A Gentleman

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

quick review:

Comedy, action, romance – An above average entertainer in each of those elements. But, put together it becomes just about average.

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Running time: 135 minutes
Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance
More Movie Info

For a film that starts with slapsticky toilet humor, A Gentleman recovers quickly with a couple good laughs, a tolerable-cute romance, and some slick action. Unfortunately, it goes back to regular action masala post-interval and loses the little charm it creates in the first hour.

You cringe at her dialogue delivery just like you'd cringe when you hear Matthew McConaughey speaking in Hindi.

It was a pleasant surprise to see the writers tease the audience into saying “baah! predictable” and peek-a-booing a “gotchya!” There are some good action scenes too. I especially enjoyed the parking lot and shopping aisle scenes. There is a little honesty in the romance too. Interestingly, this romance felt relatively germane to the story compared to some of the cool stunts that were for the sake of cool action. After a bit, it truly became fitting in fights because they made the film look slick rather than being an integral part of the story.

The story itself was weaved together in a very 90s-like fashion where all elements of entertainment are put together – comedy, romance, action – with each of these doing their bit in keeping you engaged. But, as a whole it loses steam. Interestingly again, a film full of any of these elements wouldn't have worked together either. They were entertaining in that dosage only. Anything more and it would drag.

That points to the inherent weakness of not being able to convert an interesting-sounding core idea into a full-fledged feature length film. If any of these departments were strong by themselves, one wouldn't need the other elements as fillers. And even so, for a film that wants to showcase it's action and masala, A Gentleman does relatively well with its attempt at story.

Siddharth Malhotra does reasonably well as both Gaurav and Rishi. He has his own style of merging with his surrounding, whethere it is a dreary office meeting or a covert spy operation. This unfortunately, could also mean that if he doesn't evolve, he will loose screen presence. To elaborate, in the scenes with Jacqueline Fernandez, or for that matter even Hussain Dalal, they own the screen.

And while Dalal is doing a good job of keeping a smile on your face, Fernandez isn't even trying too hard. Her diction reminded me of dubbed English films. You cringe at her dialogue delivery just like you'd cringe when you hear Matthew McConaughey speaking in Hindi. It is sad that she is still taking on these roles whereas almost every actress of her stature is doing at least some films that don't use women as pretty props. Instead she picks a role that is as redundant as a woman in many a Hollywood action film.

Well, at least they picked and executed the action pieces well. If only, only they were enough to recommend a trip to the theaters for you. In that sense, it is a step down for this writer-directer duo.

- meeta, a part of the audience

34 reviewers(?) - 8 yays 14 so-so 12 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 : ...Our thoughts exactly as we go from a feeling of watching a cleverly constructed film to a sense of over-constructed but nevertheless engaging spry spy comedy. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...Overall, A Gentleman is definitely an entertaining film which has its own set of loopholes but they can be easily overlooked. Watch it this weekend for a fun and an edgy film. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Smita Vyas Kumar , Desi Martini : ...A Gentleman is a good entertainer if you are willing to overlook the few lapses of logic. You could take kids but there is a slightly more than romantic scene there. Very short, so you can busy them with popcorn at that time or cover their eyes. Enjoy the weekend! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rahul Bharadwaj, Desi Martini : ...A Gentleman is good enough should you decide to watch it , you won't regret watching it when you compare it with the high hype duds bollywood gave us so far in 2017. ... full review

Thumbs up, Indicine : ...Conclusion: A Gentleman is a solid entertainer which is not like other illogical Bollywood commercial films because it is rooted in realism. It is also a funny movie without getting too much into slapstick humour. The story takes some time to get going and the action scenes can be quite prolonged but in the end the payoff is worth it for both the characters in the film and for the viewers. If you’re in the mood for some lighthearted fun, then A Gentleman should be right up your alley. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...Directors Raj and DK, who have previous helmed Shor in the City and Go Goa Gone, have put together this offering which packs in comedy, action and everything else, yet doesn't entirely fit into the 'masala' construct. Managing this is a feat in itself. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Shantanu David, News18.com : ...In conclusion, this is a gentleman you can introduce to friends as well as family. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Nihit Bhave, Times of India : ...The film would have been a perfect entertainer had it held its cards closer to its chest. However, it still has plenty bang for your buck. ... full review

So-So, Bollywood Hungama : ...Roman Jakobi's cinematography is great and locales of Miami, Thailand and even Mumbai are well captured. Aparna Sud’s production design is appealing. ManoshiNath, Rushi Sharma and Niharika Jolly's costumes are glamorous, especially the ones worn by Jacqueline Fernandez. Aarif Sheikh's editing could have been better and sharper in the second half. The action scenes are too lengthy. Cyril Raffaelli, Parvez Shaikh, George Aguilar's action is slick and entertaining. ... full review

So-So, by Disha Dhingra, Desi Martini : ...Overall, one won't get bored. Even the songs are foot tapping worthy. Watch it for Jacky's pole dance. ... full review

