Taxi No. 9 2 11: Nau Do Gyarah

This film opened my eyes to Bollywood films, it is simply superb especially Nana Patekar an unknown actor to me up till this point, who suddenly entered my top five list of male actors. The original: Changing Lanes is not a poor film either compared to what usually get out of Hollywood, but this Bollywood adaptation of the story runs rings around it with ease. Thanks to superb acting and some subtle changes to the manuscript of the original story Taxi 9211 becomes a more intense and engaging film. It should perhaps be told that it is, perhaps somewhat unusual for a Bollywood film for though there is a brief song and dance routine at the very beginning of the film as in most Bollywood films the director has gone out of his way to hide it and integrate it into the film so that it blends in without being disruptive and without it leaving the stamp of Bollywood on it, the film itself has more in common with French cinema than Indian.

Taxi Number 9211 is a story of one day revolving between a taxi driver named Raghav Shastri and his passenger named Jai Mittal.The two are the exact opposites with strikingly similar problems in their personal lives.

I watched Taxi Number 9211 today and to be honest it did not quite go well to my expectations.It's not a bad movie or anything but in the end it would be known as a film which promised more but delivered less.But nonetheless a good watchable movie overall.

I think the film was a bit rushed on to the floor without much work on the screenplay and scripting.The concept was a quite unique and different one from the Indian movie format though.The performances by the lead actors is good.The film is very good till the interval with lots of comic punches but tends to bore you as it progresses after the interval.And at one point the ending becomes very predictable and is very much like any traditional Indian movie ending(everyone lives happily ever after stuff).

John Abraham's and Nana Patekar's chemistry is great on screen. Maybe John and Nana should think about working together again sometimes. I confess, sometimes John Abraham scares me when he gets mad. They did a very good job acting as bad guys and balancing the movie. It was a fast movie and really keeps you at the edge of your seat. But, sometimes, I felt that some parts were too draggy like the ending. There are lots of twists and turns and sprinkled with comedy. Expect the unexpected. The songs are okay. I was disappointed a little. Other than that, I think the director did a really good job. The Dialogue was funny and well done. Enjoy it. Worth a watch even you don't like either of them.

Actors - Nana Patekar is the best, although John Abraham and Sameera Reddy have also started to learn. Nana's dialogue delivery is superb. John Abraham has been, finally, given a role he would match. Sameera Reddy, Kurush Deboo, and Shivaji Satam have strong roles.

Story - The story is well written, but the screenplay could have been better. For those who haven't seen the film, go take a look, and expect a few twists in the storyline.

Music - The music is pretty good. Look out for Bappi Lahiri's Song Bambayi Nagariya, Adnan Sami's Meter Down, and Aazmaale Aazmaale, probably from K.K.. Don't miss the music video of Meter Down.

It heartens me to see such movies coming out of bollywood. The movie runs for about 2 hours and never is a drag. I would not want to delve into the story too far... I think this is one of those movies which must be seen.

The movie is all about a day when John hires Nana's taxi and the things start going wrong ... The movie is to the point and does not have any unnecessary songs/scenes (masala). The comedy is superb and the movie itself is quite a thriller.

All characters have played their roles well.. Nana delivers another great performance. Milan luthra shines as the director.

We need more of these kind of movies from Bollywood.