Bombay Velvet
wogma rating: Watch but no rush (?) - Unless you are keen on soaking in the ambiance created, then a trip to the theater will be worth it.
The lyrical noir and violence are enjoyable while they last. Unfortunately, not beyond that though. Before long, the plot starts getting convoluted.
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Bombay Velvet - Preview
Brand Anurag Kashyap has its followers in brooders and lovers of cinema that goes beyond entertainment. Doesn't mean that his films don't entertain, they do but the entertainment has a unique flavor. In a way those of us who like the flavor have gotten addicted to it. It comes as a surprise when his next film looks like it is going towards the more standard format of entertainment. The trailer doesn't tell you whether the film will carry that flavor that distinguishes his films from the rest.
This is not so much to do with more mainstream actors in the form of Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Karan Johar. Yeah, it is a phenomenon by itself that the name Karan Johar seems more mainstream than others even though this is his first film in a major role as an actor.
Yet, it is not the mainstream actors that seem to give up on the flavor. It is something about the story-telling too. It doesn't help that the trailer doesn't tell you much about the story and impresses more with the way its edited than anything else.
And the songs of course. Interestingly, when I started hearing the album I was stumped and couldn't wait for the next song and the next. Only to find out that they all sounded the same to me. All of Anurag Kashyap's previous films have had a wide variety in the way the songs sounded. This time it is stuck to a fusion that it has taken a liking too. Hopefully, like all of his other films, they will blend in so well with the malieu of the film that it won't matter much.
As I watched the trailer I felt more trepidation than excitement. Makes me wonder, do expectations make a viewer more vulnerable to their own likes and dislikes? This one has always been a wonderful, circular, meta kind of a puzzle.
Music Reviews:
Bollyspice – "4.5/5"
Bollywood Hungama – "2.5/5"
glamsham - "4/5"
Milliblog – A 300 worder that ends with, "Amit Trivedi’s phenomenal labor of love!"
Music Aloud - "9/10"
- meeta, a part of the audience
Anurag Kashyap loves killing his characters* in style. His creates violent scenes with as much flair as he creates a Bombay from 40-50 years ago. But, are grandeur in violence and production compelling enough to make it into a memorable film. Yes and no. Bombay Velvet tries to hit you in the gut with its violence but misses because you get distracted by the déjà vu from a Tarantino film. It impresses with style but doesn't leave an impression. It has very interesting characters and a meaty plot but gets contrived. It is quirky but doesn't go all crazy on you, but it is just enough to keep waiting for something bigger to happen – which not necessarily does.
Bombay Velvet starts unfolding characters to introduce them rather than using the usual ploys of voice-over or people who know each other forever but behave, for our benefit, as if they've just met. You actually sense the writers' and director's love for the characters. They build up pretty well too, intriguing you even if not necessarily getting you involved.
Balraj (Ranbir Kapoor), a small-time thug, victim of the partition is aspirational and surprises you with his ruthlessness – you don't really expect a chocolate boy to enjoy a good fight. But, that's how obsessed he is with what he wants – a life goal or a woman – he does what it takes and takes joy from it too. Rosie (Anushka Sharma), a woman oppressed by men all her life wants tender, loving care that she's been deprived of all her life. Meanwhile, she sings and how! Khambatta (Karan Johar) the business tycoon is ruthless in his own way but he won't get his own hands dirty in a hurry. And you have Chiman (Satyadeep Misra) the hero's friend, the alter ego, the audience's representative, the bystander who gapes at it all.
They are all ace performances too. When Ranbir Kapoor seems over-eager, it is Balraj's earnestness coming through; Balraj's hot temper sees its way through the blows Ranbir takes and gives with pleasure. (Satyadeep Misra) as the friend stays in the background as would be expected out of Chiman. Unlike his directorial debut, Karan Johar's acting debut makes you look forward to his next performance.
My appreciation for the surprising steps that some of the leading actresses in Bollywood have taken goes beyond words. Kangna Ranaut last year, Deepika Padukone last week and Anushka Sharma with NH 10 in last quarter. Though her role in Bombay Velvet did have a certain glamor attached to it, it is not misplaced and Anushka Sharma balances it with the restraint in the non-pub scenes. It is indeed as much an applause to the actresses for taking on non-standard roles and performing them with renewed energy, as much as it is a nod to the writers who are creating the characters.
Diverting myself back to the film on hand, a montage of the lead characters at the beginning smoothly transforms into a flow that is rare in Hindi films. Even when the second half hits bumps, the narrative doesn't lose fluidity. A lot of the continuity can be attributed to the charming world of Bombay in the 60s. You cannot miss the music. It is lyrical violence. It is poetic noir.
Yet, many a time it felt that what the writers might have thought of as “cool” didn't quite work out. However, there were a few scenes that worked really well given their context and the word that popped while watching the film was “unique”.
It is a shame then, that while there were these unique bits, they were in bits and pieces. Some parts of the rest of it felt like tributes. Other parts seemed like they wanted to resemble a Hindi film from that era. Especially, the convoluted situations in the last hour or so of the film. In fact, the film seem to have been lengthened to stay in line with films from that time.
Bombay Velvet also attempts political commentary. The partition, the politics behind the partition were the more obvious ones. But the more striking one was the inception of corruption in the country. This is when it all began – the woes that are so deep-rooted in the system now.
I left the theater with a question. I enjoyed the film while watching it, found it slightly long but it didn't test patience at point. I liked the characters, the dialogue, the flow of the narrative, the plot till it gets carried away much like the lead character, Balraj. But, the film doesn't leave a mark that will remind you of what you felt while watching the film, like most good films do, certainly like all Anurag Kashyap films. It doesn't stay with you. My question then is, is it necessary that a film should aspire for more? Should it want to stay with the audience for a while later?
Isn't it good enough that you were entertained for those 2-3 hours? For now, I will go with no. I want my films to be more like Balraj – ambitious.
