Ungli

wogma rating: Watch but no rush (?)

quick review:

Makes you feel empowered, even though you can see their solutions are way too simplistic.

Read more
Director: Rensil D'Silva
Running time: 120 minutes
Genres: Social
More Movie Info

Ungli - Preview

I can see Ungli pulling on urban chords just with the angst against rickshaw drivers. But, beyond that, the rest of the trailer seems same old fight against corruption and the system in general that we've seen in umpteen number of films, especially in recent times.

Bold film titles with sexual/offensive connotations also have become run-of-the-mill now, with likes of Happy Ending and Grand Masti to get one excited and/or curious about a film.

The cast by itself is exciting after some of the films in recent times, we have seen Randeep Hooda and Kangna Ranaut in. Unfortunately, though they don't seem to be doing anything ground-breaking here. It all boils down to how many tricks Ungli can pull out of the hat that we haven't seen before. Or at the very least show us a new facet on how it can be told.

Totally neutral about this one. Which also means, all set to be swung over in the right direction.

Music Reviews:
Milliblog - "Gulraj Singh and Salim Sulaiman help raise and show this Ungli."
Music Aloud - "7.5/10"

- meeta, a part of the audience

"Common man and his angst" I don't think this topic is getting old in India any time soon. Especially, if there are new ideas, how much ever impractical they might be. And new, easily palatable solutions, which even more easily invoke activism is exactly what Ungli offers.

The impressive thing about the writing is that it not only picks topics that you and I encounter on a day-to-day basis and provide its own style of solution. It goes a little beyond. It creates an intriguing character and gives the character a dilemma - a real dilemma that you can see him fighting within. That doesn't take away from the fact that the "ungli activism" episodes themselves are pretty well thought out.

I especially enjoyed the rickshaw episode. No, not because it is closer to heart. Maybe a little because they picked an issue that involved civic sense. Maybe a little more because it was not against the usual suspects - politicians/law enforcement. Even a little more because they dared to point a finger at the not-so-rich class. But, the most because of the point in the story that it is done. And how, these facts - that the target is not the typical ones and not rich creates unforeseen complications. Also this triggers a change in the dynamics of the relationships between other characters.

Such slight detail in writing is so rare in Hindi films, especially the mainstream films that I take delight in them. It comes as an icing on the cake, when the performances are mostly restrained and there's no melodrama. Of course, the whole "angst" bit does come across as dramatic at some points. But then again, I can see myself getting worked up as much, when I see a car halting in the middle of the road to drop someone off. Here, the issues were larger and the reasons too.

Randeep Hooda, Emraan Hashmi, Angad Bedi and Neil Bhopalam all play their bits well and actually look like real people in the real world. Maybe that self-referencing line by Emraan Hashmi could've been avoided because it just reminds you of the actor rather than keep him character.

On the other hand, I liked the fact that Neha Dhupia and Kangna Ranaut who came into the industry banking heavily or used heavily for their oomph-factor, are now slowly taking on non-glam avatars. Just that neither of them wore anything blingy was good enough too.

I guess it was too much to ask the makers to avoid an item number. Shraddha Kapoor trying to make a some point with her appearance as a bar dancer. An item number that doesn't even have her lip-sync one line properly while the man in the song does the honors.

These things in the beginning of the film make you a little wary of what's to come. But as the movie proceeds, such annoying bits are kept at bay and you settle in. And you actually get involved.

An engaging film Ungli is. But like observed in another film not too long ago, "Human behavior and life doesn't change in 3 hours."

