Talaash

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

quick review:

Talaash is more an emotional drama than a thriller. This mixing of genre works but only towards the climax. Through the first half though I found myself pushing myself to like the film. It stays at 'just a good film' when it could've been so much more.

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Director: Reema Kagti
Running time: 140 minutes
Genres: Philosophy, Thriller
More Movie Info

Talaash - Preview

Talaash is easily the most looked forward to film this year. While I'd have put Gangs of Wasseypur up there, but this one has a combination of names that makes you sit up and notice. I loved director, Reema Kagti's narration style and wit in Honemoon Travels Pvt Ltd and her story/screenplay in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. I'm already looking forward to Zoya Akhtar's next film after Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, who has penned Talaash's story with Reema Kagti. And they've brought in Farhan Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap for the dialogue! How could you not get excited, even if momentarily?

And then you top it off with the cast. Call me 'psuedo-cool' if you wish, but seeing Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Raj Kumar Yadav in the trailers got me more excited than Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. I really do want my characters to make to me forget who is playing them. And that isn't happening at least in the trailers where these two are concerned. Especially, at the points where Aamir Khan gets all intense and on the verge of being angry, which seems to be throughout.

Rani Mukerji, however has blended in wonderfully. You don't even notice her at 1:20 in this video.

And that is what I have always liked her for. In any case, I desperately need to rid myself of the aftertaste that Aiyyaa left.

In addition, you have a thriller which looks like it has a decent dose of relationships and personal dilemmas thrown in. I sure hope the intrigue the trailers have built in the story is maintained in the film in the proportion that a story of this genre demands. For once, the genres seem to be mixing well with each other.

And I come back to the awesome combinations that Talaash carries. To round it up nicely we have lyrics by Javed Akhtar set to music by Ram Sampath.

Music Reviews:
Milliblog - "The Aamir KhanRam Sampath combination continues to rock after Delhi Belly; Talaash’s soundtrack is short, but enchantingly deft!"
Music Aloud - "8/10"
dunkdaft - "Talaash has a pretty good mix of tunes for the thriller. It surely will be perfect on the screen. (But somewhere, it left me wanting for more. Or maybe, its just me, over-wanting, cause Aamir is there.)"
Hindustan Times - "there’s too much electronica in it — but it’s worth a listen"
Bollyspice - "3/5"
Apun Ka Choice - "3/5"

- meeta, a part of the audience

Talaash springs in a surprise. Not in a thriller sort-of a way. But by being more about its characters than the overall story. You don't really expect a film about a mysterious accident to be much more about how deeply damaged the protagonists are and how each one is trying to bring peace to the soul within. Given that, you still come out feeling you didn't know the characters well enough.

Talaash leans too heavily on the typical assumptions you are going to make about characters given their situations. A stern police officer who has lost a dear one will behave in a particular manner. A mourning young mother is forlorn. It gives you this much in the first few minutes and adds no more. And a lot of what goes on in the story that these characters weave together is known from the promos itself.

Yet again, the promos, and overall marketing in general, of a film takes expectations in a different direction, a direction that is detrimental to the film. It is sort-of cheating calling Talaash a thriller or even a psychological thriller. For want of a better phrase let me coin 'emotional thriller' which seems to fit the bill better. Had the trailers and synopsis hinted towards the heavy emotional bent to the film, I wouldn't have spent the first half looking for the thrill. And once again, I realise how little weight the pre-release material of a film deserves. Lesson learnt.

Anyways, once I figured that Talaash isn't really going to bring the thrill in a hurry, I settled down to the pace of the film. Slowly, the pace grows on you even though the story it unfolds never ever really grips you from the core. This is mainly due to the many threads opened in the first half. Is it about the accident/murder? Is it about a police officer's personal trauma? Is it about his wife's mental health? Is it about the prostitutes and their palpable conditions? Is it about an enigmatic prostitute? Well, it ends up being about all of them, but the pieces don't come together seamlessly. Also, it constantly felt like they wanted to keep things subtle but got scared into spelling things out, just in case the audience doesn't 'get it'.

I do understand, a thriller needs to send its audience off in many directions to keep them distracted from what's really happening. But, the weightage each of these threads gets in the first half, does injustice to all of them. None of the sub-plots take you deeper into the characters or their situations. They all stay at a superficial level.

What actually keeps you going are the performances. For a change, Aamir Khan is more Surjan Shekhawat than Aamir Khan. The only times I was reminded of the star was when he addressed his superior who looked younger than him as 'Sir'. It just felt off. To director, Reema Kagti's credit, the film is not overwhelmed by his presence. Or that of Kareena Kapoor's. She plays the teasing prostitute who has a mysterious aura about her with elegance. Rani Mukerji has a short but powerful presence. On the other hand, Raj Kumar Yadav and Nawazuddin Siddiqui entertain and create intrigue respectively. I still would prefer seeing them in films that are more about their characters.

And as far as the twist in the tale goes, you can make a fair guess from the promos, a guess that is confirmed about 20 minutes into the second half. But it is pretty cool that you are still a little away from the whole truth. What I found amusing is that had this been a non-Indian film, the 'whole truth' would have been apparent a lot earlier. Now before I relent to the temptation of naming one particular psychological thriller from Hollywood that will give the movie away, let me move away from the twist.

