Kapoor & Sons
wogma rating: Beg or borrow, but do watch (?)
It is an amazingly mature film. Who would have thought that could be said about a 100% family drama?
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Kapoor & Sons - Preview
Anything with Alia Bhatt intrinsically seems like it brings a breath of freshness with it. And then you have the stunning makeover for Rishi Kapoor. Off late, he hasn't disappointed with his performances and the rest of the cast looks like they are one with their characters too. Beyond that thought, the trailer becomes a combination of any ol' love triangle and family drama that you might have seen in real life.
The heavy promotion on social media goes with the 'young' feeling the film has. But, beyond that it has a Yeh Dillagi feel to it – two brothers fall for the same woman. However, there is an angle of brothers fighting over her rather than sacrificing with each other – which a pleasant (because it seems more real) contemporary air about it.
The music too sounds modern. However, doesn't feel like it will overstay a one-time listen. Let's hope it goes better with the film and adds to the experience.
Music Reviews:
Bollywood Hungama – "3.5/5"
Firstpost - "ditch this album, and listen to the original versions of the only two decent songs"
Milliblog - "highly listenable multi-composer soundtrack!"
Music Aloud - "7/10"
- meeta, a part of the audience
A close-up of an old couple holding hands – there are few moments that are as heartwarming as that. Kapoor & Sons is full of these. This in the midst of a good old family drama. Yeah, who would have thought a through and through drama plot-line could be likable. That too with its share of sexual innuendos and toilet humor. Kapoor & Sons is as good as any example of - if the “how” the story is told is done right, the “what” becomes secondary.
Drama without dramatics – it has been so long since we have seen this that by itself it is refreshing. The first half of the film barely has any background music. And when things starts heating up in the second half, there is only a slight hint. That itself cuts the drama off to a great extent – keeping background music in its place.
The “how” then is peppered with situations and a mix of snappy, funny, profound dialogue that fit the characters, the story, the milieu. In the end then, when you find yourself engrossed with the Kapoor family's problems – and not only because you identify with them – you are taken by surprise with how sentimental the film has managed to make you.
Yes, you will see in the Kapoor family either your family or a family that you have been closely associated with. You will know why they feel better knit than a family that pushes things under the carpet. How their relationships are shattered by disclosures and how they, like any family, come together in difficult times – despite their differences, despite their personal anger towards the other.
You relate to Kapoor & Sons also also because of its flawed characters and their portrayal by each one of the actors. The atypical dadu by Rishi Kapoor is more charming than both Rahul (Fawad Khan) and Arjun (Siddharth Malhotra). The two young actors themselves though play their own way of hiding or showing their inadequacies. You don't doubt it when other characters call Fawad Khan perfect or simple. Siddharth Malhotra slips up in a scene where he is angry but more than covers up for that in other instances, especially the one scene where he is dumbfounded.
It is stunning how Alia Bhatt makes - being cool, sensitive, being both at the giving and receiving end of sympathy – look so easy. Rajat Kapoor and Ratna Pathak Shah play the disagreeable, frustrated couple/parents for you to think of real people they remind you of.
And that is something Kapoor & Sons gets so right. When things get too real and serious, they edit smoothly into something that is bound to make you smile, if not laugh. This won't happen in real life, but hey – would they be stories if they reflected real life? The right balance between filmy and real is what makes Kapoor & Sons adorable despite its segue into borderline crass humor or even borderline melodrama.
Of course, it is a tear jerker, like any family drama worth its salt ought to be. It is not about who gets the girl, or which sibling wins parent approval. It is also not about whether dadu lives or dies before he gets the family photograph clicked. “It's all about loving your family.”
