China Gate

The story of China gate is basically stolen from Kurosawas Seven Samurai, which isn't very strange since it's a great story. Seen in a cinema in Bombay, it was an extraordninary experience in every way. The action scenes were explosive, to say the least, and the characters absolutely marvelous. The way the plot suddenly is interrupted by amazing dance- and song performences is indeed a different experience for western people filled with the American way of making films.

If you didn't like Schindlers list, this is the movie for you. It's sure to give any mindless Hollywood action pic an even match.

First of all let me admit, I like Bollywood movies for the singing and dancing. So I always have a"plot" verdict and a music verdict. I rate the movie as good, there was an interesting plot, the acting was good, and the tale had a good moral.

But I must admit I would probably have never watched it if it were not for Urmilla's rendition of Chama Chama. Simply spectacular, one of the greatest things ever. I rank it up there with Dola Re Dola from Devdas, and Rhamba's Pyaar Achcha Hota Hai from the film Pyaar Diwan Hota Hai.

In fact I work for a public library and recommended the library purchase both China Gale and Pyaar Diwan Hota Hai simply because I was totally blown away after seeing them on the Chart Busters DVD from Eros Entertainment. Both movies are OK plot wise, but these two are true show stoppers. So I literally would not have seen either movie except for these two songs!

This film works as an overlong homage to 'Sholay'. Here a bunch of squabbling, overweight and dishonored former army men fight to capture a notorious bandit and reclaim their pride. Om Puri and Danny Denzongappa are good but Amrish Puri steals the show. The sparks between Amrish and Naseer are worth watching. Urmila has an item number and it's a foot-tapping one! The villain is suitably hammy, though not very tough. The film does tend to drag and could have been at least a half hour shorter. Still, it's watchable for the most part at least on television/DVD.

Overall 6/10

China gate is inspired from hollywood film seven samurai. Usp of the film is its cast. All veteran actors from theatre background form the team. Script is strong and tight. Debutant villain mukesh tiwari as jageera is brilliant. All actors deliver stellar performances. Amrish puri and naseeruddin shah's scene during rock falling scene is brilliant and sensitive. Direction by rajkumar santoshi is first rate. Each scene has to say something or the other. Each scene delivers a message. Each character is well connected to each other. It's just not an adventure film rather it's a movie with various dimensions and human emotions.

I love this movie.

No great names but amazing actors like Om Puri, Amrish Puri, Danny to name a few.

Mukesh Tiwari made a remarkable debut and impressed all. "Chamma Chamma" was a craze at that time. Reminds me of the my child hood days when i never missed a new release!

N story is not dissimilar to grt sholay..!!