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In the Name of Tai
Critic reviews and ratings
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...a gorgeous, gorgeous film, one that uses its period setting affectionately, with loving detail, and not exploitatively, as our cinema is wont to do.
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There are full-fledged military wars in Cambodia because nothing less than a war can do justice to Salman's calibre. There is Salman Khan flying over Al Shifah because helicopters are so passe. There is Bhai launching bazookas because why undermine him with lesser weapons like AK-47. There are five extra actors in the film to support Salman because he needs to outshine all of them. Nothing is measured in Race 3. You ask for a shot of Salman, you're given a gallon of him. Deal with it however you want.
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...is not a biopic. It is a tour, designed by Hansal Mehta that is sure to take your breath away. Just as it is raw in its selection of location, it is as sublime in its execution and performances.
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...is the most impressive film of this year so far.
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Mr Hirani, Mahatma, we bow to you.
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This is why we need directors who refuse to be obvious. This phenomenal new thriller from Sriram Raghavan pulls off its tricks in plain sight. Everybody knows how a mystery should work, but Raghavan knows how all the mysteries work.
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...SLB's most commercial work till date, has nice doses of raunch and ras (juice).
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This is movie-making of a different kind. Faiza Ahmed Khan has shown us what she is capable of. Time for us to celebrate her genius.
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...a knockout, a film that makes you smell corpses, that makes you shudder with melancholia, and a film that points accusing fingers. A film that doesn't flinch.
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Some films are experiences, and therefore, shouldn't be restricted with star ratings, or discussions about the film's merit. A Salman Khan film, in this context, is a rollercoaster ride. You buy a ticket, stand in line, take your seat, buckle yourself up, and pray to the almighty that you don't puke on thy neighbour.
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A Salman Khan film does not need a review!
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Dibakar Banerjee has taken that much-nudged envelope, ripped it apart, and mailed out a magnificently tawdry postcard. He's made a film which lets Hindi cinema sit back, take a deep glug of adulthood, and wipe Haywards 5000 foam from its 'stache as it leers at the girl in stockings. Bollywood has just grown up the only way it could...
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It’s a genuinely smart film. It’s beautifully, lovingly shot.
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There is nothing profound about Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara; neither does it bring any insight that you and I don't already have from our own relationships. But, it connects from the word go.
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...one of the best Indian films of the year, perhaps even the decade, and should not be missed for any reason.
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A big, beautiful, dazzling emotional movie experience.
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...comes as close to storytelling perfection as any mainstream Hindi movie has done in living memory.
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It is a film of multiple pleasures -- small ones and overwhelming ones and exquisitely crafted ones -- layered one on top of the other, with something for everyone, and so, so much for the cinematic glutton.
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The best, purest film to come out of Hindi cinema in a while, this.
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A brave movie! A poignant tale!
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...a film that cannot be missed. Watch it for its storyline. Watch it for its execution. Watch it for its many excellent performances.
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Its funny, dramatic, dark, serious, emotional all rolled into one seamless cinematic gem. It is the movie of the year.
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A must watch! You will surely come out of the theatres with tears of joy.
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...a wonderful story told with a flair and flourish that leave a lingering impact on the viewer.
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Watching this movie is a spiritual and uplifting experience.
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This movie is Timely, Topical and Terrific!
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You brace yourself for the highest degrees of scathing cynicism when you walk in to a film about India's election process. You walk out with a smile that balances the skepticism with healthy hopefulness. Those are just a few “when was the last time that happened” packed in 100+ minutes.
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...masala broth of broad humour, melodrama, social message – bundled up to entertain every taste bud.
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This is a beguiling, beautiful and befitting homage to 100 years of Indian cinema. It's also proof that different stories in an episodic film could comfortably have directors with different sensitivities staring in the same line of vision.
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...is not a movie. It is brilliance in motion. It is a must-watch film.
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...a moving, visual delight.
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Kashyap is at his absolute best in Mukkabaaz, all heart and heartland, a movie made with a vintage filmi sensibility but highly modern skills. And a story that bleeds.
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...the film is the best one of 2016.
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Kudos to writing that got me hooked to wrestling for the last hour or so. This for a person who gets easily bored in wrestling films, let alone the sport itself.
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This is brilliant. This is fast. This is bloody furious.
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...one of the most entertaining films of the decade.
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...is packed with great background scores, unfaltering narration and stellar performances.
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...adorable and cute.
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One of the best films to come out of India in a long time...
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Rating this movie is beyond my call... but for the record it is 5 stars which in a way limits the brilliance of this movie.
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There is no mistaking her (Anu Menon) genius as she guides every delicate scene with the hand of maturity.
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Karan Johar comes of age. He tells a complex story with sparkling simplicity, without forgetting that cinema is primarily meant to entertain.
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Only a dance enthusiast could have come up with a film so spectacular and heart-warming.
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Treat yourself to 'The Lunchbox' - it'll leave you with a craving to seek your own little happiness. The best film I've seen in a long time.
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...is an absolute must-watch not just because it deserves to be seen. It NEEDS to be seen.
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It's a complete package of entertainment for the masses and devoted fans of masala movies.
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...every scene is special and brings with it something that's out of the ordinary.
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...ought to be watched for multiple reasons: the electrifying chemistry between its lead actors, the strong dramatic content, the scintillating musical score, the violent streak in the narrative and of course, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's execution of the material.
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...it is Neeraj Pandey who stands out because it is his genius that shines through. The rest of the cast just fall in line under his directorial baton.
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For me it was a fulfilling experience, a film to savour much after watching it.
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That a story with such profound philosophical underpinnings could lead to a film so simple, so small, so unpretentious, so sweet and yet so endearing, so entertaining, so humorous and so intriguing would be inconceivable to most.
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Evoking a new-age Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Rai keeps things tight, light, yet layered - and handles two leading ladies, one of whom deserves an extra half-star.
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It's a super-duper film, one that cannot be missed at any cost.
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Rejoice. The sensitive storyteller is back in his element. Vishal Bharadwaj brings alive the ecstasy, pain and passion of Hamlet on screen.
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...is a deceptively simple, remarkable film with a risky concept that has paid off. It is without question one of India’s best of 2017 so far.
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...fiercely bold and terrifyingly cold.
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Kudos to the director for helming such a close-to-reality situation with dollops of humour and charting the course of each and every character with a passion that goes beyond the art of good film-making.
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...has the ingredients that make a splendid superhero film, besides being Rakesh Roshan's most accomplished work so far.
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Shanghai, Banerjee’s fourth film, is his best. It’s also a very important film, in addition to being consistently engaging and extremely satiating.
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...gritty, edge-of-the-seat and heart-stopping.
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...is a remarkable motion picture experience that’s backed by proficient direction, spellbinding screenwriting and superlative acting.
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If a film is the sum total of its politics and craft, Udta Punjab scores at every level.
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It's amazing that the makers thought of bringing us such an entertaining and thought- provoking film through the eyes of this unique character.
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...is one such film; everything’s right about it.
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...is a rapturous cinematic triumph. Zoya Akhtar’s masterly crafted piece with layers is written with depth.
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More than anything else, this film is poetry. Photograph reminds us to believe in minor magic. Here is a film about a city that makes room for everything, from formulaic films to ghosts. Like when posing for a camera, all we need to know is where to look.
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...soulful and simply beautiful.
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It's a well penned and well executed film that deals with a serious issue in a witty and entertaining manner. Although very real, it creates a world full of vivid characters and incidents and keeps the viewer engrossed throughout.
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Somewhere in the middle of this beautiful, meditative film comes the greatest lesson of all: that a perfect, poetic goodbye doesn't have to wait for the end.
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Funny, relevant and deeply gratifying, Newton is a veritable modern classic.
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...works big time predominantly for the reason that it's a pioneering motion picture, an incredible film that dares to pierce into an untapped and brand new terrain.
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...all credit goes to director Shakun, who holds together all of this like a perfect winning trophy. His sensibilities in the family drama genre will certainly set a new benchmark.
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...a solid entertainer that will surely entertain the masses and classes alike.
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...an exceptional film, a rare gem that arrives only once in a few years.
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For sheer vision, bravado and superlative execution, this one soars to new orbits.
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This is one of those rare films that is as pertinent as it is compelling. Cannot. Be. Missed!
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...a 'must watch' for the sake of rich and superior cinema.
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...is an espionage venture with heart and soul tempering its gritty core. Even as it kept me on the edge of my seat for its entire 140 minutes, it broke my heart.
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...a high-octane thriller that works big time.
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In wiping away stains from the sword of justice, Talvar shines.
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...indulge in the magic of Barfi!
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...is a super-entertainer with emotions as its strong USP and Salman Khan like never before.
