wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?)
Aurangzeb makes the corrupt cop theme interesting. For that itself, it becomes worth a watch despite being a little drab and a little stretched out in the end.
Read moreWhen I first heard of the film Aurangzeb, I wondered if it was going to be a periodic film. When I saw the suited Arjun Kapoor on posters, I wondered if it was about a son ousting his father from his proverbial throne - a business, a political party or even as the head of a mafia gang. But, from the trailer, it looks like another version of Don.
After this initial disappointment though, there is some solace in the fact that the trailer didn't really look too bad and the film has Rishi Kapoor. I hope he is given a nice, meaty role to keep the interest going in Aurangzeb. There is also a chance that their take the story is different from what we've seen earlier.
Another interesting bit is that the film is produced by Yash Raj Films. You don't really associate a crime film with this banner. But, then again, neither should have Tashan been associated with this banner (or any other!)
I am 50-50 on this one from its promo material. How about you?
Music Reviews:
glamsham - "2.5/5"
IBN Live - "'Aurangzeb' has interesting compositions and the music is well put together, but not an all round soundtrack as it won't appeal to the masses. "
Milliblog - "Aurangzeb has an interestingly thematic score, led by Vipin."
- meeta, a part of the audience
As a skeleton, Aurangzeb comes across as Don with justification behind the sudden appearance of an underworld personality's look-alike. A look-alike who is willing to take the Don's place as a Police spy. But add on the flesh of complications and turbulences that the said justification brings along with it and you have an engaging, intriguing thriller. If only, it was a little less flat in its narration.
It's been ages since I have seen a film that has worked so hard on a story; both in terms of the overall twists and turns and in bringing in the human factor to its relationships. That too on a theme as rundown as the underworld vs cops one. Of course, Aurangzeb is more than just that. It dwells on the themes of a father-son relationship from many angles. Interestingly, it doesn't dwell too much into the characters individually.
Maybe that is why you don't get as involved as you could have been. Also later, the film does end up resorting to the most common thing that a gangster movie does to move the story ahead - kill someone. In that sense, one particular murder is more out of place and throws Aurangzeb into 'decent watch' categaory instead of 'must watch'.
Otherwise, till this particular event, the film in fact, surprises you with its unpredictability. The change of hearts, for once, seem plausible. Motivations of the main players are clear enough for them to behave the way they do. And of course, the performances make all the events seem more believable than otherwise.
Arjun Kapoor plays twin brothers, Ajay and Vishal well. He expresses the angst and turmoil well, however goes a little flat when he has to express the characters' softer side. Fortunately, Aurangzeb doesn't need him to show the mellow shades of characters for too long. You have an actor in a double role who does a good job and yet you have someone with a much smaller role outshine him. If you had to guess the name, Rishi Kapoor will be one of the people on that list. Even so, after Agneepath, this performance shouldn't surprise us at all.
Prithviraj Sukumar remains his cool solemn-face self throughout and is teased by his screen wife about it too. Amruta Singh induces a slap-worthy performance which is good because her character invokes despise. Even with his two-minute role, Anupam Kher's face stayed back with me. Yet, I am glad they didn't add bits of his back-story just for the sake of it.
Similarly, it is such a welcome relief to not see snazzy bits added in, just to make it 'commercially viable'. Whether in the name of item numbers or in terms of action sequences. Even if it means the narration feels drab as the movie progresses.
