Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014) User Reviews

Good!

[preetpdesai · 7/10 · 8 November 2014]

The movie is pretty good . I think the direction was good, and sleek. The CGI doesn't looks clumsy. The scenes are not very unbelievable. The music is good enough. Nice, stylized commandos, beautiful Sunderbans, and tigers ! All of this is there, but slightly underutilized.

On the negative side, the acting was a little amateur. Plus, the story needed to be a little more solid. The poacher angle could have been better, with some more action.

All in all, I would say its a better-than-average movie; a tiny ray of hope that the direction standards of Bollywood are going to get better. And don't miss the credits.

Its not a great film but a unique, novel & tough attempt for sure with the most extensive use of Tigers in an Indian film till date.

[bobbysing · 6/10 · 5 January 2015]

Clearing the misconceptions first, ROAR is not a horror movie but an adventure film talking about an expedition into the Sunderbans, which happens to be the largest reserve for Bengal Tiger (as well as Mangrove forest) with its territory shared by both India and Bangladesh. So without any doubt, that remains the very first reason to see the movie and that too on the bigger screen to feel the exclusive wild region.

Quickly getting over with the film's big shortcomings, it's admittedly made on a very silly plot defying all logic and ignoring the laws especially made to save the endangered species. The performers fail to rise above the average (some even below it) and the script deliberately tries to stretch the film with few unrequired sequences which should have been strictly avoided. The soundtrack doesn't come up with anything worth noticing and ROAR is not able to roar that loudly as being projected in its promotional campaign all over.

Yet, I would like to be positive about the effort, appreciating it partially due to its few but exceptionally important rare features mentioned below.

To give the makers their due it's an evident truth that we do not try, don't wish or avoid making films on animals from the last few decades because its arguably even more difficult than making a project with a big known star with all his or her over the top tantrums. And when that animal is none other than the endangered TIGER then the value of the attempt certainly grows further to many folds. Secondly its not easy to shoot such a film at real locations, conceiving in advance all the graphical insertions to be made later on the editing table by the experts. Plus its quite courageous to go for this kind of attempt with a difference, moving ahead than all the usual 'fast food' stuff offered in the name of cinema by many big reputed names to make some instant money.

Moreover despite its major shortcomings, ROAR does begin interestingly, offering few fine engaging sequences before intermission and then becomes a much better watch in the second half due to its four big aces namely the beautiful Cinematography (Michael Watson), a pulsating Background Music (John Stewart), fine action (Allan Amin) and all excellent Computer Graphics never making you feel the tricks used by the technical artists behind the screen.

Yes being a film made on our four legged fellow beings living on this planet, it doesn't have that heart touching emotional feel as seen in films like TWO BROTHERS. But if you are an animal lover, enjoy watching adventure movies and are always interested in trying something fresh in our Hindi Cinema then do watch ROAR on the bigger screen to support the initiative taken. Especially, because the film has the most extensive use of TIGERS in any Indian film till date as its biggest USP, forcing me to give it some extra brownie marks for the rare attempt made undoubtedly.

However I really wish actor-turned director Kamal Sadanah had worked harder with his writers, editors and dialogue writers to make it a milestone film based on a never before concept. Still, one should at least give it a try, particularly taking along the kids for this unique TIGER show and simply don't miss the end credits where they reveal how it was all done with the special effects, surprising you as hell.

a brilliant effort

[Sudip_Dutta · 7/10 · 2 November 2014]

ROAR- an amazing film on Sunderbans... must see for all .... the true story of the Tigers and how we r killing them ... Director Kamal Sadanah did an excellent job, touching the livelihood of the common man of the Sunderbands, their rituals and their culture and beliefs over period of time. Loved it .... This is the first time Indian film has been done with such excellence and the Name is justified. Every actor here did act very much close to the heart, specially Subrat Dutta playing the anti hero here made us feel like killing him ... he was so apt in this cast. Don't believe the media - see in yr own eyes and njoy the amazing film. While some will create Hppy New Year jaise film, some will definitely try out something new and quality product like Roar. Cheers to such effort, want to see more such on Indian ambiance, our stories about our country. Bollywood must come out of all the trash subjects and South Indian film copies .... Its Wake up time - This film is definitely a landmark film in Indian film history !

