A watchable thriller with social bite that never quite hits hard enough.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Table No. 21 is mixed, with most reviewers landing in the average-to-decent range. Several critics acknowledged the film as a competently paced thriller that offers a different cinematic experience compared to mainstream Bollywood fare, with a few recommending it outright as a welcome departure from formulaic films. Common criticisms include a lack of sufficient dramatic force and impact, and at least two reviewers felt the film and its actors failed to deliver on their potential, with Rajeev Masand and Roshni Devi specifically noting that even the lead performers appeared disengaged. The film's social commentary angle was noted, though opinions diverged on whether the thriller elements were executed effectively.
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 9 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
The drama is woven around a welter of lies, betrayal and brutality. The lead pair is trapped in a web that is as much of their own making as it is of the man who manipulates them like a master puppeteer. But rarely does this dark thriller hit home with sufficient force.
Top critic
Film review ·
Echoing films as diverse as Oldboy and Slumdog Millionaire, director Aditya Datt creates a reality game show-revenge saga that gathers some steam in the last act, but by then it's too little, too late.
Top critic
Film review ·
I'm going with two out of five for director Aditya Datt's Table No 21. Even dependable actors like Paresh Rawal and Rajeev Khandelwal sleepwalk through their roles.
Film review ·
On the whole, TABLE NO. 21 is a commendable movie-going experience. If you are an extremely choosy moviegoer who watches select first-rate films a year, make sure TABLE NO. 21 is included on your listing. Strongly recommended!
Film review ·
'Table No. 21' might just be one film that is instrumental in turning the tables of the game around. In the Hindi film industry of the day, where a lot of mindless stuff is churned out under the guise of 'films' every year, Datt's thriller is one that is a welcome break.
Film review ·
Table No 21 may not be the perfect start to 2013 we were looking for, but it's a well-paced thriller with some highs and quite a few lows, and it's never boring.
Film review ·
Table No. 21 should be watched for the reactive social commentary that it is, and should not be misconceived as a vigilante film.
Film review ·
If you're looking for a different taste for your cinema palates (minus the mirch masala), book a seat for Table No. 21. Bon appetit!
Film review ·
Table No. 21 is a shameful waste of some really good actors where the makers sleepwalked through the entire film. Best to avoid this one.
From our readers
2 ratings · user score 6.0
A week into 2013 and the film industries are waking up to life after the holidays. Among the first few releases of this year, the promos that actually caught my eye was Aditya Datt's "Table No.21". Though devoid of superstars, the presence of Paresh Rawal & Rajeev Khandelwal surely raises the hopes of something exciting. So will this be the first hit of the year??? Vivaan (Rajeev Khandelwal) & his wife, Siya (Tena Desae) is an ordinary middle class family who cant believe their luck when they win an all expenses paid trip to the beautiful islands of Fiji. Incidentally, their wedding anniversary which happened to coincide with their trip was celebrated in a manner they would have least expected. They receive an invitation from Mr. Khan (Paresh Rawal) the owner of Suva, one of the finest resorts of Fiji to spent their special day there. Things get even better when Mr. Khan offers the couple a staggering 21 crores to be part of his internet gaming show "Table 21". The rules basically involved telling the truth at all costs followed by performing a task for each of the 8 questions asked. But what began as a light hearted game eventually turns out more than what they had bargained for. Aditya Datt has come up with an arresting thriller which gets better with each passing sequence culminating in a thrilling climax which leaves a lump in your throat. The stark reality portrayed gives you a fleeting glimpse of the glum realities of many such incidents in real life and the credit for this goes to the impressive scripting by Shantanu Ray & Shreeshak Anand. If at all, I have to name a flaw then it has to be the slow pacing in the first half which doesnt pack as much a punch as expected even though the script had the substance. I believe it's immaterial to harp as to how brilliant an actor Paresh Rawal is as he always delivers a cracking performance whenever he is given a well etched character. Call it irony or destiny, but after playing host to the game show "Sach Ka Saamne" in the silver screen; Rajeev Khandewal now dons the role of the participant with conviction who has no option but say the truth to win the bounty. As for Tena Desae, she seemed fine though not totally at ease in some sequences. Verdict: Undoubtedly one of the best thrillers in recent times primarily coz of the climax which draw parallels with the stark reality in our every day life. I believe it has the makings of a hit & suggest that you guys should check it out!!! Rating: 3/5 Regards...Ben
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