Aurangzeb is one of those little surprises that makes you look forward to the director's next venture, even if you aren't completely satisfied with what was served this time. Just for the thought put in the story, just for making an otherwise done-to-death theme interesting, Aurangzeb is worth the watch.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Reza Noorani, Bollywood Life : ...A new-school crime drama with a tried and tested old-school double role plot line is saved by clever writing and superior acting... full review
Thumbs up, by Suparn Sharma, Deccan Chronicle : ...The film’s story, though predictable, proceeds with impressive self-assuredness and packs in that very rare item, an interesting, thrilling climax after several surprising twists.... full review
Thumbs up, Free Press Journal : ... If you are looking for a genuine thriller then this is the one to go for... full review
Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...It would not be wrong to term AURANGZEB as the Indian version of Godfather for hits sheer power in script and performance. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Swati Deogire, In.com : ...'Aurangzeb' is one of the better films we've seen so far. You won't regret watching it.... full review
Thumbs up, by Abhimanyu Kanodia, Indicine : ... it is not a typical ‘Masala’ entertainer but then don’t we all sometimes look for films which are not made in conventional Bollywood style?... full review
Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...Just like its name; Dark, Hard hitting & Unpredictable... full review
Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha (IANS), NDTV : ...I've to make mention of the very talented Swara Bhaskara who plays Prithiviraj's wife. The super-talented girl has just two brief sequences. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...And because Aurangzeb’s momentum is steady and swift, the loopholes are skilfully minimised even if only temporarily. ... full review
Thumbs up, by K N Gupta, SmasHits.com : ... 'Aurangzeb' is well worth a watch. But, don't be looking for a classic.... full review
Thumbs up, by Sanyukta Iyer, Star Blockbuster : ...Deeply derivative of the traditional style of narration where values and emotions precede over individual turbulence, Aurangzeb’s swift momentum helps you look over the loopholes.... full review
Thumbs up, by Anuj Kumar, The Hindu : ...If you want your rich masala fare sans the unnecessary garnishing, Aurangzeb is worth paying a visit!... full review
Thumbs up, by Meena Iyer, Times of India : ...Set in Gurgaon, the satellite land maze, the writers of Aurangzeb borrow plot-points and lines from Deewar, Trishul, Naam and you also see slight similarities to Hollywood cop capers like Pride & Glory and Departed.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rummana Ahmed, yahoo! India : ...Arjun Kapoor and Prithiviraj Sukumaran rise above the slightly flawed execution to make ‘Aurangzeb’ quite engaging.... full review
Thumbs up, by Gayatri Sankar, Zee News : ...After a rather unimpressive start to his Bollywood inning in ‘Aiyya’, Prithviraj has been able to bounce back with élan.... full review
So-So, by Anna Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...With so much going for it, it’s unfortunate that the last half hour of Aurangzeb is spent mentally trying to figure out which brother is where and trying to recall who is related to who in this web of characters... full review
So-So, by Nikhil Kumar, Apun Ka Choice : ...Newcomer Sasheh Aagha (as Arjun Kapoor’s girlfriend) is glamorous and evidently game for bold roles but needs to hone her acting skills.... full review
So-So, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...This is a movie about men, with the women reduced mostly to props during festivities like Raksha Bandhan and Karwa Chauth, but the most beautifully shaped lines often come about in the presence of these women ... full review
So-So, by Bobby Singh, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Tanvi Azmi is effective as the mother of twins but here we have two precious actors simply wasted like nothing namely Anupam Kher and Deepti Naval in a very questionable manner.... full review
So-So, by Kartik Iyer, Bolly Spice : ...Cinematography by Kartik Ganesh is quite laudable and makes the movie really interesting.... full review
So-So, by Smita, Desi Martini : ...Very strong performances cannot make up for the fact that a flawed premise can't build a good story... full review
So-So, by Nikhil Arora, Desi Martini : ...Aurangzeb is brilliant in parts... full review
So-So, by Tushar Joshi, DNA : ...Despite heavyweights like Jackie Shroff, Amrita Singh and Rishi Kapoor being in the same frame as him, Arjun Kapoor single handedly delivers a top notch performance.... full review
So-So, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : .... Prithviraj gives a commendable performance as well. He does a good job at masking his South accent but it does show in some places.... full review