*Yes, I was reminded of George R R Martin, writer of the book/TV show, Game of Thrones too.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Naresh Kumar Deoshi, Apun Ka Choice : ...Watch ‘Bombay Velvet’ for Ranbir Kapoor’s wild and feral act. It’s his best to date. Definitely worth a watch... full review
Thumbs up, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, BOMBAY VELVET is a visual masterpiece that is rich in form. If you want to be wowed by the detailing of the 1960s, superb performances of Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar and Anushka Sharma, then go ahead and watch this film.... full review
Thumbs up, by Mohammad Murtaza Ali, Desi Martini : ...Bombay Velvet is not an easy film to appreciate for the masses, mainly because of its excesses. Recommended only for cinema enthusiasts!... full review
Thumbs up, by Arunava Chatterjee, india today : ...Cinematography of the film is pitch perfect, with the audience almost getting transported to the Bombay of the yesteryears. Thirteen-long months of extensive editing by Thelma Schoonmaker and Prerna Saigal is praiseworthy.... full review
Thumbs up, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...'Bombay Velvet' is more like a roller coaster ride, as it takes you on a dizzy high with its charming ambience and music that is bound to stay with you for long, but later you are brought down not so gently with the underwhelming plot and lack of punches. Watch it for the experience.... full review
Thumbs up, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...Its cinematography and performances, particularly Ranbir's edgy 'big shot', merit an extra half-star. But while Bombay Velvet is stylish, this fabric could have been smoother.... full review
So-So, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...The latter could refer to Ranbir and Anushka, who are equally lost. From him, we get an overly frantic performance – he’s the rat-a-tat of Cagney’s gun. As for her, it doesn’t help that Raveena Tandon shows up (no explanation) in a couple of numbers and effortlessly embodies what being a diva is all about. Anushka, in comparison, looks like she’s auditioning for the part of Little Nell. The Dickens reference isn’t entirely accidental. An early scene where a young Johnny befriends a pickpocket reminded me of Oliver Twist and the Artful Dodger. But that’s what archetypes are. They’ve been around forever.... full review
So-So, by Krish Sripada, Desi Martini : ...Patchy enough to make you wonder if it was indeed Anurag Kashyap!... full review
So-So, by Aneela Zeb Babar, Desi Martini : ...Anurag K and Ranbir K ke reshami career mai ek Bombay Velvet ke taat ka pevand... full review
So-So, by Mohit Patil, Desi Martini : ... Gorgeously mounted but empty film that nevertheless marks Kashyap's semi-return-to-form.... full review
So-So, by Parichay Mehta, Desi Martini : ...Hats-off to Anurag Kashyap, his art department & cinematographer. Others don't deserve anything.... full review
So-So, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Having said that, Anurag Kashyap does manage to make a movie that is up there with Hollywood standards. In its two-hours-thirty-minutes runtime, it manages more than a handful of memorable moments. The romantic formula might’ve let it down, but the real story of this film is how well it’s conceived and presented. A certified visual delight.... full review
So-So, by Nupur Barua, fullhyd.com : ...Bombay Velvet is not Anurag Kashyap's best. He appears to have gotten carried away by the grandeur of his own project, and forgotten to concentrate on the most important aspect of the movie - a credible storyline. Watch this one if you are curious, but be prepared for some impatience. We advise you to wait for the DVD release.... full review
So-So, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...If you want to watch Bombay in its pristine glory of the past, BOMBAY VELVET is a must watch. However, if content is what you are looking for, stay away! It's a Phantom let down! ... full review
So-So, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...Rajeev Ravi’s poignant cinematography, Amit Trivedi’s beautiful background score and Thelma Schoonmaker’s top class editing add a lot of value to the film which is shallow in its philosophy. Basically, the whole film revolves on the idea of ‘if I am the one who is getting the dirty work done then I should have a larger share in the profit’, but despite all the guns and jazz, the loverboy-gangster charm remains elusive and the film stops right before achieving the perfect intensity. It’s fast but not engrossing.... full review
So-So, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...'Bombay Velvet' doesn't have the raw energy or the unforgettable characters of Kashyap's 'Gangs of Wasseypur'. It's never as involving a story as 'Black Friday'. And yet what you cannot deny is the sheer craft that Kashyap brings to the enterprise. This is an ambitious saga; skillfully mounted. You're fascinated by the resemblance to real-life figures, the unwavering attention to detail, and little touches that are vintage Kashyap - like a stand-up comic making political barbs back in the day. The missing piece of the puzzle, sadly, is the inconsistent script ... one that never lets us truly care for the characters, one that leaves too many questions unanswered.... full review
So-So, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Bombay Velvet is a visually enjoyable period drama. The love story is taut, chemistry is sizzling but thanks to an overstretched plot and a cliched second half, the film disappoints a little. ... full review
So-So, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...Bombay Velvet is frustrating and exhilarating in equal measure. Though his ambition is plain to see, I prefer the Kashyap who delivers the shock of the new rather than the glamour of old.... full review
So-So, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...Dum? Well the movie is not a bad watch if, watched without any high expectations, but besides that it's not even an exceptional film. 'Bombay Velvet' is a strictly out and out average film with some good performance and decent technical elements attached to it. The movie had full potential of having a smooth effect just like the velvet fabric instead, ends up being a product with synthetic effect.... full review
So-So, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...What you leave the hall with is a sense of disappointment. Bombay Velvet has neither the softness of velvet nor the sweep of the city it is an ode to.... full review
So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...If you can forgive the film's shortcomings, this period crime drama is worth a watch for its visual splendor and masterful performances.... full review
