Revolver Rani

wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)

quick review:

Such a shame. A woman-centric film and all that. Hard to like despite the quirks.

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Director: Sai Kabir
Running time: 120 minutes
More Movie Info

Despite a borderline cheesy trailer, Revolver Rani - the name, the supposedly women-centric theme and post-Queen Kangna Ranaut make you believe that this film has potential to be a winner. Interestingly enough the cheesiness in the trailer is actually borderline enjoyable quirkiness; the women-centric theme is "supposedly" at the end of it all and Kangna Ranaut does a fantastic job of bringing the zaniness alive.

However, the disappointment with how the "woman-centric" bit of the story plays out takes away everything from what is or could be appreciable about the film. Despite the spoofiness and the goofiness of it all, I just couldn't believe that was how it was panning out for her, our Revolver Rani.

On the other hand, Kangna Raut makes every bit of the crazy Revolver Rani (aka Alka) as believable as enjoyable. Yes, she's over-the-top but in a good way. Now, that's something I'd say very rarely about an OTT performance. Sure, there are places where she loses it and certainly it is one of those performances where the labor shows. But, I must say after Queen I give the lady extra points for just trying. She does lose her steam in some scenes. But, it is unfair to blame it all on her.

The writing itself loses steam and becomes repetitive once too often. The second half tries to bring sense to the plot which is a disservice to the hilarity of it all. It doesn't help that other than Revolver Rani, none of the characters get any attention from the writers. They are all rather plain and painfully predictable.

The one thing that is consistent and would have been beautiful if it were paid a little more attention to is the background score. It is so asynchronous to the visuals that it adds a layer to the eccentricity.

Revolver Rani makes you feel it had the potential to be an enjoyable, out-of-the-box film. But, I doubt, with that second half there was any possible redemption.

- meeta, a part of the audience

32 reviewers(?) - 6 yays 21 so-so 5 nays

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

Thumbs up, by Nikhil Kumar, Apun Ka Choice : ...Revolver Rani is a quirky, kitschy, weird, outrageous, funny, soppy, outlandish tale of a marauding woman’s coming of age. It does fire blanks at times, but more often than not hit the bull’s eye... full review

Thumbs up, by Bhagyashr​i Pawar, Bollywood Life : ...Kangana Ranaut’s performance in Revolver Rani is rip-roaring. She outshines everyone else in the film. Vir Das’ role could be done by anyone else and we couldn’t care lesser.... full review

Thumbs up, by Inspector VIjay, Desi Martini : ...This one could have been a knockout if it wasn't for a botched 2nd half! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Revolver Rani may lack star power, but it has no dearth of firepower. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Stutee Ghosh , Planet Bollywood : ...On the level of performance Kangna Ranaut and her on screen confidante Piyush Mishra shine through effortlessly. Zeishan Quadri as a Michael Jackson obsessed side kick is brilliant. And the scheming politicians played by Zakir Hussain and Kumud Mishra are in a league of their own. Vir Das spoofs Shahrukh Khan most of the time which it seems is the requirement of his on- screen phony character and therefore tolerable!... full review

Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Do watch this desi Kill Bill of sorts to experience a different kind of Bollywood film. Forgive the inconsistent second half, and what you have is a film that entertains, makes you laugh, and gives you food for thought. Truth be told, the film is worthwhile for Kangna Ranaut’s performance alone. Don’t miss! ... full review

So-So, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Wish Dhulia had taken Sai Kabir’s basic concept, but chosen to script and direct this film himself. As things stand, Revolver Rani has many wonderful moments and ideas, but as a whole it’s neither satirical enough nor farcical enough nor intense enough nor thrilling enough to be what it seems to want to be. It’s not the cracker of a film that it could have been. Despite all its pluses, what it ends up being instead, is a damb squib... full review

So-So, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, REVOLVER RANI has engaging moments, but they are few and far between. This being Kangna's immediate film release after the remarkable success of QUEEN may benefit the film to an extent.... full review

So-So, by SOMESH SINHA, Desi Martini : ...The *most brazen* dark humor to have churned out of Bollywood in recent times. Give this one a shot with a strong appetite!... full review

So-So, by Ameet Bhuvan, Desi Martini : ...If only the director had some more confidence in himself, this would've been a winner all the way... full review

So-So, by aneela zeb babar, Desi Martini : ...She aint Jhansi Ki Rani. but khoob chaleygi ye Rani ... full review

