Kangana shines, but a faltering second half leaves Revolver Rani misfiring.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Revolver Rani is mixed to moderately positive, with the majority of reviewers singling out Kangana Ranaut's performance as the film's strongest and most consistent asset. Several critics praised the film's dark humour, satirical tone, and crisp dialogue, with a minority calling it a must-watch example of experimental Indian cinema. However, a broad consensus emerged around significant weaknesses in the second half, with reviewers repeatedly citing a sluggish and inconsistent screenplay, poor pacing, and editing that undermines the film's early promise. A number of critics also noted that the film struggles with tonal confusion, failing to fully commit to any single genre.
9 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 26 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
A Kangana Ranaut film seems to be increasingly acquiring the proportions of a genre unto itself. It needs neither saleable male co-stars nor the tried-and-tested conventions of Bollywood blockbusters. Revolver Rani may lack star power, but it has no dearth of firepower.
Top critic
Film review ·
If you like uplifting, cheerful cinema then this isn't the movie for you. But if like me, you can enjoy bad people doing bad things, then Revolver Rani is fun.
Top critic
Film review ·
The Rani in 'Queen' won our hearts because she was believable every inch of the way. This Rani, who hefts revolvers and shoots to kill, is neither wholly a cartoon figure, nor completely credible. This confusion makes us stop suspending disbelief, and 'Revolver Rani' becomes a tiresome Bollywoodesque trudge through the Chambal, and its men and one woman posturing with guns, and the standard corrupt 'netas' and complicit cops.
Top critic
Film review ·
It has hints of pulp, a dash of slapstick, a helping of noir, some serious drama, shootouts. But the pulp is not pulpy enough, the comedy is not funny, the action is lame, and our heroine Rani, played by the wonderful Kangana Ranaut has nothing to do except overcompensate for the film's half-baked nature.
Film review ·
Revolver Rani is a 'must watch' for the sake of rich and superior cinema. The story is tight and dialogues are crisp, director Sai Kabir shows mark of an experienced filmmaker.
Film review ·
Overall, Revolver Rani presents experimental filmmaking at its very best but typically with little commercial relevance, especially in the context of the Indian market. Kangana Ranaut shines in her portrayal of a politically powerful female goon. Revolver Rani is film that can best be appreciated with open and receptive minds. There is certainly more to the film than meets the eye. As a socio-political satire, its relevance cannot be overlooked. The undercurrent of dark humour only adds to movie's overall appeal. Highly recommended!
Film review ·
Revolver Rani is a special film which is backed by a special performance. You can't afford to miss Kangana's power performance. Watch it for the Queen of Bollywood.
Film review ·
Do watch this desi Kill Bill of sorts to experience a different kind of Bollywood film. Forgive the inconsistent second half, and what you have is a film that entertains, makes you laugh, and gives you food for thought. Truth be told, the film is worthwhile for Kangna Ranaut's performance alone. Don't miss!
Film review ·
'Revolver Rani' is loaded with a lot more than just gunpower. You'll enjoy biting this bullet.
Film review ·
This would have been a great party if only it wasn't so long. But one has to applaud Kangana Ranaut, who could give all the dacoits in B-Town a run for their loot, for another great performace. Vir Das is just about alright. Kangana delivers her acting chops, but this Rani may not be able to score over the Rani of Queen.
Film review ·
Revolver Rani is not a compelling watch like Queen but Revolver Rani has got Kangana and she is pretty much why you should watch this film.
Film review ·
Revolver Rani is a better than good film that is pulled back due to its hassle some screenplay and craggy editing. The film could have been way more meritorious with heightened drama and better action but suffering from the known second hour plague, the film loses focus squandering its potential in thin air. Kangana Ranaut however, doesn't allow the film to waste away. Her enigma alone makes it quite an irresistible and scrummy watch.
Film review ·
The film starts with much promise, with a kind of quirkiness and black humour that fits well with the subject in hand. The narration and the background music work in absolute tandem to bring us a satire that succeeds in making you chuckle more often than not. But unfortunately, some scenes are so long drawn out that the whole impact begins to fizzle out by the end of it. Sharper editing would have perhaps worked towards retaining the crispness of the characters.
Film review ·
Expectations from a Kangana Ranaut film, post 'Queen' are immense. Kangana does not disappoint and that's why it is a pity that she is let down by a story that on paper must have held a lot of promise.
Film review ·
REVOLVER RANI has engaging moments, but they are few and far between. This being Kangna's immediate film release after the remarkable success of QUEEN may benefit the film to an extent.
Film review ·
Sai Kabir tries really hard to turn crude to class however, despite having all elements he ends up with a sluggish and half-baked plot. Watch it only for the exceptional performance of Kangana Ranaut.
Film review ·
Revolver Rani could have been the movie of the year. It ended up as a confused film that can't decide who, or what it wants to concentrate on instead.
Film review ·
Revolver Rani makes you feel it had the potential to be an enjoyable, out-of-the-box film. But, I doubt, with that second half there was any possible redemption.
Film review ·
For those still in the 'Queen' hangover, 'Revolver Rani' won't be an easy pill to swallow. However, the film does manage to establish Kangna's range as an actor. The transition from Rani to 'Revolver Rani' has not exactly been a seamless one, but full marks for the effort.
