I've loved Sriram Raghavan's films. They're a bit different from the rest that Bolloywood turns out year on year. And he knows how to make a good thriller and keep his fans like me edge of their seats.

Badlapur is the story of Raghu (Varun Dhawan) who is simmering in revenge after his wife and son are killed in a bank robbery all gone wrong. Of the two robbers, Liak (Nawazuddin) is caught and arrested and sentenced for 20 years. He claims that he did not kill the women and child, it was his partner who did. Raghu waits for the next 20 years to get is revenge.

On the face, Badlapur is a revenge story. But see inside and its a tale of two lonely men trying to seek comfort and solace. And in the 15 years, they become desperate. One has time while the other hasn't.

As the movie progressed, it did manage to pop up a few questions - about the concept of revenge, redemption and right or wrong?

And these questions came thanks to the brilliant performance of Nawauddin. Nawaz is at the moment India's best actor and he just leaves his mark. U feel anger and pity while also laugh at his stupidity.

Varun is good and uses his eyes well but no where close to Nawaz. The rest of the cast is very good in their small roles especially Huma Qureshi, Prathima Qazmi and Radhika Apte.

The movie does have a few pits and you might question the roles played by the women.

However, this is a brilliant psychological thriller and a must watch for all thriller fans.

BADLAPUR is the kind of dark, revenge-fuelled thriller that Hollywood have been accustomed to making in the last decade. It bears the hallmarks of earlier films like TAKEN or MAN ON FIRE, featuring a broken protagonist out on a mission of revenge, although it should be noted that it's a rather subtle and slow-burning revenge in places as BADLAPUR has a rather overlong running time and a very slow pace throughout.

The twist, of course, is that this is an Indian film. I've not seen much in the way of Bollywood cinema, typically limiting myself to older fantasy or horror movies, but I was sufficiently impressed by this film to want to see more. While the story is dragged out too much for my liking, the direction is fine and the cinematography is very good indeed, with lots of bright and vivid colours and scenes making a great change from the usual dull greyed-out colour palette favoured by Hollywood and its imitators.

This isn't really an exciting or action-packed movie as it's more thoughtful than that. The villainous characters seem to have a greater focus and more characterisation than the actual hero. It's also a pretty dark story, with an odyssey of revenge leading to plenty of violence, and the female characters are treated particularly badly by the story. There are a couple of very violent interludes which are shocking considering the film's genteel pace elsewhere. It's a thoughtful and thought-provoking movie well worth a watch for those looking for something different compared to the usual Hollywood norm.

Sriram Raghavan is back in form with 'Badlapur', his latest flick, which is a twisted & brutal vendetta fare, that has moments of power & commendable performances working on its advantage. Having said that, the second-hour of the film is under-whelming & leaves you in mixed emotions.

'Badlapur' Synospis: A revenge driven young man zeroes on sheer brutality on those who cost him his wife & child.

'Badlapur' has a power-packed first-hour. The journey of its protagonist, (played by Varun Dhawan) to track down those who unleashed hell upon him, begins brilliantly & the pace is masterfully handed until interval. Also, the antagonist, (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) is deliciously written, offering us a villain that's wicked as well as witty.

However, 'Badlapur' slows down in its second-hour. The repeated violent scenes are off-putting & even the pace drops. Even the culmination is more of an anti-climax, which also acts as a minus. In short, a terrific first-hour works, but a dull second-hour disheartens.

Raghavan & Arijit Biswas's Screenplay is partly powerful, partly dull. Its definitely nicely written & even well-worded, but its not foolproof. Raghavan's Direction is skilled. He's handled the film very well. Cinematography is stark. Editing is fairly good. Action-Sequences are brutal. Background Score is top-notch.

Performance-Wise: Varun Dhawan takes a complete u-turn from his on-screen image & portrays a part that's miles away from his comfort zone. The actor has done well, displaying rage & anger, credibly. He deserves kudos for accepting a part as dark as this so early in his career. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is the trump card of 'Badlapur'. The supremely talented actor delivers a knock-out performance, enacting the villain with unmatchable ease & style. He contributes enormously to the film's funniest & scariest scenes, thanks to his brilliant portrayal. Huma Qureshi is outstanding. She's never been better! Yami Gautam is earnest in a cameo. Vinay Pathak is first-rate, as always. Radhika Apte is excellent. Kumud Mishra is impressive. Divya Dutta is natural to the core. Pratima Kazmi & Ashwini Kalsekar are extra-ordinary, as well.

On the whole, 'Badlapur' isn't entirely engrossing, but its well-made nevertheless. Worth A Watch.