Table No 21
wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)
Table No 21 is the kind of thriller that makes you feel you are smelling a fish through out. The "Something ought to be wrong, I just don't know what." turns into a regular twist in the tale without throwing you off balance. The social message shoved down your throat in the end doesn't help the film's cause either.
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A married couple, very much in love with each other, is pulled into playing a online reality game along the lines of The Moment of Truth. Interestingly enough, the Indian version of the game, Sacch Ka Saamna was hosted by the hero of Table No 21's, Rajeev Khandelwal. Anyway, the idea, of a couple having to complete a task related to the question just answered - a truth and dare of sorts - is very engaging. Unfortunately, it all ends up being very much as expected and is topped off with a social message.
My concern with films with social message is that an audience like me needs no convincing. I'm already on the story-teller's side of the issue. The people who need to watch the film are the one's who commit the crime. And even if they were to watch a film like this, would that make a difference in their behavior. Even powerful films might not have that effect, and Table No 21 isn't even hard-hitting enough. So, what's the point? Sorry, talking about the kind of crime in question would be giving the movie away.
Table No 21 doesn't come off as strong enough, despite some grueling stuff that the protagonists/antagonists go through, because you don't quite connect with the characters. You know they are grey and that's a brilliant thing in today's world of black and white characters in Hindi films. Yet, you don't feel for them even when they are going through some of the most mentally cruel ordeals. Their happiness and sorrow seems fake.
Some of the disconnect also seems to be because of the order in which the tasks pan out. Instead of escalating into more rigorous and painful ones. So after having gone through a major ordeal the couple's dilemma seems fake when there is a relatively simpler one comes after that. Sure, some of them are more symbolic tortures than others, yet the symbolic pain seems artificial.
That in turn, could be because of some very functional performances by Rajeev Khandelwal and Tena Desae. Paresh Rawal trying to be his devilish best, doesn't help. Paresh Rawal's character's sidekick provides unintentional laughter while trying to look all ominous.
So, yet another potentially interesting story falls prey to mediocre execution. Yet another topic of concern in the country sees a film that is made with all the right intentions and a lot of heart, but comes across as contrived and forced.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...Director Aditya Datt pulls off the innovative concept with élan, as the game as well as the back stories leave you gasping for breath... full review
Thumbs up, by Nikhil Arora, Desi Martini : ...There is no question about Paresh Rawal’s ability as an actor. There is one scene near the end where he manages to move you and make you feel for the character’s motivation.... full review
Thumbs up, by Smita, Desi Martini : ...Rajeev Khandelwal also does a good job as Vivaan and looks great as a younger person in the flashbacks. but he must modulate his voice better.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rony D'Costa, Desi Martini : ...Tena Desae brings in a freshness in the film. She looks delicious in a bikini and also carries off a bald look too. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, FirstPost : ...the end-game is so stunning and so overpowering in its message, that it makes us overlook the ingrained improbability of the rest of the film.... full review
Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...The second performance that knocks you out is that of Dhruv Ganesh towards the end. His performance will leave you with goose bumps! ... full review
Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, Gomolo.in : ...Tena Desae looks like Priyanka Chopra clone and is the weakest link in the film as she hardly knows how to act. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Gaurav Malani, indiatimes : ...Despite the loopholes, the film works largely because of some decent performances. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Shakti Shetty, MiD DAY : ...For a Bollywood starter, Tena does a fairly commendable job but the make-up guys who made her look like an alien didn’t. Dhruv Ganesh is impressive in a shorter role.... full review
Thumbs up, by Aakash Barvalia, MoviezADDA : ...Also you can relate with many other Hollywood and Bollywood movies, but what impresses more here is the utmost thrilling and attention-grabbing screenplay of the movie, right from its first frame till the last frame.... full review
Thumbs up, by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India : ...Rajeev Khandelwal, takes on the sach ka saamna game sportingly, using his intensity and good-looks, in some parts; he portrays the much needed despair and desperation, but this isn't a full-blown performance for an actor of calibre.... full review
Thumbs up, by Ananya Bhattacharya, Zee News : ...Gajendra Verma’s music is soulful and the background score blends well with the story. The song ‘Mann Mera’ is a hummable one and stays on in the mind.... full review
So-So, by Aparajita Ghosh, Apun Ka Choice : ...All the characters, save for Paresh Rawal’s Mr. Khan, are fleshed out finely. Khan has been imbued with more style and flamboyance than Rawal can convincingly bring on without going over the top.... full review
So-So, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...As drama, the film isn’t very good – we don’t care too much about the couple, and when the noose tightens, we aren’t all that invested in their survival.... full review
