User reviews

Got to experience a different kind of film, the best thing about it is that its simplicity.

Sanjay ji never disappoints with his acting and so is with Neena madam, seeing both of them together gives a different experience in itself.

Even if there is no great twist in the film but its performance and the slow progress of the story seems very good, many people will compare it with Drishyam and add names, but it is wrong.

Yes, I agree that the method of the story is similar, but its story and characters.

The acting keeps us connected in a different way and gives us fun.

Worth Watch, personally I Loved the Story and Acting.

• Review of Vadh - itsbymayank - Mayank Bharat Bhushan Louteriya.

When you have two seasoned actors like Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta in the main roles, it is definite that you will watch some high class acting irrespective of the quality of the script. These two veterans always get under the skin of characters they play and also have the talent to rise above a mundane script. Fortunately the script and dialogue of this movie is good and the director has ensured that audience interest is maintained all through. The plot has enough suspense and though there are hardly any surprises it may not be right to call it predictable because it isn't. Sanjay and Neena play an aged middle class couple who have a son working in America. Sanjay had to take money from a loan shark to finance his son's move to America. Now with no money coming in from his son he defaults on payments and the loan shark make life hell for the old couple and they are also in the danger of losing their home to the money lenders.

Director duo Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Rajeev Barnwal have made the movie quite gripping and there are some tense moments. As mentioned the acting of the lead couple is top class. They make the entire narrative believable. Saurabh Sachdeva as the villain has done exceedingly well and his menacing look brings in the desired effect. Manav Vij plays the cop with conviction. This movie may not appeal to average audiences since it is not the typical commercial mainstream cinema and there is no humour, music or any such entertainment.

The whole story centers around the blessing for a kid in disguise of the old couple who protected her. The character play of pandit ji and his wife is well played by the Sanjay and neena ji. Though the story overall sound like a story taken from a magazine but presented beautifully on the big screens. The entire cast have played their individual roles very well. So many emotions, hint of suspense and thrill makes it a whole. The locality, scenes, resources are perfectly picturised to shoot the scenes. Who likes to watch something new and theme based movies, should go for this one. Completely raw, no show off, no glitter, purely a middle class old couple story.

The story brings with it the nostalgia of classic Hindi literature, the scenes from the filming location depict the reality of a large majority of Indians, the pace with which the story develops & the turns it takes at several key moments are truly enjoyable, especially for someone who either comes from or wishes to understand the India that is.

In times when entertainment has been limited to short outbursts of senseless titillations, bringing out a story that doesn't offer it, is simple, slow, predictable & yet, is moving, realistic & thought provoking is commendable.

Acting of all characters especially the protagonist makes the movie all the more alive & a good example of how slow building movies can be a great watch.

Vadh is a crime drama thriller film directed by jaspal singh sandhu and rajeev barnwal.

Sanjay mishra pulls a lifetime of a performance in this film. He is literally, the subtlest of actors i have seen. He plays a retired teacher with utmost sincerity, even his body had the marks of poverty. Neena gupta, though animated at times, does fairly well. Her chemistry with him was good. Manav vij and specially saurabh sachdeva shine throughout. Saurabh brings that madness in this otherwise calm and steady film. The assistant to manav's character was obnoxious, also given a petline which he says after almost every line.

The screenplay is impeccable in the first half but gets messy in the second. The setup in the first half is so strong that you want more from it in the latter. But in the second half, the investigation sets in which is written weak and gets resolved too quickly. The chekov's gun which was the first scene of the film was impactful, but the end feels rushed.

The background score is throbbing and impactful, clearly letting us feel the tension. But the cinematography is outstanding. Every shot of the noir genre is put to great use here. The scene in which lights go out after the perpetrator is killed is a brilliant one, the use of light and shadow was so pleasing. The ambiguity that sets in the second half was reminiscent of badlapur. The sound design too, was too true. The scene of cutting the pieces was really very violent. The metaphors of the perpetrator with the mice was good.

I rate it 9.

