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Kaanchi poster

Kaanchi

25 April 2014Hindi2h 20m
out of 10
Unfavorablemost critics didn't like it
Monk Score · 12 scored reviews · 5 not rated

A well-meaning but hopelessly dated fable that Ghai's direction cannot save.

Verdict tier Unfavorable, most critics didn't like it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: film's underlying social message
  • Criticised: outdated simplistic script and storytelling

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Critic consensus

What 17 critics are saying

Critical consensus on Kaanchi is overwhelmingly negative, with most reviewers scoring it between 20 and 50 out of 100. Critics widely faulted the film's outdated, simplistic storytelling and its failure to meet the expectations set by director Subhash Ghai's past work, with several explicitly lamenting his decline as a filmmaker. A handful of reviewers acknowledged that the film carries a genuine message and features an interesting protagonist, but even these qualified observations were undercut by complaints about weak execution and lack of narrative grip. The film was broadly seen as an anachronistic, commercially unviable effort ill-suited to contemporary audiences.

How the 12 scores spread

5 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

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

AI-generated summary of 17 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (17)

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

  1. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    The film is a love revenge saga that may entice you only into phases. While the music is complete downer, there is less to look forward to in this film. If you are a person high on optimism, this film may impress you with its positivity and underlined message. Kaanchi could have been Ghai's Rang De Basanti had the script been strong enough.
  2. Sify

    Film review ·

    The film ends with (believe it or not) synchronized dancing. Yes, it's that kind of a movie. But the film is not a total let-down. It has an interesting protagonist, an arresting story (sadly told in a simplistic fashion), and some effective moments. The gripe is this could have been a far, far better film. Too bad, really.
  3. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Standing out like a sore thumb in todays crowd of smartly written scripts and performance driven films, Kaanchi struggles to make her own identity.
  4. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    Kaanchi lacks what Taal had: soul. The film seems to be in an unnecessary hurry and to be fair, its running time shouldn't have exceeded two hours.
  5. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Kaanchi goes from Koshampa to Mumbai to seek revenge. In what is the most childish plot ever, she masquerades as a domestic help in the Kakda household. She conducts a sting operation, throws open a can of worms and blows the cover on this family, who have political leanings and havala earnings. And by the time she's done with her Mother India act, you're too tired to seek reason.
  6. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    ...the once upon a time Showman of the film industry Subhash Ghai falters completely in putting together a great show in Kaanchi. Watch it only if you have absolutely nothing else to do.
  7. The Navhind Times

    Film review ·

    There was a time when a new Subhash Ghai film was a major event but for a considerable time now, it goes off just as a whimper. Most of the Hindi film directors have not been able to adapt with the changing times and Ghai, once dubbed as the showman is no different.
  8. Wogma

    Film review ·

    As the film drags on and on until you've had enough, you almost feel thankful to see the end credits. You also wonder why this thought hasn't yet crossed Subhash Ghai's mind: "Even Sachin Tendulkar has retired. What am I still doing?"
  9. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    At two hours and twenty minutes, Kaanchi feels like a gruelling cinematic ride. You're teased with A-list shot taking and composition and but served an amateur narrative and story. It just doesn't have the magic of a Subhash Ghai film. Legends don't make average fare.
  10. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    This is a vapid filmmaking exercise, done simply for the sake of launching a new heroine and executed by pulling favours from old friends and junior associates. It's an example of the kind of cinema that Bollywood needs to leave behind as soon as possible if it wants to appeal to a younger, smarter audience. It may be time for Ghai to hang up his boots before he destroys what remains of his legacy any further, and let his students take over. Surely they can't do a worse job than this?
  11. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Overall Kaanchi has a soul that is lacking in a lot of films today. It has a message also, which one can take back home. What it lacks is the grip, the magic and the experience of a Bollywood film.
  12. Komal Nahta's Blog

    Film review ·

    ... an entertaining fare but its terribly dull start is a dampener because a major pick-up is ruled out for three reasons – absence of star faces in the romantic lead, absence of any novelty in the script, and absence of superhit songs in a film introducing a new girl. It will, therefore, entail heavy losses.
  13. OneIndia

    Film review ·

    Overall, Kaanchi the rural beauty who fights for justice through her inner power with the unethical and unjust is a film worth a watch, Big budget film Kaanchi will make its box office entry with a big bang!!

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