So-So, by Ravina Rawal, FirstPost : ...Too many characters, too little exploration, many loopholes, very little emotional connect. ... full review
So-So, by Nupur Barua, fullhyd.com : ...The relationships are abrupt and convenient. Dialogues are erratic - some add punch, others sound unintentionally funny. ... full review
So-So, by Rohit Vats, IBN Live : ...Landscapes to show the concrete nature of Gurgaon in general are used judiciously, but the editing could have been much tighter. ... full review
So-So, by Vinayak Chakravorty, india today : ...To Sabharwal's credit, he has assorted the finest possible prop cast. ... full review
So-So, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...Aurangzeb is a film that lacks vision and deliberately botches up a good script.... full review
So-So, by Nandini Ramnath, Live Mint : ...Although there is never a dull moment in the lives of the characters, the 140-minute movie curiously lacks momentum. ... full review
So-So, by Shivom Oza, Movie Talkies : ...The writer tries to mix up too many sub-plots and twists, making the film a very complex and an exhausting affair.... full review
So-So, by Karan Anshuman, Mumbai Mirror : ...Arjun Kapoor though is earnest with his effort in this difficult double role. This is a performance more mature than what we saw of him in Ishaqzaade. He's particularly good when unrestrained, and seems to relish playing the bad boy.... full review
So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...The characterisation is largely unconvincing. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...great plots don't, generally, translate into great films... full review
Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...The plot gets more convoluted and unbelievable, the characters’ motivations get fuzzy and divided between “sapne” and “apne”. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Sarit Ray, Hindustan Times : ...Meanwhile, characters die foolishly, not before mouthing tiresome one-liners.... full review
Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...ultra-modern Metro cutting across a rapidly growing township which has both the feel of mall-and-multiplex American suburbia and empty stretches of agricultural land gives Aurangzeb its distinctive look. You wish more juice had come out of the sharp contrast, though... full review
Thumbs down, by Gaurav Malani, indiatimes : ...comes across as a TV serial sans the melodrama!... full review
Thumbs down, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...Story offers no novelty.... full review
Thumbs down, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...The twists and turns by the end of the film become so ordinary that you stop applying your brains over the pointlessly convoluted plot and let the proceedings unfurl in front of your eyes.... full review
Thumbs down, by Swati Rohatgi, STARDUST : ...Rishi Kapoor and Jackie Shroff, the two veterans show their brilliance despite the lackadaisical film and shine out. ... full review
Thumbs down, by The ThirdMan, Upper Stall : ...Barring some fine on-location shooting bringing out the rural-ultra urban contrast in Gurgaon, the film has little going for it technically. And, for a production house, known for its music, the music is rather poor. ... full review
YashArtReAct: #Aurangzeb is a great movie. Arjun kapoor's acting is just superb. Go for it.Jiska hath khali vo sabse bada mavali :P
Vivekgawri: Pleasantly surprised by Aurangzeb..watch it for its 3 real heroes..script, prithviraj, rishi kapoor
vishwajeet00007: Watch Aurangzeb, class film.
VimMannali: #Aurangzeb turned out to be a slow-cooked, heart warming, power packed story with crisp & gripping performances!!
VikasVarma66: SUPER Movie !!! Breath of fresh air !!! Must watch. #Aurangzeb
VankyVeronica: AURANGZEB iz an AWESUM muvee...:-):-D http://twitter.com/VankyVeronica/status/335371605926637568/photo/1
therunawaypoet: Oh and Aurangzeb turned out to be a decent watch. Apart from a little bit of unnecessary melodrama, the movie's quite gripping.
tauseef_alis: aurangzeb......superb movie....all individual performances r just wow... grip of d movie is awsm....littl lengthy... http://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=423341814431676&id=223032277795965
taparam: Enjoyed Aurangzeb.
supzjain: Just watched #Aurangzeb loved the film...#ArjunKapoor was amazing n so #Prathavi
suhani_00: Apno ki keemat sapno se jyada hoti hai..super stuff by atul sabharwal #Aurangzeb
SashehAaghaFC: #Aurangzeb rocks <3 !!! Its a very cool movie every one should see itt !! @SashehAagha congo ;) ;) :) !!!!!!!!
sanilshirvaiker: #Aurangzeb awesome movie with d ugliest actress ever!
SandeepGrg53: enjoying the movie Aurangzeb... ;) :D
sahilbanga: Liked #Aurangzeb for its performances, dialogues and twists. Tad filmy, but at least different.
