Kunal Guha reviews
91 reviews of Indian films, average rating 2.3/5.
Director Ananth Mahadevan plays it safe by ticking all the boxes: adapting a story that got enough press to have recall, getting former journalist C P Surendran to pen the screenplay, and casting faces who have a proven success…
Read the full reviewDebutant director Vinod Kapri was astute in picking a subject that tabloid headlines are made of. But in execution, he couldn't convey the mood of the story. Directing a satire can be tricky.
Read the full reviewFilms about youth striving for change and questioning authority have existed from the beginning of time.
Read the full reviewThis is India’s first carbon neutral film. If you watch it, you’ll wonder if the lack of carbon can be blamed for this celluloid disaster.
Read the full reviewThis is India’s first carbon neutral film. If you watch it, you’ll wonder if the lack of carbon can be blamed for this celluloid disaster.
Read the full reviewA 124-minute film about a man trying to pull down a mountain could be like staring at a construction site while stuck in a traffic jam. But this one weaves in enough entertainment and thrill to be a lot more than that.
Read the full reviewDirector Sabbir Khan should be credited for framing the well-conceptualised action scenes. But for the rest, writer Sanjeev Dutta left him with very little to play with.
Read the full reviewIf you're keen on exploring parts of South Africa, off the B'wood map, this one's for you. But that's just one reason.
Read the full reviewWriter-director Ruchika Oberoi's Fedora prize at last year's Venice Film Festival for Island City is well-deserved.
Read the full reviewSRK's money dialogue, "Aaj ke baad apna chehra mat dikhana, jaan le longa," seems like a threat for audiences willing to attempt a second watch.
Read the full reviewThe film is a clear winner for its spontaneous dialogues that work well also for the timing. The music is bearable if not enjoyable, while Yana Gupta’s gyrating stunner, ‘Laila’ might have many takers.
Read the full reviewBubblegum romance in Hindi films has finally come of age. So, teens will still be teens but they’ve grown up with a healthy appetite for Southpark and Simpsons.
Read the full review‘Stanley ka dabba’ is a deliciously candid and naturalistic portrayal of not just children but also of school teachers.Stanley and his childish ways are initially adorable but get a bit annoying after a while as the entire…
Read the full reviewDesi versions of Hollywood thrillers are like first copy bootlegs from Thailand. They initially look approximately the same but later the threads begin to wriggle out.
Read the full reviewPredictably, Paan Singh is a victim of society and unavoidable circumstances push him to pick up his rustic double barrel. And like many other Bollywood baddies, he meets his inglorious end.
Read the full reviewThe suspense in Sujoy Ghoshs Kahaani may not be nail-chewing-worthy but he succeeds in getting Kolkata to perform at its peak and look like its on a wire between vintage and decrepit.
Read the full reviewDespite miraculous leaps in production values, spy thrillers in Bollywood end up looking like Chinese equivalents of western products.
Read the full reviewAnil Kapoor and Ajay Devgn may be sharp but with a blunt script and a blot for a plot, their performances couldnt save this highly explosive turkey from detonating.
Read the full reviewThe only appreciable thing about Department is that it drifts away from one thing that is common in every gangster movie produced in Bollywood: it doesnt morally question gangsters for their ganging operations nor does it…
Read the full reviewThe film wins for being simplistic and devoid of forced complications. But it is this same merit that could be seen as a minus as many could perceive the film to be too straight-laced and without a personality.
Read the full reviewIts a hollow approach to relationships that leaves you with an empty feeling of nothingness.
Read the full reviewSunny breathes a lot and offers the same twin reasons to watch this film that she has in her entire filmography. The film lives up to its title by allowing one to examine the human body in more ways than most doctors get to.
Read the full reviewThis is not a whodunit , this is a how-it-is-done. So if you believe that the lord is in the detail and the passion with which any action or emotion is expressed, this is your film. Kill Bill/ Rambo fans, book your seats now.
Read the full reviewOne of the most annoying dilemmas that the lead cast is constantly pondering over through the film is whether to follow the dil or the dimaag.
Read the full review‘Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’ (SFKTNP) go on to prove that the hero doesn’t need to be right out of Mills and Boons and his love interest can have a few extra love handles.SFKTNP may not be the greatest love story ever told…
Read the full reviewThose hoping for a cruise package at the cost of a movie ticket will be a bit disappointed as the indoor shots exceed the ones under the sun.
Read the full review...what could've been a sensitive debate on whether battered wives can challenge societal norms to seek extramarital comfort, ends up being an eclectic mix of cliches.
Read the full reviewAnybody can dance, but not everybody can watch them do just that for 154 minutes (the film’s run time) at a stretch. Enthusiasts, who
Read the full reviewDirector Karan Malhotra has a unique ability. He can douse anything into a tub of glycerine and make even a movie about MMA into one about loving your parents. After all, it's also about loving your producer.
