Indian Movie Reviews Roundup: From Neo-Noir Grit to Franchise Firepower

New Indian releases this cycle cover a striking range: a politically charged drama positioned as essential viewing, a bruised neo-noir from a filmmaker known for moral grey zones, a major franchise sequel built on relentless momentum, and two tonal counterpoints—a hyperactive spy spoof and a soft, romantic drama that prefers restraint over fireworks.

Assi: A film with urgency on its mind

What it is: A drama led by Kani Kusruti and Taapsee Pannu that is being received less as “just a story” and more as a pointed intervention—an on-screen call to attention and action.

What stands out: The dominant reaction frames the film as imperative: it aims to stir the viewer rather than simply move them. In practical terms, that usually means scenes designed for impact—direct confrontations, moral pressure-cookers, and performances calibrated for conviction.

Who it’s for: Viewers who want cinema to feel like a conversation with the present—urgent, topical, and emotionally insistent.

Kennedy: Neo-noir that lingers after the credits

What it is: Anurag Kashyap returns to a gritty mode with a neo-noir designed to feel lived-in—harsh edges, compromised characters, and a city that doesn’t offer easy exits.

What stands out: The appeal here is atmosphere and aftertaste. Neo-noir works best when plot is only half the game; the other half is dread, moral ambiguity, and the sense that every choice creates a new trap. Reactions suggest Kennedy gets that balance right, delivering a film that stays with you because its world feels coherent and its violence (physical or psychological) has consequence.

Who it’s for: Fans of dark thrillers who like their stories ethically messy, visually moody, and emotionally persistent.

Mardaani 3: Legacy sequel built for momentum

What it is: The third entry in the Mardaani series, with Rani Mukerji once again at the center as the franchise’s defining force.

What stands out: Across reviews, the emphasis is on Mukerji’s continued ferocity and a narrative engine that avoids slack. One perspective praises its loyalty to the series’ established identity—grounded intensity and a clear moral line—while another spotlights its entertainment value and the absence of dull patches. Taken together, the consensus reads: this is a threequel that understands why the brand works and doubles down on pace, punch, and presence.

Who it’s for: Viewers who want a solid, high-drive sequel that respects earlier installments while delivering immediate thrills.

Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos: Comic chaos in spy-movie clothing

What it is: A spy comedy anchored by Vir Das, leaning into absurdity rather than sleek espionage.

What stands out: The key selling point appears to be performance energy: Das as an agent of comedic disruption. Spy spoofs succeed when they commit to a rhythm—setups that escalate quickly, punchlines that land cleanly, and action beats that feel like part of the joke, not an interruption. The reception suggests a “mad-fun” tone that prioritizes laughs and momentum over plausibility.

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for light, gag-forward entertainment where the premise exists mainly to power the comedy.

Gustaakh Ishq: Soft romance, slightly short of its promise

What it is: A gentle romantic drama that favors grace and calm over spectacle.

What stands out: The response points to a familiar trade-off: the film’s delicacy is its strength, but the same restraint may keep it from fully landing. “Underwhelming” in this context often means the emotional peaks don’t crest high enough, or the narrative doesn’t deepen its conflicts beyond a pleasant surface.

Who it’s for: Viewers who appreciate understated romance and don’t require big twists or maximal melodrama—so long as they’re comfortable with a quieter payoff.

What to watch first (quick picks)