Sonchiriya (2019) User Reviews

If Red Dead Redemption 2 was to ever have a Bollywood version...

[darkwizard404 · 9/10 · 4 March 2019]

When the movie was announced, I was a little skeptical mainly because Bollywood always ruin movies with unnecessary songs and romance. But after seeing the trailer I got super excited.

I was very impressed with the movie and its pacing as well as how close it is to reality. The direction, acting, story, locations are on point.

Sushant Singh Rajput delivers his career best performance here. He was outstanding in every aspect and he seemed totally natural in his character. Manoj Bajpayee as usual nailed his role as the leader of the gang. He was able to portray the notoriety that the bandits of Chambal possess. Bhumi Pednekar was fantastic as the woman on the run. Ranvir Shorey was absolutely mind blowing as the second in command. The intensity he portrayed was perfect. His character was brilliantly written. Ashutosh Rana was an absolute treat to watch as the police captain trying to hunt down the gang.

The director has done his job very well. It clearly shows how much research he did before making this film since everything was so natural including the language spoken throughout the movie and how birds react to dead bodies. The story was very well paced and high on intensity. The scenery was bound to be good since the film was shot on location. The action sequences were very well choreographed and very enjoyable.

This movie kept me hooked from the start to the end. It has a very deep meaning that a lot of people will fail to understand. This is not the typical Bollywood film with songs and romance. This is a film based on true events and carries a deep meaning and message. The pacing was good and those who appreciate pure cinema will love it given the fact that it's very close to reality and perfectly portrayed the harshness that was present in Chambal back in those days.

Overall it's a wonderful movie and a pure cinematic experience. If Red Dead Redemption 2 was made in India, this is exactly how it would be. If you're someone who enjoys reality based action films, then I strongly recommend this one.

Raw, rustic,poignant & deeply haunting

[santoshpatnaik1988 · 9/10 · 2 March 2019]

The year has just started but there wont be any better film this year..the performances, cinematography, action,dialogues everything is spot on..Abhishek chaubey's direction reaches new heights and the humane factor in his movies are a standout...i hope the makers break even on this project,filmmakers deserve these movies to be made every now and then and i hope audiences grow up

A Morden Masterpiece that No one is talking about !!!

[dhruvsuthar-90633 · 8/10 · 27 April 2019]

Best Raw Film making i have seen in the near past of the Bollywood. A dark Masterpiece about the chambal. It has so many shades with respect to its characters and The narrative. Abhishek chaubey is one of the best director working in the Bollywood at this moment to justify this kind of movies. I have much more interest in the raw filmmaking and his previous films like ishqiya dedh ishqiya udta Punjab all were very raw and original. Because of the Direction you will not find any kind of dull thing through runtime. Writing is hero here. Very original very witty. Cinematography and music respectively works in a very respectful manner. This film is nothing without this kind of epic cinematography and the writing. Performance wise Sushant sing Rajput nails every time he appears on the screen. Manoj sir did his best in the special appreance. Ranveer shorey is outstanding so is bhumi padneker. It is A very Intelligent and Risky choice she had taken but succeded in a very subtle way. Ashutosh Rana Is the underrated actor working today. It is a very Disturbing, Dark and Deep Movie That will blown your mind when you see. Probably the most original films to be made in the history of Bollywood. My previous one favourite was Andhadhun.



Watch this at any cost....





Thank you....

Seeking deliverance in the rugged ravines. It has shades of Outlaw Josey Wales n the twist towards the end is harrowing like the one from Incendies.

[Fella_shibby · 10/10 · 17 May 2019]

This film deserves an 8 cos of the solid direction, script n acting but I am generous with 10 so that more indie films like these r made in India n the reels of the awful ones like Simbba, Race 3, Padmavat, Kesari, etc, shud be flushed down the toilet.

Also I am a sucker for Western films n it's rare to come across a Western film from Bollywood.

Coming back to this film, it is n underrated directorial effort by Abhishek Chaubey whose earlier films were mostly shot in the dusty countrysides. It has shades of Outlaw Josey Wales n the film's twist is harrowing like the one from Incendies. It has awesome cinematography, stunning landscapes of rugged, ravine-streaked hills and calm rivers contrasted with bloody brutal gun fight sequences. The cinematography brings the bleakest of environments to frightening life, aided by the fact that the locations were every bit as bleak as they appeared on screen. The film is a juxtaposition of brutal reality and rustic serenity.

The story is about outlaws living in the ravines. We have outlaws based on the caste system but the most neglected n persecuted ones r the poor dalits.

My only two cribs. They shud have shown some crocodile violence n they shud have shown the lead cop's heading busting like a watermelon.

Incredible filmmaking. Raw and original.

