Kangana Ranaut's raw, career-best turn carries this quietly triumphant film.
Verdict tier Exceptional, critics broadly rave, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Critic consensus
Queen received an overwhelmingly positive critical reception, with the vast majority of reviewers offering strong recommendations. Kangana Ranaut's central performance was the near-universal focal point of praise, with critics describing it as raw, nuanced, and career-defining. Vikas Bahl's direction was also widely commended for its subtlety, witty writing, and avoidance of melodrama. The most frequently noted criticism was a cluttered or overlong final act, with several critics pointing to an excess of endings or moments of enlightenment piled on toward the film's conclusion.
5 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 27 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
It' an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, and Rani stays in your heart. Ultimately, it's Kangana Ranaut who makes you root for Rani from the word go. The best way to describe her fabulous performance is by confessing that I forgot I was watching Kangana. It's a raw, nuanced, delicately comical performance, and Bahl rightfully builds his film around his fearless, quirky heroine.
Top critic
Film review ·
The story, which could easily have slipped into mush, stays free of drippy sentimentality, barring one or two raised-violin scenes. This could have turned into a clichéd international-accented soup, but despite a couple of exaggerated mis-steps, it stays grounded.
Top critic
Film review ·
Don't miss Queen for anything. It is a sparkling little gem. Both the actress and the director use that element of gaucherie in the character to great effect, crafting a believable and adorable heroine who evokes both empathy and enchantment.
Top critic
Film review ·
Queen is a good entertainer, sure, but, more critically, it is a showcase for an actress poised to reign. This is one of those monumental moments when you feel the movies shift, and nothing remains the same. I've seen the future, baby, and it's Kangana.
Top critic
Film review ·
Queen gets almost everything right, beginning with its unusual plot. Strangely there is not one but two endings in the film, and the second one seems shoehorned and unnecessary, because the first one does everything and does so perfectly. But all these are just small complaints, not jarring enough to make one dislike the film. So go watch it.
Top critic
Film review ·
Ultimately Queen is Kangana's triumph. I left the theater thinking about Rani and how the rest of her life would pan out. It's not often you do that with a Bollywood character.
Film review ·
It is impossible to not fall in love with Kangana's performance as this is possibly her best performance till date. You would be glued to your seats till the last credits roll out, which by the way have been done in The Hangover style. You will get to see the parts you missed in the film by means of photographs and video snippets at the very end. In simple terms, Kangana's acting prowess has proved that she is a 'Queen forever'!
Film review ·
Queen is irresistible. Highly recommended. A must-see film. You will leave the theatre with your heart humming happily.
Film review ·
Mind-blowing. Brilliant. Awesome. Clean entertainer with a 'state-of-the-art' message for every woman... and man. Simply superb! This Women's Day, go out and celebrate with QUEEN. A movie worth going miles to see!
Film review ·
Queen is a journey of self transformation every woman, dumped at the altar or not, must take.
Film review ·
If you miss "Queen", you may never get a chance to know how Rani journeyed into self-actualization. And that would be your loss entirely.
Film review ·
...reinvents the genre with its non-formulaic screenplay and skilled direction. A charming little film, this one's made with heart and feeling and it shows. Absolutely recommended!
Film review ·
A masterly tapestry of a woman's self-discovery! Queen without doubt belongs to Kangna Ranaut. The character might slightly remind you of Sridevi in English Vinglish, but then, why compare? Rani is a completely fresh character. And we love her! Rajkumar Rao as Vijay may disappoint you a little. But as a complete jerk, Vijay, he did his part pretty well.
Film review ·
It's rare that Bollywood empowers it's young, lead female protagonist with a role as brilliant and liberating. Queen is one of those few films that you wouldn't mind watching again. Absolutely recommended!
Film review ·
...easily one of the most accomplished films made in a long time. The skillful direction of Vikas and Kangana's easy virtuoso makes this one an indulgent affair. For the constant smile that it left on my face, the hiccups were all forgettable. I am going with 4/5 and recommend you don't it for the world. Scores above Bravura!
