Raees

wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?)

quick review:

Crime drama from the 80s, songs like they are from the 90s, slickness and style from the 00s. And story like a thriller should be written.

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Director: Rahul Dholakia
Running time: 140 minutes
More Movie Info

It is so heartening to see the actors on the top take a few risks and go a little away from the norm. None of the themes are new – be it a sports underdog, based on true life story in Dangal or a revenge thriller in Kaabil or a Robin Hood-esque hero taking on the world in Raees. But, they are decently written and don't have the typical formulaic trappings of Hindi films. Also, you see the stars try their best (even if they don't succeed 100%) to be the characters and not themselves. This is truly heartening.

The challenges he faces and the solutions he comes up with make Raees an engaging 2+ hour watch.

Raees has Shah Rukh Khan play a ragpicker's son called Raees. He has aspirations to be a businessman. Not the suave, stylishly suited, city businessman. He aspires to run a profitable business using his uneducated but street-smart acumen. He wants to do no harm while making his profits. To make him the textbook Robin Hood, the said business has to be illegal, and so it is.

The challenges he faces and the solutions he comes up with make Raees an engaging 2+ hour watch. Every move he makes has a counter-move either by the involved politicians or the honest policeman (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). This makes the web complicated for Raees and claustrophobic for the audience who is egged to support him, even against the honest policeman.

This nexus isn't new to us. We have seen every “star” be a part of this nexus in more than one film. However, the actions and reactions amongst them are relentless through Raees and yet they aren't repetitive. The stakes get higher with each iteration. None of this makes you come to the edge-of-your-seat but you do find yourself taking sides and wondering what the next move will be. You see the ever-so-slight transitions in characters and yet they are consistent with what you would expect of the said character.

Shah Rukh Khan slips in and out of being Shah Rukh Khan, but he is more Raees than Shah Rukh Khan at most times. This is despite some very good yet “film-y” lines. It would have been so easy to get carried away and SRK-ise them. But there's restraint and that restraint doesn't glare at you in the face. The rest of the cast isn't gimmicky either.

The tribute to this genre of Hindi films from the 80s is obvious including the song placement. However, the style of songs reminded me more of those from 90s. Yet, neither of those are jarring as they were in their times because of the writing. Sure, there are loopholes and there are continuity jerks (especially in some of the action sequences). However, it is just a relief not to be taken completely for granted as the audience. It is a relief to see a formula film play around with the formula. For now, that is good enough.

Raees is very unlikely to have a lingering effect, but while you are watching it, you are 100% there. For now, that is good enough.

- meeta, a part of the audience

40 reviewers(?) - 18 yays 16 so-so 6 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 : ...At the end when Raees’ world falls apart with a close encounter of the ‘thud’ kind, there is no surprise left in the plot. It isn’t only Raees who has nowhere to run to. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, RAEES is a sure-shot hit. To state that SRK is sensational would be an understatement. The love, adulation and stardom that he attained in his early films will be showered on him yet again in RAEES. A few more factors contribute too: Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s winning act, the aimed-at-masses written material and of course, the gripping finale. As far as the BO is concerned, there’s no stopping this one. An outright winner. Just don’t miss it! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Priyaranjan Pradhan, Desi Martini : ...Raees is an action-thriller its purpose is to energize & involve an audience,it succeeds. Simply Flawless nawazuddin,srk shines like a king. The film is solid in terms of content and makes the right balance of masala and realism. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Smita Vyas Kumar , Desi Martini : ...Raees could have been sharper if it hadn’t got into maudlin and holier-than-thou territory because the Director is bent on proving that Raees was a good man. We don’t mind a bad man’s story either provided it hooks us. Raees doesn’t fully succeed but still it is worth a watch for a few glimpse of SRK’s magic and Nawazzudin’s Inspector Majmudar who can also do a mean MJ dance. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...SRK’s bravado dialogue delivery has some great stand out moments. Nawaz’s cheeky lines make you smile. Sunny Leone’s Laila number adds the veritable oomph. Raees serves up every thrill and spill you’d expect from a commercial masala movie. While the story and ideas aren’t all new or refreshing, Raees’ big play comes from its nostalgic treatment. This is a film for SRK fans and those who’ve grown up on a staple fare of Hindi pot boilers. Heroes, action, dialogue, romance and music this one has the whole jingbang. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rohini Nair, FirstPost : ...Watch Raees for Shah Rukh Khan. Watch Raees for Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Watch Raees for Rahul Dholakia. But most of all, watch Raees for Raees.... full review

