Sweta Kaushal
Hindustan Times
Most Divergent Takes
- Khoobsurat (2014)2.0 vs TRM 5.5-3.5
- Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018)2.0 vs TRM 5.2-3.2
- Manjhi: The Mountain Man (2015)9.0 vs TRM 5.8+3.2
- Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho (2015)1.0 vs TRM 4.1-3.1
- Ugly (2014)10.0 vs TRM 7.0+3.0
Veere Di Wedding
2018 · Hindustan Times · Jun 2018
In its own subtle way, Veere Di Wedding also tries to subvert the male dominant stereotype but these moments are so few and far between that you almost miss the point. It may be a buddy comedy but it is not among the best in the genre, not even top five.
Omerta
2018 · Hindustan Times · May 2018
With crisp editing and a runtime of 97 minutes, the film never lets you lose attention and the gripping narrative style ensures you are on the edge throughout. Rao proves his mettle once again as he smoothly gets into his cold character who can switch accents and personalities with equal ease – and does it all for the sole purpose of serving the 'holy war'.
Blackmail
2018 · Hindustan Times · Apr 2018
Fun filled and realistic story-telling made interesting with engaging and hilarious performances of Irrfan Khan and Divya Dutta.
Raid
2018 · Hindustan Times · Mar 2018
With a tighter editing, slightly less focus on the wannabe love story and a lesser dose of melodrama, Raid could have been a gripping thriller.
Dil Juunglee
2018 · Hindustan Times · Mar 2018
Dil Junglee is an age-old story, told with a hundred stereotypes, none of which helps it. It is only Taapsee's charming presence and Saqib's earthiness that keep us entertained. Taapsee looks authentic in both the avatars that she dons in the film. Saqib, too, provides ample support with his realistic portrayal of a middle-class Delhi boy. In fact, almost all the actors — Saqib's mom, his friend, Taapsee's friend and his fiancée — make the film lively.
Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety
2018 · Hindustan Times · Feb 2018
The one thing that worked for Pyaar Ka Punchnama films was the relatability, even if it was restricted to guys-only discussions. Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety doesn't have that, nor is it funny.
Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz
2018 · Hindustan Times · Feb 2018
Zain plays RJ Alfaaz and Shray essays the role of Archana's friend in the film who nurtures feelings for her. Interestingly, Onir has also cast all of his characters with perfection. Be it Archana's mom or RJ Alfaaz's girlfriend, each actor has a remarkable presence in the movie. It is just the stretched narrative that fails them all.
Pad Man
2018 · Hindustan Times · Feb 2018
Akshay Kumar's superhero swoops in and de-stigmatises menstrual hygiene without making the film feel stodgy or heavy handed.
My Birthday Song
2018 · Hindustan Times · Jan 2018
Debutante director Samir Soni starts off with an amazing idea which is failed by its execution.
Kaalakaandi
2018 · Hindustan Times · Jan 2018
Saif Ali Khan outshines a sloppy script...The Saif ALi Khan-starrer is a thriller at best and an attempted comedy at worst.
Firangi
2017 · Hindustan Times · Dec 2017
If there is one positive thing that emerges from the movie - Kapil flaunts his acting skills and proves he can play the serious, sincere man as convincingly as the charmer he mostly plays on his shows. It is sad that Manga's character is not well defined, rendering Kapil's act and efforts useless as the film turns out to be tedious and monotonous.
Kadvi Hawa
2017 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2017
Though Kadvi Hawa is touted as a film on climate change, it talks as much about farmers' suicide in draught and flood-hit areas of our country.
An Insignificant Man
2017 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2017
An Insignificant Man is a peek into the working of politics and difficulties of bringing in honest measures to the system. But it does not hold the power to change your political beliefs or give a proper insight into the party and its working. It is only a sneak peek.
Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana
2017 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2017
The film, however, leans too much on clichés. Songs are abrupt and obstruct the narrative. The filmmakers have also relied heavily on melodrama but despite these minor hiccups, this is an invitation you must not miss.
Qarib Qarib Singlle
2017 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2017
Irrfan, Parvathy film will charm its way into your heart...Tanuja Chandra brings a novel and realistic way of depicting romance in Bollywood with Irrfan and Parvathy's movie.
