Which film did you watch recently? Maybe Param Sundari, Baaghi, or something else. And of course, you gave a review straight after. Good or bad, whether loudly in public or quietly in private. Maybe you debated it with a friend, or if not, you almost certainly posted about it on social media.
Often, we rely too much on public reviews, critics, and star ratings. If everyone loved it, we would rush to watch it. If the reviews are bad, we drop it immediately. And then, only later, we realise that the films the public called ‘terrible’ are actually the ones we enjoy the most. Strange, isn’t it? Somehow, we have started trusting public opinion more than our own instincts.
When it comes to judging films, we all take the front seat. It does not matter if we understood the film or not. We straight away declare — “Up to the mark nahi thi film,” “Film mein mazaa nahi aaya,” “Abe yar kya hi bakwas acting ki hai,” “Inhe film ka sense hi nahi hai,” “Script mein dum nahi tha,” “Screenplay ghatiya tha,” “Director so raha tha kya film banate time,” “Ye film zero star ke bhi kabil nhi hai.”
And just like that, we become self-proclaimed critics. Our reviews are top-class, unmatched, and brutally honest. The funny thing is, it’s rare that we actually praise a film. Mostly, we enjoy picking holes, as if it’s our job.
The lobby debate
Step out of the cinema and you will notice it immediately. One group says the acting was great. Another argues the climax was predictable. Someone complains about the ticket price instead of the film. And just like that, a lobby turns into a panel discussion. Who needs a Film Companion when your friends are already firing opinions?
WhatsApp University of reviews
By the time you reach home, the film is already in your WhatsApp groups. One person shares memes, another drops a one-line verdict, and suddenly the entire family has an opinion. Even those who have not watched it yet. Reviews spread faster than the movie’s trailer itself.
Social Media: The big stage
Instagram stories, Twitter threads, and random Facebook posts — this is where the ‘reviewer mode’ gets unlocked. A selfie outside the theatre with a caption like ‘average tha boss’ or ‘paisa vasool’ becomes the final word for hundreds of followers. And the fun part? Half of them believe you more than actual critics.
Our obsession with ratings
We love giving numbers. 3/5, 2.5 stars, or 10/10 sirf songs ke liye. Even if we don’t understand cinematography or screenplay, we know how to rate. Because nothing feels complete without stamping a film with our own number.
Memes: The new age reviews
If we don’t like a film, we make memes. Sometimes the memes are more popular than the film itself. Think of it as the audience’s way of getting even. Why waste words when one funny meme can explain the whole film’s failure?
Why do we do it?
Because films are not just about watching. They are about experiencing and sharing. We love the feeling of being part of a collective conversation. When everyone is talking about a movie, we don’t want to be left behind. So we throw in our opinion — serious or silly, just to belong.
The truth
Deep down, we know we are not professional critics. But that’s the charm. We don’t need technical knowledge of direction, sound, or editing. We only need the confidence to say, “Mujhe pasand nahi aayi.” And that confidence comes naturally after every movie.
Whether it’s a blockbuster or a flop, one thing is guaranteed — we will all review it. On the way home, on group chats, on social media, or in front of colleagues. Because for us, films are more than entertainment. They are an excuse to argue, to joke, to bond, and to pretend we are critics for a while. And honestly, isn’t that half the fun of watching them in the first place?
