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Bhooth Bangla - Review

meeta — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:32:37 +0000

wogma rating: Don't bother ^(?)

quick review:

In which Akshay Kumar competes with himself to yell his lines louder than he did in the previous scene. Yes, that's the only takeaway.

Review

"Do I really want to spend more time writing about this one? Isn't it enough that I've already spent 4+ hours and hundreds of rupees on the trip to the theatre?" These are questions I find asking myself often. And it's hardly a surprise that they came to me for Bhooth Bangla. But I have managed to resist giving into the "No." so far. And I will try again today. Meanwhile, you can skip spending time on reading this one because "Yes, it's that insufferable."

Akshay Kumar is excruciatingly over-the-top—in volume, in expression, in body language. So much so that the other overbearingly shrill actors are drowned in his presence. And it's not as if anything meaningful or entertaining is being said or seen.

Slapstick is of course staple nutrition for any Priyadarshan film that claims to be a comedy. You name it and you will see it—people tripping and falling, people slapping each other such that the slapped goes around in circles, toilet humour, innuendoes—all under the guise of being a laugh riot. I fail to understand, though. Why does characters scoffing and disapproving objectification of women need you to objectify women? With the objective of making you chuckle and giggle, that too!

But then, that would require the writing team to be imaginative. And the creativity began and ended with naming a film centred around a haunted palace, "Bhooth Bangla". And just in case you were wondering, no, the larger story is no more than people disbelieving the haunted-ness of the house and coming around to drop that notion. What with all the jump scares, you see.

The nested story of why spirits have taken to this specific house is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo that needn't have been so. There was so much meat in that story and such lovely complexity. But half of it is just narrated by one character to the other instead of being shown. And the half that is shown feels like a comic strip with caricatures.

With that then, I am left with little interest to ask questions like, "Why did the "reverse" option exist?" It is one thing to accept the fantasticness of a fantasy world. But quite another to give into the axiom that intelligent black magicians don't follow simple logic.

Speaking of logic, I am grappling with the truth that the Priyadarshan-Akshay-Kumar-"comedy" genre exists and continues to do so. Hmmm…

- meeta, a part of the audience

Parental Guidance:

Violence: Angry ghosts lashing out, a severed head, people slapping each other in the name of comedy.
Language: Clean
Nudity & Sexual content: Some sexualisation and innuendoes.
Concept: A haunted house. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
General Look and Feel: Tacky attempt at comic horror

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction: .5
Story: 1
Lead Actors: .5
Character Artists: .5

Dialogues: .5
Screenplay: .5
Music Director: 1.5
Lyrics: 1.5

Bhooth Bangla - Movie Details

Official Sites: YouTube Wikipedia IMDB
Banner: Cape of Good Films, Balaji Motion Pictures
Producer: Akshay Kumar , Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor
Director: Priyadarshan
Lead Cast: Akshay Kumar
Supporting Cast: Paresh Rawal , Zakir Hussain, Tabu , Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, Manoj Joshi, Jisshu Sengupta, Rajesh Sharma, Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar , Perin Malde, Bhavna Pani
Story: Aakash Kaushik
Screenplay: Priyadarshan, Rohan Shankar, Abilash Nair
Dialogues: Rohan Shankar
Cinematography: Divakar Manikyam, Divakar Mani
Editor: M.S. Aiyyappan Nair
Background Score: Ronnie Raphael
Choreography: Ganesh Acharya, Pony Varma
Music Director: Pritam Chakraborty
Lyrics: Kumaar, Jitendra Mishra
Costume Designer: V. Sai, Veera Kapur, Harpreet Narula, Rimple Narula, Dhanya Balakrishnan
Running time: 165 minutes
Reviewer: meeta
Language: Hindi
Country: India
Genres: Horror, Slapstick

Dhurandhar The Revenge - External Reviews

meeta — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:11:41 +0000

29 reviewers have given Dhurandhar The Revenge an average rating of 3.7/5.0 ^(?)

20 yays

6 nays

3 so-so

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review:

What I disliked in Dhurandhar, I disliked even more in this one. None of what I liked was carried forward here. And the propaganda that was subtle and annoying, is now blatant and amusing.

Streaming Partner: JioHotstar

Thumbs up by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice ...Dhurandhar The Revenge is not any better than the first segment. It doesn’t try to be. The world is still a dangerous place, especially for those who are protecting us from enemies. We can only be participants by proxy, partaking in the guilty pleasure of watching the enemies being neutralized. For this, we are grateful to Aditya Dhar.... full review

Thumbs up by Sahelee Rakshit, Bollywood Life ...The film creates a strong visual impact through its cinematography. The cinematography shows both extensive areas and fine details of the action sequences, which display their exact movements. The background score needs recognition because it raises suspense and matches the film's rhythm. Aditya Dhar's direction definitely deserves applause for its finesse.... full review

Thumbs up by Aashish Tiwari, Daily Bhaskar ...फिल्म पर फाइनल वर्डिक्ट धुरंधर 2 एक बड़ी और महत्वाकांक्षी फिल्म है, जो एक्शन, पॉलिटिक्स और रियल इवेंट्स को जोड़कर अलग तरह का सिनेमाई अनुभव देने की कोशिश करती है। हालांकि इसकी लंबाई, ढीली पटकथा और कुछ अधूरे किरदार इसे पहले पार्ट जितना दमदार नहीं बनने देते। वहीं, फिल्म के दूसरे पार्ट में अक्षय खन्ना की कमी भी खली है।... full review

Thumbs up by Simran Singh, DNA ...Overall, Dhurandhar The Revenge will turn theatres into stadiums, and people will enjoy the movie to the fullest, for its sheer storytelling. When it comes to movie collection, the sky will be the limit. Expect the box office to be changed like never before. Dangal's nine-year-old record of being the highest-grossing Indian film with Rs 2000 crore is in danger. Dhurandhar: The Revenge shouldn't be missed at any cost.... full review

Thumbs up by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare ...Aditya Dhar crafts a film that is detailed, unapologetically loud, and steeped in hyper-nationalism. It’s gory, visceral, and very much in tune with the current mood of the nation. Subtle it is not, but then again, subtlety was never really on the menu.... full review

Thumbs up by Aakash Kumar, Filmi Beat ...Dhurandhar The Revenge manages to live up to its hype for the most part. While a lot of hype was around the character of Bade Sahab, it might disappoint a section of moviegoers. The film has a few pacing issues in the middle; however, it compensates with a strong second half and an engaging climax. Even if it isn't better, Dhurandhar The Revenge manages to reach the bar set by its first part. Overall, a must-watch!... full review

Thumbs up by Lachmi Deb Roy, FirstPost ...Another surprise element is that Yami Gautam plays a doctor in Ranveer Singh’s spy thriller and has a connection with the mysterious ‘Bade Saab.’ Dhurandhar 2, according to me, is every bit worth your time.... full review

Thumbs up by Ria Sharma, Free Press Journal ...The music and background score by Shashwat Sachdev elevate the film’s mood effectively. There are no unnecessary dance tracks, which works in favour of the narrative. Cinematography complements the dark tone, and the dialogues are sharp, impactful, and memorable.... full review

Thumbs up by Baradwaj Rangan, galatta.com ...The casting is brilliant and almost every performance clicks, but the best of the lot are Madhavan, showing grey shades like never before, and, of course, Ranveer Singh. Ranveer’s capabilities were never in doubt, and he has moulded himself into every kind of acting zone from Bhansali’s dance-drama style to Zoya Akhtar’s restrained realism.... full review

Thumbs up by Nitin Jain, Glamsham.com ...The story keeps things interesting by adding twists at the right moments. Just when you think things are getting predictable, something new comes in. This shows that the writer and director have a good grip on how to keep the audience engaged. The dialogues are not many, but some of them stand out. A few lines touch upon global politics and India’s position in the world, which adds a different layer to the film.... full review

Thumbs up by Rishabh Suri, Hindustan Times ...Overall, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a film of two very different halves. For its ambition, it doesn’t quite recreate the immersive world-building that made the first part stand out. The writing feels looser at places, and the detailing, which once felt like its biggest strength, isn’t as consistent this time.... full review

Thumbs up by Vineeta Kumar, india today ...Technically, the film is remarkably assured. Dhar moves between extreme close-ups and sweeping top-angle shots within the same sequence with an ease that feels almost invisible. What could have been stylistic excess becomes grammar here. The editing is tight despite the film's length, and the sound design, especially the background score, sustains the film's pulse.... full review

