Reviews

What worked: Vikram Massey doesn't fail to surprise with his acting. This movie clearly wins , in every aspects , making it one of the essential and memorable Indian movies in recent times . What makes it an amazing watch is everything ; acting , editing , all the casts, .The female supportive lead brings the charm in this important movie . VVC, for me , it's his best movies and maybe one of their best movies for the whole team . The movie is an ode to resilience , patience and hard work,and optimism. This movie is essential one , as an epitome of what a grounded story can be, and example of what a good movie should look like .It's heartwarming movie , such a satisfying watch . The scores are done well, the screenplay and direction are top class . Vikrant Massey makes me so happy to watch, his acting evolving and making himself bigger and better with each one ones .

What did not work : It's rare to find a movie that doesn't make you question what did not work , and for that matter this one wins a big time.

Final verdict: a very important movie coming from India , it's a must watch .

What worked: It's pleasant to experience a beautiful piece of art when the amalgamation of the great team come together. It's one of them. What kept me super happy is everything the movie stands for and it's one of those rare works, for me, that stood and challenged the sands of time in almost every aspect of film making. And that's usually rare. Of course the actors, directors, screenwriters, the DOP, editor , you name it, it's a treat. The series engaged some great star cast and great acting. To add, of course it's based on true incident. The series has one of the very clever experiments in editing and cinematography which are carefully put together. For example the 6th episode was cleverly captured and very impressive work. A good watch is a feeling of being inclusive and engagement in the narrative. It was made possible by the great team of the series.

What did not work: Maybe some scenes required the dialogues to be in Hindi rather than in English considering the scenes had uneducated character. Just minor flaw in few scenes.

Final verdict: Highly recommended, and a good sign for the quality film making in recent times from India.

What worked: Unlike some other projects who were marred by the production design and below acceptable VFX with similar budget, it stands better. I must say it was a commendable job considering the industry's linage of not so great the visual and sound effects. That stands out. Mouni Roy was a well written and executed character. The good thing about the movie is grandiose ideas are well done and a very strong aspect is keeping the essence of our culture and religious belief. As a director, Ayan should be applauded for the project that he worked on. It's a great effort and it's visible in the narrative.

What did not work: Like many others, I would say the loopholes and plot holes could and should have been amended considering the years of time they had to draft and redraft. That's something that I strongly did not admire about the project. Alia's character should have been more meaningful instead she is shown yelling SHIVA many times on multiple occasions making it unbearable and weak. Either they should have changed the scenery/ situations or they should have had better and convincing explanations. A movie works usually because people believe and are convince with that they see and that comes with better script, plots, dialogues and acting and many more but making some Glaring error was not acceptable considering the budget and scale they had to do workshop and work on making those changes.

What worked: I was firstly hugely impressed by the action sequences and the execution. It felt more cinematic than its contemporaries. Also, adding would be a good editing work. I haven't watched other work of the director but I am quiet impressed by the overall execution of the movie. It's better written and details are well coherent with the mood and the tension that was required for an action movie. It's subtle, well reasoned and plot is not compromised, dragged or made with unnecessary scenes to prove the point. The movie has its reasons, necessary plots to prove why the following scenes are the way they are and most importantly very few cliche scenes, making it an enjoyable watch. I loved that the movie added AI as a topic , why it was there and why it worked the way it worked .

As an avid movie lover what I would recommend is why not appreciate the execution of the movie. It's sad that the movie failed at the box office but on an optimistic note the industry as a whole progressed in a long run , improving itself in action genre and it's a good thing for the industry. I would have been more glad if the makers and producers were at least able to recover the budget.

What did not work: Of course the movie had some plot holes and flaws which were then overshadowed by the better execution making it a less obvious and cliche mistakes on the writing. But of course there were room for improvements in fixing the flaws. Also, It's not a complain but the second half could have been a bit shortened considering an action movie, it still works a charm though.

Final verdict: watch to analyze the good changes in action genre story telling narratives in Bollywood.

