"Filmistaan" has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics in India.
The National Award winning film, directed by Nitin Kakkar, will release on 6 June. "Filmistaan" has been screened at several prestigious film festivals and received appreciation for the storyline.
"Filmistaan" tells the story of assistant director Sunny (played by Sharib Hashmi) who dreams of becoming an actor. According to critics, the film has put together humour, emotion and drama perfectly.
Actors Hashmi, Inaamulhaq, Kumud Mishra and Gopal Dutt have received praises for their performances. Check out the reviews of "Filmistaan" here:
Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama said: "FILMISTAAN is one of those rare Hindi films that juxtapose drama, humor and emotions seamlessly [screenplay: Nitin Kakkar]. An absorbing plotline is spread out splendidly into a 2-hour film and believe me, there's never a dull moment in the entire narrative.
"The only time FILMISTAAN falters is during the middle of the second hour, when a couple of episodes seem stretched, but these are passing clouds in an otherwise sunshine film.
"The locations are delightfully captured by the DoP [Subhransu Das], while the background score [Arijit Datta] is effectual. Dialogue, penned by Sharib Hashmi, are well-worded and most appropriate.
"On the whole, FILMISTAAN walks the tightrope between offbeat and commercial with gusto. This is a massively entertaining film. A film that shouldn't be missed at all. Watch it. Now."
Saurabh Dwivedi of India Today said: "Directed by Nitin Kakkar, Filmistaan is indeed a film that deserves all the accolades it has earned. The film never goes over the top. From mimicry of Bollywood actors to infusing emotion and drama, every thing goes in a balanced way. The actors have a done a commendable job be it Sharib Hashmi in the role of Sunny or Inamuel Haque in the role of Aftaab or Gopal Dutt as Javvad. The star cast is completely mesmerizing!
"The film has a perfect balance of humour, seriousness and emotions. The film beautifully defines the relationship between India and Pakistan and forces us to re-think about the baselessness of our sour bi-lateral relations."
Sneha May Francis of Emirate 24/7 said: "Numerous filmmakers have fed off the hatred between the neigbhouring nations with gusto, but none so genuinely insightful like Nitin's intensely layered screenplay. He illustrates how hatred between the two nations vanishes instantly over Salman Khan's mushy affairs or Sunny Deol's raging macho exploits, but re-emerges when they are pitted against each other on the cricketing field.
"For an (almost) all new cast and first-time director, it's commendable how 'Filmistaan' creates a vibrant frame in spite of relying (rather heavily) on the clichéd Bollywood dream. So, head to the cinemas, you won't regret it."
Vishal Verma of India Glitz said: "Fimistaan is a well realized satire on India Pakistan cross border fire Nitin Kakar doesn,t mock the Pakistani's, brings them on even field by drawing similarities between the culture and passion for cinema.. and in a way also questions the reason of partition when things are so similar thus making 'Fimistaan' a remarkably unique effort.
"Sampling Indian cinema as 'Mahan' 'Filimistaan' stands out as a welcome dope of hope to B-town satires its novel, funny, smartly acted comic relief combating cross border grits with its 'filmy' wits.. go for it."
Mohar Basu of Koimoi.com said: "Filmistaan is probably every filmy insaan's wet dream translated on screen. This film uses humor and subtlety to convey the dynamics of India and Pakistan without switching on the mandatory preachy mode. Sharib Hashmi is superlative in a film that is every bit brilliant. I was awed and aww-ed by the film's simplicity and sincerity in telling a story whose theme is usually complimented with a heavy narrative. But don't we often negate the fact that the real power of cinema lies in telling tender stories which have soul and comes straight from the heart! A riveting film that will delight you with its innocence.
"Nitin Kakkar's Filmistaan is a crackling movie to the core that doesn't give you one dull moment in its lambent tapestry. Sharib Hashmi is precocious for a debutant and along with Innam's adept performance, the duo deliver a effulgent film."