Yet, this is what won me over. I have always enjoyed stories that have a climax that gives the film more meaning than what it seemed about. In clarification, many films lose the plot in the last half hour and take away everything that they had build up till then. Whereas Talaash takes the entire goose chase to a deeper level. A level I hadn't seen coming mainly because I didn't think I'd see it in a Hindi film. I'm so used to disconnected dots staying so in films we generate.

Unfortunately, the chase is rendered pretty much pointless, because it is not about the apparent chase at all. Talaash is a game of hide-and-seek that characters play with themselves. It is more an emotional tale of a police officer, a responsible father's need for catharsis, about the closure he deserves. Which is why, it seems like a film that could have meant so much more. That could have connected so much more deeply than just having a funky climax, that uses voice-overs of scenes we saw earlier to spoon-feed us.

Also, doesn't a film talking about such philosophical, psychological and emotional stuff need much more profound and powerful dialogue? All this one has is dialogue that are too obviously metaphorical.

So, despite performances that make stars look like humans, despite some awesome production design and camera-work, despite having potential to play tricks on the mind that the audience would enjoy figuring out, despite being more than what is obvious, Talaash remains just a good film.

- meeta, a part of the audience

54 reviewers(?) - 40 yays 12 so-so 2 nays

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

Thumbs up, by Stefan S, A Nutshell Review : ...Talaash is that perfect welcome to return in a leading role, ably supported by Kareena Kapoor and almost being upstaged by Rani Mukherjee in her stereotype-busting turn... full review

Thumbs up, by Naresh Kumar Deoshi, Apun Ka Choice : ... The dialogues by Farhan Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap are at times bawdy (Kashyap’s pen apparent there), at times layered with meanings.... full review

Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who seems incapable of appearing in a bad movie or delivering a bad performance, is especially good as the token comedian... full review

Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...He holds the camera in every frame and charges assertively through the film, making you believe in Inspector Shekhawat's journey in entirety. It's a standout piece of acting, unquestionably. That Aamir is the best actor of his generation comes to the fore yet again! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Shweta Parande, Bollywood Life : ...Rani is sans makeup, but even with very little screen time she impresses with her acting. But it’s Kareena that the film belongs to, even though sometimes she looks and acts overly sophisticated for the kind of life her character is leading. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Charu A Mahesh, Buzz in Town : ...'Talaash' has most of the elements of spine-chilling suspense– it’s gripping, engaging and it’s intriguing too. But one element that makes 'Talaash' a ‘flawed masterpiece’ is that it becomes predictable a bit too early. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Mayank Shekhar, Daily Bhaskar : ...He is tersely under-stated, fairly polite in conversations, but reasonably firm. Gently avoiding cop clichés, the film tells us nothing about his famed bravado, besides faintly suggesting that he is in fact an accomplished investigator. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Ameetbhuvan, Desi Martini : ...The twist in Talaash doesn't come unannounced, yet is good enough to shake you from the comfortable slumber the build up to it puts you into, on the way giving you more than a whodunnit, ensuring repeat views. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rony D'Costa, Desi Martini : ...A suspense drama that made me cry at the end. Don’t remember the last time a film in this genre did that to me... full review

Thumbs up, by Smita, Desi Martini : ... there are no a- ha moments later or not much dissecting to do after the movie is over.... full review

Thumbs up, by Ankur Pathak, Desi Martini : ...Talaash uses the city of Mumbai as a character more than a mere backdrop.... full review

Thumbs up, by Kshitij, Desi Martini : ...At 130 min, its a crisp watch. The first half is riveting & is genuinely edge-of-the-seat stuff. The latter slows down in pace a bit but eventually gathers momentum, rolling towards a climax thats more stirring than surpirsing.... full review

Thumbs up, by Nikhil Arora, Desi Martini : ... top-notch murder mystery with a great sense of atmosphere... full review

Thumbs up, by Shabana Ansari, DNA : ...Aamir is understated while Rani’s depressive act is heartbreakingly good. Kareena plays the sweet-talking sex worker well... full review

Thumbs up, by Aniruddha Guha, DNA : ...I found Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Shekhawat inconsistent, the actor best when playing a troubled father rather than a stern cop. However, you have to give him credit for taking on a film that hardly conforms to commercial norms. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...The real mystery is why Kareena Kapoor couldn’t be this good in all her films? Where was she hiding this talent? She’s as good as Aamir in their joint scenes and dare I say it, actually overshadows him in some.... full review

Thumbs up, by Trisha Gupta, FirstPost : ...But what it achieves is a rare balance. It isn’t a throwback to the happy-go-lucky noir of a Howrah Bridge, where there’s never any doubt that Madhubala’s lovely dancing girl will be redeemed – but neither is it interested in bludgeoning us with unrelenting tragedy, the way a Chandni Bar did.... full review

Thumbs up, by Rubina A Khan, FirstPost : ...Even some parts that need explanations are not handed out like sermons or with reams of unnecessary dialogue – they are dealt with, in the narrative with action, flash cuts and voiceovers that are worked seamlessly into the storyline.... full review

Thumbs up, by Kritika Deval, fullhyd.com : ...Talaash justifies every bit of its hype, and then some.... full review

Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...The music, with a leaning on blues adds to the whole mood. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, Gomolo.in : ...The dramatic moments between Aamir and Rani dilute the thriller effect of the film, especially in the second half despite them being pretty important for the film.... full review