What worked: One of the challenges while making the movie to make the viewers relate and convince them that the story is engaging. This movie is a winner for that matter. The movie is bigger, better and interesting, and even more engaging that the first chapter. The lead characters are commendable in their role. Sanjay Dhatt and Raveena were well introduced in their roles, added the needed spice and interest in the movie. It's amazing that a movie with this budget could hold the scale and execution in such a believable and engaging story. The narrative is well written , characters well acted, well edited, scored, mixed and produced. The movie with the budget could pull a production and execution makes a case study for the film makers as to how to execute and narrate the story. And for that matter director deserves the praise for keeping all the departments well balanced in their respective roles as a film makers. I am sure the film makers across are watching the movie with an awe and an opportunity to research how to make a movie with the scale, execution, acting and overall making of the movie. We have been hearing about a young and bright editor of the movie . I am sure everyone has an eye on him after this movie. The movie excites and eagers us for the next chapter of the great combo of Yash and Prashant's next venture, and we can say the movie is a benchmark and path breaker for the Indian movie industry to learn what can be achieved with the right vision and execution as the movie has rare dull moments but lots of punchlines and treats that keeps the jaws dropping for most parts of the movie What did not work: Very few scenes come to my head as what can and needs to be changed in this movie, making it better than the first chapter. Maybe the love song could have been shortened like other songs but hey who am I to say since the movie works overall for the most part which is quiet rare. So, even with plot holes, if any, movie works big time for the viewers to enjoy the ride.

Final verdict: highly recommended.

What worked: I personally felt this was superior Rajamuli movie compared to his former projects. One of the things that makes it a choice of the moviegoers is the ability to connect with the audience, making it a mass entertainer with its Elements of what we call a masala movie going experience. Ajay Devgn left a mark, short lived but a pivotal role so I am glad he made his impact in the movie. Both the leads were great in their roles and I would choose Ramcharan if I had to pick one , partially because he had a better narrative and also his acting. The production team put their work on right note and as a whole the movie worked. This movie is better than other projects that the director has been part of, both in execution and overall production value. The movie connects mostly with the audience, making it an entertainer and a enjoyable experience. Unlike his previous movies, it has less dull moments and over the top acting performances, but putting them in the context and applied when necessary. A big shout to the composer and the score; it's a treat. So, the movie works on the most part, which makes it a entertainer and a movie package to be celebrated rather than reviewed and analyzed. Bottomline is it works and the right chords are put together in this movie : What did not work: If I had chance, I would have worked on some technical aspect of the movie. Though better than previous movies, there were some room for improvements in editing and vfx team. Also, I would have been glad if the narratives had strong command, even more strong reasoning and motivations that guide the missions of the characters. Not saying, it's not there, but subtexts and sub layers would have made it better.

Final verdict: it's a better Rajamuli project, and he has improved as a filmmaker. It does deserve a theatrical watch.

What worked: First of all, it's my first movie from the country so I don't know much about the legacy and movie culture and it's scopes. What stroke me is the concept of the movie; something fresh and refreshing. It's overall execution was done commendable and for that matter I can say the movie was well regarded despite some room for improvement. We don't have doubts on the writing of the movie for it was well written.

What did not work: Despite being a very nice concept movie, I felt the movie lacked the characters that help the movie make it a better watch. Many of the characters except the lead were either lost, lacked the honesty or felt not so real or we can say were not acting enough to make it worthwhile. I would have recommended a better mood and lights for the movie considering it's a thriller. A darker frame would have been better. Also, some plot holes on the movie which I guess could and should have been dealt in the making or writing process.

Final verdict: despite its flaws, it's a nice piece of work and deserve appreciation.

What worked: The movie marks a very essential move regarding the mental health issues, and the movie mostly does justice with its added gloried elements. And it does work on the favor. Movie felt fresh also in regards to its narrative. The first act was phenomenal, making it a very watchable piece of work. Rehman's scores are well edited, which makes it a better version of itself. Dhanush deserves an applaud. Sara surprised me, and her casting in the movie is well calculated and needed flavor. The makers made a very pleasant and heartfelt movie, without making it too cliche and also not making it too classy. It's a well written work, well acted and edited piece of work, so we can say it's a well made movie. The overall impact is heartfelt and warm.

What did not work: What stands out is that some plot holes and some needed redrafting in the screenplay. I think it is fine but at the end of the movie , that's something I felt; only if the narratives were slightly cared for. And the movie loses a grip slightly which could have been taken care by cutting down the run time , and crisping it.

Final verdict: if not for the some glitches, it's a great movie which deserves definitely a watch.

What worked: After viewing the movie, the first impression for me is very subtlety and beautifully made piece of work. It's a movie with a rare excellence at least for a Bollywood team to assemble a production of this magnitude and with such a well done effort. I am hugely impressed by the cinematography, editing and the screenplay, making it a very well made movie. Of course, credit goes to the director in his brilliant work of assembling and executing this project in such a watchable and enjoyable movie. For me, this movie remains a great movie that has done quiet some research and worked well in term of production design, making it hugely successful project. The lead, Vicky added a new update in his portfolio that keeps him shining for a long run. Overall, a movie that deserves appreciation and should be considered for the Oscar contender from India for not only its subject matter but the execution. I don't think there has been any movies from India that has been par this execution level, if any very few.

