Dabangg-2 Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:4.5/5 Dabangg 2 Review by Aakash Barvalia MoviezAdda  Now one cannot just 'guess' what to expect from the much-awaited movie of the year 2012, Dabangg 2. Pointing down a few points - such as without any doubt the none other than superstar Salman Khan, the brand Dabangg who had won many awards including National Award, debut direction by Arbaaz Khan, and much more had raised the expectations to a greater level. The makers had not only managed to deliver that kind of super satisfying experience among mango people, but had also managed to maintain the big brand.

Ratings:4/5 Dabangg 2 Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama DABANGG 2 is a typical Bollywood film. It’s the kind of cinema we relished in the 1980s and enjoy to this date, but narrated in today’s lingo and format. It may/may not make sense to you, but Arbaaz and team ensure that you are entertained. Thoroughly entertained, actually. It’s riotous, outrageous, wacky, ambitious, absolutely madcap, transports you to an altogether different world. For those who adore masala movies, celebrate mainstream cinema, relish the cinema of yore and of course, hero-worship Salman Khan, DABANGG 2 is your ticket this festive season. On the whole, DABANGG 2 has Salman Khan, Salman Khan and Salman Khan + Entertainment, Entertainment and Entertainment in large doses. The film has the masala to work big time with the masses. This one will rewrite the rules of the game and the festive occasion [Christmas and New Year] will aid its potential. Sure shot Blockbuster!

Ratings:3.5 Review by Srijana Mitra Das Times Of India (TOI) Yes, Chulbul (Salman) swings it a second time - and hits home harder. Dabanng 2 is actually a better film than the first, tighter, brighter and sharper. Featuring explosive action and fine detailing. Taking this franchise forward, Dabangg 2 presents a sewaiyyan Western where hot-cop Chulbul is cowboy and stud. If you're up for fun that's purely tongue-in-cheek, this will give you bangs for your buck. Note: If you don't like Salman Khan, Dabanng 2 won't pack a punch for you.

Ratings:2.5/5 Dabangg 2 Review Raja Sen Rediff For a fan of the star in question, all that matters is whether the star seems to be having fun. In which case Dabanng 2 is just the ticket, since Salman looks to be having the time of his life. Chulbul Pandey -- after a movie riddled with painfully unsubtle product placement and odd public-service style dialogues made to convince villagers that women can get jobs -- climactically gets to beat up an ageing politician. The film itself is better than the original -- or, to word it differently, is less unwatchable. Oh, and there is one decent line -- one referring to Chulbul as Kung Fu Panday -- but, quite like the time we spend watching this film, it's a throwaway.

Ratings:2.5/5 Dabangg 2 Review by Saibal Chaterjee NDTV This film might also end up raking in a much larger box office booty than Dabangg did. But assessed strictly as a pure entertainer designed for instant mass gratification, it isn’t half as successful. But make no mistake. Dabangg 2 is every inch of the way the critic-proof film that it is meant to be. No matter how many holes you might spot in its uncomplicated, wafer-thin narrative edifice, Bollywood’s most bankable megastar's onscreen deeds, at a bit of a stretch, would serve to paper over all of them. Unfortunately, the Dabangg 2 screenplay is devoid of any fresh ideas. The one-liners are rather laboured and the heroic acts that Chulbul Pandey pulls off with an eye firmly on the gallery are all too predictable.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Shubhra Gupta Indian Express I felt like handing out the first half of Dabangg 2 not one but two exclamation marks because it manages what few Bollywood sequels do: keep it same yet make it different enough to hold our interest. And then comes the second half, and things start sliding. The dialoguebaazi loses its grip, and you start to fidget.A sequel to this sequel may be too tempting to pass up for Chulbul and gang. I just hope they don't kill it with same old-ness. "pyaar se nahin, thappad se bhi nahin, boredom se darr lagta hai.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review By:Roshni Devi Koimoi What’s Good: The return of Chulbul Pandey-Rajjo-Makkhi; the comedy; some songs; the direction & cinematography. What’s Bad: The convenient story; the forced father-son & Mahie-Arbaaz trajectories; the whole feel like a wannabe clone of Dabangg; the irritating product placements. Loo break: Not Really. Watch or Not?: Watch it for Chulbul back in his game and if you’re a fan of Salman.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Mayank Shekhar Dainik Bhaskar As prophecied, if the world did come to an end on the day of the film’s release (December 21, 2012), you’d feel like a moron spending the last day on planet earth filling your mind and lowering your IQ with rubbish like this. Otherwise, you’d feel just fine, surrounded by Sallu’s bhakts who were probably in the theatre knowing that their super-hero in fact would save the world for them. He does. And yeah, like any other faith, this kind of idol worship is really hard to explain.

Ratings:4/5 Review by Martin D Souza Glamsham You get what you expect, stylized, and digitalized action (Anal Arasu) with Chulbul Pandey (Salman Khan) beating the baddies to pulp. All in all, this is one entertainer. Don't go looking for flaws, just enjoy, DABANGG style.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Nabanita Roy One India The only thing so far good about Dabangg 2 is Salman Khan. Otherwise, there's nothing so great about it. Though it's fun to watch out Dabangg 2, but, we aren't really sure if it could succeed to win the masses's heart this time.

Ratings:2.5/5 Reviewer Kanika Sikka DNA The sequel of Dabangg is a replica of the original film and brings nothing new. At the end of it, Dabangg 2 belongs to Salman and that’s the only reason you’d want to go for it. It is quite an entertainer, but only for Salman fans. In case we’re alive tomorrow (considering the world ends today), do catch the film. But don’t expect much out of it. While the film lacks in being a comprehensive package, it goes all the way in becoming yet another celebration of ‘brand Salman’. Every other character and element of the film just helps him entertain you for two and a half hours. If you’re looking for meaningful cinema, it is better you give this one a miss.

Read More

Talaash Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:3.5/5 Reviewer by Aakash Barvalia MovieAdda Talaash is high on suspenseful and emotional drama both, and thus it engages the audience in balanced manner. Though one may perhaps not feel like an Aamir Khan film along with dissatisfaction of certain unanswered questions, but it surely connects you throughout the film with its absorbing and spellbinding storyline. On the whole, it leaves you completely enthralled to Talaash for answers following with one nail-biting question behind - 'What's Next Going to Happen?', until you take a sigh of relief when eventually film ends. Go For It - The Answer Lies Within!

Ratings:3.5/5 Talaash review By Rajeev Masand CNN IBN Kagti (with her co-writer Zoya Akhtar) tells a gripping tale that operates on more levels than one. Not everything works, though. The twist in the end is cheesy, and isn’t too hard to see coming.What’s more disappointing than the twist itself is the manner in which the writers recap scenes to explain it, as if spoon-feeding those who didn’t get it right away.I’m going with three-and-a-half out of five for director Reema Kagti’s Talaash. Its shortcomings notwithstanding, it’s a good example of an entertaining commercial film that didn’t need to be lazy or senseless. Don’t miss it; easily one of the better films this year.

Ratings:4.5/5 Review By Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama TALAASH is dramatic and absorbing, both. Director Reema Kagti takes up an attention-grabbing premise and along with co-writer Zoya Akhtar spins a tale that makes the viewer a participant of sorts. While the cop tries hard to solve the jigsaw puzzle, the spectator, with his mind wide alert by now, gets intrigued by what he observes and perceives and is keen to get to the bottom of the mystery himself/herself. That, in my opinion, is why this suspense drama works. On the whole, TALAASH is 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!'. An absolute must watch for all movie buffs. You just can't afford to miss this one!

Ratings:3/5 Reviewer Anupama Chopra Hindustan Times (Star World) To watch Talaash is to embark on a passionate love affair that ends in frustration because the object of your desire reveals itself to be shallow and depressingly ordinary. In short, a profound anti-climax. For once, I also feel the need to explain my rating: I wanted to give four stars to the first half and two stars to the second half, so it averages out to three. See Talaash and do post comments. I'm curious to see how many were as furious as me.

