Robber (I) (2013) User Reviews

A moving painting with a big screen as its canvas.

[amanand838 · 8/10 · 5 July 2013]

"What is a film all about?" asks Aniket Mazumdar in Rituparna Ghosh's Abohoman . Apratim (his son) replies "Depends. Moments maybe!". It seems that Vikramaditya Motwane has done mastery in creating those moments. He first was an assistant of Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Devdas then did something as a choreographer and also played a part of screenwriter for DevD . Then came his first film Udaan in 2010 for which he had already written the story in 2003 but couldn't make a movie out of it as there were no producers to back him up. According to him that struggle was a blessing in disguise as he got his film released on a large scale which he had not even imagined. Udaan made me spellbound and won many accolades and after its success Vikramaditya with his Lootera proved that it was no fluke. He is a genius in creating moments which defines a movie. Lootera is a movie which shows cinematic brilliance on screen and apparently it brings a smile on your face as it is full of magical moments. It is really hard to describe those in words that is why I am not reciting any of those. Who said that the Romance genre has died in Bollywood. The first half of the movie is freshly written but the second half which was shot in Kashmir is adapted from O'Henry's short story The Last Leaf. Set in 1953-Manikpur it is a story of an ageing zamindaar who is struggling with the new law, which the government forbids everyone to do zamindaari. He loves her daughter Paakhi (Sonakshi Sinha) more than his life. And then comes Varun Srivastava (Ranveer Singh) with his friend as an archaeologist to find some remains of a dead civilization under Paakhi's father's land. It is then the joyride begins with so much detailing which is handled by Vikramaditya very efficiently. Each and every sequence of the movie is like a moving painting and is well shot that it feels so stunning and vivid, be it the Kashmir or the Manikpur part. Packed with powerful performances of Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha the movie ends up being a treat to watch with its supporting cast also doing a great job. It may well be the career defining performance of both the protagonists. Ranveer and Sonakshi puts their heart in the movie and proves a fact that, Yes they also can act. Lootera also demonstrate a fact that wonders can happen when two geniuses are involved in the same project. The second one being Amit Trivedi. This guy just cannot disappoint you. He is getting better and better with each movie. If the movie is a moving painting then Amit Trivedi's music and background score are canvases of it with Shikaayatein and Manmarziyaan being so infectious. The movie works in every department and it is a very rare movie nowadays where the second half doesn't disappoint you. Yes there are some weak points in the second half but they are a few in numbers or negligible as compared to the good parts. Many of you may want to cry or some of you may get disappointed after watching the climax but it brought a smile on my face as Varun smiled after falling off the tree in the last part of the movie. I just felt love in the air. Love between Paakhi and Varun. The magical climax couldn't have made an impact as it did without the Zinda Hoon Main song. I am going with 4 stars for Lootera. Watch it for two geniuses and two future stars of Bollywood.It certainly is the best movie of the year and much much better than the trash that the industry has produced in the name of a love story.

P.S:-Do yourself a favour by not missing Lootera on the big screen. 4/5

Lootera is a fine movie... it's like reading a fine literary novel...

[bkesh777 · 8/10 · 6 July 2013]

