Despite the markedly unoriginal scenes and predictable story, “Zubaan” might have been a coherent film if the director wasn’t so confused. As it stands though, this is a film that cannot overcome its split-personality disorder.

Two of India’s finest actors star in a new Bollywood film that puts the spotlight on homophobia in India, with its makers hoping to rekindle the debate on homosexuality and the right to privacy.

The flaws are few and the high points are many. “Neerja” is the best film we’ve seen this year.

To Kapoor’s credit, his vision is ambitious and “Fitoor” (Obsession) has the look of a brooding, sweeping romance that transcends time and, at times, the realities of the era in which it is based.

…one of those films that should have been made in the 80’s, when such themes might have been better accepted. Or better yet, it shouldn’t have been made at all.

This modern version of the angry young man out to seek justice is more muted than the 1990 film.

…another example of Bollywood’s belief that even if you sink to the depths of mediocrity, there is someone out there who will still come and watch your film.

There is no story here to speak of, and whatever conflicts and situations the film presents are merely vehicles for its mediocre humour and raunchy song-and-dance numbers. And when you have Tusshar Kapoor dressed in drag and being propositioned by Shakti Kapoor, who plays his father, you know it can’t get worse.

The sight of the tricolor unfurling before the victorious hero is one that has characterised many a Bollywood movie. And yet, very few manage to evoke genuine emotion even after resorting to lofty dialogue and (ear-shattering) patriotic background music.

But in Raja Krishna Menon’s “Airlift”, that moment is beautifully captured.

The only lesson you learn is how the Indian film industry neglects veteran actresses such as Azmi and Chawla, and forces them to accept mediocre roles just to appear on the big screen again.