The Illegal (2021) User Reviews

Just an eye opener

[vsoundarrajan · 7/10 · 2 April 2021]

Nice sad ballad of no success abroad. A must see.

But a bit facile in leading us to the altar of success and sliding down the mishap.

What i mean is this. If an unknown Indian could weave so talentedly into the high good books of his HOD, and also win the the love of a sophisticated American girl, all within about 60 minutes of filming, couldn't his talent plus luck have found him some way to complete his film studies? His rise and fall seem somewhat orchestrated by the auteur.

Sad stories need to be as convincing as success stories. Need to do more than wrench the viewer's hearts.

True reality of overseas workers

[tutukeshari · 8/10 · 28 March 2021]

This film is about the struggles and challenges faced by overseas workers during their struggle to establish themselves abroad. The story is harsh and real. There are a lot of people who sacrifice a major chunk of their lives to bring some happiness, or even basic necessities to their families. Moving to a totally different country and surviving there is not so easy as regular bollywood movies show.

Different people, yet the same Suffering !!

[madhukar30 · 7/10 · 25 March 2021]

Over the last few decades lot of improvements have influenced the Indian landscape on the economic front, among the major differences, apart from the high raises in our metros and the cars on our streets, its the economic affluence of the great Indian middle class and their spending powers. No matter the changes, the plight of Indian students who make it abroad, sans any deep pockets, their fate remains the same to this day. Every student who left the Indian shores for greener pastures can well relate to this movie and authenticate it for themselves and their own struggles. At about least 80% of what Suraj Sharma goes through in the movie, would mirror their own struggles as a young student.

The illegal, has some beautiful cinematography, that encompasses and captures Hassan's struggles quite poetically. Music is very well handled for this semi dark tale of struggle. Screenplay and characters are authentic to the core, well about 90%, I would have been more happier if they had dropped Hassan's love interest, Jessica's character, because no white girl would dare to fraternise with a brown guy and that too a waiter, had it been a co-student it would have been alright and more believable. Production design, costumes and make were good. Editing was swashbuckling for keeping it interesting and the movie under 90 minutes. Suraj Sharma delivers a yet another fine performance, Shweta Tripathi and Adil Hussain don't have much to do in the movie.

Overall, The illegal is disarmingly simple yet highly insightful take on the perils of chasing the American dream without a safety net, The tale has huge scope for melodrama but The Illegal does well to keep overt sentimentality at bay. A must watch and a recommend movie for all age groups, to understand, the major struggles an international student with limited money goes through. 7.3 stars out of 10 for this wonderful portrayal of a struggles and pain that matched my own as an young student couple of decades ago.

OK movie.

[mohan_kt · 6/10 · 3 April 2021]

Didn't know these things happened in the US! Gulf, yes, but USA?

Happens to Mexicans or Latin Americans, yes, but Indians? Hm.

Watch to understand what I'm talking about.

Relevant and True story

[tahaaaijaz-09235 · 10/10 · 16 January 2021]

I really appreciate this film. It's real and very relevant. Empathy towards immigrants is the need of the hour. I will recommend everyone to watch it.

WOW

[sandy113134 · 10/10 · 16 January 2021]

Cant stop thinking about the ending... how much I related to this film. We have all been there.... this is very real and gritty ... I hope everyone gets a chance to watch this one. 5 stars

Overall a good movie .... But made me very sad at the end

[jaymin-10032 · 3/10 · 16 May 2021]

Ending of the movie could have been a better one. Everyone has a difficult life and would like to see it ends well. Atleast, the lead actor could have shown helping the new comers who walks his path and feel better about himself.

Poignant and Relevant

[randy098742 · 10/10 · 17 January 2021]

A poignant film which touches your heart.. Hassan's journey stays with you. Loved Suraj and Iqbal. Very relatable and relevant.

Predictable and cloying

[qui_j · 2/10 · 18 December 2022]

This had all the stereotypical characters and struggles people face when they come to the US illegally. The same would apply to similar situations in any country. Not exactly sure what message the movie was trying to send as it seems to be very ambiguous. This would apply to any individual who comes with dreams but not the resources to achieve those dreams. Without resources, and proper documentation, it really is not possible to expect thing to suddenly and magically fall into place. Life is difficult, and the decisions one makes have to be thought out carefully before making a move to another country. These are even more difficult if the move is based on dreams alone!

