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Helicopter Eela backdrop

Helicopter Eela

12 October 2018Hindi2h 11m
Drama
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 6 scored reviews · 1 not rated

Kajol's charm carries a film let down by thin, unconvincing writing.

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

  • Praised: lead performances, especially Kajol
  • Criticised: shallow, inauthentic writing and narration

Audience

User score 2.0 out of 10 from 2 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Read 2 audience reviews ↓

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Critic consensus

What 7 critics are saying

Critical reception for Helicopter Eela skews negative, with most critics finding the film underdeveloped in its writing and execution. Where praise exists, it is directed at the performances, particularly Kajol's screen presence and Riddhi Sen's work. The majority of critics, however, found the narrative lacking in insight, authenticity, and observational depth, with several noting banal storytelling, stretched subplots, and exaggerated performances as significant drawbacks.

How the 6 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

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

AI-generated summary of 7 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (7)

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

  1. Top critic

    Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Being a tiger or helicopter parent often becomes a point of pride, and there is much to be said here — but we must wait for a better film to say it.

  2. Top critic

    Film Companion

    Film review ·

    Kajol and Riddhi Sen feature in this story about a middle-aged, middle-class woman who must rediscover herself and find a life outside of her son. It's a worthy idea but the narration is almost entirely lacking in insight or authenticity POSTED

  3. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Helicopter Eela is so saddled with banal story-telling, stretched sub-plots and exaggerated performances, including and especially from the lead actress, that it never really takes off.

  4. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    A wonderful actress already, Kajol is the sure shot reason you love watching Helicopter Eela throughout.

  5. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Helicopter Eela is a fun ride that manages to land safely despite some turbulence. Watch this simple and endearing tale of motherly love with your mom in tow.

  6. IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Helicopter Eela doesn't lack entertainment, thanks to Riddhi Sen's superb performance, but it could have been a better film with a tighter first half.

  7. The Hindu

    Film review ·

    Helicopter Eela is a loud, tone-deaf mother-son coming-of-age saga that lacks insights and observational humour

From our readers

Audience reviews (2)

2 ratings · user score 2.0

  1. Tejas NairAug 2019
    2/10

    The artificial nature of Helicopter Eela which further translates into oversmart takes on college/teen life, single-mother-son relationship, and one's quest a assuming a creative career makes you want to hate it. TN.

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  2. Shashwat SisodiaOct 2019
    2/10

    Riddhi Sen and Kajol, the two gifted Bongs from Hindi cinema, buck up play mom-and-son. It's admirable that Kajol has started playing her age, but this bloated, bland, bizarre and ultimately dumb film can't quite fill up its loopholes and is an ultimate weakling in an year when we had a stronger ensemble of women-oriented performances. It's not only the most unwatchable film till now this year, it is also the most unnecessary one. I am going with 1 star for 'Helicopter Eela'.

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