Aiyaary

wogma rating: Watch but no rush (?)

quick review:

A decent thriller with a valid crux that could've engaged much better if it weren’t so slow. You’re left with too much time figure out the loopholes in the twists and turns.

Read more
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Running time: 160 minutes
Genres: Social, Thriller
More Movie Info

Aiyaary - Preview

Brilliant teacher vs. well-trained student, patriotism, angst against the corrupt and frustration with the system – all come together for an intriguing trailer. However, whether or not it will translate to a thriller right till the end depends on way too many variables that have a strong tendency to go wrong.

For instance, that this thriller has songs is a put off in itself. I hope they are well placed at least. So, while the thriller genre is welcome after a few weeks of social cause films, one has to step into the theater with a fair amount of controlled expectations, if any at all.

Aiyaary releases on 16 February, 2018.

Music Reviews:
Bombay Times - "the album does warrant a hear. "
Bollywood Hungama – "2.5/5"
Movie Talkies - "there isn't anything in there that you turn away from"
Music Aloud - "2/5"

- meeta, a part of the audience

It is to the film’s credit that it manages to keep you hooked despite having one of the lamest starts a thriller could have, and being excruciatingly and unnecessarily slow a little too frequently. The broader story and its core message are interesting. But for the details, logical gaps and and the speed at which they unfold take away from the film.

… background music … through the film it has no intention of staying in the background and is in fact, trying too hard to get your attention.

The audience is asked to make assumptions and accept what’s shown. This would have been fine because thrillers invariably have loopholes. However, decent thrillers jump through the logic at double speed giving you no time to think, unless you ponder over it later. Aiyaary chooses completely avoidable slow motion and long pauses for characters to stare into the distance.

The story’s outer shell is about an army officer from a secret team who has gone rogue. At the core though, Aiyaari questions the system. This is hardly the first time that a thriller has asked these questions. But, I thought the manner in which Aiyyari frames this question is insightful and thought-provoking. So what if it is not going to last beyond the 2.5+ hours of the run-time.

Even the other details in the writing seem forced. For instance, the constant use of social media platforms in the dialogue, sounded like the writers wanted to come across as tech-savvy. And when a hacker mumbles aloud the steps she’s taking to show that she is an ace programmer, it just sounds ridiculous.

I guess we should just be happy that women have actual jobs here. So what, if they leave it all at the drop of a hat, when the script so demands. The script has many such details that sound rather random and there are other spots where details are glaringly missing.

What is left then is the overall story arch and that is a good hook. Despite the tardy pace, despite the slack in logic, despite the random details, the larger story is still engaging. While I enjoyed it, I couldn’t help but think how much better it could’ve been if it were 40 minutes shorter.

Other than that, the actors all do the drill. The script doesn’t require anything extraordinary from anyone other than Naseeruddin Shah. And for all you know, it could just have been the actor who added that edge to his character. Siddharth Malhotra’s smile gets annoying in its attempt at being cryptic. Manoj Bajpai of course has essayed so many complex characters that this had to be a cakewalk for him. Such is the actor’s repertoire that his earnestness here seems only cute.

Logical gaps and and the speed at which they unfold take away from the film.

And then you have the background music that is effective only a couple of times. Otherwise, through the film it has no intention of staying in the background and is in fact, trying too hard to get your attention.

Here’s a parting thought. I remember A Wednesday as a crisp, quick film. I wondered if Neeraj Pandey’s films have started getting longer. So, I looked them up and here is how it goes:

Of course, the last one is an exception, but could it be that all these films could have been much better if they were cut short?

- meeta, a part of the audience

33 reviewers(?) - 2 yays 11 so-so 20 nays

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

Thumbs up, Sify Movies : ...Good things were waiting to happen to the political thriller in Hindi cinema. It takes a vast amount of integrity and guts to bring to the screen a drama that dismantles the image of 'Saare Jahan se achcha..' to focus on the corruption within. Designed to poke needles into our collective national conscience, Aiyaary is a film that must be seen by every Indian. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Neil Soans, Times of India : ...Those expecting the clever Neeraj Pandey twists will be left wanting more. But ‘Aiyaary’ has measured performances that resound louder than its bombastic score, and they alone make it a worthwhile watch.... full review

