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Take any of your favorite political thrillers. What you'd find is political insight and compelling suspense, seamlessly woven to demystify your flimsy notions and beliefs about that subject. While the protagonist peels the layers off falsehood, you experience the joy of veils dropping. You get more than just the solution of a mystery; a new interpretation of the event, a shocking perspective. Dibakar Banerjee's Shanghai is one such political thriller. This terrific film hits you like a hurricane and terrifies you to bits. It has an abiding effect that will haunt you even hours after you've left the theater. If you enjoy true cinema, go for SHANGHAI.. Else, better wait for SRK or FARAH KHAN's next POPCORN FLICK!! Go for SHANGHAI for Kalki Koechlin, for Emraam Hashmi,for Abhay Deol, for the Music & for everything you want from a masterpiece! And next time you end up comparing why do Bollywood standards do not reach Hollywood, stay quite! You don't deserve a word!

10/10

Just coming home after watching the movie, and I was really really impressed with... Everything. While coming back, I heard some friends say it was boring and not very good, which made me write this review:

Watch It if you are looking for some serious cinema. Definitely Watch It if you have a brain to actually THINK about what the movie is trying to say.

I've been disillusioned with Bollywood for some years now, but every year, there come some movies which are absolutely top class, which actually say something rather than throwing undercooked brainless (un)comic crap at us. Shanghai is one of the former, and nearly everything is well done in this movie.

The direction is very good and tight, the background score is very apt, the cinematography is fantastic, as is the editing. And although the story is actually not very new, revolving around the general hopelessness we associate with Indian politics and law, the way Dibakar Banerjee presents it, and the (un)happy-ending really makes it shine...

I think that the movie may probably not do extremely well in theaters because "most" Indians go for mindless comedies these days, but those who want to see a GOOD movie, This is definitely one for them.

Before I start, let me tell you that I haven't read Vassillis Vasilikov's Z and neither have I seen the Academy Award winning film by Costa-Gavras. Shanghai based on the same book, for me, comes as an original standalone in Hindi cinema by the double time National Award winner Dibakar Bannerjee.

Shanghai, is what this fictional town of Bharat Nagar will look like with the flourishing of "International Business Park (IBP)", as promised by the Chief Minister (Supriya Pathak). You can expect it to be any other political scam. Dr. Ahmedi (Prosenjit Chatterjee) who believes this project will degrade the living of the poor, lands here to set his march of opposition. Alongwith Ahmedi, comes a Katrina Kaif caricature Tina. While she is doing Imported Kamariya at the IBP (India Bana Pardes) show, Dr. Ahmedi is slayed to death by a truck. His student, Shalini Sahay (Kalki) is stubborn about the fact that it was not an accident but murder. IAS Officer T. A. Krishnan (Abhay Deol) leads the Enquiry Commission set by the CM. Meanwhile, Jogi Parmar (Emran Hashmi), a pornographer reaches an evidence material of the case.

Meeting of every two aforesaid characters is marked with playful scene like entering of a ball in the newly setup office of Krishnan between a heated discussion, or the English conversation of Jogi with Shalini.

Leisurely paced, the first half is cooked up with two songs where Bharat Mata Ki Jai is just abrupt, misled and serves no purpose to the story. That's what you wanted Mr. Producer, right? An item song and a peppy track? But what makes the direction extra-ordinary are the detailing with the arts and sound design in almost every scene. Note that sound of a crying baby in the background amidst the tensed situation when Dr. Ahmedi is admitted to the hospital. Whereas the background score in most of the parts is overdone with the same beats.

For its running time of 114 minutes, this thriller grips you leisurely with not many scenes that brings you to the edge of your seat but its raw treatment and toning , fine editing and engaging performances. Emran Hashmi stands out of the lot with his best performance of his career. You are never let to believe that you are actually watching the same Hashmi. The most experienced actor Faroque Sheikh draws every attention in his scene. Kalki plays the deepest character of the film with mild tone and louder-than-words silence. Abhay Deol is in the skin of the character of a generous officer with his Tam accent. Pitobash is almost similar as you have seen him in Shor In The City.