So-So, by VISHAL MENON, The Hindu : ...In one of the most spectacular-looking Hindi films in recent times, Kashyap transports us effortlessly to a different age and time. Scenes like the phone call between Kaizad Khambatta and Johny Balraj, where they speak nothing, is signature Anurag Kashyap, and so is the idea of a single photograph deciding the fate of a city. Despite pacing issues, the tendency to overstate the obvious and an inconsequential Tommy gun shootout, the film stands true to an indie filmmaker’s idea of a blockbuster. The film is every cinematic cliché and so much more. It is every crime movie you have already seen but so much more.... full review
So-So, by Anindita Dev, Zee News : ...Ranbir lusts for more money than he has dreamt of and in no time his confidante Karan Johar turns foe. Karan, reminds me more of the yesteryear actor Ajit, who was famous for `sara industry mujhe Lion ke naam se janta hai`. But may be Kashyap, could have opted for a more ruthless villain than KJo. No doubt, he is sarcastic, manipulative and shrewd but you can't just bring yourself to hate him on-screen.... full review
Thumbs down, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...I demand the return of the real Anurag, not the guy who made this insubstantial film called Bombay Velvet.... full review
Thumbs down, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...if this was Anurag Kashyap’s ambitious dream of directing a complete commercial film for the masses, then I would request him to please wake up from your sleep and get back to making your own kind of cinema forgetting this major failure. But since now he has discovered a new kind of association with people who actually CONSTRUCT Hits rather than MAKING films, I seriously get worried about what he will be directing next and targeting whom sitting in the theaters, spending their hard earned money on the tickets.... full review
Thumbs down, by Sreeju Sudhakaran, Bollywood Life : ...Even if you are an ardent Anurag fan and are expecting another Gangs of Wasseypur, better give it a miss instead of getting monumentally disappointed. However, if you have nothing else to do this weekend and want to have a feeling of how Bombay…sorry Mumbai looked like in the ‘60s, it’s worth taking that risk.... full review
Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...The film could do with a lot more character development, tension and some humour, since the show-offy technique by itself accomplishes little.... full review
Thumbs down, by Suparna Sharma, Deccan Chronicle : ...Understandable, because Ranbir Kapoor, with his Gemini Ganesan head of bouncing curls, looks adorable. And in some scenes he bursts out, making the screen crackle, showing us that he could have very easily carried this film on his shoulders if he were allowed to. But he has been given a skeletal character, mingy scenes and dialogue so burdened with tapori Bambaiya that there’s little space for anything substantive.... full review
Thumbs down, by Parampara Patil Hashmi, Desi Martini : ...An ambitious debacle presented with much beauty, failing to hide it's patchy script.... full review
Thumbs down, by Ameet Bhuvan, Desi Martini : ...Painfully bland.... full review
Thumbs down, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...If you are someone who wears velvet everyday, watch it. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Deepanjana Pal, FirstPost : ...Ultimately, Bombay Velvet is a thoroughly disappointing and frustrating film. There are some powerful ideas that have been lain to waste here, like the journalistic rivalry between Khambatta and Mistry, the subtle insertion and acceptance of a certain kind of criminal into 'polite' society, and the impact of violence on a person's worldview. This should have been a film that seduced us with its beauty and then savaged us cruelly. Instead, we're victims of a lavish boredom. By the time the last bullet is fired, all you can feel is relief that Bombay Velvet is over.... full review
Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Bombay Velvet, though resplendent in ambition, lacks a sense of purpose other than the obvious leap-of-progression for the director. This is one Anurag Kashyap film that just doesn’t get it right.... full review
Thumbs down, Indicine : ...Overall, Bombay Velvet is a brave attempt that falls way short of expectations. If only the script was as impressive as the visual grandeur of the film. It does have good performances, excellent production design and fantastic costumes. Everything else misfires big time, including Anurag Kashyap’s direction.... full review
Thumbs down, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...No doubt, this is Kashyap's most visually appealing film and the performances too are worthy enough…Now, if only the filmmaker had paid a bit more attention to the writing and the narrative.... full review
Thumbs down, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...Too bad the rest of the film doesn’t really sing -- or singe.... full review
Thumbs down, by Jyothi Venkatesh, Star Blockbuster : ...Instead of wasting your time sitting through this complex saga, you had better go and watch Bambai Ka Babu, because it lacks entertainment and is littered with street fights, shootouts, murders, with which the younger generation will fail to relate to. Though it lacks soul, see it for the sake of Ranbir Kapoor’s sparkling performance. The film’s prospects look bleak at the box office as it may be another dud like Besharam for Ranbir from yet another Kashyap.... full review
Thumbs down, by Karan Bali, Upper Stall : ...Technically though, the film is on firm footing with Rajeev Ravi’s polished camerawork a stand out. The creation of 1960s Bombay (Sonal and Sameer Sawant) and mixing in of the filming done in Sri Lanka (standing in for Bombay) is matched nicely enough, while the editing (Thelma Schoonmaker, Prerna Saigal) makes sure the pace of the film never flags and some of the action sequences (Chuck Piceroni Jr) are well executed too. Amit Trivedi and Mike McCleary score with their music even if the lyrics are odd to say the least. Purists, of course, will frown at the ‘jazz’ pieces and I’m sure hardcore Geeta Dutt fans would be outraged at the Jaata Kahan Hai Deewane re-recording but to each his own.... full review
vishal2307: Bombay Velvet is a brave film. Its a visual treat with some brilliant soundtracks. Loved the sets, costumes, edit. Awesome performances!!
Vanshtyagi11: Bombay velvet good movie like it
UpulilovesDemi: EVERYONE GO WATCH BOMBAY VELVET!!
ToufikN: Bombay Velvet : Ranbir Kapoor at his best, KJo was fantastic in the movie n all other actors were brilliant too. A sleek flick..!!!
simonee_kuvadia: Guys go and watch Bombay velvet! Really its engaging n u vl truly have a good time!
shriya_kpar25: Watched Bombay velvet!! Superb performances by the entire star cast but @karanjohar stole the show!! Bombay velvet is a must watch!
sank4LpR: Bombay Velvet -The 60's setting the performances the whole feel SUPRB ! Can Watch it Again #awesome @KaranJoharTeam @anuragkashyapFC
rk_my: Bombay Velvet is perfect for me ♥
RanushkaFC: Ranbir Kapoor & Anushka Sharma acted so good as Johnny & Rosie no one could do this better... Bombay Velvet a truly hit @anuragkashyap72
RajeevCherpa: #Bombay_Velvet is a nicey & classy movie.. friends please watch this movie for better quality of #Indian_Cinema .
