Time Out (2015) User Reviews

This movie is a puzzlement to this american

[Havan_IronOak · 6/10 · 16 November 2023]

The story of a 14-year-old boy who finds out his revered older brother is gay, and what happens afterwards, is interesting. There are a LOT of what we would call "gaps" in the plot, so don't expect things to always be logical or realistic

I know that one cannot judge movies about social issues by Western standards

I already know that Indian movie-making is vastly different but having seen other Indian movies I was hoping for more. I know that dialogue, editing, pacing and plot development don't adhere to Hollywood norms

Even given that... I found it hard to grok why the one who seems to react the most strongly to the coming out is the gay kid's 14 year old kid brother. To me that just seemed unfathomable

Adding to the weirdness is that more than half the spoken dialogue is in English. I thought it might just be that the film was dubbed but about the same amount is in Hindi. Even most of the signs that students are waving at one point are all in English.

If the characters have assimilated that much western culture, how have they failed to assimilate this aspect of western culture as well?

It IS odd that the two families arrange a meeting of the parents to deal with the "the problem" but in a culture that still arranges marriages I was surprised by that. I'm chagrined to admit that the weird thought crossed my mind that while I was hoping to avert it happening I'd be curious to know if one of the kids committed suicide would the other commit suttee.

I was curious why the film makers even made a movie on what is such a taboo subject in India. As with many Indian movies they end on a happy musical note and all the ends are tied up with a happy ending that's never really examined too closely.

A bold move for an Indian film

[qui_j · 5/10 · 5 October 2020]

The new wave of young Indian producers and directors have been turning out movies, mainly for streaming sites, that deal with social issues in India which would normally not be discussed or given prominence. This movie is an example of that. While not a big deal in the Western cinema world, it's obviously quite bold for Indian cinema where Bollywood fantasy and escapism remain king! The movie itself doesn't delve into the topic too deeply but to do so would have invoked the wrath of censors there. It's tame by Western standards, almost childish but does fit the context of this type of conversation in that country.

Sensitive and nuanced

[amrita_mehta · 7/10 · 19 June 2021]

A sensitive and nuanced portrayal of adolescent angst generated in the search for one's sexuality. Though many movies have dealt with the circumscriptions around homosexuality and teenage sexual explorations, this film unravels the heartache and pangs that accompany the painful search for sexual maturity from the viewpoint of a teenager. Fine performances by the lead actors and the interplay between school and home life make the movie relatable and appealing. Written and directed by a young filmmaker Rikhil Bahadur, it promises a fine director when he attains directorial maturity!

A strong message to our so-called "liberal" society...

[sambhav_3759 · 9/10 · 26 September 2015]

A lot of reviews call it a straightforward, uplifting, liberating and a genuine piece of work, but after my watch I also realized it's a movie with a lot of heart. Two lead actors, Pranay and Chirag have played their vital roles in a very genuine and real way. The characters in this movie are so relatable that you will find a bit of yourself in every person on screen. The decision of the protagonist of coming out from the closet led to several events and their portrayal was done in a very believable way. The sequences of music competitions and the basket ball game was done gracefully. The movie focused on changing dynamic of cultures and families and ridiculed our so-called "liberal" society. This movie has dared to challenge the norms of our society. Now, that I think is a very strong message to pass in a very polite way. When you're a teenager you're bound to be confused and craving for some support and understanding, being gay or not. Being gay does not make one a different person. Don't let people tell you are or who you should me. Embrace yourself and everybody around you for who they are! What this movie actually does is, it makes you think. And the world changes when people just take moment and THINK!

A positive message

[robtyrrell-98607 · 8/10 · 6 November 2020]

Don't judge this movie by Western standards; Indian movie-making is simply different. Dialogue, editing, pacing and plot development don't adhere to Hollywood norms; once you get over that, enjoy the film.

The story of a 14-year-old boy who finds out his revered older brother is gay, and what happens afterwards, is interesting. There are a LOT of what we would call "gaps" in the plot, so don't expect things to always be logical or realistic (having spent time in Delhi, too, I NEVER saw anyone who looked anything like any of these characters).

I also give it a high rating simply to support the filmmakers for producing a movie on what is such a taboo subject in India. Hope a lot of people there have seen it.

Unusual story by a Brave director

[satishray · 10/10 · 29 September 2015]

Though Time Out initially comes across as a social commentary on today's 'elitist youth', catering strictly to the rich kids, it slowly gets deeper as it progresses. We wish the process was faster as much time is wasted in showing the teenagers' shenanigans in the international school. Their routine conversation and banter is quite authentically depicted unlike various mainstream Bollywood films but it's a tad repetitive. The film only takes off in the second half. This is when it gains momentum and proves that it has a point.

