A likeable cast keeps this breezy but thin coming-of-age tale just watchable enough.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for Don't Be Shy is mixed-to-lukewarm, with most reviewers landing in the average-to-decent range. The young ensemble cast and light-hearted, colourful energy are the most consistently noted positives, with several critics acknowledging the film's easygoing charm and occasional humour. However, an overwhelming majority fault the film for its predictable narrative, uneven pacing, weak screenplay, and a lack of genuine emotional depth, with some also pointing to an overlong runtime and tonal inconsistency. The general consensus is that it functions as a passable one-time watch but falls well short of the memorable coming-of-age film it aspires to be.
3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 13 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Film review
Written and directed by debutante Sreeti Mukerji, the film is a delightful throwback to the '90s rom coms. It's frothy, colourful, romantic and just the right amount of silly. More importantly, it doesn't take itself too seriously.
Film review
The film is predictable from the word go and doesn't quite hit you in the heart. Millennials might feel nostalgic about college, first love and friendships, but don't expect to be emotionally wrecked.
Film review
Don't Be Shy is a decent one-time-watch entertainer that works best for its energy and humour. While the predictable second half and uneven pacing keep it from making a lasting impact, the cast and light-hearted moments make it a casual popcorn flick.
Film review
At nearly two-and-a-half hours, the predictable romcom overstays its welcome. Yet, it manages to keep you watching, largely because of its promising fresh talent. DBS ultimately works as a resounding ode to the 2000s Hollywood romcom template, with an easygoing charm despite offering little that is new in terms of story or storytelling.
Film review
All in all, Don't Be Shy is a fun and engaging romantic-comedy. However, the film's predictable storyline holds it back from reaching its full potential.
Film review
Don't Be Shy had enough potential to become a good young-adult film, but the weak and uneven screenplay, unnecessarily long runtime and lack of emotional depth prevent the film from reaching its potential. Overall, Don't Be Shy is an average young-adult story presented in a glossy package with good actors and a few good moments, but the lack of strong writing and emotional depth prevents it from becoming memorable.
Film review
Don't Be Shy is colourful, occasionally funny and carried by a promising young ensemble, but its predictable storytelling and uneven pacing keep it from becoming the memorable coming-of-age film it clearly wants to be. It is an easy watch for a lazy afternoon, but don't expect it to leave you staring at the ceiling afterwards, questioning every decision you've made since college.
Film review
On the whole, DON'T BE SHY rests on a relatable idea, sincere performances, appealing music and a few endearing moments. However, the treatment is pretentious, several portions lack originality and the narrative fails to achieve the freshness and emotional connect needed for a coming-of-age entertainer.
Film review
Don't Be Shy feels it has all the ingredients of a coming-of-age story, but doesn't figure out how to put them together. There are glimpses of a more interesting film buried beneath the teenage anger, but undercut by a boring screenplay. The young cast brings enough energy to keep things moving, but little here feels fresh.
Film review
Alia Bhatt & Shaheen Bhatt Make Me Sigh As A Millennial – I Would Have Fallen For This Silly Stupid Rom-Com But Gen Alpha Won’t & Shouldn’t!
Film review
Mimicking a '90s style teen campus Hollywood comedy inside a shuddh desi KJo template with oodles of Never Have I Ever brand of self-aware humour, writer-director Sreeti Mukerhi's cliched coming-of-age delivers its moments of sass but never quite defines the age of confusion.
Film review
Unfortunately, Alia Bhatt-backed Don't Be Shy is another addition to the latter list... What tries to be a glossy and relatable Gen Z drama ends up feeling chaotic, with a weak story that often leaves you wondering, 'What is happening?'
Film review
Unfortunately, the movie mistakes Instagram philosophy for insight. The characters are not given recognisable, real-world problems to grapple with, and they often feel like placeholders waiting for the next plot point.
Film review
Don't Be Shy isn't a bad film; it is well-intended and backed by a solid lead cast who know their craft well. Its main flaw is that it plays it too safe and succumbs to predictability. Themes like body image, insecurities, ambition, and the pressure to appear composed are only addressed in passing, leaving the movie feeling superficial.
Credits
Arushi BajajShy Das
Ansh DuggalDhruv
Bianca AroraTara
Piyush KhatiMayank
Kunaal Roy Kapur
Neha Dhupia
Anurag BasuShy's Father
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