Bangistan

wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list ^(?)

quick review:

Okay, okay, we get it. It is satire. The satire is witty too. But then, what? Nothing beyond the concept really. Also, does satire always have to be preachy?

Director: Karan Anshuman

Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Pulkit Samrat

Running time: 130 minutes

Genres: Comedy, Dark Comedy, Satire, Social

More Movie Info

Bangistan's trailer has already set-up the film for you. You know two suicide bombers out there are targeting the same religion conference. You know, they are exchanging religions, though you don't know why they need to do that. The movie doesn't make that clearer - which is a smaller issue considering the movie wants to talk about how beneath different dressing styles all religions are the same. We are all the same. We also know before the movie begins that this is all said in good humor, with satire. The film then has nothing new to say beyond this.

The satire wanes off in the first few minutes. After the initial America bashing while consuming products of corporate America, there is a mind-warping change of identities which lends to the satire for a bit. But after that there is nothing out of the ordinary.

In fact, the performances too, stick to the usual format of over-the-top that seems to be a pre-requisite for satirical Hindi films. Riteish Deshmukh does try to bring in a bit of seriousness but then his character's seriousness seems like a misfit in the setting.

Except this difference though Pulkit Samrat and Riteish Deshmukh's character are only clones of each other. And just in case you are wondering, Jacquiline Fernandes is barely a prop in the two and a half minutes she has on screen.

Bangistan is one of those ideas that is really cool. But when you expand it into a 2+ hour film it tends to get repetitive. This is not to say there cannot be a film with this idea that could work, but then that would be a different film. As it stands, the only change that has the potential to make the film a must watch is to cut it short to about 85-90 minutes. Which is why it might be an okay watch while you are surfing channels

Bangistan made me realise the connection between satire and preachiness. Almost all satire has a “holier-than-thou” air about it that the parent-humor sarcasm carries. It is in a way talking down to its target audience. Except, that audience isn't even listening or will see through both the sarcasm and the lesson.

- meeta, a part of the audience

35 reviewers^(?) - 1 yays 5 so-so 29 nays

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

Thumbs up, Bolly Spice : ...This summer audiences will be entertained and educated in equal measure as the hysterically funny ‘Bangistan’ comes to cinema screens... full review

So-So, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Great ideas in an inconsistent film... full review

So-So, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...Bangistan races through with a nice tempo, only to be brought to an abrupt halt with its highly predictable, and 'heroic’ (read Bollywood-ised) climax. ... full review

So-So, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...The film could have gone a notch or two higher, if Pulkit Samrat had gone slow on his histrionics and perhaps a tad more steady handed execution by the debut director.... full review

So-So, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ... If only, he could put it all together, without resorting to a predictable end. ... full review

So-So, by Meena Iyer, Times Now : ...The characters of Riteish and Pulkit, who do not have a single mean bone in their bodies, are convincing as the Dumb and Dumber ... full review

Thumbs down, by Naresh Kumar Deoshi, Apun Ka Choice : ... little bang for the buck... full review

Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ... God-awful... full review

Thumbs down, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...A tacky and not so funny, over the top execution sadly fails to convey the noble message of One Religion.... full review

Thumbs down, Bollywood Hungama : ... Skip it. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Sreeju Sudhakaran, Bollywood Life : ...All smoke and no bangs make this Riteish Deshmukh – Pulkit Samrat comedy a dull film!... full review

Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...damp squib... full review

Thumbs down, by Kusumita Das, Deccan Chronicle : ...The final nail in the coffin is when the so-far satire takes a preachy turn ... full review

Thumbs down, by Sidhant Shori, Desi Martini : ...Typical preachy mess about religious disharmony. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Krish Sripada, Desi Martini : ...Half-cooked lecture from an amateur! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Parichay Mehta, Desi Martini : ...Okayish, Preachy & overdose of symbolism.... full review

Thumbs down, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ...BANG BANG! I hope I killed it ... full review

Thumbs down, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...humourless comedy is too preachy... full review

Thumbs down, by Deepanjana Pal, FirstPost : ...Bad acting, worse writing turns a comedy into a tragedy... full review

Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ... I wouldn’t suggest you watch this movie even for that!... full review

