Lucknow Central movie review: This is what critics have to say about Farhan Akhtar's film

Multi-starrer movie Lucknow Central has been getting rave reviews from the critics. Starring Farhan Akhtar in the lead,  the film has been praised by most of the critics.

Directed by debutant Ranjit Tiwari, Lucknow Central is a movie about an aspiring singer, who gets framed for a murder. However, he forms a musical band in the jail, which changes his and the cell mates' lives. Apart from Farhan, the movie features Diana Penty, Gippy Grewal, Ronit Roy, Deepak Dobriyal among others.

Although the movie is slated to be released on September 15 in India,  reviews are already out. While the Bollywood celebs have been going gaga over Lucknow Central, most of the critics have also applauded the film.

The reviews suggest all the stars have performed brilliantly, and also the plot is unique. However, some say the film has a sloppy climax.

Check some of the critics' reviews:

Times of India: "Farhan ably carries the film on his shoulders but his efforts to nail his desi character are partially visible. Lucknow Central is a feel-good, human, prison-break drama that succeeds to manipulate you emotionally, despite being predictable and filmy in portions. While the peg is somewhat similar (barring the undertrial element) to the recent Qaidi Band, Lucknow Central has a distinct execution and is way more evolved."

Mid-Day said: "The film has its share of follies when the second half kicks off. The music could have been played a vital role in the film, but fails. A sloppy climax ends this sweet experience on a bitter note, turning out to be that unpalatable dessert that ruins a delectable experience. Yet, the plusses in Lucknow Central outnumber the weaknesses. It surely deserves a dekho."

NDTV: The climax is so long and unending that it feels like it's taking place in slow motion, and because these scenes are set to a musical performance in the backdrop, the scenes put us in a fresh hell where the Selfie Le Le song never bloody ends. Damn this jailhouse schlock.

Hindustan Times: Lucknow Central fails to utilise its resources, especially Diana Penty, and loses out on a chance to become a really engaging film. Like Prison Break, it never reaps the benefits of a promising start.

Koimoi: "For all those who have not seen Qaidi Band, we are sure that you will take an instant liking for Lucknow Central for its innovative script and screenplay. The movie will work, but, only if the word of mouth publicity is extremely strong. Still, the film is recommended by us purely for its innovative script and stellar performances by the lead actors. Even though his (Farhan) performance in Lucknow Central may not be in the same orbit as his earlier classics like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and likes, the fact also remains that you just cannot just take your eyes off from his character even for a single moment."

IANS: "Lucknow Central is by far the most engaging thinking man's thriller of the year. Ballsy and brave, it penetrates the politics of prison life without relinquishing the right to engage us in a solid storytelling spree where a clever cat-and-mouse game is played out between a sadistic jailor(Ronit Roy, in top form) and a non-guilty prisoner(Farhan Akhtar) who is hellbent on getting his liberty at any cost."

SpotboyE: "Unless you want to feel like a Jail Bin Musical Machhli, avoid wading into these troubled waters."