Thumbs up, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...KU Mohanan's striking photography and Ram Sampat's haunting score lend a distinct texture to this film, as do the real Mumbai locations the film is shot on.... full review

Thumbs up, by Swati Deogire, In.com : ... If only the pace at which it started, would have continued throughout its screen time, 'Talaash' would have been perfect.... full review

Thumbs up, by Fatema H Kagalwala, India Entertainment : ...The curious thing about Talaash is that it is out-of-the-box and extremely traditional at the same time. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Vinayak Chakravorty, india today : ...Writer-director Reema Kagti and her script associate Zoya Akhtar have created an enigmatic screen cop for Aamir Khan- in command at work, yet out of control in personal life.... full review

Thumbs up, by Gaurav Malani, indiatimes : ...While the pacing is intentionally slow, the writing by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti is crisp and leaves behind enough join-the-dots clues to tease the perceptive viewer when the climactic disclosure happens.... full review

Thumbs up, Indicine : ...Nawazuddin Siddiqui makes an impact. Raj Kumar Yadav does well.... full review

Thumbs up, by Roshni Devi, koimoi : ...Raj Kumar Yadav does well as Devrath.... full review

Thumbs up, by Janhavi Samant, MiD DAY : ...'Talaash' is consistent as a thriller. In fact its slow, measured to-the-point story telling is its greatest strength... full review

Thumbs up, Movie Talkies : ...watch out for Nawazuddin, who plays the scheming Taimur and simply impresses you with his performance. His mannerisms, body language and diction is as believable as can be and offers a glimpse in the grim underbelly of Mumbai.... full review

Thumbs up, by Aakash Barvalia, MoviezADDA : ...Though one may perhaps not feel like an Aamir Khan film along with dissatisfaction of certain unanswered questions, but it surely connects you throughout the film with its absorbing and spellbinding storyline.... full review

Thumbs up, by Karan Anshuman, Mumbai Mirror : ...It is this layered theme that camouflages the simple one-line story (which you may arrive at only after watching the film) and makes Talaash stand apart from B movies of the genre. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...In Talaash, the city is devoid of all surface shimmer. In fact, the film takes the moniker of ‘the city that never sleeps’ quite literally and transfers the trait to its male protagonist.... full review

Thumbs up, by Kaushik Ramesh, Planet Bollywood : ...The restricted but precise promotion of this film did the job by considerably boosting the suspense. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...Eventually a well-written script, where even the dialogues are deceptively simple yet lyrical, conversations that are brief but lingering, rescues Talaash from its pale conclusions and a few clumsy plot devices. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Aseem Chhabra, Rediff : ...Talaash is not a Hollywood style edge-of-the-seat thriller, but there is enough in the film to make us feel uneasy. At all times we feel the pain of our protagonists and sense a certain danger that lurks around them.... full review

Thumbs up, by K N Gupta, SmasHits.com : ...Farhan Akhtar's dialogue "Dukaan khuli nahi aur curfew lags gaya" is outstanding.... full review

Thumbs up, by Sudhish Kamath, The Hindu : ... There’s something frustrating about not being told the full truth. If you came out of Talaash because you felt cheated, maybe you went in with the wrong expectations. It’s like crying foul after a game of Bluff just because you didn’t pay attention to what you were playing. It’s a little like going in to watch Die Hard and complaining that Bruce Willis never dies. Or that Batman is not a realistic film though he gives intense brooding looks all the time. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Meena Iyer, Times of India : ...Ram Sampath's music haunts—especially Muskaanein jhooti hai and Jiya lage na .... full review

Thumbs up, by Shomini Sen, Zee News : ...Shernaz Patel as the creepy, inquisitive neighbour ads to the story’s narrative but a talented actor like Rajkumar Yadav is somewhat wasted as Shekhawat’s assistant Devrath Kulkarni as he doesn’t get the chance to prove his mettle.... full review

So-So, by Anna Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...In the simplicity and understatedness of her performance in Talaash, Rani reveals why Bollywood is doing us such a disservice by not writing more meaty roles to match her wonderful talent.... full review

So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Raj Kumar Yadav remains wasted in a meaningless role of the assistant inspector.... full review

So-So, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...The pace of the film flounders then, the brooding atmosphere tries too hard for a noir effect —those who expected a crackling murder mystery might find the psychobabble boring; those who decided after a bit that they are interested in Shekhawat’s dilemma, night find Taimur’s interference taking up too much footage.... full review

So-So, by Danish Bagdadi, Desi Martini : ...the movie’s flaw is in throwing up an unconvincing sudden reveal that might sound cool for about ten minutes after you’ve witnessed it, but the moment you go back and look at the larger picture, it feels like a cheat.... full review

So-So, by Anupama Chopra, Hindustan Times : ...I hoped that Reema and Zoya would spring one final twist on us and redeem the film. But sadly, that never happened.... full review

So-So, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...the artfully built up suspense starts getting porous, and you begin anticipating : I counted four instances where I knew exactly what the characters would say next, as the film quickens to the big reveal (which can be a real surprise if you haven’t twigged on), and its wilted post-script. ... full review

So-So, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...an intricately woven story of the stark realities, human emotions, pathos and psychological drama. ... full review

So-So, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ... It starts off well, but simmers far too long before it gets to the boil. The case -- of an actor driving off the highway and into the sea -- is only marginally intriguing since the police never really explore its mechanics, and the suspects it throws up mostly insignificant. ... full review

