Reviews

Zoya Akhtar has created a masterpiece.

In no universe it deserves to have 5.3 rating on imdb. This movie deserves at least 7.5 on imdb. It was personally a 10 for me.

Farhan Akhtars dialogues were perfect.

Javed Akhtars lyrics (I didnt know this movie was a musical; this movie is first in its category in bollywood) were perfect.

I LOVED the songs and even the choreography.

The attention to details were great too (for eg, the fan switches were actually 1964s ones)

I realised this movie is an utopian movie towards the last 20 minutes watching this movie. Having watched/read too many dystopias (black mirror, leela etc) and almost no utopias, i didnt know they exist haha. No jealous, perfect girl friendship, perfect communication in relationships, letting go of both girls you love, adults apologizing to kids (parents apologising to their sons) - all of this is utopia! Bad players are there, problems are there, capitalism is there but the way people deal with stuff and their response is amazing. For eg Betty didnt bitch about Veronica when she felt jealous. Dealing with emotions is utopian.

This movie also shows and teaches lessons about democracy, press, capitalism. Good thing is none of these things are really polarising. Ideally capitalism isnt bad either.

Good thing that Zoya Akhtar did not bring in more issues like body shaming to the mix, otherwise it would be very confusing.

Overall, I cried twice in this movie, Movie is very emotional at times (for eg not feeling like you belong or are cool - for a nerd kid) Will make you go all Aww 100 times too.

10/10 classic watch for me!

I stopped watching series in favour of watching movies but Neve Have I Ever has always been an exception. It's easy to watch. As an Indian girl who topped her school, kind of relatable except my life was not as happening as Devi's. Haha. It's cool and deep at the same time. Characters and situations are easy to relate to apart from some exaggeration. It also highlights grief beautifully. Losing a dad is not easy and the series brings out story of Devi and her mom. I love the difficulty the series portrays in chosing a romantic partner. No partner is perfect and that's the best part about it. The acting is amazing. Story-telling too.

If there's one movie I would recommend to all this year -- It is easily "Darlings". What a brilliant movie with amazing acting and story. The story is not too unrealistic. It grows realistically. It was able to successfully bring out nuances around something as complicated as domestic violence. Character building was strong. The movie was focused. It didn't have too many plotlines or dialogues to make it noisey -- which was perfect. The only unrealistic part was so many helpful people getting involved in complicated crime without any selfish motive -- which is a little difficult to digest. Overall, a beautiful movie of hope and despair. If there's one movie I could compare this movie to - it would be Shawshank Redemption. Loved it as much as I loved Shawshank Redemption.

Must watch. This movie is like a song - beautiful and emotion-evoking. I cried at least 2 times while watching the movie. (Maybe more to do with my residual emotions than the movie itself 😂)

Biswapati Sarkar's writing is simply brilliant (fun fact : spotted Biswapati Sarkar in one of the scenes haha).

Everyone's acting in the movie was brilliant. Especially Manoj Joshi.

What I loved about this movie was the fact that it picks up a very relatable person as the protagonist in Jeetu bhaiya. The character is as immature as it can get. This character doesn't understand true meaning of love or magic. The character has good intentions and in his own words "I'm not a bad person". He is taken on a journey where he is taught both love and magic.

The immaturity of this character exists in most of us and people around us. The movie reminds what it means to love someone in most simple way possible. We forget that love is an active choice. We forget that love is difficult. We forget that its not as easy as saying "I love you" or giving gifts on birthday. We forget that love is effort but the rewards of love are beautiful.

This movie also highlights grief and how different people deal with grief.

There were parts of this movie which I didn't like.

1/ Obviously, it gets unrealistic and dramatic at times but its a "love"ly movie. The parts, which to me were unrealistic were how the protagonist changes so easily. I think people don't change so easy without failing hard or trauma. The magic was unrealistic too. So was the unbelievable team playing football.

