Gangster

I didn't expect myself to love this movie. But when I heard some rave reviews about it, and caught it on a late night show on TV, I watched it spellbound. A different and enthralling plot, fantastic performances by the actors, OUTSTANDING music, and fabulous cinematography and direction.

The acting was superb. Even Emraan Hashmi (who I cannot stand), did an above average job. Shiny Ahuja was flawless in his character. He showed every emotion and movement brilliantly without fail, and does not let you down for a single moment. However, the movie belongs to Kangana Ranaut. For someone making a debut, she was just fantastic. She seemed so comfortable and well-cast for the role that I cannot imagine anyone else doing this role, and to be honest I never would have thought this was her first film. She pulled off a very tricky role with ease, and I really liked her performance, there was something very real about it. Also, she did such a good job with her character, Simran, that it seems like she is like that in real life. Hopefully this isn't the case!

Performances aside, another thing that struck me hard was the music. I am more likely to enjoy a film if it has excellent music, and that is exactly what happened with Gangster. It is very impressive. Ya Ali, and Lamha Lamha are my favourite tracks, but I also enjoyed Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai, Bheegi Bheegi, and Mujhe Mat Roko. In short, each song was amazing.

Gangster is a bit of a mix of a thriller, romance, crime, and drama. This is what makes it special - Anurag Basu has indeed done something much more worthwhile after "Murder".

I was literally on the edge of my seat throughout.

'Gangster' was a wonderful and refreshing change from the typical romantic film as well as the underworld cinema that Ram Gopal Varma's camp dishes out. 'Gangster' is in a genre unto itself. This films proves that a tight script is king above all else. There have been many Bollywood films that claim to be love stories and claim to espouse the virtues of love. Here is one that spell-bindingly and mesmerizingly shows you what love really is. What it means to really sacrifice for another human being. What is even more remarkable about this film is that it shows you all this through a lead actor (Ahuja) who does not have much by way of dialogs. His role in the film, the message of true sacrifice that he portrays, is mainly via body language and facial expressions. And oh what language and expressions they are!

Anurag Basu has truly grown leaps and bounds from his 'Murder' days. The performances, direction, screenplay, cinematography, and music all form an organic union to become one cohesive, edge-of-your-seat story. This movie has its hold on you until the end. It goes by fast and yet slowly at the same time. The songs in the film weave a tale and progress the story along and make you feel for the characters even more rather than being an excuse for a five minute break.

As I said this film critically depends upon the script and the performances. I never would have guessed that this was Kangna Ranaut's debut into Bollywood. Hers was a performance of a seasoned actress. Her portrayal of a tormented alcoholic who is torn between the man she once loved and the man who can possibly fulfill her every dream was spot on. Having said that though, the film belongs to Shiny Ahuja. He had to convey love, passion, and the obsession he feels for a woman, mostly through non-verbal means. This can be a point of weakness in a film if not handled by the right actor. Fortunately, Mr. Ahuja was not only up to par but surpassed all expectations. He made you feel Daya's pain, anguish, conflict, and above all else, his love for a woman and how far he would go for that love. His performance in the scene at Seoul Station is one that should be kept in mind during awards time.

All in all, this is a must see film which will leave you speechless at the end. It shifts the idea of a Bollywood love story to a whole other hemisphere. If you like a movie that has been well thought out and well acted and does not insult your intelligence or emotions as an audience member, then I highly recommend this one. I hope to see more such diamonds from Messrs. Basu, Ahuja and Ranaut in the future!

