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Mukkabaaz
...is also a scathing critique of corruption in Indian sport, of the caste system, which keeps worthy men in chains and of extremists who spread mayhem under the cloak of religion. It’s a love story and a sports underdog story, which in the second half transforms into a suspenseful revenge drama. It’s a lot to weave together and ultimately Mukkabaaz becomes as exhausting as it is energizing.
Jan 2018
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Lakshmi
Honestly, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend Lakshmi. In places, it’s repulsive and yet, it demands to be seen. So you decide for yourselves.
Mar 2014
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M.S. Dhoni
Neeraj Pandey’s telling of Dhoni’s life is in equal parts, thrilling, moving and utterly exhausting.
Sep 2016
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Apr 2019
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Dedh Ishqiya
...is worth watching just for Abhishek Chaubey's ambition. He is not constrained by the demands of the box office.
Jan 2014
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Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
...revisits the themes of honor, duty, goodness and courage. It doesn’t always succeed but the sheer ambition and scale deserves applause.
Apr 2017
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Beyond The Clouds
...is a mixed bag. It is likely to be a footnote in Majidi’s rich filmography. But the film is worth seeing as an intriguing experiment.
Apr 2018
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Sonchiriya
...tries to blend Spaghetti Western style-action drama with social commentary but it isn’t entirely satisfying on either count.
Mar 2019
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Talaash
To watch Talaash is to embark on a passionate love affair that ends in frustration because the object of your desire reveals itself to be shallow and depressingly ordinary. In short, a profound anti-climax.
Dec 2012
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Chef
...the film is too bumpy to leave you satiated. But it is a pleasant enough diversion.
Oct 2017
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My Name is Khan
...never becomes the empowering, inspiring Forest Gump-like epic. Mainly because the connective tissue tying it together is deeply flawed and in places, embarrassingly naive.
Feb 2010
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Miss Lovely
Yes, it is an acquired taste. But Ashim Ahluwalia’s distinct and intriguing voice is one more sign of how fundamentally and excitingly the Hindi film topography is changing.
Jan 2014
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Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji
...has an interesting story but the characters and situations aren't fleshed out enough. There is an inherent clumsiness and in places the film feels long and leaden.
Jan 2011
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Well Done Abba
...is heart-felt and intermittently funny but not flat-out delightful like Benegal’s last film Welcome to Sajjanpur. You need oodles of patience to enjoy this one.
Mar 2010
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Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey
...a noble attempt at restoring glory to long-forgotten heroes but honestly, I felt more charged and patriotic in the last 40 minutes of Lagaan than I did in this entire film.
Dec 2010
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Pati Patni Aur Woh
...Mudassar Aziz attempts to deliver a remake that is lively, funny and at least superficially, progressive – he doesn’t always succeed but there is fun to be had here.
Dec 2019
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It's a Wonderful Afterlife
...never achieves full lift off. There are too many dull stretches. The film has the texture of a clunky television sitcom.
May 2010
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Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan
In an interview, Ayushmann described Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan as an introduction to homosexuality for an average Indian homophobe. The film might work as that. But for those of us who aren’t in this target group, it doesn’t connect enough. Though it’s heartening that with this film and Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga last year, Bollywood has at least begun the conversation.
Feb 2020
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Jai Ho
Does his Incredible Hulk-sized charisma falter? No. Was I expecting anything different? No. Is this a film? No.
Jan 2014
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Pad Man
...a superman without the cape, is a memorable character. Like the real Pad Man, Lakshmi is self-deprecating and very funny – especially in the climactic speech at the United Nations. I wish the film matched his sparkle.
Feb 2018
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Saina
Eventually, authenticity isn’t as important as capturing the essence of a person and evoking emotion. Saina, shining with sincerity and hard work, also misses this crucial point.
Mar 2021
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Mar 2019
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Mardaani 2
Ladaai ab bhi baki haai we were told in Mardaani. I hope Shivani will return for round 3. Let’s just find her a more layered script.
Dec 2019
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Dabangg 2
My review of Dabangg ended with a plea for a better story for Chulbul. Like so much else in Dabangg 2, that too remains the same. Can someone please write a terrific plot for this terrific character?
Dec 2012
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Ribbon
The problem with Ribbon is that debutante director Rakhee Sandilya doesn’t provide any new insights.
Nov 2017
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Ramayana
...an ambitious step toward better homegrown cinema for children. I just wish it had more crackle.
Oct 2010
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Dum Maaro Dum
This is one film that should soar but sadly it never quite takes flight. The problem is the writing.
Apr 2011