This is one of those films that thinks it achieves a higher purpose and stands for oppressed women everywhere. But it’s the complete opposite. What’s more, it isn’t even entertaining cinema.

By the time the end rolls around, the film has descended into chaos and is impossible to take seriously. Sincere efforts from the entire cast can’t save this well-intentioned venture from its own mediocrity. Meanwhile, I’m going to pretend that Juhi Chawla never did this film so as to keep the sanctity of my childhood crush intact.

Director Soumik Sen’s casting coup has not been wasted, we must say. Yes, the film is based on the life based on the life of activist Sampat Pal and there is a particular scene in the movie, which is based on true events. We wish he had acknowledged Pal’s movement in some manner or the other. That way, the film would have stayed away from the unnecessary controversies. That apart, Sen surely deserves a pat on his back for choosing a subject of serious concern.

The film’s much-touted feminism seems especially counterfeit when a ruffian is forced by members of the gang to drape a sari and perform an impromptu dance, the implication being that, for a man, there can be no humiliation worse than that. Women who weave their own pink saris and are determined to put all pigs in their place, even if they are in the make-believe world of Gulaab Gang, should be the last people to enforce a stereotype that Hindi films have perpetuated for decades.

One doesn’t know whether to call it a flaw, but the film’s antagonist is far stronger than its protagonist. The character is superbly etched even if bordering on caricature, has the best dialogue and is incredibly performed by Juhi Chawla. Of course, since she is a politician, every other dialogue begins with Politics mein…. But Chawla makes this character the most entertaining and immersing part of the movie.

While the film is largely entertaining, I wish the director had not bowed down to the pressure of turning Gulaab Gang into a typical Bollywood masala film. There’s a song at every juncture — there’s a song about women weaving pink saris and there’s song about women celebrating the Indian festival Holi. And remember, these are women with troubled pasts and who have been denied basic rights such as education and shelter. Their merrymaking amidst such grimness is unrealistic.

Sampat Pal needlessly fought for a stay. She needn’t have worried. This Gulaab Gang has nothing to do with her pioneering efforts against domestic violence. The film is a pure masala entertainer. It’s another action film following the same tired patterns. The only difference is that instead of the hero and villain being men, it has women squaring off each other.

Madhuri Dixit is a fantastic actor and the role of a strong minded rural woman who is willing to fight for her rights is not beyond her. Do watch her in Mrityudand and you’ll know what I mean. Here, she is saddled with a flawed script; something that she is not able to rise above. Meanwhile, you could watch this movie for Juhi Chawla. She is a revelation and we really hope the film industry takes notice!

Gulaab Gang might look like a feminist film but unfortunately, it is anything but one…Debutant director Soumik Sen would have been better off making a masala film where a male hero beats up dozens of villain?s cronies and everyone goes home happy. That way, there wouldn’t be any false expectations. This one is as fake as a pink elephant.

The film has a seen-that feel. Haven’t there been enough films about rape, corruption, poverty and drama with villains, cops and politicians. Except that this time, it is a woman unleashing the hell and another women slicing and dicing the culprits. The song and dance in a film like this, was it really necessary? It could have become a memorable film like Mirchi and Mrityudand but in trying to be commercial, the film loses it’s flavour.

This venture by Soumik Sen is a damp squib. If you want to know anything about Pal or the Gulabi gang, check out Nishtha Jain’s documentary that released recently.

Visually the film is seductive – pink saris in sepia dehaat — but its message is scary. While I had severe problems with its glorification of vigilante justice, there were a few moments when I was both thrilled and moved. I am ashamed.

For a real dose of women empowerment, watch Gulabi Gang, a terrific documentary on Sampat Pal, which is still running in select theaters.

If you must watch this film, watch it for Juhi Chawla’s inspired performance; it’s the only bright spot in Gulaab Gang. Muddled and forgettable.

It may seem like a good idea on paper – former stars locking horns, one of them performing somersaults, and a superficial angle about women’s rights thrown in, but its execution makes Gulaab Gang a difficult film to sit through. Unless you fancy the idea of watching Dixit play Salman Khan and Chawla channel Prakash Raj, you’ll find Gulaab Gang a crashing bore.

There are too many tangents, navels and nose-rings, diverting focus from Rajjo, the story’s driving force. Instead of knowing how and why she becomes the tigress of Madhavpur, we’re given mellifluous songs, intercut with soon-repetitive scenes of exploitation. Considering the subject’s intense power and the charisma of these stars, the movie’s hesitation with how to proceed stands out.

…is a half baked attempt to present a gritty action drama. A movie which wastes potential of two brilliant actresses.

Of all the tributes to Sampat Pal’s debatable feminist politics, this one is the narrowest, and the silliest.

Much was expected from this GULAAB GANG, but it falls flat right from the beginning. Poor writing and weak screenplay let the film down terribly. Add to it some over-the-top acting. All these are major hurdles that never allow the film a decent, seamless flow.

…may not be a typical film meant to taste success at the Box Office. The film does speak about issues that need urgent attention, but may not be enough to draw people to the theatres. But Juhi Chawla’s performance in the film isn’t worth a miss. So watch it for her.

…is not unforgettable but not unwatchable either. With many euphoric moments of utter jubiliation, the film’s stronghold is Madhuri and Juhi with individually mettlesome performances and the friskily excitable chemistry together. Though the film fails to use its scope rightly and delivers an extremely creased up affair. But for it’s impeccable leading ladies who are gritty is their parts, the film slips out a 3/5 from me. Far from perfect but engrossing nevertheless.

From its opening frame you discover that in its supposed feminist garb, ‘Gulab Gang’ is actually the old-style good vs evil story, styled in the tired way these films have been for the longest time. Its chief baddie is, ta da, a woman.

The confrontations between Rajjo and Sumitra Devi should have been impactful, with the resounding echo when two strong personalities clash. Sadly, they don’t.

These are major drawbacks that bring down a potentially good film.

…is too dull, dry and boring to entertain. It will be anything but in the pink of health at the ticket windows. It will flop miserably at the box-office.

…is well-intentioned with several powerful moments, especially towards the second half. The game of power and politics is well captured too. Additionally, the bravura performances of Madhuri and Juhi add immense weightage to the film. Watch it!

While the film is largely entertaining, I wish the director had not bowed down to the pressure of turning Gulaab Gang into a typical Bollywood masala film. There’s a song at every juncture — there’s a song about women weaving pink saris and there’s song about women celebrating the Indian festival Holi. And remember, these are women with troubled pasts and who have been denied basic rights such as education and shelter. Their merrymaking amidst such grimness is unrealistic.

Although Sen steers away from turning it into a documentary, he liberally borrows real-life references from their pink revolution and guns for box-office glory without ever acknowledging their movement. Even though ‘Gulaab Gang’ has so much going for it, it fails to win our applause.