Thumbs up, by Devarsi Ghosh, india today : ...Mahira Khan is, well, there; just because she is not from around these places, you thought she was going to get something else to do other than exist? Silly you Lastly, the small moments... like the one where Shah Rukh's Raees is happy with the news of a new family member gracing his life very soon and the very next minute, he gets a call to kill someone. ... full review

Thumbs up, Indicine : ...However, if you are expecting Raees to be a perfect crime thriller with major twist and turns then I would request you to give it a miss. Because story is quite predictable and what makes it enjoyable is the characterization and performance of the casts, specially SRK and Nawaz and not the story as a whole. ... full review

Thumbs up, Indicine : ...Conclusion: Raees is not a safe film, in fact it is a daring film for the makers to have made and for Shah Rukh Khan to have acted in especially after the brickbats he has received during the last few years. Raees is a flawed film, but it is an entertaining flawed film.... full review

Thumbs up, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Raees is a paisa-wasool entertainer for massy Bollywood fans! A 3.5/5 for this one. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Eventually, this is a man's world and Raees is about SRK and Nawazuddin. Despite the concessions it makes to commercial demands, or probably because of them, the film is none the worse for it. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...Watch it because the recent spate of silly romances have not touched you at all. The bad-guy-with-a-golden-heart Shah Rukh fills that space, and really well.... full review

Thumbs up, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...Raees’s resistance is conventional, but the movie’s slyness and lack of moralising are off the books, like the liquor.... full review

Thumbs up, Sify Movies : ...Overall, Raees is a well made film that would appeal to the masses. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...Yet, there’s more to the film. If Vijay addressed the angst of the day and the prevalent cynicism against the system, Raees, though a lot less intense and brooding, and more brassy and overstated, is also rooted in a specific point in time, and location. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Nihit Bhave, Times of India : ...The movie can feel a bit long, but if you’re going for a great Shah Rukh performance and some good ol’ popcorn-entertainment, it might just ‘raees’ to the occasion. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rummana, yahoo! India : ...However, I would still suggest that you watch the film, because among all the action films that Shah Rukh has attempted, this has to be the best. Watch this for SRK’s fistfight with butchers. You will almost forget this is the same man who makes women swoon with his outstretched arms and pastel sweaters. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Raghav Jaitly, Zee News : ...'Raees' is an entertainer which is driven by powerhouse performances. From dialogue delivery to slow motion sequences, the movie will give you goosebumps at times. If you want to witness high-octane actions, intense emotions and sincere filmmaking, then go for 'Raees'. It amalgamates Shah Rukh's charm and Rahul's intelligence. ... full review

So-So, by Anna MM Vertticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...The first half of Raees is supremely interesting and filled with promise. Besides, Shah Rukh Khan is a joy to watch in this new, exploratory innings of his career. The second half lets him down though. Style trumping substance is rarely a good thing for a film. ... full review

So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Summing up, No doubt RAEES is a weak, repetitive and once again not a wise choice of a script by the KING KHAN, but the film has one unique quality I would like to loudly praise it for. ... full review

So-So, by Sreeju Sudhakaran, Bollywood Life : ...As a movie, Raees is definitely a letdown especially for those who expect a Deewar-like dhamakedaar masala movie. Fans of Shah Rukh Khan might give the movie its huge initial but don’t expect the road ahead to be a smooth ride. And warning for all superstars – acting with Nawazuddin Siddiqui is injurious to your own dramatic talents – he can steal your glory right from under your nose. ... full review

So-So, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...'Raees' is certainly a one time watch but don't expect the unexpected at all. If you are seeking a plot with enough twists then you will be disappointed. It’s just the run-of-the-mill ‘chor-police’ chase, which you must have seen infinite times in the past. Strongly recommended for Shah Rukh Khan fans. ... full review

So-So, by Bhavini Trikha, Desi Martini : ...Music was average, and Sunny Leone's 'Laila' a very pale attempt to remix the original classic. ... full review

