'Kaanchi' Review Roundup: Subhash Ghai Fails to Create Magic

Subhash Ghai's women-oriented film "Kaanchi: The Unbreakable" has garnered negative reviews. Ghai, who has directed films like "Karz", "Taal" and "Pardes" among others, has failed to impress the critics with his latest venture.

Critics in their reviews have termed the film as a debacle. Lead actress Mishti (Indrani Chakraborty) has failed to make an impression on her debut. Her character seems to be heavily inspired from Maansi of "Taal", played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The storyline of the film is interesting but the final outcome has been disappointing. Leads Mishti and Kartik Tiwari have struggled but, on the other hand, veterans Rishi Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty and Adil Hussain have impressed film reviewers with their fine performances.

Read the reviews below:

Meena Iyer of The Times of India said: "n what is the most childish plot ever, she masquerades as a domestic help in the Kakda household (comprising Rishi, Mithun and bad-hair boy). She conducts a sting operation, throws open a can of worms and blows the cover on this family, who have political leanings and havala earnings. And by the time she's done with her Mother India act, you're too tired to seek reason.

Mishti looks a cross between Rani Mukherjee and Mandakini. Hoardings proclaim she is Kaanchi the unbreakable, but her voice is so shrill, it can cut glass. And Mr Ghai you're the maker of Kaalicharan, Vishwanath, Karz, Hero, Ram Lakhan, Karma, Pardes and Taal. Permit us to just rewind to your past glory.

Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama said: "Ghai's attempt to balance entertainment with the serious issue that he desires to address via KAANCHI also does not work completely because at the end of it all, instead of forcing us to confront the stark issues and bitter truths, the outcome neither falls into the typical Ghai entertainer bracket, nor do you applaud the courageous fight for justice of the protagonist. 

"Ghai rests the plot of KAANCHI on Mishti's shoulders and though the actress looks beautiful [reminds of Aishwarya and Mahima from certain angles], she does a confident job of interpreting her part. Also, her fragile face bears the scars of trauma effectively.

"Adil Hussain manages his part efficiently. Mita Vashisht is wasted. Mahima Chaudhary appears in a cameo. 

"On the whole, KAANCHI could've been a riveting fare, but doesn't rise beyond the ordinary in the final tally."

Shomini Sen of IBNLive said: "First few shots of the film are strikingly similar to Ghai's blockbuster Taal. #Kaanchi. The girl can abuse without batting an eyelid but refers lovemaking as 'won woh'. #Kaanchi

"The editing is so patchy. Songs sequences come in the film out of nowhere. #Kaanchi. The dialogues are so badly dubbed that it makes no sense to the scenes. What was Ghai thinking?! #Kaanchi

"Its amazing that so many noted actors agrees to be a part of a debacle like #Kaanchi. Just baffling as to why Rishi Kapoor, who has in the recent past re invented his career, agreed to be a part of #Kaanchi.

"So in Subhash Ghai's world, social activists go on marches screaming 'come on India!' randomly, without any agenda as such. #Kaanchi."

Koimoi.com in its review said: "Kaanchi is a film that may entertain you if you are a fan of Subhash Ghai films. The film has typical Ghai film elements with a small town feel and yet the extravagance of the elite. The film could also serve as an inspiration to girls who want to bring a change in society but only in a cinematic manner. Watch it if you have ample of free time!

"The script is not strong enough to make this film a riveting one. There are no stellar performances to look forward to. Also the music or the background score do not really help to pick up the film at any point.

"The film is a love revenge saga that may entice you only into phases. While the music is complete downer, there is less to look forward to in this film. If you are a person high on optimism, this film may impress you with its positivity and underlined message. Kaanchi could have been Ghai's Rang De Basanti had the script been strong enough."