- meeta, a part of the audience

36 reviewers(?) - 3 yays 10 so-so 23 nays

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

Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...D'Silva has taken dollops of cinematic liberties and one can even see the residue of RANG DE BASANTI (which he co-wrote) but the movie does connect... full review

Thumbs up, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...An intelligently written, tightly constructed film which is fun, witty and relevant, all at the same time.... full review

Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ... a decent film with good concept presented in an entertaining manner.... full review

So-So, Bollywood Hungama : ...if you want to watch a film about rebelling against the corrupt system then UNGLI is a decent watch for this weekend. ... full review

So-So, by Kusumita Das, Deccan Chronicle : ... The film is only entertaining, not thought-provoking... full review

So-So, by Inspector Vijay, Desi Martini : ...Fun cast but half-baked film, skip it! ... full review

So-So, by Tushar Joshi, DNA : ...Ungli fails to impress... full review

So-So, by Nupur Barua, fullhyd.com : ...Watch Ungli because you want to, not because you have to... full review

So-So, Indicine : ...Ungli had a very appealing basic premise, but is bogged down...... full review

So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...Predictable But Entertaining... full review

So-So, by Anish Mohanty, Planet Bollywood : ...does not live up to the high standards set by Rensil D’Silva with his first film but is not a disappointment either.... full review

So-So, by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India : ...A Good Thought - 'Fingered'!... full review

So-So, by Ritika Handoo, Zee News : ... Grips in bits and parts!... full review

Thumbs down, by Anna Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...That’s the word for the film as a whole too: lukewarm. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Nikhil Kumar, Apun Ka Choice : ...lacks the brains!... full review

Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...A facile film that doesn’t want to get its hands dirty... full review

Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ... bland style with zombie performances and brainless dialogue... full review

Thumbs down, by Krish Sripada, Desi Martini : ...Good Intentions Marred by Bad Execution!... full review

Thumbs down, by Divay Agarwal, Desi Martini : ...Ungli gets lost in the urge to please the classes & masses! A very mediocre effort. Skip it! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Great promise foiled by dismal execution... full review

Thumbs down, by Mihir Fadnavis, FirstPost : ...Emraan Hashmi's silly comedy fails to tickle the funny bone... full review

Thumbs down, by Deepanjana Pal, FirstPost : ...Silly plot, stupid dialogues make Emraan Hashmi's film a dud... full review

Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Show your middle finger to this one!... full review

Thumbs down, by Soumya Srivastava, Hindustan Times : ...This Emraan Hashmi starrer gives a big thumbs up to clichéd dialogues... full review

Thumbs down, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...It's well-intentioned but utterly muddled. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Suhani Singh, india today : ... surreal fantasy with little sense... full review

Thumbs down, by Rohit Khilnani, india today : ...as mindless as its title... full review

Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Where to point the finger?!... full review

Thumbs down, by Sanjukta Sharma, Live Mint : ...A witless vigilante drama that runs like adolescent fantasy... full review

Thumbs down, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...Dear Zaveri, bad dialogues can dilute an entire film.... full review

Thumbs down, by Rahul Desai, Mumbai Mirror : ...No pinky promise... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Among the few positives on view, both the editing (Deepa Bhatia) and camerawork (Hemant Chaturvedi) are first rate. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Noyon Jyoti Parasara, Now Running.com : ...Lacks punch, fails to evoke emotions. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Prasanna D Zore, Rediff : ...Much as you try to like this film, you end up feeling sad as the Ungli turns limp... full review

Thumbs down, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...A silly 'Rang De Basanti' wannabe... full review

Thumbs down, by Vishal Menon, The Hindu : ...all poke, no punch... full review

51 tweeters(?) - 32 yays 6 so-so 13 nays

wilii_: #ungli must to be SUPERHIT

Wequar2000: Indian film UNGLI and today.s Pakistani politics, interesting to watch; Fight against corruption.

srushtik: Guys if you haven't watched @emraanhashmi 's #ungli yet , go watch it today ! Complete entertainer which wins your heart !

SrinjoyMukherji: #Ungli is a great film!!!! Great job by @karanjohar ji ....... I love this film!! Everyone in this film is very good!

soHELLbaba: Frndshp day valentine day celebrate karna banta hai To Ekk din expose the corruption day banate hai... #ungli #Fever

shaswat49: So finally watched an Awesome Bollywood movie after so long #Ungli !

sharikkh: Ungli...nice film...as always emraan is awesome... Fight against corruption.. Nice thought wish dis cud be applicable in present situations.