So-So, by Shakha Singh, Desi Martini : ...Raees is packed with every trademark ingredient of a masala movie that Bollywood exploited back in the 70’s and 80’s. However, with filmmaker Rahul Dholakia instilling modern day sensibilities for today’s cinematic audience, the film comes out as a complete experience. Shah Rukh Khan is as good as he can get and you only wonder why doesn’t he do more movies like these quite often. The film has flavor, it has style, but more importantly, it has Nawazuddin Siddique.... full review

So-So, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...Far better films have been made on crime in the 80s. There is nothing special about Raees. But if you're a Shah Rukh fan, go for it.... full review

So-So, by Josh, fullhyd.com : ...Dholakia doesn't leave it at that. He does other interesting things like texturing his Gujarat the way a Ghosh or Sircar would detail their Bengal. You know that Siddiqui's Majmudar is not of equal priority as Khan's Raees, and yet Dholakia will never let you feel like Majmudar is shortchanged by the film. There's a cool and admirable dignity in the conflict. Something that Siddiqui makes great use of. ... full review

So-So, by Vishal Verma, Glamsham.com : ...Surprisingly, RAEES (meaning rich) is not just a GARIB (poor/average) film it's GARIB in its entertainment quotient as well. ... full review

So-So, by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Gulf News : ...Give this film a shot. While it doesn’t make you pop the bubbly, it does have some fizz and sparkle to keep you satiated. ... full review

So-So, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...Siddiqui plays that ace, then plays it again. Several hands go the way of Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, quietly intense as Raees’ friend and second-in-command, Sadiq. Mahira Khan, breaking into Gujarati from time to time, looks like she’s in the wrong card game.... full review

So-So, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...For now, Raees will certainly do. ... full review

So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...However, having said that, Raees may appeal to die-hard fans of Shah Rukh Khan, who don't mind their idol serving up some 70s style nostalgia… ... full review

So-So, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...SRK's ardent fans have endured the actor's terrible film choices for long. It's about time they wake up and bite into the red chilli. ... full review

So-So, by Saisuresh Sivaswamy, Rediff : ...It sure is a very bold Shah Rukh Khan who has stepped out of his comfort zone. Will the audience do so, too? ... full review

So-So, by Prasanna D Zore, Rediff : ...While SRK is a brand in himself, and a big one at that, it would have helped the film's creative -- not box office -- cause to have the courage of its conviction and not turn Raees into the story of a whimpering, secular, sanskari gangster. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...The uncertainty in the film’s tone and pitch reflects in Shah Rukh’s performance. At times, he’s servicing the script. At times, he’s servicing his fans. But the girls in the seats next to mine kept screeching every time he showed up, so maybe he’s doing something right.... full review

Thumbs down, by Yatin Sharma, Desi Martini : ...The very elements that build the character of Raees so dynamically in the first half are stripped off in the second half of the film that derails its narration to a large extent. Raees is far from being a bad watch but is even more far from being a good one. All in vain!... full review

Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...The songs are passable – not quite memorable. Ram Sampath’s music is forgettable. Mahira Khan has presence and poise in her favour. The talented Zeeshan Ayub has been wasted in a thankless role that never comes good. Even the personable Narendra Jha has little to do (even though his role is modelled on Dawood). Director Rahul Dholakia, better known for his gritty, realistic film ‘Parzania,’ appears to have crossed the line -into bodacious larger-than-life masala film territory and that’s a real pity! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Sarit Roy, Hindustan Times : ...Yet, the problem is fundamental: the writing is shoddy and unoriginal. And by the time it wades into certain true events, it is left with too little time and meaning. Raees perhaps works only as an SRK showcase. But we’ve seen many of those already. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Fatema Kagalwal, India Entertainment : ...It’s been a while our films have changed and a while since Shahrukh has changed too. But the more Shahrukh changes the more he remains the same. That’s the joy of it and the pain of it too, and it shows up both ways in Raees. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Saumil Gandhi, Upper Stall : ...Raees is a half-baked hero in a half-baked film. The canvas is spectacular; a hero living on the fringe of the law, standing up against a system that needs fixing. It is almost as if the film shies away from confronting with the audience. In the way it is edited and how the screenplay is setup, the film never gains intensity. We end up watching a pillow fight, when we’re really in the mood for a hard as balls fist fight. ... full review

