Gangster

Gangster is a powerful and dramatic film that departs from the typical movie format and presents a complex love story where morals become entwined. The movie is shown through the eyes of Simran, a woman enduring a terrible turmoil. However, all three major characters have gray shades and are shown to be human. They endure hardships, fall prey to temptations, and struggle to do what their heart tells them is right. It is difficult for the audience to decide who or what is right and wrong, who is a protagonist and who an antagonist, making the movie ever more mystifying. All one realizes is that this movie is as real as its characters, their situations, and their actions. Shiny Ahuja is absolutely fantastic! All of his performances from Sins to Karam are superb. Kangna gives a good debut, although her dialog delivery is a bit odd. Emraan Hashmi has also matured as an actor. Songs are addictive! Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai, Bheegi Bheegi, and Ya Ali are all mesmerizing tracks with a deep soul. This is most definitely the best soundtrack of 2006 so far and the highlight of the movie. Footage of Korea, which has never been captured on Indian film, adds even more freshness to the movie. The setting in Seoul (foreign people, cold climate, harsh metropolis) and the blue filter also do a good job of bringing out the loneliness, turmoil, and confusion that the characters are enduring.

One of the best Bollywood films of 2006, Gangster is an emotionally charged gritty love story that takes its place as one of the best Indian gangster films ever made, and one of the finest films of 2006, Bollywood or not. On the surface, the film fol...(read more) lows a simple story of a woman (Kangana Ranaut) who falls in love with a man who turns out to be a notorious criminal (Shiny Ahuja), and the consequences of that decision inadvertently lead to a lifestyle she grows to discern. Frustrated with her current situation, she eventually falls into the arms of another man (Emraan Hashmi). Beyond this simple story, what happens next through the narratives many twists and turns makes Gangster a film that will not only entertain, but touch your heart as well. While the film possesses a powerful story, its trump card is the films emotionally charged performances. Kangana Ranaut makes her debut as Simran, and is a revelation. She deserved a best debut win and an actress nod for this, if no t for her other release last year, Woh Lamhe. Emraan Hashmi is excellent but underused as Aakash. This is primarily because he doesn't have too much to do for the first half. He shines in the second half. His best acting stint too date. But the real star of the film is Shiny Ahuja. He is absolutely outstanding as the gangster. The flashback scene, the scene where he breaks down in Kanganas lap, and his violent outburst towards the end of the first half are highlights of the film. This role was definitely award-worthy, its criminal he didn't garner any for it. Shiny has proved, in a short time, that he is an actor of enormous caliber. One of the finest performances of 2006, India or not. Beyond acting, the other star is the soundtrack. A massive hit when it released, its a pity the film wasn't as well received as its haunting score. All the songs are shot well (especially Lamhe Lamhe) and are well placed in the film. As always, the direction is well done by Anurag Basu. He proves hes a director of substance after 2003's moving Saaya. The cinematography is well done. Seoul's photogenic locations are put too good use. Overall, Gangster is one of the strongest Hindi films of 2006, and its well worth checking out.

I didn't expect myself to love this movie. But when I heard some rave reviews about it, and caught it on a late night show on TV, I watched it spellbound. A different and enthralling plot, fantastic performances by the actors, OUTSTANDING music, and fabulous cinematography and direction.

The acting was superb. Even Emraan Hashmi (who I cannot stand), did an above average job. Shiny Ahuja was flawless in his character. He showed every emotion and movement brilliantly without fail, and does not let you down for a single moment. However, the movie belongs to Kangana Ranaut. For someone making a debut, she was just fantastic. She seemed so comfortable and well-cast for the role that I cannot imagine anyone else doing this role, and to be honest I never would have thought this was her first film. She pulled off a very tricky role with ease, and I really liked her performance, there was something very real about it. Also, she did such a good job with her character, Simran, that it seems like she is like that in real life. Hopefully this isn't the case!

Performances aside, another thing that struck me hard was the music. I am more likely to enjoy a film if it has excellent music, and that is exactly what happened with Gangster. It is very impressive. Ya Ali, and Lamha Lamha are my favourite tracks, but I also enjoyed Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai, Bheegi Bheegi, and Mujhe Mat Roko. In short, each song was amazing.

Gangster is a bit of a mix of a thriller, romance, crime, and drama. This is what makes it special - Anurag Basu has indeed done something much more worthwhile after "Murder".

I was literally on the edge of my seat throughout.

Gangster is definitely the most beautiful movie that has ever been made. It has emotions, suspense, great music and brilliant performances from Emraan, Kanagana, Shiny and also Gulshan Grover.

After watching this movie I can say with full confidence that Kangana is going to be a "STAR". I don't think any female in the film industry could have done this movie better than her. Awesome is not even a good enough word for Kangana's performance.

Emraan looked handsome with his new glasses look. He played a character very different from his other releases and has improved a lot as an actor. He is already a STAR but he is going to be a "SUPERSTAR"

Shiny didn't have much dialogs in this movie but he made his presence felt in a very difficult way which I don't think most actors could have done. He is so brilliant in the movie that you can actually feel the anguish and hurt that Daya was going through. Very Intelligent Actor. Its very difficult to hate him in the movie because his character is the pure definition of a "TRUE LOVER"

Scenes to take home with you are,

Scene at Seoul Station where Simran betrays Daya

Simran confronting Daya outside her apartment.

Daya crying on Simran's laps.

Akash at the Indian Embassy is a scene beautifully done and does provide a huge shock value.

Gangster music, is the best album this year. The meaning of each word in the song is very touching and beautifully done. Ya Ali, Bheegi Bheegi, Lamha Lamha and Tu Hi Mere Shab Hai are songs to remember.

10/10 Go watch it.

Slow paced in parts and doesn't have any major cast performances, but 'Gangster' is still a rather good film.

The premise and what it sets up means it remains interesting, even if it does move a little too leisurely in certain moments. The film takes a turn at some point, which actually did surprise me I won't lie - it's nicely done.

I can't say I'll remember the performances of Emraan Hashmi (Akash), debutant Kangana Ranaut (Simran) or Shiney Ahuja (Daya), but what they produce is satisfactory for the film itself - they all fit.

It gets drawn into the melancholy and musical numbers too much, while the run time is overly extended, but the thrill-ish action is fairly enjoyable. All in all, it's more than watchable.