So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...It may disappoint you in the end too as one doesn’t like to suddenly go into a ‘Social mode’ while watching an exciting mystery thriller.... full review
So-So, by Reza Noorani, Bollywood Life : ...In the last 20 minutes, the movie goes on a completely different track where the shades of all the characters – black and white, good and evil, turn grey and come on an equal footing.... full review
So-So, by Aniruddha Guha, DNA : ...It benefits greatly from the performance of the ever-reliable Paresh Rawal, who’s in fine form here. Rajeev Khandewal and Tena Desae are both convincing as the young couple. ... full review
So-So, Free Press Journal : ...The set-up, exposition and development are quite well-knitted but the climax just appears a bit forced. Of course there’s predictability also affecting the end result. ... full review
So-So, by Swati Deogire, In.com : ...If you’re a child of the Roadies-generation, then tuck into your popcorn as this film is right up your alley. Not for faint-hearted, there’s plenty of gore and stomach-churning fare on display. ... full review
So-So, by Fatema H Kagalwala, India Entertainment : ... there was much scope to milk the dark and claustrophobic undertones of the set-up, something the film ignores so blithely it seems it doesn’t know about its own potential... full review
So-So, by Nandini Ramnath, Live Mint : ...Replace the crime that is being avenged in the movie with “gang rape” and you have a recipe for a vigilante movie that speaks to the times and attains more relevance than its filmmakers ever imagined.... full review
So-So, Movie Talkies : ...not bad for a one-time watch... full review
So-So, by Karan Anshuman, Mumbai Mirror : ...The characters talk too much and lack conviction in their supposed romance. Once Paresh Rawal throws his weight into the ring, the acting ability of the pair all but vanishes in the background.... full review
So-So, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...For a film based completely on three characters, Aditya Dutt does a very good job not just in casting but also in the way he extracts performances from his actors. ... full review
So-So, by Ankur Pathak, Rediff : ...What the film essentially lacks is stylish direction. Aditya Datt seems so excited with the content, he forgets it all has to be directed. This is best reflected in the way the performances are handled. ... full review
So-So, by Swati Rohatgi, STARDUST : ... Tina Desae as Siya is average at best.... full review
So-So, by Sudhish Kamath, The Hindu : ...Can't say if you will like what Table No. 21 leaves you with but while you are at it, you are likely to have a good time. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Prathna Tiwari, Bolly Spice : ...It suffers from the classic song-in-the-first-5mins complex just so that the director can insert a classic bikini shot of the heroine. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Mayank Shekhar, Daily Bhaskar : ...Why do the hero, heroine decide to play his guests is only as hard to figure as why so many minor celebrities agree to wash their dirty linen in public or eat insects on shows like Bigg Boss or Survivor.... full review
Thumbs down, by Khalid Mohamed, Deccan Chronicle : ...look for another table. The number hardly matters.... full review
Thumbs down, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...On the subject of clichés, like every grey cloud’s silver lining, Table No. 21’s saving grace is its actors. Paresh Rawal, Rajeev Khandelwal and Tena Desae perform with convictions but how far can a captain steer a ship with a cracked hull? ... full review
Thumbs down, by Anupama Chopra, Hindustan Times : ...The half-way interesting premise is hobbled by the lame performances and dialogue.... full review
Thumbs down, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...Even dependable actors like Paresh Rawal and Rajeev Khandelwal sleepwalk through their roles. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Everyone is play-acting to the hilt: the clean-cut Khandelwal whose neat spikes on the forehead stay intact all the way through, the red-lipped Desae, and even the experienced Rawal, who makes the most of his hair-style (sort of bald, sort of mohawk) and a dark-framed pair of glasses, without really bothering to get into the character. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Roshni Devi, koimoi : ...Hanif Hilal does not get a single line in the film, but his acting is good. Dhruv Ganesh is also fine.... full review
Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...The most disappointing aspect of Table No 21 is the performance by Paresh Rawal. Not that he pushes the wrong buttons. Far from it. But when an actor of his quality is reduced to relying primarily on his stylist for impact, you know something isn’t quite right. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters : ...Khandelwal and Rawal are competent in their roles, but Desae looks awkward, especially in the second half when she dons a look that wouldn’t be out of place in a B-grade sci-fi film.... full review
Thumbs down, by Sonia Chopra, Star Blockbuster : ...Paresh Rawal’s performance is not as diabolical as the role demanded. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Reel Reptile, Upper Stall : ... It's hard to call any film that tries to address a relevant issue in today's society a bit of a cop-out, but this comes mighty close to being just that ... full review
zavkunu: Wateva v do bad in dis birth, V hd to suffer der consequences in dis birth only. Thnxx to TABLE NO. 21 movie 4showin such a gud movie.
zaverivishal: Table no. 21 good movie with nice message to society #movie
yourrdaddy: Table no 21 is a. Fantastic film no words. Rajeev khandelwal and paresh rawal kudos to u. Simply spell bounding.
