Shagird

Tigmanshu Dhulia had carved a niche for himself through his very first directorial venture - Haasil. And this underrated movie is another illustration of his abundant talent. It's a brilliant movie whose class can be felt and understood by seeing it only.

Though several Bollywood movies have come before the audience which are based on encounter-specialists and several others have come which are based on the corrupt cops. However this movie is unique. It's neither Gangaajal nor Apharan, nor Ab Tak Chhappan nor Kagaar nor Ye Saali Zindagi. It has a class of its own. Encounter specialist cop, Nana Patekar is thoroughly corrupt and works for the corrupt politician, Zaakir Hussain, eliminating his adversaries and those who can prove dangerous for him. He gets a newly recruited junior cop, Mohit Ahlawat to work under him in the police station. The real drama starts with the kidnapping of some journalists consisting of Mohit's sweetheart, Rimi Sen too. Some hardcore terrorists are released for getting the journalists free and alongwith them is released the ex-henchman of Zaakir Hussain, Anuraag Kashyap. How the main protagonist Nana Patekar and his Shagird (pupil), Mohit Ahlawat get involved in these developments and what's the climax of this story is a treat to watch.

Shagird is a rare thriller made in Bollywood which keeps the viewer spellbound right from the very first frame to the very last frame. There is no unnecessary dragging and no useless incidents to add to the length of the movie. Even the smallest incident shown in the movie has a link with the main story. It's something unusually pleasant and evidences the proficiency of the script-writer and the director. The narrative keeps the viewer hooked throughout 140 minutes long duration. The first half prepares the ground for the second half and the second half keeps on rendering electric currents to the viewer, scene after scene. There is a twist in the tale even in the ending scene. The superfast pace of the movie does not give the viewer any time to think. But it does not challenge his intelligence and after watching the movie completely, if the viewer ponders over what he has seen, he does not feel cheated because everything is logically knitted and in proper place. Even the title of the movie is just perfect according to the story told. The second half of the movie is just like a game of chess, containing checks and checkmates upon the chessboard of the Indian police system. It reminds of Abbas-Mustan's movie - Race in which it becomes difficult for the viewer to identify as to who colludes with whom and who deceives whom.

Though the kidnapping episode is not very impressive and the Mohit Ahlawat-Rimi Sen romance track is half-baked, these are minor flaws in this otherwise highly admirable movie. The director has shown his better sense by keeping the movie sans any songs and the flow of the narrative is nowhere blocked. The background score and the technical aspects of the movie are topnotch. The action and chase sequences are outstanding. The cinematographer has captured Delhi and nearby areas quite realistically and impressively.

I also admire the director for keeping the movie free from expletives which is also unusual now-a-days. Given the milieu of the story, he could have filled it with expletives under the pretext of showing reality. But it's very nice of him to keep the movie clean. He has not shown any vulgarity also.

Nana Patekar has outshined his co-actors in the author-backed role of the smart, yet corrupt cop who is very fond of old Hindi movie songs and whose knowledge about them is extra-ordinary (like the author of this review). His role reminds me of the main protagonist of a Hindi pulp-fiction bestsellter - Vardi Waala Gunda (penned by Ved Prakash Sharma). However I feel that he is now typecast in such roles. Mohit Ahlawat has wasted a golden opportunity and he is just average. Anuraag Kashyap has proved that he is not only a class director, but also a class actor. Rimi Sen and others are OK. Murli Sharma leaves his mark in the cameo of a coward journalist. But the distinction marks go to Zaakir Hussain who has infused life into the role of the corrupt politician.

Tigmanshu Dhulia has taken cinematic liberty of ignoring several aspects of the Indian police system in telling his story but he can be excused for that because keeping the narration focused at the desired place instead of covering several diversified things on a large canvas, has helped keeping the movie engrossing and entertaining. He has shown as if all the encounters and killings by Indian cops are motivated only and nothing happens in Indian police stations except killings for vested interests and warming own pockets which may not be true.

My final words - I strongly recommend this movie for the thriller fans who will find the experience of watching this movie akin to a roller-coaster ride. Just sit in front of the screen and keep on watching it holding your breath tight. It's an edge-of-the-seat thriller.

