Well Done Abba

The film is a sheer delight, with the events unfolding in a breezy, comic vein which keeps the ribs relentlessly tickling. But what's more alluring are the colourful characters and the multi-layered approach to the problems of a village which becomes a microcosm of the entire nation.

...is one film you have to watch. For its simplicity. For its performances. And for its direction. It has content. It entertains. It educates.

...a must watch movie for the Midas touch of Shyam Benegal and the sheer mastery of Boman Irani.

Watch it and laugh. And wonder at what we have all come to.

Despite being a trail and tribulation journey, Benegal’s direction has a feel-good charm to it.

...this is a film for hardcore Boman Irani and Shyam Benegal fans. The former will not be disappointed. The latter... it is a tougher call.

...a bare look at contemporary rural India complete with all its unique challenges and nuances. And told with the Benegal stamp of folding in humour with comment.

We live in corrupt times and how?! Well done Abba reminds us of that and more. It reminds us of the gravity, the irony and our own submissiveness to the whole do. Would have worked much better if it were about an hour shorter.

...despite its staid, unattractive look and sometimes lumbering narrative, I recommend that you invest time and patience to watch...

The film is not only a strong statement on corruption in our government and establishment, but also exposes the hollowness of developmental programmes like NREGA. Shyam Benegal has created a superb flick.

This is Boman’s finest work yet. Truly, well done, both Benegal, and Boman then!

...a sweet, whimsical political satire, quite a rare breed in Bollywood.

The film is not just an entertainer, but leaves a message in a subtle way.

...has some wonderful moments, but they're few and far between.

There is much to appreciate about this film, but it demands solid patience on your part.

...despite it’s well meaning intentions, the film’s length works against it.

...is heart-felt and intermittently funny but not flat-out delightful like Benegal’s last film Welcome to Sajjanpur. You need oodles of patience to enjoy this one.

...it is too lax, and, after a point, too stuffed.

With no one to particularly invest in, Well Done Abba turns dull very quickly – and it doesn’t help that complex issues are raised and redressed with insulting simple-mindedness.