Gangster

'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!

I always wonder how come a talented director called Anurag Basu making mediocre films viz. Murder/ Saaya/ Tumsa Nahi Dekha etc when he proved his mettle in TV so well. But with "Gangster" which is definitely his best till date he surely comes up on his own. Another thing, Anurag belongs to that rare species of new generation outside directors who are from small town with neither a film background nor any great film connection or even belonging to a highly privileged class, the descendants of which we see all around in film industry, but a modest struggler who climbed the steps of success with sheer hard work and determination and even fought with blood cancer to win back his life. Such passion is seen in his this work. A love story of underworld Gangster told from point of view of a woman (normally known as moll to others) which is definitely a fresh approach and icing on the cake is the impeccable narrative and innovative style introduced by the director turns it into a passionate drama, which has pace and rhythm to held you captive.. There is a effort to explore how and under what circumstances a woman strays, which is more humane than what you saw so far in Murder or such stuff. How come love brings down a hardcore criminal to his knees and how come same love can be used as a weapon to serve mean purposes is something which should be watched out. An essentially character based film, among actors newcomer Kangana Ranaut and Shiny Ahuja are surprise packets. Debutant Cinematographer Bobby Singh with his highly imaginative framing caught the trauma and turmoil of the characters so effectively that it makes you rooted to your seats. Yes, there are flaws too, viz. how come the woman who is so much in love can't herself preposition her lover to make love to her (gone are the days when men initiate the process) or why a police man mastermind such a complicated plan to nab a criminal rather than directly hold his love interest captive, are things which the script writers know better. Music is another highlight whether it is picturisation or the track itself, just add the required lyricism to the film. I don't want to reveal much but it is definitely a surprise from Bhatt camp too, therefore go catch it as it is definitely one of the best films of this year.

Slow paced in parts and doesn't have any major cast performances, but 'Gangster' is still a rather good film.

The premise and what it sets up means it remains interesting, even if it does move a little too leisurely in certain moments. The film takes a turn at some point, which actually did surprise me I won't lie - it's nicely done.

I can't say I'll remember the performances of Emraan Hashmi (Akash), debutant Kangana Ranaut (Simran) or Shiney Ahuja (Daya), but what they produce is satisfactory for the film itself - they all fit.

It gets drawn into the melancholy and musical numbers too much, while the run time is overly extended, but the thrill-ish action is fairly enjoyable. All in all, it's more than watchable.

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 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.