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Bombay Talkies
Four short films. All work wonderfully at some level and don't work as well at other levels. Bombay Talkies worth a watch nevertheless.
May 2013
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2 States
...provides instant gratification primarily because of a charming lead cast and an excellent supporting cast that rises above the rather tame writing.
Apr 2014
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Bala
In that a body-shaming-themed film HAS to follow a certain trajectory, Bala holds no surprises. The one-liner insights and performances though are enough to see you through two hours. It actively avoids a few eye-rolls too.
Nov 2019
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Bol
The heart doesn't reach out to any of Bol's characters. It is slow and gets repetitive and preachy about serious topics like mistreatment of the girl-child and sexual orientation. The treatment doesn't let you get too involved.
Aug 2011
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Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola
...is the typical political satire drill. The only difference is an ace act by Pankaj Kapur, 2-3 wonderfully insightful dialogues, and some feisty, witty lines.
Jan 2013
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Band Baaja Baaraat
The super-basic plot looks naive but has nice facets of a man-woman relationship built into it.
Dec 2010
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Singham Returns
An action film which is actually trying to make a point through its story, even if it is an over-simplified one.
Aug 2014
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Parmanu
An obviously over-simplified account of an extremely engaging real-life event. The real-life bit is what keeps you glued despite tacky execution.
May 2018
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Tumhari Sulu
Strong characters with even stronger performances let down by an awfully ‘meh’ climax. And such a bummer that most of the ‘fun’ moments made it to the trailer.
Nov 2017
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Kshay
Yes, it gets abstract, yet it stays very well within grasp as it points at and makes us think about our own obsessions.
Jul 2012
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Inkaar
...has great, rusty-yet-chic atmosphere and good performances. But, the story cheats on itself in the last half hour.
Jan 2013
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Filmistaan
The first half of Filmistaan makes you want to recommend it to everyone around. The second half, though not boring, becomes cliché-ridden.
Jun 2014
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Ki & Ka
Inconsistently insightful and sensible. The uneven story and sermons take away from what the film wants to say.
Apr 2016
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Raag Desh
A war movie, a relatively lesser known independence story, a court room drama. An intense story yet not an 100% immersive experience.
Jul 2017
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Pari
This “Good vs. Evil vs. Evil” film is horrifying, terrifying, disgusting and repulsive in turns. Ugh. Guess that is what makes it a decent horror-thriller?
Mar 2018
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Blood Money
A strong middle hour sandwiched between twenty minutes of silliness at the beginning and an absurd last half hour, make Blood Money hanging between engaging and ridiculous.
Mar 2012
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Aug 2013
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Mardaani
A slick even if not taut thriller more than a film that keeps the social issue it is about in your mind after you walk out.
Aug 2014
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Titli
Noir taken to such a grim level that you disconnect after a bit and begin to look at it as someone narrating a gruesome story.
Oct 2015
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Jolly LLB 2
...a satirical, court-room drama that keeps you engaged for the 2+ hours. Won't stay for too long after though.
Feb 2017
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Dream Girl
Aims to expand on a hilarious ‘what if’ situation but suffers from an afterthought to philosophise it. Very witty dialogue and good performances in a hotch-potch of a film.
Sep 2019
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May 2013
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Sep 2011
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Policegiri
...but for the saving grace in terms Prakash Raj's performance and a few lines, Policegiri has barely anything going for it.
Jul 2013
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Jab Harry Met Sejal
A few lovely, honest moments; good performances but zero story doesn't work for this “boy meet girl” film.
Aug 2017
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Malang
It's all over the place, and yet the mystery and the characters are intriguing.
Feb 2020
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My Friend Pinto
...the situations lose focus of the genre and become outright childish and gimmicky.
Oct 2011
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Gulaab Gang
Something that could have had so much meat and punch, becomes just another common (wo)man vs. system film.
Mar 2014