Ratings:3.5/5 Reviewer Meena Iyer Times Of India (TOI) Farhan Akhtar's dialogue has fire. But the story written by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti oscillates between real and implausible; making it hard for the screenplay to bridge the gap, especially in some key portions in the second half. At time the pace also numbs you making you shift in your seat. But if you average it out, Talaash is well-worth the price of a ticket.Tip-off: You may not like Talaash, if mystery and intrigue set at a languid pace is not what you look out for in your matinee outing.

Ratings:---- Reviewer Komal Nahta ETC On the whole, Talaash has a novel suspense angle and is an engaging and entertaining drama with a good emotional undercurrent. It will, therefore, be liked by the public and emerge a paying proposal at the box-office. Business in the big cities and good multiplexes and single-screen cinemas will be good but the film won’t find many takers in small centres, ordinary multiplexes and ordinary single-screen cinemas.

Ratings:3.5/5 Reviewer Saibal Chatterjee NDTV By no means is Talaash the end of your search for the perfect whodunit. But there is so much going for this compelling, slow-burning, well-acted tale set in the dark, grimy underbelly of Mumbai that you can barely take your eye off the screen.This isn’t your average heap of cheap thrills designed to project a superstar’s crowd-pulling clout, logic and sense be damned. Talaash is a restrained, offbeat and occasionally beguiling shot at a genre that popular Hindi cinema seems to have abandoned to its own detriment.

Ratings:2.5/5 Reviewer Raja Sen Rediff Make no mistake, Talaash is a Vikram Bhatt film. It starts off well, but simmers far too long before it gets to the boil. as said, the film gets more than a bit long in the tooth, hinging on a final twist that isn't too hard to see coming. Which is all dashed exasperating, considering just how good this film could have been. Am I being too cruel? Perhaps, but because of the wasted opportunity. Someone asked me if Talaash was a watchable film, and indeed it is. It's better put together than a lot of the films we see here, and definitely strongly acted, but ends up so, so much less enjoyable than it deserved to be.

Ratings:2.5/5 Reviewer Shubhra Gupta Indian Express The first half of ‘Talaash’ is good enough for you not to want to blink. The atmospheric thriller, top lining an angst-ridden cop, his hollow-eyed sad sack of a wife and a stunning street-walker, has you hooked right from its lovely opening credits. Post-interval, though, the tale-telling starts to stutter, the pace slackens, and the film becomes less than the zinger it set out to be.

Ratings:3.5/5 Reviewer Kanika Sikka DNA The plot of the film is what proves to be a real winner as it leads to a logical, yet questionable end. While the movie is slow before the interval as it tries to establish the plot moving back and forth in time, the second half will leave you scratching your head as you try to piece everything together along with the lead actor.In all, Talaash successfully whets the appetite of all the Aamir Khan fans. As for the story, you can always trust Zoya Akhtar to give her best. Talaash is not a flawless film, but it is a fascinating tale that compels one to look beyond that which is evident. You can’t miss this one.

Ratings:3.5/5 Reviewer Roshni Devi Koimoi What’s Good: The nuanced performances; the enticing cinematography; the direction and music. What’s Bad: The pace; the slightly disappointing ending. Watch or Not?: Let the thrill and mystery sink in. Watch it for a different kind of film with much more than good acting, music and the thrill.

Ratings:3.5/5 Reviewer Mayank Shekhar Dainik Bhaskar There is one way to find out, and it would matter only if you’re interested at all to sit around until the end. The film is intensely gripping, good enough for you to wait it out. At this point, that is all that we need to know; and head to the theatre, of course.

Ratings:4/5 Reviewer Rubina khan FirstPost Talaash’s story and plot is such that to describe any scene would be to give away the suspense. The story is real, enacted by extremely able actors, who make the movie thrilling, in just the right measure. Every turn surprises you, shocks you even, and has you completely involved in the story playing out on screen.It’s not predictable in the least, and that’s where Talaash scores high! In Bollywood, to make a film that has the audience on the edge of their seats is a huge achievement. And that’s what Talaash does. It gets you in, as soon as the first reel rolls, and holds you right till the very end

Read More

Son Of Sardaar Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:4/5 Reviewer by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama SON OF SARDAAR may give you the feeling of deje vu, but let's face it, it needs tremendous skills to pen a screenplay that never lets you lose focus. Dhir and screenwriter Robin Bhatt ensure that they throw every trick in the book to serve a no-holds-barred entertainer, with 70 mm herogiri at its best, to the amusement-seeking moviegoer. That's one of the prime reasons why SON OF SARDAAR hits the right notes. On the whole, SON OF SARDAAR is for lovers of hardcore masala movies. If you liked WANTED, DABANGG and ROWDY RATHORE, chances are you will relish SON OF SARDAAR as well. The North Indian audiences in particular and those residing abroad will be simply delighted by this chatpata, masaledaar fare. A wholesome entertainer in the festive period. Go, have a blast

Ratings:3/5 Review by Madhureeta Mukherjee TimesOf India (TOI) Ajay Devgn convincingly plays son-of-the-soil with power, playfulness and colorful pagdis in every scene. He switches from comedy, action and romance flippantly, impressing with funny lines, gimmicks atop a ghodi (Jassi again) and tons of PJJs (poor-Punju-jokes). . This is a mass-entertainer, strung together with a series of Santa-Banta jokes, spiked solidly with macho sardaarisms. Like Jassi says, “Kabhi toh hasliya karo”, this one makes you laugh – in parts!

Ratings:2/5 Review by Rohit Khilnani Rediff  Son of Sardaar is the remake of a Telugu film Maryada Ramanna by S.S. Rajamouli but is a lot different from it too. Apart from that it takes a lot of inspiration Rohit Shetty's popular films starring Ajay Devgn. But this film lacks the punch that Shetty manages each time. I am sure it's tough to shoot scenes with human beings and cars flying and director Ashvini Dhir gets all that right but what's tougher is to club all the larger than life heroism with a good script which Dhir just doesn't get. Son of Sardaar has a lot for the masses but it lacks a good story. With all the other ingredients in place it feels like Son of Sardaar is a good opportunity wasted.

Ratings:1.5/5 Review by Saibal Chaterjee NDTV When a movie tries too hard to be funny and the effort shows in every frame, it only ends up being an unintentional joke rather than a genuine laugh riot. Son of Sardaar is one such abomination. Son of Sardaar is a vengeance drama in the garb of a slapstick comedy – a tangled mess that has no way of working its way around the sloppy screenplay.Poppycock in Phagwara: that is what the film should have been named. While the men on the screen defy gravity at will, the narrative defies logic without a care. Looking for genuine fireworks this Diwali? Look elsewhere.

Ratings:3/5 Reviewer by Gayatri Sankar Zee News Son of Sardaar’ comes in as an entertaining treat. The multi-starrer action cum rom-com is quite a predictable story, but does unfold its share of subtle surprises. SOS is a typical masala entertainer. It’s got all the formula of an action-packed flick. Ashwani Dhir’s direction is quite commendable, considering the fact that the film follows a traditional formula. The action sequences are a completely fantasy. Even Rajinikanth might seek certain tips to incorporate such hard-to-believe action sequences in his next! Nonetheless, the film is meant to be such. Certain portions are a bit of a drag, but the comic sequences will make up for the monotony. The cast has put up a good show. Overall, SOS is worth a watch, a complete family entertainer!Visit Site for more

Read More

Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:3/5 Review by Rajeev Masand CNN IBN (IBNLive) In the end, Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana is a warm and fuzzy comedy that benefits from the insider’s eye that the director casts on this garrulous community, and their love of food and family. At 2 hours and 15 minutes, the film feels bloated and over-long, but stay with it and you won’t regret it.I’m going with three out of five for director Sameer Sharma’s Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. All that talk of food will make you very hungry when the lights come back on again.