2/ The movie closes the loop on main love story and the heroine's father. It doesn't close a few loops properly like the protagonist's relationship with his chacha (which I think could have gotten a better closure), the guy with the hand issue etc. Would have loved to see few more loops closing.

Extremely predictable. Cute, kiddish, romantic somewhat. I felt the Lorenzo thing never properly ended. Atleast a final kiss could have made it better. I sort of want an Italian guy of my own after watching it 😂 Weird acting by all lead characters except maybe the god-mother. The movie would have been so much better if the acting was slightly better.

Interesting movie. Definitely a one-time watch. The movie inadvertently makes Gangubai very heroic and makes the audience sympathise with the character. I liked the overall theme of the movie - prostitution in India. I liked the character of Gangubai - very open, direct and to-the-point. I did not like certain elements of the movie but then again - these may be based on reality and reality is often boring for eg the love affair with the young guy and how okay he was to marry someone underage just because she asked him to. Did not understand the angle around alcohol sale and how it led to election win or anything. The angle with family - why did she never contacted her family ever earlier than she did. The angle with her lover who betrayed her. These were unanswered random parts of the story.

Loved the emotions she had about "love". How, for her, love was more about someone comforting her. Loved how grounded the story was - realistic politics, realistic journalist.

I really am struggling to review this movie. Kind of cute, for sure. The little kids were the best part of the movie. Feels unfinished and unnecessary from a story perspective. They picked a lot of random parts of protagonist's life - her ex-husband and his attempt to get back together, the three guys and their individual personality, the romance between Alice and one of the guys (which kind of felt totally weird), the school play, the mother, the film history of Alice's dad, struggling film makers in LA, Alice's job, her random date, fighting for no reason. None of these sub-stories make much sense. There were many unreasonable expectations. I think it made a big deal out of missing a dinner and so many things. Unrealistic, unfunny, non-romantic but kind of cute family stuff. I like the random happy moments in between.

I felt like quitting it a million times. Not sure what made me continue. Unrealistic non romantic romance movie. Though I liked the dialogue "you like because but you love despite"

I had been postponing watching this movie for so long but I'm glad I finally got to it! This movie is an absolute delight and lives upto it's hype. In fact, it's underrated. It's brilliant story. Brilliant direction. Brilliant actors. Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill, Manoj Vajapayee, Divya Dutta - all were brilliant. Not sure how Kajal Aggarwal landed here. 'overacting ke 50 rs katne chaiye uske'. It's one of those movies which makes you sympathies more with wrongdoers. Anyway. What a brilliant movie. Perfect fun for your brain.

I'm just giggly watching this because Gerard Butler was this imaginary irresistibly hot guy in this movie. Both leads were great. I really don't know how I feel about this movie, tbh. I'm still making up my mind. It was a very predictable movie but nevertheless I liked it. Left me with giggly, laughing and oh-so-romantic vibes. Some things said in this movie is really the ugly truth of romantic relationships. There is a book called "The Art of Seduction" and I'm afraid it does work. Human psychology does work like that. Though the movie went out of character by the leads falling in love (which was predictable). I would have respected this movie more if it had an ugly ending but I possibly would not have enjoyed it as much. Heck - it would be real. Reality in itself is enough to disappoint - why seek that disappointment from movies too? ;)

I liked the story barring the unnecessary turn into a crime story. I think they put sufficient time in building characters which was great but then in last 30 minute of the story, these characters just jump out of character to ensure it becomes crime thriller. For eg - Deepika Padukone's character becomes unnecessarily needy, Siddhant's unnecessarily bipolar (sacrificing for love to sacrificing life). I loved how this movie portray complex situations and emotions - from suicide, depression, PTSD, domestic violence, affairs (doesn't portray the person as an extremely wrong vamp person with Kamolika vibes), relationship issues (romantic, familial). Would have loved this movie to be directed better and better story end.