Ribbon
2017 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2017
Ribbon rakes up a lot of issues that deserve at least a discourse in the current scenario, but instead, ends up only fleetingly touching these. Neither the characters nor the narrative take upon the evils and the evil-doers.
Jia Aur Jia
2017 · Hindustan Times · Oct 2017
Kalki is perhaps the only good thing about the film. Unfortunately, the script and dialogues do not leave much scope for her. There are precisely five minutes in the film where I could actually feel the emotions onscreen. Other than that, even Kalki's acting could not save Jia Aur Jia from being an utter bore that borders on torture.
Golmaal Again
2017 · Hindustan Times · Oct 2017
Rohit has used his trademark slapstick comedy sparsely and mainly relies on the supernatural elements to make things look funny.
Chef
2017 · Hindustan Times · Oct 2017
Chef offers moments of brilliance which, if weaved in a more organised manner, may have given us a light, affable film. But a lazy and rather uninterested narrative takes away the pleasure.
Bhoomi
2017 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2017
The climax comes with tired tropes that we associate with such revenge dramas – Hydari is shown as Adi Shakti or a devi of Hindu mythology who is wreaking vengeance. While Dutt does the actual fighting, symbolically, Hydari is the one punishing the wrong-doers. Oh, the demands of Bollywood masala train.
Simran
2017 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2017
Kangana mostly does a fine job of bringing the character to life but at times goes overboard while portraying the antics of Praful. However, all of it seems so self-indulgent that neither the film nor the protagonist is successful in making the audience empathise or identify with her.
Daddy
2017 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2017
he film romanticises the hero (Arjun Rampal as Arun Gawli) and then serves the usual formula gangster fare. Where it fails, however, is keeping it all coherent.
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
2017 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2017
With an interesting and bold subject, the fun-filled milieu of a north Indian wedding and an ensemble of good supporting actors, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan could have been a gem of a film. Except, it isn't.
A Gentleman
2017 · Hindustan Times · Aug 2017
A Gentleman is not a flawless film, it is full of cliches and typecasts the characters - be it casting black men as the foot soldiers of the villain, their language or even the ringtone of his phone. Even the climax action sequence conforms to decades old cliche - the hero's anger is at its worst when poked about the heroine.
Indu Sarkar
2017 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2017
Madhur Bhandarkar's latest film starring Kriti Kulhari and Neil Nitin Mukesh has a confused narrative and melodrama that dethrones the attempt to champion the cause of democracy.
Shab
2017 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2017
This is a complicated story with numerous sub-plots that seem rather overwhelming. Onir's expertise at handling the darkest subjects with sensitivity and the actors' impressive performances ensure you have a sinfully extravagant film at hand.
Lipstick Under My Burkha
2017 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2017
This is a film you must not miss as it is not everyday that Bollywood films talk of women and their desires.
Bank Chor
2017 · Hindustan Times · Jun 2017
This is an aspiring comic thriller that fails miserably at being either. Even brilliant actor Riteish Deshmukh and his gang of "stupid thieves" fail to rise above the lame storyline and its pathetic comic sense.
Behen Hogi Teri
2017 · Hindustan Times · Jun 2017
Rajkummar brings out the best of the guy-next-door stock character. Be it convincing Binni of his love or getting beaten up by his own dad, Rajkummar plays to the tune of the film and never misses a beat. There isn't another actor who would have fit the role as well. Shruti, on the other hand, looks like she has been picked out of a different universe and stuck in that of the film.
Meri Pyaari Bindu
2017 · Hindustan Times · May 2017
While the nostalgic references will ensure smiles keep making fleeting appearances on your face, the film won't quite make you root for the characters.
Noor
2017 · Hindustan Times · Apr 2017
Noor does not understand journalism, it fails to establish enough angst for the protest it hopes to ignite, it stops being the rom-com (the one thing that the movie was getting right) pretty soon and it does not give the victims enough time for us to empathise, nor does it ponder over the aggressors enough, for us to loathe them.
Naam Shabana
2017 · Hindustan Times · Apr 2017
Skip the film if you want to watch it for Neeraj Pandey's previous filmography. Naam Shabana is nothing like his other films.
Phillauri
2017 · Hindustan Times · Mar 2017
It is a light-hearted, average love story. Watch it, if you must, for Anushka Sharma and Diljit Dosanjh.