Film review ·
There are a few nice bits like the shootout and the excited newsreader episode which allows you to indulge in a few laughs. But towards the end it all gets a bit too high handed and the plot is lost. The heroine's character is interesting, I don't think there are many dacoits who aspire to wear clothes from Paris and want to go to Italy as well.
Film review ·
Kabir's first effort as filmmaker has a couple of redeeming qualities – he shows a flair for dialogues and makes good use of Sanjeev Srivastava's music – but ends up biting off a lot more than he can chew in a film that can be best described as wannabe-Gangs of Wasseypur-meets-wannnabe-Kill Bill.
Film review ·
Forget about cashing in on Kangana success they couldn't even make a decent film!
Film review ·
Although Kangana makes 'Revolver Rani' work on so many levels, the movie doesn't do her justice. We honestly wish it had.
Film review ·
There's a brief period in the second half where Vir Das is getting married on the loop to different women and it's truly hilarious. Pity then that the rest of the film is so bipolar in nature. Had Sai Kabir maintained the same vein of rhetoric throughout the film, this would've been a memorable adult, action comedy. Ironically it isn't.
Film review ·
It takes all of fifteen minutes to realise that you are watching a desi version of Kill Bill in Revolver Rani. Its got Quentin Tarantino written all over each and every sequence, the director having broken the film down into just that — a series of well-orchestrated sequences. And in tune with director Sai Kabir's aesthetic inspiration, Revolver Rani exudes Tarantino style pulpy kitsch, much to the amusement of an unsuspecting Indian audience.
Film review ·
Overall, if you are planning to watch Revolver Rani for Kangana, go ahead. If you are looking for a complete package, you can give it a miss.
Film review ·
Revolver Rani is a very authentic satire, littered with dead bodies, love and humour. The film's plot keeps the audience engaged. The film proves to be a must watch for Kangana's exceptional performance as a rebellious political goon.
Film review ·
... entertaining in parts but lack of hit and popular music and the unexplained conflict of the second half will tell on its business. Connoisseurs of different cinema will like the film but that will not be enough to recover the cost, given the film's dull opening.
Film review ·
Revolver Rani has a bit too much going on at any given point, but it is cast well and has an interesting set of actors who give the material much-needed heft. Vir Das makes a convincing foil to Alka's brusqueness, balancing the comedy of his daily tortures that result from Alka's blinkered love with the tragedy of his pawn status.
Film review ·
It's a very authentic film, surrounded with dead bodies, love and subtle comedy that brings an end with a different climax in Shivpuri Bird Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) before the break of the dawn. Even if she wields guns and goes for blood, Revolver Rani ends up with Love!!
From our readers
3 ratings · user score 5.3
Revolver Rani. 2014 shall be remembered as Kangana Ranaut's year. One month back she was seen effortlessly playing a nice, lovely and innocent Rani in Queen and now turning everything upside down she plays a psychotic dacoit cum politician Alka Singh and again very effortlessly. She strikes a fine balance between madness and vulnerability but unfortunately unlike Queen, Revolver Rani fails as a movie. Apart from Vir Das playing the selfish toy boy of Alka and Piyush Mishra playing no barred king maker uncle of Alka, other actors and their characters fail to impress you. First one hour of movie fails to strike any chord. Second half succeeds somewhat making you laugh by the hilarious sequence of Vir Das going into a loop of marriages and Kangana taking the charge when she chooses love over hate. Director Sai Kabir seems to be overly inspired by the work of Quentin Tarantino so he tries to put so much style in his bad world but does it without any subtleness. Music is so badly done that makes you cringe and absence of a strong villain in front of Kangana hurts the drama. I am going with generous 6 out of 10 for Revolver Rani. It's something fresh for world of Bollywood but apart from Kangana's fearless performance nothing there is quite right.
After Bullett Raja(2013), here comes Revolver Rani. Kangana Ranaut is riding high after the grand success of Queen and she rightly follows it up with RR. And it sure is a treat to watch her from demure to daring. Chambal, dacoits, revolvers and bullets go hand in hand. There are no friends except that one has to kill the enemies to survive. And politicians make their presence felt. Alka Singh (Kangana Ranaut), a trigger-happy killer politico has breathed violence and doesn't fear to shoot and kill. Alka has lost elections in Gwalior to Tomar party. And the Tomars are baying for her blood. But before killing her, they would like to hurt her. And what better way to do that than to kidnap her actor fantasy of a boyfriend Rohan Mehra (Vir Das). They kidnap Rohan in Mumbai and bring him to Gwalior to kill him. But can Alka let that happen? She comes blazing at the scene of action and takes charge. From a fearless politician to a coy lover, who would turn a meek woman to be with her man; Kangana infuse life in the role. She knows that from an uncouth, fire-brand gun-toting foul-mouthed witch she has to turn into a demure woman, who wants to attract her man. And she does it effortlessly. She only likes "phasion, gun and fun." Alka loves her man and knows how to protect his life. The movie shows a role reversal, where woman protects her man. For she is deeply in love. So what if she is a politician! Before that and foremost, she is a woman. And love oozes out of her. The deadly Rani can make mincemeat out of her enemies, only to protect her love(r). This is all about guns, guts and glory. Kangana at her very best. Ab Mard Ko Sar Dard Hoga! For Sure!
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