Sukanya Verma
Rediff·Zee News
Most Divergent Takes
- Bhaiaji Superhit (2018)0.0 vs TRM 4.1-4.1
- Race 3 (2018)0.0 vs TRM 3.6-3.6
- Shaandaar (2015)8.0 vs TRM 4.8+3.2
- Roy (2015)1.0 vs TRM 4.2-3.2
- Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)3.0 vs TRM 6.1-3.1
Cocktail 2
2026 · Rediff
As long as its purpose of throwing everyone on the dance floor as they flaunt their toned abs in fancy clothes is served, Cocktail 2 doesn't feel obliged to make any sense. For all its bold, brash, bronze-bodied imagery of relationships in the digital age, Cocktail 2 is just as shy of breaking stereotypes as its 'spiritual' predecessor.
Maa Behen
2026 · Rediff
Madhuri's mix of silly, starry-eyed, sly and sentimental doesn't miss a single beat. A flawless Triptii Dimri steals the show in a role, finally worthy of her talent, in a slow burn account of a volcano on the verge of explosion.
Governor
2026 · Rediff
An oversimple take on India's monetary muddle reduces a chapter into a page. The film's simplistic narrative, questionable historical accuracy, and underwhelming production quality fail to do justice to the serious subject matter, with Manoj Bajpayee appearing out of sorts and the direction lacking the historical gravitas needed.
Welcome to the Jungle
2026 · Rediff
If chuckling five times in three hours is the new definition of hilarity, sure, why not? Welcome To The Jungle's crowded chaos strays wholly from its loony gangsters theme to achieve its 'big is better' beliefs. Welcome To The Jungle's desperation is a lot more conspicuous than its ambition.
Alpha
2026 · Rediff
Alpha is a botched up opportunity. Director Shiv Rawail's half-hearted diversion from the male-dominated genre means to give the girls their due but only ends up failing their cause in a generic, lacklustre actioner. Her lazily-written character, like the rest of the film, relies on empty attitude and endless gunfire to find its feet.
Naina
2026 · Rediff
Naina fails to establish an emotional connection. Debutant director Shripal Morakhia tries hard to frighten by employing crude methods like charred bodies and painted faces. But gore is a poor substitute for psychological terror.
Main Vaapas Aaunga
2026 · Rediff
Main Vaapas Aaunga's unwavering belief in love is a testament to cinema's uplifting gifts. Main Vaapas Aaunga is a rare gem where they retain their innocence, not quite comprehending the seriousness of the situation as if reacting in real-time as opposed to from a place of knowledge.
The Diplomat
2025 · Rediff
The possibilities of this serviceable thriller are immense but the makers prefer to play it safe and hold back the daredevil in the diplomat's clothing. John Abraham plays Jitender Pal Singh with firmness and charm, meeting the film's expectations, while Sadia Khateeb portrays the dread and desperation of a wounded figure with crushing intensity.
Fighter
2024 · Rediff
Fighter's distressing lack of thrills and sizzle reduces the exercise to an excuse for tedious amounts of Pakistan bashing. Stupidity, not sky, is the limit for this superficial saga of valour whose understanding of heroics is as dense as the kajal in the eye of the enemy across the border.
Animal
2023 · Rediff
Animal's violence isn't for the fainted-hearted unless you have an appetite for Korean style mayhem. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga unleashes his fiercest impulses and care-a-damn attitude to deliver an action-packed exchange of volatile emotions and ruthless violence. The actor's nakedness knows no bounds—he strips himself bare as an artist, body and soul.
Jawaani Jaaneman
2020 · Rediff · Jan 2020
For a movie that seems to have swallowed a chill pill (along with a magic one), its last-minute turnaround as a cautionary tale for single folk and T-shirt lovers is unexpected and disappointing. Is it not enough that Saif settles down, his wardrobe must too?
Dabangg 3
2019 · Rediff · Dec 2019
Dabangg 3 is the kind of indulgent rubbish that dispels the fundamentals of film-making to highlight its hero's virtue and vigour at any cost...
Pagalpanti
2019 · Rediff · Nov 2019
You can imagine the standard of Pagalpanti's humour when characters are named Wifi, Bully and Tully, a hospital placard reads Dr Trump and bitter gourd is mistaken for poison to evoke laughs...
War
2019 · Rediff · Oct 2019
War is an ode to star power, which pits Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff together for the first time and capitalises on their famous idol-idoliser energy to draw us into a world of espionage, action and camaraderie...
The Zoya Factor
2019 · Rediff · Sep 2019
Although more class monitor than captain, the Dulquer factor is the only saving grace of this bland confection. His charisma and cricket are up to the mark.
Dream Girl
2019 · Rediff · Sep 2019
Dream Girl goes in several exciting directions and comes out making light of it. It may not always be the best way to go about things but you'll come out laughing till your sides hurt. And how can that ever be a bad thing?
Chhichhore
2019 · Rediff · Sep 2019
The outcome may be predictable but that's exactly the Chhichhore philosophy -- savour the journey and not worry about getting anywhere.
Saaho
2019 · Rediff · Sep 2019
There's no head or tails to anything that happens in Saaho...
Mission Mangal
2019 · Rediff · Aug 2019
Decent, righteous, progressive, the men are eager to play second fiddle whereas the women don't cry their feminism hoarse. It's an impeccable if calculated scenario whose love for speeches, including one from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at its end, reminds us Earth might be a foregone conclusion but we'll always have Mars.
Jabariya Jodi
2019 · Rediff · Aug 2019
Jabariya Jodi constantly confuses tacky as terrific...
Khandaani Shafakhana
2019 · Rediff · Aug 2019
With so many maladies plaguing the movie, it's too bad there's nothing like a scriptwriting Shafakhana.
Judgementall Hai Kya
2019 · Rediff · Jul 2019
Judgementall Hai Kya is a wild move but works because of how assured its cast is before and its crew is behind the camera...
Super 30
2019 · Rediff · Jul 2019
Simplistic and lopsided, Super 30 is so satisfied by its master-to-mahatma narrative, it ends up seeing superb in so-so.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
2019 · Rediff · Jul 2019
Spider-Man: Far From Home moves to and fro between light-hearted slice-of-teen life and an underprepared Avenger second guessing what's right, real and responsible.
Kabir Singh
2019 · Rediff · Jun 2019
From treating women like toys, trampling all over their feelings and then acting like a wounded martyr and misunderstood genius wronged by the world, Kabir Singh rounds up every foolish male's ultimate fantasy. Lack of rules can be refreshing, but to watch a sicko getting away after ticking every wrong in the book just rankles.
Game Over
2019 · Rediff · Jun 2019
'Game Over is a nifty piece of work that recognises the durability of meaningful entertainment
India's Most Wanted
2019 · Rediff · May 2019
It's unbearable, this dullness. You'll find more action in a grocery shop's CCTV footage than in all of India's Most Wanted.
De De Pyaar De
2019 · Rediff · May 2019
You'll find more wisdom on such matters in a Sara Ali Khan interview
Student of the Year 2
2019 · Rediff · May 2019
Stupidity of the year!...'Student of the Year 2 has no spunk, no plot and zero charisma
Setters
2019 · Rediff · May 2019
Even if Setters shows no inclination to understand the dark desperation that drives parents to buy marks for undeserving children, it could've made a little more effort to be sly or suspenseful,
Blank
2019 · Rediff · May 2019
As is mandatory in Bollywood these days, Blank too insists on painting a ferocious Muslim imagery of bushy beards, severe kohl-eyes and chequered scarfs spewing distorted religious ideology to impressionable young minds
Avengers: Endgame
2019 · Rediff · Apr 2019
Avengers: Endgame is a three hour-long emotionally draining, exhilarating, electrifying goodbye.
Kalank
2019 · Rediff · Apr 2019
At the end of this rather long movie, Alia asks 'What do you see in this story? Kalank or love?' I saw beauty at its emptiest. You won't be able to look away. But you won't feel anything either.
Kesari
2019 · Rediff · Mar 2019
'Kesari devotes a significant chunk of its script to brandish Akshay's might as the dauntless, magnanimous, Sardar, Havildar Ishar Singh.' 'To his credit, the actor is a picture of restraint and righteousness as the worldly-wise Sardar on a mission...
Photograph
2019 · Rediff · Mar 2019
For a picture is a moment, it doesn't commit, it contains. It has no past nor future, it is timeless. That is the beauty of Batra's delicate little gem. It is what it would like to remember and not what unfolds.
Badla
2019 · Rediff · Mar 2019
Master of mysteries, Alfred Hitchcock once said, 'Revenge is sweet, not fattening.' At two hours running time, Badla keeps the deed both short and sweet.
Luka Chuppi
2019 · Rediff · Mar 2019
Between not taking itself seriously and spewing gyaan over how to win youth votes, Luka Chuppi cannot decide what it wants to hide and where it needs to look.
Total Dhamaal
2019 · Rediff · Feb 2019
Total Dhamaal would be unwatchable without Madhuri's spunk and bossy swag playing off Anil Kapoor's bellyaching, bugged half's protests. This jodi deserves a better film. And you need no brains to know that.
Gully Boy
2019 · Rediff · Feb 2019
Gully Boy is a glorious blend of hip-hop and assured film-making...
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga
2019 · Rediff · Feb 2019
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga wishes to lend itself as a significant voice of change and support towards the LGBT community, but its woefully apologetic tone regarding individual choices repeatedly negates it when characters -- both traumatised and enlightened -- spew things like, 'Yeh janam se hi aise hai' or 'I wish I was normal'. Funny how a woman can fall in love with another woman and still need a man to ensure she gets her happy ending. That's normal enough for Bollywood.
