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Raees is such a big deal that we reviewed it twice

Two film reviewers face off on the SRK-Mahira Khan blockbuster
Updated 18 Dec, 2017

Raees is yet to release in Pakistan and we're curious to know what exactly we're missing.

Because we couldn't see the film ourselves, we reached out to two writers who watched the film in Dubai. Through their differing opinions on the movie, we get the whole picture on Raees.

Is it blockbuster material? Was Mahira Khan actually disappointing, as the Indian press made her out to be? Read on to find out.


Raees is only a tribute to SRK's herohood — and that's a problem

Shah Rukh Khan’s all about the swagger.

And, he’s been selling us his fantasy for decades now.

Raees, while templated as a mainstream actioner, shamelessly turns into an unimaginative plug for its hero.

Rahul Dholakia, who had earlier made the relevantly emotional drama Parzania, merely holds the mirror for Shah Rukh so he can flaunt his dimples, kohl-lined eyes, retro glasses and heroic gait. Even though his signature wide-armed pose is omitted from the narrative, Shah Rukh throws in ample pouts, punches and glares, so his die-hard fans can cheer.

He reduces Raees into a painfully predictable story that threatens to thrill, without ever managing to elevate its own worth.

It's so staggeringly self-indulgent that it conveniently overlooks logic. So, the batterywala Raees, despite being constantly taunted and teased for his uncool glasses, takes them off, at every crucial moment, only to let his starry eyes hog some screen space.

SRK shows fleeting moments of promise, when he surrenders to Raees and his world, leaving us genuinely enthralled, but his superstar persona absolves him of true merit.

Set in the “dry state” of Gujarat, Raees glorifies the trials and tribulations of a young man, who despite having little money, power and connections makes it big. There’s his best friend, a pretty ladylove, a voluptuous item girl, a handful of local dons and a demon of a cop, who keep him engaged over 155 minutes of screen time.

Written by Rahul, along with Harit Mehta, Ashish Vashi and Niraj Shukla, Raees travels between the '80s and '90s, exploring movies, Bollywood's legendary "angry young man", socio-political movements and business breakthroughs. While history plays a part, with some of India’s volatile religious conflicts written into the screenplay, the shoddy writing makes it unfortunately tacky.

There’s Ram Sampath’s music, which is devoid of pulse or magic, unforgivably puncturing the pace further. A love track, set against the barren desert land, sticks out like a sore thumb for slipping off the retro mood and appearing like a modern-day, stylised afterthought.

Shah Rukh remains disarmingly charmful. He wins himself many whistle-worthy moments, where slow-mo antics are in plenty, pitched against blaring background score. “I’m shrewd like a businessman, and fearless like a warrior,” he mouths many times over, with panache, feeding off the '90s cinematic trick of dialogue baazi. He shows fleeting moments of promise, when he surrenders to Raees and his world, leaving us genuinely enthralled, but his superstar persona absolves him of true merit.

While Mahira Khan holds her ground with Shah Rukh, they are unable to create any sparks on screen

And, there’s his lady Mahira Khan, who makes a pretty Bollywood debut. She’s never challenged to perform. Instead, her Aasiya is gorgeously packaged into something exotic yet strangely empowered. While she holds her ground with Shah Rukh, they are unable to create any sparks on screen.

Nawazuddin Siddique, however, is the silver lining, in this otherwise drab fest. Despite being handed an unreasonably cocky and irreverent man to play, he lends it his honesty and wit.

This isn’t a fine film. It’s vintage Bollywood fluff, which Shah Rukh will manage to turn into box-office gold.

— Sneha May Francis


Mahira Khan makes the most of her modest role in Raees

Shah Rukh Khan can do more than just lip sync on snowy cliffs. He can act.

Proving his detractors that he is not just the guy who runs away with the girl into the Swiss Alps, Shah Rukh Khan’s career graph and his choice to do Raees is a study in itself. Here he plays a character that struggles with waxing and waning aggression in an obviously violent and problematic social set up.

In 2016, Shah Rukh proved his worth in Dear Zindagi, where he plays a therapist and helps his client deal with abandonment issues. In Raees, Shah Rukh is a criminal with a heart. In both films, Khan was able to demonstrate a much-needed departure from the stereotype that a lot of us remember from the late '90s.