Saurabh_Vaish: #Ungli is GOOD!! 3.5stars to this @karanjohar @DharmaMovies production. Nice story, fast paced and good acting by all..

Sajid71409191: Watched ...but is emraan as cameo? #Ungli @UngliTheFilm superb movie

sahu_in: After watchin' #ungli its like, Gotham has Batman, Mumbai gets its own Ungli..Look up and feel safe from Corruption.

ruslaanmumtaz: Really enjoyed #Ungli. All mumbaikars will relate to it. I'd watch a sequel if they made one. We need an Ungli gang.@zmilap @emraanhashmi

Rushes: Wish there was a real #Ungli gang

rs_praveen: #ungli #ungli #ungli mast h yaar. . . A must watch. . .

MYHARTSRK: #Ungli Is A Good Watch ' Loved It

mr_abhisek_de: Watched #Ungli. We really need such non-profit-org in India to #ConquerTheCorrupt. I know how it feels. I'm myself a victim...

khnaveed: #Ungli very nice #Bollywood movie to watch, if you really like plots on corruption. # http://twitter.com/khnaveed/status/538770481696878593/photo/1

kaupar: Just watched #Ungli ..nice movie.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl1UPQbIQ4s&feature=youtu.be

jha_siddhus94: #Ungli has an interesting concept. @RandeepHooda shines out. My Rating : 3.5 /5 stars.

imuhk: An excellent Bollywood flick. #Ungli

imrajeshchauhan: All right our rock star #Angadbedi is back again on screen. With a blockbuster #Ungli must watch @BishanBedi proud father you are sir

ImHimanshu_7: #Ungli @VishalDadlani AwesomeMusic

iamsalman143: #Ungli is just mindblowing..... @emraanhashmi you were rocking as always.. ♡♡♡ brilliant performance

IamDev427: Watched #Ungli does even our normal society also need the same sort of gang to completely decimate the corruption?! #GoodMovie

HRangoonwala19: Ungli is such a nice movie tho

HitGal_Hashmi: yes, watched #Ungli! loved d story n of course, emraan's character n acting! :*

drskbheda: UNGLI::A very timely made film as the need of time is justice to the poor and needy and remove corruption in all sectors-Govt.-non-Govt..!

dipalibkn: #Ungli .. nice movie with good msg .. bade dino baad ek aachi movie dekhi :)

dilLogical_rahi: Watched Ungli and enjoyed it !! 3/5

bvhfbvfbvh: Go watch ungli mind blowing sooooooopurb

akshatahegde07: Ungli is a thought-provoking and inspiring movie for the youth #Unglimoviepublicreview, #Unglimoviereview http://www.india.com/showbiz/ungli-movie-public-review-a-thought-provoking-and-inspiring-movie-for-the-youth-says-audience-207275/

ajeetpanigrahi: #Ungli Movie is very good. Entertaining and yet meaningful. Dont go after ratings by others and go for it. Worth a watch.

achalsharma17: #Ungli nice movie to watch let fight togther against this #Corruption and make them our #India free and better place to live

Saif_Attar: Ungli is a average mvie , first half is manageable ,whre second half is quite interesting, overall movie contains nice msg @UngliTheFilm

rrrajat: Ungli 2.5/5

rajathkumar: Also saw Ungli. Its less Hashmi & more Hooda. Not sure how Dharma has added value. Nothing like a Dharma film. Decent watch. Not great.