Why Cheat India
2019 · Rediff · Jan 2019
A jumbo mess of warped notions and random ambition, Why Cheat India trivialises education and shows sympathy for deceit
Uri: The Surgical Strike
2019 · Rediff · Jan 2019
Movies, their motives and time of release make me wonder if we'll ever be able to see India as India and not a reflection of its governments
Zero
2018 · Rediff · Dec 2018
Still Zero is far from a misfire. Its cheerfully absurd aspirations are strewn in metaphors laying value to imperfections and SRK's gallery playing showmanship. This time he spreads more than his arms. He finds wings.
Aquaman
2018 · Rediff · Dec 2018
Wan's joy in orchestrating battles around demi-gods riding sea dragons and giant crustaceans, trench monsters hijacking a ship in the middle of a raging storm and a virtually unrecognisable Julie Andrews strong arming a rockstar superhero prone to smirk his way through every obstacle ensure this is the most fun I've had at DC since Wonder Woman.
Kedarnath
2018 · Rediff · Dec 2018
Truth be told, Amrita Singh and Saif Ali Khan's daughter has tons of filmi blood and it is what powers Kedarnath from start to finish
Bhaiaji Superhit
2018 · Rediff · Nov 2018
verybody keeps bumping into each other as if they're living inside a fish bowl. Only it's weed, not water, they are floating in. What I've just described is only the icing of the Bhaiaji baloney.
Bohemian Rhapsody
2018 · Rediff · Nov 2018
Bohemian Rhapsody's crowd-pleasing nostalgia cheers Freddie Mercury's exhilarating sound and infectious power play with such all-out gusto, you WILL break free all over again...
Pihu
2018 · Rediff · Nov 2018
Pihu may not be flawless, but it has something valid to say about lousy parents...
Thugs of Hindostan
2018 · Rediff · Nov 2018
Neither Aamir's hard-at-work whimsicality nor Amitabh Bachchan's stoic presence can salvage a second of this bloated, blundering bore.
Baazaar
2018 · Rediff · Oct 2018
Save for Saif. His character has a thing for stories and tells them like riddles with deviousness stroked in affability. He is evil in its most hypnotic, powerful, persuasive, expressive and exonerated avatar -- now where have you heard of this kind before?
Loveratri
2018 · Rediff · Oct 2018
The whole point of this idiotic movie hinges on whether Aayush Sharma who wants to act can act. Unless a singular dazed expression qualifies as talent, not by a long shot
Andhadhun
2018 · Rediff · Oct 2018
Andhadhun is completely aware of its intelligence and quick wits mercilessly testing our gullibility while Raghavan leads us to its staggering finish with the finesse of a Mikado champion. It's stunning, comic, grisly, absurd, intense, cold, crazy and must-watch.
Sui Dhaaga
2018 · Rediff · Sep 2018
No overblown drama, no weepy speech, Sui Dhaaga's sunshine spirit and throwaway nok jhonk pervades the uncertainty and exploitation...
Batti Gul Meter Chalu
2018 · Rediff · Sep 2018
Batti Gul Meter Chalu's final few minutes weepily rave and rant about the injustice meted out at the 'sadharan aadmi.' But the mockery that precedes it akin to watching Shahid Kapoor host a humourless awards show. The actor gives his all to the part, smoothly swinging between the stand-up and speech-y tone of its courtroom scenes. Unfortunately, his comic ease and contagious energy are not enough to brighten up this dim-witted slog.
Paltan
2018 · Rediff · Sep 2018
J P Dutta's clownish treatment of history and hard-earned triumph demeans the efforts and sacrifices of real-life martyrs and bravehearts with its pompous ideas of valour, clunky writing and a cadre of lacklustre actors...
Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se
2018 · Rediff · Aug 2018
Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se has the wit of a goat.Considering most of it is assigned to Bobby, the result is as agonising as his last outing.
Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi
2018 · Rediff · Aug 2018
Save for a few laughs, I didn't care much for Happy Bhag Jayegi's clamorous comedy of confusion.
Satyameva Jayate
2018 · Rediff · Aug 2018
John Abraham has Popeye's muscles and Bluto's scowl, but how many times can you watch a deadpan Hulk pull out a van door or burst forth from a truck tyre?
Gold
2018 · Rediff · Aug 2018
It's only when Gold moves away from Akshay Kumar's blundering Bangla and hockey humbug to become a story of grace among go-getters that it comes close to becoming the movie it should have been...
Fanney Khan
2018 · Rediff · Aug 2018
Fanney Khan is in the same space as Tumhari Sulu and Secret Superstar where starry-eyed aspiration and gullible hearts of gold go but nowhere as grounded in reality.
Karwaan
2018 · Rediff · Aug 2018
Detours and stopovers to cancelled weddings, random goons, Mere Mehboob-style coy romances, run-ins with exes and premature exchange of opinions, personal life and preconceptions make Karwaan wander off in a medley of much ado about nothing. As a consequence the more we look at them, the more out of sight they grow. After all that running around, the life lessons it ultimately imparts only show the makers's inability by resorting to the same old soppy idea of closure it so desperately seeks to break away from.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout
2018 · Rediff · Jul 2018
Tom Cruise is a perfectly good reason to catch any and every Mission Impossible movie. The exhilaration his death defying stunts provides, ones he so insists on doing on his own, give Ethan Hunt that unmatched credibility which separates action heroes from action figures.
Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3
2018 · Rediff · Jul 2018
Out of place wit, flimsy motives, clumsily picturised songs, dispensable characters, phony instances of adultery and a parody of a climax ensure there is no hope for Dhulia's depthless, disappointing, drama.
Dhadak
2018 · Rediff · Jul 2018
As a remake of Sairat, Dhadak is a travesty. As a standalone, Dhadak is standard Bollywood boy-meets-girl drivel. As a showcase, Dhadak is a promise that will take some more effort to fully fulfil.
Ant-Man and the Wasp
2018 · Rediff · Jul 2018
While the titular superheroes get busy making a go of it, Ant Man's feel for wit and goodwill peppers the proceedings. Most of it is a consequence of Lang's delightful dependence on old pal Luis (Michael Peña). Peña continues his scene-stealing comedic streak along with a loony crew. Gags involving truth serums and Russian folklore figure Baba Yaga inject Ant-Man and the Wasp with such infectious merriment; the smile stays on long after you've left the theatre.
Soorma
2018 · Rediff · Jul 2018
Diljit Dosanjh's striking self-possession, like the champion he's portraying, doesn't let it come in the way of a performance that screams g-o-a-l.
Sanju
2018 · Rediff · Jun 2018
Ranbir covers a wide range of Dutt's changing physicality -- the minutest of details are captured in his shoulders, eyes, frame, voice -- but it's the internalisation of Dutt and the intelligence to know what to highlight and where to hold back that lends candour borderlining on conceit such awe-inspiring authenticity.
Incredibles 2
2018 · Rediff · Jun 2018
Incredibles 2's tottering scene-stealer is more than pleased to be the best thing about its flying, fizzy, whimsical, endearing and 3D action-packed two hours.
Race 3
2018 · Rediff · Jun 2018
If entertainment amounts to sedans and sunglasses doing all the emoting, cars going kaboom, one fancy bike vrooming ahead a host of others, cat fight of She Hulks, a takedown of shirtless wax mannequins, folks jumping off from buildings and mountain tops in magically emerging wing suits or conducting a bank heist while two members of their group arrive in a chopper, inject themselves with micro fluid tracker device to distract non-existent security by pole dancing in a swanky Cambodia club, then Race 3 deserves a gold medal. But, sorry Bhai fans, it's a big zero from me.
Lust Stories
2018 · Rediff · Jun 2018
Given the talent involved, its feeble male presence and failure to look beyond heterosexual framework is disappointing. But it is also definitely worth a watch for exactly the same reason.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
2018 · Rediff · Jun 2018
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is every bit a horror film split into predictable hostility and periodic close calls...
Veere Di Wedding
2018 · Rediff · Jun 2018
Kareena's restraint around the wedding hysteria bubbling around her, Sonam's airheaded optimism, Swara's crackling profanity and comfort for innuendoes and Shikha's talent for naughty wit comes together to say it's not a big deal for women to talk and do as they please. If only Veere Di Wedding actually believed it too.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
2018 · Rediff · May 2018
It's like Chewbacca's groaning presence, John Williams' classic tune and other familiar props and paraphernalia, everything is just doing its bit to compensate for Harrison Ford's sorely missed devilry
Deadpool 2
2018 · Rediff · May 2018
Deadpool started out as a passion project for Reynolds, but now that it has tasted box-office blood, he's on a course correction. Which means Green Lantern gets yet another jab in the jaw. The joke's a bit old now, but the Regenerating Degenerate is only getting started.
Hope Aur Hum
2018 · Rediff · May 2018
Hope Aur Hum never strays into complicated territory and sticks to its gentle celebration of everyday highs and lows. Its idealism may seem intentional, but never ever contrived.
102 Not Out
2018 · Rediff · May 2018
Every single gesture is overdone and extra boisterous like Bachchan's inflated exuberance and screaming prosthetics, reminiscent of the 1970s when he'd masquerade as a grey-haired old man playing to the gallery. It was phony, but so much fun. This one's more 102 and not quite.
Avengers: Infinity War
2018 · Rediff · Apr 2018
Infinity War goes one step further and tries something bold. Maybe it is all a deception but this detour from blustering finishes towards an incomplete, unpredictable and unsafe course of events makes this one epic and the next one badly awaited.