Cinema is changing from formulaic plotlines to stories that can shock and awe but still resonate with us. Shah Rukh Khan is a master of this craft, as he proves in his eponymous role in Raees.

The film is the subcontinent’s version of the Godfather, with item numbers and catchy Gujarati dandia tunes.

Loosely based on Abdul Latif, Gujarat’s notorious gangster from the '90s, Raees is the rags-to-riches story of a deeply flawed man who sustains his sense of family and community, despite his criminal ways.

Mahira Khan plays the role of Aasiya, Raees’ love interest and wife who rallies behind him as he participates in local elections from jail. Zeeshan Ayyub plays Saadiq, Raees’ childhood friend and right hand man and Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays cop Majumdar, who treads the righteous path, wants to shut all illegal activities down and has it in especially for Raees.

The tale begins in Raees’ childhood when his mother teaches him that no business is bad until it harms anyone. Fast forward to the 1990s where Raees has grown up and has managed to start an illegal liquor business on his own, despite giant liquor sharks around him. The audiences then witness the many pitfalls and risks of Indian politics where stakeholders put their financial and political gain first and human interest later. Raees, however, believes in honour among thieves and contributing to society in a positive way – apart from selling liquor, of course.

The action sequences and authentic motifs are a treat to watch. In one particular scene, you can see Rahul Dholakia’s attention to detail where in a Muharram procession, while Raees is attempting to fight off rivaling goons, “Hussain Zindabad, Yazeediat Murdabad” is written in clear Urdu Nastaleeq. The sepia tone, Mahira Khan’s old school charm, Shah Rukh Khan’s realistic stunts add to the faithfulness of a retro action flick. It becomes the subcontinent’s version of the Godfather, with item numbers and catchy Gujarati dandia tunes.

Mahira does justice to a small but fairly meaty role. Clad in shalwar kameezes, her “Khirad” look translates beautifully on the big screen and she and Shah Rukh Khan share a lovely chemistry that I am sure would leave audiences wanting more.

Mahira Khan makes the ‘chick’ role her own and displays a certain strength and vulnerability to a role that could have been easily forgotten, given the powerhouses of performances in the film. She is able to hold her own in a film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui – and that in itself is no mean feat. The visual relief that we see from her character is soon paralleled in the second half of the film where Raees is thrown into a climactic war of survival. Her image is well built, she does justice to a small but fairly meaty role. Clad in shalwar kameezes, her “Khirad” look translates beautifully on the big screen and she and Shah Rukh Khan share a lovely chemistry that I am sure would leave audiences wanting more.

Her role may be that of the quiet, submissive, slightly scared wife of a gangster, and it truly did feel like a cliché in the first half – but as Raees lands in jail and starts to rally his community members in order to vote for him in an upcoming election campaign, Aasiya shows a strength of her own. Her delivery of that one dialogue: “Note tum laao, vote main laaoongi” displays a remarkable talent and adds depth to a mostly one-dimensional character.

In another scene, Mahira’s character attempts to reason with Raees which he rejects and almost hits her. Later, he cries into her lap and confesses that he seems to have failed. Aasiya’s character could have been merely tapestry but Mahira’s confident portrayal sets a different tone in the film. She is neither ignorable nor overlooked.

Nawazuddin Siddiqi’s tongue-in-cheek portrayal of upright cop provides for comic relief and some intense exchanges between Raees and Majumdar (Siddiqui). In one of their first meetings, they exchange double meaning threats and their scenes together are one of the highest points of the film. The storyline is formulaic in the sense of cult gangster movies such as Satya, Vaastav and Company – yet Shah Rukh Khan and Mahira Khan’s popularity give Raees a life of its own as cinemas are booked solid for this crime flick.

It is still difficult to say whether Raees will break as many records as Dangal or Sultan did – but it is not a weak or forgettable film by any sense of the word. Shah Rukh Khan’s star power shines through and he can transition, within milliseconds, the mega-movie star charisma to the regular guy next door who drinks tea with you every evening. Raees also seems an homage to the Bachchan era where Bachchan Sahab sacrificed everything, compromised on morals but was still able to remain a good guy.

Similarly, Raees is the story of neither a hero nor a villain – it is the story of a man who lived in a corrupted system with corrupted morals. For the solid performances, power-packed action sequences and a strong storyline, Raees should definitely be on your must-watch list of movies this season.

