Filmfare Review: Soulless Rom-Com Fails To Impress
Critic Rachit Gupta gives a low score amidst opulent costumes and grand palace visuals!!!!
Glendon Moss is a marketer and storyteller with over a decade of experience in digital campaigns, content strategy, writing and performance marketing. Currently heading video content at Incnut Digital, he’s driven brand engagement and revenue for leading D2C brands with campaigns that have earned both commercial impact and international acclaim.
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Filmfare has recently delivered a scathing analysis of a rom-com that, despite its extravagant production design, fails to captivate emotionally. In its latest #TheRoyalsReview, veteran critic Rachit Gupta declares, “Fancy costumes and lavish palaces can’t save this soulless rom-com.” With a modest rating of 2.5/5, Gupta’s review challenges the notion that visual opulence can compensate for a weak narrative.
Critic’s Verdict
Gupta’s commentary is straightforward: while the film dazzles visually with its intricate costumes and sumptuous palace backdrops, these elements serve primarily as ornate distractions. He contends that without a strong storyline and authentic character development, even the most lavish settings become futile embellishments. The review, punctuated by the memorable line regarding fancy costumes, resonates with audiences who have long debated the balance between spectacle and substance in cinema.
A recent Instagram post by Filmfare (@filmfare) captured an image from the film that highlights its extravagant set design. The snapshot, featuring opulent decorative elements and regal visuals, underscores the film’s commitment to high production values. However, as Gupta points out, such visual flair does little to counterbalance the narrative shortcomings, leaving the film impressionistically empty.
Costume Versus Substance
The review delves into the age-old cinematic debate: can breathtaking visual aesthetics save a film that lacks emotional depth? In this case, the answer appears to be a resounding no. Despite the film’s celebration of fancy costumes and lavish palaces, Gupta argues that the soul of cinema lies in its storytelling. Lavish designs and exotic locales, while appealing to the eye, are ultimately window dressing unless they are supported by a compelling script and engaging performances.
Filmfare’s review is in keeping with its longstanding tradition of candid film criticism. As one of India’s most respected voices in cinematic commentary, Filmfare has a history of not shying away from highlighting a film’s weaknesses—even when those weaknesses are juxtaposed against a backdrop of grandeur. A previous review on Instagram for the film Gram Chikitsalay praised its performances and authenticity, yet also noted the need for tighter writing, illustrating that high production values must always be measured against a film’s overall narrative impact.
Industry And Audience Reaction
The response to this review has been a mix of support and opposition. Many audiences have taken to social media platforms, contributing to the lively discussion under the hashtag #Trending. While some admirers of visually rich cinema appreciate the film’s aesthetic ambition, a significant number agree with Gupta’s assessment that the emotional core of the film is missing. Such debates underscore an important point for filmmakers today: audiences are increasingly discerning, expecting not only visual spectacle but also a strong story that resonates on a deeper level.
In an era where digital media platforms amplify film criticism, Rachit Gupta’s review is particularly influential. His concise remarks and harsh rating serve as a cautionary tale for creators who might lean too heavily on style over substance. The review, shared widely on Instagram alongside evocative imagery of palatial sets and ornate costumes, reinforces that a film’s heart cannot be overshadowed by its external trappings.
Ultimately, Filmfare’s review of this rom-com is a reminder that opulence, however grand, cannot substitute for genuine storytelling. Rachit Gupta’s analysis—grounded in decades of cinematic insight—emphasizes that the essence of a memorable film is its narrative strength and emotional impact. A dismal rating of 2.5/5 is not merely a number but an invitation for filmmakers to align their visual ambitions with a well-crafted story.
As the film industry continues to push the boundaries of visual artistry with fancy costumes and majestic set pieces, critics like Gupta play a pivotal role in keeping the focus on content over decoration. For audiences, this review offers a valuable perspective: while a film may dazzle with its aesthetic elements and regal settings, it is the underlying story that ultimately wins hearts. Filmfare, through its unvarnished critique, reaffirms its commitment to honest storytelling and encourages a balanced appreciation of both style and substance in cinema.
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