Mid-Day, News18, Rediff
Reviewing since 2012 · Last review Dec 2023
Films
Scoring fingerprint
32 scored reviews · 0–10
Most given: 3 (7 reviews)14% of reviews not scored
In step with the room
Within a point of the Monk Score on 63% of 32 films
Closest peer
Agrees with Sonil on 83% of 23 shared films
Divergence
From the archive
The problem with a film like Salaar is that it focuses too much on the aesthetics and neglects the storyline. Overall, Salaar is only for Prabhas fans and for those who feel an assault on the senses is a form of cinema. But if you love your eardrums and have had your fill of the super-heroic exploits of an underdog-turned-top dog hero, you can give this film a probable miss.
Full review ↗TRM 5.7−0.7
Tiger 3 suffers from a problem many Indian spy films in the past have also gone through. Everything about the film is surface level: the script, and even the direction. The twists and double-crosses invoke indifference and as an audience you can predict them with ease.
Full review ↗TRM 5.9+1.1
Leo, an action thriller, is the filmmaker's attempt at going big in terms of vision and scale which is only let down by lethargic writing. Far from roaring, Leo just squeaks past for its few moments of some action sequences and Vijay's terrific screen presence.
Full review ↗TRM 5.8−0.8
Atlee serves a hardcore masala film that's not inventive or path-breaking by any standard but executes it well. He mixes this age-old success formula with his deadpan and dark humour, and things get pretty delectable in Jawan. Phenomenally entertaining and consistently engaging, Jawan is a complete masala potboiler that should be witnessed on a big screen.
Full review ↗TRM 7.1+0.9
SatyaPrem Ki Katha is too long for a story that's too familiar to begin with. It's not a bad film, but it's often dull and you can pretty much predict every next step.
Full review ↗TRM 5.9+0.1
With a plot that's too convoluted and takes the entire runtime of the film to establish itself, Bhediya terribly falters at storytelling, and fails to give out the message it intends to. The film has its heart in the right place but it falters in its execution and writing.
Full review ↗TRM 6.3−0.3
Ponniyan Selvan-1 is an engaging, involving movie-going experience, and proves once again why Ratnam is one of India's finest filmmakers. The film will be celebrated for years to come. The filmmaker finally brings his dream alive with a spectacular adaptation.
Full review ↗TRM 7.1+0.9
Brahmastra is a bold and audacious attempt with a breadth of vision, technical finesse and sheer grandeur that is rarely seen in Indian cinema. The film is a visual feast which needs to be watched on the big screen, a solid and satisfying watch that represents a well-crafted vision deserving of applause and appreciation.
Full review ↗TRM 5.9+1.1
Liger is full of misogyny, something that has deeply rooted in Hindi cinema. The film is buried under mediocrity – needless romantic backstory, pointless songs, corny humor by making fun of the lead character's stammering, cringe performances, frequent lapses of logic, and the most laughable cameo by one of the world's greatest boxers — Mike Tyson.
Full review ↗TRM 2.8+0.2
Laal Singh Chaddha becomes a delightful and touching experience, a movie that deftly grapples with the pessimism of the world, but handled in a mature way. Khan's performance is a breathtaking balancing act between comedy and sadness, in a story rich in small laughs and quiet truths. Laal Singh Chaddha leaves you with tears, smile and a reflective state of mind.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1+1.9
KGF: Chapter 2 delivers the goods when it comes to non-stop thrills, mood, and style. The action sequences (and there are plenty) are as fabulous as action can get. For the most part, KGF: Chapter 2 doesn't let us take our eyes off the screen. It's designed to be a cinematic treat with some amazing action pieces, one that deserves to be watched on the big screen.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5
Radhe Shyam is so ambitious in its scale that it almost fools you into believing it's a great film. Unfortunately, it doesn't even come close to being great and is just a yawnfest. The film ends up as one of those big budget attempts that's highly ambitious and silly at the same time.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9
Bhatt practically disappears into the character of Gangubai Kathiawadi. There's a hard-to-miss intensity in her eyes, and tenacity in her voice. She commands the screen with a fiery, arresting presence, never letting your attention wander away from her. This is a seriously slow and steady film, although slightly scattered, but stunning all the same.
Full review ↗TRM 7.0
Given the twists and turns, John Abraham starrer Romeo Akbar Walter comes across as a convoluted and tedious mess
Full review ↗TRM 4.6−1.6
For a story that hasn't been attempted on celluloid so far, Paltan could have been interesting. Unfortunately, it is high on desh bhakti and low on the content in the script
Full review ↗TRM 4.1−1.1
Zaveri writes dialogues that are certain to inspire applause. But, given that it is sculpted to be a masala entertainer, the film is heavy only on action, not emotion.