If you are looking for a masala movie... a time pass movie.. then it's not for you.. but if you appreciate fine movie.. then you must watch this movie.. it's a slow romantic movie.. there is not much in the story but the acting of Ranbir Singh and Sonakshi Sinha is astonishing.. Really good work by the director.. background music and all the songs are good and is perfectly defines the film's mood.... cinematography is just awesome.. and the location is also awesome.. all in all its a one time must watch love story...If you are looking for a masala movie... a time pass movie.. then it's not for you.. but if you appreciate fine movie.. then you must watch this movie.. it's a slow romantic movie.. there is not much in the story but the acting of Ranbir Singh and Sonakshi Sinha is astonishing.. Really good work by the director.. background music and all the songs are good and is perfectly defines the film's mood.... cinematography is just awesome.. and the location is also awesome.. all in all its a one time must watch love story...If you are looking for a masala movie... a time pass movie.. then it's not for you.. but if you appreciate fine movie.. then you must watch this movie.. it's a slow romantic movie.. there is not much in the story but the acting of Ranbir Singh and Sonakshi Sinha is astonishing.. Really good work by the director.. background music and all the songs are good and is perfectly defines the film's mood.... cinematography is just awesome.. and the location is also awesome.. all in all its a one time must watch love story...If you are looking for a masala movie... a time pass movie.. then it's not for you.. but if you appreciate fine movie.. then you must watch this movie.. it's a slow romantic movie.. there is not much in the story but the acting of Ranbir Singh and Sonakshi Sinha is astonishing.. Really good work by the director.. background music and all the songs are good and is perfectly defines the film's mood.... cinematography is just awesome.. and the location is also awesome.. all in all its a one time must watch love story...If you are looking for a masala movie... a time pass movie.. then it's not for you.. but if you appreciate fine movie.. then you must watch this movie.. it's a slow romantic movie.. there is not much in the story but the acting of Ranbir Singh and Sonakshi Sinha is astonishing.. Really good work by the director.. background music and all the songs are good and is perfectly defines the film's mood.... cinematography is just awesome.. and the location is also awesome.. all in all its a one time must watch love story...

Awesome experience

[mumbayite-1 · 8/10 · 5 July 2013]

A fabulous story of a bygone era. Awesome performances by Ranveer and Sonakshi. Both of them have an equally powerful role in the movie. Finally Sonakshi shows acting genes that she has inherited. Ranveer meanwhile shows us that you don't have to be born into a Khan or Kapoor family to do good in Bollywood. Though, the pick between the two is definitely Sonakshi. Wonderful background score and equally musical tracks. The only gripe was the not so obvious mini adaptation of O.Henry's 'The Last Leaf'. Would have loved to watch this one with a glass of scotch. To complete the 'experience' of the Zamindar days. A Must watch.

A Masterpiece in every sense of the word ! :)

[bhatia-apurv · 7 July 2013]

Years ago I watched Dev Anand's entertainer -Nau Do Gyaarah (perhaps my only start-to-finish black n white feature) ,the movie had it all:- drama, suspense, comedy, romance, action etc. Motwane's Lootera is one such flick, in the same genure (and no I haven't read the O.Henry book)... ... Prepared with a thick batter of emotions, spruced with romance ,garnished with suspense and drama with a tinge of comedy ,its a mouth watering dish u wont want to miss from Phantom-Balaji house this weekend . Great performances by both the leads (Sonakshi s a voluptuous surprise ;) , Ranveer 's show).. I was initially a bit sceptical with the star cast but both of em have been used pretty well ! Its a period movie with an old world charm to it all the way. Base a movie in Bengal and u already have half of my loyalty...brilliantly captured, mesmerizing cinematography..a beautiful canvas on the celluloid , good narration and a fabulous score by Trivedi are enough treats in store for any movie buff... I am going with a thumping 4.5* outta 5 for Lootera, its one movie that would be talked about for times immemorial and would be etched in the minds of those who are in love, and those who shall be. By the time u leave the cinema hall with moist eyes and the humdrum of the background score in ur head , u know Motwane has aced it yet again , a remarkable flight after another great -Udaan ..

P.S.-- If u have loved ur Bodyguards, Singhams , Cocktails ,high on testosterone - Bhatt factory products, and other Sallu Bhai stuff or are excited about SRK's Eid release..., chances are u would abhor this one, so better not go. Its sad to hear crass about a movie of such a stature

The Reason , Why I Love Romantic Movies.............

