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Reviews
Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007)
Another topnotch Sanjay Dutt starrer produced by Sanjay Gupta
I have watched this movie on its second night of release. Unlike other Sanjay Gupta films, i didn't think that this movie will be topnotch when compared to his previous films like Kaante (Brilliant), Musafir (Very Good), Zinda (Brilliant). The reasons being: The theme of the film did not quite appeal to me, making me think that the story would be told in a complete different way compared to Sanjay Gupta's storytelling. Hence, i still i was being optimistic because it is another Sanjay Gupta film, and has some of bollywood's prominent stars like Sanjay Dutt, Amitabh Bachchan and Suniel Shetty who act very well together in dark, violent films.
Until Shootout At Lokhandwala was launched, i was totally unaware of the real life encounter that shook the nation in November 1991 in Mumbai. Therefore i went to the cinemas to get an insight on what exactly happened and how the mission was accomplished. Although i knew that the film is based on true rumours, i was expecting to see some real life incidents and some fictional that can be combined together to provide an entertaining edge-of-the-seat movie.
A couple of reasons why i wanted to watch Shootout At Lokhandwala: 1. Sanjay Dutt is one of my favourite actors. This guy is just awesome when it comes to acting. I truly believe he is an all-rounder. Give him a gangster role, comedy role, romantic role, serious role - the guy does not let you down.
2. Sanjay Gupta is a brilliant director. This guy has not let me down in any of his movies (except Plan - which had a shoddy script). His Kaante was a magnificent movie, Musafir was also very good, Aatish, Hameshaa can also be added to the list.
3. Apoorva Lakhia's second movie, Ek Ajnabee, was very good (although it was an exact copy of Man On Fire). I feel that Apoorva Lakhia and Sanjay Gupta have similar interests on the types of films they choose, i.e. dark, violent thrillers - and therefore both Sanjay and Apoorva will work together to produce a quality product.
My response to Shootout At Lokhandwala is very positive, in fact i thought it was an excellent movie that can be ranked amongst Sanjay Gupta's previous topnotch products (Kaante, Musafir and Zinda). The action sequences in this film are realistic and kept me at the edge of my seat. The storytelling by Apoorva Lakhia was brilliant, as he kept me attached to the screen without any confusing plots. Although Sanjay Gupta produced this film rather than directing it, you can tell that this movie is a Sanjay Gupta film because of it's dark, violent theme.
Performance wise: Sanjay Dutt, as usual, is in complete form. If you thought he was excellent in Kaante, Zinda or Munnabhai MBBS, he is equally good in Shootout At Lokhandwala. He carries out an award winning performance, and you see him in a role which you have never seen him do before. No other actor could have replaced Sanjay Dutt. He is a guy that knows which films to sign for (especially the Sanjay Gupta ones) and acts to perfection.
Vivek Oberoi is another actor to look out for. He does an outstanding job in this film as a gangster (representing Maya Dolas). His role is an extension to the role he played in 'Company', and suits the role to perfection. To be honest Vivek Oberoi is better off doing serious/ gangster roles than romantic or comedy where he completely sucks.
Suniel Shetty is brilliant in this movie, working as Sanjay Dutt's sidekick police officer. His dialogues, humour, fight sequences and tough cop style suited him to perfection. Why don't't we see more of you in those type of roles, Suniel? The rest of the cast can be rated as: Amitabh Bachchan (Wonderful), Tusshar Kapoor (Very Good) - but he hasn't got the look of a gangster, someone else could have replaced him. Arbaaz Khan (Very Good), Amrita Singh (Wonderful), Dia Mirza (Good), Aarti Chhabria (looks pretty and does an able job), Neha Dhupia (Fair).
Overall, if you like Sanjay Gupta and Apoorva Lakhia films, this one is for you. Another great film from th stylish director and producer combo. This film is also a must for Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi fans.
Vivah (2006)
Best Movie of 2006
VIVAH in my opinion is the best movie of 2006, coming from a director that has proved successful throughout his career. I am not too keen in romantic movies these days, because i see them as "old wine in a new bottle" and so predictable. However, i have watched this movie three times now...and believe me it's an awesome movie.