Thumbs up by Kunal Kothari, India-Forums ...In the end, Dhurandhar The Revenge stands as a bold and largely successful follow up. It demands time, patience, andattention, but rewards you with scale, ambition, and moments that genuinely stay with you. Yes, it has its issues,ncluding occasional narrative clutter and an overemphasis on political themes, but it still manages to deliver where it matters most.... full review

Thumbs up by Trisha Gaur, koimoi ...Some might call Dhurandhar 2 a propaganda film! Honestly, it does talk about the Modi Sarkar way too much, but does it hamper the storytelling and the world that has been built intricately? No, not for a moment! In fact, even if some find storytelling a means to hail the government, even then, you will chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai, and you can’t help it! In the end, how have you watched a good film? Well, in Dhurandhar 2’s case, when you do not miss Rehman Dakait, even for a second. In fact, you almost forget that he existed! Aditya Dhar wins, delivering a winner of a story, and this one is going to rule! Welcome Back, Ranveer Singh!... full review

Thumbs up by Amarylisa Gonsalves, MiD DAY ...As per the leaked censor certificate, the abuses had been muted. We wonder if they really were. While some abusive slurs have been muted, other obscene language stays clearly audible. Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh deliver an absolute cinema with a few flaws that one can choose to overlook. Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge packs a punch with its action, performances, direction and twists. However, the pace, runtime, and BGM could do better.... full review

Thumbs up by Sameer Ahire, Movie Talkies ...The CBFC cuts feel inconsistent and illogical. Certain mild abuses are muted, while harsher ones pass through — a strange and confusing decision. That said, Dhurandhar 2 remains a solid watch. It offers enough cinematic highs, patriotic appeal, and mass moments to keep you invested. On several fronts, it even surpasses its predecessor — and that alone is enough to make it a MEGA BLOCKBUSTER.... full review

Thumbs up by Radhika Sharma, NDTV ...Dhurandhar 2 also pretty much answers all those questions that every Dhurandhar fan had, and most of those answers come as a great pay-off. The film, however, does not end on a crescendo like the first part did and that's the feeling that is missed.... full review

Thumbs up by CHIRAG SEHGAL, News18.com ...Overall, despite its scale and ambition, Dhurandhar 2 feels slightly weaker in comparison to the original film, which was released in December 2025. While the sequel amps up action and visual spectacle, it misses the tighter storytelling that made the first film a blockbuster. Certain subplots, like the underdeveloped romance and limited use of key characters, dilute its impact. The pacing also feels uneven, with portions that could have been skipped. Even some thematic elements appear forced, making the narrative less organic. As a result, despite its highs, the sequel doesn’t quite match the original’s overall effectiveness.... full review

Thumbs up by Gayatri Nirmal, Pinkvilla ...Don’t let the runtime deter you, Dhurandhar The Revenge is a cinematic experience worth investing in. Stay back for the post-credit reveal, which ties up a lingering curiosity around Ranveer Singh’s look in the film. And yes, Ranveer Singh, we need that haircare routine.... full review

Thumbs up by Divya Nair, Rediff ...If you are willing to spare four hours of your day on a spy action thriller, this is a film that will surprise, shock and overwhelm you with its nervous energy. Despite its A rating and extremely violent portrayal of events, there is nothing that will stop this film from becoming one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.... full review

So-So by Jaya Dwivedie, India TV ...Dhurandhar 2 is an ambitious film that ultimately struggles under its own weight. It features a talented cast, impressive technical work and a strong background score. However the story lacks a logical and tightly structured screenplay. The film blurs the line between reality and fiction so much that the audience may feel confused.... full review

So-So by Isha Sharma, NewsBytes ...Will only work if you loved the first part With forgettable music that seems needlessly stuffed into scenes, Dhurandhar 2 leaves a lot to be desired. I also missed Khanna as the ruthless Rehman, and the punishing, patience-testing runtime doesn't do the movie any favors either. If you're a fan of the first part, watch the sequel for Singh's fiery performance; otherwise, the dragged storyline might put you to sleep.... full review

So-So by Renuka Vyavahare, Times of India ...Dhurandhar 2 cranks up the volume, violence, and ambition. It’s a well-crafted, engaging saga that, unfortunately, doesn’t know when to stop. Gripping yet overstuffed, it’s a relentless action extravaganza teetering on excess, best enjoyed as unrestrained work of fiction.... full review

Thumbs down by Taher Ahmed, Deccan Herald ...Films like this, which promote a political party in the name of the “nation”, are far more dangerous than those with purely nationalistic storylines, such as ‘Border 2’.... full review

Thumbs down by Shubhra Gupta, indian express ...The first part had left me conflicted: yes, its intent was propaganda, but it was wrapped in pacy, racy story-telling, embellished with some terrific musical flourishes, and I was quite taken by all the to-ing and fro-ing, and shooting and scooting. In the second part, to paraphrase a character, itna mazaa nahin aaya.... full review

Thumbs down by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint ...For someone who’s essentially coerced by the state into a life of spying, Jaskirat is remarkably free of doubt or remorse. The film has no doubts either. Dhar wants the audience laughing and baying for blood at the same time. That’s why he starts with a quote from the Gita—divine sanction for hyperviolent wish fulfilment.... full review

Thumbs down by Sakshi Salil Chavan, Outlook India ...Does expansive scale, precise cinematography and technical sophistication invariably result in a “good” film? One is compelled to wonder. What remains consistent though, is Dhar’s “peak detailing” in highlighting a far bleaker future for our nation and the world, as masses are swept away in institutional profit-making that rises alongside this film’s abhorrent ticket prices.... full review

Thumbs down by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in ...However, there was never any mistaking the film’s agenda, which emerges in its entirety in the sequel. Dhurandhar: The Revenge is Marco or K.G.F: Chapter 2, but with malice that meshes seamlessly with pro-government propaganda.... full review

Thumbs down by Anuj Kumar, The Hindu ...In the end, riding on Ranveer’s leonine performance, Dhurandhar 2 roars, but in its deafening cocktail of patriotism and propaganda, it forgets the quiet cost of humanity, leaving little space for reflection.... full review

Dhurandhar The Revenge - Movie Details

Official Sites: YouTube Wikipedia IMDB
Banner: Jio Studios, B62 Studios
Producer: Aditya Dhar , Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar
Director: Aditya Dhar
Lead Cast: Ranveer Singh
Supporting Cast: Arjun Rampal , R Madhavan , Raj Zutshi, Gaurav Gera, Yami Gautam , Rakesh Bedi, Madhurjeet Sarghi, Manav Gohil, Udaybir Sandhu, Danish Pandor, Bhasha Sumbli, Saumya Tandon, Bimal Oberoi, Asif Ali Haider Khan, Mashhoor Amrohi
Story: Aditya Dhar
Screenplay: Shivkumar V. Panicker, Ojas Gautam
Cinematography: Vikash Nowlakha
Editor: Shivkumar V. Panicker
Background Score: Shashwat Sachdev
Choreography: Vijay Ganguly
Music Director: Shashwat Sachdev
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil, Bombay Rockers, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Jasmine Sandlas, Satinder Sartaaj, Token, Reble
Costume Designer: Smriti Chauhan
Running time: 225 minutes
Reviewer: meeta
Language: Hindi
Country: India
Genres: Action

Dhurandhar The Revenge - Review

meeta — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:57:57 +0000

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review:

What I disliked in Dhurandhar, I disliked even more in this one. None of what I liked was carried forward here. And the propaganda that was subtle and annoying, is now blatant and amusing.

Streaming Partner: JioHotstar

Review

The success of an action film is to wow you with its choreographed moves. That of a violent film is to get you to gasp with every act of brutality. That of a film attempting to make a political statement is to engage you with its argument. Dhurandhar The Revenge has a handful sequences that feel creative. It has so much barbaric chopping and smashing of body parts that you grow immune to the savagery—I was able to stay completely relaxed and take deep breaths in the last sequence, which is quite gory in absolute terms. Last but hardly the least, Dhurandhar's idea of being political is to plaster one politician's face across the screen often enough for it to stay one of the lasting memories of the film. Not the Indian government, not a political party, one person.

This last bit is done to glamourise some of the most known political actions such as the impact of demonetisation. It is repeated often enough that it is outright funny—the impact has to be shown through a fictional movie rather than news channels which are supposed to report facts. It has to be shoved down through fantasy, 10 years later.

Now, once we accept that this is a fairytale, even if a gory one, we can take in stride a lot of what is going on. Like tens of terrorists being shot within 15-20 minutes of run time and maybe a week or two in the story? This is even more ridiculous considering the movie is well over 3.5 hours! Less than 10% of run-time on such an important part of the story?