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Whoooaa, what an absolutely thrilling roller coaster ride...
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...is supple and smooth, with lots of rough edges and highs and lows. It's a perfect family movie.
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It's emotional, it's entertaining, it's enlightening.
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All the credit for this goes to the captain of the ship, the genius filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani who has raised the bar once again.
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...is seemingly simple yet as complex as all human beings are. It’s sad yet throws up humour when you are least expecting it. It’s not larger than life, it’s just as large as life always is. This film is truly sensational.
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...it's a feast for moviegoers and has the trappings to make all generations its fan.
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...is engaging and entertaining while being patriotic in its feel.
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It’s a feel-good mainstream movie that today will be termed as the joy of the year.
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...a paisa vasool, seeti-maar unadulterated entertainer...
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It is unyielding, funny, mundane, occasionally boring and thought provoking, if only in hindsight.
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...a rare gem...
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...the finest movie to come out in recent years...
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...a constantly riveting, ticking timebomb of a film -- is by far Kashyap’s finest film.
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...a brilliant satire which is riveting and heartfelt. Most importantly, it makes you think, and rethink.
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...is a small, spry, sublimely beguiling essay that bears the weight of its solemn theme without the faintest hint of a stumble. If there is only one film that you want to see this week, this month, this year - or this lifetime - let it be this one.
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...a classic film based on a real life incident that is told extremely well on screen.
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...a gripping, intense whodunit which has intensity oozing from every character.
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A great story (Sharad Katariya, Kanu Behl), good editing (Namrata Rao) and uncompromising execution makes this a film not to be missed.
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As a storyteller, Behl's biggest triumph is that he makes us care for each of his characters without judgment.
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...does not have the thrills and gimmicks to draw big numbers. But that's exactly what the film deserves. The stupendous storytelling of this film deserves a lot more than 100 crores.
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...Dibakar Banerjee has crafted this film with the kind of precision and invention that - should Shanghai be a commercial success - can change the course of cinema in India.
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As we celebrate 100 Years of Indian cinema, there can be no better gift to our film-crazed nation than this superb film.
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...is a must-watch. It’s a reminder that freedom of choice can never be less important, and that is what democracy is about.
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Packed with fun yet emotional moments, stellar performances, witty dialogue and a great story, Chillar Party is a must watch for kids and adults alike.
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Take a bow, Shah Rukh Khan.
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Abhishek wields the director's baton like a magician's wand to create something so real, so magical, so close to heart that in the end; you walk out in a daze.
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Thank you Tanuj Bhramar for this wonderful journey on celluloid. You have done a marvelous job.
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Watch the movie for brilliance and for its simple, touching and mind-blowing messaage.
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...a spellbinding courageous coming-of-rage saga woven into a tantalizing tapestry of memory and angst and driven forward with demoniacal fury by Ranbir Kapoor's centrally-heated performance.
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...definitely a smash hit film, which has blockbuster written all over it.
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Vikas Bahl, take a bow. This is a flawless presentation.
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This isn't really a film. It's a work of art, tempestuous and terrific.
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...one of the finest films ever made in the history of Indian cinema.
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It is a very well-made, confident film that fearlessly eschews Bollywoodisms and just exists in its distinctive rhythm; never for a second, feeling the need to shock and impress the audience.
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While it doesn't have the same panoramic adventure of its predecessor, it does make up with grand scale and precise execution.
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Unrelentingly grim, morally unmoored, Titli festers like a sore on your consciousness.
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Amidst laughing, it'll leave you thinking, which - and we need to be reminded of this - is what good cinema should do. Both your funny bone and your grey cells will thank you for watching it.
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...a noble, well-intentioned message narrated in an entertaining format in a Salman Khan movie, who, as we all know by now, is the much endeared hero of the masses, makes Jai Ho a sure-shot winner.
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Kudos to story, screenplay an dialogue writer Juhi Chaturvedi for bring us this eccentric comedy that's as full of laughs as it is full of feeling. And what astute storytelling by Shoojit Sircar!
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Brave and original, Haraamkhor walks the razor’s edge. One tiny mistake, and it could have been pronounced morally twisted. Some may call it immoral even now.
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...deserves more than just a standing ovation. It deserves accolades for standing up to be counted and narrating the kind of story that is usually buried under mainstream media cacophony.
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...is not a film in search of easy answers. Instead, it is a reminder that we already know the questions but don’t ask them enough. Not cool, sir.
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...a paisa vasool, seeti-maar entertainer.
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...has all the makings of a contemporary cult classic this season's best film.
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...Hirani tells us yet another powerful and brave story.
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...is the perfect Diwali entertainer for the entire family.
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Anubhav Sinha crafts an impeccable piece of art that creates a flow of symbolism that is so strong and so potent, the metaphoric richness that conveys the yearning of women is undeniably an unforgettable, unmissable, triumph of humanity & womanhood anchored by Tapsee Pannu’s top notch act.
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...is an eye opener of sorts in today’s society where many preconceived notions about how women are looked upon as, exist.
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Together the three actors add incredible zest, flesh, and energy to roles that compel you look at the world through each perspective, and probably even find oneself in it in some form.
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This is by far the most credible an Indian sport film has ever felt...
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The inspiring narrative, the powerful love story and hard-hitting performances make for a wonderful cinematic experience.
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There are some films that you simply don't want to end. And when they do, you want to spring out of your seat and give the darned thing a standing ovation. "Queen", directed by Vikas Bahl is that rarity.
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...a deeply moving experience.
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...is a high-octane masala entertainer that stays true to its genre.
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...a film that draws the deepest and darkest behavior of men. This is how you make a great film.
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It is a tale well told and brilliantly acted. Must watch!
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Director Omung Kumar showcases flair with his very first movie.
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Do not pass up a sip of Margarita, With A Straw. It could be life-altering. If nothing else, it will soak you with its warmth.
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...an unusual banquet, raising a bitter-sweet toast to life.
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...a black comedy that is breathless in its pace and breathtaking in the scope of its imagination, linking seemingly random occurrences in the cosmos, and with all its entertainment value, arriving at an unexpectedly thoughtful study of both kismet and human nature.
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...is like that rich tapestried melody whose metre and rhythm you cannot ever forget even though the lines may be forgotten.
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It’s ambitious but accessible, mainstream yet not machine-made. The mix is overpowering — the sound of the movies, the voice of the streets.
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And that is the film's beauty: its pauses, its silences, its not saying too much when it can say less.
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...a fascinating love story, has an angle of religion and a world-shaking incident as a backdrop. It not only entertains, but also mesmerises, enthrals and captivates the viewer in those 2.40 hours.
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This is a solid, terse film that makes its points in mainstream fashion with an appropriate lack of subtlety. Pink is a barnstormer -- and it doesn't pull its punches.
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...will make you realise that there indeed have been very few debuts as stunning as this one.
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...rare gem that needs to be savour scene after scene...
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...is not only Sriram Raghavan’s best work till date, it’s Bollywood’s best in the dark, noir thriller genre which is will be remembered as a cult classic in coming years
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...is irresistible. Highly recommended. A must-see film.
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...an outstanding film. A taut psychological thriller that keeps you guessing till the end, it leaves you spellbound, leaves you mesmerized, leaves you with an exclamation, 'Wow!'.
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It's a film so irreverent, so unapologetic, it'd be surprising if it didn't go on to become cult.
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...is a powerful statement on the existing feudal mindset of a majority of India, where men and women are judged by a different yardstick.
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...dark, grim and disturbingly scary.
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...works because it's an uplifting tale of an underdog told in an entertaining manner. There's also that element of freshness in the film also his choice of actors...
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...is in line for a flood of awards. Vidya Balan will walk away with all possible trophies!
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...is an hauntingly eternal, ambitiously spectacular masterpiece that delivers on all fronts, having all the arcs for a swashbuckling blockbuster, the S.S. Rajamouli directed epic fantasy in reality is a lesson on how to conclude a sequel, making it bigger, better and unforgettable in the end.
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The story poignantly sums up the day-to-day struggles of life in the Kashmir valley, especially of those whose sons, husbands and fathers have disappeared.
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...is one of the finest movies to come out of the Hindi film industry of late. This is one of those rare Hindi movies that commands a repeat viewing.
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Not only do I recommend Udta Punjab as mandatory viewing, I also urge that the film be made tax-free. Very few films touch a cord such that they can actually make a difference.
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...the film drives home a solid point and leaves you with enough to ponder upon.
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Give it a standing ovation!
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It's stunning, comic, grisly, absurd, intense, cold, crazy and must-watch.
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...is the best that Indian cinema can be in these troubled times if it chooses to hold a mirror up to our society, compelling us to confront the worst that we are and the best that we can be when we are not busy saving our own skins.
