Like most of you I had huge expectations from this movie being a Vikas Bahl one, but this one was more of a comedy film. There is no message as such, which is contrary to most of his movies. Nevertheless the movie is comical till the end and certain unexpected twists make it a Shandaar wedding. Clearly portrays what Shandaar truly is when it comes to wedding. Pankaj Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor's combination bring in the comedy, but the film does not have a message or story or learning as such and a bit boring at certain parts. First time Shahid and is dad in one movie and they'll make you ROFL. It's basically, a Sit-Com and on a destination wedding but very different from the usual ones. If you're a comedy lover you will like it because the star cast is perfect for such a movie. No better combination than Shahid Alia and Pankaj. All of them have done outstanding acting especially Sushma Seth
65 Reviews
the only movie i walked out of
doubleuw27 October 2015
Generally, like every other member in the cinema audience we all sit through and watch a movie no matter how terrible it is since we paid for it, obviously, but 15 fifteen minutes into this movie, I realized I have wasted my money, but I gave it a fair chance and sat for another hour to get tortured, after which, me and my friends just simply walked out. I didn't want to waste another minute of my time. The movie was basically what its name suggests it is, but not in terms of plot, acting, comedy,romance and character development. The only thing "shandaar", was the set, the clothing and the location. No character was relatable ,specially not the lead characters. It seemed like a stupid, nonsensical amalgamation of superficiality and the love story of the two most unsuited characters I have ever seen on screen. This is the only movie iv'e watched for which I can't really say, *still a better love story than twilight*. No, twilight was certainly better
The comedy, *sighs*, annoying stereotypes which made me want to pull my hair throughout the movie. If someone wants their brain cells to die then please watch this movie and see actors like Alia bhatt who felt that their face and figure is enough to make this movie work, Acting isn't really required. Well, even kathrina kaif needed some kind of plot support for a hit movie :)
The comedy, *sighs*, annoying stereotypes which made me want to pull my hair throughout the movie. If someone wants their brain cells to die then please watch this movie and see actors like Alia bhatt who felt that their face and figure is enough to make this movie work, Acting isn't really required. Well, even kathrina kaif needed some kind of plot support for a hit movie :)
Difficult to digest that it is from director of "Queen"
dineshprakash22 October 2015
There is nothing in the name of story. Idea to make love story of insomniacs, with some quirky characters sounds bright but outcome is very dull. Screenplay is in bits and pieces. Dialogues by Anwita Dutt is only good thing of this film. It make you laugh. Characterization is very bad. One person can't speak 'Insomniac' word properly but speaks fluent English after few scenes in Police Station. Person is afraid of dark and night but decides to go out in night for bike ride because makers have thought an interesting scene ahead. Yes of course, this love scene near water fall is good one. Very convenient plots like marriage for the sake of business. Adopted girl, over the top grand mother, who rules the family but do not mind to flirt with a wedding organizer of her grand son age. Literally, makers have preferred budget over brain. They go for bikini scene, which even they show repeatedly in end credit. How can I believe that director of Queen can think that a bikini scene can sail his movie!? Ridiculous. Unnecessary expensive animations. Caterpillar crawling on collar, butterfly flying on dress and lots of. Even for voice over they don't mind animations but what about creativity!? They have conceived cheesy scenes like 'Menhdi with Karan' because they could have afforded him. I was so irritated when they show the burning wheel chair cum sofa in end. What the F... was that? First half is slow, second half is very slow with a weird uninteresting climax. Performance wise Shahid Kapoor is balanced and acts good. Alia Bhatt is very good. She is too good in portraying care free girl. Pankaj Kapoor is good. Jalal Hunni as groom is OK. Choreography of all songs is grand. Songs look larger than life. Music by Amit Trivedi is fresh and foot tapping.
Aila! ♦ Grade F
nairtejas23 October 2015
This film proves that Bollywood has run out of ideas.
Jagjinder Joginder (Shahid Kapoor) is a handsome wedding planner with a pack of wet sawdust for brain, hired by an over-smart, unknown queen for her granddaughter's union with a shirtless jackass. The sweet-toothed bride's sister is Alia (Alia "Aila" Bhatt), an insomniac, out of the world princess whose mysterious absence of lineage is the only source of pride in her as she goes swimming at 4 in the morning and collects her father's animated dreams to stay alive. That Alia has finally found her prince in Jagjinder and would like him to make love to her while she tries to dream a dream munching on a banana is what forms a small part of the rest of the story. The remaining, bigger part is taken by Pankaj Kapur's idiocy, Sanjay Kapoor's ugly tomfoolery, and the writers's butterfly-infested vomit.
The film is basically a fairytale romance with ounces of unnecessary animation all over the place. Glittery butterflies coming out of Alia's dress and making Jagjinder throw away his cigarette, impulsive doses of songs because as it turns out both the central characters of the film cannot sleep at night, and blatant melodrama that is worse than Star Plus soaps - the film is filled with fillers like these.
