Tushar Joshi

in India Today

Salman looks better in Sikandar than in his last few films. His emotional scenes, especially with the children and the climax, work in lifting a dull script. Despite the cliches and run-of-the-mill treatment in several scenes, his charisma and stardom sail through even the most banal and dull writing. Rashmika’s character feels underutilised, and she doesn’t really get a big monologue or a stand-out scene that works in her favour.

in India Today

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari's strength lies in its writing, peppered with dialogues that wink at iconic Bollywood moments—from SRK’s 'Chak De' monologue to a cheeky reference to 'Mr. India’s' 'Kaante Nahin Katte'. The first half builds solidly and promises an equally strong payoff. Unfortunately, the film falters in its final act, with a rushed and illogical climax that undermines the buildup.

in India Today

The premise of ‘Khel Khel Mein’ is engaging. But what makes it watchable is the way Mudassar made the characters' fears, worries and insecurities relatable. The first half is lazy and takes its own sweet time to give us the backstories of these characters. Some of these stories are engaging. Others, quite boring.

in India Today

Technically, the series looks very international and the scale also looks big. Post-production work on the show is noteworthy, especially big action pieces and even different backdrops in and around the centrepiece of the series -- the ship. Jai Mehta also lets you in on the sights and sounds of Mogadishu. For shows that are mostly centred in UK or Europe, this change of place is a definite welcome. Performances are a strong point, with Gomber taking the lead and showcasing his versatility. Amruta Khanvilkar is in top form and her scenes with Vivek are one of the highlights of the show. Lootere works because it doesn’t get trapped in the easy-set formula of men battling pirates. Jai Mehta’s direction has shades of his father, Hansal Mehta’s frames, and sometimes even the dialogues are reminiscent of Hansal Mehta’s hit franchise, Scam.

in India Today

Sudha Kongara's writing and her staging of scenes are the major highlights of the film. From the very first scene of a plane declaring 'Mayday' to deep diving into the psyche of Vir and his never-die attitude, the film has several high points. Kongara also takes Akshay Kumar back to the basics. The actor has made a solid comeback in a performance that is so rooted. His emotional scene when he breaks down in front of his mother, played by the brilliant Seema Biswas, is a reminder of how an actor should surrender to his director to be able to deliver an honest performance. Akshay's portrayal of Vir Mhatre shows strife and struggle that often makes for engaging cinema. Despite his superstar status, he becomes the common man and shines in several scenes that allow him to emote and perform.

in India Today

Stree 2 has a lot going for it—the writing is sharper, the references to other films and pop-culture moments are smartly woven into the script, and the VFX has definitely improved. Where Stree 2 struggles the most is in its fight to keep the tempo going. The gags and punches at times get overbearing and exhausting, while the climax is deafeningly loud and repetitive with many scenes overlapping each other. Thankfully, the cast makes up for the lack of better storytelling. Rajkummar is in top form and has effortless comic timing. Shraddha provides the right blend of mystery and intrigue as Stree. Aparshakti and Abhishek Banerjee’s characters are well-defined and contribute significantly to the overall plot. Pankaj Tripathi has the most whistle-worthy lines and goes for the kill.

in India Today

Motwane is a man of patience and good virtue when it comes to storytelling. If you have seen his underrated Udaan or now labelled as a cult classic - Lootera, you can tell that the man loves to build up scenes. In Jubilee, the juice is not so much in the destination, but the journey. You need to sit tight in the first three episodes and educate yourself about the many characters and their sinister nature before calling it a day. Jubilee is technically one of the best shows to have come out in recent times. Everything from the art direction to set design to the clothes and even the dialogues is a cohesive amalgamation of elements that transport you to the era.

in India Today

Just Tom on a bike doing his thing. Â This makes me realise that when it comes to action, we need to install a part of realism into our choreography. The other glitch with Pathaan is with some of the dialogues, SRK gets flirty with Deepika and calls her a ‘bomb’ while admitting he’s ready for a ‘blast’ as her thigh seductively grazes him. In another scene, he tries to use his comic side to rhyme the Russian currency roubles with the word ‘boobles’ while referring to a lady flaunting her clevage. Smarter writing would definitely have saved Pathaan. Pathaan is unapologetically fun. It isn’t trying to send a public service message or pass commentary on the current state of affairs. Instead, it sets the clock back to a time when a Shah Rukh Khan film at the cinemas was a moment to rejoice.

in India Today

On the flip side, the score and music sounds outdated and some of the dialogues stand out as a sore thumb in an otherwise modern setting.

in India Today

Ranbir’s sidekick in the film Anubhav Singh Bassi uses his standup comedy learnings to the best ability and is hilarious in most scenes. Where TJMM falters is in its lengthy and tiring first half. Since this is Ranjan’s most family friendly film (to the extent that it has direct reference to the father of family dramas - Sooraj Barjatya), it should have had more fun moments between Ranbir and his dysfunctional family, instead it puts too much emphasis on making the frames look glossy and overdone. There are also a few odd looking close-up shots of Ranbir where he looks like there are multiple Instagram filters covering his lean jawline. Perhaps an effort to make him look younger to suit the character? Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar’s second half and peppy climax redeem its lazy first half and making it a worthy entertainer.

in India Today

For Kartik Aaryan fans, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 has all the masala and makings to satiate their taste buds. It’s funny in places, tries to be scary most of the time, but like its title, its efforts get somewhere lost in a maze.

in India Today

Gangubai is not perfect. The film is about the choices she makes. There is very little emphasis on the wrong turns she makes in her journey to reach the top and meet the Prime Minister of the country to champion her cause. Gangubai Kathiawadi’s camera work, background score and dialogues are the three pillars that take it from being just another gutsy biopic to a film that creates a massive impact. Gangubai is a solid risk for both Bhansali and Alia. A risk that pays off beautifully for both the director and his muse.