Naam Shabana (2017) User Reviews (54)

Lost the grip somewhere

[banerjeenirmalya · 5/10 · 1 April 2017]

A woman enters into the dark realm of espionage after rumbling with a tragedy and a ruffled past. The movie is all about Shabana (Tapsee), a young Muslim girl endowed with a strong spirit and special knack for kickboxing. The movie is a prequel to the 2015 Neeraj Pandey directed movie "Baby". This time Neeraj has scripted the tale where the happenings occur a few years prior the mission "Baby". The movie does include a lot of the stars of the erstwhile one, Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Danny Denzongpa and includes Manoj Bajpayee in a pivotal role. Tapsee who played a cameo in Baby beating up a terrorist in a Kathmandu hotel room is the central character here. Neeraj and Director Shivam Nair do a smart job in telling the story from the girl's point of view. What made a simple girl transform into a kick ass secret-agent forms the first half of the story. The problem in stating the tale from the scratch is that there are high chances that the ending may result in being improperly fleshed out. That's what has exactly happened with the film.

When the movie turns into the final mission of eliminating the prime arms dealer, the plot seemed to rush from thereon. There seemed to be too many loose ends which the story struggled to connect. Why did the agents failed to comprehend the facial similarity between Tony and Mikhail at the very beginning? Even though they missed it, why was Tony allowed to go to the loo with such casual cover? When the latter put a knife in one of the agent's belly, weren't the rest able to hear the scream? Why didn't they react immediately all together? We see a poker faced Akshay Kumar coming to Shabana's aid every now and then. Was it an international mission or a protégé training program? Why didn't Akshay himself do it? It clearly seemed at least none of the things which Tapsee did would have been impossible for him. Why was She inducted in the middle of her training program? Was there a dearth in agent pool?

Thus one finds a promising first half immersing into a boring one in the second. As far as performances are concerned, Tapsee shoulders the lead role with great elan. She emoted diverse emotions and looked extremely believable in the action scenes. With performances in Pink and now in this one, she is definitely the next big thing in B Town. Manoj Bajpayee does remind you of Special Chabbis with a little more English dialogues in his delivery. Danny, Akshay and Anupam simply reenact their "Baby" molds in pieces. The antagonist played by the Malayali star Prithviraj is extremely impressive and one wished to see more of him.

Overall it's definitely a one time watch.

Nice movie. Could have done better

[nelsonchristos · 7/10 · 1 April 2017]

I like these kind of movies where they take a character and try to build upon that. The character played by Tapsee seems to be tailor made for her, and she does full justice to it. I agree there are songs in the movie which could have been just edited away as the pace of the movie is quite good and keeps you interested and you are left off with the feeling, what the heck are the songs doing here.

was hoping for more acting from the character portrayed by Pritviraj, but that again seems to be hurried

Overall a good one time watch. Hope they don't make another one named 'Naam Om Prakash Shukla' :)

Naam Shabana will entertain you for a one time watch but not in lines with Baby's effect

[SivakumarBalachandran · 6/10 · 2 April 2017]

Naam Shabana is a prequel to the 2015 super hit "Baby" which is like Baby origins: Shabana. Though Shabana was, a brief character in Baby played by Tapsee Pannu who looks tuff, hard has given some powerful kicks here. She perfectly takes the weight of the story on her shoulder. Was it enough to make this spin off a complete racy thriller?

Have to say a no. The movie lacks intent of an espionage thriller as it jumps from a revenge thriller.

Story dialogues and screenplay though handled by the same Neeraj Pandey but has given the main function direction to Shivam Nair where the grip goes out of hand and faces some serious pace struggle throughout. Akshay Kumar who appears in an elongated cameo inevitably steals the show from our lead protagonist Tapsee though his role appears to help and disappear.

Overall, it is a no doubt one-time watcher, but not in lines with Baby's race. Get in Naam Shabana will not fail to keep you entertained once.

Okay, lack of thrills in Climax but going to keep you high till end .. . . ..

[bittuzzzz · 7/10 · 1 April 2017]

Neeraj Pandey ,the name is enough for the classy films but this time he should have give some more time to the script . Dialogues are not at the level of 'Baby' . -> Acting - Tappsi was way too good, no one can do better then her,though you can expect Sonaksi on the same role,she also could have done the same. Akshay Kumar's entry going to make you Clap & his dialogue " I have come so far,let me do something" is stay with you for ages. Prthviraj- As dangerous as hunk, his style made him a perfect villain. Monoj Bajpai - Is always good and real, and here also he did his part , but his policeman or CBI OT RAW acting was seen by us earlier also,so nothing that new. His boosting dialogue " Females are born with extra strain in their DNH, Males need extra gadgets, Females are pre- configured " is boiling & inspiring. Anupam Kerr didn't get anything special role and Taher is Sweet in his parts. -> Direction - By Shivam Nair is good, I will not say is best, but fault is all of Neeraj pandey,his story is new and engaging but script & dialogues lapsed. -> Music - expect the 1st love song is good the other club songs are just hearable. Background music is same tempting as 'baby' had.

