A sharp, quietly funny satire on democracy, carried by a superb ensemble cast.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Newton draws near-unanimous critical appreciation as one of the finest political satires in recent Hindi cinema, with most critics praising its use of dark comedy to examine the mechanics of Indian democracy and the Naxal-affected regions that mainstream cinema ignores. Rajkummar Rao's performance and the ensemble cast, including Pankaj Tripathi and Raghuvir Yadav, are widely highlighted as standout elements. A handful of critics note that the film lacks end-to-end narrative clarity or that its slow pace leaves little dramatic impact, with at least one reviewer finding it largely uneventful.
2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 22 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Newton is relevant and timely without being boring or inaccessible. You could say it lays on its message too thick in the end, or that the pace occasionally slips. But these are minor nigglings that never dent the impact of its thrust. I'm going with four out of five. It's easily one of, if not the best Hindi film you'll see this year. Make sure you make the time for it.
Top critic
Film review ·
It's rare that an Indian film uses dark comedy to make its points so effectively. 'Newton' could also, just as easily, have been called A Day In The Life Of The World's Largest, Most Complex Democracy. Or, The Great Indian Electoral Circus. Rajkummar Rao is enjoying a purple patch.
Top critic
Film review ·
Amit Masurkar's Newton is a dry and intriguing look at an India we don't usually see - and shows us how hard it is to take elections seriously.
Film review ·
Amit V. Masurkar discovers a sensitive topic and makes the modern people familiar about the unheard political problems, raising doubts and questions in everyone's mind through this unusual topic.
Film review ·
'Newton' has dared to take on an issue that our vast majority turns a blind eye to, and slaps us out of our blissful ignorance. Amidst laughing, it'll leave you thinking, which - and we need to be reminded of this - is what good cinema should do. Both your funny bone and your grey cells will thank you for watching it.
Film review ·
I feel the need to visit this film again and have my kids watch it too – because this is a once in the blue moon film, the details of which, cannot be digested in one viewing.
Film review ·
Newton is one of the best-made satires in Bollywood, especially since it is a genre that is nearly dying in Indian cinema. It shows us a stark portrayal of democracy. Though it is not exactly mainstream in its sensibilities, there are enough moments to laugh with the characters, and sometimes at our own selves. Brilliantly enacted, well-written and smartly directed, Newton is a must-watch if you have a craving for good cinema.
Film review ·
Masurkar makes humour his weapon of choice and sets up a satire that leaves you entertained, but also brings to fore some uncomfortable questions. He also manages to stay neutral and doesn't pass a judgement on any of the sides.
Film review ·
The cleverness of Masurkar's film is that it is designed to appeal to audiences beyond the already converted and beyond the artistically inclined fest circuit.
Film review ·
NEWTON is a stark, dark, witty and symbolic gem presenting the mockery of democracy observed in certain parts of India. Powered by unbeatable performances and constantly amusing humour. NEWTON is a cinematic action on screen that deserves favorable reaction from the concerning and thinking audience. A must for those who yearn for quality and art in cinema.
Film review ·
Newton is one of the finest political satires we have seen in the last couple of years. It refrains from taking sides and offers a humorous take on state versus the Maoists bloody battle. It raises questions on the importance of the electoral system we are so proud of. It takes us much beyond what we see. The team of Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Raghuvir Yadav and Anjali Patil has come up with a top-notch performance. It's a world waiting to be explored, so better do it now.
Film review ·
Newton is a winner and celebration in more ways than one. The dark comedy asks questions that Bollywood usually shies away from, it takes to its own stride the social-political scenario and holds a mirror to the times we live in. The slow pace, in fact, only adds to the charm of the film.
Film review ·
Newton makes you want to be a more diligent Indian. It's a film that tells you that cynicism won't take us anywhere. It's a film that makes you want to not give up on incredible India. And it brings all these feelings by keeping you invested in the outcome of the election.
Film review ·
A stickler for rules, Newton Kumar' stubbornness and reality clash beautifully in this wonderfully written film.
Film review ·
Newton shakes us up in ways that are not visible to the naked eye.
Film review ·
Newton offers an interesting take on the contrasting ideas of idealism and pragmatism. Also, it is one of the better films revolving around the issue of Naxalism in India.
Film review ·
Does it hold you right till the very end, gently nudging you to think about 'the greatest internal security threat to our country?' Hell, yeah. That way, Newton packs a full-ton, and deserves full marks!
Film review ·
While filled with startling insights and questions, and buoyed by terrific performances throughout, Newton suffers from a lack of end-to-end clarity. It is a near-great film, but one that for some reason doesn't express itself fully...
