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Aurangzeb backdrop

Aurangzeb

17 May 2013Hindi2h 17m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 19 scored reviews · 3 not rated

A gripping first half gives way to a bloated, underwhelming finish.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: strong premise and first half
  • Criticised: weak, dragged second half

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Critic consensus

What 21 critics are saying

Critical reception for Aurangzeb is mixed, with the majority of reviewers acknowledging a strong premise and an engaging first half, but faulting the film for a weak, dragged-out second half that fails to deliver on its early promise. Several critics praised the performances of the ensemble cast, particularly Arjun Kapoor and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and recognized ambition in the storytelling. Common criticisms include excessive length, too many underdeveloped subplots, a predictable climax, and an overreliance on dialogue. A handful of more generous reviewers found the film's complexity and thematic depth rewarding despite its flaws, while harsher voices called it a missed opportunity.

How the 19 scores spread

3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 21 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (22)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Somewhere in the too-complicated strands of Aurangzeb is a film struggling to cohere. This is what we have: too many subplots with threads hanging, criss-crossing a main plot that is over baked and undercooked.
  2. Glamsham

    Film review ·

    It would not be wrong to term AURANGZEB as the Indian version of Godfather for hits sheer power in script and performance. What's more you are involved in the game as you try to figure out who is the ultimate good guy. Verdict: Not to be missed
  3. NDTV

    Film review ·

    Aurangzeb has an epic sweep to its storytelling. But it's also an intimate portrait of family values gone to waste. It is really the sound of stifled sobs that we carry home of characters who thought they knew it all only to realize at the end that they somewhere lost track of their inner self in pursuit of distant dreams.
  4. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    The writers of Aurangzeb borrow plot-points and lines from Deewar, Trishul, Naam and you also see slight similarities to Hollywood cop capers like Pride & Glory and Departed.
  5. Bollywood Life

    Film review ·

    Overall, Aurangzeb is a tightly written, well researched drama that demands more mature treatment and little more complexity. A slick new-age cop drama masquerading as a big commercial film, it is among the finer dramas made in Bollywood in recent times.
  6. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    Sadly, Aurangzeb isn't the bad movie that's so bad it becomes good. It's an average gangster movie that packs low on action ammunition and high on predictable double crosses and character developments.
  7. Rediff

    Film review ·

    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.
  8. Wogma

    Film review ·

    Aurangzeb is one of those little surprises that makes you look forward to the director's next venture, even if you aren't completely satisfied with what was served this time. Just for the thought put in the story, just for making an otherwise done-to-death theme interesting, Aurangzeb is worth the watch.
  9. Zee News

    Film review ·

    The ensemble cast will lift the credibility of the film even higher with its performance. 'Aurangzeb' is a film worth a watch for all its complexities!
  10. Bollyspice

    Film review ·

    Dialogues are apt and well timed in the movie. Cinematography by Kartik Ganesh is quite laudable and makes the movie really interesting. The movie does live up to its name and fame until before the climax which is totally predictable.
  11. DNA India

    Film review ·

    The first half is strong, but the climax and focus on the family ties and relationship dilutes the hardcore gangster flick that it set out to be.
  12. IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Overall, 'Aurangzeb' is a fun thriller with a racy first half and a dragged climax. It's not devoid of any essential ingredient of a 'masala' film and you can watch it for depicting the dark underbelly of the illegal land deals.
  13. India Today

    Film review ·

    The classic second-half gaffe. You have a cracker of an idea, the build up is great too, and then gross lack of imagination turns everything into a mangled mess post interval.
  14. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    Aurangzeb could have been so much better, perhaps even a classic. It is Atul Sabharwal's faulty treatment that leaves it shaky. There is immense passion and thrill in the story, which its actors remit strongly. I am going with an average 2.5/5 for the film. The thrill ends up flaccid killing all that could have been sensational! Optimistically, I expect something more stirring and less misplaced from the team sometime soon!
  15. Mumbai Mirror

    Film review ·

    While the ambition of Aurangzeb is to be lauded, there just isn't enough steam to see it through till the end. And at well over two hours, that end seems very far off. Try it then, for its complexity and Kapoor and Shroff.
  16. Yahoo! India

    Film review ·

    'Aurangzeb' is an engaging saga but it is very dialogue heavy where music or humour hasn't been used effectively to provide some respite. Arjun Kapoor and Prithiviraj Sukumaran rise above the slightly flawed execution.
  17. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    On the whole, AURANGZEB has a great premise, but great plots don't, generally, translate into great films. This one's way too lengthy and mediocre [second hour] to leave any kind of an impression whatsoever. Disappointing!
  18. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    A better treatment, a more sharply edited film and this story could have been turned into a thrilling fare. But unfortunately, the movie moves at such a meandering and self-indulgent pace that after a point you stop caring if it moves forward or sideways.
  19. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Aurangzeb had the potential to be a much better film. Alas it only comes across as a TV serial sans the melodrama!
  20. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    Although, the attempt in terms of contextualizing history in modern day film format is worthy of appreciation but as a piece of work the film leaves audiences dissatisfied, if not completely dejected.

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