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ... Batra teases us with Bollywood clichés and then swerves in other directions. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Watch this mature family entertainer for the 3 R's, namely Rishi, Ratna and Rajat along with the charming youngsters.... full review
Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice : ...The really strong moments in the film occur when Ratna Pathak Shah’s maternal allegiance is threatened by the movie’s revelation.... full review
Thumbs up, Bollywood Hungama : ...makes for an excellent movie that you must watch with your entire family.... full review
Thumbs up, by Sreeju Sudhakaran, Bollywood Life : ...may not be the typical KJo film drama you may relished in the past, set in foreign locales, huge mansion, love songs etc. yet it is one of the finest films Karan Johar has produced... full review
Thumbs up, Deccan Chronicle : ...The credit goes to director Shakun Batra for beautifully holding the film like a perfect winning trophy.... full review
Thumbs up, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ... The script is tight and understated. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Krish Sripada, Desi Martini : ...Rishi Kapoor turns a good movie into an endearing one!... full review
Thumbs up, by Ajitesh Rajeevan, Desi Martini : ...an impassioned ride... full review
Thumbs up, by Harshada Rege, DNA : ...at other times, the humour does seem forced.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...there’s no way on earth you should miss this movie. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Anna Vetticad, FirstPost : ...These are niggling quarrels though with an otherwise wonderful film.... full review
Thumbs up, by Pradeep Menon, FirstPost : ...The inevitable push-pull dynamics of every family, particularly one that has millennial adults in it, comes through better than we've ever seen before.... full review
Thumbs up, by Zehra Abbas, fullhyd.com : ...it saves its most important message for its most attentive viewers - healing is ultimately a choice. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...I left the multiplex, quietly applauding KAPOOR & SONS.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...The language Fawad, Alia and Sidharth speak in the film is true to their character graphs: Very urban in nature yet restrained and suitable for a place like Coonoor. ... full review
Thumbs up, IBN Live : ...This film has a soul that reminds you to love your imperfect family... full review
Thumbs up, by Ananya Bhattacharya, india today : ...With these several parallel tracks running through Kapoor And Sons, director Shakun Batra crafts a refreshing tale of family problems and the art of sweeping them under the carpet.... full review
Thumbs up, by Surbhi Redkar, koimoi : ...This is a slice of life film, laden with some cherishable moments.... full review
Thumbs up, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...Keeping up with the Kapoors is exhausting but worthwhile ... full review
Thumbs up, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...It might remind of your own family issues and make you a bit squirmish but is also largely feel good and entertaining.... full review
Thumbs up, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...When old wounds and fresh slights collide, it leads to a rather explosive family reunion…... full review
Thumbs up, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...Director Shakun Batra has matured from a filmmaker solely capable of romcoms to one who can infuse depth into characters and script relationships in all its verity. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...The screenplay by Ayesha Devitre Dhillon and Shakun Batra probes aspects of human nature that are rarely touched upon in more facile Bollywood fare.... full review
Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...The nuances in the story are reflected brilliantly in all aspects of the film from the performances to the technical aspects like production design, music, editing and photography.... full review
Thumbs up, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...The ultimate family film... full review
Thumbs up, by Pratim D Dasgupta, The Telegraph : ...Kapoor & Sons is two thumbs up to the changing character of mainstream Bollywood, where formulaic ingredients are being tossed and turned for a refreshing cinematic experience... full review
Thumbs up, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...*... full review
Thumbs up, yahoo! India : ...Shakun Batra proves that there is no substitute for good writing – the story is compelling, the dialogues are well written and the casting is perfect.... full review
Thumbs up, by Dhriti Sharma, Zee News : ...Do not miss Alia-Sidhar... full review
So-So, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...alls under the could-have-been-better category.... full review
So-So, by Merkwürdige Liebe, Desi Martini : ...fails to build up to anything truly special... full review
So-So, by Siddhant Shori, Desi Martini : ...well made, feel good film... full review
So-So, by Suprateek Chatterjee, Huffington Post : ...ping-pongs between heartwarming family bonding and serious, life-altering conflict.... full review
So-So, by Vivek, India Entertainment : ...one flaw is the unfolding of each of the characters and their character flaws, appears to be robotic and sequential, like a mathematical equation.... full review
So-So, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...finely, intelligently crafted film which stumbles because of its eagerness... full review
So-So, by Karan Bali, Upper Stall : ...has its moments with an easy going first half but a labored second half lets it down.... full review
Thumbs down, Free Press Journal : ...The narrative flow is not very smooth and it’s not always happening either.... full review
Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...The other problem is that in many places things get much too overwrought for far too long.... full review
zaynslytherin: Kapoor and sons is so good fuck
Yugac: Kapoor & Sons is a nice gradual progression from Prem Ratan Dhan Payo/barjatya - kind family dramas #kapoorandsons #FawadKhan
youtubemoviestv: Kapoor and Sons Movie Review and Rating: our and out Family Entertainer #Movie News https://t.co/bGStCJNTcJ
yourstruly111: #kapoor and sons @karanjohar keep up the great work bringing real life gay characters to the forefront!!