So-So, by Pihu, Desi Martini : ...Overall the movie could have been more interesting if we got see more of love & chemistry between Jacqueline & Sidharth. ... full review

So-So, by Zinia Bandyopadhyay, Desi Martini : ...The film had everything in it- action, romance, a lil bit of drama, dance, comic moments and foreign locations. But the mixture could have been way smoother. The film is a strict one time watch and you would like it if you enjoy the out and out masala commercial Bollywood films. ... full review

So-So, by Harshada Rege, DNA : ...Enough films have released this week appealing to various tastes. Pick one that suits your sensibilities. ... full review

So-So, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...There isn’t a single serious bone in the A Gentleman framework. This outlandish action comedy draws its kicks from slick action and quirky dialogue. Even the lead actors just keep a straight face and go along with the script. And it works alright. Sidharth Malhotra gets to do everything you’d expect from a commercial hero. Six packs, workout routine, Ninjutsu inspired action, Chase’s, love making, it’s all packed in. Jacqueline handles the comedy, glamour and dancing. While Darshan Kumar plays the bad boy with elan. Smart writing and slick execution save this fickle film.... full review

So-So, by UDITA JHUNJHUNWALA, FirstPost : ...The comic parts of A Gentleman score over the action and as an action-comedy is falls short of taking any real risks. ... full review

So-So, by T J Reddy, fullhyd.com : ...As the movie continued to bounce around endlessly on a veritable pinball machine of quality, my patience and desire to keep a clear mind played that game of pinball with it, with my brain having a battle with itself at picking the right moment to stop worrying and drop the ball. And as with the feeling the good old pinball game that came bundled from Windows 98 to Windows XP induced in me, this film would have been a consummate game changer if I saw it in my more innocent times. While I enjoy the nostalgic appeal of pinball, I play Triple-A games now, and the former is in no way going to measure up to that magnitude of quality of the latter. ... full review

So-So, by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Gulf News : ...Watch this film if you are looking for voyeuristic delight featuring two attractive people spar and fight the world for a stupid cause. ... full review

So-So, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...But Raj and DK have managed to narrate the plain and full-of-cliches story in their own quirky style and their dialogues and the screenplay make it fun to watch. ... full review

So-So, by Ananya Bhattacharyal, india today : ...Flaws aside, A Gentleman makes for an entertaining watch. If a not-too-serious, masala film is your ideal weekend watch, then this film does not disappoint.... full review

So-So, by Satish Sundaresan , koimoi : ...Even though the film’s trailers and the first time pairing of Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez created all the possible excitement to drive the audience to the theatres to watch the film, the film, in totality fails to impress. By the time the film ends, it lands up disappointing the cine goer. At the same time, for all those who adore and idolize Sidharth Malhotra, A Gentleman serves as the perfect ‘visual treat’ for them. ... full review

So-So, by Rummana, yahoo! India : ...‘A Gentleman’ is a slick production that will keep you entertained. Just keep your expectations in check. ... full review

So-So, by Raghav Jaitly, Zee News : ...At the end, I would just like to say that 'A Gentleman' is something that you won't regret watching. It will serve you – glamour, action, drama and even comedy. So, if you are planning a film outing this weekend, 'A Gentleman' isn’t a bad choice at all. Sid and Jackie will surely impress you. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...I sure hope at least Raj and DK were laughing while writing the film. Because the audience watching it sure isn’t.... full review

Thumbs down, by Gaurang Chauhan, Bollywood Life : ...Overall, A Gentleman is neither ‘Sundar’ nor ‘Susheel’ but turns out to be a ‘Risky’ affair for Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez. The film has nothing going in its favour and can be easily avoided. In plain and simple words – It’s Boring. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Dev Raj Gulati, Desi Martini : ...All in all an average fair.Could be avoidable. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...The film is designed as a thriller, but the thrills on display are neither unique nor gratifying. Share this Post: ... full review

Thumbs down, by Vishal Verma, Glamsham.com : ...A GENTLEMAN is a stylishly packed action drama which is attractive but not enough to make you fall in love. If you love Sidharth Malhotra more than anything else in this world then the movie is for you otherwise be wise. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Mohar Basu , MiD DAY : ...This film is such a waste of good looking people who could have made a funnier film than this. Full marks to the art director for the picture perfect sets and music composer, for the groovy music.... full review

Thumbs down, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...The music is quite average and so are other technical aspects like cinematography or stunts or the special effects. To sum it up, this film is certainly not Nidmoru and Krishna’s best work. If you are a big fan of the director duo, we suggest you stick to Go Goa Gone..... full review

Thumbs down, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...The music too is shoulder shrug inducing strictly okay, and you will remember nothing but the refrain 'Bandkook meri laila'. The story after a while seems to be too convoluted as if the filmmakers did not think beyond 'we will have one bechara hero and one bond' and need to join loose ends. Not that you will hate this film, but you don't want to watch it again soon. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Sreehari Nair, Rediff : ...The result being that they today appear to be in cahoots with the same forces they started out rebelling against. And that's not something to drink to, I guess.... full review

