Gangster

'Gangster' was a wonderful and refreshing change from the typical romantic film as well as the underworld cinema that Ram Gopal Varma's camp dishes out. 'Gangster' is in a genre unto itself. This films proves that a tight script is king above all else. There have been many Bollywood films that claim to be love stories and claim to espouse the virtues of love. Here is one that spell-bindingly and mesmerizingly shows you what love really is. What it means to really sacrifice for another human being. What is even more remarkable about this film is that it shows you all this through a lead actor (Ahuja) who does not have much by way of dialogs. His role in the film, the message of true sacrifice that he portrays, is mainly via body language and facial expressions. And oh what language and expressions they are!

Anurag Basu has truly grown leaps and bounds from his 'Murder' days. The performances, direction, screenplay, cinematography, and music all form an organic union to become one cohesive, edge-of-your-seat story. This movie has its hold on you until the end. It goes by fast and yet slowly at the same time. The songs in the film weave a tale and progress the story along and make you feel for the characters even more rather than being an excuse for a five minute break.

As I said this film critically depends upon the script and the performances. I never would have guessed that this was Kangna Ranaut's debut into Bollywood. Hers was a performance of a seasoned actress. Her portrayal of a tormented alcoholic who is torn between the man she once loved and the man who can possibly fulfill her every dream was spot on. Having said that though, the film belongs to Shiny Ahuja. He had to convey love, passion, and the obsession he feels for a woman, mostly through non-verbal means. This can be a point of weakness in a film if not handled by the right actor. Fortunately, Mr. Ahuja was not only up to par but surpassed all expectations. He made you feel Daya's pain, anguish, conflict, and above all else, his love for a woman and how far he would go for that love. His performance in the scene at Seoul Station is one that should be kept in mind during awards time.

All in all, this is a must see film which will leave you speechless at the end. It shifts the idea of a Bollywood love story to a whole other hemisphere. If you like a movie that has been well thought out and well acted and does not insult your intelligence or emotions as an audience member, then I highly recommend this one. I hope to see more such diamonds from Messrs. Basu, Ahuja and Ranaut in the future!

Loved every moment of watching this film, when the twist came to play had me on the corner of my seat! Not to mention the amount of tears I shed towards the end. Great story, amazingly portrayed. I think I've fallen in love with Shiny! I must say his character in the film really makes you feel for the guy.. the pain and his feelings, I was well touched in some scenarios of the film. The girl in the film was not only pretty but can act (thank god as shes a first timer). Would recommend this film to everyone. Has the romance but not the typical type that you would see in other films, thriller, mystery.. excellent. The music! it's an addiction to listen to Ya Ali and Bheegi Bheegi..

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.

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 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.