Monsoon Shootout

More Indian cop stuff, the historical background of police "Encounter Shootings" served up in a structure like the sixties Mario Adorf Straße der Verheißung mashed with Incident at Owl Creek and filmed like a contemporary Korean thriller.

This one opens with a car hold up conducted by an ax wielding extortionist, with police recruit Varma/Adi on his first day chasing suspect Siddiqui in the monsoonal rain, ending with the fugitive in his sights.

Three different choices are shown.

Personable cast and accomplished filming fail to elevate the piece above it's tricksy structure. A long time project for beginner director Kumar, the film ended up on the screen in the way it was written after variations in the cutting room.

#MonsoonShootout takes a fresh look at the cop vs criminal story. What if a newly-recruited cop comes face to face with a suspected criminal? Does he shoot him? Or does he let him escape? What happens to the criminal's family thereafter? Does his young son turn into another criminal? We get to see different versions of the same situation. Hats off to director Amit Kumar n cinematographer Rajeev Ravi for their efforts. They ensure that the viewer is completely involved in the proceedings. Performances by Vijay Varma, Neeraj Kabi, Siddiqui, r first-rate. Definitely worth watching. Rating 3.5/5.

In our everyday life, we take many decisions. Some are of great importance and some are casual, some may prove right while same may lead to a disaster. This movie gives you a understanding of such dilemma and the possible outcomes of the decision taken.

A cop equipped with a gun, faces an encounter with a local gangster after a very long chase. Not sure whether the man standing in front of him, whom he chased so long is the actual gangster he is looking for. And a prompt choice has to be made either to shoot and kill or try to persuade him to surrender. And the entire film is upon the thought process of the consequences of either of the choice made. But the biggest challenge is the given time which is just fraction of seconds.

Every course of action gives birth to a fresh new situation which might be favourable or may not be. But one who takes the decision should also have guts to face the consequences. Need of the time is the biggest factor that influences our decision making ability and the course of action. Whatever one feels right is the correct choice for the time being, no matter what the consequences are.

Human race has transformed from primitive man to a socialised and civilised man today. We might have chosen not to develop ourselves and save us from the natural disaster we have created today. But the call was to get upgraded and evolve ourselves with technological advancement, despite of knowing that we are planning our own end.

Living life itself is a big challenge. In the road of life, one has to choose amongst the available paths to move on. And with one's intellectual smartness choices are to be made and one has to struggle hard to keep up on the chosen road and make it to the destiny. Remember, you don't have your lifetime to make a choice!

Now, moving back to the film, you should watch it once. Plot is different, which is not commonly available in any Bollywood movie. The idea of the film is great but the execution was not up to the mark. But I really appreciate the efforts of the director for undertaking a project with such a unique concept!

A film set in Mumbai dealing with gangsters and police. A rookie policeman in the crime department comes across a situation where he is chasing a man who could be a gangster or he could not be. The film depicts three scenarios that he can take, the right path, the wrong path and the middle way.

All three paths taken lead to someone or the other getting hurt. This is a gritty realistic depiction of the dilemmas faced by the police in the line of duty. The performances are good but there are so many characters and outcomes that we are confused. A dialed down version would make a better film.

While most of the seasoned movie buffs would have heard about the Rashomon effect, Monsoon Shoutout explores a single perspective butterfly Rashomon effect, and one without anything at all. Written and directed by Amit Kumar this movie is a rare treat for audiences for its treatment and workmanship. Great acting performances with refreshing new faces makes the movie punch above its weight. Watch out for Neeraj Kabi as Khan for some great smooth acting lessons.

Monsoon Shootout is aided by a spectacular screenplay, one that will be remembered for ages. Cinematography and the choice of lenses used by Rajeev Ravi depending on the mood of cinema is excellent. Production design, costumes, make up and Music is very good for a movie that is on a very low budget. The choices of shooting locations used, couldn't be any better, just like the casting of the Monsoon Shootout which is perfect. The editor too has excelled in keeping the movie under 90 minutes.

Overall Monsoon Shootout is a must watch movie for seasoned movie buffs for its excellence in almost all departments of filmmaking, which is pretty rare in Indian Cinema. Mass movie audiences please stay away, this one is not for you.