User reviews

Yes if you have heard the public reviews, the movie is not for everyone.You need to have patience to feel October.The director has not centered the movie around love but you are in love when the story hits you for real.From no melodious songs to no 'all good in the end' ending the movie stands apart from the league of Bollywood romantic movies.Bollywood has a neck for over fantasizing a simple story with some 'not-needed' overacting or 'un-meaningfull' dialogues which have no connection with real world to lay emphasis on the actors and present them as an example to the world but Shoojit Sircar is brave enough to bring you the reality the way it is- SIMPLE BUT STRONG.The movie as the name suggests depicts the season October which brings down the heat to cool thus changing our lives in many ways which we hardly notice.The movie depicts the real world where people are strongly connected but hardly notice others but what if there is a change.October displays an emotional tale when a man completely turns his life around a girl who hardly even existed in his life but what he learns from the experience is sure to leave a big impact on both your heart & brain.And to compliment your efforts to connect with the story there are some amazing performances from Varun Dhawan,Gitanjali Rao & Banita Sandhu. There are no negatives that might push you away from the movie,the more you watch the more you connect.Some movies are a mirror to our real world and October is definitely top on that list.The only thing which dis-satisfies you is the short duration of 2 hours because a kid inside you would love to watch more of it...

Its a beautiful portrayal of two people's lives. I could have easily got bored with the basic story the movie, but the performances, direction, cinematography just creates magic on the screen and makes one feel the essence of the film.

Varun Dhawan gives a performance of his career by far, the best I have seen by him yet. Banita is also very natural in portraying her character. October has a really good music score which sets you in the mood. I Really liked the Cinematography too.

Shoojit Sircar gives another beautiful piece of cinema to movie lovers that has never been seen in a long time.

October is a movie that time travels you into a series of emotions to a world that has been barely exposed in modern day Hindi Cinema. A month of autumn "October" is more than a motif in the movie but it covers an era; bringing evocative images, inducing pains and tears, makes you neurotic and leaves you void while you walk out of the theatre. For a very long time, you would be struggling with emotions and you will be still a part of the movie in your subconscious mind. After a while, it won't be a movie anymore - but like your story, that you were a part of since last 115 minutes.

The movie speaks volumes without having much conversation. The characters communicate more in their eyes through the array of emotions they carry in their heart. It is a very different kind of love story that travels from one season to another until October arrives. A love story that shows the unadulterated heart of Dan (Varun Dhawan) and Silent and stoic stares of Shiuli (Banita Sandhu). There are neither any powerful dialogues, nor any strong music but the beauty of the movie is shown in expressions of tranquillity.

Dan is a hotel Intern at a Delhi Hotel, seditious in nature but affable by heart. Wanting to be a chef but being trained as a room cleaner; he isn't very content with the job he is doing. Out of exasperation, he does something or other to get even. Shiuli is one among those all other trainees, friends with Dan but barely ever interacted with him. The movie actually starts when Shiuli falls down from the third floor of the hotel one night and goes into Coma. Like everyone else, Dan is concerned about her but then can't move on with his life unlike those all others. And it happens because of a very simple naive question of Shiuli "Where is Dan". Thereafter he embarks on a heart-rending journey of questions and answers and looking for love in the strangest of circumstances. After the mishap, Dan is drawn to her excruciating and frozen world feeling strongly for her. IS IT LOVE, MAYBE YES..... Dan is affected mostly by the mishap when he comes to know that Shiuli was questioning about his absence just before the accident.

The movie progresses at a slow pace but then such cadence of life cannot be shown in fast forward. There is a life in every character, and hope in every eye. There are times when you wholly run in sync with the movie and forget that you are watching a movie rather feel like being a part of it and experiencing the pain yourself. There is a scene in the hospital when Shiuli is in the bed and Dan standing beside her where Shiuli acknowledges the love of Dan in her own way and it has been directed so marvellously. The scene is so full of emotions that bring tears and smile at the same time. The film has few instance of hilarity and they have been so flawlessly integrated into the plot. Screenplay is poetic, the few dialogues that the movie has; have been expressed so beautifully that makes the movie beats scene after scene. Not a moment of interest is wasted. Most beautiful moments of the movie are not those with dialogues but those with silence that leaves space for you to read between the lines. Avik Mukhopadhyay's cinematography is at par with global movies like The Notebook or Serendipity. It leaves a mundane charisma to the beautiful landscapes and the hotel interiors. Shantanu Moitra's soft scores touch the cord too.

