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Mulk backdrop

Mulk

3 August 2018Hindi2h 20m
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 13 scored reviews · 2 not rated

Flawed but necessary, carried by strong performances.

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

  • Praised: performances and relevant social message
  • Criticised: simplistic storytelling and bombastic tone

Audience

User score 7.6 out of 10 from 17 ratings, Recommended
Read 12 audience reviews ↓

Critic consensus

What 15 critics are saying

Critical reception for Mulk is largely positive, with most reviewers appreciating the film's willingness to engage with pressing questions around religious identity, terrorism, and media responsibility in contemporary India. Performances, particularly from Rishi Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu, and Manoj Pahwa, are frequently singled out for praise, as are the film's dialogues and emotional impact. A recurring criticism is that the film's storytelling is overly simplistic or didactic, with some noting a bombastic tone and weak, melodramatic background score. Several critics acknowledged the film's important intent while suggesting it falls short in craft and cinematic finesse.

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

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Any film that does not demonize, that talks of peace and brotherhood, in these dark, cynical times, is to be lauded. Mulk is Anubhav Sinha's best film, and it concerns us all.
  2. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    All said and done, Mulk is one such film that will hold your guts till the end. It'll pinch your soul hard & question your humanity. Stellar performances, mind-blowing climax & superlative narration – this is so far, the best movie of 2018.
  3. IndiaWest

    Film review ·

    Mulk" is a sensitively told sensitizing film that should strike the right note in people with the right sensibilities. In its own way, it is no less patriotic than a "Pad-Man," "Raazi," "Raid" or "Parmanu.
  4. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    And as I walked away from Mulk, marvelling at its crackling drama, high emotional quotient, its gritty appeal, whistle-worthy dialogues and politics, after a long time I doffed my hat to Bollywood. Because when mainstream Bollywood begins to get it right, when it finds the strength to articulate what's right and wrong in a way that sits with audiences for a long time, there is hope.
  5. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Mulk is worth a watch because it focuses on some pivotal issues of the day.
  6. India Today

    Film review ·

    Though Taapsee has little role in the first half, she steers the film in the second half as the resolute and slightly diffident lawyer. Ashutosh Rana, who is so used to playing the villain in films, does come across as a little exaggerated at points, but refined dialogues save him. A special mention to Manoj Pahwa, who portrays Bilal's painful and emotional breakdown with finesse. All said and done, Mulk is a voice that needs to be heard. Make time for it this weekend.
  7. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Shot in the bylanes of small town India, the film captures the milieu it is set in aptly. The music is the weakest link and the soaring and melodramatic background score in some portions is distracting. Mulk focusses on some hard-hitting and burning issues, while also highlighting the crucial role that the media and various other channels of information play in disseminating the right news and facts to its citizens. It also brings to fore the other faces of terrorism which often gets brushed under the carpet.
  8. CatchNews

    Film review ·

    So, well tried Anubhav Sinha and all the best. But you need to stretch some more to touch the bar that is being set higher with time.
  9. Film Companion

    Film review ·

    Mulk, though, is a reminder that we are all part of that courtroom. Being surprised is a condescending emotion – and inherently a product of our own preconceived notions. It is also a reminder that the right film in this country is often better than a good one. Raazi was an example, but it was perhaps Meghna Gulzar's Talvar that had already conditioned us expect a skillful take on the rift between mulk and mazhab. In contrast, I came out of Sinha's film admittedly humbled, and of the belief that verdicts are best delivered after the closing statements.
  10. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    This film takes an important step in defining terrorism and underlining the differences between a suspect and a criminal. It succeeds in intent and purpose, but sadly fails when it comes to storytelling.
  11. IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Mulk isn't original cinema, it's not even its own film, but it's a much needed reminder and lesson that we live in a secular nation, something that we always strive for.​
  12. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    For a second if you don't imagine this to be a film at all, but a compelling conversation; its motive, and indeed its structure, will begin to make more sense to you...
  13. Rediff

    Film review ·

    'Mulk gets a lot of things right, including its vision of the country as a place where underneath the punctilious, forced-secular surface there are volatilities waiting to go off...
  14. Reuters

    Film review ·

    If there is one thing Anubhav Sinha's "Mulk" (Nation) gets right, it is the message. The manner of delivery might be deemed a tad simplistic, and the tone bombastic, but the film is clear about what it wants to say. And it today's times, it is an important message to get across.
  15. The Hindu

    Film review ·

    After Balraj Sahni in Garm Hava and Kaifi Azmi in Naseem, it's the turn of Rishi Kapoor as the paterfamilias of a Muslim family to bring out the dilemmas of the community in divisive times

From our readers

Audience reviews (12)