MrCoffeekhor: #Ungli movie! The positive about it that was it stayed to its name. Ungli word was uttered many times in the movie. Rest, okay'ish flick.

kneekeytha: #Ungli one time watch

gourabkundu: Just watched #Ungli - another of those 'could hv beens' decent flow but.

snaidu666: #ungli has a storyline which the south has been hamming on since the past decade, its like converting a masala dosa into a paneer dosa

shivam_mah90: #Ungli has been watched....a sheer disappointment.

rozelle_l: Please don't miss #Ungli. Please watch it, please coz I am so much jealous of those who saved themselves of this torture.@UngliTheFilm

ronakgpatel: #Ungli.. Fictitious movie on realistic issues. The director has taken the IQ of the audience for granted!

rajivvijayakar: Opportunity for a quasi-masterpiece let down by (very) bad writing, dialogues & music - #Ungli http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/bollywood/movie_reviews/ungli-movie-review-far-fetched-fairy-tale-of-quick-fix/article_d5be72d8-7731-11e4-b8b2-1bf2c247a63d.html

pankito09: #Ungli could have been a more wittier and smart take on the common mans issues. Rather it played out as a limp and over simplified drawl!

narayan_mj: UNGLI movie Nice concept but all went in vain due to poor narration & Characters

mallik0425: #ungli is a pathetic vigilante film which neithr explores theme wth seriousness nor sarcastic comedy genre.1 more filthy scrpt writin effort

Legend_Khan1: Watched Ungli, Good performances by all but execution of the story was pretty bad. Meh, I didn't really enjoy it 2/5

keetuda: Ungli is stupid audience's A Wednesday!

BongFromBombay: What the hell happend to indian cinema #Ungli #Why #Torture :/

BeingBihari: UNGLI bokwaas movie hai.

aryansingh163: The runtime of #Ungli is just 2 hrs still you find it too much to bear...

3 readers - 2 yays 1 so-so 0 nays

Not Interested in Watching, by Anuj

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Anup : Likable Mostly

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Suman

So-So, by Fan

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

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: A couple of slaps. A fist fight.
  • Language: A few abusive words.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: None.
  • Concept: Fixing the system - from corruption to civic sense.
  • General Look and Feel: Nothing fancy, kept functional.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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

Ungli - Cast, crew, links

Screenplay:
Dialogues:
Cinematography:
Background Score:
Costume Designer:
Running time:
120 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:
Genres:

Comments (7)

Click here for new comment

Anup

The Concept of the movie is novel ,, but the movie is not breathtaking.....But never the less ,,is still better then unnecessary remake who knock every Friday to make us fool.....Randeep Hooda has not been kept as a side kick ,, which i liked a lot as the trailer showed that Emraan Will be the main lead....As much of acting i only find Randeep to be interesting....About sanjay Dutt he was totally over the top , with lots and lots of bad dialogue ,, its like all the bad dialogues have been given to Sanjay only..... I cant even differentiate when Sanjay plays a cop and when he plays a Criminal ,, because he acts same in both cases.....
Star of the movie was great ,, and upto interval it was all good.....But after interval when everything become personal to our Ungli gang it became little uninteresting upto when a nice climax came.......Still its good and also it could have been better....

Fan

I am surprised to find such a positive review. I was expecting a thrashing from you ;-)

And I am even more surprised to read your advice on Parental Guidance:
Nudity & Sexual content: None.

Did not expect this on an Emraan Hashmi film. I guess there is always the first time.

Anup

@Fan - Even i was shocked by seeing such a high rating by meetu for UNGLI....Although i personally find the movie a easy watch,,,,Watch When On Tv would have been the correct rating.......Infect Meetu is among the few reviewers who have given highest ratings to UNGLI

Suman

Direction: 2.5
Story: 3
Lead Actors: 3
Character Artists: 2.5

Dialogues: 2.5
Screenplay: 2
Music Director: 1.5
Lyrics: 1.5

Anuj

Yet another November disaster capping off the most most disastrous month in recent times. Emraan Hashmi's all set to have his 5th consecutive flop.

@Fan @Anup it is what it is :P

@Anuj So be it.

@Suman for a change, story had something going for it, right?

Fan

Watched it finally. Interesting concept. Rickshaw episode gets my full empathy.

Expected a great climax but was sorely disappointed to watch the dumbest climax for this sort of film.

Leave a Comment