Top critic
Hindustan Times
Film review ·
5.0
Ultimately 2 States is unwieldy and disappointing.
2 States
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 26 scored reviews · 12 not ratedA charming first half runs out of steam in a stretched, melodramatic second.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
- Praised: lead pair's natural chemistry
- Criticised: sluggish pace and overlong runtime
Audience
User score 6.4 out of 10 from 9 ratings, Mixed
Read 3 audience reviews ↓Not streaming in India
Top cast
Critic consensus
What 35 critics are saying
Critical reception for '2 States' was mixed-to-moderate, with most reviewers acknowledging it as a watchable, feel-good entertainer suited to multiplex audiences but stopping well short of calling it exceptional. The lead pair's chemistry, particularly Alia Bhatt's performance, was the most consistently praised element across reviews. The film's primary weakness, cited repeatedly, was its excessive runtime and uneven pacing, with critics noting that an engaging first half gives way to a labored, melodramatic second half. A handful of reviewers found the overall execution shallow or disappointing relative to the potential of its source material.
How the 26 scores spread
12 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive / mixed / negative reviews
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 35 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Critic reviews (38)
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
IBNLive
Film review ·
5.0Parental opposition is one of the oldest conflicts as far as love stories go. Sure, the culture clash here gives us some genuine laughs. But at 2 hours and 30 minutes, this is a long, indulgent film that wears you out. I've never rooted so hard for a couple to get married. If only so I could go home.
Top critic
Indian Express
Film review ·
5.0It's nice to see Bollywood attempting to create a contemporary young couple. I liked the way they proceed without fuss into that most modern of compacts — of attraction that leads to conjugation, minus coyness. It is done as just something that happens, a no-weightage progression. Which is why the parental 'khit- khit' seems, after a point, overdone and mothballed. The smooth, engaging first half descends, post-interval, into mopey melodrama, and I got impatient waiting for the inevitable resolution.
Top critic
NDTV
Film review ·
5.02 States is good for a one-time watch. The unabashed shallowness of a Chetan Bhagat book meets the inane glitter of a Karan Johar-Sajid Nadiadwala production in 2 States. The result is the creation of a third state – the state of overpowering indolence.
Top critic
Firstpost
Film review ·
Dharma's trademark visual style and a few moments of comedy aside, 2 States is mostly a chore and periodically infuriating. The filmmakers had a chance to go against all odds and make a classic and they blew it. Critical appreciation might not be the film's target anyway, because it's been marketed well enough to make a truckload of money.
Bollywood Hungama
Film review ·
9.02 STATES is one of the finest movies to come out of the Hindi film industry of late. This is one of those rare Hindi movies that commands a repeat viewing. Strongly recommended!
Bollywood Life
Film review ·
8.0Hate Chetan Bhagat or love him, loath his books or swear by them but you certainly can't ignore him and most certainly you can't ignore this delicious movie made with sincere efforts and heart. If you are madly in love, lonely without love or in search of love, you must catch this one, for falling head over the heels for someone is not enough. Sometimes taking a step further to take affection to its logical conclusion- no matter how the odds are stacked – initiates the beginning of a happy ending. For now it is advisable to enjoy the journey, the process and the mush will follow!
India Glitz
Film review ·
8.02 States is a feel good, determined, marvelously performed and very affectingly rich emotional romance filled with desi ethos that says great love has to undergo doubt, trials, and hardships to gain its deepest rewards it's not about communities it's about people, love, faith and acceptance. Gift (watch this ) with someone you love.
India Today
Film review ·
8.02 States can be a good mirror for parents to understand their children. So take along your parents and enjoy the film.
OneIndia
Film review ·
8.0Abhishek Varman has done total justice to Chetan Bhagat's book and delightfully taken it. With the soundtrack incredibly gelling with the film, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have done wonderful work. 2 States is a total entertainer and a sure shot Bollywood box office hit!
Times Of India
Film review ·
8.0If you are in a mood for a Bollywood family saga with measured melodrama and the right amount of naach-gaana, visit 2 States.
BookMyShow
Film review ·
7.02 States is a film that rom-com fans are bound to enjoy. It gives a hilarious, yet realistic portrayal of cultural clashes. Moreover, the movie delivers a nice message, without ever getting too preachy. With its charming performances and wonderful soundtrack, 2 States is the perfect movie for summer viewing.
Daily Bhaskar
Film review ·
7.02 States is a complete family entertainer which has everything positive about it. There is no over the top drama or heavy action scene. For everyone who has read the novel, keep your expectations in check. WATCH IT.
DNA India
Film review ·
7.0The first half is light and breezy and the second dramatic and emotional, perhaps a better balance would have helped the post interval portion which seems heavy.
Rediff
Film review ·
7.0There's nothing that should keep you from watching 2 States. If you're as desi as I am and get senti about maa, there's no way you won't run home after watching this film and give your mother a big hug.
