Shool

Yes it is a good movie you should give it a try. But the music is so bad.

Other than Govind Nihalani's Ardh Satya, Shool is the only worthwhile spiritual successor to 1973's Zanjeer. In some ways it takes the template to even greater extremes. Shool's cop as played by Manoj Bajpai is not just angry, he is white hot furious. He displays an almost pathological level of intolerance for the rot in the system, even as he pays a heavy price for it. The story & screenplay are credited to Ramgopal Varma and E Niwas, both of whom never before or after achieved anything approaching this level of emotional intensity (I suspect Anurag Kashyap, who is credited for the dialog, had more actual contributions to the script). I know the world has its share of fans of RGV's gangster movies, but hell no, I will stand my ground that none of them are anywhere near the brilliance of Shool. Every scene and character are so well-written, and without any compromises. The direction is terrific, maintaining the grounded nature of the film's setting (or at least consistent to the universe's logic, it's not slavish to the cause of realism). Every scene right down to the item number has its logical place and doesn't look like it was bunged in from somewhere. This is a movie where you don';t divide the cast into lead and supporting actors because everyone is playing a character. Bajpai smolders in the lead making a whole new mold for Angry Young Man, Sayaji Shinde as the main antagonist sends a shiver down your spine (before he replayed those mannerisms ad nauseam in a thousand movies), Ganesh Yadav and Vineet Kumar offer are solid as Bajpai's colleagues. Even Raveena Tandon does a good job. The end is unrelentingly bleak in keeping with the movie's structure. See it now. If you've seen it once before, see it again.

Shool is an excellent crime drama about corruption and murky politics in India. This plot isn't anything new, but what makes the movie work is the mind-blowing performance of Manoj Bajpai as an honest cop trying to do his job in a corrupt environment. With his work in this film, Bajpai has proven himself as a great character actor, at par with another cinema great, Shah Rukh Khan. Both these actors have proven that you don't need good looks to make good movies.

Aside from Bajpai, Shool is filled with wonderful performances, such as the de-glamorized Raveena Tandon's heart-breaking portrayal the police officer's wife, and Sayaji Shinde's genuinely scary villain!

A mature film intended for a mature audience, Shool is a film that shouldn't be missed by anyone looking for quality in the otherwise lackluster world of Indian cinema!

Shool is one of the best cop movie made. Set in Bihar, this movie talks about a journey of a cop who is frustrated of being an honest cop and what all he has to sacrifice just because an honest cop and wants to do his job with integrity.

Story/Screenplay

Samar Pratap Singh who has been posted to Motihari (District in Bihar) as an Inspector sees that the town is owned by Bachoo Yadav MLA of that area. Bachoo Yadav's Gang and Political Affiliations makes Samar's life hell. His Difficulties never ends and the reason is Bachoo Yadav who is too big and will not spare Samar who is troubling his goons. Screenplay is smooth and does not mislead you. The story where Samar as father is vulnerable, as Husband is loving and as Cop is Honest. Same the menacing effect of Bachoo Yadav has been presented wonderfully.

Direction

Director E Niwas knew his job. He did excellent job in showing the realism. The setting and storytelling was powerful. Though this movie was not a thriller but the story is compelling and binds you throughout the movie. It has great memorable moments.

Performance

There could not be any one other than Manoj Bajpayee who could pull this off. He lived the chaara year of Samar Pratap Singh. Apparently he gave the name to the character. But the way he performed is Master Class. Even Mr. Amitabh Bachchon was impressed by his performance. Sayaji Shinde's first Hindi Movie playing a Bihari Politician makes you believe that he is that menacing politician. He is so devilish that he haunts even after movie ends. Raveena Tondon gave one of her best performance in this movie. Even though the movie belongs to Manoj Bajpayee but she makes sure that her performance is noticed. There is a small scene where Nawazuddin is also seen. Rajpal Yadav as coolie is very effective though he is there for 5 min onscreen.

Other Dialogue wise also the movie was too good. It had great dialogue, see the scene where Bachoo Yadav is insisting for water to be not used for electricity. Look at the last scene which is nothing but iconic. Editing of the movie is good which helps the story to move forward

Overall This is of the best cop movie ever made. Great story, extra ordinary performance. Must watch.

excellent story, close to daily life of Indian corrupt system, and a honest police officer against it, pushing the law and order over corrupt politicians and system. Strong script, gripping story, very tense, Manoj at his best performance, reading out the true close to reality story with his best acting. After shool many director try to copy the same story with a bit of change in script but nothing close to this true gem. give it a go, you wont be disappointed. i don't usually watch Indian movies because of the length of story, but this one i watched many times, and every time i watch i enjoy it more. Manoj is the best actor and at his best in Shool, Once true and honest police officer against the corrupt system from streets to Parliament, if you are into gangsters movie against law, this is your thing. don't be distracted by some user reviews, its not a popcorn flick with some un necessarily sex scene and funny fight which could be torture for some people like me.