So-So, by Rony D'costa, Desi Martini : ...Revolver Rani fires a lot of blanks. Thaayein thaayein phuss. ... full review

So-So, by Harshada Rege, DNA : ...Vir Das is just about alright. Kangana delivers her acting chops, but this Rani may not be able to score over the Rani of Queen.... full review

So-So, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...There’s a brief period in the second half where Vir Das is getting married on the loop to different women and it's truly hilarious. Pity then that the rest of the film is so bipolar in nature. Had Sai Kabir maintained the same vein of rhetoric throughout the film, this would've been a memorable adult, action comedy. Ironically it is... full review

So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...The cross-pop-culture references, smattering of English in the dehati dialogues, the badly done dark make-up are hindrances to enjoyment.... full review

So-So, by Nupur Barua, fullhyd.com : ...Revolver Rani is not a novel movie, although the concept certainly is. If you are not expecting much in terms of intensity, then you must watch it. And if you are a Kangna Ranaut fan, does the story really matter?... full review

So-So, by Divya Pal, IBN Live : ...Revolver Rani' is Kangana Ranaut's film. Besides giving an insight into her bad-tempered ways as an avenging dacoit and politico, she also gives a glimpse into her human side and maternal instincts... full review

So-So, Indicine : ...Revolver Rani will open below average and will find it difficult to grow beyond the small towns. The chances of the film emerging a success are small... full review

So-So, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...Revolver Rani is a better than good film that is pulled back due to its hassle some screenplay and craggy editing. The film could have been way more meritorious with heightened drama and better action but suffering from the known second hour plague, the film loses focus squandering its potential in thin air. Kangana Ranaut however, doesn’t allow the film to waste away. Her enigma alone makes it quite an irresistible and scrummy watch... full review

So-So, by Shubha Shetty-saha, MiD DAY : ...The best thing about this film is of course, Kangna. The capable actress portrays this offbeat role of a violent, passionate but vulnerable dacoit with commendable ease. Wish her make-up was in sync with her character, as she seemed more fashionably tanned than dusky. The other actors, Mishra, Hussain and company are competent as usual. The only letdown in the film is Vir Das, who seemed to be struggling hard to (unsuccessfully) fit into the whole scheme of things. The next best thing about this film is its music. Watch it.... full review

So-So, by Joginder Tuteja, Movie Talkies : ...The film may not be an idea of a perfect weekend getaway. However for the fans of Kangana and those who like to have a dekko at an (occasional) quirky narrative, Revolver Rani does make for a fine watch... full review

So-So, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...Dum?? Well the movie has plenty of wacky stuff indulged in it along with a different type of performances by Kangana Ranaut. The movie's plot line is interesting and has some good dark humor attached to it. However, the movie is ruined by bad execution, weak screenplay and unwanted sidetracks. Besides Kanagana's character, all the other characters are half-baked and lacked the intensity. 'Revolver Rani' should have been more dark and realistic as its name sounded, sadly it turns out to be just a colourful water pistol, which only looks appealing and works for a short period lacking the hard hitting factor.... full review

So-So, by Rahul Desai, Mumbai Mirror : ...Away from the realms of logical reasoning though, an inspired final shot still makes me want to watch a more uncompromising sequel. ... full review

So-So, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...Sai Kabir tries really hard to turn crude to class however, despite having all elements he ends up with a sluggish and half-baked plot. Watch it only for the exceptional performance of Kangana Ranaut. ... full review

So-So, by Paloma Sharma, Rediff : ...Revolver Rani could have been the film of the year. It is sad that it chose to be a confused story instead... full review

So-So, by Moumita Bhattacharjee, Star Blockbuster : ...Watch it for Kangana and Kangana alone. Thank god for small mercies! ... full review

So-So, by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India : ...'Revolver Rani' is loaded with a lot more than just gunpower. You'll enjoy biting this bullet. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Shalu Dhyani, Bolly Spice : ...It is difficult to forgive a film that dulls Kangana’s sparkle, especialy after Queen. All that fire going to waste. The potential of a biting satire, of an entertaining hinterland tale going to waste. Here’s hoping co-producer Tigmanshu Dhulia learns from this mistake and gives us the real deal in his next venture.... full review

