Sherni (2021) User Reviews

Tribal cast! Thought provoking film!

[anikb-87099 · 8/10 · 18 June 2021]

Sherni is about a forest team that is on a hunt to capture a tiger named "T-12" that is killing villagers in the forest. They face trouble from local politicians and from the people of the village who constantly criticize the team's poor efforts in capturing the tiger.

Sherni is not everyone's cup of tea. Knowing that it is directed by "Newton" director Amit Masurkar , you should not expect it to be a spine chilling animal hunt. However, this film aims at promoting animal conservation rather than killing them. There are so many who get affected by tigers and want them to be dead, but should they really be killed? That one emotional scene from the climax will prove it that tigers too have a life. You may not be able to train tigers to respect humans by not killing but that doesn't mean we dont respect them, that would leave no difference between us and the tigers.

The film does have some interesting points especially when Vidya and her team are out for capturing the tiger, rest every part relies on conversations and tribal rage.

The tribal cast like Sampa Mandal deserve special applause especially for their stellar natural performance. Their performances make sure you get the feeling of being in a forest tribal region. Vidya Balan roars! She doesn't shout too much but her dialogues do the roaring. Vijay Raaz, Sharat Saxena (he's the one that the film aims to be against), Neeraj Kabi etc all have done a good job as well.

Negatives - Mukul Chadda is wasted here and his parts could have been avoided. Some scenes of politics could have been avoided.

Overall, a must watch film for those interested in knowing what happens in the jungles and the tribal people and since it has a message, you definitely should watch it.

Sherni has an extraordinary premise and it delivers it's points pretty well.

[ajaychoudhary-92473 · 8/10 · 18 June 2021]

Sherni has an extraordinary premise and it delivers it's points pretty well.

Vidya balan is outstanding in her role, so do the other cast. Cinematography and sound department does a splendid job. Worth watching.

Realistic and a must watch

[srutimisra · 8/10 · 18 June 2021]

"Sherni" is released today on Amazon Prime. The movie is directed by Amit Masurkar.

Vidya Balan is in the lead role. Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala, Sharat Saxena and Neeraj Kabi are also there. Each and everyone is talented. The movie plot highlights many social issues of Modern India. It tells about conservation of animals and nature, it portraits male domination, corrupt bureaucrats, yellow journalism etc.

The story is about a tigress, which attacks the cattles and the people of the nearby villages of the forest. The forest department tries to find the tigress and transfer it to a national park. And then the complexities come in. Local politicians made this issue political and tried to create vote banks for themselves. The corrupt bureaucrats are only concerned about their promotions.

Most probably, the film is shot in the forests of Madhya Pradesh. Cinematography is amazing. Most of the shots were taken in natural light. There's a breathtaking 360 degree aerial shot. Direction and screenplay are brilliant. Vidya Balan's performance is marvelous. Though each and everyone performed really well. If I'm not wrong, the last shots were taken at Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad. You'll feel the pain if you look carefully at the eyes of those animals.

Why we have to always disturb the balance between animals and nature for economical development? Is the term "man-eaters" really necessary for predators? Aren't they just hungry? Isn't it normal for them? If we keep constructing mining facilities, if we keep making highways in between forests and national parks then where would the animals go? Are the officials taking sufficient necessary actions against poachers? Who are the real animals here? Yes! "Sherni" is questioning about these all.

Honestly speaking, I was in doubt because nobody tries to make any film on this issues before "Sherni". This concept is totally untouched in Bollywood. But this film will not disappoint you. If you're a nature lover or not, you should not miss this movie.

According to me, "Sherni" is a must watch movie.

Do watch "Sherni" and have a happy weekend!

Great film. Climax made me sad and helpless :(

[habeeb_mohammad · 10/10 · 11 July 2021]

Respect others opinion but personally I loved the movie. I know its not a movie with lots of drama, twists and turns as we are fed to expect. However its very realistic and makes you feel sad for the few sincere officers and our national treasures i.e., wildlife and forest. Thanks Vidya and the makers of the movie. Loved Brijendra kala, Vijay Raaz and Sharat. Excellent cast and performances and took me back to the forest. Love love it. Ignore the negativity and watch for yourselves!!

Something missing

[IPyaarCinema · 6/10 · 23 June 2021]

Review By Kamal K

It really shows the true situation of the forest department and how politics influence or rather interfere with it, Vidya shines as always Vijay Raaz is the perfect, overall team has done well. Sherni has almost everything but lacks what a good film must have - moments of "cinematic" brilliance where you feel emotionally moved & stirred but cannot explain why. That's the beauty of any good art work. Newton did that so well but not this one.

