Begum Jaan (2017) User Reviews

A Powerful Story, A Strong Cast; with few Loose ends..

[saxenameghraj · 6/10 · 29 April 2017]

I went to watch this movie for two reasons. First was the script and second, our very talented actress Vidya Balan. Vidya was fab as always in her acting, the disappointing part was the idea of the story wasn't executed properly, I would say a lack from director's side. When I watched the trailer and read what this movie it's gonna be about, I was so excited and I thought "WOW" this is gonna be MIND BLOWING.

But.. there were many scenes in this movie where I was like "why is this happening? This thing shouldn't be given this much weight as it is been given..", like those overstretched half faces scenes, When Gulabo and Rubina got into a fight and Gulabo starts to laugh all of a sudden (that was a useless scene), and that overstretched scene where Sujit was caught by Kabir and his goon gang, and Master taking revenge on Begum Jaan by fooling Gulabo only to sell her to some other guy (means seriously?? Was this important at all in a movie of such great concept, I mean Come on, you could have added much better things).

Chunkey Pandey's Short appearance was really impressive. I wasn't even able to recognize him.

Vidya was fabulous as always. And there were so many hard hitting dialogues in this movie that are going to be remembered for a long time like "Baap, Bhai, beta, Shauhar - Begum Jaan ki Chaukhat pr..." and best was "Mahina Hame Ginna aata hai sahib." and there were much more...

Gauhar Khan also acted so well in this movie. Her scene with Sujit on that stone place was the best.

One thing which in my opinion was the worst that could happen to this movie was the sudden change of hearts of few people in the climax like Ilias shot himself dead, Harshavardhan became a drunk and that policeman quit his police uniform and was looking at the Brothel in regret. They all were so adamant on dismantling that Brothel before, so why were they all so devastated after that happened what they wanted, I mean a little distress was obvious, but this sudden heart of change!! that didn't go well with the story line what they were trying to build.

There was a scene where Laadli undresses in front of the Policeman and his reaction felt way too exaggerating when he starts to Puke after seeing her naked.

Also, I couldn't understand why Salim was keeping so many guns and ammo?? Why did he need all that?

The story was lacking in conveying the emotional trauma the prostitutes were going through while all this was happening. As far as I can remember, there was only one scene where they were all talking about going homeless, and that scene too failed to connect with the audience emotionally. The main idea of the movie was to convey the struggle, the emotional trauma they went through that one month, how insecure they were about going homeless, what they would do, this was their home, their country, their everything... But this was not made the focus of the movie, instead, the director focused on some rubbish chit chats throughout the movie.

Overall, I'd say, this movie should be watched if you really want to see some fresh stuff from our film industry, and watching Vidya Balan act, is always a sight for sore eyes... Just loved her performance in this movie. There are a few areas in which this movie do fall Short of our expectations but still, it's worth watching once... Go Watch It... It's not that bad

Prodigal waste of talents

[harinarayanantk · 6/10 · 18 April 2017]

A brilliant director , wonderful actors and a theme beyond imagination even then the film was disappointing. With all these advantages the film failed miserably to convey the emotional trauma of of displacement from home. The director has failed to take advantage of the theme , the team and of course the time of the story . Instead of making a film of Oscar dimensions what is churned out is a substandard film . At moments the film appeared dragging as it failed to narrate the human tragedy in its real sense . It failed to translate the human suffering when fate of poor people are decided by the power centers elsewhere and the orders are followed by petty officials clinging to their briefs in total disobedience to the travails of individuals driven out of their homestead resulting in human tragedy of catastrophic dimensions

The Story is one of the Finest no doubt...Mistakes are corrected from the Original..

[mukherjeediptendu · 7/10 · 18 April 2017]

This movie is a almost shot by shot remake of the Bengali film Rajkahini by same director and writer.

The Bengali movie has many problems as it doesn't holds up to the level as the story wants. This movie was way better than the the original. The director seems to be corrected all the mistakes and gaps and made it a good movie.

The acting is very good by every one specially Vidya Balan and all the girls are good. The main problem with the original is that it was not well acted by some of the supporting casts. But this one is and it gives every scene more gravitas.

The contract killer character portrayal of Chunky Pandey is not as good as the character portrayal in the original movie by Jisshu Sengupta.

This movie is bold as it can be on the screen. It has heavy dialogues. It is more suspenseful and more gory. The acting is good. Story is fantastic as it is known. Allover it is a very good and corrected remake of an average movie.........7/10...........