The pacing of the film generally to isn't anywhere close to that of the first installment of Dhurandhar. That one was a thoroughly engaging watch even if you weren't enjoying what you saw. The writing here doesn't have the agenda of telling you a good story, let alone telling it well.
That Ranveer Singh still manages to put his heart, soul and more to this performance feels like more credit to him than the director. The rest of the cast exists to make the violence and propaganda possible.

Sometimes it is arduous to write about movies that I haven't enjoyed watching. This one doubly so, because I have already spent 3.5 hours plus about 40 minutes of advertisements on it. Especially, when the end product in mind isn't a good film, but a political rally, one that I hadn't signed up to attend.

- meeta, a part of the audience

Parental Guidance:

Violence: In more scenes than not. Most of it gory.
Language: Lots of abuses.
Nudity & Sexual content: Gang rapes that happened in the story are talked about. Bare chested men.
Concept: "The Revenge"? For family, for country.
General Look and Feel: Dark, gory.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction: 1
Story: 0.5
Lead Actors: 4.5
Character Artists: 4

Dialogues: 2
Screenplay: 0.5
Music Director: 2
Lyrics: 1

Dhurandhar The Revenge - Movie Details

Official Sites: YouTube Wikipedia IMDB
Banner: Jio Studios, B62 Studios
Producer: Aditya Dhar , Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar
Director: Aditya Dhar
Lead Cast: Ranveer Singh
Supporting Cast: Arjun Rampal , R Madhavan , Raj Zutshi, Gaurav Gera, Yami Gautam , Rakesh Bedi, Madhurjeet Sarghi, Manav Gohil, Udaybir Sandhu, Danish Pandor, Bhasha Sumbli, Saumya Tandon, Bimal Oberoi, Asif Ali Haider Khan, Mashhoor Amrohi
Story: Aditya Dhar
Screenplay: Shivkumar V. Panicker, Ojas Gautam
Cinematography: Vikash Nowlakha
Editor: Shivkumar V. Panicker
Background Score: Shashwat Sachdev
Choreography: Vijay Ganguly
Music Director: Shashwat Sachdev
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil, Bombay Rockers, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Jasmine Sandlas, Satinder Sartaaj, Token, Reble
Costume Designer: Smriti Chauhan
Running time: 225 minutes
Reviewer: meeta
Language: Hindi
Country: India
Genres: Action

Assi - External Reviews

meeta — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:14:37 +0000

23 reviewers have given Assi an average rating of 4.5/5.0 ^(?)

18 yays

0 nays

5 so-so

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

wogma rating: Beg or borrow, but do watch ^(?)

quick review:

The tone is one of frustration, not preachiness. It is not, "We know better than you." It is, "How have we collectively reached here?" This philosophical take alone makes Assi a meaningful experience. And there's a lot more.

Streaming Partner: Zee5

Thumbs up by Amit Bhatia, abplive ...he writing by Anubhav Sinha and Gaurav Solanki is described as powerful and deeply sensitive. The storytelling flow keeps viewers engaged, while Sinha’s direction and raw visual approach are said to amplify the film’s intensity. The review notes that the director does not make any single character the hero, instead, he makes the story itself the hero.... full review

Thumbs up by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice ...Taapsee plays Parima’s lawyer. There is quiet protest in her body language, her eyes conveying the calm before the storm. This is not a film that loses its self-control, except when depicting the actual crime. That needed to punctuated. And it is, with horrific elaboration. We have to recognize the beast before tackling it.... full review

Thumbs up Bollywood Hungama ...On the whole, ASSI is a hard-hitting courtroom drama that unsettles and stays with you, powered by a gripping premise and solid performances, especially by Taapsee Pannu and Kani Kusruti. However, the uneven treatment and distracting subplots prevent it from reaching the heights it clearly aims for. At the box office, it should stay steady in multiplexes due to a relatively clear run, provided its target audience turns up.... full review

Thumbs up by Eshita Bhargava, Economic Times ...Assi is not an easy watch. It is disturbing, anger-inducing and, at times, exhausting. But perhaps that exhaustion is deliberate — mirroring the fatigue of women who must constantly negotiate safety in their own country.... full review

Thumbs up by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare ...Grounded, serious and unsparing, Assi transforms one woman’s trauma into a collective reckoning. It demands that we examine not only the crime but the culture that incubates it. In doing so, it becomes more than a courtroom drama. It becomes a mirror and an uncomfortable one at that.... full review

Thumbs up by Murtuza Iqbal, Free Press Journal ...While the film mainly concentrates on the rape case, there's a sub-plot about Chatri Man, which doesn't impress. Also, the pace is a bit slow.... full review

Thumbs up by Nitin Jain, Glamsham.com ...Yes, the subject is heavy and the narrative unrelenting. But Assi is compelling not merely because of what it talks about, but because of how it portrays the people affected by it. It is less about sensationalising crime and more about observing consequence — emotional, familial, societal. In doing so, Anubhav Sinha delivers a film that does not seek applause for its outrage, but reflection for its realism.... full review

Thumbs up by Rishabh Suri, Hindustan Times ...Overall, even when it stumbles in the latter half, Assi's intent remains sincere, and it's gaze stays firmly with the survivor rather than the spectacle around her. This is not a comfortable film, nor does it aim to be. It wants to provoke, to keep the wound open just long enough for the viewer to sit with the discomfort. Assi may not always find the most nuanced way to make its point, but its heart is in the right place, and in today’s climate, that urgency still counts for something.... full review

Thumbs up by Vineeta Kumar, india today ...You can watch Assi at any stage in life and its questions will remain relevant and painfully current. Even if justice is delivered, does it resemble justice? What does closure look like in a case where the body survives but something else doesn't? How do you measure compensation for fear? For the loss of touch? For the fracture of identity?... full review

Thumbs up by Shubhra Gupta, indian express ...Assi has flaws, but is never not an urgent, imperative call to arms. Watch it.... full review

Thumbs up by UDITA JHUNJHUNWALA, Live Mint ...At 133 minutes, the pacing is deliberate. Some stretches feel heavy, but the film remains focused on its central argument, with a stark reminder every 20 minutes that a rape has just been committed. Assi builds its case by asking difficult questions about responsibility and about the society and machinery that make such acts possible.... full review

Thumbs up by Sameer Ahire, Movie Talkies ...The film leaves you with one clear message — it is our responsibility, and that of the next generation, to "DO BETTER." And perhaps that thought alone makes Assi worth watching.... full review

Thumbs up by TITAS CHOWDHURY, News18.com ...Assi is an urgent watch. Ultimately, films like Assi matter not because they depict brutality but because they force us to confront the everyday silences that surround it. The survivor’s struggle and a female lawyer’s frustration become a mirror to a society that still hesitates to listen, believe and act. Assi deliberately broke from star-driven promotion by positioning itself as a writer-first film. And needless to say, both Anubhav and Gaurav Solanki deserve a mention for a sensitive portrayal of a woman survivor, a woman lawyer and a woman judge along with a doting husband and a bereaved widower, coloured with both empathy and strength.... full review

Thumbs up by Isha Sharma, NewsBytes ...Sinha allows the movie to breathe, and there is much to observe in nearly every scene. Assi is not flawless, but it's a critical watch, especially for adolescents. Released at a time when violent, masculine cinema rules India, Assi might struggle to find takers, but it's one of the most important movies of our time due to its ever-relevant themes.... full review

Thumbs up by Savera R Someshwar, Rediff ...Should you watch? Yes. Because this is a film, though not perfect, has a strong message. It will make you realise how horrifying a crime rape is. How it is easily, casually turned into a joke even by children. How children know so much more that adults think they do.... full review

Thumbs up by BH Harsh, the new Indian Express ...And tying all of these elements in Assi is a sense of tension. The narrative feels like a stray bullet that could hit anyone in its way, causing a whole new chain of terrifying events. It’s unpredictable; we never know which wound it plans to scrape on next. But Assi wants us to heal — for that, the wounds must be addressed. The film ends on one such note — an open wound that may not heal anytime soon. And yet, we hope.... full review

Thumbs up by Dhaval Roy, Times of India ...Taapsee Pannu leads from the front here, embodying frustration, empathy, and even dry humour with finesse. Kani Kusruti is outstanding as a survivor attempting to rebuild her life. Revathy brings gravitas as the presiding judge, while Kumud Mishra leaves a mark with his layered performance. Zeeshan Ayyub’s restraint is moving.... full review