Rockinrishi: An amazing movie with an apt title.. #Aurangzeb ..amazing performance by #ArjunKapoor #RishiKapoor.. #MustWatch
robinhood7in: #Prithviraj delivers 2nd time arnd with #Aurangzeb. Even though the movie builds slowly it goes into top gear in 2nd half.
rmanish1: #Aurangzeb is decent entertaining film a bit long but it reminded me of my old favorite Kalyug.
RKKumarOfficial: "Jiska hath khali wo sabse bada mawali" #Aurangzeb good movie, Arjun fitted nice in double role :) 3 stars from me :)
RitchStyles: Now that's what I call a movie! #Aurangzeb brilliant!!! @yashrajfilms hats off!!!
Rishimittal7: I sumhow thot of u wen i went to watch the movie Aurangzeb today. Probably bcoz u mentioned it kabhi toh ! :) Superb film! @theimpulsiveone
ranjankant: #Aurangzeb Fabulously good watch, Yashraj movies are getting back to Dark and that is always yummy :) ! Do watch ;) !
ranakulwinder: GOOD 2watch Aurangzeb, good performances by Arjun Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor Effective DiaLouge
rajivvijayakar: Aurangzeb a rocking surprise from YRF. Gripping, a showcase of good performances as well. Rishi, Amrita amazing. Arjun good.
rahulkumar087: Aurangzeb is nice movie.This movie story is complicated.
Prakashjaaju: Aurangzeb : Fri 3.75 - 4 cr
pavanzorba: Just watched the much awaited movie Aurangzeb. Must say this. One of the best movies watched in the recent movies.
parineetiarjun: Who has seen Aurangzeb yet? Go watch it if you haven't !!
NitiShowBiz: It’s paisa wasool time for Aurangzeb! http://www.niticentral.com/2013/05/17/its-paisa-wasool-time-for-aurangzeb-79144.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
nikhilpanchal20: AURANGZEB :) :)
nigamvaibhav: Aurangzeb mast thi movie
Newsflashindia: #News #flash पुलिस और लैंड माफिया के जंग की बेहतरीन कहानी ‘औरंगजेब’: जयपुर, ’औरंगज़ेब’ फिल्म की कहानी घूमती है,... http://newsflashrajasthan.com/movie-review-of-aurangzeb/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
nautanki: #Aurangzeb was thoroughly entertaining. Didn't get bored for a second! And Arjun Kapoor is definitely not a one-film-wonder. Superb!
mukhtarahmad232: AURANGZEB A Fantastic movie
Mubeen___: #Aurangzeb is a Must Watch Movie.......Great Performances By Arjun Kapoor ...Loved The Film @AurangzebMovie
MishraManan: #Aurangzeb- Simply Awesome!! :-) @ArjunBKapoor - Respect Man Seriously!! :-)
meerSK_: #aurangzeb ...superb movie...
madhumakhija: Just watched #Aurangzeb superb movie and good story
khushikapoorb: GO NOW TO SEE #AURANGZEB !!! YOU WILL REALLY LIKE IT <3
kaushikch81: Aurangzeb....a very good watch & attempt on different movie making
kathyfgibson: "Aurangzeb" is a CW show turned into a Bollywood movie. I loved it. My Access Bollywood review: http://accessbollywood.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/movie-review-aurangzeb-2013/
jshubham552: Aurangzeb is a nice movie
jeetbasu: 'Aurangzeb' has a strong second half..the film belongs to Rishi Kapoor & Prithiviraj while Arjun shines in parts!
jas_canuck92: #Aurangzeb New Director @sabharwalatul is very impressive gives the film a new age feel...He has made one of the best indian crime dramas
IshqWala_Luv: #Aurangzeb is a great movie.AK is just superb. Mujhey to ye sabse pasand aaya--> Jiska hath khali vo sabse bada mawali. Must Watch.:-)
iamharsh23: #Aurangzeb is something different..#mustwatch
gauravkhilari: Btw Aurangzeb is a really good movie....
