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Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
...rises above its minor problems to deliver plenty laughs. It’s one of the year’s most enjoyable films.
Sep 2017
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Raazi
The film is admirable also because it’s a measured, mostly intelligent thriller that asks us to consider concepts of patriotism and honor without spoon-feeding us with manipulative background music or provocative dialogue.
May 2018
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Special 26
Infusing humor into tense scenes, he gives us a delicious thriller that you don't want to miss.
Feb 2013
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Aligarh
...is an important film, and it's powered by sensitive writing, nuanced direction, and masterful performances from its central players.
Feb 2016
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Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
I suspect you’ll be a slobbering mess at the end of the film, a puddle of tears when the lights come back on. Johar knows how to do that. It’s a skill that’s stayed with him even if his grammar has changed.
Oct 2016
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Delhi Belly
Uninhibited and naughty, 'Delhi Belly' is an enjoyable comedy that has enough frenzied moments to keep you in your seats.
Jul 2011
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Love Sonia
...Noorani has crafted a powerful film that you won’t be able to shake off immediately.
Sep 2018
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Lipstick Under My Burkha
It’s accessible and entertaining; that rare film about empowerment that delivers plenty laughs.
Jul 2017
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Oct 2015
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Margarita With A Straw
Powered by a staggering performance from Kalki Koechlin as a 19-year-old with cerebral palsy, Margarita with a Straw is that rare Indian film that mostly eschews melodrama to give us an honest, sensitive portrait of disability, and the sexual awakening of an Indian teenager.
Apr 2015
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Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
The last film felt more organic, this one throws everything at the screen, and it’s hard not to submit.
Apr 2017
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Manmarziyaan
...may not be perfect but it gets some things perfectly right. I left the theatre in appreciation of the sheer craft on display.
Sep 2018
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Chhichhore
The film is all about its characters, frankly, and the hoops they're made to jump. In them you'll likely find traces and memories of your own youth.
Sep 2019
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My Name is Khan
The film shamelessly tugs at your heartstrings and on more than one occasion wallops you to weep. Aided by solid camerawork, tight editing and a layered story, Johar crafts an engaging, stirring saga that is earnest and noble. With this message movie in the mainstream format, the director takes a step in the right direction.
Feb 2010
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English Vinglish
Making an assured debut with a light, frothy film that still has something important to say, Gauri Shinde delivers one the year's most pleasing films, and Amit Trivedi lends some of his best compositions to the soundtrack.
Oct 2012
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Chhapaak
Its strength is in its quietude. It goes about its business with minimal fuss. The film is both moving and important. And its leading lady is in very fine form.
Jan 2020
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Talaash
Its shortcomings notwithstanding, it's a good example of an entertaining commercial film that didn't need to be lazy or senseless.
Dec 2012
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Court
Tamhane's film excels in revealing these terrific vignettes of life, and in the process it ends up moving you.
Apr 2015
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Ram-leela
In the end it is Bhansali - credited for screenplay, editing, music, and direction - who leaves his stamp all over the film. He brings great style and aesthetic to an unapologetically commercial film...
Nov 2013
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Masaan
There are multiple layers to this well-observed drama; kudos to the filmmakers for putting it on screen.
Jul 2015
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Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
It proves that Zoya Akhtar has a unique, compelling voice and unlike many of her contemporaries, she actually respects that a cinema audience can be both intelligent and mature.
Jul 2011
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Gangs Of Wasseypur
Bolstered by its riveting performances and its thrilling plot dynamics, this is a gripping film that seizes your full attention.
Jun 2012
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Sanju
It’s a consistently engaging film that makes its way to your heart even though the head frequently resists.
Jun 2018
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Paan Singh Tomar
Held up by a remarkable performance from Irrfan Khan, this is a well-intentioned film that's worth your time.
Mar 2012
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Madras Cafe
Solidly directed by Sircar, who steers clear of typical Bollywood machismo and avoids oversimplifying characters or their motives, the film - at a little over two hours - is a compelling watch.
Aug 2013
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Drishyam
When was the last time you enjoyed a film for its gripping plot, its compelling story? Drishyam, with its refreshingly original screenplay and its many moments of tension, is just that.
Jul 2015
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Panga
The film’s big success is in delivering its message without making a big noise about it.
Jan 2020
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Badlapur
...the film keeps you on your toes, curious to see where its twists and turns will lead.
Feb 2015