Thumbs down, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...Malhotra has nearly the whole story to himself, but he doesn’t yet have the acting range to master the art of underplaying. Several scenes demand that Gaurav’s visage crack to reveal life beneath it, but this surface is unbreakable. Since Malhotra isn’t the only one who is trying to be something he is not, his performance fits right in. ... full review

Thumbs down, Sify Movies : ...Overall, swathed in mindless but slick action, this poorly told tale is purely risky to watch. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Kennith Rosario, The Hindu : ...Having worked in the U.S. as engineers, the techies-turned-filmmakers Krishna and Nidimoru’s insights into the Indian diaspora emerge in fleeting moments of wit, but they remain far too few. Malhotra plays his part with sincerity but beyond his dashy looks and sculpted abdominal muscles, there’s little to remember. Fernandez, for the most part, is bearable. ... full review

26 tweeters(?) - 16 yays 1 so-so 9 nays

vip_nair: All fun movies too - American Made, Bareilly Ki Barfi and A Gentleman.

sunilpraneshrao: A Gentleman ✌️☺️, nice movie. #friends (@ Inox in Mysore, Karnataka) https://t.co/fmkUQdFuOy https://t.co/CP2o9zKXVQ

shivijayswal: A gentleman was such an amazing movie! Loved it! Absolute paise wasul!! @S1dharthM #AGentelman

SaherinSultana: I love u..@S1dharthM ...best of luck for ur movie #a gentleman.. It's a best movie...

ravi051997: Such a great movie A Gentleman

rajndk: "A Gentleman is a stylishly made action film that seems to strike a good balance with an interesting premise, a... https://t.co/wbI1VFnxbn

NeevidhaZ: A gentleman will give you an adrenaline rush. @S1dharthM you are awesome, loved the movie

mredlich21: #AGentleman podcast! We LOVED it! And got in a fight over @S1dharthM vs @iTIGERSHROFF https://t.co/BLx4xNnXN4

Janvi_dvn: Saw A gentleman today!! Loved it

Incredible_Ted: A Gentleman was a great movie!!

hollylaineM: 4 of 5 stars to A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles https://t.co/46vfdOURKr

BrittanySugrim: A Gentleman was such an amazinggg movie

annebelle_123: Honestly ? I LOVED A Gentleman.

anmolagarwal_58: A Gentleman....One of my fav movie now... @S1dharthM @Asli_Jacqueline @foxstarhindi

allapodr6: Once a gentleman, and always a gentleman.

AdamBaezaar__x: Watched A Gentleman. What a super sexy n brilliantly planned action package. A laugh riot. @S1dharthM @Asli_Jacqueline You were amazing! ❤

AymanSherwani: A Gentleman wasn't too bad .. Only @Asli_Jacqueline 's fake accent was a miss but Siddhart ka body ❤..

paglathecrazy: भाई क्या चूतियाप मूवी है # A Gentleman! बाबा रे बाबा! क्या सोच कर बनाया है ये मूवी?? @S1dharthM बकवास!

MrJeetesh: Ms Dhoni be like "A Gentleman movie dekh k mera paisa barbad ho gya" https://t.co/9qh2Kh6J7H

mezomefans: A Gentleman Movie Review: Despite Cool Action, It Fails To Impress Because Of Its Half-Baked Plot #gentleman #movie… https://t.co/dWm5l2fTF8

LOKESHK53719525: A gentleman is the worse movie of 2017

ImMumin: Watched A Gentleman... Waste Of Time..

F_k007: Don't waste your money on A Gentleman. Ghatiya h

blazingDzire: sunil shetty's acting in A gentleman is so unimpressive... who did cast him?

anushaxoxo: Did not like A Gentleman

ADLoverPabitra: A Gentleman _ Disaster Job Harry Met Sejal_Flop Tubelight_Flop

1 readers - 0 yays 0 so-so 1 nays

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Fan

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

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Loads of gunfights, but nothing gory
  • Language: A few abuses muted out
  • Nudity & Sexual content: One liplock, a shirtless Siddharth Malhotra, a skimpily clad Jacqueline Fernandez
  • Concept: An arms mafia's undercover agent wants out.
  • General Look and Feel: Slick action.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:
Lyrics:

A Gentleman - Cast, crew, links

Cinematography:
Music Director:
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Running time:
135 minutes
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Comments (1)

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Fan

Double role films have been a regular favorite of Bollywood producers and audiences. And so having watched the trailer that seemed to bring your typical Action Jackson and Comedy of Errors type of film I settled in to watch the film.

The initial look and feel is your typical Dharma flavoured candy floss of US life with a nerdy white shirt suited and tie wearing SUV driving and living the American dream male oriented film (watch Simran to get a real feel of your typical middle class Indian family home's interior).

The movie, as expected from the trailer, moves into the life of the other dare devil guy's lifestyle. And then the inevitable crossing of the 2 lives.

A fast paced but pointless film. You have seen this all before. A hash of several such films from Bollywood and Hollywood. Nothing remains in memory after the film ends.

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