Gurgaon

“Draws its power from the unpredictability of what its simmering characters may do, and from situations that may at any time go out of their control. The film diligently follows the themes, style of noir — neon lights, urban landscape, corruption, squalor and glamour living cheek-by-jowl — and even draws some bits from genre predecessors.”

Rating: 3.5 stars | Full review

“Deviates from norm in many ways. For one, it definitely isn’t derivative of the gangster films that emanate from Mumbai’s independent cinema space… Subtly articulates an overarching statement on unsustainable urban growth and the social fissures that it causes… Also projects the family not as the kind of benign unit of safety and well-being that much of popular Hindi cinema is predicated on, but as a conflicted, unstable and damaging entity.”

Rating: 4 stars | Full review

“It’s not just the way Kehri is written that evokes the Vito Corleone comparison (Brando’s character in The Godfather); it’s also the way he’s shot: mostly sitting indoors, occupying the centre of frame, carrying a gentle air of dread. Even their differences have a tinge of similarity. Unlike Vito Corleone, Kehri Singh is a metaphorical migrant; his Sicily is old Gurgaon.”

| Full review

“Relentlessly grim King Lear-esque account of an imploding family.”

| Full review

“Dry and relentless noir story, one that holds many a telling and pointed detail… provides a compelling look at a culture born out of toxic masculinity.”

Rating: 3 stars | Full review

“Looks at the casual, cruel misogyny which springs out of implacable, unshakeable patriarchy… the struggle between entitled emasculated male pride and entrenched power structures.”

Rating: 2.5 stars | Full review

“This film is what you could call the ‘Versova noir’ thriller—dark, atmospheric, moody, inevitably set in North India, where violence is the key instrument, whether you’re negotiating love or hate.”

Rating: 3 stars | Full review

“Shankar’s style of filmmaking is a reminder of Anurag Kashyap’s craft. The rawness of their characters, the unapologetic attitude and a sensible handling of social and gender equations is all there.”

Rating: 3.5 stars | Full review