WarsiZeba: Table No 21, interesting film, kinda quirky concept. And and and social message too!
vishaln_n_n: Thos who crib of not getting to see movies with good stories, this one is for u! Table No. 21 leaves u speechless. Do watch! #TableNo21
VinayakGagrani: table no 21 : a must watch for everyone ! awesome message by movie, totally unexpected, great work by the team
Tutejajoginder: My review of Table No. 21: ***1/2 Leaves you speechless and gasping for breath http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/review/16891.html
thisisrmb: Table No 21- overall keeps you interested.
TheGappuccino: Table No.21- A movie with a fabulous cause- high time someone picked up the cause!!! Superb show!
Tewatia20: Table No. 21 Is quite a fun to watch.! Go For it Friends. :)
surzeetgh: Table No. 21,Bhubaneswar Inox’s first day. A cool movie to continue the Multiplex legacy.
sudnigga: Table No 21 has been watched. Will try and do a short review tonight or maybe just a tweet review? Nevertheless, you should watch it
sudhanshutheone: Table No 21: A great movie with a strong message. Must watch for all college goers and parents. Kudos to the cast and crew of the film.
Snehal_explorer: #InOtherNews saw paresh rawal, rajeev khandelwal starrer Table No. 21. Pretty interesting concept, superb acting by both of them.
sjoshipura: Table No.21 - Really Good Film !
sanketdangi: Table No. 21 - Fantastic Movie :) Great Performances by Rajeev Khandelwal and Paresh Rawal !! Recommended !! :)
samarthprakash: What you did in the past will come back to haunt you... Table No 21 - an engrossing watch, with a good message.
Sam_Salil: Table no. 21.... Very meaningful and creepy thriller... A must watch for everyone...especially who think themselves of "Seniors"....
rosaceous: Exiting the theatre with such a heavy heart. Table No 21 is a MUST WATCH. Don't let anyone tell u otherwise http://epaper.dailypostindia.com/Details.aspx?id=59270&boxid=57416&uid=&dat=2013-01-05#.UOhhKdlfwcA.twitter @tenadesae1
RobinThapa26: I had never watched this type of movie yet so interesting Table No.21
RKianz: +1 RT @rahul771988: RT @ManojG7: @rahul771988 See Table no 21 - good movie
RebeccaMalhotra: Table no.21 is a good watch, with a good message #impressed
ranjankant: You got to watch v good indie cinema like Table#21, well-made, solidly scripted and gracefully enacted! 4/5 stars !
RajparaJignesh: Table No.21 a must watch. Superb concept
rahulnivalkar: Table No 21 awesome movie
raghavspatel: table no. 21 . . . Awesome movie
raghav130990: Table No. 21 a good watch...!! It gives a very relevant social message...!! For me 4 star movie.
pvamk: Table no:21 reminds us that there are lots of burning issues bothering us which are not being discussed about and focussed on.
pungibaaz: Table No. 21 a good watch for sure
prabinbanka: Table no 21.. watchable movie with a nice message..!!
PinkyPrash: 'Table No.21' - now that's my type of film
nilomadhaba: Table No. 21 ... A perfect Tale ...
nigamanandasaho: Table no 21.. Suspense n Briliant story.
nauras: Table No. 21 ... Great movie! Rajeev Khandelwal and Paresh Rawal .. Truly amazing acting!
MT_TNAAZ: just watched Table No. 21 yesterday its a good movie but sad @ da end http://twitter.com/MT_TNAAZ/status/287391213806571522/photo/1
MOHIT_P_SACHDEV: table no.21 a gud movie to watch!!!
mirzasuhail45: Table no. 21 --> Awesome!!
mihirshah29: Table no.21...must watch..esp all the youths
mignione_nick: Table no. 21 was actually pretty good!
meghu27: Watched Table No: 21 .. A good film .. As usual.. If its a Rajiv Khandelwal film, it has to be different .. So not everyone will like it
mechineer: Despite all the usual shortcoming in a typical bollywood thriller, Table No. 21 is good enough to be watched in a... http://r.friendsplus.me/v2/50e85afb504fde126c003aec
Manyukan: Table No. 21 is a hard hitting film! I liked it! It talks of a very serious issue! Well done Aditya Datt. #TableNo21
LifesGlitter: Table No. 21 is a surprisingly good movie.
lifeofrishkish: Go watch table no 21 ok! It's awesome..