So-So, by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters : ...Kareena Kapoor pouts, smiles and plays the mysterious girl on the street to the hilt, sometimes overdoing her act.... full review

So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Star Blockbuster : ...cenes stretch on to accommodate conversations, moments, and the personal journey of the characters. The audience expects a suspense thriller to be pacy and full of twists, so this unusual treatment will be a disadvantage. ... full review

So-So, by Swati Rohatgi, STARDUST : ...Nonetheless, there are elements about the film one... full review

So-So, by The ThirdMan, Upper Stall : ...Sufficient to say it is audacious and if you buy it, it could elevate the film further for you leaving you on a crackerjack of a high but if you don't (and I didn't), then the twist and the subsequent clumsy scenes make the entire film quite silly and stupid in retrospect. And that then is the feeling you finally leave the theatre with. ... full review

Thumbs down, Free Press Journal : ...The dialogues by Farhan Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap are smartly written. The characters are also quite well defined, save for Shekhawat and Rosy’s.... full review

Thumbs down, by Nandini Ramnath, Live Mint : ...The screenplay by Kagti and Zoya Akhtar explains every move and every line of dialogue to audiences who might have been distracted by an SMS or popcorn (there are also numerous flashbacks for good measure).... full review

187 tweeters(?) - 119 yays 15 so-so 53 nays

Zishaan: Talaash - gripping till the very end, but complete only if you are able to digest one weak premise in the plot.

yogi_2k9: #Talaash Nice, engaging movie but will not be called a 'suspense-thriller' under my classification! 7/10 #MyRating

Vivek788: but the execution and performance of the cast has been comendable. so definitely an entertainer.. #talaash

vinu_coolboy23: Talaash is good

vikrambhandari5: Talaash is master piece by Aamir.Heart touching performance by Rani,Kareena.All these factor make it must watch ***** stars from my side

vichun98: watched talaash! Such an emotional movie. Almost brought me to tears ;/ overall great movie guyys

udy_99: Talaash is an amazing movie ! Amir khan is the only actor who would have the guts to do such a movie , away from the masala flicks .

TheRogerRamit: It takes sheer grit 2 relegate urself from d level of superstardom 2 a actors bread n butter role Well done @aamir_khan Kudos 2 u & Talaash.

TheRealDinoo: Just back from viewing "Talaash" ... Loved it.... @praahas

TarannumThind: #Talaash is an incredible experience @aamir_khan @FarOutAkhtar @kagtireema @ritesh_sid @Rani_mukherji Zoya thank u for this cinematic treat

Talaash_TheAce: Watch #Talaash for the 2nd time to enjoy its magic to the fullest. #EuropeanMagic

swatiiyer: Talaash is real surprise. Loved the build up, aamir.... Hated d idiots who played spoilers n bebo' bad styling! cheap hooker?! Ya rite!

Suyashyk: #Talaash is the greatest suspense movie ever. If you dont agree, go to hell........

suriiaxo: Talash wasss not tooo shabby.. Bravo bollywood, bravo.

SunnyV: Talaash - Solid A. Good performances all around. Lots of western film influences.

Sukhi_Sohal: Talash...A* class movie!!! Must watch**

Sudip14: I can't think any replacement of @aamir_khan, Rani Mukerji & Kareena Kapoor as Shekhawat,Roshni & Rosy! Superb Performances! #Talaash

spartanadi: Talaash minus end equals Amazing ! Somehow could nt digest the end but overall decent watch. #Aamir #Talaash

SONASIS: Thank u so much innovative Amir for your 'Talaash'.

smalik3593: Btw everybody go see talaash #indianmoviewithstory?

simren1228: Talaash best movie ever

ShufflesG: Just watched Talaash... Awesome movie! I don't care if you're not Indian.. Go watch it

Shazzydiva94: Loved the movie Talaash, really had me thinking. #talaash #aamirkhan @aamir_khan

shaloo1: Saw Talaash! A well conceived, well narrated & well acted movie on a tough subject. Some people found ultimate suspense hard to digest.

ShaikhSalmaan: i saw Talaash last night nd its a gr8 movie...i liked it...Aamir bhai u rock.

sethankur79: Talaash....good movie....though predictable but nicely presented..............

SenapatiAnita: Hi, Talash is ash-um , nice move , very nice................

seemi_pasha: Oh and btw...I saw #Talaash...fabulous acting! Worth a watch

satyajitlimaye: #Talaash overall a good movie.Nothing great about d star cast as it has strong base of d story. Reminded me of 6th sense. Reema Katgi rocked

satya_hv: Good to see @aamir_khan's Talaash in times when ppl release mindless, story-less movies. A movie that respects the audience, tells a story

sarmistha_basu: "@archannair: @sarmistha_basu #Talaash absolutely.. Brilliant film." Yess ..

SanjayRGagnani: Watched Talaash.. I liked the film.. Really good Cinema.. Hats off to the team :-)

sanghaspeaking: #Talaash is good not the best film ever. Please be a wee bit more judicious #film critics, film buffs and other idiots who know everything.

SameerNoorani21: Talash=scaryassmovie #pissinmapants #goosebumps

rohinisamyal: Talaash another feather in Amir's hat .i liked that movie. Must watch

RohanDave4: #Talaash - 4th time today! loving it more n more after every watch!

rishimane: Talaash- two thumbs up.. Great performances.. Fantastic thriller... So happy for my actor aamir....