Beyond the Clouds
2018 · Rediff · Apr 2018
Alternating between brat and boy, deception and decency, Ishaan Khatter speaks with a passion that will be heard Beyond the Clouds...
Nanu Ki Jaanu
2018 · Rediff · Apr 2018
A wishy-washy hotchpotch of horror and comedy -- like the recent Bhootnath, Phillauri and Golmaal Returns -- it flounders in finding a harmonious balance between two contrasting genres.
October
2018 · Rediff · Apr 2018
October is the month when the sweet-smelling flower, known as parijat, shiuli, harsingar, night jasmine or prajakta, enters bloom. But the lesson of love and loss in Shoojit Sircar's poignant new drama is likely to linger all year long.
Missing
2018 · Rediff · Apr 2018
The monotony is awfully exhausting and drab in the absence of script, craft and nerve-racking unpredictability...
Baaghi 2
2018 · Rediff · Mar 2018
The best thing I can say about Baaghi 2 is it does have its moments of 'so bad it's good' gratification in Prateik Babbar's hammy dope head, the babyish wailing of a constable assisting Hooda and Tiger's bizarre boss, the guy could put caricatures to shame with his 'The war is over' solemnity. What a circus!
Ready Player One
2018 · Rediff · Mar 2018
Spielberg's love song is a thumping joyride...
Hichki
2018 · Rediff · Mar 2018
You believe in the brilliance of Rani's sparkling intelligence and physical stamina through the arduous journey of straightening an unruly lot and braving a barb-ready rival sniggering at her methods -- Neeraj Kabi's starchy, suit-clad, teacher is Narayan Shankar to Rani's nonconforming Raj Aryan. But the vexing obviousness and self-pitying texture of the narrative cannot be justified by playing earnest. And that's one syndrome Hichki never gains advantage over till the end.
Raid
2018 · Rediff · Mar 2018
As disappointing that is, Raid does have its moments of compelling optimism and unexpected wit. It's also the most I've enjoyed watching Ajay Devgn in a while.
Dil Juunglee
2018 · Rediff · Mar 2018
Dil Juunglee may reward his conceit for jumping into the water, but that won't wash his sins away or make suffering fools a love story.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
2018 · Rediff · Feb 2018
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri's insistence to tidy up the mess through coincidences and contrivances, force an almost overnight change of heart and absolve a vitriolic creature with sure enough history of racial violence is not only unconvincing but defeats all its justice-seeking ideals. If, unlike me, you can set these ethical differences aside, the McDormand steamroller is one hell of an engaging viewing.
Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety
2018 · Rediff · Feb 2018
Pedestrian wit works best around actors who don't just go with the flow, but shape it to suit their comical timing. That's the difference between performers and parrots. But the underwhelming leads of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety don't seem to know the difference at all.
Black Panther
2018 · Rediff · Feb 2018
This is a spirited but emotional origins story -- of a king learning the predicaments of power, a son overwhelmed by the idea of filling his father's shoes, of co-existence and divide that is defined by colour and discriminated by history. And that it's just as dedicatedly fun doubles the pleasure of it all.
The Shape of Water
2018 · Rediff · Feb 2018
Del Toro hits a cinematic nerve in capturing an enduring love for the oddball, the beauty in the bizarre and, most importantly, reminding what it's like to have what one wished for since a kid -- a happy ending.
Aiyaary
2018 · Rediff · Feb 2018
It's a bloated, prolonged mess of misplaced purpose that digresses from military misdeeds to animal cruelty.
Phantom Thread
2018 · Rediff · Feb 2018
Unravelling in the splendid but stifling interiors of his grand abode, Phantom Thread barely ventures into fresh air for a break. But it's the most real, most riveting portrait of toxic love you're likely to witness in a long, long time.
Pad Man
2018 · Rediff · Feb 2018
PadMan has its premise in place. Now if only it had some wings.
Vodka Diaries
2018 · Rediff · Jan 2018
Imagine Shutter Island's big twist taken completely out of context to reiterate Bollywood's hurt on the same spot again solution. What emerges is as plausible as a pig head in a frog's body.
Darkest Hour
2018 · Rediff · Jan 2018
Darkest Hour doesn't even pretend to make it about anything else besides Oldman as he gloriously alternates between a exuberant bear, shrewd fox and vociferous lion. Though his animal instincts hit their peak, the script itself begins to lose its edge-of-the-seat momentum and disintegrates to revel in hollow glory and glib eloquence.
Paddington 2
2018 · Rediff · Jan 2018
While the kids are sure to learn a thing or two about good behaviour, it's the spirit of community living gently conveyed in scenes of Paddington's selfless involvement around his neighbourhood that make the film a lot more timely than expected from standard children's fare
Kaalakaandi
2018 · Rediff · Jan 2018
Kaalakaandi doesn't always provide it, but there's enough intrigue to play along.
Tiger Zinda Hai
2017 · Rediff · Dec 2017
Safe idealism or simply phony, you decide if you intend to endure 161 minutes of this toothless, tiring, plastic Tiger Zzzzzinda Hai.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
2017 · Rediff · Dec 2017
To kill goodness takes more than the might of a dazzling lightsabre or firing walkers. Its indestructibility is asserted in the most surreal and spiritual manner by the Skywalker siblings at crucial junctures of the story. You don't have to be a Star Wars nerd to enjoy its poignant pursuit of virtue. Like a wise green man once said, 'Through the force, things you will see.'
Fukrey Returns
2017 · Rediff · Dec 2017
Where most members of Fukrey Returns are as superfluous as its new, blah soundtrack, the whimsical troika of Sharma, Chadha and Pankaj Tripathi do their best to lift its plodding pace with their distinct brand of humour. But even the cub couldn't suppress his yawn. I am only human.
Murder on the Orient Express
2017 · Rediff · Nov 2017
If it were not for the talent involved, the reworking would descend into a good-looking journey of done-to-death red herrings. But, in their discerning presence and shrewd nuances, it offers an intrigue worthy of Poirot's investigation and our time.
Tumhari Sulu
2017 · Rediff · Nov 2017
Despite its love for feel-good, Tumhari Sulu isn't stuck in a fool's paradise and confronts the conflicts thrown in its path, feels Sukanya Verma.
Justice League
2017 · Rediff · Nov 2017
Fisher makes most of his defined backstory, Momoa is pure swagger but it's Ezra Miller's goofy charm and spontaneous humour in a Spidey-Stark reminiscent equation with Batman that evokes the maximum laughs. They are the only reason why nearly two hours of Justice League's blobby structure, sullen palette and superfluous battles are all right to endure.
Jia Aur Jia
2017 · Rediff · Oct 2017
Jia Aur Jia has little interest in showcasing its scenic landscapes, glorious architecture or lively cafes. This same vapid approach dumbs down the talents of Kalki and Richa into pictures of hollow passions and iffy motives.
Golmaal Again
2017 · Rediff · Oct 2017
Some of the jokes soar, some nosedive. But to the housefull theatre I saw it in, and who laughed at every single bit, it's the stuff Diwali releases are made of.
Secret Superstar
2017 · Rediff · Oct 2017
Secret Superstar's cheerful, feel-good imagery of a rotten reality, captured gorgeously in cinematographer Anil Mehta's lens and aided by Amit Trivedi's soaring tunes, reflects a young adult's hopeful perspective yet to be crushed by the weight of cynicism.
Victoria & Abdul
2017 · Rediff · Oct 2017
What it packs with significance is a leading lady whose authority in cinema few can hold candle to. And it's to her credit that even the most dubious figures of history can boast of a heart.
Chef
2017 · Rediff · Oct 2017
Grown up angst is a valid and neglected aspect of our storytelling. Except Menon's digressing exploration of it feels more dull than delicious.
Judwaa 2
2017 · Rediff · Sep 2017
Varun does the best he can. But it is like the orange jeans he wears, resembling Salman's in Judwaa. Only this one is ripped in places.
Bhoomi
2017 · Rediff · Sep 2017
By the time it gets on to display Dutt's aggression and Hydari's token participation against a red and yellow-themed climax featuring a miraculously accumulated crowd of village women in colour-coordinated costumes, Bhoomi's blood-splattering, bone-crunching vigour is as unwelcome as the rest of this ghastly movie.
Lucknow Central
2017 · Rediff · Sep 2017
The film doesn't make any significant statements on the legal system or rehabilitation beyond tedious displays of violence or stray moments, like when the out-on-parole convicts realise they are unwelcome, unfit for the world that has moved on without them.
Poster Boys
2017 · Rediff · Sep 2017
Poster Boys's school play enthusiasm never aims above a low IQ comedy expecting us to guffaw at the sight of Bobby, his wife and kids wearing the same set of bright yellow, Hello Kitty-print pyjama suits.
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
2017 · Rediff · Sep 2017
With its fine zingers and feisty acknowledgement, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan does more for sex, both noun and verb, than any Hindi film can claim to in a long, long time.
Baadshaho
2017 · Rediff · Sep 2017
Things get truly down and dirty towards the end. Which is to say the concluding 20 minutes of Baadshaho are so hazy and dusty, I found myself mentally vacuum cleaning the screen. I wish to do the same to the memory of this movie.
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
2017 · Rediff · Aug 2017
It only works well when it allows Akshay Kumar's influential charisma and Bhumi Pednekar's fiery spirit to use their instinctive humour, warmth and spontaneity to build a relationship that's based on something more sound and striking than the sight of Sudhir Pandey's pee.
Jab Harry Met Sejal
2017 · Rediff · Aug 2017
Jab Harry Met Sejal has the stars, the songs, the scenery and everything you'd imagine in a love story. But in the absence of soul, none of it really matters...
