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Daddy
It feels like an extension of the idea of the Mumbai gangster as family man that Bheeku Mhatre introduced some 20 years ago, just as Daddy seems to build on the legacy of Satya while pushing the Indian gangster film into darker, more ambiguous territory.
Sep 2017
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Dhadak
By replicating the narrative but tossing in caste almost as an afterthought, Dhadak shows the limitations of mainstream Hindi cinema.
Jul 2018
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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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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Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns
...far more densely plotted than the first movie and has many more characters, but there’s no change in the theme—the struggle of feudals possessed by an immense sense of entitlement to remain relevant in a democracy.
Mar 2013
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Fireflies
The pace can be quite taxing as you wonder when he will reveal the point of his study of human relationships, fettered emotions, and final resolution.
Oct 2014
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Mar 2017
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Karwaan
Some of the pit stops in Khurana and Adhir Bhat’s script (based on a story by Bejoy Nambiar) feel gratuitous and the characters never reach out and touch us.
Aug 2018
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Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Runs on an unmistakable, foolproof formula: story is secondary; song, dance, costumes, and stars are supreme.
May 2013
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Aug 2015
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Tanhaji
...has fluent action and a gleeful Saif Ali Khan, though its view of history is slanted and broad.
Jan 2020
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Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga
...is too slight to be this year’s Bheja Fry or Welcome to Sajjanpur, but there is no doubting its relevance and sincerity.
Mar 2013
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Shuttlecock Boys
...will not induce happy sighs or tears, but the simple, spirited storytelling makes it worth a watch.
Aug 2012