[DeliriumTonageEuphoric4 · 9/10 · 5 July 2013]

First of all to begin with i would say that this is romance in its purest of form and Mr. Motwane did it again after his masterpiece Udaan .... form , execution , structure , text , dialogues , score and music works perfectly......... Chemistry between Ranveer and Sonakshi works on various levels and the poetic yet realistic treatment of subject and enigmatic approach towards matter gave the two perfectly written characters... First half is an amazing look into Indian history along with doomed romance which would have given birth to beautiful things but wasn't destined to prosper...... second half is the look into the consequences of the choices and is way too dark and realistic in comparison to the fairy-tale approach of first half........

Might be too 'different' for mainstream audiences , but this movie have one thing that most of the movies now a days from Bollywood lacks , Class....

if you want to witness sheer romance and meditate silence and feel the warmth and cinema is the medium that does this the best for you..... then Lootera is the thing for you.....

Anurag You Are Great!

Balaji thanks for backing up this classic timeless piece of work

And for Mr. Vikramaditya Motwane i would say.... keep Em coming man.....you are the future!

New age Bollywood: Old days charm

[abhicbsa · 9/10 · 6 July 2013]

This is my first review in IMDb.

I went to this movie without any expectation and because of my wife. I was completely blown away by the class of this movie. Direction, music, cinematography and acting by all the actors were top class.

I was not a fan of Ranvir Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha. However after watching this movie, I've changed my mind. I believe this is their best performance.

Arif Zakaria, Pakhi's father and Adil Hussain impresses in supporting role.

Do not miss this movie. I'll rate this 8.5 out of 10.

Must Watch For All Lovers of Bollywood Romances

[debrajgangulie · 7/10 · 8 July 2013]

A highly engaging first half and a somewhat tedious second half with a brilliantly crafted climax..... Lootera is a winner. After Udaan, Vikramaditya Motwane gives us yet another masterpiece painting, which people will remember for a long time! The movie's biggest asset is a bouquet of few of the most romantic scenes ever filmed in bollywood. Lootera doesn't care how other films of the same genre have depicted pure true love on screen; it has its own style..... that's what makes it special. The way the story moves, the film had to have a sad ending. But, a sad ending can also make u leave with a smiling face and with a ray of hope and happiness. This is what Lootera achieves at offering and in winning the hearts of the audience. Lootera has the pure charm of reading a novel. At times it may appear to be a bit too long and repetitive but in the end your heart is full of affection for both the lead characters. One of the finest bollywood romances; loopholes kept aside, Lootera is like a fresh gust of pure wind. If you have ever been in love, you will love the film.

Motwane captures "Love" in his canvas of lens & reflects the pure beauty through Silence of its characters..

[suchismita_sengupta · 10/10 · 22 July 2013]

In Genesis 37:9 the following statement is made: "And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me." Vikramaditya Motwane had stunned the critics with his poignant coming of age story 'Udaan'. He does that yet again in Lootera, justifying the feature length body to the soul of O Henry's petite plot. Loooera is like Van Gogh's "Starry Night" that is Picturesque and poignant at the same time. It takes a simple O Henry story – The Last Leaf, and adapts it to a period setting in Bengal and North East India. Somewhere the short story has decent potential for a short film. But Vikramaditya Motwane is one filmmaker who knows how to extract maximum gratification out of minimalism. It's a work of art - slow, deliberate and introspective. It's one of the best films you'll watch this year. It's a triumph of its director's vision, resulting in a win for the performances of its lead actors.

There's a sense of subliminal aesthetic familiarity when "Lootera" opens in the newly partitioned India of 1953. The unhurried ambiance of the olden days, the sureness of the camera's frame, the undiluted subtlety of the narrative – and decisively – the itching gut feel that it's not going to work out well in the end. The story is of an archaeologist Varun (Ranveer Singh) who comes for an excavation expedition on a piece of land that belongs to Pakhi's (Sonakshi Sinha) family. Love blooms over Dev Anand's enchanting songs and painting lessons where the teacher ends up turning into a student. The vintage Chevrolet cars, heritage haveli and fading royalty add to the aura. The chemistry between Sonakshi Sinha and Ranveer Singh is delicate, pristine yet searing.

