'Ankur Arora Murder Case' Review Roundup: Medical Thriller Promises Much But Delivers Little

"Ankur Arora Murder Case" is a medical thriller film based on a real-life incident where an eight-year-old boy dies due to medical negligence in a hospital. The low-budget film doesn't feature any big star cast.

The film has received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some have praised the film, others have said that the film promises much but delivers little.

The film features Kay Kay Menon, Tisca Chopra, Vishakha Singh and Arjun Mathur in important roles.

Check out the critics review here:

Subhash K. Jha of IANS writes: "The 'Ankur Arora Murder Case' is one of the most gripping moral dramas in recent times. The deftly crafted script raises the question of right and wrong in the medical profession without getting peachy or hysterical. Somewhere, Dr. Asthana's medical arrogance connects with each one of us who has in one way or another encountered deadends in healthcare.

"Looking at Kay Kay Menon's brilliantly underscored emphatically italicised performance, I finally understood what was meant by the Biblical proverb, 'Physician, heal thyself'.

"Many portions of the pacy plot would seem excessively racy. The post-interval helping seems specially eager to seek out unexpected twists and turns. And that's fine. The idea of making a film on medical ethics is to ensure that audiences' participation in the proceedings never flags. To that extent, director Suhail Tatari (who earlier directed the gripping thriller 'My Wife's Murder'), keeps the large array of conflicted characters in a constant state of self-questioning anxiety. It's cinematically a terrific space to be in. Tatari explores that space with intelligence, sensitivity and some charm.

"The performances in both the first-half (the medical drama) and the second-half (the courtroom conflict) are all supremely poised. The actors assume brilliancy without getting compromised by the need to shine. Tisca Arora's bereaved mother's act is so real and restrained! She gives us goosebumps when after her son's death, she gets busy on her smartphone to fob off the terrible reality of the tragedy.

"Indeed, this is is a far cleverer, wiser and relevant film than most of what we get to see these days. At a time when Bollywood is raining bubbles and effervescence about 'jawaani deewanis' and 'yamla paglas', this sobering clenched disturbing medical thriller comes as an invigorating cloudburst."

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV writes: "It is a well-meaning, proficiently crafted and competently acted drama about the wages of medical skullduggery. But Ankur Arora Murder Case fails to make a strong enough case for itself. 

"The film's lack of vitality stems from factors that are embedded in the comatose screenplay, which has neither much sting nor any imagination. For one, the title is a dead giveaway, as a result of which one large chunk of the film is completely predictable. The audience knows a death is on the way and that it is going to lead to a 'murder case'.

"The first half plays out largely in an upscale medical facility; the second unfolds in a rather sterile courtroom where two lawyers who share more than just a profession square off against each other in what turns out to be a dreary legal contest.

"The script follows a simple logic: if it's a woman, she must be a real tough nut. The problem with Ankur Arora Murder Case is that promises much but delivers little. The manner in which director Suhail Tatari handles the narrative is commendably earnest up to a point. He proffers no cheap thrills. 

"The script, too, sticks to its primary concern and eschews formula-ridden set pieces. The film also throws in plenty of medical procedures and terminology, suggesting that a great deal of homework has been done."

Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama writes: "After attempting erotic thrillers and murder mysteries, Vikram Bhatt delves into the realistic zone with ANKUR ARORA MURDER CASE, which tackles the issue of medical neglect. Besides, this film goes beyond the issue of medical negligence. What happens when justice is denied to the victim's family? Vikram and director Suhail Tatari take the spectator from inside the operation theatre to a courtroom, where an eminent surgeon is tried for medical recklessness. 

"Reportedly based on a true incident, ANKUR ARORA MURDER CASE focuses not just on the negligence in the operation theatre, but also throws light on the justice mechanism in our country. Come to think of it, a film like ANKUR ARORA MURDER CASE acts as wake up call for many a doctor or those associated with this profession/medical lobbies, besides making the spectator cognizant of the fact that we ought to have a dedicated procedure for speedy disposal of such cases. 

"On the whole, ANKUR ARORA MURDER CASE illustrates and spotlights on the gaffes in the medical profession most persuasively. A heartfelt effort that deserves to be watched!"           

Mohar Basu of Koimoi.com writes: "Basing the movie on the real life story of Ankur Arora, the film is an unworthy tribute to an unsung child hero who was slain by medical discrepancy. Following from the popular American sitcom Grey's Anatomy in its idea and execution, the film with its drooping second half, shallow approach and mostly overtly melodramatic screenplay packed with unnecessary dialogues make it a terrible drag.

"The script itself is a well grounded and well researched one. The idea is emotional and thrilling. The entire idea of making a film on a issue like this comes with a magnanimous responsibility of portraying the facts right and depicting the stances correctly! The film doesn't tamper with any facts surely, but the presentation is done without any earnestness.

"Tisca Chopra gives a potent performance with grounded intensity. Kay Kay Menon is impressive but his repetitive acting mores have clearly become stale. Paoli Dam can simply not act and doesn't know how to emote. She doesn't do justice to the strong character she is meant to enact! Arjun Mathur is promising but shines only because of his author backed role!

"Ankur Arora Murder Case is not an atrocious film, but is gravely disappointing. Wasting actors like Tisca Chopra and Kay Kay Menon along with making a spiced up version of true life incident of a death of a child due to medical negligence, the film is a sure damp squib for me."