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Shortcut Romeo backdrop

Shortcut Romeo

21 June 2013Hindi2h 26m
out of 10
Unfavorablemost critics didn't like it
Monk Score · 10 scored reviews · 2 not rated

A cheesy, twist-laden thriller that wastes Neil Nitin Mukesh on a weak script.

Verdict tier Unfavorable, most critics didn't like it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Neil Nitin Mukesh's committed performance
  • Criticised: weak screenplay and cheesy dialogue

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Critic consensus

What 12 critics are saying

Critical reception for Shortcut Romeo was largely negative, with most reviewers finding the film dull, retrogressive in tone, and poorly written. A minority of critics acknowledged its stylish direction and Neil Nitin Mukesh's performance as saving graces, with some noting an engaging cat-and-mouse thriller structure and a strong final act. However, the majority were put off by cheesy dialogue, bizarre plot twists, and what several described as an overall sense of wasted potential. A few critics rated it among the worst releases of its period, with multiple reviewers explicitly advising audiences to skip it.

How the 10 scores spread

2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (12)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Suffice it to say, I wasn't feeling very smart when I left the theatre after two and a half hours of this drivel.
  2. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    SHORTCUT ROMEO is a well-made, stylish crime story with high-voltage drama as its highpoint. It may not boast of A-listers in its cast, but it has ample entertainment and edge-of-the-seat moments to offer. I suggest, give this one a chance!
  3. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    It could have been an edge-of-the-seat thriller if more care was taken. Sadly, Shortcut Romeo leaves the viewer with an unsatisfied taste in the mouth.
  4. NDTV

    Film review ·

    In spite of its massive flaws, including the cheesy dialogues, Ganesan's stylish shocker of a thriller manages to stay constantly one step ahead of the audience. A coolly crafted cat-and-mouse game Shortcut Romeo finds Neil giving grit to the gripping goings-on. The last half-hour is a knock-out. But the overall product could have been far less retrogradatory in tone. Nonetheless enjoyable while it lasts.
  5. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Well shot, with laudable performances from Neil Nitin Mukesh and Ameesha Patel, Shortcut Romeo makes up for loose ends and bizarre twists in the plot by means of sheer masala power.
  6. Mumbai Mirror

    Film review ·

    Shortcut Romeo has it all - racism, classism, and every other ism you can think of. The Maasai tribal people are made to sound and look like hyena-howling kung fu fighters as they're bashed up single-handedly by Sooraj for no fault of their own. At one point - midway in the first half - when they're about to get the better of him and drive a dagger through his chest you can't help but hope they succeed and put an end to our collective misery.
  7. Glamsham

    Film review ·

    At the end of the movie, you wonder why you did not walk out within the first 20 minutes. As banally as the story above is narrated (read review written), so is the movie. Ridiculous. I guess, some producers have found a shortcut to spending money!
  8. IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Watch it only if you have no other movie to watch this weekend. I'd rather suggest you to stay at home, actually.
  9. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    It's hard to believe that they took this endeavour to Cannes when there's not much to even take home.
  10. Emirates247

    Film review ·

    Towards the end of the movie, there's an attempt at being profound with the line; "If you want money then forget love. If you want love then forget money." So, where does that leave us? Completely broken.

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