I watched the UA rated version of the film on TV, instead of theatre or DVD, as in case of other films. Now, keeping this apart and coming to the review, let me begin from here: Indian cinema doesn't always mean stylish entertainment, there is a typical Indian cinema also. Sriram Raghavan's action film BADLAPUR is that film. There were various reasons why I wanted to watch it: I always wanted to see a dark action film, I wanted to see Varun Dhawan in a dark role, which beard and moustache, of course, and also because it was a different revenge film, as I felt from the trailer.

BADLAPUR is a film which highlights that revenge doesn't quench the thirst of either the killer or the one who's willing to seek revenge. The film has a social message hidden within itself. It's not difficult to understand it, and one will surely agree with what the director Raghavan is trying to say. Varun Dhawan is the guy who has surprised with his dark yet brilliant performance, wonder how he pulled the role of a 40 year old man when he's himself of 27-28 in real life. He looks like an angry action hero who's always willing to fight, and the one whose thirst for revenge is visible through his eyes. Nawazuddin : I mean, what an actor! No one can ever complain that he doesn't act well. He's the man who takes the story further. His performance is natural, and it's hardly felt as if he's "trying" to act. Other actors, like Vinay Pathak, Huma Qureshi, Radhika Apte, Divya Dutta and a few more main actors of this film do their parts very well.

The film's visuals are splendid. The cinematography is like the one done for an art film. The visual effects are also in sync with the sequences. The action sequences, which are one of the biggest plus points, are excellent. In an action film, it's necessary to have a sort of perfection, and the action of BADLAPUR is not just realistic but also brilliant.

The music is another plus point. The songs like Jee Karda and Jeena Jeena are the best ones that will remain with the audiences. The story and screenplay is truly amazing, brilliant, wonderful, excellent....what should I say? I have never seen such a different revenge film at all. The dialogues are also good, and the editing of the film is razor sharp, the locations are beautiful, and the background music score is also terrific.

Besides, let me clear one thing. Those who are thinking to avoid BADLAPUR only for the fact that it's excessively violent and full of adult scenes need not to worry. You can watch it on TV, of course, I agree there would be a lot of ad breaks, but still on TV, the film is suitable for watching by the youngsters as well. The film has came out with a UA certificate and thus the question of being an unsuitable film goes away.

The film is the result of a genius behind it: Sriram Raghavan, the man who deserves the credit for bringing in great actors, and presenting a wonderful story with a good message for the viewers.

Overall, BADLAPUR is a good action film that has everything, almost everything in its favour : Good actors, powerful screenplay, brilliant action and pleasant music. Means, there's nothing to avoid at all. If you like dark, thrilling, emotional, and action packed entertainers, then you must go for BADLAPUR. However, watching the A or UA rated version is your choice. You know mine, and I leave it to you, to decide yours.

This Movie Have Depth, Revenge, Change, Violence, Shades.Loved It

Barun was like a muted tv, stupid expression, acting. Very weak. But Siddique holds it to the level of my impression.

Well, well. Until now, 2015 has delivered only duds. But BADLAPUR is a diamond that shines amidst a slew of usual slush. The credit for it partially goes to director Sriram Raghavan(Ek Hasina Thi 2004, Johnny Gaddaar 2007, Agent Vinod 2012) for a taut thriller, that occasionally gives in for lack of story and narrative. But still the thriller genre that it is, it does have its moments and the yawning public gets their dose of rushing adrenaline. It could have been better, no doubt but at least there is something that keeps you awake and interested instead of the usual boring movies.


Badlapur is actually a town and nagar panchayat in Jaunpur district, MP. But the town has no connection to the movie's namesake place. The name is for the sole reason of revenge. And violent revenge saga it is. This is the first time after a long time, I want to write this story.


Raghu(Varun Dhawan, 27), an advertising executive has a beautiful life





with wife Misha(Yami Gautam, 26) and son Robin. But a spanner is put in it when an unexpected fatal bank robbery leaves his wife and son dead. Raghu himself never comes to terms with his life. He is dead. What keeps him alive is REVENGE with a capital R. One of the robbers Liak(Nawazuddin Siddiqui, 40) is caught while escaping. He confesses to inspector(Govind Mishra) and puts the blame on his partner Harman(Vinay Pathak, 46) for the killings and escaping with the booty. Liak is sent to 20 years in jail. Inspector(Govind Mishra) cannot do much. But Raghu consumed by rage hires a private detective Joshi(Ashwini Kalsekar, 45), who finds Liak's girlfriend and sex worker Jhimli/Shabnam(Huma Qureshi, 28).


15 years pass. Liak is diagnosed with cancer. An NGO worker / prisoner counselor Shobha(Divya Dutta, 37) tells Raghu to let bygones be bygones. Liak's mother(Pratima Kazmi) tells Raghu about Harman, who now runs a successful seafood restaurant Konkan Queen. Raghu befriends Harman's simple wife Koko(Radhika Apte, 29), who is unaware of her husband's past. Raghu brutally ends koko and Harman's life. Liak comes to collect his share of the loot and faces Raghu. Liak admits to killing Raghu's wife. Liak has a change of heart and takes the onus of Harman / Koko's killings on his own head. Liak dies. But Raghu lives minus the rage and any motive in his life.


The movie is a male triangle with Varun, Nawaz and Vinay. Varun does a fine job but the angst and simmering rage that should emanate from him is missing. The depth and maturity that is required to deal with Raghu's character, isn't there. This could be put to his lack of experience





and inadequate guidance. Considering the number and type of movies he has done until now, this movie is a refreshing change. He has taken a risk to attempt this movie and if guided well, Varn will develop into a fine actor. That leaves the field open for Nawaz, who continues with his KICK role. His kinky, maniacal and care-a-damn attitude is a revelation again. While in jail, he doesn't mind needling dangerous inmate Guru(Murali Sharma). Although Vinay hasn't been given much publicity, it is good to see him back. He is a foil to Nawaz.


Although the movie is a male show, if we look on the other side, it is the women, who hold the show. Yami and Radhika play the simple housewives, who get involved in ploys of someone else's making. Why did they die? Why did fate deal a cruel blow to Raghu's happy life? All the characters live half lives. Huma leaves when Liak dies. Varun has no life sans family and finally his rage is quietened with the two robbers' deaths. But does rage and revenge give him peace? The women are actually the backbone of this movie, who silently piece together the movie. Both Varun and Yami have a long way to go. With time, both will mature. They make a fine pair.


Pakistani singer Atif Aslam was missing from the singing scene. He returns with a bang with Jeena Jeena song. It is simply superb. Jee Karda and Judaai are other hummable numbers that will stay with us for a long time. To keep up with the theme of revenge, there is Badla Badla. Finally, the message is loud and clear - Crime never pays. As an audience, you will not be disappointed with the show. It fills in the lacuna left behind by the other lackadaisical shows. Go for it. And "Don't Miss The Beginning."