Calendar Girls

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.

Every scene seems to have a distinctive Madhur Bhandarkar influence which, over repetitive representations, seem lacklustre and jaded with oft seen, stereotypical characterizations. This pales the viewing experience, this time over.

What worked for Bhandarkar in 2005 in 'Page 3' can obviously not work in 2015 because he is unimaginatively and rather cockily serving us the same dish in a different plate.

The film ends up becoming mash up of previous Bhandarkar films. If the idea is to follow the same style of story-telling then there still has to be enough novelty to keep the audience engaged. It touches upon subjects like the IPL betting (not so new anymore) and various other real life people and incidents but the formula is all too familiar.

Calendar Girls is not a drama film but more of a sleazy, super hot but dusted and failed version of Fashion. No recommendation to watch but guys can surely have a good time watching the bikini bods on the big screen.

Madhur Bhandarkar fails to deliver this time as 'Calendar Girls' does not come anywhere close to his previous effort 'Fashion'. Neither does the film boast of heavyweights like Priyanka or Kangana nor is the storyline quite as impressive. To sum it all up in one line, we would say 'This Calendar is not "Haute" at all and the film makes for only a one time watch.

Calendar Girls is a complete let down on all fronts, acting, writing and direction. Nothing real or reel in this film is appealing...

At the end of "Calendar Girls", the film simply states: "Life is all about the individual choices we make." One wonders, if this is actually a warning message for those who intend to watch this film.

I am a little surprised that the sleaze wasn't as bad as I had expected and it was refreshing to see a Bhandarkar film without a stereotypical, gay fashion designer. Yet, it is always a mark against a film when you start talking about the things the film could've done wrong, but didn't.

Calendar Girls is Madhur Bhandarkar's weakest attempt at trying to revisit his old formula and create something interesting. Stay away.

Whatever the twisted point of view is, it's pretty bleak. And if you have such a pessimistic view of calendar girls, why make a film on them in the first place?

If Heroine was bad enough, this film is worse. The girls flit through the frame listlessly. They mouth hilarious dialogues and try to make sense through the wafer thin plot. So, after watching this film there is only one question which pops in my mind. Why, Madhur, for the love of God, would you dare to make such a film? Be wise. Give this film a miss.

Oh My God would be an apt description of this film. OMG is the most-used phrase in this film, if you would want to call it that. And OMG is what you keep mouthing as scene after silly scene unfolds on screen.

Calendar Girls is more than a decent watch. It's takes a frivolous subject and weaves an engaging story around it.