A better title for Lucknow Central might have been Boredom Central. At nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes, it’s far too long and far too dull to inspire any other response.

It is the supporting cast which is spot on, especially Rajesh Sharma and Deepak Dobriyal. But more than anything else, it is the mawkish sentimentality which overcomes the story-telling.

Any good escape film requires detailed plotting, however, and Lucknow Central is frequently stupid. The prisoners wanting to break out, to give you just one example, stash fake police uniforms in their drum set – even though their band doesn’t ever play or practice with drums.

Lucknow Central fails to utilise its resources, especially Diana Penty, and loses out on a chance to become a really engaging film. Like Prison Break, it never reaps the benefits of a promising start.

The film doesn’t make any significant statements on the legal system or rehabilitation beyond tedious displays of violence or stray moments, like when the out-on-parole convicts realise they are unwelcome, unfit for the world that has moved on without them.

If you are in the mood for something serious, check it out.

On paper this looks like a thrilling musical but the glaring loopholes and lack of characterization make LUCKNOW CENTRAL an indigestible and unconvincing jail escape adventure.

The story of great escape of five prisoners from Lucknow Central jail is a decent watch because of the supporting cast.

…large sections of the film are just plain boring. Also, the film fails to make any strong statement on the criminal justice system or the correctional facilities on offer. What’s heartbreaking is that the ingredients are all there but the problem is that the makers are not thorough with the recipe.

If you have watched Qaidi Band, you can skip Lucknow Central. If you haven’t watched Qaidi Band and decide to skip Lucknow Central, you’d not miss much.

Lucknow Central packs some interesting performances, especially from the supporting cast.