Fatinaz13: AURANGZEB WAS AWESOME! I LOOOVVED IT! #ArjunKapoor @anshulakapoor ♥
deogire: Aurangzeb makes for an engaging watch. Read my review of the same here- http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/stocks-views/prefer-axis-bankany-decline-angel-broking_873488.html
deepbasu1: #aurangzeb ws gud
Cha_Chao: Cant understand ppl liking SAW and calling #aurangzeb a dud. Powerful 1st half with only small slip ups. Intelligent till now.
ca_animesh_jain: Watched Aurangzeb awesome movie must watch...
BrownEyes___: Aurangzeb.. Amazing movie. :)
BesharamBunny: Okay, so 'Aurangzeb' was not so bad. I say, go watch it - but for this one, you must have your brain with you otherwise you'll be lost!
BandishVora: Aurangzeb : Super movie. Brilliant dialogues.. Gripping till the end.. Excellent performance by Arjun Kapoor, Prithiviraj, Rishi Kapoor
AZKhawaja: overcomplicated it in the 2nd half, but overall pretty good. #Aurangzeb
azeem2112: Tht 80s cinema is back ..I like #Aurangzeb
ArjunKapoorFC: Watch IT: Aurangzeb is superb Drama with amazing performances by all the artists including Arjun Kapoor! Don't miss it on the big screen!
arbaheti: Watched #Aurangzeb and loved the film. Good performance by all & the story was great, recommended to watch.
anweshamadavi: Aurangzeb?, Okay, bit slow & predictable. but a good movie. :'). and this dude Arjun Kapoor is so so weirdly Funny."
anishmohanty: That amazing feeling when you go to watch a film with moderate expectations and the film turns out to be WOW!! #Aurangzeb
akshayhariharan: Aurangzeb was absolutely mesmerizing. Had no expectations but just loved it! "Kingship knows no Kinship"
akpandey67: Aurangzeb.. good story.. combination of Godfather, Don & Deewar..
ajitviras: Aurangzeb movie paisa vasool
8ap: #aurangzeb is a serious drama... It may not be everyone's cup of tea.. Fast paced ... Good storyline.. And mind-blowing performances..
1Ajnabee: Aurangzeb is nice movie to watch ! Really liked it :)
Shagadelic27: Kingship knows no kinship. - Aurangzeb One time watch movie. 2nd half thoda dry hain. But rishi kapoor s acting is the best.
SachinLalwani: Aurangzeb - A movie who's first half was good, couldn't concentrate on the second though.
rjstutee: While the plot is a little cumbersome gems like #rishikapoor #Jackieshroff #tanviazmi make it worth it! #Aurangzeb
PankajShuklaa: Aurangzeb is not a bad film, but it is certainly not a YRF fiilm. **
mundadaakshay: Watched #Aurangzeb Could have been better !!
KamathGurudutt: Aurangzeb - interesting police thriller albeit convoluted, unbelievable, and filmi! Entertains to some extent. Script had a lot of potential
KajuBadamChor: Aurangzeb?, Okay, bit slow & predictable. but a good movie. :'). and this dude Arjun Kapoor is so so weirdly Funny.
jigardoshi20991: although everyone comes up with terrific performances, there isn't much in the movie. the premise is wonderful, not the movie. #aurangzeb
copy_pen: #Aurangzeb : kuch dhakhad performances k bawajood kahi kuch toh kami thi ! par one time watch ! #JackieShroffUStillRocks
chefNehalSarda: #MyReview : Aurangzeb.. 2.5/5Stars..
arnab822: Watch #Aurangzeb. If you survive the first half, you will enjoy post intermission.
apparashar: Enjoyed #Aurangzeb # my rating 2.5 Star .nice movie .A real truth behind corporate . At #citycinema muscat
Agentt_Kay: I liked the way the story unfolded. The end was a bit dumb. #Aurangzeb #MyReview
aditivilekar: #Aurangzeb good underutilized cast, drag for a story, but not an absolute lost cause, it is ok to watch once, #ramaursham in a new garb
vegebrains: In other news, saw #Aurangzeb last night. I wonder why I bothered at all.
