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Badlapur Boys backdrop

Badlapur Boys

12 December 2014Hindi2h 4m
DramaSport
out of 10
Unfavorablemost critics didn't like it
Monk Score · 11 critic reviews

Melodrama chokes the kabaddi out of this well-located but limp sports drama.

Verdict tier Unfavorable, most critics didn't like it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Authentic kabaddi sequences and locations
  • Criticised: Melodrama overwhelming the sport

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Critic consensus

What 11 critics are saying

Critical consensus on Badlapur Boys leans negative, with most reviewers finding the film a missed opportunity to celebrate kabaddi as a sport. The on-field sequences and authentic grassroots locations drew the most consistent praise, with several critics noting that the game itself was the film's strongest element. However, the majority of critics took issue with the film's heavy reliance on melodrama and a weak, loosely structured narrative that overshadowed the sporting action. Only a handful of reviewers considered it a marginal watch, and most felt it fell well short of doing justice to its subject.

How the 11 scores spread

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

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

AI-generated summary of 11 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (11)

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

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    You are engaged only when the game is on, and it appears to have been executed with some authenticity : that should have been the sole focus of the film.

  2. SKJBollywoodNews

    Film review ·

    Badlapur Boys mixes the newly-revived thrill of the game of kabbaddi with an old fashioned melodramatic plot. The authentic locations and a deep affinity with the grassroot level add to the rugged sporting spirit.

  4. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    Kabaddi fans might get a little disappointed as you see more melodrama and less of the sport in the second half.

  5. Sify

    Film review ·

    Worth a watch if you don't mind the insinuated '80s style melodrama and the simplistic storytelling.

  6. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    Badlapur Boys is an entertaining film with a deep rooted social message at the end. Any sports enthusiasts, especially avid Kabaddi fans, must watch this film. Also, Annu Kapoor`s performance is commendable and makes the film worthwhile.

  7. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Kabaddi deserves a better film dedicated to it. Instead of infusing 'energy and courage' into the film, something the sport strongly embodies, you end up watching a compilation of sob stories as each character recounts a tragic tale, which only distracts you from the core premise.

  9. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    There are interesting aerial shots, and the camera is always in motion. The kabaddi playing boys are not bad either. Only trouble is that all they mutter "kabaddi, kabaddi" in a decidedly third-rate story where the moral victory is, well, a dud.

  10. Mumbai Mirror

    Film review ·

    Badlapur Boys, a remake of Tamil hit Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu, is yet another unfortunate account of a sport that doesn't deserve to play second fiddle anymore. This film is surreal in its lack of structure, tone and motivation.

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