wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)
An engaging conman story that loses steam a little too often.
Read moreAs soon as I hear of a smart conman with a mentor, I think of Bluffmaster and Khosla Ka Ghosla. Raja Natwarlal seems to be a combination of both. While the film seems to be in good hands as far as the actors are concerned, the same can't be said about the director, Kunal Deshmukh. His earlier outings aren't really inspiring. Although, this time we have a different producer.
On the other hand, the combination of Kay Kay Menon, Paresh Rawal and Emraan Hashmi is inspiring enough. Other than that though, there is nothing in the trailer in terms of dialogue or plot that stands out. The treatment seems to have an element of style that could go either way for the film.
While comparisons with other conman films might be easier to handle, a thriller of this sort banks heavily on the twists and I hope those will keep us glued. There's no telling how that one will go. Meanwhile, the music doesn't seem to be too impressive.
Music Reviews:
Bollyspice - "1.5/5"
Bollywood Hungama - "2.5/5"
glamsham - "3/5"
koimoi - "3/5"
Milliblog - "an oddly mild Hindi debut!"
Music Aloud - "6.5/10"
- meeta, a part of the audience
Raja Natwarlal has a few very interesting twists and a few edge-of-the-seat moments. But the fact that the person in the soup gets out way too easily, the person who is supposed to be duped is conned too easily and the utlimate climax is a little too simplistic - all take away from the thrills that are set-up. It does engage only to fizzle out too soon.
A prime example of this is the climax. The build-up to the climax is truly engaging. It has the appropriate twists, it has the perfect measure of the hero being caught in a tight spot, you really want to know how he is going to squeeze out of this one, but the climax itself is as lame as it gets. An anti-climax of sorts.
These dips after a reasonable high comes across as lazy writing. Given that there is hardly any effort spent on according depth to the characters, and the dialogue is simple except for the lines for Paresh Rawal's character, the high in the thrilling situations is the only thing that makes the story kick. It is unfortunate, that a film with one of the best cliff-hangers I have seen at interval, isn't able to retain the interest.
Emraan Hashmi and Paresh Rawal perfectly pose as the smart Alek and the experienced conman respectively. Paresh Rawal's introduction in fact is equally amusing and cool - the kind of arrogance and smart that you think is deserved. But, he doesn't get to show much of that off later in the film. Kay Kay Menon too starts out as a menacing character but later tones down. Though he makes the most of the bits given to him, as we are used to expecting now. Humaima Malick brings nothing to the table in terms of her performance. In fact, Deepak Tijori with his short, restrained yet comfortable appearance leaves a longer impression.
The main problem with Raja Natwarlal is it is different from the conman films we are used to. Yes, and unfortunately, "different" goes against the film. It takes itself too seriously. Other films of this genre like Bluffmaster or Bunty Aur Babli have a slick, sweet humor about them that doesn't allow the story to dip. Even Khosla Ka Ghosla, in fact - which also suffers from the other problem of a very smart businessman turning gullible to suit the story's requirement - has a subtle humor about it which keeps that smile intact.