So-So, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...For a film like 'Aiyaary', there is no scope for any music because of its plot but the film could have been better paced, all thanks to the under-cooked narrative. Aiyaary is a throw away effort from director Neeraj Pandey, where the only saving grace is Manoj's act. ... full review

So-So, by Dev Raj Gulati, Desi Martini : ...All in all Aiyaary is a bold film.One hopes that it's not true to the core,or else? The pace is too slow.It's not n edge of the seat thriller. ... full review

So-So, by Smita Vyas Kumar , Desi Martini : ...Overall, this movie fails to impress or entertain. It picks a pertinent topic of corruption in the army and then proceeds to make it as boring as possible. Maybe, it has to be watched again to see the subtle ways in which it shows despair with the system but unfortunately I don’t have the patience for that. Aiyaary doesn’t shape shift or create interesting characters for itself. It remains one shapeless boring watch. ... full review

So-So, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...The man who towers heads and shoulders above this mess is Manoj Bajpayee, who should be paid extra just for mouthing all those pro army lines with utmost conviction. He works like a man possessed, trying to make you forget the fault lines by his powerhouse performance. Sidharth Malhotra tries hard to match up to Manoj's intenvity but it's not an easy task. Full marks to him as well for giving his hundred percent. He's clearly the student of the year in this film. Rakul Preet and Pooja Chopra have nothing much to do in this macho masala and go through the paces. ... full review

So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Siddharth Malhotra needs to work a lot more on his acting skills. He looks good in uniform but that alone cannot make his role convincing. Rakul Preet Singh as his hacker/girlfriend looks pretty but her tricks appear lame and not of any mercurial worth. ‘Aiyaary’ may have chosen the right subject to tell an unsavoury story but it doesn’t have the wisdom to make it stick when it matters most. ... full review

So-So, by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Gulf News : ...Aiyaary is a toothless thriller about a clutch of morally-complex, dapper men-in-uniform who turn against each other, but the reasons for doing so doesn’t get enough play. Watch this at your own risk. ... full review

So-So, by Umesh Punwani, koimoi : ...Definitely, a must watch for the suckers of this genre. Neeraj Pandey draws some dots in the first half just to join them in the second. Manoj Bajpayee & Sidharth Malhotra deliver exhilarating performances. The movie has an important message to share, just hold your grip till the end. ... full review

So-So, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...The fate of desi thrillers attempting to emulate the tension and terror of Western contemporaries has forever been disastrous. Be it the globe-trotter Agent Vinod or the politically-inaccurate fantasy Phantom, the very idea of crafting an international threat in a tailored suit supersedes the story. Here, the maker’s obsession with military intelligence is out to test the audience’s intellect. ... full review

So-So, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...It takes almost three hours to get to the point. And by then you know Jay and Abhay will be the best chaps in the Army. You wish someone would teach Indian directors to tell their stories simply and quickly. They'd be so much more thrilling. ... full review

So-So, by Sreehari Nair, Rediff : ...Though unevenly paced and put together in an almost maniacal style, Aiyaary is not without its broadly clever touches: The primary requisites for an enjoyable thriller. ... full review

So-So, by Ritika Handoo, Zee News : ...In short, 'Aiyaary' is no 'Baby' but watch it only if you are a Manoj Bajpayee fan, for he anchors the drowning ship. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Anna MM Vertticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Aiyaary’s first hour is engaging because it gives us reason to assume that great twists and turns will unfold at any moment. That promise is unfulfilled in the remaining 100 minutes of the film. Pace and bluster cannot compensate for lack of substance. This wannabe James Bond flick is nothing but a blast of hot air. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...In short, never expected I would be feeling so restless and willing to leave a film before it ends written and directed by Neeraj Pandey - one of most talented directors of the present times. Hope he strongly makes a comeback in his next project. ... full review