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...a clear winner. A thriller worth every penny.
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This isn’t just an important film, but also excellently made. It’s a giant leap for Hindi cinema, and easily the best film this year.
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...is an entertaining saga that blends emotions, humour and drama in adequate doses. It is powerful, engaging, emotional as well as compelling.
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...a cinematic triumph -- the film is edgy, raw, thrilling and completely entertaining.
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A film so real that you can almost touch it. Please go watch it. The audience needs such films more than the film needing the audience.
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Showing true Satyagraha has no short-cuts, it also shows solutions glimmering ahead, as ephemeral, yet powerful as a rainbow cleansing the dust.
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The relevant plot, watertight screenplay, clapworthy moments and terrific performance by John Abraham makes Batla House one of the finest films of the year.
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...is a story that definitely needs to be told, it’s getting told at your nearest theatres, make sure you see this incredible story of rousing valour and pride.
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One of the best films in recent times, it’s an experience not to be forgotten easily.
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A terrific film that stays in your heart and remains etched in your memory much after the screening has concluded.
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Hirani carries forward his simplistic `humanism alone works' philosophy of the Lage Raho Munnabhai series in 3 Idiots too, making it a warm and vivacious signature tune to 2009.
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...a solid entertainer, no two opinions on that. It's not merely a great looking film, but also has soul, which is so essential to strike a chord with the avid moviegoer.
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...is a work of true moral force; it is, at the risk of sounding fancy, a motion picture for our times.
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...a special, special film.
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...it's truly path-breaking for Bollywood.
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...a film that no man or woman can miss.
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It stimulates the one organ that popular Hindi cinema consistently ignores - the brain! Give it a chance and prepare to be dazzled.
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Book your ticket, and brace yourself for an unforgettable ride.
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This film easily qualifies to be Salman Khan's BEST movie till date, featuring his career's best performance. The film wins you over completely.
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This dazzling debut film is an unmissable gem.
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It's the sheer magic of terrific storytelling combined with a visual grandeur rarely seen in Indian cinema that turns it into an experience that'll be hard to forget anytime soon.
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...a human drama with universal resonance. It encapsulates the plight of all dissenters.
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An adorable experience.
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...works for varied reasons -- it has a simple, but captivating story with a dramatic twist in the tale, the chemistry between the lead actors is perfect and the music is well juxtaposed in the narrative. But its biggest USP is, without doubt, Salman Khan.
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...scores with its first-rate performances.
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Towering performances for a towering script! Masaan is all this and much more. Masaan provokes you, makes you think, and takes you on life's journey.
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It is a cleanly-crafted film.
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...a significant step forward for Kashyap. It is well-nigh his most controlled film to date: the style, fluid and unobtrusive, complements the theme rather than overshadow it.
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...is one of the best films of the year.
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...a full on entertainer with three aces - Salman Khan like never before, stylish action and super music.
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...is a cinematic marvel which has the style as well as the substance.
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Ha ha and a hoot.
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...a perfect balance of humour, seriousness and emotions.
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...Balki outdoes himself with a film that’s intelligent, entertaining and visually arresting.
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...is a feel good cerebral entertainer that charms you with its simplicity.
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You’ll love it for being spontaneous, precise, fast paced and well lovable. A fantastic family drama after a long time.
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...an intelligently woven, slick and smart period thriller with its subject matter as its USP.
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Welcome back, RGV!
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A brilliant film embellished with bravura performances.
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...is an entertaining, large canvas experience, brought to life with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's stroke of visual brilliance.
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...a classic action/crime thriller that doesn't let go, even for a moment. More importantly, the plot has been finely crafted, with every twist and turn falling into place like a complicated albeit neat little jigsaw.
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...it is a rollicking mainstream entertainer with ambition to evoke some introspection, one with compelling moments and some genuine surprises.
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...a priceless little gem of a film that is head-and-shoulders above almost everything that you've seen this year
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...a beautiful, beautifully made film.
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Without a single dull moment, Soumendra Padhi makes the viewer glued to the film with eyes open.
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...sheds light on how far one is willing to go for the sake of those they hold dear. It scores superlatively on all the facets cinema ought to be judged on.
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Motwane’s love for the script and his confidence comes through in every scene.
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This ode to the ‘side’ actors is a gem that glitters with the stellar act of the amazing Sanjay Mishra.
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Here are three stories well told, signifying independent cinema’s coming of age.
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In an industry known to indulge in larger-than-life ‘flights of fantasy’, Udaan is one of those intermittent ‘coming of age’ films from Bollywood. Do not miss!
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So, so many difficult issues dealt with a light, matter-of-factly hand. Lots of ground covered in a breezy 90 minutes without being rushed. An engaging watch from start to finish.
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It's one of the best films this year, and one you will carry in your heart for years.
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...a searing, unmissable film, and is one of the best you will see this year .
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The heart wants what it wants, and sometimes all we need is a compelling reason to cry. Thank you, Karan Johar. For this film feels like a sob.
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More than anything else this comedy got me slightly emotional thinking about how distracted we get by life in general that we often begin to take our old folks—parents, grand parents—for granted.
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...primarily designed as an unadulterated tribute to the charisma of Indian cinema's ageless superstar, Rajnikanth. And it's completely, wholeheartedly, joyously desi.
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A brave bold thought provoking sensitive thriller.
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...is a rousing study of the quest for perfection – and Aamir is the perfect lead.
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...an engaging film with tremendous appeal for the masses.
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We suggest, you must watch this so real docu-drama!
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There is an undercurrent of satire throughout as it begins with a comment on Vikas and Anand (growth and happiness). The movie is exceptionally performed by the main characters who power the cause of the film.
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It’s a film that will make you think, hurt you and will bring you back to your ideals.
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...if you love watching a war movie, that too about a mission that is mired under the weight of being 'classified' and under the sea, the truth about which can surface only exploring the depth of the sea bed, then The Ghazi Attack is a must watch film.
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...a truly enjoyable film, one that will make you happy about the movies once again.
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An immensely enjoyable thriller, helmed by a brilliant cast of actors and a master storyteller in Dibakar Banerjee.
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It takes guts to turn the conventional formulistic cinema about male bonding and revenge into a tightly wound intelligently scripted and judiciously executed drama of political subterfuge in Uttar Pradesh...
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The film presents the old-as-time conflict between good and evil, the classic trope of mythology. But watch the film for the grandeur, the visuals and the performances, that have you cheering for Baahubali, much like the subjects of Mahishmati.
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It is a relevant and topical film that makes you laugh and get emotional at the same time.
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This romantic comedy mirrors the quirks in human nature subtly and provides humour in everyday situations; in the family and amongst friends.
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...Akhtar grabs our hand and walks us through a world that few of us know, even though it exists in Mumbai and other parts of India.
And now we are blessed to have witnessed that world, breathed its smells and most importantly heard its sounds.
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...is akin to a whiff of fresh air. Its foremost triumph is that it leaves you with a powerful emotion: Happiness!
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It may not be everyone’s cup of tea – it’s especially not for the squeamish – but it’s an unflinching study of family in the way that the movies rarely provide.
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...a mad roller coaster ride that's worth taking.
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...a stirring, unsettling tale that needs not just to be watched, but to be experienced.
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...stays with you much after you see it, especially for Bajpayee and his nuanced portrayal of a man brutally put to shame by an intrusive and insensitive society. It's subtlety, redefined.
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Kapoor & Sons' star is its story.
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...tremendously entertaining piece of cinema.
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The director creates a charming world that you are reluctant to get out of, even when the film is over. Now that is an achievement.
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It is engaging and has a massive social message.
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Darkly humorous and searing, Kadvi Hawa is a film that will stay with you.
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...the best thing about Ishqiya is how grown-up it is...Ishqiya’s humour and sensuality is for adults who are not afraid to confront the depths of their emotions.
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...a theatrically indulgent entertainer, one that makes no bones about its pulpiness and stays well and truly juicy.
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Bol is small word, but a big film with large heart.
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Watch it for the raw display of human drama and the realistic approach to many situations which has been missing at the movies for sometime now.
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A fitting tribute to those who lost their lives; a grim reminder of government apathy.
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...it's one of the most fiercely patriotic films you'll ever see. That a female star holds centre stage makes for a welcome change. Alia Bhatt’s histrionics alone are worth the price of the ticket.
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...is an essential and educational watch for a society which deserves a tight, resounding one on the cheek for dismissing such acts as ‘one-off episodes’, incapable of having life-altering ramifications.
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...it keeps you in your seat all along with moments of victory and failure, of course but also with moments of emotion and introspection.