Ratings:3.5/5 Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama On the whole, LUV SHUV TEY CHICKEN KHURANA is a joyride from start to end. The film works because the written material, the execution of the subject and the performances complement each other wonderfully. This delectable dish ought to be savoured for certain!

Ratings:3.5/5 Review by Madhureeta Mukherjee TimesOfIndia (TOI) Sameer Sharma, has an interesting recipe here for wholesome entertainment, with clean comedy (pure vegetarian, if you like!).The story makes our tummies growl too long before a whiff of the real thing. Yes, the cook-time seems a bit much for hungry filmi foodies. This isn't the perfect chicken recipe for your soul, but never mind, it's the simplicity of emotions that fill you up, leaving a good after-taste.So go and chakh loh, your taste buds will slurp it up. Swear on the wishbone!

Ratings:3.5/5 Review by Rohit Khilnani Rediff  The dialogues are intelligently written and the humour is witty. Full marks to the director for getting the best out of all the actors. Though the duration is just around two hour and 45 minutes, the film seems to drag and slow down in a few places. It's not every day that Bollywood churns out a tasty dish with the right ingredients. We suggest you taste it!

Ratings:3/5 Review by Aniruddha Guha DNA It is an average fare, a film that has its heart in the right place but tries too hard too often. Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana benefits greatly from Sharma's presence, Amit Trivedi's enjoyable score and a funny second half. It's a light-hearted drama that leaves you with a smile, but in the week of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and Skyfall, LSTCK is at best a good third choice.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Shubhra Gupta Indian Express The everydayness of the language in this likeable film is one of its pleasures.Only thing is, the film gets a little inert here and there, not making as much of its stated quirkiness as it should have, it’s one-strand theme getting too stretched over a couple of hours

Ratings:3/5 Review by Roshni Devi Koimoi What’s Good: The excellent music; the very apt casting and performances; the dialogues.What’s Bad: The slow pace; parts of the movie are predictable. It takes a lot to make something as fine and simply enjoyable like Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. Though it takes some time for the flavours to set in and brew, excellent acting and music in the film make it worth the wait.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Shomini Sen Zee News While the story is simple, the plot takes too much time to establish itself. The first half is solely kept for establishing the sub plots of various characters and the main ‘action’ begins only after the interval. Too many characters, their stories, flashback scenes, and slow pace mar the film’s credibility to quite an extent. The laughs are there, but somehow lack that punch.

Read More

1920- Evil Returns Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama The problem with 1920 - EVIL RETURNS is that it appeals in bits and spurts. Not in totality. It's the writing that vacillates between engaging and yawn-inducing moments. On the whole, 1920 - EVIL RETURNS scares and shocks in bits and spurts. The film rides on Vikram Bhatt's brand, more so after the super success of RAAZ 3, but its writing plays the spoilsport.

Ratings:1/5 Review by Rohit Khilnani Rediff   The story moves at the speed of a snail and the horror scenes are so predictable.The horror scenes are typical and not scary.The set up looks good, the work going into the screenplay writing shows on screen.Though the two lead actors try to deliver but the fact that you don't feel anything for them proves that their earnest performances fall short because of bad see-through story.The soundtrack, the background score and even Bhushan Patil's direction, nothing comes together to save this film.1920 Evil Returns is yet another needless horror film. It's cold and bland.

Ratings:1.5/5 Review by Rohit Vats IBN Live (CNN IBN) The second half is far better than the first half. Some really scary moments coupled with brilliant body movements by Tia try their best to save the film. The long climax doesn’t appear dragged due to her energy filled performance.Overall, ‘1920: Evil Returns’ showcases some good ‘horror’ moments in the second half, provided you sustain the tyranny of the first half.

Ratings:1.5/5 Review by Shubhra Gupta Indian Express '1920-Evil Returns’ has a threesome in a house that looks similar, doing ditto. It may not be a sequel, but it uses the same old notes to scare us.The difference between the two is that while the earlier one had some scary moments, this one is massively mirth-inducing.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Roshni Devi Koimoi  What’s Good: Some of the scares; some songs.What’s Bad: The brazenly lifted horror scenes; performances; the jarring sounds.Loo Break: Anytime in the first half. Watch or Not?: Watch it only if you’re desperate for some uninspiring horror. Give it a rest otherwise. 1920 Evil Returns has nothing new to offer, but if you do want to watch a scary movie for the heck of it, then go ahead.

Read More

Ajab Gazabb Love Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:3/5 Ajab Gazabb Love Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama AJAB GAZABB LOVE is a love story at heart with a dash of glamour, a bunch of striking songs filmed at scenic spots and a dose of comedy to woo its target audience: mango man. As a matter of fact, it's evident at the very onset that you need to throw your thinking caps out of the window and enjoy the roller coaster ride that's brimming with crazy situations and madcap humor. If that's okay with you, the journey won't be cumbersome. AJAB GAZABB LOVE abounds in cinematic liberties, but one isn't complaining because, let's face it, you are not looking at path breaking cinema here. On the whole, AJAB GAZABB LOVE is a decent entertainer with a lilting musical score. This one's for the youth primarily and also for those who get amused by zany entertainers.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Ankur Pathak Rediff  Ajab Gazabb Love had the opportunity -- even within its absurdist premise -- to underline the dangerously widening economic inequalities.But being the star-vehicle that it is, it goes on to mock the financially down-trodden class with snobbish arrogance.The only motive here is to evoke some laughs at the lifestyle of the country's impoverished class. Fortunately, that doesn't happen because wit has never been a feature of Vashu Bhagnani's films and even if, by some miraculous logic it were, you can safely rely on Jackky Bhagnani to undo all the emotion from the best of lines.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Madhureeta Mukherjee Times of India The story (a remake of Telugu hit 'Seema Tapakai') is mounted on a weak idea, with paucity of funny moments and well-written scenes. Gadhvi (known for the 'Dhoom' series) has poorly patched the comic scenes with some songs (with a bounty of bikini-clad women - 'Dhoom' hangover, huh?), social messages (forced); and a story with a few laughs and even lesser romance.This film is all about a bunch of people going bananas, yet, it doesn't leave you in splits. But if you care for a few giggles, go watch it.

Ratings:1.5/5 Review by Shubhra Gupta Indian Express  Rich brat falls for weird girl. Girl likes the poor, hates the rich. So what does rich brat do? Why, ask his diamond-dripping family to pretend that they are to poverty born.This is not just a single-sequence joke in ‘Ajab Gazabb Love’, which features Jakky Bhagnani as Rich Boy, Nidhi as Weird Girl, Jariwala as rich boy’s loving daddyji, Kher as mummyji, and assorted bit part players. This is the whole film. Which could conceivably have been funny, and maybe that’s how it was conceived, but not like this, which plays out over two interminable hours.

Ratings:3/5 Review by Martin D Souza Glamsham Sanjay Gadhvi banishes the ghost of KIDNAP, keeps the gear to cruise control mode, dropping it a bit from the high octane stunts from the DHOOM series to take you on a laugh-riot. This film is a joy-ride - clean fun with no puns, yet it tickles your funny bone. Who says entertainment always has to border on the obscene, violent and vulgar?.I went in without expectations but came out thoroughly impressed and entertained. This indeed is Ajab Gazaab Love!

Ratings:1.5/5 Review by Kanika Sikka DNA Editing is weak and cinematography is nothing spectacular. The only good songs are Boom Boom and Nachde Punjabi which comes only at the end of the film. The romantic numbers could easily be done away with.For a rom-com, Ajab Gazabb Love fails to entertain in either romance or comedy. You can safely skip this one unless you really have the money and time to spare on a two-hour-long movie that entertains for a few minutes.

Ratings:1/5 Review by Ananya Zee News Gadhvi’s “light-hearted, clean comedy” is not one that entertains. Or maybe it does, but for not more than a while. Ajab Gazabb Love’ is just a one-time watch. There’s nothing that’s out of the ordinary or utterly striking about either the acting or the direction or the storyline. But if you’re looking for some genuine laughs and many more forced ones, go watch ‘Ajab Gazabb Love’.

