B.A. Pass
wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do (?)
Emotions are kept at bay in this dark drama. A story with a lot of meat is dealt with pretty superficially.
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Not too often is women's sexuality or rather her openness about her sexuality explored in Hindi films. For that, BA Pass can be appreciated. But other than that, it is a pretty hollow affair.
There are lots of bold, sexual sequences which are dealt with pretty matter-of-factly. That could be a good thing, if that's what the scene aimed at conveying. There were tinges of pity and hatred you were supposed to feel, but you don't. The way Sarika's (Shilpa Shukla) character is built up, you'd have liked to hate her; similarly you'd have liked to feel bad for Mukesh (Shabad Kamal) but that feeling to is very superficial.
Fortunately or unfortunately, this has nothing to do with the performances. The screenplay and/or direction are the culprit here. The film has a strong base of sexually explicit scenes, and it feels like the actors have put in an extra effort to feel comfortable in those sequences. Wherein lies the problem. The effort shows, instead of the chemistry reaching out to you. Which is still better than the awkward sex scenes that you see in Hindi films otherwise.
Sure, here are a bunch of characters, that don't really feel anything for each other and so that distance is acceptable. But, that I connect with no one, either in a positive or negative way, keeps me from getting involved in the film as an experience.
That besides, the story has a lot of meat in terms of a cheating wife who is in general a manipulative opportunist; a shy boy who is used; women who express their sexuality. But all these themes are explored rather half-heartedly, except for the sex angle, which gets plenty exposure.
It's not like I'm asking for the other possibilities to get attention - like the dynamics of marital strain or sibling angle. You are shown tiny sparks but nothing on is dwelt on for too long. Just would have worked better if the themes they picked on were fleshed out better.
Later, BA Pass becomes a hotch-potch of moments of despair. They too are forced, as if they had to do what they had to do because it was pre-decided that they are out to make a dark film. You then have a weird mix of stylized treatment which comes too late and is quite out of place.
Halfway through the film, I wondered if my experience would've been any different had I seen the film with a serious film festival audience instead of being seated between an easily excitable bunch of boys. But, as the film progressed, I was relieved to feel assured that it wouldn't make much of a difference.
As disconnected as it may sound, the film's title is what impressed me the most. Ironical to the root, BA Pass is a title that fits the film perfectly in more than one ways. Unfortunately, that's where the impact of the film stops - skin deep.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...B.A. PASS is a dark, shocking and brutal tale of an unemployed youth caught in the trap of a sexy lady... full review
Thumbs up, by IANS , Bollywood Life : ...B.A. Pass is a stark and brutal saga of seduction and betrayal. It is that unusual work of cinema which explores the darkest depths of the human consciousness without losing sight of the light that underscores life...
Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Full marks for this unique, new offering. Thank god there’s a fresh new wave of filmmakers. ... full review
Thumbs up, by FPJ Bureau, Free Press Journal : ...The level of clarity, depth and vision seen here is quite a rarity... full review
Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...If you are looking for brutally honest cinema, then B.A. PASS is for you... full review
Thumbs up, by Swati Deogire, In.com : ...B.A. Pass is a Hindi Neo noir film... full review
Thumbs up, by VJ Robs , india today : ...This unscalding tale of the young gigolo is not to be missed. Go watch... full review
Thumbs up, by Shakti Shetty, MiD DAY : ...There’s barely any moment that seems dragged as editing is supreme. Similarly, the background score clicks. However, the most admirable thing about the aforementioned affair is it doesn’t begin and end with just two of the protagonist... full review
Thumbs up, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...If dark and gritty films rock your boat, do watch this film ... full review
Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...Dum hain, kaafi dum hain for all those who love dark artistic films... full review
Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...BA Pass combines the bone-dry quality of a chiselled short story ... full review
Thumbs up, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...BA Pass, directed (and shot) by first-timer Ajay Bahl, severs expectations with the cold relentlessness of a fastidious serial killer... full review
Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...As an erotic thriller, the film is serviceable... full review
Thumbs up, by Ankita Chaurasia, Star Blockbuster : ...The film passes with flying colours, some of which may show on your face when the film stuns you into silence in its gripping climax.... full review
Thumbs up, by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India : ...If you want a change from the colourful canvas of Bollywood, and you like it dark, very dark - test this one out. ... full review
So-So, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...A film like this, which looks real on the surface—glossy or seedy as required by the scene—is hailed as bold and dark... full review
So-So, by Tushar Joshi , DNA : ...B.A. Pass will engage you with its smartly written story line and some standout performances.... full review
So-So, by Deepanjana Pal, FirstPost : ...Ultimately though, it isn’t the sex or the characters of B.A. Pass that are memorable.... full review
So-So, by Nupur Barua, fullhyd.com : ...B. A. Pass is a movie that will revolutionise the way Indian cinema tells stories.... full review
So-So, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...Bahl creates the right mood, but doesn't leave you with much to think about when it's all over... full review
So-So, In.com : ...B.A. Pass is a Hindi Neo noir film... full review
So-So, by Karan Anshuman, Mumbai Mirror : ...This is a rare experience in a Hindi film.... full review
So-So, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...To sum it up, B.A. Pass is one gritty, startling fare which does deserve a watch however could've been better had the filmmaker stuck to his realism instead of taking a Bollywoodish route... full review
So-So, by Shoma A Chatterji, Upper Stall : ...B.A. Pass is not only an incisive comment on some social realities we live in but do not know about but is also a visceral statement on life when options do not exist. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Nikhil Arora, Desi Martini : ...B.A. Pass is part pulp erotica and part realistic drama... full review
Thumbs down, by Deepa Deosthalee , Film Impressions : ...As it is though, B.A. Pass may lure the depraved hordes that flock to the cinemas for their weekly dose of pleasure. But if you’re looking for value, read Sikka’s story instead... full review
Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta , indian express : ...In the film, Bahl creates claustrophobia well, and then loses the story and the characters in it. We want to see underneath, and what we get, instead, is neon glaze... full review
Thumbs down, by Namrata Joshi, Outlook India : ...Shadab fits the bill with his innocent looks and sincerity, as does Shilpa with her acts of gruff seduction... full review
VEDKEBOL: #Vedview BA Pass:- Suparbb Movie . But plz dont judge the book by its cover, $imilarly dont judge the BAP by its... https://www.facebook.com/rjved/posts/378212895634182
varunfc87: B.A. Pass was just fantastic!!
urfis: BA Pass is a superb movie!
trishapatel6: I loved the movie Ba pass.... amazing acting... by all the actors..PS it does have too much of sex for an Indian movie.. hehehe
TheJadejaVu: B.A. Pass! Oh wait... aaj hi dekhi... Nice film! #MoviesICannotGetOver
Text_O_Holic: #B.A.Pass Is Very Good Movie!
TausifSid: Movie review: BA Pass - Three and a half stars......
swatityagi1009: BA Pass with @ankitmalikjas amazing movie superb acting of everyone ......!!!!!
sumit_roy_: BA Pass is a ballsy film that depicts sex in a way that's raw, disquieting & visceral with an assured maturity. Gorgeously shot, well acted
sudnigga: B.A.Pass ho gaya!
sourav456vishwa: B.A pass is a good movie...........
Sober_Sardar: BA PASS - A Must Watch Movie.
SINCORLEONE: people watch B.A.Pass.. it's W O R T H a watch!
Shivam_Negative: B.A. Pass got FOUR STARS...and it DESERVES it.....!!!!!
shantusharma: BA Pass passes the test. Interesting story. Good execution.
santoshrajaryan: WatcHd B.A PASS...AwsumE movIe..
samirpatel0085: BA Pass is a gud movie but the novel is the one to look out for...
sameersaifi007: B.A. PASS amazing movie @shilpashukl act so well overall paisa wasool story ....#bapass
RishabhaNayyar: B.A Pass is a great example of how a good story will most often than not make for a great film! Well done Debuda!
readytotrance: B.A. Pass takes you through the dark and ugly roads of sexual exploitation of men in an unprecedented manner. Must see. Kudos.
RajeeKhushie: B.A. Pass. Beautiful. Flawless. @tongatalkies @shilpashukl
PuvvalaVirat: B.A Pass only for multiplex audience. Story line picha different. Manam ame anukunthamu oo daniki opposite ga jarguthundhi. Decent watch.
prasun772786: B.A. PASS. Congratts !! Team B.A.PASS !! CLASSIC performance guyz....Superv exhibition...Great spirit...Carry onn... --prasun banerjee
pirutman: Thorougly enjoyed B.A Pass, which is refreshingly bold & brilliant. @shilpashukl shines throughout being the hot seductress! A must watch!
pateldev13: B.A PASS is a very nice film.