Then there is a cameo by Karan Johar, and I was done for the day. I don't understand why talented actors like Shahid Kapoor and veterans like his father would sign a project which introduces the characters using ugly cartoons. Ridiculous jokes, mindless slapstick, and a shade of black-and-white fairytale is what all the film is about. Not one character is a real deal, and if we had with us Holden from J D Salinger's classic book "The Catcher in the Rye," he would only have one word collectively to describe the film and its tons of characters: PHONEY.
BOTTOM LINE: Do yourself a favor and skip Vikas Bahl's epic fail, Shaandaar, because in here, the characters stay awake so that we can catch some shuteye. The trailer is misleading; don't fall for it.
GRADE: F
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES (But, do you really want to?)
Jagjinder Joginder (Shahid Kapoor) is a handsome wedding planner with a pack of wet sawdust for brain, hired by an over-smart, unknown queen for her granddaughter's union with a shirtless jackass. The sweet-toothed bride's sister is Alia (Alia "Aila" Bhatt), an insomniac, out of the world princess whose mysterious absence of lineage is the only source of pride in her as she goes swimming at 4 in the morning and collects her father's animated dreams to stay alive. That Alia has finally found her prince in Jagjinder and would like him to make love to her while she tries to dream a dream munching on a banana is what forms a small part of the rest of the story. The remaining, bigger part is taken by Pankaj Kapur's idiocy, Sanjay Kapoor's ugly tomfoolery, and the writers's butterfly-infested vomit.
The film is basically a fairytale romance with ounces of unnecessary animation all over the place. Glittery butterflies coming out of Alia's dress and making Jagjinder throw away his cigarette, impulsive doses of songs because as it turns out both the central characters of the film cannot sleep at night, and blatant melodrama that is worse than Star Plus soaps - the film is filled with fillers like these.
Then there is a cameo by Karan Johar, and I was done for the day. I don't understand why talented actors like Shahid Kapoor and veterans like his father would sign a project which introduces the characters using ugly cartoons. Ridiculous jokes, mindless slapstick, and a shade of black-and-white fairytale is what all the film is about. Not one character is a real deal, and if we had with us Holden from J D Salinger's classic book "The Catcher in the Rye," he would only have one word collectively to describe the film and its tons of characters: PHONEY.
BOTTOM LINE: Do yourself a favor and skip Vikas Bahl's epic fail, Shaandaar, because in here, the characters stay awake so that we can catch some shuteye. The trailer is misleading; don't fall for it.
GRADE: F
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES (But, do you really want to?)
Awful, mindless nonsense..
anilquest422 October 2015
Only advice I give everyone who have plans to watch this is.. Do not watch.
If you still want to watch this leave your brain at home and go ahead, but even then you might not enjoy it.This movie is a disaster in every way.
Low budget short films are wayy better than this piece of crap!
This movie has no story and tries to make you laugh with endless nonsensical blabber.
Can't believe I wasted two hours on this crap.
Just don't watch!
If you still want to watch this leave your brain at home and go ahead, but even then you might not enjoy it.This movie is a disaster in every way.
Low budget short films are wayy better than this piece of crap!
This movie has no story and tries to make you laugh with endless nonsensical blabber.
Can't believe I wasted two hours on this crap.
Just don't watch!
Name is "Shaandar" but the Film is "Awful"
the_horned_owl23 October 2015
Queen is one of my favorite Hindi films of all time. It was brilliant from beginning to end. The pace was perfect, the acting was top notch and the music was refreshing though the idea was clichéd. Queen put Kangana and Vikas on the top. So it was obvious that everyone was expecting a good film from Bahl.
After watching the trailer, people were really happy (It seems that people go crazy after every new trailer) but I was disappointed. Stil, I wanted to give it a try. I went to watch the film and I swear, I was disappointed. This film is a piece of crap from beginning to end. You will be tortured for the whole runtime. Those who go to pass their time might enjoy this flick but it is awful. I wont waste my time by writing a long review. Do not spend your hard earned money on this flick.
After watching the trailer, people were really happy (It seems that people go crazy after every new trailer) but I was disappointed. Stil, I wanted to give it a try. I went to watch the film and I swear, I was disappointed. This film is a piece of crap from beginning to end. You will be tortured for the whole runtime. Those who go to pass their time might enjoy this flick but it is awful. I wont waste my time by writing a long review. Do not spend your hard earned money on this flick.
Barely Shaandaar!
namashi_122 October 2015
Its a shame that 'Shaandaar' fails to deliver. Director Vikas Bahl scored a century with his brilliant Queen, Lead-Actors Shahid Kapoor & Alia Bhatt have seen inspiring success off late, its produced by the so-called numero uno production houses - Dharma & The Phantoms & yet this BIG-BUDGETED Rom-Com lacks the fizz.
Reason? 'Shaandaar' stands on a faulty script & no film can rise above that. What is eventually served here, is a few moments that provide humour & the cast, who manage to keep you hooked, even when the script fails them.
'Shaandaar' Synopsis: Two loud, money-minded, big families come together for a wedding, that would turn them into in-laws. During this chaos, the wedding planner & the bride-to-be's stepsister, fall in love.