Ok Jaanu
2017 · Hindustan Times · Jan 2017
Watch it if you believe in love, and watch it if you don't. Fact is, Ok Jaanu is probably one of the most heart-warming romances you will ever see in Bollywood. And as for being a love story that portrays the meaning of true life partners, the last good one we saw was over a decade ago – Baaghban (2003), starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. Grab your tickets NOW!
Kahaani 2
2016 · Hindustan Times · Dec 2016
The only let-down in Kahaani 2 is the climax. It is rather disappointing to see a high-tempo, fast-paced thriller suddenly taking the predictable-Bollywood-cliche dip. You are likely to be reminded of Ishqiya and TE3N, Vidya's previous movies in the climax sequences. With Vidya's stellar performance, Arjun's strong support, Sujoy's bold story and an engaging screenplay, Kahaani 2 is a must watch.
Dear Zindagi
2016 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2016
If only Gauri brought better-etched characters and delved more into the emotional turmoils of her lead, this could have been a wonderful "slice-of-life" film with several messages to be lauded for. What she ends up with is a "could-have-been-amazing" film..
Wah Taj
2016 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2016
At scripting stage, Wah Taj could have been a good watch, but what we see onscreen is totally avoidable.
Parched
2016 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2016
Parched is worth the time and money. The spirit of the film is celebrating fights against an unjust system and society and emerging winners — not because they have well-intentioned men rescuing them, but because they can save themselves. Watch it for the sake of the celebratory mood or watch it for a heated debate in your bedroom. Do not miss it at all.
Freaky Ali
2016 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2016
Despite the cliches and melodrama, we found Freaky Ali worth the time and money. From the 'talented actor' for the intelligentsia to the common man's entertainer, Siddiqui is one star we love.
Mohenjo Daro
2016 · Hindustan Times · Aug 2016
Watch the film if Hrithik's physique, dancing skills and flexibility are enough to attract you but you can totally avoid it if a grandeur does not make up for the lack of substance, facts and logic.
Madaari
2016 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2016
Madaari crumbles under its own lofty ideals and ambition. The slow pace makes the fall even more painful and enduring. And that it had two brilliant actors in Irrfan and Jimmy, who were grossly under-used, only adds to injury.
Raman Raghav 2.0
2016 · Hindustan Times · Jun 2016
No Bollywood-style revenge or anger, just pure sadism. Ramanna's purity, despite his cruelty is spine-chilling, especially when juxtaposed with Raghavan's uncontrolled violence.
Do Lafzon Ki Kahani
2016 · Hindustan Times · Jun 2016
If you're not the romantic kind, Randeep's acting and his 'ode to Sylvester Stallone' (his workout sequences) will be a delight then.
Phobia
2016 · Hindustan Times · May 2016
There are a few flaws in Phobia but Apte excels. Except for Mnau (played by Ankur Vikal), people around Mehek are weak characters, which have not been thought through. Their lack of common sense is jarring which halts the pace of the film.
Waiting
2016 · Hindustan Times · May 2016
Packaged with Naseeruddin as the adorable old man struggling to understand a younger generation and Kalki as the charming young, energetic woman, Waiting is a delight. Powerful performances and a realistic approach make this a film you'd want to watch.
Sarbjit
2016 · Hindustan Times · May 2016
It's a tough movie to get right, and Oomung should be lauded for choosing the story and for picking a star to get the story out to wider audience (like he did with Mary Kom). But, Oomung fails to deliver a moving, poignant film and instead leaves us with a load of melodrama.
Traffic
2016 · Hindustan Times · May 2016
Traffic does not preach or boast but it touches hearts. Watch it for the emotional connect, and of course, the wonderful performances.
Aligarh
2016 · Hindustan Times · Feb 2016
At a time when notions of morality and jingoism are obstructing the ideas of freedom, democracy and individualism, Aligarh is a must-watch. It's a reminder that freedom of choice can never be less important, and that is what democracy is about.
Fitoor
2016 · Hindustan Times · Feb 2016
Melodrama and a superficial love story are some of the road blocks that hinder a beautiful cinematic journey Abhishek Kapoor wanted to take you on.
Airlift
2016 · Hindustan Times · Jan 2016
Turbulence aside, Airlift is an engaging movie that keeps it real, emotional and dramatic.