[udbhav-15182 · 10/10 · 3 March 2019]

This is one of those few films after watching which, you feel like the urge to watch the movie again. The screenplay, cinematography, direction and acting all deserve an standing ovation. The storyline is captivating with twists at the right moment. This movie would definitely make many laugh and cry within a span of a short time. Must watch and deserves due credit.

Western movie of Bollywood.

[Azanspy · 8/10 · 6 May 2019]

Sonchiriya is not for the ones who look for pure Bollywood entertainment. The movie is dark and violent. Abhishek Chaubey is proving that he can cook something different but delicious. He could have gone for some commercial movie after the electrifying Udta Punjab. But he choose to make a high quality movie with no commercial element but pure class. Manoj Bajpai, Ranveer Shorey was excellent and Sushant Singh Rajput gave the best performance of his career. We know what Bhumi Padnekar is capable of and she proves yet again that she is one of the best actress in Bollywood. The Chambal Vallet visuals were beautiful and horrifying. DoP deserves a big applause. The movie may bore majority but it will glorify a good movie watcher.

BEST ! It will be called classic of our times.

[sparsh-hardik · 10/10 · 20 August 2019]

It's not a horror movie, but watching it late night would terrify you. It has a bit haunting element. The Indian cinema should feel proud that it has a genius film maker like Abhishek Chaubey. He greatly translate a message of Shyam Benegal's type stories with a Quentin Tarantino's type film making. Sonchiriya can confidently stand along another Chambal based 'Bandit Queen'.

Sonchiriya is gritty, engaging, haunting, disturbing and highly entertaining n captures the soul of Chambal quite beautifully.

[Tejas_Vinda_AITS · 7/10 · 1 March 2019]

SONCHIRIYA is a well-made and a well shot movie with a strong narrative and brilliant performances as its USP.

Sonchiriya Story: Set in the ravines of 1970's Chambal, the film follows a bunch of dacoits led by Man Singh (Manoj Bajpayee) as they battle with the cops and their own conscience.

Abhishek Chaubey has done it again. Sonchiriya is gritty, engaging, haunting, disturbing and highly entertaining n captures the soul of Chambal quite beautifully.

Abhishek Chaubey's direction is taut and I loved how unlike other films in the same genre the tension starts right from scene one. He doesn't waste much time and movie stays on point from start to finish.

At times it might be too disturbing and heavy for the viewers but, Abhishek makes sure to add the right amount of dark humour in it.

On the downside, the movie drags a bit in the initial portion post interval. After a great first act and the pace dips in the second act but is lifted again in the final act.

Overall, Sonchiriya is another masterpiece from Abhishek Chaubey. Some might find it too disturbing and heavy but nothing is forced. With top-notch acting performances by each and every cast member, Sonchiriya is recommended.

awesome cast, superb movie

[sdurvesh · 10/10 · 26 June 2020]

Sushant singhrajput has very high potential, along with amazing cast , with great acting skills,

performances will amaze u

[beevenkat · 7/10 · 3 March 2019]

I always thought, a dacoit means a thief who robs, rapes n kills. But thank u, director #abhishekchaubey, for opening my eyes n for revealing the correct picture. Everything about #Sonchiriya seems real. The men, the women, the politics, the guns, the bullets, the violence, the locations, the music, the language r all authentic. The performances will amaze u. Running time should be reduced by 15 minutes. Watch it. Rating 3.5/5.

Sushant Singh Rajput is a awsome actor.. Acting skill is so high..

[duttaanjalina · 10/10 · 25 July 2020]

While watching this movie I felt that when he play a character he became that character in actual.. Awsome story high acting skill..

Superb

[salmaniac-26688 · 1 March 2019]

Sushant Singh Rajput Again Rock After Kedarnath... Very interesting plot... everyone should be watch this movie

Violence begets Violence

[abhi_singh98 · 7/10 · 21 June 2019]

The themes of pain, anger, loss and revenge are deeply embedded in this film based on the 'rebels' of Chambal.

What would it mean for Lakhna to "repay the debt" of unknowingly taking the lives of children in cold blood? What would it take for Indumati to save the life of a dying girl? This intense drama is only flawed by its slow pace, which can be distracting at times. Other than that, this movie has it all : engaging characters, outstanding performances, stellar cinematography and great direction.

Yet unfortunately, this near-masterpiece was largely unnoticed by the Indian audience. Hopefully, one day this movie can reach the cult status it definitely deserves..

The film carries a subliminal lesson that can apply as much to the dacoit as it can to us.

[fillerruth · 3/10 · 1 March 2019]

Abhishek Chaubey's very scenic Sonchiriya, tramping along those nooks and crevices of the Chambal, expending hundreds of bullets and quarts of spraying blood, made familiar by countless 'daaku' films of the 70s and 80s, almost always feels like a retread.