Shab
2017 · Rediff · Jul 2017
Despite broaching on the politics and power play of homosexual relationships and noting the inconsistency of acceptance, Shab is coy about sexuality and sleepy in its reflections of loneliness to get anywhere.
Munna Michael
2017 · Rediff · Jul 2017
Munna Michael's hollowness is as striking as Tiger's chiselled torso, one that he freely bares in everything from an unzipped hoodie to a doily masquerading as a shirt...
Dunkirk
2017 · Rediff · Jul 2017
Like the rare dollop of jam, a nondescript man walking into the wild waves and a smiling lady from Dartmouth stood out and moved me with their profundity in ways I was expecting and still came out surprised.
Jagga Jasoos
2017 · Rediff · Jul 2017
Jagga Jasoos 'revels in its lavish imagination, meddlesome inquiries and delicious Bongness, never once pausing to catch a breath or make sense
Mom
2017 · Rediff · Jul 2017
Her performance is a throwback to old-school histrionics and hysterics -- it's classic Sridevi...
Tubelight
2017 · Rediff · Jun 2017
The erstwhile documentary filmmaker craftily remarks at our tendency to uphold superstition over science as well as the ridiculous expectation from a section of citizens to constantly validate their nationalism as the ongoing debate of growing intolerance rages on till today. Scenes where Salman and Tangu compete over a high decibel of Bharat Mata Ki Jai reveal deep-rooted prejudices. Alas, not enough to be dazzled by the boring, bogus naiveté of Tubelight.
Bank Chor
2017 · Rediff · Jun 2017
This brand of funny by the virtue of I-know-I-cracked-a-bad-joke doesn't quite tickle...
Despicable Me 3
2017 · Rediff · Jun 2017
Just like those fun, fast and furious re-runs Bratt never gets tired of, it's easy to warm up to the feel-good fervour of Gru and his ever expanding family every single time.
Raabta
2017 · Rediff · Jun 2017
Watching Raabta possibly can't be anyone's idea of entertainment in this birth or last...
The Mummy
2017 · Rediff · Jun 2017
Undone by its clichés and staleness, the only thing The Mummy does well is confirm there's something in this world that's scarier than a monster and it goes by the name of reboot.
Wonder Woman
2017 · Rediff · Jun 2017
There's a lot more to Wonder Woman than the obvious. It's a magnificent superhero vehicle, a sparkly love story, a touching coming-of-age and a befitting hurray to girl power...
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
2017 · Rediff · May 2017
'Jack Sparrow's rum-swigging, goofball pirate has gone from subversive to stereotype.' 'The bar's slipped so low that even "decent" seems like a significant upgrade from status quo.'
Half Girlfriend
2017 · Rediff · May 2017
The constant issue in Half Girlfriend is its wimpy characters and the contrivances they resort to arrive at its predictable conclusion. Stupidity is responded with equal, if not more, stupidity...
Meri Pyaari Bindu
2017 · Rediff · May 2017
Everything that I dislike about Bindu could also be used to her advantage in creating an unapologetic, compulsive attention seeker. Except under Roy and Sengupta's infuriatingly daft and regressive outlook, Meri Pyaari Bindu relapses into indefensible stupidity.
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
2017 · Rediff · Apr 2017
Better viewed as a whole instead of parts, Baahubali is a spectacular achievement, which not only deserves its place in history but also proves filmmakers should dream big and more often.
Noor
2017 · Rediff · Apr 2017
So long it's true to its confection roots, Noor works, thanks to the attractive bonhomie Gill and Kohli's real guy appeal generates around Sonakshi's star. But when it engages in shallow activism for the heck of it, it rambles and drags.
Maatr
2017 · Rediff · Apr 2017
In a performance marked by amazing maturity and restraint, the actress conveys the dark, brooding and internal process of recuperating from grief and finding closure. It's obvious she feels strongly about Maatr's theme and her sturdy ambition is the only thing that holds your interest even when the film does not.
Begum Jaan
2017 · Rediff · Apr 2017
The shabbily picturised sequence of women blindly firing into nowhere upholds Begum Jaan's flimsy, ill-defined rebellion where Mukherjee draws epic parallels to their resistance. It is as reckless as Radcliffe's.
Mukti Bhawan
2017 · Rediff · Apr 2017
Mukti Bhawan is as much about its characters embracing the inevitability of death as it is about their loved ones grappling with conflicting emotions
The Salesman
2016 · Rediff · Mar 2017
The answer you walk away with is the person you are. That's the genius of Farhadi -- everyone discovers something bittersweet about themselves within or watching his true to life creations.
Phillauri
2017 · Rediff · Mar 2017
Funny how after dodging dramatic vigour like a shortcoming, even at places where it would be viewed as benefit, Lal succumbs to a gimmick of a climax. The special effects are seamless but for a story that circles around a spirit it's a pity how little one sees of it in the movie.
Trapped
2017 · Rediff · Mar 2017
Trapped mocks the invincibility we assume to have acquired as residents of this magical city by painting Mumbai as a distant, dark and depressing land taken over by concrete zombies. Where everything that one craves in Mumbai -- space, privacy, view, trees or people minding their own business -- seem like a curse. Trapped is not an easy film to stomach.
Commando 2: The Black Money Trail
2017 · Rediff · Mar 2017
There's more unintended hilarity and very little combat to justify the existence of a sequel. And while Jammwal definitely can score in the daredevil department, he needs a script much more robust than his physique for the viewer to endure everything between the stunt scenes. Commando 2's endlessly mindless proceedings do not come anywhere close to fulfilling that criterion.
Jolly LLB 2
2017 · Rediff · Feb 2017
Jolly LLB did well with its droll depiction of a small-time lawyer and how his guilty conscience encourages him in vindicating the downtrodden. In its sequel, Akshay Kumar does it even better...
Kung Fu Yoga
2017 · Rediff · Feb 2017
Worn down by shabby aesthetics and absurd mumbo jumbo, Kung Fu Yoga assaults both senses and soul. Not a combination you want to try.
Kaabil
2017 · Rediff · Jan 2017
Kaabil serves nothing beyond an unabashed platform to vaunt a seething Hrithik, sentimental Hrithik, snarky Hrithik, sly Hrithik or spry Hrithik...
Ok Jaanu
2017 · Rediff · Jan 2017
Ok Jaanu raises but doesn't resolve questions about juggling professional and personal life, the dilemmas it poses for a woman. But it does address the changing face of modern-day relationships and the alternate arrangements it's looking at in a wishful way. In Ok Jaanu, characters live in a bubble that doesn't burst till the end. Who wouldn't be OK with that?
Dangal
2016 · Rediff · Dec 2016
Dangal is one of those few films that discuss strategy and technique in a manner that's easy and entertaining to grasp. I am not familiar with the sport but by climax point, I could predict the winning move because of how well it was spelt out on earlier in the story. What evokes sheer awe though is the raw, rough, visceral choreography of the fights, quite a few memorable ones in this 161-minutes long film.
Rogue One
2016 · Rediff · Dec 2016
Certainly, Rogue One touches on the pleasure points fostering the cult of Star Wars but sparingly and smartly never forgetting its ancillary role in the saga. It's a win-win situation that allows Edwards to both create independently as well as connect to the classic without appearing contrived.
Befikre
2016 · Rediff · Dec 2016
No matter how casually his characters treat sex or bare every inch of their extraordinarily fit bodies, Aditya Chopra is too much of a romantic to pull off flippancy as the face of love
Moana
2016 · Rediff · Dec 2016
Moana is a journey you want to get on. It doesn't take you to places you don't know but ones you actually like.
Dear Zindagi
2016 · Rediff · Nov 2016
Sad and sleepless is nothing unusual for a 20-something young woman fraught with career limbo and romantic disillusionment. What's significant is she decides to seek professional help for the same. Seldom does a character in our movies take such a step -- who needs a shrink when you can simply stand on the beach, balcony or backyard and drive all the gloom out of your system by blasting off an ode to melancholy?
Force 2
2016 · Rediff · Nov 2016
At the end of its 127 minutes run amidst relentless gunshots and car crashes, charm (on Force 2's end) and clemency (on mine) has run its course. What prevails is more phew than force.
Rock On 2
2016 · Rediff · Nov 2016
Rock On 2 is staggeringly dull! Instead of energizing the scene, the newly introduced characters only prolong the dullness of a film that does more for the tourism of Meghalaya than it does for rock music.
Doctor Strange
2016 · Rediff · Nov 2016
Ultimately, in a genre exhausted by noisy vigour, spurious brooding and overwrought CGI, Doctor Strange finds a rare balance between blockbuster de rigueur and playful ingenuity.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
2016 · Rediff · Oct 2016
As much as its protagonists look for perfect words to articulate their findings on love, friendship, a space in between and beyond, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil simply reiterates the nature of its unpredictability through a twist I didn't foresee or like. Except that's what makes this feeling so darn precious and difficult to part with.
Shivaay
2016 · Rediff · Oct 2016
One can predict the knocks and punches and dives and VFX-aided saves without as much as batting an eyelid. Although I liked that one long take chase around the police headquarters, at best Shivaay is a terrific looking terrible film.
Mirzya
2016 · Rediff · Oct 2016
Opulent Leh battles, seductive Rajasthan ballet, picture perfect frames of postured passion peppered in flared lens to the tune of a soundtrack that's miles ahead of its scenery involving people we never care about in life or after -- Mehra's Mirzya sacrifices sense for style and that is its real tragedy.
Banjo
2016 · Rediff · Sep 2016
Banjo makes a winsome start but takes an awfully tedious route to achieve its happily ever after...
