anshulpurohit

I watched this movie with an open mind when it was released on the streaming platform. Whenever we think of sci-fi movies, we always have this assumption of watching advanced gadgets; futuristic world of flying cars and skyscrapers; shimmering lights; death-defying action etc. which is a staple diet fed by Hollywood over the years. I am not saying that's bad but there should always be a will and the intent to add refreshing elements to the genre to avoid making it monotonous. It is for this reason I feel this movie deserves applaud for the following reasons:- a) Clever use of old technology in the futuristic world to serve as a bridge between both the eras b) Use of Indian mythology and philosophy in a sci-fi setting. For those revolting against the idea, let me clearly mention that the cult favourites such as T2; Matrix; Wall-E etc. have generously relied on Greek philosophy and other religious beliefs in their scenes c) Focus on human elements and conflicts without over-the-top dramatisation and loud background music. d) Intelligent writing - repetition of some scenes of Prahastha shows his monotonous life

When Bladerunner (1982) came out, people were divided over its theme; philosophy and pace and was panned by the critics. Yet, the very same movie ended up becoming a cult favourite over the years and served as an inspiration to other sci-fi movies. Bollywood has attempted this genre by generously copying the elements from Hollywood movies. Hopefully, with this movie, there will be a sea-change in the approach and future films would focus on making sci-fi movies with strong Indian heritage and values that would take the cinema to new heights.

My only concern was that some of the back-stories were not fully explored such as individual characters; events leading to the present scenario; usage and purpose of certain technology and the various philosophies applied post-the "Demon-Human" treaty, which should be elaborated in detail in the opening scene. However, this does not mean I downgrade the movie.

Special mention for the performances of Vikrant Massey and Shweta Tripathi. They are always a delight to watch and bring the loneliness and mirth effortlessly.

This is a start and I hope intelligent and entertaining movies in this genre becomes a norm rather than a rarity. And, I would also hope that emphasis be laid on talented actors to play the parts rather than "stars" that could prove to be disadvantageous for movies.

My score - 9/10

I was disappointed after watching this movie - not because the movie was bad but because it was badly received. Any superhero movie is typically associated with sci-fi gadgets; over-the-top costumes; super-villain with world domination powers; damsel in distress etc. This movie focused on real issues plaguing the society and how everyone yearns for a saviour who would come out and save them from these predicaments. BJ tries to answer this situation and states that "no one is born superhero but become out of situations and circumstances to bring a change." The visuals does give a comic-book feel but does not digress from the premise on which the movie is set. I expect this movie to be revisited in years to come by and I wouldn't be surprised if this movie gathers a cult status. This movie needs wider audience because it is one of the best movies that has come out in the spate of mindless and crass movies that have spoiled our intelligence. If we start giving importance to such kind of movies where content is the king, we can go a long way in enhancing the entertainment value in our movies.

It is a given fact that there is nothing new here - a stepmother avenges the rape of her daughter when the law does not bring her justice. But, what sets it apart is the manner in which the proceedings are handled. The situations are handled in a nuanced manner and there is no overtly melodrama or lame dialogues that hamper the narrative. It is great to see that such a theme is handled with such deft that you are kept glued to the screen.

Coming to the acting - Sridevi has outdone herself in this movie. Her ability to show vulnerability; strength; anger and happiness within the character proves that why she is called diva of the Indian cinema. Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna provide a strong support in this film about revenge while Adnan Siddiqui (who plays Sridevi's husband) shows restrain as a father who wants justice within the framework of the law and tries to control his emotions when the judgement goes in favour of the criminals.

However, the only actor that surprised me was Sajal Ali. Even though her last movie in Pakistan, 'Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay', showed her histrionic abilities in the otherwise weak scripted movie, she expressed the anguish and sadness through her eyes and body language, which is a sign of a powerful performer. The script gave her ample scope to display these wide range of emotions.

My rating for the movie is strictly for the performance of the lead cast and the deft screenplay.

When I saw that the average rating of this movie was 6.8/10, I was extremely shocked. Because after watching the movie, I realised that it deserves a rating of 9/10. I know my rating might not push the score higher but it will be my effort to make it known. Right from the start, the movie gripped me with a poetic feel of love (Anwar's scenes depicting his love) to the decadent portrayal of the society and the double standards of certain groups who promote an ideology only to gain flash fame. A big thanks to the director for bringing the actuality of the society through the main character. Towards the end, when the main character dies because some people use him only for their political gains, you feel as if it could be you who could be a target of hatred building exercise while you are miles away from this thought. The movie is intelligently shot and each character is equally important in depicting the society in its unbiased form. One of the reason for it to not gain popularity is simply because it defied the conventional style of Bollywood and also people did not give this movie a second look because it lacked huge star power. The movie's USP is its story and flawless performance. This movie also reveals the sad state of affairs for the Indian cinema because no one likes to see a sad ending but this is reality of life, which one could never escape.

I do not wish to be philosophical but only want to stress that this is one of the best films I have watched and the music (especially Maula and Javeda Zindagi) are neo-classical: soulful and powerful to transport to another world.

Before this movie came out, I had high expectations from Farah Khan and SRK combination because they delivered Main Hoon Na (an ode to the 70s in a cheesy manner but a well-made movie with a good message and emotions). I do accept that I had some really good laughs in this movie but if I were to isolate them from the story, the movie itself is riddled with so many factual inaccuracies and plot holes that it could easily go down as one of the worst SRK movies in his entire career. This kind of movie making huge dividends at the box office is a sure sign that Indian audience need to rise above their star fad and give way to intelligent movies. 2014 witness some good movies too but they were all drowned by the SRK stamp during the year. One of the reasons for my disappointment with this movie was that it was shot in Dubai (which is a nice thing) but it fed all the stereotypes that Indians have about Dubai. SRK is a highly revered Bollywood actor among the Emiratis and this was one of his chance to showcase the glamour and glitz of Bollywood by taking UAE as a base and showing correct things about the country (since he is one of the brand ambassadors for Dubai) but this was by far one of the disgrace he has shown to the country. Few examples of this such as saying that the law for theft in Dubai is chopping off hands (which is wrong) and, in the ending, the Dubai police would never take an accused to the police car in front of public. I could go on and on criticizing this movie not because it was a horrible movie but because such movies made money and audience do not even object such nonsense and it showed the city in a bad light. If we see any misrepresentation of India in any Hollywood movie, we make it a personal offense and start boycotting, doing Twitter trolls and make mountain out of molehill then why should we bad- mouth or downgrade another city / country.

I also heard that the script of this movie was selected in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. I am happy for that. This movie is a testament for the budding film-makers on how not to make such a trash movie like this.