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Critics Review
3.50
It's a clever ode to popular Hindi cinema
The kidnapping of an aspiring Bollywood actor by Pakistani terrorists serves as a springboard for cheeky, bittersweet humor and a plea for cross-border brotherhood in first-time director Nitin Kakkar's 'Filmistaan'. Above all things, this is a clever ode to popular Hindi cinema whose fans, as Kakkar reminds us, exist everywhere.(more)
Source: Rajeev Masand,, CNN-IBN
4.00
FILMISTAAN walks the tightrope between offbeat and commercial with gusto
FILMISTAAN is one of those rare Hindi films that juxtaposes drama, humor and emotions seamlessly [screenplay: Nitin Kakkar]. An absorbing plotline is spread out splendidly into a 2-hour film and believe me, there's never a dull moment in the entire narrative. Although the film does highlight cross-border terrorism, it also sheds light on the love that people from both sides have for Bollywood. Additionally, while the Indian protagonist is held captive in a hamlet in Pakistan, the film doesn't come across as gloomy or dark. And despite the fact that he faces hardships/atrocities at the hands of his Pakistani captors, the director presents a picture of hope and optimism.(more)
Source: Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama
4.00
Filmistaan is a delightful film. It has heart, imagination and intelligence. Filmistaan is a celebration of our enduring love affair with Hindi cinema. But it is also an exploration of the shared humanity between Indians and Pakistanis. Debutant director Nitin Kakkar, who has also written the film, has created a comedy that is permeated by a profound sadness. So don�t be put off by the name or the lack of stars. This is a lovely little film that will sneak into your heart. I�m going with four stars.(more)
Source: Anupama Chopra, Hindustan Times
5.00
Filmistaan is absolutely flawless
Filmistaan chooses to speak about the sensitive issue of Pakistan and does so with amazing clarity. Employing crisp humour, often using famous dialogues from Hindi films, the film stresses on the shared culture (including the sanskaars given by Cine Maa) to remind us how easy it is to get along with our neighbours when we look at them as human beings.Filmistaan is packed with great background scores, unfaltering narration and stellar performances. It's also one of the best films I've watched since Queen and D-Day; it's absolutely flawless.(more)
Source: Paloma Sharma., Rediff.com
4.00
Filmistaan is a crackling movie
Filmistaan is probably every filmy insaan�s wet dream translated on screen. This film uses humor and subtlety to convey the dynamics of India and Pakistan without switching on the mandatory preachy mode. Sharib Hashmi is superlative in a film that is every bit brilliant. I was awed and aww-ed by the film�s simplicity and sincerity in telling a story whose theme is usually complimented with a heavy narrative. But don�t we often negate the fact that the real power of cinema lies in telling tender stories which have soul and comes straight from the heart! A riveting film that will delight you with its innocence.(more)
Source: Mohar Basu, Koimoi
4.00
Filmistaan has a perfect balance of humour, seriousness and emotions
The film never goes over the top. From mimicry of Bollywood actors to infusing emotion and drama, every thing goes in a balanced way. The film has a perfect balance of humour, seriousness and emotions. The film beautifully defines the relationship between India and Pakistan and forces us to re-think about the baselessness of our sour bi-lateral relations.(more)
Source: Shubhra Dwivedi, India Today