ParakramRana: Watched BA Pass and absolutely loved it. Intense and it takes you deep into the story. A must watch.
NyayBhushan: BA Pass movie is not to be missed- While redefining Delhi noir it pushes d envelope in all directions. Kudos to Shilpa Shukla @tongatalkies
nikeswamish: My verdict: BA Pass (2013) This one for cinema lover ..... go n enjoy reality ....... ***.5 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/B-A-Pass/movie-review/21526019.cms
NewsenseBTE: watched another indian movie today, B.A. Pass. What started looking as thought it was soft core porn escalated quite a bit. Great movie.
nautankibazzz: Watched #BA.PASS, For me its a Must Watch Movie.
Mr_Insolent_: Guys must watch BA PASS ;)
mohitroshan: B A Pass 3.5 stars our of 5 #bapass http://twitter.com/mohitroshan/status/363863673074237441/photo/1
maximaminima: Quite liked BA Pass. Had read the toi review for it, and thought it was way better than that. A great attempt at unconventional treatment.
KhoteNawab: BA Pass :-D
kabir_kate: #BA Pass what a surprise !!! Go watch it!
jonzworld: BA Pass good work
IshtdeepSingh1: Aur B.A.PASS full number key saath pass ho gyi @shilpashukl
ghantaa_talkies: Nice to see people speaking abt films like BA PASS...will gv them d impetus :-)
GaurangTrivedi: BA. Pass nice movie and concept... Go & Watch friends. Happy Friendship Day to my lovely friends.... :)
Firaaq8: In a bold n brilliant attempt, team B.A.PASS(ed) wid distinction. Shadab, Shilpa n Dibyendu; First Rate! Cello ruled d bg score n how!
fasttickets: B.A. Pass: Scored a FIRST class. http://blog.fastticket.in/2013/08/ba-pass-scored-first-class.html
dushyanthechamp: BA PASS....yeah just seen it awesome movie... will recommend to everyone.. hats off to @shilpashukl
Director_Gautam: #NOWFOLLOWING - the very talented @tongatalkies. The director of BA. PASS. Really an outstanding film,Superb performances & gr8 vision shown
Come_On_Pappu: Waaw WaaW B.A. Pass Ho Gayi
Charan15: B.A.Pass 3*/5 A realistic approach which depicts relationships.. emotions.. hard circumstances.. human mind.. and... https://www.facebook.com/charan1506/posts/602521196436353
caprismart: B.A. Pass. Highly recommended
BeingNiv: Must watch BA.PASS... Fab movie great story line... Kickass acting
babanitin: Baba's verdict: BA (Pass) interesting movie showed yet another dark side of the society! Money drugs lies deceit - one time watch nN
ashwaniti: BA Pass 3-1/2 ***
Ashu_rocks2020: B.A. PASS...gud movie....
ankash1009: Oye BA Pass has released in theatres.. Go watch it.. really super film.. and super performances and a director i will always look forward to
AniGuha: +1. RT @krnx: Thoroughly enjoyed BA Pass. Recommended.
AkshtaSaxena: Just watched first show of @BAPassTheMovie awesome piece of work. Congratulations team B.A.Pass. http://twitter.com/AkshtaSaxena/status/363190739938705409/photo/1
abhifilmy: B.A. Pass - a good film with some minor loopholes
_Anand_i: Double Graduate... Saw BA Pass! .... Nice movie...evry youngster shud must watch..I guess...! This Year India's only entry to Oscar #review
taniameer: BA Pass time
sr_raut: #BA.Pass has a good plot. The treatment could have been much better.
ninja_chaacha: B.A PASS is something different.Good concept. It was very brave of shilpa shukla to do this role. Hoping to see her in future.1 time watch.
Dash_Adyasha: B.A. Pass..not bad!
BeingPankaj1: 'BA Pass 'reivew not perfect but nicely d0ne...
AudreyCoutinho: watched B.A. Pass and hated it..but thinking back now, maybe it wasn't so bad, just a little too depressing.