Wazir
2016 · Hindustan Times · Jan 2016
Despite the smaller flaws and the slightly botched up ending, the film is definitely worth a watch.
Bajirao Mastani
2015 · Hindustan Times · Dec 2015
If you appreciate Sanjay Leela Bhansali's opulence and grandeur, this won't disappoint. It can be a good one-time watch, for Deepika's performance, if not anything else.
Angry Indian Goddesses
2015 · Hindustan Times · Dec 2015
Ultimately, Angry Indian Goddesses is a decent watch as long as the fun lasts but tumbles downhill with gathering pace as the 'anger' kicks in. Watch it for its good acting, the director's bravery in picking his premise and protagonists, but don't expect a statement on feminism or a revolutionary Bollywood film'. You will be sorely disappointed.
Tamasha
2015 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2015
Tamasha could have been, but is certainly not, Imtiaz's best - I found it better than Rockstar, but it is not as gripping as Highway. With Imtiaz's intriguing take on love stories, scenic locations and brilliant acting by Ranbir and Deepika, it is a one-time watch, but nothing more.
X: Past Is Present
2015 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2015
Skip the movie if abstract scares you, for this will not only scare but also confuse. But do watch it if the intricacies of human mind and relationships intrigue you. Must watch for those interested in the art of filmmaking or storytelling too.
Main Aur Charles
2015 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2015
Main Aur Charles gains some momentum in the second half and gives us a closer look at Shobhraj, the man, but does not dig deeper into his psyche or reveals much about him. You should avoid this film at all costs: The narrative offers nothing at all and despite the good performances, badly-sketched characters leave little for the actors to do.
Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2
2015 · Hindustan Times · Oct 2015
Made on a small budget of about Rs 9 crore, the film might well be a hit and it won't be surprising at all. Our verdict? Go for the film, have some fun and have a happy weekend.
Talvar
2015 · Hindustan Times · Oct 2015
Talvar is an intriguing and gripping thriller and boasts of brilliant performances, witty dialogues and much more. You should definitely not miss this one.
Kis Kisko Pyaar Karu
2015 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2015
KKPK establishes Kapil Sharma's acting skills beyond doubt, but he couldn't have made a worse choice. Watch the film only if you are a hopeless fan of the comedian. For us, even his talent was not enough to save the regressive and non-original film.
Calendar Girls
2015 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2015
Bhandarkar had a revealing, emotional and realistic story at hand; something that could have made for a compelling watch. The narration, bland and plain dialogues and bad acting (save for one or two actors), however, kills the experience. Yes, you won't lose much even if you give a miss to this film.
Meeruthiya Gangsters
2015 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2015
Telling a convoluted saga of ambition, greed and friendship, Meeruthiya Gangsters fails to keep a grip on its central plot. The angles are bang on, but Zeishan fails to add gravity to his story that could have kept the audience hooked and involved with the story of his otherwise identifiable characters. Much of our disappointment stems from the fact that this comes from the same writer who penned Gangs of Wasseypur.
Phantom
2015 · Hindustan Times · Aug 2015
Watch Phantom just for the character actors if you have to. All of them -- Sohaila Kapur, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Sabyasachi Chakraborty -- deliver power-packed performances, as if to compensate for the lead pair's lack of acting skills.
Manjhi: The Mountain Man
2015 · Hindustan Times · Aug 2015
It's not that the film is without jarring points. Most of the character artists goof up with the accent while mouthing the dialogues in the dialect spoken in the region. In fact, except Siddiqui, Dhulia, Apte and Pankaj Tripathi, everyone seems to have put on a fake and forced 'Bihari' accent. The very Bollywood-ised romance between Siddiqui and Apte seems out of place as well. At best, this should have been part of dream sequences. Given the realism of the story, the flying sarees and Apte roaming around without blouses do not quite fit into the cultural milieu.
Gour Hari Dastaan
2015 · Hindustan Times · Aug 2015
It's a story we've heard of so many times in the past: An ageing freedom fighter running from pillar to post, waging his own battle against bureaucratic red tape, trying to prove that he participated in the freedom struggle. With actors like Vinay Pathak, Konkona Sen and Ranvir Shorey in the line-up, Anant Mahadevan's Gour Hari Dastaan could well have been Mahesh Bhatt's Saraansh. Sadly, it's too slow and the execution too boring. Nonetheless, the film definitely belongs to the league.