By the end, things resurface to the top, gets unfold, and many unanswered questions are left to you to think. Dibakar doesn't hammer you with the dark side of the political system but asks many questions. Prominently, Is India really shining? Judge yourself. But Indian Cinema is really shining with this movie at the theaters.

Though I don't account Shanghai as DB's best work (for me, it's still L.S.D.), but it is the best political thriller you could ever see.

Some five years ego when I first saw Kosta Gavra's classic political thriller "Z" I thought it has all the ingredients to be made into Indian scenario. Even though the film is five decades old the scenarios fits into contemporary India. It digs into the political machinery and their double standards as they talk about Industrial developments. With land acquisition, truth behind special economic zone (SEZs), red-tapism, bureaucratic machinery all molded in a thriller format had everything going for Indian audience. When Dibakar Banerjee announced Shanghai which is based on the Greek novel "Z' by Vassilis Vasilikos I was thrilled. Banerjee successfully adapted the novel and used it to portray a dark of political India.

Set in fictional BharatNagar "Shanghai" starts with Dr Ahmadi , a socialist worker being bumped off as he protest against the land acquisition and warns aam-janata to look into the real motives of the politicians and industrialists. Circumstances brought in Jogi Parmer, a rustic porn film maker who falls for the gori lady and how got himself caught in the web of deceit. It is through the investigation of Ahmedi's murder the journey of unmasking of those in the system begins as we came to know about the truth behind the game of industrialization. Symbolically it reflects the rotten Indian system in a realistic fashion which will shock audience and let them think. With India being claimed as potential future super power of the world the big shots inside the system is robbing her from within at every level leading towards a greater economic divide.

Dibakar Banerjee showed immense potential in earlier three films (khosla ka ghosla, oye lucky lucky oye, LSD) and each of them he used ample dose of dark humor to bring out some prevailing problem in the society. He does the same and succeeds in "Shanghai".He has compromised less interns of story telling and kept many scenes subtle enough for further interpretation. His detailing of sequences needs to applaud. Indeed he is one of the finest story teller of the country and together with Anurag Kashyap,Vishal Bhardwaj can elevate the Indian cinema whereby getting appreciation from world audience as something meaningful yet entertaining. Teaming up with Urmi Juvekar, the duo has done a splendid job in keeping the dialogs real, subtle yet catchy. Being a thriller the happenings keep you engaged to the screen. Like Kahaani this is another taut thriller which can compete with any world cinema. Nikos Andritsakis cinematography deserves standing ovation. His usages of occasional shakes, close-ups elevate the screenplay. The sepia tone set it perfect for the rustic India. Namratha Rao's editing is top notch and she proved that Kahaani was just not one flash in the pan. Vandana Kataria's production design is effective and creates the atmosphere for a dark, thrilling ride. Atul Mongia's unique ensemble casting needs recognition. Vishal-Shekhar's music works. "Bharat mata ki jaye" is true satirical song which is helped by some brilliant choreography.

Acting wise every single person involved has given a superlative performance. Emraan Hashmi as Jogi Parmer is revelation. He proved his detractors wrong and gave a new life to himself as he joined the league of meaningful cinema. Prior to this his mass films (though huge Hits) didn't get him accolades from all section of society but this film will make people realize his potential. Abhay Deol is a superb actor and as always he is at his subtle paced. He fits into a character like chameleon and together with the choice of films he makes he is there to make some change in Indian cinema. As IAS Krishnan he has given one of his career best roles. Just check the climax when he confronts with Farooq Sheik. The scene is a marvel and deserves standing ovation. Kalki Koechlin succeeds as the disturbed foreign return Indian Shalini. Her relationship with Dr Ahmedi as well as Jogi Parmer has been portrayed sensitively. Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee excels as socialist worker Dr Ahmedi. The movie surrounds his character and in a comparatively small role he leaves his marks. Pitobash as usual is exceptional. With Shor in the city, I am Kalaam and now Shanghai he will definitely land up in more meaty roles in near future. He is a power house of talent. Veterans Farooq Sheik and Supriya Pathak were always known for their acting potential and here also they lived up to their names. Tilottoma Shome as Mrs Ahemdi fits the bill as well.