When you slaughter a demon, it is no longer a murder (hatya), but becomes a vadh (righteous kill).

And what a demon it is. Saurabh Sachdeva, as the loan shark who indulges in several degrees of depravities, is a disturbing revelation. With his baritone and his wandering eye, he will creep you out.

Sanjay Mishra is the victim of the loan shark. With his unshaven look, drooping shoulders and puffy eyes, Mishra personifies the debt ridden, troubled soul.

He shoots different arrows from his quiver of acting chops and gives one of the best performances in a character that has had several such memorable roles.

Nine Gupta and Manav Vij give solid support.

A word for the directors / writers. Selecting an unconventional city such as Gwalior as the location where the film is set (generally movies on dacoity have been shot here because of the proximity to Chambal belt) and then getting the patois perfectly and locations right is, literally, mind-blowing.

There are gaps in the script and it is no Drishyam. However, it is a superb film in its own right and ensures the viewer that quality films are still being made in Hindi.

Loved it.

Rather than fake and irrelevant larger than life cinema, Bollywood need to focus on casting, story and really well acted movies. I was. My friend repeatedly asked me to see this movie and I wasn't keep of watching it as it looks a bit depressing movie but surprisingly movie gets better and better, I was so hooked on such a great acting by all the actors. Realistic locations and great story and screenplay . Such an underrated movie. I wish Bollywood makes these sort of movies to keep it originality rather than fake "larger than life" garbage. Such a great cinematography and direction. Definitely recommended.

First of all talking about the story It's something new and delight to watch.

The way they played such a difficult and challenging role in a extraordinary and exciting way that you never imagine about.

Both the main characters are at their best as usual .

Good actors like them always overshadowed by the new commer actors but for those who love cinema they know the importance and impact of these characters in a story.

When ever we talk about indian cinema we only talk about SRK,AMIR,SALMAN,HRITIK i m not saying that they are bad but people forget about MANOJ BAJPAYEE, IRFAN KHAN,NASHRUDIN SHAH, SANJAY MISHRA,PANKAJ TRIPATHI,AMITABH BACCHAN and many more.... The way they play a character they never seems like they are acting , it was like they are actually going through that.

Worth watching Great movie.

Amidst bollywood failures, this movie still gives hope to talented actors like Neena and Sanjay who outperformed in their roles. This movie is poignant and showcase the other side of poverty, struggles people deal with and completely relatable. I felt angry, sad, nervous, happy well all kind of emotions shed throughout the entire film. It was simply brilliant and I completely recommend everyone to watch, despite the noir side it shows that above being parents, there is humanity.

We need more movies with stories like these, enough of the blingblings of bollywood. Thank you for the makers for bringing this upto screen. To more films like this please!

Vadh is basically a mini Drishyam with an interesting screenplay and no mind boggling twist or anything.

If you know the story of Drishyam, you can tell what's gonna happen in this film in case you haven't even seen its trailer. A murder in desperation and then the hide and seek game and an ultimate twist that is quite ordinary and predictable. So vadh offers nothing new in case you have seen Drishyam. In fact Drishyam is a far better product.

Performances are however terrific. Sanjay Mishra owns this film. He is what AD is in Drishyam but here , Sanjay is a more desperate father. His desperation for help is so beautifully brought out. He and his wife Neena Gupta's helplessness whenever the gangster comes to their home is shown nicely. Manav Vij as the SP is good .

It is a bit wonky in parts . Their son's character is a bit too artificial in this era. I don't think a child these days would simply brush off his/her parents problems even when they are begging for help. He's simply there to evoke emotions . His character is quite far from reality. Also, we are never really shown but have to just believe that Sanjay Mishra took loan from a gangster probably to send his son to US. How he met this goon we have no clue. These are some loose ends left .

Overall, it's a decent interesting watch but considering we already have a Drishyam, this film will go under its shadow as it's nothing extraordinary from story pov.