What an exceptional documentary / movie (documovie?) about a scamster. The story builds up - from sweet to scary to terrifying to alright. Such a roller coaster ride with different pieces coming together. One kind of knows where this was going but you would want to give anything to make it not go there. I love the girls who came forward. They have such amazing gut. So brave of them after being threatened. I cannot even imagine how scary it must have been. Hats off to them to try to bring this to the world. I feel so happy that they did this. So happy that this person is now out on Netflix and hopefully nobody lends him any money.

The movie also makes me lose my trust more in authorities. He seems to be a free man now. I don't think justice was done to the girls who lost their money. It's sad. It's scary. But reality often is.

I like that the girls took it positively that they came together to not let this happen to others but the state of our justice is in shambles. Need to be very cautious in this world full of scamsters. Go with your gut. I generally thought such men wouldn't exist and even if they did - they wouldn't tell you to lend money or they love you in 30 days. That's just suspicious. If something is too good to be true - it often is. :)

I'm all giggly writing this review because this movie is feel-good adorable and sweet. It is such a bollywood movie. It was 85% Netflix match for me and I normally don't like 5.xx imdb movies but it was just so adorable. Like I-could-eat-this-movie-up kind of adorable.

Initially, I related to the girl (Celia) in the movie barring the fact that she really looked good and had less ambition. I had been a weird, cerebral, tomboy who got friend-zoned too many times and who is kind of contrarian conversationalist who doesn't like going to stupid parties and click pictures. I was very Celia all my teenage life and I see now why I shouldn't have been. Movies like these makes your teen expectations go up and then reality disappoints. There are no Brooks Rattigan in the real world. (One thing I liked less about this character was also the fact that he gave up on Yale - like why bro?) There is no sudden realisation that you like someone and then sweet confessions and happily suddenly. Okay, as I am writing this, I am thinking maybe I should have rated it 6. I don't know - I am a sucker for cheesy bollywood stuff. The teen still lives inside me - though in proper control this time. I don't let the teen dictate my feelings or actions but who isn't waiting for their perfect bollywood romance? (Heck even Ritesh and Genelia got that thing going) ok i think this is only the effect of watching this cheesy stuff near Valentines'

Aamir Khan was brilliant as the voice of Pluto. Amazing narration. Individually each actor was perfectly cast. I absolutely loved everyone's acting. Especially Shefali Shah, Priyanka Chopra, and Anil Kapoor. I think the movie perfectly brings out dysfunctional family dynamics in India - especially zoomed in on rich-business families. It's modern day version of K3G. You'll feel you have seen such characters around you - very relatable. It's NOT an over-the-top romance which goes all obvious with the rich dad saying "I will not let you marry this poor guy" (which rarely happens in real life) BUT a subtle-painfully-real story in which the rich dad sends the poor guy away without anyone suspecting malice. I know many people who would heavily relate to Priyanka Chopra's character - strong independent but overpowered by stronger family. With her marriage as well - people are not black and white misogynists - they are grey. They think they are feminist but they are not. So many such characters. Families are broken despite having all the wealth in the world.

I love how close to reality this movie and its characters are and important lessons of love it clearly passes on.

Movie based on the real life story of Alan Turing (though there were certain inaccuracies). Brilliant direction, brilliant acting. A work of art. Turing is an inspiration. I just feel sad about how homosexual people were treated back then (also how women were treated) and what they had to go through. No matter who you were and what you did - homosexuality was a big crime. Also being an ambitious woman so difficult in society then. We have come a long way with miles to go ahead. I feel sad for Turing's state-mandated hormonal treatment and subsequent alleged suicide. The movie amazingly inspires with the story of this young prodigy and his work which impacted so many people, not to mention, all the future work on Turing Machines (computers). Must watch - a gripping inspirational well-acted story of a genius.