Extremely detailed, well acted, realistic camera movements - all were there but the poetry and poignancy was missing which made this film maybe a good documentation of our forest , wildlife, people , government procedures etc but failed to make it a good "CINEMA".

The Jungle Book

[matrixdukenukem · 9/10 · 18 June 2021]

After Newton director Amit Masurkar delivers another gem which gives us a never seen before peek into lives of brave men and women of forest officers. And he succeeds with flying colors.

Vidya Vincent, a newly appointed DFO struggles to find her place and solution to crisis in jungle amongst the villagers, politicians and is on a mission to save tigress which everyone wants a piece of.

Vidya Balan plays her role with finesse. It's evident that she is capable of captivating you not just with her acting skills alone. She doesn't need to be a standardized bollywood heroine for you to appreciate every scene she is in. You feel her frustration, helplessness, anger and sheer will from the screen. Vijay Raaz is as always marvellous to watch, he and Vidya are not just partners in the mission but also on screen. This unconventional duo is amazing.

But the big surprise and one of the best part is Sharat Saxena. Glad to see him get a role that fits him. He looks the part he's playing which is a hunter under guise of conservationists and makes your blood boil effectively.

Other co actors including extras as villagers do a fine job. Ila Arun was wasted in her small role.

The movie is also very well shot. CGI in some places was shabby but for the most part acceptable. Background score is great. Dialogues are expertly written, some dark jokes scattered wherever needed.

The director tries to shed a light on various other issues apart from the main plot, like arm chair activists vs real activists but it doesn't always work. Some media clichés I felt could've been avoided. But one thing he does very well i.e. Saluting the hard working officers in field of our forest department.

I doubt this movie will win awards but it should. Sherni is an important movie that everyone should watch. Perhaps it will inspire young minds to take the challenging career in our forest department.

Tiger nuisance ending up on a substandard note.

[MuviFan73 · 7/10 · 18 June 2021]

Story: A tiger has turned aadamkhor (man eater), what will be its fate. It also shows the politics surrounding. To be precise, the people from gram, the authorities, the illegal poacher and the politicians along with opposition.

Cinematography: Justified. The jungle's, the farms, the plantation environment, the animals, the dry water holder, the thin river, etc. Stand worth a watch. The only thing that made me chuckle were the tiger paws, I mean so clear (appear obviously constructed), but then I might be a noob.

Direction: Above average. The story is not that complicated or politics ridden. It has been nicely directed with all its elements. By not that complicated I mean you can understand it by skipping half of the content. I would not recommend that but it's what so is.

Acting (& music): Average. The casting done is what is to be appreciated like most of the movies, TV series released in recent times.

Final Verdict: You should definitely give the movie a try if you have free time. You won't be disappointed.

Brilliant Story

[gauravcs-19573 · 10/10 · 18 June 2021]

Amazing story about how the front line forest staff striking balance among human settlements and wildlife. Being the same director as Newton, I loved the simplicity of the movie. Users complaining of not getting thrilling experience must stick to movies like Radhe, Race3, etc.

If you are a conversationalist or a jungle lover this is for you ..

[itzakkunwarak · 7/10 · 18 June 2021]

Okay first and foremost I am a huge fan of director Amit Masurkar's previous work and for me Vidya Balan is one of the very few Bollywood actress who can properly justify her character.

Talking about the movie, this movie doesn't have unnecessary songs and is very sincere to its story. Vidya Balan, Vijay Raaz and all the actors did a proper justification to their roles. Cinematography, editing, direction, background music takes you inside the jungle.

I wanted to see the tiger more on screen but unfortunately, there was not so much screen time for it.

If you are a conversationalist or a jungle lover this movie is for you.

Pathetic!

[ananyaraoanand · 1/10 · 20 June 2021]

Absolute crap. Bollywood propaganda at play as usual. Vidya Vincent and Hassan Nooruni are the only two good people in the film. While Asghar Ali Khan is the real killer of Avni, the film shows him to be a Hindu. Bollywood and their masters can go to hell with this film.

Loved it

[amoldavid67 · 10/10 · 18 June 2021]

It's sooooo gud , loved this slow burner.vidya did complete justice to her role.

Story is muddled, acting was ok, Overall a decent film which tries to speak volumes

[rohitreviews · 7/10 · 19 June 2021]

The story kind of doesn't have that core as they tried to bring too many things to show and it becomes overload to justify anything at the end. They wanted to show the bureaucratic issues, political issues, Vidya's family wrapped with slight bit of drama there, and conservative vs sustainable and many more. They kind of tried to everything and sort of at the end didn't have much to speak but let it be as it is end.

