Babumoshai Bandookbaaz

wogma rating: Watch but no rush (?)

quick review:

Raw in its treatment, this noir film starts of well but loses its way and doesn't end so.

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Director: Kushan Nandy
Running time: 120 minutes
Genres: Crime, Noir
More Movie Info

Babumoshai Bandookbaaz - Preview

A film with Nawazuddin Siddiqui at center stage – is by that merit itself worth a watch. This one seems to be a thriller with a twist. A contest between two contract killers and because it is Nawazuddin Siddiqui, you are on his side, even after watching only two minutes of the film. He is not even portrayed as a likeable person, let alone a good one who we don't want bad things to happen to. That is the power of both story-telling, performance and a sound dose of preconceived notions.

Also, it is the promise of multi-layered, non-uni-dimensional characters. Sincerely hoping the film follows through.

Babumoshai Bandookbaaz releases on 25 August, 2017.

- meeta, a part of the audience

Babumoshai Bandookbaaz is as raw and rugged as any noir film set in the world of politicians who double-cross and hire contract killers can be expected to be. It stays crude through the sex and violence – both of which it has in plenty. However, what gives way is its limp writing in the last half hour.

The film has a very interesting set of women characters.

Over the years, I have learnt not to be led on by great starts and greater build-ups. Far too many times, the climax is well...anti-climatic. While I wouldn't call Babumoshai Bandookbaaz anti-climatic, but it is rather disappointing because it seems like a cop out.

All the strength of the film though is in its characters. There isn't a good soul in this milieu. They are all just different shades of dark grey. As sad as that is, it is sadder that that's the reason the film feels real. Of course, brilliant performances across the board help things along. I don't know if I will ever tire of seeing Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a crude villager's role. Especially the one who has a swagger.

But then here, everyone has a swagger, and each one carries it with elan. Banke (Jatin Goswami), Phulva (Bidita Bag), the various police officers, their wives, the politicians and a politician's wife – all behave as if they own the place.

The film has a very interesting set of women characters. Most of them are strong-headed. Most of them are the kind you wouldn't cross in a hurry. And very interestingly, the leading men and the main side characters – are all respectful or rather not threatened of the women's independence. Of course, there is letching and prostitution is shown openly. But, the women are far from submissive. And yet it all looks real. That's how well the characters are written. If only, the writers didn't lose steam towards the end.

What is heartening though is that the main draw of this film was Nawazuddin Siddiqui and of the three films I saw today, the other two had two other people in the audience. Babumoshai Bandookbaaz was almost house full, and in a bigger hall too! Whether or not I like the film, that a non-standard film gets its chance with the audience makes this festive season even brighter. And this one does it despite being dark to the core.

- meeta, a part of the audience

25 reviewers(?) - 1 yays 13 so-so 11 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, Sify Movies : ...Overall, the major asset of the film is that it succeeds in maintaining interest and suspense despite obvious foreknowledge of the outcome. ... full review

So-So, by Anna MM Vertticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Besides, Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, flawed though it is, comes as manna to a starving film buff in what must certainly be the worst year for Bollywood in the decade so far. It could have been better, of course, but it is fun enough to be forgiven its follies and indulgences. ... full review

So-So, by Shashank Shekharh, Desi Martini : ...The movie is an ode to the Anurag Kashyap style of filmmaking. Watch it for the sheer brilliance of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, one of the better films this year. ... full review

So-So, by Harshada Rege, DNA : ...Watch it if you are a fan of this genre, but don't expect it to be another Wasseypur. ... full review

So-So, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Sadly, the film doesn’t quite do justice to its own potential and that definitely squanders the efforts of the actors. The second half of the film especially, feels a bit too contrived and indulgent. The themes and the underlying subtext of the film is notable. But this violent tale if killers and lovers isn’t quite as dark and delicious as it should have been.... full review

So-So, by Vishal Verma, Glamsham.com : ...Certainly, BABUMOSHAI BANDOOKBAAZ is Kushan Nandy's most ambitious and technically his best film. The fascination to the radicalism of Anurag Kashyap is evident, there is nothing wrong in getting inspired but Kashyap had a clear point of view in GOW and RAMAN RAGHAV 2.0. Even after accepting its gimmicks, sensationalisms and hinterland exotica, the point of view behind BABUMOSHAI BANDOOKBAAZ is not clear, is it a black comedy on sharp shooters, or a morality lesson that crime doesn't pay? ... full review

So-So, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...But these moments can’t take away your attention from the shallowness of the entire facade. It’s a film pretending to be a stylishly raw gangster saga originated in the interiors of the Hindi heartland, but in reality, it’s nothing more than another attempt to look at the crime prone lower strata of society through a rose tinted glass. Sadly, Babumoshai Bandookbaaz never pierces our hearts. ... full review

