The Top 20 Film Critics of India: Shaping the Discourse Around Cinema
Cinema in India isn’t merely entertainment—it’s an emotion, a cultural fabric that binds the masses across regions, languages, and ideologies. While filmmakers craft the art, it is the film critics who shape public discourse, offering insights, context, and critique that help viewers appreciate, debate, or question cinematic creations. Over the years, India has nurtured a vibrant community of film critics who cater to different audiences—from box-office enthusiasts to art film connoisseurs. This article profiles twenty of the most respected and impactful film critics in the Indian media landscape.
1. Taran Adarsh
Known as the ‘numbers guy’ of Bollywood, Taran Adarsh has long been a go-to name for box office updates. Associated with Bollywood Hungama, he provides crisp, tweet-sized reviews and trade reports that influence public perception, especially during opening weekends. His strength lies in translating commercial metrics into digestible data for cine-goers and producers alike.
2. Rajeev Masand
Formerly with CNN-IBN and now an independent YouTuber and content creator, Rajeev Masand is known for his well-articulated reviews and exclusive celebrity interviews. His balanced critique, soft-spoken demeanor, and ability to connect with both mainstream and indie audiences have made him a trusted voice in Indian film journalism.
3. Anupama Chopra
An industry veteran, Anupama Chopra wears many hats—author, festival curator, and the face behind Film Companion. Her strength lies in her storytelling sensibility, cultural awareness, and journalistic integrity. Whether she’s dissecting the craft of a film or interviewing a debutant, her nuanced approach enriches viewer understanding.
4. Komal Nahta
A trade analyst at heart, Komal Nahta is best known for blending business insights with film reviews. With years of experience in trade magazines and on shows like ETC Bollywood Business, he evaluates films from a commercial viability standpoint, which is invaluable to producers, distributors, and investors.
5. Baradwaj Rangan
One of India’s most cerebral critics, Baradwaj Rangan brings an academic rigor to his reviews. Formerly with The Hindu and now editor of Galatta Plus, he provides deep-dive analyses, particularly of South Indian cinema. His essays often explore symbolism, subtext, and cinematic grammar.
6. Mayank Shekhar
Mayank Shekhar adds a dose of urban wit and sarcasm to film reviews. Associated with Mid-Day and earlier with Hindustan Times, his style is relatable, peppered with everyday analogies, and often mirrors the sensibilities of the metro audience.
7. Shubhra Gupta
As The Indian Express’s lead film critic, Shubhra Gupta is respected for her bold, feminist lens and incisive commentary. She doesn’t shy away from calling out sexism or regressive tropes, making her reviews socially conscious and thought-provoking.
8. Anna M.M. Vetticad
A journalist who bridges cinema with identity politics, Anna Vetticad’s reviews often discuss caste, gender, and representation. Writing for Firstpost and her personal blog, she champions inclusivity in cinema and often spotlights lesser-known regional films.
9. Saibal Chatterjee
One of the most seasoned voices, Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV offers balanced, mature reviews that cut across genres and languages. His writing is subtle yet powerful, and he often brings context that enhances viewer understanding of a film’s cultural or political undertones.
10. Raja Sen
Known for his quirky takes and irreverent humor, Raja Sen carved a niche at Rediff and now writes for Mint Lounge. His reviews often mix pop culture with profound critique, and he has a knack for spotting brilliance in offbeat cinema.
11. Namrata Joshi
Currently with The Hindu and formerly with Outlook, Namrata Joshi is a staunch advocate of meaningful cinema. Her reviews often spotlight social relevance, and she brings a compassionate, well-researched perspective to her work.
12. Sanjukta Sharma
A senior journalist and critic at Mint Lounge, Sanjukta Sharma’s reviews stand out for their lyrical quality and feminist undertone. Her writing captures the emotional resonance of cinema while maintaining a critical edge.
13. Anandita Acharya
A newer but promising voice, Anandita Acharya writes for India Today and The Telegraph. She bridges mainstream and indie worlds with ease, offering relatable reviews that don’t compromise on depth or honesty.
14. Joginder Tuteja
Popular among commercial film lovers, Joginder Tuteja reviews mass-market cinema on platforms like Bollywood Hungama. He provides fast, accessible opinions and is known for predicting box-office success with remarkable accuracy.
15. Bhardwaj Subramanian (BMS)
Focused primarily on South Indian cinema, BMS is a digital critic building a strong following on Twitter and YouTube. His attention to craft, music, and screenwriting makes him popular among film school students and cinephiles.
16. Sucharita Tyagi
A social media-savvy reviewer from Film Companion, Sucharita Tyagi speaks the language of today’s youth. Her YouTube reviews are informal yet incisive, full of humor, pop culture slang, and relatable rants.
17. Rahul Desai
One of the most literary voices at Film Companion, Rahul Desai treats cinema like literature. His reviews are metaphor-rich, layered, and often demand a second reading to fully appreciate the depth of his interpretation.
18. Uday Bhatia
A film critic at Mint, Uday Bhatia brings a quiet intensity to his writing. Known for his deep dives into the structure and aesthetics of cinema, he champions world cinema and lesser-known Indian auteurs.
19. Meenakshi Shedde
An international film curator and critic, Meenakshi Shedde has served on juries at festivals like Berlin and Cannes. Her reviews offer a global perspective while keeping rooted in Indian narrative traditions.
20. Ajit Duara
Writing for Open Magazine, Ajit Duara’s reviews often explore cinema as a philosophical or psychological experience. His analysis is intellectual, often abstract, and appeals to serious students of cinema.
Conclusion
The diversity in India’s cinematic landscape is mirrored by its film critics. From trade analysts and commercial film reviewers to cultural commentators and academic essayists, Indian film criticism today is as pluralistic as the country itself. These 20 critics not only help audiences decide what to watch but also encourage deeper engagement with storytelling, filmmaking, and representation. As digital platforms grow and regional voices gain prominence, the role of film critics will continue to evolve, challenging filmmakers and audiences alike to think beyond the screen.
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