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Haraamkhor
...with its unadorned, unflinching treatment, Haraamkhor is a difficult film to shake off.
Jan 2017
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Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
...a funny, hopeful film, with enough dry wit and generosity of spirit to allow it to circumvent the farcical pitfalls of its subject matter.
Sep 2017
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Go Goa Gone
The story moves determinedly in the direction of zombie movie predictability, but the hilarious repartee is never far behind.
May 2013
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Manmarziyaan
For a director whose narratives are propelled more by dramatic incident than by character psychology, Manmarziyaan represents a bit of an experiment. Though the film is perpetually busy over its 150-odd minutes, there’s little forward movement, and a lot of sideways shuffling.
Sep 2018
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Om-Dar-Ba-Dar
...prevents easy analysis, let alone glowing reviews, but there is little doubt about its status as a rare gem from India’s arguably sparse trove of avant-garde treasures.
Jan 2014
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Sui Dhaaga
...is a well-meaning, simply woven, feel-good entertainer that delivers as much as it promises.
Sep 2018
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Lipstick Under My Burkha
...a film that’s sure about what it’s saying, and which says it clearly and loudly at every turn.
Jul 2017
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Kai Po Che!
A well-crafted mass entertainer about sweeping emotions rarely comes along. Kai Po Che is one of them.
Feb 2013
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Ankhon Dekhi
Still, as city films and portraits of ordinary people taking a step towards an extraordinary light go, Aankhon Dekhi is an enjoyable confection...
Mar 2014
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Bajirao Mastani
Bhansali might be one of the last exponents of the grand old Bollywood style. Melodrama is not only something he’s comfortable with, it’s the air his characters breathe.
Dec 2015
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Aurangzeb
This is a movie that aspires to be about the mini-empires that exist within-and often work against-the Indian republic, but it scuttles its own ambitions midway through.
May 2013
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Ghayal Once Again
Deol is sincere and still evokes whistles when he lets loose his right hook. Fans of the Deol brand of action won’t be disappointed.
Feb 2016
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Ishaqzaade
The director captures small-town India perfectly and builds up his characters with requisite vigour. In spite of the choppy second hour, Ishaqzaade is still worth a watch.
May 2012
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Shorts
Despite the realism, grittiness and seriousness on display, four of the five stories aim for poignant and uplifting conclusions that undermine their impact.
Jul 2013
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Madras Cafe
...points to the consequences of unthinking military intervention. It’s too bad that the movie is unable to make this point with lucidity or conviction.
Aug 2013
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Simran
After all the drama of the last month, it’s nice to be reminded that offscreen Ranaut, no matter how entertaining or scandalous, cannot hold a candle to onscreen Ranaut.
Sep 2017
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English Vinglish
...is breezy, light-hearted cinema with a woman’s big journey at its core, and the abiding reason to watch it is the lead actor.
Oct 2012
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Gour Hari Dastaan
Gour Hari Dastaan’s relevance to modern Indian society, where Gandhi’s head on money is emblematic of him rather than his teachings, is one of the thoughts that resonates in this “tribute”.
Aug 2015
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Meri Pyaari Bindu
...ends on an intriguing note, at once messy and fitting. But is this enough?
May 2017
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Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola
Its ambition to reach out to the big picture derails Matru ki Bijlee ka Mandola. In overreaching, Bhardwaj ends up underplaying his characters.
Jan 2013
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Bhoothnath Returns
The overly busy screenplay, which clocks at 155 minutes, is packed with so many ideas that it unfolds at the pace of a multi-phase election.
Apr 2014
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Rangoon
...is a rollicking, messy, somewhat frustrating film—it neither coheres, nor does it let you drift away.
Feb 2017
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Fanney Khan
...is a well-meaning feint at the issue of body-shaming and an exhortation to not give up on one’s dreams. Yet, it also shows the yawning chasm between intent and execution into which so many Hindi films fall.
Aug 2018
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Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi
...has many rough edges, patches of amateurish staging and acting, misguided attempts at humour, and an ear-splitting and disposable Amar Mohile background score, but it is also good-natured, warm-hearted, and finely observed.
May 2014
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Manjhi
Manjhi is rousing, simplistic cinema, just about saved by a fantastic lead turn.
Aug 2015
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Gangoobai
Writer and director Priya Krishnaswamy keeps the proceedings simple and the emotions even simpler.
Jan 2013
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Chhapaak
Padukone's quiet portrayal of Malti’s determination is moving, but I missed the poetic flourishes of Talvar and Raazi, and the little cameos that enlivened those films.
Jan 2020