Drei Häftlinge im Todestrakt

From the very first frames 3 Deewarein grips you and won't let go. This very well may be the best movie of its kind I have ever seen an *any* language. In fact, apart from the subtitles, you might just forget that you're watching an Indian film. Even the normal liberties that Bollywood normally takes with the concept of "suspension of disbelief" (and that Bolly fans have come to accept) are mostly absent from this movie. The characters are deep, intense and best of all completely credible. Others here have hailed 3 Deewarein as Juhi Chawla's comeback film, and she certainly shines in her role. But perhaps more surprising to me was Jackie Shroff's performance. Shroff's typical roles haven't impressed me one way or the other -- as especially good or bad -- in most other movies I've seen him in. But his portrayal of "Jaggu" here definitely made me sit up and take notice. And left me wondering how much of my former indifference was due to Jackie, and how much was due to the scripts he's been working from. Nasserudin Shah presents another complex and lovable character in "Ishaan". While not quite as endearing as the title role in "Shree 420", "Ishaan" certainly shares some qualities with that character.

The story might be best compared to a pointillist painting. In the beginning we see very narrow views from very close angles. It's only as the plot unfolds and we back away from the canvas that we see the actual picture. And the canvas itself is impressive and elegantly understated. The opening sequences -- shot in blue-toned monochrome -- introduce the story in very short order (the entire run time of the film is listed at 120 minutes, which by Bollywood standards almost qualifies as a "short subject") and there is nothing wasted during the exposition. And it's because of this that you are drawn in immediately and rooted for the duration.

I cannot bring myself to write anything that would hint at the ending of the story. To do that here would be to do you and the film a grave injustice. Let it suffice to say that the ending was not even *remotely * what I expected.

If you're only a fan of "Masti-Masala" fare, don't watch this movie. You will be disappointed. But if you can spare two hours to be engrossed by a story that is at times grim, and times heartwarming and most of all surprising you *need* to see this film. From casting to camera to script, this is an astonishing work.

Definitely Nagesh Kukunoor's best effort to date.

Frankly i went in expecting another average fare from Nagesh, cos i havent liked his earlier films. I thought Hyderabad Blues was hugely hyped, not to mention shoddy. Rockford was a good idea gone horribly wrong and the only reason i sat through Bollywood calling was Om Puri (outstanding).

With this background i set out to catch 3 Deewarein. Actually the glowing reviews (which as an afterthought i think were completely justified)pushed me further towards the theatre. Not to mention Juhi Chawla who i have always believed is one of our most underrated actresses. And what an experience it was!

3 deewarein is a very good film. Why? Let me give you 2 reasons:

1. The script is near to brilliant. Though the narrative is slow paced, your interest never wanes. The story unfolds slow and leads to a mind-blowing climax. Least expected but a shocker of a climax. Like my buddy aptly described it - super wicked cool!

2. Performances, every actor is amazing. While its expected that Naseer will shine (he doesnt disappoint one bit!) its Jackie Shroff and Juhi Chawla who take you by surprise. Jackie is subdued and puts in a very restrained performance. Juhi Chawla is splendid. With minimal makeup and looking absolutely fresh, she puts in a career best effort here. Check her out in two scenes: The first when she gently threatens the hell out of her abusive husband and the other when she tells Ishaan (Naseer's character) that she may be in love with him. Kukunoor himself is a good actor, but he is a better director. Special mention to Bad man Gulshan Grover who puts in a good man performance here.

So if you are looking for a well directed film with a strong story and a couple of good performances, 3 deewarein is the one!

3 Walls: 7 out of 10: My first reaction was that Indian prisons are really nice. Honestly I went to a couple of sleep away camps in my youth and suffered more hardships than these prisoners. Sure the prison has sexual assault, loss of freedom and death but I am definitely sticking to my analogy.

This is my first real Bollywood film and since there are no musical numbers or dancing or romance I am under the impression that the film isn't typical. This is straight forward human drama with very good dialogue and a surprisingly twisted and adult story.

The film concerns three prisoners who are scheduled to hang. One is angry and proclaims his innocence, one refuses to accept guilt for his crime and the last is so racked with guilt he cannot wait for the noose to be drawn. Into their lives comes a female filmmaker with some baggage of her own.

The movie is about the four characters interactions and how justice is eventually done despite long odds and corruption. While you may have some Shawshank Redemption flashbacks during the film the movie really has its own story and feel. The acting is good across the board and the production values are excellent. This would be a well made film in any nation.

An absolutely flawless screenplay which makes the acting look so simple. At least that is what you would think while you are watching the movie but then the acting is super.

To me the whole movie is like a work of art. When an artist begins his painting, you have no clue where he is going. He would begin with something and start to draw lines which don't make any sense and yet as they say "patience bears fruits", while you wait patiently, there emerges the unexpected master piece which you could not even imagine. And that is what exactly happened to me while watching the movie.

I am personally not a good critique myself but I could not hold myself from writing this.

Sadullah

The first time i heard about the movie , my reaction was i have to see this one. coming from one of my favourite directors Nagesh Kukuonoor and performers like Naseereruddin Shah.

When i actually got down to see the movie , my feelings were mixed. The performances in the movie were just astounding , the direction was just superb ! but the only downer half way down the movie was i kept having deja vu of having watched the scenes in "Shawshank Redpemption" . The movie did not have the impact till it reached the climax scenes. It was then i realized that the movie was not at all what i expected it to be. And this my friends is a rare find in indian movies. I guess you all must agree with me on this particular point. After the climax was over all i could do was sit dumbfound. I was speechless. This movie that played before me was the best movie of this genre made by an indian in india. It was way better than shawshank redemption in many asepects. (although i am not her undermining the movie in any form , who can ever forget the narration by morgan freeman in that movie).

The direction needs applause by us all. The flashback type concept was great. The first scene when Chandrika (Juhi) meets the 3 convicts was unbelievable . (in the sense that this was actually directed by an indian director) . The contrast of the 3 characters that was potrayed by Nagesh in that scenario was overwhelming. The movie gives the viewer subtle hints throughtout which one realises once the climax scene was over. The best part of the movie was that each one of the dialogue was well built in to the plot of the movie. Starting from the "Aapko pehle kabhi dekha hai" to every other statment.

I think i do not need to comment on performance by Nasseeruddin Shah. He is just amazing. One of the best actors the Indian cinema has seen ever. He is complemented perfectly by Juhi, Nagesh , Gulshan and Jackie. The serious role of Jackie was just too good and he stood up to the role beautifully. Nagesh also played his character true to life.

In all , i would sign off by saying, that if you are one of the people who appreciate movies like shawshank redemption , fight club, memento then DO NOT MISS ON THIS ONE. I would rate the movie better than the afore mentioned 3 movies, and to be honest i loved them all. But if you are the kind who likes masala movies and do not want to appreciate the direction of the movie then this one is not for you.