Evidently Pakhi falls for the charming visitor only to face betrayal subsequently. Almost a year later, they chance upon each other and are stranded in a cottage amidst snowfall. Now Pakhi is taken over by mixed emotions towards the man while Varun seeks redemption. The director clearly strikes the right chord with the audience and the sublime and surreal shade that he imparts to the story gives it a fairy-tale touch. The tragic end is quite evident all through yet there is that ray of hope which clings on the last leaf.

Lootera uses silence and stillness wonderfully well. In such moments of repose, one can hear footsteps on a hilly pathway or a piece of paper being crumpled, and that is such a rarity in a Hindi film.

The two halves of Lootera are distinct chapters: the gold, russet and green of the Bengal landscape gives way to the pale, snowy, hilly heights of north India. Each is captured in muted hues by cinematographer Mahendra Shetty, whose contribution to the overall impact of the work is enormous.

Every actor in Lootera, irrespective of the footage he or she gets, makes an unmistakable presence. Coming to Sonakshi Sinha's performance, iIf you know her as the 100-crore girl who shakes and swings at the drop of a hat you're in for a surprise. Her nuanced act tugs at your tear glands. A good compliment to Sonakshi's anchoring performance is Ranveer Singh's underplay. He proves he's an actor to reckon with. And he does so despite having a character in shadow of Sonakshi's Pakhi. Supporting performances by Barun Chanda (playing Sonakshi's Zamindar father), Vikrant Massey (Ranveer's best friend) and Adil Hussain (the tough as nails cop) are all top notch too. Arif Zakaria, Dibyendu Bhattacharya and Shirin Guha make brief appearances but lasting impressions.

Lootera celebrates the past, mourns the demise of love, life and things of joy and beauty, but in the end affirms the primacy of the human spirit and the power of art to tide over the blows of fate.

Now the big question: why a film like Lootera is not working at the box office? The question is irrelevant. It wouldn't matter, at least from the critical point of view, even if it were to fail to get its point across to an audience captivated on Dabangg, Rowdy Rathore, Son of Sardar and suchlike. This is a "film". Appreciate it without the tags of commercialism (or lack of), or art, or new Bollywood. It's a beautiful poetry which is being recited, you either relive and resonate the spirit or, you don't.

Breathtaking Cinematography...Excellent Performances

[rajat_srvstv · 6/10 · 7 July 2013]

It takes a lot of artistic sensibility to make such a film. Lootera is one film that reminds you of old bollywood movie-making.Even if it didn't have anything to flaunt,one can easily watch it just for the cinematography. Coming to performances,Ranveer Singh's act is brilliant....and Sonakshi does get to showcase her acting skills for the first time (her choice of movies has been pathetic...remember Joker,Son of Sardaar and Rowdy Rathore ?). Whereas the first half is smooth,the other half needs little patience because of its slow pace. Definitely not worthy of the rave reviews it is getting,but a nice one time watch.

Lootera : (Lo)ve (o)f (t)he (era)

[amandeepk-sondh · 9/10 · 10 July 2013]

If you love someone, saying with words is not necessary, when your eyes and your expressions can say it.. Loved it totally, Feel like watching another time, everything was perfect, eyes, expressions, smiles, weather, locations!!! What a movie!! Its totally different from Motwaane's Udaan, but has the similar gripping power over the audience. One thing i didn't like about it was that it was a bit overstretched.The last leaf concept doesn't look hokey and fits well with the script. The music is awesome and blends perfectly with the situations in the movie. Soulful concoction of sensitivity and sensuality without a bit of vulgarity is what is Lootera !!!

Lootera is a masterpiece of heart wrenching pure romance. A piece of poetry on celluloid. Something rare in the bollywood of today

[srgclub · 7/10 · 6 July 2013]

Lootera is a movie that takes the audience far away from the stereotyped world of sugarcoated love-making adorned with masala item numbers ... Talk of pure romance with prominent shades of an inexplicable heart wrenching tragedy mixed into it, Lootera is exactly what you should see.