109 tweeters(?) - 96 yays 6 so-so 7 nays

YashPathakk: I watched #Raees only one thing to say, #Awesome Thank u for awesome movie @iamsrk And what a great performance @Nawazuddin_S #Aa hi Gaye

whirlwindtots: #Raees a gangsta flick with good background music. Nice to watch the cat and mouse game between SRK and Nawazuddin siddhiqui

wa8789068127: Such a awesome brilliant movie raees is.. can't tell you about this masterpiece just go n watch it.. @RaeesTheFilm

vicky223163: Watched #Raees for the 2nd time.Fell in love once again with @TheMahiraKhan You are looking just stunning.Lots of love from India. #Respect

thenameimran: it was never a competition Watch Raees For unlimited Entertainment And Goosebumps

The_Last_Alien: #RAEES धमाकेदार जबरदस्त #राहुल_ढोलकीया बहोत कमाल का डायरेक्शन. #SRK again prooved that he is d #KINGOfBollywood @iamsrk @rahuldholakia

TejaswaniSriva1: #RaeesSuperbStory #luvuRaees❤ @iamsrk #RaeesDay #bestmovie #lastseenofthemovie

taz_mohana: (5)* team RAEES, thanks for giving us such a splendid movie!

TausifYahoo: Superb movie paisa vasul he raees bhai @iamsrk

SurajNigam20: Raees .....SRK has come back with blast.

SumairS63065398: Raees u proved to b the real king of the bollywood .raees is an amazing movie

SRKChandigarhFC: Just watched Raees with my parents. @iamsrk performance was incredible. it is the best film I've ever seen. Left the cinema fully contented.

sonoreza: watched it twice here in Malaysia, its best acting of @iamsrk , chakde india, ddlj and #Raees best movie of srk.sir please don't shave

skasifiqbal: After a long time, it's mind-blowing..... – thinking about @raees

Simpleboy6969: Watched #Raees . Go and Watch it guys.. SRK ne Acha kaam kiya. Story achi hai

sidrajasmine: Loved every bit of it.,. What a stunning performance #Raees #iamsrk #themahirakhan attractive appearance U beauty <3

ShubhamLodha6: #Raees just watched the movie and have only one word to say. Fantabulous @iamsrk

shoaib8601: What a terrific movie #Raees is!!

shivang20106050: Finally saw the raees of bollywood........ @iamsrk fabulous, fantastic movie

sheeba_desai: Family Time #Raees Time 3rd Time... Just for u.... Love You Always And Forever @iamsrk

ShaikhRaheel6: Great movie srk sir And this is the events of fdfs of Raees fabulous movie Great work by U also nawaz sir

satyajitsahoo44: #raees best movie he.....movie me sab kuchh he .....i will watch it again.......i am … https://t.co/0DTbOfmBsZ

sarimakbar123: superb film @raees @iamsrk love you sir

Saood_Jamal: The best chemistry I have ever seen is @iamsrk & @TheMahiraKhan you are effortlessly gorgeous #Mahira. Love you!!! #Raees

sameers86753544: Just watched raees superb movie

sajeedshaikh004: Raees shahrukh bhai super action and tragedy movie of raees

sahirali00: What a performnce of SRK in raees a must must must watch movie

sachinkul1978: King is back... right on track...love you SRK....@iamsrk @SRKFC1 #Raees

rishav_agrawal: #Raees a power packed film. Takes you back to his #Ramjanne days. @iamsrk is back with stellar performance. Total entertainer & paisa vasool

RezaRayeen: Raees movie is the best https://t.co/JQZ99CnweA

RealSagarjagtap: "u are genius sir @iamsrk Blockbuster movie #Raees...i watch raees again...!

rahulbarbie: Sir @iamsrk u are a master of producing great movies #Raees..awsome movie https://t.co/7YqQu7dgMR

rahul__Jethava: Watch #Raees Fantastic Movie @iamsrk just Nailed It

QasimMaravilla: I LOVED RAEES

prashant_dracus: "When he is good, he's good. When he is bad, he's better" @iamsrk Too good. #Raees. Good movie @Nawazuddin_S is just brilliant @RaeesTheFilm

prakash2242: Dis is Killer... #Raees #ShahRukhKhan @iamsrk @rahuldholakia @ritesh_sid https://t.co/Vx88BbduLG

prabhu_pathy: Baazigar main ro padha aaj raees pe,kuch toh baat hain srk main,jab bhi aate hai dil jeet letai hai,mahira,no words,awsm @iamsrk #Raees

Nivitalks: It would be so unfair if I didn't mention @Nawazuddin_S . He was brilliant and classy and everything we wanted in an opponent #Raees

