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Why Cheat India
A jumbo mess of warped notions and random ambition, Why Cheat India trivialises education and shows sympathy for deceit. Why indeed?
Jan 2019
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Rann
There are a couple of moments in Rann...reminiscent of vintage Varma. Then again, a messy climax, witless and uninspired writing and shoddy, detail-free narrative ensure these memories are washed out as soon as they are formed.
Jan 2010
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Ek Paheli Leela
Though there are more flaws in the film’s execution, at the heart of it Leela is a genuinely intriguing, if slightly predictable story and the twist at the end could have been a game changer had it been played out better.
Apr 2015
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Wazir
Wazir's problem, then, lies not in the fact that it does what is expected from a thriller; the problem is that it does everything expected -- which makes it a film that surprises little and adds up to nothing of consequence.
Jan 2016
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Khandaani Shafakhana
Khandaani Shafakhana’s aspiration to bring sex out in the open through its protagonist Baby Bedi’s efforts at running a sex clinic in a prudish small town is all very noble. But director Shilpi Dasgupta’s flimsy storytelling and comic timing of a subject, in the same space as Vicky Donor and Shubh Mangal Savdhan, neither enlightens nor entertains.
Aug 2019
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Roohi
As a self-confessed scaredy-cat, I have to say I was dreadfully exhausted by the end and noting the sloppy visual effects and continuity glitches in Janhvi's ghostly makeup.
Mar 2021
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Chaalis Chauraasi
Skilled actors sometimes rescue a film when the script is flailing. Chaalis Chauraasi is one such film.
Jan 2012
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I Me Aur Main
...falters with its plot, does a mild disservice to the ladies and is unreasonably forgiving of its protagonist.
Mar 2013
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Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon
...the few jokes that do work in this illogical, tardy drivel have more to do with how idiotic they are then amusing.
Sep 2015
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Mohalla Assi
Philosophy, politics and practicality cross paths in Mohalla Assi's ambitious premise. Except it is directed in such an unwieldy fashion that instead of rich satire, what emerges is a lumbering flab of incoherence and opinion glut.
Nov 2018
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Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai
The only way you can mildly amuse yourself with this sham is a) Do not ask questions. b) Do not think. c) Ignore the stereotypes...
Apr 2010
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Shaitan
In the end, it's all flash. This Shaitan is more SprayTan than Satan, staring us down and daring us to look away. Who blinks first? We do. Several times over.
Jun 2011
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Zindagi 50-50
...makes a brave but half-hearted effort to depict the dark cruelty that surrounds ordinary lives of three women. It fails miserably as sleaze -- of language as well as skin -- overtakes the proceedings.
May 2013
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Gunday
Occasionally, blemished scripts too are salvaged by solid performances. Gunday is inconsistent on that front as well.
Feb 2014
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Tamanchey
No amount of catchy soundtrack, meticulous set design, or slick editing can save the film from the lofty, misplaced ambitions of the people entrusted with guiding it.
Oct 2014
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Haseena Parkar
Shraddha tries hard to rescue the film, but the script totters so badly in the second half that any salvage seems impossible.
Sep 2017
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Motichoor Chaknachoor
If Nawaz hits all the right notes in his portraying his character's timid, modest traits, Athiya Shetty springs a surprise in how she completely surrenders to Anita's perverse superficiality. Wish one could say the same about the film's confused idealism and slipshod climax.
Nov 2019
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Kites
...starts off well enough, but loses itself in a mess of superficiality, which would have been just fine if the film wasn't also masquerading as operatic drama.
May 2010
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Hisss
The film is handled very tackily and looks extremely amateurish. Even the special effects are not of top quality and fail to impress.
Oct 2010
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Mai...
The legendary Asha Bhosle is let down by a loose script, appalling cinematography, a debutant director and a talented group of actors who, for some reason, do not rise to their roles.
Feb 2013
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Amit Sahni Ki List
Funny on the surface with faults in its execution, Amit Sahni Ki List should probably come with a warning that says 'Burn after watching'.
Jul 2014
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Dharam Sankat Mein
...between its sentimental leanings and farcical outbursts, the superficial sermonising of Dharam Sankat Mein remains just that -- superficial.
Apr 2015
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Lipstick Under My Burkha
When the film is not making points, it has some life. When it goes off into conscious revolting, it's just distributing pamphlets.
Jul 2017
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Total Dhamaal
...would be unwatchable without Madhuri's spunk and bossy swag playing off Anil Kapoor's bellyaching, bugged half's protests. This jodi deserves a better film. And you need no brains to know that.
Feb 2019
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Chor Chor Super Chor
...while not living up to the potential of its quirky idea, does offer laughs -- either because of actor, line or the stray scene.
Aug 2013
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Mahabharat
But dumbing down Mahabharat’s provocative and serious framework for a film that cannot even provide visual enchantment fails to fulfill it purpose even to its young audience.
Dec 2013
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Dhadak
As a remake of Sairat, Dhadak is a travesty. As a standalone, Dhadak is standard Bollywood boy-meets-girl drivel. As a showcase, Dhadak is a promise that will take some more effort to fully fulfil.
Jul 2018
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Phata Poster Nikhla Hero
Occasionally, I half-smiled at the laboured silliness put forth by this clean but clichéd farce. Only the darn poster is, ultimately, too phata, purana for anything to come out of it except disillusionment.
Sep 2013
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Happy Bhag Jayegi
...when the actors flanking Happy are so talented and endearing to watch. If Happy Bhag Jayegi succeeds in delivering a few laughs, it's entirely to their credit.
Aug 2016