Thumbs down, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, AIYAARY misses the mark and is a huge letdown on the account of its flawed script and the lengthy runtime. At the box office, it will be a disappointing fare. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...Bajpayee (always dependable) and Malhotra (always bland) do get to don a couple of disguises each, but that hardly matters. The film just goes all over the place and though some individual scenes are interesting, the whole thing just never adds up. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Zinia Bandyopadhyay, Desi Martini : ...You can watch the film if you have absolutely nothing to do this weekend. Or you can easily give this one a miss! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rahul Bharadwaj, Desi Martini : ...Don’t go for this one if you hold Neeraj Pandey in high regard like me. Am forgiving pandey this zero star ranking movie because of the super work he has done in the past. Am sure Pandey would want to wipe this one from the slate asap. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Anupama Chopra, FirstPost : ...Siddharth struggles to find flesh on his poorly written character but finally it’s up to Manoj Bajpayee to save the day. He has a great time playing the tough-talking Colonel who takes no prisoners. He grimaces too much in some scenes but at least he feels alive. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...Pandey wants to weave a web of lies, deceit and suspense around the central plot. His front-man Bajpayee is a dangerous Mossad-trained agent, but forgets to carry the bullets on an assignment to eliminate an enemy. Working like an all-powerful government functionary, he cracks deals with anyone and everyone in the world, and can also push the media to run a news item of his wish. It’s a different matter that the news item he gives in replacement is far less worthy of a prime time slot. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Samrudhi Ghosh, india today : ...This is Neeraj Pandey's weakest film so far, especially the shoddy writing. Ironically, he had called it his career-best, in interviews before the film's release. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Kamaal R Khan, Khaleej Times : ...All the cast of Aiyaary have tried to give their best in the film. However, the movie solely revolves around Manoj Bajpai and Siddharth Malhotra. Naseerudin Shah and Anupam Kher have been underplayed in the movie with their cameos. Rakul has some significant role as she plays Siddharth's lover but Pooja can be seen doing some touch-and-go scenes. Don't know why she accepted this one. ... full review

Thumbs down, by UDITA JHUNJHUNWALA, Live Mint : ...In the 36 hours the story covers, Singh is hot on Bakshi’s tail, but always one step behind. In this game of who-blinks-first, the one to have the wool pulled over his eyes is the unsuspecting viewer who decides to watch this film. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...For instance, in the first scene where Bajpayee explains how he takes life's major decisions when stuck at a crossroad. He tosses a coin. While the coin is up in the air, he realises exactly what his next step should be. It's a fine, intuitive lesson. The more significant question for a suspense-thriller though is if the penny drops at all—as simple as that. Sadly, in this case (for me), it didn't. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...Many of the characters in the film were not needed at all. Rakul and Naseer have absolutely no significance to the main plot at hand and add nothing to the narrative. It is quite evident that the makers have spared no expense in making the film, but in the absence of a strong plot, ‘Aiyaary’ falls flat on its face. In conclusion, ‘Aiyaary’ will definitely go down in history as Neeraj Pandey’s worst film…... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...The audience, of course, deserves much better than what Aiyaary is willing to offer. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Simantini Dey, News18.com : ...Since Aiyaary claims to be a thriller, I don't wish to give out any spoilers. However, this has to be said, this film completely spoils your time and mood. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Shrishti Nagi, News18.com : ...The film also boasts an excellent supporting cast, including Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher and Adil Hussain. But do they help the film in any way? Well, I don’t think so. I personally feel these veterans are under-utilized in the movie. Kher’s character is as useless as the timing of the romantic track Lae Dooba in the movie. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...By the time I could make sense of any of this yawn, I was collapsing with exhaustion and disinterest. That I learned is not the worst thing when there's still half a film remaining to roll. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...There is little doubt that Aiyaary tackles a bold subject, one that is worth exploring alongside the frequent tales of battlefield valour. There is palpable and relatable outrage at the rot within the system, but the response is inchoate and not particularly clever.... full review

Thumbs down, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...The writing has no sense of proportion or balance. A character like Baburao (Naseeruddin Shah) is introduced early left hanging till the very end. If that was to build suspense it’s all ho-hum. Most of the other characters, including the DSD team, don’t rise above being half baked sketches. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rummana, yahoo! India : ...This has got to be the weakest of Neeraj Pandey’s works. Watch it if you must, but ‘Aiyaary’ just doesn’t have the quintessential panache that Pandey has exhibited in his previous thrillers – especially in ‘A Wednesday’, ‘Special 26’ and ‘Baby’. ... full review

102 tweeters(?) - 81 yays 2 so-so 19 nays

Zafrankhattak_: #Aiyaary one word for manoj Bajpayee sir #WOW a treat to watch #Aiyaary (Roop Badalne Waala) @BajpayeeManoj

wasti_salik: Just watch@aiyaary! What a film! #Amazing.