Different movie, but belies expectations

[rajmannar-08230 · 6/10 · 29 May 2017]

OK, first thing - Full marks for a different theme! All the promos promised something different and kickass fare. But, only the "different" part holds true. The overall feeling is of being let down. The director and script writer couldn't possibly figure out what they want the movie to be; and so it waffles with few good scenes punctuated by long meandering where nothing really happens. Rather same scenes seem to repeat with different camera angles.

There was potential here to make a a terrific movie, despite the basic flaw in the premise (why wouldn't the Prostitutes simple move out and make life elsewhere; they have no attachment to that piece of land and are not attached to specific country, as they keep stating; also why wouldn't the Babus rearrange the border to allow the place to fall in one of the countries?). Unfortunately, despite a decent star cast, background score, location etc - it falls flat.

Vidya Balan tries hard and is adequate. The other girls give good support.

Just passable fare.

I'm confused!

[pdave-96873 · 3/10 · 26 May 2017]

Great casting! Apt locations! But am I the only one who thinks there was really no story to support the movie? Two aspects that were beyond my understanding - First, I am at a loss to understand a compelling reason for the ladies to live in that house, even at the cost of their lives. It is not as if a rogue neighbor or a local goon was kicking them off their property (and they didn't own the house either; the King did!]). It was a freaking partition of the country! And they weren't the only ones being marginally inconvenienced. Millions of people lost their homes and life savings; hundreds of thousands lost their lives because they couldn't escape early enough. Why did the ladies want to live there? They weren't leaving their farms behind. They could continue with their profession wherever they relocated! Second, the two gentlemen assigned to put a fence along the partition line - what was so compelling that they couldn't move the partition line by 100 meters so the house would safely fall in either of the countries? The ladies did not care if they were in India or Pakistan - all they wanted was live where they were and continue with their lives. What was so important that the country line had to be drawn through their house? What was so important about that piece of land that made it more important than the tens of lives they were willing to sacrifice? There are reasons why people prefer to fight for their rights even at the cost of their lives. And there are principles folks follow even if it costs lives. But neither of these seemed like a valid reason in the story.

A strongly written and well-thought script that shows partition vows with a very different and unique angle

[ankitcom · 7/10 · 23 June 2017]

A strongly written and well-thought script that shows partition vows with a very different and unique angle. Barring the irrelevant noisiness of some characters, it's a well directed and acted movie. Vidya Balan along with other characters like Gauhar Khan, Chunky Pandey, Sumit Nijhawan and Ila Arun were brilliant.

Storyline Rating: 4

Acting Rating: 3 Vidya Balan: 3 Gauhar Khan: 3 Chunky Pandey: 4 Sumit Nijhawan: 4 Ila Arun: 3 Naseeruddin Shah: 3 Pallavi Sharda: 2 Ashish Vidyarthi: 3 Vivek Mushran: 2 Rajit Kapoor: 3

Direction Rating: 3

Music Rating: 3

Cinematography: 3

Editing: 3

A complete waste of time! Frustrating!

[hrhkalways · 1/10 · 26 June 2017]

A complete waste of time! Frustrating. I wonder why Vidya Balan accepted this movie. And I saw it for her. It's a complete write off…on all fronts. There's no saving grace in it. Even Vidya Balan wasn't convincing in this. It looked as if she was shying away from playing the role to the T. I was missing Shabana Azmi in this role…she would have executed this with panache. This whole movie project is a write off from the word go. It has a weak script, the whole premise it's based is unconvincing at best. Some actors gave it their best shot…Chunky Pandey for one, the cop, the guy who's their man Friday. But it was a lost cause. Radio? Hell, they were using oil lamps everywhere…how the hell were they listening to a radio when it came there only by 1950? How the hell did they get so many guns? And limitless bullets. Let's keep all that aside for a while. Please tell me, why did they have to put up a fight? Why were they projected as rebel without a goal? There was no audience connect. I am surprised to see people commenting as Fantastic movie, Great movie, Great story etc. That's what motivated me to come and give the right perspective. All these fake reviews or marketing reviews are killing the authenticity of the whole effort. That's really not fair to the people looking for a recommendation.

Best movie in its class, built on solid foundation, and conveyed the desired message to audience

[rs-45184 · 10/10 · 24 April 2017]

Really hard to find such movie now a days, which can portray subject so beautifully ..Movie have successfully and strongly passed message to its audience. Its one of the best movie because..

