Bollywood films I've seen
With a short review for each film.
They appear in the order in which I saw them.
9/10 very good
8/10 good - worth a watch
7/10 has its moments but can't ignore some flaws
6/10 meh
5/10 barely acceptable
My criteria are as various as directing, story & dialogues, acting, originality, cinematography, entertainment value, etc.
I try to be as objective as one can be when reviewing.
I know what I liked is not necessarily great and vice versa.
The few 10/10 are purely subjective though ;)
They appear in the order in which I saw them.
9/10 very good
8/10 good - worth a watch
7/10 has its moments but can't ignore some flaws
6/10 meh
5/10 barely acceptable
My criteria are as various as directing, story & dialogues, acting, originality, cinematography, entertainment value, etc.
I try to be as objective as one can be when reviewing.
I know what I liked is not necessarily great and vice versa.
The few 10/10 are purely subjective though ;)
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- DirectorNikkhil AdvaniStarsPreity G ZintaShah Rukh KhanSaif Ali KhanNaina, an introverted, perpetually depressed girl's life changes when she meets Aman. But Aman has a secret of his own which changes their lives forever. Embroiled in all this is Rohit, Naina's best friend who conceals his love for her.Nice romance-comedy drama, original plot though a bit too melodramatic sometimes. Good actors. Good work on the soundtrack and the musical numbers.
8/10 - DirectorSanjay Leela BhansaliStarsShah Rukh KhanMadhuri DixitAishwarya Rai BachchanAfter his wealthy family prohibits him from marrying the woman he is in love with, Devdas Mukherjee's life spirals further and further out of control as he takes up alcohol and a life of vice to numb the pain.Superb. Classic indian litterature adapted (not the first time nor the last) for the big screen. Amazing performance by Aishwarya Rai. Superb cinematography. 10 Filmfare awards (Indian Oscars equivalent), a record (just like DDLJ in 1995; only Black, 3 years later, also directed by SLB, has more Fimfare awards: 11).
10/10 - DirectorKunal KohliStarsAamir KhanKajolRishi KapoorA sweet blind girl Zooni meets a flirty Rehan. She ignores her friends' warnings. It's her time to discover life. Is she making the right love choice?Beautiful and original story, with epic romanticism. Aamir Khan and Kajol both great. Nice cinematography and dialogues. Good music. The film has its flaws here and there but still remains deeply enjoyable and a work of quality.
9/10 - DirectorKaran JoharStarsShah Rukh KhanKajolSheetal MenonAn Indian Muslim man with Asperger's syndrome takes a challenge to speak to the President of the United States seriously and embarks on a cross-country journey.Touching life journey. Good cinematography. Great actors, both incredible, definitely among Kajol and SRK's best performances. Plus, this is a film with a reflection on society. Very good work by director Karan Johar.
9/10 - DirectorRajkumar HiraniStarsAamir KhanMadhavanMona SinghTwo friends are searching for their long lost companion. They revisit their college days and recall the memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently, even as the rest of the world called them "idiots".Great comedy, mixing slapstick humour, causticity, reflection on the Indian educational system, a message about following one's heart... Surprising screenplay, with some unexpected turns. Very very entertaining.
9/10 - DirectorMani RatnamStarsShah Rukh KhanManisha KoiralaPreity G ZintaA radio broadcaster's intense attraction to a mysterious woman opens the door to a tidal wave of powerful emotions and desires.Very good independent movie. One of SRK's best performances. Preity Zinta's first movie and she delivers a promising work. Manisha Koirala also good. Poetic film surrounded by an aura of mystery. Suspenseful. But also tragic film that will spare nothing of humans' troubled hearts and relationships to the viewer.
AMAZING soundtrack and choreographies (respectively by A.R Rahman and Farah Khan, this explains that).
I would call it a must see.
9/10 - DirectorFarhan AkhtarStarsAamir KhanSaif Ali KhanAkshaye KhannaThree inseparable childhood friends are just out of college. Nothing comes between them - until they each fall in love, and their wildly different approaches to relationships creates tension.Nice movie, quite entertaining, with good actors. But if the screenplay begins originally, it then becomes much much more conventional, and the ending seems rushed. For me, a one time watch, not more.
7/10 - DirectorAbbas Alibhai BurmawallaMastan Alibhai BurmawallaStarsSalman KhanRani MukerjiPreity G ZintaA prostitute agrees to get impregnated and then give the baby to a couple (Raj and Priya) in exchange for a million rupees. Everything changes when she develops feelings for the baby and Raj.Very nice little comedy drama with an excellent performance by Preity Zinta, and a good job by Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji. Original story. There is at two points a "rip-off" of Pretty Woman, not enough though to consider the film a remake or even a half remake. Two musical numbers really stand out as very good (Number 1 Punjabi and Deewani).
7/10 - DirectorSiddharth AnandStarsSaif Ali KhanPreity G ZintaArshad WarsiA quirky take on life and relationships that looks at a fairy tale with a bit of a squint and an endearing look at what being in love really means.Very funny, lively and entertaining comedy/rom-com/drama with a modern plot. Great performances by Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan (one of his best I thought).
8/10 - DirectorYash ChopraStarsShah Rukh KhanPreity G ZintaRani Mukerji"Veer-Zaara" is a saga of love, separation, courage, and sacrifice. A love story that is an inspiration and will remain a legend forever.Well done romantic drama, though suffering from too much conventionality, I guess specifically in the direction and in some scenes (action/dialogues). Sometimes too cheesy. That's a pity because the film has good actors, a very good cinematography, and an original plot base.
8/10 - DirectorRakeysh Omprakash MehraStarsAamir KhanSoha Ali KhanSiddharthThe story of six young Indians who assist an English woman to film a documentary on the freedom fighters from their past, and the events that lead them to relive the long-forgotten saga of freedom.Interesting and original political/social drama, though too far fetched in the reaction of the characters, towards the end. Their evolution seems too brutal, or too rapidly extreme. However it doesn't take away the originality of the plot and it remains a good watch.
