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Don't be so sad about the Pari ban, Indian critics said it's mediocre anyway

Don't be so sad about the Pari ban, Indian critics said it's mediocre anyway

While many critics agree the movie has some scary moments, most gave it average ratings for a lack of story
02 Mar, 2018

While the Pakistani Pari failed to scare us, it's Bollywood namesake starring Anushka Sharma had us shaking in our boots just from the teasers.

However, now that the flick is out and banned in Pakistan, it's not like we're going to get to see it anyway. But now that ratings from across the border are pouring in, it doesn't seem like we're missing out on much; Indian critics have not exactly given the movie glowing reviews.

Though many lauded the film for its cinematography and some jump-in-your-seat scares on screen, most dragged it for a lack of story and for succumbing to the usual clichés of a spooky movie.

We rounded up six reviews from Indian critics. Here's what they had to say:

Hindustan Times thought the story-telling was confusing

"Anushka Sharma’s Rukhsana is an attempt to humanise the idea of the Satan living inside all of us. Her enthusiasm makes it bearable. You’re willing to give her the benefit of doubt, but a messed-up screenplay snatches away her chance to rise and shine.

Though they resort to explaining all the major plot points in the second half, but it’s too late by then. You have already heard a monstrous voice a la Creature 3D, or have seen people’s heads getting twisted like Ram Gopal Varma’s Bhoot.

Apart from one or two scenes meant for the shock value, most of it fails to restore our faith in this story of shape shifting, Voldemort-inspired, time travelling, technology-friendly disturbed souls.

What begins as a captivating mystery around a chained woman slips into a tale of disturbed TV signals and flickering lights."

Indian Express blamed incoherent writing

"Thunder, lightning, rain, women in black robes with rotten skulls for faces, noises off, creaking doors. What you don’t get, in all this blood-and-gore and groan-and-moan and slash-and-burn, is a film.

By the time we begin piecing the pieces, it’s well past the half-way mark. And then, very rapidly, Pari becomes all exposition and explanation. We start getting answers to why the mysterious Rukhsana ( Sharma) who emerges from a hut by a swamp in a forest (yes, all those things in a row) behaves the way she does, why Arnab (Chatterjee) feels like he owes her something, and why the two of them seem to constantly be swimming through murk, why a man with a damaged eye (Kapoor) shows up with a bunch of his weapon-bearing men.

But the whole enterprise never rises above its silliness. The plot, trying desperately for gravitas by referencing certain yesteryear events in Bangladesh, without really giving us a credible reason, never hangs together, never feels true. Mumbo jumbo about ‘ifrits’ (evil spirits) is bunged in, and a lot of blood is let. By the end of it, a good couple of quarts of the red stuff have been spilled, but instead of scary, it’s all too dreary."

The Quint said it was more of a gorey flick than a horror one

"When we expect to be duly rewarded for our patience post-interval, we realise that this film isn't so much about horror as it is about gore. It's just too much blood and torture, gut-wrenching cries of pregnant women and Satan-invoking chants that make it a difficult film to watch."

If you go in to Pari looking for a slew of shocks and spine-chilling sequences, there aren’t too many of them. Pari is more about blood, butchery and violence. An interesting premise let down by shoddy writing .Despite all the greatness it was poised for, Pari remains an average affair."

However, DNA India thought everyone played their part well

"Anushka scores with a brilliant performance, essaying the myriad moods and phases of her character with conviction. From her first scene, when she is discovered in chains, the actress is in full form and holds your attention till the end. Subtlety seems to be Parambratha’s forte. The actor who impressed cinegoers with his cop act in Kahaani (2012), effectively portrays the nervousness and anxiety of Arnab when faced with unforeseen circumstances.

Rajat Kapoor plays the rationalist professor on a mission with ease and his prosthetics make him even more sinister. Ritabhari plays her part well as Arnab’s fiancee Piyali.

Given a good horror film also hinges on the novelty factor, besides a strong plot, wonderful actors and convincing execution, Pari does keep you engaged, despite its flaws. While the interactions between Rukhsana and Arnab get a little monotonous, Ketan Sodha’s background score and Anish John’s sound design keeps you on the edge of your seat. Credit also goes to production designer Meenal Agarwal and cinematographer Jishnu Bhattacharjee for adding to the scare quotient, taking it a couple of notches higher."

NDTV found the movie's pace frustrating

"Pari is an uneven film that could have benefitted from the intervention of a more assertive editor. While it is replete with twists, these throw the audience off rather than aid in enhancing clarity. The film does not keep up the pressure all the way through because it meanders into unnecessary spaces en route to its goal. When it does get where it wants to, the pitch soars, the melodrama goes out of hand and the competent acting all around counts for little.

Pari will definitely be remembered for Anushka Sharma's spirited performance. It isn't difficult to see why she has put her money on the film. It gives her a role of substance and she does full justice to it. Unfortunately, the film on the whole is eminently forgettable.

One thing the movie isn't is predictable. But that isn't good enough. It just isn't the sort of spine-chiller that the pre-release "screamers" would have us believe. It lacks the narrative consistency that its in-your-face methods needed in order to be truly effective. In the end, the makers of Pari try way too hard. The outcome is an extended blur that leaves you dazed but totally unimpressed.

Comments

Shazia Mar 02, 2018 04:24pm
Indian cenima is not worth to be sad for , there are other grave issues and war afflicted people that need our immediate attention.
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putho madre Mar 02, 2018 04:54pm
Why was it banned in Pakistan.
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SATT Mar 02, 2018 05:13pm
Its people who will decide not the media.
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Prateik Mar 02, 2018 05:25pm
Silly excuses to justify ban.
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Trump Et Mar 02, 2018 05:54pm
Sad? Did anyone even plan on seeing it. I mean, come on!
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Imran Mar 02, 2018 06:47pm
Watched "Pari" this evening. Not sure what reason Pakistan found to ban it. There was nothing offensive to Islam, Pakistan, or conservative culture. What could have been a good movie was let down by confused storytelling. The pace was frustrating, but the acting brilliant. Some good jump scenes, but nothing amazing.
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Ask king Mar 02, 2018 06:54pm
It’s a nice and different movie after a Long time.
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R Sultan Mar 02, 2018 11:47pm
Why is the film banned in Pakistan? Can someone enlighten me? Pirated dvd anyone?
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naqi Mar 03, 2018 04:39am
let's say it was not mediocre, then was it seems like Pakistanis would have been really sad for it to be banned. What a double standard. If it is banned for a reason, then stand on a decision without worrying if it is good or not.
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