1) Unique story - during independence, where bureaucrats, politician, officers were busy in drawing the partition line, and public were busy in killing their own people in the name of religion. One brothel which somehow going through this line of partition stood up, and didn't allow to demolish it as long as they were alive..

2) True mirror of society - People who do Hindu, Muslim, upper cast,lower cast, temple, mosque, they do visit brothel.. and do not give a damn.. if a prostitute belongs to a specific religion or cast.. In India.. not many such brothels exists openly.. but type of people shown in movie still exists in same way and are in majority.

3 ) People playing social activist , have real face in background, looking for a chance.. to fetch a girl and sell outside... Police, bureaucrats & officers ..are regular visitor for gray market business.. but they enjoy as a free service... Same is happening now .. probably less in brothels..but for rest of the black business also.

4) These prostitutes , neither they were patriotic or religious, were staying in brothel as their own country.. with all freedom inside, and love and respect for each other, and great self esteem.. they died together to protect each other.. and to save their brothel... and outer world.. white color people.. fighting and killing each other for pity matters

5) Each actor have played their role best.. Vidya Balan was in her best.. many dialogues and scenes are mind blowing.. and will be remembered for long time..

6) I salute and thank its director, producers and actors and all involved for creating such great movies...of course it will not be liked by many.. who want to see their own ugly face in mirror..

Good movie though not awesome

[kazihaque · 7/10 · 16 April 2017]

Begum Jaan - Nice movie. It's a remake of bengali movie "Rajkahini". (Those who understand bengali, do watch Rajkahini as Rituparna Sengupta's acting is very good) As I have already seen the original, plot was not alien to me however with an exception Hindi version tried to link the movie with the Nirbhaya case(which was not required). Anyways, Story revolves around a brothel which was stuck between the dilemma of Indian-Pakistan partition. Begum Jaan played by Vidya Balan(head of the brothel) was asked to vacate as the LOC has to be drawn over the brothel but, she refused. Story progresses with how the situation started to become worse and ended on becoming an unfortunate story. Vidya is used to portray strong characters effectively and there is no exception in Begam Jaan as well. Gauhar is good, Pallavi sharda is decent(thank God its better than "Besharam"). All other characters Ashish, Rajit, Chunky have done a good job. Overall its a good movie and if you can leave F&F8(lol) and want to see some good acting, do watch it.

One word: pathetic

[dalvar-ak47 · 1/10 · 17 April 2017]

OK, we think of a Movie, movie based on feminism, Movie starring A Phenomenal actress like Vidya Balan. Movie which is based on a sensitive event like the partition, The first thing which comes in mind is... OK, we'll go for it.. But when we go and watch a nonsense going on in front of you, it's quite irking

Plot line is simple... Story of 11 prostitutes, one abused girl, one small kid, one old lady, one loyal pimp, one honest ex cop and one school master They live and spend majority of their time In a Brothel.. after the events of partition, they are asked to evacuate, but they refuse. It causes a soft, at times hard conflict between the prostitutes and the govt.

Pros:

1. Vidya Balan's amazing performance 2. Re introduction of amazing actors like Ashish Vidyarthi, Ila Arun, Chunky Pandey & Pitobash Tripathy 3. Bollywood debut of one of my favorite directors, Srijit Mukherjee (Autograph fame)

Cons:

1. Too Many irrelevant characters 2. Too much darkness 3. Too predictable 4. Full of absurdity 5. Failed attempt to bring tears in audiences' eyes 6. Portrayal of a negative image of feminism 7. Many unnecessary dialogues and R-Rated language 8. Tag line might create misconceptions amongst young ladies

Recently, we saw many Hindi movies on women empowerment like Dangal, Pink and naam Shabana.. amongst them Dangal was the best and Pink was second...

Naam Shabana was quite a stupid movie (when compared to it's predecessor "Baby") but still not as pathetic as Begum jaan

Truly, I wasn't interested in giving this movie a single star. But that single star is for the amazing performances by Chunky Pandey and Vidya Balan.

If you ask me, I'll say, save your money for Bahubali: the conclusion. Don't waste your hard earned money and time on this trash

My review: begum jaan - Avoidable

A heart-wrenching story, but unfortunately poorly directed

[faisalfaves · 8/10 · 16 April 2017]

Murder, rape and shattered families: 1947 Partition. The horror and the magnitude of suffering was unimaginable. Religious riots along with acts of oppression and cruelty marked this huge event as a dark blot on the history of the World.