So-So by Vinamra Mathur, FirstPost ...She’s wonderfully affectionate even after being mauled by a bunch of monsters. And these perpetrators also get their fair share of attention, sometimes sprinkled with humour. Sinha kind of ensures this is no partisan filmmaking (à la Section 375). And he extracts a tearful performance from the star of the show. Kani never once bellows.... full review

So-So by Jaya Dwivedie, India TV ...Assi is an important film. It compels you to think and brings forward a serious issue in society. It has its strengths as well as its flaws. The story is strong, but the writing and presentation fall short in places. Among the performances, Kani Kusruti stands out the most. The film is not perfect, but its subject is significant. It may not fully satisfy, but it certainly makes you think.... full review

So-So by "Rajiv Vijayakar ", koimoi ...Seven years after Article 15, audiences have changed and largely evolved. But they too need a more coherent, conclusive and compelling climax. In that sense, Assi, despite all the high ambitions of looking at rape, one of society’s worst social evils, falls short.... full review

So-So by Radhika Sharma, NDTV ...Assi packs a lot in its 2 hour 14 minute-runtime, touching upon several themes of locker room conversation, consent, shame, corruption, vigilante justice, trial on social media, future of children, and accountability of adults. Good intentions but not everything adds up.... full review

So-So by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in ...The muted colour palette and unnerving close-ups by cinematographer Ewan Mulligan complement Anubhav Sinha’s approach. Parima’s horrific injuries, the near catatonia of her spouse Vinay, Dhruv’s heartbreaking curiosity – these register strongly when the camera is centimetres away from their faces.... full review

Assi - Movie Details

Official Sites: YouTube Wikipedia IMDB
Banner: T-Series Super Cassettes Industries Ltd., A Benaras Mediaworks Production
Producer: Anubhav Sinha , Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Lead Cast: Taapsee Pannu , Kani Kusruti
Supporting Cast: Naseeruddin Shah , Revathy, Supriya Pathak, Manoj Pahwa, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Seema Pahwa, Devendra Chauhan, Advik Jaiswal, Sahil Sethi, Abhishek Kaushal, Tejender Singh, Sudhana Sankar, Pahal Samyani, Tripti Thakur, Akshara Padwal, Neelam Gehlot, Gauri Dhawal, Anaya Goyal, Divyansh Mohan, Akanksha Choudhary, Yogesh Parihar
Story: Anubhav Sinha , Gaurav Solanki
Editor: Ewan Mulligan, Amarjit Singh
Background Score: Ranjit Barot
Music Director: Ranjit Barot , Rochak Kohli
Lyrics: Kumaar
Costume Designer: Vishakha Kullarwar, Joe Mansoori
Running time: 135 minutes
Reviewer: meeta
Language: Hindi
Country: India
Genres: Social

Assi - Review

meeta — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:24:09 +0000

wogma rating: Beg or borrow, but do watch ^(?)

quick review:

Streaming Partner: Zee5

Review

Disclaimer: My family is acquainted with a member of the crew.

The gut doesn't wrench. You are watching a rape on screen. Even if not explicit, it is in quite some detail and relatively long. And yet, it doesn't chill the spine. No, it's not because the film isn't well-made. To the contrary. It's because how normal it has become to read/watch news items about the film's topic, rape. That is exactly the point of the film…rape is being normalised and being called a culture. And this point, the movie makes repeatedly and yet, effectively.

Rape is common. Our blood boils at the thought. But when it comes down to us and our systems, are we doing enough? Are we even asking the right questions? Assi wants to make this point. That too, without lecturing us too much. It engages well and prods us to introspect as a society with philosophical questions. It also goes ahead and craftily breaks the concepts into chewable bite size thoughts without necessarily over-simplifying it.
Some of its understated statements are remarkable. The one that treats a rape like a funeral will stick with me for a long while. And then there were the very enjoyable death stares between Raavi (Taapsee Pannu) and Judge Vasudha (Revathy), some even in the background.

Another power move was to not offer solutions. It points out what it thinks is the wrong direction to go. The arguments to and for some solutions have a living-room-debate quality about them. But, they work because they are short. They make the point and get out of the way.

Surprisingly then, the one thing that bothered me in its final take is that it was too subtle about the core problem. It never directly points out the real problem. It doesn't clearly state why it thinks we are where we are. It surprised me that I wanted it to tell a little more after all it showed. I recognise that that is me requiring that of the makers as a part of society. To be a well-made, well-written film though, they have done their bit to bring out what they want to say. The rest they want us to answer for ourselves. And this maybe where me being a woman comes into play. I don't want the message to be left to the audience "getting" it. Maybe that's why I liked the movie as much as I did—I am okay with it being my voice and speaking louder.

Otherwise, the movie is strewn with mature lines. And it is "just right." Anything more, quantitatively or qualitatively, and it would have felt overwritten. Many of the characters are perfect shades of grey too. That is true of the ones always trying to do the right thing having a believable violent and/or corrupt streak. Sames goes for some villainous characters who have a human vein, even if slight.

Of course, this is thanks to A-Z great performances. To name even the leads without naming the entire acting crew seems unfair.

In fact, but for the first half hour or so of the film, the film's writing delivers on all counts. Sequences are well-paced and flow smoothly. It is only the context setting in the beginning that felt a tad rushed as if they wanted to get to the main point of the film with the least amount of detail. For instance, it bothered me till the end that these seemingly one-time offenders and their support system knew way too well about how a cover-up can be managed. Assi doesn't even spend too much time on the chase. And these seem like deliberate calls. Some might not have worked for me, but others did. And how.

Very rarely does a film make you want to pick a favourite directorial moment. Here, I am oscillating between the regular reminder—a genius way to break the fourth wall; and the delivery of the expected monologue—the decision to lay bare the hapless frustration instead of taking the usual "holier than thou" approach.

- meeta, a part of the audience

Parental Guidance:

Violence: Murders, rapes.
Language: A couple of curse words.
Nudity & Sexual content: No nudity, but rape is shown and discussed at length.
Concept: Elusive justice in society.
General Look and Feel: Intense.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction: 4
Story: 4
Lead Actors: 5
Character Artists: 5

Dialogues: 4
Screenplay: 3.5
Music Director: 3
Lyrics: 3

Assi - Movie Details

Official Sites: YouTube Wikipedia IMDB
Banner: T-Series Super Cassettes Industries Ltd., A Benaras Mediaworks Production
Producer: Anubhav Sinha , Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Lead Cast: Taapsee Pannu , Kani Kusruti
Supporting Cast: Naseeruddin Shah , Revathy, Supriya Pathak, Manoj Pahwa, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Seema Pahwa, Devendra Chauhan, Advik Jaiswal, Sahil Sethi, Abhishek Kaushal, Tejender Singh, Sudhana Sankar, Pahal Samyani, Tripti Thakur, Akshara Padwal, Neelam Gehlot, Gauri Dhawal, Anaya Goyal, Divyansh Mohan, Akanksha Choudhary, Yogesh Parihar
Story: Anubhav Sinha , Gaurav Solanki
Editor: Ewan Mulligan, Amarjit Singh
Background Score: Ranjit Barot
Music Director: Ranjit Barot , Rochak Kohli
Lyrics: Kumaar
Costume Designer: Vishakha Kullarwar, Joe Mansoori
Running time: 135 minutes
Reviewer: meeta
Language: Hindi
Country: India
Genres: Social

O’ Romeo - External Reviews

meeta — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:19:05 +0000

24 reviewers have given O’ Romeo an average rating of 3.3/5.0 ^(?)

12 yays

4 nays

8 so-so

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review:

Constantly tries too hard to be cool, clever, and pulpy making the 3-hour run tiresome.