The film carries a subliminal lesson that can apply as much to the dacoit as it can to us. Yes, Karma, it says, is a 'b***h' and it will bite you. It's unlikely that those in the cities will identify with this offering. But yes, if you're a curious cinema fiend, Sonchiriya will entice you.

Abhishek Chaubey's direction does justice to the plot and setting. This is a complicated film and on most counts, he manages to succeed. On the whole, SONCHIRIYA is a well-made and a well shot movie with a strong narrative and brilliant performances as its USP. At the box office, its prospects will be restricted as it caters to a different set of a multiplex going audience.

There is a lot of gun violence and blood in the movie, but it never gets overindulgent. 'Sonchiriya' is a different film, and it requires your complete attention. If you are a bit patient with these characters, you will enjoy their quest for inner peace and freedom.

A crisp Karmic Lesson through the rustic ghats of Chambal as the narrative hooks you through a peach of cinematography

[tulipwoodland · 10/10 · 1 March 2019]

Sonchiriya is a film especially for true Cinema Lovers. It takes us to the wild raw ghats of Chambal with some performances to look forward. Just one thorough request for Cinema Lovers. Don't dare you miss Sonchiriya. Simply Mind-blowing. Sushant is Okayish. Ranvir Shorey is slaying. Manoj Bajpayee as the gang leader is outstanding. Ashutosh Rana is killing it. Bhumi shines with her stellar act. Don't u miss this cinematic piece

Best of Sushant, Abhishek Chaubey and this year, so far...

[maulin5 · 9/10 · 3 March 2019]

What makes a film to be called as cult or classic? It stays with you after you watch it, stays in your memory till your memory lasts. Abhishek Chaubey is truly a craftsman. He evolves with every film. He makes a film which would be better than his previous films. After an awesome Udta Punjab, he is back to show us dacoits of Chambal.

Having a tremendous cast, the film is absolutely must watch in theaters. What you like is not Cinema, if you want to know the real kind of entertaining and engaging film of 146min, then you should see Sonchiriya. It deals with so many subjects which will blow your heart. Super engaging and full of twists, this film is the best film till now. Also, Sushant Singh Rajput's best film as a performer is this one. You will be with him from start to end. Whatever ideas you may get about climax, this character will stay with you in a positive way. That's why I loved the film to the moon and back.

Bhumi Pednekar is doing great job as an actor in industry. She is fantastic. You will surely feel for her and the little girl with her. Best part of the film according to me is when these are going on boat and title song starts in the divine voice of Rekha Bhardwaj. Followed by the act on which the story of this film is based on, my heart was in my mouth. That was the moment for what I would like to give this film full marks.

Manoj Bajpayee is truly an artist. Mansingh played by him, has so many layers, so much depth, it's upto you how far you can go and take back something which will be useful in life. Ranvir Shorey is doing absolutely fantastic work. The breakdown scene of him is fabulous. The Gujjar Policeman, played by Ashutosh Rana, is class act. Other characters are awesome as well. Casting director deserves his credit for the wonderful cast. Each and every one taches us something. Go and grab it.

Action sequences are damn cool. Good mixutre of slow motion and closeups. I felt the camera was shacky in the beginning. But then it becomes the most engaging tool for us. The haunting scene of a girl for Manoj and Sushant's character are shown very effectively. I too got stumped each time. Also in the night as well.

To do or not to do, that is the question! When Sushant is looking into our eyes. We as an audience is fully connected with him. Can dacoits be good men? What is right and what is wrong! Kudos to Abhishek Chaubey and Sudeep Sharma, for setting a new high for dacoit story. That too without showing how and why they become dacoits, but what do they do being dacoit. Hugely impressed with Bundelkhandi dialogues. All are understandable, if not there are Engliah subtitles as well. Usage of cuss words are pitch perfect, we never heard them speaking intentionally or trying to make fun out of cuss words.

Sonchiriya is having out of the world scenes. Like Sushant riding a camel. Uff the background music is so much soulful. Film has been made superbly that you will not get any idea when your eyes will be getting wet. This is the pure magic of cinema.

As I mentioned above, Sonchiriya title track is pure lit. Vishal Bhardwaj has done great job. Varun Grover has penned lyrics. Sukhvinder Singh's voice will roar in Chambal. This the best album to look out for. Haunting and effectively disturbing.

Book your seats to watch Abhishek Chaubey's best film till date. Support good cinema, it will help you to grow in your life. Curse on your head is the most dangerous thing in the world. And life cycle does not stop for anyone. Everyone wants the golden bird, so be quick to ask for it at ticket window. You will feel proud about the power of a film. And that too our Indian film.

Undoubtedly, The Best. Cult n classic! That is why, going for an another time as well.

Dark !! Deep !! Slow

[vikramjit490 · 8/10 · 2 March 2019]

Perfect in every field however, mature audience can only understand Sonchiriya.