Vidya Balan dives into her character with the fierceness and aggression, She is just amazing. Srijit Mukherji's direction appears to be colorless and purposeless at times. Background Music is not much good.

While the story is unique and interesting (written by Srijit Mukherjee, the director of the film), the movie has a bunch of good actors, it is the direction that falters at several points. This Story is so vast and heart-rendering, if they had made this movie so brilliantly then this movie was going to get an Oscar, Unfortunately missed! After all the faults you should watch this movie and feel the painful times during 1947.

Begum Jaan can't be just ignored or written off.

[binducherungath · 7/10 · 21 April 2017]

Begum Jaan is a film by Srijit Mukherji, which is a remake of his own Bengali film Rajkahini (2015). The film delves into one of the darkest phases of the partition of our country. The film does mention the tragedies which happened on either side of the border. Radcliffe Line is to be erected as the boundary between the newly formed nations of India and Pakistan. The officials face a challenge when they find a brothel which needs to be demolished to draw this boundary. Begum Jaan takes us through the journey of those 11 women and 2 men, the inhabitants of the brothel and the fights they put up for their rights to live in their house. Rajkahini is certainly more intense in comparison to Begum Jaan, but this film can't be just ignored or written off.

The film begins with the narrative of Amitabh Bachchan. The opening scene in this Hindi version is different in comparison to that of Bengali version. When a scene from Manto's book of gang rape of a girl during partition times form the opening scene of Rajkahini, eve teasing and efforts to molest a girl in a bus in the year 2016, decades after independence, becomes the opening scene of Begum Jaan. Is this to tell the audience that years have gone by, certain things still remain the same – women becoming the victim of men's lust. Begum Jaan does focus on women's fight against many elements of our society: patriarchal system, the social stigma attached to sex workers, the hypocritical men and their double standards, the right to live, concepts of secularism etc. With the opening and closing scene of Begum Jaan, Srijit does talk about hard-hitting reality that even after decades of partition and independence, the fight against social injustice is not over. Begum Jaan does force us to question and rethink about our past as well as present. Begum Jaan (Vidya Balan) is the owner of a brothel, which has 13 inhabitants – 11 women and 2 men. Salim (Sumit Nijhawan) and Sujit (Pitobash Tripathy) are the two men in the brothel, Begum's bodyguard and caretaker respectively. Amma (Ila Arun) is the senior most person in the brothel, who keeps sharing stories of empowered females to Laadli (Gracy Goswai) who created history and left their mark in the world viz. Rani Lakshmi Bai, Meera, Raziya Sultan, Rani Padmavati etc. It does become part of plot development. Rest of the inhabitants are Rubina (Gauhar Khan), Gulabo (Pallavi Sharda), Jameela (Priyanka Setia), Amba (Ridheema Tiwary), Maina (Flora Saini), Lata (Raviza Chauahan), Rani (Poonam Rajput), Mishti aka Indrani Chakraborty (Shabnam). Master and Party worker (Vivek Mushran) is a regular visitor to the brothel and keeps showering them with gifts. These women are all victims of abuse, violence, rape and these traumas become the connecting thread amongst them. All they have is their togetherness. Freedom means nothing for Begum Jaan.

The officials chosen for execution of border construction from either side are Iliyas (Rajit Kapoor) and Harshvardhan (Ashish Vidyarthi). Through their characters, many intricate facts are conveyed, be it the relationship getting sour between childhood friends, plight / ordeal of people on either side of the border etc. There are shots where only half of their faces are shown on screen – a metaphor of aftermath of partition, how incomplete people might have felt losing their possessions, family in spite of freedom being restored.

Other characters Raja Ji (Naseerudin Shah), Inspector Shyam (Rajesh Sharma) and Kabir (Chunky Pandey) become an important part of the film.

Feisty Begum Jaan and other inhabitants of the brothel are not ready to pay heed to notices issued to her to vacate 'Kotha'. They are very loud and clear that it is their house. How they all put up brave fight forms the rest of the story. There are many dialogues in the film which hits one hard. Music is also good.

Srijit through his film Begum Jaan does talk about hard-hitting reality that even after decades of partition and independence, the fight against social injustice is not over. Rajkahini, the original version, is certainly more intense in comparison to Begum Jaan, but this film can't be just ignored or written off.

Horrible Direction!