8/10 - DirectorDeepa MehtaStarsAamir KhanNandita DasRahul KhannaIt's 1947 and the borderlines between India and Pakistan are being drawn. A young girl witnesses tragedy as her ayah (nanny) is caught between the love of two men and the rising tide of political and religious violence.Independent movie from the "elements trilogy" by Deepa Mehta. Good performance by Aamir Khan. Harsh, powerful drama about religious conflicts.
8/10 - DirectorA.R. MurugadossStarsAamir KhanAsin ThottumkalJiah KhanA short-term memory loss patient goes on a killing spree in order to avenge the death of his ladylove.Remake of Memento. Beautiful visual style during the fight scenes, modern and dynamic. Gripping story where action, thriller, comedy and drama blend extremely well. Convincing performances by Aamir Khan and Asin.
8.5/10 - DirectorFarhan AkhtarStarsShah Rukh KhanPriyanka Chopra JonasArjun RampalVijay is recruited by a police officer to masquerade as his lookalike Don, the leader of an international gang of smugglers. Things go wrong when the officer is killed and Vijay is left to fend for himself.
- DirectorAditya ChopraStarsShah Rukh KhanKajolAmrish PuriWhen Raj meets Simran in Europe, it isn't love at first sight but when Simran moves to India for an arranged marriage, love makes its presence felt.One of the best. One of my all time favourites, and not just in Bollywood. Romantic comedy, with small but touching insights about women's condition in India. Great couple (Kajol/SRK). Simple but extremely efficient story, because very well directed, played, edited. Plus the soundtrack only contains hits, and the musical numbers really honors the songs by being as beautiful.
10/10 - DirectorKunal KohliStarsSaif Ali KhanRani MukerjiKirron KherA novel look at the eternal battle of the sexes and the trials and tribulations of Karan and Rhea and their attempts to understand each other.A good romance-comedy drama. Good actors (Saif Ali Khan/Rani Mukerji). Original plot and construction: we follow the evolution of the heroes and their relationship through the several times they meet across a few years. Each meeting is separated from the others in the film with an over 1 minute long humouristic cartoon (see poster) presenting a little boy and girl and reflecting about men-women relationships, in link with the meeting our heroes just had.
8/10 - DirectorRaj Kumar GuptaStarsRajeev KhandelwalMukesh AgrohariSupavitra BabulA doctor of Indian origin returning to Mumbai from London is forced to participate in a terrorist plot.A film that reminded me of Phone Booth. Well mastered thriller, but in the end leaves a taste of uncompleted journey, even of frustration. That's a pity, because some scenes were really interesting.
The director did something way better later with No One Killed Jessica.
7/10 - DirectorDeepa MehtaStarsShabana AzmiNandita DasKarishma JhalaniTwo women who are abandoned by their husbands find love and solace in each other.Interesting independent movie, actually the first of Deepa Mehta's trilogy about various social problems in India. The second one is Earth and the third Water (they are not sequels: each movie stands apart). Fire is about homosexuality (not only, but this is the main theme). You feel that the plot is based on a good idea but somehow it doesn't manage to be really compelling. Interesting, but not much more.
7/10 - DirectorFarah KhanStarsShah Rukh KhanDeepika PadukoneArjun RampalIn the 1970s, Om, an aspiring actor, is murdered, but is immediately reincarnated into the present day. He attempts to discover the mystery of his demise and find Shanti, the love of his previous life.Excellent comedy drama evoking reincarnation and our hero trying to resolve his previous unnatural death. The film is also a tribute to the cinema and at some point a satire of Bollywood. It has substance behind the nice story.
Deepika is really nice in her Bollywood debut. The cinematography and the musical numbers are beautiful (Farah Khan, again). The film can make you laugh, cry, drool (SRK's shirtless ^^), it has all the ingredients for a top entertainer and the director knows how to use them.
9/10 - DirectorMansoor KhanStarsAamir KhanJuhi ChawlaGoga KapoorDespite knowing that their respective families are bitter enemies, Raj and Rashmi fall in love with each other and decide to elope.One of Aamir Khan's first film. He was simply gorgeous. Yeah that's the most important thing to mention ^^ Nice romance drama. Not very original but well done, well played, and quite gripping.
8/10 - DirectorSanjay Leela BhansaliStarsAmitabh BachchanRani MukerjiShernaz PatelThe cathartic tale of a young woman who can't see, hear, or speak, and the teacher who brings a ray of light into her dark world.One of the most awarded indian films (11 Filmfare Awards for instance, which is a record). Based on the real story of a blind and deaf girl (Helen Keller). Powerful and very moving film with AMAZING acting (Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan, and the stunning Ayesha Kapoor).
9/10 - DirectorRenzil D'SilvaStarsKareena KapoorLewis TanSaif Ali KhanA woman finds that her neighbors are terrorists, and her husband is not who he claims to be.Gripping thriller that can keep you on the edge of your seat. Not action packed at all (the film prefers realism), but really suspenseful. In one word: intense.
8/10 - DirectorManeesh SharmaStarsRanveer SinghAnushka SharmaRanjit BatraShruti and Bittoo become partners in their very own "Wedding planning ka bijness" in Delhi and in the process discover friendship, love and one another.Nice little story, with pleasant music and actors, but not very inventive. There is some originality along the plot, that's for sure, but the characters lack depth and the ending feels precipitate in its conventionality. It nevertheless remains enjoyable.
7/10 - DirectorRaj Kumar GuptaStarsRani MukerjiVidya BalanMyra KarnA journalist, who is more of an activist teams up with the sister of a murdered model, as she gets interested in the case and wants to bring justice to her case.Very good drama (based on the real story of Jessica Lall's murder) with equally good direction and acting. If you like investigation and especially trial stories (like me), you'll find the movie gripping.
Special mention to the director for having admirably recreated the muggy atmosphere of a damp policer office and of a rough courtroom.
8/10 - DirectorVikramaditya MotwaneStarsRajat BarmechaRonit RoyManjot SinghExpelled from his school, a 16-year old boy returns home to his abusive and oppressive father.Moving and tastefully done coming-of-age drama. Nice acting. Interesting story, though in the first half there are moments when you may feel that the rhythm is too slow and that the movie isn't going anywhere. But all of this is forgotten when it comes to the transcendant ending.
