TheReviewMonk
Zubaan backdrop

Zubaan

4 March 2016Hindi1h 58m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 18 scored reviews · 8 not rated

Kaushal carries a film its uneven script keeps letting down.

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

  • Praised: Vicky Kaushal's lead performance
  • Criticised: Uneven screenplay and pacing

Audience

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Critic consensus

What 26 critics are saying

Critical reception for Zubaan is mixed, with most reviewers landing in the average-to-decent range. Vicky Kaushal's lead performance is the most consistently highlighted strength across reviews, with several critics stating it alone justifies a watch. The most common criticisms center on an uneven, patchy screenplay and narrative pacing issues, particularly a slow or rushed second half that undermines the film's potential. A handful of outliers sit at opposite ends — one calling it a masterpiece and another recommending audiences skip it entirely — but the consensus settles on a flawed yet partially rewarding effort.

How the 18 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 26 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (26)

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

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    The writing is patchy, with Kaushal not coming off as striking as he was in 'Masaan' : he's good yes, he makes us watch, yes, but is already familiar.
  2. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Zubaan stretches itself too thin at times in trying to raise its narrative tempo. In its quieter moments, however, it does manage to get its voice heard. Watch it for the latter bits - and for Vicky Kaushal.
  3. Top critic

    Rediff

    Film review ·

    Zubaan emerges, sadly, like one of those ads where you can half-hum the song but you forget what it was for...
  4. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    There are passages in Zubaan where we see the director's vision of an individual held ransom by his ambitions, and we are shaken in a rejuvenating way. Zubaan is an exhilarating journey of self-discovery, and far far more accomplished work that this week's other release Prakash Jha's Jai Gangaajal.
  5. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Zubaan is one of the better music-based films in the last couple of years, and will make for a quite a movie experience. Don't miss it if you can help it.
  6. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    ZUBAAN comes across as a magnificent masterpiece of the recent times. Strong performances and extremely relatable screenplay will surely bring the audiences to witness the film that speaks about love, ambition, trust, faith and betrayal.
  7. Bollywood Life

    Film review ·

    Despite the weak moments and an uneven story line, Zubaan is worth a watch. Vicky Kaushal's performance in itself is worth the price of an admission ticket!
  8. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    The first half is crisp and the story moves smoothly, but during the second half the story moves a bit too fast leaving the audience confused. The direction is good but the editing is not up to the mark.
  9. MagnaMags

    Film review ·

    The pace of the film might make you a bit restless but the story is enthralling in a few places.
  10. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Zubaan might test your patience but it is heartbreaking in parts. Luckily, the melodrama is kept at bay even when the protagonist finds himself divided between materialism and mirth.
  11. FridayMoviez

    Film review ·

    Zubaan is a good film let down by a hazy story and a strictly average screenplay. Watch it only for the powerful performances by Kaushal and Chaudhary.
  12. IndiaTvNews

    Film review ·

    Zubaan may not be a very gripping experience as it demands patience  but the film is definitely rewarding in parts.
  13. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    Zubaan is an uneven ride that appeals partially. It is the stellar performances by its cast that truly make it stand out.
  14. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    The film holds a lot of promise but doesn't really live up to it. A more clear-minded script as well as a steadier hand at direction would have done wonders to this film. However, Singh scores as he makes soul stirring music (composed by Ashutosh Phatak) an intrinsic part of the film.
  15. About

    Film review ·

    That's probably the biggest fault of the film - it does not pause - for inspiration, emotion or enlightenment to dawn on the characters. It quickly races to the finish line, hoping the viewers fill in the blanks and figure out transformation. Verdict: you can skip it!
  16. India

    Film review ·

    The film does not quite deliver as an overall experience. But the performances by Meghna Malik, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Chanana, Vicky Kaushal and Sarah-Jane Dias are well worth it.
  17. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    You come away with mixed feelings even though you really loved the idea of 'tumhari zubaan kuch keh rahi hai...'.
  18. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    If you want to see some good acting, you should definitely go for this movie. The story of this movie is very straightforward but it has been told in a creative way. The director has managed to add some good twists to the plot, that will keep you engaged throughout the movie.
  19. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    At 118 minutes duration, this unconventional story is crisp and the first half steals the show. The second half is slow in parts and the end is a tad rushed. The film reiterates the point that you have to move out of your comfort zone to find your true calling – something we all should take note of…

Credits

Cast & crew

Cast

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