[shaanpalli · 1/10 · 16 April 2017]

I think the Bhatt family smokes weed every time they make a movie. This movie was utterly rubbish. They could do so much with the script, but the director just screwed up the plot. The story was just outstanding and I was expecting so much from the movie mainly because of that.

The dubbing, the editing, the acting (What the hell happened to Vidya Balan?!? She used to be so much better before), everything was just awful. There was a scene in the movie where the shot had half of the actor's face in a frame. Everyone in the movie thought the theater was probably zooming in but it was actually how it was shot. I can't believe i spent $15 on this movie.

I am surprised the board even let them release this movie. So disappointed seriously.

Movies like this spoils Indian film industry's reputation across the world.

Not worth anyone's time

[anthony_fernandes80 · 1/10 · 31 July 2018]

This is not a compelling or convincing film by any standards It is extremely illogical.

The opening sequence is truly remarkable. But that's about it.

One expects a lot more from Vidya Balan and she's better. Swearing on screen has never mean a measure for acting. the film has language that is justified by the fact that these characters are prostitutes, but too much of anything will hurt the final product. The performances are loud. Agreed that they needed to scream and shout in certain scenes, but they do it for most part.

My basic problem with the plot was that it made no sense. Several reviewers have raised this and so will I. Why couldn't they relocate? Why couldn't the line be drawn a few yards away? Even in the world of films and make believe, this is absurd. Even David Dhawan's illogical manages to put its pieces together!

Direction is poor. So the director had a weak, illogical plot. He went ahead and added nothing to make it convincing. To give him some credit, I do believe that the original version directed by him is supposedly better.

Another major sore thumb is Anu Malik's outdated and yet again plagiarized music (yes the song Prem mein Tohre is a note-by-note reincarnated version of Gore gore Chaand Se Mukh from the 1967 film Anita composed by Laximakant-Pyarelal). Some people never learn.

Overall, the film fails on most counts. Watch it for that opening scene and then switch to another Vidya Balan film.

Pathetic

[neetabora · 1/10 · 2 December 2017]

A movie with a talented actress like Vidhya Balan & strong story about a brothel in Indo-Pak partition, could have done wonders if it was more of brothel's tough times in it. But, there is no actual partition till now, so whom are they fighting & why. Plus, it's really not understood why are govt officials fighting them to that level? The story which is Pathetic, could have been a strong point like how a brothel could stand undivided despite of cast or religion in hard times. Vidhya Balan, the lead lady is projected more like a self obsessed, boasting, mean, stupid lady, who doesn't understand anything serious & always sulking. If this wasn't enough, the movie is full of foul language, like if there's a brothel there has to be foul language & girls fighting like wild animals with the temperament & no sense at all. Surely no work is accomplished inside brothel without the girls screaming or abusing each other, even if it's as simple as eating. This is definitely nothing what feminism stands for. Direction is stupid, people conversing normally standing meters away from each other. The role of the guy - 'master' is irrelevant and adds nothing to the story. Dialogues - Boring & cold, stretching the movie like anything. Bollywood had movies on this subject like 'Mandi' with awesome performances but this movie is no way near them.

A very good movie

[prateekstonecold · 10/10 · 7 May 2017]

I watched this movie over the weekend as I was getting bored. Wasn't expecting much but this movie surprised me. It is undoubtedly one of the finest movies I have ever seen. I think this is the best of Vidya Baalan till now. Dialogues are very Blunt, very true and you can feel the heaviness in your heart. The bond that the girls share despite having different opinions is what keep you glued. Ignored by society they create their small world, their little dreams shatters and you are left with a scar in your heart. This movie is as real as it can be, it is about their redemption. Chunky Pandey was superb too. This movie is not for masala audience, this is for serious cinema lovers.

What a waste of Talent

[cippy100 · 1/10 · 15 April 2017]

Very disappointed with the movie. Very Bad editing as it lacked proper continuity. Some scenes were just plain irritating where the dialog among the actresses was just LOUD for no rhyme or reason. Many of the characters were forcefully created and did not add anything to the movie (eg. the Master). I do believe that many of the actors in this movie are very talented but this movie certainly did not showcase their talent including Vidya Balan.