So-So, by UDITA JHUNJHUNWALA, Live Mint : ...Nawazuddin Siddiqui reprises a character we have already seen him invent, perfect, and now simply redo. He’s fearless, arrogant and calm; he coldly shoots his targets, delivers dialogue for maximum effect, with a wicked smile teasing the corners of his mouth, swagger, fake Ray Bans and all. Goswami is a fitting sparring partner for Siddiqui and brings a likeable quality to his roguish Banke. Bag is sufficiently sensual, Dutta requisitely assertive. ... full review

So-So, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...Actually, come to think of it, if you took out all the characters and crime-history from Gangs Of Wasseypur, you’ll come close to this. Given what a masterpiece Gangs was, that’s a pretty good compliment by the way! ... full review

So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...Nevertheless, Babumoshai Bandookbaaz is an entertaining ride for sure and if you are a Nawaz fan, the film will definitely be a treat for you... full review

So-So, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...Director Kushan Nandy takes on an ambitious story and tells it in a manner that packs in sudden jolts. But he invests more in stunts and comparatively lesser in establishing motives. This makes the film full of scenes which would make a crisp trailer but when stitched together, seem like a clunky collective of gimmicks. ... full review

So-So, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...Nandy parades an admirable bunch of venal characters, all of whom are perfectly played by the cast. Anil George’s menace is matched by Divya Dutta’s heartlessness. Although Bhagwan Tiwari has played the tainted man in khaki before, he is effective here as the corrupt police officer who keeps impregnating his wife in the hope that some day, she will deliver a daughter instead of a son. ... full review

So-So, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...Women don’t have much to do other than being objects of desire. Divya Dutta does her level best to spit fire in a clichéd representation of politician. Things sail along on the performances — the dependable Nawaz and the otherwise little seen Jatin Gandhi. ... full review

So-So, by Meena Iyer, Times of India : ...Nawazuddin’s self-deprecating remarks and his seamless transformation from killer to lover is applause-worthy. Jatin Goswami’s impresses; his lean frame and interesting voice lend to his screen appeal. Bidita is an interesting find for Bollywood.... full review

Thumbs down, by Gaurang Chauhan, Bollywood Hungama : ...Vishal Vittal's cinematography is satisfactory. The small town mood is nicely captured by the lensman. Ashmith Kunder and Kushan Nandy's editing should have been smoother. Kiran Shyam Shroff's production design is authentic. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...Babumoshai Bandookbaaz has only good performances to watch else the film is surely not worth your ticket price. Since there are two other big releases this Friday, pick this one only if you are an ardent Nawazuddin Siddiqui fan, because the film holds not much surety to entertain you. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rahul Bharadwaj, Desi Martini : ...Avoid.Play carrom at home instead this weekend. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Nawazuddin appears to be lapping up all the attention he is getting here and I wouldn’t grudge him that ego trip but his talent certainly has been wasted here. Don’t know what the writers and director of this movie were trying to say- or if they had anything worthwhile to say at all? ... full review

Thumbs down, by Suhani Singh, india today : ...Babumoshai Bandookbaaz sticks to the crime drama template of guns, girls, sex and foul language, but ultimately like its hero runs short on ideas to keep the viewers hooked.... full review

Thumbs down, by Ananya Bhattacharyal, india today : ...Even at two hours, Babumoshai Bandookbaaz feels long and stretched. The rustic landscapes of Uttar Pradesh are captured well. The songs hinder the pace of the film, which any which way is pretty slow for all its activity.... full review

Thumbs down, by Umesh Punwani, koimoi : ...Music of the film is given by Gaurav Dagaonkar, Abhilash Lakra, Joel Dubba and Debjyoti Mishra. Too many cooks have spoiled the dish in this one. Ghungta feels like a typical, stereotyped item song. Barfani & Aye Saiyan, too, will not lure the music lover out from you. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Nawazuddin isn't at his best for he can be only as good as the script allows him to be. Bidita Bag makes a fair fist of her first Bollywood lead role. Jatin Goswami, too, makes his presence felt. Another proven actor who finds herself hard done by amid the mayhem is Divya Dutta. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Kirti Tulsiani, News18.com : ...Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, in short, is a dry film of love, lust and gunfire. Siddiqui and the cast deserve a better story to fall back on, perhaps. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...Of course, there are deaths because the two main characters are hitmen. But you don't know, or care who died. And they all do. Oops! But you shouldn't care about knowing what happens in the film. A bigger mystery is why an actor of Nawazuddin Siddiqui's calibre should fall for the old 'you will carry the film on your shoulders' trap... ... full review

Thumbs down, by Prasanna D Zore, Rediff : ...Babumoshai Bandookbaaz will be remembered as Nawazuddin's worst film yet. ... full review