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Another lovely film from Motwane’s repertoire. It reaches where mainstream Bollywood films hesitate to go.
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It’s a film that will keep you glued to the screen for all the 135 minutes it runs into. Don’t think of even missing a minute of it.
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Mary Kom is an important film that's hugely inspiring. But more importantly, it's also great fun to watch.
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...is deeply moving, a philosophical film which makes you wonder if the body is a palace or prison - and evokes mothers to lovers who've cherished your soul.
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There is very little to fault with Karwaan, which has been directed with surprising tenderness by Akarsh Khurana...
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It is an infectiously buoyant, emotionally engaging and superbly acted drama that could disarm even the most inveterate of cynics.
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...is equally appealing from the outside and at heart.
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Whether it will be a bestseller or not, the Dangal book deserves to be watched with your children and later, kept on your shelf.
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...is very good but it could have been great if the plot was stronger than just a story about two sisters with dreams. However we are not complaining much since it is a full-on entertainer for the masses.
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...is the best Salman Khan film in recent years.
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An extraordinarily eloquent film that has Salman Khan playing a worthy role instead of burnishing his brand image as an action hero.
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...is wholeheartedly recommended but with a rider: it isn't a stroll in the park because it demands patience and concentration.
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It is the best Hindi film I’ve seen this year.
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...is a brilliant film with a crisp narrative that will keep you glued till the last frame.
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...is a rare piece of art that is both humorous and tragic plus it is unique in holding Indian belief into a cinema that not only capture the eye but lightly massages your soul as well.
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Director Abhishek Chaubey goes one up with treatment in Dedh Ishqiya, seamlessly fusing his tale of love in the time of intrigue with suspense and humour. He also reserves ample space to excel for each of his talented actors.
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...the high drama, the arresting performances and the spunky audio track (Amit Trivedi) make NOKJ a memorable viewing.
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The problem with the film though is it’s length, which stretches to two-and-a-half hours, but the emotional deftness and clap-worth dialogues add the right amount of gusto and keep you totally engaged. This is a film that deserves an encore.
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...is unafraid, it is aware and it cares.
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One of the best entertainers of 2014.
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Makkhi, to sum it up, is a perfect example of the wonders a human brain can do if you just let it wander out of the box. It is a film which deserves to be seen by one and all.
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Rarely do Hindi movies look like they belong on a world stage. Bajirao Mastani is definitely a strong contender for that spot. It’s definitely one of the year’s best.
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...honest, provocative and piercing.
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...is a set of strong 4 short films. Each one of them is well-made and takes you into its own little world.
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Watch the film for its riveting performances and its underlying message that even after 70 years as a free country, we’re still shackled to the chains of caste.
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...is bound to raise eyebrows thanks to its contemporary, thrilling, hard-hitting and forceful content. One of the most ingenious and entertaining thrillers I've seen in a long time. Also, it's one of the most stimulating and intense films to come out of the Hindi film industry.
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For trying something new even with every literary adaptation, this one is certainly worth watching over and over again.
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...must-watch for Bachchan fans.
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A film that should strike a chord with every paa, maa... just about everyone with a heart!
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The songs have lyrics likening children to "jalebiyon ke tukde". What a wonderful, apt metaphor. The film's great too, don't miss!
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...charming, minor-key movie about material that might have been better served belted out with brassy energy.
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It has to be a first wherein a movie with such powerful political connotations is underplayed to a nicety until it builds up to a crescendo to throw a plethora of emotions at the viewer...
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Topical and thought-provoking...
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...remains a light-hearted comedy with situations that are relatable. Just like the film’s message, 'Bala' is beautiful even with its flaws, and never fails to entertain.
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...original, innovative and ground-breaking cinema, which will shock and provoke you. The film is definitely not for the faint-hearted or those who swear by stereotypical fares, but for those who yearn for a change.
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Gritty film that makes you uncomfortable enough for it to stay long after you leave the theater. Yes, that makes for a good film.
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What really works for the film is its massive star cast, gripping second half and also the skilled performances by each and every member of its cast.
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Laced with sly wit and captivating storytelling feints, Island City touches heights that Hindi films do only once in a blue moon. It is absolutely unmissable.
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It’s a hard subject to pull off, but Anubhav Sinha achieves it with first-rate storytelling. The best films inspire dialogue, they set you thinking; they can even lead to change. This one made me uncomfortable; it made me question myself and I think it will make you too. It’s essential viewing.
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...is what people like me wait Friday after Friday for. It does what it needs to and does not preach but leaves an impact strong enough to make you ask questions. It manages to bring out patriotism in you without the theatrics.
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It’s one of the least sanctimonious, most absorbing courtroom films ever.
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Fancy a non-stop, relentless, edge-of-the-seat experience for close to two hours with your heart perpetually parked in your mouth? 'NH10' is that kind of a rare movie.
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...is one of the best hard-hitting action films to have come out of the Indian film industry.
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Meta has a certain charm. But the tell-don’t-show climax that is typical of thrillers is a put-off. Even so, it is an interesting watch for how the medium is used.
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Simple and touching, that’s Udaan for you. A must-watch for all, whether teenager or a parent.
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In times where rapid radicalisation of the majority religion is taking place, these are unpopular questions which will surely make some people uncomfortable.
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...a sinewy and riveting espionage thriller that entertains without having to play to the gallery.
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Sly, gripping and taut, Kahaani is much too enjoyable to find flaws.
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After all the manipulations and references from known clichés from a sports genre, Gold is undoubtedly a story that needs to be told, at times when people question India’s ability in the sports arena
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...is obviously not a conventional entertainer. Just as well. The film stands out because of the balance it attains in depicting a man sinking steadily into incoherence and yet clinging to his humanity.
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When I walked out of Love Sonia this Monday night, I walked out with a hushed audience that seemed too overcome by the raw power of the film to even pause for applause -- and so they made their way to the exit very slowly, very silently.
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This film is insightful and dark, a certified entry into the indie and art cinema stable. If you like your films to be gritty and real, Haraamkhor is a real mean machine.
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...a subtle, thought-provoking and gutsy story...
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It makes a beautiful, mubarak point - one that's very dabangg too.
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The trailer had promised intrigue and duplicity, and the film delivers profusely on both fronts.
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Rarely, if ever, as in this epic, has Hindi cinema transported you to a world that is real and surreal at the same time.
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...the film and every rich resplendent moment in it, belongs to Parineeti Chopra. She irons out all the rough spots in the storytelling, hides all the wrinkles in the jaded plot and makes her character seem far more empathetic than it would have been in a lesser actress' hands.
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...makes for the kind of cinema we need, perhaps not something we entirely deserve.
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Serious, sensitive and stirring, 7 Khoon Maaf is a whole new cinematic experience.
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...a wonderfully irreverent, courageous and life-affirming film...
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Despite the flaws, the film is full of mad charm and is all heart. Tamasha is an incredible spectacle of a movie, to be experienced, not merely viewed.
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...a fine, fine film.
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...celebrates love, life, the longing of a man torn between three women (including his mother), his loyalty and his helplessness when faced with religious diktats!
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...is a movie that will make you a better person. Don't miss it!
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...a 'not to be missed' movie.
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...is one of the finest political satires we have seen in the last couple of years.
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...one of the finest crime stories to come out of the Hindi film industry. Also, as a film, it lives up to the expectations that you may associate from a sequel of a smash hit. This one's bolder, more erotic and has a story that will astound and astonish you.
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The nuances in the story are reflected brilliantly in all aspects of the film from the performances to the technical aspects like production design, music, editing and photography.
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The most well written and genuinely unique film of the year. This one's a superb product.
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...communicates an engaging story with very relatable characters. It's a movie that is truly inspiring and thought-provoking...
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Evolving from shorts to full-length, director Devashish Makhija makes a remarkable debut. Having delivered in a format where every frame must offer something novel to justify its presence, Makhija manages to keep affairs crisp, pointedly aggressive and consequently, effective.
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...gets so many things right by just keeping things simple and straightforward.
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...is a brave and an inspirational attempt at creating a commercial cinema out of a taboo topic. The movie scores high on content as well as emotions.
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Smart writing, fantastic humour and heartfelt emotions are the three pillars of this well-made film.
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...a strong, serious story told with sensitivity and conviction. Welcome back, Mr. Kukunoor.
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...a revitalizing take on romance and relationships.
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Get ready for a force of nature performance in Vidya Balan.
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Omertà is a work of intense, sweeping and frightening moral clarity. Unerring, unflinching and unrelenting, the result is a devastatingly, seriously good film.
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...an overwhelming film. At times a tad bit overproduced, the film is an onslaught of brilliant use of technology on the viewer's senses -- stunning cinematography, the fluidity of the camera, quick edits, loud soaring music, with the actors thrown into wild nature.
