-
Kedarnath
This is the natural order of things, the way the world was meant to be: men and women falling in love without social interference, humankind co-existing with the rest of the planet without interfering with the environment in the name of development and human welfare, so that no one gets to ask, “where did you land up in our midst?” because you see, we were all “always here”. Point well made, Abhishek Kapoor.
Dec 2018
-
Phata Poster Nikhla Hero
It’s sweet, funny and goofy, a good ol’ clean comedy from Bollywood after a long time.
Sep 2013
-
Dangal
...may be confusingly cautious around popular notions on the parental front, but in the matter of sporting achievement it does not mince words: silver is second best, it tells us unequivocally, and there is nothing wrong in aiming for gold.
Dec 2016
-
Saala Khadoos
As with most such films, the final outcome in the ring is not hard to predict here. The journey to that moment though is emotionally engaging and, after a point, nerve-wracking enough to draw cheers of delight.
Feb 2016
-
Nov 2015
-
Sui Dhaaga
...so rewarding, so amusing, so steeped in tenderness, affection for the characters and positivity that it makes the ride with Mamta, Mauji and their charmingly eccentric family and friends completely worth it.
Sep 2018
-
Kaagaz
...is an enjoyable and important film, held together by its largely assured direction and by Tripathi, one of contemporary Bollywood’s finest actors.
Jan 2021
-
Zed Plus
Dwivedi is best known for the mega-teleserial Chanakya and the National Award-winning film Pinjar. Despite some rough patches, Zed Plus is a worthy addition to that formidable CV.
Nov 2014
-
No Fathers In Kashmir
For a fictionalised feature to shine a light on the most contentious aspects of Kashmir's tragedy - from hypocritical fundamentalists to half widows and mass graves - takes immense guts irrespective of which political party is in power at the Centre.
Apr 2019
-
Dec 2015
-
Fan
...is far from being perfect, it urges us to think about issues relating to stardom, fandom, idolatry and public expectations from famous people without overtly appearing to do so.
Apr 2016
-
Dhanak
There’s a whole constellation twinkling at us off screen from this warmly appealing, life-affirming film.
Jun 2016
-
Raag Desh
If you plan to watch it, do not go looking for Border or LOC Kargil. This one is more akin to Sankalp Reddy’s Telugu/Hindi The Ghazi Attack (2017), albeit even more under-played and also less swish on the production front. Raag Desh is a docu-drama, not a high-pitched weepie.
Aug 2017
-
Pari
The fact that the star has chosen to produce this shockathon (she is one of the few female actors in Bollywood to turn producer) speaks volumes about the risk-taking streak she has brought to her career so far.
Mar 2018
-
Talaash
Have you ever watched a film and felt it had everything going for it, yet something didn’t quite add up? That you weren’t blown away despite liking so many individual elements in it? That’s how I felt as I left the hall after Talaash.
Dec 2012
-
Saina
Even with its flaws, Saina does provoke some thought, is moving in places and has some fun to offer.
Mar 2021
-
Jab Tak Hai Jaan
...fun first half; emotional despite its numerous flaws; and the ending did have me on edge; but … overly long and dull second half; incongruous casting; disappointing music.
Nov 2012
-
Rowdy Rathore
...is so hilarious that it almost made me forget everything that angried me in the film!
Jun 2012
-
Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga
Whoever said "well begun is half done" forgot to add that half done still means another halfway to go, and Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga doesn't manage that journey. This is a sweet film, but it should have been so much more.
Mar 2013
-
Sep 2012
-
Airlift
...is Argo with a split personality, songs and questionable fidelity to facts.
Jan 2016
-
The Ghazi Attack
...70% cracking suspense (which is remarkable since we know the outcome from the start), 30% clumsy deshbhakti and mawkishness.
Feb 2017
-
Sep 2016
-
Nail Polish
...is a smartly handled, intriguing, well-acted psychological thriller that comes as a pleasant surprise.
Jan 2021
-
Mar 2019
-
Bol Bachchan
His(Ajay Devgn) acting, his characterisation by the writing team, and the absolute and deliberate defiance of logic in the writing and delivery of his dialogues are what make Bol Bachchan worth a watch.
Jul 2012
-
Aiyyaa
If the story and characters had not been stretched so much, Aiyyaa could have been special.
Oct 2012
-
Hindi Medium
The film’s achievement is that it tells us things we already know yet forces us to think about them, and has lots of fun while doing so.
May 2017