Thumbs down, cinemaah : ... The only bit of drollery he pulls off, is in the reporting of all the mayhem around Alka by a solemn newsreader trying to make sense of the absurdity. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Kusumita Das, Deccan Chronicle : ...For those still in the ‘Queen’ hangover, ‘Revolver Rani’ won’t be an easy pill to swallow. However, the film does manage to establish Kangna’s range as an actor. The transition from Rani to ‘Revolver Rani’ has not exactly been a seamless one, but full marks for the effort. ... full review

Thumbs down, FirstPost : ...The only thing more infuriating than a film with no redeeming qualities, is a film that has an interesting concept but wastes its potential. Revolver Rani falls smack down in the middle of the latter territory... full review

Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...This Rani, who hefts revolvers and shoots to kill, is neither wholly a cartoon figure, nor completely credible.... full review

75 tweeters(?) - 30 yays 7 so-so 38 nays

vivekranjit: Revolver Rani - Dhamakedaar!! Some real good, over-the-top, grindhouse type fun with kickass performances from... https://www.facebook.com/vivekranjit/posts/10152190024929888

thatdarkcoffee: Revolver Rani is a brilliant satire on Indian regional politics. Kangana nailed it once again.

sonaligupta615: Revolver Rani lives up to my expectations. Thumbs up!

shivom_oza: Quite enjoyed Revolver Rani. Yet, Dhulia would have taken it to an another level.

sheth77: Revolver rani .. good movie ! Kangana you nearly rocked again ..!!

shah_zaib_ahmed: Marvellous performance by @thevirdas revolver rani - a must watch!

sd_iflex: "Revolver Rani" is one breezy,OTT,crazy caper. An endearing saga of Coco,Chum Chum and their Chemistry. Very creative conceptualization. Wow

sanjanaa: Revolver Rani. What a brilliantly made film. Not without feminist and caste critique though. But please go watch it, will you? Just go.

sairaparkar: Watched REVOLVER RANI 2nd half too good!!!

romaanch: Watched Revolver rani...brilliant cinema..grt performance by kangana n superb direction. ..

mihirs55: Had low expectations of Revolver Rani but Kangana's performance and political intrigue is very refreshing. Bollywood is dishing out variety

meajay: Revolver Rani was fantastic. And it's written and directed by a 30 year old. The kids these days!

Kishnani_T: Revolver Rani - something different kuch hatke and Kangana Ranaut and @thevirdas are brilliant, go watch it if you haven't

kavi74: Revolver rani is a rocking movie

JessicaMathur: every1 watch revolver rani..bohut haso ge

Ish_Malhotra: Revolver Rani. A genre breaker. Amazing work #kangnaranaut and #virdas. Not only have you picked amazing scripts,you've done justice to them

gaganichake: Revolver Rani (My rating: * * * *). Kangana Ranaut does it again. #RevolverRani #kanganaRanaut

dhrishnit: Revolver Rani. Today. Gajab talent tohar, Ranaut!

deeagarwal2002: अच्छी फिल्म है http://nbt.in/micron/redirect.html?str=7bV1Mb

dancerali: Though over all the movie is good, Kangana Ranaut's performance is mind blowing! Vir Das is awesome too! C Revolver Rani for these 2 actors!

Bikashp21: Love the film Revolver Rani what a acting by kangana

becauseofb: Revolver Rani is quite an experiment that I loved. Probably not meant for everybody. Great work Sai Kabir and Kangana!

bbjns: Revolver Rani is a nice movie watch it guys :) #Suraj

baybeh3: seen revolver rani and I love it... kangana I love you baybeh

audidsilva: Revolver Rani amazing movie... Hats off to Kangna for her outstanding performance <3 #movie #amazing… http://instagram.com/p/nWRwUxPdgL/

asgaraligain: Guys go and watch 'Revolver Rani' in your near by theatres its an amazing movie.KANAGANA RANAUT IS OUTSTANDING IN THE MOVIE

amitafjd: Revolver rani.... a must watch movie for kangnas fans...

abu1383: Revolver rani has its flaws but much better than recently released stupid blockbusters ! Kangana rocks yet again !

99thprecint: revolver rani was no GoW but still v entertaining!! kangana and vir were brilliant!!!

33Salvi: Watched Revolver rani ..... loved it . Totally paisa vasul cinema.