What did not work: I would not have wanted to see the full fletched tragic scenes portrayed at the last 30 minutes of the movie. It made it hard to see , not because it was not shot right. On the contrary, it was a difficult watch and very tragic, making it hard. Or maybe that's what was intended and a trigger for the main character which demanded long shots of the event. Either way, it was successful.

Final verdict: highly recommended.

What worked: One of the very few things that I liked was the real footage that comes at the start regarding the war. Maybe some of Ajay's shots were done fine.

What did not work: I think almost all the aspects of the movie was very poorly done, starting with the direction and dialogues. One of the introspection that makers today need to realize is that the movie goers are more receptive and enjoyed the access of all the means from around the world. So , the movie with a theme of patriotism wrapped with unrealistic dialogues and weak screenplay is the thing of the past and not any more. With contemporary movies like Uri and Shershaah with limited budget than this movie have done fine job, even taking the Indian movie culture. One of the biggest issue is the screenplay which lacked depth of characters and dialogues that made it worse; it's more heroic than an authentic characters. As a result ,performances were flat and unappealing. A lot is wrong with the movie, the vibe, the mood and the climate feels so off from the start that we come to see that the whole project could have been much better considering the resources they have to make a decent movie if not a great one.

Final verdict: watch it to learn what not to do in a movie project.

What worked: So what makes the movie a very enjoyable watch is the narrative that flows smoothly, with layers of the tales of the main character, not just as a movie making scenes but as a very fine well of storytelling. So I would say the director,editor and the screenplay writer deserve an applause for their extra hardworks that's visible in the narrative. I was pleasantly surprised by the cinematography and the score of the movie, such a nice treat. Personally, I am happy for Siddharth for this opportunity to explore his craft and proving that he has lot more to provide as an actor. I have always loved him and so maybe my regards for him might have been subjective but still the movie left a mark for him. The supporting casts are good in their roles. Overall, a fine movie that hits the right node as a Bollywood entertainer. It's always a pleasure to see the real footage and the people that the movie bases on so it was an appreciative tribute to the real heroes. Even as a non Indian movie lover, I approve the message that the movie hits its audience in right sentimental values What did not work: Maybe I would have been happier if the movie had paused on the main character's introspection, his vulnerabilities, his moments at the camp or the training scenes so that we could gather more depth of his principles and his way of life as an army. Just an open suggestion.

Final verdict: highly recommended. I would have been happier for Siddharth if the movie was released on theaters because it would have definitely banked some long term investment for him.

What worked: So what makes Mimi a great watch is an almost balanced perspective regarding the dilemma that appears at the last act of the movie. Of course it's an tearjerker at times with the execution but keeping the hopes alive, decoding them, and giving just reasonings for the perspective makes it an alive, scholar and beautiful watch. Rehman keeps the movie much alive with the score and music, an equally great work by the director. It would have felt flat had the performances were less powerful and dull. Kriti gave the best performances so far. Manoj, Pankaj and Supriya excelled very well in their parts making the overall movie a fine watch. I was pleasantly surprised by the screenplay of the movie especially its scope, layers and overall a balanced character portrayal What did not work: There were some rooms for improvements of course but all the melodramas and tearjerkers were equally valid. After-all it's a local movie in the local context. The movie could still have been valid even without some scenes with sentimental values to cut down the runtime.

Final verdict: highly recommended.

What works: Obviously, it's Rehman's piece of art so that stands out very high as the reason to watch the movie, and so it has been in my list for a long time. The score and the music deserves a huge bow. They were as expected and as beautifully done as any great compositions. The cinematography is very well done, making it a trendsetter for Bollywood industry for its visual mastery and execution. These aspects made the movie very rich and appreciative. The overall concept stays pure and I think the movie stands vocal and intact about the story.

What did not work: Some of the scenes were very cliche and demanded restructuring, making it an average watch rather than an stellar piece of art. Of course some major plotholes and flaws that should and could have been avoided considering it's strong stand. Personally, I was hungry for more from the movie. The songs were under utilized and some very fine songs were not even included or slightly exposed. The strong connect that Rehman's songs bring to the table were not fully utilized, making it an average direction and editing. Rehman remains a legend in music composition and we really appreciate his fine concept and story. The screenplay and direction work were not to the mark that Rehman's composition deserve and demand.

Final verdict: watch it for music and cinematography.

