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Around Diwali time, there is a surge in the release of big-ticket Bollywood films. Saif Ali Khan, flush with the success of the recent Netflix TV show “Sacred Games” (read my review of that here), joined the Diwali bandwagon with Gauravv K. Chawla’s “Baazaar”. Unfortunately the movie was very disappointing.
THE PLOT:
A small-town stockbroker from Allahabad (Rohan Mehra) yearns to make it big in the financial capital of India, Mumbai. After a series of events, he gains success by joining hands with an extremely successful business shark (Saif Ali Khan). However, this alliance is at the cost of his integrity and everything he holds dear, as part of his small-town upbringing.
THE COMMENTARY:
The movie is excruciatingly long. The subject has the potential to be very interesting, but it’s handling and unnecessary moral tone make it tedious and tiring. With half its annoying plot twists and all of its sermonizing dialogues removed, the film may have fared better.
The story is relevant but the film and its direction seem very dated, in the style of Bollywood films from 5-10 years ago. Sketchy and irritating dialogues don’t help its case either. The editing especially leaves much to be desired. Despite having Honey Singh on board, the music is unremarkable.
The actors all have potential but lack conviction and a certain amount of chemistry. The new boy, Rohan Mehra, isn’t bad at his craft, but is forgettable in appearance and manner. Saif Ali Khan does a good job of impersonating a Gujarati businessman, but his talent alone isn’t enough to pull this sinking ship. Radhika Apte and Chitrangada Singh are unnecessary players only added in for glamour.
THE VERDICT:
The director is squarely to blame for this fiasco. Clearly inspired by the fantastic “Wolf of Wall Street”, this film could’ve been highly engaging. Unfortunately, it was cringe-y, implausible and downright boring.
If you’re looking to watch an excellent film this festive season check out “Badhaai Ho” (read my review here) instead. If you’ve already seen that, save your money on “Baazaar” and catch moderately good films like “Venom” (read review here) and “Sui Dhaaga” (read review here) instead.
Film rating: 1.5/5
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Had seen the trailer of Bazaar and was tempted to see the movie based on that. Often short trailers made slickly can be deceptive. As you have mentioned the shoddy direction lets down the movie. Good to note that Saif has done a good job. I guess you saved us some money.
I was planning to watch it as it seems very interesting from the trailer. But now, not gonna watch.
I knew it won’t be an interesting movie. Your review helped me to make my decision of not watching it. Thanks for the detailed review.
First half of the movie is quite engaging. Amazing Background Music and a good storyline composed of interesting scenes. Saif Ali khan is at his best.
Now, this movie sounds really disappointing! Unnecessary plot twists and pulling the topic makes movies go really boring… I was planning to watch this but now I would go for some other movie!
The storyline and Saif as Gujarati business man sounds quite convincing , but I guess the team didn’t handle the sequences well. Thanks for sharing the review.
My friend told me first half of the movie is good second one is ok. I don’t prefer watching Saif Ali khan movie so i have not yet watched this one. Still thanks for sharing your review.
Its a personal preference of course. I thought the whole movie was terrible- both first and second half. It gave me a headache.
Thanks for sharing the detailed review, was planning to watch this one for weekend..you saved my money and time