Good movie in first attempt by an Indian Director

[ankur-parikh11 · 7/10 · 3 November 2014]

Definitely good movie and a new concept tried by an Indian Director. Kamaal Sadanah's (Director) at least tried something new than love story or cheap comedy movies.

Storyline is OK. Also, may be there was no need to show glamor with a lady commando dresses with low neck and lady trekker in movie dressing like Xena the Warrior princes. However, direction, action, back ground music covers up for all. Movies does hold viewers on the edge of their seat and nice cinematography.

Worth seeing than typical Hindi movies.

Again, thumbs up for Kamal Sadanah we audience hope and wish for more such movies.

Obnoxiously artificial - Total disappointment

[shilpashyamsunder · 1/10 · 5 November 2014]

I never saw the trailer and just decided to read the reviews on IMDb which I really swear by.

The intention / thought process of the Director sure shows up in few occasions but movie couldn't do what it had to. Although the lovely Sundarbans have been shot really well and it was so pleasant to watch.

What went wrong?

1) Could have kept it simple like a commando team should (clothes, orders, No - Nonsense talks)

2) The cinematography could have been far better. Appreciate our Hollywood counterparts for making it look real in reel when we all know that it is just not real. We need to make it look more gripping and interesting which I felt was missing (looked like a cartoon movie specially when they approach the Core Tiger territory, the water look so unreal)

Overall it was not to the expectations for a title - Royal Bengal Tigers of Sundarbans. Or, probably the title raises the bar you see!

A Very Feeble Roar

[DareDevilKid · 1/10 · 9 November 2014]

Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)

Rating: 1/5 stars

For a movie where the main USP is supposed to be the tigers and the thrills to be sought from their hunt on a bunch of humans, actor- turned-Director, Kamal Sadanah, gets a brain-freeze and decides to introduce his prime selling point a whole hour after the film commences. Agreed, that it's important to show a bit of build-up, particularly in a horror, sci-fi, or action film, but clearly the filmmakers misunderstood the difference between an actual build-up and what can be best described as a soap-opera prequel to their actual film.

In the meantime we are subjected to soporific drawls, and endless bickering between a bunch of talentless actors with wooden expressions and the screen presence of a few rustling leaves blowing in the background of a romantic Bollywood interlude. Or maybe Sadanah must have envisaged his audience to be just a bunch of front-row whistlers who'd be enamored with the sight of his glamorous leading and supporting ladies strutting around in jungle shorts, performing pole-dancer-esque action shots.

Granted, the scenes with the tigers are breathtaking, but they can do little to lift this abomination of a film from its doldrums. And, for a creature-horror film, supposedly shot in the vein of genre classics such as "Anaconda", "Black Water", and "Lake Placid" among others, the tension and ensuing action is cringe-worthy to say the least. No doubt, tigers are natural killing machines, more so in their own habitat, but it would have been nice if the Director had shown them working a bit to catch their prey. And, this has got to be the most incompetent group of hunters ever assembled, as they can't seem to hit a single of their targets, even if the tigers are motionless, and egging them on with snide smirks and an invisible hit-me sign plastered across their foreheads.

Shoddily scripted, listlessly directed, deplorable acted, and amateurishly assembled, "Roar" literally screams bad filmmaking and a lost opportunity of what had the potential to be an exciting creature-horror flick, with a plausible allegory thrown in. The tigers of the Sundarbans deserve a good film - one that showcases their legend in all its glory, and also succeeds in highlighting their current spate of problems. Hopefully, a talented Director will come along and undertake this responsibility someday.

Not what you might expect from Hindi cinema

[spikynat · 10/10 · 31 October 2014]

When watching Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans - bear in mind 2 things... Firstly - This is NOT a Bollywood film. This is a film like no other to come out of Hindi cinema. It stands alone.

Secondly - When you know that the film-makers were inspired by Hollywood greats such as Indiana Jones - then it all falls into place in terms of genre and audience.