Varun Dhawan drops his archetypal image to show the most discreet side of him after Badlapur. This in fact could be the best movie of his career for times to come. Debutante Banita Sandhu's uses her beautiful eyes to communicate the best possible emotions she can ever do. It isn't easy being in the frame for almost 90 minutes with hardly 9 minutes of dialogue. She has used her eyes and facial expressions effectively. Gitanjali Rao as Shiuli's mother and Professor in IIT, Delhi excels in her role too. She portrays the pain of a woman who doesn't know what's right for her daughter. But she acknowledges the power of love that Dan has for Shiuli. One the most heart-rending scenes of the movie where she shares screen space with Dan's mother (Rachika Oswal), where they speak about their children's errands and how they mean different to people in different conditions. The bond they share on their very first meeting leaves a lot of thoughts for the viewers.

The parts that are worth appreciation are the story, cinematography, narration, and the sensible acting by each and every character in the movie. But the credit goes to the story which has been written very sensibly.

October is not just a love story; it's a battle; a battle of how far you can go for things that you believe in. October is about emotions, the kind of emotion that you feel when you have to take a leisurely walk in a winter morning, the kind of emotion when you observe the tranquillity of a city in early morning; the innocent gape of sunset during your childhood. October is about a lot of such moments. When the entire world is becoming practical, standing for something you believe in; risking your job, family and career isn't something that's very usual these days. While Shiuli is suffering in Coma, Dan is suffering in silence. Many of us, who has someone in their family who has undergone a surgery can relate to the pain very well. Those times, we simply don't know anything other than being just optimistic.

Varun Dhawan's humour is mature and worth a applause. He is aptly supported by Banita Sandhu and Geetanjali Rao. All three of them speak more through their eyes that pierced through our hearts.

This film is so pure so magical it touches your heart and soul completely, i have seen such films in hollywood which defines true love and always wondered when bollywood will make such films as bollywood is still busy in making tamasha kind of films in the name of romance and sad thing is that Indian audience enjoy such film but finally i am happy somebody made a film which is pure romance and pure love, if you want to know what love means what caring for other people means watch october, both lead actors put their soul in acting its a film which will be remembered forever its a classic, please every director of bollywood make october kind of romantic films dont give us films like tamasha, ae dil hai mushkil etc kind of craps in name of romance

After the movie ended, I was very worried about how I was ever going to drive back home. It strikes you so hard emotionally if you are genuinely there. I'm still at loss of words to appreciate the movie, honestly. Redefines Love and the Romance genre completely. Superb acting from the team, and the direction is so realistic, that you almost feel like you're going through all the struggle yourself.. Oh man... I've never been so moved after watching a movie. I was literally choking with emotions through the entire second half, with even my eyes partially teary...

As a drama movie more ingredients are needed even though very enjoyable interesting movie.

What a beautiful movie , so relaxing to watch and too engaging. Maybe people love stupid movies of Salman .. but this is truly a masterpiece. Must watch .

To start with, this movie is just brilliant in every aspect. It beautifully shows the other side of Love.

I must say that Varun Dhawan is the central character of this film. He has effortlessly played his character of "Dan". After Badlapur, he has acted brilliantly in this movie. Banita Sandhu is also very good but she rarely has any dialogues in the complete movie.

At some point you will feel that this movie is slow but you have to bit patient to understand this movie. You will definitely feel that emotion of Love with happiness and sometimes sadness. But it's a very beautiful movie.

So what's the point? Why she looking for "dan"? I don't get it

What a movie, so realistic, it can deeply touch you. It can alter your way u usually percieve life

Other people give up on you easily and you fight for survival constantly... this movie portrays in a subtle way.. how fragile this life is .. yet how powerful simplicity of thought is..... Varun's character paints simplicity of thinking in this complex world..... The director extended emotion in various scenes... some as simple as thinking blankly about today from the window of a hospital... without getting weary about tomorrow's survival.... alson it paints a picture where Smell of shiuli flower can sometimes bring life in a still body... shiuli flower does bring back my childhood memory too. Loved collecting those in the morning... sometime I helped my mom with those to make flower garland ready to offer to the Gods & Goddesses.

