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Bombay (1995) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Bombay
BLOCKBUSTER

Bombay(1995)

Tamil · Drama, Romance

2h 21m · 10 Mar 1995

Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: Rajiv Menon | Writer: Mani Ratnam, Umesh Sharma

DramaRomance

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI4
The HinduThe HinduAI4.25
IBTimesIBTimesAI4.5
IMDbIMDb8.1
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.9

Our Rating

3.5

📖 Story

Bombay is a poignant romantic drama set against the backdrop of the communal riots in Bombay during the early 1990s. It narrates the love story of a Hindu man, Shekhar, and a Muslim woman, Shaila Banu, who marry against their families' wishes. The film explores the challenges they face as their relationship is tested by religious tensions and violence, ultimately highlighting themes of love, unity, and the human cost of communal hatred.

🔍 Analysis

Bombay is a masterful blend of romance and socio-political commentary that captures the volatile atmosphere of its time with sensitivity and depth. Mani Ratnam’s screenplay is tightly woven, balancing the personal and the political without losing emotional impact. The pacing is deliberate, with the first half focusing on the blossoming romance and cultural nuances, while the second half intensifies with the eruption of communal riots, delivering a powerful and heart-wrenching climax.

The film’s music by A.R. Rahman is iconic, featuring memorable songs that complement the narrative and enhance the emotional resonance. The background score subtly underscores the tension and tragedy, elevating key moments without overwhelming the story. Rajiv Menon’s cinematography beautifully captures the contrasting worlds of the protagonists and the chaos of the riots, adding a visual richness that supports the film’s themes.

Overall, Bombay stands out as a landmark film for its courageous storytelling, compelling performances, and a soundtrack that remains timeless. It successfully combines commercial appeal with a socially relevant message, making it both an artistic and popular success.

🎭 Performances

Arvind Swamy: Delivering a nuanced portrayal of Shekhar, Arvind Swamy brings sincerity and emotional depth to the role, effectively conveying the internal conflict of a man torn between love and societal pressures.

Manisha Koirala: Manisha Koirala shines as Shaila Banu, embodying strength and vulnerability with grace, making her character relatable and memorable.

Prakash Raj: Prakash Raj provides a strong supporting performance, adding gravitas and intensity to the narrative.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Powerful and socially relevant storyline
  • Strong performances by lead actors
  • Memorable music and background score by A.R. Rahman
  • Effective direction and screenplay by Mani Ratnam
  • Visually compelling cinematography

Weaknesses

  • Some viewers may find the pacing slow in the first half
  • The intense political backdrop might overshadow the romantic elements for certain audiences

🎬 Direction & Writing

Mani Ratnam’s direction is both sensitive and bold, skillfully balancing a love story with a politically charged narrative. His writing is sharp and evocative, ensuring that the film’s message resonates without being preachy.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Direction by Mani Ratnam
  • - Music by A.R. Rahman
  • - Cinematography by Rajiv Menon
  • - Editing that maintains narrative flow
  • - Sound design and background score

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IBTimesIBTimes
4.50 / 5
The HinduThe Hindu
4.25 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
4.00 / 5

Our Rating

3.5/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

AwardCategoryNotes
Filmfare Awards SouthBest Music DirectorA.R. Rahman won for his outstanding soundtrack
National Film AwardsBest Music DirectionA.R. Rahman received national recognition for the film's music

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive85%
Neutral10%
Negative5%

Critics

Critics widely praised Bombay for its courageous storytelling and emotional depth. The film was lauded for its sensitive handling of communal issues and the outstanding musical score. While some noted the deliberate pacing, most agreed that it served the narrative well, making Bombay a landmark film in Indian cinema.

Final Box-Office Result

BLOCKBUSTER

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Bombay release in theatres?

Bombay released on 10 March 1995 (1995).

Is Bombay a hit or flop?

Bombay is declared a BLOCKBUSTER at the box office.

Where to watch Bombay online? OTT release date?

Bombay is available on Prime Video, aha, LIONSGATE PLAY, YouTube, YouTube, YouTube, Google Play. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Bombay?

Bombay directed by Mani Ratnam. Produced by Jhamu Sughand, Mani Ratnam, S. Sriram.

Who are the main cast members of Bombay?

Bombay stars Arvind Swamy, Manisha Koirala, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Kitty.

What is the Tollybo rating for Bombay?

Tollybo rates Bombay 3.5/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER.

Who composed the music for Bombay?

Music for Bombay composed by A.R. Rahman.

What is the genre and runtime of Bombay?

Bombay — Genre: Drama, Romance, Runtime: 141 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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