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Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola backdrop

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola

11 January 2013Hindi2h 31m
Comedy
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 12 scored reviews · 1 not rated

Bhardwaj's ambition shows, but the sprawling tonal mix and weak climax hold it back.

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

  • Praised: Bhardwaj's ambitious storytelling approach
  • Criticised: Unfocused narrative and weak climax

Audience

User score 7.5 out of 10 from 2 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Read 1 audience review ↓

Not streaming in India

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Critic consensus

What 13 critics are saying

Critical reception for Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is mixed, with most reviews landing in the average-to-moderate range. A handful of critics praised Vishal Bhardwaj's adventurous and ambitious storytelling approach, and performances by Pankaj Kapoor and Shabana Azmi drew positive notice. However, the most common criticisms point to an unfocused narrative that tries to blend too many tones and themes without cohesion, an underwhelming climax, and excessive length that dulls the film's impact. The general consensus is that the film falls short of its potential despite sporadic moments of engagement.

How the 12 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 13 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (13)

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

  1. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Vishal Bhardwaj gives us a film that's enjoyable and relevant in equal measure. I'm going with four out of five for Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. The year's first gem has arrived - don't miss it!

  2. Top critic

    Rediff

    Film review ·

    This is a film that goes far out on a limb, and gives us both bedlam and nuances, enough to warrant repeated viewings. And more than enough to love. Oh boy oh boy indeed.

  3. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is marked by an adventurous streak that is commendable: Bhardwaj pushes the goofy storytelling style all the way through to the bitter end. It is another matter that the strategy boomerangs frequently.

  4. Top critic

    Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Matru ki Bijlee ka Mandola feels like a puzzle in which all the pieces don't fit. Its idiosyncrasies are both its strength and its undoing.

  5. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    The film passed me by in the first hour. It enticed me back again in the second half. But not enough to make me forget the inert prologue, which is minus drama, which is Bhardawaj's true forte.

  6. India Today

    Film review ·

    But the film crumbles in the climax, giving you an end that is too filmy for satisfaction. The end is one that bars Vishal's latest from becoming an exceptional effort. For everything else it is worth, this is the first real whopper coming out of Bollywood this year. Go for it.

  7. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    If you're a Vishal Bhardwaj fan, be prepared for a fare that's different from his dark, moody style. The fun and songs should keep you going though.

  8. Sify

    Film review ·

    As a social commentary, the film succeeds only intermittently, and is not as complex and effective as last year's Shanghai. There are other ambiguous points in the film. But here's the thing: you ought to watch the film.

  9. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    This movie could have been so much more. Like champagne gone flat, the film's left lying about for too late, its plot meandering everywhere.

  10. Wogma

    Film review ·

    I don't mind a serious film, I don't mind socio-politics, I don't mind satire, I certainly don't mind quirky, dark humor. What I don't get though is why a film can't pick one or two of these themes and stick to it through and through - be there, build-up on it and end like the makers believed in what they were making, without any external pressures.

  11. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    MATRU KI BIJLEE KA MANDOLA holds your attention in parts, but that's not enough. The first half is lackluster, while the post-interval part catches some steam. However, the excessive length plays a spoilsport. Below expectations!

  12. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Watch the film for Pankaj Kapoor and Shabana Azmi and some fun that the duo bring about. But don't expect too much out of it. Final warning: Bharadwaj fans, stay away from this one.

From our readers

Audience reviews (1)

2 ratings · user score 7.5

  1. Sandeep GuptaMay 2013
    7/10

    You can like it, you can hate it, but you can't ignore it. Vishal Bhardwaj is no Rajkumar Hirani. He would never use simple words or simple characters to tell a story. The writing is complex, characters are mad to the core. There is huge amount of metaphorism. I really connected myself with the part where movie gets serious about the core issue; politician having an affair with businessman and res...ults are horrific for the poor. Performances are top notch. Imaran Khan, Anushaka play their part quite well. Shabana Azmi was too good. But it's all about the acting powerhouse Pankaj Kapur who never misses a beat. The movie is like a not so good meal but you have to appreciate the effort of chef. This is fearless cinema and it needs to be supported.

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