Striker

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

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List of Striker Reviews


Ratings:2.5/5 Reviewer:Rajeev Masand Site:IBNLive

Set in the 1980s in Malvani, a claustrophobic ghetto of suburban Mumbai, Striker, directed by Chandan Arora is a gritty slice-of-life movie that never achieves its full potential. Remarkably shot and competently performed, the film is let down by a confused script that can't decide what point to make.Despite Arora's solid efforts, the film loses steam well before the end credits roll. Although only two hours in running time, the movie feels endlessly long, and fails to culminate satisfyingly. I'm going with two-and-a-half out of five for director Chandan Arora's Striker. It's not a bad film by any measure, but it most definitely could've been better. Watch it for some excellent acting and for its gritty realistic feel.

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Ratings:1.5/5 Reviewer:Taran Adarsh Site:BollywoodHungama

Some stories seem very interesting on paper. You get hooked, perhaps captivated. But there are times when these stories lose sheen when translated on celluloid. STRIKER, directed by Chandan Arora, falters because the story doesn't arrest your attention in entirety and also, it seems like a never-ending ride, even though the running time is approx. 2 hours.Cinema is all about narrating stories and Chandan Arora makes a sincere attempt to narrate one in STRIKER, but the multiple tracks and layers in the film act as a spoilsport. Frankly, the story overstays its welcome. Also, the subject material is very Mumbai-centric and therefore, will appeal to a miniscule audience. Final word? The striker doesn't strike!

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Ratings:3/5 Reviewer:Nikhat Kazmi Site:TimesOfIndia

Chandan Arora's Striker, acquires a whole new meaning. Don't divide our city, all you goons, goondas, politicos and administrators, it cries out aloud, through its moving tale of two young lads -- one Hindu, one Muslim -- who try to lead a life of normalcy, despite the shadow of crime and communalism. Childhood buddies, Surya (Siddharth) and Zaid (Ankur Vikal) not only end up toasting the undying bond of friendship, they also salute the spirit of communal harmony, characteristic of their city, through their carefree camaraderie. But the real hero of the film is Malvani, the ghetto where the two grow up and dream of escape. . The high point of the film is its authenticity, its heartwarming tale and its performances.Don't believe the lack lustre promos. The film has more meat -- and meaning -- than it promises.

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Ratings:3/5 Reviewer:Sukanya Verma Site:Rediff

Arora keeps it taut and nail-biting all through especially when he works the movie's mood around a game. Considering the going-ons in the film are too many and too integral to ignore, it's imperative to pay attention, which I am assuming will be a bone of contention for many. Clearly, Striker doesn't aim at being a bam-wham kind of flick. Instead it offers a study into the uneasy coming-of-age of an individual on-the-fence over the life he wants to embrace. Surya is neither as manipulative as Kaminey's Charlie nor as dignified as Slumdog Millionaire's Jamal. But they all have one thing in common -- a desperate need to get out of the rut. Ultimately what makes Striker a big deal is not its obviously visceral atmosphere or the various tangents it branches into but an impressive ensemble of little to unknown faces that allow you to interpret the story with an entirely fresh perspective.An interesting film with a lot on its mind, Striker isn't comfort cinema but I will recommend it anyway.

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Ratings:2.5/5 Reviewer:Anupama Chopra Site:NDTV

Striker is the kind of film that fills you with regret. There is skilful direction here, some nicely etched moments and commendable performances and yet the film never gathers enough momentum to make an impact. Striker never becomes the film it could have been.Director Chandan Arora delves into the fascinating under belly of a seemingly innocuous sport. But all of this talent is let down by the film’s weak and bewilderingly meandering script, also co-written by Arora. Even at two hours, Striker feels too long. Eventually then, Striker just isn’t compelling enough for a trip to the theater. But there are many good things here. So I recommend that you wait for the DVD.

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Ratings:2.5/5 Reviewer:Shweta Parande Site:Buzz18

Striker's pace is slow, much like the '80s and early '90s it's based in. Also, the back stories are too many and it gets a li'l annoying as well as confusing for the viewer. The film has a good message told through the story of a carrom player. It is not about carrom, but about the game of life and how you strike to defend yourself.Director Chandan Arora succeeds in showing the Mumbai of '80s. The setting and the life has been recreated well.The narration style reminds us of Ram Gopal Varma's films. But unlike Ramu, Chandan goes a bit overboard with his baby – not knowing where to make it crisper. But a good effort nevertheless.All in all, it's difficult to say if Striker will work in multiplexes or single screens. But if the plot were a little cleaner and crisper, it would've struck a chord with everyone.

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