9/10 - DirectorRajiv RaiStarsBobby DeolManisha KoiralaKajolGovernor Jaisingh Sinha is murdered and the needle of suspicion points towards his estranged son, Sahil Sinha who must prove his innocence.Good thriller plot but awfully dated direction and choreography (only one musical number is good). You really wonder what went through the choreographer, stylist and director's mind. The film remains enjoyable nevertheless thanks to its gripping plot.
6/10 - DirectorRam Gopal VarmaStarsAamir KhanUrmila MatondkarJackie ShroffA middle-class young woman who dreams of Bollywood fame is caught in a love triangle between her childhood friend and a famous actor.A really nice and refreshing comedy, with very good musical numbers. The plot is simple but manages to avoid many clichés of the genre. Aamir Khan delivers a cute and funny performance, and Urmila Matondkar is very charming. I would really recommend this film.
9/10 - DirectorKiran RaoStarsPrateik Patil BabbarMonica DograKriti MalhotraThe lives of four people intersect in Mumbai: a washer-man who wants to become an actor, a banker-turned-photographer, a painter looking for inspiration, and a newly-married immigrant who journals her experiences on home video.Independent movie written and directed by Mrs Aamir Khan.It's Mumbai seen through the different characters. The city is the binding link, a character in itself. A touching and deep mosaic film yet with a highly ethereal side.
9/10 - DirectorNikkhil AdvaniStarsRishi KapoorDimple KapadiaAkshay KumarA talented young Indian cricket player must defy his father's wishes to play for the side of England, a rebellion his siblings quietly cheer.A film that reminded me of Bend It Like Beckham (one of my fave films, btw). It suffers from some typical Bollywood-for-really-mainstream-audience elements, which tend to deaden the viewers' minds, but apart from that the film is enjoyable. Akshay Kumar is amazing of sincerity here. He is the heart of the story and makes it very moving.
7/10 - DirectorAditya ChopraStarsShah Rukh KhanAnushka SharmaVinay PathakA breathtaking, goose flesh igniting, awe inspiring love journey of an ordinary man Suri and his 'total opposite' love Taani.A somehow conventional story though the film possesses an original plot basis, it nevertheless remains highly entertaining, funny, charming and touching. The cinematography is truly beautiful, and the acting and dialogues very good.
8/10 - DirectorImtiaz AliStarsSaif Ali KhanDeepika PadukoneRishi KapoorAn old-fashioned romantic tells his personal love story to a modern man who has just broken up with his girlfriend. Has love really ever changed?A very nice and modern romantic comedy exploring uncommited and long distance relationships. The flashbacks involving young Rishi Kapoor (played, as the hero, by Saif Ali Khan), are delightful and proves Khan's diversity.
8/10 - DirectorAbhishek SharmaStarsAli ZafarPradhuman SinghPiyush MishraA reporter casts a fake Bin Laden to act in his video message to America, so he can immigrate there.Funny satire revealing Ali Zafar but where the show is stolen by the hilarious Pradhuman Singh.
8/10 - DirectorAnurag BasuStarsHrithik RoshanBárbara MoriNicholas BrownA wounded man searches for his sweetheart in the Mexican desert while on the run from the police, bounty hunters, and others.Excellent fast-paced melting-pot film that offers romance, drama, suspense, action, humour. Barbara Mori has an incredible presence. The movie also possessed a strong direction and a beautiful cinematography. A PURE entertainer like you don't meet that often.
9/10 - DirectorAyan MukerjiStarsRanbir KapoorKonkona Sen SharmaSupriya PathakThe story of a lazy Mumbai college student who does absolutely nothing, with a turn of events will Sid realize his potential in this world and become a success in the fast-paced life of Mumbai.Really enjoyable coming of age story with an excellent performance by Ranbir Kapoor.
9/10 - DirectorVishal BhardwajStarsShahid KapoorPriyanka Chopra JonasDeb MukherjeeThe desperate lives of two estranged twin brothers converge over missing drugs, politics, racial prejudice, corrupt cops and an unplanned pregnancy.Very good gangster story mixing dark atmosphere, humour and drama.Priyanka Chopra delivers an excellent performance. Shahid Kapoor does a pretty good job too.
8/10 - DirectorImtiaz AliStarsShahid KapoorKareena KapoorTarun AroraA depressed wealthy businessman finds his life changing after he meets a spunky and care-free young woman.Very good rom-com with a fiery performance by Kareena Kapoor. The first half of the movie is often hilarious, while the second half is much calmer (well that's necessary for the drama part) but also more conventional. The film nevertheless leaves you in a good mood and you won't regret watching it. The musical numbers are well made. I especially liked Nagada Nagada.
8/10 - DirectorAnees BazmeeStarsAkshay KumarSonam KapoorBobby DeolThree wives engage the services of a private investigator after they suspect their respective husbands of infidelity.Average comedy leaning towards the no-brainer category. The actors are good. Irrfan Khan, Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Rimi Sen (in a small but hilarious role) really stand out. The musical numbers are average. The plot has an original basis, that I liked a lot, a funny and caustic development, but everything goes down towards the end (I won't say more to avoid spoiling people). Therefore the film is just ok to watch as pop corn entertainment.
6/10 - DirectorSanjay GadhviStarsAbhishek BachchanJohn AbrahamUday ChopraDhoom reinvents the classic cops and robbers tale for the 21st century. Fast bikes, big action, and non-stop fun make for a thrilling story.A pleasant action/heist film with an important comedy part, Dhoom belongs to the "pop-corn entertainment" category (not very deep characters, extravagant action scene, etc). The acting is ok, stunts good, plot coherent and entertaining. The musical numbers are very good.
7/10 - DirectorAanand L. RaiStarsMadhavanKangana RanautJimmy ShergillManu comes to India to find a bride and falls for Tanu at first sight, but free-spirited Tanu has no plan to marry him.This rom-com is okay, but just a one time watch, as there is a side to this story you can't help but finding insipid. A few days days after watching the film, you can have completely forgotten about it. There are some nice scenes, it's well written, the couple of actors does a good job, the characters have some depth, but their love story in itself is in fact quite dull...