Deccan Chronicle
Film review ·
6.0A key advantage of adapting a bestselling novel into a film is that one doesn't need to sell the story, they just have to tell it. And in the process, they need to stay as honest as possible to their source of inspiration. The editing is at times abrupt, but the sincere performances and the freshness of the film makes these glitches seem too small. It won't be wrong to say 2 States is a good state for Bollywood to be in.
Glamsham
Film review ·
6.0While the film per say is smooth and easy, what bothers is the steady tone in narration. Life is not so simple and people don't always get angry in a polite manner. Sometimes, one does lose his or her cool. Every character is so guarded in their approach that you wonder how one can stay sane throughout. Having said that, it would also be safe to say that 2 STATES will find acceptance from the 'young in love'.
KoiMoi
Film review ·
6.02 states is barely unwatchable but misses the magic of Chetan Bhagat's novel. As a stand alone, it is endearingly done with Alia and Arjun's scorching chemistry coming off as adorable. Despite a half baked soul, this movie is worth the price of your popcorn. The Bhagat fan in me is disappointed but the cinegoer isn't.
Sify
Film review ·
6.0The film targets a young audience, and they have to be prepared to appreciate the story at a slower pace than they are used to in commercial Bollywood cinema. It's worth the patience, because you get a well-cooked meal where all the flavours get a change to integrate with the dish. Worth sampling!
Yahoo
Film review ·
6.0While the performances tug at your heartstrings, it's the labored pace that tests your patience. You enjoy it for the most part but the journey still tires you out.
Mid-Day
Film review ·
5.0The chemistry between Arjun and Alia is easy and endearing. Both do a decent job and for once, the actors actually look like they could belong to a campus. But after a point, their love saga becomes a bit of a drag, as you keep waiting for some funny banter or some exciting drama.
The Navhind Times
Film review ·
5.02 States could have been a charming little film but it toils and trudges long enough to make you desperate to head for the exit door. Brevity is not only the soul of wit, it should essentially be the trait of many of our Bollywood films as well.
Wogma
Film review ·
5.0When you walk out of 2 States, then, one isn't likely to be absolutely gushing about it, nor will one be particularly annoyed by it. It just gives you what it promises - tolerable enough fun for just as long as it lasts.
India Today
Film review ·
4.0Two States is a well-packaged product with great posters and promos but the film is disappointing. The problem is that the movie is too long and moves at a very slow pace. Long conversations make it even more boring.
Mumbai Mirror
Film review ·
4.0'Two States' lacks that exact sense of casting, instead relying too heavily on people's perception of the book and its' modest goals.
NowRunning
Film review ·
4.0...is a wasted opportunity to encash the popularity of a book. Despite the cast, the budgets and brand in place, the film fails to make a mark purely due to faulty execution. Not a funny or entertaining rom-com this one.
Zee News
Film review ·
4.0Watch the movie for a lack of any other show to go to with your loved one. Despite the attempts of a modern love story, this 2 and a half hour movie can get to your nerves if you are expecting anything different.
Bollyspice
Film review ·
2 States is an enjoyable film, though an average piece of entertainment. It feels too long and the narration is quite irregular. The story would have benefited from a better balance between romance and drama, which would have allowed the leading couple's performance to stand out more intensely.
Emirates247
Film review ·
With '2 States', both Varman and writer Bhagat himself, have proven that a good film in Bollywood does not have to be loud and slapstick with stellar music and A-list stars, but that script and good direction is still king at the movies.
Filmfare
Film review ·
The film is another testimony to the changing times at Dharma Productions. Business-wise, they have tied up with Nadiadwala Grandsons and its a leap of faith for both the production houses to let go of old norms and boldly set new trends. We need more such collaborations as they spell exciting times ahead for cinema.
Firstpost
Film review ·
Put simply, 2 States is as much an accurate representation of IIM-A as Legally Blonde was of Harvard University, and as much an accurate look at relationships as, well, not even a Chetan Bhagat novel. As forgettable as the book was, it gets more of the detailing right and possesses a stronger, more authentic narrative. Consequently, 2 States ends up adhering to the established rule of the book being better than the movie.
Gulf News
Film review ·
While they are the central characters, it was entertaining to watch the director flesh out the troubled strains between Krish and his violence-prone father, played by the talented actor Ronit Roy. Their decision to call it a truce was as uplifting as watching the lovers unite at the end of the film. Don't skip this if you have a thing for happily-ever-after endings.
Hindustan Times
Film review ·
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.
Jagran
Film review ·
Those, who have read Chetan Bhagat's '2 States', may not find much in the movie but the director deserves a big applause for depicting the story in a fresh manner which will keep the audience stick by their seats for sure. Varman has smartly used flash back for narrating the movie which gives it an edge.
Komal Nahta's Blog
Film review ·
2 States is an entertaining love story which will definitely work at the box-office – more in the cities and with the multiplex audience. With almost 80-85% of its entire cost (of producing, promoting and releasing) recoverable from non-theatrical sources, reaping a rich harvest should be a cakewalk for the producers as its theatrical business will also be good. Business in Overseas will be very good, additionally because of the Easter weekend. The film's distributors and exhibitors will all make decent profits in the film.