Even so, Raja Natwarlal can be a casual TV watch which you won't regret. Especially, since you can forward/switch channels when the run-time lengthening, otherwise irrelevant songs show up.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...Go watch - this one is, ahem, definitely worth a kiss... full review
So-So, by Nikhil Kumar, Apun Ka Choice : ...Raja Natwarlal is an engaging watch, despite shoddy direction, boring songs and jerks in continuity. It may not be as cerebral as some con flicks from Hollywood, but it does have the smarts to keep you hooked.... full review
So-So, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...Getting good actors to participate in movies that don't quite deserve them its own kind of con game, but i was happy to be hustled.... full review
So-So, Daily Bhaskar : ...the music of the flim is forgattable... full review
So-So, by Kusumita Das, Deccan Chronicle : ...It’s the performances where 'Raja Natwarlal' manages to score. The casting is spot on. The talented Emraan beautifully blends vengeance and vulnerability. He’s back to locking lips and packing a punch and fans will simply lap him up. Paresh as Yogi brings a certain dignity to the role of a crook in a way only he can. His is the most layered character in the film and he pulls it off with panache. Kay Kay Menon’s steely eyes and cold-blooded reserve bring to life the savage scoundrel of Varda. The only weak link is Humaima Malik who overdoes the part of a shrill, over-concerned girlfriend. The music is very average, which is not common in Kunal Deshmukh films. But given that Emraan is back as the roadside Romeo hero, and that Bollywood has well trained us to go easy on the logic bit, 'Raja Natwarlal' could just be a watchable fare.... full review
So-So, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ...A movie with failed potential, Raja entertains only it parts... full review
So-So, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ... Watch the old Natwarlal, starring Amitabh Bachchan. ... full review
So-So, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...The atmosphere is grim and real when it’s just Tijori and Hashmi on screen, trying to hustle enough money to eke a living. If he hasn’t gone over the top, he would have gotten a cracker of a film…... full review
So-So, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...Raja Natwarlal may not be the most brilliant con film around, but you can watch it once for the performances and the fun it offers. ... full review
So-So, Indicine : ...Raja Natwarlal,s promotions luckluster and the music has not cought on which means the flim will take average opening. we expect the flim to be underwhelming propositions as far as the box office propects concerned.... full review
So-So, by Shubha Shetty Saha, MiD DAY : ...This film had huge potential but sadly one walks out of the theatre unimpressed by Raja Natwarlal’s antics and this film. ... full review
So-So, by Joginder Tuteja, Movie Talkies : ...Raja Natwarlal may not be the best con to have emerged out of bollywood due to its slow pace in the first half and an avoidable love angle. However the fun element and fast pace in the second half more than makesup for it.Watch for originsl con game played right till the end.... full review
So-So, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...Well, if you can tolerate the lethargic first hour of the film, there is a decent amount of entertaining dum in the later part of the film. Though it's nowhere close to the good and thrilling con based films we have seen in the past, but thanks to talented actors like Paresh Rawal and Kay Kay Menon, this king-con has some tricks under his sleeves. As for Emraan Hashmi, his fans will be relieved to see him in this type of film, but for all others... wait for a Bhatt camp film ... full review
So-So, by Noyon Jyoti Parasara , Now Running.com : ...Raja Natwarlal could have been a shorter film had it not wasted as much time of the non-happening romance. Probably focusing more on adding finesse to the heist could have taken this film notches higher. This one is just not cool enough a con-film, after you have watched films like Special 26 in the recent past. An attempt to create a 'naya India ka naya Natwarlal' had to be smarter, else it is just demeaning the original icon!... full review
So-So, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...Raja Natwarlal has some smarts but tragically lacks the skill or the sleight-of-hand, ... full review
So-So, by Sudhish Kamath, The Hindu : ...Not such a bad trick... full review
Thumbs down, Bollywood Hungama : ...Even though writer Parvej shaikh deserves to be applauded for the flims storyline, the same can not be said for the flim's editor Anand subaya... full review
Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...The few hashmi fans who had wandered into the moviehall didn't even get a single scene to wistle at-- no laughs, no sizzle, no action... full review