6/10 - DirectorSanjay GadhviStarsHrithik RoshanAbhishek BachchanAishwarya Rai BachchanBack in action DHOOM:2 reinvents the action comedy genre and propels it into the 21st century. Go on and enjoy the ride once again with Jai and Ali.Just like Dhoom, this is an action/heist/comic film belonging to the "pop-corn entertainment" category. This sequel is definitely better than the fisrt (which was already pleasant in its genre). The villain (Hrithik Roshan) has more depth, the plot is less conventional and offers some nice twists. The musical numbers are still very good, and the cinematography has style. I found the character played by Bipasha really boring, and I guess that for the charm factor, Aishwarya was well enough. But apart from that, it's a good entertainer.
7/10 - DirectorSiddharth AnandStarsPriyanka Chopra JonasRanbir KapoorAubrey K. MillerAfter numerous attempts at suicide fail, a couple decides to live it up, then kill themselves on New Year's Day.A very good rom-com, comic during the first two thirds of the story, and romantic during the last one.
The plot is really unconventional and it's one of the strengths of the movie.
The film manages to be really funny, relying on different things such as black humour, a crazy road trip, etc... giving it aspects of a screwball comedy.
The actors do a very good job, while the direction reveals itself classy and original, with a real sense of cinematography.
8/10 - DirectorAbhishek ChaubeyStarsVidya BalanNaseeruddin ShahArshad WarsiWhile on the run from goons, a man and his nephew fall for a kidnapper's seductive widow.Terrific movie with 3 very good actors, and a special mention for Arshad Warsi who really delivers an amazing performance. There is humour, action, suspense, crime, love, sensuality, and the movie succeeds in each one of these categories. The plot is truly great, and while there are some things you don't understand at first, you're amazed when all fall in place in the end.
A very, very, very good film!!
9.5/10 - DirectorSanjay Leela BhansaliStarsRanbir KapoorSonam KapoorSalman KhanTwo souls arrive in a small town, one on vacation, the other to meet a lover. They spend the most magical dream-like days of their lives in that town... with each other.This movie possesses a terrific cinematography that conveys a dream-like feeling. The images can be breathtaking and the direction is top. The acting is good, Sonam and Ranbir delivers well in their first movie. The only problem is that the story (adapted from a Dostoyevsky's short-story called "White Nights") seems to lack something. It's difficult to explain, but it's as if an ingredient was missing, and I can't pinpoint it. Anyway, the plot remains interesting (though not gripping) and the film is definitely worth a watch.
7.5/10 - DirectorFarah KhanStarsAkshay KumarKatrina KaifAkshaye KhannaPosing as a movie director, a conman attempts to trick an entire village into helping him rob a treasure-laden train.This comedy relies exclusively on absurd humour, so if you don't like that particular style stay the hell away from this movie ;) Tees Maar Khan manages to be quite funny, though you'll probably need half an hour to adapt to the nonsensical, over-the-top and extravagant style. After that adaptation, I assure you that it's possible to actually enjoy the movie. But do remember that it's purposely absurd and, at times, parodic. The musical numbers are excellent, both in music and choreographies (well, it's a Farah Khan movie, no surprise). Acting is fine.
6/10 - DirectorVipul Amrutlal ShahStarsAkshay KumarKatrina KaifRishi KapoorA man takes his thoroughly-British daughter to his home country, India. There, he arranges her marriage to someone she considers a fool. The daughter attempts to outwit them, but the groom quietly and patiently hatches his own plan.Nice rom-com, with good acting by Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. The story is interesting, manages to be funny or moving when necessary, and you can easily have sympathy for the protagonists. It's not faultless (it can lack subtlety sometimes), but you'll spend a good moment watching this movie.
8/10 - DirectorDanish AslamStarsImran KhanDeepika PadukoneNamit ShahAaliya is not ready for commitment even after a decade-long friendship with Abhay. She remains indifferent when he follows her to Australia, but is finally shaken when he announces his marriage.Good actors, but unfortunately not much to remember after having watched this movie. The love story fails to touch the viewers because of its extremely common aspect and lack of challenge and climax. It actually feels more like a non-story, but it remains watchable.
5/10 - DirectorSajid KhanStarsAkshay KumarFardeen KhanRiteish DeshmukhThree bachelors who are compulsive womanizers find their lives turned upside down when a baby is left at their doorstep. The trio suspect each other of being the father.Based on the french comedy "3 hommes et un couffin" ("3 men and a cradle", also adapted in the US as "3 men and a baby").
This comedy has some very funny parts, but also some very dumb parts belonging to the "no-brainer" category. Also, it manages to be moving, but also has a few improbable drama elements. It's therefore a bit difficult to judge it. I wasn't bored when I watched it and easily watched it till the end... So I guess it makes it an acceptable comedy.
Note that there's an item number by a great star in this film, I won't say who. I didn't know and was happily surprised :)
5/10 - DirectorKabir KhanStarsJohn AbrahamKatrina KaifNeil Nitin MukeshA contemporary story of 3 friends discovering a new world set against the larger than life New York City. But one day the world around them changed.Good drama with really good performances by John Abraham and Neil Mukesh. The plot is suspenseful and never over-the-top even in the most dramatic parts however it may not be as impactful as it's supposed to be. The direction and cinematography are effective.
7.5/10 - DirectorRakeysh Omprakash MehraStarsWaheeda RehmanAbhishek BachchanSonam KapoorIn the ancient walled city of Delhi, an American-born Indian finds himself on an unexpected inner journey as he learns about himself and his roots.Interesting film about the daily life in a Delhi neighbourhood where all kinds of different people live. This slice of life movie has good actors (very good job here by Sonam Kapoor), a weel written screenplay and a nice direction. However it lacks some pep, some rhythm. I'd really qualify the film on the whole as more "interesting" than "enjoyable". It nevertheless remains good.
8/10 - DirectorPunit MalhotraStarsImran KhanSonam KapoorSammir DattaniJay doesn't believe in love Stories, and Simran, is a girl who's in love with the idea of Love itself.This rom-com deeply lacks originality despite its desperate attempt at freeing itself from the genre code. The problem is that you can't really identify with the characters and you don't believe in their love story.
The film has two good actors as the leading pair, a nice cinematography, and funny references to famous rom-coms, but the story remains endlessly dull. Pity.