Film review ·
... is one of the finest films this year that with all its simplicity strikes a chord with the mass. The movie deserves not one but repeated watch.
Film review ·
Although, the initial part of the film has got some 'not so necessary' sound tracks which perhaps is the only little drawback of the film, the entertaining latter half covers up all other issues and will leave the viewers with only applaud for the director and of course, our bubbly Queen, Kangana Ranaut. So folks...just grab your tickets and be ready to fall in love with the Queen.
Film review ·
A true coming-of-age-story…no cop-out. Now that's a rare Bollywood gem. Do Not Miss!
Film review ·
Vikas Bahl's Queen is an utterly delightful film that will bring a big smile on your face when you walk out of the auditorium. Smartly written with great attention to detail and extremely well acted, it is the kind of film that reminds you of the reason why you fell in love with movies in the first place. And if Bollywood can make such good films sans all the A list stars, then more power to it.
Film review ·
The brilliance of Queen lies in its subtlety. The film is essentially a feel-good tale about triumphing against the odds, and utilises all possible tropes you'd associate with similar films (English Vinglish, for example), but does so with a slight flourish. The writing is consistently witty. Even in its more indulgent moments, it's the humour that pulls the film through. Queen is a consistently funny and heart-warming film made of little gems, Kangana Ranaut being the brightest, biggest jewel of the piece. Shine on, you crazy diamond.
Film review ·
Kangana Ranaut's performance is outstanding. Whether she's crestfallen or ecstatic, selling golgappas or naively buying sex-toys, hiding her infatuation for an Italian restaurateur or showing deep dejection about her wimpy beau Vijya (Rajkummar Rao), she's a class act.
Film review ·
Vikas Bahl deserves applause for steering clear of melodrama and sparing us long monologues. I guess he was right to be satisfied with this film; there is really no need to change a single frame.
Film review ·
The story is etched out well, and it is perfect for the Women`s day theme. Watch the movie to break free from whatever holds you back, and of course Kangana Ranaut.
Film review ·
Queen is a well-meaning, well-mannered film that's funny and packs in small, elevating, but palatable messages. It challenges nothing. It just shows an Indian girl slowly, gently renegotiating life while remaining true to who she is.
Film review ·
Queen almost defies its bloated running time. I say 'almost' because one too many moments of enlightenment are piled on towards the end, none of which are surprising. This is instantly forgiven though, as soon as some very innovative end credits begin to roll.
Film review ·
Queen is definitely a step in right direction for Indian cinema. Let's hope it paves the way for more story-centric films in future. After Vidya and Priyanka, Kangana has staked her claim as the right choice for gutsy roles. And that's a good thing too.
Film review ·
Kangana really impresses with her performance. Though Rajkummar does not have much of a screen space, he plays the regressive fiancé perfectly. If there is one reason why you should watch the film, it is Kangana's acting.
Film review ·
Kangana Ranaut's performance in Queen overpowers the film itself. The film will, therefore, not be able to realise its full potential. It will do ordinary business because in centres other than the big cities, the audience looks for excitement in drama more than performance of the cast. Business in cities will definitely be good despite very poor opening as the word of mouth for Kangana's acting will be supremely positive.
Film review ·
Queen is an ebullient, enjoyable film, its feminist points squirelled into the film's margins. It's the breeziest film you can imagine about a person's transformation in a short span, and Ranuat is winningly responsible for it.
Film review ·
This is a fun film, and the lead performance makes a difference. After "Dedh Ishqiya", "Hasee Toh Phasee", "Highway" and now "Queen", it seems Bollywood is finally getting rid of the coy, virtuous heroine for good. That might be the best thing that's happened this year.