Must watch with patience

A near perfect masterpiece

[mihiravalgaokar · 10/10 · 4 March 2019]

The wild west has no predator or prey, the only true predator in the ravines is karma. Abhishek Chaubey captures this perfectly with his emotional and amazing Cinematography. The performances are too notch, the screenplay is moving and hard hitting. A near perfect Masterpiece

Class!!

[CineRenaissance · 7 March 2019]

Every actor has nailed this time. You just can't decide who did the best, perhaps one of the most challenging roles of their lives, executed with perfection. Taking viewers back to 70s, and setting a plot that keeps them at the edge of their seats is overwhelming.

Amidst all the lawlessness, which is obvious as it is a story of rebels, there is an emotional humane which runs parallel throughout the movie. It is indeed a must watch.

Watch this one right now!!!

[pawarsiddhant-33054 · 7/10 · 5 March 2019]

People always complain that why aren't Bollywood as good as hollywood movies and then they go and watch rohit crappy movies. Where movies like dhamaal golmaal take all the maal (money), movies like sonchiriya gets appreciated by the critics and content loving audiences, but that's it they don't earn enough money so that more and more artistic and story driven movies gets made. As an industry Bollywood is at a disadvantage right now due to the sheer crappy content that is being thrown at them, we as an audience need to realise this and appreciate this kind of art by watching content such as this which makes us think and question our very own society and the rights and wrongs in it. It is an humble request to all Cinephiles and causal movie goers, you should go and watch it right now!, it's worth your every penny (paisa wasool), everyone has done a great job in this one.👌

Amazing

[jassiharry · 10/10 · 2 July 2020]

Amazing movie, fantastic work. Loved every bit of this movie. Highly recommended. Please watch once for Sushant. Fantastic.

An almost cult classic

[ragingbull_2005 · 7/10 · 18 April 2019]

Sometimes, being too authentic can be a major problem.

Sonchiriya, IMO, has been wrongly promoted as a Hindi movie. All the dialogues are in Bundeli, a dialect of Hindi, which is very difficult to pick without use of head phones. So, those who are willing to watch this should be mentally prepared that.

The first half is the best that I have seen this year, amongst all Hindi films. It is mindblowingly and mind numbingly relentless, with a posse of policemen set upon a gang of dreaded dacoits. The opening sequence, which lasts close to half an hour is Godfather like, with it's ambition and scope.

This is set in 1975, when emergency was declared by Mrs Gandhi and when Phoolan Devi was hunting down Thakur men who had violated her, by forming a gang of so called lower caste dacoits. All this is hinted at, sometimes peripherally , during the run-time.

Like many could-have-been-cult-classic Hindi films of recent times, this is also struck by curse of the second half, which is direction less because of lazy writing and no big pay off.

The acting is almost uniformly top notch, with the exception of Sushant Singh, who looks ill at ease. Ranveer Shorey is awe inspiring.

The action scenes are extremely raw and reminded me of the first Gangs of Wasseypur.

There are strong overtones of class and caste conflicts, which is a reality of life, even today, in Chambal, the area that includes Gwalior, Morena and Bhind.

This could have been another win for the director after Udta Punjab. However, this is more in the lines of Ishqiya, his directorial debut, which promised a lot but was let down by the second half and the climax.

Finest movie of Bollywood.

[rajnishsahu · 10/10 · 28 June 2020]

One of the finest movie of Bollywood. Every element of this movie is worth watching and praising. If u haven't watched yet please go and watch u can't miss this gem. This is so realistic. Shushant and all the characters were amazing.

Technically Astonishing but Story Wise Poorly Constructed!

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 6/10 · 12 September 2019]

It's a rare case where the film itself is on top tier standard but the story within totally messed it up a big time. It created so much confusion that the main essence of the plot never strikes hard. The well choreographed gun fights and action scenes were a treat to watch though and the performances ; every cast member has done their job amazingly well. The background score ; little different from the rest, caught our attention right away. Although the locations were intelligently used as a deserted location with some beautifully shot scenes but the editing was shambolic! It felt so non sequential that even this kind of story with a promising concept failed to execute in a way it should have been easily be able to! For majority of the people it would be a film to forget. Having said that, I'm being totally honest in here. I would have loved to give this film a rating higher than I already did. I adored the huge potential it had on it's hands but the messed up Editing and poor construction of the story spoiled the experience in the end.

One-Line Review: Sonchiriya (4 Stars)

[nairtejas · 4/10 · 7 March 2019]

Abhishek Chaubhey's Sonchiriya (Golden Bird) is a deeply distressing chronicle of the rebels of Chambal, Madhya Pradesh and their activities that defy local law enforcement in the most bloodiest way possible that brings various issues involving caste, politics, personal vendetta, and gender discrimination with much rawness albeit with a tiring frame that can put you off countless times in its 150-minute running time.