'Shaandaar' has a boring first-hour. The film begins tepidly & the interactions between the "families" is bland. The love-struck protagonists (Shahid & Alia) appear in the watchable bits, but then again, its just watchable, not entertaining. The second-hour picks up some momentum & even the climax is weirdly funny. Another glitch are the songs, which pop-up very frequently, but add nothing to the narrative.
Anvita Dutt Guptan's Screenplay is a letdown. Despite some funny moments & its lighthearted approach, this story, overall, has no soul. Vikas Bahl's Direction is listless. Seriously, Vikas? Cinematography is quite good. Editing is, at times loose & at times, crisp. Amit Trivedi's Soundtrack is good, but it doesn't add to the goings-on & hence it bores. We can hear the songs on our I-Pods instead! Art & Costume Design are overdone. Graphics are average.
'Shaandaar' is saved by its credible cast, who deliver admirably. Pankaj Kapur is simply FANTASTIC as Alia's father, who's constant Nok-Jhok with real-life beta Shahid, are among the better moments of the film. Shahid is decent, but is underused at most parts. Alia is effortlessly natural & immensely likable. Sanah Kapoor makes a fine debut, delivering a commendable performance as the overweight bride-to-be. Sushma Seth is perfectly wicked as the evil grandmother & Sanjay Kapoor enacts the unbearable Sindhi millionaire, with the correct amount of madness. However, Karan Johar's cameo is annoying & Naseeruddin Shah's voice-over is pathetic.
On the whole, 'Shaandaar' is anything but Fabulous! A Disappointment!
Reason? 'Shaandaar' stands on a faulty script & no film can rise above that. What is eventually served here, is a few moments that provide humour & the cast, who manage to keep you hooked, even when the script fails them.
'Shaandaar' Synopsis: Two loud, money-minded, big families come together for a wedding, that would turn them into in-laws. During this chaos, the wedding planner & the bride-to-be's stepsister, fall in love.
'Shaandaar' has a boring first-hour. The film begins tepidly & the interactions between the "families" is bland. The love-struck protagonists (Shahid & Alia) appear in the watchable bits, but then again, its just watchable, not entertaining. The second-hour picks up some momentum & even the climax is weirdly funny. Another glitch are the songs, which pop-up very frequently, but add nothing to the narrative.
Anvita Dutt Guptan's Screenplay is a letdown. Despite some funny moments & its lighthearted approach, this story, overall, has no soul. Vikas Bahl's Direction is listless. Seriously, Vikas? Cinematography is quite good. Editing is, at times loose & at times, crisp. Amit Trivedi's Soundtrack is good, but it doesn't add to the goings-on & hence it bores. We can hear the songs on our I-Pods instead! Art & Costume Design are overdone. Graphics are average.
'Shaandaar' is saved by its credible cast, who deliver admirably. Pankaj Kapur is simply FANTASTIC as Alia's father, who's constant Nok-Jhok with real-life beta Shahid, are among the better moments of the film. Shahid is decent, but is underused at most parts. Alia is effortlessly natural & immensely likable. Sanah Kapoor makes a fine debut, delivering a commendable performance as the overweight bride-to-be. Sushma Seth is perfectly wicked as the evil grandmother & Sanjay Kapoor enacts the unbearable Sindhi millionaire, with the correct amount of madness. However, Karan Johar's cameo is annoying & Naseeruddin Shah's voice-over is pathetic.
On the whole, 'Shaandaar' is anything but Fabulous! A Disappointment!
Worst film of India
asharravindra22 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Maine jindagi mein aisi movie nah in dekhi. Complete satyanash.
Never ever will watch movie from this director. Shaid & Alia don't work with this guy any more
What a waste of money and time.
These kind of movies blemish Bollywood image.
I will tell all my friends about it
I made mistake by going to watch it on very first day
I went to watch because of cast I would rather rate this movie - 10 I would rather feel like saying bad words for it Me & my girlfriend are so annoyed about it
Never ever will watch movie from this director. Shaid & Alia don't work with this guy any more
What a waste of money and time.
These kind of movies blemish Bollywood image.
I will tell all my friends about it
I made mistake by going to watch it on very first day
I went to watch because of cast I would rather rate this movie - 10 I would rather feel like saying bad words for it Me & my girlfriend are so annoyed about it
awful movie
dhruvgangadharan23 October 2015
there is absolutely nothing new or fresh to look forward to in this movie. they have advertised shahid as a wedding planner, which is given absolutely no importance in the movie. He just hangs around spending time with Alia. Alia bhat has been her quirky self. There is absolutely no chemistry between the two actors. Pankaj sir has of-course delivered an amazing performance.However better dialogs could have been written for him. On the whole the scenes are extremely disconnected and and the story does not ignite the slightest spark of romance or laughter in the viewers. Strongly advise you to stick to watching the trailer which delivers the optimal satisfaction that this movie could possibly deliver.
Worst movie of all time
barman-rinku31 January 2018
MOST WANTED:- A taste and a sense of humor in Indian audience.
manubhatt36 November 2016
I just don't know why this movie has got such a low rating. Its quite a decent movie with a quirky comedy and bordering on being fantastical.
