Last updated: 8 May 2026
Dreams always do come true...
Hindi · Musical, Romance
2h 10m · 16 Apr 2021
Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: Tanay Satam, James Cowley | Writer: Hussain Dalal, Kalpradah, Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
99 Songs follows the journey of a passionate young musician, Jay, who aspires to become a successful music composer. The narrative explores his struggles, relationships, and the transformative power of music in his life. The story delves into themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the Indian music industry.
99 Songs is a visually rich musical drama that attempts to blend a heartfelt story with an immersive musical experience. The content is deeply rooted in the passion for music, and the screenplay tries to capture the emotional highs and lows of an artist's journey. However, the pacing is uneven, with a slow first half that focuses heavily on establishing characters and their motivations, which may test the patience of some viewers.
The second half picks up momentum, delivering more engaging sequences and emotional payoffs, though it occasionally slips into predictability. The songs, composed by A.R. Rahman, are the film's strongest asset, featuring soulful melodies and innovative arrangements that complement the narrative well. The background score enhances the mood effectively, weaving seamlessly with the storytelling.
Cinematography by Tanay Satam and James Cowley adds a polished visual appeal, capturing both intimate moments and grand musical performances with finesse. Overall, 99 Songs is a niche film that will resonate with music lovers, though its appeal might be limited by its deliberate pacing and narrative style.
Ehan Bhat: A promising debut with earnestness and vulnerability, effectively portraying the emotional journey of a struggling musician.
Edilsy Vargas: Offers a graceful presence and chemistry with the lead, though with limited scope for depth.
Manisha Koirala: Delivers a mature and nuanced performance, adding gravitas to the supporting role.
Lisa Ray: Provides a subtle and restrained performance, contributing to the film's emotional layers.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy directs with a clear passion for music and storytelling, crafting a film that prioritizes mood and atmosphere over conventional plot progression. The direction is confident in musical sequences but occasionally falters in maintaining narrative momentum.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics generally praised the film's music and visual presentation while pointing out its slow pacing and niche appeal. The performances, especially by the lead, were noted as sincere but limited by the screenplay. Overall, the film was seen as a commendable effort for music aficionados but less engaging for mainstream audiences.
Final Box-Office Result
99 Songs released on 16 April 2021 (2021).
99 Songs is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
99 Songs is available on Netflix, Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads. OTT date will be updated soon.
99 Songs directed by Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy. Produced by A.R. Rahman.
99 Songs stars Ehan Bhat, Edilsy Vargas, Manisha Koirala, Lisa Ray, Tenzing Dalha.
Tollybo rates 99 Songs 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Music for 99 Songs composed by A.R. Rahman.
99 Songs — Genre: Musical, Romance, Runtime: 130 minutes, Language: Hindi.