Even Vidya's acting is bit average as she has done this kind of roles before and nothing much difference you can see. I would have given it 6 because only thing that pushes the story is "one more death" with all layers want to pounce on the situation as it's not that bad intent but it kind of doesn't hold the steam.

Overall decent movie.

Climax, overconfidence and slow pace spoils the main subject and thrill.

[gauravsrcem · 1/10 · 18 June 2021]

Now this is the trend that something which is not understandable is considered as class but no it's really not as in this movie it started with good subject and pace but getting bored after some time and the climax was worst and leaves so many questions. So it could be much better with a less duration, fast pace and a good climax but it couldn't just because of to be a geniuses filmmaker or oscer type. Big no to this from mass and class both because mass always like class.

Gaurav Mishra.

Vidya is the real Sherni here.

[madhukarextra · 8/10 · 18 June 2021]

What works : Jungles, Satire and Vidya of course.

What doesn't : Story gets slow at times but does keep us hooked.

First off, it's not a thriller considering the concept of catching a tiger. It's a battle between 2 thought process.

One, who wants to save the tiger.

Second, who wants to add 1 more kill to his list.

And in between, there is corruption, politics, egoes and a hard hitting message of Wildlife conservation and environmental balance.

Jungles are shot beautifully. The local dialect would be loved.

A good break from watching movies based on urban India with actors flaunting 6 Packs.

Vidya is amazing as always. She is the real Sherni here with her facial expressions speaking more than she does.

Vijay Raaj would be as much loved as Sharat Saxena would be hated.

Rest of the crew does good too.

A decent 1 time watch.

Amit Masurkar Knows How to Make a Social Satire Work!

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 7/10 · 19 June 2021]

'From the Director of Newton,' those words alone heightened up its prospects from the very get-go! Amit Masurkar knows how to make a Satire work. He could tidily compile matters of social importance with a subdued taste of dark humor. An atypical yet efficient way of Storytelling whereupon he predominantly excels!

Out this time he addresses a 'Tiger Hunt' deep in the Jungle! In the meantime foreshadowing Systematic Depravity, Pervasive Despotism & the ulterior agendas of soi-disant politicos! In conjunction with few precarious concerns regarding Wildlife conservation, imminent threat of Poachers, Huntsmen; who would stop at nothing to register a shameless 'kill' in their books!

Visually, this was a sight to behold! With compelling pieces of imagery going deep through vast foliages of the forest, a sense of serenity and quietude gently overwhelms your conscience. And a pertinent Score significantly contributes to the same cause!

Having Vidya Balan as an active member of the cast, one can be certain of her complete devotion to whichever role she's playing. One of the few actresses in Bollywood who stands apart from the rest, owing to her sheer class and maturity as an out-and-out performer! Even amongst such a talented bunch of artists like Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala, Sharat Saxena; it comes as no surprise that She stole the limelight once again!

Unfortunately in its entirety, there were some caveats too. To start with, the first thing that springs to mind is its prolonged Screenplay and moreover, the stagnant pace that can be wearisome at times! Despite the actors providing us with competent enactments; the characterization on them left much to be desired.

Ultimately it's one of those thought-provoking pieces of art that not only dare to speak against inhumane practices done on animals but also throw light upon the valiant men & women in our Forest Departments who have their lives on the line pretty much all the time. It's high time we acknowledge the value of the contributions they make for the betterment of our society and Mankind in general!

Best Movie of 2021 So Far

[tulsi-das-khan · 10/10 · 18 June 2021]

Amit Masurkar has done it again. Can this be India's official entry to Oscars this year? It certainly has the potential. What works for this movie is the authenticity and the rawness. You'll get transformed into their world. Each and every scene is a gem and does not feel out of place. Intricate detailing has been done for each and every character. The actors have done a fantastic job; especially Vidya Balan, Vijay Raaz and Brijendra Kala.

Full marks to the writers and the director in researching what goes behind the scenes in a forest department and the way the senseless and illiterate politicians are ruining the balance between humans and nature. He has covered the in's and out's of the department and has given us a never seen before, one of a kind masterpiece. Please do watch it!

Growl rather than a roar

[ltejas · 6/10 · 18 July 2021]

Just because you have shot it, doesn't mean you have to show it. But Sherni insists you understand the trifling nuances of every character that prowls on screen irrespective of it's clawing impact on the narrative. And hence fails to roar.

Realistic

[santurock · 8/10 · 20 June 2021]

Good movie... Very realistic no heroic or fake action...

