Lucknow Central

Lucknow Central, directed by Ranjit Tiwari, is an engaging drama that interweaves the themes of music, hope, and resilience against the backdrop of a prison. Starring Farhan Akhtar in the lead role, the film portrays the story of a man's quest for freedom through music and his unwavering spirit to overcome adversities.

Plot Summary The movie follows the life of Kishan Mohan Girhotra (Farhan Akhtar), an aspiring singer from Moradabad, who dreams of making it big in the music industry. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he is falsely accused of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in Lucknow Central Jail. Inside the prison, Kishan discovers an opportunity to form a music band as part of a prison competition. With the help of a dedicated NGO worker, Gayatri Kashyap (Diana Penty), and his fellow inmates, Kishan sets out to form a band, hoping that music will pave the way for his freedom.

Performances Farhan Akhtar delivers a heartfelt and compelling performance as Kishan. His portrayal of a man wronged by fate, yet determined to reclaim his life through his passion for music, is both convincing and inspiring. Farhan's commitment to the character shines through, especially in the musical sequences where he demonstrates his singing prowess.

Diana Penty as Gayatri Kashyap provides strong support, bringing a sense of compassion and determination to her role. Her chemistry with Farhan adds depth to the narrative, making their interactions meaningful and impactful.

The ensemble cast, including Ronit Roy, Deepak Dobriyal, Rajesh Sharma, and Inaamulhaq, deliver stellar performances, adding layers to the story. Ronit Roy as the stern jailer, Deepak Dobriyal as the clever inmate Victor Chattopadhyay, and Rajesh Sharma as the naive Purushottam Pandit each bring their unique touch to their characters, enriching the film's narrative.

Direction and Cinematography Ranjit Tiwari's direction ensures that Lucknow Central remains engaging and emotionally resonant throughout. He successfully balances the film's musical elements with its dramatic core, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The depiction of the prison environment is authentic, capturing the harsh realities of life behind bars while also highlighting moments of camaraderie and hope.

The cinematography by Tushar Kanti Ray is effective in setting the tone of the film. The use of dim lighting and tight frames within the prison scenes enhances the sense of confinement, while the musical performances provide a vibrant contrast, symbolizing hope and freedom.

Music and Soundtrack The music of Lucknow Central, composed by Arjunna Harjaie, Rochak Kohli, and Tanishk Bagchi, plays a pivotal role in the film. The songs are well-integrated into the narrative, with tracks like "Kaavaan Kaavaan" and "Teen Kabootar" standing out for their energy and emotion. The soundtrack complements the storyline, enhancing the film's themes of hope and resilience.

Themes and Impact Lucknow Central explores themes of injustice, redemption, and the transformative power of music. It delves into the idea of finding hope in the most challenging circumstances and the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity. The film also touches upon the flaws in the justice system and the harsh realities of prison life, making it a socially relevant narrative.

Conclusion Lucknow Central is a well-crafted drama that combines the intensity of a prison thriller with the uplifting spirit of a musical journey. Farhan Akhtar's captivating performance, coupled with Ranjit Tiwari's deft direction, makes for an engaging and emotionally resonant film. The strong supporting cast, compelling storyline, and evocative music further enhance the viewing experience. While it may follow a somewhat predictable path, the film's heart and message of hope make it a memorable watch.

Inspired from true life events, 'Lucknow Central' is at times a sad, and at times, an uplifting story about living your passion even in the worst stage of life. Directed with honesty by Ranjit Tiwari & winningly acted by its cast, this 2017 flop is actually a good effort that went unnoitced.

'Lucknow Central' Synopsis: Kishan (Farhan Akhtar) is wrongfully imprisoned for a murder he didn't commit & is sent to the Lucknow Central, a dreaded jail. While in prison, he forms a musical band with 4 other inmates, that changes his life forever.

'Lucknow Central', though flawed thanks to its erratic pace, is still an effort that isn't easy to snub. The characters appear real, as does their pain & eventual unity. There is a sense of genuine feeling here. That being said, the pacing plays a spoilsport. The film lacks consistency & the wobbly pace is to be blamed.

Ranjit Tiwari & Aseem Arora's Screenplay is decent, but its impact would've been a lot more had it more crisper & well-paced. Ranjit Tiwari's Direction is satisfactory. Cinematography is good. Editing isn't tight enough. Art & Costume Design are appropriate. The Music offers a few good tunes.

Performance-Wise: Farhan Akhtar does a sincere job. But its Deepak Dobriyal who scores. He's brilliant. Gippy Grewal, Inaamulhaq & Rajesh Sharma lend able support. Ronit Roy is repeating himself. Diana Penty is nice. Ravi Kissen is very entertaining as the slimy minister.

On the whole, 'Lucknow Central' is far from perfect, but its not without its pluses nonetheless.

I am not a professional film critic and hence will not launch into often used adjectives utilised to showcase technical knowledge of film making etc. I am from the core movie watching audience,so will use the language common to that category.

A gripping feel good movie that you can watch with the family. Powerful performances by all. I wonder why it has not done that well in the commercial segment in mumbai at least...according to me..its one of the best movies in the recent past. And stands tall in the crowd of recent big banner flops. I loved the sets, and the songs..Rangdhari..and the competition song with a twist. The casting so spot on!

Trust me, go watch this movie...your time will be well invested. Its rare fresh story for a bollywood hit movie. I hope they come out with more such surprise movies. This should have been a runway hit and a crowd puller!

Tone, Script & Story: It is shown as the movie ends that the story is inspired from true events. It would have been better if the same was conveyed along with the trailer as biographies have their own audience. The story is how an innocent man is convicted of murder of IAS officer, gets jail term, and plans jail escape by forming music band. The further story is if they escape or not and or what term he gets.

I don't know if life in jail is shown well. A person in grip of crime has life of false person. A NGO coming in showing faith providing path to jail members to redeem themselves and getting not one or two but five of them seems abrupt. Here's where story falls week.

Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography: Ranjit Tiwari shines in his maiden attempt as a director. Screenplay is relaxing, when convicts are made to play music instruments and are left on pay role, everywhere else screenplay goes well with the story (example life in jail). Cinematography was also good.

Music: Music is good. I personally liked the track Rangdaari.

Acting: Acting was good by most of the actors. All actors who do not act in non sense cinema have done well here in this movie as well.

Final Verdict: It is worth a watch [(2/5) (7/10)].

Lucknow central is a very well directed film though the storyline is very thin, the movie very quickly escalates and takes you right into it but then that is that. Next 2 hrs the movie remains with the same pace until the climax sequence again which will have you at the edge of the seat.

Pros : Direction, Farhans acting ( one man show ), music ( Meer-e Kharwaan especially), Climax.

Cons : Thin story line, needed more nail biting scenes since its about a JailBreak, too many talented artists did not get the room to do much ( Daina penty was amazing in whatever little she had, Deepak dobriyal, Rajesh sharma ) except Ronit Roy who was fab but his portrayal reminds you of all the films that he acted in till now.