Film review ·
I'm watching this movie again, just to show my support for such films, and witness the magical duo of Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi once again. You'll not get an item song, seeti-maar dialogues or hero beating ten goons kind of situations in this film, but what will you get – is a pure & innocent film trying to explain something.
Film review ·
You might leave the theatres enlightened but the only thing you'll take away home is Rajkummar Rao's finesse.
Film review ·
Nothing Happened, then Interval Came, then Nothing Happened, and the Film Ended!
Film review ·
Amit Masurkar's film—arguably the best Hindi feature of 2017—shines a light on cracks in the system...can say with confidence that Newton thrilled me like no other Hindi film this year.
Film review ·
Nothing in "Newton" is said obviously. Metaphors abound, and it is up to the audience to draw their own conclusions. But one thing is clear - Masurkar and Tewari make no bones about whose side they are on, even though the film pretends to be neutral.
From our readers
13 ratings · user score 6.7
Newton, a film by Amit Masurkar, has already created the news headlines by being nominated for the Oscars. Newton had its World Premier at 67th Berlin International Film Festival's Forum Section. Newton is a satire on our country's democracy and voting system. The manipulations are ingrained in the system. There is no space for an officer who wants to get the voting done as per the rule books. He has to bear the consequences for his honesty and sincerity. The best part of the film Newton is that its screenplay is full of humour, and to top it all, terrific actors Pankaj Tripathi, Rajkummar Rao, Raghbir Yadav, Anjali Patil and Sanjay Mishra (special appearance) are there. It is a visual treat to watch Pankaj, Rajkummar and Raghubir in the same frame on screen. The film is titled very thoughtfully, rather this is used as a metaphor. As per one of the dialogue delivered by Sanjay Mishra's character, Newton was the one who nullified the difference between the sky and the earth. And explaining it further he conveys that be it Ambani or anyone poor also, if somebody falls from the top, they have to go down only. Newton did remind me of Peepli Live which was another beautiful satire on the irresponsible and sensitizing journalism prevalent in our country. It is challenging to maintain the humour even when the scenes revolve around one of the most serious and relevant topic of voting system. As citizens of this country, many times, we are not even aware how voting system is manipulated. Especially in a democratic country like ours, it is claimed that people elect leaders. Amit Masurkar shows us 'what is unseen' or 'what goes ignored' by us. The very procedure of voting becomes questionable. The film says that the system is in place, but the authenticity and credibility is missing. Newton explores it beautifully. The film begins with a politician doing his election campaign, asking for votes and promising mobile phones / laptops. He is shot dead on his way back after the campaign. Another frame, where, Newton (Rajkummar Rao) is there with parents to see a girl. He is astonished to find that the girl is a minor, and not even 10th pass. He puts his foot down and walks out of the girl's house in spite of offered dowry. And ultimately he ends up in a confrontational mode with his father (Bachan Pachehra) over his denying to marry that girl. Then, we get to see Sanjay Mishra training the officials who are selected for election duty. He explains the usage of voting machines. He also adds that it is important to have integrity and loyalty. He also asks the officials not to resist and give away everything to the attackers as per their demand, in case, any polling booth is attacked. Sanjay Mishra explains to the officials that re-election can be done and if even that is being hindered by people, re-re-election can be done. Newton is one amongst the officials who are attending this session. During a casual chat with Sanjay Mishra, Newton explains that how he rechristened his name from Nutan to Newton in 10th standard by changing 'Nu' to 'New' and 'tan' to 'Ton'. When an official denies going for election duty to the forest area of Chattisgarh, which is supposedly under Naxal influence / control, Newton agrees to go there without any reluctance to gather the votes by 70 odd people as voters. Newton and his team Loknath (Raghubir Yadav) and Shambo0 (Mukesh Prajapati) are airdropped in Dandakaranya region. Newton meets Aatma Singh (Pankaj Tripathi), an Army Officer, who has served and looked over many elections in war-torn parts of the country. Aatma tries to dissuade them from going ahead to seek voting from the voters, but Newton does not pay heed to that. Aatma was left with no option than to accompany these officers. By that time Malko (Anjali Patil), a teacher and local booth officer, also joins them. They all reach the election venue. For Loknath, it is another polling day, so he is very casual about the whole thing. Malko, excited in the beginning, but later she gives up. Shamboo just sleeps and does not do anything unless and until asked to. What happens afterwards ? Do the voters turn out ? Are the voters able to cast votes? Does any Naxal attack happen? Do the Adivasis, who lived in those areas for centuries, understand the whole concept of voting? What do they want in return? How does the concept of democracy exercised? What happenes to the conflict between Aatma and Newton, since Aatma is keen to get out of the place with his men before darkness descends whereas Netwon is determined to ensure polling under any circumstances. Amit Masurkar and Mayank Tewari's screenplay is successful in keeping this dark comedy consistent in its humour. They have not tried to find answers or solutions to the problems pertinent in our country, but have realistically portrayed the situations. Without showing any violence or fights, the reality is felt through dialogues. One of the dialogue is: "We want to break free from both the government forces and the Maoists". Another dialogue, when Malko is asked about her being a Nirashavadi (pessimistic), she responds – "I am Adivasi". Malko's character reiterates the hard fact that nothing changes on the ground no matter how many elections are conducted. Newton is a satire on India's electoral system, democracy, bureaucracy, law and order machinery etc. and it hits the bull's eye. It raises many serious questions about the manipulations and distortions that have crept into the democratic processes in our country. The film does not really seek answers, but does make its point clear. Newton makes us experience various emotions simultaneously. Powerful Screenplay packed with Powerful Performances by Pankaj Tripathi, Rajkummar Rao, Raghubir Yadav, Anjali Patil and Sanjai Mishra makes Newton a delightful and thought-provoking watch.