Visually beautiful

[dibeyendu · 9/10 · 20 April 2017]

Visually, Begum Jaan is a beautiful movie. Shot almost entirely in an old haveli in Jharkhand that lends it a real period flavor, the movie has great locales. In my mind, that's a major plus point since these days movies seem to shot mostly in touristy locales outside India (usually as part of a promotional effort by the country's tourist board). The other great thing about this movie is its ensemble cast. Such a pleasure to watch stalwarts Naseeruddin Shah, Ila Arun, Ashish Vidyarthi, Vivek Mushran, Chunkey Pandey and Ranjit Kappor again after all this time. They've all changed so much, but are still very watchable in this film. Begum Jaan has a story that makes for melodrama and the director hasn't tried to steer away from it. It's over the top in places, but hey, if you're telling a story of prostitutes caught up in the partition saga, it's allowed. I went to see it on a Thursday, the last day before it made way for new releases, and the hall was fairly full. Encouraging. Hope we get more movies like this in the future.

Gritty film with gruesome scenes

[dineshprakash · 5/10 · 14 April 2017]

India Pakistan partition is back drop of this film. A brothel comes between the border line and then government officers from both side and brothel women stands against each other. It starts with conflict, ends with battle. Characterization is major problem of this film. As writer director had clear cut vision that every person outside the brothel should have been grey or dark. Due to his this point of view most of the characters behave abruptly or turn grey without much logic. When local Inspector fails to evict them, two powerful government officers, rather than seeking help from higher authorities, they jointly decide to take help of a brutal goon, as if they had some personal grievances against the brothel, which is not clear and if they did it, just for their ego satisfaction then they are stone hearted but then they get highly emotionally affected in climax!! Why it was so necessary to demolish the brothel, is not established. Brothel or border fence could have been shifted or at least tried for the same. How and why, brothel care taker Salim had collected so much guns and ammunition is not clear, yes he was dismissed Inspector. Just because of makers had thought to use all this in climax! Director is so desperate to prove himself that he used new way of taking shots and even repeated them many times without thinking of its effect like, India and Pakistan partition offices only half face in frame most of the time when they converse emotional. It could have been bearable just for once but this type of frame has been repeated. Dialogues are very good, especially the line at interval 'Maheena giinne toh hamen khoob aata hai saab......'. Climax is very heavy. Performance wise Vidya Balan as Begum Jaan is first rate. Good performance is the main strength of this film. Gauher Khan as Rubina shines in the scene when she speaks with Surjit at the stone of river. Her performance is very layered. Pallavi Shrada as Gulaboo is fine. Chunkey Pandey as Kabir is brilliant. His looks and expressions, both are terrific which create the much needed terror. Flora Saini as Maina is fine. Pitobash Tripathi as Surjit is impressive.

Disappointing overall; could have been far better

[AnalEyesR · 4/10 · 17 April 2017]

An extremely disappointing film from Mr Srijit Mukherji. A low Second Class from a Presidencian ... extremely disappointing!

The story and concept is strong, but the execution extremely weak. If it was not for the acting and characterization of the fabulous Ms Vidya Balan and most of the other cast, this film would be dreary, bland, and quite surprisingly, a big drag. The film's narrative was monochromatic, lacking in cinematic magic, depth, and speed, and the brusque and forced elements of unpredictability and sub-plots and side-stories completely unattached and apathetic.

The liberal perspectives of a feminist (or humanist) standpoint against the backdrop of the angst of Partition could have been more intricately and passionately explored. The existential crises and the fears that were imposed on the affected people during Partition were nowhere in the film. In its dragging pace despite its misandrous histrionics, Begum Jaan shows no understanding of the agony and impasse afflicting those in its grip; in its preoccupation with staged flashes, Begum Jaan neglects revealing its soul and story. As a consequence, we feel nothing for the characters and their social standings.

This film could have so well and cleverly explored the no-compromise zone of the 'kotha' inmates against the canvas of the Partition; but unfortunately it did not. Visual elements of "half-faces" were unnecessarily stretched to irritations. No wonder many in the theatre were frequently thumbing with their mobiles ... a sad irritation to all those behind them.

Yes, there are scenes to shock and provoke, but they were like a handful of peppercorns in a tasteless tepid papaya soup. Didn't gel.

And, oh yes, I'm not an expert, but were the dresses conforming to Punjab in the late 1940's? They looked more Awadhi/Lucknavi in style.

