99 Songs (2021) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
99 Songs (2021) Review
99 Songs (2021) is a Hindi musical, romance film starring Ehan Bhat, Edilsy Vargas, Manisha Koirala. Directed by Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy. Challenged to compose 100 songs before he can marry the girl he loves, a tortured but passionate singer-songwriter embarks on a poignant musical journey. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 16 Apr 2021. Runtime: 2h 10m.


99 Songs(2021)
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
📖 Story
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
Strengths
- ✓A.R. Rahman's soulful and innovative music compositions
- ✓Visually appealing cinematography
- ✓Strong thematic focus on passion and music
- ✓Notable performances by lead and supporting cast
Weaknesses
- ✕Uneven pacing, especially in the first half
- ✕Predictable narrative arcs
- ✕Limited mass appeal due to niche subject matter
🎬 Direction & Writing
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.
- - Music by A.R. Rahman
- - Cinematography by Tanay Satam and James Cowley
- - Editing that struggles with pacing
- - Sound design complementing musical elements
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics
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
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did 99 Songs release in theatres?▾
99 Songs released on 16 April 2021 (2021).
Is 99 Songs a hit or flop?▾
99 Songs is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch 99 Songs online? OTT release date?▾
99 Songs is available on Netflix, Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed 99 Songs?▾
99 Songs directed by Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy. Produced by A.R. Rahman.
Who are the main cast members of 99 Songs?▾
99 Songs stars Ehan Bhat, Edilsy Vargas, Manisha Koirala, Lisa Ray, Tenzing Dalha.
What is the Tollybo rating for 99 Songs?▾
Tollybo rates 99 Songs 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for 99 Songs?▾
Music for 99 Songs composed by A.R. Rahman.
What is the genre and runtime of 99 Songs?▾
99 Songs — Genre: Musical, Romance, Runtime: 130 minutes, Language: Hindi.