Freaky Ali
2016 · Rediff · Sep 2016
It's entirely on the writers and actors to make the proceedings seem crucial or comic. What shows up on screen is plain lazy on their part and it's painfully dull to watch.
Akira
2016 · Rediff · Sep 2016
Sonakshi moves, feels and looks the part that's all but empty heft in a script so extraordinarily dated and bereft of punch...
Happy Bhag Jayegi
2016 · Rediff · Aug 2016
If Happy Bhag Jayegi succeeds in delivering a few laughs, it's entirely to the credit of the actors...It's silly but this is the most humour you can expect.
Budhia Singh – Born to Run
2016 · Rediff · Aug 2016
Budhia Singh: Born To Run is not so much a film as it is a passionate appeal to remind and regain an opportunity for Odisha's erstwhile Wonder Boy, now a forgotten teenager...
Dishoom
2016 · Rediff · Jul 2016
Once the flaky fizz vaporises into nonsense and noise, a sense of tedium begins to steep in. Even so, at its 124 minutes running time, Dishoom doesn't hobble for too long to hurt one's butt or brain.
Star Trek Beyond
2016 · Rediff · Jul 2016
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the franchise juggernaut comprising of small screen voyages and big continues to evoke nostalgia and inspire ingenuity. But it's the combination of these two qualities in the third installment of the reboot series -- Star Trek Beyond -- what makes it worth a trip.
Sultan
2016 · Rediff · Jul 2016
The Rocky trace (the commercial scene tips its hat at Rocky II) is unmistakable and Zafar does try to emulate Balboa's motto of 'not about hard you hit but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.' But at almost three hours running time, no thanks to a couple of completely needless songs, a spirited but spent Sultan slogs its way to knockout.
Independence Day: Resurgence
2016 · Rediff · Jun 2016
Independence Day: Resurgence only reiterates one thing. Be it alien, superhero, monsters or natural calamity, the blockbuster factory acts on the same pig-headed formula of mindless explosion, collapsing buildings, vast amounts of rubble and everything going up in a giant ball of smoke.
Housefull 3
2016 · Rediff · Jun 2016
Housefull 3's second most remarkable piece of acting comes from an army of CGI ants. To divulge more would be such a spoiler so I'll refrain.
Waiting
2016 · Rediff · May 2016
Anu Menon's true triumph lies in how she doesn't vilify a profession or its uncomfortable reality to gather empathy for her characters...
Dear Dad
2016 · Rediff · May 2016
Though elegant composed and filled with warm possibilities, Dear Dad stays awfully impersonal communicating only from a distance to tread a tediously linear path. Its all-important disclosure isn't hard to guess what with Bhramar giving away ample signs along the way.
Traffic
2016 · Rediff · May 2016
Traffic doesn't address its ethics or anything profound. It doesn't aspire to be anything beyond a bumpy ride to half-hearted glory. And in that it is entirely successful.
Baaghi
2016 · Rediff · Apr 2016
He's got the goods of a solid action hero but it's time to step out of the show reel space and shine under an actual script and a skilled hand who can bring out the Tiger buried under Jackie's son and Hrithik's fan.
The Blueberry Hunt
2016 · Rediff · Apr 2016
The Blueberry Hunt is typically art-house in its aesthetic with a dash of Nagaland mysticism thrown in for effect...
Kung Fu Panda 3
2016 · Rediff · Apr 2016
From elegant animation to Po's real name, there's much to learn and love about the newest Kung Fu Panda movie and its fabulous, floundering, furry hero. Witness him.
Ki and Ka
2016 · Rediff · Apr 2016
Ki & Ka is obviously taken in by its liberal notions but fails to realise that it's not so uncommon in today's urban context where lots of working men and women share both their professional and personal duties.
Rocky Handsome
2016 · Rediff · Mar 2016
It takes concrete storytelling not style to camouflage John Abraham's limitations. He bears the physicality of a man who could take on a dozen but his blank, pained surface cannot offer threat or evoke sympathy.
Kapoor & Sons
2016 · Rediff · Mar 2016
Kapoor & Sons is an absorbing layered family drama...
Teraa Surroor
2016 · Rediff · Mar 2016
If watching a 100-something minutes long music video starring a deadpan, poor man's Sunil Shetty strutting self-importantly in Salman's hand-me-down is your kind of entertainment, book your ticket RIGHT NOW.
Jai Gangaajal
2016 · Rediff · Mar 2016
Once Jai GangaaJal loses sight of all else to become only about his half-baked atonement it drags and dodders from the weight of its stocky dialogues, tediously cosmetic revolt and a leading man of very limited screen presence hogging all the limelight.
Aligarh
2016 · Rediff · Feb 2016
In Hindi cinema, where homosexuality is an object of derisive gags or caricature, the portrayal Aligarh offers is refreshing and respectful. But it's much too multifaceted, at times for its own good, to be acknowledged for just that.
Tere Bin Laden Dead Or Alive
2016 · Rediff · Feb 2016
If intended to be a spoof on the vagaries of filmmaking, Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive is completely devoid of whimsy. And, if it aspires to be a satire, there's little bite or ambition in its pedestrian approach and trivial resolutions.
Neerja
2016 · Rediff · Feb 2016
Neerja, the film is respectful to the memory of those who lost their lives and doesn't exploit their tragic end to extract a spectacle. It's also about a family coping with a crisis, a nightmare for anyone to know their child is in trouble yet helplessly wait and hope.
Sanam Re
2016 · Rediff · Feb 2016
In this schizophrenic rubbish -- for it's certainly not a script, hardly a synopsis -- landscapes change faster than its cast's wardrobe and characters suddenly appear or mysteriously vanish at the director's whim.
Ghayal Once Again
2016 · Rediff · Feb 2016
The action hero returns to serve some old fashioned justice in Ghayal Once Again as the still seething, still suffering Ajay Mehra like only he can. If also it could deliver the stamp of sharp, solid filmmaking like only the man who conceived Ajay Mehra can.
Saala Khadoos
2016 · Rediff · Jan 2016
Between its many, many confused, underdeveloped, raucous ideas, hides the film Saala Khadoos set out to be. Too bad it never made it to the screen.
Chalk N Duster
2016 · Rediff · Jan 2016
Mistaking intent for quality, Chalk N Duster's greatest drawback is that it tries to take the high moral ground without substantiating its material or projecting the least bit of depth...
Angry Indian Goddesses
2015 · Rediff · Dec 2015
Considering the treatment it got by the censor board, I don't know if Angry Indian Goddesses changes anything. Still, it's so good to see a film that revels in womanhood as much as this one.
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
2015 · Rediff · Nov 2015
A lot of visible effort has gone in designing Prem Ratan Dhan Payo's opulence and scale but ultimately it is just lacklustre, recycled fare from a man stuck on men versus women sporting contests, midnight kitchen rendezvous and the pristine aura of Prem. The last one still holds good. Rest is just rah-rah.
Shaandaar
2015 · Rediff · Oct 2015
As one of the characters quizzes, why must we do every thing out of necessity, why can't few things done for the fun of it, Shaandaar is simply fun, fun, fun and frothy enough to pull it off.
Jazbaa
2015 · Rediff · Oct 2015
A mostly watchable thriller marred by its director Sanjay Gupta's penchant for excesses -- a greenish yellow filter that renders the frames more sickly than stylish unless it's some sort of bizarre metaphor for Ash's light eyes brimming in agony, a pounding background score that's so commonplace it serves little purpose and terribly reckless use of slow-motion.
Singh Is Bling
2015 · Rediff · Oct 2015
It's the kind of laughable progressive where Akshay first elicits women empowerment (a forced afterthought in too many movies lately), gleefully watches his feisty heroine batter a bunch of baddies into pulp only to be downgraded into a powerless spectator watching her hero take down more men then Sunny Deol must have tackled in Gadar through its over-the-top, prolonged climax.
The Intern
2015 · Rediff · Sep 2015
An easy, breezy office space confection that doesn't require much of your time or intense emotions, I exude a distinct charm, one that's rarely seen in pop-culture obsessed material today. It's as how Ben describes his handkerchief ritual, "one of the last vestiges of the chivalrous gent."
Kis Kisko Pyaar Karu
2015 · Rediff · Sep 2015
The few jokes that do work in this illogical, tardy drivel have more to do with how idiotic they are then amusing. But mostly you cringe at the sight of Kapil posing next to the full moon from a multi-storey's terrace whilst his starry-eyed wives conduct the Karva Chauth ritual for the four-timing half's long life.
Katti Batti
2015 · Rediff · Sep 2015
Katti Batti is infuriatingly indecisive... Even a radiant Kangana cannot rescue it.
Hero
2015 · Rediff · Sep 2015
Unsurprisingly, this struggle to fit a modern-day romance in a dated template prompts a patchy, wobbly, bizarre, humourless drama proving an uphill task for two rank newcomers to tackle.
The Transporter: Refueled
2015 · Rediff · Sep 2015
Even the one-to-one scuffle is much too monotonous and mundane; you see far better action on television nowadays. Unless a 95-minute long excuse to advertise Audi, Omega or Apple is your idea of a mindless action movie, steer clear of this mechanical junk.
Manjhi: The Mountain Man
2015 · Rediff · Aug 2015
Manjhi is watchable purely because of this actor's grasp of a willful, persevering personality recognised by his passion not poverty. It's a distinction Nawaz duly delivers, if not the film.
Brothers
2015 · Rediff · Aug 2015
What you get is an earnest Khiladi sporting his graceful greys in a movie that's too cosmetic, loud and exhausting to take notice.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
2015 · Rediff · Jul 2015
Despite the complexity of the given situation and the dangers it runs into, Bajrangi Bhaijaan's simplistic politics avoids darkness like a plague. But then wishful thinking never hurt any sentiments. Nor does this film.