— Mahwash Ajaz


What did you think of Raees? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Comments

Indian Muslim Jan 26, 2017 03:21pm
Disappointing movie just watched it.
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Riz Jan 26, 2017 03:23pm
I like the way mahira Acted in the movie,, whenever she is on screen all the eyes are on her (only on her) I heard many women saying we came to watch Mahira only,, but whistles goes to Sunny and her dance,, the dance number was so excellent that I even didn't want this to end,,, good work Mahira,, keep it up,,
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mulchand golchha Jan 26, 2017 03:37pm
Raees should release in Pakistan ... Mahira has done extremely well with her magical performance. Raees is creating ripples in india.
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Sachin Jan 26, 2017 03:47pm
Bogus movie wasted money
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Yogesh Jan 26, 2017 04:01pm
The second reviewer mentioned Mahira's popularity? Really? The movie stands only and only on SRK's star power. Who knows who this Mahira Khan is outside Pakistan? Get over this nonsensical hype!
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NAVEED sARWAR Jan 26, 2017 04:13pm
Would have been much better, with shah acting as father of Mahira khan.
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cookie Jan 26, 2017 04:33pm
Mahira was looking beautiful and stunning. Her acting was absolutely perfect. Im surprised some critics are panning her performance. Can they not see that her scenes have been CHOPPED OFF!! Her introduction in the movie has also been CHOPPED OFF!! It's so obvious. There are scenes in the trailer that aren't in the movie! Mahiras scenes with srk doesnt connect organically. The scenes look disjointed. It looks as though some scenes are missing! Hence the lack of chemistry. It's not at all her fault. It's the producers fault! Shame on them!!!
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TR Jan 26, 2017 04:41pm
Mahira Khan you are a very talented artist and a shining star. I greatly admire your talent and accomplishment. Do not let any one discourage you ever.
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Kshatriyayodhya Jan 26, 2017 04:51pm
Kaabil is better movie to watch than Raees. Raees just sucks.
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Harshad Jan 26, 2017 04:53pm
I am not a big fan of Shahrukh's acting as he can do only certain kind of roles..i.e. comic romantic type like in Chennai Express (which was his last big hit) and I think he should stick to it. Everytime he tried to do different he has failed (Devdas was exception). Watch Dangal's trailer and then watch Raees trailer, you will find the difference between craft and a project. Dangal is storytelling whereas Raees is pot-pourri of fixed and mixed formulas that worked at different instances. Shahrukh seems to be making wrong choices in last few years compared to Amir/Salman.
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Aamer Jan 26, 2017 05:00pm
@Yogesh Well Bollywood knew who she was so the contected her and gave her the main lead in this movie.
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timetostopthis Jan 26, 2017 05:04pm
Time for Shahrukh to call it a day and give younger heroes a chance. His age is starting to show and no one wants to see an old man courting pretty young damsels and running around trees with them.
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Zala Jan 26, 2017 06:08pm
Watched Raees last evening in a theatre packed to capacity on a weekday in the freezing temperature of January in Toronto. Good performance by all the lead actors. It's a masala movie which provides for a nice entertainment. Agree with Mahwash.
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Indian Jan 26, 2017 06:11pm
In India cinema is changing for good .movies like Dangal and Pink are an example of what can be achieved.in that context Raees is disappointing so say the least. if you are ok in just watching Shahrukh in the entire movie this movie is for you. good performance by Nawazuddin,
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ramiz Jan 26, 2017 06:22pm
@Kshatriyayodhya ur wrong boy. kaabil is just insane nd i hve wasted my money on dt idiotic film
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ramiz Jan 26, 2017 06:23pm
#kaabil is just an another meaningless flick from the roshans. i just wasted my money on dt. #raees is better
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DODU Jan 26, 2017 06:58pm
Blockbuster? Too early to pronounce.
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A. A. Jan 26, 2017 07:16pm
I saw it yesterday and it is not worth your money. Mahira was terrible and was not even noticeable in the movie. Watch it if you are a huge SRK fan - else, watch something else on Netflix.
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bhoy indian Jan 26, 2017 07:17pm
Watched the movie today. Its good. Everyone has done a good job. But at the end of the day its a SRK film. You cannot overshadow him. Mahira Khan got the best possible launch. If the situation improves between the two countries then I think Indian filmmakers will cast her.
