braddugg Definitely not a bad film, watch it for the acting by everyone. This is a film of the downtrodden families and the helplessness of the people living that life. There are lot many compulsions and obligations they shall be having. Mostly, they are in forced circumstances making them go for desperate measures to improve their life style. The protagonist Deepak Singh is one such poor should who is driven to take desperate steps to improve the living of his family.Rajkumar Yadav becomes Deepak Singh literally. From the Rajasthani accent to the demeanor, to the attire and even body language, everything is pitch perfect with him. Its good to find a new-age actor who becomes the characters rather than just playing the part. Rajkumar Yadav has gone way beyond many of his contemporaries. The next best part was of Manav Kaul who played the tight security guard "Vishnu". Manav was damn good in his role, just refreshing to see a new face play a character with such conviction. Also, the heroine of the film Patralekha was commendable. While others did their job well. So this film was a lot about acting above all else.This is an official remake of the British-Filipino film "Metro Manila". It's heartening to see a lot of credit being given to the original film. Never saw the original film, but this film was weak at places while it was brilliant at some places. Deepak comes back drunk and asks his wife, (who takes up the job of a bar dancer) to dance for him. That was a brilliantly performed scene I felt. Coming to the weakness, it lies in the writing that defies logic. It's a film that tries hard to be as real as possible. Real locations, realistic characters and more-so the scenes that could have possibly happened. But, there are a few things that did not satisfy my logic. So I was a bit disappointed by what was offered by this team of "Shahid" which I think was a brilliant film.Hansal Mehta did great job in extracting acting, but he stuck to the script so tightly, that he might have forgot to ask a few questions to the writers and producers. So thus, he had presented some flaws unintentionally. The editing should have been more precise. The film though 2 hours in length seems long with not much happening. The intimate scenes of the main leads could have been trimmed down is what I strongly felt.It's a good film still, but not a thoroughly satisfying venture to me as a viewer. A 3/5 for a film that's good and could have been so better.

Suman Shakya "City Lights" depicts the anguishes of the migrants who come to metros like Mumbai to make a living. They become the victims of the cruelty of the city and are forced to do anything for their hunger. The film shows the darker side of the city and takes you to a fearful side of poverty and helplessness. Besides, the film also tries the desperation of a family man and his willingness to fend for his family. However, the latter comes quite weakly in the film. Based on Oscar nominated "Metro Manilla" (haven't watched it yet), the story stands quite true to life. The darkness of the city has been brilliantly portrayed and the acting from the lead stands quite remarkable. A special mention also goes to Manav Kaul's performance. The cast of the film is pretty unknown, but their performances do hold you to the edge of your seats.The music and photography of the film suits the film. The film falls short on portraying the protagonist's family melodrama. The darkness and the length of the film might keep this film a bit away from the masses. For me, the film was pretty grim due to the backdrop of the story, but I appreciate it for the performances and direction. Perhaps, would be nominated for Best Film Award this year with slime chances to win.Rating: 2 stars out of 4

silvan-desouza When Bhatts and Hansal Mehta who won laurels for SHAHID(2013) come together, we expect a brilliant film CITYLIGHTS is simply brilliant, The film is an official remake from Vishesh Films, of a widely acclaimed gem titled METRO MANILA directed by Sean Ellis (made in Tagalog language) in the year 2013. The best part is it's realistic handling. It starts with Rajkumar Rao and his wife coming to Mumbai from Rajasthan in search of a better lifestyle, there are left homeless,all their problems are identifiable, They get cheated on the quest of getting them a house, then again he has to find a job, His wife starts working in a bar.etc There are several moving scenes like his wife's breakdown after his drunk act, The scenes with Manav Kaul who plays his friend who also makes use of him and the brilliant finale.The film does get slow paced but it's required to be narrated slowly, such films cant be rushed.Direction by Hansal Mehta is brilliant Music is good, Arijit's song Muskurane Ki Wajah is splendid while other songs too are good.Rajkumar Rao is simply brilliant, in fact he conveys so much through his eyes that it's difficult to assume that anyone else could play his part Patralekha as his wife is superb, Manav Kaul is terrific, Khushboo Upadhyay as the bar girl is superb, rest are all good

pratik-potdar Do you remember the line 'Yeh Bambai Hai Mere Bhai....'? It was the crux of Raj Kapoor's evergreen classic Shree 420. Mumbai is a city of dreams; where several dreams come true and many more are broken. Though acknowledged as a remake of a BAFTA nominated film, Hansal Mehta has managed to create his own magic in City Lights.An ex-army Jawan decides to relocate to Mumbai with his family upon losing his source of livelihood due to indebtedness. The villager and his wife have no idea about what is in store for them. But, one thing is certain - the adjustment to a new life in a new city will be a tough learning process.Previously, Mehta's directorial association with a Mumbai-centric theme failed when his film 'Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar' bombed at the box office. This time he has managed to correct his flaws. The film moves at a rapid pace and does not have even a single subplot. However, there could have been a limit on the number of songs. Additionally, certain scenes desperately needed background music.Banking on the success of Shahid, Rajkumar Rao delivers a fine performance. His command on the Marwadi dialect is terrific (Is he really a Delhiite?) Patralekha too, is charming as his supportive wife. The couple's chemistry reminds you of Amol Palekar and Zarina Wahab in 'Gharonda' which also had a similar theme.I am going with three and a half stars out of five for City Lights. Watch it to know more of life in the Maximum City.