Rajesh-Narayanan01

Beyond all the hype that is the Indian Civil Services exams, the movie's twin message that education is empowerment and honesty is rewarded in the end is laudable!

I am unaware of the real life persona behind the chief protagonists of the film, but our family watched their story with tears in our eyes and positivity ebbing by the end of the film.

This was a wonderfully well made movie both from story as well as acting perspectives. I am unable to recall the last time I watched a film devoid of cringe worthy scenes or raw action but still at the edge of my seat eagerly waiting for the next punch.

Kudos to the team and crew. Please make more such movies that leave a positive message.

I did not like the police doing a morality check on each and every character. Neither did I really like the one-faced nature of most people in this movie.

But the cast did a good job in communicating the personality behind their characters very effectively. The storyline was crisp and not much time was wasted on unnecessary drama.

The end scenes could have been much more punchy but felt slightly more on the preachier/ unrealistic side. For one, I wouldn't expect criminals (hardened or accidental) to accept their guilt so easily. The police explaining how they identified the crime back to the criminal, just for dramatic effect, has to change!

The message and the intent of this movie is noteworthy. Where do we draw the lines when it comes to stereotyping respectable positions? Everyone should be allowed a chance to redeem themselves. It may play a prominent role in our lives, but an outdated "societal respect system" should not become a bar in deciding whether one lives or dies!

It was refreshing to watch a well made movie that is far removed from more recent thrillers that overemphasize gore or adult content. Some plot lines concerning history could have given the story more depth.

Out of everyone, I enjoyed watching Crowe's act in this movie. However some of the actions by his scripted character makes you wonder whether such a person would survive in journalism. Jeff Daniels was perhaps the most convincing of the lot.

I also find the lack of consequences for many of the reporter's actions or lack of serious involvement by police/ Feds a bit unrealistic. But that keeps the focus fixated on the main characters & keeps the storyline succinct.