Expectations

Yash Raj banner is known for making big budget dreamy kind of film. In between they did few semi-realistic films such as 'Kabul Express', 'Titli' and few more. Hits or flops does not matter to this banner as their name is like a big reason for many to watch their films.

The latest film from YRF is 'Qaidi Band' starring newcomer Aadar Jain, who is in news due to some of his statements and his association with Bollywood. The trailer seems decent but none of the songs have managed to make its mark. Thus, the expectation level is almost nil.

Story

'Qaidi Band' is a story of Sanju (Aadar Jain) and Bindu (Anya Singh), who are among lots of under-trails locked inside the jail. One day Jailer Dhulia (Sachin Pilgaonkar) decides to form a music band, in order to perform for the minister visiting their jail. Dhulia starts auditioning all the under-trails and shortlist few including Sanju and Bindu. Together, they display their best act and manage to impress the minister. Their performance video gets viral over the social media due to which the minister wants them to keep making more videos. This also inspires Sanju to seek an opportunity to escape from the jail.

The 'Glitz' Factor

The music band factor act as a novelty for the movie. The audition track, Aadar and Anya's bonding in court, Anya's conversation with Judge, Sachin threatening the band, back story of few cell mates and such scenes manages to keep you intrigued in the first half of the film.

The cinematography is fine and works in the favour of the film. Music is one of the important ingredient for this movie. 'Jag Mag Mera Watan' and 'I Am India' goes brilliantly with the flow of the film. 'Betabiya' is soulful and one of the best track from the film. 'Hulchul' is powerful.

Director Habib Faisal is known for making some fantastic films and thus is one of the key reasons to watch this movie. He comes up with a unique idea and tries hard to present it in realistic manner. He sets the right base for the film but fails to carry it forward.

Aadar Jain acts decently and tries hard to do his part with total grace. Anya Singh is great in her role and steals the show in some of the emotional scenes. Mikhil Yawalkar, Prince Parvinder Singh, Peter Muxka Manuel and others lend good support.

The 'Non-Glitz' Factor

The story reminds you of Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Jail' and other such films. Sadly, the curse of second half ruins the movie to its fullest. The screenplay goes on a repetitive and impractical mode in the second half of the film.

The entire escape track, chase part, rock show part and the finale track seems unconvincing. The treatment at various places is slow and non-happening.

The characters lacks the connectivity factor. The preachy messages in second half disjoints you from the movie. The emotional connect is nowhere to be seen in this movie.

All those who have never watched any film on under-trails might get bit fascinated by the story theme but as for rest it just works as one of the few points from the film. The movie lacked the emotional and dramatic connect for which Habib is know for. A better and crispier second half would had been great for the film.

Aadar Jain looks like a weak version of his cousin Ranbir Kapoor. Sachin Pilgaonkar lacks the magic.

Final 'Glitz'

'Qaidi Band' displays a mellow performance mainly due to its good music, decent theme and some nice performances.

Rating: 1.5/5