-> Last words- It is lack of that intelligence as expected but still better than many . The only bad scenes are in the Climax part,it could be nail-biting, Anupam Kerr should be used more & 3Mintutes escape from hospital is seems too easy and as usual.

Do Watch it, it's Good enough to make your weekend, So,overall 3 starts.

It misses the mark but can be watched

[ajit2106 · 6/10 · 2 April 2017]

"Baby 2015" raised the bar of Indian Cinema with its taut, exhilarating and tight screenplay. It had a lot of new elements which made it an amazing film and it was another feather in the cap of director Neeraj Pandey. "Naam Shabana" is a prequel to "Baby" which depicts how the character of Tapasee Pannu was included in the Agency.

A comparison with Baby is a sure thing here but Naam Shabana disappoints. It could not transport the expectations "Baby" inflicted because of its weak screenplay and execution of the subject matter.

It takes at least 45 minutes to get the grip of the plot and misses the point repeatedly. The production value was not as good as "Baby" had. We understand that it is an entirely different movie than "Baby" however when we had already witnessed an astounding movie, the judgment is inevitable.

Tapasee is a very good actor and has done the job tremendously, the extended appearance of Akshay Kumar adds a worth to the movie.

Overall you can watch this movie for Tapasee, do not expect it to be a tense thriller like "Baby".

Watch it for Taapsee

[ksr-91822 · 7/10 · 30 April 2019]

Worth watching for Taapsee. She looked perfect for the role (9/10). Prithviraj is ok. Akshay bad. Script has too many loose ends. Movie not as good as Baby.

No doubt that you will be disappointed

[mordernduke · 3/10 · 3 April 2017]

I am quite positive that you will be quite disappointed in this movie. Really bad cast, apart from the big names, pathetic action and a very lose story line had me realize multiple times about the sheer waste of time this movie was. Akshay kumar was only in the movie because he needed to be in this movie, apart, his role was not required at all. Similarly for Anupam kher. The ending fighting sequence is as if written by a 12year old.

Very very far from a decent spy movie....

Fantastic Thriller

[jetkot · 10/10 · 6 October 2017]

It is simply awesome. A Thrill ride. Boasts of some great actors. Manoj Bajpayee is brilliant. Prithviraj Sukumaran is the surprise package. He looks awesome and his acting skills are far better than most star kids with abs. Akshay Kumar's cameo is fabulous and flawless. Taapsee pannu steals the cake for an extremely fantastic performance. She would inspire many girls to join the police force. She is the hero of the film in the titular character I absolutely loved her in the film. She looks gorgeous and acts really well. Taapsee pannu you have a die hard fan ; please do not take up stupid movies like Judwaa 2

Watch it for Taapsee Pannu gripping performacne

[MysticFalls007 · 7/10 · 14 November 2017]

Well first of all let me tell you i am not much fan of Bollywood movies but after watching trailer of this movie i was intrigued to watch it and glad i did it. This movie has gripping first half and second half is little let down as story becomes too mainstream in second half. Having said that Taapsee Pannu gave one of his finest performance till date, her intensity throughout the movie was brilliant and specially top notch action action by her is a treat to watch. Its a must watch for its gripping first half and obviously for Taapsee Pannu.

A very bad acted movie from Taapsee

[mahi-73204 · 3/10 · 1 April 2017]

Before watching this movie, i was kinda expecting too much, may b just on the level of baby. Starting from love scene, the serious tragic emotion on her face, her brave girl show off, her crying, etc. all seems like as if she was trying too much to go in that character but still failing to get it along. While watching i was kind of bored until Akshay comes on. That can be said as the relief for the guys. She looked good as a sidekick of Akshay but as lead she completely ruins it. One more thing to point out that lead actress life was extended too much before starting the real story. At last i can only say while watching i never felt connected to her character at all from starting. And ya at last she looked completely as a novice in Kungfu or whatever form of fight it was. Her stances, her moves seems nothing like the character she was playing. A simple tip: Songs weren't required. Some training would have helped her a lot. If she would have got some muscles etc while going through training in the movie, it would have been a plus point.

TAAPSE PANNU

[arjunflamingfeather · 10/10 · 11 November 2019]

I LOVE HER SPY BADLA and here GOOD ACTRESS in search off making her name in all the three areas of film. BOLLYWOOD and KOLLYWOOD and TOLLYWOOD.

