Os Dois Lados da Fama

So yet another revenge saga which is as predictable as it gets, both because it's copied and particularly because of how contrived and clichéd the script is. I'm actually surprised that it was Mahesh Bhatt directed this film, because the film feels very much an amateur piece created by a film student. The prison parts in particular look so inept it's amazing. Technically, the film is awful but it is surprising because it is more awful than most films - the dishum dishum of the ridiculous action portions is particularly exaggerated. Even just a light touch by the prison guard creates such a loud noise it's just pathetic. This is characteristic of the entire film - the sound and dubbing are absolutely horrendous. In one sequence Sridevi is screaming at the top of her lungs as her friend is being taken, and you can clearly see the picture and sound do not match.

The acting is mostly melodramatic by one and all - Anupam Kher is a caricature, Sanjay Dutt is partially decent but can't do much with such a poor role, Soni Razdan is unconvincing in a small role, so is Rahul Roy, Kunika as the prison guard is a weird casting choice, and Reema Lagoo is the typical, exaggerated mother. Indeed, Sridevi is the only one who somehow manages to rise a little above the unpleasant and almost unwatchable viewing experience that this film is. It's not a perfect performance (not that it was possible to be in such a film), but she tried, and does particularly well in the quieter moments. It's sad that Mahesh Bhatt, who gave true, complex roles to actresses like Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Dimple Kapadia and the likes, gives her this corny part which was nothing but a rehash of so many other films made at that time.

Mahesh Bhatt made 'Gumrah' by shamelessly ripping-off the mini-series 'Bangkok Hilton'. It pretty much is a scene by scene copy with some sequences from the series left out while others being indianized. The typically indianized sequences were very cheesy (with the exceptions of those between Sridevi and Reema Lagoo). Yes, there are songs and they're mostly dreadful, especially the ones primarily visualized on Sanjay Dutt. The whole love angle between Dutt and Sridevi is very Bollywoodish. Yet, I must say that the suspense is mostly well maintained (as I had watched 'Gumrah' before 'Bangkok Hilton') and the prison atmosphere looks very realistic (even though it's almost a complete imprint of the set in 'Bangkok Hilton'). The final chase sequence was also quite fun to watch.

While Sanjay Dutt storyline does appear forced and exaggerated, the actor provides fine comic relief and has great chemistry with his female lead. Anupam Kher and Reema Lagoo are very good. Soni Razdan is superb in a small role. Rahul Roy brings wooden acting to a whole new level.

What makes 'Gumrah' worth the watch is Sridevi's tour de force performance. Not only does she look authentic but playing Roshni from the shy, talented and vulnerable young lady to a tough prisoner, Sridevi makes it look so easy to do. She gives the Roshni an identity of her own which makes her very different from Nicole Kidman's Katrina Stanton. She easily dominates the movie.

'Gumrah' is Sridevi's film.

This Bhatt movie is like most Bhatt movies a remake of an foreign film. In this case a remake of the Australian Nicole Kidman mini series BANKOK HILTON with Sridevi in Nicole Kidman's role. The story is about a girl (Sridevi) who wants to go to another country to fins her father (Anupam Kher). when she leaves her boyfriend (Rahul Roy) puts drugs in her baggage and she gets caught and sent to jail. A local goon then tries to save her (Sanjay Dutt) along with her father who at first denied having a daughter. When the movie was planned Rahul Roy was to star in a negative role (he was a hero at the time) much publicity was given to that and Sanjay Dutt was to appear in a 15 minute special appearance. When the movie finally releases Rahul Roy had no career, his mentor Mahesh Bhatt who launched him in Aashiqui had edited his role to a 15 minute role and Sanjay Dutt (who had become very hot) his role was stretched to the main role as was done with Amitabh Bachchan in Insaaniyat (but that is another story).

Ok , Mahesh bhatt , in , order to get Sridevi's brilliance , you can cast her into any film !!! Excpet Sridevi nothing was even ok. 9 for Sridevi only.

Gumrah is one of those films that start off slow, but soon gain a rapid pace. The best way to describe would be the word 'unpredictable', as what starts as a normal drama, ends up being a crime thriller.

Now, coming to the performances, Sridevi is the light of the show! The character she plays, does total justice to this talented expressive actress, specially when we witness her transformation from this jolly naive girl to the combative chick!

Supporting her, are a group of very talented cast including Anupam Kher and Sanjay Duty, who lend great support. however it is Rahul Roy, who will surprise you in a brief yet effective role.

Speaking of the music, most songs are fabulously executed and are honey to the ears.

Overall, the film is a great joy ride, though sometimes dragging, it nevertheless entertains to you unbiasedly.

My rating would be 9 out of 10.