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...truly impresses, as much for its assured direction as for its ability to make you think.
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It is embellished with massy moments, clap worthy dialogues, sudden twists and loads of style.
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Though the story is a pure mishmash right out of the potboiler films of the 70s, it's styled and spoken with today's hip attitude. Dabangg is chavanni chhap entertainment, easy to ridicule but toughest to create.
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It leaves you with enduring images of a calamitous environment navigated by two antivillains whose thoughts and souls form a storied documentary that could well be a game-changer.
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...is imbued with a sense of place and time, poetry and lyricism, and it captures the essence of Banaras, constant-yet-changeable, with felicity and feeling.
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If you savor typical masaledaar fares, this one should be on your have-to-watch listing for certain.
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...a spot-on crime thriller that has some 'heart-in-your-mouth' moments.
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It is the heartland political thriller that several among the Bollywood lot have tried to make lately but didn't quite have the guts to.
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The best part of this film is perhaps that there is no compromise whatsoever with the pace, the decadence, the beauty and the purity of the language that a setting of this kind demands.
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This is truly an intriguing film.
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If I was so delighted by Barfi, why not five stars? Because it’s very good and that’s saying a helluva lot. So go ahead make your matinee.
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...a significant Bollywood marker, a film that is intensely local and gloriously global, with a terrific lead performance by Kangana Ranaut, in a story that bubbles over with real feeling and meaning.
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Bejoy Nambiar is back to resurrect his image after David, exactly two years later. He wipes the slate clean and rolls the dice out for Wazir, to begin the New Year with a bang for Bollywood.
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...is a felicitous first film that bears the stamp of cinematic craftsmen who know their art inside out.
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...compassionate and touching...
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The four stars are for its entertainment value and some brilliant performances.
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...has one of Akshay Kumar's best performances...
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...book your tickets for this thriller that will have you hooked from Frame No 1. The end is so stunning that it will have you stand up and applaud as the credits roll.
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...captivating plot, gripping screenplay, super performances and a climax that shakes you up completely. Watching this movie should be on top of your agenda this week.
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...devastatingly beautiful...
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Director Shakun Batra has matured from a filmmaker solely capable of romcoms to one who can infuse depth into characters and script relationships in all its verity.
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...is Shah Rukh Khan's triumph all the way.
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...this bitter-sweet film will make you laugh, will make you cry and will surely make you ruminate on the glorious uncertainty of life...
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...is a total knockout. The not-just-a-boxing film must not be missed as it puts forth a message that's most relevant in today's world — Bahut Hua Samman Tumhari Aisi Taisi — #Timesup, bullies.
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Kukunoor enhances the magic of the parable by throwing in delightfully quirky encounters that veer into the heart of fairy-tale terrain without ever losing a sense of reality.
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...is a breakthrough film : the portrayal of love and sex in Hindi cinema may never be the same again.
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The film is a sheer delight, with the events unfolding in a breezy, comic vein which keeps the ribs relentlessly tickling. But what's more alluring are the colourful characters and the multi-layered approach to the problems of a village which becomes a microcosm of the entire nation.
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Sinha’s Thappad is the much needed slap everyone needed to break the silence and call out the wrong. Even if it doesn’t lead to things changing overnight, it certainly has started a debate, a dialogue that can make way for some change sooner or later.
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...there's nothing more fascinating than seeing poetry in motion on screen.
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The best thing about this screwball comedy is that Homi Adajania has evidently made it purely for the fun of it and not as a desperate bid to play to the gallery.
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For grabbing and holding on to our attention even as the phone buzzes with Twitter and Facebook notifications next to us, and making us chuckle at every filmi reference...
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...the film breaks you down from within, part by part as you leave the theatre with images and sounds reverberating in your head making you uneasy. Not in a long time has a movie been able to accomplish this feat!
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...is an evocative film about women, brimming with messages relevant for society, and keeps you riveted to the screen.
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The commonality yet familiariaty of Piku is its biggest paradox and its biggest strength - there is something different for everyone from this one story.
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...if there is just one Rajni movie you will ever watch, this is it, this is it, this is it.
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...is all that a good documentary should be.
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The short story Do Behnein is six pages long, and starts only as Pataakha enters its second half. Bhardwaj takes these hysterical sisters at each other’s throats and turns them into a metaphor for India and Pakistan, locked in an endless cycle of sniping. It is an unsubtle analogy but effective in its crude directness, like a street-play.
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...an engaging piece of cinema.
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...an ideal fun ride with thrice the enjoyment and gratification, thrice the magic and thrice the hilarity.
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It is not just an engaging watch... it is one that leaves you envious, and emotional.
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...is relentless in its ability to entertain, and that’s possible purely because of highly accomplished film-making. A new template for the Indian blockbuster.
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Grounded performances combined with stirring music elevate this relatively straightforward tale, making it essential viewing not only for the young Indian woman, but for anyone looking to scale great heights against all odds.
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...a small film with a big heart.
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...has a gripping second half, smash hit musical score and the youthful romance that should lure and entice its target audience -- the youth.
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This gutsy film deserves a standing ovation!
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...is the first great Hindi film of 2019 and a rousing celebration of spunk. The writing is enthralling, the texture fantastic, and this world is a revelation.
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...is an ode to joy, an ebullient celebration of the cassette-tapes its maker has been brought up on. It is an action film, about fights and villains and the importance of pain, and Bala serves up chopsocky goodness not only with directorial flair, but with the benevolence of a friendly neighbourhood ‘Chinese-van’ cook, drowning chowmein in soya sauce and vinegar.
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With a brilliant theme, a narrative structure that flows, and social relevance that hooks the viewer, Chauranga makes for a powerful watch.
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...a small film with a big heart. A remarkable film with a rock-solid script, this heart-warming experience should not be missed at any cost. A cinematic gem!
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Leaving aside the fact that it is unmistakably inspired by the Oscar winning No Man's Land, Kya Dilli Kya Lahore is an emphatic directorial debut for Vijay Raaz.
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...engrossing and entertaining. A murder mystery at its best.
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For a filmmaker to stir up such a high degree of emotion while making no obvious attempt to manipulate us is an amazing achievement. Neerja is outstanding.
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...even though the direction and performances are impressive, the script seems manipulated and contrived at certain points, as if designed to pull the emotional trigger of the audience.
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...an exhilarating journey, an inspiring experience, a thought rather than a plot that glides with stunning smoothness and celerity.
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...superb, witty, violent, tragic - magic.
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...is richly textured with performances, beautifully layered with content, and sprinkled with occasional humor.
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...thought-provoking, compelling and forthright.
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...is quintessential independent cinema.
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...is some kind of crazy-great movie.
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...a poetic journey for a film lover.
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Taapsee is at her best fusing fortitude with doubt. She unfurls the timidity of her character without making her sympathetic.
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...is one of those movies that surprise you at every reel.
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...a sign of evolution in filmmaking, a work of art.
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...keeps us gripped from all sides even as a strictly entertainment package.
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It’s a reexamination of the life of one of our most controversial film stars and Rajkumar Hirani has made every episode seem as real as it could get. But the treatment is such that you don’t end up feeling like you’ve watched a news documentary. Humour is both Hirani’s sword and shield and he has used it well.
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...soars really high, higher than anything else this year.
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...gives a great overview of one of the finest sports player of our country. The performance of Parineeti Chopra, the dramatic and emotional moments and the appropriate pace of the film contributes highly to the film’s appeal.
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Sweet love, substantial performances, super fun, slick 'n stylish, Aisha is a-ha stuff.
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...well-researched, brilliantly-written and effectively documented creation that hasn't negotiated its wry vision for big screen. I'd go to the extent of saying it's the best Hindi film I've seen this year.
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This film is guaranteed to make you cry. But it will also fill you with hope. These amazing women will make you want to inhale life with a new ferociousness.
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...the result’s engrossing because of Ghosh’s accompished direction, excellent cinematography by Setu, and needless to add, yet another excellent performance by Ms Balan...
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The movie deserves attention not only for Manoj Bajpayee’s class act, this pointing, dark and intense psychological drama is disturbing but relevant which depicts the dark side of humans, the prejudice, the importance to be heard and listened in today’s times.
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...is a sure-shot hit. To state that SRK is sensational would be an understatement.
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Director SS Rajamouli has done some remarkable things with this monumental film...
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Powerful, engaging and thought-provoking, the film does full justice to the man and his extraordinary life.
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...haunts in unlikely fashion and, while the director's most straightforward picture, holds enough of its own marvels to justify multiple viewings.
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Worth every bit of the Cannes hype.