Prathamparmar: Bombay velvet is visually epic! Kudos to everyone involved in the making! And WOW, KJ can act! @karanjohar @anuragkashyap72 #BombayVelvet
pradyotmokashi: Bombay Velvet has its own flaws. But overall it's a visual treat. Especially the "Scarface"-esque sequence with RK. Thanks @anuragkashyap72
oodiko: Bombay Velvet a much needed cinema for India. Flawed. But still EPIC ! Congrats team #bombayvelvet
lvly_sharmi: I just cannot get over the bloody awesome music , background score and haunting beautiful and gritty visuals of "Bombay Velvet"
justlikecrap: Bombay Velvet is actually a brilliant film. Not everyone's cup of tea. Though it still doesn't match Kashyap's previous work.
JungleKaMangal: Surprised ! people are calling Bombay Velvet a mess. I liked it. Screenplay was abrupt
ItzMeghani: Dont ever say Bombay Velvet is a bad choice..IT IS NOT. We r happy he did the movie
I_am_Rangil: BOMBAY VELVET IS MASTERPIECE..
gohil_rakesh: #anuragkashyap...superb..bombay velvet rocks
gautampratyush: Ranbit gave his best without falling under the trap of hero centric movies... Bombay Velvet is beautifully shot movie. Must watch!
fazilhere: #Bombay velvet - painstakingly shot.. Beautifully edited and performed. Anurag kind if stuck b/w Scorcese and Mani rathnam. :-)
enthahotness: Bombay Velvet isn't perfect but there's lots to love about it. Don't be an idiot. Go watch it while it's still in the theaters.
EatPrayFap: I liked Bombay Velvet
dhakreanuj: BOMBAY VELVET is awesome movie http://twitter.com/dhakreanuj/status/599233449203896320/photo/1
D_Navi750: Yesterday watched Bombay velvet awesome movie and perfect act bye Ranveer Kapoor and Anushka Sharma 3/5
commandorocco: Bombay Velvet is a good movie.Don't understand why people are spreading so much negativity of the film. Ranbir kapoor was OUTSTANDING 4/5
baig_mirza2006k: Bombay velvet a very NYC movie
BagchiAditya: BOMBAY VELVET!!!! Got to see something more than what I expected!!!! Lovely setting, story and acting!! @karanjohar flawless acting!!
annboleynsghost: I liked Bombay Velvet. There!
amandudy: Bombay velvet too awesome suparb movie 5 star movie
ahmed_suhad: Bombay velvet is too good @AnushkaSharma @RanbirsMeroo @RanbirKapoor4u @karanjohar @basuanurag
Tutejajoginder: First things first, I didn't mind Bombay Velvet. It isn't a classic by any means bit not a monster it is made out to be. Decent average film
ronyd: Bombay Velvet is at best average,but not a bad film as most tweets, fb updates,articles and reviews are claiming it to be. #morningafter
RK_Virat: No Bombay velvet is not the best movie of the year its Baby but Bombay Velvet is class apart Visuals and special effects background score
rjnishita: Bombay Velvet: Average movie P.S: Your opinion may differ !!
rahul20061985: Bombay velvet: 2.5* Very average movie. Few min of movie is good rest is average. Ranbeer acting is good but intensity of story goes low
peeteeonyou: Bombay Velvet wasn't a good movie, especially by Kashyap's standards, but not worth the brickbats it's been getting in reviews.
mycuttingchai: Bombay Velvet is an epic masterpiece in it's visuals and acting, especially @karanjohar. Sadly the story doesn't have that #kashyap-ness
MohdNaviAlamKha: Bombay velvet kitni boring story But good acting by KJo & RK
mahura_82: #BombayVelvet to all negative reviews I agree it is not perfect, it has flaws. BT bombay velvet is more than that.
HadiyaMirr: Yesterdays tabloid was like "bombay velvet - best one time watch". But no. Watch it twice to understand whats happening.
basavarajitnal: Bombay Velvet: Fit hai, hit nahi.
amitgotecha: Bombay velvet is like an apple bought from a high end departmental store..its got d brand, looks amazing, smells... https://www.facebook.com/amitgotecha/posts/10153471875223646
YamunaRao: Bombay Velvet 2015's flop movie..watched it n wasted my money..Boring film of the year..God u should nly help audience..:I
wothadei: Wow. What a disaster. What a bore. People around me are true saints. Bombay Velvet does not deserve an audience this patient.
vikSchandra: Bombay Velvet had its moments for me. #BombayVelvet 1/10
uroojbawa: "BOMBAY VELVET" A never watch....
tusharkushal: Bombay Velvet - Worst movie of d year ..Worst acting by anushka karan and ranbir..no story at all
TimelessSteel: Ranbir's career in danger . Besharam , Roy & now Bombay Velvet
thoughtsandways: WASTE OF MONEY BOMBAY VELVET..... #BombayVelvet @KaranJoharTeam @RanbirKapoor4u @RanbirKapoorFC @ranbirkapoor #Bollywood #bollywoodpundit
thekeyursaliya: Bombay Velvet - Torturous 3 hours of my life. #BombayVelvet #AnuragKashyap
Tejasvita: Bombay velvet - what a bore!
swapnilsaraswat: Ranbir Kapoor Delivered Roy so that people could prepare themselves for bigger Disappointment like Bombay Velvet.
swapanseth: I had predicted this. Bombay Velvet is achingly average.
SuyashGupta28: I think Kamaal R Khan Review is more entertaining than Bombay Velvet ... LOL
somfilmmaker: Bombay velvet! Puffffffffffffff, too many things have gone wrong, not hooked :/
shashank3335: Bombay velvet ek or flop ranbeer k back to back
SeaOrangutan: Bombay Velvet : Shit! #NuffSaid
Satya_Bhai_02: Bombay Velvet का पोस्टर लगा के सनिमा के अंदर गैंग्स आफ वासेपुर चला दो, पिच्चर हिट हो जाएगी।
return_to_hades: Bombay velvet is a big disappointment. High on style but low on everything else that makes a good movie. Runs for far too long as well.
reemsaied: Besharam, Roy & Bombay Velvet. Hattrick of turkeys for Ranbir Kapoor. But to be fair Bombay Velvet is vain director's fault.
rashmi_111: so much gloating malice about Bombay velvet .... movie just came out, and already know the verdict "a disaster" nightmare (
ramraj22: Bombay Velvet - The only film of Anurag Kashyap's which i didnt like, Good Acting Performances by Karan Johar... https://www.facebook.com/rajput.ramesh/posts/10152713797580566
rachitsxn292: Bombay Velvet Movie is as bad as..New What's app Update
purnangshupaul: And as I was expecting it fall flat on the face.biggest letdown of Anurag till date for me. Bombay Velvet failed... https://www.facebook.com/purnangshu.paul/posts/1054689554560226
prrrince: BOMBAY VELVET is soo boring and pretentious till interval. Sad.