Thumbs up by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare ...n the end, the film is held together by its performances. The actors commit with such conviction that they make even the wildest flourishes feel momentarily plausible. You may roll your eyes at the excess, but you will not be bored. Like any good opera, it demands surrender. And if you give in, it rewards you with spectacle, passion and performances that linger long after the curtain falls. The ending hints at a sequel, so expect more of the same.... full review

Thumbs up by Aakash Kumar, Filmi Beat ...Overall, O Romeo is a strictly decent one-time watch. Though it was promoted as Vishal Bharadwaj's most massy film, it turned out to be another trademark Vishal Bharadwaj story with a touch of violence and gore.... full review

Thumbs up by Lachmi Deb Roy, FirstPost ...A big shout-out to Vishal Bharadwaj for giving such a solid film with quirky dialogues, brilliant music, and engaging performances by each of the actors. A salute to the captain of the ship of O’ Romeo! Vishal Bhardwaj directorial O’ Romeo is a love story to remember.... full review

Thumbs up by Ria Sharma, Free Press Journal ...Shahid delivers a powerful performance, balancing intensity with emotions. He makes Ustara both intimidating and heartbreakingly human. This is one of his best performances so far. Triptii shines as Afsha, bringing grace and quiet strength to her role. Their chemistry works well. Supporting actors, including Nana Patekar, are impressive and add gravitas to the story. Avinash Tiwary as the villain Jalal is decent, though his character could have been more menacing. No supporting actor feels out of place.... full review

Thumbs up by Trisha Gaur, koimoi ...The music is absolute class. We have to discuss that in detail but in short it is uff at some points and good for the rest of the part!... full review

Thumbs up by Mayank shekhar, MiD DAY ...O’Romeo is, by no means, the exception. O’yeah, give it a go.... full review

Thumbs up by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV ...It is unsurprisingly A-rated, but we have seen worse. The violence in O'Romeo, graphic as it is, is never sans a moral context. Killing isn't easy, Ustara says to Afshan. When you kill, you cross a line, and a human becomes a monster, he adds. The screenplay is aware of that truth and never strays from it.... full review

Thumbs up by KASHVI RAJ SINGH, News18.com ...While the Shahid Kapoor-Vishal Bhardwaj combination is widely praised and their films usually become critical successes, they gain mass popularity much later. It is time that we give this combination the box office respect it deserves. If nothing else, Ben Bernhard’s delicious frames must be appreciated.... full review

Thumbs up by madhuri Adnal, One india ...O Romeo is a dark, performance-driven romantic thriller that finds its rhythm after the interval. Shahid Kapoor delivers one of his stronger recent turns, and Vishal Bhardwaj crafts a film that balances violence with emotional complexity.... full review

Thumbs up by Gayatri Nirmal, Pinkvilla ...If you are a sucker for complex love stories layered with passion, betrayal and violence, this Vishal Bhardwaj rendition is for you. This Valentine’s, it’s all red, not hearts, but blood and gore.... full review

Thumbs up by Deepa Gahlot, Rediff ...Shahid Kapoor is styled like a cowboy and combines a swaggering body language with intensity and sometimes an almost child-like obstinacy. Having worked with the director in the past, there is that collaborative trust that results in a character, who is not likeable, but still demands sympathy.... full review

Thumbs up by dhaval Roy, Times of India ...Despite frequent pacing issues that demand patience, O’Romeo is worth watching for its performances, atmosphere, and cinematic brilliance.... full review

So-So by Nitin Jain, Glamsham.com ...It is a film that holds attention in parts, impresses with craft, and delivers committed performances, yet stops short of being truly gripping.... full review

So-So by Rishabh Suri, Hindustan Times ...Overall, O’Romeo has moments that remind you why Bhardwaj remains one of our most distinctive filmmakers, but they are scattered across a narrative that loses emotional clarity along the way. Despite Shahid’s wild energy and a few stylish flourishes, the film struggles to find its emotional core. It is watchable, even fun in parts, but rarely affecting in the way Bhardwaj’s best work is. You walk out entertained in flashes... and strangely unmoved.... full review

So-So by Sana Farzeen, india today ...At nearly three hours, the film feels long. It unfolds like a novel that does not know when to end. While that literary quality might be intentional, cinema demands tighter storytelling. The songs, though melodious, add to the indulgence. There are simply too many of them, and not all push the story forward.... full review

So-So by Anindita Mukhopadhyay, India TV ...O Romeo has the mood, the performances, and flashes of the poetic storytelling you expect from Vishal Bhardwaj. Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri hold your attention, and the music lingers. But the film doesn’t quite come together.... full review

So-So by Shubhra Gupta, indian express ...Yes, it’s more sure-footed than Bharadwaj’s recent slate — Kuttey, Fursat, Charlie Chopra — but I want the Bharadwaj who gave us the marvellous Maqbool and the kinetic Kaminey, back.... full review

So-So by Sakshi Salil Chavan, Outlook India ...The final act regains urgency and culminates in a rousing yet foreseeable crescendo. With a more disciplined edit though, ‘O’ Romeo’ might have achieved the narrative stature its ambition seeks. Should word of mouth favour it, Bhardwaj’s devoted audience will undoubtedly gather.... full review

So-So by Shubhangi Shah, The Week ...‘O’Romeo’ boasts a formidable supporting cast, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, Tamanaah Bhatia and Aruna Irani, yet most are reduced to fleeting appearances. Only Patekar truly registers, keeping you on edge even as he cracks you up in moments of humour.... full review

So-So by Tanmayi Savadi, Times Now ...O’ Romeo isn’t a bad film nor a masterpiece. It has a lot of loose ends and unexplained connections. Due to this, it becomes difficult to join dots and feel characters and their purposes. With excellent performances, and Vishal’s ability to tell a fairly engaging story for 3 hours, O’ Romeo can be watched with loved ones and parents, only if violence, abuses and bloodshed are palatable.... full review

Thumbs down by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice ...O’Romeo brings out the beast in everyone. By the time Nana Patekar (yes, he is in it too) ends up on a hospital bed, mumbling Dhak dhak karne laga, the screenplay lies writhing, smashed against the nearest wall. My question to the makers of this monstrously inflated mishmash is, why waste so much resources in glorifying a gangster?... full review

Thumbs down by Sameer Ahire, Movie Talkies ...As a whole, O Romeo is a senseless saga that consumes nearly three hours of your life, offering very little in return—except regret for the time spent watching it.... full review

Thumbs down by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in ...The movie’s most original idea is that music is balm as well as salvation. Having led viewers over extremely well-trodden territory, Bhardwaj designs a coda that achieves a semblance of delicacy in a decidedly indelicate tale of bloody slaughter.... full review

Thumbs down by Anuj Kumar, The Hindu ...as ‘O Romeo doesn’t deliver the emotional or narrative punch its setup promises.... full review

O’ Romeo - Movie Details

Official Sites: YouTube Wikipedia IMDB
Banner: Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment
Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala
Director: Vishal Bharadwaj
Lead Cast: Shahid Kapoor , Triptii Dimri
Supporting Cast: Farida Jalal, Nana Patekar , Aruna Irani, Tamannaah Bhatia, Hussain Dalal, Vikrant Massey , Disha Patani, Alok Jain, Avinash Tiwary, Resh Lamba, Rahul Deshpande, Shaurya Shah, Karunakar Dubey, Allauddin Khan, Gourav Sharma, Shiv Kanungo, Sarthak Khurana, Goutam Sharma, Satyaranjan Sahoo
Story: S. Hussain Zaidi
Screenplay: Vishal Bharadwaj , Rohan Narula
Dialogues: Vishal Bharadwaj
Cinematography: Ben Bernhard
Editor: Aarif Shaikh
Background Score: Meghdeep Bose
Choreography: Jani Master, Sumeet Nagdev, Kunal Omprakash Tavri
Music Director: Vishal Bharadwaj
Lyrics: Gulzar
Costume Designer: Maxima Basu
Running time: 180 minutes
Reviewer: meeta
Language: Hindi
Country: India
Genres: Action

O’ Romeo - Review

meeta — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:29:02 +0000

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review:

Constantly tries too hard to be cool, clever, and pulpy making the 3-hour run tiresome.

Review

Bombay of the 90s, more specifically, Bollywood of the 90s.

Western.

Spanish influence.

Pulpy.

Quirky.
This seems like the checklist the makers wanted to include in O' Romeo.

And, of course, violence. Lots of it and the gorier, the better.

We get it. They are ruthless—antagonist, protagonist and everyone in between. But the onslaught knows no end. That too, when they are taking the shortcut. Most of the fights don't show the mechanics, the process of the kill. You see only the end result.

No, I am not asking for more goriness, I am just saying, "So much gore, so little effect." You see one throat slit after an eye is poked into after a knee is shot on. Or many. But you don't see too much of the run-up. I am grateful for the reduction in dread, but it also reduces the impact.
Despite that, individually, the fight sequences are cool to watch, even if there is rarely anything unique. As a whole though, it doesn't work. There are way too many styles sewn together. And that goes beyond the fights and violence. The background music is thoroughly enjoyable all through the film. But does one piece blend with the other, other than overlapping riffs? Jarringly not.

This isn't surprising. After all, the aim isn't to explore characters or build them. It is to show off. Show all the brutality that was imagined. Show all the cool kind of music that was thought of. That we come to know the two dimensions that the characters have is a by-product. This becomes even more stark when the animosity amongst various characters is told to you and not shown. It is unconvincing given how powerful and intense the individual characters are meant to be. Similarly, the love-hate relationship between Shahid Kapoor and Nana Patekar is feels shallow too.

