Kedarnath

Kedarnath features an all-too-familiar love story, that gets a boost thanks to the climactic floods that devastated civilization in the mountain town of Uttarakhand, in 2013. The screenplay has its strengths and weaknesses, but through the crest and trough of dramatic waves, what stands out as a solid force is young debutante Sara Ali Khan. Her first performance on celluloid has the right amount of fire to spark a connection with the audience.

The film is based in the valleys and mountain ranges of Kedarnath and the drone-assisted cinematography by Tushar Kanti Ray, which explores the picturesque settings, is impressive. The film captures the beauty of the Himalayas with crisp and artistic visuals. There's also the quaint, small-town setting, where locals treat Hindu pilgrims with utmost respect and where Muslim porters, have no qualms in praying to Shiva and sharing the faith of the devotees. The writing by Abhishek Kapoor and Kanika Dhillon, subtly reflects upon the secular dynamics of Kedarnath. There's also a brief comment on the commercialisation with hotels, malls and tourism, which has impacted the ecological balance of places like Kedarnath and contributed to natural calamities. These pertinent issues, which had a lot of potential, are briefly touched upon and then left in deep waters.

The focus remains strictly on the love story, and while Mukku and Mansoor share some beautiful moments, the narrative does take a tad too long to set up their romance. What makes up for the slow pace of the film are the performances and the CGI-driven climactic portions. They come together to create a strong, dramatic impact. Sara Ali Khan as Mukku is a live wire. She reminds you of a young and boisterous Amrita Singh (her mother) in films like Betaab and Chameli Ki Shaadi. Her confidence and on-screen charm are a testament to her ability and talent. She looks gorgeous in the desi-girl avatars and she owns every scene that she's present in. Sushant Singh, in a slightly under-played role, supports Sara's efforts, but we've seen him give finer performances before. Watch out for the scene where he sings Lata Mangeshkar's Lag Ja Gale (from Woh Kaun Thi, 1964) where his character's naivety is brought out with deftness.

For a love story, there are no romantic tracks that really hold your attention. Apart from the song Namo Namo, Amit Trivedi's music doesn't create the required mood for a love saga like Kedarnath. Director Abhishek Kapoor's attempt to make a film set against the backdrop of a natural calamity of this proportion is ambitious and sincere. The setting is what makes a difference, because the simple and predictable love story doesn't really rose above the water level. The clever use of CGI mixed with live-action shots to depict moments like cloudburst and the pilgrim city submerging underwater creates an authentic impact. The execution in these areas, along with a memorable debut by Sara, is what keeps the film afloat.

It is a decent movie, however the sluggish build up and romantic angle ,sets it back.Some scenes are unnecessary and some emotions even seem forced , the director should have tried the genre of thriller rather than " tried and tested"(by Bollywood) romantic genre...it would have been refreshing.The movie truly sets up during the last 20 minutes...where suprisingly the VFX was convincingly well executed and amazingly appropriate...not over doing or under doing the effect..might even move you to tears. The cinematography is decent and production design team has done a decent job. The music has that classic Amit Trivedi's Kai Po Che feel to it. The editing team could have done a better job, as the romance sequence was dragging if not cringing at some points.Anyways this film DOESN'T DESERVE THE HATE it is recieving on this forum from so called reviewers, though it could have been considerably better as the only thing that I took back from the theatre were the visual effects from the climax. But do give it a watch if you are not too short on time. Peace

The movie has a good flow and nothing is unexpected. Love story has been brilliantly put into it with an addition of religious sentiments. Whole cast and crew have done a good job, special mention to Sara Ali Khan and Sushant who have done justice to their roles Sara being a new comer. The best part of the movie is that you don't feel stuck at one point like other bollywood movies. Over all a good movie to watch.

Abhishek Kapoor is back again with a love story, based in Kedarnath. Starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan as lead, this film is Sara's debut film. So all eyes are on her. And the story is also about the flood which happened in 2013, where many lost their everything!

Film is a love story of a pithhu muslim guy with a dauther of a Pandit. Both stay there up in the valley. The story goes softly in the first half. And second half is full of drama. I think there are some unnecessary scenes in the entire movie. But it never becomes boring at any point of time. The flood sequence in the last 20 something minutes are superb. Though VFX could have been better. But you can enjoy the visuals which're threatening.

One scene of water flowing over the main temple had got me the biggest goosebump in recent times. My screen was housefull. And everyone was watching with a pin drop silence in the hall. The film, which is going stronger because of the word of mouth from audiences, as people feel amazing to see those last portion in theaters.

Sara Ali Khan makes her shining debut here. She will probably get all awards of best debut female. She looks stunning in all salwars. Especially in that red salwar in Qafirana song. However, I want to ask the costume designer that why her character doesn't wear any sweater or jacket or shawl despite having seated in Kedarnath! 🤔

Sushant Singh Rajput is good. Not great or anything! I only liked him in that climax scene. Neetesh Bhardwaj is fine. Others are good. The Baba at valley is superfine!

Music is above average. Amit Trivedi has given the music. Starting with Namo Namo, the cinematography is superb. Qafirana, JaanNisaar and Sweethear are nicely written songs. So, first time I am listening to Amitabh Bhattacharya's lyrics who are greater than music. Wow. Arijit Singh always rocks in any film!

Story is by Kanika Dhillon and Abhishek Kapoor. I would say they could have created more depth in characterisation. We can't feel for them. It could have been made a better film. Also didn't like the cliche helicopter scene. 😐 Dialogues are not good, as I can sense that the heroine is not a Pandit girl in real but a muslim girl, beacause of her accent. Sushant is having lesser urdu words than Sara. This could have to be done rightly.

I have been there at Kedarnath four years before this tragedy happened. I have seen the beautiful valleys. I have experienced the cold out there. And more of the above, the holyness of the temple and its surrounding. So, I went to watch this film to revisit Kedarnath. However, it is impossible for anyone to showcase look a like Kedar on screen of before the year 2013. This team have tried their best. But how can I be so amazed with this world in the movie!

On the whole, you should definitely go for this film. Because Sara has given fine performance and location needs eyesights. Watch this film in theaters only, because you can't watch it at home anyday! This film is happened to be seen on big screens. Not great, not bad. But, surely watchable.

IlIts not just a movie, its an experiance. Beside beautiful love story it tell, its show eyes catching beauty of kedarnath. Honestly potrayed by sushant and smartly played by Sarah. Do watch with your loved one. Thumps up for acting.