Usually people say Bhatt films have lot of sex, hit music, titillation and no story But this film and some more proved them wrong Actually that 4 things suit Yashraj films more

Gangster is one of the best films from Vishesh films

The story sounds complicated but the director and screenplay writers make the film one experience to cherish

The love story between Shiny- Kangana, Kangana suddenly falling for Emraan and then her confusion whom to choose and the betrayal

All is handled very well by Anurag Basu

The emotional breakdown of Shiny and the climax is one of the best written scenes

Anurag Basu gives his best work so far Music(Pritam) was superb, especially Ya Ali, Bheegi Bheegi, Tu Hi Meri Cinematography made the film more appealing

Performances Kangana was one of today's rare heroines, she made her debut in such a spectacular way that all remained stunned and she earned a big name with this film, except her diction and her shouting at places

Shiny Ahuja was amazing in his role and performed brilliantly He got least dialogs but did a great job with expressions His emotional breakdown towards the end is one of the best part of the film

Emraan Hashmi surprised, he gave a restrained performance and didn't overact or make funny expressions even once as he normally does

Gulshan Grover got a wonderful role and he did a great job despite being a short role

Gangster is definitely the most beautiful movie that has ever been made. It has emotions, suspense, great music and brilliant performances from Emraan, Kanagana, Shiny and also Gulshan Grover.

After watching this movie I can say with full confidence that Kangana is going to be a "STAR". I don't think any female in the film industry could have done this movie better than her. Awesome is not even a good enough word for Kangana's performance.

Emraan looked handsome with his new glasses look. He played a character very different from his other releases and has improved a lot as an actor. He is already a STAR but he is going to be a "SUPERSTAR"

Shiny didn't have much dialogs in this movie but he made his presence felt in a very difficult way which I don't think most actors could have done. He is so brilliant in the movie that you can actually feel the anguish and hurt that Daya was going through. Very Intelligent Actor. Its very difficult to hate him in the movie because his character is the pure definition of a "TRUE LOVER"

Scenes to take home with you are,

Scene at Seoul Station where Simran betrays Daya

Simran confronting Daya outside her apartment.

Daya crying on Simran's laps.

Akash at the Indian Embassy is a scene beautifully done and does provide a huge shock value.

Gangster music, is the best album this year. The meaning of each word in the song is very touching and beautifully done. Ya Ali, Bheegi Bheegi, Lamha Lamha and Tu Hi Mere Shab Hai are songs to remember.

10/10 Go watch it.

One of the best Bollywood films of 2006, Gangster is an emotionally charged gritty love story that takes its place as one of the best Indian gangster films ever made, and one of the finest films of 2006, Bollywood or not. On the surface, the film fol...(read more) lows a simple story of a woman (Kangana Ranaut) who falls in love with a man who turns out to be a notorious criminal (Shiny Ahuja), and the consequences of that decision inadvertently lead to a lifestyle she grows to discern. Frustrated with her current situation, she eventually falls into the arms of another man (Emraan Hashmi). Beyond this simple story, what happens next through the narratives many twists and turns makes Gangster a film that will not only entertain, but touch your heart as well. While the film possesses a powerful story, its trump card is the films emotionally charged performances. Kangana Ranaut makes her debut as Simran, and is a revelation. She deserved a best debut win and an actress nod for this, if no t for her other release last year, Woh Lamhe. Emraan Hashmi is excellent but underused as Aakash. This is primarily because he doesn't have too much to do for the first half. He shines in the second half. His best acting stint too date. But the real star of the film is Shiny Ahuja. He is absolutely outstanding as the gangster. The flashback scene, the scene where he breaks down in Kanganas lap, and his violent outburst towards the end of the first half are highlights of the film. This role was definitely award-worthy, its criminal he didn't garner any for it. Shiny has proved, in a short time, that he is an actor of enormous caliber. One of the finest performances of 2006, India or not. Beyond acting, the other star is the soundtrack. A massive hit when it released, its a pity the film wasn't as well received as its haunting score. All the songs are shot well (especially Lamhe Lamhe) and are well placed in the film. As always, the direction is well done by Anurag Basu. He proves hes a director of substance after 2003's moving Saaya. The cinematography is well done. Seoul's photogenic locations are put too good use. Overall, Gangster is one of the strongest Hindi films of 2006, and its well worth checking out.