LiveMint
Film review ·
With cut-backs to a shrink's couch from where Krish is narrating his life, and peppered with songs, the story takes a long road to the climactic wedding in a beautiful temple under cloudy skies—the most beautiful sequence in the film. The labour and fuss over this cross-state marriage are tedious. From an overblown soap opera, it is unfair to expect better.
SKJBollywoodNews
Film review ·
Two world, two cultures, two families, one love story...2 States re-defines and rejuvenates the love-marriage space.Simple and yet striking,gorgeous and graceful, this is a film where we come away hankering to know what happens to the couple after the film is over.
The Hindu
Film review ·
Try it if you have the patience! ...It is their natural charm, particularly Alia's effortless approach that makes you invest in their relationship despite the fact that the narrative unfolds in a soap operatic tone.
From our readers
Audience reviews (3)
9 ratings · user score 6.4
- Sandeep GuptaApr 20147/10
2 States. Based on the book of Chetan Bhagat where he touches the details of cross cultural marriage in a humorous way, 2 States remains faithful to the idea and as a movie experience also it does not disappoint. Arjun and Alia showcase easy chemistry. Alia looks charming and does better than Arjun in emotional scenes. As their parents, Amrita Singh, Ronit Roy, Revathy and Shivkumar do quite well. I felt southern India flavor of movie was captured more effectively than northern flavor. The rough father-son relationship between Arjun and Ronit is done upright. First half breezes through while second half drags a bit although nice music and quirky dialogues helps you keep going through melodramatic scenes. Abhishek Varman as writer of adapted screenplay and director impresses in his first outing. Movie does not quite dazzle you but makes your two and half hours worth spending in the theater. I am going with good 7 out of 10 for 2 States. Last year it was Kai Po Che, this year it is 2 States, Chetan Bhagat is having quite a good time at celluloid along with books.
- KavyaApr 201410/10
its a very awsum movie ....i just loved from start to the end its amzing...cant stop laughing...but ananya dosent suit the tamilian character
- Midhun Ben Thomas (Dilseben)Sept 20167/10
On the occasion of Easter eggs & bonnet hats, I would like to wish all my friends a peaceful & hopeful Easter. Since we had a long weekend, thanks to the elections apart from Good Friday; I decided to check out debutant Abhishek Varman's "2 States" based on Chetan Bhagat's novel by the same name. Apart from the promos, the main reason which urged me to check it out were the protagonists & the brilliant music which has been topping the charts. Since many of you would have read the novel, I guess there isn't need for a detailed outline. Anywaz the tale is about Krish Malhotra (Arjun Kapoor) & Ananya Swaminathan (Alia Bhatt) who fell for each other during their time at IIM Ahmedabad. By the time of graduation, they decided to take their relationship to the next level knowing very well that their cultural differences would pose a challenge. Even their efforts to break the ice between the families falls flat as their parents vehemently rejects their idea of consummation of their relationship. What subsequently follows is how Krish & Ananya tries to placate their parents. Chetan Bhagat novels may not quite score from a literary point of view but there is no denying the fact that it is a potpourri of Bollywood masala. Abhishek Varman has ensured all those ingredients has been aptly picturised on celluloid. Though the film feels a tad long towards the latter half, I still totally enjoyed it. There is no doubt that there are numerous cliched assumptions about people from both the North & South, but it has been tastefully depicted without going over the top. Abhishek's take on Krish's family has been immaculate though he leaves numerous questions unanswered about Ananya's folks. The major plus point of the film is undoubtedly the music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy which was brilliant & in sync with the situations. Binod Pradhan has done a good job with the visuals but the editing could have been better. Alia Bhatt was fantastic as Ananya as she seemed an absolute natural, though she reminded me of Kareena Kapoor in the initial portions & reiterates the fact that she is the one to lookout for in the future. Arjun Kapoor has done a decent job but it would have been better off if they had chosen Ranbir Kapoor (who happened to be one of the initial choices). Amrita Singh & Revathy both rocked in their respective roles while Ronit Roy reprised his role from "Udaan" in an impressive manner. Verdict: The attractive promos,catchy songs & extended weekend should make it an overwhelming favourite at the box office. In all likelihood, the film will turn out to be a profitable venture for Karan Johar & Sajid Nadiadwala. It doesn't proclaim of being an intellectual or different movie but the elements has been integrated in a manner which makes it for an enjoyable watch. So check it out!!! Rating: 3.5/5 Regards...Ben
Credits
Cast & crew
Cast
Alia BhattAnanya Swaminathan
Arjun KapoorKrish Malhotra
Amrita SinghKavita Malhotra – Krish's Mother
RevathiRadha Swaminathan – Ananya's Mother
Ronit RoyVikram Malhotra – Krish's Father
Shiv Kumar SubramaniamShiv Swaminathan – Ananya's Father- Sharang NatarajanAnanya's Brother
Director
Writer
Music
Cinematography
Editing
Producer
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