Thumbs down, by Sidhant Shori, Desi Martini : ...Ocean's asleep.... full review
Thumbs down, by Mihir Fadnavis, FirstPost : ...Centrally, Raja Natwarlal fails because its basic premise is a mess. It presents the challenge of conning a man who is supposed to be one of the world’s smartest men, except he behaves like one of the dumbest creatures to have walked this planet. Make that the second dumbest; the number one position is occupied by the audience that fell for Raja Natwarlal and bought tickets.... full review
Thumbs down, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...Neither as entertaining as your average Emraan Hashmi thriller, nor clever enough to engage anyone seeking a deliciously complex caper, Raja Natwarlal is the kind of film that leaves you bored out of your mind. I'm going with a generous two out of five. It won't give you a migraine, but it's so banal, you would probably have more fun doing your laundry instead.... full review
Thumbs down, by Faheem Ruhani, india today : ...Even Emraan Hashmi's smooching scenes cannot save this film because they are outright thanda. The sad truth is Raja Natwarlal is not the kind of film that can rule your heart. Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/raja-natwarlal-emraan-hashmi-humaima-malick-movie-review/1/379794.html... full review
Thumbs down, by Rohit Khilnani , india today : ...Raja Natwarlal is a below average product.... full review
Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Dialogues such as this ancient one abound: ‘machli ke moon mein kaanta phans chuka hai’. Groan. Just where have all the writers gone? You go in hoping for a fun ride. What you get is a limp con job.... full review
Thumbs down, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...Raja Natwarlal dropped way below what was expected of it. Besides Paresh Rawal, no one even attempts to revive the failed film. In a film when Emraan’s smooches too fail to light up the screen, there isn’t much matter to draw audiences. This con show is one bore show and you wouldn’t miss much if you don’t catch this film. I am going with a 1/5. Not everything can be called cinema.... full review
Thumbs down, by Sanjukta Sharma, Live Mint : ...Raja Natwarlal is unimaginative pulp; it begins and ends on a lukewarm note. Read more at: http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/Nfz5mdp9jtocqIdccAH1hJ/Film-Review--Raja-Natwarlal.html?utm_source=copy... full review
Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...But for all the efforts put in by the cast, two stars are all that Raja Natwarlal will get. But even these might well be fake, given that the film has such unwavering love for the phony. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...So there you have it. The film will seem monotonous for the most part, save the finale where you are at the edge of your seat for a few moments. In short, if you're looking for Jannat rehashed with the crime-romance-drama combo, catch this one!... full review
Thumbs down, by Ritika Handoo, Zee News : ...Filmmaker Kunal Deshmukh's 'Raja Natwarlal' starts with a small con game and towards the climax, the movie ends with a huge con, making the audience applaud seeing our 'hero' Emraan Hashmi. We can safely say that the con is on, beware!... full review
Yoitscartman: Ohhh.. Ter hoke rahenge.. Tera shauk chada hai.. #rajaNatwarlal .. Good movie with good script.. You will like it. Catch it guys!
VivekJayant: Again awesome movie by imraan hashmi and mast performance by paresh rawal Raja Natwarlal must watch yaar
Vishhman: #RajaNatwarlal is FAB. Don't miss it. @emraanhashmi @kunal_deshmukh in Total Form. well done guys.
vidit83094: Super duper hit #rajanatwarlal full paisa wasul @HumaimaMalick fabulous acting and the con master @emraanhashmi
UsUsk: just watched #RajaNatwarlal Fantastic film by @emraanhashmi Cast Story Plot all was superb Emmy rocks @HumaimaMalick starts with a bang too
u4umairali: Raja Natwarlal outstanding movie blockbuster dhamaka Congrats congrats @emraanhashmi @HumaimaMalick @kunal_deshmukh
Tejas_Bhuse: Firstly in my life watched 1st day 1st show of any film & luckily it was PAISA VASOOL conning thriller #RajaNatwarlal frm best KD & EMMY
Tehwarsham1: Raja Natwarlal was a good movie, though some blunders but overall it was a good movie!!!
teamemran: Watched #RajaNatwarlal ! COMPLETE PAISA VASOOL MUVI VID OSM STORY N fULL OF TWIST N TURNS ! @emraanhashmi is really in top form now !
SwtChin: RAJA NATWARLAL u r just awesome
srushtik: Few people/critics r bashing #RajaNatwarlal &Emraan way too much !!!&thy have liked & given some terrible movies good reviews!annoying ppl
sourabhemraan: Done with 'Raja Natwarlal' :) .. 1st Half - Good, 2nd Half - Faad .. Performances were Of Top Notch .. @emraanhashmi Rocked \m/
sonusojitra72: #rajanatwarlal what a movie ..emmi is back ..superb work by paresh rawal sir blockbuster on the way!!!!!!