What worked: It may not be an aggressive DP movie in many regards. It still is a very well executed piece of art and like the many movie lovers across the world appreciate the nuances and subtlety in a movie it's a satisfying watch. In a way we can say the movie is a non DP movie in the way it's written and directed but also a DP in all other aspects. It's true this movie especially is rather a sentimental based rather than the content based movie by the director, making it a cinematic experience rather a thriller or a mystery. So the experiment by the director is welcomed and appreciated. I would believe it's one of Arjun's best performances par Finding Fanny and better many of his performances. Same goes for Pareneti. They have worked so well in their role that we begin to question if they were not casted right in their many movies or it's the director that makes the performers aware of their vulnerabilities and expressions. The supporting cast as always Raghuvir and Neena shines so does Jaideep. It's a satisfying watch. A touch of Nepalese aromas made it fresher and appealing.

What did not work: Of course, it's not paced evenly for a thriller but fine for a drama. It might have tricked audiences by their different expectations. Different is not always good but here it's appreciable. Some minor plotholes but at the end of it, it's just fine.

What worked: So why is this movie a needed art of cinema for Bollywood at this phase of their filmmaking? It's undeniably the team that held this movie together as a fragment of an epitome what's a fine movie relevant to the time and situation. It's one of those very rare movies with an almost complete team. The team deserves an applaud, first and foremost the director/ writer Seema. It's an extraordinary piece of work, very well written and directed. Another applause goes to the music team, and Sagar needs more acclaim and deserves to produce some more work. Another uniqueness of the movie is the cinematography and the use of camera; not so much a lens but a medium to convey the family. It's done quiet cleverly for the most part. And of course the cast, it's a treat to see such fine actors in a project like this. It's very pleasant to see such a beautiful narrative being conveyed with the authenticity and rawness. The movie felt like it has captured the real series of events happening in a home, with much more clarity and sincerity, making it one of the best movie of the year. Like we sometimes say, it's a journey not a reel, and it does makes the viewers feel the touch that it promises to deliver. One of the best things of the movie is the screenplay that's not tilted to help us take our sides but just presenting it the way in a more real and bitter manner rather than just making it a predictable dilemma.

What did not work: Of course some distractions could have been cut down or eliminated, only keeping the ones that conveyed the narrative because there is so much going on in the movie.

Final verdict: highly recommended.

What worked: It's rare to see a movie that keeps you so engaged in the narrative although you have watched the movie with the same or similar topic multiple times in movies. It's one of those movies that keeps you glued for its phenomenal screenplay and narrative to start. It's a nicely done writing with some fine layers. One of the positive aspects of the movie which makers usually miss is to decipher the characters' psyche, and it's done beautifully here. The introspection scenes added the needed push in the movie and that helped enrich the depth in character's persona and their journey. All the casts were great, Tanuja stole the show. All the characters are very well written, making it a very heartwarming movie viewing experience. It's humorous but mostly warm and sentimental. Overall, a very powerful movie that deserves a watch at least once

What did not work: I would have been happier if the entire family had the cathartic experience where they all have their moments of self realization, not just the leads. Of course it's their story afterall and what better way than giving the space for their emotional bonding. Final verdict: highly recommended

What worked: So what makes this movie watchable repeatedly is the amazing screenplay and the narrative. It's not a jump scare horror but an unsettling story that keeps you hooked into the movie until finally the movie ends and you keep asking yourself what was all that you saw. It's one of those Korean movies with a very fine storytelling added with some fine performances by the lead. It's humorous at times, sentimental sometimes and thrilling on the rest of the movie. Also, the movie leaves you with some interpretations and relies on the rest on our interpretations but mainly it's a illustrative with some blanks in between. The fact that it can be watched multiple times is also because of the fine cinematography, editing and score. So overall the director deserves an appreciation for bringing together some of the fine members in the movie team

What did not work: The run time is a bit longer making it a lengthy experience. Of course I think some of the scenes could have been cut down to shorten the movie for example the zombie scenes. Final verdict: highly recommended

What worked: This movie deserves a praise and worth sometime considering the subject of the movie. The movie should be applauded for their work and choosing such a complex story. They also deserve praise for their interesting storytelling. The use of colored and black and white frame is commendable and the cinematographer has done some fine job in most part of the movie. So does the background score. It's often hard to make a movie with such complex character, often disputing the government and intensive hard work on the topic

What did not work: The songs especially at the end was a bore for me. Some of the camera work is weak at times. With all its technical flaws, it's still a very watchable movie Final verdict: definitely recommended

What worked: You know there are movies that are more like alive than the others, not because they are closer to reality but also because they are captured in the real form possible. It's one of those movies. The strongest aspects of the movie has to be the screenplay and I am quiet impressed by the writing which is repeatedly excelled in movies like Sicario and Hellor high water. He deserves another appreciation for the direction making it a very fruitful experience. Jeremy Renner is one of those underrated actors that has been phenomenal in this movie, an acting treat. The movie is visually appealing and very well executed, edited as well. Overall, a movie that deserves multiple viewing, and I found it equally enjoyable in my multiple viewing because of the fine narrative and acting.

