A dark crime study that grips some and repels others with its raw edges.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for Not A Love Story is sharply divided, with scores ranging from 20 to 80 out of 100. A handful of reviewers found the film engaging and impactful as a dark study of crime and obsession, with one calling it among Ramgopal Varma's best works and others describing it as watchable despite its bleakness. However, several critics found it gratuitous and poorly executed, citing exploitative camerawork, bad taste, and a failure to probe deeper into the psychology of its subjects beyond the surface facts of the Neeraj Grover murder case.
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
The lovers are anything but loveable characters. And this tale is a tragedy woven around the ugly face of love. Downbeat? Yes. But it's engaging and watchable – if for nothing else, for the flashes of the RGV of yore.
Top critic
Film review ·
Gory, yes but Not A Love Story is an interesting study of the darker and more devious spots of friendly neighbourhood types.
Top critic
Film review ·
It's far from Varma's best work, but it's not entirely unwatchable.
Top critic
Film review ·
All we are left with is the detritus, of the body, and a film that could have delved into the minds of those whose lives unravel when a crime of passion occurs.
Top critic
Film review ·
This is a film made in bad taste, and -- with apologies to Mr Capote -- in old blood.
Film review ·
On the whole, NOT A LOVE STORY shocks and stuns, which only goes to prove how impactful the film is. But, most importantly, it reiterates the age-old adage, anger is short-lived madness and how things can change for worse at the spur of the moment. It must be said that NOT A LOVE STORY is amongst Ramgopal Varma's best works. An intense mindbender, NOT A LOVE STORY is a wonderful illustration of how the accurate approach to storytelling can levitate a film. Try not to miss this one!
Film review ·
You leave the film with the painful sound of crashing dreams reverberating in your ears.
Film review ·
NOT A LOVE STORY is not a bad film!
Film review ·
Although the film is based on Neeraj Grover murder case, it does not show anything beyond what`s already known. In fact, RGV sticks to fiction and fictionalizes almost all the characters.
Film review ·
Moving images can cause a genuine migraine to some. At least the ones in this film could.
Film review ·
On the whole, Not A Love Story has limited appeal. It is more for the classes, that too in the big cities, than for the masses. It has curiosity value more than entertainment value and although its biggest plus point is its limited budget, it lacks the merits to score at the box-office.
Film review ·
When Not A Love Story started, it seemed like it was a bad film so enjoyable that it could be recommended. But soon, you realise that this kind of skullduggery wouldn't be advisable for anyone. As the low-held Canon 5D follows Mahie Gill's bosom, or is placed strategically below her legs, you are sickened by the desperate attempt at titillation.
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