Is there nothing to like? Ms Balan merits a 9+, as usual perhaps. Others too were good, would range between 8 and 9. For me, the film overall would not rate higher than a 6. I'm rating it 4 now just to balance the suspiciously high numbers who have rated it 10. IMHO, anyone who rates this film overall higher than 6.5 either has not watched the film, has some vested interest, or does not understand cinema. The film, as shown, was probably stretched an hour too long for its own good. That hour could have explored many many essential angles instead, for example, why was the 'kotha' under this specific Raja's patronage, and from when?

The best too can collectively create the worst.

[hoimee · 1/10 · 3 December 2018]

In a desperate effort to sound intellectual in an industry oozing with mediocrity, Srijit has screwed up storyline. The only saving grace is a sensible acting. The movie is an attempt to move away from the production-line of romantic drama. But the conflict of creating a commercial success vs the yearn of cinematography excellence was visible to audiences. Can't believe this comes from the same man who made Autograph and Jatiswar. A ensemble of the best is the industry, yet the result is unpalatable.

One of the Finest movies in Indian Cinema, for which "WOW" can be said!!!

[prakashmagic · 10/10 · 17 April 2017]

There are very few movies in Indian Cinema which uphold the very essence of cinema as a medium of expression. As it is said picture can say a thousand words, then "Begum Jaan" tells you about woman, freedom, history, humanity home and many heart touching issues of a non speaking society.

Taking a backdrop of post independence event on partition, Begum Jaan has connected the present day woman and scenario of woman of that era. Director Srijit Mukherji bags full points for keeping an eye over the details in shorts and frames. Movie has a great grip as far as performances, screenplay, dialogues and direction is concerned.

As we all know the credibility of Vidya Balan as a performer, she is awesomely outstanding as Begum Jaan. Supported by experiences like Ila Arun, Rajit Kapoor, Ashish Vidyarthi, Rajesh Sharma and all army of wonderful actors.... Special mention for Gauahar Khan and Chunky Pandey, their performances has a very different mark in the movie.

Its a masterpiece for a sensible cinema lover. Audiences who are their for entertainment please don't critic this movie. Its simply a 10/10.

Its a must watch...

Superficial film making

[kamlendra-chauhan · 2/10 · 18 June 2017]

This is very thinly directed movie. The first thing to notice is the film doesn't look authentic. The story looks made up and unreal. The characters are very typical. There are ample movies (and more honest ! ) on the subject, this is a very weak attempt. The storyline is very predictable and some surprises it throws looks artificial attempt to make things interesting. The songs are horrible and it will be rare if someone can recall any song within one hour of watching this movie. Similar is the case of background music, it looks below ordinary. The dresses doesn't match the era and the sets looks made up. The makeup of characters looks rather modern. The details are missed. There is a far bigger ethical problem with this movie, it claims to champion feminism, but its saucy dialogues were used to promote the trailers. The dialogues and punches are rather cheap and does no justice to the core of the film. I was expecting something like Muzaffar Ali's Umrao Jaan or Shyam Benegal's Mandi, the two outstanding movies on similar subjects. But alas ! it is no where near those. Only surprise is Chanky Pandey's acting. He shines in his small role of a ruthless criminal.

Have you done your part before expecting others to stand for you?

[mishrashruti · 8/10 · 15 April 2017]

Director Srijit Mukherjee is a man of art and with Begum Jaan he has a strong message of self-belief and self-empowerment being the most important part for a country or an individual to be independent and to fight for ones own rights. The movie might appear to be a non-sense or over-dramatic to shallow audience but if even once have you felt weak in the hands of the unwritten, unjust laws of the nation or the society, you would get the essence of this story. This is not a commercial entertainment made up to glamorize the female actors rather a film which speaks about the darker face of the society i.e. a brothel, a place where people go to seek happiness but won't give a damn if required to spread happiness with. And as the brothel and its residents are the life of the movie, the characters are found swearing in almost every other dialogue, hence the movie is not recommended for meek audience.

Strength: Acting, Casting for each character, Songs seem situational thus goes okay with the scenes. Weakness: Sub plots-which are there for a reason to depict the external factors leading to the present situation of each character, but is feels dislodged at times.

excellent...intense...and worth

[abhiluckyster · 10/10 · 15 April 2017]

Begum Jaan is one of the brilliant movie and is indeed a worth for your money.Salute Vidya Balan once again. She is at its best. A sincere effort to portray an incredible story. All the characters in the movie have done justice to their roles. Every one complementing each other, the script the story & the direction. The climax is just so powerful and will give you goosebumps. There will be no surprise if Vidya gets the best actress awards for 2017. Just do not miss it. Hugely recommended!!