• By the end, Youngistaan spirals into an abyss of predictable plotting, as Abhimanyu learns the tricks of how to succeed in politics. It’s all unnecessarily stretched out, and co-writer/director Syed Ahmad Afzal brings nothing by way of original treatment or even radical resolution. There was potential here, but it’s wasted.

  • Shubhra Gupta
    Shubhra Gupta
    Indian Express

    4

    The film, despite its efforts, becomes muddled, and dull. The one I enjoyed watching most was the late Farooque Shaikh, who plays the young politician’s mentor and friend. Shaikh has a large role, and he plays it with his customary humour and grace, lending much-needed gravitas to this film. This ‘youngistaan’ will always remember him with love and affection.

  • Anupama Chopra
    Anupama Chopra
    Hindustan Times

    2

    The only bright spot here is the late Farooq Sheikh who brings his goodnatured gravitas to this unintentional comedy. Youngistaan is brain-dead and largely insufferable.

  • Youngistaan neither says something new nor does it reinforce time-tested wisdom in a way that you actually want to pay attention to it. It makes claims like Modi, implements policies like Rahul and has a persistent cough like Kejriwal, and I certainly wouldn’t vote for it.

  • Sachin Chatte
    Sachin Chatte
    The Navhind Times

    4

    There is a lot of the wanna-be element in the film. When was the last time you saw security men in suits wearing dark shades in India? The same security men even violate the Motor vehicle act of 1988 by a standing on a moving vehicle. Barring Farooq Shaikh there is nothing much to harp about in the acting department although Neha Sharma is not bad. Youngistaan is like a half cooked dish that is not terrible, but certainly not enjoyable.

  • This script must have looked great on paper and it had huge potential too. But it’s the shallow treatment that seems to have killed the spirit of the script. Watch it once if politics turns you on, and with election fever in the air, this seems like just the right time too.

  • Vaishak
    Vaishak
    OneIndia

    5

    A well shot film, Youngistaan looks cool in terms of cinematography, production design and music. This film is not for to be taken seriously, but to enjoy! If its target audience, youth, finds it interesting, it has a great chance to work well in the Box Office. Film delivers Jackky Bhagnani’s best performance till date and you can also watch the movie for Farooq Shaikh. It was the gifted actor’s last film.

  • Daily Bhaskar
    Daily Bhaskar
    Daily Bhaskar

    5

    If you are admant on watching a film this weekend and confused between Youngistaan and other big releases, then Youngistaan is your option.

  • Bhagyashree Pawar
    Bhagyashree Pawar
    Bollywood Life

    5

    You can watch Youngistaan this weekend if you have time. The movie is not all that bad. If it had a more powerful star cast, Youngistaan would certainly have had a different fate. ‘Coz most of us watch the film depending on who the lead pair is irrespective of the story being good or bad, hai na?

  • Sure, there is an attempt at trying something new. It feel flat on its face, but at least they tried. Oh well.

  • Rahul Desai
    Rahul Desai
    Mumbai Mirror

    4

    Despite its timely intentions and catchy soundtrack, Youngistaan is a skewered immature tale that caters to the lowest common denominator of hope. It doesn’t give its viewers too much credit, and eventually resembles the political system it represents. Make of that what you will.

  • Youngistaan is a utopian story, at least in today’s context. But if you aren’t really busy this weekend, you can consider heading to this Utopia.