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Watch this film only if you are brave enough to dive into the ‘dirty’ pool. If you are lucky, you might shed a layer of ‘sophistication’ and feel liberated.
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It is one long action scene with patriotic dialogues thrown in.
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...an imposing and vibrant cinematic portrait, appending itself to the new wave of independent Indian cinema which I am extremely pleased to applaud.
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It's a compelling watch, more for its drama and histrionics than anything else.
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Whether Titli, the reluctant brother, transforms into a butterfly and flies away or not, there is certainly no escaping from Behl’s non-apologetic, brutal and bloody tale.
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...is simple, bitter-sweet, stimulating and humoursly entertaining.
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Watch I Am for talking unapologetically about real issues in real India. And also, for the performances.
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As good an adaption as it could be, even if it loses pace every once in a while, the other elements keep it going.
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After Airlift, we have another director’s film this year and this one is even better.
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Director Amit V Masurkar and co-scriptwriter Mayank Tewari have crafted a strong black comedy.
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This film soaks you in, and refuses to leave you much after you have left the theater.
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Shakun Batra's biggest achievement is that he has etched each of the central characters with precision.
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While Khan's acting prowess will keep you glued to the film, Maneesh's brand of crisp and tight storytelling holds the plot together.
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It is simple, colourful and vibrant but it doesn’t shirk from portraying the grey, the black and the complex. But most of all, Kai Po Che! doesn’t sit on the fence...
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...a fire-brand, paisa vasool entertainer.
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The film may be a finely crafted drama, yet it unfolds with thriller pace, keeping you on the edge of the seat till the very end. Enjoy the experience of a revised and re-mixed story, well told.
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...is not family entertainment, but it is an undeniably magnificent - and purposeful - commercial Hindi film. Do not miss it.
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It's dark, distressing and deeply disturbing. But it's also the reality of the times we are living in.
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The two smartest screenwriters of our generation, Mr. Hirani and Abhijat Joshi, have gone one better and crafted not so much as a movie as a relevant argument—with the usual ebbs and flows, dramatic flourishes, pauses and lapses in concentration (bloated second half) that characterize fierce debates.
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With its truthful depiction of individual foibles and local Goan charm, this film is a winner.
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...is a thinking man's, creative high. It takes a lot to back a project like this.
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Amidst all the compelling performances, this is Alia’s film as she continues to push her boundaries as an actor while challenging our expectations of her.
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This is an important film for many reasons. It radiates sincerity and it acknowledges and celebrates one of our heroes.
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...a delightful little gem of a film, based on an unbelievable premise, but treated with just the right mix of straight-faced gravity and furiously oddball humour.
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...an extremely well-made film that lingers in your memory. The realism coupled with stellar direction, power-packed writing, exceptional performances and ear-pleasing tunes are its trump cards. An outstanding cinematic experience!
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A simple, charming film despite its toilet humor and a couple other quibbles.
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...this film has some fantastic moments. Some soul searching philosophy and some heart crushing realities on offer.
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The strong writing is complimented by equally strong performances.
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...is worth every minute of its run, its heart wrenching, disturbingly powerful adage on exploitation, greed, lust, machismo, prejudice that ends with that much needed dope of hope.
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Unlike the overblown Sultan with a somewhat similar milieu, Tiwari's account of inspiring reality is lot more understated in its approach.
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...everything comes together simply and movingly.
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...is a little gem that shines brightly.
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...the film works for its tight script- which never dwindles- and for its powerful story.
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...a simple, sweet yet effective offering.
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It is proof that a relevant issue -- if portrayed cleverly on celluloid -- can be a statement of our times, while maintaining the entertainment quotient.
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Don’t miss Thackeray. It’s like a gym session that gives you a high. You can actually feel the adrenaline pumping, many a time during the film.
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...it's a moody painting that will entice you to linger and stare and stay with you forever. Either ways it's made of the stuff that makes life what it is. Down to the last intriguing detail.
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A slow-burning, searing crime drama that shuns the conventional trappings of the genre, first-time director Kanu Behl’s Titli is a remarkably sure-footed film.
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A true coming-of-age-story…no cop-out. Now that's a rare Bollywood gem.
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...is gripping and sometimes churns your insides. It's unapologetic and startling as you realize that situations like these do 'flourish' in the hinterlands of our country.
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...hits the right decibels to make sound enough for you to sit up and notice.
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...is a nifty piece of work that recognises the durability of meaningful entertainment. Its feminist breakthroughs may not always seem practical, but its 'fight back' gusto had my vote.
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Ram Madhvani has crafted a story that will move the coldest of hearts.
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...is relevant and timely without being boring or inaccessible.
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...a delightful film. It has heart, imagination and intelligence.
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...delivers an entertaining narrative that shifts gears between comic-book humour and heavy-duty drama with ease.
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...an audacious effort. It is a relevant film that tackles a complex issue and one that will engage, inform and open up debates.
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Watch in theater, not for cinematic brilliance but for a story well told.
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The dance numbers are brilliantly executed and the thrill quotient is highly enhanced as you watch the movie in three dimensions.
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...powerfully etched movie, enacted with purpose by every member of the cast.
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...will leave you choked and feeling good. It will leave you bittersweet. And breathless.
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...is layered, gripping from the word go, unnerving and, in a twisted way, hugely entertaining.
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...subtly puts a lot of such debates into perspective. We should be proud of it. As we are, of Padukone fronting and backing it, of course.
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...is a terrific combination of rich visuals, amazing choreography and strong emotions.
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This is a meditative version of a war film, subtly weighing in on human loss and ruthlessness, even as it seldom wavers from checking off all the crackling elements of an espionage thriller.
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Hat's off to director Anubhav Sinha for making yet another well-meaning and powerful film asking all the right questions.
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...works because the grimness of the material doesn't weigh on the telling. This isn't a laboured lecture on women's rights.
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Watch it and weep. And marvel at an extraordinary story told without veering into the maudlin. It's a tightly controlled drama without any melodrama.
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...witty, moving and mild-mannered movie about self-realisation, the end of one journey becomes the beginning of another against the backdrop of a family's disquiet and disputes.
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...works big time because Vidya Balan makes it come alive.
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...is a perfect package, it makes you laugh, think and stand in support of the judiciary system that in spite of its flaws, delays and criticism, we still have a faith that it will follow the truth.
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...is a perfect watch this weekend which makes you laugh and cry, also redefining romance on celluloid. The film has a great blend of emotions and believability at the right place, though the pace of the film is slightly slow in the first half which might bore the audience.
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...great chases, fast bikes, pulse-pounding action and glamorous girls. Dhoom 3 has all of it in abundance.
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...a complete mass entertainer with power-packed drama, hi-intensity dialogue and towering performances as its aces.
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If you truly love cinema and want to experience something out of the ordinary, then Miss Lovely is for you.
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...goads the audience to think differently without trying to deviate from its primary purpose, which is to deliver entertainment. It does the latter well enough and yet does not overly dilute its off-kilter vision. No mean feat that.
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...superb, sharp, risqué and original.
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Every once in a while, along comes a movie that urges us to look beyond its trappings. To lose ourselves in the lives of its characters, and the simple, but powerful, emotions that touch their lives.
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A charming little film, this one's made with heart and feeling and it shows.
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...a terrific film. It's surprising and disturbing and has a vein of rich, dark humor coursing through it.
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...amalgamates components of horror, paranormal and sex seamlessly. It titillates, it petrifies, but most importantly, it tells you a story which is daunting, imaginative and unconventional.
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This is a film that should be compulsory viewing in social science classes across the country.
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The story of this Indian beti is well-known and yet director Ram Madhvani gives us welcome aided-recall with his deft story-telling.
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A marvellous satire that takes its issues, but not itself, seriously.
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It's almost like the writer-director, at a living-room, is regaling you with anecdotes and blokes from his hostel life in an engineering campus. In fact, that's how this plot is also narrated in the film — to the lead character's son, who, along with the audience, is hearing all of this for the first time.
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Ram Gopal Varma not only manages to grab eyeballs from the beginning to the end with his taut narration, he orchestrates a veritable treat when it comes to performances from his ensemble cast.
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...deserves a watch for its sheer brilliance in acting as well as storyline. It leaves behind questions that shake many rigid notions without getting preachy.
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...what makes Ugly tick is the searing honesty with which it is told. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for those who are willing to let the morally decrepit live.
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Meghna Gulzar documents Chhapaak's grim reality barefacedly without losing sight of its character's quiet determination to fight the reasons that make such heinous crimes possible in the first place.
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Just for its ability to engage you with pure aesthetics and technique, Lootera cannot be missed.
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...is so universal in scope and appeal that the human, artistic and ethical issues it raises would be valid anywhere in the world.