RiealyBeautiful: Saw #TALAASH yest night.. What Movie! ..Exceptional Filmmakin by a Phenomenal Actor~ @Aamir_Khan & an outstanding Director~ Reema Kagti!!!!!

rhirwani85: talash is very beautieul suspence movie

RedLal: #Talaash is a masterpiece...caution: it's a brooding, serious yet gripping film,not a masala entertainer..my review http://ashishlal.in/blog/

RajNarwal: Film Talaash ... A job well Done! Acting , Direction, Editing & most important Best Script . Congrats Team Talaash.

rafomac: Yesterday I Watched Talaash, Fantastic Movie...It Gives a Very Good Message to All...Kareena Done at her... http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2624887&l=56e307d412&id=100000155663105

r_ganesh: Talaash is good. Would have wow for me with a more ambiguous ending and if a bit faster

priorityjobsco: Talash, awesome movie..............must watch with out knowing suspense............

preshi10: #TheSearchEnds !! Super duper hit!! Loved #talaash #ILoveTheSuspense :*

pratichops_patu: Awsm talash.... serious,sunspensfull yet moree enjoyable and excitable...

prasannak158: #talaash welcome the arrival of film-noir to bollywood in true sence(30 yrs late?).Brilliant movie ,no complaints.

Pranav13sharma: go to theature and watch the movie TALAASH.you will be amazed by it.

omindsin: #Talaash story was brilliant !! All credit goes to the writer .. !! I think one of the best thriller of bollywood till date .. !!

nishabagul: I liked #Talaash. It was not typical "Aamir Khan Movie" bt it was nice. Aamir is best. Kareena looks very beautiful. Rani was like showpiece

nileshprasad9: #talaash ... really gud...Watch it for the story. That is the actual hero of the film. The brilliant actors are just an icing on the cake.

nehagupta5: Brilliant movie #Talaash

Naveensnambiar: Talaash, excellent first half. All in all a good movie. Haunts you for more questions than answers.

NafSeth: #Talaash - kept me riveted at all Times! The end was shocking.. A very Different n clever close. Kudos to the team

Mystique_16: I loved the movie Talaash. It was something different. I will write about it. Wait till then. No not really a review

Mr_IckySticky: Talaash was badddassss

movie_geeeeek: #Talaash is a must watch n scary :D #LoveIt 

metalsaint: Talaash is a perfect one time watch movie. Simple and well directed movie. Awesome acting by the cast...

melittlepixie: I liked Talaash. A lot. Although it had a hackneyed end, the search was definitely worth my time. Also, Jee Le Zara is hauntingly beautiful.

Marshall3663: #Talaash one of the best movies #loved it #love hatsoff!

manish_vij: I could see Talaash getting international pickup like a Korean drama: Bombay is a character here, and people may give histrionics a pass.

Manali_NZ: It's extremely funny to see ppl being disappointed in #Talaash. Guess some ppl have forgotten what an actual drama film is all about #shame

lalitkgarg: talash...not to miss... #combination of fab trio... #anurag kashyap, #farhan akhtar & #aamir khan

krishnapolina09: TALAASH MOVIE IS VERY NICE .PLEASE ALL MUST WATCH THIS MOVIE AND AAMIR KHAN ACTING IS AWESOME....

KiranPurewal: Wow! What a #movie! #Talaash Fast paced,thrilling,filled with suspense! Hats off to the team, and showing what #bollywood can be!

KeH_kE_LuNgA: #Talaash is nt a thriller..dekhte time seat pakad ke baithne ki zarurat nahi hain aur na nakhun chabaane ki..its a suspense drama well made.

KeerthiGoutham: #Talaash was really worth it - something new, different and engaging. A good one time watch for sure. 1/2

KavitaAChhibber: exhausted with non stop healings today decided to catch a late night show of Talaash. Loved the movie including the unconventional ending

Kartik41785547: Talash is a awesome movie

Kareena_No1: Yes I have awesome film its #Kareena best I think!"@ShristiRanbir: @kareena_no1 u watchd Talaash??"

karan20031: #talaash ws a brilliant movie.. Jus coz every1 knew the suspense thy did nt lik it..Gud thng i ws tld to sty off twitter til i saw the movie

KabKyunKaise: AGREE........ #Talaash - I am loving it more n more after every watch!

jonzworld: watched #Talaash :) its fanrastic direction #Screenplay #ReemaKagti is admirable

jimmy_karumalil: #ProudToBeAFanOf Aamir Khan - Talaash is simply amazing!