Read the full reviewThe Hero that catapulted Jackie Shroff and Meenakshi Sheshadri to instant stardom had songs like Lambi Judai and Tu Mera Hero which can be partly credited, as they'd factor in the success of films then.
Read the full reviewAn essential part of heartbreak films is the unsaid assurance that all will be well by the end. The only certainty here, is that this story of heartache will surely lead to a headache.
Read the full reviewDebutant director Zeishan Quadri makes all the classical mistakes of a first-timer. One complains when star-studded blockbusters can afford to rake in crores without a plot.
Read the full reviewFundamentally, all chase films have someone on the run and someone trying to track the first 'someone' down. Where this one differs is that it fails to be unpredictable.
Read the full reviewThe top reason for the success of the first part was that it picked on rarely-discussed yet universally prevalent sufferings of committed men.
Read the full reviewPullav is a delectable preparation, but this one will result in an upset stomach. Go for khichdi instead.
Read the full reviewDirector Vikas Bahl, best known for helming films like Queen and Chillar Party, has acquired a reputation for himself and unfortunately for him, people have expectations from this one.
Read the full reviewTitli seems to be made with the single-minded objective of leaving audiences with an unsettling feeling-A constant discomfort that can't be shrugged off, like a nasty itch at an unreachable part of your back.
Read the full reviewIn Charles' words, "Oyaltee has its own price to pay." But investing time to watch this one will only mean making a 'oyal' buffoon of yourself.
Read the full reviewBeing a Khan film releasing on Diwali, it would be hardly surprising if this one clocks the big three digits at the box office.
Read the full reviewTamasha would've been a dream on paper but a lot is lost in execution. Ranbir and Deepika's offscreen chemistry may be history but a romcom set in a scenic geography is usually a recipe for success.
Read the full reviewThere are films you love and those you hate. This one falls in the third, the ones you'd love to hate.
Read the full reviewAIG's selling point is the honesty with which the leading women approach their characters and the uncontainable chutzpah they exude.
Read the full reviewThis one is worthy of a single watch, but only for Akhtar, who is relentless and determined in his efforts to make this film work.
Read the full reviewWhile Ghayal was a path-breaking revenge story that won seven Filmfare Awards, this sequel won't manage as much traction. But if you're a Sunny Deol fanboy, this one ticks all: lung-tearing screams and crushing punches.
Read the full reviewA novel theory suggested in the film is that faces of ageing seniors bear tells of decisions taken earlier in life. A frowning glory equals to having compromised with one's wishes.
Read the full reviewHow one experiences this film mirrors one's opinions and preconceived notions of alternative sexualities. It's a film of many firsts. And given how most Hindi movies caricature homosexuals, this one is a reality check.
Read the full reviewAn adaptation of the Korean film The Man from Nowhere, this one lacks the visual aesthetics of Sanjay Gupta’s remakes.
Read the full reviewCapitalising on the iconic Sikh characters that caustic columnist and writer Khushwant Singh celebrated in his joke books, this is a cinematic blot that debunks that famous detergent slogan 'daag ache hain'.
Read the full reviewDirector Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari deserves credit for transforming a very average story with a predictable moral into a film that leaves you feeling snug and content.
Read the full reviewAn insider’s view of the nefarious industry that retails the red stuff flowing in our veins, Laal Rang keeps it typical.
Read the full reviewOrgan donation is a noble cause that this film picks up to endorse. But the superficial focus on the humanitarian act only draws attention away from it.
Read the full reviewWhen you sign up for a Sunny Leone film, there are expectations of a certain kind. For such a single-minded audience, Sunny delivers with foamy
Read the full reviewWhile this could’ve been a breezy indie mood film that travels to a few festivals, it may face a serious challenge as a commercial release in India.
Read the full reviewThe issue with this film is not that it packs in too many issues. It's just that it has too many of its own.
Read the full reviewA problem with this film is that it won't agree well with ardent Azhar fans, given the slips in factual accuracy. And his detractors would argue against his engineered victim image in the film.
Read the full reviewIt would be a spoiler to define the genre of the film as it would give away much of the plot. And the thrills you take away from the film are directly proportional to how wild your imagination is.
Read the full reviewIt's upsetting that Ram Gopal Varma fans have to put up with this. Even the very few and far between visual flourishes are merely reminders of an auteur that was.
Read the full review...the film takes a preachy stance in repeatedly conveying the debilitating life of addicts. It adopts a Films Division documentary approach in a tedious sequence that explains the supply chain operation of various drugs.
Read the full reviewIndian slasher films (the few that have managed to be produced) have been typical fare: solely focusing on the act and the investigation that leads to the capture of the offender.
Read the full reviewThis film also challenges Google's inability in answering all questions of life.
Read the full reviewVeteran Ashutosh Rana is mostly contained and Jimmy Shergill is controlled in his insults. But Turkish debutant Suha Gezen is a bit too loud by average sonic standards of someone grieving multiple setbacks.