Its quite refreshing and novel(otherwise I would have rated it just 7). This is one major positive point in support of the movie. Even if you dislike it, I bet you will not find this movie concept a repetition of some movie theme/concept already in the public domain.
One important point to keep in mind is that you can't watch this movie with all the seriousness and take it literally. The movie setting, the ambiance, the starting, begs the audience to take this movie light on logic. Otherwise you will not only NOT enjoy this movie, you will also find it absurd and very illogical. I myself found the fact of a human not sleeping a single time upto his/her adulthood quite absurd, but if you take this within the movie context, the setting, the ambiance, you should not be that much bothered. As I already mentioned earlier, the movie borders on being fantastical.
I have quite a sympathy with Vikas Bahl, and the producers, and myself. For the film makers, its obvious, because they lost a lot of money despite making a decent fresh film. For myself, because I was going to watch it in theatre but didn't and missed, just because it got so poor response/reviews from public!
Its quite refreshing and novel(otherwise I would have rated it just 7). This is one major positive point in support of the movie. Even if you dislike it, I bet you will not find this movie concept a repetition of some movie theme/concept already in the public domain.
One important point to keep in mind is that you can't watch this movie with all the seriousness and take it literally. The movie setting, the ambiance, the starting, begs the audience to take this movie light on logic. Otherwise you will not only NOT enjoy this movie, you will also find it absurd and very illogical. I myself found the fact of a human not sleeping a single time upto his/her adulthood quite absurd, but if you take this within the movie context, the setting, the ambiance, you should not be that much bothered. As I already mentioned earlier, the movie borders on being fantastical.
I have quite a sympathy with Vikas Bahl, and the producers, and myself. For the film makers, its obvious, because they lost a lot of money despite making a decent fresh film. For myself, because I was going to watch it in theatre but didn't and missed, just because it got so poor response/reviews from public!
An average destination wedding romcom. Works more as whacky comedy.
jmoneyjohal22 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Having huge expectations for a film can be a bitch, for lack of a better word. And from the Director who made the critically acclaim Queen, the film that swept all the awards last year, well I feel bad for Director Vikas Bahl, because with Shaandaar the expectations were gigantic. Sadly the film is nothing one excepts, especially after watching the trailer (excepted a rom com with a back drop of a destination wedding), its almost as though the filmmakers wanted to trick the audience into watching the film. I don't know. But what Shaandaar ends up being is a spoof on Indian weddings especially those where a lot of money is spent, the film also steps into the fantasy genre, and tries to incorporate a lot of VFX, which is nice, but the film at times its completely totally out of sync and weird, like the mushrooms, and brownie scene. Luckily the film is a laugh riot at many junctures,but with so much going on the film has no coherent story. But more on that later.
Story wise the film starts off in animation and through this we are explained that Bipin had adopted a girl named Alia who turns out to be a insomniac and a very unique smart girl. Bipin's family despises Alia (except Bipin's other daughter), this is because Bipin's mom and wife look at everything as a business deal too profit money from. In present time Bipin's older daughter Isha is getting married to the Fundwains brother, who are completely show offs and only wear gold(they are Sindhi's). The marriage is a business deal for Bipin's mother so the family business can come out of bankruptcy through the Fundwani's wealth. The rest of the story is about how the marriage happens, and how wedding planner named Jaginder Joginder enters Alia's and Bipin's life.
Acting wise Shahid Kapoor does a good job, in a familiar role, and dances like a dream. Alia Bhatt gets a very quirky character, and she takes advantage with a spectacular act. Pankaj Kapoor steals the show with a absolutely fantastic act. His and Alia's scenes are heart warming. Sanjay Kapoor's act is completely absurd, but funny. The rest of ensemble is good and well casted.
Shaandar is a film which is very confused in its story therefore the film suffers, and gets tedious. Seems like Dir Vikas Bahl was confused and didn't know if he wanted to make a Indian wedding spoof movie, a love story, or a film about a father daughter relationship.He tried to tackle too much in one film, and ending up failing in giving a proper story.Also the film had many absurd,bizarre scenes like the mushroom scene, it was funny, but the concept came out of nowhere. But I liked the uniqueness in ideas a film like Shaandar had.What can be applauded in the film is the way the character where written,especially Alia's character, and her relationship with her dad. The Fundwani's, the character of the grandma where all unique and funny. Therefore as a comedy Shaandar works, and its a laugh riot at times,especially in the completely whack, but funny climax( the kid lighting the grandma on fire). The animation, the films VFX, and the way the film was presented on a huge lavish scale is also delightful to see. And the film had great music, especially the Gulbaoo track.
Overall all those excepting another Queen from Shaandaar will be left disappointed, but for those who go with there expectations in check can enjoy this Phantom produced quirky comedy. But be warned the film is made for a more niche, teenage audience, not everyone will enjoy the comedy also.
