By Hindustan Times
For a film that may be set against the flourishing diamond industry and broaches on its grey zones, Vishesh Films' latest offering Blood Money is conspicuous by absence of detail and depiction. At the whole, this Kunal Khemu, Amrita Puri starrer is old wine with a brand spanking new label.
"Unexpectedly, from a credible, plausible zone, the film deviates right into a hard-to-absorb masala-ridden fare that depends on heroism and intrepidness to prove some extent. A persuasive culmination, consistent with the quintessence of the film, would've only enhanced the impact of the second one hour. Wish the author was consistent in keeping the viewer absorbed within the subsequent hour as well," writes Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama.
The execution of the film was lower than the mark. "Writer Upendra Sidhye’s story is believable however the execution barely rises above average. Director Vishal Mahadkar extracts decent performances from his cast. Kunal Khemu steals the show as a person caught in personal and professional conflict," feels Blessy Chettiar, DNA
The film also lacked research and detailing. "For a film that may be set against the flourishing diamond industry and broaches on its grey zones, Vishesh Films' latest offering is conspicuous by absence of detail and depiction. Without any research it's not relevant whether the tale is about in South Africa or Surat," writes Sukanya Verma, Rediff.
"This one has all of the toppings of a 'Bhatt shocker' - drama, emotion, tragedy and a few sex. Again they push the bedroom threshold - a semi-erotic, steamy scene between two women - every man's turn-on fantasy. Debutant director, (Vishal S Mahadkar), tells the tale well, though some scenes are very stretched, and tries too hard to impress a reaction. A faster pace, stronger dialogues, to not add some more dum in Kunal's voice, and a greater background score - would have had greater impact," says Madhureeta Mukherjee, TOI.
Direction
"Debutant director Vishal Mahadkar had a gripping premise on hand, but what comes across on screen is a potpourri. A COUPLE OF absorbing, attention grabbing moments… a couple of hackneyed, tried and tested formulaic material. Resultantly, Blood Money is neither riveting, nor absolutely undistinguished. It floats somewhere in between!" Writes Adarsh.
"Kunal Khemu and Amrita Puri are ideal in character roles, heroine’s sister or hero’s insipid sidekick. But within the lead, two strugglers can’t make a crippled film walk. While the tale and screenplay do little to maintain you seated throughout, the dialogues surely deserve a Ghanta nomination. Following a bitter argument, Arzoo’s friend consoles her, saying, 'Jhagde toh hote hi hain hone ke liye.' Then there are pearls of wisdom like, 'Har deal mein do party hoti hain, ek buyer aur ek seller.' Quite just like the two parties within the hall playing ‘Blood Money’: the projectionist and the usher," writes Kunal Guha, Yahoo.
Performances
"Kunal Kemmu is super-confident and believable. The actor carries the movie on his shoulders, notwithstanding the discrepancies within the narrative. This could be a fresh beginning for this talented young man. Amrita Puri, who stood out with an exceptional performance in AISHA, is natural to the core. She delivers a power-packed performance and elevates even a regular scene along with her splendid act," says Adarsh.
"Amrita Puri, for the primary time in a lead role after her impressive Aisha stint, is exactly okay. You wish to take her seriously but lines like “Tumhe mere saath Mumbai chalna hoga. Main yahaan se vidhwa hoke nahi jaana chahti” ruin it can be. a greater script and we will be able to see if she will work some magic at the big screen. Manish Choudhary as Zaveri/Zakharia is “superb”-ly annoying, while the actor playing his brother deserves to be shot for over-acting," feels Chettiar.
"Kunal Khemu displays not one of the charisma, intensity or vulnerability that validates his transition from an pleasant go-getter to a compromised coward. The young man's needless huffing, puffing and folding lips in exasperation only draw attention to his inadequacies. Co-star Amrita Puri publish a satisfying show in Aisha together with her funny dialogue delivery. Seems that may be how she speaks. Because the Devil in a Diamond baron's disguise, Manish Chaudhary does well together with his analogies in a short lived lunch scene but is proscribed to sporting a threatening frown for the remainder of his role," avers Verma.
"Proving his acting calibre in Kalyug, Kunal Khemu was an overly promising actor up to now. Khemu's earnest act in Blood Money can definitely fetch kudos for him. Amrita Puri though pleasant enough, doesn't get much scope within the movie," reports Oneindia.
Conclusion
"On the whole, Blood Money is old wine with a brand spanking new label. A TIGHT and absorbing first hour coupled with soulful music are its aces, although the mediocre, outmoded writing within the post-interval portions leave you a little bit miffed. At best, an excellent attempt!" Concludes Adarsh.
"The lead pair salvages the film to an extent, but a limited scope of the script binds them both from making it an entertaining trip. The out of sync sound in lots of scenes makes Blood Moneytechnically unstable. Add to all this innumerable songs," writes Chettiar.
"You do not need to be a diamond expert to inform a gem from a pebble. And so, unless stale stories, bad acting and bungled possibilities capture your fancy, Blood Money is far too sluggish, simplistic and boring to bother," says Verma.