Thumbs down, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ... I'm trying to figure out things in my mind, to make sense of what I have just seen. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...flashes of wit and potential in his occasionally clever nods to classic films. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Suhani Singh, india today : ...Good intent doesn't translate into a good movie... full review

Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...The film finds its laughs in the odd moment, but comes off, over all, flat and tepid.... full review

Thumbs down, by Archita Kashyap, koimoi : ...I would advise not really spending on this ticket over the weekend, but if you have to, best to step inside the theatre in some sort of intoxication. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...A mess of good intentions and bad jokes ... full review

Thumbs down, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...climax is clichéd and preachy enough to make you cringe... full review

Thumbs down, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ... this movie should be re-named as Head Bang-istan as that's what you get after watching this trashy film.... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chaterjee, NDTV : ... If you really desire to visit Krakow, pack your bags and spare yourself a Bangistan detour... full review

Thumbs down, by Nishi Tiwari, Rediff : ...falling tremendously short of a bang for your buck.... full review

Thumbs down, by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters : ...neither engages, nor entertains.... full review

Thumbs down, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...A low-impact blast!... full review

Thumbs down, by Jyothi Venkatesh, Star Blockbuster : ...The climax kills the build-up! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Vishal Menon, The Hindu : ... In their attempt to solve all of world's problems through a lazily made film, the makers have instead stumbled upon the cure for a more solvable issue - insomnia. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Gayatri Sankar, Zee News : ... could have evolved on celluloid in a much better way, had the same concept been treated wisely... full review

55 tweeters^(?) - 17 yays 4 so-so 34 nays

zk46647: Nais #Bangistan

VrundaJahagird1: Just watched Bangistan... Its nice.. Loved it..✌✌✌ @Riteishd @PulkitSamrat

sylviasengupta2: Bangistan Nice movie

SukeeertiUmusic: #Bangistan I loved the cute Bakri. Just kidding! Movie has a good message.

shujathshk: Har Musalman terrorist nahi hota..@Bangistan @Riteishd @PulkitSamrat you both were outstanding in the film and the comedy stands out.

shrutigera: Don't miss #Bangistan ! Entertaining with just the social message the world needs at the moment ..Good job @PulkitSamrat

shobhan03: #Bangistan wonderful concept. Many PJ's but nice touch to humour at many points. Overall good movie. #Bollywood

SaurabhSarkarSS: #Bangistan is superb film guys

rits2485: Review of movie - Bangistan Bangistan is a light heart satire with a blend of heavy religious philosophy. The... https://www.facebook.com/Ritssss/posts/986900571330978

ramekwal789: Bangistan bahaut acchi movie hai

JRungta: Watched @Bangistan today n @Riteishd n @PulkitSamrat u both were damn awesome n movie really gave good msg guys its really must watch movie.

IAmAhed: Went to watch @Bangistan it was great movie with a POWERFUL Message! @Riteishd @PulkitSamrat & @Asli_Jacqueline <3

GangwarShivam: Bangistan #Great Movie had #Fun

bwoodtothepoint: #Bangistan review: an extremely sensitive topic, written and directed very smartly. 3.5/5 @Riteishd @PulkitSamrat http://www.bollywoodtothepoint.com/2015/08/bangistan.html

AnasShk: Bangistan's a really good movie with an excellent message that is humanity. Everyone should watch it! @Riteishd

aamir__71: #BANGISTAN movie review must watch Hindi film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcTdsntG6-U&feature=youtu.be my review must watch #RiteishInBangistan #pulkit

aakhans1913: Watched #Bangistan, awesome message and once again a brilliant performance by @Riteishd.

saurabhthakur30: Watched bangistan.. thik thak move hai time pass krne ke liye thik hai.

RAHUL_RVKD: Watched #Bangistan overall ok movie with a comedy touch given to a serious subject @filmy_kida

kickasschic_: Watched Bangistan. Its time pass.. Though the message in the end is on point! + Ritesh is cute

imAbhijeet0803: Bangistan is an Avg. movie and i never expected such a movie from my favt. Riteish,so if u hv free time then you must watch it atleast once!

Vella_Engineer: Some movies take you to the another place. For example, Bangistan takes me to the exit gate.

