Bhavesh Joshi Superhero

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do (?)

quick review:

A good set-up – is all you get. After the first hour it goes from mediocre to worse.

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Running time: 155 minutes
Genres: Action, Social
More Movie Info

A citizen vigilante, a superhero with bravery and vengeance as his superpower, a spirit representing the common citizen – that’s who Bhavesh Joshi is. The concept isn’t new, but the film begins by engaging you. Unfortunately, it doesn’t hold through and in fact becomes rather sub-par by the end.

For the first hour or so, the film felt like it could justify the 30 minute extra runtime it had taken claim to. But, it stagnates and becomes repetitive post-interval. All the build-up seems in vain as characters fall in a rut and a rather quick closure. Even if you consider this one as the first in a potential series, this introduction isn’t gripping enough for you to sustain even this one, let alone want more.

The characters are more or less unidimensional with the heroes being good and foolhardy, and the villains being evil and in control. The only thing decent about the writing is that the villains do seem like they are a step ahead of the heroes. But, the set-up just doesn’t hold that steam. The decent performances then, can get you only so far.

This good set-up also becomes a trap for the audience, because you are constatntly expecting something smart, something unpredictable to happen. And it never really does. This keeps you watching in hope only to feel let down by the end.

- meeta, a part of the audience

28 reviewers(?) - 5 yays 13 so-so 10 nays

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

Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice : ...Bhavesh Joshi is a film that catches us off guard. Its message of social awakening spotlights a film that is brave and bleak. Shot with striking sense of the raw and the real by cinematographer Sidharth Duwan this is a film that salutes a wounded civilization without resorting to the flag-waving patriotism of Parmanu. It doesn’t offer instant solutions and home-made remedies against corruption in politics. It tells us all to go out there and try to make a difference. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...The action scenes don't look overtly choreographed and the cinematography lends a gritty touch to the film, a la Sin City. All-in-all, Bhavesh Joshi is Vikramaditya Motwane's braveheart attempt at creating a DC (not Marvel, as an in-joke explains, because it's darker) superhero movie. Now whether the Indian audience is ready for such stuff and whether it'll take to it is a big question Indeed... ... full review

Thumbs up, by Troy Ribeiro, Free Press Journal : ...The action sequences are thrilling and are well-choreographed, especially when Siku escapes from the dance bar and the local politician’s goons chase him, through the streets, trains and railway station. Cinematographer Siddharth Diwan’s visuals offer unique angles and frames especially during the chase sequences. And overall, the film boasts of excellent production values rendered by the Production and Design team along with the editing and sound team. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...But all said and done, Motwane breaks into new territories with his innovative take on superhero films. Bhavesh Joshi Superhero has its heart in the right place and its tone is totally indigenous. Harshvardhan Kapoor has come up with an honest performance. At 155-minute, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero has a lot to offer. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Neil Soans, Times of India : ...Bhavesh Joshi Superhero needs to be appreciated for what it sets out to do – stirring the common man out of apathy by channelising our anger. It doesn’t entirely succeed, but Vikramaditya Motwane’s take on the superhero genre is worth a look.... full review

So-So, by Tushar P. Joshi, Bollywood Life : ...Bhavesh Joshi has moments and scenes that will resonate with a lot of socio-political issues in the country right now. Watch it if you have the palette for something different than the usual. ... full review

So-So, by UDITA JHUNJHUNWALA, FirstPost : ...Bhavesh Joshi is not yet a superhero. While Motwane’s blueprint is derivative (you will think Kick Ass and Arrow), his thoughts and setting are localised enough to make this a convincing character within the genre. But the film’s flaw is that it’s trying to say too much and doing so at such a painful pace that much of a good intention is lost in execution. ... full review

So-So, by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Gulf News : ...If you are looking for closure or a solution to a corrupt-free world, the valiant heroes of this film aren’t going to swoop down to rescue you. They may just remind you that the world isn’t a pretty place. ... full review

So-So, by Suhani Singh, india today : ...But the film's biggest weakness is its inability to make one root for the missionary zeal of the superhero. A hastily and lazily put together finale, which opens door for a franchise, the film feels distant from reality. ... full review

So-So, by Lakshana N Palat, india today : ...Bhavesh Joshi Superhero is an attempt to propel the individual out of apathy, and asks us to channelise our anger in the right direction. It doesn't succeed entirely, but Motwane's fresh take on the wearied superhero genre is worth a watch. ... full review

So-So, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...There is a film in here. Or should I say, would have been, if Bhavesh Joshi Superhero had been less of a cobbled-together-from-many-influences overlong yarn. And fresher, sharper, clearer. As things stand, the slot for a ‘desi’ superhero, with or without a cape, is empty. Applicants may step up. ... full review

So-So, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...Motwane does his best to set up a franchise, keeping several character fates hanging in the balance and even throwing in post-credits scenes. To borrow a phrase, he’s playing in a corner of a foreign field.... full review

So-So, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ... Except the non-superhero on the screen, like the movie itself, merely moves around in convenient circles, and head-splitting clichés. Speaking of expectations, I'm not even sure if this is the film the hugely competent director Vikramaditya Motwane (Udaan, Lootera, Trapped) wanted to make. Hard to tell; guess make do with what he has then.... full review