Overall Shanghai is another powerful cinema which comes out from Bollywood. In a thriller mode it raises very pertinent questions on the way the Indian political system works. The film is dark, real yet entertaining that will keep the audience (though it might not appeal to many cine-goers who loves unreal commercial cinema) engaged till the end. It is another landmark film which is to be experienced, a masterpiece. Indeed it has all the stamps that are associated with a film which has been co-produced by NFDC.

P.S : I agree with the first reviewer in IMDb with the statement that one should watch this film "And next time you end up comparing why do Bollywood standards do not reach Hollywood, stay quite! You don't deserve a word!".. Indeed I think Kosta Govra would have been proud to see this adaptation

Why did I go for this movie? One man-Dibakar Bannerjee. After khosla ka ghosla, he strikes again exposing a grim reality we love to avoid.

The Us Vs them/ legitimate vs Traitor theme is always on in India and will continue to be...!!

Composure of actors/interlinking of themes/ exposure of India's rowdies on streets and their utter shamelessness after committing crimes with elan!!!

The mind games,the subtle selfishness, the frustration...left so many things for our imagination.

Dibakar: Hats off, you make us proud..

As Gurudev Tagore said: Many wonders how god in the process of producing 100 Million Bengolies, produce A MAN!

There is only one word to describe the cinematography, the set designs and the dialogues, and that is Exceptional! You don't just watch the scenes happening, you feel them. The movie is a real thrill ride. The action scenes are well pictured and the music is electronically haunting. Never, in the run time of the movie, you will get a chance to move your eyes from the screen to any other object.

The film is hardly one hour-fifty minutes long, and you wish that there was no interval. You don't need one when you are watching a crisp and thrilling film like this one! It's an engaging thriller with a political backdrop, and the performances are mind blowing. Kalki Koechlin is fabulous. Pitobash Tripathy is superb. Abhay Deol has captured the nuisances of the south Indian accent perfectly. He is restrained and strong. But the star of the show is Emraan Hashmi. It might turn out to be too intelligent for Emraan Hashmi fans who generally come to see him smooch his leading lady. So we will have to wait and see if a brilliant film like this is lapped up at the box office or not. Shanghai shocks, engages and makes a powerful statement. Dibakar lives up to the standards he has set for himself.

In the fictional small town of Bharat Nagar that's poised to become the next Shanghai, a respected left wing activist, Dr Ahmedi (Prosenjit Chatterjee), is mowed down by a pick-up truck after addressing a rally against a major redevelopment project that will render hundreds of poor families homeless. When Ahmedi's student Shalini (Kalki Koechlin) and his wife Aruna (Tilottama Shome) demand a probe into this hit-and-run that the police is quick to dismiss as a drunk-driving accident, the chief minister (Supriya Pathak) orders an inquiry commission to get to the bottom of the truth. Even as IAS officer Krishnan (Abhay Deol), who's assigned to lead the inquiry, takes his job more seriously than his superiors had intended for him to, local videographer Jogi Parmar (Emraan Hashmi) stumbles onto some valuable evidence that could directly implicate the political bigwigs. Based on the novel Z by Greek author Vassillis Vasilikov (its 1969 film adaptation by Costa-Gavras won two Academy Awards), Shanghai is rich in irony from the moment in, as it sets about exposing the reality behind the 'India Shining' dream. With nicely etched characters, a realistic shooting style, and a dollop of humor, Banerjee sucks you into his narrative, seldom letting the pace slip in the film's less-than-two- hours running time. As always, it's the little moments that stand out in his films…a tense meeting of the inquiry commission is disturbed when a football, followed by a young child chasing after it, enters through the window. Moments later, following a heated exchange, the two principals slip on a wet- floor outside the meeting room. Earlier in the film, at the height of an uncomfortable confrontation in a hospital, a no-nonsense nurse casually strolls in, reprimands the offenders for hollering in the premises, then walks out just as unexpectedly as she entered. Even in the most intense situations, Banerjee gives us something to smile about. There are disturbingly real moments too that feel uncomfortably familiar... a policeman's apathy towards a wife confronting her husband's corpse, or a criminal's confidence at escaping the hand of the law because of his 'connection' with a powerful politico. If something's missing in this film, it's a sense of suspense, the pressure-cooker urgency that this kind of 'thriller' needed. Good thing then that the actors hit all the right notes. In smaller parts, Supriya Pathak as the all-powerful madam-CM, and Farooque Shaikh as the seasoned, ever-practical bureaucrat are a joy to watch. Prosenjit Chatterjee as the uncompromising rabble-rouser is nicely cast, while Kalki Koechlin plays it grim from start to finish, teetering dangerously close to one-note. But Shanghai belongs to its male leads: Abhay Deol, despite his wobbly Tamil accent, is terrific as a man temporarily conflicted between doing the right thing, and doing what's right for him. His chameleon-like volte face from a polite, bullied man to a fellow fully composed and confident is one of the film's best scenes. As for Emraan Hashmi, he steals the film as the gauche, stain-toothed pornographer with a selfless heart. It's easily the film's most winning performance, and Hashmi doesn't once miss his mark. The grand revelation in the end is a tad underwhelming, and the big evidence far too conveniently acquired. Yet, Shanghai is consistently watchable despite these lapses. I'm going with three-and-a-half out of five for Dibakar Banerjee's 'Shanghai'. It's a good film from one of Hindi cinema's most exciting filmmakers, just not great.