Large_Whisky: Table No. 21 is a great movie to watch. Good message against ragging. MUST WATCH!!!!!!!!!
keyurkey: A must watch movie Table no.21 @rt_Kalle @vishrut14 @ruchades @parikh_khushboo @axaympithava @hrshkk82
kavipandit: Bollywood need scripts like table no 21. Where film engages u and keeps u on the edge always.
kashyap1123: Table no. 21 is a pretty awesome movie. All of you go watch it.
journokaran: Film review: Table No. 21: Recommended! http://karan-bhardwaj.blogspot.com/2013/01/film-review-table-no-21.html
JohriGunjan: Table # 21 - what a wonderful piece of work
jithinkumar_in: Table No. 21 (\m/)
JatinKiDuniya: Table No 21 is a game well played ! Awesome Thriller !!!
Jatanking07: Table no. 21 : A worth and a must watch movie. Too good movie. An emotional true story. Superb script!
jasvirsingh17: f##KING AWESOME MOVIE MUST SEE Table No.21
iparthpatel: Paresh Rawal Rocks on Table No. 21....Its good movie.. 4/5...
inikhildoshi: Table No. 21 Reallly An Awesome Moovie !! :) A Great lesson For Students¡¡ Must Watch... !!
india_garg: #table no 21 very recommendable movie-everyone must watch this movie‼‼
illusions013: After so many days watched a meaningful movie Table no. 21 rocks :D
ILahiri: Table no. 21. What a movie man. Fuck. Absolute brilliance…
i_am_animesh: Just saw Table No. 21 movie..! Awesome movie, must say..A must watch for all..A nice message at the end for... https://www.facebook.com/Er.Animesh/posts/10151358133254113
FSKamal: Table 21 super awesome. Must watch people..
drgchawla: Table No. 21 well-paced thriller with some highs and quite a few lows, and it’s never boring. Must needed change from regular stuff...
dpk_ag: Table No 21 Amazing movie.. Movie with a genre of its own. 4/5 My review
dinkydhanova: Table 21- A very strong ending to a senseless game!
DeeptiMns: Movie 'Table no 21' - good attempt at delivering an imp. msg. Educated students: A joke for u, can be disaster for another. Be sensitive.
Cric_KS339: Table No. 21 - a good movie overall, good story, one time watch.
BeingShubhamA: I think the only bad thing about Table No. 21 is the lead actress !
beingpuneetj: watched table no 21 a good one time watch!!
atulshendge1: hey guys pls watch table no 21 so thrilling film & after ths film rajiv k iz earn more respect as actor , paresh r wil rated as leval of AB
ashunist: Table no 21::a well played game.#awesome watched@home
appuchin: Table no 21 is a surprisingly brilliant film. A bit over the top , but awesome indeed..
anuragcooldarla: Table No 21 an awesome movie !! Superb . And Paresh Rawel amazing acting .
anuj_4u: Good movie table no. 21!! Must watch! #table21
anubhavv75: table no 21 is spot on with message. Excellent.
ankur_gupta91: Table no 21 must must watch
ani6991: Table No. 21 , was a really good movie with good twists and good acting. Starts a bit slow but picks up with great... https://foursquare.com/ani6991/checkin/50e7be09e4b08cc1f83dceb7?s=BwaDE0VgPYK6EM-KtRfpvuZBXSA&ref=tw
AkshatChango: last nyt watched Table no 21.and had to say its a vry good movie . and each n evry one shuld hv a watch at it .a good story line #tableno21
Ahmadbilal111: Table no 21....good moviee. 3/5
acebhavik: Table no.21 worth the time and buck #nice
shan_daar: Table no. 21 happened. One time watch. 2.8/5.
rjanup: Mirchi Bioscope Table No.21 - 3/5 Mirchis -Rj Anup https://soundcloud.com/rj-anup/table-no-21-3-5-mirchis-rj-1
Prat33Kumar: Paresh Rawal turns a lot of tables in Table No. 21..if only d story was as heavy as him..`Nice` way to end the film..#MustWatch for his fans
Ootkarsh: Table No. 21 was quite ok for one time. Interesting 2nd half as story unfolds. 1st was slow & could've helped by adding scenic Fiji.
