With films like the eminently likable Cheeni Kum and Paa, R Balki established himself as a director who had something different to say and tell. He continues in the same vein with Shamitabh but this time there are some hiccups with the screenplay, it is just not meaty enough for a two and half hour film. He does get marks though for trying and credit to the leading men for saving the day.

In the context of contemporary Hindi cinema, Shamitabh does come across as a breath of fresh air, but it certainly isn’t tailor-made for casual viewers on the lookout for porcornish entertainment. However, if you truly love cinema or are a diehard fan of Amitabh Bachchan, then Shamitabh is not a film that you can afford to miss!

Daanish and Amitabh are well-enacted, strong characters. Shamitabh is a lovingly crafted film that doesn’t quite pan out. Which is a shame, because there is much to savour here.

While I am a huge fan of the voice and was rapt every time I heard it; while I am a huge fan of the man to an extent that he is one of the few people I think who has earned the right to be arrogant; while I think if there is a personality whose career deserves a film, it is him – I’d like to see it in a documentary or a film that is blatantly about that. Not in a film that is masked as a story about how incomplete the voice is without a face while clearly being overwhelmed by the voice.

Using graveyard as a metaphor, Balki is trying to say life is too short to squabble over ego. But he seems to have forgotten that 153 minutes is too long to stretch an ad length idea to a feature film, particularly when it is not consistently speaking from the gut.

Amitabh Bachchan’s act is classy in this fun yet flawed film…

Shamitabh is recommended only for its storyline, the quality of the performances and its technical brilliance.

While Bachchan is indeed the selling point of the film, Shamitabh might have benefitted had Balki gone a little easier on his obsession with the ageless superstar.

…even as Balki guides his third film to his trademark mawkish route, the effect is nowhere the same as Paa for the heart is missing.

The film works at some levels. The absolutely cool story idea and Balki’s tongue firmly in cheek look at the buzzing world of Bollywood are the plus points of the film. The scene leading to the ‘Piddley’ song sequence as well as the song itself are the best indications of a well executed satire.

The movie is novel – it is in no way a masala blockbuster and yet it does not mock the mindless cinema of Bollywood churns out outright, despite the many chances that it has.

Shamitabh is too melodramatic and outlandish for its own good. It boasts of some great acting and a refreshing concept, but is let down by Balki’s crummy writing and ham-handed direction.

Shamitabh is a film unlike any other. Its themes are dark and deep. Its observations are candid and funny. Like any good film, its a mixture of art and mart. Songs like Piddly si baatein and She sha sha mi mi entertain. And then there are wonderful reflections on the film world. In a scene Dhanush conveys to Akshara that the film they’re making is too arty and not commercial enough. Same goes for Shamitabh. It’s a wonderful idea, straight from the heart. But end of the day its not a crowd pleaser. It is though a moving argument to why we love a phenomenon called Amitabh Bachchan.

This is one of the few films we experience and not just watch. We revel in and relish the unusual story, the characters, their equations, and soak in the performances and aesthetics. Don’t miss!

Shamitabh is good at the concept level but that’s about all. With a screenplay full of holes and lack of entertainment for the large mass base of audience, it will fail at the ticket windows. Although business in premium multiplexes in a few big cities will be okay, it will be grossly insufficient to cover the heavy investment in the film. Collections in most single-screen cinemas and small centres will be very poor.

Brimming with smart ideas and powered by the performances of its two principals, it’s a shame this promising film comes undone by the Curse of the Second Half. Watch it though for bravely treading new ground.

R Balki has presented the story in a very unconventional way. As the film is set up at the backdrop of film industry, the presence of celebs like Rekha, Anurag Basu, Karan Johar, Raj Kumar Hirani, Mahesh Bhatt, Gauri Shinde and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra gave the film a magnificent look.

If you are one of those who relish and cherish watching Bollywood’s dumb and dumber projects that are belted out every Friday, please give Shamitabh a miss because you will not be able to handle its magnanimity, forget about respecting the plot.

With the scale, budget, resources available at their disposal, Shamitabh makes you wonder: How much time did they spend on the script? Oh well, Piddly.

They just recycled the obvious film clichés. Since R. Balki loves analogies and all things South Indian, Shamitabh tastes like reheated upma made from leftovers idlis.

Shamitabh’s strength lies in the mighty performances of its two leading men, which to a large extent fill the holes in the plot and allow us to look beyond the many flights of fancy.

Despite flaws, Balki is definitely a brave director who has attempted something new in Shamitabh. The concept is novel and he deserves a pat on the back for it. He loses his grip somewhere during the transition from sarcasm to irony, still he gives the glimpses into his latent talent. Certainly an able director.

That, in essence, is the problem with Shamitabh: it spends all its time explaining its own jokes.

And that never sounds right, no matter the voice.

‘Shamitabh’ had the potential to use irony and knowingness and a self-awareness, and the presence of the most durable star in Bollywood whose velvet-and-iron rumble has become part of the national soundtrack, to give us an unforgettable story of ego and identity, rejection and acceptance, success and failure. There are a few moments which sparkle, and we laugh in acknowledgement. But the rest of it is overpowered by unabashed reverence.

R Balki holds the story together and keeps you entertained through this two hours and twenty minute film. The concept itself is quite different and works very well. Using Bachchan’s popular voice seems like a brilliant idea.

…amidst the high-wattage attention around the Dhanush-Amitabh pairing, less is paid to Akshara, whose performance, although sincere, sometimes looks a tad banal.

As does the film occasionally, a pity because Shamitabh’s striking story could leave you speechless.

Shamitabh is not just a homage to the great Bachchan baritone it is also a magnificent ode to the theme of human mortality . The love of Bollywood (sorry, Mr Bachchan) runs across the plot in frenzied rhythms. The two principal actors play out their conjoined karmaswith a passion that burns your soul.

…despite the flawed writing, Dhanush and Bachchan make Shamitabh a pleasant enough outing to the movies.

…completely intoxicated by the magic of the incredible Mr Bachchan and the amazing Dhanush. Though ‘Cheeni Kum’ as compared to Balki’s previous creations, the awesome twosome act of Amitabh and Dhanush keeps the audience mesmerized while fans will go home with heads up and clouds in their hands others will not find much to repent.

Shamitabh is a treat to watch owing to the lead actors of the film, Amitabh Bachchan and Dhanush. They have made the movie fun and entertaining covering up the film’s weak plot. This movie is a must watch, so book your tickets soon!

Shamitabh may not appeal to the masses for its unique storyline and is more so for the niche audiences. The brilliant performances by Dhanush and Amitabh Bachchan and an emotional climax make up for this faulty plot that drags post interval. For its novel ideas and stellar showcasing of acting talents.

SHAMITABH has an out-of-the-box and unusual plot that will appeal only to a niche audience. Go for it only if you are a hardcore Bachchan fan.

It is a rarity in Indian cinema to find a film that is both highly entertaining, thought provoking and clean at the same time. Backed by some powerhouse performances of Big B and Dhanush, Shamitabh is one of the finest films this year. Don’t miss it. Do yourself a favour. Go and watch Shamitabh right way.

Amitabh Bachchan and Dhanush leave ‘Shamitabh’ half baked…
They make a great team, no doubt, but Balki’s plot is unable to take it to greater heights

While Shamitabh may not be gripping from start to finish, it’s a treat to watch its lead actors. They make it work even if it’s not heavy on plot.