In fact, almost all characters seem to be cut out of the same wood, just given different motives. They are all quirky with supposedly powerful emotions. Shahid Kapoor carries it forward from Kabir Singh. Nana Patekar and Avinash Tiwary's passion is perfunctory too. Too much shoo-shaa, very little depth.

Same goes for the other parts of the writing too. The dialogue for instance shuttles between over-written and lame. The focus is so hard on being quirky and pulpy and cool that it ends up becoming the opposite—whether it is the twins who speak together or the scores of minions having the same body-type. The latter so much so that it looks almost AI generated like one of the fight sequences in the beginning.

I wish Bharadwaj didn't feel the need to become a Tarantino and/or Wachowski. I understand tipping hats to influences, but I wish there were some ingenuity beyond the couple of standout sequences—the Bombay local one and the one of a series of throat-slits.

There are these sparks in the second half. Else, the little spunk from the first half—like reading out headlines to humour the audience and set the timeline—disappears post-interval.

Then, the story takes over. This is usually a good thing. But here it is episodic, jerky, and worst-of-all cheap. So, you enjoyed making Farida Jalal swear on screen? slow clap You throw in an appeasing India-Pakistan angle? even slower clap Is unacceptable to show national integration without a throwaway, "We don't like ISI either!"
It is absolutely mind-boggling then that you still feel scared for Afsha (Triptii Dimri). I think it has a lot to do with her performance. She is equally believable as a timid but strong village girl as she is as a ferocious lady scorned. While we are at things to appreciate, I quite enjoyed the substitute for the end credit item number. Thank you.

Unfortunately, there is very little else that demands compliments or one can be grateful about.

- meeta, a part of the audience

Parental Guidance:

Violence: ummm…loads. And most of it gory.
Language: Lots of curse words, even if a few are muted.
Nudity & Sexual content: Sex for money, talk about sex, innuendoes, a couple of lip-to-lips, a couple of short making out scenes.
Concept: Revenge drama.
General Look and Feel: Dark, gory.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction: 2
Story: 1
Lead Actors: 3
Character Artists: 2.5

Dialogues: 2
Screenplay: 0.5
Music Director: 4
Lyrics: 3

O’ Romeo - Movie Details

Official Sites: YouTube Wikipedia IMDB
Banner: Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment
Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala
Director: Vishal Bharadwaj
Lead Cast: Shahid Kapoor , Triptii Dimri
Supporting Cast: Farida Jalal, Nana Patekar , Aruna Irani, Tamannaah Bhatia, Hussain Dalal, Vikrant Massey , Disha Patani, Alok Jain, Avinash Tiwary, Resh Lamba, Rahul Deshpande, Shaurya Shah, Karunakar Dubey, Allauddin Khan, Gourav Sharma, Shiv Kanungo, Sarthak Khurana, Goutam Sharma, Satyaranjan Sahoo
Story: S. Hussain Zaidi
Screenplay: Vishal Bharadwaj , Rohan Narula
Dialogues: Vishal Bharadwaj
Cinematography: Ben Bernhard
Editor: Aarif Shaikh
Background Score: Meghdeep Bose
Choreography: Jani Master, Sumeet Nagdev, Kunal Omprakash Tavri
Music Director: Vishal Bharadwaj
Lyrics: Gulzar
Costume Designer: Maxima Basu
Running time: 180 minutes
Reviewer: meeta
Language: Hindi
Country: India
Genres: Action

Mardaani 3 - External Reviews

meeta — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:09:50 +0000

27 reviewers have given Mardaani 3 an average rating of 3.6/5.0 ^(?)

16 yays

4 nays

7 so-so

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

wogma rating: Watch but no rush ^(?)

quick review:

An intense issue. A gripping telling. A tad dramatized. A slump in the climax. But a worthy watch, even if on OTT.

Thumbs up by Sahelee Rakshit, Bollywood Life ...Overall, Mardaani 3 is engaging, allowing the audience to hold on to the edges of their seat. Although the film builds up in the second half with interesting twists and turns. The film maintains its serious tone because Abhiraj Minawala directed it without creating any unnecessary visual elements. However, the familiarity of the overall structure may feel less surprising to those who have seen the earlier instalments.... full review

Thumbs up by Simran Singh, DNA ...Mardaani 3 is still a far better sequel, taking the franchise to new level, and keeping the hope of genuine sequels alive. Mardaani 3 is definitely a must-watch espically for moviegoers who crave such edge-of-the-seat crime thrillers.... full review

Thumbs up by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare ...Technically, the film is polished. The production design, lighting and VFX combine to create an oppressive, bleak atmosphere that mirrors the subject matter. Mardaani 3 may not always be subtle, but it is sincere in its outrage. It is a film that wants to disturb, provoke and entertain, all at once, even if it occasionally mistakes volume for nuance.... full review

Thumbs up by Abhishek Ranjit, Filmi Beat ...While the makers deserve all the applause for tackling a hard-hitting subject like human and child trafficking, I sincerely wish the writing team had worked harder on the script. There are moments when the film loses substance, but Rani Mukerji keeps the momentum alive with her performance.... full review

Thumbs up by Lachmi Deb Roy, FirstPost ...Rani’s performance is undoubtedly terrific and this film is an absolute must-watch.... full review

Thumbs up by Baradwaj Rangan, galatta.com ...And at a time we seem to have forgotten how to make masala movies because we only seem to make “mass” movies, this counts for something.... full review

Thumbs up by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Gulf News ...Mardaani 3 keeps you watching, even if it never truly surprises you.... full review

Thumbs up by Vineeta Kumar, india today ...Mardaani 3 may not be the franchise's sharpest weapon, but it remains a necessary one. It is angry in the right places, flawed in usual ways, and driven by a conviction that refuses to soften for comfort.... full review

Thumbs up by Anindita Mukherjeeanya, India TV ...Shivani Shivaji Roy, played by Rani Mukerji, is a hit, to say the least. The film has all the essential ingredients of a gripping crime thriller, one that keeps you hooked without reaching for your phone or feeling distracted.... full review

Thumbs up by Rajiv Vijayakar, koimoi ...Cinematographer Artur Zurawski and editor Yasha Ramchandani do stellar work because director Abhiraj Minawala, for a decade an assistant and associate director, is a superb captain of this ship, helming the show. He takes the franchise to another level, realistic yet big-scale, again comparable to the Neeraj Pandey series.... full review

Thumbs up by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV ...It is in the smaller details of SSP Roy's war on the mafia and her often self-defeating negotiations with the higher-ups in the police force and in the government that distinguishes Mardaani 3 from average Bollywood girls-in-distress tales.... full review

Thumbs up by Shachi Chaturvedi, News18.com ...Rani Mukerji is fighting for every woman out there who couldn’t scream. Speaking of the actress’ performance, it’s raw, intense, and, like always, super convincing. While Rani as Shivani Shivaji Roy is someone who can never let her audience down, there is a sense of forced Marathi accent and some over-the-top dialogues in the film that might irritate you at times. For instance, watching Rani say lines like “fielding set kar" or “latak ke marega yaa yahin gaad doon" doesn’t feel very convincing and at times leaves you wondering if they were needed.... full review

Thumbs up by Gayatri Nirmal, Pinkvilla ...Mardaani 3 is not an easy watch, and it’s not meant to be. It’s disturbing, powerful, and deeply relevant. The climax will give you goosebumps, leaving you shaken long after the screen fades to black.... full review

Thumbs up by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in ...Rani Mukerji, an apt fit for the plainly dressed and fearless cop, never gets in the way of material that is built around a monomaniacal character who sacrifices her family life for her job. It helps that Shivani is up against formidable villains, who are as unabashedly evil in their intentions as Shivani is committed to her duties.... full review

Thumbs up by Pooja Biraia, The Week ...it is one worth watching because the film never lets us forget that the battle against evil is neither spectacular nor simple, only necessary.... full review

Thumbs up by Dhaval Roy, Times of India ...Mardaani 3 isn’t without its flaws, but it still holds as a solid franchise outing anchored by Rani Mukerji’s performance.... full review

So-So by Murtuza Iqbal, Free Press Journal ...The background score of Mardaani 3, composed by John Stewart Eduri, is fantastic. It is his music that takes the film a notch higher. After Rani, the hero of Mardaani 3, is the background score. Very effective! Also, the track Babbar Sherni grabs our attention.... full review

So-So by Iqbal Pervez, Glamsham.com ...If you enjoy thriller and crime films, Mardaani 3 is worth a watch. While the script could have been sharper, the film carries a strong message. Through Mardaani 3, Rani Mukerji successfully speaks for those whose voices often go unheard.... full review