A great one time watch.

Simple awesome! That's how I'd best describe this movie if words were limited. But words won't do. You've got to watch this film to know what I mean.

A cop story against the corrupt system, which is so often covered in Bollywood, but with twists and turns and action scenes that you will NEVER expect, and awesome dialogue work by Nana Patakar will keep you hooked for the entire length of the film.

Music is alright, the storyline is the best. There is no choreography.

Seriously, this film deserved more attention.

9 on 10 for Shagird.

I am somehow surprised with the way this movie deals with itself. It showcases the various sides of human nature, most importantly greed.

Corruption is in center-stage here as Nana Patekar defies the odd and establishes his own aura in the police department. His connection with the ministers go awry when greed kicks in & that is what the movie is all about. Supporting cast is great & the characters played by them is very genuine. A parade of surprises in the second half will blow your mind, as the plot paces. Anurag Kashyap & Zakir Hussain are charming.

But, Training Day (2001) is better as Shagird goes low in film-making factors. No, Tigmanshu Dhulia is a genius, but camera work & editing & BG score are what I'm disappointed with. A little more polishing could've made me rate higher than 7.1.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended for people who enjoy action-crime movies like Ab Tak Chappan! It entertains!

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO

Profanity: Mild | Violence/Gore: Very Critical | Smoking: Strong | Drugs: No | Alcohol: Mild | Sex/Nudity/Foreplay: No | Vulgarity: Very Mild

Tigmanshu Dhulia's 'Shagird' is a well-made, gripping film, that has many twists & turns on its side. But, above all, its Nana Patekar, who deserves the highest praises. Like Always, The National-Award-Winning Iconic Actor, pitches in a Masterful Performance & Own This Film!

'Shagird' Synopsis: A rookie cop questions the tactics of his superior, and attempts to track the abductors of his girlfriend.

'Shagird' went unnoticed at the box office, and that's truly sad. Its a well-made, gripping film, along-with some clever twists & turns. The film does have some minuses, but overall, the pluses outshine the minuses.

Tigmanshu Dhulia's Screenplay is gripping & offers some very good twists. His Direction, on the other-hand, is competent. Cinematography & Editing are ordinary.

Nana Patekar's Masterful Performance is truly the Highlight of this under-rated flick. The Amazing Actor sinks his teeth into the part & performs like a freaking rock-star. This performance is among his best to date. Among other performances, Mohit Ahlawat does a fair job. Zakir Hussain & Anurag Kashyap are superb.

On the whole, 'Shagird' is a well-made film in all respects. A Must See for Nana Patekar Fans!

Shagird is the movie every fan of Ab Tak Chhappan has been waiting for. Nana Patekar reprises his encounter specialist cop act, this time in darker shades for director Tigmanshu Dhulia and again carries the film on his veteran shoulders. It finally portrays Dhulia's potential which was being promised to us for long and delivers a thrilling chor-police movie, though not as memorable as Ab Tak Chhappan perhaps.

From the beginning we find out that the film is a no-nonsense gripping thriller with the emphasis on storytelling rather than traditional Bollywood entertainment. There isn't much on the songs front, but there are enough twists to make even the experienced fan interested as the story never gets too predictable.

Youngster Mohit Ahlawat has been given a golden opportunity to shine alongside Nana and almost makes the most of it. Zakir Hussain is outstanding as the corrupt minister and this could be his best performance yet. Shagird also stars maverick new-age director Anurag Kashyap in his longest role as an actor yet. But again, none of them would even be noticed if it wasn't for the charismatic Nana (who has recently given majestic restrained performances in Raajneeti and Ab Tak Chhappan and another one here in Shagird) as the no-conscience police officer Hanumant Singh who is like a demi-god in the Delhi Police, known for his bravery in the field against the criminals. But what lies beneath is what the young shagird, meaning understudy, Mohit Kumar (Mohit Ahlawat) finds out quickly. Does he have enough courage and grit to stand by his morals? Find out. Watch Shagird if you're Nana's fan or if you want to become one.