'Citylights' Movie Review: Worth a Watch

"Citylights" that reunites National Award-winning pair, director Hansal Mehta and actor Rajkummar Rao, has received rave reviews from critics and Bollywood celebrities.

The makers of the film had held a special screening of "Citylights" this week in Mumbai for celebrities and critics. The film, which is the official adaptation of "Metro Manila" has garnered acclaim even before hitting screen worldwide.

"Citylights" is Patralekha's debut film and is paired opposite Rao. The story is based on the life of trader Deepak Singh (played by Rao) in Rajasthan, who comes to Mumbai with his wife and daughter to live a better life. However, after coming to the commercial capital of India, he gets caught in numerous difficult situations.

Actor-director Arbaaz Khan who attended the special screening of the film said: "Just saw Citylights, another stellar performance by Rajkummar Rao !!! Patraleka and Manav kaul excel too. Hansal and Raj combine well again".

"#Citylights got me really down, when I thought I was already. @raj_kumar31, Manav Kaul and Patraleka all got to me. @mehtahansal bravo," Kalki Koechlin said about the film.

"Citylights.. @raj_kumar31 fab.Patraleka couldnt have had a meatier debut.Manav Kaul a scene stealer. Lady seated nxt to me wept her heart out," Huma Qureshi said.

"Watched CITY LIGHTS last night! Director @mehtahansal out does himself!! Another national award winning film," director Tarun Mansukhani said.

"#Citylights cites original source, Metro Manila, 6 times in the credits. Wonderful change fm days when the Bhatts cheerfully stole stories," film critic Anupama Chopra said.

Tushar Joshi of Bollywood Life said: "Performances by both the leads are exemplary. Rajkummar Rao has already established himself as one of the brightest faces to look out for. His performance is not only measured but also real to the point where we forget all his previous work or the many characters he played. Patralekhaa deserves a specious mention for making a stunning debut.

"CityLights is deep, dark and extremely depressing. But Mehta deserve full marks for going all the way and giving us a glimpse of the city's dark underbelly where dreams are often shattered and broken."

Kusumita Das of Deccan Chronicle said: "Unlike struggler dramas of this kind, Citylights doesn't fall into the abyss of pathos, thanks to clever use of irony time and again. The story is fast paced, and every member of the cast keeps you hooked with their performances and there are enough twists too. A special mention for Manav Kaul who plays Rajkummar's senior partner in the security agency.

"The film is as breathless as its protagonists, but there is a certain poetry in its treatment that leaves a mark. Given its premise, some might say it's old wine in a new bottle. But this bottle's certainly a keeper."

Daily Bhaskar in its review said: "CityLights is not a commercial film at all. It's not a film which you like to watch with your family to lighten up for your mood. CityLights will make you think, cry and will stay with you even after the climax. Indian audience has so far maintained a distance from this genre of cinema. CityLights might change the trend."

On the whole, CITYLIGHTS is one of the most captivating movie experiences of late. An expertly-crafted heartbreaker, this tragic tale has a riveting plot, power-packed narrative, soulful music and arresting performances to haunt you much after the screening has concluded. A must watch!

On the whole, CITYLIGHTS is one of the most captivating movie experiences of late. An expertly-crafted heartbreaker, this tragic tale has a riveting plot, power-packed narrative, soulful music and arresting performances to haunt you much after the screening has concluded. A must watch!

Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama said: "CITYLIGHTS reflects the times we live in. And Hansal encapsulates the rural migration, penury, exploitation and adversities in an overcrowded metropolis with utmost realism. The transformation from a social drama to a disturbing thriller is gradual, evoking myriad emotions, leaving you troubled and distressed at the plight of the couple.

"After winning plaudits in LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA, RAGINI MMS, KAI PO CHE!, SHAHID and QUEEN, Rajkumar Rao delivers a stunningly raw and absolutely believable performance as Deepak. Although Patralekhaa doesn't get as much footage as Rajkummar, it must be noted that she achieves in her very first film what many do not, even after being part of multiple films. She's first-rate!

"On the whole, CITYLIGHTS is one of the most captivating movie experiences of late. An expertly-crafted heartbreaker, this tragic tale has a riveting plot, power-packed narrative, soulful music and arresting performances to haunt you much after the screening has concluded. A must watch!"

Mihir Fadnavis of Firstpost said: "Rajkummar Rao latches on to his character like a goblin shark. Like he always does, he gives it his one hundred percent in City Lights, and is still absolutely effortless. Even when he's facing the talented Manav Kaul, he holds his ground with a ton of confidence. If you want to watch a really good actor at his best in a pedestrian film, you should watch City Lights at the earliest.

"For a film called City Lights, the film is quite ugly to look at. There's not a single memorable set piece, the camerawork is deathly dull, and the film made me feel as if it didn't spend enough time in postproduction.

"When there are so many factors going against a movie, you expect the story to compensate things. Sadly it's paper thin, and crumbles under the weight of the film's mediocrity."