Shanghai is a delight from head to toe. Dibakar Banerjee is without a doubt my favourite bollywood director of recent times. Already it's a hell of a job matching the standards of LSD, Oye Lucky and Khosla still he manages to pull off a gritty tale with such panache which compels me to compare him with the Hollywood great Quentin Tarantino. The city of Bharat Nagar is about to have a turn of fate as the ruling government tries to convert it into an infrastructure marvel but then there's a proclaimed personnel and social activist Aahmedi played by Bengal's very own Prosenjit Chatterjee. But the ruling party has other plans for him as he is brutally injured in a hit and run case which leaves Shalini(Kalki Koechlin) to fight it out to the find the truth behind the proclaimed accident. Imran Hashmi plays Joginder Parmar who's a videographer come pornographer who has some evidence that might help things fall into place for Aahmedi. The real kick comes when Krishnan(Abhay Deol) in given the responsibility to find out the truth. What works for Shanghai is that even though so much is going around all the time there is this definite attention given to each and every detail that you are just kept glued to the screen. Plus there is the fine twist in the end as well. The scenes without any background score, a Dibakar Banerjee trend I suppose, the gritty yet amicable screenplay everything is I personally love. You actually can feel through the scenes as they pass.

The performances are exceptional be it Abhay Deol, Kalki or even Hashmi as he steps inside shoes which one would never consider to fit him. But then that's the sheer genius of Dibakar Banerjee. Still though call me greedy I expected a little tiny bit more drama. But then nothing is perfect. After 'Kahaani' it is in my opinion the second best movie I have set my eyes upon in 2012. Take A Bow Mr.Director!

I watched "Shanghai" yesterday and it is a decent Indianized adaptation of "Z" by Costa Gavraswhich had far reaching consequences in the real world. You can read the real life implications in my other review of the classic itself.

Good acting from Deol and Emraan Haashmi carried the movie all over. There were some dramatics hrown in for Indianing the story but that goes with our taste and spirit. Same for a couple of songs and an Item number, to make it commercially viable.

Mr Banerjee adapting from the Costa Gavras movie after 40 long years probably proves once again that a classic is "timeless". It is good that he did pay homage to the original during the name casting which some very well known directors sometimes miss so sorely ; example SLB when he made "Black" from "The Miracle"..

Dibakar Banerjee, Abhay Deol and Emraan Hashmi. There cannot be any better reason to watch this movie and well, it's worth the expectations. Shanghai, the Desi adaption of Z by Vassilis Vassilikos is a fine thriller.

First things first, you can feel the Dibakar Banerjee style in each and every frame of this around two hour movie. In first ten minutes itself, the culprits are revealed and there is no whodunit feeling in first half, but thanks to brilliantly panned screenplay (courtesy Urmi Juvekar and DB), the tension builds on in a continuum till the climax and climax pays it off.