SHOeB229: watchd #rajanatwarlal.superb movie.must watch
sharewithsajan: #RajaNatwarlal is consistently engaging with good performance by the cast, a decent one time watch...recommended!
shanaeatilak: #RajaNatwarlal what a movie! Very good acting by @HumaimaMalick and @emraanhashmi . It's a must watch. Way to go! Thanks for entertaining.
shaguftarafique: Saw Raja natwarlal..A super stylish con film from my Jannat 2 Director..Congrats Kunal D Emraan paresh Rawal Kk Humaima n the entire team
senKunalcool: #RajaNatwarlal a must watch movie @emraanhashmi & kk menon rocks
SattyajeetJoshi: A movie of stereotypes and cliches. #RajaNatwarlal . But since being a #bollywood addict I like it!
sanjana_emmy: Really..@emraanhashmi proved that he is the Best..! #Must watch #RajaNatwarlal
salimdu: #rajanatwarlal..lovely movie..loved emmy acting
salilamrute: Raja Natwarlal.. one of the best con film in hindi cinema I have ever seen...
sagarvishnoi: Raja natwarlal.. after a long time my favourite @emraanhashmi arrived with gorgeous @HumaimaMalick . Do Watch it.
SachinmOfficial: awesome movie RajaNatwarlal.... @EmranHashmi great actin doing..! Epic movie.
RoHit_EmRan: Amazing movie #RajaNatwarlal , Proud to be @emraanhashmi fan ! ;)
RatedRSpearstar: #RajaNatwarlal is a superb movie.A must watch film
RanjitAtWork: Thank you @RICKSTEROY for taking me to see #RajaNatwarlal . Ur costumes R fab & the film had me on the edge of my seat throughout. #Thriller
rajatag16: #RajaNatwarlal Superb Dialogues written by @sanjaymasoomm and Very perfectly delievered by @sirpareshrawal @emraanhashmi
Raj_KK1: Brilliant acting by @EmraanHashmi #PareshRawal in #RajaNatwarlal ..Must watch. Hit hai boss..:)
Pushpak_Umap: #RajaNatwarlal's awesome! Amazin' job, @HumaimaMalick & @emraanhashmi!
pr4ful: Watched raja natwarlal. Loved it. Emraan hashmi super as expected. Increasingly liking "no-brainer flicks with grt one liners"
parbhjitsingh: You won't forgive yourself if u miss it. Must watch #RajaNatwarlal. Best mvie i've ever seen.
pallavilumba: #RajaNatwarlal - A good film. A complete package.
palash4: Just watched #RajaNatwarlal !! Outstanding workkkk, Kudos to @emraanhashmi @kunal_deshmukh @sanjaymasoomm @SirPareshRawal !!!!
nijodgr888: Saw raja natwarlal at inox- raipur....awesome ......
MughalDarbar: Raja Natwarlal is a good watch. Not pathetic like Singham Returns.
mdkhader69: "@Abr_Ayazahmed: #RajaNatwarlal is nice film.. Must watch.. Good script.. Great casting.."
mdarifkhan87: #RajaNatwarlal is a good one time watch..well executed script and brilliant acting from Paresh Raval,Kay Kay and Emraan Hashmi.
maniShpathAk_22: Awesome movie #rajaNatwarlal@emraanhashmi
Mahi_RAJ_: watched #rajanatwarlal Gud movie...its Emraan hashmi show...go for it guys.:)
Losereshwar: Go and watch Raja Natwarlal loaded with good performances of KK, Paresh Rawal and Emran Haahmi. One time watch
Lamibpaudel: watched #RajaNatwarlal today... good movie with excellent ending...
kingptd: awesome....awesome...Not a single dull moment.....Interval ..RajaNatwarlal..... :)
Kill_me1123: Just watched 'Raja Natwarlal'..it's mindblowing awesome with great twist in the end....
khizersiddiqui: Superb film.. Superb performances.. Well done team #RajaNatwarlal @SirPareshRawal @kunal_deshmukh @emraanhashmi @HumaimaMalick
khiladi_DeEp1: Raja natwarlal 1st weekend > Liftetime of haider.....still utv nt giving natwarlal a gud release...
jagmeet_93: Raja Natwarlal, so far so good ;)
J_Shasha: #RajaNatwarlal a movie dragged too much to a great ending
itsadeebshah: #RajaNatwarlal amazing #Con movie! @emraanhashmi awesome movie!