Read the full reviewOnly one piece of advice for those rushing to catch this: carry along a chastity belt. It would be useful only if worn over the head, covering your eyes and ears.
Read the full reviewAt some point, Figs' father (Tom Alter in an ill-fitting suit) shared, "You need to stop running if you want to find what you're looking for." For the audience, the answer lies outside the screen.
Read the full reviewDishoom jabs a hole into every action thriller ever made and packs in tested tropes - like two unlikely cops paired together for a mission to save someone of national significance.
Read the full reviewWhen you sign up for an Arshad Warsi movie, you expect mildly amusing one-liners, a couple of thumkas and, perhaps, a few well-placed punches to
Read the full reviewDirector Rajeev Jhaveri attempts a Hollywood-style narrative with conviction but underestimating the audience's intellect and oversimplifying the plot makes it a tiring watch.
Read the full reviewDespite being a film pegged on fighting over all odds, this one works not just as an inspirational watch, but for being an impression of the despicable state of affairs governing sports today. Sprint to a multiplex near you.
Read the full reviewIt would be a stretch to say this one redefines romcoms or is like none other in recent times. In fact, the climax sequence has the entire cast in a loony fit, much like an average Priyadarshan film.
Read the full reviewThe film dies a progressive death when it takes itself too seriously.
Read the full reviewDirector A R Murugadoss' obsession with themes like good over evil, conscience over corruption and pow over bow continues with Akira.
Read the full reviewThis could've been a breezy love story but it takes itself too seriously and ends up like a masala khichdi with aspirations of being a risotto.
Read the full reviewRibbon makes one realise several things about the world around us — jobs have become demanding beyond decency, maternity leave is a career killer and an inconvenience at best and trust no one with your minor child.
Read the full reviewNamaste England, which is set on the same lines of 2007 hit Namastey London, gives you a deja vu feeling of having seen it all before, you know whats going to happen next, yet you refuse to give up on it.
Read the full reviewWho would want to watch a baby cry? Nobody, and thats what dooms Vinod Kapris silly and sadistic film Pihu, where a little girl walks precariously around an apartment without being watched or cared for.
Read the full reviewDirector Bhushan Patel, previously credited for 1920: Evil Returns, Ragini MMS 2 and Alone, is no stranger to the genre. He packs in every trope that could possibly evoke a jolt-and-a-half.
Read the full reviewOne believes that the laws that govern our land are competent if not entirely snag-free.
Read the full reviewBased on trailers, many would imagine Masaan to be a film meant for festival audiences. But with evolving audience tastes and the equity attached to novel storytelling,'mainstream' is hardly a word of any consequence.
Read the full reviewLukka Chuppi would’ve been unbearable if it weren’t for the performances—everyone from Kartik Aaryan to Kriti Sanon seem committed to make this tick. Even Aparshakti Khurana, playing the reliable sid
Read the full reviewThe film extends a historical perspective to intolerance in India. Although a casual reference, it makes the audience reflect on how "mazhab ki bediya" continue to divide us centuries later.
Read the full reviewIf you’re amused by awkward and socially uncomfortable situations and appreciate the nuances of delicate relationships, tap that app and find a theatre near…
Read the full reviewBeing a single woman in Delhi makes for fragile existence. Constantly scoped by the prying eyes of neighbours who deduce her character based on
Read the full reviewIf you've read about the real events that have inspired this film, you know how it will fold up. But even so, this one scores for managing to pack in a few surprises.
Read the full reviewThis film portrays Rajasthan as the land of the forever happy - where breaking into a song doesn't warrant an excuse and ghevar is the national sweet and acceptable main course.
Read the full reviewAdapted from the play Phone No 786 by Mohd Amin Bhat, Hamid is essentially the voice of a minor who doesn’t understand conflict or its consequence and carves his own interpretation of the events surr
Read the full reviewThis one's worth a watch only for Akshay Kumar. But if you're looking for laughs, Esha Gupta could help too.
Read the full reviewThis film goes against the construct of a Yash Raj film. It has Shah Rukh Khan, but not a single song. It has a shaadi, but it's only peripheral to the story. It has a psychotic stalker but he doesn't believe in self-harm.
Read the full reviewBahubali opens to a roaring waterfall gushing down a cliff. This is not just another waterfall; it’s the most magnificent one you’ve ever seen.
Read the full reviewGiven the premise the first one set, this one was poised to be a big reveal for reasons that led to Kattapa's supposedly heinous act.
Read the full reviewWriter-director Ali Abbas Zafar, whose filmography includes lacklustre films like Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Gunday, breaks a jinx with this delightful flick.
Read the full reviewSaaho hopes to achieve too many things but only ends up in a mangled mess. When a fight sequence set in a Mumbai chawl features an ostrich and a python, youd want to smoke what the writer of this one possibly scored.
Read the full reviewDirector Sajid Ali may not be as insightful as his celebrated filmmaker brother, but he surely folds up his sleeves in conveying the madness and mayhem synonymous with what it means to be a Majnu.
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