Papanasam
2015 · Rediff · Jul 2015
Papanasam doesn't deviate from the original structure but there is a conscious effort to explain the strategy of Drishyam's understated intelligence. The ploy more or less works because the events look convincingly premeditated in context of the alibi and as a result the characters better fleshed out.
Bāhubali: The Beginning
2015 · Rediff · Jul 2015
The first part of the epic leaves behind dollops of rip-roaring entertainment to relish till it's back to finish what it started in perhaps even more jaw-dropping manner. Rajamouli incites such confidence.
Terminator Genisys
2015 · Rediff · Jul 2015
Even if reduced to a 'relic of a deleted timeline,' Schwarzenegger is easily the only attraction of this wishy-washy sequel, prequel, reboot, offshoot, whatever. But that's no reason to overstay one's welcome even if it's an iconic character. Rather especially if it's an iconic character. Like an old colleague of his said to him in another movie, 'You've been back enough.'
ABCD 2
2015 · Rediff · Jun 2015
Reliably, ABCD 2 livens up when the action shifts to stage, thanks to some splendid choreography by the inspiration behind its source -- Suresh Mukund and Vernon Monteiro (featured in the closing credits). Even if you're not a fan of this sort of dancing, the upshot of the troupe's sheer coordination and dedication is tailor-made for applause, a sentiment you increasingly experience in the concluding half of the movie.
Wake Up Sid
2009 · Rediff · Jun 2015
Wake Up Sid has its heart in place, but it still doesn't have much of a plot or novelty to rely upon. That's why the dialogues could have done with a little more quirk and nifty humour. Having said that, a superlative Ranbir makes it too darn hard to notice.
Khosla Ka Ghosla
2006 · Rediff · May 2015
Khosla Ka Ghosla scores for its unusual plot (pun unintended), spirited wit and great acting jobs. But even at a mere eight reels, the film feels longer than it is.
Veer-Zaara
2004 · Rediff · May 2015
Veer-Zaara has a new backdrop, but takes the same route as his previous love stories. Though Yash Chopra lends his brand of freshness in creating a visually captivating picture, Aditya's script is overtly sappy and unnecessarily lengthy. Half an hour of the film could have been easily chopped off from its 210-minute running time. The music by the Late Madan Mohan is mellifluous, but there are too many songs. One would rather see Veer, Zaara interact and fall in love instead of singing songs in sugarcane fields.
Tanu Weds Manu: Returns
2015 · Rediff · May 2015
Tanu Weds Manu Returns is not merely superior to its predecessor but the flamboyance and fun it provides is an implication we're not quite done with this mad duo and their quirky universe yet.
Dil Bole Hadippa!
2009 · Rediff · May 2015
If you can discount some of the Veer-Zaara inspired cheesiness to follow along with terrible exercises of humour -- namely broken Hinglish exchanges (You Kaala bhainslo, yadda yadda) and gems like, 'Yeh Indian dil hai. Cello tape se nahi Judta and a reaa-llll-yy long climax, your 'Dil' might just find enough strength to mutter 'Hadippa'.
Paa
2009 · Rediff · May 2015
Behind the fine prosthetic make-up, it's virtually impossible to recognise Bachchan or his trademark baritone. The actor tempers his voice into an endearing wispy tone with a slight accent, almost as if an inebriated Anthony Gonsalves was dreamily mumbling in his sleep. Coming to Auro, the heart, beat, soul, spice and sweeping factor of this film, he doesn't need any warming up to. Big B's Auro wins you over the moment he makes his bouncy entry in the assembly hall to grab a prize for his 'fluke' creativity.
Bombay Velvet
2015 · Rediff · May 2015
Bombay Velvet is too bloodless to stun, too passionless to stir...paints a pretty postcard but not the soul of its decade.
Piku
2015 · Rediff · May 2015
Everything about you and your precious relationships spoke to me, stirred me and I wish you could hear how deeply you touched me...
Jai Ho Democracy
2015 · Rediff · Apr 2015
...is a hasty uptake of news channels and papers drawn into a skit that's too short on subtext to be a realised satire and too silly to be taken seriously.
Dharam Sankat Mein
2015 · Rediff · Apr 2015
Ultimately, between its sentimental leanings and farcical outbursts, the superficial sermonising of Dharam Sankat Mein remains just that -- superficial.
Cinderella
2015 · Rediff · Mar 2015
Cinderella is certainly destined for business. But because it's in able hands, it doesn't ruin your association with the classic by merely recycling what you already know. What it does is remind you of that forgotten virtue called grace and the timeless thrill of watching a garden pumpkin turn into a golden chariot.
NH10
2015 · Rediff · Mar 2015
An underwhelming climax, sadly, dilutes the triumphs of the stark thriller. Its consistently realistic tone plummets into standard avenging angel territory full of over-the-top theatrics and stylised rage. This compulsive need for a last word kills the impact of many a strong, better-off-silent scenes in Hindi films.
Badmashiyaan
2015 · Rediff · Mar 2015
Badmashiyaan does not have any real plot to tell so it crams the script with numerous characters, who enter and leave at will...
Dum Laga Ke Haisha
2015 · Rediff · Feb 2015
Dum Laga Ke Haisha is a series of riveting moments that make you moist in the eye and chuckle with joy.
Ab Tak Chhappan 2
2015 · Rediff · Feb 2015
Ab Tak Chhappan 2 is so terribly obvious in its deviousness, there's not even a smidgen of surprise to expect...
Roy
2015 · Rediff · Feb 2015
Roy is so tangled in its inflated, erratic ideas of a pseudo mystery around parallel lives and loves that it ceases to make sense even before it takes off. Mostly, though, it's just slow torture.
Khamoshiyan
2015 · Rediff · Jan 2015
Khamoshiyan slips into a hopeless mess of time worn ghost busting, freakish sights and comical gems like 'Hum yeh laash paidal nahi le jaa sakte.'
Dolly Ki Doli
2015 · Rediff · Jan 2015
Dolly Ki Doli's ambiguous, unapologetic tone favours the overall whimsy narrative and its aversion to melodrama...
Tevar
2015 · Rediff · Jan 2015
Unless watching Raj Babbar's most restrained performance since forever is enough to dole out the price of admission, I'd recommend you grab a copy of Okkadu. Even without subtitles you'll find it way more engaging.
I Hate Luv Storys
2010 · Rediff · Dec 2014
...it's Imran and Sonam's collective persona and their free-flowing chemistry that makes all the difference. Although the pair deserve better than an amateurishly written romance to scoop out their terrific potential as a combination. I Hate Luv Storys is, at best, a promising even if imperfect indication of things to come in the direction.
PK
2014 · Rediff · Dec 2014
Beneath its vibrant bouts of humour, PK mocks at the societal arrangement we have grown apathetic to. Those jokes are ultimately nothing but PK's sarcasm at the expense of our collective desperation that wagers to chance and dubs it a miracle, rejoices in disparity, exhorts fear and has forgotten their fundamental right to question. When PK works, it does with great merit, spunk and surprise. When it does not, it meanders, sermonises and guilt trips exactly in the tone of the one it reproaches.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
2014 · Rediff · Dec 2014
Almost one hour of the feature's 144-minute duration is dedicated to lavish combat and a crucial turnabout in allegiance -- a rather awkward stage in the narrative -- handled with great tact by its quick-witted director.
Zed Plus
2014 · Rediff · Nov 2014
Zed Plus may not be perfect but it doesn't insult your intelligence like most Friday fare.
Kill Dil
2014 · Rediff · Nov 2014
Kill Dil has random songs, birdbrained logic and a romance that's about as exciting as toothpaste...
Garm Hava
1973 · Rediff · Nov 2014
Garm Hava is a product of like-minded artistry and resourceful acumen that hasn't spared any effort to reserve its special place in movie history...
The Shaukeens
2014 · Rediff · Nov 2014
Whenever Akshay appears on screen, The Shaukeens transforms into another movie -- one that's substantially more comic, cheeky and winsome -- it's the one I enjoyed the most, it's the one I wished I had come to see.
Super Nani
2014 · Rediff · Nov 2014
Super Nani comes pretty close to breaking the record rona dhona in that Juhi Chawla melodrama called Saajan Ka Ghar.
Jab We Met
2007 · Rediff · Oct 2014
Jab We Met starts out like a run-of-the-mill fun album. But along the way, it springs quite a few mellifluous surprises. Let's hope the movie will have the same quality.
Devdas
2002 · Rediff · Oct 2014
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's labour of love Devdas is a larger-than-life, poignant and spectacular interpretation. Clearly Devdas is a work of art and heart...For all its hype, grandeur, money, blood, sweat, music, tragedy, Devdas is a must-see for even the most pragmatic and unromantic.
Haider
2014 · Rediff · Oct 2014
Haider is bewitchingly clever...And it will haunt you long after you've left the theatre...
Ishqiya
2010 · Rediff · Oct 2014
Rarely are grace and profanity cited in the same breath. Debutant filmmaker Abhishek Chaubey's Ishqiya, however, is a privileged exception.
Desi Kattey
2014 · Rediff · Sep 2014
Desi Kattey is an insipid mishmash of just about every script engaging two friends going separate ways meets underdog sports hero.
Daawat-e-Ishq
2014 · Rediff · Sep 2014
Daawat-E-Ishq is like an exuberant menu of a newly opened restaurant that's eager to please with its spread of scrumptious offerings that balances crowd-favourites with substance. While the sides are undercooked, the entree leaves an enjoyable aftertaste that owes much credit to its spunky actors and rest to Habib Faisal's crisp script and direction.