Nilzrav: Raees: Movie Review -> SRK reaffirms his position as the Original King! 3.5/5 Entertainment Guaranteed! https://t.co/0r3k0t5JbA #RepublicDay

natasha_2o1o: role and emotional depth that he gave to it was just so darn amazing man! He owns the screen when he's on it! Raees would be counted in the

nassersalim80: Raees is a movie that succeeds on almost every count where thecharacters played by SRK and Nawaz make the film worthy of all praise @iamsrk

naimhyd: #Raees, a must watch movie zabardast ☺

MyNameIsSneha: Superb second half of Raees. First half sets the tone and then it just picks up from there. @iamsrk… https://t.co/GPMg4edXW0

MTalha24: Saw #Raees on the plane. Loved it. Possibly @TheMahiraKhan best performance ever.

mtaimurhasan: #Raees AMAAAZINGGG PERFORMANCE @TheMahiraKhan deserve Oscar

msush12: How can someone criticize movie like this #raees one of his best ❤ @iamsrk

menavaneeth: Watched Raees twice and will watch many more times @iamsrk.

meLaksh19: Bhai Raees Dekh ke mazaa aa gya Haters ki toh jal gayi @iamsrk

manish_moosa: #raees what a wonderful movie

MamtaKori: No words to explaine .....RAEES....one of the bestest movie of SRK....!!!! Happy republic day ....!!! https://t.co/kin8KYWMTz

Kurooz_Man: #raees is a marvellous one. There's no word to describe the phenomenal acting of @iamsrk @TheMahiraKhan @Nawazuddin_S It's simply fabulous

ktalib89: Just saw the movie #RAEES. Awesome movie.! Loved it... u r the Real King @iamsrk sir.

krishnil28s: SRK is on fire. haha. . Raees Bhai Chhaa Gaye.

khananam555: finally ....i watch #raees @iamsrk awesome performance amazing #movie #music everything in this movie is awesome… https://t.co/DmqBuy2qVB

kapilapande: Miya bhai ki daring aur baniye ka dimag...wrapped in a heart of gold #Raees SRK stole the show...and hearts <3

K_awais: JUST Saw #Raees Mind Blowing film Good Work Sir @iamsrk

J76671889: Raees fantastic movie....

itsrahul1987: #iamsrk #raees Hell wth all the if's and but's against sch a super srk performnc.. He ws, is and remain the king evrywhere!!! Loved Raees❤❤❤

itistushar: #Raees is Super Duper strong in Delhi today... It's a Rage, Storm & Hurricane at the Box-office Now..@iamsrk Aap ay… https://t.co/bVVvViKgXy

iShourob: And lastly @iamsrk is the greatest actor in the world. My man never fails. My words won't justify anything but watch RAEES!

IndrAnilDey_: Watched #Raees today. Love you @iamsrk and your beard. Baniye ka dimag, Miyanbhai ki daring.

imranpatel208: "BOLE TOH #RAEES FILLUM MEREKO BAHUT PASAND AAYI!" #SRK JUST SAW WHAT A PERFORMANCE YOU'VE GIVEN !OUTSTANDING

ImRahulSethi: Superb acting, superb music.. Superb dialouge.. #Raees Nd speclly Ammi jaan kehti thi.....

imPrachita: Loved #Raees! Such a well sketched character portrayed brilliantly by @iamsrk. Mind blowing dialogues & jaw dropping action! Must Watch!!!

imPKaushik: May #raees bcm d most successful nd loved movie ...inshaallah @iamsrk good luck sir

im_spn: My take on @iamsrk's #Raees : A paisa-vasool entertainer and Shah Rukh Khan 's big ticket to retain his top spot! https://t.co/1jpgExaXrc

im_asim2415: Watched Raees Yesterday.Awesome Movie Nd Dialogues.. @iamsrk Acting Toh Ek number @iamsrk nd @Nawazuddin_S

IemShiva: Just Watched Raees second time. Amazing experience than first time, The BGM , SRKs look is just Dangerous

iamyogeshkk: Raees craze inside theater. Srk - Sunny leone craze. Must Watch. https://t.co/MS7VjAbr6Z via @YouTube

iamyashjain08: SUPER Acting by @Nawazuddin_S in #Raees sir Hats off to u.... Great... #versatile_ Actor Now i m will eagerly … https://t.co/smUSAlMT0L

iamsourabhswami: Great... #Raees https://t.co/ahFk9BVref

iamnasir_: Guys if you had some time then go to theater watch #RAEES movie totally awesome.and worth it. and wish you all Happy Republic day. @iamsrk

iamakkian: Raees is a good watch. Second half is very good. SRK's performance, background score and dialogues are amazing!