VoiceOfSunil: Niceeeeeeeeeee Movie @aiyaary @S1dharthM @AnupamPKher @ShitalBhatiaFFW @RelianceEnt @ZeeMusicCompany #AiyaaryOutNow in Cinemas Now

VinayakPPandit1: I like aiyaari movie ...#krishnaparit

upendrasabat: Watched #Aiyaary .Superb movie,nice story and good direction by @neerajpofficial . The best thing i like @Rakulpreet 's ponytail hairstyle.

Tweet_Buddy4U: #Aiyaary A must watch Movie... Amazing performances together with amazing story line https://t.co/VyAMclz5lF

the_unknownword: RT VarunMehtaWiz "#Aiyaary packs a Solid Punch as a spy thriller and an amazing tribute to Indian Army. Fab perform… https://t.co/i7iX8nL29q

The_Dave_Chirag: #Aiyaary #BestFanArmy #ManojBajpayee #SidharthMalhotra #story #armyattitude #mast

syedzabi85: Watched #Aiyaary it is very intriguing,gripping & wonderful performance by lead actors @S1dharthM @BajpayeeManoj &… https://t.co/wVxiF8S0Ek

surajprd: #Aiyaary is a Entertaining & Gripping movie..Enjoyed the movie @_AdilHussain @BajpayeeManoj @S1dharthM

sunmithn: #Aiyaary a must watch mvi, is as gud as mission impossible series,asusual superb acting

Subhanya143: #Aiyaary A movie with Power pack Performance

SmilingTwwitter: Already Watched #Aiyaary which is epic, Every criric & Media House giving fantastic reviews about it https://t.co/GBaJELGQcn

sidnaz1: Amazing movie @S1dharthM

sidharth1m: RT Team_SidharthM "RT sidharth__M: Amazing movie... Super se bhi uper

Shubh__03: #Aiyaary is amazing sid & manoj good

Saifudd75140807: #Aiyaary_The_Must_Watch_Movie.

saachi_mehrotra: I request everyone to please go n watch Aiyaary in theatre. You will be amazed by the power packed performances of… https://t.co/QMNjFGinej

rthakkar11: It's absolutely correct review. Its one of the finest movies I watched this year. The star cast really did an excel… https://t.co/O1hpwKVaRL

rsauravkumar: Yesterday Night i Watched Totally Awsm Thriller Movie #Aiyaary @aiyaary @S1dharthM Just Amazing As Always… https://t.co/SiaoiDnb6D

royal7_tweets: Loved the movie #Aiyaary Great story by @neerajpofficial @BajpayeeManoj and #NaseeruddinShah are as usual GREAT… https://t.co/6cl7ygQGhE

Rosann_17: Just finished my watchin my hero @S1dharthM being @aiyaary splendid movie great story #chennai

Rorororohan: When there is a seriously good film like #Aiyaary then nothing should keep you from heading to the theater tomorrow… https://t.co/Cj5ftVtmz4

rohanraj3636: Watched #Aiyaary Movie is damn good.. Acting- Well you all know about @S1dharthM @BajpayeeManoj @Rakulpreet… https://t.co/KHEVwqpJc2

riag1997: Just watched @aiyaary Few Adjectives to add @neerajpofficial sir, #Salute #Pleae continue making such films....… https://t.co/O5c5529PCG

rehantumbi: Just watched #Aiyaary epic thriller

ratankgupta: #Aiyaary Superb Story

Ranjanb33093298: #Aiyaary best bollybood movie ever I would give .

Rakulpreet: Go watch aiyaary this weekend !!

RajNarwal: Just saw the film i loved it, Guru Manoj Ji tussi Great hoo because you dont let your fans down.#Aiyaary#ManojBajp… https://t.co/RsdHX3vuY2

raiparas: And finally the super suspense movie #Aiyaary finished. Super direction by @neerajpofficial, excellence acting by… https://t.co/ZxDTWvZiEG

Race031: Aiyaary time. First half done. Review: excellent movie Everyone is fab Movie begin with gorgeous @Pooja_Chopra_… https://t.co/GJcgh618dc

RABINATHJHA: Watched @aiyaary last night!!Gripping story and Brilliant performance from all the cast!! Special mention to… https://t.co/3gu7g2UcU5

psp_211186: Aiyaar ki #Aiyaary Yet another masterpiece from @neerajpofficial. Super performance from @BajpayeeManoj and… https://t.co/DtCUCYX9Nt

preeti_chopra2: Solid movie Aiyaari. Exposes Chavan’s Housing Society Scam brilliantly. Such big scamsters Congressis

