Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Verity Robins Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

Logan By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Achyut Priya Shukla There are few good things about a debutant's work. Firstly, you don't have any expectations from the work. Secondly, you can be as critical as you like without worrying about the trolls. Also, you are elated when such a work leaves you tickled in the end. The film portrays beautifully the solution to the age old problem of the 'writer's block'. Through the two friends, Mainak and Dulal, it depicts different choices one makes to overcome the block. The film considers overcoming this block as a life changing event in the life of a creative professional. The film reminds one of the 'cult' classic Barton Fink(1991) where the directors Coen Bros. took a deep dark turn when their protagonist was faced with same writer's block. The film is drenched in a amateurish style which adds a raw edge to the film and hence an eight(8). Humour is good and apart from the theme this is the only other thing which sticks with you for a little longer. The film seemed too self aware sometimes, i.e. giving details of what is transpiring, a signature evolved from Fellini's(Gonzo's cat :P) 81/2.

bobbysing If you can forget about any specific plot, ready to watch natural performers instead of superstars, can ignore some extreme abuses used and willing to experience something straight out of the real life of two struggling writers knocking at every promising door in Mumbai then do give this a try by making a serious effort as a must. Particularly if you are among the ones who themselves have experienced such time in the city of dreams as a writer, actor or a creative technician looking for work and your first crucial break in the film world.Cleverly shot in a different, realistic mode by the debutant director Amit Masurkar, his SULEMANI KEEDA might not be a perfect winner, but it does have that much required freshness to offer post many mediocre projects supported by all big names. Its pleasingly authentic portrayal of two struggling writers, their try at girls in a bookstore, the unlimited rounds to the homes & offices of celebrities like Amrita Rao, Mahesh Bhatt, Anil Sharma and Aditya Chopra, their attempt to write something out of the box for their eccentric rich client, falling in love, fighting with each other and then surrendering to the corrupt system ignoring their own cherished art-form, truly gives you a quite mature account of the real life lived by such artists in Mumbai looking for that one major break.With many admirably natural performances from Mayank Tewari, Naveen Kasturia and the entire supporting cast, who don't really seem to be acting, the film many a times gives you a feeling of watching something straight from the real life shot in a docu-drama style. And that's where it scores the most despite losing the grip in the middle (due to the repetitive love affair) and then becoming all predictable towards the end of its 90 minutes duration. Shot in a simple but impressive manner on all next door Mumbai locations, SULEMANI KEEDA remains a comedy throughout maintaining a fine balance between real life and its unique characters. But along with that also represents the deep pain felt by every single person who comes to the city in search of name, fame and money in big numbers.It mocks at the film industry's way of functioning much better than the recent HAPPY ENDING and THE SHAUKEENS and has an interesting soundtrack and background score too adding to the overall impact. Yet admittedly it doesn't hit that hard in the end with the fun losing out to all familiar scenes in its final 45 minutes. Moreover, targeting only the urban youth or selected audience, the film is certainly not going to be seen and enjoyed by everyone as it seems. Having said that, it still gives you a name to watch in the future of its director Masurkar, who surely has a keen observing eye on the life around.Ending on a different note, SULEMANI KEEDA might only be rated as a realistic, promising first attempt by the entire team performing well, but it definitely needs to be given a chance without any doubt. Specifically if you are film writer yourself or often write about films of the present or the past on your own blog/site as a passionate hobby. And in case you are still not convinced then sample this one line from the film saying, "Agar Filmein Bechani Hain Toh Dukandaar Ki Tarah Socho, Writer Ki Tarah Nahin!"

Shubham Rakheja I watched Sulemani Keeda in an almost empty theatre and throughout the film I just kept asking the question: Why? Before I begin writing anything about the merits/demerits of the movie, I must say that we need more movies like this. The story of Sulemani Keeda is nothing to go gaga over but the almost non existential direction in its depiction of friendship gives it a conspicuously vicarious emotion; almost nostalgic at times. The story starts with a couple of aspiring writers trying to make it big in the big bad world of Bollywood. Dulal played by an excellent Navin Kasturia marvelously underplays his character. His naivety in many scenes makes you root for him. And, Mayank Tewari playing Mainak, complementing the almost tangible innocence of the Dulal with his loudmouth and unkempt attitude makes us believe the character even more. In one particular scene of the movie, Mainak recites a profane poem in a bar with gusto and 'I don't give a damn' attitude just after Dulal had read a poignant poem. The scene becomes extremely sweet and corny in equal measures. The title 'Sulemani Keeda' refers to the title of the film which Mainak and Dulal desperately want to write. In the pursuit of becoming writers, they meet with a producer's son called Gonzo (Yeah, the name is enough to crack you up) who is hell bent on making Bollywood film in Eastern European style cinema with full frontal male nudity. What ensue are some really funny scenes and an emotional one towards the end. The love track between Dulal and Ruma (Aditi Vasudev) is a sweet and introspective one. The discussion between them inspires Dulal to not succumb to the societal pressures but chase his dreams. Ruma's pragmatism makes you appreciate the character. The film's bare bones depiction of friendship, the anguish of lost love and most importantly the struggle to make it big on your own terms resonates long after the movie is over. It is mature and fun in equal parts. The only problem I had with the film was its ending. It felt like a desperate attempt to make the film unconventional and hatke. It certainly could have been different. This minor qualm aside, the film is a little gem and definitely deserves a watch. ~Shubham Rakheja

sesht Finally, an Indian indie that skirts the line between broad comedy and subtle ones, and is perhaps one of the best written works to come out of the industry by far.Save the final moments when it threatens to go all filmy on us, and almost does, this one's just a little short of perfect, even in terms of pacing and boasts some fine technical aspects for a low budget work.The acting as well, never comes across as amateurish in any way, an aspect that plagues most Indie productions, including those initial forays made by Kukunoor or movies like 'The great Indian butterfly' . This is a work made by film-makers who're sure about their craft, and are most definitely here to stay. Even the choice of shooting styles, camera angles, foreground scores and background scores are polished, with not a step faltering or out-of-place.The performances are right up there, and the characterization is comprehensive, with the viewers getting just enough information that is within the context of all the events unfolding in the protagonists' lives.The beginning few scenes though, I was not too sure, since it did take the flick a few spluttering starts to really get going (I think it really did after the poetry-reading sequence).Not too dark to put people off, but dark enough to laugh at all its gallows humor guiltily around your other half, this one's a good watch also for groups of close friends who wax nostalgic about using the 'S...keeda' term fondly, and with intent, to describe in real- earthy terms, various 'interesting' things going on with their lives.I do hope it lives a long life at the multiplexes. I might actually catch it once again next weekend. And, just in case you were wondering, yep, its that good.