So-So by Rishabh Suri, Hindustan Times ...Ultimately, Mardaani 3 may not reinvent the franchise, but it reinforces why it matters. Even when it treads familiar ground and doesn’t quite land all its twists, the film remains anchored by the sheer authority of Rani Mukerji’s Shivani, a screen presence that still cuts through noise... full review

So-So by Lekha Menon, Khaleej Times ...Seriously, for all her experience and evolution, someone please give Shivani Shivaji Roy more compelling cases and better adversaries to crack!... full review

So-So by Isha Sharma, NewsBytes ...Satisfying, but not extraordinary; 3/5 stars After a mediocre second half, the film finally limps toward an emotionally charged, satisfying, monologue-heavy climax. The chilling depiction of women and children's plight in India will make your skin crawl, and some gory scenes catch you by surprise. There's enough to enjoy in Mardaani 3, especially if you liked the previous parts, but if you're expecting anything groundbreaking, you'll be disappointed.... full review

So-So by AISHANI BISWAS, Outlook India ...Mardaani 3 may not be the sharpest or most restrained film in the franchise, but it remains a purposeful one. It speaks for those who are rarely heard, even when its execution falters. For viewers who value mainstream cinema that engages directly with social reality, this chapter is worth watching.... full review

So-So by Mayur Sanap, Rediff ...Mardaani 3 may follow familiar territory, but remains watchable even when the story falters or takes unexpected detours. It greatly works because of the commanding presence of Rani Mukerji, who once again carries the film with ease.... full review

Thumbs down by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice ...Rani’s character is cluttered with baggage that we never get to see. Her husband, played by a known Bengali actor Jissu Sengupta, is barely a shadow in this futile exercise of Shero-glorification.... full review

Thumbs down by Shubhra Gupta, indian express ...Shivani gets to deliver the mandatory speech about how girls and women are perpetual victims, and how there will always be brave ones who come to the rescue, which is fine, but the eagerness to frame Mukerji centre-stage– literally in more than one scene– dulls the rest of the enterprise.... full review

Thumbs down by Sameer Ahire, Movie Talkies ...Technically, Mardaani 3 is fairly solid. The background score and cinematography keep the film engaging, even when the narrative stumbles. Production and art design are serviceable, while the editing noticeably loses grip in the latter half.... full review

Thumbs down by Deepansh Duggal, The Quint ...The film’s themes are beaten into submission with such crude insistence that I half-expected a character to announce their politics outright. Sure enough, someone does: “Capitalist hu, ma’am,” Ramanujan says, rather proudly, when his plans to engineer a mutated version of the HPV virus are exposed. Subtlety, by this point, is long dead.... full review

Mardaani 3 - Movie Details

Official Sites: YouTube Wikipedia IMDB
Banner: Yash Raj Films
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Director: Abhiraj Minawala
Lead Cast: Rani Mukerji, Mallika Prasad Sinha, Prajesh Kashyap
Supporting Cast: Indraneel Bhattacharya, Janki Bodiwala, Mikhail Yawalkar, Jimpa Sangpo Bhutia
Story: Deepak Kingrani, Aayush Gupta, Baljeet Singh Marwah
Screenplay: Aayush Gupta
Dialogues: Aayush Gupta
Cinematography: Artur Zurawski
Editor: Yasha Ramchandani
Background Score: John Stewart Eduri
Music Director: Sarthak Kalyani
Lyrics: Shruti Shukla
Costume Designer: Eka Lakhani, Gunpreet Kaur Mann, Deepali Singh Raseen
Running time: 130 minutes
Reviewer: meeta
Language: Hindi
Country: India
Genres: Social, Thriller

Mardaani 3 - Review

meeta — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:58:18 +0000

wogma rating: Watch but no rush ^(?)

quick review:

An intense issue. A gripping telling. A tad dramatized. A slump in the climax. But a worthy watch, even if on OTT.

Review

Human life is invaluable or human life has no value—depending on where and to whom you are born. This is the nasty truth that Mardaani 3 takes a stab at. Of course, there are other systemic issues it battles through its righteous cop protagonist, Shivani Shivaji Roy. It attacks the rot that is the beggar mafia and the police force's role in fostering it. It even comments on capitalism. Yes, it bites slightly more than it can chew. But only slightly, not enough to cause indigestion. But also, enough to take the edge off its impact.

Mardaani 3 revolves around the kidnapping of two 8–10-year-old girls. We quickly find out that they are sold to a dreaded group. We are kept in the lurch about what is to happen with the girls. The wait is brutal. Always fearing how much worse must reality be. However, the wait for the real deal is so long and unnerving, that it slightly blunts the villain's gross and despicable purpose. Strangely, it is not what we expect. And yet, despite its ruthlessness and unpredictability, the blow lands softer than anticipated.

Interestingly, it is neither the performances nor the scene-by-scene or sub-plot by sub-plot writing to blame. Rani Mukerji has matured as Shivani has grown to own her space. Mallika Prasad instils fear much like her predecessors in the Mardaani series but it becomes overdone and a tad unbelievable as her character's weaknesses are exposed. I will leave the rest of the cast out to avoid giving away spoilers. But, despite the twists, none of them leave a mark. I doubt we will remember them in episode 4.

Also, some of the situations and their flow keep you engaged and at times, even at the edge of your seats. This is despite loopholes such as smart people who are in the business because they cannot be tracked, not realising they are being followed. Otherwise vigilant people, on both sides, suddenly trusting other people. And so on. However, the other things in the movie are gripping enough to make you let go of these quibbles.

The problem is that the overall story loses steam after the biggest reveal. Not to mention that the characters become less and less believable. I sense that the makers knew this, which is why it comes so late in the movie. They want you keep imagining the grotesque things that happen in such rackets. Unfortunately, it works against the plot.

Also, the over-dramatisation of some scenes is jarring. So, is Shivani's know-it-all behaviour in the beginning which settles down as the movie progresses. In the big picture though, I will take a decently made film about a serious social issue over none at all. That it does so without breaking into song and dance is treating me with respect. That it serves as a break from the war films on circuit is a welcome relief. That it raises a philosophical question, even if in passing, is a bonus.

The question of human life as collateral damage for a better cause is one of debate for some and absolutely crazy to others. It is human life; any damage is damage enough. Versus, if "sacrificing" a few does greater good, then it is ok. The latter proposition is easy to test by putting the believer's dear ones at stake, amongst the few to be sacrificed. Nevertheless, Mardaani 3 puts up its own version of the Trolley problem. But we know its stand from very early on. So, there is no room for the audience to mull over their opinion.

Which also means the pacing of the big reveals is a bit of a question mark. One comes a little too early and the other a little too late. If I were allowed to think a bit in this film, and series even, that is putting all its heart in trying to make meaningful cinema, I would feel a little more invested. That I felt my heart pound earlier in the film and not so much towards the climax is also a sign. But considering the films made these days, that my heart pounded at all means the film got a lot right. And that is enough. That this subject is getting attention, even if in films, is something better than nothing.

- meeta, a part of the audience

Parental Guidance:

Violence: Loads, some of it disturbing.
Language: Clean
Nudity & Sexual content: Talk of rape.
Concept: Human trafficking.
General Look and Feel: Gruelling, gruesome.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction: 3
Story: 3
Lead Actors: 3.5
Character Artists: 2.5

Dialogues: 3
Screenplay: 3
Music Director:
Lyrics:

Mardaani 3 - Movie Details

Official Sites: YouTube Wikipedia IMDB
Banner: Yash Raj Films
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Director: Abhiraj Minawala
Lead Cast: Rani Mukerji, Mallika Prasad Sinha, Prajesh Kashyap
Supporting Cast: Indraneel Bhattacharya, Janki Bodiwala, Mikhail Yawalkar, Jimpa Sangpo Bhutia
Story: Deepak Kingrani, Aayush Gupta, Baljeet Singh Marwah
Screenplay: Aayush Gupta
Dialogues: Aayush Gupta
Cinematography: Artur Zurawski
Editor: Yasha Ramchandani
Background Score: John Stewart Eduri
Music Director: Sarthak Kalyani
Lyrics: Shruti Shukla
Costume Designer: Eka Lakhani, Gunpreet Kaur Mann, Deepali Singh Raseen
Running time: 130 minutes
Reviewer: meeta
Language: Hindi
Country: India
Genres: Social, Thriller

Border 2 - External Reviews

meeta — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:17:46 +0000

23 reviewers have given Border 2 an average rating of 4.0/5.0 ^(?)