Full review ↗TRM 3.6+1.4
The story picks up from where it left the viewers in Vishwaroop, but unnecessary flashbacks and subplots take away from the narrative rather than adding to it
Full review ↗TRM 4.00.0
The problem lies with the execution -- as a viewer, there are so many questions that come to your mind that 20 minutes into the film, you stop caring about the proceedings
Full review ↗TRM 4.4−0.4
Race 3 will be taught in film schools, year after year, when they're conducting the 'How to Make a Really Good Bad Film' lecture. Director Remo D'Souza, now all set to deliver yet another hit, had a simple brief in mind: to make a hotch-potch of Hum Saath Saath Hai and Dhoom!
Full review ↗TRM 3.4−1.4
What follows is murder, blackmail and revenge. But you need not worry about that because these elements are mere fillers. The film is primarily about heaving bosoms, in-your-face breasts and umpteen steamy sex scenes.
Full review ↗TRM 3.2−1.2
It is silly. Sharma, who is among the most talented comedians, should stick to tickling the funny bone. Even with an earnest attempt, he fails to deliver.
Full review ↗TRM 4.1
In an attempt to propagate the message of 'family-first', the movie employs misconceptions and stereotypes, making it impossible to engage with the lead characters. Yet, the duo stands out. Rao, as is now usual, sinks his teeth into his character.
Full review ↗TRM 5.0
Chadha is a misfit, failing to look earnestly distressed. Koechlin tries to sail the sinking ship, but doesn't succeed either. The old theory 'so bad, it's good' also doesn't work for this one. Give it a miss.
Full review ↗TRM 2.9−0.9
The film tells you that India isn't safe for women, especially young girls but in the recent times films like 'Pink', 'Mom' and even 'Maatr' have dealt with the subject in a mature way. 'Bhoomi' is not quite the re-entry to Bollywood that Dutt's fans had been expecting. But it still justifies a trip to the theaters just for the man.
Full review ↗TRM 4.00.0
...the film has its share of follies when the second half kicks off. The music could have been played a vital role in the film, but fails. A sloppy climax ends this sweet experience on a bitter note, turning out to be that unpalatable dessert that ruins a delectable experience. Yet, the plusses in Lucknow Central outnumber the weaknesses. It surely deserves a dekho.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3+0.7
The problem, however, lies in the second half. The drama runs thin as the film starts to drag. Jokes become repetitive and silly, and the climax is poorly executed. The film makes its point in a manner that's all too preachy.
Full review ↗TRM 5.2−0.2
Far from an exciting film that would have me glued to my seat, this one made me look for the nearest exit to run. Instead of Baadshaho, one could well call it 'Bhaag jao'.
Full review ↗TRM 3.8−0.8
'Raabta' is a good attempt, but given a few minor irritants, an emotional connect is hard to come by. Ironic, considering 'Raabta' in Urdu means connection. The biggest issue is how detached the two worlds are. With the audience being pulled in different directions, the mismatch can only prove detrimental to the film.
Full review ↗TRM 4.1+0.9
Haasan, as a feisty Punjabi girl, is a misfit. You can see her effort, but she appears stymied on most of scenes. 'Behen Hogi Teri' has some funny moments and attempts to upgrade the rom-com genre in Bollywood, but it doesn't offer anything new. Take a chance with this one only if you enjoy the genre.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8−0.8
The film lacks two essentials. First, there is no visible chemistry between the leading actors. Their journey of falling in love is cut rather abruptly. Second, the love story isn't palpable enough. It's no wonder then that the convoluted mess, which goes on for over two hours, fails to tug at one's heart. The leading actors fail to lift the tempo of this snail-paced film, although Vikrant Massey, as Madhav's friend Shailesh, shines. 'Half Girlfriend' is full of loopholes.
Full review ↗TRM 4.0−2.0
It would make perfect sense to give this film a miss, unless you are into bikinis and Gujju stereotypes.
Full review ↗TRM 2.7−1.7
The script is fresh and debutant director Maneesh Sharma does full justice to it. The movie is well written and the director has handled the subject really well. He has executed the light moments as well as subtle emotions amazingly well.
Full review ↗TRM 6.1−0.1
Katiyabaaz is as riveting and gritty as it is wildly funny at times; a must watch. I strongly recommend Katiyabaaz.
Full review ↗TRM 7.1+0.9
If you really want some laughs, go with the original,Bhooter Bhabishyat. Gang Of Ghosts belongs to the category of bad remakes.
Full review ↗TRM 3.6−0.6
TRM 4.0−1.0
The tag line reads: 'Danger is real, Fear is a choice.' Little do the unsuspecting viewers know that it is, in fact, a warning about the film itself, for one needs courage to sit through this post-apocalyptic action fare.
Full review ↗TRM 4.4−1.4
TRM 3.2−2.2