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art Jan 26, 2017 07:25pm
@timetostopthis talk about yourself...if u dont like him...why r u watching his movie?
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zulfiqar nazir Jan 26, 2017 08:28pm
saw both movies raees was the worst movie of srk it was boring throughout the beginning and kaabil was amazing movie
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John spencer Jan 26, 2017 09:02pm
Movie is flop.
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Critic Jan 26, 2017 09:32pm
Watched both Raees & Kaabil , Raees is a type of movie which you enjoy while watching & then forget about it once you leave the theatre. Kaabil is a revenge love story which is beautifully presented & Hrithik s' acting was at another level, he turned a normal revenge love story into an absolute class through his billiant acting. A die hard srk fan should watch raees , he will like it. A neutral film lover should watch kaabil in the theatres & raees at netflix ..!! I loved kaabil , its revenge love story plot is as good as ghajini if not better ..!!
Recommend (0)
Madhu Jan 26, 2017 10:17pm
@Indian Muslim wow movie.action dhamakA.
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Madhu Jan 26, 2017 10:24pm
RAEES is a totally different type of SRK movie.All the actors and actresses did total justice to their allotted roles.No one else could have done better.If you loved Mr.Amitabh Bachchan's gangster roles I. Akela,Agnipath,Hum,Deewar, then you can See that SRK has done that level of act in this film....Total power packed action.Mahira is simple and Sweet.Others are good too.
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MHamza Jan 26, 2017 10:59pm
@Yogesh Janab Mahira Khan has a level.. She is a brilliant actress in true word. No offense but thats the reality brother
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Adnan ali Jan 26, 2017 11:04pm
Shah rukh has been always amazing from the beginning of his carrier but from last 3 yrs he was not doing well but he banged whole film industry from his awesome movie this time #
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rahul kumar Jan 26, 2017 11:08pm
@Indian Totally agree with you.
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SFA Jan 26, 2017 11:09pm
Huge disappointment! Kaabil is much better
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Patna ka presley Jan 26, 2017 11:19pm
This movie doesnt deserve such a long and in depth review. One word is enough to describe that is "CRAP". Kaabil kabil-e-tarif hai janab. Try reviewing that as well.
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ALI Jan 27, 2017 02:09am
Mahira is a wonderful actress. Her elegance and oratory are wonderful. If the Indian public can't appreciate her just because she happens to be Pakistani, then it is their loss. She is highly respected in her own home country, which the Indians will never be able to own or control.
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KP Jan 27, 2017 03:42am
How much significance u attach to the film reviews? Considering the fact that for every favorable review, there is equally unfavorable one, not much. Reviews are mostly subjective, and, hence, like political analysis, it depends what side of the fence the reviewer belongs!
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Hope Jan 27, 2017 05:59am
In past Shah acted good in negative role, but after watching this & past releases, he doesn't have anything more to show his talent. Nothing magical or extra ordinery in his acting now. His era is almost finished now and if he continue couple of more movies like this then he will lose his KING KHAN label. Mahira is talented actress definately will love to watch her more on bollywood screen. in whole movie Nawazuddin stealing show.
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Maher HASAN , Dallas , USA Jan 27, 2017 06:28am
SRK superb, Nawaz too good & Mahira no good!
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Rajesh Punjabi Jan 27, 2017 08:54am
Honestly speaking I had big hopes from SRK for Raees. But, I did not like at all. Anyone remember when was the last time SRK acted well? Prob in Kal Ho na Ho. And that's it. Regarding Mahira, any ordinary Pakistani girl looks better than her. I don't understand is there only one actress in Pakistan as media projects only Mahira as a brand of Pakistani women actress. She is just boaring. No acting skills at all. And no apealling as well.
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rahul Jan 27, 2017 09:11am
Great work of Mahira...loved her performance !!!
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Anusri Tripathi Jan 27, 2017 10:34am
SRK should now take up father figure roles...he is looking too old in Raees. All Pakistanis should watch DANGAL, at least once. Its FANTASTIC. Hats off to Aamir Khan. He's incredible.
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Syed Ahmed Jan 27, 2017 10:38am
Kabil was Korean vertion of bollywood movie Raees didn't copy anyone Off course age difference between mahira & SRK Movie have lot of flows could be editing went wrong They didn't use MAHIRA as well as she telen she have INNOCENT LOOK WORKING WITH SRK IS TALL ORDER EVEN ANY OTHER ACTORS COULD SIMPLY ONLY I AM GIVING B+ Acting B+ Music A+/sunny leone A++ Editing c- Direction B