From our readers
47 ratings · user score 8.2
8th March is International Women's Day and Queen celebrates it with panache. When Rani played amazingly brilliant by Kangana Ranaut discovers herself on her solo honeymoon trip in Paris and Amsterdam, she comes back to India with a winning smile on her face. The same smile is pasted on your face throughout the movie. There is hardly any feminine emotion left that is not being touched upon in this witty, gritty, funny, emotional and very subtle cinematic portrayal of finding that a woman is more than being a mother, a sister or a wife. The movie talks in the language of love and affection which is not bound by the country in which you were born. All foreign characters here, be it Indian French single mother, the child-like Japanese guy, the European artist, the French restaurant owner or the black guy here play true to their cultures and don't seem fake at all. After Kangana, movie belongs to writer-director Vikas Bahl who shall be remembered now forever for penning this neat story and screenplay flooded with so many fresh and out of box ideas. So don't wait, go and experience the fun (read hungama) with your friends. It is one of the finest cinematic work of Bollywood. Period.
Kangana proves her acting prowess with this movie. You really need to watch her metamorphose into this beautiful butterfly towards the end of her honeymoon journey!! The story revolves around this lady - Rani, from a Punjabi dominated area in Rajouri (Delhi) who is all set to marry a guy settled in London. She dreams of seeing Paris...Eiffel tower with her loverboy. Alas! marriage does not work out but she wants to fulfill her dream of seeing Paris & Amsterdam on her own. Her simple and naive character is quite impressive along with a touch of persistence and bravery (her muscle tussle with a thief on a lonely street of Paris is to watch out for!!). A girl who has never seen life ahead of going to college and making sweets gradually realises her worth and understands that life is not just about doing things that every human is expected to do but doing things you WANT to do!! There are scenes where you naturally tend to empathise with this queen especially when she actually visits Eiffle tower all alone!! Beauty of the movie is that there is no "mahatma" guiding her to wade through difficult times, it is she and she alone who trips, falls,struggles, introspects and finally WINS!! So go and see her dance the way you have never imagined before! QUEEN ne woh thumke lagaye to........HUNGAMA HO GAYA!!!
'Queen' directed by vikas bahl is a entertaining one and easily one of the kangna's best work. Its a must watch and your emotions just flow with kangana's acting rather it will be shorter (just 10 minutes) because i am exhausted in the end.Lisa Haydon as vijaylakshmi look gorgeous and a good actor.
This is such a landmark film to come out of Bollywood. A woman's journey from being dumped on the eve of her wedding, to her self-discovery and self-reliance. It will definitely go down in history as one of the game changers for the roles of women in Indian cinema.
The guts she holds is superb. Good entertainer and yeah revolutionary.
This Film Will Easily Feature In Top 10 Indian Female Centeric Film & This Tells About Women Empowerment In The Best Way.I Never Liked Kangana But She Is Unbelievable In This Movie, Makes You Realise That It Is Someone Else.
Vikas Bahl's 'Queen' is a revolutionary candyfloss cinematic experience. Not only is it the most deliciously entertaining film of the year, but it is so hard-hitting that it is also the strongest Hindi- Indian- film of the year. Not only does it capitalize the women quite effectively, it celebrates their indpendence. A woman doesn't need someone to make friends- meet herself. And that's what makes it a really solid drama, and let me report, after 19 years of DDLJ we have got a classic again. It is Kangana Ranaut's most well pulled off performance. The best performance by a female actor in this decade. She is smart, ferocious, timid and free. She is written really well- she has all the priceless moments in the film, and ofcourse, she IS the film. The story of a middle class valued girl dumped in marriage by her to-be husband is surely emotional. But what follows is what makes it a standout banger- she is going to her honeymoon alone. She is going to Paris without a partner. There, she will make friends. There, she will meet her life, lost somewhere in the gusty Delhi mornings. Above anything, 'Queen' is the brilliant mainstream cinema we longed for. Not only does it tell its story woth conviction, it ultimately changes the template of women's stories in Hindi cinema. So its a 4.5 out of 5 for 'Queen'. Make sure you watch it. It's the most fun Hindi film this year.
Credits
Kangana RanautRani
Rajkummar RaoVijay
Lisa HaydonVijayalakshmi
Mish BoykoOleksander
Jeffrey HoTaka
Yogendra TikuRani's Father
Marco CanadeaMarcello
Poonam MathurMrs. DhingraHindi films like Queen
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