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Mukti Bhawan backdrop

Mukti Bhawan

7 April 2017Hindi1h 43m
Drama
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 13 scored reviews · 2 not rated

A gentle, humour-laced meditation on death that earns its slow pace.

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

  • Praised: humour balanced with emotional depth
  • Criticised: slow pacing and thin plot

Audience

User score 7.6 out of 10 from 7 ratings, Recommended
Read 2 audience reviews ↓

Not streaming in India

Top cast

Full cast & crew

Critic consensus

What 15 critics are saying

Critical reception for Mukti Bhawan is largely positive, with most reviewers praising its humane treatment of death through a blend of humour, grace, and emotional depth. Critics frequently highlighted the strong performances, sharp script, and the film's ability to balance levity with its weighty subject matter. The most consistent criticism across reviews is the film's slow, languid pacing, with some noting repetitive scenes and a thin plot that occasionally makes the film feel indulgent. A handful of reviewers qualified their praise, finding the film works only in parts, but the majority considered it a distinguished and worthwhile effort.

How the 13 scores spread

2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

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

AI-generated summary of 15 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (15)

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

  1. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Beautifully shot and although languidly paced, Bhutiani delivers an evocative drama that has surely got to be one the best films you'll see this year. I'm going with four out of five.

  2. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Other than a few faultlines, this is a superb film that shows us how it is entirely possible to die, irradiated by life.

  3. SKJBollywoodNews

    Film review ·

    Though this film tells us why death need not be feared, I came away from it feeling a profound sense of melancholy . It makes us experience the final futility of life without disrespecting the art of living. And that's no small achievement.

  5. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    In the end, rather than being about the heavy religious stuff, it is about universal human drama. As a father and son reconcile, it is near heart-breaking. As an old man and his grandaughter sneak out for bhang, it tells you that the most devout have mischief in them. Bhutiani gives death its due dignity, and yet retains its objectivity and subtlety. It makes you laugh, and cry, and think and question. It's what good cinema and storytelling are meant to do.

  6. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Mukti Bhawan is as much about its characters embracing the inevitability of death as it is about their loved ones grappling with conflicting emotions

  7. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    Weaving in this typically Indian absurdity, that we all get and perpetuate, to a rather banal moment is what makes Mukti Bhavan a must watch.

  8. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    Mukti Bhawan is a life lesson on death itself. Coming from the ghats, this film rises way above its morbid subject.

  9. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    'Mukti Bhawan' is brilliant, funny, life affirming tale about death, which is supported by a superb script and a flawless cast. Watch it!

  10. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    The plot is too skimpy and with its languid pacing, the movie eventually seems a bit indulgent. The filmmaker's exposure to slow, contemplative festival films becomes apparent. But the unassuming characters and the humour make it a delightful watch. If in-your-face Bollywood blockbusters have bored you to death, Mukti Bhawan is your salvation.

  11. Wogma

    Film review ·

    Despite this annoyance, Mukti Bhawan's take on death is what makes the film worth a watch. It isn't an Anand-esque take, neither is it all morose. It is a tone of acceptance. You don't expect ordinary lives to have an extraordinary end. That makes this small film larger than film – more because not many talk of life and death with this spiritual sense.

  13. India Glitz

    Film review ·

    'Mukti Bhawan' promises to lead you to the path of salvation but thanks to its slow narrative and repetitive scenes the movie ends up as a half road to salvation.

  15. Reuters

    Film review ·

    For a meditation on death and salvation, "Mukti Bhawan" is an accomplished effort, and one that must be appreciated.

From our readers

Audience reviews (2)

7 ratings · user score 7.6

  1. Tejas NairOct 2017
    6/10

    Mukti Bhawan, as it is originally known, can be seen as a slow-paced look at a man and his attempt at redemption. Much like the film's pace, it takes some time for him to figure out what's up as he moves to near the Ganges with his son (brilliantly played by the talented Adil Hussain) and awaits his death. Shubhashish Bhutiani tries to answer few questions about death and salvation some of which were hard for me to comprehend. Nonetheless, Mukti Bhawan is a decent film that keeps you engaged with its subtle narrative and score but ends at an exclamation mark!

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  2. Shashwat SisodiaSept 2019
    7/10

    Released by the name 'Hotel Salvation' overseas, Mukti Bhawan is one ddelightful example of go with the flow filmmaking. Director-writer Shubhashish Bhutiani, believe me, has crafted a miraculous story of wonder and excitement, but also with metaphorical ideas and universal messaging. The film captures a captivating father-son relationship. The father, Daya, thanks to a dream, knows that his time is up from the world and wants his son Rajiv to escort him to Benaras, where he will die and attain salvation. But many, many days and this doesn't happen. The father has even found a companion called Vimla, a 75 year old woman! But he is still reluctant to return. And meanwhile, Rajiv is torn asunder, and confused, whether to be a good son and remain there, or be a good husband and father to return to his home and live as the family man. This is a rare film which deconstructs marvelously and tells the story in broadest of strokes. The cinematographers Michael McSweeney and David Huwiler pay utmost attention to the film's most textured details. This film is an ultimate entertainer with strong, meaningful depth and a story told with conviction. Added to the glory are the performances of Lalit Behl as Daya and Adil Hussain as Rajiv, both adding their words to the characters. I am going with 3.5 out of 5 for 'Mukti Bhavan'. It's one of the best Hindi films this year.

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