The film doesn't intend to be a documentary. It's not a realistic portrayal of life in the Sundarbans. It's an entertainer. It's action -orientated and it's designed to make you go "Wow!"

The cinematography is awe-inspiring.

The soundtrack is epic.

The introductory shots for the 2 leads and the negative male are truly memorable.

The director Kamal Sadanah and the producer Abis Rizvi make a joyous cameo appearance and the trick of getting the audience to stay until the very final credit is taken care of by revealing a few tricks of the trade.

Of course this won't please everyone - it's going to divide opinion - but what in life doesn't?! Personally - i'm all for people stepping out of a comfort zone and pushing the boundaries. Creating something that exists, that materializes purely from an idea.

Roar is a first-time director's vision, opening your eyes to something new.

Nice Effort but Total rubbish

[abin240 · 1/10 · 29 February 2016]

I am a person who really likes these type of movies especially jungle.They made a good effort . but the story line and logic is so stupid that is ... I felt sad..They could have made a good movie

But it is horrible

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Daring But Heart Touching Attempt...

[shruti-m-1142110 · 8/10 · 2 November 2014]

Roar-Tigers Of The Sundarbans...... Untouched Topic..,Untouched Locations..,Untouched Level of Technology n Techniques......n Still has the capability to touch the Hearts n Minds.... Simply Superb Work done by the whole team with high level of standards..

Daring Attempt by the makers of selecting such a unique topic.....Lots of Good Wishes n Congratulations for creating this Hollywood like thrill which is reminding me of the same sensation i felt while watching Jurrasic Park, Godzilla,Jumanji kind of movies

Simply can say Roar-Tigers of The Sunderbans is MY KIND OF MOVIE

WITHOUT

the latest trends of pathetic comedy, nonsense stories, meaningless songs and harsh music

WITH

the plus points of marvelous photography, unseen locations, significant topic, magnificent adventure and heart touching message !!!

Good intention does not turn into a good film

[ketgup83 · 5/10 · 31 October 2014]

I am a big wild life enthusiast and consider myself as animal activist. The moment I watched the trailer of ROAR, I knew it would interest me though it was a slight disappointment.

After Uday is killed by a Royal Bengal Tiger in the marshy land of Sunderbans, his brother Pundit avenges to kill the cat and hires a team of skillful and brave people to search for the man-eater.

Actor turned director Kamal Sadanah dares to spawn his career by choosing an out-of-box drama. It has never been attempted on the Indian Silver Screen before and I was pretty impressed with mind- blowing cinematography and gorgeous marshy land of Sunderbans. The intention is crystal clear - " You do not disturb the privacy of animal kingdom" but humans are greedy creature who go to any extent to absorb their cravings. However, the story and screenplay messes the film coupled with immature acting. Background score is good. VFX is applauding. There is a scene which shows the smelling power of a tiger and awakens the animal.

Overall, good intention of the film does not turn into a good film. Average 2.5 /5

https://www.facebook.com/FilmyChowk

Ridiculously stupid!

[usmanchattha-95257 · 1/10 · 3 August 2018]

This is the most stupid movie i have ever seen! Ridiculously ridiculous! The makers dont know anything about widlife, cinematography and didnt even bother to know! Such stupid attempts are only meant to waste the couple of minutes one may take before switching it off!

Bone chilling Thriller , Superb Crew !!!

[anubhav3007 · 4/10 · 3 November 2014]

Well if you are fed up of creepy Saas-Bahu serials and same old stuff of dance n romance , ROAR is the movie that will leave you amazed. Till date i have not seen any bollywood movie with such high class visual effects / VFS. This movie is clearly a benchmark for special effect and meticulous camera work.Back ground score of this movie is simply superb and location is highly impossible to reach by any man.

Kashmiri - Adil Chahal , reminded me of John Rambo. Jhumpa is a girl that makes jungle shiver.

Highly recommended for young generation who are looking for more than a simple bollywood flick.

MUST WATCH !!!

I am big fan of Wildlife

[shah_830 · 10/10 · 2 November 2014]

I was impressed with the Picturisation and the story. I loved the theme and the story. It was very well done and written.