Masaan
2015 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2015
Masaan is a hard-hitting narrative set against the powerful backdrop that will stay with you long after you've left the theatres. It is and beautiful cinematic experience you don't want to miss.
Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho
2015 · Hindustan Times · Jun 2015
Not a single thing in Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho makes it worth a watch. Skip this and save yourself from this eminently avoidable overdose of misogyny and torture.
ABCD 2
2015 · Hindustan Times · Jun 2015
You should watch ABCD 2 irrespective of whether you are a dancer or not, because the performances more than compensate for the forced emotions, poorly-written dialogues and the badly-woven storyline.
Tanu Weds Manu: Returns
2015 · Hindustan Times · May 2015
Watch Tanu Weds Manu Returns if you love Bollywood. watch it if you follow Bollywood. and if you look down upon Bollywood, watch the movie to see how entertaining the industry can be. For people outside north India, the film is an authentic portrayal of middle-class small town India. And it is funny as hell! We'd say this is a must watch.
Piku
2015 · Hindustan Times · May 2015
In a rare reminder of Hrishikesh Mukherjee films, Piku is does not feel like a movie; it might as well have been a video recording of any family with an ageing parent and a single child taking care of him/her.
Margarita, with a Straw
2015 · Hindustan Times · Apr 2015
Should you go watch this film even if you don't know of any differently-abled person in your life? Yes, of course, mainly because this film reminds us that as a society we shy away from way too many things - be it desires of our differently-abled kids or the sexual orientations.
Court
2015 · Hindustan Times · Apr 2015
This is a brilliant critique of Indian judiciary...There are no villains, or at least there is no vicious intention in a single character of Court. Yet, everyone, including the judge, lawyers and cops, end up being responsible for an innocent and ageing man's suffering. And that, sadly is the harsh reality of today's society.
Dharam Sankat Mein
2015 · Hindustan Times · Apr 2015
Even Naseeruddin, Annu can't save this repetitive, preachy monologue on moral qualms...
Hunterrr
2015 · Hindustan Times · Mar 2015
However, for all its good intentions and cinematic beauty, Hunterrr fails to become the milestone for its genre. The film is stretched, especially in the second half. Harshvardhan Kulkarni defies the chronological way of story-telling, and the tool that could have added intrigue to the narrative, actually brings confusion. There is a clear attempt to validate Mandar's actions relating them to incidents in his earlier life, but most of the times, the connection is not clear to the audience.
Coffee Bloom
2015 · Hindustan Times · Mar 2015
The film has a sense of warmth that ensures the audience would not want to ditch it half-way. However, the pace is a little slow - something associated with the movies that premiere at festivals before hitting theatres.
Dum Laga Ke Haisha
2015 · Hindustan Times · Feb 2015
If you belong to post-90s generation, you may still find Dum Laga Ke Haisha worth a dekko if warm and light-hearted fun is what you are looking for.
Badlapur
2015 · Hindustan Times · Feb 2015
Badlapur is likely to disappoint Sriram Raghavan fans. The brilliant performances and gripping narrative, nonetheless, will keep you hooked. Watch it for Nawazuddin and Varun Dhawan, if nothing else. Certainly worth your time and money.
Roy
2015 · Hindustan Times · Feb 2015
Its story is an absolute drag, and eventually ends up losing the plot much before the film ends. In fact the last twenty minutes or so in the movie are far better than the rest of the 147-minutes long film. It brings perspective to both the love story and the story of the thief. If only, Vikramjit had made the whole film in the same spirit as well.
Dolly Ki Doli
2015 · Hindustan Times · Jan 2015
Go for it, for the entertaining performances. Despite the shoddy script and loose strings, this is worth a watch.
Alone
2015 · Hindustan Times · Jan 2015
Watch the movie, for it is rare to sit through a supernatural thriller laughing all the way! No, on a more serious note, just skip it. You can drool over Bipasha or Karan Singh in the comfort of your home later.
Ugly
2014 · Hindustan Times · Dec 2014
Watch the movie for brilliance and for its simple, touching and mind-blowing messaage. Watch it for Ronit Roy, Rahul Bhatt and Vineet Kumar Singh. Do not watch the film if you do not like being subjected to the dark and intense feelings of guilt, realisation and loss. Skip the movie if blood and shootouts is all you want to see in an Anurag Kashyap venture.
Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain
2014 · Hindustan Times · Dec 2014
Bhopal A Prayer For Rain is a must-watch, for the sheer gravity of the criminal incident that remains unresolved three decades after it occurred. Also, it blames both the American and Indian sides. Sadly, this film does not offer any new insights into the tragedy. It could have been far more touching with a better research. Nonetheless, the performances and a decent screenplay make it worth a watch.
Action Jackson
2014 · Hindustan Times · Dec 2014
To put it briefly, watch Action Jackson if you are a Prabhudheva or Ajay Devgn fan, because otherwise there isn't a single dialogue you haven't heard and this is one of the films where they say 'Do not take your brains to the theatres'.
Kill Dil
2014 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2014
The predictable and cliched closing of the story notwithstanding, the film might still be worth a watch, simply for Govinda and Ranveer. Add to that the fun-filled dialogues and you will most likely enjoy the experience.
The Shaukeens
2014 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2014
Watch it only if you are an Akshay fan. He's does not have a screen space of more 20 minutes in this 124-minute-long movie but when he is there, he makes his presence felt.
Fireflies
2014 · Hindustan Times · Nov 2014
The well-meaning plot of Fireflies is totally wasted for a singular lack of imagination and the over-dependence on stereotypes . Skip this one, unless you are looking for a depressing movie that only confirms to all norms of cliches in the name of an Indie film.
Sonali Cable
2014 · Hindustan Times · Oct 2014
It is labourious to sit through the 127 minute-long film, and soon you are left wondering if director-writer Acharya bit off far more than what he could chew with this one. After watching the film, one gets the feeling that he put way too many issues on his plate, and when it came to arranging his full plate, he couldn't handle the task. Simply put, he fails miserably in establishing his credibility as someone who is serious about handling the issues.
Haider
2014 · Hindustan Times · Oct 2014
Watch the film for Vishal Bhardwaj's direction, dialogues and touching acting prowess that almost everyone in Haider shows. Skip it if an intense, disturbing film is not your cup of tea or if entertainment is what you seek at movie theatres.
Desi Kattey
2014 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2014
Desi Kattey is one of those films, we say, you should not waste your time on. Films like these are best watched on TV, with your friends so that you can laugh on them.
Khoobsurat
2014 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2014
...we aren't suggesting you should waste time and money on the movie unless you are indifferent to the lack of Sonam's acting skills and an overall lowering of standards for wits and jokes.
Finding Fanny
2014 · Hindustan Times · Sep 2014
If Bollywood entertainment masala or love story is what you seek, Finding Fanny is certainly not your pick. If you are up for a slow, light-hearted take on life, love and their philosophies, book your tickets NOW. Finding Fanny is a not-to-be-missed take on life and love...
Raja Natwarlal
2014 · Hindustan Times · Aug 2014
Raja Natwarlal may not be the most brilliant con film around, but you can watch it once for the performances and the fun it offers.
Identity Card
2014 · Hindustan Times · Aug 2014
If anything, Vipin Sharma's acting is what stays with you. Watch the film, if you must, for the intentions and Sharma's skills.
Singham Returns
2014 · Hindustan Times · Aug 2014
The audience mostly wants action as well as comedy in a Rohit Shetty film. Sadly, Singham did not return with a bang.
Entertainment
2014 · Hindustan Times · Aug 2014
Even if a film is not a great piece of art, it should be entertaining. This one fails in both aspects.
Kick
2014 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2014
If you belong to the minority, Sajid Nadiadwala offers a decent story, and backs it up with some brilliant performances. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saurabh Shukla, Mithun Chakravorty and Sanjay Mishra are actors no Bollywood fan would ever want to miss. Salman fan or not, this is a film Bollywood movie lovers will find worth the time and money.
Pizza
2014 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2014
The film manages to scare audiences with its 3D technique and its surprise element. However, other than those few moments, the story is predictable. Watch it if you love scary movies that come with a few laughs.
Hate Story 2
2014 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2014
Hate Story 2 has strong performances but fails to impress. Unlike the Paoli Dam-starrer prequel Hate Story, this one is not high on sex. All you have is Sunny Leone's item song Pink Lips so weirdly forced into the plot that it looks like an advertisement.
