There’s ample meat in the story, yet the writing itself is weak. The film’s second half feels particularly sloppy, and don’t even get me started on the caricaturish villains. But it’s a testament to Kangana’s full-blooded performance that Simran works despite these complaints. She’s in excellent form, an artiste at the top of her game, as she gives us another indelible character in the perplexing Praful Patel.

Come to think of it, the movie’s no slog. Mehta keeps the pace going, and delivers some terrific moments that’ll make you smile.

Kangana keeps us watching. With her plain unvarnished face, and mobile features, she comes across as a real, solid, complex woman, someone you can reach out and touch. When she’s on the top of her game, helping us ignore so many of the film’s loopholes, she’s glorious. It’s a pity her own story lets her down.

Simran is undoubtedly entertaining, but it is more of a presentation of the acting prowess of the incredible genre-crossing actor Kangana Ranaut.

Though it is clearly a one-woman film, the film hangs together with the help of its supporting actors who do their job contributing additional desi flavour like Praful’s MCP, hot-tempered father (Hiten Shah) who treats his grown daughter like a child.

Frankly, you can’t emotionally invest in Simran or root for her as much as you might want to. But when you watch the film, you will find yourself warming up to her occasionally, because she’s all you’ve got. Let’s give Kangana her due.

Go and watch this film for Kangana Ranaut’s yet another stellar performance. This film also proves one more thing – there never could be a best for Kangana as she’s unstoppable. Hansal Mehta! Thank you for Simran.

A tighter second half, fewer songs and a less hurried ending would have made Simran a watch for keeps.

But there’s more reason to celebrate Simran than diss it. The quirky perspective at finding laughs in troubled times is a refreshing way of viewing problems. And then there’s Kangana, making badass look simple, human and so full of heart.

Simran has come to theatres following an ugly controversy over its writing credits. The final rolls read: story, screenplay and dialogues — Apurva Asrani, additional story and dialogues — Kangana Ranaut. The truth about what went on behind the scenes may never be fully revealed, but what has emerged now that the curtains have been drawn aside is a compact, sweet, unconventional entertainer.

Overall, this frothy entertainer Simran is a film Kangana carries squarely on her shoulders and makes the most slipshod scenes look endearing. Watch it only for Kangana Ranaut.

The struggle of Indian parents and children in America to be both American and Indian at the same time isn’t new. But put together, they make the film a rich experience that cannot be slotted into one genre. My heart leaped with joy at the climax. If only, the 20-30 minutes in the second half didn’t distance you from the film.

Reserve this for a one-time watch as it’s incredible to see Ranaut play a self-destructive rebel. But if you are looking for a cohesive cinematic piece, then you are looking at the wrong film.

Overall, ‘Simran’ is an honest film made with a true heart and totally recommended to watch this weekend. The last scene will leave a smile on your face as you leave the theatres.

Simran has so much going for it that you really want to like the film, root for Praful, draw satisfaction from a stellar performance of a fine artiste like Kangana. But then, something doesn’t work for the film. Unfortunately, it’s a great one-time watch which makes you wish that the makers had fine-tuned it enough to propel it towards a huge success!