PatankarAvinash: First time in my life , I have left a theatre during interval - credit goes to Bombay Velvet .
NinjaChacha: I told you, Bombay Velvet was pathetic. Here's a second opinion. https://t.co/QxSxmn1YTM
nava_bannerjee: Bombay Velvet could have been gripping movie. Ranbir is good though.
Nathulall: Bombay Velvet totally mirrors Mumbai in the 60's, Mumbai at that time was clueless about what it wanted and also slow...........very slow!
miteshkgajjar: Karan johar ki acting ne movie ki vaat laga di.bombay velvet.
megha2akshay: Bombay Velvet is no where soft like a velvet and is a waste of gorgeous visuals! Amit Trivedi’s beautiful... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153234889021970
Mayur78645: DO NOT WATCH #BOMBAY VELVET(under any circumstances ).
MaskedSRKFan: Biggest problem of Bombay Velvet is Lack of Appeal, Poor Retro music. Blaming Stars is inappropriate.
karunajohn: See Bombay Velvet for the music, the rest is a day-old vada pao minus the spicy garlic chutney https://t.co/ytt0T97GVN via @SaddaHaqMedia
junaidghildyal: Govt considering relief package for the family of the ppl who have watched Bombay velvet .
JadduJhappi: Thanks @StarPlus for showing rockstar today, and keeping the respect for Ranbir Kapoor after Bombay Velvet disaster
Im_Gauresh: Great Day For Akki Fans...Now Bombay Velvet Is on it's way to break JOKER's Record for being Biggest disaster ever in History..
iDabaang: What the Fuck kya sooch kar banaye yeh movie-> Bombay velvet Chutspa at it's best in this movie Flop movie
iam_mansi: Everything that appears vintage will charm you, this is not necessary. Proof : Bombay Velvet !!
hussainkor: Bombay Velvet D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R
hsahbus: Really bad movie, Bombay Velvet. Couldn't sit through. Ranbir, Anushka, Karan Johar wrong choice of movie. Anurag Kashyap disppoints. Skipit
Gotham3: Anurag Kashyap भाई ने सोचा होगा जब तक इस देश में सनीमा है लोग चूतिया बनते रहेंगे। इस लिए Bombay Velvet बना दी।
fraudpunju: Arey yaar this Bombay Velvet is so chutiya I should have watched Gabbar is back instead.
Emperor__salman: #BOMBAY_VELVET - mega disaster
em_ufsee: Bombay Velvet was underwhelming, 260 rs wasted smh
dipaah: Bombay Velvet only screamed 'missed opportunity'. Overtried the Jazz Age. Poor direction. Was an editor even there? Much disappointment.
deo26: If Bombay Velvet is a classic , then dear critics , am I proud of the fact that I love and relish third class masala front bencher cinema !
Debisriprasad: Bombay velvet verdict- All Time Mega Disaster @ANURAGKASHYAP72 Rip Anurag Bhai Suicide karlo, tumse kuch nehin ho payega
DeathOfComedy: Bombay Velvet clearly had mad ambition. It's a crying shame how flat it falls.
dakshdeepak: Actor ko le k film banao to Wasseypur jaisi film bantee hai. Star ko le kar Bombay velvet jaisa chutiyapa banta hai...
chitranshraaj: Bombay Velvet is just pretentious and really boring. Not even an hour and m feeling like walking out. Such disappointment! #BombayVelvet
chandau76: Why Bombay Velvet? Extremely bad movie. Thumbs down team #BombayVelvet
chandansahoo: Bombay velvet is a complete waste of money @karanjohar
cgabhi: Bombay Velvet ... What a waste of time.
BritonBakhab: Bombay Velvet is such a crap movie.Even cartoon films are good to watch...lol
Bhavanikumaar: Bombay velvet ,Disappointed !
AwaraRish: If you're on the way for Bombay velvet you can still save yourself..
Anuroop123: As expected , Bombay Velvet is a washout.
anikethsays: Don't KJo! I'd watch KWK 1M x per episode, but not Bombay Velvet once
Amar1tiger: पेट्रोल के दाम और #Bombay Velvet देख एक बात समझ आई,हद से ज्यादा उम्मीद किसी से नही रखनी चाहिए फिर चाहे वो... http://www.facebook.com/reloadedtiger/posts/812456118837134
1DtoIndia_: I'm finally homeeeee. Watched Bombay Velvet (ran away in interval, oops)
142keshavkunjam: Ranbir Kapoor said that it took 8 years to make Bombay Velvet. The question is : What was the need ?
_acesays: Loved the interval in Bombay Velvet.
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: Loads and loads and brutality is implied though not necessarily shown on screen all the time.
- Language: Clean
- Nudity & Sexual content: Prostitution. A lip-to-lip. Some dialogue implies the characters have had sex, etc.
- Concept:A small-time thug's aspirations of making it big in Bombay in the late 60s
- General Look and Feel: Retro, very retro. Good retro, great retro.
![[Facebook page of Bombay Velvet]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Twitter account of Bombay Velvet]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Bombay Velvet]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Bombay Velvet]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Bombay Velvet]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (34)
Good intriguing trailer. For the first time since Raajneeti am I actually looking forward to a Ranbir Kapoor starrer. Hopefully Anurag Kashyap gets back to his days of SATYA and BLACK FRIDAY soon enough!
'Bombay Velvet''s colossal disaster has one unintentional purpose:
It'll differentiate an independent good film critic from a pseudo lousy back-scratching 'middle-of-the-road' critic!
Next time if anyone wants to find the calibre of a critic, read that critic's review of Bombay Velvet.
You'll know which Queen/King was/is walking without clothes around in the town till now!
