Johnny Gaddaar

Unquestionably one of the smartest films I've seen recently, the biggest strength of Johnny Gaddaar is its unpredictability. Unlike most conventional thrillers with a heist at its core, this one's not a whodunit – it can't be, because you know all along who's done it – the question instead is, how's he going to get away with it? Really the film's biggest accomplishment is the manner in which it compels you, the viewer to think differently – midway through the film you've got the drift, you begin to expect the unexpected, you even begin to predict what's going to happen next. That's the level of involvement you're able to muster up for this film.

Dharmendra as leader of the gang, Zakir Hussain as the crass club-owner, Vinay Pathak as the smarmy card-shark, and Neil Nitin Mukesh as the rookie, the youngest member of the gang – you couldn't find better actors to fill out these roles.

Zakir Hussain in particular, stands out with a performance that is ingenious in every sense of the word. And Neil Nitin Mukesh makes an inspired debut; he's clearly an actor to look out for.

it's a thriller very unlike his own previous film Ek Hasina Thi, and very unlike most thrillers you've seen recently. Watch it because it's that rare film that actually expects you to use your brain.

8/10..!

Here is a film directed by someone whose previous directorial venture (Ek Hasina Thi), though stylishly executed, was a box office dud. A film which has Dharmedra as the biggest name in the credits. The second biggest is perhaps Shankar Ehsaan Loy, who are favorite composers for big banners these days. They have done a neat job here as well. A film which has a debuting actor with musical genes in lead role (he is grandson of legendary singer Mukesh). So what would be expected from such a venture? Not much I reckon. And that's the biggest strength of the film. Low expectations, high returns. The film is classic thriller by all standards. Be it acting, script, direction… anything.

Commenting anything about the storyline would be a sin for this genre of cinema. Though its not suspense of "Who did it" sorts, but still its best that story is left untold. But it deserves to be told that unfolding and turn of events is gripping. It keeps you glued to your seats.

Technically the film is a jewel. Cinematography is top notch. Editing is crisp, narrative fast paced. There is hardly a dull moment. Background score is racy and innovative. Sriram Raghvan proves that the promise shown in his directorial debut was not fluke. He is a director to look out for. And thanks to him, we now have an actor too to look out for in Neil Nitin Mukesh.

So, some may call Johnny Gaddar a cult classic, some call it style exemplified. But in simple terms, it's a good film. Go and watch it.

Now this is something hits unexpectedly. Johnny Gaddar quite thoughtfully titled like 70's hard-boiled thriller spins a devious plot and pulls off a fantastic thriller. This is one of those relentless movies just refuses to slow down. Having said that is a complement in itself. Bollywood always has flavor for romance and comedy but thriller is still not first class citizen here. In old days B R Chopra gave us real good mysteries and thrillers, in our time Abbas-Mastaan used to deliver but they have lost their way terribly these days. Writer-Director Raghvan's last venture was brilliant Ek Haseena Thi with Saif's snaky performance- his best till date. With Johnny Gaddar he exercised in the same genre and maturating it more and more. He penned a clever on-the-edge thriller and then got in director's chair doing a through job.

Plot is a classic crime setup. Five regular partners going for a deal splitting profit five ways as usual. It is fine until one of guys (of course Apana hero Neil) wants all and elope with his mistress(Rimi Sen). But of course plan will not be executed without flaws and none of the member of the crew is a rookie or push-over. Then onwards film is a gripping tale with twists and turns. It pays-off and it is also not timid to avoid contemporary cliché conclusion.

Film doesn't have A-list stars to draw attention but has actors doing their job nifty making this kind delight. Star of the show is Neil Mukesh. This is a very bold, confident feature debut for the talented actor, certainly Lambi Race Ka Ghoda for the industry. Film offers some real good scenes. I really liked the scene when a cop sitting beside the rat in the gang suggests changing the topic and talk about his favorite actor extracting a virtual confession out. And there is another scene shows glimpse of gray in human carnival when one character held on gun-point and asked about how others solve the mystery earlier and met their demise. He bleeding, about to die, smiles wicked; refuses to answer saying that will puzzle and torment him rest of the life.

Film got a vintage treatment and several references are made to some classics. One of things I admired most here, hero is not sly or wicked but the script is. There seems so many innocent thread suspended loosely initially to pay attention but double backs in as crucial smart clues later. Altogether film is a darn dandy pleasure. Full entertainment all over. Strong Thumps up JohnnyO!!

There have been very few proper thrillers in Indian film industry, and counting few good ones in them is easy task. However here comes a movie that has the potential to redefine the genre. Most probably this movie will prove to be a dud at Box office, however it will sure go down as a cult for generations to come.

In most of the thrillers that I have seen, I am able to second guess the director on what he is going to show. However this movie is something that didn't let me do that. Even though the pacing seemed to be slow in parts, however it actually was never slow. Every few minutes the events took a dramatic change, and even though you realize that this could have been expected, however it was not.

This is type of cinema that I prefer to enjoy alone, not with friends Or with family. Simply go into the theater and immerse yourself.

My only regret is the way the music was used. Initially only the title track was released but later there was an elaborate album. And it was one of the best score to hit the shelves in a long time. The album gave an impression that it was not typical Bollywood fare, however would be used in background. It had some excellent themes and instrumental pieces and sometimes it gave an impression if modern day Hollywood themes were inspired from Bollywood of 70's, and one expected those pieces to play a pivotal role to elevate the movie. However they were hardly used in the movie, except for couple of occasions.

Since I have heard the original album, that is the reason my expectations were sky high from the background music and theme music of the music, but still its a rare masterpiece coming out of Bollywood. This one deserves an elaborate DVD version.

***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED at ANY COST !! *****

If you grew up reading James Hadley Chase and his prototype stories of the not so bad (but not good) protagonists, who always fell for the wrong woman, tried to make it big, but things went wrong in a very bad way - then this is a must watch for you! I am still stunned by the sheer quality, charisma and entertainment of this film. Dharam was Garam, Neil is a heart-throb and he can act, even Rimi Sen was competent. Dharam made me so nostalgic for the 70s - "It is not about age but mileage" LOL!!! I liked Rasika, Govind Namdeo, Zakir Hussain - in fact it is safe to say that no one turned in a bad performance. Neil Mukesh is one to watch out for - best when he played the innocent, but also great when he was the schemer. Move over Hritik, forget it Ranbir, the new man about town is certainly Neil Nitin Mukesh.

There were more references to everyone's favorite moments in books (Hadley Chase mostly) and films (of course the ubiquitous Johnny Mera Naam, and many many Bachchan films including the early and all important Parwana) than I can remember (and it might take another viewing to capture them all!), there was your favorite music from yesteryear's (Aage bhi jaane Na tu for one) and some cool new stuff, there was blood and gore galore, and there was an inevitability to the story (just like your favorite Hadley Chase book had).

And after you are done watching Johnny Gaddaar then go back and watch Jewel Thief and Johnny Mera Naam, maybe even Parwana, to get even more out of the film!

I highly recommend this film to all lovers of pulp fiction (and I do not mean the film alone), the noir genre, heists, double-crosses, and just unusual cinema that is very well done. Kudos to Sriram Raghavan, I wish I could get into his head to see where all this came from.