Gaurav finds out that his elder brother Mihir is gay. He is unable to accept this as he looks up to Mihir, a high-school jock whom every girl fancies. Adding to his woes, the girl he fancies friend zones him. Does he find a closure?

"How to fix your gay kid" is what their mother types on google when Mihir reveals his sexual orientation and wishes to come out of the closet. This is probably the best scene of the film, which sums up the hypocrisy that so called 'liberal' parents exhibit. If there were more poignant moments like these, Time Out had the potential to be a game changer.

Time Out may not have a hard-hitting story but it does make you think. Under its Richie Rich garb, lies a thought that's enlightening and liberating. Both the lead actors Chirag Malhotra and Pranay Pachauri are aptly cast. - TIMES OF India

amazing movie,amazing cast,amazing story

[mehramuskaan · 10/10 · 3 October 2015]

The movie has an amazing concept and I really like the story... I liked the ending when Mihir and varun get support from friends and their basketball coach.... It is a story one can actually relate to... When the movie displays that the couple does not get support from family but friends this is definitely what is happening in the society.... Youngsters are open towards friends rather than their families... Finding on google how to fix your gay kid is something insane but it does happen.... It is even considered as a phase but its high time people realize that its not just a phase its a matter of ones own choice and ones own life... It is seriously true that if a child answers back his parents or does something wrong his friends,his influence is questioned but when its a matter of pride parents get the complete credit.... So yes its time to accept people the way they are and just let them live their life.... I even like the songs... The are just perfectly appropriate to the concept and the movie...... The cast is just perfect for their roles... They just fit In their places completely.... I really hope to see more such movies by this talented group of people...what happened with varun towards the end (beaten up by his parents) this I how people are treating their young ones in such a situation especially in India..... Gaurav's recognition at d end was a must it shows how siblings are the biggest supports.... I am glad I watched d movie .. I just wanted it to be a longer one.... Wanted to see you guys more..... Well done guys..

A teenage film for all ages

[bhushanindia-31448 · 10/10 · 1 October 2015]

What happens when you go to see a film with some pre-conceived notions? They crash; and they crash terribly. The producer, writer and director of Timeout - Rikhil Bahadur ensured he left no stone unturned to steer away from stereotypes and unnecessary drama. Keeping it very simple and 'real' this story of two brothers is a breeze that reminds you of the inspiration, trust, deep connect and affection in a confidant cum friend sibling, that you may have experienced or witnessed. This film will also be an eye opener and a lesson in the syllabus of future filmmakers' curriculum on how to stay away from caricatures which do nothing but create a mental block about things that do not align with the "regular norms" – alternative sexuality in this case. The way a 14 year old deals with such a situation is worth a watch. Chirag Malhotra as this teenage kid makes you feel happy, sad, empathize, convinced and even groove along with him. Pranay Pachauri shows much restraint, maturity apt for the character while being the fun loving older teenage brother himself. His depiction of the character is precise and has a surprise element to look out for. Rest actors playing the gang of friends bring in a lot of fun and life to the film. The songs Bheja Khali and Bolenge; already topping the charts are refreshing and are the quintessential teenage rock numbers. Timeout was worth a watch.

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL GENERATIONS!

[soniasindhwani · 9/10 · 19 June 2021]

The movie : TIME OUT " _Know thyself_ ." Aristotle said to Alexander when he was leaving for his conquest.

This is what the new generation is trying to do today.... Trying to know thyself!!

And the movie, TIME OUT, takes us through the journey of the lives of the adolescents, who have their own turmoils and rig marols which is not easy to understand by any other age group.

However, they try to fight it all with not only the support from each other ( their friends basically) but also the competitive environment created by their mates around them. It also throws a light on the facade that the new age parents put up in the society, but when the reality bites, they (the parents) look for a hideout! Timeout depicts a lot of emotions, and the best part is, that it makes the viewer feel the emotions just as it would be happening with one in real life.

The credit for depicting this goes to the director, who has been successful in making the us ( the viewer) see what he wants us to see.

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL GENERATIONS.

9 STARS 👍

A brilliant movie about the pseudo liberal family

[najeebspencershasan · 9/10 · 19 December 2015]

very well knitted, this is the movie which sadly lost its shine due to big banner movies and very under cast. Acting was brilliant and very realistic. What I enjoyed about this movie is the acceptance of the present generation and conservatism from the so called elite liberal parents. Worth watching. I was eagerly waiting for this movie to be released and finally I was able to watch online.These type of movies are very important for our Bollywood industry. I would also add that this movie somewhere has also the glimpses of the famous-British drama called Skins. I lived through my school days and made me realize that this funny but simple story can also give such a strong lesson. it dealt with the study pressure especially for the teenagers and what they go through and also somewhere it highlights the double standards of the modern school education.