Finding Fanny
2014 · Rediff · Sep 2014
Finding Fanny is a fine blend of soulful musings and nuanced filmmaking. And I welcome this clutter breaking space, the First Lady of Pocolim and the Casanova of Konkon with all my heart.
Mary Kom
2014 · Rediff · Sep 2014
I would have liked if the film didn't so shamelessly exploit my patriotic sentiments to afford it respect in its final scene. I would have liked something much more than this mediocre account of a magnificent reality.
Mardaani
2014 · Rediff · Aug 2014
Faux feminism aside, Mardaani is mostly a middling action thriller. If only the script weighed more in intensity of thoughts than stagy heroics and simplistic resolutions, it could do a lot more for women in the film industry if not society in general.
Singham Returns
2014 · Rediff · Aug 2014
Singham Returns offers quite a bit to whistle about with its steady supply of straightforward action and a hot-headed hero who delivers a punch with a fist and a line...
Entertainment
2014 · Rediff · Aug 2014
Sajid-Farhad's first film is mostly a garrulous, occasionally comical farce that intermittently serves as reminder that in the search of "entertainment, entertainment, entertainment" one can always rely on the delightfully loony Johnny Lever. Entertainment is best when it isn't trying to force laughs out of us with its desperate attempts at wit...
Into the Storm
2014 · Rediff · Aug 2014
Barns and buildings, trucks, buses, cars (no cow this time) are sucked into the feverishly spinning cyclone's mouth till the screen transforms into a kinetic explosion of environmental fury. Some of these frantic images coupled with exceptional detail to sound, especially the waltz of the planes and the blazing tornado are truly spectacular and salvage Into The Storm from being a complete (since we're on the subject) disaster.
Kick
2014 · Rediff · Jul 2014
Despite four screenplay writers' and Salman Khan's best efforts, Kick fails to impress...
Hate Story 2
2014 · Rediff · Jul 2014
A stale plot with flatly executed scenes of retribution and a lacklustre leading lady; Hate Story 2 is too trivial to be erotic or thrilling...
Transformers: Age of Extinction
2014 · Rediff · Jun 2014
There's a strong possibility that you may experience some difficulty in hearing even the voices of your much-assaulted, still recovering head after watching Transformers: Age of Extinction. Given the unexplained draw the Transformers brand has, I won't be surprised if this one works too. But nearly three hours divided in yawns and headache prompts me to repeat what Optimus Prime says in the end, "Leave Planet Earth alone."
How to Train Your Dragon 2
2014 · Rediff · Jun 2014
What's great about How To Train Your Dragon 2 is that it doesn't take its inevitable existence for granted. Rather it's a continuation of the tale instead of yet another victim of the forced franchise syndrome.
Edge of Tomorrow
2014 · Rediff · Jun 2014
Edge of Tomorrow may not be a faithful adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka's novel All You Need Is Kill but it's a damn energetic one...
Heropanti
2014 · Rediff · May 2014
Heropanti's sole purpose is to let us know there's a new actor on the entertainment scene. Nothing about Heropanti is fresh or clever. Saddled with a pedestrian setup, ghastly writing, old-fashioned treatment, tacky styling and uninspiring co-stars, Tiger has little going in his favour. And the way I see it, he could not have asked for a shoddier launch. Yet somehow beneath the pin-up torso, the soulful eyes and an awkward smile -- a genuine, graceful, likeable boy comes through.
Godzilla
2014 · Rediff · May 2014
Director Gareth Edwards delivers a satisfactory reboot of the iconic monster movie!
Kya Dilli Kya Lahore
2014 · Rediff · May 2014
The idea behind Kya Dilli Kya Lahore is to once again point out the futility of war as well as highlight why human comes before being. And Vijay Raaz accomplishes that to a reasonable extent in his first filmmaking effort.
Kaanchi
2014 · Rediff · Apr 2014
Kaanchi must have read important on paper but it's complete baloney on celluloid.
Bhoothnath Returns
2014 · Rediff · Apr 2014
Bhoothnath Returns starts off with a fascinating premise but drags towards the end. Whatever connect the towering Bachchan makes with his viewer is rudely disrupted to accommodate mediocre songs or misplaced sentimentalism in a prolonged slide show of poignant portraits making Bhoothnath's return quite a drag in the end.
Lafangey Parindey
2010 · Rediff · Mar 2014
Ultimately Lafangey Parindey, like its attention-grabbing title, is unapologetically superficial with a brief attention span. It doesn't dwell too long on the possible complications or questions that may arise in its protagonist's lives and conveniently wiggles out of/wraps up any uneasy development. Guess the makers can't blame us for reserving similar indifference towards the movie.
Ankhon Dekhi
2014 · Rediff · Mar 2014
Very few films concern themselves with questions. Most of them are too eager to provide inspiration or make statements. But in Rajat Kapoor's Ankhon Dekhi, curiosity is what drives its premise and suspension of disbelief is entirely abandoned. Discerning viewer, witness it you must.
Bewakoofiyaan
2014 · Rediff · Mar 2014
It never quite establishes its chief motive. Instead Asthana's tentative approach struggles to interrelate the pertinent issues, lend it dimensions and wisdom, resorting to simplistic conclusions when it cannot find the balance.
Total Siyapaa
2014 · Rediff · Mar 2014
It's the kind of film that expects you to find laughs in a man trying to thaw ice-cold soup with knives. It's the kind of coy courtship where a NRI couple kiss the other's lips by placing a hand in the middle. It's the kind of reductive remake that could work best as a harmless half-hour sitcom. It's the kind of experience that explains the need for phrases like 'meh.'
Highway
2014 · Rediff · Feb 2014
Highway isn't merely concerned with cataloguing the virginal, versatile landscapes of Northern India. Often it's the only ray of cheer to offset the grimness concealed within two wounded souls. Comfort not chemistry is what outlines the attraction between Alia and Randeep as they amble along higher altitudes of make believe. Yes, they could be heroes. But just for one day.
Gunday
2014 · Feb 2014
For all its swagger and insolence, the script is full of silly loopholes, annoying clichés and glaring superficiality. No matter how hard director Zafar tries to create an action hero that speaks Amitabh Bachchan/Anil Kapoor/Raaj Kumar, he fails to substantiate it with charisma that goes beyond surface value.
Hasee Toh Phasee
2014 · Rediff · Feb 2014
Hasee Toh Phasee takes a familiar premise -- two people on the brink of tying the knot and introduces a third party to cause expected stir. Only it doesn't happen like it used to...
Jai Ho
2014 · Rediff · Jan 2014
What could have been a relevant crowd-pleaser with a little effort from Sohail Khan and his writers is mostly a tedious and overcrowded drivel that shamelessly depends on Salman Khan's strapping charisma to tide them over.
Mahabharat 3D
2013 · Rediff · Dec 2013
If only this was a made-for-radio special instead of a half-heartedly animated demo reel masquerading as a children's fantasy. But dumbing down Mahabharat's provocative and serious framework for a film that cannot even provide visual enchantment fails to fulfill it purpose even to its young audience.
Dhoom 3
2013 · Rediff · Dec 2013
Dhoom 3 continues the tradition of extravagance in adventure and expenditure by roping in the fastidious Aamir Khan as its latest star antagonist.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
2013 · Rediff · Dec 2013
The Hobbit series continue to exhilarate and astound with its ingenious tradition of tribute, technology and tenacity. And experiencing it in 3D certainly adds to the tangibility of knowing a hostile, intriguing ambiance. Evil was never this seductive. Nor second parts of what may produce a formidable finale after yet another 12 agonizing months of wait.
Krrish 3
2013 · Rediff · Nov 2013
It's not original. It's not subtle. What Krrish 3 is is astonishingly eager to entertain with its stock of doodads that should amuse if not endear.
Ishk Actually
2013 · Rediff · Oct 2013
Obtuse, dispassionate and inert, Ishk Actually is one of the drabbest films I've seen all year.
Boss
2013 · Rediff · Oct 2013
Boss is hell bent on assaulting the eardrums and senses with a vigorous spectacle of mindless action and screeching soundtrack. Given the low benchmark of this genre, it's akin to praise when I say Boss is neither as absurd as Rowdy Rathore nor as ghastly as Policegiri.
Besharam
2013 · Rediff · Oct 2013
Besharam is so unbelievably sloppy and senseless, not even the best actors in the business can redeem it no matter how hard they try.
Phata Poster Nikla Hero
2013 · Rediff · Sep 2013
Regardless of Phata Poster Nikhla Hero's uneven pace and indecisive disposition, Shahid Kapoor, armed with a kooky grin, gives it his best shot.
Shuddh Desi Romance
2013 · Rediff · Sep 2013
Shuddh Desi Romance conveys a simple but underrated philosophy in the most fun way possible
Madras Cafe
2013 · Rediff · Aug 2013
After experiencing back-to-back idiocy on big screen, it's refreshing to return to the theatres for a film that expects you to be educated, informed and attentive. Give it a chance, Madras Cafe deserves an audience.
The Smurfs 2
2013 · Rediff · Aug 2013
The Smurfs 2 is an excruciatingly basic, bland and boring representation of a famously merry and meticulous community.
Ship of Theseus
2013 · Rediff · Jul 2013
Ship of Theseus is a sign of evolution in filmmaking, a work of art. I cannot award such artistry with mere stars. I can only hope it's a precedent not an exception and wish you go and watch it.
Pacific Rim
2013 · Rediff · Jul 2013
This is possibly the best and the grandest belated gift a man can offer his childhood. Do yourself a favour.