Everyone in its first instance would always think of taking a revenge after all we are all human beings and Indian but i am thankful to the story writer and the director for presenting the movie in such a manner of realization.

In fact the scenes where beautifully Choreographed and also done in a sequential manner.

The message created by the director was very well conveyed and i would await for his next films to come as i would also watch them.

Showing life of animal and making us understand their understanding was very well brought as a message to us.

Lastly i loved the work of all the actors especially Mr Adil Overall would rate the film 4/5

Very Very Nice Movie

[abheygpt1 · 10/10 · 1 November 2014]

The movie was mind blowing.Everyone must watch this movie.I enjoyed it a lot.Roar centers on a battle between the daft, dirty humans and the striking, regal tigers.CG animals looking awesome. Hollywood style movie now in Indian cinema watch it.Gripping, entertaining, novel. Abhinav Shukla is very good.a film Brave attempt.Superb BG Music.Amazing effects rock. At last Bollywood comes of age and gives us a Hollywood style thriller Super Movie.Never seen anything like this on Indian Screen. Very Well directed. We thank all people involved in the making of this movie to show us the the unseen. Well Done.the snake sequence was a killer.good sound effect.Hollywood Ishtyle Bollywood roar.

A Unique and crisp package of Tigers in Sunderbans

[sdey-passions · 8/10 · 1 November 2014]

I watched this movie yesterday with my family.

Reason to watch was: 1. The trailers look astounding with great visual effects. 2. Sunderbans is a great place which deserves more protection

Review Summary: 1. I never expected much audience in such a film, because it was more for the nature lovers. I wondered how many of us even care for the nature!!!! But to my pleasant surprise, the theater was 80% full! 2. The start was good and Kamal Sadanah came to the core subject of the movie quickly without wasting anyone's time. 3. The visual effects were astonishing as expected. It could have been elaborated more to create much more grandeur and spell-bounding effects! People love visual treats..(something like..the Journey to the Centre of the Earth :-)) 4. Most characters left a strong mark on the audience, especially Aadil Chahal as Kashmiri, Bheera and the body builder... 5. Bollywood has never seen such a subject and visual treat ever.

What could have been better: 1. The skimpy clothes were not required in a jungle. It would have been done to add some glamor quotient to the movie..but the characters would have looked sexier with more clothes! Trust me!!! 2. The Script could have been much better in terms of continuity...But i think the director wanted to convey a simple and crisp message of "Conflict between Human Ego and animal's innocence"

Overall - Well Done Kamal Sadanah and Team!

Expect to see more such films in future from you and your team!

A must watch

[ritukalra2007 · 10/10 · 11 November 2014]

This is an excellent movie with great photography and story line. We saw this movie in a big group with people from different age groups and everyone loved it. No where in the movie one feels bored. It is exciting till the very end. The length of the movie is also perfect and it is good that there are no songs.

The direction is also good. The actors, although new comers, have acted well. The locations are awesome. I have been to Sunderbans and I could completely relate to the locations. After seeing the movie, you would certainly like to visit Sunderbans.

A must watch if you like thrilling and adventurous movies.

Very good movie!!

[stephanie_wal-04572 · 10/10 · 9 August 2020]

I really enjoyed this movie!!! Excellent CGI!! Loved the plot. Good message.

Excellent Movi

[mandalamitkumar · 9/10 · 12 April 2018]

Nice movi, Graphics excellent. Nice message about safe the tiger concept.

Best indian movie yet on wildlife

[shounak9325 · 10/10 · 20 February 2021]

Tigers, sundarbans, what else does a bengali crave to see? This is an amazing insight to the wildlife of sundarbans with an equally brilliant plot. It portrays the emotional aspects of a wild animal like anger, vengeance, intelligence & even gratefulness. An underestimated classic due to limited release. Hatsoff to the makers who proved that humans are the most dangerous animals on earth.

