Shootout at Lokhandwala

In some ways, "Shootout at Lokhandwala" is typical of many Bollywood films. Even thought it's about gangsters and terrorists, these killers take time out for huge song and dance numbers! I really don't think these worked very well considering the subject matter in this film. However, in another way the movie is very unusual. It is one of the most violent Indian films I have seen--with a few particularly grisly deaths (such as seeing a close up of a woman being run over). In this sense, it certainly isn't typical!

The film is based on actual real life events--so to some degree it had to be violent. After all, the thugs were horrible and violent people--there's no denying that. And, the ultimate showdown between them and the police DID result in a long standoff during which more than 1500 shots were fired! So, making it non-violent wouldn't have worked...though the film doesn't shy away from violence in the least. It's not a film to show small kids, that's for sure.

As for the quality of the film, it's quite nice. The acting is fine and it was unusual to see Amitabh Bachchan playing a cop who is at times difficult to like. But the film, despite being exciting and well acted does occasionally degenerate into macho theatrics-- especially during the big finale--though I must admit that the cigarette scene and the coat rack was amazingly cool. Overall, it's a film best for folks who want a lot of action and killing. It might seem a strange film to folks outside India, as its end justifying the means angle is unusual to say the least.

One off the best gang story. Indian movie should learn from this movie

A brilliantly made movie from the White Feathers Films Production. A must watch for all action movie lovers. Based on the real incident of the 1992 firing at Lokhandwala Complex in Andheri in India. There were certain Factual Errors in the movie however it is a gr8 cinematic experience. All the stars have portrayed their characters brilliantly. Sanjay Dutt as Shamsher Singh & Vivek Oberoi as Maya Dolas are outstanding. Suniel as Kaviraj Patil & Tushar as Dilip Buwa gave a fantastic performance. The movie was highly under-rated due to excess violence which is not a regular in Hindi Movies There were certain parts which were included just to increase the length of the movie. However the exiting climax covered up all the flaws.................. All in all a brilliant movie.

Sanju Baba Rocks. Audience Shoked.

Perfect acting by every actor. Vivek has showed great energy in the movie.

By its very definition, a rumour is termed as hearsay or gossip. Shootout at Lokhandwala goes with the tag line - based on true rumours - which is quite humorous to begin with.

But the humour ends here, since the plot revolves around the ATS (Anti Terrorist Squad) of Mumbai Police, headed by Shamsher Khan (Sanjay Dutt) and his lieutenants Kaviraj (Sunil Shetty) and Javed Shaikh (Arbaaz Khan).

Their philosophy is simple: get rid of all the hoodlums in the Mumbai underworld and made it a safer place. They prefer to put a bullet in their brain rather than get involved with paperwork that follows an arrest.

Their nemesis comes with the name Maya Bhai (Vivek Oberoi) and his cohorts Buva (Tusshar Kapoor), RC (Shabbir Ahluwalia), Fattu (Ronit Roy), and 2 others who I am not familiar with.

So you could guess the rest with cops v/s robbers battling each other. Till finally the gang gets cornered at a flat in Lokhandwala and good prevails over evil.

You have heard all this before than why watch the flick? To its credit, the movie spins a common script with slick editing, camera-work and pulsating background score. Sanjay Dutt puts in an honest performance while Vivek Oberoi plays the bad guy well. There is nothing else to write home about the rest. Songs are OK, and the 'Arre Ganpat,' with its catchy rap beat will definitely find its followers.

What the movie lacks in soul, it makes up with its pace. For those who liked gangster flicks like Satya and Company, should watch this one since it will definitely appeal.

For the rest who prefer drama, romance and comedy, steer away since the gore might make you lose your appetite.