5/10 - DirectorHabib FaisalStarsRishi KapoorNeetu SinghAditi VasudevA middle class family in India tries to buy a new car.Very nice litte comedy/family drama that could be qualified as a slice of life. Rishi Kapoor is great in the lead role. The story is funny, witty but also realistic and sometimes moving. It treats some social problems faced in India, it has a nice message in the end, and it's fresh. Definitely a good watch.
8/10 - DirectorRajshree OjhaStarsSonam KapoorAbhay DeolKaramjeet MadonnaChaos results after a wealthy woman decides to turn matchmaker for a naive village belle.Inspired by Jane Austen's novel "Emma", "Aisha" is a decent movie with a good cast (very good performances by Sonam Kapoor and the newcomer Amrita Puri) and storyline, but that unfortunately lacks passion and energy. It didn't demand me an effort to sit through the movie, but I'm pretty sure a lot of viewers experienced boredom at some point or another.
6/10 - DirectorRohan SippyStarsAbhishek BachchanDeepika PadukoneBipasha BasuA corrupt police officer is entrusted the task of apprehending drug-dealers.Good mosaic film about various persons linked more or less directly to the drug traffic taking place in Goa. Each characters has an original story and the film really manages to avoid predictability. It also possesses a fast pace, a strong cinematography and a good cast. Definitely worth a watch.
Note that Deepika performs here a nice item number on a cover of the famous "Dum Maro Dum" song from the film "Hare Rama Hare Khrishna" (1971).
8/10 - DirectorTarun MansukhaniPunit MalhotraStarsAbhishek BachchanJohn AbrahamPriyanka Chopra JonasTwo straight guys pretend to be gay in order to secure a Miami apartment. When both of them fall for their roommate Neha, hilarity ensues as they strive to convince one and all that they're gay whilst secretly trying to win her heart.Great comedy that kept me laughing during most of it. It's lively, modern, and, more importantly, often hilarious. The cast is excellent: John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra and Bobby Deol are very good, while Abishek Bachchan steals the show. The dynamics between the characters of John and Abhishek reminded me of the one between Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in "Some Like It Hot". The cinematography is really nice, as well as the music.
8/10 - DirectorAbbas Alibhai BurmawallaMastan Alibhai BurmawallaStarsShah Rukh KhanKajolDalip TahilA young man with a vendetta against a business tycoon seduces the man's younger daughter, but she begins to suspect her new lover's connection with her elder sister and his ulterior motive.Good thriller that unfortunately suffers from kitsch musical numbers (especially in the costumes, sometimes the dancing, but however never the music that is really well done - you're caught by the songs' melodies after just one listening) and an over dramatic ending (typically in the old Bollywood style).
Apart from those 2 points, Baazigar has many qualities: amazing acting by SRK, good acting by Kajol, strong suspense, and interesting psychology of characters.
8/10 - DirectorRajkumar SantoshiStarsRanbir KapoorKatrina KaifDarshan JariwalaThe wacky adventures of a young man who is willing to sacrifice his own love to insure the happiness of others, even trying to get the girl of his dreams married to the guy of her dreams.A rom-com that is not disagreeable but that I think fails to leave a strong impression on the viewer's mind. It's bubbly, has an unusal cartoony humour, a nice pair of actors... but the story is far from memorable and is a bit dull, the characters are not very deep and the music easily forgettable...
It's not boring when you watch it, it has some funny parts, but it's the kind of films I forget almost just after watching them.
6/10 - DirectorOnirStarsJuhi ChawlaRahul BoseRadhika ApteFour traumatic and life-changing stories in various parts of modern secular India.A nicely done mosaic movie that combines 4 stories about 4 conflictual elements or taboos of the modern Indian society (artificial insemination, homosexuality, religious dialogue and child abuse). The 4 stories are interesting and it's a pleasure to see on the screen again Nandita Das, Manisha Koirala and Juhi Chawla.
8/10 - DirectorAbhinay DeoAkshat VermaStarsImran KhanVir DasKunaal Roy KapurThree struggling room-mates unknowingly become potential prey of a ruthless gangster.An irreverent, politically incorrect and modern comedy that provides good laughs and a fast pace. It's an enjoyable ride!
8/10 - DirectorAnees BazmeeStarsSalman KhanAsin ThottumkalParesh RawalSet in Thailand and India, a case of mistaken identity leads to love, and a man and his family concoct a grand scheme to win over the hearts of a woman and her greedy, conniving uncles.Humourous and cartoonesque action, archetypal storyline, good feelings. It's not disagreeable to watch, but it remains so simple and childish (by the way I'm sure kids would love this movie). It has an entertainment value. It's a mix of action, adventure, humour, romance and vaudeville. It can be a nice watch, if you don't mind for the sometimes "dumb" humour and the naivety of the concept.
6/10 - DirectorSatish KaushikStarsKareena KapoorShahid KapoorAarti ChhabriaHoping that destiny will re-unite them, a couple, on the verge of getting married, attempt to locate each other.A simple yet entertaining romance, remake of Serendipity. It's not over-long nor really cheesy. It lacks some sparks, but I thought it was a very correct watch.
7/10 - DirectorPrakash JhaStarsAjay DevgnRanbir KapoorNana PatekarSamar, the son of a political family, plans to go to the USA to live with his girlfriend. However, the death of his father makes him stop and enter the dirty world of politics.A mosaic movie revolving around politics, Raajneeti offer some very intense moments, and an interesting gallery of characters. I think however some points could have been better developed.
7.5/10 - DirectorParmeet SethiStarsShahid KapoorAnushka SharmaMeiyang ChangFour youngsters grow rich together with a big idea in 90's middle-class Bombay. All is hunky dory till they are forced to shut shop until a plan comes up.A funny, lively, modern, entertaining movie. The actors are natural, the plot is smart, the film has the right balance between humour and drama, and maintains it until the end.
It reminded me a bit (though it's not at all a remake) of the french comedy La Vérité Si Je Mens, whose characters - a bunch of friends who want to make it big - also evolve in the field of clothing.