The story is simple..very simple. A father takes loan for his son's better career in USA with a loan shark. He needs to break the shackle and he does in an unconventional way. However, the way sanjaya mishra and neena gupta perform as a parent you will feel the story is very near to you. In fact in your neighborhood. There is nothing in the story seems out of line. The tight script is the heart of the story.

I was wondering through youtube and came to know about "Checkovs gun" while writing a script . Here in this movie please focus on "Manohar Kahaniya" that sanjay mishra reads and sleeps while reading. The book keeps on coming in the story and O boy the director has used that prop so beautifully through out the movie.

A worthful watch.

Considering review from top Youtube critics, saw the movie today

Now I doubt caliber of any of these so called criticis

What a waste of time Undoubtedly the performance's were outstanding but the film lacked soul

It was nowhere near Drishyam

Could have been a okay watch on OTT but a big NO on the big screen.

The plot was okay and could have been fantastically executed. I was waiting for any twist expected from a thriller but alas.

Background score was a major disappointment.

The inspectors character was very confusing and did not make any sense also some scenes had no contribution to the plot.

In Gwalior, Shambhunath Mishra and his wife Manju face financial difficulties. Their son Guddu lives in the USA, leaving them to confront a loan shark named Prajapati. As they grapple with the situation, they encounter a corrupt cop and a hooligan leader. To safeguard their family, they devise a plan and face numerous challenges. Their focus remains on ensuring the well-being of their beloved Naina and her impoverished family.

Any movie with Neena Gupta is sure to be a good classic. But what impressed me the most in this film was Sanjay Mishra's powerful performance. I have seen many of his movies but all of them are comedies with supporting characters. That's why I was really surprised when I saw such a strong performance from him for the first time. He gave life to the character of Shambhunath not only in his acting but also in his looks and he did maximum justice to the character of Shambhunath. Neena Gupta also did justice to her role as usual, but I expected from her a great performance like in her earlier works, but more space has been allotted to the role of Shambhunath in the film. But in the second half of the film, she portrayed the naivety and poverty of a traditional Indian woman well. Also, her and Sanjay's chemistry was amazing. Saurabh Sachdeva portrayed the role of Prajapati so wonderfully that you will hate the character so much. Manav Vij also did justice to his role. His contribution in the climax is excellent. Apart from that, Ananya Singh who played the role of little Naina and Jaspal Singh Sandhu who played the role of Rathore Dada (who is himself the director of the film) were especially appreciated.

This is not merely an interesting crime thriller; it also addresses social issues. For instance, it highlights how many Indian parents invest millions in sending their children abroad, only for the children to not care about them in return. Initially, the film seemed similar to "Drishyam." However, as the second half began, it diverged from that comparison. Throughout the movie, each moment was thrilling and exciting. However, when Shambhunath agreed to Shakti Singh's plan, without proper investigation, the scenes leading up to the climax felt rushed. This is the only negative aspect of the film.

In terms of cinematography, it may not be exceptional; however, there are some brief instances of stunning panoramic frames that make a notable appearance.

Not a single song is displayed in the film, yet it does not hinder the enjoyment of the movie, as the plot is genuinely interesting. However, the decent background score by Gulcharan Singh plays a crucial role and significantly enhances the emotional scenes.

In conclusion, "Vadh" is not merely a crime thriller; it also sheds light on the lack of humanity within society. I highly recommend watching this film.

In town a retired couple low middle class are getting frustrated as son who was sent abroad for betterment and uplift family status is not successful and still struggling with his economical and social struggles abroad. A debt is opted by father from private ways where the bouncer takes the pressurised ugly cannot ask for ugly demands.

It finally done. Hasin Dilruba, Drashyam like trend story unfolds.

Here there is no suspense for viewers but for characters of the film!

How it is done? What next now, newer to us are displayed. What next is kept alive till the end. The couple chemistry excellent, courtesy parts helping wife getting down cycle rixa, house hold work by wife excellent. Sharing secrets, agony, plan next delicately handled. Sanjay Mishra N Gupta at their best. Don't Miss.