17 ratings · user score 7.6

  1. 9/10

    Mulk, a film by Anubhav Sinha, strikes the right chord of humanity. It does convey in the very beginning that the film is inspired from the true events. Mulk is an attempt to raise the voice against the prejudices existing in our country (as well as at a global level too). The word Terrorism is connected instantly and spontaneously to the community Muslims. But the film very strongly tries to put across the dictionary meaning of the word 'Terrorism' which is "the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims". So, as per the definition, many other activities could also fall under terrorism. Terrorism is actually criminal not communal. Terrorism does not have anything to do with the religion. But the frame of reference is in such a manner that we label a community synonym to terrorism. The film also projects a very sensitive topic in the most sensible manner. The film highlights that the Mulk is divided between 'Us' and 'Them'. This very differentiation makes the whole problem even more challenging to be solved. The film did attract controversies in the social media for the statistics mentioned in the poster. This review does not focus on any statistics or data or facts or figures but this review definitely highlights that how relevant it is to have such a film even in 2018, post 71 years of independence. The film is indeed very close to the reality. Some might compare the film with Garam Hawa (a masterpiece film released in 1973). Garam Hawa dealt with the plight of those people as well as the adverse situations faced by them who chose to stay back in India itself and decided not to migrate to Pakistan. Even after so many years, the wound of partition has not healed. Mulk not only focuses on the plight of a North Indian Muslim family who chose India post-independence, but also it emphasizes on the poisoned mindset which needs to be changed, the frames of references which need reality checks. It is not that the film does not get preachy at times, it is not that at times drama gets a bit exaggerated, but these can be very well ignored since the intention of the film is too good and needs to be applauded. Not only every Indian but every human being all across the globe must watch Mulk, since it is the necessity of the mankind to have peace all across the ecosystem especially when we are living in a nation of religious, social, cultural, linguistic diversities.

  2. Shivraj SinghAug 2018
    1/10

    Instead of making a political statement through this movie, director Sinha should have focussed more on the art of cinema. This movie is just a repitition of 'terror has no religion' kind of defence that we have been seeing especially since 9/11 terror attack. 'Mulk' is set in India and tried to speak for muslims who have been discriminated because of their religion. In order to bring justice in the courtroom drama this movie has missed several points which genuinly are responsible for such so called discrimination in the country. As a movie lover I feel disappointed to see some filmakers misusing this platform with their agenda driven films. Something which we have been seeing our politicans doing since Independence to appease muslims. Secularism in India exist because of the collective efforts of the majoritians. No religion in the world is as democratic as Hinduism. Its high time everyone should realize it and respect it.

  3. Sajid MahmoodAug 2018
    10/10

    very good movie to take a lesson

  4. Nishant SinghAug 2018
    1/10

    Muslim appeasement is a part of politics but nowadays it has become popular a popular choice for bollywood.Film is all about glorifying a terrorist's family and demonizing the Hindu population of India.Anubhav Sinha is just a piece of shit.Tapsee is not upto my expectations in the film.

  5. Tausif AhmedAug 2018
    9/10

    Its a Must watch movie....

  6. 8/10

    Whether we like it or not, we live in a nation which has a significant number of people who gets easily swayed whenever the topic of "religion' comes up. As expected, many politicians use this strategy to their benefit by taking advantage of such gullible individuals. Even though we have developed as a nation in various aspects such as science, technology, education etc., we have failed to keep religious prejudices at bay. The fact is if such prejudices are left unchecked, it is powerful enough to unleash disharmony in the nation & we are already witness to such incidents rather frequently. This is exactly what is discussed in Anubhav Sinha's "Mulk", but is it too preachy & filmy or a replica of the ground reality??? Advocate Murad Ali (Rishi Kapoor) lived with his family in their ancestral home in Banaras & shared a warm relationship with everyone in the neighbourhood Things moved along smoothly until his nephew Shahid (Prateik Babbar) gets involved in a bomb blast that claims numerous lives. It turned out that he was influenced into becoming an extremist & was eventually shot dead in an encounter. The investigation team led by SSP Danish Javed (Rajat Kapoor) refused to believe that Shahid's family had no clue about his terrorist involvement. To make matters worse, circumstantial evidence seemed to indicate that Shahid's father Bilal (Manoj Pahwa) facilitated in the execution of his son's plan. This creates unrest in the locality with Murad Ali & his family isolated & insulted by even their friends & neighbours. However, that didn't deter Murad & his daughter in law, Arti (Taapsee Pannu) to seek justice & regain honour for their family who were innocent of Shahid's misendeavours. Anubhav Sinha came into the industry with a bang with an unexpected hit in the form of "Tum Bin", but couldnt quite recreate that form ever since. He had also helmed "Ra One" which was slammed by many, though I kinda liked the concept. However, I have no doubt that his latest release would be well received as it is his best work to date. Apart from calling the shots, he has also penned the script & it is evident that he has done his homework with regard to the prejudices that the Muslim community faces for some rotten apples in their midst. The movie doesn't grow on us in the first hour, but the moment the courtroom drama starts, you can rest assured to be completely engrossed. As for other technical aspects, the manner in which the court scenes were impressively picturised by Ewan Mulligan & the presence of Taapsee reminded me of "Pink". Rishi Kapoor has been lucky to get some meaty roles in the last couple of years & this one is no different as he has aced his part with elan. Giving him apt competition was Taapsee who in recent times have started to carve a niche for herself with some exceptional performances & this role will feature as one of the finest in her career. Similarly, Ashutosh Rana, Rajat Kapoor, Manoj Pahwa & Kumud Mishra have all excelled in their parts which has gone a long way in elevating the viewing experience. Verdict: It can definitely not be tagged as an entertainer but rather as a mirror for the society that seems to get narrow minded due to religious prejudices. It's a movie that needs to be watched as it is rooted in reality & even as a celluloid creation, you will love the last 30 minutes. In short, don't miss it!!! Rating: 4/5 Regards...Ben

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