PRASHANT77KUMAR: Best film of the year #Aiyaary

Prakii_Dhyani: Aiyaary is a great Movie to watch out for .! Wonderful acting from all the actors , manoj bajpayee & siddharth perf… https://t.co/6BC6fw5RV6

poojan_20: #Aiyaary is not for puppets like @SumitkadeI who lick SRK's ass all day It's a great movie.. Go and watch it

ns_verma: This is a must watch movie because of powerful dialogue #Aiyaary . Awesome review guys. https://t.co/Z2nGC77ILk

nishajg: A wonderful film with amazing performances makes #Aiyaary a must watch https://t.co/93DLuDsexl

Nehak_07: Finally got to watch #Aiyaary and really it's not a bad film, it just requires you to concentrate on what is happen… https://t.co/xInuBZr4g7

NandiniMahaja12: Aiyaary ....wonderfulll movie

namritaaaa_: #Aiyaary was definitely worth the watch, loved every second of the movie! @S1dharthM ❤

mranand82: Watched #Aiyaary, it’s a good movie. @BajpayeeManoj Sir u looked great & fit in the movie and acted brilliantly as… https://t.co/YdnrLKf4CX

Mr_DAmit: I was seen 1st dy 1st show #Aiyaary still have a mood to see it again & again..superb

MehekMahtani: #Aiyaary is the film that every Indian must see, and feel, because it is a tale of patriotism! https://t.co/UCXdGShG6V

mayur_jungi: true.a captivating and intriguing plot till interval ; then some top notch intelligent rat&mice sequences including… https://t.co/eYplzwijCk

mangrulkarrohan: #Aiyaary is undoubtedly a magnificent film.Hats off to @BajpayeeManoj @_AdilHussain @S1dharthM @Rakulpreet & the entire team

lilyahluwalia: Watched an awesome patriotic film Aiyaary. @BajpayeeManoj &@S1dharthM keep you on the edge of your seat from start… https://t.co/xkBSBCC4Bw

Legal_sangeeta: #Aiyaary surely is one of the best thrillers in the history of Bollywood! https://t.co/1CRcLOlTpg

kunaljp: #Aiyaary is a film with good intentions and equally good performances. @BajpayeeManoj is mighty impressive and lead… https://t.co/Vizt4shcDy

kp_85: The story of #Aiyaary movie will definitely blow your mind . Really amazing movie one can’t miss to watch it for su… https://t.co/3v23IRYXMZ

Kiran71306244: Many people who watched aiyaary told me that you should use your brain to watch the movie... now it's time for me t… https://t.co/WEOgnRM2xd

Kanupriya0478: #Aiyaary @IAmSudhirMishra @BajpayeeManoj a breathtaking, amazing, stunning, astounding, astonishing, awe-inspiring,… https://t.co/mx8OaWK6un

jyotgniva: Fab performance by the entire cast of #Aiyaary . A weekend just made wowsome! https://t.co/iHDyqKpptI

jayuworld: #Aiyaary is a good movie. @S1dharthM looks fab as an army man and does a great job. So critics stop bashing Sid

iMuskaan_: Nah just don't miss #Aiyaary. I'm telling u don't.

ImrozAriba: Seriously watched #aiyaary and it is a awesome movie @S1dharthM @aiyaary @BajpayeeManoj @Rakulpreet you guys nail… https://t.co/aQru3U9TUP

imhiteshrawal: Well done @BajpayeeManoj @S1dharthM @neerajpofficial @AnupamPKher great movie #Aiyaary

iAn1sha: The real life fauji families are proud of #Aiyaary❤️ You cannot miss this film!! #AiyaaryInCinemas https://t.co/Nc78lgtsA7

iamrajeshsid: Hey idol I really enjoyed this movie,loved ur performance (Major Jai Bakshi) love you & always respect you sir… https://t.co/uGAxdwXbSV

iampravinkhichi: Watched #Aiyaary yesterday......what a performance by @S1dharthM @Rakulpreet.......... classy work by @neerajpofficial