wajih_88: Watched #kapoor&sons with @_fawadakhan_ the hero #awsum movie! https://t.co/ZVXA7ppJ0Q
TNRANDOM: yeh movie beautiful kar gayi chull kapoor and sons #paisavasool
ThumbelinaDona: Hey, I think I can write an essay on #Kapoor&Sons. Never thought abt any film this much. Am I biased bcoz of #FawadKhan?
thesaurabhkr: Watched Kapoor & Sons today. Whattay Movie!
theasianherald: #KapoorandSons is Rocking the #BoxOffice . Here is why you must watch it https://t.co/uugn4zqept https://t.co/pQr8nGp804
SuperShames: Ind Vs Pak. Kapoor & Sons. A weekend decently spent. However, still no light visible at the end of tunnel. #Day14
sowmyarao_: I loved Kapoor and Sons. Bechdel - almost fail. Problematic - little bit. Sexist - I'm unsure Watchable if you're feminist - Yes!
snacksinthehall: Absolutely moved by Kapoor and Sons. What a film.
singh20_MONIKA: .Interesting story backed up by solid performances. Evry actor doing justic to dere role. Kapur &Sons is fantastic movie @aliaa08 @S1dharthM
Sineetisweeto: Finally watched kapoor And Sons.. Very refreshing story about a dysfunctional family.. Good job by @shakunbatra @karanjohar
sib_sibby: This was literally me last night right after my Kapoor & Sons show. I'm sure that speaks volumes about my excitement https://t.co/N4TarrdEMd
shafiqulhasan81: #KapoorAndSons is a great #Family Entertainer. Watch it. #MovieReview https://t.co/qavExucO0Q https://t.co/Jusfj4UIA6
Sha_afz: Yayyy!!! Kapoor and sons deserve much more!!! Way to go @aliaa08 @S1dharthM @_fawadakhan_ https://t.co/hL1wgMEVXG
screeningroom_: Movie Review: Kapoor & Sons: Kapoor & sons is a dramedy at its best, with a modern yet dysfunctional f... https://t.co/07EuN8usji #Movies
SamanTariq88: In other news, saw Kapoor and Sons and loved it. Fawad Khan has truly evolved as an actor.
Rrrrohini: Kapoor and Sons had the kind of heart that reminds one of handmade greetings our younger selves sent out to parents and teachers and friends
rishikapoorfan: 'Kapoor & Sons' is a precious & powerful family saga... https://t.co/fhRrwj4sTj https://t.co/zveRbpgbJf
prashantdesleMT: 'कपूर ऐंड सन्स' मूवी रिव्यू https://t.co/68OlXyRsvx via @NavbharatTimes
OshinMurjani: Sid is phenomenal in Kapoor and Sons. So natural and perfect! You'll not find a single scene in which he overdoes our doesn't do at all.
niloy_mondal84: Great movie, must watch, Kapoor and Sons
naveen_shukla: ' Kapoor & sons ' is a beautiful film, love the way some of these new films are changing face of mainstream Hindi Cinema.
nava2022: kapoor and sons is a awesome moviel,must watch it!!!!!
natasha_2o1o: Finally watched Kapoor & Sons! It's freaking awesome! One of those movies where every performance is stellar. I absolutely love the
naiyyas: Kapoor & Sons is simply awesome. It's hilarious and has a story from which we can learn. Though wud luv 2 have a grandfather like Mr. Kapoor
Nadya_Zaidi: Kapoor and sons was SO beautiful and touching. It made me laugh and cry and the acting was incredible
mohinisharma84: CineMagik: Kapoor And Sons: Miss the moments, miss the pictures. https://t.co/kEy3IOXbpj
ManishNaggdev: "Kapoor & sons" Beauty it is, a must watch,loved the film to the core.
Madaboutmoviez: Kapoor and Sons (Since 1921): A Quick Review https://t.co/0jLs5uiiVk https://t.co/J6ICbZlTcm
LeMeShrewd: And yayyy. I watched Kapoor and Sons.