So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...In conclusion, if you are eager to watch a vigilante/superhero flick, I would suggest buying tickets for Deadpool 2…... full review

So-So, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...This one had the potential to be the surprise hit of the year. Sadly, it’s too dark for a superhero film and yet distinctly flaky to be taken seriously. The kids won’t appreciate their hero taking the blows and the parents would rather attend the ostentatious romcom in the next screen. ... full review

So-So, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...The film is too long (155 minutes) to get to this point. There are some good parts (the idea that Bhavesh Joshi is out there) and many pathetic ones. It cancels out what could have been a great straight to Netflix or Amazon show. ... full review

So-So, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...The story’s real superhero isn’t Harshvadhan Kapoor’s dull Sikandar, but Priyanshu Painyuli’s passionate Bhavesh. Painyuli plays Bhavesh with real feeling, and the exact moment of the film’s descent can be pinpointed to the moment when his character cedes ground to Sikandar. The myth takes over the man, but Painyuli ensures that the man matters too. ... full review

So-So, Sify Movies : ...Cinematographer Siddharth Diwan's visuals offer unique angles and frames especially during the chase sequences. And overall, the film boasts of excellent production values rendered by the Production and Design team along with the editing and sound team. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...In all, it’s just the technicalities that keep you marginally engaged in the film but not the poor, lifeless content or performances. Besides BHAVESH JOSHI never looks like a project directed by the same Vikramaditya Motwane who has films such as UDAAN, LOOTERA and TRAPPED to his credit. ... full review

Thumbs down, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, BHAVESH JOSHI SUPERHERO is a poor show owing to its haphazard writing and bad direction. At the box office, it will be a disaster. Avoid! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...Bhavesh Joshi is more or less like India’s Justice League goes haywire. It is enjoyable in parts but you won’t lose out on anything if you miss this one, rather watch any superhero flick from DC or Marvel. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Umesh Punwani, koimoi : ...All said and done, when you’ve a good intent to make a film you also need a strong story to back it. Bhavesh Joshi Superhero lacks everything from script to solid performances and hence this son-of-Kapoor has wait more for his first hit. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Raja Sen, NDTV : ...Motwane has made a minimal and bare-knuckled vigilante film that means well, but is built out of obvious influences. We know exactly where it's heading, but it still leaves us waiting at the signal too long. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...One thing is for sure, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero isn't likely to be the super-boost that the doctor has ordered for the career of Harshvardhan Kapoor. ... full review

Thumbs down, by ANISH MOHANTY, Planet Bollywood : ...'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero' is a film which cannot be entirely dismissed. It sets the tone for a genre that Hindi cinema needs to explore more prominently. Vikramaditya Motwane enjoys a good reputation as a filmmaker and he might like to give this genre another shot with a better script in hand. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Sreehari Nair, Rediff : ...If anything, Bhavesh Joshi proves right that maxim, unsaid but true: That Fixed Ideology, Self-righteousness and Superheroism run parallel to each other. ... full review

Thumbs down, by SHILPA JAMKHANDIKAR, Reuters : ...There is much to like here - the atmospherics, Painyuli’s performance that is notches above Kapoor’s, and Motwane’s feel for noir, but his home-grown hero still falls short. Hopefully this will be a franchise, and like most superheroes, Bhavesh Joshi too will have a chance at redemption and a better future. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ... In the film the issue feels too flat and tame. Somewhere Motwane gets too self-aware and conscious—be it the genre of superhero cinema he is playing with or the issue of corruption itself. The point gets belaboured and the film too protracted. Yet the irony in the ideas of swachh, bhayamukt Bharat does hit home.... full review

38 tweeters(?) - 32 yays 1 so-so 5 nays

vipul09goel: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero is really a very good film...unique take on corruption, patriotism n superhero...it has got… https://t.co/mDm7Y9Zf59

vaibhavpolice: amazing movie bhavesh joshi superhero @FuhSePhantom @VikramMotwane @Vasan_Bala @HarshKapoor_ @anuragkashyap72 gre… https://t.co/GNWD3MXokk

TheSidMathur: Movie Review - Bhavesh Joshi - Superhero Rating 4/5 Story of the film is different and Vikramaditya Motwane dire… https://t.co/RU8ayeVr4C

StarLordSwanson: I would recommend you guys to watch Bhavesh Joshi Superhero

stakhil: #BhaveshJoshiSuperhero @FuhSePhantom - Absolute must watch... https://t.co/AP8fNwfaRq

SophiaM94776816: Movie Review: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero - 3.5/5 https://t.co/ECj3BGi88a Vikramaditya Motwane’s take on the superhero… https://t.co/GsBjzjYm1S

ShwetankShekha3: फिल्म रिव्यू: भावेश जोशी सुपरहीरो [अपने अंदर की सुपरपावर फील करवाने वाली फिल्म] https://t.co/Piywc9jYFs… https://t.co/DLxzNBpfP1