Read More

Rush Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:2/5 Rush Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama  RUSH could've transformed into an invigorating tale, eye-catching, soul-piercing take on ambition, aspiration and salvation, but it meanders into the predictable zone after a great start, giving you the feeling of déjà vu on several occasions. The writing is markedly foreseeable, with the screenwriter opting for the predictable stuff. However, a few individualistic sequences do stand out, but they are few and far between. There were seeds of a riveting thriller, but the plot hangs loose at various critical and decisive junctures. There's a glimmer of hope prior to the climax, with those moments getting a grip of things, but the culmination is tame, quite a letdown. On the whole, RUSH looks like a rushed job. It could've been an interesting take on ambition and aspiration, but it comes across as a half-baked product.

Ratings:1/5 Rush Review by Rohit Khilnani Rediff Quite a few filmmakers seem to be fascinated by the television media business. But whether it was the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Rann or Emraan Hashmi's latest film Rush, none of them even get their basic facts right.Emraan Hashmi plays his part with honesty but it doesn't look like his contribution will save this film. After a series of hits and critically acclaimed roles this one will do no good to Hashmis' rising career. The shooting style in a lot of scenes and even the songs with spot lights on actors gives the feel of the 1980s cinema.We cannot recommend Rush.

Ratings:3/5 Review by IANS NDTV  Far-fetched, yes. But Rush has its adrenaline rushing moments in the second half when the narrative picks up momentum and moves steadily towards a climax that is not entirely edge-of-the-seat. Emraan as the backbone of plot performs decently. He has more speaking lines and less kissing to do here than in all his recent films. Whether the verbosity actually translates into something substantial or not is debatable.Rush has the bone though not enough meat to make for a juicy fare on the excesses of television journalism. It leaves you wondering what director Shamin Desai would have done with his film making career had he lived.

Ratings:1.5/5 Review by Apurva Bhatia Koimoi What’s Good: Hashmi’s decent performance, Eye-candy Chak De India star Sagarika Ghatge on screen after a hiatus, JazzyB’s song Fukraa What’s Bad: Botched up Screenplay, Too much Dialogue-baazi, lack of intensity.Loo Breaks: Quite a few.Watch or Not: Watch it ‘only’ if you are an Emraan Hashmi fan.

Ratings:1.5/5 Review by Mayank Shekhar Dainik Bhaskar This one seems to be set in an alternate universe, where laws and police don’t exist, and television ratings rule the world. The film could seriously work as a bleak view into a disturbingly scary, fictionalised future. Except, it’s set in the present, and in the present, as we know, there are about 800 TV channels in India, of which a majority are news stations, none of which make big bucks, if they make any profits at all.When the film eventually reveals the dangerous practices employed by his TV station, you may wish to laugh. But you don’t. Because this is an Emraan Hashmi flick my brothers. No one walked into the theatre looking for a story. They want sex and Sufi songs. There is no sex. There are lots of Sufi songs. Damn, what’s the point then.

Read More

Chakravyuh Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:3.5/5 Chakravyuh Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama CHAKRAVYUH isn't a dry film or a docu-styled feature on how and why the Naxalite movement has spread in various parts of the country. Jha knows, and knows well by now, that a message rings loud and clear if it's conveyed with a riveting plot and interesting characters that the common man expects from popular/mainstream cinema. CHAKRAVYUH is about Naxalites, but at the centre of the conflict is the story of two friends and how the issue [Naxalite] drives a wedge between two thick friends. CHAKRAVYUH is for the thinking man in the audience. It's serious in temperament, remains loyal and faithful to the issue it sets to illustrate on screen and puts forth the point of view of the Naxals and the government, both in the public domain. Also, it's violent and intense, with several ferocious moments. On the whole, CHAKRAVYUH is an engaging drama. It chronicles a burning issue, but is entertaining concurrently, something that Prakash Jha balances beautifully in film after film. Watch it!

Ratings:3.5/5 Review by Meena Iyer Times Of India Chakravyuh is a hard film to make and marks must be given to Jha for sticking his neck out. Staying true to the subject, he gives us an insight into uncomfortable truths unfolding in our backyard. He is one of the few filmmakers with such audacious work to his credit. Jha must also be complimented for the scale and performances he has extracted from his lead cast. The men - Manoj, Arjun and Abhay - are compelling; of the girls, Esha starts on a shrill note but improves later. Newbie Anjali Patil shines. Tip-off: You may not like this movie if socio-political entertainers are not your cup of tea.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Sukanya Verma Rediff  A dramatised account of real events is effective so long it is both expressive and informative in a sensible measure. But Prakash Jha's Chakravyuh, which builds its nucleus around the Naxalite activities in East of India , employs familiar ploys and plot points to credibly work as either. In the end, Chakravyuh is nothing more than an average action flick in the garb of relevant cinema where socio-politico turmoil is nothing more than a prop and gun-toting militants in uniforms and bandanas hollering 'Lal Salaam' fill up the frames

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Suprateek Chatterjee Hindustan Times There are films that try to tell emotionally complex stories and succeed in making an impact. Chakravyuh, unfortunately, is not one of those films.To be fair, Chakravyuh does get a few things right. The violence, though a tad excessive, is well orchestrated. Certain set-pieces, especially one that shows an entire village being razed, are executed well.Alas, all of this is undone by the film's frenetic pacing, raucous background score and puerile writing. Chakravyuh is, ultimately, a victim of typical Bollywood excesses. A little more subtlety, a little less jingoism, and it might have worked better.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Rumanna Ahmed Yahoo  Prakash Jha picks a sensitive subject of social relevance but in his attempt to pander to popular cinema, he incorporates too many Bollywoodisms that prevent 'Charavyuh' from becoming an intense political drama. Jha spends too much time trying to make the film entertaining rather than focus on the nuances that make a coherent plot.The narrative is peppered with an unclear romantic track and has an item song thrown in just for the heck of it. Prakash Jha should understand that a bold topic is not enough, unless the execution matches the noble intentions of the plot.

Ratings:3/5 Review by Mayank Shekhar Dainik Bhaskar This intellectual honesty is the film’s finest achievement. For most parts, the director ensures the audiences engage with a masala, action thriller – packed with the sound and fury of guns and bombs. This doesn’t force him to dumb down thought as well. The film – informative and entertaining at the same time – ends up reflecting the world we live in. These are the sort of Bollywood films that continue to document our times, and therefore survive much beyond their opening weekend.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Shubhra Gupta Indian Express It is the latest in Prakash Jha’s line of films which puts the spotlight on a burningly important issue, but which comes off less than trenchant because of mainstream considerations. How else can you do naxalism and 'mao-wadi-ism’ and idealism and pragmatism, and still expect to entice multiplex viewers? Because finally, that’s what all the good intentions and all those `isms’ come down to : packaged in a trying-to-be-palatable-to-all plot, which works intermittently in the first half, and not too well in the stretched second.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Roshni Devi Koimoi  What’s Good: Abhay Deol and Anjali Patil’s performances. What’s Bad: Arjun & Esha’s acting; the screenplay. Loo break: Any time in the first half.Watch or Not?: Watch Chakravyuh for a semi-decent take on the plague of Naxalism. The story also takes a lot of time to pick up. The story only picks up after the interval when Kabir and Adil’s conversation changes to “teri” and “hamari”, but by that time you’ve already lost your patience. Chakravyuh tries to grapple with too many nexuses in the movie, but gets bogged down with the script and mediocre performances.

Ratings:4/5 Review by Bikas Bhagat Zee News Enter Prakash Jha with his thought provoking ‘Chakravyuh’ - and it can be decisively said that there cannot be a more balanced approach to create an illustration around something as complex a subject as Naxalism. The topic is such that if not handled craftily, it would fail to make a mark. There are as many supporters for the issue as are counters.Here’s a fight which we have heard about and seen through the ages – the fight between the Capitalists and the Communists. Prakash Jha presents it in his own way; and going by illustrious line of work, it would be a big mistake on your part if you happen to give ‘Chakravyuh’ a miss.