Vikramaditya Motwane has just hit the hammer right on the nail with this piece of story of tragic romance set amidst a backdrop of post-independent India and Bengal of aristocratic zamindars.

Slow it was, but the right pace just set in at the end of the first half and you should not see this if you do not like slowly progressive film-making. But the beauty of romance couldn't have been explained any better than this one. Then again, on the flip side too much of over-gentle snowfall is too dreary, an occasional blizzard is necessary. That is where Lootera faltered at times and lost on the steam and pace albeit the fact, the hues of romance didn't fade away any time.

Not merely a film, but a piece of poetry on celluloid, Lootera, however is bedecked with some eye-catching astounding cinematography and some masterclass background music. Amit Trivedi in his absolute Hans Zimmer mode never seems to get it off the hook and this time it was not an exception, too ! Superlative performances from Sonakshi and Ranvir Singh intensify the fact all together that it's time teens stop drooling over unnecessary sparkle-in-the-light stuff and see movies like this, a piece of unadulterated romance which is !

Apt for the ones who love cinema in its PUREST form....

[prannoymehta1 · 10/10 · 10 July 2013]

Lootera is pure magic.....every frame...every shot... every scene... Right from the start to the end, you are engrossed in the world of Varun and Pakhi... their love and their inner conflicts.... Director Vikramaditya Motwane has brilliantly fused his own story of a "LOOTERA" (theif) and that of O'Henry's poetic story "THE LAST LEAF"..... performances are par excellence... especially Ranveer Singh who moves out of his comfort zone of playing a loud character... Sonakshi Sinha is good too... considering her earlier performances in her 100cr films...

The Music.... background and songs are beautiful... few of them might not appeal us just for the sake of hearing them but they go beautifully with the shots...Amit Trivedi once again proves that he is the rising superstar in the music industry.... The film is high on technicality... The Art Director and team have wonderfully re-created the 1950's....

Lootera is a movie that might not appeal to the majority of the youth today who crave "masala" entertainers... but for those few who love all genres and cinema itself will love this movie... and so will people from all ages... "LOOTERA" is like a breath of fresh air... 2 minutes into the movie and you are transported in the 50's... This movie is cinema in its purest form representing the purest emotion...LOVE... have a great week at the movies.... :) :D

Bollywood++.

[vicarious_tool · 7/10 · 7 July 2013]

What the summary title is supposed to convey is that in my opinion this movie is better than most Bollywood fare, not the best but much better than the run-of-the-mill masala melodrama Bollywood romance. The pace is nice and slow, it gets you involved, and the cinematography is quite good so if the ordinary dialogues start to bore, one can still enjoy a visual treat. The plot is simple but decent and will keep you engaged, but I got the feeling that the movie was more about what came in between the climax moments rather then the moments themselves. The acting performances are great, but I found Ranveer Singh's acting a trifle unconvincing.

A thing that bothered me initially was that both primary characters had a certain shallowness to them, the male one seemed to have no redeemable qualities and the female seemed to be a sheltered and gullible girl who fell for the first new person that came to town, thankfully this changed towards the end to an extent, I just had to be patient. Also, there are not dance sequences which pleased me to no end but if you like those, you're going to be disappointed. Not much of melodrama except in the end, the dialogues are generally unimpressive except for a few, some of them seemed absolutely unnecessary.

On the whole this is a serious drama film, and if you don't like those, skip this one, but if you liked 'Raincoat' for example, this won't disappoint and is a must watch.

Watch It For The Superb Performances!

[namashi_1 · 5/10 · 5 July 2013]

Based on author O. Henry's book The Last Leaf, Vikramaditya Motwane's 'Lootera' is a beautifully made, superbly acted film! However, this film is strictly aimed at the pseudo intellectuals, who swear to be enlightened on celluloid with non-commercial, realistic cinema.