JashanSGrewal: Still can't get over how good #Talaash was! Especially @aamir_khan , #RaniMukherji & #KareenaKapoor was the scene stealer!

jarshadnk: There are two kinds of truth: the truth that lights the way and the truth that warms the heart—R Chandler. Talaash is the 2nd kind #Talaash

jagrutimhatre88: Talaash ..nice movie..

itzBilla: Watched #Talaash, don't have words 2 express how much this film touch my heart, kudos to @TalaashExcel Team for making such different film.

itsshwetaa: saw talaash and quite liked it.. after ages a decent suspense thriller hindi movie.. a nice change from all the crap made these days.. :)

iRohitraushan: wtchd #Talaash! m nt saying its grt muvi f AK , bt its Fab! Amir,Rani brilliant..n #Bebo z #0utstanding ,loved her act aftr long time (JWM)!

iamsleepysid: #Talaash..a well made suspense thriller after a long time:) @aamir_khan sir..power to you for tryin different genres.

hijabsta: If you haven't already watched Aamir Khan's #Talaash you're missing out. He's done it yet again- speechless.

hemendrasolank2: Talash is dashu movie gayzzzz

Harmanjit_Khakh: Aamir khan is just amazing, what a great movie #talaash #greatnight

harleenkaur3: #Talaash awesome movie..wasn't expected it to be sooo great! Hats off to Reema Katgi and @aamir_khan

guggul2010: What do u do wen u dont lyk d protagonist?? I liked Talaash but nt its hero.. Yes the editing cud hv been better bt gud neverthles 3.5/5

Greyindecision: Really liked Talaash

GhanSaurabh: Aamir sir ur movie Talaash Rockzzzz i just love ur movie and may this movie be liked and watched by all people. lots of love to u....

ghai_rajat: TALAASH !!!man for the 1'st time luved amir khan movie bt not bcoz him bcoz of story and bebo ♥

GargavShivam: Hello sir I m a big fan congratulations. On your success for your movie talaash

FilmiBoy: If u observe the message that #Talaash movie wants to convey it means alot. Meaningful cinema I say. #Aamir Khan #Kareena #Rani #bollywood

fialokdinesh: #Talaash Best indian flick watched ever... Awesome work #Talaash and team. Great work @aamir_khan @FarOutAkhtar and Team

Dolce_and_Namak: Only thing that #Talaash could have done better is leaving some of the explanations for a second viewing, rather than playing voiceovers.

Divya_Chug: Looking back at #Talaash - aside some bits, overall, thought the movie was quite nice and engaging. A good one time watch for sure...

devdixit: Movie Review: Talaash, a gripping murder mystery that makes you thrilled http://post.jagran.com/Movie-Review-Talaash-a-gripping-murder-mystery-that-makes-you-thrilled-1354280031 via @sharethis

danish_luminite: #Talaash what a wonderful movie to watch....but I was successful in predicting the end of the movie, gud effort, different movie at least

Coolshweta: TALAASH movie review: An intriguing story intelligently told! http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/talaash-movie-review-an-intriguing-tale-intelligently-told/ via @bollywood_life

coolsauvik: Watched talaash. A nice suspense movie to watch .

CatchRanto: Talaash was nice.

boshoti: Went in search for Talaash last night. What a well made film...and what an ending!!!

BhawanaSomaaya: It is a few days I have watched Talaash but Kareena Kapoor haunts me. Thank You Reema Kagti.

bharatsatya: I felt #talaash is a worth watch once, tight screenplay !

bhandaripj: I rated Talaash 9/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1787988 #IMDb

BeingAbhi06: #Talaash best indian suspense thriller i've ever watched..

being_nrb: The flashed suspense rumors about #Talaash were absolutely wrong. Thanks @aamir_khan @FarOutAkhtar for the awesome movie. Superlikes!

ArizRajpoot: Talaash was amazing. Aamir Khan never ceases to Impress.

appysharma87: Talaash a very nice movie but guys cant say the suspense bcoz then u wont have interest

anusreek: Talaash- Just a Fine Movie.

AnkuChaurasia: Talaash is an absolutely amazing movie...its suspense, thriller and drama rolled into one package

AnjaliMalik22: I Agree!!! Rt @RohanDave4 #Talaash - 4th time today! loving it more n more after every watch!

AnilKumar_MK: TALAASH was a good movie!! @URVASHI

AnErraticSharma: #Talaash is a great suspense drama,every actor gives a powerful performance..great work by Reema Kagti and the team..@aamir_khan is awesme!

amithel: Talaash-the performances stay on in the viewer's mind-great feat in the midst of the claustrophobic I, Me, Myself clutter of today's stars.

aiyeshabahadur: You never cease to amaze me Aamir, brilliant acting #Talaash

adilkappu: Finally i watched TALAASH its a good suspense thriller ameer your a great actor..

AceAamirkhan: Brilliant Movie #Talaash

abnishch: yestarday i saw talaash d movie was superb again aamir khan rocks

aashna_114: Simply hate those ppl who tld me d end of #talaash ! Spoiled the essence of the mvie yet I somehow enjoyed it

aankinandu: Talaash..nice flick...Really njoid alot..unpredictable even though u know d suspense...

yakuzazoomin: Same for TJHJ .. i couldn't sit through on repeat viewing. Both Talaash and JTHJ were strictly one time ..

vandnasathpathy: #Talaash - Was hooked to the movie until the last 20mins, and then, Meh.

vams21: Talaash is good but not Amir khan-esque ..

thatdarkcoffee: Talaash is a good movie, just packaged wrongly.

OctaneAddict: Talaash is an ok-movie. Once watch. IMHO

nitinma: Talash = very very average! 2.5/5..

Nikxatrix: Somehow felt tht d CID episode Aamir starrd in had a much better suspense n more brain tickling stuff. One time watch strictly this #Talaash

Nickoholic: There R sadists in this world who like to give out a movie's suspense jus cuz they have diarrhoea &cant keep it in.Still,Talaash was alright

namral: #Talaash was gripping till the end. I wish the twist was not so lame !

libraspace: 'Talaash' one time watch, kareena in movie one more time watch

HiteshMamtora: Some how had more expectation out of Talaash!