24 tweeters(?) - 19 yays 2 so-so 3 nays

upamanyu70: Babumoshai Bandookbaaz is a good one. @Nawazuddin_S bhai is getting better with every movie

SonOfChoudhary: He is the champ in art of acting and even his low budget movies do wonders. @Nawazuddin_S #BabumoshaiCosts3cr https://t.co/GXuP0GM9Xu

ShriBhivaskar: It's a great movie to watch. #BabumoshaiCosts3cr @Nawazuddin_S Nawazuddin Siddique's Babumoshai Bandookbaaz https://t.co/Ca3tug92rA

shrabanti91: https://t.co/qDDmefGHSx @Nawazuddin_S is the ultimate star now. only he can do this type of wonder. #BabumoshaiCosts3cr

shibamdutta2000: This is really great movie at this cost. Only possible with @Nawazuddin_S #BabumoshaiCosts3cr https://t.co/wcG6v97Omo

rajatag16: Go and watch @Nawazuddin_S 's Babumoshai Bandookbaaz. His role is tremendous. #BabumoshaiCosts3cr

pitabashjena101: This movue proves that you don't need high budget to make a good movie #BabumoshaiCosts3cr https://t.co/zHuk2L2lFx

Papajon7: Babumoshai bandookbaaz!!Superb!Nawaz Bhai killed it!!Made my day

neelam_bahety: I m so touched with @Nawazuddin_S 's performance in Babumoshai Bandookbaaz #BabuMoshaiCosts3Cr

najmas18: Brilliant movie at low cost. Possible only with this star! #BabumoshaiCosts3cr https://t.co/HwhFVx3asQ

kumaranand2555: Absolutely loved the movie with such a low budget. @Nawazuddin_S #BabumoshaiCosts3cr https://t.co/mci2kOW0gy

JtScorpion: 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz': Nawazuddin Siddiqui Shines In This Raw, Gritty (And Sexy) Crime Thriller https://t.co/XhVdxGdShs

iLuckyVaibhav: Really Class movie #BabumoshaiCosts3cr https://t.co/NxuM9JfTZm

iLoveRadhika: #BabumoshaiCosts3cr @Nawazuddin_S Nawazuddin Siddique's Babumoshai Bandookbaaz sure a must watch film

hashloverz: Don't miss to watch this movie ... @Nawazuddin_S #BabumoshaiCosts3cr https://t.co/eSCirSpJph

ayushiwithlove: Best movie at this cost.! #BabumoshaiCosts3cr https://t.co/wvr2a1pnUa

arvindthakor143: What a incredible movie at this cost..!! Truely appreciate the acting of @Nawazuddin_S #BabumoshaiCosts3cr https://t.co/I7Ffzs52s8

aksmac12: My favorite Nawazuddin Siddiqui for Babumoshai sahi bola ek dum #BabumoshaiCosts3cr https://t.co/ZFsHsJPupc

Aawaraaaaa: Khelega ye Lambi Pari , Babumoshai sab pe bhari ..!

pathan_najma: BABUMOSHAI BANDOOKBAAZ IS RAW. A BRAVE ATTEMPT BUT WON'T BE ENJOYED BY ALL... https://t.co/noGMVkKYmj via @wordpressdotcom

aditya_grover: BABUMOSHAI BANDOOKBAAZ [Movie Review] Rating: 5/10 Reviewed by: ADITYA GROVER BABUMOSHAI BANDOOKBAAZ is an... https://t.co/YYzGuQ3IGM

guptavishal7982: Babumoshai Bandookbaaz movie review - Cleavage, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, cussing, guns, murder, sex, cleavage, cussing, sex, Nawaz- repeat, end.

farhaadaarif: Babumoshai Bandookbaaz movie review: Gore is a bore https://t.co/EB1q1pjUkd

arjundm: Babumoshai Bandookbaaz is so incredibly bad.

1 readers - 1 yays 0 so-so 0 nays

Want to Watch, by Kathryn : Nawaz and Bidita done a good job. Waiting to see some more stuff like this in future.

Yay! Thumbs Up, by fanofcfc8 : A raw realistic movie. Definite watch !

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Loads
  • Language: Loads of uninhibited abusive language
  • Nudity & Sexual content: Loads
  • Concept: The rivalry between two contract killers
  • General Look and Feel: Rugged interiors

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
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Music Director:
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Babumoshai Bandookbaaz - Cast, crew, links

Director:
Running time:
120 minutes
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Comments (2)

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Only Nawaz can make a low budget movie run like a machine in today's bollywood industry.

Bibs

Bang on with the review...felt very raw and realistic...witty dialogue...got a bit restless towards the end..admire Bidita for taking up that difficult role..loved the independence and sensuality she portrayed ever so well...as for Nawaz, he excels in such roles, so not much to say there..Overall a definite watch

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