KinkarMihir: Watched Kapoor & Sons!!! @aliaa08 Was Georgious!! @S1dharthM Was Awesome..@_fawadakhan_ Was Amazing!!! @chintskap Cute @shakunbatra Congtrs
kavyakhanna123: Just came back from kapoor and sons it was beyond amazing loved it . love ya @aliaa08 @S1dharthM @_fawadakhan_
jayajha: Kapoor and Sons gets a thumbs up. And no - not just because of Fawad Khan :D
iShripalGandhi: All movies Rishi Kapoor acted in < Kapoor and Sons! @chintskap , you rock, Sir. *tips hat*
infinitypai: Movie Review: Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921) - After a long time, I watched a movie immediately after its... https://t.co/1Vjg2UU2Pm
IndraniRay: Kapoor & Sons is a sure & solid push in the right direction for gay men in India, at many levels https://t.co/iHmVGHKjkT
indiantweeter: Thank you for producing Kapoor and sons @karanjohar
imuskaang: EVERYBODY SHOULD WATCH KAPOOR&SONS! WHAT A GOOD MOVIE I LOVE HOW WE ALL CAN RELATE TO IT ON A CERTAIN LEVEL! IT DESREVES ONE WATCH ATLEAST!
ImM3gha31: watchD Kapoor And Sons <3 <3 <3 It was an AmazinG movie :* :* Alia Bhatt you're a sweetHeart <3 Sidharth... https://t.co/5tQTOvcBNJ
iiiamsrkk: Kapoor and sons is one of the finest movie from @karanjohar ,every actor done a great job but Budda @chintskap stealed the show...
hemanginiamin: Grt..kapoor &sons...
harshgujrati1: Loved kapoor & sons. Siddharth,Alia,Fawad & especially rishi kapoor sir
gautideewani: Kapoor and Sons...Gotcha Whatay movie. Watched something like this after long. #Family #Drama #Emotions Can watch it anytime again!!!!
Free_World_News: Kapoor & Sons: Your own dysfunctional family https://t.co/pXyp2JQ5RO FOLLOW @MIX_ALERT
FEnil_SRK: Kapoor and sons is a good movie. Grt mixture of comedy, drama and emotions. It doesn't bore @DharmaMovies @S1dharthM @aliaa08 @_fawadakhan_
durjoydatta: Just watched Kapoor and Sons and it was pretty darn good. Recommended.
DP_RK_Holic: And finally the best film of the year thus far has to be Kapoor & Sons hands down. Far better and relatable than neerja n all!
DJPuneet: Without a doubt #Kapoor&Sons is a must watch.! @chintskap sir I love what you do. #rauflalaturnsdadu https://t.co/beRJDiZpeN
Dilse_Harsh: Best Of this Year @S1dharthM @aliaa08.. Special Appreciation for #FawadKhan!! Beautiful shot and high with emotions #Kapoor&Sons.
DevanshuVekaria: Your movie Kapoor and sons is just awesome before the halftime of movie it was funny,romance but after it was totally emotional i loved it..
Deepakpal: Despite reluctance in my mind, yesterday I watched Kapoor and Sons. And it didn't disappointed me. Nice movie I must say.
dashingshyam: Well said..!! https://t.co/Htpf0fkRfW
CoolRuchir: Kapoor and sons is one of the best movies I watched till date!! It has every element a movie must have!!
coolgirl_hj: Kapoor & Sons.. A family drama full of emotions nd I liked it coz I love emotions nd I can very well relate wid dem, good music nd acting !!
chinnews365: 'Kapoor & Sons' is a precious & powerful family saga... https://t.co/K1sEfQFAsh https://t.co/O6KmC5Ml9J
chihanos: 'Kapoor & Sons': A Thought-Provoking Family Drama That Tugs At The Heartstrings https://t.co/hJnggAWp7y https://t.co/UmwZqzV8oc
catherine_likes: Kapoor and Sons was wonderful! Well written, well made, well performed :) Shakun really hit the dysfunctional family nail on the head #love
bolly_hollywood: Kapoor & Sons movie review: Fawad Khan, Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt’s family drama is replete with TERRIFIC https://t.co/NaPOUow3BH
BadmashFRQ: Kapoor and Sons: A Family Drama you should not miss https://t.co/kZEDIoWTkU #KapoorAndSons
AtikaRehman: Kapoor & Sons is a wonderful film - a beautiful family drama which so many can relate to
asmaira08: Kapoor and sons is so frkn good.
