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That Girl in Yellow Boots backdrop

That Girl in Yellow Boots

2 September 2011Hindi1h 39m
Thriller
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 12 critic reviews

Kashyap's craft shines, but the story meanders toward an unsatisfying end.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Kashyap's controlled direction and execution
  • Criticised: Meandering, unsatisfying narrative structure

Audience

User score 4.0 out of 10 from 1 rating, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Read 1 audience review ↓

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Critic consensus

What 12 critics are saying

Critical reception for That Girl in Yellow Boots is divided, with most reviewers acknowledging it as a worthwhile entry in Indian independent cinema while disagreeing on its overall success. Several critics praised Anurag Kashyap's controlled direction and the film's willingness to depict uncomfortable corners of society, with its execution and thematic ambition drawing the most consistent approval. On the other hand, a notable cluster of critics found the narrative self-indulgent, structurally meandering, and ultimately unsatisfying, leaving viewers emotionally unmoved despite its craft. The film is broadly positioned as niche viewing, with even some sympathetic reviews cautioning that it falls short of Kashyap's stronger prior work.

How the 12 scores spread

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

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    It is well-nigh his most controlled film to date: the style, fluid and unobtrusive, complements the theme rather than overshadow it.

  2. Top critic

    Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Not meant for those who like run-of-the-mill stuff, That Girl in Yellow Boots is quintessential independent cinema.

  3. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Even if the story itself leaves you wanting more, the storytelling makes you go the distance.

  4. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Where 'The Girl In Yellow Boots' stopped being satisfactory is when I started wanting more, and didn't get it.

  5. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    On the whole, THAT GIRL IN YELLOW BOOTS is yet another outstanding example of independent cinema. This Anurag Kashyap film caters to a more evolved, cinema literate audience. The film may not boast of big stars or may not be very huge on hype and hoopla, but it is a gem of a movie that should be watched for its powerful plot and terrific execution of the written material. Watch this film if you want to see cinema from India beyond the routine Bollywoodish stuff.

  6. Glamsham

    Film review ·

    You may not be able to enjoy the movie, but you will definitely take home a lesson. A lesson Anurag has clinically passed on with an underlying, chilling message: Children from broken families are always broken from the inside. No matter how tough they appear from the outside.

  7. Zee News

    Film review ·

    Well, here's another masterstroke from Kashyap, 'That Girl In Yellow Boots' is a must watch film.

  8. DNA India

    Film review ·

    TGIYB, in the end, is a middling effort that has its share of highs, but leaves you unmoved and slightly disappointed.

  9. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Yellow Boots, co-written by him and wife Kalki Koechlin, also essaying the 'Girl' in the title, is a compilation of abstract frames, which often stir from their surreal state to expose the ugly, upsetting corners of society. The narrative refuses, almost doggedly, to follow a conventional structure. Instead like fluttering pages of a disorderly diary, it is puzzling, self-indulgent, wandering and personal.

  10. The Navhind Times

    Film review ·

    As a director and producer, Anurag Kashyap has carved a niche for himself as someone whose projects are always something to look forward to. Black Friday, Dev D, Gulaal are all in a league of their own. Now, the bad news is that his latest offering That Girl in Yellow Boots is not quite in the same club, but the good news is, it is still streets ahead from the usual weekly fare.

  11. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    So much lower on logistics and ambition. It is, what they call, a quickie: As true for the movie's subject, as for its unsatisfying outcome.

  12. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    On the whole, That Girl In Yellow Boots will win critical acclaim and the love of a section of the audience but will be shunned by the majority of the paying public.

From our readers

Audience reviews (1)

1 rating · user score 4.0

  1. Shashwat SisodiaSept 2019
    4/10

    The film, despite not being a riddle anyway and despite being a fresh piece of cinematic thriller, is only half-convincing. Maybe genuine, maybe inventive, maybe top on the craft, but not strong in any sense of word. It's core weakness is that it never rises above a maybe. A vaguely watchable film that never gets its audience intimate with its world. It's unfamiliar, but honestly, really bland to want to get familiar with in every sense of word. Didn't expect an ensemble of Anurag Kashyap, Kalki Koechlin and Naseeruddin Shah to be that ordinary. I'm going with 2 out of 5 for the boring 'The girl in the Yellow Boots'. It is not bad enough to be called the worst Hindi film of the year, but still it is everything ought to go right turned wrong in every sense of word.

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