Taapsee Pannu shines in this decent action film!

[namashi_1 · 6/10 · 10 November 2017]

A spin-off of the 2015 film Baby, 'Naam Shabana' is a mostly crisp & decent action film, that rises on the strength of Taapsee Pannu's heroic performance. The usually under-utilized actress is kick-ass in titular role & offers the much needed punch to the proceedings.

'Naam Shabana' Synopsis: Shabana teams up with Indian Agents to take down her boyfriend's murderers & an international arms dealer.

'Naam Shabana' has an engaging first-hour, where Shabana's turn from a simpleton to a vengeful young-blood offers sharpness. The second-hour is a bit less engaging, but things remain crisp. In fact, the first-hour is more about Shabana's origin & why she turns into an Indian spy, while the second-hour focuses more on a conniving international arms dealer (Prithviraj Sukumaran), who Shabana is assigned to take down. I wish the Writing remained strong in the second-hour, as there was genuine potential here. Nevertheless, the film is consistently watchable.

Neeraj Pandey's Screenplay has a winning first-hour, but an ordinary second. Shivam Nair's Direction is sleek. Cinematography is well-done. Editing remains to the point. Art & Costume Design are fine. Action-Sequences are sharply choreographed.

Performance-Wise: Taapsee, it is! The actress is in top-form here, delivering her best performance in a Hindi film to date. Also, her skill for action/stunts, is commendable. Of the rest of the cast, the ever-reliable Manoj Bajpayee scores, while Akshay Kumar has a blast in a strong supporting role. Prithviraj Sukumaran is okay as the villain, while Shiva Dagar leaves a mark.

On the whole, 'Naam Shabana' is a showcase of Taapsee's talent. Watch it for her, if nothing else.

Tremendous buildup to nothing

[pcsarkar · 3/10 · 31 July 2018]

Prequel or sequel matters not. What does matter is the tremendous build-up - the endless tracking of the heroine, the endless instructions, cameras, training, blah blah blah. One would naturally assume that this was an elite outfit of the government of India, where all the field agents were identified and trained in a similar way, so that they became ruthless killing machines. Unfortunately, no. It was clear that the other agents not that good, and were no match for the villain in question (who dominated without any training or tracking). In the very first scene, the villain dispatched several Indian agents to kingdom come. In a later scene, 3 agents (one of them distinctly out of shape, played by Zakir Husain) track the villain to his lair, but all are massacred. Not one could even put up a decent fight or fire a gun shot. WTF.

So it is left to our newly recruited female agent to kill the villain. That she does. Considering that the mission was so important that several countries were on the look-out for this dude, it is surprising that a rookie agent, undergoing training, is deputed for the job. In the meantime, we have Akshay Kumar who comes and goes. Why was a senior, more experienced agent not given the target? Simple. Because this movie was based on Shabana (the Muslim connection was pointless) and the villain had to be tackled by her, isn't it?

A load of local policemen storm the hospital at the end. Who called them and why? It seems that the Indian agent played by Kher called them. But why? No answers to this one.

Stay clear of this boring, pointless film.

Nice One

[liverenjith · 7/10 · 25 May 2020]

Really a watchable movie. The director has succeeded to sustain the mood of the movie from start to end. Definitely, there are many loop holes in the screenplay and execution, yet this movie still a good one. I liked the character of Pritviraj, he did awesome.

Good thriller specially in the first half

[racersunil · 7/10 · 20 April 2020]

The movie starts very well and looks quite promising. It is very engaging and manages to grip the viewers in the first half. However, the second half is quite weak and rushed. Taapsee has acted well but not to her full potential. Manon Bajpayee is brilliant. This movie is a prequel to Baby and most of the cast from that movie appear in Cameo or extended roles. This movie is definitely a good watch.

good one

[vriddheeg · 7/10 · 2 April 2017]

I really liked the movie except for the songs and some parts after the intermission.The story progresses well but is slow after the intermission until the climax.It keeps us involved mostly during the missions.The dialogues and portrayal seem very honest, it feels extremely real, its a well-crafted a movie.The background score brings back memories of Baby. The action scenes are well executed.

Even by mistake Don't watch this...!

[mannprajapati · 1/10 · 2 April 2017]

This is worst film I've seen recently..Seems producers just wanted to Cash in on success of BABY.. I've bang my head with the seat in between many A times..Now you can Understand how frustrated I was while watching this crap..!! I hope makers of this crap will make some good movies like BABY,SPECIAL 26,A Wednesday etc..And please don't Spoil franchise like Baby..!

