Bombay Talkies (2013) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Bombay Talkies (2013) Review
Bombay Talkies (2013) (Hindi crime, drama) — directed by Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap. Featuring Rani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda, Saqib Saleem. One hundred years of Hindi cinema is celebrated in four short stories showcasing the power of film. Our Rating: 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE. Produced by Viacom18 Studios, Released: 3 May 2013. Runtime: 2h 7m.


Bombay Talkies(2013)
Hindi · Crime, Drama
2h 7m · 3 May 2013
Music: Amit Trivedi | DOP: Rajeev Ravi, Anil Mehta, Carlos Catalán, Ayananka Bose, Pankaj Kumar | Writer: Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
📖 Story
Bombay Talkies is an anthology film consisting of four short films directed by four prominent filmmakers, each exploring different facets of Indian cinema and its impact on people's lives. The stories revolve around themes of identity, sexuality, passion for cinema, and the struggles of aspiring actors and filmmakers in Mumbai. The film celebrates 100 years of Indian cinema by portraying how Bollywood influences and shapes the lives of ordinary people.
Bombay Talkies offers a unique cinematic experience by weaving together four distinct narratives, each helmed by a celebrated director, which provides a rich and varied exploration of Indian cinema's cultural impact. The screenplay is well-crafted, balancing emotional depth with subtle humor and social commentary. The pacing varies across the segments, with some stories unfolding more slowly to build character depth, while others maintain a brisk tempo to keep the audience engaged.
The first half sets a strong tone with compelling storytelling and nuanced performances, while the second half continues to explore complex themes but occasionally feels uneven due to the anthology format. The songs and music, composed by Amit Trivedi, complement the mood of each segment effectively, with a background score that enhances the emotional resonance without overpowering the narrative. Overall, the film is a heartfelt tribute to Bollywood, blending nostalgia with contemporary issues in a manner that appeals to both cinephiles and casual viewers.
Rani Mukerji: Delivering a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal, Rani Mukerji stands out with her emotional depth and screen presence.
Randeep Hooda: Randeep Hooda brings intensity and authenticity to his role, effectively capturing the struggles of an aspiring actor.
Saqib Saleem: Saqib Saleem impresses with his earnest and relatable performance, adding freshness to the ensemble.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui: Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a memorable and powerful performance, showcasing his versatility.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong storytelling with diverse perspectives
- ✓Powerful performances by lead actors
- ✓Effective use of music and background score
- ✓A heartfelt tribute to Indian cinema
Weaknesses
- ✕Uneven pacing due to anthology format
- ✕Some segments feel less impactful than others
🎬 Direction & Writing
The direction by Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar, and Anurag Kashyap brings a rich tapestry of styles and sensibilities, each contributing uniquely to the anthology. The writing is thoughtful, with each segment exploring different themes related to cinema and identity, though the overall cohesion is occasionally disrupted by the varying tones.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.25 | |
| 3.5 | |
| 3.5 | |
| 3.5 | |
| 3.5 |
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 | 60% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Bombay Talkies for its innovative anthology format and strong performances, particularly highlighting the film's celebration of Indian cinema's centenary. While some noted the unevenness typical of anthology films, the overall reception was positive, appreciating the film's emotional depth and thematic variety.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bombay Talkies release in theatres?▾
Bombay Talkies released on 3 May 2013 (2013).
Is Bombay Talkies a hit or flop?▾
Bombay Talkies is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Bombay Talkies online? OTT release date?▾
Bombay Talkies is available on JioHotstar, Prime Video, Netflix, Jio Cinema, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube from 30 April 2026.
Who directed Bombay Talkies?▾
Bombay Talkies directed by Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap.
Who are the main cast members of Bombay Talkies?▾
Bombay Talkies stars Rani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda, Saqib Saleem, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sadashiv Amrapurkar.
What is the Tollybo rating for Bombay Talkies?▾
Tollybo rates Bombay Talkies 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Bombay Talkies?▾
Music for Bombay Talkies composed by Amit Trivedi.
What is the genre and runtime of Bombay Talkies?▾
Bombay Talkies — Genre: Crime, Drama, Runtime: 127 minutes, Language: Hindi.
