Top critic
Times Of India
Film review ·
7.0
Dark, devious and different, Yeh Saali Zindagi is brain-and-brawn drama. Wish the Censor hadn't beeped so much.
Yeh Saali Zindagi
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 10 critic reviewsA messy, overlong ride redeemed by a cast that outshines its script.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
- Praised: ensemble cast performances
- Criticised: overlong and narratively messy script
Audience
User score 8.0 out of 10 from 1 rating, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Not streaming in India
Top cast
Critic consensus
What 10 critics are saying
Critical reception for Yeh Saali Zindagi is mixed, with most reviewers landing in the average-to-decent range. The ensemble cast, particularly Irrfan Khan, Saurabh Shukla, and supporting performers, draws consistent praise across reviews, with several critics noting that the actors elevate the material beyond what the script alone delivers. The most common criticism is that the film is overlong, narratively messy, and populated with surplus characters and subplots that make it difficult to follow, requiring patience from the viewer. A minority of critics found it too thin or too complicated to recommend, while others felt it ultimately delivered enough entertainment to justify a watch.
How the 10 scores spread
Positive / mixed / negative reviews
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 10 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Critic reviews (10)
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
IBNLive
Film review ·
6.0Yeh Saali Zindagi takes its time to unfold, but it's a delicious little treat if you muster the patience for it. Under its rough exterior of criminals and gunshots, is a tale of slow-burning passion and unconditional love.
Top critic
NDTV
Film review ·
6.0Yeh Saali Zindagi needed to be shorter and less flabby. I also wish that Arunoday and Chitrangda were more forceful actors - thankfully Irrfan Khan, Saurabh Shukla, Sushant Singh and a host of other strong performers ably prop them up. Eventually then, Yeh Saali Zindagi doesn't hit all the high marks it sets for itself but it provides enough crackle to keep you entertained. Check it out.
Top critic
Indian Express
Film review ·
3.0The title instantly conjures up a welcome robustness. That phrase is not so much invective as part of the slangy, easy-speak DNA of so many-- an affectionate, ironic, all-encompassing metaphor for life and how it's such a bitch.
Glamsham
Film review ·
7.0YEH SAALI ZINDAGI is a racy entertainer which blends the right amount of romance, comedy and thrill. You will regret throughout your zindagi for missing this one!
Rediff
Film review ·
7.0The idea is to project mess and chaos. Indeed surplus characters and subplots often make YSZ an overwhelming experience to endure. But if you are up for the challenge to explore Delhi's shifty facet, it's rewarding too. What's most fascinating is how everyone has a sense of humour about their situation, which is inevitably on the sticky side. Saali or sane, this Zindagi rocks.
DNA India
Film review ·
6.0With a bit of patience, however, YSZ isn't a bad choice for this weekend. If patience isn't one of your virtues, however, wait for the television premiere.
Hindustan Times
Film review ·
6.0It's fairly simple. The film appears jumbled in parts, merely because no character holds a moral centre. No character, in particular, holds the plot together either. The picture goes all over the place to arrive at an end, even beyond the intended end. You leave for home with an exhilarating ride, still reeling in your head -- though not quite the heart. The actors (each one of them inspiringly cast, stunningly moulded) help you get there. The movie seems infinitely better than the sum of its script. That's usually true for fun thrillers. This is definitely one of them.
Bollyspice
Film review ·
4.0Set in Delhi, Yeh Saali Zindagi depicts Arun (Irrfan Khan) and Mehta (Saurabh Shukla) work together in a business which is unstated.
KoiMoi
Film review ·
2.0On the whole, Yeh Saali Zindagi is an average entertainer which will suffer at the box-office on account of a complicated script. Its bold dialogues and the performances of its cast members are its biggest plus points.
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