Ensofter Overrated and overhyped

CommentsXp Best movie ever!

Borgarkeri A bit overrated, but still an amazing film

Mischa Redfern I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

jaiswaldilipdj Movie starts very well. Many characters have played their role out of boundaries. Movie's authenticity felt little low. Songs, ugh! Too much of inquired songs. Gauhar Khan was much better than her earlier roles. A definitely recommendable movie. Few very powerful scenes which can rip your heart.

jahangirhussain74 Begum Jaan works only because of Vidya Balan. As a performer, Vidya has never disappointed. Since her debut Parineeta, Vidya showed us why she's one versatile actor to watch out for. As Begum Jaan, Vidya gives the film her all. She's totally convincing as the owner of a brothel who's worldly wise and spouts philosophy at the drop of a hat. The only thing unconvincing about her appearance (and that's not entirely her fault!) is her unibrow. I don't understand why would the director ask Vidya to sport a unibrow while all the other girls in the brothel have perfectly shaped eyebrows. But that's just nitpicking in an otherwise brilliant performance. Now let's move on to the other aspect of this movie, I think it's the direction that falters the most. I never understood what the director is trying to tell us through this movie. He seems really confused about how to get his point through. There are a lot of scenes in the movie which don't seem to add to the actual plot of the movie. We never get to sympathise with Begum Jaan's plight to save her brothel. We know that she's emotionally attached to her house and that's about it. The time of The Partition was a tough one and we know that a lot of people were leaving their houses as they had no other choice. Then why would Begum Jaan try to challenge this movement at the cost of so many people's lives at her brothel? I mean, she's not the only one who is asked to leave her house at that time! Also, the background score seems too loud at some point and absolutely unnecessary at some. Talking about the supporting cast, I must say Vidya gets ample support from them. Gauahar Khan lends credibility to her role as Rubina, Begum's right hand woman. Pallavi Sharda also shines in some of the scenes. But the surprise package is Chunky Pandey in his never before seen evil avatar. Overall, Begum Jaan could have been a much better film had the director put some thought on how to build up an engaging plot without unnecessary melodrama and sub plots. Still, it can only be enjoyed for Vidya and Vidya's performance only!

AnalEyesR An extremely disappointing film from Mr Srijit Mukherji. A low Second Class from a Presidencian ... extremely disappointing!The story and concept is strong, but the execution extremely weak. If it was not for the acting and characterization of the fabulous Ms Vidya Balan and most of the other cast, this film would be dreary, bland, and quite surprisingly, a big drag. The film's narrative was monochromatic, lacking in cinematic magic, depth, and speed, and the brusque and forced elements of unpredictability and sub-plots and side-stories completely unattached and apathetic.The liberal perspectives of a feminist (or humanist) standpoint against the backdrop of the angst of Partition could have been more intricately and passionately explored. The existential crises and the fears that were imposed on the affected people during Partition were nowhere in the film. In its dragging pace despite its misandrous histrionics, Begum Jaan shows no understanding of the agony and impasse afflicting those in its grip; in its preoccupation with staged flashes, Begum Jaan neglects revealing its soul and story. As a consequence, we feel nothing for the characters and their social standings.This film could have so well and cleverly explored the no-compromise zone of the 'kotha' inmates against the canvas of the Partition; but unfortunately it did not. Visual elements of "half-faces" were unnecessarily stretched to irritations. No wonder many in the theatre were frequently thumbing with their mobiles ... a sad irritation to all those behind them.Yes, there are scenes to shock and provoke, but they were like a handful of peppercorns in a tasteless tepid papaya soup. Didn't gel.And, oh yes, I'm not an expert, but were the dresses conforming to Punjab in the late 1940's? They looked more Awadhi/Lucknavi in style.Is there nothing to like? Ms Balan merits a 9+, as usual perhaps. Others too were good, would range between 8 and 9. For me, the film overall would not rate higher than a 6. I'm rating it 4 now just to balance the suspiciously high numbers who have rated it 10. IMHO, anyone who rates this film overall higher than 6.5 either has not watched the film, has some vested interest, or does not understand cinema. The film, as shown, was probably stretched an hour too long for its own good. That hour could have explored many many essential angles instead, for example, why was the 'kotha' under this specific Raja's patronage, and from when?

shaanpalli I think the Bhatt family smokes weed every time they make a movie. This movie was utterly rubbish. They could do so much with the script, but the director just screwed up the plot. The story was just outstanding and I was expecting so much from the movie mainly because of that. The dubbing, the editing, the acting (What the hell happened to Vidya Balan?!? She used to be so much better before), everything was just awful. There was a scene in the movie where the shot had half of the actor's face in a frame. Everyone in the movie thought the theater was probably zooming in but it was actually how it was shot. I can't believe i spent $15 on this movie. I am surprised the board even let them release this movie. So disappointed seriously. Movies like this spoils Indian film industry's reputation across the world.