mouth despite poor marketing and limited releases), this is one movie that will live on, as it has a humongous shelf-life. Don’t miss, please.

The worst thing about this film is that you cannot call it a bad or below-par film. But in terms of expectations from the vibe and promo, we are not fully gratified.

If entertainment with elements like thrills and action is your cup of tea, go for it. Otherwise, stay away from this rollercoaster of drama sprinkled with action. Accordingly, this smooth ride with an abrupt finish will lead you to gratification, or to nowhere.

Watch this film for a heartwarming experience in the movie-hall. You will not wean off the lovable ‘Bareillyians’ easily. You might even yearn for a second watch.