Manojmumbai: Good Morning :) Table 21 is a one time watch surely, you will not get bored andd would rate it 3/5
MadhuraCulkarni: Table No. 21 .. Average movie ! If you liked LUCK *ing imraan khan and sanjay dutta.. U'll like this one too!
keerthan_g: Table no. 21 is a decent watch.
DeepXP: Watched Table No. 21. Not bad.
blahssome: Table no 21 was interesting. Some chinks in the story line. But it's at least got an unusual plot.
amankhurana91: Table No.21 is all about Paresh Rawal. Everything else looks too plain in his presence. Not more than a one-time watch! Full review soon!
AkashUpadhye: Table No 21 may not be the perfect start to 2013 we were looking for, but it’s a well-paced thriller with some highs and quite a few lows
311mg: Though not spectacular, " Table No. 21" is decent enough.
womkerr: My review of 'Table No. 21' --- the longest and most irritating PSA ever. --- http://womkerroncinema.blogspot.in/2013/01/truth-of-lie.html
TheSarahStar: Okay so just saw this "Table 21" movie. First half was good, but by the end it completely loses control. Wouldn't be worth paying to watch!
siddharthaalam: A sincere request : Don't waste ur time & $ on Table No. 21. After the first half go dine at Table No. 21~3 wise men in my theatre did too:)
sandhyamendonca: #facepalm # table no 21 - don't see it, please don't see it.
Priyatalkies: All the ppl who had a good word for Table no 21 .. Either u dnt know wats a good movie . TorTure
nikhilchawla: In other news, watched Table No 21 yesterday. (Survivor+Zinda) = One time watch if you are sleepy and have nothing else to do.
neweclipsz: TABLE NO.21 Movie Review : An extremely contrived concept film with a big message : Movie… http://t.co/WYyJRGN2
Moh13: table no.21...boring movie
Him_87: What a terrible film this. Table no 21.
Elder_Dovahkiin: By the way saw Table No 21. It was utter bullcrap.
amjiddader: Table No. 21 is the sort of determinedly silly movie that can make fine actors like Paresh Rawal and Rajeev Khandelwal look foolish. ...
AbJaanLogeKya: Table No.21 total CRAP.
_logik: Hahahaha, Table No.21 - such a ridiculous movie. The best acting came from two side-actors who were there for some 10 minutes.
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: Mental violence with mild physical implications.
- Language: A couple of swear words.
- Nudity & Sexual content: Prostitution, bikini clad women.
- Concept: The repercussions of not thinking about the effect of one's actions before hand.
- General Look and Feel: A very shoddy feel. Neither glittery-glamory, nor grim.
![[Twitter account of Table No 21]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Table No 21]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Table No 21]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Table No 21]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (13)
Meetu it seems you were quite delighted by the film's premise irrespective of the treatment and the acting , well your review has now lured me to watch this movie now, let's see how bad it is !! :)
@guddu At your own risk :P
Its a nice review.But u don't share Movie Rating.BTW awsome review
Thanks! Well, the rating is "Even the keen, wait for DVD". I don't do star ratings, if that is what you mean. :)
realy i found a new type learing movie in bollywood after huge day ,i thanks to all the team of table21 making this wanderful movie ,dear friends never miss it.....
very interesting movie with great message & dramatic climax ..must watch for all youngsters
realy i found a new type learing movie in bollywood after huge day ,i thanks to all the team of table21 making this wanderful movie ,dear friends never miss it.....
very interesting movie with great message & dramatic climax ..must watch for all youngsters
I quite liked it except for the climax..raging?i mean they could have thought of a thousand more interesting "twists" than this!!As for the social message,this is no Salman Khan film which is gonna be watched by 5 cr people and influence another few crores!This is small scale low budget thriller with a limited audience and as u said correctly,"we don't need any convincing,the one's who do aren't gonna be watching this film anyways"..Paresh Rawal was excellent though.His act starting from a charming resort manager to an evil,sly,suave and venomous host and ultimately the scene of him being a father in agony and grief is definitely worth a watch!Rajeev Khandelwal is a huge disappointment especially after his class act in Aamir.Tena Desae is just there to strip down and show off her well toned body which she manages with ease!A decent one time watch overall.
@Anuj :) Yep!
Direction: 3
Story: 2.5
Lead Actors: 2.5
Character Artists: 2
Dialogues: 2
Screenplay: 2.5
Music Director: 1
Lyrics: 1
Watched the movie on TV, found it timepass if nothing better to do.
i thanks to all the team of table21 making this wanderful movie
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