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Waiting backdrop

Waiting

27 May 2016HindiorigEnglish1h 32m
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 20 scored reviews · 8 not rated

Shah and Koechlin carry this quiet, affecting study of grief past its shaky second half.

Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: lead performances by Shah and Koechlin
  • Criticised: weak plotting in second half

Audience

User score 6.8 out of 10 from 12 ratings, Mixed
Read 1 audience review ↓

Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 28 critics are saying

Critical reception for 'Waiting' is broadly positive, with the majority of reviewers recommending the film. Nearly every critic singles out the lead performances of Naseeruddin Shah and Kalki Koechlin as the film's defining strength, with several describing them as effortless, brilliant, or gobsmacking. The film is also widely appreciated for its restrained, non-melodramatic handling of grief and loss, and for its realistic emotional tone. The most common criticism is a weakening in the second half, with multiple reviewers noting thin plotting, an unnecessary revelation, and an ending that feels unresolved or too neatly packaged.

How the 20 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 28 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (28)

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

  1. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    An understated and superbly acted film about loss, grief and the human need to cling on to the physical presence of loved ones, Anu Menon's Waiting is at once heart-wrenching and uplifting.
  2. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Despite its problems – and there are a few – Waiting is well worth your time. It sags post intermission, and the plotting is weak. But it raises important questions about life, love, and letting go. Plus there are those two splendid performances. That's plenty to merit a viewing.
  3. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Both Naseeruddin and Kalki Koechlin are good fits for their parts in a film which segues easily between English, Hindi and a smattering of Malayalam.
  4. Glamsham

    Film review ·

    The dialogues that stitch the film together are the soul of the film apart from the very realistic portrayal of their respective characters played by Shah and Koelchin. Both are terrific, nay, they gob-smack you with their handling of emotions which oscillates from the sane to insane!
  5. India

    Film review ·

    You will be particularly amazed at this beautiful work of Anu Menon and the whole vibe of the movie with such heavy undertones of life's impermanence shared with us in a simple yet profound way that even after the movie concludes you are left with this feeling of having been through the turmoil of life and loss of the two characters. This understated slice of life movie is a must watch!
  6. SKJBollywoodNews

    Film review ·

    Not since Ritesh Batra's The Lunchbox have I seen an Indie film addressing itself to the ageless issue of  human desolation and individual grief with such warmth, dignity grace honesty and humour.
  7. CatchNews

    Film review ·

    Eventually, 'Waiting' serves a calm and dignified reminder of how the act itself is anything but. It is a fine little film about love, and a kind of anguish that has its own little quirks and half-smiles.
  8. FridayMoviez

    Film review ·

    Anu Menon has done a fine job with this film and has brought to us an emotional journey of two strangers who cross paths in waiting for what life had in store for them and their loved ones. So if you really want watch something meaningful do grab a seat for this one.
  9. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Packaged with Naseeruddin as the adorable old man struggling to understand a younger generation and Kalki as the charming young, energetic woman, Waiting is a delight. Powerful performances and a realistic approach make this a film you'd want to watch.
  10. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    Waiting is a delightful film that breaks the norms of soppy emotional dramas to present something real.
  11. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    The film gives a strange sense of comfort as it begins. A script so beautifully rare, 'Waiting' makes you happy when it begins.
  12. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Anu Menon's true triumph lies in how she doesn't vilify a profession or its uncomfortable reality to gather empathy for her characters...
  13. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    ...the writing wears thin in the latter half. Shiv's big revelation was unnecessary and the writers seemed unsure how to end it for Tara. And yet, none of it matters. For Kalki and Naseer's effortless performances, this movie deserves to be watched.
  14. India Glitz

    Film review ·

    'Waiting' is lengthy due to its slow narration, but at the same time is quite refreshing in terms of performances and the theme of the film. The movie had all the possibilities to end up as one fine cinema, but settles down to being a fair attempt.
  15. The W14

    Film review ·

    This simple film is so much more about dealing with life, death, and the fuzzy space in between, that suddenly becomes precious when you're hit with the thought of losing the most loved one. You can sense the tragedy. We all have. But we can do nothing about it.
  16. Bollywood Life

    Film review ·

    Waiting deserves to be seen only for the stellar performances by Shah and Kalki. Rest is forgettable.
  17. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    What happens when two strangers who meet because their loved ones are in the hospital and they're waiting for news of their health? The need for human understanding, how you connect with the hospital staff, the madness of reading up on the disease... It's all there. Human and real and funny and serious.

From our readers

Audience reviews (1)

12 ratings · user score 6.8

  1. 6/10

    'Waiting' is a slow, languidly paced film. Let me warn you, you'll get exhausted despite an enjoyably shot secomd half and a mellow, entertaining first half. But it is a very intimate, affectionate film which celebrates its romance, which unfolds in many layers and skims surfaces which are deep. Its premise is very Bollywood- and its treatment is so global that you believe that these desi characters can still inhabit amy part of the world. When they talk with each other, there's a strange wiring between them- thanks to the very fuzzy, warm writing. You should watch it. Not the best Hindi film of the year, still.

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