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Tanhaji
With filmmakers scrambling to convert historical accounts into big-screen spectacles, this one makes for a deserving tribute to a warrior who slipped through the cracks of history and arguably, was eclipsed by the Maharaj he represented.
Jan 2020
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Photograph
An issue with the film is that while it tells a lot, it says very little — which is ironic given that a photograph is expected to convey a thousand words. Let’s just say this one’s a passport photo— a contained profile that offers a glimpse but not the big picture.
Mar 2019
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Zero
Director Anand L Rai has forever backed stories that explore a range of human emotions in its most basic manifestations. Here, he deviates from his natural style and even basic constructs such as Bauaa’s change of heart or his initial courtship lack the soul one expects from his work.
Dec 2018
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Yeh Saali Aashiqui
...touches this necessary nerve, even if it may be a bit too dramatic in execution.
Nov 2019
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Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se
The trio from the Deol family could’ve made a home video to satiate their creative urges, instead of inflicting cinema-goers to this sort of torment.
Aug 2018
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X: Past is Present
The film may be called X: Past is Present, but it surely promises a headache in the immediate future.
Nov 2015
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Why Cheat India
From the very first frame, this one has its audience figured. It knows that someone who’s drawn to a Hashmi caper has specific expectations — glib dialogue baazi, a lip-lock or three, and a surreal conman who can charm the pants off his partner.
Jan 2019
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Welcome to New York
There are several points when one is forced to wonder the objective of making this film. Is this a front for an elaborately-constructed tax break? Is director Chakri Toleti actually a deceptive chartered accountant with breakthrough ideas? Does the said award function stand to gain or lose from this cinematic misadventure? Did Karan Johar have latent acting desires which couldn’t be accomplished in Bombay Velvet? We’ll never know.
Feb 2018
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Welcome 2 Karachi
...isn't hilarious but has sparks of brilliance and is worth a watch.
May 2015
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Welcome Back
But if you've had an exhausting week and need some laughs, leave your rational self at home and head for this brain-buster at a theatre near you.
Sep 2015
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Wazir
Chess is considered the most complex board game and one that provides mental stimulation; this film is neither complex nor stimulating. At best, it's a series of predictable ploys strung together with the backdrop of a revenge drama.
Jan 2016
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Wajah Tum Ho
The wajah for signing up for this one may differ for each, but the sazaa will be doled out indiscriminately.
Dec 2016
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Waiting
The film deserves a watch for being one that doesn't try too hard and for its approach to an extreme situation.
May 2016
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Vodka Diaries
...at best, leaves one mildly confused and occasionally concerned about its erratic proceedings. It also weaves an elaborate ruse to rationalise the scattered plot.
Jan 2018
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Vishwaroop II
The first part of this film had shocking twists such as the drastic transformation of an effeminate Kathak teacher who was a closet Bond tailing terrorists. This one is a watered-down version that barely draws on the veteran actor’s many talents and scripts its own demise.
Aug 2018
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Veerey Ki Wedding
...there are B-grade films that have more plot and purpose than Veerey Ki Wedding.
Mar 2018
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Veere Di Wedding
While this one works as a breezy film on girl bonding, it gets a bit tedious while taking a stab at patriarchy. In fact, a message it hopes to convey on the societal pressures endured by women is lazily tucked into a dialogue. “Pehle shaadi karo, phir bachcha, phir bachcha hua toh doosre bachche ka pressure.” It almost seems like old whine in a new bottle.
Jun 2018
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Veerappan
It's upsetting that Ram Gopal Varma fans have to put up with this. Even the very few and far between visual flourishes are merely reminders of an auteur that was.
May 2016
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Uvaa
...it takes a little more than getting five shirtless boys to nose dive from a 15-feet cliff into water to make a Rang De Basanti.
Jun 2015
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Uri
...if the film delved a little more into strategy and emotions, it could’ve been more inclusive, if not a more intense watch. Not the chest-beating JP Dutta-type jingoism, but just a dash on what drives these brave men would’ve gone a long way.
Jan 2019
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UnIndian
...this tepid film takes a turn for the intense and gradually becomes much to bear.
Aug 2016
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Ujda Chaman
...could’ve been a comic account that captures this peculiar sentiment by drawing hilarity from its socially awkward circumstances. But it barely scrapes beneath the surface and lacks depth in depiction.
Nov 2019
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Udta Punjab
While the film wins for constructing jolting surprises, some of the performances are singularly unremarkable and the excessive and unnecessary violence is not exactly everyone's daily fix.
Jun 2016
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Tutak Tutak Tutiya
If you’re one for typical South Indian dubbed films that play on loop on weekends, this one’s for you.
Oct 2016
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Tumhari Sulu
Director Suresh Triveni draws from his ad-film experience to assemble a tightly-knitted story but loses focus in the second half.
Nov 2017
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Tumbbad
An issue with Indian horrors has been lack of imagination. A treasure chest that offers a gateway into a goddess’ womb, a cursed undead whose heart beats even while the body has disintegrated and several such constructs cover this concern. Writers Mitesh Shah, Adesh Prasad, Anand Gandhi and Rahi Anil Barve (also the director), deserve due credit.
Oct 2018
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Tum Bin 2
If you're going through a rough patch in your relationship, opt for this one. It will convince you that you're better off by yourself.
Nov 2016
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Tubelight
Director Kabir Khan admitted in an interview that the objective of this cinematic tribute was to make the inspiring story accessible to a larger audience. And while Salman fans across the world would make for a substantial target, inflicting them with this preachy tale of leaning on 'yakeen' to get through life could be a tad misleading.
Jun 2017