बहुत उत्साह के साथ फिल्म देखने गया था | फिल्म के बारे में ऑनलाइन, अख़बार में, टीवी पर तारीफों के पूल बांधे जा रहे थे | और फिर अचानक ऑस्कर में भारत सरकार की अधिकारिक प्रविष्टी का समाचार पढ़ा, लगा की वाकई बहुत समय बाद देखने लायक black comedy film आई है | इंटरवल हुआ तो थोड़ा अटपटा लगा सोचा शायद आगे कछु हुहे | फिल्म खत्म हुई तो मैं गुस्से से उबल रहा था | IMBD पर फिल्म का विवरण : A government clerk on election duty in the conflict ridden jungle of Central India tries his best to conduct free and fair voting despite the apathy (गूगल से : lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.) of security forces and the looming fear of guerrilla attacks by communist rebels. फिल्म के कहानीकार और निर्देशक का मानना है की हमारे देश के सुरक्षाबल चुनाव में, नक्सली इलाकों में, कश्मीर में, नार्थ ईस्ट में lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern के साथ ड्यूटी करते है | और केवल इनका Newton ही ईमानदार है | आखरी द्रश्य में तो उसको ईमानदारी का सर्टिफिकेट भी मिल जाता है | और नक्सलवादियों के प्रति सहानुभूति फिल्म में साफ झलकती है | मुझे तो शक होता है की शायद इन comunist माओवादी ताकतों ने अपनी देश द्रोही मानसिकता को सहानुभूति का नकाब पहनाने के लिए अब बॉलीवुड का रुख किया है | पूरी फिल्म में शुरू से आखिरी तक खलनायक अगर कोई है तो वो है नक्सली इलाके में तैनात सुरक्षा बल | ये फिल्म भारत के सुरक्षाबलों के साथ एक भद्दा और बेहूदा मजाक करती है और बुद्धिजीवियों की भाषा में इसे black comedy कहते है | दरअसल इनकी सोच ही काली है | मैं देख रहा था वो सारे फिल्म समीक्षक जो budhha in a traffic Jam के धुर विरोधी थे वे इसके प्रशंसक है | समझ में आता है | इसी तरह का घटिया कथानक विशाल भरद्वाज ने हैदर में पेश किया था | मुझे गुस्सा भारत की तरफ से ऑस्कर में इसके चयन पर आया | क्या हम दुनिया को ये कहना चाहते है की हमारे सुरक्षा बलभारत के हिंसा ग्रस्त इलाकों में अपनी जान जोखिम में डाल कर हमारी सुरक्षा नहीं कर रहे बल्कि मुफ्त का मुर्गा, ताड़ी, ताश पत्ती और चुनाव में गड़बड़ी कर रहे है | इतनी बड़ी लोकतांत्रिक प्रक्रिया में अपवाद स्वाभाविक है तो क्या अपवाद को ही हम सबकुछ समझ ले | अगर ऑस्कर के लिए चयन नहीं हुआ होता तो कोई भटे के भाव न पूछता इस फिल्म को | आज हर कोई बढ़ चढ़ कर तारीफ़ करना चाहता है इस घटिया फिल्म की क्यों की भाई ऑस्कर वाली फिल्म की समझ हमको भी है ! अमित मसूरकर को अपनी इस फिल्म के लिए शर्म आनी चाहिए |
Diwali, the festival of lights is here & the film industry will be hoping to make hay when the sun shines with the release of big banner movies across the length & breadth of the country. Hence there werent any significant releases last weekend & the only programmes on Tv that caught my fancy was the Shanghai Masters & the Celebrity Classico. It was then that I recollected an article about a fortnight back which mentioned "Newton" as India's entry for the Oscars. Even though it's been a while since it released, I thought to write about it as I am sure many of my friends wouldn't have watched it. Newton aka Nutan Kumar (Rajkummar Rao) is a green horned government clerk who wore his honesty as a badge of honour. He was assigned the position of presiding officer entrusted with the task of conducting elections in one of the polling station located in the jungle of Chattisgarh. As it was in the Naxal hotbed region, it was always going to be a uphill task that Newton soon realised much to his dismay. Neither did the natives had any clue about the candidates or the election procedure nor were they keen to vote as they feared backlash from the Naxalites. Even the security force led by Aatma Singh (Pankaj Tripathi) didnt seem so enthusiastic with the idea of election though he made arrangements for Newton & his team. In such adverse circumstances, was it even possible to conduct a fair & free election??? Directed by Amit Masurkar, "Newton" is a political satire that has been making headlines in the last couple of months bagging awards at Berlinale 2017 & Hong Kong International Film Festival. It is his second venture after Sulemani Keeda which by the way I havent watched. Apart from direction, he had also penned the script while Mayank Tewari