Everybody knows Kashyap has a limited audience. But the good thing was that he stayed honest to his audience in past . But with this trying to gain some extra audience he may upset his existing fans.
It didnt even felt like it has been directed by him.
no twists , no humour(inspite not being a serious film) , no uniqueness. Just the technical departments have done there job. Its visually beautiful but thats not enough.
He should have made the same kind of movie he used to make with a big star (something like badlapur with Varun dhawan) , instead of what he has taken an overused plot , giving evaluation of Mumbai as a background(no detailing as compared to what GOW has shown) doing nothing new to it. Its just an above average lengthy film. And these are the words of AK's fan.
I have been a regular visitor of your page from the day I read your review of Nishabd. Finally, I was relieved, someone else appreciated the film.
Why I am commenting now? To say that giving Amit Trivedi 3/5 for this music sounds out of tune, if not cacophonous. Guess it's pretty subjective, the taste, but we forget that sometime, don't we? Anyway, the best judge of music is time. We have to wait.
Yet to watch the movie. Kashyap has a fundamental problem - he seeks inspiration not from his life but from art gallaries. And he makes his self-image by owning others' great work merely by talking about it to those who know or care less. And as long as he does that, he will remain a better commentator/critic and a fanboy than a filmmaker.
One of the rare positive reviews amongst a plethora of scathing reviews.
The review is as pathetic, illogical, bogus & laughably ridiculous as the movie itself. I'm not surprised since it comes from the self proclaimed fan-girl of the poker faced mediocrity called Ranbir Kapoor (whose fan base is almost non existent now). The movie is dull, boring and an absolute wannabe noir piece of art that falls flat on its bum. Sample this- [Comment partially deleted because it tries to give a part of the movie away.] I'm sure politicians in this nation are smart enough to reverse such a laughable attempt and have this work against the blackmailer himself. Another one, [Comment partially deleted because it tries to give a part of the movie away.] Lmao...Mr. Anurag Kashyap, please get back to basics and revisit your own films like Satya, Black Friday and Gow before your next before u become the next RGV. Mr Ranbir Kapoor, please start acting in multi starrers where you got a popular face to save your a$$ and deliver you a much needed hit since you are already on your way to being the next Abhishek Bachchan. And finally Mrs Kabra, please watch a film closely with your eyes wide open before your next review, even if it involves the supremely tough and unfortunate task of you criticizing a movie of your all time favorite Ranbir Kapoor. BOMBAY VELVET is a 100 cr box office DISASTER. A Disaster so shocking, even Kites, Veer and Mangal Pandey and Paheli appear to be holding their own against this. RIP Ranbir Kapoor the "self proclaimed media made star". Welcome to the club of Rahul & Abhishek :P
Damn!!!!!Had expected this one to be a good crime noir.Looks like everyone outright hated this film.I guess that setlles that Mad Max is the one to go for this weekend.Will catch this one on DVD for sure though.
The nail in the coffin comes from Raj D, hammer supplied by Anup, and blow struck by Anuj.
What could one have expected from an arrogant overhyped king of parallel cinema meeting the overhyped king (or something else) of candy coated Archies' film?
I had to keep asking myself if this was really happening and a movie has been released like this. Its very clear from the rush of the first half that they have possibly shot a movie about 4 hours long and having no chance in the world to launch another BV-2 a la GOW they were hurriedly cutting the scenes to bring down the length. That also explains the presence of a more senior editor. The first half made no sense at all....can one believe that even the 'mother''s face was not shown? what sort of screenplay is this?? One can understand why this film was getting edited for such a long time. And wonder of wonders..even after an astronomical budget the sets ended up looking like sets....the explosion was laughable. And it did not look like a 100 Cr movie at all. The rumors are to vicious to put in here but frankly the club, the road, the buildings all looked film sets only !!! The club did not even look alive or fun !!! I am so disappointed that possibly i will go watch Piku the 3rd time or even Gabbar just to cleanse my eyes !!! It was a horrible experience sitting through whatever passed on the screen in the name of a film, All other great turkeys before this at least tried in their own way to tell a story..this doesn't even have that.
@Anup yeah I know. I can imagine the disappointment.
@Abhishek Other than "Behroopiya" I found the music very repetitive. Which works for the film but to listen to independently, didn't find myself putting the album on loop.
@Fan Well, I didn't think it was a positive review. :D At the same time I didn't hate the film either. I think it is an ok watch for when you its on TV/DVD without having to spend 1000 bucks on a theater outing. :)
For once, I see a review of BV that's not review of AK, or the budget of the film, or whatever. Thumbs up for that alone. Mostly agree with you (except that it did stay with me, although given it's AK film, I was expecting a bit more from it).
3/5 for music director kind surprised me too. And then read your comment that the music works for the film, but not the kind of album you'd listen to. But do the songs/music need to stand on their own? In the context of the film, it is absolutely working, IMO. It's almost the driving force of the movie. Didn't feel a single song was out of place or dragging. The background score is fabulous. So given that it's a music for a film, Trivedi has more than excelled, if that's possible. I'd give him 5/5 without a second-thought.
@asuph Thank you! I work hard on viewing the film as a stand-alone film. So, rating this film had to be as per "What if this wasn't an AK film?" Which is why I also didn't bring up music of Aamir and Dev D.
I'm always in a fix about rating the music. I ultimately do how the music felt overall. So, you shouldn't be surprised one day if you see a 5/5 for a film's music which had nothing to do with how it sounds stand alone but goes great with the film. :D Even the movie reviews are like that - how a film made me feel.
@Meetu : looking up your rating table I see that 'catch on dvd for sure' is in 4th position out of 7. So yes it's not that positive. Maybe it's the 'catch for sure' wording that gives the impression that one should not miss the film.
No point hiding comments for revealing the plot for this pile of garbage. This movie is such a stinker, there's hardly anyone queuing up to watch it and hence it really doesn't matter even if i blurt out the entire plot out here. 10% occupancy in week 1. BV is a record breaking box office DISASTER of magnamopous proportions surpassing the likes of Kites, Drona, Happy Ending, Paheli etc. Its Indian cinema's biggest flop since RGV Ki Aag in 2007. First Roy and now this, 'Besharam' Ranbir has indeed come a long way as an actor. So have his fan-women who are now surpassing even the likes of Raja Sen and Mihir Fadnavis in giving false and misleading reviews!