iam_zaid: And @TheMahiraKhan is the heart of the #Raees. She's beautiful & brings so much into the film. Superb chemistry between SRK-Mahira!

iam_saty: Don't miss this on the big screen. A must see film. #Raees https://t.co/Cm8W8RkQMs

i_am_juber88: Best movie raees blockbuster @iamsrk https://t.co/HF8FQxjbFk

GurvirSingh_: That was one of the best @iamsrk movies I've seen so far. @TheMahiraKhan completely nailed it. Great work. #Raees was INCREDIBLE.

gsadhukhan041: Awesome Mindblowing Movie it is #Raees

giveawayfazo: Done for 2dy to watch RAEES... SRK acts with his eyes, specs n the body language says a lot more classy confidence realistic . #RaeesDay

FaizanDugga2: #RAEES A worth to watch movie. Looks like @iamsrk was only born for this role. Wishes for big success of #RAEES

digvi_jay: What fantastic movie #Raees is.@iamsrk and @Nawazuddin_S are just brilliant in the movie.Not even one dull moment.H… https://t.co/lRmulYy34m

DeeKayBoss: Last night watched #Raees #Movie awesome

chinmaydhere34: #Raees a fantastic movie must watch thanks sir @iamsrk for such a good movie always #FAN of yours https://t.co/Cf06vcolPT

Biswas19Avi: #Raees dek kar me bhi kus hoo Last scene ne muje rula diya. Sab ko de rahe ho mera ko bhi reply de do na @iamsrk

BiggestRichafan: Just watched #Raees such an amazing movie..full to action power dammal,loved your intense @iamsrk you rocked it sir. do more role like Raees

AslamAhmed93: Just saw #Raees awesome acting by @iamsrk and @Nawazuddin_S ... It has given best start of 2017 in the world of entertainment....

AshaSin13747850: ..Raees...best acting by shahrukh and nawajuddin....nice dialogue.. Awesome action...wonderful movie.. Raees..

armanibawa: Amazing Movie raees @iamsrk

Aris_total: #Raees is a great watch, making a commercial film maintains its subtlety throughout is a huge huge task … https://t.co/esOS3L5LJJ

Amina_AFRIDI: LOVED #RAEES @iamsrk This is what I love about Shah Rukh. He steps out of his comfort zones so comfortably @TheMahiraKhan big hug to u

akki_the_Rock: Each year used to end with a blockbuster..but thanks to @iamsrk This year begins with a blockbuster.#Raees @iamsrk era continues ..

abhinavsaurav: watched #Raees yesterday. It was awesome movie. But was very emotional at the end. Loved it Baadshah uncle @iamsrk.Dialogues were awesome.

abhinavkhandpur: Finally saw your acting instead of overacting! :p #Raees is your best movie so far @iamsrk :)

aayush_2427: What a republic day its 3 'R' today in jodhpur #Raees #RepublicDay #rain full on entertainment luv u @iamsrk .....

8hzNMzzxUOIobOZ: Amazing yaar what r the raees movie offcuse must go u watch

52d7ff0eccca492: Just saw the movie #Raees you all did a sUcH a wonderful job @Nawazuddin_S Bhai u r gr8 #majumdar @iamsrk u nailed… https://t.co/mAZF1clDcZ

Sangeetha_Devi: Loved @iamsrk, @Nawazuddin_S & the Gujarat setting. Some riveting segments, yet ended up feeling #Raees could have been so much more.

Prem_dillwala: Watched raees entertaining first half and boring second half

pahari_sanjiv: #Raees review: 3/5 Movie ends with a good message! Its a watch. Good Work by @iamsrk and Nawas sir along with whole cast... @RaeesTheFilm

nameismayank: Anyways @iamsrk and Nawaz bhai acted superbly in #Raees...Movie was a 1 time watch...

gamefreakmathur: #Raees ❤ brilliant work by @iamsrk #RepublicDay

deepaknrn: What was missing in #Raees was a better heroine , a strong 2ND half. Never the less the action sequences, background score were amazing

priyangaf: Raees is boooooring!!! over drama, stupidity, over acting! Poor storyline...Just an ordinary film!! Avoid it.