had assisted him in the screenplay. It was liberally sprinkled with humour but not at the cost of trivializing or mocking the realities . The main thread is the question whether the democratic process of election that we are all proud of is actually as fair as we believe it be. It throws light on the plight on tribals & downtrodden who dont see any change in their lives irrespective of whoever comes to power as they are virtually shoved around by the Naxalites & the security forces. Kudos to Masurkar for the brilliant casting which has enhanced the overall impact. We never associate music which such type of movies but both the tracks by Rachita Arora were soulful with the lyrics by Irshad Kamil & Varun Grover deserving praise. Even though it runs for just 106 minutes, some portions does lag quite a bit that Shweta Mathew ought to have taken care of. As far as performances are concerned, Rajkummar Rao continues to blow us away with his acting skills. Whatever might be the role, this dude just brings his A game to the table each & every time. Equally praise worthy were the performances by Pankaj Tripathi (who is on a roll this year), Anjali Patil, Raghubir Yadav & Sanjay Mishra. Verdict: Being a low budget movie, it has already reaped profits at the box office. But it deserves to been seen by even more people as it is an eye opener to the election process in conflict regions. It might be a tad slow for quite a few especially in the latter half but you can rest assured that it is definitely worth the time spent. In short, dont miss it!!! Rating: 3.5/5 Regards...Ben
In his second feature film after the lowbrow bro movie, Sulemani Keeda (2014), Amit Masurkar utilizes his actors to their full extent. The character of the Indian low-grade Election Committee (EC) member, played with absolute finesse by Rao, reeks of individuality and makes Newton a worthwhile affair. However, nothing - not even the Naxal tension - saves the film from putting on a dull attire that has the unabashed ability to make its audience restless. The story of a fierce election guy going against all odds to "do his duty" is welcome in Bollywood, but the treatment is amateurish here. There's a lot less involvement in the film per se which is ironic considering it sheds light into how the government handles/is handling the issue of Naxalism in central India - with sheer laxity. Pankaj Tripathi and Raghuvir Yadav stand out with their cheeky performances, making this worthwhile affair more bearable. The final 10 minutes look like director Masurkar wanted to make sense with whatever preceded them, and conveniently ends it with an open climax. There's a sense of sarcasm and childishness in the plot that does not fully translate, and as a result, does not contribute. Finishing watching Newton is like being asked out for a dinner date and when the date finally happens you are sharing a club sandwich. So you go home hungry and unsatisfied. TN.<br /> <br /> (If you are asking the question that's on everybody's mind, no, I don't think Newton will make it to the final 5 at the 2018 Oscars.)
Amit Masurkar's Newton didn't get selected for Academy Awards, but it still won the people's hearts. For me, his latest one ranks right up there with Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, except for the fact that the former was not a rigid political comment. Newton Kumar (played by Rajkummar Rao) and Pankaj Tripathi's character venture into the jungles of Chhattisgarh to conduct elections, the areas which are Naxal affected massively. Also starring Anjali Patil and Raghubir Yadav, the film is a comedy but it moves you. Hardly came any movie in... ten to twelve years to do this. Its 4 stars for Newton. Make sure you go and see.
Credits
Rajkummar RaoNewton Kumar
Pankaj TripathiAatma Singh
Anjali PatilMalka
Raghubir YadavLoknath
Sanjay Mishra
Amit V Masurkar
Manish Mundra
Mayank Tewari
Benedict Taylor
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