'Lootera' Synopsis: In 1953 India, Pakhi, An aristocratic girl falls in love with an archaeologist, Varun. But soon later, Varun's true identity is exposed & they part ways, only to be reunited later.

'Lootera' is beautiful to look at. Each Frame is so wonderfully crafted, that its hard not to be in awe. However, The Screenplay by Bhavani Iyer & Motwane himself, is slow-paced & lengthy. Of course, the Love-Story has some stunning moments, but I truly was under-whelmed by the pacing. There's nothing wrong in letting a story unfold slowly & steadily, but at least there needs to be a proper pace. Also, the film is lengthy by at least 20-minutes.

Motwane's Direction is skilled. His handling of the dramatic portions, particularly, deserve a mention. Cinematography by Mahendra Shetty is amazing. Each & Frame has been captured brilliantly. Editing is fine. Art & Costume Design, are perfect. Music & Background Score, are mesmeric.

Performance-Wise: 'Lootera' is blessed with superb performances. Ranveer Singh is masterful in a career-defining role. He plays the troubled protagonist with rare ease & understanding. Sonakshi Sinha is simply incredible. Not only does she look gorgeous, she also delivers a career-best performance. The On-Screen Chemistry of Ranveer & Sonakshi, is electrifying. In Supporting Roles, Barun Chanda, Vikrant Massey & Adil Hussain are outstanding. Divya Dutta leaves a mark in a cameo.

On the whole, 'Lootera' is certainly a must see for those who have an appetite for artistic cinema.

Main lead character is something else.

[mnsh-prasad12 · 5 July 2013]

Neither "Pakhi"(Sonakshi) nor "Varun"(Ranveer) are the main character of this film. Now if you think that i am joking then you should watch it. For me the main character of this movie is SILENCE and it is something awkward for a Hindi movie nowadays but that's true. The whole movie is show through silence , eyes , facial expression , visuals, surroundings and last but most important background score. This movie is not going to create the kind of magic that "Udaan" did but its a different genre movie and very real. Now if you love to see a story not by dialogues but through expression then this is something you must watch and for other people just find two n half hour a real silence of their life.

Lootera is a perfect evidence of being a great bollywood !!

[adeel_parbhulkar · 9/10 · 9 July 2013]

Lootera is film that defines a perfect romance. It is a perfect dramatical film. It is similar to Hollywood films. You can compare this film with Hollywood dramatical films. Lootera is a perfect classy film. Ranveer and Sonakshi both done a great job. They make us fully satisfy by their act.

All the things were perfectly described. The script was awesome. From acting to make-up all were perfect. Its a very very slow movie. Some people may say that its a bored film. But only few people can only understand the real meaning of this film lootera. And i really understood what is lootera actually.

I can just say that its a fairly made film. Definitely a must watch film. You would definitely regret yourself if you will not watch these film.

Its actually the Most Loved Movie of the year.

Movie:- 4.5/5

Music:- 4/5

Subtlety - the biggest performer!

[arshudude · 10/10 · 6 July 2013]

Lootera is not a sample representation of Bollywood. But, having watched it, I would hope that this kind of cinema, be linked with Indian films. This is not a regular run on the mill, pop corn flick. Nor is it your typical rosy love story! Love story, yes! but Lootera bravely unravels what every adult, who has fallen in love experiences but, fails to express! Yes, it is these features of the screenplay and direction that make you fall in love with this movie. The dialogs are so beautiful and hardly wasted. One of the scenes where Ranveer reveals his bucket list to Sonakshi, only to figure out that it had such an important role in the climax is a simple deduction of Vikramaditya Motwane's sheer class!

Every character has tremendous scope in this movie because of the movie's affinity to silence. We know how good a weapon it is for directors! Mani Ratnam showed us what silence could do! It helps the characters completely settle and express in a realistic and emotional manner. Emotional - to the exact extent! Wow!