Emraan_1: #Aiyaary is one film which you can't afford to miss..Do watch in Cinemas Near You @S1dharthM @BajpayeeManoj https://t.co/5xvExrpySK

DrMing918: #Aiyaary is a powerful film with powerful performance by the cast, not to be missed! https://t.co/N7fWSq5Vdn

dkushwah: #Aiyaary what a movie, super fine. Loved acting of @BajpayeeManoj @AnupamPKher , @S1dharthM you surprised

CoolRaniK: #Aiyaary movie is providing the best messages to us. Guys do keep you hooked through out the film. https://t.co/ukTCrOpcyE

ChiragG14: The special thing about this movie #Aiyaary is the outstanding acting by everyone involved in the movie. They give… https://t.co/c8RR0LdXuv

chirag_bt: Movie Achi He @aiyaary..Full Respect @adgpi..Good Work You All @S1dharthM @Rakulpreet @Pooja_Chopra_ @AnupamPKher @neerajpofficial

brajeshjee: One of the best movie to watch in weekends Siddharth and Monoj bajpayee have done really good and do justice to the… https://t.co/ae5GimWXBn

bmd315: Saw #Aiyaary and it totally kept me intrigued till the end l. Must watch movie is here for the weekend frds. https://t.co/oO2g2KtVza

bhugraarjun: Thanks for bringing the current issues which are bigger than everyone @neerajpandey #aiyaari #mustwatch

ankitlunia2011: Packed with some fantastic performances, dialogues and a very good BG score #Aiyaary is an intelligent whodunnit! https://t.co/FMu47P9IU4

ankit2489786: #Aiyaary is just an awesome movie. Wonderful work done by @S1dharthM @BajpayeeManoj Sir. This movie open the eyes &… https://t.co/sJXbJkhC4A

anant1anand: #Aiyaary great movie.excellent @S1dharthM and @BajpayeeManoj simply loved it. #NeerajPandey absolute great movie maker

amit_chauhan047: Loved it #Aiyaary https://t.co/27EFrcbtkd

ajitishika: #aiyaary is a brilliantly directed film by @neerajpandey on military intelligence..dealing with disguising your loo… https://t.co/WH6pSvMxfC

ahuja_hack: Watched a great movie after a long time. Aiyaari is a thriller with splendid performance from @BajpayeeManoj Siddha… https://t.co/HDEqKyKtNv

adityabipul13: Fabulous performance by @BajpayeeManoj and @S1dharthM Awesome movie #Aiyaary

adeliaargun: The movie is very good I highly recommend this movie for the watch @S1dharthM acting is great here Success for th… https://t.co/UCnqp7Tc8k

abhee_45: Watched #Aiyaary movie.... It was nice...thanks @BajpayeeManoj @S1dharthM and @Rakulpreet ....big fan..

AasthaSharan: Finally watched #Aiyaary Wonderful and Amazing film till date. Must watch. Total Paisa vasool film h boss. And all… https://t.co/2rYPCx4rpQ

HimansuChandola: Aiyaary Reviews :) Not soo impactful one time watch 3 Star ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ The best thing about this film is Manoj... https://t.co/cc6uzcbe2b

dr_kacker: I reviewed Aiyaary 2/5. Earn Rs.30 per review #WriteShareWin https://t.co/6mGg5l23DW via @MouthShut

triptyshukla: #Aiyaari खराब नहीं लगी, बस थोड़ी सी बकवास इसलिए लगी कि बाबूराव के किरदार के साथ काफी हल्का सस्पेंस जोड़ा। इसकी एक अ… https://t.co/WGbrfHpnLR

TheRaychanda: Aiyaary review Must not dare to watch this movie. Totally wastage of time. My rating - 0.5/5

tanukaushik: #Aiyaary review : the greatest #aiyaary of this film is to stitch together 2 hours and 40 minutes of scenes without… https://t.co/MzRgdsdj4K

snikhil445: #Aiyaary is pretends to be a thriller but it's not. @S1dharthM delivers below average performance with 1 expression. https://t.co/I8vt4nErM8

shivalik_ch: Aiyaary - falls shrt of expectations. Lcks speed. Incnsistent storyline. Misused Anupam & Naseer. Manoj martyred. N… https://t.co/KKGWPxLn5z