Read More

Student Of The Year Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:3/5 Student Of The Year Review by Rajeev Masand CNN IBN (IBNLive)  Student of the Year (SOTY) plays out in a Gossip Girl-like universe, where feelings are surface-level and everyone’s a frenemy. Look beyond the shiny classrooms and the sun-kissed Thai beaches, the brightly lit song sequences and the repeated shirtless shots of our heroes…and there’s heart to be found, particularly in the film’s second half when Rohan and Abhi truly lean on each other. Too long by about twenty minutes, the film could’ve done with some tightening – perhaps the clunky treasure hunt sequence could go? Nitpickings aside, this is a breezy, enjoyable film by a director who knows his craft.I’m going with three out of five for Karan Johar’s Student of the Year. If fun is what you’re seeking, you won’t be disappointed.

Ratings:4/5 Student Of The Year Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama Although love stories is a beaten to death genre, STUDENT OF THE YEAR doesn't fall into the 'typical romantic fare' category either. Karan and screenplay writer Rensil D'silva pay minute attention to detailing and character development and what comes across on screen seems like an unmarked, charming and bona fide experience within the commercial parameters. On the whole, STUDENT OF THE YEAR is amongst Karan Johar's most accomplished works. The youth brigade would love it and those who have already past that age would want to revisit those days. This one's entertainment, entertainment and entertainment at its best. Clearly, KJo has a winner on hands, yet again!

Ratings:3.5/5 Review by Madhureeta Mukherjee Times Of India It's KJo-Wala Love! Served fresh and piping hot from the Dharma college canteen of romance. The story is simple and entertains throughout, though it's not the first time this marathon of an idea has run past the screen. 'SOTY' takes you back to your books and sinks you in true-blue Bollywood syllabus, following the 'formula' - Two boys, one girl, one glorious trophy and lots of testosterone. If this one doesn't pump you up with nostalgia, it's time for you to go back to school already!. Tip Off: You may not like this movie if bubble-gum romances, picture-perfect worlds and candy-floss clouds are not your idea of a movie-going experience.

Ratings:3/5 Review by Sukanya Verma Rediff  Treatment is Karan Johar's forte and it is what makes his first film with rank newcomers, despite the absence of a logical plot, so fresh and zany. It could all fall flat and look very silly but KJo's gift for timing scenes maintains a finger-snapping pace to pass off flippant as fun. Often it is this hold on the viewer through constant influx of escapism and pomp with magnificently choreographed songs, razzle dazzle of colours/style/design, appropriate dosage of humour and ritzy production values that distracts one from Student of the Year's brash celebration of superficiality and obvious lack of depth.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Saibal Chatterjee NDTV  Karan Johar’s latest film is zestful and frothy enough to appeal to an audience that does not seek much more than some harmless fun from two-and-a-half hours in a darkened hall.It offers nothing new or inspired and yet, for those that delight in fluff, it might even feel like a breezy entertainer. Student Of The Year is an updated rehash of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,. It definitely isn’t the film of the year. But if you like your entertainment to be served up with glitzy but pulpy garnishing, pirouette your way to the nearest screen by all means. If you don’t, go for it only if your life depends on it.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Shubhra Gupta Indian Express  The trouble with ‘Student Of The Year’ is that it doesn’t even feel as if it is trying for novelty, despite the brand-new talent it showcases. Not one of the three main leads fully breaks out of the ‘types’ they are assigned.Clearly `KKHH’ is the clear and present template, even if the triangle is inverted. You can also see bits of ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ and ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’ and ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. Not even the songs, so much a Johar strength, are distinctive. If this is 'Ishq wala love’, I ask, where is the 'film waali film', the 'KJo waali’ film? This is all show, so very little tell.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Kanika Sikka DNA  A Harry Potter locale, Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na-style storytelling, the melodious styling of High School Musical, inspiration from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar and the typical Johar drama, that's Student of the Year. Despite being an uncanny mix of all these characterstics, K Jo manages to hold your attention throughout the film.All in all, SOTY is not something you would want to miss if the surreal setting with bubble gum romance is your calling. The performances make this film a great watch. It’s a treat for all K Jo fans and if you didn’t really enjoy Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, K3G and other such films by the director, you can easily skip this one.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Ananya Bhattacharya Zee news  Take a cauldron. Mix in ‘Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire’ in generous doses, the essence of ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’, few minutes of some other films-set-in-school, and add a dash of ‘3 Idiots’ for flavour. What you have is Karan Johar’s latest offering, ‘Student Of The Year’. The director’s latest offering justifies, to the last bit, the adage - ‘all that glitters is not gold’.To sum it up, watch ‘Student Of The Year’ for the debutantes. They have really pulled off a tough task of playing praiseworthy roles in a film which suffers from the lack-of-a-story syndrome.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Martin D Souza Glamsham SOTY is full-on candy floss - 90 per cent gloss and 10 per cent content.I don't know why, but I get this strange feeling that the director was not fully involved or attached to SOTY. The mark of intensity that one has seen in his past films is missing. It's like a grand wedding reception with a poor food spread.Nevertheless, it will go well with the younger audience who he has catered to.

Ratings:3/5 Review by Rubina Khan FirstPost  Karan has given Bollywood three brand new stars with this film, minted in his very own Dharma Productions. But as a filmmaker, Student Of The Year is not his finest work. Sure, it’s got all the elements of finesse and expansive production values that his films are known for, but he has also been very pivotal in directing and producing films with engaging stories. On the creative front, SOTY does not raise the bar. He’s definitely not the director of the year as far as Student Of The Year is concerned.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Roshini Devi Koimoi What’s Good: The performances; the direction; the humour.What’s Bad: The unbelievable portrayal of students; the hamming; the ridiculous explanations in the climax.Loo break: None. Watch or Not?: If you’re a fan of Karan Johar’s fare, you’ll definitely enjoy all the dance-drama. Otherwise it’s just like a re-hashed version of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.Student Of The Year has some really earnest performances and entertaining comedy scenes. Other than that it’s a staple Karan Johar affair: ridiculous in parts and dramatic in others.

Read More

Delhi Safari Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:3/5 Delhi Safari Review by Rajeev Masand CNN IBN (IBNLive) There are more than a few lessons nicely woven into the plot of Delhi Safari, but thankfully this 3D animation film from director Nikhil Advani never talks down to its young audience, or beats them on the head with its overarching message of wildlife and environmental preservation. At a crisp 95 minutes, the film is an enjoyable and entertaining adventure, despite never achieving Pixar-level greatness.Despite these quibbles, the film works on account of its charming characters and some hilarious dialogue. I’m going with three out of five for director Nikhil Advani’s Delhi Safari. Take your kids for this one, chances are both of you will come out smiling.

Ratings:3/5 Delhi Safari Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama DELHI SAFARI goes beyond the boundaries of a "cartoon film" and attains a much elevated status. There's humor, there're sad moments, also songs, witty one-liners, loads of excitement and fun, but along with the joy and amusement, DELHI SAFARI carries a message: It raises its voice against deforestation and protection of wildlife habitat. In fact, the message is hammered well in the final moments of the movie. Clearly, DELHI SAFARI is not merely an attempt to delight the kids, but grown-ups as well. DELHI SAFARI has several brilliantly stylized sequences, like the one at the very outset which brings back memories of THE LION KING. In fact, it's a treat devouring these portions in 3D. On the whole, DELHI SAFARI offers something new on the platter. There's ample for the kids, but there's enough for the grown-ups as well.

Ratings:3/5 Review by Madhureeta Mukherjee Times Of India With satire, spoof, humour and wit, director, Nikhil Advani has highlighted the ongoing aadmi v/s animal battle, the desperate need for preservation of wildlife and the downside of deforestation. His creatures entertain and tell the story in true Bollywood style (too many songs and too much drama 'foxes' the plot). The problem is, he doesn't cut to the chase, and it turns out to be more like a long safar than a safari. The 3D effects are striking in parts and amongst the best we've seen in India, but few scenes are deja vu 'Lion King'. Alex and Bajrangi with their histrionics and rip-'roaring' banter are the stars of this show. While the cartoon creatures will appeal to kids, there's more for adults here. The 'real' Men of the jungle that is. So, Hakuna Matata, go watch it once. And take your cubs along.