8.5/10 - DirectorYash ChopraStarsJuhi ChawlaSunny DeolShah Rukh KhanDarr is a girl's (Kiran) story caught between one man's (Sunil) love and another man's (Rahul) obsession.Darr ("Fear") is a very good thriller that offers a well mastered suspense, top musical numbers (like the one filmed during Holi or when Juhi dances alone on an instrumental music) and good acting. I would really recommand it. The plot is simple - a man obsessing over a girl who was at school with him - but well thought out, and the movie never loses itself or becomes too much.
8/10 - DirectorRajkumar HiraniStarsSanjay DuttArshad WarsiGracy SinghA gangster sets out to fulfill his father's dream of becoming a doctor.After a hilarious beginning, the movie goes, I think, too deeply in the tear-jerker category. It lacks subtlety in its morality. Quite simply, it's "too much", even though it manages to keep funny moments until the end. But despite this unsubtlety in good feelings, the film still offers some very good moments and storylines.
8/10 - DirectorRajkumar HiraniStarsSanjay DuttArshad WarsiVidya BalanMunna Bhai embarks on a journey with Mahatma Gandhi in order to fight against a corrupt property dealer.More originality and more subtlety (even though it would still need more, especially towards the end) for this sequel, that I prefered. This film is really funny, and Arshad Warsi at his comical best!
9/10 - DirectorMadhur BhandarkarStarsPriyanka Chopra JonasKangana RanautMugdha GodseA small-town girl finally realizes her dream of becoming a famous supermodel but soon finds out that her glamorous new life has a price.A simple story of rise and fall that is well directed and played, which gives an enjoyable movie that brings more than just pop-corn entertainment.
8/10 - DirectorSiddharth AnandStarsRanbir KapoorDeepika PadukoneBipasha BasuRaj is a heartbreaker. His love stories with Mahi, Radhika, and Gayatri finally teach him about love and life in their own sweet, sexy, and sassy ways.A not so cliché story, this film is a nice entertainment. It has good actors, funny moments, drama (but without getting too cheesy). My favourite part was with Bipasha. I just thought that maybe, the whole film and especially the end lacked some sparks...
7/10 - DirectorDibakar BanerjeeStarsNushrratt BharucchaAnshuman JhaNeha ChauhanA video camcorder, a store security camera, and concealed cameras candidly expose lives in three loosely-linked tales.One of the most original film I've ever seen when it comes to direction. The choices are bold and highly interesting. The stories don't seem like much at first but then get deeper and more sour. LSD is a very unconventional movie, when it comes to both its content and form, and will probably have you thinking about it some time after you saw it.
8.5/10 - DirectorZoya AkhtarStarsHrithik RoshanFarhan AkhtarAbhay DeolThree friends decide to turn their fantasy vacation into reality after one of their friends gets engaged.A fresh, fun and entertaining movie that has this wonderful quality of making you think about yourself and your life. It begins like just a road trip in Spain for 3 buddies, but slowly their failures and anguishes are revealed, in a subtle way (the movie never becomes a drama and never uses pathos). Along their trip, they'll evolve and question themselves just as you'll ponder on your own conception of life. It's at the same time simple and deep and is supported by a very strong cast. It also possesses a good cinematography.
9/10 - DirectorNishikant KamatStarsJohn AbrahamGenelia DeshmukhVidyut JammwalA vengeful gangster targets and terrorizes an entire police unit and their families.An action movie that actually manages to deliver more than just brutal force and grows into a thriller.
The action scenes and fights are powerful and very well carried out: they don't aim at being realistic, but at displaying raw strength and precisely choreographed movements. There's not one ounce of humour in the fights, so don't expect the Dabangg style.
Despite being an action movie, the storyline is interesting and conveys some tension and emotion while not stepping into too much clichés. The characters in particular are enjoyable.
8/10 - DirectorAli Abbas ZafarStarsImran KhanKatrina KaifAli ZafarA quirky rom-com where Kush finds the ideal Indian bride Dimple for his brother Luv and a series of comical and unpredictable events follow.A nice little rom-com, led by 3 very charming actors. It has a fast pace, a dynamic direction really emphasizing the humouristic side of the story and GREAT musical numbers (dancing, music & really welcome cinematographic references). A fun film!
8/10 - DirectorPrakash JhaStarsAmitabh BachchanSaif Ali KhanManoj BajpayeeThe decision by India's supreme court to establish caste-based reservations for jobs in education causes conflict between a teacher and his mentor.Good actors, interesting story, though there is definitely something old-fashioned in this movie, that makes it difficult to be actually moved by what happens.
It's not boring, you want to watch till the end, but the interest remains kind of superficial, because you know where this is going...
I don't know if it comes from the direction or dialogues, or even screenplay, but there is something a bit too naive in Aarakshan. IMHO :)
7/10 - DirectorPankaj KapurStarsShahid KapoorAnupam KherSonam KapoorA war, religious conflicts, and misunderstandings create obstacles for a couple of different faiths.This classy love story about a relationship frustrated by war and socio-political turmoil is beautiful to watch, because a great deal of attention was given to costume, cinematography, direction, and the visual in general. However, in the second half of the movie you have too much coming and going and missed chances that gives a repetitive aspect to the plot. Despite that and the emotional flatness that some scenes conveys, it's not a bad film.
I liked the final climax (based on the Gujarat riots) that I thought very well done, except for a moment that I would have prefered a bit less cliché.
7/10 - DirectorImtiaz AliStarsRanbir KapoorNargis FakhriShammi KapoorJanardhan Jakhar chases his dreams of becoming a big Rock star, during which he falls in love with Heer.A good movie that shows originality in its non linear narration and its story. Nice soundtrack. It's difficult to believe Nargis Fakhri had never played anything before this and had to learn hindi specifically for the film. She's very good. Ranbir is good too, but that's less a surprise ^^
8.5/10 - DirectorAnubhav SinhaStarsShah Rukh KhanArjun RampalKareena KapoorWhen the titular antagonist of an action game takes on physical form, it's only the game's less powerful protagonist who can save his creator's family.A solid superhero movie, Ra.One has good action, stunts and visual effects, as well as humour. Even better, it also has a surprising story, taking a definitely unexpected turn for this kind of film. I also loved SRK and Kareena Kapoor's performances.