iRahul__: #RajaNatwarlal as per expected. 5star moviee. @Imranhashmi5 you r owsm and @HumaimaMalick no words for you :* <3 <3 <3 dying for you :)
iamsalman143: #RajaNatwarlal blockbuster.
hitesh996: Good movie #RajaNatwarlal
Hira_TrendSRK: Must Watch !! @emraanhashmi 's #RajaNatwarlal .. Paisa Wasool Movie ..
himanshunash: just saw #RajaNatwarlal and it is amazingly awesome.loved the role of @emraanhashmi and welcome to bollywood @HumaimaMalick..u were fab
harshkanchan: Raja Natwarlal is one of the best con films ever made in Bollywood...emraan n paresh rawal are excellent #RajaNatwarlal
gshah26: #RajaNatwarlal One of the best con movies to come out of hindi cinema. Slow start, lacklustre middle but a brilliant last hour @emraanhashmi
Govindjangir5: Guyz plz go n watch emraan hashmi mve #RajaNatwarlal . . Its a nicc n 200 % entrtng mvee . . . Plz RT
FansofEmraan: I will watch again tomorrow #RajaNatwarlal , @HumaimaMalick
Emraanians: Emraan Hashmi fans & other people go watch #RajaNatwarlal . It will make your Sunday fun . It's a Complete entertainer !
EmraanHZainab: I loved #RajaNatwarlal being time! Super work keep rocking! Excellent picture. Dil ka Raja @emraanhashmi
EMMIsWarrior_: Masale Wala Movie --> #RajaNatwarlal .. Must Watch !!!!! @emraanhashmi ROCKS .....
EmmiPrabh: Happy Sunday guyzz.. Make your Sunday all time best with #RajaNatwarlal......enjoy..
DivyaSindu: Just watched #RajaNatwarlal..Entertaining Movie..@emraanhashmi is cute :-)
deepbasu1: Loved #RajaNatwarlal
curentbollynews: #RajaNatwarlal Review- 3 stars,*** Film is a must watch,brilliantly shot with great acting from Imran and Paresh Rawal.
BhuvneshRaja: Yes Raja Natwarlal is Super Entertaining . Best Emraan movie in recent time
bhushanagarwal1: #RajaNatwarlal Total Package of Fun and Masti. Cud be more interesting. Finally @emraanhashmi Another Blockbuster. #rajaNatwal #InCinemas
bhu_bhupinder: Awsome movie #Raja_Natwarlal :) ;) :)
BeingKapilBhatt: Saw #RajaNatwarlal super entertaining movie .. Impressed by @HumaimaMalick & @emraanhashmi was awesome as always!
Being_Bansi: #RajaNATWARLAL is Brilliant , no more word for this movie. Just go to cinema & must watch. @emraanhashmi @HumaimaMalick
BalajiDahe: raja natwarlal. . . Awesome movie. . . Paise wo log bachate hai, jo jyada kamana nae jante :D
avid__dreamer: Overall. Pretty entertaining, #RajaNatwarlal has no boring moments.
athergujjar: tonight i watched movie @iamKruzZ raja natwarlal, nice movie
ashutoshintw: #RajaNatwarlal comes with a complete package of entertainment.This movie starting to end is unpredictable one. Emran Hasmi give his best.
amietalchemist: Raja Natwarlal.... Great movie......
amal_deva_adur: If u not watched #RajaNatwarlal yet!! Then Rush to ur nearest theatres now,its fully entertaining movie Worthy for even Single Rupee u spend
alykothawala: just watched #RajaNatwarlal Fantastic movie superb story rocks @HumaimaMalick
ajitviras: raja natwarlal what a game in movie ...... jakkasss
adityashirsat77: Jus watched #Raja Natwarlal superb movie great direction ,dialogues, performances @HumaimaMalick @emraanhashmi
adah_sharma: Just watched #RajaNatwarlal lovedddd it!!! Go watch go watch !!! Too much fun
abhiemi0344: #RajaNatwarlal is just Excellent.. Emmi roxx ! A must watch !!
aabhi08: Watched #RajaNatwarlal! @EmraanHashmi is fab! @HumaimaMalick is superb! Good performances! Great music! Strong story :)
87_divya: Raja Natwarlal awesome movie :) watch it..