Ranveer - a career changing role for him! He is excellent in his subtle avatar of the lootera - Varun Shrivastav. His Varun Shrivastav manages to create mercy in your hearts half way down the movie when one is not supposed to! The final scene, where he breaks down before Sonakshi, literally moves you to tears! This scene is the show stealer! Period. Sonakshi, the next Vidya Balan for sure! Her change of expressions from being ecstatic to heart broken. Anger to sarcasm. Her face does it all! She is there making an impact in each and every scene, through out the movie! The support cast has done an evenly good job.

On the whole, Lootera is an achievement for the romance genre itself! Motwane - another coming off age film from him. He is here to stay definitely! On the whole, magnificent! As the cliché goes - Please do yourself a favor by watching Lootera!

Lootera is a love story set in India of 1950s.

[zealous_inker · 7/10 · 13 July 2013]

‪Lootera‬ is a fine portrayal of Old School Romance. It is set in India of 1950s when Zameendari system was abolished. Both actors, ‪‎Ranveer‬ and ‪Sonakshi‬ have delivered a commendable performance. The story glides smoothly through Amit Trivedi's melodious music. It gets a bit slow in fragments and has it's share of loopholes but manages to strike a chord in the end. Vikramaditya Motwani tells another gem of a story after "Udaan". Dialogues written by Anurag Kashyap are amusing at places. Cinematographer of movie has also done a commendable job as he captures some really picturesque scenes shot in Dalhousie. It has logical drawbacks but deserves to be seen at least once. I'll go with 3.5/5.

Masterpiece!

[anshul0082 · 10/10 · 7 July 2013]

Absolute masterpiece. A journey you get lost in. The simplicity of the the time yet the attention to detail in every scene adds visual appeal that is so palpable, yet blends with the movie without distracting from the theme and characters! I loved it. You should too! Movies such as Lootera is the reason I continue to come back to Bollywood for more! Contrary to common opinion, I found the movie to flow at a perfectly normal pace. There is a major event, twist or turn every couple minutes to keep the story moving along. Any faster and the movie would seem rushed. We all had our jaws dropped at the intermission. The first half was simply superb!

Slow But Fantastic Movie

[VikasBansal · 7/10 · 7 July 2013]

Looetera with story revolving around 1953 post independence where one guy comes to a small town of Bengal with intention to loot a rich zimidar and fell in love with his daugther. Sequences of events happen and story goes on. The story has been inspired from famous story read in school times "The Last Leaf". 1st half of movie is slow and is building the sequences that may occur, second half looks fast with some twists and turns, climax was expected. on the whole, credit must be given to director who extracts the splendid performances from both the main leads, also all the locations have been beautifully captured, full justice to the 1953 background of India. The main Cast Ranveer and Sonakshi has done commendable job with their performances, ranveer in particular looks good with his slow dialogs. On the whole, the movie is slow but beautiful painting that a painter can put on Canvas. My verdict is 3.5 Stars.

True Cinema

[bharat-priyani · 9/10 · 5 July 2013]

A majestic portrayal about love and betray. All praises for the director Vikramaditya Motwane and the Cinematographer for making such a heart- warming and visually charming piece. A lot of people will complain that the movie was slow, but its an art movie which typical Indian audiences are not used to.

The acting in this movie was perfect. Both Ranveer and Sonakshi, were outstanding although i do feel the characters could have been written a little bit better,because there were moments where you feel forced to empathize with the protagonist. The supporting actors also gave exceptional performances, especially Vikrant Massey who plays Ranveer Singh's accomplice in the movie.

The music by Amit Trivedi was impressive and perfectly matched the mood of the story, with tracks like "Shikayatein", "Zinda" and "Ankahee".

Overall it is a well-crafted and awe inspiring movie which you will fall in love with if you invest the patience and attention that it truly deserves.

This is Vikramaditya Motwane's Masterpiece

[harsh007 · 10/10 · 9 July 2013]

Lootera –a Saga of tranquil emotions sprinkled with somber pain and heart throbbing climax is a 'Masterpiece' of an artist who will have his name written in gold in the corridors of Bollywood as one of the most accomplished filmmakers of our time.

