Fairaher
The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
Bea Swanson
This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.
Philippa
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
prashanthvedartham
What stands out to me in the movie are cast, costumes, script and dialogues & songs - magically weaved into each other! The film itself does remarkably well in redefining the meaning of what safety is and where freedom could be found.Direction and Writing : Prodigious - forces you to respect Imtiaz again for his originality.Cast: Just seems so neat. Esp. every supporting Bhati has done a great job! Hooda is surreal in blending into the character throughout. This character should have lionized Randeep more in the industry. And, Alia (with my prejudged idea of her being less than acceptable for her skills) actually is spot on in some scenes with fabulous and natural acting, a mixture of innocence and childlike foolishness.Music/Songs: Rustic, earthy, fuses so very well into the story!Cinematography : Well done with some great shots at the Himalayas!7.6 is an underrating and hence I want to give full marks to take the score up. Just cannot think of any points to hold back. One of the best original works I have seen recently!
sophieloveschocolate
Highway isn't just a film, its a journey, which could end up being reality for some of us. Unfortunately, many people don't realize this, the fact that we are all part of a society, where we can't be ourselves, or express ourselves. In short, a society that we think gives us freedom, but it really doesn't. Imtiaz Ali has realized this, which is why he has written the story of Highway.The film may look simple and ordinary. But, if you take time to analyse it, you may see that everything in the movie has been scripted for a reason, and each character has been created thoughtfully. Alia Bhatt's character, Veera, is a naive, innocent yet bright women who wants to live life on her terms. In contrast, Randeep Hooda's character, Mahabir,is a harsh, tough gang member. The relationship between these two characters is so special, because even though they are opposites, they are still very similar.Imtiaz Ali's direction is perfect, as usual. The performances by Alia and Randeep are mind blowing. It's pretty obvious why Imtiaz chose these wonderful actors in Highway. No one else could create the same atmosphere as them. Anil Mehta has beautifully captured every location. From the rock-steady mountains to the cool streams, every aspect of the movie looks like paradise. The movie wouldn't have been the same without the music of A R Rahman. The song 'Patakha Guddi' is my favourite, because it feels like it was written for me. Irshad Kamil has penned every lyric accurately. Overall, I think the film was brilliant compared to all the nonsense films being made these days. I hope more films like Highway will be made in the future.
Peter Young
I used to consider Imtiaz Ali to be quite overrated, but with Highway, my opinion of him has changed dramatically. Highway is one of the most beautiful films of recent times in Hindi cinema, in terms of both photography and storytelling. Telling the story of a young girl kidnapped in an act she herself would eventually consider pure bliss, Highway starts as a road movie and what could have become a suspenseful thriller of sorts, turns into a deeply involving love story between two aching souls. The captive girl finds a true saviour in her captor and eventually falls for him, showing little interest in coming back home. The movie is not without its clichés, and the sub-story of child abuse the young woman had been through as a child tends to be a little corny, but then everything is handled with great delicacy. It is emotional but totally controlled and sensible, all thanks to Ali, who deals with the complex subject with impressive understanding and Aided by brilliant cinematography, the movie is beautifully shot across some of North India's most breathtaking locations, but not only does it capture the beauty of India's exotic mountains and the magic of its simplicity, it consistently stands as a celebration of the human spirit and conveys a meaning of freedom is spite of the potentially troubling proceedings. The film is slow paced, but totally engaging and absorbing, and that's because the story is expertly developed, with the ensuing portions of romance working quite effectively. Everything grows naturally, and what starts with a quietly serene narrative style is gradually filled with music up to a point where the narrative is nothing but music and high spirit. And for that you have to thank the master himself, A. R. Rahman, whose stupendous soundtrack and score enhance the film and its story. The songs are in sync with the proceedings and always reflect the characters' state.The acting is excellent even by actors appearing in minor parts. The lead pair is played by Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt, and the two have fantastic chemistry. The romantic tension between the two is built up with great conviction - it never looks peculiar in spite of the nature of their parts, and never looks missing in spite of the lack of too much physical interaction. Hooda is tremendous as Mahabir, brilliantly underplaying the essence of a man who may look cruel and fearless, but beneath this tough exterior there's a poor, compassionate and quietly tormented soul. But the movie belongs to young Bhatt, who's pretty and bubbly but just totally immersed in the spirited character of Veera, so much that even she herself might not have expected from herself. She seems to really get the resilient nature of her part, but rather than playing it, she lives it, presenting an exhilarating portrait of strength, determination and positivity.Highway ends on a poignant but realistic note, and the ending is extremely cathartic and satisfying. It ends up being a greatly affecting love story which surely is inspiring to watch, and besides that it is a true visual treat worth watching more than once. A rewarding cinematic experience, highly recommended.
Namra Syed Hussain
Highway- 2014 Director: Imtiaz Ali Watching Imtiaz Ali's movie is like reading a book. Every emotion is expressed in such a way that you remain in a long hangover even days after watching his creation & the major credit goes to cinematographer as well .. So Mahabir- Randeep Hooda has always been a very fine actor. It feels like he didn't wash his face and hair just to develop that character and situation in the movie. The thing which touched Veera's (Alia Bhatt) heart was that she was not secure at her home but even though she was kidnapped by a gangster like Mahabir and was still secure with him. Hats off to Imtiaz Ali for the beautiful and a reality based story. not to forget, the songs and music was AWESOME.