UnnaChai: Watched #Bangistan with @Teju_10 ! Of course I should thank you for the 2 hr nap :p #slow #couldvebeenbetter. Next time only my choice...

tetisheri: Bangistan movie review in one line. If something is so obvious don't make a movie about it.

tanqeed: Sanket’s Review: Bangistan is juvenile and pedestrian despite honest intent #Bangistan http://tanqeed.com/sankets-review-bangistan/

Superprincessjo: In PVR cinemas.Watched such a bakwas movie

Sumanth_us: #Bangistan @Riteishd --You are killer in multistar Comedy but this was not your film found it very preachy!

Stinson_Desi: Watched Bangistan for 20 mins.. it makes Besharam look like Shawshank Redemption.

stampek: Bangistan movie review: Low on entertainment!

souravk9031: Kya yaarr phaltu ka paisa waste#Bangistan

shaanSAY: When film Critic becomes Director- Bangistan happens! Worst movie ever produced by Excel Entertainment!

Sattebaaz: Bangistan; please give my 2 hours back.

sarikachaudhry3: Bangistan .... टोटल फ्लॉप मूवी.... वही एक घिसा पिटा सन्देश ...सारी दुनिया सभी मुसलमानों को आतंकवादी समझती है... https://www.facebook.com/sarika.chaudhary.33/posts/853571351387989

salman_Th_Tiger: Most Bakwas & Alloo films of 2015 so far 1)Shamitabh 2)BV 3)Bangistan 4)Dil dhrakne do 5)I love NY

sachinbahad: Bangistan is the worst movie of this year.

rohitjswl01: Saw #Bangistan ystrday The enytr credit of the failiure of ds film goes to the Director nd Writter, @Riteishd did all he cud to save d film

rohanpawar: Karan Anshuman is such a good critic.. That he gave his own movie @Bangistan half a star.

Rohanmakkar: Riteish Deshmukh improvises on his existing flop career. #Bangistan Don't watch.

Rocky_shiv: Bang ur head on a wall hindustan as here comes bangistan... Comedy invisible Acting mediocre... Movie watch only... https://www.facebook.com/shivraj.sara/posts/932194606840907

Nupurddesai: Bangistan is quite a bore!

Nisha4sallu: One of my friend big fan of @PulkitSamrat saw #Bangistan yesterday and his words are"Issey to garibo me baat deta to kucch duva mil jati"

movizark: Bangistan (2015) Rating - 1.5/5 What thought crosses your mind when you hear about a film which portrays a... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1024272827592636

KP_tigerstyle: #bangistan - I need my money back ... have to leave it in half time .. full of overacting .. ridiculous screenplay ...

KishoreKeBol: #Bangistan will bang your head, and break it into 1000 pieces. Undoubtedly the worst film of 2015!!

khalidrafiq141: Bangistan review: Bad acting, worse writing turns a comedy into a tragedy http://t.co/mqPjoPOcFB

ForBeingAziz: #Bangistan 's director @krnx the so called critic should now know what it takes to make a movie. Review me badi badi baate karna boht easy h

fc5366fe58744fe: #bangistan isey achi tho Roy movie thi yaar best flop movie year

divya_moorjani: Bangistan movie halls are a good place to play candy crush.

dhun111: I rated Bangistan (2015) 2/10 #IMDb. Bakwas! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3422462

cinghh: If KRK's review of Bangistan is played in theatres, it would still do more business than Bangistan.

BafflerBobo: Finally one critic @krnx has realised how tough it is to make a movie. #Bangistan is a disaster by all ways. Such a shame. 1*/5*

AXfromMN: Newest crush - Pulkit Samrat. Movie was a little too cheesy, even for Bollywood. https://t.co/acfS8RDrzd

ArchanaDalmia: #Bangistan is a comedy which will make you cry. Poor dialogue poor edit and so very stupid...Even the smell of popcorn won't keep u awake!

abhishek2911: Just watched movies Bangistan. Total bakwas n pakau movie.

Abdul_Ranchi: Movie: Bangistan, My Rating 1/5. Good movie http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Bangistan/movie-review/48388624.cms

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