SushilKTomar: Revolver Rani is confusing.

supernovapras: Revolver Rani 3 stars. kangana experimenting something new, well done.. 1st half is draggy. 2 half with lot of twist and turns. fun and gun.

rajdandy143: Watched Revolver Rani ***/5 must watch atleast once *ing @kangna_ranaut! Awesome acting @SrBachchan has to write one more letter to her :)

KrSaurabhVerma: Movie Review: Revolver Rani : 3/5, The movie is a dark satire not many people may like. To idiosyncratic guys... https://www.facebook.com/ksverma0410/posts/774283809256389

ankitt_01: Revolver Rani- One time watch.

AishaDaga: Revolver rani...ridonculous, but entertaining to an extent.

1vani: Had high expectations of Revolver Rani. What a let down ,pretty average movie.

varunyadav89: Revolver Rani KO dhain dhain dhain ... Pathetic movie alter very long time

ThePage7: Revolver Rani added to the list of movies I left during the interval! Can give it a miss! ~PM

TheFraudMallu: My heartfelt condolences to the embarrassed parents, sitting next to me, for bringing the kids to watch Revolver Rani.

srirameragam: except for kanganas performance 'REVOLVER RANI' is a boring fare

snalcool: One of the worst movies of all time- Revolver Rani! Please donot watch at all. It really sucks!! — feeling fucked

Shobhitchaudhry: Revolver Rani. 0 stars to Kangana. Bc Queen me kamayi hui sari izzat paani me mila di. Vur das ko minus 5 starts

sheshankanand: kitty part stuff that bollywood dishes out for the aspirational classes and Revolver Rani is one such attempt (though a half baked one)in

sanwat: Revolver rani! Dumbest movie i have ever seen.

roadkingamogh: Revolver Rani is the female version of Bullet Raja #boringmovie

richard29033866: Revolver rani...not satisfactory **stars

Pratyz_185: "Revolver Rani" is total bakwaas. Mr. Director 'Gangs of Wasseypur' was made once and can not be copied. Try something better or different.

nitinfive: Revolver Rani....it is a confused film...This is not Kangana Ranaut’s territory...film will definitely die..... —... https://www.facebook.com/nitinagarwal05/posts/711524262203849

morning_sizzlr: I want my money spend on Revolver Rani refunded. Pencho koi itni chutiya movie kaise bna sakta h

meetshivamhere: Waste Of Time = Revolver Rani.....!!

lubna_anila: Revolver rani equals to headache!

lothbroking: 'Revolver Rani' reminded me a little of '300: Rise of an Empire'. Great female character wasted on a bad script.

LizaSaha: Revolver Rani is a perfect example of a great idea and bad execution

JaisinghJiya: Bmm students make better movies than revolver rani -,- except for Kangana the movie is worthless :/

imohitupadhyay: Revolver Rani is a waste of money annd time.

iamshapit: Just saw the revolver rani. Mine before the movie :) Mine after the movie :(

HappyGoAkki: Watched two horrible movies this week - 2 States & Revolver Rani. Why do I even have any expectations? #Sigh

GeetanjaliKaul: Watched half of revolver Rani the biggest mistake was to even watch half of it the best decision made was walking out halfway.

FilmyNerd: Revolver Rani is just a failed attempt to imitate Anurag Kashyap school of cool

dsouzaarnold: All the good that Kangana did in Queen was undone by Revolver Rani.....half the audience in the theatre was on their phone

DilDarBaDar: Revolver Rani was a fun watch. But the other way you can put it in 'so-bad-it's-good' category.

dheerajmalineni: revolver rani :felt borin n ovr rated by critics queen ws much btr ..2/5

caprismart: 70mins into Revolver Rani. Still trying to make some sense of it. Is it slapstick or dry or sarcastic or idiotic joke, on us.

cahimanshu_kuma: Plz don't watch Revolver Rani for d sake of your hard earned money... A real blood and brain sucker!!!

Bitter_Scotch: Second heartbreaking discovery of the day: Revolver Rani kinda blows.

BhukkadMata: Bloody horrible week. And capped it off with Revolver Rani. I wish I had stayed at home instead.

babwire87: Revolver rani good attempt too stretched too long

babanitin: Baba's verdict for Revolver Rani: avoidable! Kangana - u should have avoided this film ...... nN

av22292: After a long time remarkable bollywood movie ...Revolver Rani

arpnthluvsu: Revolver Rani #ab_mard_ko_dard_hoga What nonsense

Apoorvgarg2: Didn't liked revolver rani!!!!!!!!!! Such a bogus

angelicgabie: Revolver Rani....= wat non sense

akshaybadkar: Who the hell made revolver rani???

aditichopraa: Watched Revolver Rani - wouldn't recommend even if it's the last movie ever made. Utter waste 21/5 hours on a Sunday!