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Well acted, well intentioned and inspiringly brave, Pink is the film that can shake up feudal mindsets in India.
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Frankly you don’t need to be a fan or a friend or family member of Sanjay Dutt to invest emotionally in this film. Even if you have a vicarious bent of mind (which most of have) you will take away a lot from Sanju.
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...hits it out of the park with a huge six on the account of its engaging narrative and a brilliant screenplay.
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Actors try to make up for a little slack in pace, but its capacity to moist your eyes at will is Gold’s real strength. Akshay is in top form and this is your must watch Independence Day film.
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It is Deepika and Ranvir’s sizzling chemistry that does full justice to Bhansali’s passionate story.
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Chalk up an absolute winner for the Vishal-Bhardwaj-Priyanka Chopra team.They make a coherent vision out of an inconceivable marital crises.
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...a sparkling little gem.
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It' an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, and Rani stays in your heart.
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...is not a routine weekend phenomenon we enjoy with our families, it's a rare occurrence on screen that demands debate, has its own voice and dares to say something important and relevant.
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Make sure you don’t miss it; it’s the most fun you’ll have had at the cinema in a long time!
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..breaking-norm film...
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Brilliantly written with some of the brightest young stars of Bollywood.
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...a truly inspiring story that will grip you from the first frame till the last. Take a few hankies with you. This one is a genuine weeper.
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A hard, unrelenting film that doesn’t give in to over sentimentality, City Lights is just like the city of Mumbai.
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And no matter the slight niggles: this is a film that goes far out on a limb, and gives us both bedlam and nuances, enough to warrant repeated viewings. And more than enough to love.
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...walks the tightrope between offbeat and commercial with gusto. This is a massively entertaining film.
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...a movie recommended for one and all!
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It is an amazingly mature film. Who would have thought that could be said about a 100% family drama?
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A clean, fresh movie about growing up in 1980's India. Family, friendship and love (in that order) are the elements of this teen-capers flick.
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...is an unpretentious intelligent cinema that has potential to make a lasting impact.
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...thanks to its sharply chiselled screenplay and near-perfect casting, this racy and gripping film leaves nothing at all to chance.
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...a well-written, well-made thriller sans histrionics which translates into wholesome entertainment.
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...a tender yet ruthless look-see at a city that claims to have a place for everyone but somehow neglects looking after children who are vulnerable to every form of attack on the streets.
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SAW ultimately belongs to Gupta, who stays true to the genre and makes a welcome return to the credible lot of Bollywood directors.
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...an engrossing story of vendetta and the execution of the material makes it stand out in the crowd.
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Each of the three stories has a newspaper story item quality about it and thus is as enchanting as that can get. But the novel way in which it is recorded and narrated is engrossing. But, be warned it is not your movie if you are the kind who takes offense easily or can't handle non-escapist cinema.
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...is charmingly cool & poignantly emotional family entertainer...
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...is an overwhelmingly powerful, extraordinarily touching and magically beautiful celebration of life, that urges you to love your life, cherish and share its sweetness as you get mesmerized by the hauntingly intoxicating performance by the two stalwarts – Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor in this feel good gem.
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It's dirty and you'll love it. For its wit even if might seem a little over-written. For its nerve even if the after-taste is that of an under-cooked story. For Vidya Balan because she is entertainment!
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...a Bollywood miracle – a rare Mumbai film that is mounted on a lavish scale and yet dares not to play by the established norms of the marketplace.
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A thriller that has your heart beating constantly for the protagonist’s safety is gripping because it is based on real life events and has strong performances.
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...a fitting tribute to the masterwork.
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The fact that the filmmakers really pull it off, I’d say, That’s the way, Mahi way!
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...a subtle slapstick, if such an oxymoron exists.
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...among the best movies of recent times.
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...a hi-octane espionage thriller with a heart.
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...a charming, unpredictable comedy...
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...a bag of laughs with eye-candy - Akshay in linens, Jacqueline in minis - and some crackling performances.
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...has a story which weaves in and out of a subject that is taboo, that too in an enjoyable and entertaining manner.
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If there has been a Hindi film this year that has managed to keep me constantly smiling like an idiot yet always on the verge of tears the way this Sharat Katariya film does, I do not remember it.
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...director Hansal Mehta has resisted the temptation to make a high-decibel potboiler, delivering instead a disconcertingly real and highly effective film.
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...opens the gate for true blue Indian horrors, stories with Indian ethos and folklore dipped in haunting resonance of fear within and outside with a humanitarian message.
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Colourful, quirky and ‘dedh’ times better than Ishqiya
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Well done, Team Talvar.
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...shines in two areas that most of our films often fall short of. As far as the story goes – good writing, and as far as comedy goes – great timing.
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This is a new kind of 'Angry Young Man' movie, in effect - seamlessly merging sub-culture with pop mainstream.
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...delicate little gem.
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...unquestionably great...
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...is a paisa vasool entertainer with plenty of laugh aloud moments and strong emotions as its USP.
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...is not a light watch, but it is definitely relevant, compelling and a film that will spark conversation.
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...may seem predictable but it’s the treatment and storytelling that make it rise above the sports movie template. Sheer poetry.
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A touching portrayal of sexuality beyond straitjacketed labels, this film is a complete triumph.
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It is a film that shocks, provokes and seeks to prick our collective complacency and apathy. That obviously adds up to infinitely more value than the price of a multiplex ticket.
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It requires patience to appreciate it fully, but deserves a viewing because films like this are hard to find.
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...this is much bigger than just a film, it’s a cultural phenomenon.
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...has all the potential to create a huge impact in Bollywood courtroom dramas on sexual crimes. Intensely powerful, well etched, relevant with top notch performance...
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...a beautifully textured love story that wins you over.
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...does not preach or boast but it touches hearts. Watch it for the emotional connect, and of course, the wonderful performances.
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...is brimming with solid content. Watch it for the spirit it is made in. Watch it because it's the kind of cinema that pushes the boundaries.
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But the real bravery award should go to director-producer Karan Johar, who dispenses with the designer preciousness of his previous films to come as close as this to something real, something important.
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...packs a massive punch. Watch it because it is one of the more important films to have come out of the Mumbai movie industry in recent times.
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... its victory lies in making you empathise with its characters.
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...is a sensibly written and finely performed film that takes a close look at the ordinary lives of extraordinary people. Not to miss.
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As a filmmaker with a sharp voice, this is Sinha's third film in a row that knocks open a fissure to reveal the rot within (when it comes to gender relations).
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...a terrific, moving coming-of-age film...
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Watch this film for the fuzzy, heart-melting feeling that it will give you through the two-odd hour duration. But also watch it for the hidden charm, the stoic way the protagonists face the problem with their own brand of positivity and optimism.
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It leaves you with enduring images of a calamitous environment navigated by two antivillains whose thoughts and souls form a storied documentary that could well be a game-changer.
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It's exactly what a blockbuster should be. Hugely entertaining, without ever being dumb.
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A film like Guzaarish isn't made for the box office. It's made for the gratification of the senses. And that it does, in ample measure.
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...great fun.
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Taut screenplay back by extensive research, well shot and neatly edited, Talvar makes a fantastic watch. But it is important to keep in mind that it is just a film and not a statement.
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...is that rare film that can make you smile and make you cry in the same scene.
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...director Vikas Bahl. This is his first solo outing. Earlier he co-directed the National-Award winning 'Chillar Party' with Nitesh Tiwari. Bollywood should blow bugles in his honour.
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...eschews complexity for simplicity, for the right reasons. Eight-year-olds can be God’s messengers: Bhagwaan ke asli bhakt, Allah ke bande. Yes, they can.
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...its relevance makes it an important watch.
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...a gloriously polished and a poised look at the chaos that rules the bereaved heart in our troubled times.
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Wrought with great intellectual and technical finesse, this film is pure poetry in motion
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Tremendous performances, deft direction, power-packed screenwriting and dialogue, melodious soundtrack and of course, the lavish mounting -- this film has it all.
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...a very difficult and intense watch - for women, for sure, and hopefully for men too.
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Director S S Rajamouli and Kotagiri Venkateshwar Rao, who handled the editing and camera work, and the entire team deserves thundering applause.
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...creates a world where characters don't shout to be heard. They just belong to a world where being proper, politically or otherwise, is not always a pre-condition.
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Yash Chopra had mentioned that this would be the last film he would direct. He has left a lasting impression with this one.
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The story-telling is fantastic, the acting a wonderful topping, and the music a wonderful final finish to the film.
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...is a well-made love saga which has tremendous appeal for the youth.
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...a spellbinding thriller with 'awesomeness' written all over it.
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...there is so much that you carry away from the film that the flaws fade away from consideration.