It's a nice one time watch. Nothing gripping / dramatic / greatest. Just a simple story trying to capture JK Rowling's initial few years and struggles - her losing her mom, getting married, having a daughter, struggling with money. Kind of inspiring, for sure. The movie just didn't move me a lot maybe except the relationship with her mother part. I loved how they depicted her relationship with her mom. Rest were kind of flaky - they showed her dad and sister but didnt talk about her relationship with them too much. Her getting married surprised me. I am still struggling to accept that she agreed to get married to that guy under the circumstances shown in the movie. Feels like nobody sane would. They don't tell about her feelings about him. Basically feels rushed. Like they tried a lot to just fit the Harry Potter story in.

This standup special is Kapil Sharma's audio autobiography to some extent. He tells about a lot of elements of his personal life - he punches up to the government, talks about depression, talks about his childhood and initial days in theatre/music/comedy, talks about his father who passed away when he was 20-21 years old, his lovely story with his wife. He gets very emotional at times - could feel his raw emotions. I absolutely loved his emotional expression. This special is not exactly funny but emotional. It's funny in a way that audience laughs with him for his emotional story. I love his attitude of bouncing back. I love his philosophy. I love his personality. So, overall definitely a one time watch if you like emotional storytelling (how Zakir also does) :)

This movie is beautiful. More so in a 'sweet slow predictable charming feel good' kind of way than in a 'sitting on the edge of your chair' kind of way. I loved it for the message it gives out. We often want things which are not always good for us. We wish to be cool, popular, hot. In pursuit of those, we sometimes compromise on kindness, acceptance, humility, friendship and go on the route of being a bad person overall. The movie highlights what is important and who is important in the overall grand scheme of things. It's important to have good close friends who want the best for you. It's important to have someone love you and be there for you and care about you. It's important to have a purpose and not cheat. It's important to make time for people who matter ie family. It's not important to date the hottest guy or be friends with mean popular people or compromise on everything to be successful.

We just realise these things a little too late in life when the sand had already slipped away.

One thing I don't like about this movie is - it paints people in very black and white picture. Matt is all white while the mean friend is all black. I think it's very less nuanced story. Humans are almost always grey and much more nuanced.

Though I loved the sweet story which brings out this beautiful message.

The acting was good. Dialogues good too.

You'll be disappointed if you expect a twist.

Ayushmann Khurrana makes a great deal of social impact/stigma movies right from Vicky Donor, Article 15 (which was much more intense though), Badhai Ho, Bala. It was in "Vicky Donor Badhai Ho Bala" category. Had good number of jokes - not too intense but passes the message about transgender community all along. Ayushmann Khurrana is doing great just educating people and making them have empathy with diverse group of people.

Predictable, funny, nice one time feel good watch.

I liked the fact that as a single working professional Indian gal - I could totally relate to this movie. From childhood you end up expecting a fairy tale or something extraordinary but then as an adult life starts disappointing. You realise it's impossible to date and know people and your trust keep breaking. I loved Mindy's character. Cheerful, independent, truthful. I just felt the story is too slow without any interesting things happening to capture attention. There was an obvious chemistry between the leads which took way to look to develop and then just felt not worth it. I lost patience.

Except for Meryl Streep being supremely beautiful- the movie sucked. I feel I have enough complications in my life to deal with complications on movies. Unnecessary complications. Also - do people really have that sex drive after a certain age?! I don't see any point of the entire movie tbh.

Do not except unpredictable story or very touching moments or greatest dialogues. This has a good message though. As Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson) grew in her life - she was still doing things the old way while her audience adapted to new better world principles and values very quickly - not putting down people just because they post dog-videos, being nice to people you work with, being open and vulnerable makes you human and some more. In the pursuit of excellence - nobody told her the definition of excellence changed. I liked the message this movie puts forward. I also liked the acting of the two leads.

I feel the message could have been better told (better writing) and better directed. It felt like a hurried movie. Scenes didn't reach their climax where the audience goes "i'm not crying, you are"