Vdaddy1230: After #SAW and #GoGoaGone, it's #Aurangzeb that goes haywire in the 2nd half. Dissapointed! Acting grt but long & boring,Overall: #dvd movie
thenxtlegend: Aurangzeb gets 2 stars.
tanvi135: Seemingly complex gangster flick turned out to be a family drama after 20 mins..! Too many sub plots spoilt it...! #Aurangzeb #Disappointing
tannybwoy: Never expected such bad product from @yrf #aurangzeb
SShekharshivam: Aaj se phir har indian chillayega- bachao is Aurangzeb se!
sjoshipura: Aurangzeb - Disapointing ! Not Worth it !
shresht_mufc: Didn't like Aurangzeb much :/
rushabhkhatri: #Aurangzeb Poor Movie !
RJ_LOKESH: Friendz...agr aurangzeb mve abi tk ni dekhi to mt dekhna....interval tk to so jaoge uske bd so so...agr jate hi sona to go onnn.....
RahulTechPro: Dont watch aurangzeb... full movie is predicted.. Dnt knw yashraj movies r supposed to be good..:(
PoojaMishra9989: Aurangzeb = Dissappointment / Disaster
mukulharish: Aurangzeb ... disappointing
malikdeepanshu: Au-wrong-zeb. #aurangzeb
kunalgupta07: The movie though was terrible #Aurangzeb
kalyaniswathi: #Aurangzeb bad remake
harshsuperb: Aurangzeb - bawal movie yr ! (y)
Hainalharia: Phew. Finally the movie ended #Aurangzeb
gchikermane: The sole redeeming feature of #Aurangzeb is its excellent background score. Otherwise, the worst film I've seen in many, many years.
dupisandhu: Now after #Aurangzeb, I need to put all the alcohol in a bathing tub and just soak myself in it! Maybe I will recover from it. Pray!
DubaiLOverEbi: AURANGZEB boring :/
deepakrgupta: If you have net connection watch the still picture of Aurangzeb but please dont waste your money on Movie Aurangzeb :)
BeenishSaleem: yrf will surely miss yash ji if films like aurangzeb are produced under such banners
Asjad_theindian: #Aurangzeb is one of most disappointed till date in this year. No show of emotion as well as profession.
Amrt_K: Fantabulously pathetic watch #Aurangzeb
amitjamwal12: Bored #aurangzeb
akshatdave: #Aurangzeb... Too long and dragging... So many unnecessary characters and scenes.... 30 to 40 mins short and it... https://www.facebook.com/akshat.dave/posts/10151450707526547
Yay! Thumbs Up, by Arun : A Serious Drama with twists and turns, and probably a MUST watch for most!
Yay! Thumbs Up, by Nitin : This is an awesome movie. Go for it.
Yay! Thumbs Up, by RAJAT SRIVASTAVA
So-So, by this site
Nay! Thumbs Down, by songs pk : very good movie
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Comments (6)
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Really it Arjun Kapoor will go long.. movie trailors are nice plus rishi kapoor presence will surely increase the audience
Oh well, time will tell :D
(Note: This is first time I writing anything related to a movie)
I am one of those who hardly watches any Hindi movies, but yesterday I went for late night show on my better half's insistence, and by the end of the movie I was glad I watched it. For a commercial Hindi movie to have such a good script is a rarity. In addition to that I think for a New comer, Arjun Kapoor gave a splendid performance - He may be the man to watch in the future. There was not a single boring moment in the movie and moved at a healthy pace.
In most cases, you know the end of the movie by Interval, but Aurangzeb kept me guessing till about last 15 minutes..
There were only 2 blemishes in the movie - that no-acting-only-skin-pug-faced whoever that girl is and the last fight sequence..
@Arun Welcome to writing on films ;)
I like the Rishi Kapoor presence in the movie. His role is incredile. So must watch this movie.
@Nitin agree!
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