The power of Shanghai lies in its characters and subplots. Director leaves much upon the imagination of viewers but, still it is amazing to witness such a powerful cinema with a short and simple story. Abhay, Emraan and Kalki play their milestone characters and they play with such an ease that it is impossible to picture any actors in their shoes. Prosenjit Chatterjee, though plays a cameo, makes his presence felt throughout the movie, which is incredible.

Shanghai could have been a loud political thriller with grungy background score and over the top acting, but DB chooses the path less traveled. Like his last three films he chooses his own subtle and proportionately dramatic storytelling that makes it a standalone from clichéd and crass political thrillers. In order to keep the intensity of such a mature subject, Dibakar has deliberately avoided soulful songs like Khudaya and Dua, and placed situational tracks like Bharat Mata Ki and Imported Kamariya, which is a courageous effort.

The negatives? First half takes a bit more of time to create the situations and subplots making the movie a bit drag occasionally. Apart from this, I can't find out any other loopholes in this movie.

Watch it or not? If you are a fan of "the real powerful cinema", do go for it.

When me and two of my closest friends, me and one of my bros were quite skeptical after reading the trashy review the people are giving on the social networking sites,but had it not been for my other bro, we were inches away from missing probably one of the best Indian cinema made in the last decade.

Taking a detour from every clichés of Indian political cinema, rather Indian cinema , This movie has no melodramatic dialogue, no over the top meaningless item number( imported kamariya does have an importance in the story, not just an added novelty and is presented in a way that we do not get distracted from the movie), no sad songs ( though i would have liked the inclusion of the song Duaa) and the biggest of them all, no ENTERTAINMENT. if you want to watch this on a Sunday evening with the family for entertainment, just forget it. if you want gritty realistic , will make you think type of cinema, your best bet. Good direction , wobbly camera-work, very less makeup , good script, even better execution, and the nest acting by the three leads in a long time.

If you want to be ignorant or want a movie just to let you release mind's pressure, don't come and watch this. cause, Cinema is eventually an art form to let the reality be known in a merge with over the top neo surrealistic situations. and Shanghai completes the first part in excellence

I watched this movie because of it's high rating and a review I read that praised Koechlins acting. Her acting came down to keeping the same expression for the duration of the movie. Closest that comes to mind is the acting in Twilight. The whole movie is slow, so slow you're tempted to wash a few dishes then come back see if it's moved on. The plot is nothing you haven't seen before. Actually it's less interesting than other movies of the same gender. The dialogs are delivered in a bored, slow voice. There are precious few dialogs but the way they're delivered they seem like the most boring of lectures, like they're deliberately trying to put you to sleep. It's completely lifeless. The actors seem numb. The camera captures everything but what you'd want to see. I supposed it was meant to be artsy. Still, the actors are walking on the road and we are seeing the shops on the other side. Really? Shot of the shops for maybe 3 minutes? Shot of someone smudging paint on a guys face for 2 minutes? Am I supposed to take the time and think deeply about it while the camera sits on nothing? On the whole a horrible movie.

I really enjoyed watching this latest Political thrillers like the west since our cinema mostly aims at only entertainment as an escape from the real life. The acting is great, the storyline is well written with adequate character development to let you get emotionally invested. The film is based on Greek writer Vassilis Vassilikos' political novel "Z" on which director Costa-Gavras also made his project titled "Z" (French) in 1969, which means "He is Alive" in a symbolic form. But SHANGHAI actually scores much higher than all the earlier political thrillers made in the country mainly due to its subtle and calm treatment of an intense plot which keeps you engrossed especially in its second half.Emraan Hashmi has shown real talent that he is much more capable of apart from smooching leading lady. If you love true cinema, go for SHANGHAI.

Dibakar Banerjee's body of work is legendary. And the expectations from his latest outing 'Shanghai', are gargantuan. Does the maverick storyteller deliver in 'Shanghai'? The answer, well, is neither yes or no.

Based on the novel Z by Vassilis Vassilikos, 'Shanghai' is a political thriller, that is bleak, disturbing & rustic. Dibakar handles this story efficiently, but the problem lies in its script, which, appeals only in bits. The film isn't without merit, but, overall, the desired impact is missing.

