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Padmaavat
...delivers a film that is richly cinematic, but whose story – as it turns out – has little of the emotional complexity that powered his last film Bajirao Mastani.
Jan 2018
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Tumbbad
Above everything else this is a wildly original film with a look and feel that is of the highest standard. The middle portion is long drawn and flabby, and there were times I found myself scratching my head unable to keep up. But these are minor grumblings.
Oct 2018
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Phobia
The film is smart and reasonably slick, and benefits considerably from a knockout performance by Radhika Apte, even if the script isn’t always on solid ground.
May 2016
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Stree
...is especially entertaining, packed with laugh aloud moments and a cast that’s on top of their game. It’s one of the most original films this year, and I recommend that you make the time for it.
Sep 2018
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Ishqiya
...a delicious little film that teeters dangerously between saucy comedy and suspenseful noir. Unapologetically adult in its relationships, its language and its humor, the film sparkles for its inspired writing and uncompromised direction.
Jan 2010
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Shor In The City
A delicious mix of quirky humor, gruesome violence, and surprising sensitivity...
Apr 2011
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Bombay Talkies
...a breath of fresh air - a wonderful gift to audiences on the 100th birthday of Indian cinema.
May 2013
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Feb 2016
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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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Shuddh Desi Romance
reinvents the wheel as far as Bollywood rom-coms go. It's aggressively non-formulaic, and gives us characters who refuse to conform. The minor hiccups notwithstanding, this is a charming little film.
Sep 2013
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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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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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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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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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The Dirty Picture
It's an average film made eminently watchable by its courageous star.
Dec 2011
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D-Day
...is far from perfect, but as pulpy Bollywood action films go, it's very watchable and works its strengths.
Jul 2013
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Miss Lovely
...it's an unconventional watch, yes, but it's also refreshing to see a different kind of Indian cinema make its place in the world.
Jan 2014
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Khoobsurat
It may not be for everyone, but for those who seek comfort in the familiar, it's a pretty satisfying watch.
Sep 2014
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Happy Bhag Jayegi
...is mostly fun despite its shortcomings, because the humor is earned.
Aug 2016
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Ajji
...is a tough watch. Deliberately so. It took me a long time to get the film out of my head, and while it’s potent and rattling, it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Nov 2017
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Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge
Like the demographic it represents, the film makes for good company, and isn't meant to be taken too seriously. An enjoyable one-time watch.
Oct 2011
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Bajrangi Bhaijaan
...it's more engaging than such typical Salman Khan blockbusters as Bodyguard and Ready, if only because it has a sliver of a story, and its heart in the right place.
Jul 2015
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Aladin
...it's a worthy watch, especially for the kids. It's also a rare reminder that you can have good, clean fun at the movies.
Nov 2009