Amazing Journey to Sundarbans

[kapillimbad · 8/10 · 31 October 2014]

Never explored Location SUNDARBANS. Its famous for Tiger's jumping on the boat & eating humans. Superb Aerial Cinematography. All top angle shots very nicely captured. Especially first sequence in second half, where camera goes up in the air. There is also a time slice shot which is a single shot taken from Helicam. Must watch for Aerial Photography. Amazing Bg Score. Enjoyed Background Score of the film. Hats off to John Stewart Eduri... especially when team enters in the jungle & Snake attack. Tiger theme is awesome. For Sound Design Oscar Award winner Resul Pookutty has done amazing job. Minute detailing is been covered in sound design. In honey bee sequence you actually feel like there are honeybee's flying all over the places in theaters. Once tiger comes on the screen & when you hear a Roar. That too in 7.1, it's all together a different feeling. Stunning Visual Effects. Anibrain has done a brilliant job. Honey bee sequence & snake sequence are my personal best. And obviously tiger is superbly done. Cinematography by Hollywood DOP Michael Watson. Very nicely shot. Sundarban is very beautifully shown. All in all a wonderful journey to Sundarbans. Kudos to Kamal Sadanah for introducing us to never been explored genre in India. I am already fan of yours.

new age Indian cinema

[v-raghuwanshi · 8/10 · 2 November 2014]

i was inquisitive about this movie after watching its trailer...though the cast was new but plot looked interesting.

the main attraction of the film is its VFX and background score...the white tigress was stunning.

i recommend everyone to go and watch the film with their entire family(specially with kids) as this is new age Indian cinema and not typical bollywood masala movie...

i liked the character of kashmiri and bheera...as they stand out in the big cast with their acting skills.

the movie has been shot extensively in sunderban and quality of VFX is parallel to Hollywood.

An amazing adventure encompassing the intrigue, mystic and precarious beauty of the luxuriant jungle of sundarbans

[sinehalena · 8/10 · 31 October 2014]

An amazing adventure encompassing the intrigue, mystic and precarious beauty of the luxuriant jungle of sundarbans .

'The Hunters become the hunted' The movie substantially captured the true essence of jungle survival what it means of for its natives, tribes or animals, their way of respecting nature and what it means for humans to maintain its boundaries... the voiceless animals and their grievances there way to retaliate following the rule of jungle

What truly kept me riveted to the movie is The Majestic predator with mesmerizing dangerous stride the white tiger Chinchilla albinistic. Born one in thousands. I equally dreaded and craved his appearance on the screen. The music is good and so is the cinematography. The story premise is predictable. The biggest aspect of the movie which was quite disappointing was the acting. The lead actors failed to bring the characters to life. The characters and dialogs were insipid and lacking color... But The tigress makes it worthwhile to watch.... easily the best and most exciting character of the movie

Super movie, Unlike bollywood

[raviypujar · 8/10 · 4 November 2014]

This is a Gem of a movie with a entirely different script and is very unlikely of Indian Bollywood movies. Watched this movie yesterday and enjoyed every second of it. Nice shooting and was very happy to see that there are no songs in the movie, a big relief. But still background music was always there starting to the end, May be there must be silence when needed in critical scenes. Would have made it more realistic. Graphics and views were very nice and the movie carries a nice message about TIGERS and the concept of saving Tigers. Very good imagination by the makers. Good movie for people tired of watching fireworks and shootouts and Talwars. Go ahead and watch the movie. Its definitely a Hollywood class movie made by Bollywood, proud of the makers, hoping to see much more films like this made in Bollywood.

It's what we expect from a Bollywood Movie

[dinesh-ica-bpl · 10/10 · 3 November 2014]

Seriously, I was waiting for the movie since I saw its poster only. The design on poster says all about the film quality. If they work hard for the poster, they must did for the whole movie too. I could be wrong, but Hats off to Abbas Rizvi and Kamal Sadanah, who made this happen. They really worked so hard for the movie. Great direction, Excellent VFX. A complete Entertaining Package for the people who love to watching Hollywood movies. I can bet, this movie can business in aborad more than any other Bollywood movie. The effect seems to be so realistic, in some scenes, you may feel sweat on your face and the fear within you.

I would say, I never saw a Bollywood movie like this one. I would like to watch one more time. The Movie Worth it.

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