MNsays: Raees is a flop film...loud character,over acting ki hadh ho gayi.. Nawazuddin done well

ManishBisht15: #Raees is pathetic movie !!

karannkapoor18: Now a days. Bhakts don't even need to boycott @iamsrk movies.. His movies are so pathetic now that no one watches them even. Raees is shit.

ImKRs3: Today I Watch #Raees Bhai Mera Dimag Kha Gya Koi Waps La Do

Gyanban: #raees a bold confusing absurd movie.

BeingRohan_: I swear, #ShootoutAtWadala is any time better movie than #Raees. This film is full on Chutiyapa. SRK's Worst. Only watchable thing is Nawaz.

6 readers - 1 yays 1 so-so 4 nays

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Kavya Kapoor : Must Watch Movie

So-So, by Anuj

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Fan

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Neeraj : Garbage SRK as usual

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Saket

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Sonia

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

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Murders, gun and fist fights
  • Language: Clean
  • Nudity & Sexual content: An item number
  • Concept: An illegal alcohol distributor has to deal with the politics, business, law and order nexus.
  • General Look and Feel: A smart thriller. Blends slick direction and action well with a retro-ish feel.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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

Raees - Cast, crew, links

Official Sites:
Supporting Cast:
Cinematography:
Music Director:
Running time:
140 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
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Comments (6)

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Raees is one of the gem in SRK's career. His performance is outstanding, especially when Raees is sad or in angry mode.

Anuj

SRK does well on his part, however I would point this out that his expressions, dialogue delivery and mannerisms have become very repetitive now and somehow you do not see much variety in his approach towards different roles. Whether it is the Kabir Khan of CDI or the Jahangir Khan of Dear Zindagi or the Raees Alam of Raees or even the romantic Raj of DDLJ, SRK's mannerisms and expressions continue to remain within a limited domain. No doubt he's excelled within that domain but its all too repetitive now and as a viewer, even though I admire his acting skills I do find them very very predictable, irrespective of the character he's portraying.

Coming to the film, Raees is a predictable crime drama produced and narrated in a mass entertainer format that hardly offers anything entertaining barring its dialogues. Watch it if you have absolutely nothing else to do or are a die hard SRK fanatic whose idea of entertainment involves watching SRK walking in slow motion for over 120 minutes.

http://bollywoodreviewguide.blogspot.in/2017/02/review-3-raees.html

First half of the movie was good, second half of the movie was a total crap.

Saket

A bad movie. Nothing that you have never seen. A typical formula based plot.

Neeraj

I'm sorry but I've just lost all respect for this site after seeing this rating for another garbage SRK movie.

Fan

You have seen it all before, and many times. Provided you have watched the films produced in the late 70s and early 80s - several times the role being incarnated by no less than Amitabh Bachhan. In case you are not the 70s type, then you still had the opportunity to watch it a few years back with the magnificient Once Upon a Time in Mumbai. And the remake of Agneepath. Despite so many films, if you still feel that Raees had something new and interesting to offer than you are either a hard-core admirer of SRK otherwise welcome to Bollywood. For all the rest, it is just a mashup of several Amitabh films (glimpses of Adalat, Agneepath, Deewar, ...), several mafia films (Dharmatma, ...), Surprise, surprise, even a famous dialogue of Singham has been picked up as-is without any changes.

It is a known fact that SRK suffers from a severe inferiority complex - he would like to do everything that his seniors did and his peers are doing. Thus not satisfied with remaking Dilip Kumar or Amitabh classics remakes, he also makes an Ajay Devgan remake this time round - and also (once again) copies Amitabh in applying kohl to his eyes throughout the film (remember the terrible Agneepath?).

That leaves us with the Pakistani import playing the lead actress. Before having watched the film, I was wondering as to why was an imported face used in this film? After watching the film, and realizing how totally irrelevant and even ludicrous at times the character was - I fully understand that no leading lady from Bollywood would have agreed to take up this role. Needless to say that she is horrible, in every aspect, and I would not be surprised if this is her last Bollywood film.

Nawaz is good, of course. But then he is just being natural, no particular effort to overshine and leave a lasting image.

Overall: Nay Thumbs down.

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