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Mustafa Jan 27, 2017 12:20pm
@timetostopthis Absolutely agree. I wonder how people tolerate (leave alone, digest) a 53 year old actor romancing a 23 yr old damsel, who could better suit his daughter's role. Same mundane acting, no variation in the masala mix of typical bollywood movie. I believe bollywood has great potential with good actors and directors - but its really time up for Shahrukh.
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Raja parekh Jan 27, 2017 01:17pm
Don't like Bollywood overgloryfying gangsters. A criminal is always a criminal.
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Shaukat Jan 27, 2017 03:08pm
Shahrukh Khan is 52 hence then casted 32 year old Mahira. Another main reason for casting Mahira was to earn 10 crores from Pakistan box office. Her talent doesn't count.
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Iftikhar Ahmed Jami Jan 27, 2017 03:23pm
Saw the movie very disappointed. Interesting plot but the flow was haphazard unnecessary goriness. No sparks between Mahira and Sharukh. Mahira looked great, however her and Sharukh performance was overdone,
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IndianPC Jan 27, 2017 06:22pm
Nawazuddin is the only real actor , the rest are fakes , he should overtake all these hero's and become #1
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MOhamed Jan 28, 2017 03:42am
@Mustafa Hmm 53 yr old and very young wife... what is the problem? It's ideal
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Atticus from India Jan 28, 2017 09:30am
Very ordinary film.. usual formula stuff with Shahrukh hogging the screen. Not much for Mahira to do. Contrast it with Dangal.. finely crafted movie with power packed performances from the girls.
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Observer Jan 28, 2017 09:48am
At least in the world of Bollywood Indians and Pakistanis are united!
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Kryptonite Jan 28, 2017 10:30am
@Yogesh Any actress would be over shadowed by SRK. It's not just for Mahira. She has done her job well. Let's not criticize.
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Malik Jan 28, 2017 11:17am
Just watched it.Didn't like it much, Majors is an average actress provided she has a long way to go, Shahrukh is the reason people would watch this movie. However lookout for Nawazuddin Siddiuqi he does justice to his role and proves why he is one of the most talented actors India has produced in the likes of Irffan Khan,KK Menon and Anupam Other who are often known for their stunning performances.
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Desi Girl Jan 29, 2017 09:59am
Not as expected :(
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skumar Jan 29, 2017 11:28am
expectations are always high in a SRK movie and obviously he takes centrestage. The film is just above average. SRK is good as he his always though this is a different role. . Mahira makes her mark within the limited space she got but is grossly underutilized . she has good potential and can go a long way. ( i have not seen any of her previous films/serials). Being first film she seems limiting herself by direction or may be some portions are chopped to reduce the film duration (the discontinuity shows up throughout the film). Nawaz is razor sharp as usual .
Recommend (0)
skumar Jan 29, 2017 11:57am
expectations are always high in a SRK movie and obviously he takes centrestage. The film is just above average. SRK is good as he his always though this is a different role. . Mahira makes her mark within the limited space she got but is grossly underutilized . she has good potential and can go a long way. ( i have not seen any of her previous films/serials). Being first film she seems limiting herself by direction or may be some portions are chopped to reduce the film duration (the discontinuity shows up throughout the film). Nawaz is razor sharp as usual .
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Qintra Aisha Jan 29, 2017 12:29pm
Raees was amazing. I agree with mahwash ajaz's review.
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rAM KIRSHAn Jan 30, 2017 01:33pm
Completely agree. SRK is really change and done a great job in this movie. Mahira done great job, too. This is really wonderful movie.
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Marto Feb 02, 2017 05:17am
No idea how srk comes up with such sulking movie. one of the worst movie EVER
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Marto Feb 02, 2017 05:18am
Srk is worst ever
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AYZA Feb 02, 2017 07:41am
Beautifully nuanced, articulately scripted story with a "Robin Hood" theme with admirable acting by Mahira Khan whose natural, fresh faced aura surpasses any Bolly actress - all of whom have had several cosmetic surgeries and whitening creams - i.e., Priyanka Chopra, Deepika, etc ...
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