HansPiyush: Talaash ? 1 time watch.

daredevilakshay: Talaash could have been faster in pace. If only it was released as a book. Could have been more engaging.

AratiRaval: Expectations are funny. Talaash mainly disappointed becoz of Aamir. Had Akshay Kumar done it, I would've celebrated his 'waking up' moment

AliSaif777: Talaash is only good till there's suspense once it opens up the story is Jusstttt #Pathetic

VB_VinayBajaj: Anyone who respects their time and money should not go for Talaash !!!

varundlima: #Talaash is #destroyed!! Poor #Amir.

TheAnkitPatel: TALASH is a wonderful as a sleeping pills..))))#jthj #srk @iamsk

Tanumoyd: They Say- " #Talaash is not for the masses as it is a class film or multiplex film". Ghanta ka class film. It was a Horror-Comedy. LOL.

swathq: people said #talaash is not a bad movie, i'd like to add its not a good one either.....

shridutt: u Knw the suspense of talash before u watch it...u may have been cursed by yash Chopra if u hav criticised jab tak. Hain jaan

ShootinStarHeta: Talaash is the best flop movie I've watched this year

shakwrites: Predictability killed Talaash. Befitting way to justify the plot was clear disbelief in coincidences. Something our makers are yet to master

shaan65: Talaash a totally crap one...bakwaas movie...no one can talaash entertainment in it...

sanjaymanjrekar: Talash - amongst other things we must learn to tell our story in a shorter time.

sanidhya: #Talaash Felt like i was talaashing something else. Expected better from Aamir. Serious let down #flop #bad

saff62: I totally agree RT @IMmaheshg: after seeing #Talaash.......my respect for ACP Praduman has increased ...manifolds....

rupat83: Weekend also got boring wid Talaash,slow movie,it's only bcoz of big star cast,otherwise it's total flop #pakao

reemsaied: #Talaash searching for entertainment. Poor multiplex users who coughed up 500+ per couple. Movie is like a tv production

Rajsoldier: Talaash is a mixture of three hollywood movies...well done aamir. once again u proved dat u r the biggest copy cat of B Town !

raj_narpat: Talaash muve flop

prathameshpmore: Aamir Khan ki Talash Dekhne se achha hota main Akshay Kumar ki Talash dekh leta :|

OyeMaria: Watched Talaash. WHY Aamir Khan, WHY WHY WHAAAIIIII! did you do this to us :-|

NinadKarpe: Saw TALAASH. Disappointed.

nikkhils: Talaash - what a letdown! Looks like Aamir himself was not convinced with the mumbo-jumbo and that reflects in his below-par acting as well

Nerdacholic: #Talaash A movie that can give you sleepless nights, thinking about the mistakes they have done in the film.

Neeli_Peeli: #Talaash was horrible and it would have been worse if Kareena wasn't there! so its a #ThumbsDown

naitikrocks12: Talaash a very bad film....didnt expect such movie from aamir khan..a complete waste of time...movie...

MyShortOpinions: If you didnt piece the clues beforehand you would enjoy the movie but for me it was trying too hard to be like a hollywood movie. #Talaash

MyselfSuz: The #Talaash plot is not what I expect from stalwarts like Reema Kagti or Zoya Akhtar though Farhan Akhtar producing it can be understood.

MissPeepToes: Talaash is a silly movie. Very silly #ThereISaidIt

mandy_dhanoa: Amir you dissapointed me in Talash plus I learnt being civil to others is creepy apparently LOL

KunalOxBhatia: Did I mention that I found Talaash below average? Disappointing from Aamir.

Kulbhushanmehta: I have watched film ''Talaash'' before 1 days and this is why I have given 1 star to film. It's another version of film ''kahaani''

Keeda_: Life of pi was a visual treat... Bt talaash turned to be a visual cheat...:-/

karthikacr: at the end of the day.. i wz doin one thng nly.. talaash nd talaash... wer i lost ma bloody common sense that i sat nd saw the film??????

KapurRia: #Talaash is a waste of time, Seriously!!

kamaalrkhan: The best thing is tat public is in mood to watch films so even ghatiya films r doing gud business otherwis #Talaash would hav been disaster.

JustJuning: Trying to understand the logic behind making a film like #Talaash

IMmaheshg: after seeing #Talaash.......my respect for ACP Praduman has increased ...manifolds....

iamsweetysrk: watched talaash yesterday... was disappointed...

iammallick: Talaash is really, really dissapointing!!!!

iamarsal11: if #talaash is good then iam BATMAN

himeshmankad: Talaash Earns good numbers despite veing a Mixd WOM.. Me myslf didn't like it bt happy dat it earned :)

hardiksheth1992: Talaash is a boring movie... very superficial... not at all The Aamir Khan movie... was a letdown....

gynec: saw talaash yesterday , unrealistic topic

Fauziap101: At least I'm not the only one who didn't like Talaash! RT@ithinksound: @Fauziap101 Yes, just done with it, and it was disappointing!