Sanat_Mudur: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero is a great film. Go watch! #BhaveshJoshi

rajbhatnagar124: Movie Review: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero - 3.5/5 https://t.co/fb1xjB5R0r

Rajat4676: 'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero' will tug at your conscience https://t.co/27JXoL7RsX via TheStatesmanLtd

mymovierack: 3.5/5 Bhavesh Joshi Superhero review by Maulin Parmar https://t.co/laUjSTIzpg #BhaveshJoshiSuperhero #organicReviews @imMDP

MJ_Thoughts007: Movie Review: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero - 3.5/5 https://t.co/CJp6T7W37y

MissMalini: .@HarshKapoor_ and the cast of #BhaveshJoshiSuperhero, take a bow! India finally has its first real superhero movi… https://t.co/Ca2uqfJwmP

megsbasu: Everyone needs to go watch Bhavesh Joshi Superhero NOW! The superhero India needs :’)

meerutdotcom: Movie Review: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero - 3.5/5 - https://t.co/RnLEMzQsfN Motwane’s take on the superhero genre with… https://t.co/rtqCQ4mj1q

maahin: Really like Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, more than I thought I would. First half was excellent, but the second half doe… https://t.co/FPjyfGMNQi

Kulpreetyadav: "Plainly put, Bhavesh Joshi belongs in the list of watchable Hindi noirs, and the credit goes to the writers more t… https://t.co/UJOTrwKqtd

kronosVB: Bhavesh Joshi - Superhero is so good.

kanwardhilon: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero is a very good attempt..I personally liked the film while the second half could've been lit… https://t.co/JA5YlsiPiO

jinnions: #BhaveshJoshiSuperhero Review: Gritty, Real and Relevant. Rating - ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 | @sreeparnas Click here to read the… https://t.co/cQpesRS9LN

ItsKaraN007: Movie Review: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero - 3.5/5 https://t.co/DmIi7fWFiL https://t.co/AWIKDAefSK

iharshilkaria: Absolutely loved Bhavesh Joshi superhero! I think everyone should go watch it. The film is so beautifully designed.… https://t.co/dNrA3WCaUW

Harzh_Kalra: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero is one of those movies who made you realise that you're not doing enough for your country.… https://t.co/WSEqdsYFww

Dhaval750: Honest Review Bhavesh Joshi Superhero. Book Your Tickets Now.. READ HERE=>https://t.co/1OBonMsVdm https://t.co/wC7idGyrXW

clinomaniac31: Acting, cinematography, background score, music, realistic setting, direction and a good origin story - Bhavesh Jo… https://t.co/OpKomgeRsT

ChinmayNakhwa: #BhaveshJoshiSuperhero for me, the real superhero of this one is #VikramadityaMotwane top notch performance of… https://t.co/uUu4ZYR040

ankitdubey0003: What a great story #BhaveshJoshiSuperhero is. Great performances Harshvardhan Kapoor take a bow! Amit Trivedi what… https://t.co/NULiWZ2qd8

anandneo333: Brilliant Technicals! Super Plot, very glad i watched it. Deserves more than it's getting like an indian… https://t.co/5eqq5HWiPx

AdityaGore17: https://t.co/BV5udGkX92 Bollywood's best Superhero movie till date ... Movie Review By Gore Brothers.. https://t.co/ihhVIK5FWn

abramaali2: Movie Review: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero - 3.5/5 https://t.co/8CRcxwDMt2 https://t.co/VqMiJlHtLR

abhichanger: 'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero' is a sensible film and a real & practical superhero film. No surprise it came from the ex… https://t.co/c6lfSU3Tq3

aapkimahima: Movie Review: Bhavesh Joshi Superhero - 3.5/5 https://t.co/K4qzJ3pqSB https://t.co/kwmOsiiRGW

Shibasishsarkar: 3* Bhavesh Joshi Superhero movie review: Harshvardhan Kapoor’s raw appeal saves this flawed and uneven action drama https://t.co/v0T1IjJLgt

KhabarNwi: हर्षवर्धन की दमदार एक्टिंग लेकिन फुस निकली 'भावेश जोशी सुपरहीरो'की कहानी #BhaveshJoshiSuperhero @HarshKapoor_… https://t.co/kc7hvCwXg1

ishtkam: एवेंजर्स देखने के बाद फीका लगेगा भावेश जोशी 'सुपर हीरो' #BhaveshJoshiSuperhero https://t.co/mdndtSo0Jw

govindksaji: Mysskin with Mugamoodi. Vikramaditya Motwane with Bhavesh joshi. India can't still make a good superhero movie. https://t.co/6K5wzDXMXu

DIVYASOLGAMA: 'Has a heart, bur not in right place...' - #BhaveshJoshiSupehero review (write-up) by RJ #DivyaSolgama on… https://t.co/ea0ebq7tGT

cognited: Hugely disappointed by Bhavesh Joshi Superhero.

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

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Loads
  • Language: Some abusive language
  • Nudity & Sexual content: A couple of liplocks
  • Concept: A common man taking on the system
  • General Look and Feel: Dark and grim

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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Bhavesh Joshi Superhero - Cast, crew, links

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Running time:
155 minutes
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