3/5* or 6/10
Story wise the film starts off in animation and through this we are explained that Bipin had adopted a girl named Alia who turns out to be a insomniac and a very unique smart girl. Bipin's family despises Alia (except Bipin's other daughter), this is because Bipin's mom and wife look at everything as a business deal too profit money from. In present time Bipin's older daughter Isha is getting married to the Fundwains brother, who are completely show offs and only wear gold(they are Sindhi's). The marriage is a business deal for Bipin's mother so the family business can come out of bankruptcy through the Fundwani's wealth. The rest of the story is about how the marriage happens, and how wedding planner named Jaginder Joginder enters Alia's and Bipin's life.
Acting wise Shahid Kapoor does a good job, in a familiar role, and dances like a dream. Alia Bhatt gets a very quirky character, and she takes advantage with a spectacular act. Pankaj Kapoor steals the show with a absolutely fantastic act. His and Alia's scenes are heart warming. Sanjay Kapoor's act is completely absurd, but funny. The rest of ensemble is good and well casted.
Shaandar is a film which is very confused in its story therefore the film suffers, and gets tedious. Seems like Dir Vikas Bahl was confused and didn't know if he wanted to make a Indian wedding spoof movie, a love story, or a film about a father daughter relationship.He tried to tackle too much in one film, and ending up failing in giving a proper story.Also the film had many absurd,bizarre scenes like the mushroom scene, it was funny, but the concept came out of nowhere. But I liked the uniqueness in ideas a film like Shaandar had.What can be applauded in the film is the way the character where written,especially Alia's character, and her relationship with her dad. The Fundwani's, the character of the grandma where all unique and funny. Therefore as a comedy Shaandar works, and its a laugh riot at times,especially in the completely whack, but funny climax( the kid lighting the grandma on fire). The animation, the films VFX, and the way the film was presented on a huge lavish scale is also delightful to see. And the film had great music, especially the Gulbaoo track.
Overall all those excepting another Queen from Shaandaar will be left disappointed, but for those who go with there expectations in check can enjoy this Phantom produced quirky comedy. But be warned the film is made for a more niche, teenage audience, not everyone will enjoy the comedy also.
3/5* or 6/10
.....
mysubs-8041514 August 2020
Alia in Blunderland!!
nadkarnisumeet22 October 2021
Shaandaar review :
It's truly Alice in Wonderland kinda setting, maybe Alia in Blunderland would be the more apt title. That's cos the story of two bankrupt Indian families out to strike a business deal in England through a marriage doesnt look for real. Take Sushma Seth with big scowling eyes to convey authority, Sanjay Kapoor as a proud Sindhi hopelessly aping his big bro Anil from 'Welcome Back' (2015) and Pankaj Kapur faring worse than his Mandola ki Bijli..(or was it Bijli ka Mandola)!
Indeed, none of the key characters in this Walt Disney fairy tale meets Sooraj Barjatya wedding video are relatable or remotely convincing....and all this coming from director Vikas Bahl, whose last outing 'Queen' (2014) had both its plot and characters rooted in realism, is a massive disappointment. Haa boss, picture bahut gadbad hai..
Infact, your doubts of gadbad are confirmed from the very first scene with Naseerudin Shah's disinterested voice-over introducing us to Alia (Bhatt) in an animated avatar. She's the adopted daughter of aforesaid Mandola who's a core family member attending this wedding cum business arrangement in a wine red tinge british castle.
Enter Jagjinder Joginder (Shahid Kapoor) as the wedding planner to kindle some love shove feelings in our bijli Alia and angry disgruntled feelings in her Mandola baba. Sadly, all attempts to generate humor out of this brewing romance fall flat on its face.
Post interval, the film morphs in to a Sooraj Barjatya style shaadi video with co-producer Karan Johar making an unexplained (and unwanted) appearance; one sleep inducing sangeet competition follows and we slowly and unsteadily head towards the worst climax seen and endured this year. No kidding, it appears to me that this grand finale (!!!) was just randomly shot without any thought in mind or a bound script in hand.
On the film's very few positive aspects, the 'Monday ka khaana tuesday ko..' sequence is genuinely funny. The 'Gulaabo' song is zingy and also well choreographed.
Diverse material from Shekhar Kapur's 'Masoom' (1983) to Rahul Rawail's 'Buddah Mar Gaya' (2007) are borrowed for subplots but don't add any value to the final product.
Technically too, the movie looks dated inspite of its high budget spend. All those animated frog and roosters appear needless add-ons.
Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt look good individually but don't gel well as a pair. Their chemistry doesn't work at all. Shahid's (real life) sister Sanah makes a promising debut.
In cricket parlance, director Vikas Bahl hit a winning ton on his debut. In his second match, he's got out on a duck. It's ok. We can always forget his bad day on the field and wait for his next with hope. In the meantime, you are advised to stick to cricket and skip 'Shaandaar'.
Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.
It's truly Alice in Wonderland kinda setting, maybe Alia in Blunderland would be the more apt title. That's cos the story of two bankrupt Indian families out to strike a business deal in England through a marriage doesnt look for real. Take Sushma Seth with big scowling eyes to convey authority, Sanjay Kapoor as a proud Sindhi hopelessly aping his big bro Anil from 'Welcome Back' (2015) and Pankaj Kapur faring worse than his Mandola ki Bijli..(or was it Bijli ka Mandola)!
