Nandita Das film is a brilliant portrait of a self-destructive creator…

Ribbon is an insightful and mature relationship drama that showcases the trials and tribulations of parenting in the city. In a way it’s a perfect companion piece to Vikramaditya Motwane’s Trapped in which a young man is pushed to his mental and physical limits as he becomes a forgotten entity in the crowded metropolis.

Newton makes you want to be a more diligent Indian. It’s a film that tells you that cynicism won’t take us anywhere. It’s a film that makes you want to not give up on incredible India. And it brings all these feelings by keeping you invested in the outcome of the election.

The manufactured climax aims for a brisk resolution without much explanation. The cameo preceding it makes even lesser sense. Nonetheless Shubh Mangal Saavdhan is yet another feel-good romance which, much like Bareilly Ki Barfi, works because of credible performances.

Lipstick Under My Burkha is truly an ensemble film in which every performer leaves her or his mark.

Baahubali: The Beginning ended with the question that left everyone perplexed. Bahaubali: The Conclusions leaves you with another: How long before viewers are treated to another Rajamouli film? Is Bollywood the next stop? Will it be another magnum opus? How does he top this gargantuan effort? The wait will be a while, but then Rajamouli through Baahubali movies has proven that patience has its rewards and that those who dream and dare can succeed.

Parched packs in many social issues into the film – from violence against women to the need of education of girls – and it does so without screaming from the rooftop.

Udta Punjab is not the most comprehensive film on the state’s vicious drug crisis. What it tries to be, with varying success, is a humane drama about the damaging consequences of drugs on the youth, and how the politicians and police forces are partners in crime as they facilitate the illegal industry for their own profit.

The makers tie the loose ends together albeit with a few contrived events and a few question lurking. Nonetheless with Phobia Kripalani succeeds in his mission to keep the audiences engaged and also constantly thinking. 

Mother’s Day is on May 8 and Nil Battey Sannata is a timely, fitting tribute to the paramount figure in all our lives without whom we are all lesser beings.