Stand By (2011) Movie Review
Rating 2.25/5
Ratings:2.5/5 Reviewer:Taran Adarsh Site: BollywoodHungama
STANDBY is not just about sports, but also talks of friendship gone sour. How ambitions can create a rift and drive a wedge between thick pals. Though the film is a notch above the ordinary, with Surkar keeping the viewers glued to the proceedings in most parts, what acts as a roadblock, at places, are the songs that have been juxtaposed in the plotline. Frankly, STANDBY should have been a songless film; that would've only made it stand apart from films of its ilk. On the whole, STANDBY is a fairly good effort that drives home a point. Regardless of how it fares at the box-office, you can't deny the fact that it's a well-made, sincere effort. Ratings:3/5 Reviewer:Nikhat Kazmi Site: TimesOfIndia
Stand By tries to answer the important query that has been repeatedly posed in public fora: why can't India boast of any other sporting discipline besides cricket? Of course, the drama does get a bit too filmy when a sea of misfortune befalls Rahul's hapless family and an item number is introduced out of nowhere. But by and large, Stand By maintains its rhythm and remains true to the basic core of highlighting the rot that needs to be cleared from Indian sport. This one's an honest attempt to entertain and make a valid point as well.
Ratings:1.5/5 Reviewer:Letty Mariam Abrahim Site: IBNLive
Stand By is like a typical sports film but minus the rush or excitement that a game usually gives you. 'Stand By' although has good performances but has nothing new to offer.Over the years there have been several sports based films, Lagaan, Chak De India, Iqbal, Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, etc. Be it cricket or football, every game gives you an adrenalin rush which was totally missing in Stand By.The first half of the film drags on unnecessarily, while the second half manages to pick up a little pace. But the climax is comical and a big letdown.All in all, ‘Stand By’ has good performances but a very weak and predictable story and script. If a lot of unnecessary parts are cut out, the film could be shorter and maybe watchable. But I’d suggest against it.
Ratings:2.5/5 Reviewer:Martin D Souza Site: Glamsham
Politics has always been the bane of Indian sport and this has been highlighted in the media time and again. The rich try to influence team selection, while those in power barter for deals. STAND BY is one such story where a business tycoon wants to see his son in the playing XI at any cost. Even at the cost of his son's best friend, who too is a soccer player.While the issue dealt in Stand By is worthwhile, the manner in which Surkar - a first time Bollywood director, has attacked the plot lacks punch. Surkar chose a fine subject which had tremendous potential to hit the right chord with the audience. But 'team' selection let him down coupled with lack of use of advanced technology.
Ratings:1/5 Reviewer:Komal Nahata Site: Koimoi
What’s Good: A few scenes between Adinath and Sachin Khedekar; the story idea.What’s Bad: The loose screenplay; absence of emotions; lack of soul-stirring music.Verdict: Standby will go largely unnoticed.Loo break: A couple.Watch or Not?: Watch it if you like sports films.
Ratings:3/5 Reviewer:Daily Bhaskar Site: DainikBhaskar
‘Stand By’ is very convincing with its approach, as far as the narration is concerned. Though, the film doesn’t claim itself to be of suspense genre, the story-teller surprises one with the way each sub-plot unfolds mysteriously in the film. Extremely intelligent soccer games with no drama quotient keep one at the edge of the seat. Brilliant characterisation and frequent encounters of the characters, on the issue which has been tackled with powerful dialogues, make it an interesting watch. Pacy screenplay, dialogues, nice concept are the strong points of the film. Untimely music, editing and slightly poor look of the film are the drawbacks.On the whole, ‘Stand By’ comes as a breather amidst other releases. It's surely a one-time watch.
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