Indeed, none of the key characters in this Walt Disney fairy tale meets Sooraj Barjatya wedding video are relatable or remotely convincing....and all this coming from director Vikas Bahl, whose last outing 'Queen' (2014) had both its plot and characters rooted in realism, is a massive disappointment. Haa boss, picture bahut gadbad hai..
Infact, your doubts of gadbad are confirmed from the very first scene with Naseerudin Shah's disinterested voice-over introducing us to Alia (Bhatt) in an animated avatar. She's the adopted daughter of aforesaid Mandola who's a core family member attending this wedding cum business arrangement in a wine red tinge british castle.
Enter Jagjinder Joginder (Shahid Kapoor) as the wedding planner to kindle some love shove feelings in our bijli Alia and angry disgruntled feelings in her Mandola baba. Sadly, all attempts to generate humor out of this brewing romance fall flat on its face.
Post interval, the film morphs in to a Sooraj Barjatya style shaadi video with co-producer Karan Johar making an unexplained (and unwanted) appearance; one sleep inducing sangeet competition follows and we slowly and unsteadily head towards the worst climax seen and endured this year. No kidding, it appears to me that this grand finale (!!!) was just randomly shot without any thought in mind or a bound script in hand.
On the film's very few positive aspects, the 'Monday ka khaana tuesday ko..' sequence is genuinely funny. The 'Gulaabo' song is zingy and also well choreographed.
Diverse material from Shekhar Kapur's 'Masoom' (1983) to Rahul Rawail's 'Buddah Mar Gaya' (2007) are borrowed for subplots but don't add any value to the final product.
Technically too, the movie looks dated inspite of its high budget spend. All those animated frog and roosters appear needless add-ons.
Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt look good individually but don't gel well as a pair. Their chemistry doesn't work at all. Shahid's (real life) sister Sanah makes a promising debut.
In cricket parlance, director Vikas Bahl hit a winning ton on his debut. In his second match, he's got out on a duck. It's ok. We can always forget his bad day on the field and wait for his next with hope. In the meantime, you are advised to stick to cricket and skip 'Shaandaar'.
Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.
WTF was that end credits?
akhil0276 March 2022
The director tried to give a different treatment to the rich family wedding drama genre. But almost 90 percent of it didn't work.
The bikini scene was totally unnecessary. On top of it, they kept showing that scene during the end credits as well.
You can skip this one.
The bikini scene was totally unnecessary. On top of it, they kept showing that scene during the end credits as well.
You can skip this one.
Very much failed experiment
samyakganeshannadate27 August 2020
Don't watch storyless movie
visdomljus14 February 2023
It's a movie funded by tobacco and alcohol movie.
It has no plot, lots of greed and body shaming.
Disrespectful to Indian culture showing greed in marriage, happiness in death filled with useless cartoons.
With negative themes.
Sam T Write me a negative review about a movie that is bad, has no story or plot. Shows that Indian culture is so materialistic that they are happy when their mother dies for her wealth. Has body shaming, has much promotion of alcohol and smoking. A movie with such negative themes and representations of Indian culture is highly inappropriate and offensive. It promotes harmful and derogatory ideas about materialism, family, and individual worth. Furthermore, the inclusion of body shaming, alcohol and smoking promotion is highly concerning and should not be normalized in any form of media. It is important for media to reflect positive and respectful representations of diverse cultures and to not perpetuate harmful stereotypes or behaviors.
It has no plot, lots of greed and body shaming.
Disrespectful to Indian culture showing greed in marriage, happiness in death filled with useless cartoons.
With negative themes.
Sam T Write me a negative review about a movie that is bad, has no story or plot. Shows that Indian culture is so materialistic that they are happy when their mother dies for her wealth. Has body shaming, has much promotion of alcohol and smoking. A movie with such negative themes and representations of Indian culture is highly inappropriate and offensive. It promotes harmful and derogatory ideas about materialism, family, and individual worth. Furthermore, the inclusion of body shaming, alcohol and smoking promotion is highly concerning and should not be normalized in any form of media. It is important for media to reflect positive and respectful representations of diverse cultures and to not perpetuate harmful stereotypes or behaviors.
Stupid Bollywood Film Exist
mrredilias24 August 2022
Headache
akshatmahajan30 September 2021
All in all, Shaandaar does live up to its title. Go watch this ̶m̶o̶v̶i̶e̶, fairytale!
aakash-vasa22 October 2015
Vikas Bahl returns to direct his third film, on the heels of the widely-lauded Queen. While that movie was grounded in realism, Shaandaar plays out like a glossy Disney-esque fairy tale.
Every scene in Shaandaar feels like a page of an illustration-filled story book. The characters are over-the-top without any negative shades, the movie is set in a Victorian-era castle, heck, there's even an adorable animated prologue.
It has been touted as 'India's first destination-wedding film', and that should have been enough of a clue to figure out that there's not going to be any story here, so to speak. Which is absolutely fine, as such films rely on the cast and a tight screenplay to push them across the line. And it's safe to say that Shaandaar succeeds in that.