ArtActivistNia: Saw Kapoor and Sons tonight. Would definitely see it again.
anushka_ftff: I liked Kapoor and Sons Not the way I like Taken,Tanu Weds Manu and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag But like Pyaar ka Punchnama
ankit9doshi: By the way - I absolutely loved Kapoor and Sons. Mainly for the performances. Fawad and Rishi Kapoor favourites in it.
anandnama: " Despite the bitterness, affections have somehow survived. It’s difficult to hold a grudge for too long..." parent..https://t.co/TZZVj4xj4m
Amr1ta: Read it yet? My review of #KapoorAndSons https://t.co/hXXdIg3Veu @BizAsia https://t.co/od7m6zIMy8
acidithi: kapoor and sons - 10/10
Aaliaaslover1: Neerja took away my breadth and kapoor and sons took away my heart flims...of 2016 @aliaa08 @sonamakapoor @S1dharthM tough to select best..
Vidhya0211: Saw kapoor and sons yesterday. It was okayish. Couldn't stop looking at @_fawadakhan_
VerifiedDaru: So many people loved Kapoor and sons..somehow I thought it was okayish..anything wrong with me?
souravcfc: Strong performances, terrible subplots. Kapoor & Sons.
RTAluvzAfridi: Kapoor and Sons is ok.
khalidrafiq77: 'Kapoor and Sons' Movie Review: A Melodramatic Mix of Old World and New Age - India West: India West 'Kapoor and… https://t.co/YA1bfCsfO1
Giasaysthat: Kapoor & sons was ok - Typical Bollywood drama with a sprinkle of modern day problems. However, Rishi Kapoor @chintskap stole the show!
ganeshLieToMe: Kapoor and sons was watched weekend very average movie indeed still don't know what role alia bhat has papa not role only
bijuantony: Kapoor and Sons - A Dharma family that finally sheds the sugar coating. Yet the sweetness lingers! https://t.co/bdaCx9JKEe @karanjohar
iamprasurjyo: Kapoor and sons> #my_rating 1.5/5
Humor_Donor: Itna to main Apni Ex se 2 saal me nahi lada jitna ye Kapoor and Sons wale 2 ghante me lade hai.
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: A few fist fights between brothers
- Language: Clean
- Nudity & Sexual content: Sexual innuendoes. A lip-peck. Talk about cheating. Coming out.
- Concept: That family is family after all.
- General Look and Feel: Fresh, not bright. Light, not flippant.
![[Facebook page of Kapoor & Sons]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Twitter account of Kapoor & Sons]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Kapoor & Sons]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Kapoor & Sons]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Kapoor & Sons]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (10)
Director Shakun Bhatra’s Kapoor & Sons is a story about two brothers who returns to their home in the picturesque hills of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu to see their ailing grandfather. This is a family drama that every filmmaker in India should take cues from. The film does without the flow of glycerin and melodrama that one can easily associate with such films made in India, but touches your heart at the same time.
Huh, Meeta - sounds worth watching, and not in our usual "Songs&Dances&'Splosions!" way.
Of course, I'm still trying to get my wife Tammy past Amitabh Bachchan grousing about his bowel movements in PIKU, so this may be a similar uphill climb. :o
Direction: 3.5
Story: 2.5
Lead Actors: 3.5
Character Artists: 2.5
Dialogues: 2.5
Screenplay: 3
Music Director: 1
Lyrics: 1
Seems like the editor of this website is lame enough to delete any messages providing links to external websites these days. Anyhow, Kapoor & Sons is a mature family drama that's neither melodramatic like most of the Barjatya/Johar nonsense and nor mushy/silly/bratty like the Zoya Akhtar brand of cinema 3.5/5
@TimELiebe ouch you didn't like Piku?
@Anuj Yes, as a policy we delete comments that have only a single external link. A constructive comment that discusses films followed by a link is not a problem. Comment section is a place for discussion not a marketing tool for other websites. :)
@Suman So, you liked the movie but wish the story was better?
@Meeta - oh, no, Tammy's the only one of us who didn't like Piku! The rest of us really enjoyed it a great deal....
Tammy - well, she can't get past Amitabh Bachchan, who she adores (he'll probably crop up as a god in one of her future books ;) ), playing a cranky old coot who mutters about his bowels so much.
@TimELiebe :D
Magnificent film. Beautifully treated story. From the word go the film grips you. You feel for every character. And despite the flaws bordering on the shades of grey of each human, you still understand each one and sympathise for each one. Truly the sign of brilliant story telling on celluloid.
Finally, full marks to the makeup person of Rishi Kapoor. The get up is good, if only Rishi Kapoor would have acted and spoken as a 90 year old.
@Fan :D Well, this 90-year old had a mind of his own!
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