Ratings:3.5/5 Review by Rohit Khilnani Rediff Though many Indian studios have tried their hands at animation in the past, Delhi Safari reaches the closest to a good quality 3D animation entertainer. Kids, who enjoyed the Madagascar series and even Jungle Book, will enjoy Delhi Safari because there are a lot of things in the film they can relate to.Despite the predictable song-and-dance and even the story, Delhi Safari works as the train journey from Mumbai to New Delhi has a few of stops and fun moments that fit well into the plot. Although the songs in the film do pop up more often than needed, the film, overall, signifies the progress Indian films have made in the animation genre.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Shubhra Gupta Indian Express Nikhil Advani’s ‘Delhi Safari’ does a great service to the animation-for-kids genre by stepping out of the tired mythological stories, and creating animals with distinctive personalities.But the film, with its major nods to the ‘Madagascar’ series, and a few ‘Lion King’-like scenes, is not madly original. It also slows down in places to include other incidental characters. It is much too dependent on Bollywood clichés. And finally, it is great to have a message in your film. But when it makes the film preachy, some of the fun is leached out. Save the environment at all cost, but keep the entertainment ticking.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Roshini Devi Koimoi What’s Good: The humour; the dialogues; the very apt voice casting.What’s Bad: The unnecessary songs; the forced melodrama; the hurried climax.Loo Break: None.Watch or Not?: Watch Delhi Safari some really funny dialogues and a change from the regular mythological animation. Delhi Safari is a welcome change from the regular mythology/modern-take-on-mythology. Though it may not match up to international standards, the humour element and Alex-Bajrangi make it an enjoyable watch.

Read More

Bhoot Returns Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:2/5 Bhoot Returns Review by Rajeev Masand CNN IBN (IBNlive) The flimsy plotting notwithstanding, Varma succeeds in keeping you on the edge during the first half of the film by relying on old tricks like an eardrum-splitting background score and some crazy camera angles. From above a ceiling fan and under a glass table, to behind a television set and inside a basin, Varma indulges his obsession with unlikely camera placements, and exploits 3D effectively to create a sense of foreboding.Alas, the film nosedives almost immediately after interval. Bhoot Returns is no Paranormal Activity, although it does borrow at least three key moments from that popular horror franchise. It’s not entirely a waste of time either, because Varma does deliver a few good scares. I’m going with two out of five for Bhoot Returns. It’s the kind of film that the phrase ‘time-pass entertainment’ was invented to describe.

Ratings:1.5/5 Bhoot Returns Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama  In Bhoot Returns though RGV uses the mandatory props to scare you [the movement of the camera, the knocks and screams et al], BHOOT RETURNS fails to jolt you. Also, there's hardly any grip in the screenplay. Even the 3D experience is non-happening. Let's not compare BHOOT RETURNS with the Hollywood inspirations. But when one compares it with RGV's own creations [RAAT, BHOOT and PHOONK], one realizes BHOOT RETURNS ranks lowest on the list. After raising the bar of horror films with BHOOT, RGV lets you down badly this time.

Ratings:1.5/5 Bhoot Returns Review by Anupama Chopra Star World Bhoot Returns is essentially watered-down Ram Gopal Varma mixed with Paranormal Activity. This family is so bland that it really doesn’t matter whether they live or die. Even Varma’s Phoonk, also about a little girl, which had a menacing crow and an unintentionally funny tantric, had more scary moments than this. Bhoot 2 is a film that Varma could have made in his sleep. I wonder if he did. I’m going with one and a half stars.

Ratings:---- Review by Komal Nahta ETC  Ravi Shankar’s story is ordinary and offers no novelty. The screenplay concentrates on creating fear right through the drama. A good part of the film is devoted to the build-up of the ghost and only the climax has scenes of horror. In that sense, the audience loses patience even though the film has a running time of just 90 minutes.On the whole, Bhoot Returns is not as thrilling and chilling as it should’ve been. Having taken a poor start, it cannot hope to do well at the box-office as word of mouth for it won’t be positive. Of course, it will not entail too much loss as its budget is limited and it has also been released in Tamil and Telugu.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Madhureeta Mukherjee Times of India (TOI) we understand that Ram Gopal Verma is 'possessed' with bhoot-pret (genre), but the problem with this paranormal story (where incidents unfold only between the couple's bedtime and wake-up time) is that everything about it is just plain (in a para) - Normal! 'Bhoot Returns', but with no story to tell, until the last twenty minutes, when Ms. Bhoot finally comes out of the closet, and scares for a few seconds. In fact, this wannabe fear-fest is more like a rehash of Ramu's 'Vaastu Shastra', and sadly a far, far stretch from the original 'Bhoot'.

Ratings:2.5/5 Bhoot Returns Review by Rohit Khilnani Rediff  In Bhoot he played with sound effects and now in Bhoot Returns he has sound effects along with 3D! His standard under-the-table shots work very well in the 3D format. For those who enjoy the horror genre, Bhoot Returns has enough to offer.The first half of the film has quite a few nail biting scenes but post interval, the movie gets over on a rather abrupt note. The end credits roll in no time, leaving you with a sense that there's more to the story that's missing. Bhoot was much better than Bhoot Returns and if Ramu plans to continue the series he should only return with it if he can raise the bar from his first installment.Watch Bhoot Returns if you are a fan of horror flicks, the 3D experience will do justice to your money.

Ratings:2/5 Review by Shubhra Gupta Indian Express Bhoot Returns’ gives us horror in 3D which serves to enhance the claustrophobia. But that and the occasional scary moments are offset by predictable writing and pedestrian acting by all its protagonists ( including Koirala on the comeback trail) except for the little girl, who does her job effectively. The best part? It is all of a snappy 88 minutes.

Ratings:1.5/5 Review by Kanika Sikka DNA Bhoot Returns has every element that a 90s or even early 2000s horror film demanded – a peculiar bungalow, narrow wooden staircase, creaking doors, unexplained voices, movement of furniture, a possessed doll, a swing in the garden – but it fails to bring any novelty to the genre of horror films. While the first half moves a little slow, post-interval, the movie is running to get to the conclusion.Overall, Bhoot Returns is missing the the scare factor and, god forbid, if you watch it with an audience that is easily tickled, you may not enjoy even the high points of the movie.

Read More

Makkhi Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:4/5 Makkhi Review by Rajeev Masand CNN IBN (IBNlive)  In Makkhi, the Hindi dubbed version of the blockbuster Telugu film Eega, a man is reborn as a housefly so he can avenge his own death. Few films are as wildly imaginative and as consistently entertaining as this one from director SS Rajamouli, who takes popular reincarnation sagas like Karan Arjun and Karz, and turns them on their heads. The fly becomes a character you root for, and incredibly, you can see characteristics of Jaani the human in the tiny bug. The animation in Makkhi is unfussy, but this is a great example of how the idea is truly the star.I’m going with four out of five for SS Rajamouli’s Makkhi. Make sure you don’t miss it; it’s the most fun you’ll have had at the cinema in a long time!

Ratings:4/5 Makkhi Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama  MAKKHI, the dubbed Hindi version of the Telugu blockbuster hit EEGA, does exactly that. Original, inventive, innovative and imaginative, MAKKHI raises the bar of films made in India. At a time when most dream merchants in Bollywood are concentrating on mindless entertainers that kiss goodbye to logic, Rajamouli strikes the right balance between logic and entertainment in MAKKHI. The scale of the film is colossal, the plot is invigorating and the outcome leaves you mesmerized. Rajamouli targets not just the kids, but the kid in every adult and you can't help but root for the fly as it seeks vengeance from the cold-blooded and hardhearted assassin. On the whole, MAKKHI is a landmark film. You ought to watch certain films in your lifetime. MAKKHI is one of those films. For choosing a crackling idea, for executing it with panache and for taking Indian cinema to the next level, I doff my hat to you, Mr. S.S. Rajamouli.

