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I don't understand all the hate at all. It almost deterred me from watching but I'm glad I still gave the show a chance. It's nothing profound or moving but it doesn't pretend to be either. That's what's making me write this to share the other side. This is a good looking show with gorgeous locations and people. It's a rom-com with little at stake so treat it like that.

I enjoyed the royalness, the cast is having fun, and it's an easy binge. Ishaan is shirtless most of the time, showing off his abs but he does it well. He also gets a chance to show off his killer dance moves with Nora Fatehi which is a really treat. Bhumi shines in comedy, which she needs to do more of, not as much in the dramatic scenes. The cameos are fun- in line with the theme of the show. Have a good time with this show, it's definitely entertaining.

'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga' is the most apt and well used title for a movie I've ever seen. The beautiful history of the original song and the new composition and its meaning is incredible. The tagline reads: the most unexpected romance of the year. Year? A lifetime, I'd say. If you've seen the trailer I'm sure you have an inkling of what the story will be about. I won't go into detail because I implore you to experience it for yourself. But I can guarantee you've never seen anything like this before.

A father is trying to get his daughter married. An unsuccessful writer is looking for inspiration. And a daughter is living with a life altering and defining secret. It's all wrapped in traditional Bollywood attire. Dance numbers, a soothing love track, hilarious supporting characters, popular stars. The makers want everything to be the same expect the one thing. It's a commendable approach. You're shown a familiar world and are told to just open your eyes and heart a bit. Really, it doesn't take a lot.

Writer Gazal Dhaliwal and director Shelly Chopra Dhar have purposefully chosen a straightforward narrative which works to a great extent but takes some time to get to the point. But I imagine that's by design because they want you to know these people before making assumptions. As such, the writing in the 1st half isn't as sharp and engaging as you'd like it to be since it's the interval point that really gets you. You sit up and take notice here and are hooked for the rest of the journey.

Endearing characters make all the difference in this powerful ode to acceptance. Anil Kapoor is wonderful as the patriarch wanting to follow his own passion while trying to understand a brave new world. Juhi Chawla has a few lovely scenes and her chemistry with Mr. Kapoor will make you say aww. The always dependable Rajkummar Rao is the backbone for the story and its characters. He does a fine job and we expect nothing less from him. And Sonam K Ahuja, what do I say? You've won me over. She portrays a quiet pain with such few words. Her expressions and body language do most of the work. It's a touching performance. Seeing real-life father and daughter on screen for the first time is special. And even more so considering they chose to come together for this film.

Music is smartly integrated into the narrative and certain moments will surely haunt you. The visual of standing in a glass box looking outside but not being able to get out was heartbreakingly moving. How do you shatter lifelong prejudices, perceptions held by generations, and peoples' skewed views on what's right? And to make it mainstream, without hesitation, for a culture that has a hard time understanding anything different than their own normal is impressive.

This is Bollywood's coming of age film. An entire society is told to grow up. It says it gently with sensitive words for the hardheaded but it says it all the same. Its truth is its greatest strength. The kind of acceptance portrayed here is truly heartening. It was unheard of before now. I'm proud. Be that friend. Be that father. Be that cheering spectator. I've always said art can spark change and if one person rethinks their biases after watching this movie, mission accomplished. 'Lo karli humne jurat hai.' Indeed and kudos for it.

A year ago to the day, another historical epic 'Padmaavat' released among much controversy. I'm sure you remember. And here we are again when a certain political party has threatened Ms. Ranaut's life for a movie. The controversies don't end there. Actors quit. The budget went to hell. And we're told more than 50% of the movie was reshot with a new director; the leading actress herself took on the job. After all that I was a tad concerned about the state of this movie but she doesn't fail. Never as an actor. And now, not as a filmmaker either.

General Hugh Rose of the British army once said that the Queen of Jhansi, "remarkable for her beauty, cleverness and perseverance had been the most dangerous of all the rebel leaders." Now if your enemies can praise you, you must be special. Also then, when you make a film on such a woman it better live up the myth, the enigma, the persona. And live up to the hype it does on the immensely talented shoulders of Kangana Ranaut.

The film begins with Manikarnika fighting a tiger. She's a proud and confident warrior who a couple of scenes later marries the king of Jhansi and becomes a queen. A queen unlike any other. She impresses her people. Stands up for the little guy. Saves animals. Oh and then eventually takes on the British who have their hearts set on Jhansi. The first half chronicles her marriage and the deaths that impact her being. It's not an entirely captivating plot up to this point and moves a little slower than one would like. See, when your focus is on one character and one character alone it's natural for us to not care about anyone else. But a small price to pay because the second half more than makes up for it.

A queen becomes a leader, a leader becomes a rebel, a rebel becomes a legend. It's a thoroughly enjoyable ride to the finish line with heads flying and dialogues on sacrifice and country being thrown in every direction. There's a particularly brilliant sequence where Manikarnika yields a sword with so much determination that she kills everyone in her path. I was convinced. And then there are scenes like a young widow being given kumkum (red powder) by the queen during a ceremony breaking tradition and that vile mindset that widows should perform jauhar for their rights. I'm looking at you, Mr. Bhansali. Speaking of, no this isn't like any of those historicals which I also love, as you know. This is an entirely different take on an epic (done in half the budget, mind you) so comparisons wouldn't be fair.

Kangana Ranaut is in a league of her own. She stands tall even when the narrative falters. There's power, passion, and a hint of arrogance in her performance. It's an actor saying, hey I got this. You believe everything she tells and shows you. It's incredible. Frankly, there's no room for anyone else in this story but Danny Denzongpa, Ankita Lokhande, and Atul Kularni are competent in their respective roles.

It's not all perfect. The first half should've been more engaging and crisper. And the music doesn't evoke the necessary emotions required in such a historical drama. Also, a better thought out villain would've enhanced our hatred for the British but once again, no one else was given any importance in this saga. A double-edged sword, you might say.

She had to direct her own film, people. I guess it's true- when you want to do something right you have to do it yourself. I don't know how exactly the directing credit is shared but the result is an entertaining and inspiring movie about a woman who could do it all. Both in the film and behind the camera. Khoob ladi mardaani woh toh Jhansi wali Rani thi.