'Shanghai' Synopsis: Four individuals find themselves tied up into a gruesome game of crime and politics.

'Shanghai' caters to a niche audience, it doesn't hold universal appeal. The narrative is hard to absorb & even erratic at times. The Screenplay is interesting in parts, but doesn't hold entirely. The first-hour, in particular, is extremely slow. The second-hour does offer some terrific moments, but the climax isn't strong enough.

Dibakar's Direction is efficient, as he captures the mood of the film & maintains it all through. Cinematography is grim. Editing is decent. Music by Vishal-Shekhar is passable.

Performance-Wise: Emraan Hashmi is fantastic, delivering the finest performance of his career. The actor has never been so good! Abhay Deol does a sincere job. Kalki Koechlin is decent. Prosenjit Chatterjee does well in a cameo, while Pitobash Tripathy is impressive. Farooq Sheikh & Anant Jog are absolutely astonishing in supporting roles. Supriya Pathak leaves a mark.

On the whole, 'Shanghai' works in parts.

Shanghai – Moments before entering the theatre, few questions that kept on lingering in my mind….Can Dibakar Banerjee live upto the hype that is surrounding Shanghai? How will the Hashmi – Deol combination look on screen? How will Bumba Da (Prosenjit) perform in a Hindi movie and above all, "Will I like it?"

10 mins into the movie and you know thisone is not the kind of movie we are too accustomed with or rather, I should say, comfortable with. At the onset itself, the movie throws at us an array of diverse characters coming from varied strata's of society with their own motives and own propagandas, keeping the audiences guessing about the significance of those characters. One incident and all the characters started falling into place as the story progresses. With a good amount of time dedicated towards character build ups, the story moves at a snail's pace in the first half, but nevertheless, setting up a premise for a more gripping second half to unravel the mystery.

And, the second half does live up to that, but the director plays it subtly, rather very subtly. With none of the characters going overboard or no such "big inspiring" speeches on corruption, the film gets as much real as possible and giving enough screen time to the characters to showcase their acting skills. And what sets this movie apart from the crowd, the way as an audience one will have to take participation to solve the mystery, the director never says it at your face, one just need to decipher it, and this is where the movie succeeds as well as falters. Some might like it, many more might dislike and few others like me are still asking, "Did I like it?", but more than being a good or bad movie, it is an important movie.

Acting wise, the performances are top notch. Emraan Hashmi came up with one of his best performance, shredding away from his cool urban image and getting into the uncouth & rustic skin of Jogi - Exceptional. Followed by Abhay Deol, restrained and excellent is the word to describe his act, though his tamil accent was not consistent throughout (one scene calling enquiry as "yenquiry" and next scene again back to "enquiry"). Sadly, Bumba da's (Prosenjit) role was too short to be judged. Kalki also did a decent job, on the lines of her previous movies.

And what the movie preaches….however corrupt our systems are, however crimes are committed in the name of development, we will always keep on chanting "Jai Bharat Mata Ki Jai"

"Until and unless you step out of your comfort zone and try something new, no new grounds will be broken, no new films will be launched, no new stars will be discovered, people won't get to see new stories and our industry will not be injected with new blood," director Dibakar Banerjee recently said.

With his latest film – "Shanghai," a political thriller - he appears to be staying true to his words.

With "Shanghai," which releases today, Mr. Banerjee takes an offbeat look at the drama of coalition politics and bureaucracy in India, featuring actors Abhay Deol, Emraan Hashmi and Kalki Koechlin in lead roles.

Set in a fictional city called Bharatnagar –set to become the "next Shanghai" as a redevelopment project kicks off – the film starts off with the murder of a social activist who had been opposing the project. The film is an adaptation of Greek novel "Z" by writer Vassilis Vassilikos.

A high-ranking bureaucrat, played by Mr. Deol, is put in charge of the investigation and a local videographer, interpreted by Mr. Hashmi, claims to have key evidence to resolve the case.

Mr. Banerjee has for long been synonymous with films that tackle big issues without being  overly preachy. There's the 2006 comedy drama "Khosla Ka Ghosla," about one family's struggle to get their land back from a property shark, or the well-crafted black comedy about a super thief in his 2008 film "Oye Lucky Lucky Oye."  Then, with his 2010 film "Love Sex Aur Dhokha" –shot entirely on a digicam – he turned to the subject of voyeurism, honor killings and sting operations.

