Anaarkali of Aarah (Anarkali of Arrah) movie review roundup: This is what Bollywood critics have to say about Swara Bhaskar's film

Swara Bhaskar's Anaarkali of Aarah (Anarkali of Arrah), which will release in theatres on Friday, March 24, has received mixed reviews from Bollywood critics. The movie has, however, received a positive response from celebrities, who attended the special screening of the film.

Swara Bhaskar's deleted b**b groping scenes from Anaarkali of Aarah leaked online [VIDEO]

Both celebrities and a certain section of critics have been praising Swara's performance and the strong storyline.

Anarkali of Arrah narrates the story of a singer (played by Swara) hailing from Arrah, Bihar, and is popular for her erotic songs. She is the star performer of her group but her life takes a drastic turn with she gets into a fight with a powerful man of the region. 

Produced by Priya and Sandiip Kapur and written and directed by Avinash Das, the film made headlines when some bold scenes of Swara got leaked. It was also these leaked scenes that the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had asked the makers to delete from the film. While one scene featured Swara's breast being groped, another one was of her bare back. 

Following are the Anaarkali of Aarah movie reviews by Bollywood critics:

Rohit Vats of Hindustan Times said: "Anaarkali Of Aarah takes a cue from last year's Pink and takes the discussion forward. Anaarkali of Aarah brings forth a world that's out of focus and needs our attention. Marginalised sections are fighting their own battles in this part of the globe and Anaarkali Of Aarah wants us to be sympathetic to them. Being privy to their emotions doesn't seem a bad idea."

Shubhra Gupta of Indian Express said: "With Anar, Swara Bhaskar gets a role worthy of her. The film uses lines and situations involving crudity but never turns vulgar. Nowhere does Anaarkali of Aarah makes you cringe, and that's a real achievement."

Renuka Vyavahare of the Times of India said: "Anaarkali of Aarah is an unexpected winner that stuns you with its authenticity. It is about a woman, who fights to uphold her right to dignity. However, what doesn't work here is the absence of a strong antagonist. Sanjay Mishra's comic villainry fails to unnerve you, making the climax look a tad convenient and underwhelming. This movie questions this very mind-set and offers a refreshing take on women and their sexuality."

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV said: "Anaarkali of Aarah is the kind of film that you want to applaud, especially on account of the concerns that it articulates. But it leaves you deeply dissatisfied. It could have done with much more passion and flair. It is worse than a misfire. It doesn't fire at all despite the magnificently full-blooded pivotal performance from Swara Bhaskar."

Mumbai Mirror said: "Swara Bhaskar dons her Anaarkali with a double coat of 'lipistick' and a whole lot of spunk. Carving a character whose self esteem is non-negotiable and isn't afraid to assert herself, she also packs in a vulnerable streak that doesn't beg for empathy. Some may say that this film extends the Pink takeaway about consent. But this one works for being an inspirational story of a woman who isn't defined by her circumstances or undermined by her past."