2 readers - 1 yays 1 so-so 0 nays

Want to Watch, by TimELiebe : Indian Women With Guns? Yes, Please!

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Murtaza Ali : Revolver Rani (2014): Sai Kabir's political satire featuring a tour de force performance from Kangan

So-So, by Suman

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

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Loads
  • Language: Abusive language used.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: A skimpily clad woman
  • Concept: A quirky woman dacoit gets into politics but then she also falls in love...
  • General Look and Feel: A generously loud set-up to accentuate the quirky characters

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:
Lyrics:

Revolver Rani - Cast, crew, links

Official Sites:
Producer:
Director:
Supporting Cast:
Story:
Cinematography:
Music Director:
Costume Designer:
Running time:
120 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:

Comments (7)

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Meetu - hope you're enjoying your vacation. :)

You know my American film fans and I will be watching this, because the cheese factor, and a woman gun-wielding hero? Just our cup of chai

Suman Chakraborty

Direction: 1.5
Story: 1
Lead Actors: 2.5
Character Artists: 0.5

Dialogues: 1.5
Screenplay: 1
Music Director: 1
Lyrics: 1

Mahesh Mohan

I could barely sit through this one. I found it to be a disappointing and horrible movie. Kangana Ranaut is totally wasted.

@TimELiebe I have a feeling you will enjoy this one

@Suman performance didn't work for you either?

@Mahesh ouch

wogmafan

I would like to have a review on Children of war please :)

@wogmafan Hey! I couldn't watch the film for various reasons, but Pradeep did and he reviewed it here - http://wogma.com/movie/children-war-review/ Thanks!

My thoughts on Revolver Rani...

Revolver Rani is essentially a satire on the power hungry politicians, treading through the dark alleys of power in the Chambal Valley, who have little regard for anything save their own ambitions. Revolver Rani comes across as an experimental film and as with all experiments the probability of failure is much higher than the probability of success. Not everyone has the appetite for nonsensical, over-the-top violence which Revolver Rani offers in abundance. A rather overt swashbuckling style of cinema à la Sergio Leone is something the Hindi film audiences are usually not very comfortable with. And that’s precisely where Revolver Rani suffers. Hindi cinema is still in the need of its very own Quentin Tarantino who can help the audiences expand their cinematic horizons. But, until the audiences grow more receptive, films like Revolver Rani would continue to be treated as mere exercises in style.

The best way to approach Revolver Rani is an indigenous tongue-in-cheek Western featuring a rugged cowgirl as oppose to a cowboy. Yes, Alka Singh can best be described as the female equivalent of a desi cowboy straight out of some Western pulp novel. The movie’s graphic novel feel only accentuates it further. Besides, the film is rife with symbolism and allegories. The thinking viewer will certainly be able to savor what’s at his/her disposal. The director Sai Kabir, a self-confessed fan of Johnnie To and Robert Rodriguez, paints a lurid canvass, oozing with an abundance of grotesqueries, adorned by shifty, larger-than-life characters caught in existential traps—all this facilitates the orchestration of rather palatable mise-en-scène.

Revolver Rani presents experimental filmmaking at its very best but typically with little commercial relevance, especially in the context of the Indian market. Kangana Ranaut shines in her portrayal of a politically powerful female goon. There’s no denying that Kangana Ranaut performs Alka Singh to a tee. Barring a few anachronisms, everything right from her non-glamorous look to her native accent to her aggression in bed makes Kangana look convincing as Alka Singh—a caricature that strongly harks back to Uma Thurman’s character “The Bride” in Kill Bill movies. Kangana’s tour de force performance is well complimented by the rest of the cast. And the unconventional music adds to the overall mood of the film. There is certainly more to the film than meets the eye. As a socio-political satire, its relevance cannot be overlooked. The undercurrent of dark humour only adds to movie's overall appeal.

My full review can be read here:

http://www.apotpourriofvestiges.com/2015/06/revolver-rani-2014-sai-kabirs-political.html

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