16 yays

2 nays

5 so-so

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review:

What you expect is what you get in Border 2. Border (1) again. The warfare seems unending, just like the film. The same laboured lines with forced energy and brief, cursory, and measured attempts at balance.

Streaming Partner: Netflix

Thumbs up by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice ...Moments that remind us of how precious every moment of life is, even when death awaits at the next street corner, validate the film’s highly persuasive dramatic pitch. Border 2 is one of those films that just makes you feel good to be alive.... full review

Thumbs up by Simran Singh, DNA ...I'll end this review by asserting that all the haters and trolls will have to dig a big hole and bury themselves deep in it, as the makers of Border 2 have successfully shut down the noise with their blockbuster.... full review

Thumbs up by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare ...Ultimately, Border 2 works best as a tribute, not a reinvention. It honours real heroes, celebrates inter-service unity, delivers rousing action and solid performances, and provides audiences with the comforting familiarity of patriotic spectacle. What it lacks is the raw, unfiltered emotional abandon that made the original Border an enduring cultural artefact. This is a safe, well-mounted successor, stirring in parts, respectable in intent but one that reminds us that legacy is not merely inherited; it must also be boldly reimagined.... full review

Thumbs up by Aakash Kumar, Filmi Beat ...Overall, Border 2 is a heartfelt war drama that works because of its emotions, strong performances, and nostalgic music. Despite feeling slightly stretched at times, the film succeeds in paying tribute to the courage of Indian soldiers and the families who stand behind them. A good watch.... full review

Thumbs up by Murtuza Iqbal, Free Press Journal ...Sunny Deol steals the show with his performance in Border 2. At 68, he is doing action effortlessly in the movie, proving that he is the legendary actor 'Dharmendra Ji Ka Beta'. The actor has been given some of the best scenes in the film, and he nails it. And of course, how can we forget his roaring voice that does wonders for the movie!... full review

Thumbs up by Nitin Jain, Glamsham.com ...This is the kind of cinema that feels meaningful, and many will rightly feel it deserves to be tax-free so its message can reach every corner of the country. A must watch.... full review

Thumbs up by Rishabh Suri, Hindustan Times ...Overall, Border 2 is not content with being just another sequel. It wants to make you sit up and salute. While its excesses are hard to ignore, so is its sincerity. The film reaches back into a time when patriotism in cinema was worn unapologetically... when heroes spoke loudly and emotions rang true. And with some genuinely moving moments, Border 2 delivers exactly what it promises: a theatrical experience meant to be felt in a darkened hall, among strangers who momentarily feel like comrades.... full review

Thumbs up by Sana Farzeen, india today ...The dialogues are impactful without being excessively chest-thumping. There are patriotic highs, but they’re balanced with moments of reflection. The climax, particularly the sequence where Indian soldiers are mocked as cowards, builds to a dramatic payoff but is followed by a poignant final song that echoes, “Baba main toh raha nahi tu meri jawaani jee lena.”... full review

Thumbs up by Trisha Gaur, koimoi ...The film is emotional, hits the right chord and wins your heart!... full review

Thumbs up by Athulya Nambiar, MiD DAY ...All in all, Border 2 remains a sincere, emotionally grounded war film that respects its legacy while attempting to tell a more human story. Anchored by Sunny Deol’s commanding presence and supported by a largely restrained narrative, the film works best when it focuses on the people behind the patriotism. It may not match the iconic status of its predecessor, but it stands tall as a worthy, heartfelt successor.... full review

Thumbs up Movie Talkies ...The music complements the narrative beautifully. “Ghar Kab Aaoge” feels destined to become an evergreen patriotic anthem, while “Mitti Bete” leaves a lasting emotional impact. “Jaate Hue Lamhon”, though briefly used, enhances key moments effectively. The cinematography is top-notch, capturing the scale and intensity of war with stunning visuals. The background score, particularly the recurring “Hindustan Meri Jaan” theme, keeps the energy soaring.... full review

Thumbs up by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV ...It is inevitable for a movie this long to occasionally sink into tedium. Border 2 does. But it has just enough ammunition in its armoury to be able to keep blitzkrieg going no matter what.... full review

Thumbs up by YATAMANYU NARAIN, News18.com ...Watch it on the big screen. Let it overwhelm you a little.... full review

Thumbs up by Gayatri Nirmal, Pinkvilla ...Border 2 is driven by memory and heart. At a time when war films are plentiful, this one manages to stand out by leaning into nostalgia and human connection rather than just scale. The climax scene, which serves as a heartfelt ode to the 1997 Border, is bound to leave audiences misty-eyed.... full review

Thumbs up by Deepa Gahlot, Rediff ...Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Mona Singh stand out amidst the crowd of actors, and their sincerity adds to the elements that makes the film watchable.... full review

Thumbs up by Archika Khurana, Times of India ...In the end, Border 2 is a solid, emotionally resonant, and technically accomplished war film that honours its legacy without being shackled by it. It may not redefine the genre, but it confidently reinforces the enduring power of big-screen patriotic cinema. Watch it for Sunny Deol’s roaring presence, its rousing spirit, and the emotion it wears proudly on its sleeve.... full review

So-So by Shyamoo Pathak, India TV ...With a runtime of 3 hours and 17 minutes, Border 2 demands nearly four hours of a viewer’s time in theatres, including around 35 minutes of advertisements. The first half, which focuses on the friendship and training days of Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty, feels emotionally engaging and manages to hold the audience’s attention. The second half, despite its narrative issues, delivers a few war sequences that stir excitement and briefly reignite the patriotic sentiment, even when the film struggles to sustain it throughout.... full review

So-So by Shubhra Gupta, indian express ...Finally, who else do you want when Sunny Paji is around, even though he gets to give his vocals a bit of a rest as compared to the earlier film. One of the climactic iconic scenes from the original — him staring at a tank turret — is recreated in this one (as are remixed versions of the still-popular songs) and it is as much of a win: though he is shown a trifle weatherbeaten, the years have been kind to him, and the dhai kilo ka haath is up and running, single-handedly enough to keep the enemy at bay, and our borders safe and sound. Sandese ab bhi aate rahenge.... full review

So-So by Isha Sharma, NewsBytes ...Watchable, but could have been better; 3/5 stars Deol does most heavy lifting (how else would nostalgia sell?), and his extensive yelling has me worried about his vocal cords. Expectedly, the Pakistani characters mostly come across as caricatures, and occasionally, the movie's tone conflicts with itself. If you love old-school patriotic dramas, Border 2 would be right up your alley, but the runtime is a real dampener.... full review

So-So by Sakshi Salil Chavan, Outlook India ...Of course the indulgent runtime of three hours and twenty minutes is far too ambitious—Border 2 carries faint glimmers of attempted sincerity. It crafts some moments of warmth within the machinery of war. Sumit Arora and Anurag Singh’s dialogue balances conversational ease with performative lift.... full review

So-So by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in ...The action scenes are more elaborate, going down to the wire. Indian and Pakistani soldiers often find themselves face to face, warily eye-balling each other. When the skirmishes begin, the hierarchy of weaponry is unleashed, from guns to fists.... full review

Thumbs down by Pranati A S, Deccan Herald ...While the film does try to balance its narrative by showing the losses of war, it fails to effectively show the horrors of wars — in the sense that it is not an anti-war film, which is the need of the hour. Having said that, the scenes featuringDiljit and three Kashmiri kids will stay in my memory for a very long time.... full review

Thumbs down by Lachmi Deb Roy, FirstPost ...Unnecessary jingoism cannot make a film succeed. And most importantly, if the film doesn’t handle it’s own serious theme of the 1971 war with solid research, how can we take it seriously? I guess it is a mass-targeted film and doesn’t challenge viewers to think critically. Towards the end, it does get exhausting!... full review

Border 2 - Movie Details

Official Sites: YouTube Wikipedia IMDB
Banner: T-Series Super Cassettes Industries Ltd., J P Films
Producer: J P Dutta, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Nidhi Dutta
Director: Anurag Singh
Lead Cast: Sunny Deol , Varun Dhawan , Diljit Dosanjh , Ahan Shetty
Supporting Cast: Mona Singh, Anya Singh , Sonam Bajwa, Paramvir Singh Cheema, Medha Rana
Music Director: Mithoon, Anu Malik, Vishal Mishra, Sachet Tandon, Parampara Tandon, Gurmoh
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar , Manoj Muntashir, Kumaar, Kausar Munir
Running time: 200 minutes
Reviewer: meeta
Language: Hindi
Country: India
Genres: Patriotism, War

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