Sketched on the canvas in an extravagant fashion but still being close to subtlety it portrays the story of two people who fall in love, get separated and reunite again under grim circumstances with a cop-thief story in the background.

Varun an archaeologist from ASI comes to manikpur is search of a submerged city near the 400 year old temple which belongs to an aristocratic zamindar .Being a Charming young man with interest in arts and literature he impresses both the Zamindar and his Daughter. Soon they fall in love with each other but Varun is not what he claims to be, he has a dark secret which inhibits him from getting married to her but with a hope of starting a new life leaving his past behind he decides to marry her and get settled in some place where the tentacles of his past can't reach him. But his honest emotions are not strong enough to escape the clutches of a guilty past and he eludes on the day of the marriage leaving Pakhi heartbroken for life.

Four Years later Pakhi is dying of a fatal disease and in her desolation she seeks solace by letting the writer in her live .Soon she loses hope of life and decides to die when the last leaf on a withering tree falls. This is when Varun accidentally enters her life again under drastically different circumstances .

Lootera is a deftly crafter piece of art where every frame looks like a travel postcard with outstanding performance from the actors which gives life to the picturesque story .The leads are in top form and give their career –best performance but the real hero for me is Vikramaditya Motwane whose treatment to one of the most widely loved short story 'The Last Leaf', would have brought tears in the eyes of O 'Henry himself.

Viramaditya is a director who is in total control of the story and specializing in extraordinarily shot 'Muted Sequences' which showcase a Master Story tellers grip on his art. The music by Amit Trivedi is like Milk in 'Darjeeling Tea' it gives a flavour to the viewers which is reminiscent of 'Old World Charm'.

Lootera is a must watch , technically brilliant film with outstanding direction ,music and performance. Its quality cinema at its best , for me it is the best movie I have seen this year and one of the those movies which are not bound by time. It will be as enjoyable 10 years from today like it was watching it for the first time.

*****(For being an emotionally satisfying movie after a very long time)

Our Grand Parents Romance

[boHEMiAN_T · 7/10 · 8 July 2013]

Today another movie added in my list Director of UDAAN Vikramaditya Motwane 's Lootera , a story based on a short story 'The Last Leaf" by 'O.Henry' m sure if you ever tried to find some short love story book on Railway stalls than you must know O.Henry, When a short story is extended to 142 Minute Than I expect to be bored, but with very few dialogues and lots of expression will not make you bore. Normally Romance include touch too but here Romance is in air, Sonakshi Sinha as Pakhi was Good and m sure in old age when there was no dieting Chart That kind of body in India would be considered as beautiful. Have you ever thought of How our grand parents used to fall in love, How do they used to talk, How do they used to express there love? Check this movie out. My Rating to this movie 6.5/10

I was not "uplifted" by the ending!

[Cricketthecat · 3/10 · 8 June 2014]

Spoilers!!! Be forewarned!!! (Disclaimer: I don't understand the language spoken in this film. I watched this with English subtitles. I could have misunderstood something that led to my dislike of the story.) Rats!! I was so mad when I finished this film!* Nowhere did I read that this was a tragedy!! Otherwise, I wouldn't have watched it. I read that there was a "uplifting ending" so I assumed that if I trudged through the bog of misery along with our heroes that eventually something good would happen to bring meaning to their suffering.("David Copperfield", "Gone With The Wind", "War and Peace" style.) Now, I like a good bittersweet and life-is-a-struggle story; however, this ending felt pointless!! I still don't get it. The guy is dead and the girl is dying of T.B. (was the paper leaf supposed to keep her alive?) And he died to save her and atone for his evil ways. But Umm...HE CAUSED her problems to begin with!! So, basically everyone is happiest in the beginning... and it goes downhill from there. *I would like to go on record to say that my criticism is isolated to the storyline. I thought the acting, cinematography, etc. was great.