TheReviewMonk is back — critic reviews for Indian cinema, aggregated. Read our story →

TheReviewMonk
Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami poster

Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami

10 October 2014Hindi
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 15 scored reviews · 6 not rated

Sincere performances and a worthy story, let down by uneven tone and loose execution.

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

  • Praised: sincere performances and unique story
  • Criticised: inconsistent tone and weak execution

Audience

User score 5.0 out of 10 from 2 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet

Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 21 critics are saying

Critical reception for Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami was mixed, with most reviewers acknowledging the film's sincere intentions, emotional core, and socially relevant message while stopping short of calling it a fully successful film. Performances, particularly from the lead actors, and the uniqueness of the storyline were frequently cited as genuine strengths. The most common criticism was one of execution: reviewers consistently pointed to tonal inconsistency, an overlong runtime, and a lack of cinematic polish or wit that prevented the film from realizing its evident potential. A minority of critics found it entertaining enough to recommend, while others felt it was too erratic or heavy-handed in its messaging to merit a strong endorsement.

How the 15 scores spread

6 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

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

AI-generated summary of 21 critic reviews · may contain errors

Report inaccuracy

From the papers

Critic reviews (21)

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

  1. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Much of the second half is evidently inspired from Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, but there is none of that film's sparkling wit at display here. The final scenes are unabashedly schmaltzy, and while the message itself is important, it is conveyed with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Promising but doesn't quite take flight.
  2. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    Ekkees Topon Ki Salaami could have been a flawless film had it been meted out with crisp and intelligent execution. The film however, still deserves to be watched.
  3. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    What works for Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami is that it has something new to say about this city's old ways of being. And that's certainly worth the two-hour-plus runtime.
  4. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Ekkees Toppon ki Salaami is one of those films that you can watch over and over again. Extraordinarily ordinary and proud of it, Ekkees Toppon ki Salaami reminds us of the important things in life in a highly consumerist world.
  5. Sify

    Film review ·

    Despite its flaws, the film is highly recommended for characters that stay with you long after the film has ended, actors who bring them alive with such sincerity, a unique story, and some heartfelt humour!
  6. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    In times where materialistic things have taken precedence over people and good old values, ETKS is one of the most socially relevant films to have come out this year. It's not just a film but a philosophy.
  7. Bollywood Life

    Film review ·

    It's worth it. The movie's story line and comedy punches are great. If you are a fan of political satires, this is one movie you should not miss. It's worth every penny you spend.
  8. Glamsham

    Film review ·

    Methinks, ETKS should be made tax free and more shows should be awarded at multiplexes. This s a film for the common man! A 21-gun salute to the entire team of ETKS!
  9. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami is not a work of genius but is earnest at what it does. Anupam Kher's performance shines and though the plot has its peaks and lows, the story's soul wins eventually. You can give it a try because it isn't cinematic beat but definitely a story that should be. Discrepancies and logic lapses aside, you won't exactly hate the film.
  10. India Today

    Film review ·

    Neither is Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami unbearable, nor is it a good film by any standards; it's somewhere in between... ...If your idea of going for a film is to get entertained and have a good time, then this is not something you would want invest your time in.
  11. Mumbai Mirror

    Film review ·

    This is probably the most entertaining out of the five films this week-with set pieces that crack you up and manipulate you-but invariably has you pulling out your hair in frustration. Such fine actors, but an opportunity lost.
  12. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    ETKS is strictly a one-time watch if you have to choose among the host of films that have released this week simply because of its noble intentions and great acting jobs.
  13. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami isn't the worst film ever made. It's got its moments. But when it comes to cinematic quality it has no leg to stand on. It's just too erratic to merit any credibility.
  14. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    Sadly, Ekkees is a film that was filled with potential but is undone by its flaws – much like the system it attempts to satirise.
  15. Jagran

    Film review ·

    The film has a message told in an entertaining and satirical manner. It is a film about the confrontation between a father and son, the kind that we see in our day-to-day life. It is not a preachy film, it is a commercial film with its message wrapped in the garb of entertainment.
  16. Komal Nahta's Blog

    Film review ·

    Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami is an entertaining, message-oriented film with a strong emotional base. It has merits but due to its very poor initial, dull promotion and dull pre-Diwali days ahead, it will go largely unnoticed. Even positive word of mouth will not help much so that the film will turn out to be a resounding flop.
  17. LiveMint

    Film review ·

    ...despite the best of intentions, Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami is a tiresome film and at least half an hour longer than it should have been.

Credits

Cast & crew

Cast

You may also like

More Hindi films

TMDB

This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.