Bangistan attempts to tell a well-intentioned message through humour, and in the end, both are lost on the viewer. The film, based on our novice bombers, is sadly low-impact!

…the film remains watchable for the story, a few suspenseful moments, and Tabu’s electrifying act.

Director Biswajeet Bora gives us a film that’s heartfelt but marred by a sketchy, uneven execution. And the film’s core can be described in these lovely words – ‘Jaisa apna aashiyan, hoga waisa yeh jahaan’ (The state of your home, is reflected in the state your outside world). Words to mull over. And yes, it has inspired me to rekindle my friendship with plants, with more heart and gratitude!

Even if it meanders aimlessly for a while, the story reaches its destination in the end. And I doubt if anyone in the audience will leave the theatre unaffected. Do watch!

The film falters in an inconsistent pace, adding an artificial romance that never really convinces us, and insinuating a jarring item song with dancers that look too modern. The melodramatic scenes involving the mother are also grating on the nerves. The film ends rather abruptly with a message that says …’Conclusion will happen in 2016′. So much for subtlety!

But there are relatively small faults in a film that overwhelms and entertains through its sheer love for scale and visual wizardry. For the splendid visual feast it offers, and the solid performances, this one comes recommended!

The film might have seemed an interesting, ambitious, black-humoured take on crime in the menacing hinterlands. But what we get is a watered-down version of the above. If you must watch it, look out for the few interesting moments, within the largely insipid, colourless film.

But most importantly, the film’s finale is utterly unconvincing, objectionable in its insinuation that being a being a woman is a punishment, and jarring, in that order.

In that sense, the film talks about women’s rights while including these sexist elements, and gives a muddled message. However, the film redeems itself to an extent by the story it chooses, the issues it touches upon even if briefly, and a few genuine moments.

As someone who wholeheartedly enjoyed ABCD, I have to say this has proven to be a disappointing and unworthy sequel. The film ends with a quote by Remo that says, ‘Life is all about the next step’. We certainly hope Remo’s next step has us dancing again!

Mohit Suri is a fine director, but has often displayed a misogynistic core in some of his films. That continues here, as the story takes one shockingly regressive turn after the other. It’s difficult to process that Mahesh Bhatt has penned this story.

Ultimately the film is about everyone having their hearts set on different things, and allowing for a space where everyone’s wishes thrive. Despite the few flaws, the film boasts of a robust heartbeat. Worth your time!