TwinkyJain: # Honestly pls don't watch BA pass ...... :D its a kind of p*rn movie :p :D #Timewaste -_-
stoicbar: chose to watch ba pass with my bowys over conjuring with her. I feel so stupid now.. #Facepalm
SomeBirdie: Watch 'BA Pass'. Heard good reviews plus there was no other option nearby on the time we required. But it failed my expectations.
ritesh_vita: BA Pass- thumbs down. Depressing & Disappointing
PrashankRai: B.A. PASS IS EPIC FAIL...
paritransolanki: Friends !!!!! B.a pass movie is not good
laisasalove: B.A.Pass is passable. The sex is awkward, the acting is a joke. But it will still get bhaav for being oh so scandalous. *rolls eyes*
iBawaalBaccha: B.A Pass Is Fail
GauriKumar10: Forever scarred. B.A Pass should have never been passed >.<
Eat_TweetSleep: I watched BA pass today. But somehow I didn't like that movie.
boljantabol: फेल हो गया बीए पास - http://boljantabol.com/2013/08/02/ba-pass-hindi-movie/ http://twitter.com/boljantabol/status/363246943775903744/photo/1
bhagyak77: BA pass !!!!!!!! hot stars... but film toh fail ho gayi ........so boring
aayush_lfc: B.A.Pass is absolute shite. Only good thing abt it is that is gets over within 1.5 hrs. Money wasted. gutted
2guddd2btru: BA Pass was so depressing,shelved d idea of Ship of Thesus y don these arty types make some happy movies.
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: A few slaps. Some bloodshed.
- Language: Abusive language used.
- Nudity & Sexual content: Loads.
- Concept: The tragedy that a man's life is.
- General Look and Feel: Dark and serious.
![[Twitter account of B.A. Pass]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of B.A. Pass]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of B.A. Pass]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (12)
Hi Meetu,
Please correct the name of the lead actor - It is Shadab Kamal and not Shabad Kamal.
Ref - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B.A._Pass
@Meetu : Do read my take on the Krrish 3 trailer!
http://cricfilm.blogspot.in/2013/08/my-take-on-krrish-3-trailer.html
@Anuj Interesting analysis. But what about the trailer, did you like it?
I'd give it a 6/10. Certain sequences (especially the last one with Krrish towering over Mumbai city and the one with the Mumbai sea link) have been exceptionally well shot. They could definitely have done without that sequence of Kangana jumping off a multistoryed building. Interesting part is that they've revealed as much as they've held back. Comparisons with Iron Man,Dark Knight and Man of Steel are unnecessary (but unavoidable courtesy an extremely intrigued media and overactive internet trolls).What's your take?
@Anuj let's carry this discussion forward on the Krrish 3 page. It should be ready some time next week. Thank you for your patience. :D
@Meetu:Your rating for Krrish 3's gonna be "Watch if you have nothing better to do". I can safely bet my two cents on that(it would be different if they replace HR with the Ranbir in the same scenario though :P)
Hey! That's not fair!!
You know very well it is :P
Shifting the discussion to BA Pass:
A reputed critic has given this film 4/5.
Thus I wonder how much credibility to give to your "it is a pretty hollow affair" conclusion.
@Fan Well, you know it is after all one opinion against the other. Depends on how you find the justifications behind what the reviewer liked/disliked.
I wonder why this movie got so much awards internationally,,,,why directors like mahesh bhatt and madhur bhandarkar praised the movie so much....
This one is an average one,,,,i didnt get much interesting things in the movie....Its just a movie to watch if u have nothing better to do
Finally got the opportunity to watch the film. I would normally not have watched i - mainly because of it being loaded with sexual content. Nevertheless i did watch it for the getting a rating of 4 out of 5 from a reputed critic. And also due to one positive word of mouth.
It's a typical parallel cinema (art films) fare; designed for what Anuj refers as niche audience.
It's a dark film where the protagonist is in a negative spiral; getting more and more sucked (pun not intended) into quagmire of life. Kind of a male version of Chandni Bar.
As per connecting to lead character and feeling their pain - yes i did feel the pain of Mahesh. So yes the story pulled me in and got me involved. No chemistry between the lad who is forced into prostitution and the lady who forced him into prostitution - is normal. The boy never had any attraction to the lady; and vice versa. So no chemistry was expected. The protagonist was the lad; and so i found it normal that the story stayed on him and did not divert to marital issues.
Performance wise: pretty good from all actors. Especially the lad. And yes the sexual intimacy scenes are quite bold and are done without inhibitions. That they are limited in time just to establish the nature of relationship is good.
if you are the niche audience or someone who likes the award circuit films or a person who likes to have as social talk such dark subjects - then there's a strong probability that you'd like the film. If you're a Krrrish3 type person then you'll just scratch your head as to the purpose of this film.
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