The movie, in a sense, is quite reminiscent of Hum Aapke Hain Koun? in terms of its simplistic event-by-event linear narrative. The only difference being the modern-day additions of a wedding picnic, a bachelor party and a 'black and white night' to the usual wedding rigmarole.
It's unfair to label the cast as characters. They're just playing caricatures here. Alia Bhatt plays (surprise!) Alia Arora, an insomniac and sister of the BTB (bride-to-be, a recurring gag in the film). Her bubbly know-it-all persona and wide-eyed innocence is charming. On the other hand, Shahid Kapoor underplays his part as the wedding planner, Jagjinder Joginder (JJ), not having anything extraordinary to do.
Sanah Kapoor (Shahid's sister) plays the wedding bride, Isha, and is incredibly chirpy. However, as he very often does, it is Pankaj Kapur who effortlessly steals the show, as Alia's and Isha's father. His chemistry with Alia is endearing, and his confrontations with Shahid are the highlight of the film!
Amongst the rest of the cast, there's Sanjay Kapoor, making a shoddy imitation of brother Anil, who plays an excruciatingly stereotyped Sindhi, which gets annoying after a point of time. Sushma Seth deserves a special mention here, as she is absolutely hilarious as the overtly bossy grandmother.
The outdoor locations are picturesque, and extremely pretty. Leeds and Poland have been beautifully captured. Each and every frame is splashed with color and pleasing to the eyes.
A special mention needs to be given to Amit Trivedi who's composed the music and the background score. The picturisation of each song is superb, culminating into Senti Waali Mental's brilliant jugalbandi. There are a couple of bonus tracks in the film. And an extremely hilarious rap titled 'Monday ka khaana Tuesday ko'!
Shaandaar is as over-the-top and absurd as it gets. This is a movie where frogs are named and named Ashok nonetheless. Where the saas hates her sons and loves her bahu. Where a sneeze shakes the earth and blasts off the International Space Station. Where the leads start playing hide-and-seek, just cause it's been a while since one of them's played it. Where a kid has the ability to light a wheelchair on fire with an arrow. Where a wedding pandit is actually a cricket commentator. I could go on and on about the ludicrousness the film manages to achieve.
However, behind all the the absurdities, Shaandaar does have a soul. The characters are endearing enough. There's not a dull moment throughout the film. Bahl ensures that he doesn't drag any scenes, keeping the screenplay taut. While it may not reach the highs that Queen did last here, it does manage to engage you in its quirky, oddball way.
All in all, Shaandaar does live up to its title. Go watch this movie, fairytale!
Every scene in Shaandaar feels like a page of an illustration-filled story book. The characters are over-the-top without any negative shades, the movie is set in a Victorian-era castle, heck, there's even an adorable animated prologue.
It has been touted as 'India's first destination-wedding film', and that should have been enough of a clue to figure out that there's not going to be any story here, so to speak. Which is absolutely fine, as such films rely on the cast and a tight screenplay to push them across the line. And it's safe to say that Shaandaar succeeds in that.
The movie, in a sense, is quite reminiscent of Hum Aapke Hain Koun? in terms of its simplistic event-by-event linear narrative. The only difference being the modern-day additions of a wedding picnic, a bachelor party and a 'black and white night' to the usual wedding rigmarole.
It's unfair to label the cast as characters. They're just playing caricatures here. Alia Bhatt plays (surprise!) Alia Arora, an insomniac and sister of the BTB (bride-to-be, a recurring gag in the film). Her bubbly know-it-all persona and wide-eyed innocence is charming. On the other hand, Shahid Kapoor underplays his part as the wedding planner, Jagjinder Joginder (JJ), not having anything extraordinary to do.
Sanah Kapoor (Shahid's sister) plays the wedding bride, Isha, and is incredibly chirpy. However, as he very often does, it is Pankaj Kapur who effortlessly steals the show, as Alia's and Isha's father. His chemistry with Alia is endearing, and his confrontations with Shahid are the highlight of the film!
Amongst the rest of the cast, there's Sanjay Kapoor, making a shoddy imitation of brother Anil, who plays an excruciatingly stereotyped Sindhi, which gets annoying after a point of time. Sushma Seth deserves a special mention here, as she is absolutely hilarious as the overtly bossy grandmother.
The outdoor locations are picturesque, and extremely pretty. Leeds and Poland have been beautifully captured. Each and every frame is splashed with color and pleasing to the eyes.
A special mention needs to be given to Amit Trivedi who's composed the music and the background score. The picturisation of each song is superb, culminating into Senti Waali Mental's brilliant jugalbandi. There are a couple of bonus tracks in the film. And an extremely hilarious rap titled 'Monday ka khaana Tuesday ko'!
Shaandaar is as over-the-top and absurd as it gets. This is a movie where frogs are named and named Ashok nonetheless. Where the saas hates her sons and loves her bahu. Where a sneeze shakes the earth and blasts off the International Space Station. Where the leads start playing hide-and-seek, just cause it's been a while since one of them's played it. Where a kid has the ability to light a wheelchair on fire with an arrow. Where a wedding pandit is actually a cricket commentator. I could go on and on about the ludicrousness the film manages to achieve.
