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Traffic backdrop

Traffic

6 May 2016Hindi1h 44m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 14 scored reviews · 8 not rated

A noble true story, but sluggish pacing and sentiment blunt its impact.

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

  • Praised: ensemble performances and true story
  • Criticised: sluggish pace and weak execution

Audience

User score 6.3 out of 10 from 3 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Read 2 audience reviews ↓

Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 22 critics are saying

Critical reception for Traffic is sharply divided, with scores ranging from outright dismissal to strong recommendation. Several critics praised the film's ensemble performances — particularly from veteran actors — and found the underlying true story of human kindness compelling enough to recommend a watch. However, a significant number found the execution lacking, citing a bloated pace, mawkish sentimentality, loss of urgency after the interval, and a failure to generate the emotional or thriller-driven tension the premise promised. A recurring note is that the Hindi version loses the energy of the original Malayalam film.

How the 14 scores spread

8 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

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

AI-generated summary of 22 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (22)

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

  1. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Traffic, both the original and its Hindi version, will forever bear testimony to the magnitude of the loss that Pillai's untimely death represents for cinema. This is a fitting swan song: an unmissable film.
  2. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    This enterprise, bloated by needless saccharine and background music, has its moments but stays, overall, strictly serviceable.
  3. FridayMoviez

    Film review ·

    Traffic, both the original and its Hindi version, will forever bear authentication to the enormousness of the loss that Pillai's untimely death represents for cinema. The goosebumps that shall rise and the pace of your heart beat are worth every second of his thriller. The unforeseen circumstances grip on to your attention so tight that you wouldn't want to move an inch. This one, you cannot miss, go grab your seats now.
  4. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Traffic does not preach or boast but it touches hearts. Watch it for the emotional connect, and of course, the wonderful performances.
  5. Fully Hyderabad

    Film review ·

    As we go through our humdrum living getting accustomed to regularity and blind to the unfamiliar, a story like Traffic gives us a reason to reflect on this extraordinary world that we live in. That is perhaps worth the dough you shell out at the box-office.
  6. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    The characters and key-plot situations are seamlessly interwoven. There are some predictable playing-to-the-gallery religious sentiments introduced to get the desired results. But this can be overlooked because at it's core, this is a well-intentioned film with fine performances from its ensemble cast.
  7. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    Traffic is a disappointing movie which fails to justify the true events. Boring, lengthy and more focused on a drama rather than the core topic of organ transplant in traffic conditions. Apart from Manoj Bajpayee's sharp performance, the film has nothing to offer.
  8. Mumbai Mirror

    Film review ·

    Organ donation is a noble cause that this film picks up to endorse. But the superficial focus on the humanitarian act only draws attention away from it.
  9. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    For a remake of a Malayalam movie this one tells the tale based on a true story, but it becomes so tedious because it tries too hard to infuse the TV drama pace of Kiefer Sutherland's 24 and ends up being tedious.
  10. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Traffic doesn't address its ethics or anything profound. It doesn't aspire to be anything beyond a bumpy ride to half-hearted glory. And in that it is entirely successful.
  11. India Today

    Film review ·

    Traffic is inspired by a real-life incident, but the filmmaker has turned an interesting idea into a mawkish drama and a stretched thriller.
  12. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    There is very little to appreciate in Traffic. However, if you are a fan of over-the-top thrillers, this one may appeal to you.
  13. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    Despite it's minor flaws Traffic is a film that deserves attention and an audience. It's a fantastic story of human spirit. It should be able to inspire every individual to think and find the heart to help out others in times of need. It's just the sort of film that makes the world seem like a better place. It's a must watch for sure.
  14. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    The road to cinematic achievement is lined with films that made it to the interval mark and then were ruined by their own contrivances. Traffic is a case study in what not to do with your story after the half-way post.
  15. Huffingtonpost.in

    Film review ·

    A film like this should have been about the moments and emotions the characters feel during the journey. But the screenplay chooses filmi twists — including one slightly twisted narrative whose resolution is unbelievably tame — over these.
  16. Scroll.in

    Film review ·

    ...the essence of the original – and the reason it worked with audiences – has been lost. There's none of the energy and drive in the Hindi Traffic.
  17. Sify

    Film review ·

    The film's tells the story in a straightforward, simple manner. The execution is not sharp and technically impressive. The acting is superb by the veterans, but shaky by the younger crowd. Still, the film is worth a watch for the extraordinary story. A story that actually encompasses the scope of human kindness. And the fact that the film is inspired by true events makes it that much special!

From our readers

Audience reviews (2)

3 ratings · user score 6.3

  1. Gurjant RaiSept 2016
    8/10

    The 105-minute Traffic plays out like a thriller, with each second that elapses invoking the ticking of a real clock. Traffic is made doubly riveting by an eclectic bunch of fine actors led by Manoj Bajpayee in the role of Ramdas Godbole, a traffic constable suspended from service for accepting a bribe.

  2. Raj ChughSept 2016
    6/10

    The film is a remake of 2011 Malayalam movie based on a real life incident in Chennai when a special corridor was created to transport a heart from one hospital to another. At the idea level, the makers have partially succeeded in ensuring that the film keeps you at the edge of your seat. However, the scenes where the constable is seen exiting the city with the heart on the back seat isn't executed well. Read full review at deccan chronicle

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