Steineded How sad is this?

Smartorhypo Highly Overrated But Still Good

SanEat A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

Bluebell Alcock Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

JMilforeva At first I heard a lot about the movie - mostly negative remarks - and yet the songs were something to boast about, so I decided to check it out...and I must say that I don't regret it at all. Aishwarya, in my opinion, demonstrates her ability to portray an effective dramatic role that was last seen in Devdas, and Shabana Azmi as well as Himani Shivpuri add a very good complimentary touch to the entire movie. The classical pieces, performed well and precisely by Aishwarya, were greeted by a warm welcome as this had not been seen in such a significant presence in a long time. The entire setting of the film added a very good effect to the film as well as the type of dress and culture that was present in the movie. However, the film can be described as being 'slow' by some, but this is often seen in a lot of movies who had their sources as literary pieces. Still though, it was immensely enjoyed.

akshat Despite being panned, I had hope that this film might be a fulfilling experience. The main problem with 'Umrao Jaan' is that it insists upon itself. It tries hard to be taken seriously, ergo, the script seems to be written by an eight grader who has just received a thesaurus and tries to impress his teacher by resorting to complex Lexis where simple words would do. Fact: J.P Dutta's version had all the makings of a grand tragedy: the ethereal main lead, her ashenly handsome love interest, haunting songs and magnificent sets and costumes. Furthermore,the length of the film is exhaustive...I actually had to get up and move about for a bit in order to shake the cobwebs lining the inside of my cranium. The songs, though melodiously rendered, are far too many in number and get on one's nerves after a while. Also Dutta has shown 'Umrao Jaan' to be a love story gone sour. Having read Rusva's original I can safely say that the broad outlook of the novel was to provide the reader an insight into the life of a courtesan...the love story was just a part of the text and not the novel as a whole.In conclusion, Umrao Jaan may be Aishwarya Rai's most powerful work till date and another feather in Shabana Azmi's cap but it is vaguely reminiscent of 'Memoirs of a Geisha' sans a true sense of tragedy.

nbk-6 Every one involved in Umrao Jaan 2006 took a big risk -- the comparisons with the 1981 version of the masterpiece are inevitable. From this point of view both the director and Aishwarya Rai earn my respect. So if you have seen the 81 version of this movie, you have to raise yourself above the comparison.About 20 seconds before the movie ended I realized that it was about to end. And I was sad. The first half of the movie is slow and potentially boring. But the second will keep you engrossed. It will be a shame if the 06 version of the movie gets bad ratings just out of comparison with the 81 version. This movie is a good investment of your 10 dollars and 3 hours.Abhshek Bachchan is weak. But no characters in the movie should matter other than Umrao Jaan. Aishwarya Rai is good. Shabana Azmi is powerful in the role she played. Years later she again showed what a powerful actress she is. The music and songs do not measure up to the songs of the 81 version but who can blame the director? It is difficult to find 8 songs to match a story. Finding 8 more is even harder. But the songs are still way better than most other movies.

iamsaurabh1702 I feel the movie requires a closer look. Superficially the scenes mite come out dry but look closer and you will see the reality that is staring you in your face. there is not adulteration of scenes by strong music.. just the raw reality.. Some of the scenes which seem shallow ..that is what it would be like in reality... it is slowly after the build up that the story starts to unfold... Aishwarya has pulled off the role of Umrao exceptionally well. The lyrics touch your heart with songs like "Pooch rahe hain". Shabana Azmi has played every emotion with such authenticity.. she comes out as a mother, a shrewd woman.. protecting her sanctuary... Aishwarya has repeated her excellent performance of Raincoat here. Kudos to J.P. Dutta