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania
2014 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2014
Watch Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya for wonderful performances, Ashutosh Rana and smart screenplay. But do remember it's one of the dreamy, larger-than-life and low on logic Bollywood movies.
Bobby Jasoos
2014 · Hindustan Times · Jul 2014
Watch Bobby Jasoos, if you must, for Vidya's performance and the chemistry she shares with Ali. Sadly, the film could have done very well if it didn't waste too many frames on dealing with Bobby and her confrontation with her family. It looks forced and deliberate, a brazen attempt to reach a wider audience. Throughout the film, Rajendra Gupta (Bobby's father) does not talk to her because he does not approve of her 'jasoosi'.
Ek Villain
2014 · Hindustan Times · Jun 2014
Watch Ek Villain for an amazing performance by Riteish Deshmukh, the music (which is already a hit) and a well-knit plot. This is certainly not a film you would want to miss.
Humshakals
2014 · Hindustan Times · Jun 2014
With no story or comedy on offer, even Riteish and Ram are unable to save the day for Sajid Khan. Skip this movie if you do not want a bad headache and other after-effects of being tortured.
CityLights
2014 · Hindustan Times · May 2014
Citylights is a story we have seen many times before. However, the execution of the film by the National Award-winning director Hansal Mehta makes the film intensely gripping and thought-provoking. The film is not meant for audience which wants usual Bollywood fare. Its climax, for example, may disappoint many but is likely to gain its own niche audience.
Kochadaiiyaan
2014 · Hindustan Times · May 2014
Watch Kochadaiiyaan for the vivid motion capture technology and Rajini's tandav in the second half. But be warned, an overkill of patriotism, courage and friendship may leave you bored.
Heropanti
2014 · Hindustan Times · May 2014
Heropanti could be a one-time watch if you find kids who don't really know what they are up to and yet act too smart cute. Yes, Tiger gives you that feeling.
Kya Dilli Kya Lahore
2014 · Hindustan Times · May 2014
Kya Dilli Kya Lahore may be a slow film but its climax will certainly touch you. Its poetic optimism will stay with you for long. Watch the film for Gulzar's poetry, the performance of its lead pair and an amazing climax. Avoid it if you love pace and action. This one offers neither a fast-paced story nor is there any blood and gore.
2 States
2014 · Hindustan Times · Apr 2014
First, there is nothing new that the film brings to the story. Yes, Chetan Bhagat is happy about how wonderfully Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor have brought his love life to the silver screen. But that's about it. If you loved Chetan Bhagat's novel, go read it again and skip the film. That will save you some money and will be far more satisfying.
Bhoothnath Returns
2014 · Hindustan Times · Apr 2014
Targetted primarily at children, the film serves the purpose -- it is entertaining and sends across a simple message in a hard-hitting manner. It also gets its viewership right – if we want to bring about change, children need to be its harbingers.
Jal
2014 · Hindustan Times · Apr 2014
Jal is a simple story about human emotions and it is that simplicity which touches your heart. It is this rare quality that may get Jal, a film which did not generate too much buzz prior to its release this Friday, its niche audience.Girish showcases love, lust and thirst in a simply and beautifully woven story. If simple human emotions are your fill, you should certainly watch Jal.
O Teri
2014 · Hindustan Times · Mar 2014
Though high on the satirical note, the story-telling in O Teri could have been crisper. While the first half drags, the second half seems like the director is in a hurry to complete the movie. But O Teri can make for a decent weekend watch.
Queen
2014 · Hindustan Times · Mar 2014
Kangana really impresses with her performance. Though Rajkummar does not have much of a screen space, he plays the regressive fiancé perfectly. If there is one reason why you should watch the film, it is Kangana's acting.
Hasee Toh Phasee
2014 · Hindustan Times · Feb 2014
There is no extra-melodrama, yet the movie is emotional. There are no crass jokes, yet it is humourous and to top it all, there are no love making scenes, yet the movie defines romance it its own style! It is an experimental rom-com that should not be missed.
Paranthe Wali Gali
2014 · Hindustan Times · Jan 2014
While the film is not extraordinary or out-of-the-box, it makes for a one-time watch. Overall, Paranthe Wali Gali is not a movie that offers any surprises. It does not have your regular masala, item number dose but is populated with characters you will like and a theme you will associate with.