8.5/10 - DirectorMilan LuthriaStarsVidya BalanEmraan HashmiTusshar KapoorThe love story between an actress and a director, inspired by the life of the late south Indian actress Silk Smitha.One of my favourite films of 2011, The Dirty Picture has a beautiful cinematography, nice costumes, top acting, very pleasant songs and musical numbers, and of course a timeless story of the rise and fall of a star. Much recommended!
9/10 - DirectorRohit DhawanStarsAkshay KumarJohn AbrahamDeepika PadukoneTwo friends lose their jobs, then part bitterly after they get exposed as male strippers.Nice movie, that appears as a good comedy in its first part, however the second part suffers as it turns into a conventional drama and lacks subtlety. Too bad, because the film has a nice cast and entertaining musical numbers. The cinematography is fine too. But it still remains pleasant to watch despite the problems after the interval.
7/10 - DirectorManeesh SharmaStarsRanveer SinghAnushka SharmaParineeti ChopraA smooth and charming conman, Ricky Bahl, cons girls for a living but finally meets his match is this fun-filled "ROM-CON."A movie that delivered much more than what I had expected. I found the plot and its turns very entertaining, and liked the fact that it keeps you wondering throughout it. I really appreciated the acting, as well as the film's stylish look.
8/10 - DirectorBejoy NambiarStarsKalki KoechlinShiv PandittGulshan DevaiahFive substance-abusing friends decide to fake a kidnapping in order to bribe a police constable for covering-up a hit-and-run accident.Shaitan is an intense and unconventional thriller/drama with a strong suspense, good acting (special mention to Rajeev Khandelwal and Kalki Koechlin) and an interesting plot.
It definitely won't appeal to everyone as most of its characters aren't likeable, and seeing them sink deeper and deeper in violence has something quite unsettling.
Some elements, I think, should have been more developed, but on the whole it remains a really good movie.
8/10 - DirectorAbbas TyrewalaStarsImran KhanGenelia DeshmukhManjari FadnnisTwo best friends being convinced that they are not in love search for each other's love.Such a fresh, cute, and realistic love story!! The actors are all natural and adorable, there are many little details that makes the characters seem real, but you also have humour and a small touch of madness. The particular narration process was also a very good idea. I liked this movie a lot :)
9/10 - DirectorZoya AkhtarStarsFarhan AkhtarKonkona Sen SharmaRishi KapoorWhen Vikram gets tapped to play the male lead in a Bollywood film, he can't believe his luck. But it may ruin his relationship with his girlfriend.An interesting insight in the hindi film industry and the fight for newcomers to find their way in. The film is well-written, well played, and has a rather unconventional, but realistic, development. I thought it may lack some peps, some sparks, but it still remains a definitely good movie.
8/10 - DirectorAbbas Alibhai BurmawallaMastan Alibhai BurmawallaStarsSaif Ali KhanAkshaye KhannaBipasha BasuDestiny makes two brothers- Ranvir and Rajiv - enemies of each other. Everything is fair in love and war.There is a good story, but this good basis is somehow "dumbed down" by an highly unsubtle writing and direction. As it is, I think the movie was still enjoyable, mostly like a guilty pleasure, because of the twists, the unpredictability, the suspense, the actors and the cinematography that definitely looks good. But, done in another manner, it could have been way better than just this pop corn entertainment.
7/10 - DirectorPradeep SarkarStarsVidya BalanSaif Ali KhanSanjay DuttThe lifelong romance between Lolita (Balan) and Shekar (Khan) is upset by the arrival of another man.3 excellent lead actors in a good story in which you can easily believe, a classy and stylish direction as well as cinematography, a beautiful soundtrack... What else could one ask for? It's a very well done movie.
8/10 - DirectorShakun BatraStarsKareena KapoorImran KhanZenobia ShroffA few drinks too many leads an uptight architect and quick-witted hairstylist to marry in Las Vegas. Can a mistake lead to friendship and love?Very nice film, often sold as a rom-com, when it's actually more a "slice of life" film. The two main actors are great. Even if you're not a Kareena or Imran fan, you can just love them there. The characters are well written, realistic, touching and funny. I spent a very good moment with this movie; It's fun, entertaining, without the need for you to turn off your brain. I'll see this again with pleasure.
8.5/10 - DirectorAbhinay DeoStarsAbhishek BachchanKangana RanautAnupam KherA wealthy man invites four people to his private island to blame three of them for his daughter's sudden death. The next morning, the wealthy man is found murdered.Game is a good whodunnit with an Agatha Christie type of plot. The intrigue is very well mastered: it maintains the viewer's interest, has surprising turns without them being too far-fetched and unrealistic. It also has a nice style, and I liked a lot Abhishek Bachchan's charismatic performance. A good movie, and a really good movie in its specific genre.
8/10 - DirectorFarhan AkhtarStarsShah Rukh KhanFlorian LukasOm PuriDon turns himself in and escapes with Vardhaan from prison, following which he recruits a team to steal currency printing plates from a bank in Berlin.I enjoyed a lot this film. SRK is very sexy when he's a badass. The sexual tension between his character (you don't know if you hate or love him) and Priyanka's character in this sequel is really intense. The story has all the suspense and turns it needs. One of the best action films/thrillers of 2011. I want Don 3!! :)
9/10 - DirectorKaran MalhotraStarsHrithik RoshanPriyanka Chopra JonasSanjay DuttA young boy's father is lynched before his eyes; fifteen years later he returns home for revenge.This comes really close to the appellation "masterpiece".
This phenomenal movie has amazing actors (Sanjay Dutt is incredible here!), a stunning cinematography, a beautiful soundtrack, but most of all, a dramatic story whose intensity cannot leave the viewer unfazed.
I didn't see the 3 hours go by.
9/10 - DirectorMilan LuthriaStarsAjay DevgnEmraan HashmiKangana RanautAs a smuggler rises to power in in 1970s Mumbai, a younger gangster seeks to overthrow him and a police officer is caught in the middle.This film about the rivality between an underworld boss and a wannabe don offers good entertainment. There is a good cast (gotta love Emraan Hashmi!) and an interesting story.