Sayeem60: I rated Aiyaary 1/10 on IMDb. চুতিয়ারা হেল্প করছ শুকরিয়া করি আর তাই অনেক দিসি বাস্তব ইতিহাস দিতে পারুমনা । ৩০ লা… https://t.co/EOUh55kdMX

saurabhindoriya: #Aiyaary neeraj pandey ki ab tk ki sbse ghatiya movie.....

samjpr: अय्यारी को रिलीज डेट मिलने में जितना वक्त लगा, शायद बॉक्स ऑफिस पर कमाल दिखाने में भी उतना ही समय लगेगा https://t.co/SRBpov6Jz8

RajeshKonsam: Aiyaary was strictly average and boring at parts. Even Manoj's cool expressions couldn't save the film. Sidharth Ma… https://t.co/vXEwhNxqR1

RaisaNasreen: I watched #Aiyaary last night and honestly didn’t understand that was the purpose of anything about that film. The… https://t.co/lixUHgmpmc

PravinAjayFan: Aiyaary ~ wahiyat filmo ka maa aur baap dono hai...0

Nishkarsh1108: Worst movie ever of #NeerajPandey No story Boring Some scenes r illogical and nonsense Don't go to watch it Never e… https://t.co/aM5HEPKQ7i

montup7: #Aiyaary is total torture. Didn't expect this from Niraj Pandey. Expressionless @S1dharthM . Manoj ji was good.… https://t.co/FzNOse07Zu

Kushal_Talwar: I reviewed Aiyaary 1/5. #WriteShareWin @MouthShut https://t.co/19Wy7SqJrf

itzmeprasanna: Brand ambassador of flop movies is Sidharth Malhotra. #AGentleman #Ittefaq and now #Aiyaary Stop trying to make films, you can't act...

IllusionMaaya: #Aiyaary was a bad edit, picture could have been better with the edits, I think so ....overall 2 stars

iAm_Sangam: #Aiyaary disappointing movie so far. No story, nothing in it. Only length in it. Totally a holy crap movie.… https://t.co/MHiYS6n5va

deep897: #Aiyaary one of the #worst #movie of the year @neerajpofficial. Only saving grace is @BajpayeeManoj ‘s acting.. too good as usual

BitchRakul: Hi @RakulPreet now that #Aiyaary is a disaster please consider doing a bikini Scene in upcoming RomCom

1 readers - 1 yays 0 so-so 0 nays

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Fan

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

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: A few gun fights.
  • Language: Clean
  • Nudity & Sexual content: None
  • Concept: Fighting the corrupt system?
  • General Look and Feel: The regular thriller do, nothing extraordinary.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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Aiyaary - Cast, crew, links

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Running time:
160 minutes
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Comments (1)

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Fan

A Neeraj Pandey film is always awaited with lots of expectations. His track record is so fantastic, and he has not disappointed so far.

Aiyaari continues his legacy of hard hitting the viewers with the common man's voice and force. In the 1970s Amitabh Bachchan had set up the perfect common man's messiah with the angry young man fighting the unjust society and the unjust system. In the 2000s it is Neeraj Pandey who has reclaimed this role of expressing common man's anger and wishes. He continues this trend in Aiyaari.

A politico-military thriller which might not be the best of stories on celluloid but it is sufficiently right to work during its length. Armed forces, at the end of the day, is an organisation like any other organisation or corporate. And together with that comes its fair share of politics, greed, corruption, valour, team play, betrayals, agendas. Yes, a pendulum from vices to virtues to vices. And Neeraj Pandey mixes the story with real life events like major arms deals of questionable repute, Uri terrorist attack, scam in the name of Kargil widows.

The film is an enjoyable watch. Neeraj Pandey puts together his now trusted, talented ensemble of cast that we have come to associate with Friday filmworks (sans Akshay Kumar). And he delivers punches that only he can. Imagine punching the Lutyens media who is shamelessly selling the country in the name of journalism! And getting away with an applause despite naming and shaming the Lutyens media. He is the perfect balance that Indian cinema needs from the left leaning country bashing intellectuals like Kashyap, Bharadwaj and of late Raju Hirani. Neeraj Pandey has the balls and credibility to call a spade a spade in the most brazen manner, and he gets away with it laughing all the way.

Performance wise it is a feast with Manoj Bajpai and then in small cameos Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah thrown in. A new and worthy addition is Adil Hussain.

Nice watch. Do catch it.

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