Heart Wrenching

[spabc · 10/10 · 23 March 2021]

I have to say I was moved by this film. The sad part is it is real and the way it ends with a new person joining the vicious circle.. Hats off to the entire crew. And maybe this will put a realistic picture in front of people who dream of moving to US for their dreams. It takes a courageous man to follow a dream and a wise man knows when to walk away from it.

Beautiful journey of Hassan

[zaara28070 · 10/10 · 26 January 2021]

Beautiful journey of an immigrant, and obstacles he face while pursuing his dream. Heartfelt, relevant and inspiring.

Made for Suraj Sharma..

[bluefoxniner · 3/10 · 1 April 2021]

The actual ethos of this film is incredibly important. Many overseas workers are treated poorly by their employees. But the film it's self is absolutely made for Suraj Sharma.

It's a script that he was simply born to act...he has now played the droopy, impotent, apologetic, awkwardly entitled nervous Indian in every single role he's ever played, from "Homeland" to " Million Dollar Arm" and his frightened, depressing character persona returns in abundance for this film. Such a shame as this script really had something going for it.

Beautiful

[beenishalii · 10/10 · 16 January 2021]

Beautifully journey on an immigrant who has to choose between his dream and family. Suraj us exceptional and so is Iqbal Theba.

Sad

[rajgindia · 4/10 · 4 April 2021]

Another movie showing India or Indians in stereotypical way. Very slow moving and discouraging. Suraj is a good actor and thats the only thing saving this movie from a single star rating.

Not a movie for you if you like to watch entertainment or inspiration or hope or love.

Plain reality, captured well although.

Beautiful film

[zh-14850 · 10/10 · 16 January 2021]

Suraj is too good in this beautiful film. Kudos to everyone in bringing this to reality v

Nice.

[mayurpanchamia94 · 8/10 · 23 March 2021]

A tale of an illegal Restaurant worker who lands in LA to study filmmaking and then lands up being just a little fellow with big ambitions and even bigger problems.

With great subtlety they have shown Jama Masjid, Delhi and my goodness such realistic frames of Jama Masjid I have never seen.

It takes a courageous man to follow a dream and a wise man knows when to walk away from it.

Magical sombre music integration makes the movie more enjoyable.

Adil Hussain, Neelima Azim, Suraj Sharma Sweta Tripathi and all others do a good job. But Iqbal Theba steals the show. Jay Ali does good too.

Directed by Danish Renzu.

Hope deferred can make a man sick, it can even kill.

The past, future and the vicious cycle. Every face even though looking same has a different story.

Ghar Kab jaoge Babaji... Hits hard. A worthy watch. Slightly touching, slightly grounded and absorbed in reality. Available on Amazon Prime Video.

Soulful

[MANIKA-83316 · 10/10 · 26 January 2021]

Soulful journey of the protagonist straight from the heart. Loved the score and message. Kudos to all who were involved in the making of this project. Must watch for all looking for some content.

What A Movie

[sreenathkonda · 9/10 · 28 March 2021]

No words..just started watching movie casually but got involved with every character.....Blown away with the the way story end...I wish this could have been only a story but sadly I could relate the reality of it...

The Reality

[vikashnehra-72052 · 10/10 · 24 March 2021]

No words to express .is amazing. suraj is too good in this beautiful film.

I was almost in tears!

[sagarpatil86 · 10/10 · 23 March 2021]

I had pretty low expectations going in this movie but boy was I wrong?

The acting, direction, screenplay and music was perfect. You feel for the all the characters in the movie.

It hit me hard. Do yourself a favour and watch this movie!

Well crafted movie, great acting, good message

[geminian-vampire · 8/10 · 5 April 2021]

Amazingly crafted movie, displays the life of a middle class indian family and their dream to send their children abroad for education.

What they end up gaining and loosing. Also, capturing the vicious circle of a student life who indulge in part time jobs to support their education, family and what not.

Great performance by #SurajSharma yet again after #lifeofpi & #iqbaltheba

Aka 6.7 IMDb review does not do justice to this movie, infact there are lot of small scale 6-7 rating movies which i just loved Amazon Prime.

A film to watch

[smitamuravne · 8/10 · 4 March 2022]

This is a beautiful movie,well directed and fabulous acting. It gets you so involved in the life of the protagonist that you can actually feel his pain. In India we think that those who have gone abroad are having a great time but this movie shows you that it's not all a bed of roses,shows you the other side of the life there. I loved the movie.

Smash Hit

[aridavisdirect · 10/10 · 9 February 2021]

Had me till the End....Great story telling. Such a fun watch...

xCRUIS3