@Fan : "overhyped king (or something else) of candy coated Archies' film?" ~ Karan or Ranbir? :P
@Anuj: First Besharam, then Roy, and now this. But I think he will bounce back, he does have the potential.
A bit like Priyanka Chopra who delivered 4 duds in a row in a year and closed the year with Fashion winning all critical acclaim. The 4 duds (not in the order of release) were Drona, God Tussi Great Ho, Chamku, Love Story 2050.
@Fan : Its not quite the same for actors and actresses in Bollywood. 80% of the times, the Priyanka's, Deepika's and Katrina's of b-town play supporting glam doll roles and hence a few flops here and there does not quite impact their star status as they always have multiple insignificant glam dolls roles opposite the Khans, Roshan's or Kumar's lined up. Of course they too have to prove their mettle when the likes of Piku, Mary Kom, Queen, Kahaani etc come around, but they are few and far between. As for the crowd pulling actors, every film of theirs is under scrutiny and their popularity is as good as their last film. No wonder a Hrithik's star status was devastated when he gave Kites and Guzaarish in the same year before he crawled his way back with ZNMD, Agneepath and Krrish-3. Ditto for Srk with the underperformance of MNIK, Ra.1, Don-2 etc before CE came along. And mind you, HR and Srk are superstars and mega stars i'm talking about. Ranbir is yet to prove himself even as a regular crowd puller. the only substantial huge grosser he's had in his 7 year career is YJHD and there too I would be tempted to give half the credit to Padukone, considering that she's been on a roll for over 2 years now and completely overshadowed even an Srk in CE and Ranveer in Ram-Leela and has now delivered big time in Piku. Ranbir's other major hit APKGK is again with great help from another superstar actress Katrina who was having a dream run during the late 2000's. Barfi is more of an ROI word of mouth, urban multiplex hit where the credit mainly goes to the content and director/screenplay writer than a display of Ranbir's star power (something on the lines of Farhan's BMB). Raajneeti was a huge multistarrer and all of Ranbir's other films including the over-rated one's like Wake Up Sid, Rockstar, Rocket Singh have either been Below Average or Flops or Disasters (Saawariya, Besharam, Roy, BV). Agreed that he's the most popular in "his generation" of actors but that mainly because the rest like Varun Dhawan, Ranver Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Imran Khan etc are so lousy and worthless that they cannot even be taken seriously. The only real competitor Ranbir has in his generation is Shahid who I believe is a far superior actor to Ranbir but unfortunately, Shahid's questionable choice of films over the years has been both baffling and shocking which leaves Ranbir running a one horse race (yet huffing and puffing)
Before the interest and debate on Bombay Velvet dries out and everyone moves on,
I would like to give my half a cent of thought:
What movie critics - who gave average or above average ratings to Bombay Velvet - did was:
It is like selecting someone as life-partner in today's times who is technically highly rated on this checklist:
-Known, Wealthy, qualification, status, looks, family, cleanliness etc.
But ONE who doesn't / can't give you LOVE & make you feel happy!
Audience while watching a movie don't see other things, but just experience the feeling of being happy and satisfied, a feeling of joy hard to describe.
Surely it is not all technicalities of movie making that critics laud. Technicalities only contribute to less than five percent in audience's mind.
Critic need to be savvy like that audience, and not keen on shown how well they understand the technicality of movie making.
In the end, who cares about technicalities if the movie is a crap - its like the "Oxford Comma' song.. snobbish, elitist, ondescending!
@Raj D: well said. Critics and reviewers look into the technical nitty gritty that an average film goer does not even understand or realise. It's the overall content, story and execution that is appealing. In short entertainment.
One of the best sentences that would sum up what critics and reviewers and all wannabe intelligent sounding fellows try to say on such films (or rather such directors' films) is like a surgeon who says "the operation is successful but the patient is dead". Operation is successful because he followed every medical procedure to the letter and the cuts made were the most precise ever by any surgeon and the stitches thereafter were the minimalist and most esthetic - but who cared for the patient?
Well said FAN!
What would the critic / reviewer of that operation write about it?
"Classic operation that family members didn't understand anything about!?"
@Fan @Raj I think a review is nothing but just an opinion of a person about a film.Nothing more or less.They never call themselves intellectuals or consider people who like commercial films beneath them.One of the greatest critics of all time,Roger Ebert hated David Fincher's Fight Club but liked his Se7en.While both of the films are extremely good,over the years,Fight Club has become a cult class among youngsters worldover and it's dialogues on every young man's mind.It just shows that even the greatest film critic can only give a 'subjective'view of a film and can never give an objective view like'I hated this film but you may like it'.
@Fan @Raj Then again its the Choice of a person who wants to follow a reviewer or not.. Its there job , and they are doing it , nobody is forcing anybody to read his/her reviews.. Ironically in this same page everybody writing had read the above review and still criticizing the job.. If you don't even like to read reviews then what the hell are you doing on this page.. Don't say that you are just here to reply on the comments below the review.
Reviewers will say what they want to , what they think , what they feel about a movue , its their personal thought , you can disagree them but cant criticize the job..
Dear all,
I am one of the earliest followers of WOGMA about 6-8 years back when it started and I like Meetu's review. I visit here because I value the critic's thoughts and reviews about movies. Just because I do not engage actively does not mean I don't read all your comments and debates.
And if I have to share a point or two, I think everyone should allow that.
Meetu provides that liberal platform for people to voice their opinion without curtailing their freedom of expression except in worst cases of using abuse.
In case of Bombay Velvet, I think not a single person of the film industry criticized the movie, such hypocrites! And all reviewers who gave half hearted average or above average rating ranted about technicalities and acting, forgetting that technicalities of making movie occupies only 5% of audience mind except those like us who see other aspects also while watching movies. I understand no reviewer is perfect, and is /will always remain subjective. My point is: "Good reviewer should like a general feel good about the movie as an audience feels. Good movie should touch your heart. Not to say that 100 crore plus movies are always good. Most of them are terrible. But good movies are good and bad movies are bad. A good critic should be able to grow and evolve to understand and feel that part of movie watching experience.
