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Kai Po Che! backdrop

Kai Po Che!

22 February 2013Hindi2h 7m
Drama
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 19 scored reviews · 1 not rated

A stirring tale of friendship and politics, carried by strong performances.

Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: performances and direction
  • Criticised: emotional depth feels insufficient

Audience

User score 7.2 out of 10 from 33 ratings, Recommended
Read 8 audience reviews ↓

Top cast

Full cast & crew

Critic consensus

What 20 critics are saying

Kai Po Che! was met with widespread critical approval, with most reviewers praising Abhishek Kapoor's direction and the performances of its relatively inexperienced cast as standout strengths. Critics frequently highlighted the film's emotional resonance, its nuanced handling of friendship against a backdrop of communal violence and politics, and its ability to balance commercial entertainment with substantive storytelling. A minority of reviewers felt the film was at times shallow or failed to fully draw viewers into its characters' lives, preventing it from reaching true greatness. Overall, the consensus positions it as one of the stronger Hindi films of its release period.

How the 19 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 20 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (20)

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

  1. Top critic

    Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Kai Po Che! is Gujarati for "I've cut". It is used as a cry of victory in kite-flying contests. Here victory is hard-earned and tinged with tears and regret. But it's also deeply satisfying.

  3. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    This film rises beautifully above its faults. It does not allow simplicity to descend into simple-mindedness, as it transmits real emotions, and gives space to a stand-out performer.

  5. Top critic

    Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    Abhishek Kapoor had dealt with a friends-turned-foes quartet in the excellent 'Rock On!' Now he's back to the traditional square three with 'Kai Po Che,' which does have its passages of superior cinema – particularly in the shot takings, ethnic chic costumes, sets and locations – but in its entirety, strikes you as shallow and schematic. Thanks to the three fast-rising actors, technical finesse and some engagingly directed vignettes, 'Kai Po Che' is a cut above the commonplace. It's good but with a touch of depth, it could have been wow.

  6. Glamsham

    Film review ·

    KAI PO CHE is poetry in motion. After ROCK ON, Abhishek Kapoor has reminded us yet again, what a master story-teller he is.

  7. Bollyspice

    Film review ·

    Director Abhishek Kapoor has drawn some amazing performances from a lesser experienced cast and taken a book which may not have originally held all the classic ingredients for a commercial film and has delivered one of India's finest films, perhaps since Udaan.

  8. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    KAI PO CHE is brimming with solid content. Watch it for the spirit it is made in. Watch it because it's the kind of cinema that pushes the boundaries. Watch it because movies like KAI PO CHE need to be encouraged. A film that deserves an ovation!

  9. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    If you are tired of watching no-brainer masala movies then give a chance to this heart-warming tale about passion, friendship and forgiveness. Iit might strengthen your faith that good Hindi cinema isn't dead yet.

  10. IANS

    Film review ·

    It really can't get any better than this, can it? The year has just begun and we have one of the finest, most vibrant and fulfilling coming-of-age films in living memory.

  11. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    The magical Bromance well fitted in an enigmatic story, enacted to delightful perfection. Kai Po Che culminates into a celebration of good cinema. Watch it for Abhishek Kapoor's engaging narrative and the power packed performances of the actors.

  12. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    Kai PO Che! doesn't shirk from portraying the grey, the black and the complex. But most of all, it doesn't sit on the fence; it neither shies away from blaming nor from forgiving. And for a Hindi film, that's quite something.

  13. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Abhishek Kapoor's clarity of vision makes Kai Po Che -- the adaptation of a mediocre novel -- so irresistible.

  14. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Despite the disturbing backdrop of death, destruction and politics, Kai Po Che is very likeable. Between tears, you find yourself smiling, because it's the story of friendship and human triumph above all else.

  15. Yahoo! India

    Film review ·

    Kapoor's craft lies in the fact that though he has picked an unusual premise, he manages to keep his audience engaged throughout. He builds a beautiful canvas but doesn't make it formulaic at any point.

  16. Zee News

    Film review ·

    There has not been a single stone left unturned to capture even the nitty-gritty of the book for the film's screenplay. That is where the real beauty of 'Kai Po Che' lies – in the details!

  17. DNA India

    Film review ·

    The film works on more levels than it fails, and most of it is because of its brilliant execution. Watch it for the performances.

  18. India Today

    Film review ·

    We are looking at New Bollywood, evolving exactly as it should. Stirringly topical, solid in the comment it leaves, and yet never losing focus on the classic entertainment formula that has forever driven our commercial cinema. What's more, it sets the stage for three new exciting talents in the bargain too.

  19. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    Through the duration of the film, you feel you are watching but a film, and are not as drawn into the lives of these characters in the story as the maker might have intended you to be. Kai Po Che! is a good film, but not a great film.

  20. Emirates247

    Film review ·

    like others in this inimitable genre, this too shall win innumerable accolades. Whether it's the captivating performances, the ambitious narrative, or poetic cinematography, 'Kai Po Che' is superior in texture and commendably subtle. It also packs in all the ingredients of a sure-shot Bollywood success, without overplaying any one element. There's cricket, religion, politics, comedy, music, bromance and even a dash of romance.

From our readers

Audience reviews (8)

33 ratings · user score 7.2

  1. RavindranathMay 2013
    8/10

    Excellently directed Kai Po Che is well filmed. A film worth watching. Taken simplistic it keeps you glued till the last...

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  2. FindingSenseMay 2013
    9/10

    The story evolves beautifully and so are the characters... Realistic and engrossing! Sushant, Amit and Rajkumar have showcased brilliant acting....a MUST watch!

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  3. PurnimaMay 2013
    8/10

    Kai Po Che is good movie on Hindu Muslim Bhai Bhai theme. Everybody should love a child , whether he is born a Hindu or Muslim . And should help his talent to grow . So he brings pride to Nation.

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  4. Sandeep GuptaMay 2013
    7/10

    IMO, a bit over-rated. It has excellent direction, commendable performances by newbeeies and even it has consistent tone. But again IMO, it lacked the dramatic feel and did not thrill me enough to say that it was a fantastic experience watching this movie. Was it beacuse I have already read the book and was aware of what's yet to come as the movie progresses? Or it was beacuse movie tried to pack ...too many things in those 2 hrs? Or was it the plain simplicity of the movie that I wasn't expecting? For example, Omi without dialogues after his parents' death was not effective and Ishaan getting to know about the affair between her sister and Govind was too late and soon focus was shifted to Omi seeking the revenge. I will wait for it to arrive on small screen and see if it can hold my attention again for two hours?

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  5. NeonikaJun 2013
    7/10

    In one word, this movie was 'refreshing'. In large part because of its new faces, all of who delivered fantastic performances. The friendship and bonding between the three lead men feels authentic and masterfully layered with their social and economic backgrounds and their personal ideals and priorities. The success of the script lies in the fact that you root for the protagonists from beginning to end. On the downside, the film has dealt with too many serious social themes and historical incidents with fleeting references and that leaves a lot to desire for and you would hope that not all those subjects were squeezed in forcefully. But I can attribute that to Chetan Bhagat's treatment of themes. While I've not been impressed by his books, Abhishek Kapoor's interpretation of his work was far more rewarding than 'Three Idiots'.

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  6. Saheb AbdullahMay 2016
    7/10

    Abhishek Kapoor Makes The Novel Look So Good Here..Good Adaptation

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