Coming back to the movie... it stretched a bit sometimes.. so you may feel bored through the mid way, but do wait till the last scene..... if you have ever felt the pain a of a young lady fighting for her survival... this movie will surely leave you heavy hearted and with a sense of more humility towards life.

This is the first movie which compelled me to write a review. I will keep it short. The background score was just amazing and went along so well with the story. This movie reminds me of an outstanding song by Radiohead - Motion Picture Soundtrack. Just go ahead and watch this movie but be patient. This is not your typical Bollywood movie.

October is a film about love,it entails a unique kind of love that is described as Platonic love. October contains many climaxes. Shuili battles against death and lived, only to die later while Dan had to give up part of his life to look after her. October is one of the best Bollywood movies I've seen in recent time.

October starts with very good premises, and it is indeed an appreciable art film which is real, authentic and quite moving. The film centers on the character of a young man who appears quite a spoiled brat and hardly takes anything seriously, including his job a luxurious Mumbai hotel where doing a good job could propel his career forward. An incident with one of his colleagues, a girl who might have been interested in him, gradually changes his perspective, and he becomes so invested in it, that everything else in his life becomes sidelined. While his character couldn't be more annoying in the early portions of the film, you really start seeing beyond what meets the eye and actually liking him a bit. The entire development of the story from then on is poignant and moving.

True to its premise, October is a very serious and realistic film, and while it's consistently watchable, it's a little slow and does require patience. Technically the film is excellent - it's well shot, the background score is beautifully soothing and very fitting to the situation, the dialogue is casual and real, and the overall high production values make for a watchable film. Varun Dhawan performs competently in the lead, and his gradual self-discovery and personal growth from the obnoxious, self-centred guy into a man of conscience and respect is well etched-out. Banita Sandhu is very good throughout, especially when she becomes bedridden, and Gitanjali Rao is excellent as her devoted mother. October is a poignant film but it could have benefited from a tighter script.

Shoojit Sircar's direction and Varun Dhawan's performance are the backbone of the film. Even though it starts almost like an obsession over guilt for nothing the love that is never verbally said turns into an unconditional devotion. But more than that it's how everyone around realises and understands the unsaid emotions that makes the film compelling. From the experience of watching a lot of romantic films and the trailer of this film I had expectations of how the story would turn at each point and I was wrong at every one of them. It's the simplicity that makes it so good. I have a feeling that I may love it even more on a rewatch

As you would have expected from the trailer, October is a different kind of movie and is not meant for everyone. However, its even slower than you might think and my biggest issue with the movie is that it doesn't lead you anywhere. Some people might consider the movie poetic. Sadly it doesn't include me. At best, its a one-time watch and is much better than brainless masala movies that are released so frequently in Bollywood, but surely October isn't a masterpiece.

Direction: Shoojit Sircar is famous for out of box cinema like he entertained his audience with Vicky Doner, Madras Cafe and Piku type un-conventional movies. This movie is totally different treatment of unconditional love , care and October. He used flower from Harshrigar tree through out the movie even movie wallpaper has same flower in place of "O".

Performance: Audience was waiting for this type of performance from Varun Dhawan quite long time. Finally he came, Delivered and Succeed. Debutant Banita Sandhu has done brilliant job in the challenging role. Good supporting performance by Gitanjali Rao in the role of Dr. Vidya Iyer.

Dialogue, Script and Screenplay: Juhi Chaturvedi is sure shot winner of this cinema. She has written this script in very detailed manner which is totally absent in common Bollywood movies. She has main focus on Hotel Industry and Hospital and she has portraited other side of these two entities. In serious cinema, she was able to inject humor. "Where is Dan" was really great one. I wish to see to win lots of awards at the end this year for this splendid work.

Music: Exclusion of songs in this un-conventional love story was really great decision. Soulful music composed by Shantanu Moitra.

Box-office: This type of movie is totally depend on Word of mouth. As critics have given thumbs up and collection of this movie will increase on weekend. Life time collection of this movie will range from 25-40 Crores based on box-office run in Week 1 and Week 2.

Last words: If you hate slow cinema and new concepts, enjoy IPL match at home.