Policegiri
2013 · Zee News · Jul 2013
Plots with threadbare logic rely too much on larger-than-life heroics to draw its target audience in. But none of Dutt's swagger is blustering enough to put up with a film as deafening, dowdy and drudging as Policegiri.
Raanjhanaa
2013 · Rediff · Jun 2013
Raanjhanaa isn't easy viewing. Kundan and Zoya aren't easily likeable. They have flaws. They make mistakes. Blunders, really.
Yamla Pagla Deewana 2
2013 · Rediff · Jun 2013
Calling Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 a joke would amount to a compliment. And I am in no mood to extend such courtesy.
Aurangzeb
2013 · Rediff · May 2013
Whether all kids inherit their parents' moral temperament I do not know but where Bollywood is concerned, its conditioning on filmmakers is undeniable. And going by what the inspired but engaging Aurangzeb has to offer, it's not such a bad thing.
The Croods
2013 · Rediff · May 2013
Zany, zippy, meaningful and sweet, there is never a single dull moment in The Croods.
Bombay Talkies
2013 · Rediff · May 2013
Bombay Talkies may or may not celebrate cinema in the direct sense. Except for its hopelessly tacky end-credits -- a complete waste of star power and resources, Bombay Talkies is an absorbing ode to the language of cinema that is part of our collective system. It honours the imagination and enthusiasm that attracts so many young men and women in this country to embrace a life of risk and rush – filmmaking.
Chashme Baddoor
2013 · Rediff · Apr 2013
If the outcome of a remake is to affront everything the original represents then WHY ON EARTH call it Chashme Baddoor? Why not simply write your own story about three random friends, name it something like Teen Tigada Kaam Bigada and then include every Tom, Dick, Joseph, Josephine, Beagle, Fattu, Gattu as you please?
Nautanki Saala
2013 · Rediff · Apr 2013
Rohan Sippy's creation shows so much promise and has several moments (even if most of them are featured in its trailer). But the plot seems better-suited for a sitcom episode. As a film the nautanki stretches for too long, saala.
Himmatwala
2013 · Rediff · Apr 2013
Sajid Khan loves big scale but the production values of all his films, their aesthetics, g are consistently tacky. Himmatwala is no different.
Special 26
2013 · Rediff · Mar 2013
Oh yes, Special Chabbis is my second favourite film of 2013 so far.
Kai Po Che!
2013 · Rediff · Mar 2013
Abhishek Kapoor's clarity of vision makes Kai Po Che -- the adaptation of a mediocre novel -- so irresistible.
Murder 3
2013 · Rediff · Mar 2013
Those who're clueless about the Columbian movie might get a kick out of the big reveal. Those looking for more than (badly-acted) thrills, Murder isn't likely to be your choice of franchise anyway.
ABCD: Any Body Can Dance
2013 · Rediff · Mar 2013
ABCD tugs at your emotional cords all the way as Prabhu Deva tries to convert a bunch of street ruffians into champions.
David
2013 · Rediff · Mar 2013
In terms of filmmaking, David is an uncompromised experiment and steers clear of comfort zones crediting its viewers' capability to join dots without excessive spoon-feeding, a practice that eludes mainstream Hindi cinema.
Inkaar
2013 · Rediff · Mar 2013
What could have been an engrossing take on modern-day relationships in a frantic, workaholic culture is single-handedly destroyed by warped publicity and ridiculous conclusions.
Rockstar
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Rockstar isn't entirely above flaws though. The irregular narrative could do with some smooth editing avoiding the uneven, jerky feel to the proceedings.
Bodyguard
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Before slumping into a silly space of trashy humour and hasty sentimentality, Bodyguard intermittently comes alive with a swashbuckling Sallu engaging in some SFX-aided action.
Rascals
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Rascals, with no structure or motive, cannot (rather does not even try to) conceal its desperation to make itself funny. And this insecurity shows in each and every gag.
Force
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Force never had much to accomplish in the first place. But its complete lack of individuality or snap makes it a boring, banal, blah and bleak experience.
Mere Brother Ki Dulhan
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Mere Brother Ki Dulhan is a pretty ordinary effort. It's the kind of movie where everyone looks catalogue cool and beams with enthusiasm to make the going-ons appear droll and exciting. And though one's a sourpuss for not buying it, I'll take the risk of being one.
That Girl in Yellow Boots
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Yellow Boots, co-written by him and wife Kalki Koechlin, also essaying the 'Girl' in the title, is a compilation of abstract frames, which often stir from their surreal state to expose the ugly, upsetting corners of society. The narrative refuses, almost doggedly, to follow a conventional structure. Instead like fluttering pages of a disorderly diary, it is puzzling, self-indulgent, wandering and personal.
Shabri
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Shabri, despite its many flaws, watchable if not memorable.
Yeh Saali Zindagi
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
The idea is to project mess and chaos. Indeed surplus characters and subplots often make YSZ an overwhelming experience to endure. But if you are up for the challenge to explore Delhi's shifty facet, it's rewarding too. What's most fascinating is how everyone has a sense of humour about their situation, which is inevitably on the sticky side. Saali or sane, this Zindagi rocks.
Game
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
For its entire obsession with ambiance, Game is, at heart, a frustratingly old-fashioned murder mystery. If you're the kind who follows the genre keenly, by second act, you'll have figured out the wild card and the culprit. Question is do you want to?
Tanu Weds Manu
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
It doesn't take offense at anything but will charm you anyway.
Patiala House
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Quite conveniently, a politically correct Advani never shows Akshay playing against India. Predictably, the men in blue do march to victory; it's just a few shades darker than I would have liked to cheer for.
Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji
2011 · Rediff · Nov 2012
The screen is cluttered with secondary characters that pop in and out without bringing anything to the story other than add to the mess. And that's what Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji is, a silly jumble of misspent potential and hollow creativity.
Chakravyuh
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
In the end, Chakravyuh is nothing more than an average action flick in the garb of relevant cinema where socio-politico turmoil is nothing more than a prop and gun-toting militants in uniforms and bandanas hollering 'Lal Salaam' fill up the frames.
Student of the Year
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Often it is this hold on the viewer through constant influx of escapism and pomp with magnificently choreographed songs, razzle dazzle of colours/style/design, appropriate dosage of humour and ritzy production values that distracts one from Student of the Year's brash celebration of superficiality and obvious lack of depth.
Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
If you discount the enduring cliché in Kurush Deboo's presence, SFKTNP celebrates the cultural stereotypes of this cozy community with lighthearted and inoffensive humour. It's certainly nowhere as grating and overbearing as the other Bhansali, Sanjay Leela's proclivity for regional excesses as witnessed in Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The toning down is some accomplishment for the King of Extravagance given that he has both -- produced and written the film.
OMG! Oh My God
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
There's no sign of character fatigue or repetition. Armed with superb writing and a keen understanding of Kanji's convictions and qualms, the actor grabs his viewer's attention from start to finish. Like the remark of the guy in the shop, 'Bande mein dum hai, yaar.'
Ek Tha Tiger
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Ek Tha Tiger has a lot going for it with its two certified stars no one will contract an eyesore looking at and a supporting cast (Ranvir Shorey, Girish Karnad) that never lets you down along with plush production values typical to a Yash Raj product.
Jism 2
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
The screenplay is just as dim-witted. In one of the scenes, Leone hands Hooda a love letter, which the latter sniffs as if it's English Lavender. It's some cheap brand of stinky orange-red ink, of course, passed off as Leone blood scribbling lines you'll only read in amateur teen romances, 'You came into my life like the moon.'
Bol Bachchan
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Bol Bachchan is dispensable cinema, forgotten almost immediately after it's over. What I kept wondering is how does Asrani who acted in Mukerjee's acclaimed films like Chupke Chupke, Abhimaan, Bawarchi feel about working in the remake of a film where the hero wore his kurta. Don't know what I'm talking about? You deserve Bol Bachchan. But if you do, you must have already begun scouting for your copy of Gol Maal somewhere.
Teri Meri Kahaani
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
What's the point of telling three different love stories if you plan to give them a similar finish off? The whole exercise seems plain cosmetic. But till the point the make-up doesn't wear off, Teri Meri Kahaani is a far better film than I came to see.
Vicky Donor
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Vicky Donor loses some of its sperm, er steam, in the second half when the sentimental, ethical reasoning creeps in, it feels a bit avoidable and protracted. Except by then you have begun to care too much for these characters and its unassuming vibe to create a ruckus.
Kahaani
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Sly, gripping and taut, Kahaani is much too enjoyable to find flaws. This is, without doubt, Sujoy Ghosh's best work so far. Go watch it.
Blood Money
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
This is not The Firm and its sloppily written script is incapable of constructing gravity or drama. Blood Money is inexcusably one-note and short on buildup -- things just happen one after the other like a flat, muted series of badly-shot stilted music videos. The songs (by Jeet Gannguli) are as monotonous as the insipid visuals they accompany.
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
Sukanya Verma feels that Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu is neither on the epic side like Dharma Productions' great, grand ancestors nor weighed down by an overload of pop culture references of those that define the genre.
Players
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
The real problem with this official remake of The Italian Job is that instead of reproducing a perfectly nuanced screenplay as it is, it tries to act too smart, with excessive elements and needless tampering, in the process making a complete fool of itself. Why can't you stick to the plan, Bollywood? All this time we witness our filmmakers rip-off Hollywood scene-by-scene but the minute they acquire rights, they are hit by an army of brainwaves or an insuppressible need to improvise (read flounder).
Agneepath
2012 · Rediff · Nov 2012
...less of a remake, more of a tribute. They should have just called it Dharmapath.