A must watch movie

[dy38493 · 7/10 · 18 June 2021]

Good movie to watch for the leading lady vidya balan the movie is mix of emotions in the forest the movie deals with a good subject the movie is great.

DISTORTED FACTS

[mandalau · 1/10 · 27 June 2021]

The movie says it's based on true events but the left urduwood have distorted the facts n presented the majority community as antagonists and minority community as protagonists whereas in the real life incidents, it's the exactly opposite.

The title "Sherni" itself is incorrect. "Sherni" is a lioness while tigress is called "Bhagin".

-Real life hunter/shooter Asghar Ali Khan becomes kalawa-wearing Ranjan Rajhans (Pintu Bhaiya).

-The honest bindi wearing IFS officer KM Abharna becomes Vidya "Vincent".

-All forest officials are portrayed as corrupt or incompetent especially "Bansal" is shown as pooja performing superstitious person.

-While "Hassan Noorani" a Biologist is highlighted for his conservation efforts, the role of 3 Hindu veterinary doctors was totally ignored.

-Forest officials are seen enjoying liquor and non-veg which has been banned in Maharashtra forests for over 20 yrs.

Love letter to our forests.

[ShriArunKumar · 10/10 · 18 June 2021]

Sherni is an awesome movie about nature and conservatism. If you love mother Earth and want our forests to thrive, you would love this film.

Watch it for the brilliant acting of Vidya Balan, stunning photography, and a beautiful message.

Thank you Vidya Balan and team for this magnificent film.

A worthy follow-up to Newton

[ronakkotian · 7/10 · 20 June 2021]

Amit Masurkar is a director to watch out for. It took me some time but in the end I really appreciated Newton. It's been four years and now he's given us Sherni, one of the best Hindi to come out in recent memory.

Sherni follows Vidya Vincent, a forest officer who strives for balance in a man-animal conflict whilst seeking for her true calling in a hostile environment.

Topics like this aren't regularly shown in Hindi cinema so not only is it refreshing to see a Hindi film have an original and different story see the light of day but it's also informative as to the issues regarding conservation and environmentalism found in India. Masurkar takes us into the world of Sherni and gives us perspectives into every single character's lives whether it's the wildlife officers, villagers, politicians or superior officers. Masurkar crafts this film in a similar way to Newton. It's shot in a documentary-esque style which helps ground the film in reality. The conversations we hear these people have reveal many qualities about them whilst infusing subtle comedy within them. This is mainly shown through Vidya Vincent's perspective as she struggles to deal with the bureaucracy involved whilst striving to keep the environment and wildlife safe, the manipulation created by politicians for their own benefit and the casual sexism she faces being a woman. Masurkar conveys these matters very well without being heavy handed. He injects enough subtlety and lets the drama speak for itself making Sherni an impactful and thought-provoking watch.

The performances are all fantastic. I've been noticing a pattern in Vidya Balan's filmography as she's seen playing the same bubbly character in her recent films: Shakuntala Devi, Tumhari Sulu and Mission Mangal. However, I'm amazed by her work in Sherni. Her performance is very subtle and stoic but I'm still able to understand the feelings she's going through. Vijay Raaz is amazing as usual. Brijendra Kala and Sharat Saxena were easily one of the best parts of the films. Saxena does a terrific job playing a self-important person who wants to have his own way whilst Kala is equally excellent as the superior who avoids his work and duty. Ila Arun, Suma Mukundan and Mukul Chaddha all do a great job as Vidya's family that don't understand her field of work. The rest of the cast put forth great performances and add to the realism of Sherni's world.

Aside from its length, some pacing issues and some unpolished CGI, Sherni is one of the better Hindi films to come out in recent memory. It brings out many issues that can be talked about after it ends and is a great follow-up to Newton. I'm very impressed by Amit Masurkar as a writer/director and I hope he continues making thought-provoking films like this in the future.

A very long tale

[sameerlodaya · 4/10 · 18 June 2021]

The movie is pretty long and doesn't have much to offer

The story is about the tigers how they kill people and how politics is involved in it..in middle the story is stucked as it was not moving ahead interestingly same pitches were used like tiger foot prints ,snatches ,spotting,etc was revolving and the same old how to protect nature

Vidya looked tired and did not have a promising role she was just average..direction was also very normal and slow as if it was a documentary film..the climax was very sad

A very stretched movie.

Reality of our society

[attractivevishnu · 10/10 · 18 June 2021]

Interesting story. Outstanding performance. Great jungle experience. One time watchable.

Very Average Movie

[iamawesomerishabh · 6/10 · 18 June 2021]

Just Average As Trailer. Caste is superb is not entertaning to watch. Ending Is Totally Not Worthy.