This movie in its real sense is a portrayal of Goodness of an Eccentric Mind. Generally speaking this eccentric-mind protagonist makes stubborn decisions, however illogical/impractical they may be at times. And works towards it relentlessly, come what may. E.g he was decided to be dissatisfied with his job, he ensured he was irritated and arrogant with himself and others around. His action/reactions thereby left people around him with annoyance and the Question "Why does he behave like that".

Similarly, when he decided to empathise with his Colleague in Comma, (a case of hopelessness) he gave his complete energy towards nursing her back to life... Faithfully and Unconditionally to the extent compromising his career. Yet again the question lingered "Why is he doing so much for a casual-colleague?" However his actions/reactions in this phase brought out his goodness and left people with adoration.

Soojit had once shown eccentricity in its loud form in PIKU. And this time he has chosen Subtlety. Commendable as ever. Characters well sketched, Performance par excellence. But... a Big BUT, the movie leaves an incompleteness, disappointment and hopelessness.. Perhaps.. we want to see Hopes getting fulfilled. Could it have been tailored? Not Sure.

OCTOBER is the story of an unconventional bond shared by two people in an extraordinary circumstance. Danish Walia aka Dan (Varun Dhawan) works in a five-star hotel in Delhi. He is arrogant and often argues with his seniors and even the guests. Shiuli (Banita Sandhu) also works there and both are friends but aren't that close. On the eve of New Year, the hotel staffers decide to have their own little party at the rooftop of the hotel, situated on the 3rd floor. Shiuli attempts to sit on the parapet and she slips and falls down on the ground. She is immediately hospitalized and slips into coma. Shiuli's colleagues, including Dan, pay her a visit and in a few days, they move on. But Dan is unable to do so and few weeks later, he learns from his colleague that Shiuli's last sentence before slipping was 'Where is Dan'. As soon as Dan comes to know about this information, he gets even more obsessed. He regularly starts paying Shiuli a visit at the hospital and even gets introduced to her mother, Professor Vidya Nair (Gitanjali Rao) and her siblings. Shiuli's uncle meanwhile makes it clear to Vidya that there's not much hope when it comes to improvement in Shiuli's health and that she should pull the plug. But Dan motivates Vidya not to do so. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Juhi Chaturvedi's story rests on a wafer-thin plot and is too arthouse. Her screenplay is not quite engaging as well as it moves at a slow pace. The movie is devoid of love story and romance however there are moments which indicate that it is a love story. One has certain expectations from her since she's written some very interesting films like VICKY DONOR , MADRAS CAFÉ and PIKU, all also directed by Shoojit Sircar. But her work in OCTOBER is a far cry from her previous films. Also one gets a déjà vu of the character of Anand bhai in MUNNABHAI MBBS and the recent much loved Hollywood film THE BIG SICK. But again, OCTOBER is nowhere close to both these movies. Even with the screenplay, she struggles. Juhi Chaturvedi's dialogues however are quite interesting. Shoojit Sircar's direction too is a bit shaky. It's surprising to see such a film made by a prolific director having abrupt cuts, sudden fade out etc. A few sequences might be difficult for viewers to comprehend. For instance, the scene where Dan informs Shiuli where he was on that fateful night. The slow pace moreover tests the viewers patience. Thankfully, in the second half, when the film becomes a bit simple, the film has lovely scenes. But overall, a very miniscule section of audience is going to give the film thumbs up!

The opening sequence of OCTOBER is beautiful. The opening credits are surprising as Banita Sandhu is mentioned followed by Geetanjali Rao and only then Varun Dhawan's name appears on the screen! The workings of the five-star hotel are very nicely depicted and Dan's entry is quite simple but gives an idea about his bizarre traits. The sequence where Shiuli falls from the rooftop is presented in a very matter-of-fact way, sans any drama. In a way, it adds a lot to the impact. But sadly from here on, there's hardly any movement in the story. Even in the second half, not much happens but few moments are nice and touching. The climax is very emotional but these are too little and appear too late in the day.