8/10 - DirectorSubhash GhaiStarsShah Rukh KhanMahima ChaudhryAmrish PuriKishorilal wants an Indian bride for his westernised son. He gets him engaged to Ganga, his friend's daughter, and brings her to USA. But she shares a deeper bond with Arjun, Kishorilal's foster son.Not an unpleasant watch (can anything with SRK be really unpleasant? ^^), however I think this film fails to really leave a mark. The screenplay and music are okay but it doesn't really click, at least for me.
6/10 - DirectorAnurag BasuStarsMallika SherawatAshmit PatelEmraan HashmiUnhappy with her marriage with workaholic man, a woman finds solace in her lover and starts a steamy affair. But this fills her with guilt and leaves him, but he is determined to get her - at any cost.A rather simple story (a remake of a movie I can't remember the title) yet interesting, suspenseful, well played, but unfortunately poorly directed. The technique here has a cheap feel to it. It's nevertheless worth a watch!
7/10 - DirectorAnurag BasuStarsDharmendraGautam KapurIrrfan KhanSix different stories, about nine people, each with different issues and problems, all occurring within one place: the METRO.A mosaic movie with storylines revolving around love and sex, this film is well done, yet... I don't know, I thought it lacked something. It took me a long moment to really get into the stories, and in the end I felt like something was missing. I hesitated with a 7, but I give it an 8 for the cast, coherent screenplay with some really good moments, and overall good technique.
8/10 - DirectorMohit SuriStarsEmraan HashmiJacqueline FernandezPrashant NarayananAn ex-cop is hired by a pimp to find missing call girls and the man responsible behind their abduction.Excellent! I didn't know it was the remake of a Korean thriller when I began watching it, and I found myself thinking that it somehow reminded me of Korean films like "I Saw The Devil". The fcat the I made the link without knowing about the remake is a good sign, because this kind of Korean movies are excellent.
This film has intensity, suspense (it can really test your nerves!), darkness, great actors (Emraan Hashmi, I'm telling you you gotta love this guy! And the actor playing the murderer, he really is scary), top cinematography, and excellent screenplay (the stuff that differs from the Korean version are very good ideas that add to the uneasiness of the viewer).
The low rating of this film here on IMDB is a SHAME!!
9/10 - DirectorShimit AminStarsRanbir KapoorPrem ChopraMukesh S. BhattA story of a fresh graduate trying to find a balance between the maddening demands of the 'professional' way, and the way of his heart.Nice little story for a nice film that won't make you go all "wow" but that offers decent entertainment with thinking.
8/10 - DirectorRohit ShettyStarsAjay DevgnKajal AggarwalPrakash RajA truly honest police officer is transferred to a town controlled by a gangster he has humiliated. The gangster believes he can use good power to bring down this officer who made him look foolish and weak.That one was a surprise. Not the masala stuff I feared, it actually has a solid storyline, a great actor (Ajay Devgn), and beautifully shot action scenes. Singham is a treat for the eyes with an intelligent story. Real good entertainment.
8/10 - DirectorSujoy GhoshStarsVidya BalanParambrata ChattopadhyayIndraneil SenguptaA pregnant woman's search for her missing husband takes her from London to Kolkata, but everyone she questions denies having ever met him.A very good and unusual thriller, Kahaani is also another way for Vidya Balan to show all her acting abilities. The movie has an intelligent screenplay, a well executed direction and a nice and original OST.
9/10 - DirectorVishal BhardwajStarsAjay DevgnKareena KapoorSaif Ali KhanA politically-minded enforcer's misguided trust in his lieutenant leads him to suspect his wife of infidelity in this adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Othello'.Adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello, Omkara honours the original play with a beautiful cast (Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi for the main protagonists, but also Konkona Sen Sharma and Naseerudin Shah) and a solid direction.
8/10 - DirectorKunal DeshmukhStarsEmraan HashmiSonal ChauhanSwatantra BharatArjun is a reckless young man with an obsession for making money at card games. A chance meeting with a girl in a mall, Zoya, gives him the reasons he was looking for the move out of his ordinary life. He steps up from playing small-time card games to becoming a bookie. Stuck in a triangle of sorts between the woman he loves and his addiction to make a quick buck, Arjun moves on from being a bookie to a runner for the mafia. He steps into the world of match fixing. Arjun switches on the limelight to bigger, better, faster, more, until his dizzying rise attracts the attention of the police. Arjun has to now choose between the love of his life, Zoya, and this new found success and power. As Arjun struggles to choose between the two, the Don offers the forbidden apple of limitless wealth in exchange for his soul and draws him into his core entourage of money spinners. How far will the horizon of reality stretch as Arjun and Zoya tread a fine, fast-blurring line between right and wrong to find the heaven they have been looking for?Simple story, basic technique, but the plot managed to keep my interest, and the main role is nicely played by Emraan Hashmi. A very correct movie.
7/10 - DirectorAnu MenonStarsAli ZafarAditi Rao HydariCandice PereiraNikhil and Lalitha are two completely different individuals who are drawn to each other in spite of their differences -- or perhaps because of it. Follow their journey as they meet in London, Paris and New York for a night in each city.Cute actors for a cute rom-com. LPNY is not unpleasant, however the story remains too superficial and I'm afraid the film difficultly leaves a mark on viewers. It has nice settings, everything is okay, but for me nothing never really clicked.
6/10 - DirectorHabib FaisalStarsArjun KapoorParineeti ChopraGauahar KhanA love story of a passion ignited by hatred. Of two people. Born to hate. Destined to love.This film was a good surprise. A very intense love story, a screenplay well crafted, two good actors, and probably one of the best soundtracks of the year. Plus, the picturisation of the songs does them honour. Definitely a good watch.
8/10 - DirectorSriram RaghavanStarsKareena KapoorRavi KishanSaif Ali KhanA series of seemingly unconnected events across the world leads to Agent Vinod undertaking a globe-trotting mission to discover why his colleague was murdered.A good classic spy movie. It has well shot action, the right dose of suspense, glamour and locations. The story is coherent, easy to follow and does not go haywire. Music and actors are more than okay. Nothing new, but nice! It delievrs exactly what it's supposed to deliver.
8/10