Ratings:3/5 Review By: Srijana Mitra Das Site: Times of India (TOI)
Here's my angst - this movie could have been so much more. Like champagne gone flat, the film's left lying about for too late, its plot meandering everywhere (including a plane ride through moon-lit clouds, ending in a Maoist meeting), the director so determined to have fun that often, the viewer doesn't. Sure, there are hilarious moments involving pink buffaloes and deep wells, Shakespeare and Sheila Dixit, even a laal rang ka kachcha, and it's all very clever - but where's the self-control? With its intellectual foundation and dramatic potential, MKBKM needed disciplined direction, not wandering shots, predictable banter or dull crudity.
On the upside, Azmi's performance is effortlessly evil until the last swig. Anushka plays her now-familiar loud-spunky-sexy babe, unconvincing but attractive as an eccentric rustic. But despite her Pond-girl entry in see-through top and teeny shorts, Mandola's heart-throb is Imran Khan who's red-hot (literally), stubble and a sardonic air pumping his sex-appeal. With its Trilbys and tractors, malls and Maoism, its stretch limo and smart-boy! lines, MKBKM could have been such a fun ride. But sadly, director ka bhi man dola, rather too often.
Ratings:-- Review By: Sneha May Francis Site: EMIRATES 24/7
‘Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola’ takes us into a whirlwind journey that’s incredibly crafted, brilliantly textured, and lusciously witted. The narrative never loses focus, and plods along with effortless ease and impeccable finesse. Each situation is created with utmost sincerity and each line is written with tremendous delight. He uses his quirky sense of humour to turn the politics of an unjust society, and probably Hindi cinema, around. And, he’s got an aged, double-layered landlord, a light-eyed Communist and a gorgeous wild child to help him in the exercise. His satire remains what it sets out to do, without ever shifting into a full-fledged reform movement. And, therein lies his brilliance.
Rating:3/5 Review By: Saibal Chatterjee Site: NDTV
Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is hurt the most by the erratic performances of the lead actors. Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma, playing villagers who have been educated in the big city, are anything but consistent with the Haryanvi patois and accent.
Pankaj Kapur is the pivot of the film. However, his character is over-wrought, if not over the top. The actor pushes himself as far as he can within the limitations imposed on him by the screenplay, but this performance of his is unlikely to rank among his best. Shabana Azmi is saddled with what is almost a walk-on part. There isn’t much she can do to add value to the mix.
Be that as it may, I would still recommend Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola.
Few filmmakers in Mumbai engage with ideas and issues of contemporary relevance as felicitously as Bhardwaj. He might have fallen short this time around, but even when he is not at his best, he is infinitely better than most in the business. A director who does not fear failure merits our support.
Rating:4/5 Review By: Raja Sen Site: Rediff
But make no mistake, this is a one-actor show, giving the greatest thespian in our country another delightfully odd space. Pankaj Kapur is the best we've had, and -- as he hallucinates, as he rouses the people, as he steels himself -- this is all a reminder of that.
Laced with both acid and arsenic, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola isn't everyone's cup of tea. It takes a while to get into its groove, but changes gears with spectacular finesse after that.
And no matter the slight niggles: this is a film that goes far out on a limb, and gives us both bedlam and nuances, enough to warrant repeated viewings. And more than enough to love. Oh boy oh boy indeed.
Rating:2/5 Review By: Taran Adarsh Site: Bollywood Hungama
MATRU KI BIJLEE KA MANDOLA is definitely not Vishal's best work, though the master touch is evident in several sequences. The story barely moves in the first hour; there are stretches when the account begins to blur. Thankfully, the sequence of events and some exceptional moments in the post-interval portions save the film from tripping. At the same time, I wish to add that the film could've done with some judicious trimming for a stronger impact. It's way too lengthy!
On the whole, MATRU KI BIJLEE KA MANDOLA holds your attention in parts, but that's not enough. The first half is lackluster, while the post-interval part catches some steam. However, the excessive length plays a spoilsport. Below expectations!