hoojit Sircar manages to extract some fine performances. Varun Dhawan is the soul of OCTOBER and is the glue who keeps the film tied together. He gets to play a very different character that is positive but also has certain annoying habits. But Varun ensures that in the long run, Dan doesn't turn out to be an irritating person. The audience hoots for him as he struggles to heal Shiuli and this aspect would surely be loved by the viewers. Newcomer Banita Sandhu makes a very promising debut and gets to play a very difficult character. One might argue that she doesn't have much to do. But even in scenes where she's merely lying on the bed, the expressions that she gives are praiseworthy. Gitanjali Rao gives a very nuanced and credible performance. She brings out the trauma faced by a mother and the only earning member of the family who's suddenly faced with the biggest challenge of her life. Sahil Vedoliyaa (Manjeet) is decent while Prateek Kapur's (Asthana) performance works big time due to his impeccable dialogue delivery. Ashish Ghosh (Dr. Ghosh) is endearing. The actors playing Manjeet's girlfriend, Dan's mother, Shiuli's siblings, Shiuli's uncle and the nurse also do a fine job.

OCTOBER surprisingly is a songless film with only 'Manwaa' played in the end credits. October Theme also is featured and has a nice, emotional feel to it. Same goes for Shantanu Moitra's background score.

Avik Mukhopadhyay's cinematography is excellent and captures the empty Delhi streets, the ICU, the cold Delhi weather, the flowers lying on the ground and the beauty of Manali perfectly. Mansi Dhruv Mehta's production design is first-rate. Veera Kapur Ee's costumes are real but at the same time appealing. Chandrashekhar Prajapati's editing is good but a bit rough at places.

On the whole, OCTOBER is an offbeat and a sensitive film which rests on a wafer thin plot and suffers from a slow pace. The movie is sure to win critical acclaim for Varun Dhawan's outstanding performance but has hardly anything for the masses. At the box office, the movie will appeal to a niche section of the multiplex going audience.

This is probably best movie of Varun Dhawan since Badlapur. It's a very unique love story. VD's performance was really impressive and prove that he actually can act. If you don't like him, then you will love him after watching this movie. But tbh credit of this amazing movie goes to very talented screenwriter Juhi Chaturvedi and director Shoojit Sircar. They are the real winners here. Hats off to them for making another amazing movie.

Director Shoojit Sircar's 'October' is a gem, that will pull your heartstrings & also tear them apart. This story about love & loss, is deeply affecting. This film has so much heart & soul, that its hard not to be moved by it. And Varun Dhawan delivers a career-best performance in the lead-role.

'October' Synopsis: Dan (Varun Dhawan) is a carefree, reckless young man who works at a hotel. His life turns upside down when his colleague Shiuli (Banita Sandhu, in a terrific debut), goes into a coma after an accident.

'October' is about unsaid, unspoken love, that may exist or may not, from both the ends. Dan, the protagonist, finds meaning to his mediocre life when a tragedy as big as losing Shiuli, occurs. Initially, we don't even know what Dan is going to do. But, as this story progresses, a sense of immeasurable pain & love is experienced. This isn't a love-story where the lovers meet, make memories or get intimate, but one, that is connected by the souls of 2 people having found a connection. I can't tell you how overwhelmingly beautiful this story is. Experience It.

Juhi Chaturvedi's Screenplay is pure heart & soul. The Writing moves on a soothing pace, and despite deep sadness & depth, this is a Story that demands to be felt & experienced. Chatruvedi has written a love-story, that without even getting into the usual romantic cliches, delivers dollops of genuine emotion & heartache. The Dialogue, merit a special mention. Shoojit Sircar's Direction is controlled. The talented filmmaker has captured 'October' with sensitivity. He's in Top-Form! Cinematography is wonderful. Editing is perfect. Shantanu Moitra's Score is soothing.

Performance-Wise: Varun's portrayal of Dan, is one for the ages. Shunning away from his "Hero" image, to portray a reckless, flawed man with a beating heart, deserves immense respect. The star-actor is stunning here, delivering an entirely realized performance, that unfolds with remarkable conviction. Banita Sandhu as Shuili, is exceptional. There is a sense of unspoken mystery that reflects in her eyes & her appearance & performance, both, add to the film hugely. Gitanjali Rao as Prof. Vidya Iyer, Shiuli's mother, is fantastic. Her grief stricken eyes form the emotional core of this film. Sahil Vedoliyaa & Isha Chaturvedi lend remarkable support.

On the whole, 'October' is the kind of film, that warms your heart & at the same time, tears it apart. Its something to special, you'd have to see it to believe it. Very Strongly Recommended!