Ratings:4/5 Makkhi Review by Anupama Chopra Hindustan Times Makkhi is the most outlandish film I've seen in years. It's also the most fun I've had in a theatre recently.First, he creates a creepy villain: Sudeep is wonderful as the baddie unhinged by a fly. Then Rajamouli imbues a fly with enough personality to take on this villain. It's a tightrope act, and there are times when you think the film has gone too far.But Rajamouli keeps you hooked. By the end, I was clapping and rooting for the fly. How many films can get you emotionally invested in an insect? Makkhi is a mad roller coaster ride that's worth taking.

Ratings:3.5/5 Review by Meena Iyer Times of India (TOI) Though the plot is for the most-part predictable, Makkhi still offers situations that are truly gleeful to the young and the old alike. For once, the hero of this film, the fly, a common irritant in all our lives, enjoys our empathy instead of getting our wrath. His quest for revenge, somehow becomes our own battle for justice.Ironical it is, that the animated makkhi is so full of life, that he doesn't ever make you miss the presence of a beefy Khan, Kapoor or Kumar. The animation is on par with some of the best in the West and Rajamouli's characterisation of the fly is to be seen to be believed. Makkhi dances as well as Hrithik Roshan and rides as good as Ajay Devgn; mouths dialogue like superstar Rajinikanth and even challenges his rivals to a combat.Tip off: If Spiderman, Rajini and Salman are your cinema staple; Makkhi is for you.

Ratings:---- Review by Komal Nahta ETC On the whole, Makkhi is a very en­gaging and enjoyable fare for all age groups. Although mouth publicity will ensure that its collections pick up as days progress, its terribly and frighteningly slow start will tell on its box-office business in the final tally.

Ratings:4/5 Review by Ankur Pathak Rediff  Makkhi, which was released in the original Telugu version as Eega in July this year, is a meticulously crafted live-action film brimming with conceptual originality.The length of the film plays spoilsport. Makkhi could have been a far more engaging product had it eliminated the last 20 minutes which just stretch out the film. A suitable closure could have been achieved earlier.But overall, this super-fly is a super-stud, a bee-sized package that promises definite entertainment which even the so called larger-than-life superstars fail to achieve or achieve at a highly superficial level.Director S S Rajamouli and Kotagiri Venkateshwar Rao, who handled the editing and camera work, and the entire team deserves thundering applause.

Ratings:3/5 Review by Shomini Sen Zee News In spite of its absurdities, the film narrates a hilarious tale of a how a reincarnated housefly envisages to seek revenge and protects a human from another human. Film works mostly because of two reasons - its creativity and to make a mundane run of the mill revenge story so appealing. In spite of its absurdities, the film narrates a hilarious tale of a how a reincarnated housefly envisages to seek revenge and protects a human from another human. The film has some brilliant animation which has the ability to think from a housefly’s perspective. Watch it for its uniqueness. The new age hero of Indian cinema will not disappoint you – in fact it will make you think twice before you swat that irritating fly hovering over your nose.Ratings: Three cheers for its creativity!

Ratings:3.5/5 Review by Shubhra Gupta Indian Express A fly is something that buzzes about, settles on your food and on your person, and arouses annoyance. ‘Makkhi’ gives us a refreshingly different, innovative take on a little creature one tends to swat away and forget : in SS Rajamouli’s hugely entertaining film, a housefly bests the bad guy, and comes out on top.The dubbing is well done, and the film loses nothing in translation. It helps, of course, that the ‘makkhi’ is largely silent, its eloquence and cleverness coming from the superb animation, near the best I’ve seen in an Indian film.

Ratings:3/5 Review by Shabana Ansari DNA This typical South Indian fare is sprinkled liberally with masala and served hot with dollops of passion, vendetta, reincarnation and the triumph of good over evil. But what sets the movie apart is its protagonist – a humble housefly that thinks big. Despite some absurd situations, Makkhi entertains in a way only South Indian films do – through heavy doses of maar-dhaad, filmi dialogues and comic relief. Kannada superstar Sudeep plays the bad guy well and the animated makkhi is decent too. Worth a watch for the new-age Indian hero who may be tiny but has lofty ideas.

Ratings:3/5 Review by Apoorva Bhatia Koimoi What’s Good: Imagination, inventiveness , inspite of its absurdities at times, Director Rajamouli is able to carve a hilarious tale out of a make believe world where logic is intertwined with fantasy, some great computer graphics and visualisation.What’s Bad: The name itself maybe, the climax seems a bit extended.Loo Breaks: Few and far between in the first half . Close to none in the second, you would want to grab the scheming ‘Makkhi’ as it plots the downfall.Watch or Not: Not just for the kids, even the adults might want to have a look atleast once at this piece. They just might end up rooting for the ‘housefly’. 

Ratings:2/5 Review by Mayank Shekhar Dainik Bhaskar Makkhi however has not been remade, but only dubbed into Hindi from the Telegu original. You don’t need Salman, Akshay or Ajay Devgn (Bodyguard, Ready, Rowdy Rathore, Singham) to replace the southern super-heroes here. This is because the protagonist is a fly! And that’s a problem. Of all southern remakes, this is the one that could do with being re-shot with larger budgets, re-edited with snappier cuts, rather than merely being re-released. In its original, tacky, raw form, it just goes on and on and on. Beyond a point, you’re not sure if the fly disturbs the villain more, or the picture itself irritates you just as much.

Read More

Aiyyaa Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:2.5/5 Aiyyaa Review by Rajeev Masand CNN IBN (IBNlive)  Aiyyaa, with its bright visual palette, its strong female perspective, and its intentionally peculiar humor, is evocative of Almodovar’s quirky cinema, but the plot here is wafer thin, and while some elements work, it never all comes together as a satisfying whole.It certainly doesn’t help that the film unfolds over two hours and thirty minutes…an excruciatingly long running time for what’s essentially a slim story of a one-sided crush. In the end — the impressive camerawork and Amit Trivedi’s winning tunes aside — Aiyyaa is at best an original and promising experiment let down by its many indulgences. I’m going with two-and-a-half out of five for director Sachin Kundalkar’s Aiyyaa; an unusual film that could’ve been so much more.

Ratings:3.5/5 Aiyyaa Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama  Aiyyaa takes on a novel premise and transports you to an altogether new world. AIYAA is a desi film at heart. Also, quirky and funny. What sets it apart is that this Maharashtrian girl - Tamil guy prem kahani [Rani, Prithviraj] is woven around the concept of smell/aroma. Also, a lot many middle class girls feel suffocated when they can't choose the guy they want to spend the rest of their life with. In AIYYAA, the girl chooses her own groom, defying her family's choice. But AIYYAA is not a serious take on the institution of marriage. It's an amusing journey, actually. On the flipside, it takes time to get the hang of things. Also, the first half seems stretched, with a few unnecessary sequences adding to the run time. But the second hour more than compensates for the deficiencies. .On the whole, there are reasons aplenty as to why AIYYAA becomes a deserving watch. It's arresting, amusing, entertaining and of course, thoroughly enjoyable, with Rani's splendid act, refreshingly different plot, winsome songs, pleasant humor and terrific moments as its aces. Don't miss it!

Ratings:2/5 Aiyyaa Review by Anupama Chopra Hindustan Times Aiyyaa is a bewilderingly odd film. Rani is delightful as a woman in heat.She expertly manages to be both a simpleton and a seductress. She looks stunning and dances like a dervish. But the film can't match her performance. Kundalkar's story soon runs out of charm and wit. His lovely idea and original voice is stretched to the point where even Rani's mannerisms start to feel repetitive.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Madhureeta Mukherjee Times of India (TOI)  From top to basumm Rani is truly Wonderum! As Meenaxi. Prithviraj is simply Eroticumm! He exudes chiselled, raw sexuality in every scene; gets wet, adds Southern masala with his moves, but says nothing reallySachin Kundalkar starts out well, but while juggling between Marathi matrimonials and midnight-masala, his plot goes 'wakda' (read: digresses). After a few giggles, erotic gasps, and gaanas (Amit Trivedi), the story stretches pointlessly and loses its scent.Even with such a talented ensemble, this one turns into a cultural showpiece, and gets lost in translation. That's the sad-partumm!