To those who may be wondering why this film is tilted 'Shanghai', jog back your memory to times when politicians promised to transform Mumbai into Shanghai. Set in a fictional Bharat-nagar which is effectively a metaphor for any large Indian city, the movie is a take on how common lives get affected due to the politician-builder nexus with all ills brushed under the carpet in the name of modernization.

'International Business Park' is a mega redevelopment project that seeks to displace slums in Bharat-nagar blessed by the Chief Minister (Supriya Pathak). When a leftist Dr Ahmedi (Prasenjit Chatterjee) stands up for slum dwellers, he is quickly eliminated in a planned murder attempt which is made to look like an accident.

When Mrs Ahmedi (Tillotama Shome) demands a probe, a Bureaucrat TA Krishnan (Abhay Deol) is appointed to look into it. Trouble brews when he digs deeper than what is expected from him. Shalini (Kalki Koechlin) and a videographer Jogi Parmar (Emraan Hashmi) play key roles with Pitobash delivering a great performance at Jaggu.

The film is an adaptation of the novel "Z" by Greek writer-diplomat Vassilis Vassilikos. In fact, the book formed the base for a 1969 French film also titled 'Z' which inter alia bagged two Oscars. Apparently, the film is set in a right-wing military run country and it is about a leftist who gets killed while he plans to speak at an anti-military, nuclear disarmament rally. The developer-angle is more relevant for India though!

In fact, after a spate of comedies, it is nice to see Bollywood showing interest in strong themes or current issues. From the maker of near- realistic flicks like 'Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye' and 'Khosla ka Ghosla' director Dibakar Banjerjee's choice of subject is commendable. Also, it was a good choice not to resort to item numbers to sell the film. Instead, he has preferred to focus on its characters and some dramatic tension.

The characters in Shanghai are realistic. You can't really slot them into the stereotypes such as the altruistic good guys or the abominable bad guys. Instead, they are all regular people with their own agendas with circumstances bring out the best or worst in them. It could be politicians in power, self serving bureaucrats, a student supporting a professor she has an affair with, aimless street goons, etc.

There are just a few drawbacks that deny the film from becoming awesome. Emraan Hashmi's character could have done with a little more meat. The motivations of the leftist, especially one who travels in a private jet could have been better explained. Abhay Deol's Tamil accent is inconsistent and the 'Madrasi' reference is racist.

The storyline itself could have done with some suspense rather than focus purely on drama. Probably the ending could have been better; but hey, it's closer to reality. Specifically, there is one bit that beats me; the celebratory mood at Bharat-nagar slums. If they were celebrating the development, then what was the need for the leftist's intervention? Or, what were they celebrating with fireworks?

Overall, 'Shanghai' is a decent watchable film. Nonetheless, don't expect it to have something that would blow you off your feet. It has some good acting and it deserves some credit for coming up with characters with shades of grey.

We have another great film from Dibakar Banerjee. He sure knows the importance of a story in a film. Khosla ka ghosla is still my favorite story. And now he has come up with a political thriller, though based on the acclaimed novel. The beauty of the film definitely lies in its awesome story, but there are other things too, to focus upon. The story revolves around a construction project which step by step unearthed the evil plans for its erection. This is one of the few Bollywood films, you ought to watch.

PROS:

The acting by almost all the cast was above average. Abhay deol looked too good as the IAS officer. Imraan haashmi has done a fine job, at least after the image that he has. The art direction definitely needs to be applauded. The locations were apt and the general look and feel was scary and dark at appropriate instances. The sound too was good. Some of the major characters were very nicely developed and analyzed. You are entirely into the film after just 10 minutes.

CONS:

When the film finished I really had the feeling that it wound up quickly. I felt that the second half should have been explored a bit more. There might have been a possibility of around 20 minutes more of the film. In the end everything seemed to happen so quickly that your mind is entirely on the details, but when you suddenly know that the film is going to finish, you want more to be shown on the screen.

MESSAGE: "You cannot always escape."

