Small film with a huge heart (and unrealised potential) that deserves to be watched for some lovely moments

Filmistaan may win accolades from the critics and a thin section of the audience in the big cities but that’s about all. Save for a few multiplexes in the major cities, it can’t hope to score at all. Even if collections pick up, that will happen in a handful of cities only.

Brilliant in conception and execution, Filmistaan, will entertain you right from the beginning. Filmistaan also delivers a positive message on life. No matter how difficult a situation you are stuck at, always be positive and face the hurdles with a little bit of humor.
And yes, always be a little filmy. It helps.

Do not miss this National Award-winning tragicomedy. Such cinematic gems, both entertaining and poignant, come by rarely!

It’s seldom that we make introspective films laced with dark humour. It’s great to find such superlative effort from first time filmmaker. We need to invest in such cinema as it’s important that young filmmakers shouldn’t lose faith in their vision. Go watch the film to understand the futility of Partition and to laugh at our obsession with cinema. And yes, to support good filmmaking as well…

The real problem then comes with the second half which isn’t explicitly downhill either. It’s just that it becomes a little predictable with characters taking clichéd routes. Four characters, four clichés. And as many predictable turn of events as there are situations. The fun yet satirical moments gradually deteriorate into “oh we left out this obvious point.”

And that drops Filmistaan from a ‘do not miss’ to ‘watch when you can’. And that’s as saddening as the beginning was heartening, because it hurts to not like a film like Filmistaan.

A story with great potential, it could have been better. But watch it anyway because its simplicity is beautiful.

Don’t be put off by the name or the lack of stars. This is a lovely little film that will sneak into your heart.

‘Filmistaan’ works best as a movie about the magic of movies. It’s a celebration of India’s song-and-dance film culture and heightened emotions… one that unites fans in their shared love for this unique art-form. For its sheer inventiveness and for some terrific comic moments, this film is worth a watch.

Filmistaan is also a step ahead for the film industry. Of course it would have of been better had it managed to make it to the theaters in time to celebrate the centenary celebrations of Indian cinema. But it’s never too late for the good! Jai cine-maa ki! Filmistaan is a movie recommended for one and all!

Fresh and funny, this is a small film with a big heart. Shot on a shoe-string budget, and no star power, Filmistaan relies on it’s script and its actors to carry the film. And they both do a wonderful job. Both Sharib and Innamulhaq are perfectly cast and delight with their performances. The developing friendship between the two is captured beautifully. Sunny’s obsession with Bollywood is something that most people will relate to.

If you are a Bollywood fan, you cannot miss this one.

There are a few enjoyable moments in ‘Filmistaan’, but the potential is never fully realized.

Scenes are elaborate without being flabby, and the humour in the dialogues and situations—never rising above the literal, but sharp—keep the film breezy.
Imagine a utopia which is neither India nor Pakistan, where a whole village laughs and cries watching Hindi films under the desert moon, and despite being hostage to religion-driven fanaticism, the hero uses a film camera to win hearts.

Filmistaan depends far too much on its hero to control the proceedings. The climax drags as one awaits Sunny’s fate. As a film recognising the influence of cinema, Filmistaan is engaging, but not as a kidnapping thriller.

It is still worth a watch, at least for a genuinely unique protagonist that almost overshadows a botched-up final act.

Filmistaan is packed with great background scores, unfaltering narration and stellar performances.

It’s also one of the best films I’ve watched since Queen and D-Day; it’s absolutely flawless.

The film has a perfect balance of humour, seriousness and emotions. The film beautifully defines the relationship between India and Pakistan and forces us to re-think about the baselessness of our sour bi-lateral relations.

In a nation of star-worshippers, this film devoid of superstars brilliantly stands out. Aaj khush toh bahut hain hum! Ab bas, tareef pe tareef …

This quirky charmer from first-time director Nitin Kakkar is fresh in vision and enchanting in execution.The only happy outcome of the cross-border divide is a heartwarming film such as this.As we often say about the Wagah border, this you gotta see.

FILMISTAAN walks the tightrope between offbeat and commercial with gusto. This is a massively entertaining film. A film that shouldn’t be missed at all. Watch it. Now.

For an (almost) all new cast and first-time director, it’s commendable how ‘Filmistaan’ creates a vibrant frame in spite of relying (rather heavily) on the clichéd Bollywood dream.

So, head to the cinemas, you won’t regret it.

The film is refreshing and delivers a message of harmony and friendship through laughter and films instead of drawn-out preachy or melodramatic dialogues, proving that we do have some really talented newcomers in the industry. All we need to do is bring them forth.

Don’t miss it

Nitin Kakkar’s Filmistaan is a crackling movie to the core that doesn’t give you one dull moment in its lambent tapestry. Sharib Hashmi is precocious for a debutant and along with Innam’s adept performance, the duo deliver a effulgent film. I, for one, didn’t get enough of the film and can’t wait to pay the price and watch it again.

FILMISTAAN is a film that cannot be missed. Watch it for its storyline. Watch it for its execution. Watch it for its many excellent performances.