What did not work: Probably, the makers could have filled out the dots and blanks to make it more lively and reveal the mystery. It's understandable that the movie demands us to read between the lines and that's fine, but giving us the illustrations as well would have still been an equally fine decision Final verdict: highly recommended

What worked: The first thing that came to my mind when I finished the movie is "clever". It's a very cleverly made movie. The strong aspect of the movie is the screenplay and the narrative which are thoroughly and interestingly presented, making it an essential watch. A movie with humor is a cheesy on top, and that's what the movie viewing experience felt like. It's pleasantly surprising and the twists are not too dull or too glorified, just the right amount. So, it's a movie with some fine scenes and with lots of possibilities. The movie ends well and keeps us all satisfied with the movie

What did not work: Of course there are scenes that could have been choreographed in a better way or some loopholes in the screenplay. That would have made the movie much better. Also, not all the surprises in the movie are ambitious or thrilling, some a bit less or cliche than the other. Still, with all its flaws it's still a watchable movie. Final verdict: recommended

What worked: The movie sets up a very good premises for a good thriller, and it does make us believe in a narrative that's nonlinear and layered. I find the twists and mysteries to be quiet amusing and interesting.

What did not work: It's the run time that's a bit sketchy considering a lot of scenes that could have been avoided. Firstly the repeated clip scenes, then the scenes that were loosely associated with the actual narrative. Some cliche melodramatic scenes could have been shortened down. Of course the boldness of putting a sexuality in the narrative is visible but the intend and the motives are not powerful enough for us as a viewer to relate or support. I would say the movie could have been better if the makers had made some changes in the narrative or even the situations that the series of events that happened. Final verdict: recommended

What worked: It's one of those movies that surprised me and I love the surprise. One of the reasons is that I did not watch the trailer or knew anything about the movie, and secondly by the narrative. It's a very well written, executed piece of cinema that certainly deserves a praise. Honestly, I was a bit cynical about the way it would turn out and I was so wrong and I am happy that I am wrong. It's not an easy job telling a movie through the lens and camera alone, it did a very fine job being able to gather the attention of the viewers through the very small lens. Technically, it's done wonderfully, kept me satisfied with the experience. I think the strongest aspects has to be the writing and execution and maybe the entire project was a well researched and executed piece of cinema. The leads are great in their roles. The atmosphere of the movie is well set early in the movie and is kept alive throughout

What did not work: Of course the makers would not have been able to execute the movie without some flaws. It does have some plot holes as well as some unfilled blanks that we as a viewers wanted to know but again it's the makers story and I am fine with the way it ended as well. Also, the movie started to be a bit cliche and followed the glorified melodramatic path somewhere at the ending parts, but it's still appreciated Final verdict: recommended

What worked: I would say the technical aspects of the movie is done well. The movie sets a very promising mood for the narrative, keeping us intact and intuned with the atmosphere that we are going to experience.

What did not work: Like we sometimes say, the movie could have been much better if only the writing was done more carefully. Screenplay is average but the execution missed the mark. The scenes could have been better if choreographed well, or scenes were kept as real as possible. The intend of the movie is not missed but since the makers set some specific tone of the movie we expect it throughout the movie. Somewhere after an opening half, the movie starting losing its grip and felt more like a cliche movie with usual sub plots, unrealistic situations and sometimes a bit melodramatic. We can say it's a flawed writing, some plot-holes and many possibilities for more convincing scenarios. Final verdict: one time watch

What worked: Perhaps the most impressive aspects of the movie for me has to be the introduction of an African culture in the movie letting us, an international movie audience a chance to peek into some culture texture and ways of life. And for that matter, this movie worked a big time for me. It's soft, heartily and a replica of maybe a life style of an immigrant refugee staying in a foreign land. Of course that does not mean I saw an African culture and lifestyle, but it's one of those few movies that I had watched regarding the culture that doesn't follow the cliche interpretations or makes it obviously melodramatic. The screenplay is fine, well acted and directed

What did not work: Maybe somewhere in between, the movie lost the momentum and felt like the movie is not commanding any narrative. Although the movie eventually gets back in track, the middle part of the movie feels the weakest. Also, the movie did not strike with a convincing finale, leaving us rather confused and unsatisfied with the execution especially near the end of the movie Final verdict: recommended