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David

1 February 2013Hindi2h 35m
ActionCrimeDramaRomanceThriller
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 8 critic reviews

Bold experiments and strong music, but the story never quite holds together.

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

  • Praised: experimental filmmaking and music
  • Criticised: lack of narrative depth and coherence

Audience

User score 6.0 out of 10 from 1 rating, not enough ratings for a verdict yet

Not streaming in India

Top cast

Full cast & crew

Critic consensus

What 8 critics are saying

Critical reception for David is mixed, with scores ranging from disappointment to measured recommendation. Several critics acknowledge the film's ambitious, non-mainstream filmmaking approach and its willingness to experiment, with music and select sharp scenes drawing specific praise. However, a recurring criticism is that the film prioritizes style over substance, lacking the narrative depth and coherence needed to fully deliver on its ambitions. A few critics recommend it as a worthwhile watch, while others, particularly those familiar with the director's previous work, find it a notable underachievement.

How the 8 scores spread

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

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

AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (8)

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

  2. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    There's much to appreciate here, but you can't help feeling it could have been so much more.

  3. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    'David' speaks of a new kind of Bollywood which doesn't want to be slavish to stars or formulae. But it also speaks of a filmmaking which isn't quite as accomplished as it would like to be, or should be. It points to the presence of craft, sure, but craft which should be paying much more attention to the crucial elements of centrality and coherence. 'David' coasts on a few startlingly sharp scenes and zippy musical interludes, but doesn't add up to the sum of its zanier parts.

  4. Zee News

    Film review ·

    Don't give this film a miss. So do grab your ticket at the earliest and treat yourself with something that's never seen before.

  5. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    David is a sleek, funny movie that sews together interesting stories with excellent performances and darn good music. Don't give it a miss.

  7. Rediff

    Film review ·

    In terms of filmmaking, David is an uncompromised experiment and steers clear of comfort zones crediting its viewers' capability to join dots without excessive spoon-feeding, a practice that eludes mainstream Hindi cinema.

  8. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    DAVID is more style, less substance. A few moments do stand out, but they are few and far between. Coming from the director of SHAITAN, this one's a mega disappointment!

Credits

Cast & crew

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