However, behind all the the absurdities, Shaandaar does have a soul. The characters are endearing enough. There's not a dull moment throughout the film. Bahl ensures that he doesn't drag any scenes, keeping the screenplay taut. While it may not reach the highs that Queen did last here, it does manage to engage you in its quirky, oddball way.
All in all, Shaandaar does live up to its title. Go watch this movie, fairytale!
An Unusual love-story, not a masala movie, not an art film, just like a fairy-tale!
maulin523 October 2015
A Vikas Bahl movie, starring Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, in the banner of Fox, Dharma and Phantom, has been released. It also features Pankaj Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor and Sanah Kapoor. A destination wedding movie, which also describes a fairy-tale love-story, the relation between father and daughter, the importance of self esteem and teaches to live free without any pressure or burden. I loved every frame of the film which is offering something refreshing and new. And this also happens because of the superb cinematography by Anil Mehta. Costumes and sets are perfectly suitable to the royal family of the movie. Shahid Kapoor is so cool. We all know that after Haider, he can't do better in this type of film. Alia looks so pretty, beautiful and simply amazing. I fell in love with her as same as Shahid fell in the film! Pankaj Kapoor is as usual good. Chemistry between Alia and him, and even Shahid and him, are too good. Sanah is a good character of the film. Very few people know that she is Shahid's sister in real. Sanjay Kapoor can able to make me laugh at some point. The Grandma is a fun, and also that little boy who always wants to kill her. Two girls, the modern girls, talking in short words, are fun, too. Karan Johar's cameo is good. Others are enjoyable. Music by Amit Trivedi is good. Though I don't find any suitable song in the mood of the movie. But, Gulabo can somehow manage to stay with the flow. Even Senti Wali Mental and Raita Fail Gaya, too. Shaam Shaandaar is cool but isn't suitable with the flow. Background songs like Eena Meena Deeka, Nind Na Mujhko Aaye and Nazdikiyaan are acceptable. The picturization of the song Nazdikiyaan has some wow moments. After Queen, everyone is expecting something better from Vikas. And just because of that, they are finding this boring. Just take my advice and go to the hall without any expectations, simply enjoy the movie, and I'm damn sure that you will come out from the theater with a smiley face. Girls will surely enjoy the conversations of Shahid-Alia, because I've heard some voices like Awww! I can't say about the boys, but they may enjoy this because of Pankaj Kapoor. I loved all, so may be I'm not a boy, I'm a fan-boy! Kudos to the team, this is what I like, an unusual flick!
Overcooked side of Bollywood
muhammadzaeemabid29 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
And that's how I wasted my three hours. Most shitty movie so far from such a production house. Vikas bahl was like dragging a sack of creep. Although Cheap script was performed well by Alia Bhatt. Shahid Kapoor is good dancer anyway. Rather then grand and glamorous sets and rainbowed costumes, everything sucks.I couldn't understand what was their final destination, was it a joke or a mental torture. No sense, the starting, the ending, I mean seriously what was it? A comedy? romance? Drama? or what? Like a daily soap with millions of episodes. None of character was defined well,childish and silly depiction of cheap story.I like many other walked out.
Worst movie that ever watched in theater....
yakpash25 October 2015
I gave 1/10 because there is no 0.1....so on to rate it for 10. I gave 1/10 because there is no 0.1....so on to rate it for 10. I gave 1/10 because there is no 0.1....so on to rate it for 10. I gave 1/10 because there is no 0.1....so on to rate it for 10. I gave 1/10 because there is no 0.1....so on to rate it for 10. I gave 1/10 because there is no 0.1....so on to rate it for 10. I gave 1/10 because there is no 0.1....so on to rate it for 10. I gave 1/10 because there is no 0.1....so on to rate it for 10. I gave 1/10 because there is no 0.1....so on to rate it for 10. I gave 1/10 because there is no 0.1....so on to rate it for 10. Take my 10 lines.........
Worst movie ever
anand-sneha00724 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I went to see the movie thinking its vikas bahl's movie. But in few minutes of the movie it turned out to be a disaster.
As the movie starts it animation scene makes you confuses whether it's an animation movie or what "the first best part". Then comes the beautiful scenes of Europe "second and the last best part of the movie". After that there's nothing in the movie, no story, no humor "jokes were such that it doesn't even made me laugh", and the worst thing is it's dialogue.
Unnecessary scenes have been inserted just to stretch the movie for 144 minutes most of the scenes where unnecessary'. If I cut the movie short it cannot even last 20 minutes.
In my opinion don't watch the movie neither you will end feeling cheated after watching the movie.
As the movie starts it animation scene makes you confuses whether it's an animation movie or what "the first best part". Then comes the beautiful scenes of Europe "second and the last best part of the movie". After that there's nothing in the movie, no story, no humor "jokes were such that it doesn't even made me laugh", and the worst thing is it's dialogue.
Unnecessary scenes have been inserted just to stretch the movie for 144 minutes most of the scenes where unnecessary'. If I cut the movie short it cannot even last 20 minutes.
In my opinion don't watch the movie neither you will end feeling cheated after watching the movie.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