Naam Shabana

[agvconsultingindia · 9/10 · 31 March 2017]

National fervor movie without much glamour. The movie is about a girl who wants do something in life. Its a prequel, worth watching. the movie is bit slow comparing the thrill of Baby. Baby2 base is created by this movie.I think we Indians should support Nationalist Movies inspiring young generation to value the people who lay down their life for their country. Missing Rana.

This is a Thriller with a gripping buildup Tapasee **

[zauqmarbros · 7/10 · 16 June 2017]

Actually speaking some Indians have the guts to make movies real movies still today rest are just making commercials.Naam Shabana is one of those movies where the writer has done his job, and the director pictured it as it is meant to be. I wont discuss the story or the main film scenario, i want people to watch good films themselves. Keep it up Neeraj Pandey Akshay Kumar Tapasee Shivam Nair.

A very weak movie

[panku_k · 5/10 · 30 April 2017]

A very weak movie by Neeraj Pandey. Had high hopes from him before going for this one, after what he has delivered in the past - Baby, Special 26 & A Wednesday. It seems that the makers just wanted to earn a little more money with help of Baby's fame. Very loose script. Really bad acting by Tapsee Pannu. Reused the characters of Baby, but none of them getting any screen presence except Akshay.

Nice Film

[swadhin999 · 10/10 · 2 April 2017]

There are times when u watch film that are better than u expect. I really didn't expect this film to be so good. Some fascinating info on life of spy. Film had a decent pace. As far as acting is concern. Tapsee was brilliant. This film belongs to her and she ruled. Akshay Kumar was as saviour of Shabana was as usual good. Prithvi as Tony was great. This Malayam superstar really made his presence felt. All and all. This was good film and I don't find any reason to complaint.

A Thrilling and Very Entertaining Movie

[bharat-30149 · 2 April 2017]

I had high expectations from this movie as i had enjoyed Baby.The movie is engrossing,thrilling and well written.The movie seems to be made on a tight budget but that does not stop it from being entertaining.The movie is a prequel to Baby. Those who have not seen Baby can still watch this film as its totally a new story. Shabana,a young woman with who has faced many issues while growing up is a rising Judo player. Indian spy agencies have kept an eye on for potential recruits and have short listed her as a potential field agent.The movie shows how she joins the agency and becomes a field operative. The movie isn't very long or boring. The story builds up gradually. The first half is her life story. The pace picks up in the second half. All characters have justified there roles and actors picked up suitably. This movie gives a strong competition to Hollywood thrillers with huge budgets. Immensely enjoyable and entertaining, don't miss this. Full marks to Taapse and Manoj Bajpayee.

A good try for 'Baby movie' lovers but could have been way better

[ankitcom · 6/10 · 1 April 2017]

A good try for 'Baby movie' lovers but could have been way better. Not even close to the theme and intensity of the previous part. Although it tried to reap the benefits but even if taken as a standalone movie, the script was very dull and less energetic. Taapsee Pannu and Manoj Bajpayee were good along with all cameo roles.

Storyline Rating: 2

Acting Rating: 3 Tapsee Pannu: 3 Manoj Bajpayee: 3 Prithviraj Sukumaran: 3 Akshay Kumar: 3 Anupam Kher: 3

Direction Rating: 2

Music Rating: 2

Cinematography: 3

Editing: 3

average film

[dasdebanjan-27889 · 4/10 · 19 April 2017]

Naam Shabana brings forward the background of Shabana, a character from 2015 film Baby. Taapsee Pannu plays the role of Shabana in both films. The film starts with the failure of Indian secret agency to catch Mikhail. Mikhail is an international arms dealer. First half of the film is slow. But it is not boring. Throughout the film Taapsee assures us in her own way that she is quite able to handle the situation. But story does not allow her. In story Shabana is a sub urban girl. Ranvir Singh (Manoj Bajpayee) picks her & trains her for secret service. When the time comes Shabana is sent for Mikhail. Ajay Singh (Akshay Kumar) and Om Prakash Shukla (Anupam Kher) from Baby team are here to support Shabana. Finally Shabana kills Mikhail and Ajay Singh arranges a secure way out for Shabana.

Good movie but not as good as baby

[jayram-gaonkar · 6/10 · 2 April 2017]

I wasn't sure whether this movie is prequel of Baby or not. Its kind of similar to Baby. Same actors giving the descent acting performance as we had seen in Baby. Similar kind of screenplay, which is again good. I would rate it 7/10. The story-line is good but with some flaws in it. The worst part of the movie is direction. It didn't felt convincing. It was just typical Bollywood movie which is really very poor, I wouldn't rate it more 4/10. I think they didn't give much time on climax so it was kind of sudden.