VERDICT: "A must watch."

"Shanghai" is a rare political thriller which does not use exaggeratedly dramatic plots and that makes it all the more difficult to execute... I respect Dibakar Banerjee for masterfully executing almost each and everything... Right from the set-up to cinematography to music to those dark scenes to acting... Emraan Hashmi's acting takes you by surprise for a change; rest all of them are good too and the mini truck driver Pitobash (Bhaggu) needs a mention; he can be the next Rajpal Yadav for the industry...

A slow build up in the first half picks up amazingly later on and the movie ends at the peak. You'll like Abhay Deol's style in the end sequence... A good watch but a little less than what I expected out of Dibakar Banerjee. I experienced a little disconnect in the movie at times, the first half could've been more rewarding I believe... Though the movie is slow, I like it...

Shanghai kicks in the teeth, surprises, engages and makes a powerful statement... Must watch for fans of serious Bollywood... I'm being a little stingy while giving 7 stars to the movie...

What? Shanghai – A political thriller drama around an apparent assassination of an activist and the consequent investigation.

Who? Dibakar Banerjee directs Abhay Deol, Emraan Hashmi & Kalki Koechlin among others.

Why? Dibakar Banerjee. That's why. The trailers didn't say much but still managed to showcase something different. It successfully created the initial interest that is required to capture the attention of the film-goer who has a slightly above average intellect. Not saying people who loved Rockstar or Love Aaj Kal or Jab We Mate are dumb. They're just special children of God.

What is most impressive about Shanghai is that it takes a fairly common story of 'bad politics' but showcases it wonderfully well. It is brilliant and one of a kind. After KKG, OLLO & LSD Dibakar Banerjee has reached new heights with Shanghai. It is unique in its own right and it's a film that will make you think about what you just saw and will surely generate some interesting conversations between different people who've seen it. Conversations which might not always be pleasant. Read: opposing views.

Just like his other films, Dibakar has made something completely fresh with Shanghai but has managed to bring out the constant 'Dibakar' element that can be seen in all his films. If you're his fan then you'll see how the film is nothing like his earlier work but you still manage to notice that it's Dibakar.

What works for this film is the treatment. What's shown has been shown before but never in this way. It's very Coen-ish. Not to say that anything's been copied from any of the Coen Brothers films'. To show a political thriller drama of sorts without going over the top is what I am talking about. The slightly slow build up, individual scenes making sense but that wonderment about what's going on in the film as a whole, things patching up towards the end and making sense, and a not so definite beginning or end will only keep the film lingering on in your head. This kind of 'feel' has earlier only been seen in Hollywood films, save for a couple of Hindi ones, especially the kind of cinema Coen Brothers make.

Starts off a little slow in a town which is 2 hours away from Delhi (by road, air, or rail; we're never told). And the best part? You never find out which town they are in. Things don't make sense initially but it gradually picks up. The acting is brilliant almost all the time. Abhay, portraying a South Indian, falters a little every now and then. Emraan in a not so flashy role takes time to really get inside the character. Kalki, who I'd written off after debacles like Shaitan and Yellow Boots, proves me wrong and gives her best performance after Dev D. The supporting cast is 'real' and adds to the feel. I loved seeing two unknown actors from Shor In The City (one of the best films of recent times) in Shanghai. Vishal-Shekhar disappointed with regards to the music. Amit Trivedi could've done better, maybe? A good background score could've really worked wonders. But it wasn't all that bad either.

Definitely watch this movie if you liked Dibakar's earlier work. If you like movies which make you use your brain, leave you wondering about what happened, this one is a treat. If you just want to watch something new and fresh, again, Shanghai is the film. But be open minded enough to accept the fact that it takes guts to make a movie like this. It might not be perfect, it will have its flaws, but it's in the right direction. You might like it or maybe not, but in the end you will appreciate the efforts.

If you think Om Shanti Om rocked, Deepika Padukone can act and Imtiaz Ali can direct, please skip this and wait for Cocktail and Teri Meri Kahani. Rest of the junta, go for it.

This film was worthy enough to make Sir Rachit Varma to come out of his sabbatical and write a full length review after ages means something, right?

Rating? 7/10