John Day

JohnDay is a thriller flick starring Naseruddin Shah and Randeep hooda in lead roles, a debut directorial venture for Ahishor Solomon.The story begins with death of Naseruddin's daughter in some estate known as Casablanca and then follows the delineating of the entire plot and the characters involved in it...

JohnDay is yet another attempt by bollywood to make sensible movies following movies like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,Special 26 and Madras Cafe this year.But unfortunately ,the director here has failed to do the same justice to the subject.The first half of the movie is awesome,and will make you think and deduce conclusions but the other half and the climax disappoint you to the earnest...The climax and the conclusion seem to be totally extraneous and abjured from the script...Given that, the movie does have its high ends especially the violent scenes-they are brutally depicted, violence at its very best in bollywood...Also a slight political theme is added which serves well for the sake of the plot...

The Screenplay is totally distorted in the second half where the unfolding of suspense is done quite early.The background score is brilliant sometimes but lacks intensity otherwise.Camera work and editing is good...There is no song in the movie which is highly imperative and conducive to the movie...There are some mind-blowing dialogs throughout the movie...

As far as performance are concerned, Naseruddin Shah does not deliver up to his potential best maybe due to his simple role.Randeep Hooda is the star of the movie,he totally overshadows Naseruddin Shah.He is brutal, intense and not remorseful.Violent scenes are meticulously executed by him.But only drawback of his character he shifts gears at the end.A special mention to Pradeep Rawat for his mind-blowing performance...The rest of the cast does not impress especially Elena Kazan who seems to force her character...

So, coming to the verdict, JohnDay is a movie that will not be be liked by all. People who are fan of sensible and complicated plots and enjoy violent and brutal scenes must definitely watch it. Watch it for brilliant performances especially of Randeep Hooda.Had there been a suspense element in the movie and had the climax be executed perfectly, this movie would do justice to the otherwise brilliant concept and awesome acting...

If I could get hold of this Director, I will spit on him for sure. Because he wasted 2 hours 8 minutes and 7 seconds of my life by showing me some stupid cinema. I don't know made him make such a rubbish movie. Everything right from the plot to characters to story was illogical and unrealistic. I really wonder what forced Naseeruddin Shah to do this Movie. The Director / Writer Ahishor Solomon stole the plot, scenes and even dialogue from the Spanish crime thriller Box 507. Such a shameless fellow. The violence in the movie is non essential and tiresome. The role of the actress is also idiotically written. A girl, who always remains drunk, wants to become a mother and settle down by getting married.

Ahishor Solomon's 'JohnDay' is Gripping In Parts, but not entirely. Reason? An Erratic Screenplay & Slow-Pacing. Had this vendetta fare had a strong Screenplay & a better pace, I'm sure, it would've developed into a much superior film.

'JohnDay' Synopsis: JohnDay loses his daughter & later realizes her death was a part of a conspiracy led by corrupt cops & gangsters.

To give its due, 'JohnDay' begins superbly & has a power-packed first-hour, though the pacing is consistently slow-paced. The second-hour falters badly, the sequences don't leave a mark, the pacing gets even slower & the culmination is plain ordinary. Also, the excessive violence puts you off completely. Yet, all said & done, A better Screenplay & better pacing were certainly needed! Ahishor Solomon's Direction is noteworthy. Cinematography is grim. Editing is dull.

Performance-Wise: Naseeruddin Shah as JohnDay, adds anger but absolutely no depth to the character. Randeep Hooda is much better. He delivers a ferocious performance as the corrupt, evil cop. Vipin Sharma, also portraying a corrupt cop, is incredibly loathsome. Sharat Saxena is electrifying. He portrays a strong supporting role with absolute flourish. Elena Kazan is okay. Shernaz Patel is terrific. Makarand Deshpande & Deepak Shirke are outstanding in cameos.

On the whole, 'JohnDay' has merit, but it never quite reaches the goal it targeted.

I was extremely disappointed when he was holding to the cross and they were beating him, the movie was a real movie, no super heroes not a common Hindi movie that heroes fly and get shot ten times and survive, then suddenly they add a hidden power to it, like Jesus saves him...whats the chance in real life to be in a situation where you are being beaten by four gang members and SOME mysterious power saves you? You spoilt it, really, if from the beginning of the movie you had super powers we would not be surprised. But it looked like a real life scenario and suddenly added that silly scene. Its like you are eating Biryani and you get Rasgula in it.

What has a a very solid plot has turned into a mockery, with abrupt screenplay & extreme unwanted violence. And the high usage of profanity just adds to the awful narrative.

No dots are lined as it proceeds with a fine story about the plight of a bank manager whose daughter just dies & bank just got robbed. Things go awry for both the viewers & the makers when Randeep Hooda enters with a rusty look & foul mouth. His character is supposed to be deep, but ends up being superficial.

Performances aren't that great with respect to the marvelous cast. The second half is tad confusing & ends up in a usual standoff which is not only inappropriate but also bogey.

High time, Bollywood makers stop remaking movies and turn to something original. Box 507 is a clever thriller with shoddy filmmaking.

BOTTOM LINE: Not recommended, because all you will lose is your time and money because John Day disappoints!

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO

Profanity: Infinity | Violence/Gore: Very Critical | Alcohol/Smoking: Strong | Drugs: No | Porn/Sex: Strong | Foreplay/Mouth-Kiss: Very Mild