1AmolJadhav: Raja Natwarlal is an entertaining thriller movie :) I liked @RajaNatwarlal @EmraanHashmi Superb @HumaimaMalick Super Hot !
yashrajbhalerao: Raja Natwarlal isn't a bad movie at all
thunderboyy: #brothers #movietime #rajanatwarlal #onetimewatch
taherezzy: #RajaNatwarlal 3star movie.. Must c once http://twitter.com/taherezzy/status/505425028679086080/photo/1
shaunakumaroy: #rajanatwarlal just average
mayanknailwal3: #RajaNatwarlal is not a bad film but it does disappoints coz it had huge potential. Still, it's extremely watchable. Go watch it :) [2.5/5]
jas_canuck92: #RajaNatwarlal is a con film,and it succeeds in keeping the suspense and thrill. But the emotional and romantic scenes don't work, they bore
irfanmah99n: Raja Natwarlal is package of surprises..! One time watch. I enjoyed it.. 4 stars as an audience... @emraanhashmi @ijunedmulla
imsaheb1: Raja Natwarlal is a average movie......
gauravsammoriya: I just watched raja natwarlal..its ok ok movie....
ajeetpanigrahi: #RajaNatwarlal is just an average entertainer.
22Sirasao: #RajaNatwarlal not a perfect movie but definitely a decent watch.
Shahbaaz120Khan: #RajaNatwarlal crap movie of crap star
RosyMehta: Movie Review: Raja Natwarlal is a disaster http://celewood.com/2014/08/movie-review-raja-natwarlal-is-a-disaster/#.VABh4aaXh9o.twitter
rohitjswl01: #rajanatwarlal being rejected by the people,,clections matter nahi karta chahe jo b ho,bt its d fault of directr,emran played hs prt prfctly
RANCHO_ROY: Stop appreciating that shit film raja natwarlal . There's no way ppl will go see it in the theatres .
moviesunfold: Imported beauty Humaima Malick is pure waste in movie . #RajaNatwarlal #RajaNatwarlalOn29ThAug http://moviesunfold.blogspot.com
mohan_deep: #RajaNatwarlal disappoints.
Mehr_Ch: Disappointed from the movie Raja Natwarlal.Humaima Malik a good talent got waste.I'll rate it 5. I wonder how IMDB gave it an 8. Mov sucks
DMmovies: In short, Ocean's asleep. #YehLo #RajaNatwarlal
Divyalakshmii: Im so sorry that I spent money to watch #RajaNatwarlal and didnt enjoy it. Please shoot me as you please
coolsandeep07: #RajaNatwarlal its a flop buster movie
CantTrustShetty: 'RAJA NATWARLAL' Film Review - Cant Trust Shetty Score : 4 / 10 The writers of a con movie can have a lot... http://www.tumblr.com/ZF0dAu1PUWglg
BwoodUncensored: Raja Natwarlal is a massy entertainer which tries to be smart and succeeds in being smart at many junctures.... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=570565026382050
bollywoodajjtak: Another film disappoints because of bad writing. Even good actors failed to rescue this film #RajaNatwarlal
BollyHollyTelly: Raja Natwarlal movie review: Emraan Hashmi’s charm fails to fire in a dull con film!
amitdirector: is emraan hashmi a spent force? after ek thi daayan & ghanchakkar comes another flop raja natwarlal
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
A conman wants revenge.
Comments (3)
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@Meetu i think this movie reminds me of one of the earlier movie Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina and it was a decent film.Hope I am wrong but it seems heavily inspired by that.
Meetu, here's a comparison....The Sting. From the trailer you can tell this movie is a rip off of The Sting. Conman's partner dies, so he joins hands with a more experienced conman to take revenge on the guy who is responsible of his friend's death. Emraan is playing Redford's character, Paresh is playing Paul Newman's, and KK is playing Robert Shaw's. This is going to be a horrible movie.
@Siddharth Haven't seen that one.
@Roy J haven't seen that either :/
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