Though technically good, Bombay Velvet was a bad movie.
2Gokul, 2Anup: I do not agree to your escapist / defensive / evasive arguments.
In any industry, a reviewer's job is not to say his or her preference. But instead to rate the product on its MERITS.
A scientific reviewer has to review and evaluate based on merit, not what he liked.
A software reviewer has to review software based on quality of the software and not based on what his / her preference.
Read up any definition on any reliable source of a reviewer and you will find that the output has to be an objective merit based analysis.
That does not mean that reviewers could get it right 100% of the time. But instead of accepting that we got it wrong - hiding behind curtains of it is my point of view and I don't care for others' liking - is not very reviewer like. Every reviewer who hides behind such subjective statements is just a wannabe and not a professional. In that sence, how much ever differences on certain points that I might have with @Anuj, he is more of a professional reviewer than most of the reviewers of Hindi films.
Raj- thats the thing..we cant expect the reviewer to match his/her thinking with the majority of the audience..if you will take a look again then you can see that there are some comments who agrees with review. That means there are some audience present who may have liked the movie.
Fan- how can a reviewer who doesnt like a film will forcefully right good about it just because he think it may be liked by the mass audience or vice versa..
@Gokul : A reviewer is not merely hired to write his thoughts and opinions on a movie with a little help from over the top phrases straight out of a Shakespere'an dictionary. Else any Tom, Dick or Harry writing reviews and thoughts on blogs, twitter, imdb etc would be classified as a reviewer. A professional reviewer is one whose supposed to analyze the merits and demerits of a film from the point of view of a the viewer and the "target audience". But instead, most of these dumb reviewers who try their level best to be smartasses aand rip apart a movie (Raja Sen, Mihir Fadnavis, B Rangan, Masand and many more) start analyzing cock and bull technicalities and camerawork instead of focusing on the essential aspects like the script, content and performances. There is no point reviewing a Dabangg wearing the shades of a ZNMD and vice versa. This is something that most of these dimwitted critics have failed to understand. And of course, writing shit about a popular product is the easiest way to attract attention for these scoundrels, most of whom are failed film-makers and script writers themselves (as we saw with completely senseless and out of context reviews for films like Krrish-3, Dhoom-3, Singham-2 and Holiday).
@Anuj But nowadays isn't every Tom,dick and Harry a critic???FFS even KRK is a critic!!!!!I can't see how anyone can keep his personal views aside and watch a movie thinking how others will like it.Even I don't like the films you mentioned and if asked to write a review,won't be able to write one good reason to recommend them.As far as popular films are concerned,everyone hates a film that is deliberately dumbed down to appeal the Lowest common denominator.And that happens worldover.Literally every critic alive has thrashed the Transformers series.Nobody hates a movie that can entertain without making the audiences look like buffoons e.g:3 idiots,YJHD,Guardians of the Galaxy etc.
"I can't see how anyone can keep his personal views aside and watch a movie thinking how others will like"
@Gokul : it's natural that you and me can't see that - we are not professional reviewers.
For someone who has made it his/her profession i expect that person to be objectively analysing the hit and shit to see the factors that made or broke the film. And use the findings of this constant analysis to review new films. And it is important to constantly analyse the films as the tastes change. That is a professional reviewer.
"everyone hates a film that is deliberately dumbed down to appeal the Lowest common denominator" ~ everyone? really? Is that why all the mentioned films were loved by the audiences to such an extent that they ran to packed houses for weeks and weeks together? I'm sorry, likes and dislikes vary from individual to individual and fortunately (or unfortunately) there are a lot more viewers who's rather watch a Dhoom film or a Singham film than a Dedh Ishqiya or a Finding Fanny (including me).
@Anuj By everyone I meant all the critics,and as far as box office earnings go,Transformers even after all that bashing from critics makes truckloads of money.I don't think you can force a critic to like a film because it earned money at the box office.
"I don't think you can force a critic to like a film because it earned money at the box office." ~ same way neither can u or any Raja Sen of this world term a viewer "a moron" or "low denominator" just because he likes a Holiday/Dabangg or Singham. Unfortunately, 90% of these armchair critics and gold class cappichino audiences (the Dibakar Bannerjee/Anurag Kashyap [comment deleted: abusive language + personal attack]) fail to understand or realize this.
@Fan Fair point! I really struggle with the in-betweens.
But no, however professional a reviewer is, he is first a viewer and has an opinion. In fact, I think letting go of one's opinion of a film to assess how others' might like it is a disservice. What you are asking of the reviewer is to change his taste. Now, I don't even know how to respond to that.
@Gokul @Anup Exactly! (Re: job of a reviewer)
@Raj Thank you for your patronage! :D
I don't think anyone (critic or not, reviewer or not) can claim to say that a film is universally, in absolute terms good or bad.
@Anuj Do reviewers really say that their taste is superior to others? That'd be crazy and doesn't make sense at all. Are you sure it is not an inference made by the readers?
We watched this tonight, Meeta - and I got to say, your review hit the nail on the head. I usually am not a Ranbir Kapoor fan, but here he did a superb job with Johnny Balraj, holding his own with the Great Gangster Actors. Anushka Sharma is never less than really good - but even for her, this was a big step up to a truly great performance. (Did she do her own singing? If so, that's even more impressive!) The rest of the cast did an equally great job, even if I recognized very few of them. And the period setting was nearly spot-on, and we all loved seeing it.
Unfortunately - the story isn't as good as the actors or the setting. Until the back half where it all came apart in a collection of filmi contrivances that the first half of the movie successfully kidded, it was a series of individually good scenes that didn't hold together in a coherent whole. Maybe if we'd known a bit more about Indian politics of the 1950s and 1960s it would have made a bit more sense, but it felt like "Scene", "Scene", and "Scene" rather than a cohesive story to us. It felt like the American film about the CIA Robert DeNiro directed, The Good Shepherd, where you had a lot of great acting and great individual scenes - but no through-line, really.
Ultimately, we agree with your conclusion - like Johnny, this film needs some ambition!
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