We have consistently considered Sanjay Mishra as a hidden gem of bollywood because of his unparalleled contribution to the comic movies. May it be the effortless dialogue delivery or his facial expressions, his roles always tickle our bones. But this is not the case with his recent venture.

In this movie he is playing a serious role of loving and financially troubled husband/teacher, who can go to any extent when it comes to saving his family and students.

The sheer brilliance with which he has portrayed this role is just outstanding. Never ever in my life I had thought that I will see Sanjay sir in such a serious role, bringing out his darker side on screen with such a ease.

And what do I say about Neena Gupta, her acting skills are aging fine like a wine. She has adapted the character so well that not even for a moment will you realize that she is just playing a fictional character. This is one of her best performance in recent times.

I will not say much about this movie but what I will recommend is start watching this movie with no idea or thought in your mind and you will be in for a surprise.

Movies like this are hard to find these days. Gripping plot with som fine performance. Perfect afternoon movie. You wont disappoint and leaves a smile at your face by the end of movie. Fun trivia is the villain in the end turns out to be the actual Director of this movie.

Full marks to the makers to have a movie so engaging with limited budget. Must watch.

Movies like this are hard to find these days. Gripping plot with som fine performance. Perfect afternoon movie. You wont disappoint and leaves a smile at your face by the end of movie. Fun trivia is the villain in the end turns out to be the actual Director of this movie.

Full marks to the makers to have a movie so engaging with limited budget. Must watch.

Low budget movie and far batter than those 50 + khan movie. This movie is perfect on Netflix also as now #Bollywood is under grip of this 50+ heroes. They just don't allow anyone to release movies for weeks and try to force everyone to watch this stupid khan movie.

Loved watching this slow crime thriller movie .

Another movie on Netflix is mission majnu

Action hero is also good.

Don't waste your time and money on #Pathan, #lal Singh chadha.

#boycott 50+ heroes movie and let new people come to movie.

#Bollywood don't suffocate new talent by just keep pushing 50+ heroes.

People will start watching south movie.

This is the best movie I have watched in this century. Acting, plot story everything is just near perfect. I have not seen this level of realistic acting and script in any Bollywood movie over many years. Sanjay mishra and neena gupta have acted better than any big Bollywood name in this. Every expression of Sanjay Gupta shows how great as an actor he is. Acting done by all the casts is mind-blowing. This is a very realistic and dark theme crime movie. Its not for the audience who just want big actors like salman khan but dont have the understanding of real acting. 10 out of 10 for everything.

Sameer lodaya

The expectations were very high as the trailer shown was very promising but they failed to delivered in the same quality....

The pitch of the film was too harsh with senior citizens killing brutally was little unacceptable but yes it could be easily accepted if shown In a proper way.....

The performance was just normal in compare to what we can expect from great actors like mishraji and neenaji....

The movie is slow in pace and you can easily predict what will be the next the climax was dicey and doesn't appeal that much...

People are comparing this movie with drishyam is totally absurd as there is no connection.

You should watch this movie, pilot twist and emotional scene.

Reality of today's children's, they don't care about their parents once they become successful.

Sanjay Mishra and Nina Gupta has given best performance.

This movie has more pilot twist than the drysham.

You'll enjoy the movie till the end.

This movie was released in theater, but without any star cast it didn't run, so producers released it on netflix.

This movie was released in theater, but without any star cast it didn't run, so producers released it on netflix.

This movie was released in theater, but without any star cast it didn't run, so producers released it on netflix.

This movie is as brilliant as it is infuriating. I saw Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta and I knew this would be a great movie. Obviously the old veteran didn't disappoint. Once in a lifetime talent! Everyone else too carried their part well. Everyone other than the son, absolute pedestrian. Story line, casting, character development everything is brilliant.

Everything about Neena Gupta till she comes to her senses is stereotypical of Indian housewife. Impractical pampering, ridiculously religious and unapologetically ignorant.

I wish they would make more movies like this one and Drishyam. Wishful thinking though!