EsmanDevil: #Talaash Stupid ending .. we didnt expect this from reema n zoya ...lol .. after ZNMD , i think they will do a phenomenal movie ... hrrmm

drpinkykathe: # Talaash - bakwas movie

Dr_Deepa_N: just watched talaash movie now.waste of time...

chandrakant8187: watched talaash last night...the movie is playing continuously in my mind from then on..2nd time watch..worth a 3rd too

Chaitali_Karnik: So tempted to blurt out the #talaash plot just so that I can atleast save some souls from this ghastly movie. Pun intended.

Broadchrome: Aamir Khan caught in the wrong movie. #Talaash

binaykol: #Talaash biggest disaster of 2012..

Angira007: well...Talaash wasnt as happening as expected.. :-/

alak_j: talaash was disappointing! why is there a success party? :O

9nehak: I am surprised at the reviewers giving a rating of 4 to #Talaash. The end totally spoilt it for me. I am surprised @aamir_khan did this!

_aasiyah: another disappointing bollywood movie.. #talaash #backtotheclassics #oldisgold

5 readers - 2 yays 1 so-so 2 nays

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Silvan

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Vishal

So-So, by kuldeep sharma

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Ibrar : Flop Movie

Nay! Thumbs Down, by LiL : crap

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

Warning: this section has some details that could distort your experience while watching the movie. I strongly recommend reading this only after you have seen the movie or if you have decided not to see it.

Plot Summary

A mysterious accident is being investigated by an officer who is going through a lot in his personal life. Both problems find solution through the appearance of one character.

What Worked

  • The many shots typical of Mumbai real life barely ever captured on reel.
  • Raj Kumar Yadav and Aamir Khan speaking Marathi. Found it amusing.
  • Inclusion of issues like AIDS, sex-workers' plight, and even seemingly smaller things like entire family wearing helmets when riding a bike and use of seatbelts in cars.
  • Interestingly, there were no corrupt police officers in the entire film.
  • I found it slightly amusing that Aamir Khan's character asks his team to keep the details of the case under covers, just like real life Aamir Khan likes to keep his projects.
  • The scene in which the emotional disconnect between Suri (Aamir Khan) and his wife Roshni (Rani Mukerji) is depicted by their souls (reflections(?)) wanting to hug.
  • The chemistry between Aamir Khan and Raj Kumar Yadav. Worked really well.
  • The ease with which Kareena Kapoor corners Aamir Khan. Yeah, one of the places where the actors who played the characters came to attention more than the characters even though the actors were performing well.
  • The depiction of the many alternate possibilities that a mind goes through.
  • The way Aamir Khan breathes shortly whenever memories of his son are triggered.
  • The two long sequences between Suri and Rosy (Kareena Kapoor) post-interval. Their lingering long gazes worked big time even though these scenes slowed down the pace of the film by many notches.
  • A tribute (maybe accidental or I read too much) to Shaan's 'yaa ali' where a cripple's board is used by a character who is very similar to Shaan's Abdul.
  • The mild thrill brought about by the chase sequence the above scene features in.
  • It is mentioned in passing, but I really liked the way both Shashi (through his girlfriend/wife) and Temur think they've done a lot for the other but the other hasn't taken care of them.
  • WARNING This one could be thought of as a spoiler compared to the other points above. Two questions - Why does Temur (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) go to Rosy for help? An injured Rosy is brought to Temur's house by Shashi - what is the relevance of this scene in the context of what is going on in the film at that point? And what happens after that in terms of the plot?

What did not

Note: This section simply lists the things that I did not like in this movie. This is not the overall impression about this movie. Please read the full review here

  • The use of one of Sholay's tunes (mostly in first half). That one belongs more in a western than a tale in an urban setting.
  • The teasing. For example, the one which tries to create an angle between Mrs. Kapoor and her husband's friend Kejriwal
  • Shernaz Patel's character. It's too caricaturish, out of place for this film.
  • Where was Temur (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) sitting when he exchanges the SIM cards? Jail? Wouldn't he want to run away from the Jail as soon as he gets a chance? The ambiguity bothered me throughout the scene.
  • Dialogue given to a 8-year old are too adult-like in language.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Murders, gunfires and slapping around.
  • Language: Prostitutes being called prostitutes and treated without dignity. No other profanity though.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: A lot of scenes in red-light areas. A married couple making out. Though no explicit nudity or sexual content.
  • Concept: Three souls and their search for peace.
  • General Look and Feel: Dark and serious.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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

Talaash - Cast, crew, links

Director:
Cinematography:
Background Score:
Action Choreography:
Music Director:
Running time:
140 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:

Comments (3)

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@Lil well yeah, that was unfortunate, it'd have been fun to have a discussion here. My inbox was getting flooded with spam comments to the tune of 20000 a day. Anyway, they are back again and hope it'll stay that way.

kuldeep sharma

I totally disagree with you Meetu. Aamir Khan looked exactly same as he looks in Satymev Jayte. Direction is horribly poor. Story is half-baked, I suspect it's lifted from some Spanish or Mexican movie. The kids' accident scene, for an honest police inspector, it would be a sky in the pie to find such a no-person-around place in India or anywhere. The only person who impressed me was Rani Mukherji. She was wonderful. I don't think that any money was spent on the production, probably producer didnt have much after paying Aamir and Kareena. I am posting my comments after many months, because I don't want to spend my money on Indian movies, I dont think they are worth. I got this DVD at my town's library, so thought to give it a try. I was disappointed.

@Kuldeep oh that's sad. I wonder if the hype created contributes to a person disliking a film. Just wondering generally.

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