Staggeringly engaging, remarkably rugged and unexpectedly romantic, Sultan is every bit the comprehensive blockbuster it promised to be. Watching the accomplished storytelling and the deft characterisations in Sultan, it is hard to believe that this work comes from the director of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Gunday. Quite a dizzying climb!

Raman Raghav 2.0 is a cleverly crafted and compelling film.

The ending could have been far better. It’s a bit comical to see some of our central characters sitting out and having a nice tea picnic while something so significant is happening.

Still, the film is mostly gripping, sensational and involving. Veerappan’s story with his spectacular rise and fall was a big one. The film does it justice.

For the outstanding story, interesting storytelling style, and incredibly authentic performances, this one is a must-watch!

It is to Shah Rukh Khan’s credit for taking on a fairly risky subject, and allowing such self-deprecating material (he is known for his comment on performing at weddings) in the script. But this is no ordinary Shah Rukh Khan film. Here the superstar is visibly thrilled to tackle this complex role (roles, actually) and relishes them with passion. He’s wonderful as the superstar who faces trouble from the most unexpected source, and is even better as the fan who is so obsessed, he cannot differentiate between right and wrong.

This is a film that celebrates the dysfunctional family, gamely accepting it as a part of reality, with each member uniquely glorious with all their idiosyncrasies and imperfections.

The film suitably ends on a note that is symbolic of most families; at least the more interesting ones- they are all perfect in their imperfections.

The film is a comment on honest officials vs. ruffian politics in mofussil India, but then we’ve seen this so many times before. What sets the film apart is Jha’s sure-footed storytelling (though he sticks to his tried-and-tested formula) and Priyanka Chopra’s dazzling performance. This one straddles the two worlds of being a reasonably accomplished film as well as a crowd-pleaser.

Mehta’s sure-footed storytelling is enhanced by the technical finesse, from the cinematography and editing, to the production design and music.

Watch the film to experience a story that is as searing as it is sensitive. Most crucially, the film ensures that the absurdity of a law criminalizing homosexuality hits home harder than ever.

This is one of the few films where the audience was moved enough to applaud together. Highly recommended!

The film does have its share of endearing moments. One of them is a poster saying ‘Harty Welcome’ when Adi arrives in Chennai. One wishes the film had other such insights that made it different from the rest. Sadly, the film chooses to walk the predictable path, instead of carving its own.