If you want what you call a movie so that's the one. What a story what a screen play, hats off to all crew. What a performance by Sanjay Mishra, close to real life. A must watch movie. Best movie of 2023. After a very long time we have came to see a classic film. We don't want flying cars kind of movie which have nothing to do with reality. That's a classic man. A must and must recommend movie for all. Do watch it guys.best of the best. That's all I have to say about this classic special which was enjoyed a lot . Team Vadh keep entertaining us like that. Sanjay mishra rocks deserves over and out.

Vadh (2022) : Movie Review -

Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Rajeev Barnwal's Vadh stars two mature actors, Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta, and a bunch of talented fellas. The film has a topic about a perfect murder, which is indeed old and done and dusted, but the ideology of intolerance here is something that we can say is new. The film isn't a typical mainstream thriller; rather, I would say, it never looked like a thriller to me, but the attempt to explore the dark side of an already known event is praiseworthy. Usually, things like murder, the name of the killer, evidence, the murder weapon, a cover-up, the investigation, and judgments are kept secrets till the climax, but Vadh opens all the cards right on the spot whenever the events take place. That makes it predictable, and there is a slow screenplay to take you on a tedious journey within 100 minutes.

Vadh is the story of an old married couple, Shambhunath (Sanjay Mishra) and Manju (Neena Gupta), who were satisfied with their mundane middle-class life, until their son decided to go for higher studies in the USA. The debts are too high to be paid from their income, which was taken for the son, who doesn't care about it anymore. During the dry spell, there is a threat from a local goon, Prajapati Pandey (Saurabh Sachdeva), who is after their property. His regular visits to collect debt are quite annoying and disturbing for Manju and Shambhunath. While his demands become too filthy, Shambhunath has to commit a crime, which later turns into a perfect murder. Despite his confession and inner guilt, he leads to a new path that talks about plausible effects, but will it be that easy while the local cop, Shakti Singh (Manav Vij), is set to catch them for some personal agenda? Find out all the answers in the film, and stay away from spoilers.

Written by the director duo of Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Rajeev Barnwal, Vadh isn't a bad script at all. It's just that it's too predictable and slow. Up until the interval point, you have nothing happening on the screen. The trailer has already shown you its USP, so you keep looking for the murder to take place. It comes too late for you, and that's where you start losing interest. In the second half, things are a little pacy, but there is nothing unexpected as such that can elevate your viewing experience. The writing is at fault for this, and the screenplay too is equally responsible. What you like here is the positivity spread by the protagonist. There is a twist to his perspective on the crime, which is quite different from regular thrillers.

Sanjay Mishra's performance has lifted the film from a death bed. He put life into a story that you never cared for with his utterly honest and realism-filled performance. Loved every scene when he cries because there is nothing artificial about that. He cries just like any poor person would in real life. Neena Gupta in his wife's role is excellent as always. These are powerful performers, so you expect nothing less from them, and they just don't disappoint you. Manav Vij's cop is good, but what a solid act Saurabh Sachdeva has delivered, man. He will leave you with an impact such that you'll want to see more of him in the future. A perfect evilous bastard he played. The supporting cast isn't particularly impressive, but it's also not particularly bad.

On the technical front, Vadh didn't have much scope anyway, so it's not a mandatory topic of discussion. But yes, it does have a few scenes that need technical support, and luckily the film gets it. Watch the slaying scene with that background score and the smart use of the framework there. Rest assured, it's an average affair in terms of editing and set design. Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Rajeev Barnwal's duo gets the body right but not the soul. Throughout the film, you miss something. The gravity and weight required to investigate the horrible situations that the poor couple would have faced are absent. Sandhu and Barnwal have focused more on regular stuff than outside portions. You see, there is a lack of uniqueness in the storytelling. You can sense it from the beginning, and it never comes to help you. The logical statistics aren't there in the climax, which makes you leave the auditorium a little confused and half-filled. Overall, a strictly average film lifted by the great Sanjay Mishra.

RATING - 5/10*