Ratings:1/5 Review by Prasanna Zore Rediff  Widely talked about as Rani Mukerji's comeback film, Aiyyaa, in one word is director Sachin Kundalkar's fantasy. The director is so self-absorbed and self-obsessed that it seems the film was not made for audiences but to satisfy his own creative urges. Aiyyaa is a make-believe world where characters are as contrived as they could be. There is no way to find fault with Rani but she is shockingly let down by the storyline.However, one can't help but say that after every ten minutes or so as the film progresses one expects an unexpected turn that never comes.

Ratings:3/5 Review by Saibal Chatterjee NDTV  The Deshpandes are no ordinary brood. And Aiyyaa is no ordinary film. Wildly wakda (read twisted) in more ways than one, it is a film that defies definition.It careens from the dreamy to the delirious, the realistic to the raucous, and the perfectly logical to the utterly nonsensical as it turns many a time-honoured convention of Hindi commercial cinema on its head.Many might find its loud, outré storytelling style somewhat difficult to comprehend and digest, especially in the context of the film’s slice-of-life love story predicated on a willing suspension of disbelief. Aiyyaa takes time to warm up, slips into dull patches at times and occasionally teeters on the edge of a certain dissonance. But the subversive spirit that drives the absurdist core of Aiyyaa is well worth embracing.

Ratings:1.5/5 Review by Shubhra Gupta Indian Express More than anything else, 'Aiyyaa' is a film that could have been a truly subversive, exhilarating ride with a sexually aware, sensually charged woman at its centre. What we get is a flat, heavy-footed clomp through screechy lines and overstated, dragged-out situations. this is not a film which generates the sort of mad hysteria that makes you laugh. After a while, it becomes just another film we can’t wait to get out of, despite the trying-to-get-back-in-the-reckoning, still-watchable Rani and the sizzling Prithvi. Taking a cue from one of its songs, I have to say that, post watching, I barely saved myself from being in critical conditionuum.

Ratings:2.5/5 Review by Kanika Sikka DNA Though filled with clichés and caught in stereotypes, there is something that works in favour of Aiyyaa as it slips into the category of mindless comedy without crossing the line into idiocy like rom-coms normally do. Meenakhi’s dreams, when juxtaposed with her real life, add to a capturing first half. The second half however, tends to move slowly, with the last 20 minutes becoming intolerable due to a forced song and redundant twist in the plot, which fails to bring a chuckle. Though the film is limited by cheesy dialogues and prosaism, it proves to be an entertainer and a definite treat for every Rani Mukerji fan.

Ratings:1/5 Review by Resham Sengar Zee News The movie is a (nonsensical) ‘fairy tale ‘of a middle-class Maharashtrian girl called Meenakshi (Rani Mukerji) who yearned to be an actress but eventually settled down with a job in an art college.Meenakshi is melodramatic and a dreamer who escapes into her fantasy land anytime and anywhere. While Meenakshi is a dreamer, the girl’s family is no less and somewhat remind you of characters of ‘The Addams Family’.In straight words, ‘Aiyya’ is not a script badly handled rather it is a script wrongly written. We can only hope that Sachin Kundalkar doesn’t repeat his mistake and make his audience go ‘Aiyyaa’ in pain again.

Ratings:3/5 Review by Roshini Devi Koimoi  What’s Good: The superb acting of the entire cast; the Aga bai song; the direction; the general madness in the film.What’s Bad: The sniffing and chasing; the stretched screenplay.Loo Break: Not really.Watch or Not?: Watch Aiyyaa for a quirkily different film with very good performances but be warned that it drags. Aiyyaa is quirkily different and is worth watching for all the characters. But the sniffing and chasing gets a bit annoying.

Read More

KISMET LOVE PAISA DILLI (KLPD) Movie Review Top Critics

Ratings:1.5/5 KLPD Review by Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama KLPD - KISMAT LOVE PAISA DILLI comes across as an underprivileged clone of Khanduri's first film. The energy is intact. It's just that the narrative lacks the inventiveness and ingenuity of his first film, which I regard as its major blemish. Also, this one is vulgar, offensive [the gay jokes especially], crass and embarrassing. Most importantly, KLPD - KISMET LOVE PAISA DILLI is handicapped by a lackluster script. Not only is the basic premise similar to EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL, Khanduri fails to pack it with amusing and engaging moments. On the whole, KLPD - KISMET LOVE PAISA DILLI is a comedy that neither entertains nor tickles. In fact, this comedy is more of a tragedy!

Ratings:2/5 Review by Madhureeta Mukherjee Times of India (TOI) Kismet, Love, Paisa, Dilli (KLPD) is no 'stand-up' comedy. Neither will any part of you feel like giving it a standing ovation. This is as much of a dhoka, as the slang version of KLPD actually suggests. It is a string of episodes, part slap-stick, part-ridiculous, part comedy (the smallest part, of course) that all happens in one long night.Vivek tries hard to make this a legit laugh-a-thon. But with excessive toilet humour, and a script that leaves no scope for anything but that, he can't keep going for too long.'KLPD' is not a patch on director Sanjay Khanduri's first film, 'Ek Chalis Ki Last Local'. In fact, this one goes totally off-track. If you are sex (comedy)-starved, this one won't do much for your appetite. Tip Off: 'KLPD' is loaded with lewd jokes, and double-meaning dialogues. So if you're not a fan of the birds, bees and bathroom humour, stay away.

Ratings:1/5 Review by Rohit Khilnanni Rediff  Before KLPD, director Sanjay Khanduri made Ek Chalis Ki Last Local in 2007 and since he got it right back then, it seems he decided to use the same plot for his second film, only changing the backdrop and actors. So Mumbai becomes Delhi and the local train is replaced by the Delhi metro.But unlike his first film, KLPD is teeming with lame stereotypes.Some clever writing could have helped this film but dialogues like 'Har kisi ki dukaan har taraf se khulti hai' and 'Mai kisi aurat ko nahi jaanta, mai to virgin hoon!' make it even worse.

Ratings:1/5 Review by Saibal Chatterjee NDTV  Kismet, Love, Paisa, Dilli, mayhem, sheer baloney... one could go on. But what about some sense and substance? Kismat Love Paisa Dilli never promised any of that. So there.The makers of KLPD might as well, as a statutory warning, have added another letter to the title to denote ASSAULT. Yes, this wannabe comic thriller is an all-out assault on the senses.KLPD is a messy jumble that lurches almost blind from one free-for-all situation to another in the fond hope of tickling the funny bone. It ends up trying the patience of the audience. Stay away!

Ratings:1/5 Review by Roshni Devi Koimoi  What’s Good: The Captain and his gang.What’s Bad: The nonsense script; the annoying gags; some irritating characters.Loo Break: Anytime!Watch or Not?:Sanjay Khanduri’s story and script is a confusing web which barely makes you laugh. Don’t be surprised if the movie reminds you a lot of Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local. No, seriously avoid this one.There are no two ways about it and we’re not even bothering with a pun this time: KLPD is a painful watch that’s better avoided.

Ratings:1/5 Review by Mayank Shekhar Dainik Bhaskar  What’s this film about then? Well, films don’t always have to be about something, unless they start taking themselves seriously. This one eventually does, which is when you really want to bang your head against the seat before you, but never mind that. Khanduri’s Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local, though hardly a masterpiece, was a reasonably okay piece of funny trash in the mould of “Mumbai Noir”. This complete KLPD, in comparison, hurts.

Read More