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...razor-sharp bitter and biting look at the real world of rapidly-moving moral issues.
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...an audacious film...
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Finally an unpretentious indie, Sulemani Keeda, simply put, is by the filmis, of the filmis, and for everyone.
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...painfully confronts a devastating truth and it’s heartfelt throughout. Deepika Padukone anchors this incredibly courageous, soul stirringly uplifting & beautiful story of life and hope that stays with you.
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Imtiaz deserves credit for trying his hand at something different from what the mainstream churns out every week. And for bringing back the one aspect sorely missing from Hindi films lately -- music.
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It’s cinematic art.
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This is a stellar debut film, as much for the storytelling as the subtle handling and dark humour.
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Modestly made, it’s a gentle, light-hearted stroll through Bollywood, a tribute to the numerous nameless faces surrounding its hallowed stars...
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...it celebrates humanity across cultural boundaries just as cinema is presented as a means of rebellion. How violence -- in the name of religion or a nation – destroys humans and humanity is showcased through touching visuals.
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...it’s good to have a film stating categorically, even if a trifle simplistically, that a no is a no is a no.
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This film is a dose of adrenalin.
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...designed as a vehicle to showcase the star charisma of Salman Khan and the actor literally hits bull's eye. He has a ball on screen and makes sure you join the party too.
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The authenticity in the writing (Himanshu Sharma) is perhaps the reason practically all the actors in the film leave a mark. The wit and repartee is absolutely top class.
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...a simple, heartfelt and riveting story told with a lot a heart.
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...shakes you from within compelling you to think, something not many films can boast of doing these days. A compulsory watch for anyone who relishes intelligent cinema.
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The writing is practically flawless, the music is haunting and the performances jaw-dropping good. Brilliant watch.
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Watch it for its layered plot, serpentine twists, proficient storytelling and bravura performances.
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...a no-frills but searing political thriller that is under-wired with intelligence and nerve, both cinematic and ideological.
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There’s no denying that Rohit Shetty is the present-day Manmohan Desai of Hindi cinema. His fundas are crystal clear: Deliver entertainment in large doses. In Simmba, there’s a powerful message too that stays with you once the movie has concluded.
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...delightful ode to the Great Indian Wedding.
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Dark, disturbing and disorienting, Miss Lovely is the sort of film grips viewers by the gullet and drags them into a claustrophobic crevice.
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The worst break-up ever makes for a warm, spirited film.
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...this is one of the best films of this year.
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...director Vasan Bala retreats to that primal feeling of fantasy, and performs a touching reversal: he stacks up the imaginary outtakes of his own childhood and returns them to where they belong — in a movie.
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...may not drastically change things for women, but it’ll certainly smudge a few boundary lines.
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It is challenging to take a chapter from history from a few decades ago and make it interesting for modern audiences, but SLB pulls it off.
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...an impossibly thrilling roller-coaster ride, backed by heart-thumping tunes, and some of the greatest performances we can recollect in recent times.
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Director Shanker Raman, with an appetite for noir and a natural temperament for fast-cutting, takes you so swiftly and so deeply inside Gurgaon's anomie that you may mistake his vision of the city for some dystopian view of the future.
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Those with an appetite for issue-centric cinema, sprint for it.
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Some movies leave you gobsmacked with their sweetness. Others silence you with their spareness. Can a movie do both? Sometimes. Stanley ka Dabba is one of those times.
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Dark, bleak, morbid and absurd, it is a Shakespearean tragedy and a Vishal Bhardwaj film through and through; and a fantastic one at that.
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It is only rarely that wit and wisdom come together in a Hindi film as felicitously as it does here.
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Masurkar makes humour his weapon of choice and sets up a satire that leaves you entertained, but also brings to fore some uncomfortable questions.
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In a nation of star-worshippers, this film devoid of superstars brilliantly stands out.
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Do watch it for its sheer brilliance!
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...it is evident why Shah Rukh Khan is needed for a film of this sort, and why only someone in his position and with his caliber could do it too.
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Every actor delivers and everyone involved in the making of this movie deserves credit.
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A cinema that entertains and enlightens as well. The towering message of women empowerment that helps the movie to rise above its flaws.
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...a colourful triumph, director Ketan Mehta meriting applause for his portrait of painter Raja Ravi Varma, skillfully blending a biopic, a period film, a love story and a social critique, within a tight frame.
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...is one of those infrequent movies wherein you get to eyeball the superior efforts of four top notch film-makers in less than two hours.
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...a fun film with proper dose of ‘gyaan’. It’s a film that shouldn’t be missed and it’s brave because it attempts to create a better world.
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Ali Abbas Zafar is in fantastic form with Sultan – this is how mainstream, commercial films should be made.
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...is fiercely individualistic cinema. Those who support for edgy, mind-pubbing cinema, should check it out immediately…
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The story, peppered with black humour to tickle us once in a while, reveals many more levels as we go along in this emotional roller coaster ride. The impressive ensemble cast contributes in a large way.
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...is what a well-made thriller ought to be -- taut, transfixing and spellbinding, with an astounding finale.
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Although it will not have a recall value like the old AGNEEPATH, this surely is a 'must one-time-watch'.
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...is an undeniable triumph on screen, a beacon on power of woman Parched demands attention from all woman around the globe and asked pertinent questions.
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Udaan is our life on screen.
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Fear definitely has a new face.
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...offers you both substance and soul, even as it dabbles with a slice of reality. Don't miss it.
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...it cannot be denied that Mulk is Anubhav Sinha’s best work till date, the cry for humanity, equality, the debate on prejudice, terrorism is bitterly honest, disturbingly hard hitting and undoubtedly an essential piece of cinema which needs to be watched by all to echo the fact terrorism is a criminal act and not a communal one.
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...is absolutely worth raving about, and that it might be one of the most original films to come out of the country in a long time. But its insights are hard-won: you have to be willing to wait and watch until the point of each scene...
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It’s the simplest of films, yet unimaginably complex. It’s straightforward yet marvelously thoughtful. In its understatement lies melodrama. In its refusal to dress itself up lies its richness.
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At times, the story might be a little too deep for millennials, but Manmarziyaan is one of the best romantic movies to come out of Bollywood in a long time.
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...is the kind of sports film that usually eludes Bollywood. It knows the rules inside and out and meticulously plays by them without ever succumbing to dreary predictability.
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Sriram has done a fab job in keeping dark humour intact. There are so many quirky and surprise elements that will make you cover your face too.
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For once, being a Salman Khan fan doesn’t matter. Regardless of how you feel about the man, you will fall in love with his performance and his film. It’s the best offering of his career. It’s a solid entertainer and its emotional depth will sweep you off your feet.
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Some films rip your heart out and keep it on the table as it lies beating. You watch in frozen fascination, knowing it will eventually stop.
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Watch the film for it's music, as well as some superlative acting by the entire cast.
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...a powerfully performed, masterly etched gritty fusion of struggle, pain & redemption that gallops skillfully on its merits and provides a rivetingly haunting movie experience for the audience who look for sensibility and meaning in cinema.
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...an ebullient, enjoyable film, its feminist points squirelled into the film’s margins. It’s the breeziest film you can imagine about a person’s transformation in a short span, and Ranuat is winningly responsible for it.
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This epic war action is not just an entertainer its one of those rare stories of unparallel courage, bravery and honour that teaches some lessons on humanity and the true meaning of war and sacrifice.
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For cinema to accommodate history, there must be a sense of balance between drama and authenticity. Chittagong manages that balance quite well.
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...a powerfully told inspirational tale that doesn’t brush the brutal reality of sexual exploitation under the rug.
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So whether you have pressing matters to attend to or not, please take a detour to this toilet. Each of us needs to raise a stink about what our countrymen do in the open.
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Director Raja Krishna Menon tells this remarkable tale astutely, keeping us on the edge of our seats.
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It talks about understanding of love with a degree of maturity, wit, humor with a nod for acceptance and backed by top notch performance.
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Powerfully painful & soothingly healing, an empowering piece of cinema that offers hope and salvation that is so necessary in today’s time. Very highly recommended.
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This is one of the few films where the audience was moved enough to applaud together.
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With scintillating performances by almost all the actors and music which can give you goosebumps, Vishal Bhadwaj has literally created magic on screen.
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...invokes thoughts on varying subjects from single parenthood, rare diseases to politics. And it does so successfully. As if that weren't enough it is all put together in a relatively unusual plot and has one superb performance...
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...is a paisa-vasool action entertainer which has style as well as enough twists and turns to keep the viewers engrossed.
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...is a special film, the kind where you know what is going to happen and yet texture and detailing give you much to marvel at.
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...is a highly engaging piece of cinema that grips you completely and keeps you guessing. The story telling