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Jal
...is constructed as the kind of expansive cinema that begged to be shot on pure film. Rather unfortunate, because Jal ends up as the kind of film that begged to be pure unadulterated cinema.
Apr 2014
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Jai Ho! Democracy
The only thing dark about this parody is the way it spirals out of control after a promising start...
Apr 2015
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Shaadi Ke Side Effects
There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching a promising film dissipate within the acid of its own intentions.
Feb 2014
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Kick
...is harebrained, patronizing and regressive at most points, and makes the age-old error of being a live-action Salman-starrer.
Jul 2014
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Yahaan Sabki Lagi Hai
Perhaps it is the filmmakers' intention to irritate viewers with irritable characters and existential rants, but it soon becomes an irritating watch.
Mar 2015
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Rang Rasiya
...will be remembered not for its subversive images and tacky craft, but for its counterintuitive storytelling.
Nov 2014
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Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene
Though it is written with a fair amount of conviction and research, the paper-to-screen transition adds nothing new. There isn't enough within sequences—be it the performers, their lines or routines—to keep us engaged.
Jan 2015
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Happy New Year
Surely, smarter films can be constructed with such resources, thereby opening up a new universe of possibilities for viewers and distributors alike.
Oct 2014
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Chaar Sahibzade
Even if this is a passable watch for those unexposed to Pixar, it's time to move past the embryonic stages of a universe aching to be explored.
Nov 2014
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Singham Returns
There's still the usual dose of brutal explosions, irrelevant heroines, slaphappy heroes, righteous sermons, contrived injustice, poverty porn (done better in Bhoothnath Returns) and, yes, flying vehicles of all shapes and sizes—which is exactly what makes it routine fare.
Aug 2014
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2 States
...a bafflingly superficial adaptation of a book that should have remained a book.
Apr 2014
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3 A.M.
The most frightening aspect of a horror movie these days is its predictability.
Sep 2014
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One By Two
...the execution is amiss to the point where it directly affects the performances.
Feb 2014
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Coffee Bloom
The story of a man-child torn between remorse and wounded love is a complex one to tell. This was perhaps the one natural environment that needed some indulgence, an atmospheric sensual aspect that could have atoned for awkward storytelling.
Mar 2015
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Bewakoofiyaan
This is the kind of middling film that one doesn't know what to make of. It looks clean, simple and doesn't boast of any highs or lows. Everything, including the change of heart(s), is predictable.
Mar 2014
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Dolly Ki Doli
...liberties would be acceptable if this was a mischievous Disney fairytale. Or if this didn't actually boast of a stellar supporting cast.
Jan 2015
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Gang of Ghosts
I wouldn't go as far as declaring this imitation to be the best form of flattery, but Gang Of Ghosts does arouse enough curiosity to make you want to watch the real deal. Excuse me while I procure a DVD.
Mar 2014
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Barefoot To Goa
I understand the aspiration for meditative storytelling in order to soak in its innocence, but the silence is deafening.
Apr 2015
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Babloo Happy Hai
The utter randomness of the title- considering the crux revolves around a bunch of randy youngsters being educated about HIV in the holy hills of Manali- is the least of its problems.
Feb 2014
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Jun 2014
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Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai
...falls way short of remotely acceptable levels of spooky entertainment.
Jun 2014
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Sonali Cable
...the foremost sign of debutant director Charudutt Acharya's inexperience is his handling of actors.
Oct 2014
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Humshakals
...a defiant film made by a man who is fast becoming a rebel without a cause.
Jun 2014
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Dozakh
The climax, potentially a brave black-and-white triumph of humanity over religion, must have looked iconic on paper. This depth, however, is dissolved by an archaic display of craft.
Mar 2015
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Dishkiyaoon
...confounds on a very basic technical level. Baweja sincerely tries, but is undone by scrambled writing that relies more on colorcoding than action or entertainment.
Mar 2014
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Jan 2015
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Roar: Tigers Of The Sundarbans
...ends up as an ill-conceived tribute to an animal that deserves a more majestic showcase.
Oct 2014
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Mar 2014
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Kaagaz Ke Fools
...this one is presented in a dated and garish manner that makes you wonder if the filmmakers think this is actually a groundbreaking concept.
Apr 2015