VIVAH goes back to the traditional route, displaying simple characters into a sensible and realistic story of the journey between engagement and marriage. The movie entertains in all manners as it can be reflected to what we do (or would do) when it comes to marriage. In that sense Sooraj R. Barjatya has done his homework well and has depicted a very realistic story into a well-made highly entertaining movie.
Several sequences in this movie catch your interest immediately:
* When Shahid Kapoor comes to see the bride (Amrita Rao) - the way he tries to look at her without making it too obvious in front of his and her family. The song 'Do Anjaane Ajnabi' goes well with the mood of this scene.
* The first conversation between Shahid and Amrita, when he comes to see her - i.e. a shy Shahid not knowing exactly what to talk about but pulling of a decent conversation. Also Amrita's naive nature, limited eye-contact, shy characteristics and answering softly to Shahid's questions.
* The emotional breakdown of Amrita and her uncle (Alok Nath) when she feeds him at Shahid's party in the form of another's daughter-in-law rather than her uncle's beloved niece.
Clearly the movie belongs to Amrita Rao all the way. The actress portrays the role of Poonam with such conviction that you cannot imagine anybody else replacing her. She looks beautiful throughout the whole movie, and portrays an innocent and shy traditional girl perfectly.
Shahid Kapoor performs brilliantly too. He delivers a promising performance and shows that he is no less than Salman Khan when it comes to acting in a Sooraj R. Barjatya film. In fact Shahid and Amrita make a cute on-screen couple, without a shadow of doubt. Other characters - Alok Nath (Excellent), Anupam Kher (Brilliant), Mohan Joshi (Very good).
On the whole, VIVAH delivers what it promised, a well made and realistic story of two families. The movie has top-notch performances, excellent story and great music to suit the film, as well as being directed by the fabulous Sooraj R. Barjatya. It's a must see!
Zinda (2006)
When Sanjay Dutt & Sanjay Gupta come together, they exceed your expectations!
I have watched this movie on its second night of release, and to be honest i wasn't surprised at all. When i read the preview and watched the previews, i was quite eager to watch the film - although i did think the storyline is not novel but would be told in a different format. In other words, i knew i would enjoy the film although it might be a revenge film which i have witnessed millions of times before.
A couple of reasons why i wanted to watch Zinda:
1. Sanjay Dutt is one of my favourite actors. This guy is just awesome when it comes to acting. I truly believe he is an all-rounder. Give him a gangster role, comedy role, romantic role, serious role - the guy does not let you down.
2. Sanjay Gupta is a brilliant director. This guy has not let me down in any of his movies (except Plan - which had a shoddy script). His Kaante was a magnificent movie, Musafir was also very good, Aatish, Hameshaa can also be added to the list.
Yes agreed that he copies other films scene by scene, but who doesn't? Why is he called a copycat, when i can add a long list of other copycats? Take Ek Ajnabee - which was an exact copy of Man On Fire, or Vivek Agnihotri for Chocolate - which was a ridiculous version of the classic 'The Usual Suspects'. At least Sanjay Gupta makes a good replica of a film, which is as good as the original (and sometimes even better).
Anyway back to Zinda. I am aware it is a copy of Oldboy (which i have not seen), but personally i thought it was brilliant. If you think about it, Zinda is a usual revenge film - but the only difference is the audience is not aware of the reason behind Sanjay Dutt's imprisonment until the climax, unlike other revenge films. That is why the movie is different and keeps you glued to the screen.
Sanjay Dutt, as usual, is in complete form. If you thought he was excellent in Kaante or Munnabhai MBBS, he is one step higher in Zinda. He carries out an award winning performance, and you see him in a role which you have never seen him do before. His intense look (carried out through the whole film) is just amazing. No other actor could have replaced Sanjay Dutt. He is a guy that knows which films to sign for (especially the Sanjay Gupta ones) and acts to perfection.
John Abraham is another actor to look out for. He does an outstanding job in this film, again a role you have never seen him do before. Personally i believe he is a good actor. Most of his films i watched were good.
Lara Dutta plays her role well, and i don't know why this glamorous actress is underrated for her performance in films. Mahesh Manjrekar has a small role which he does an OK job, while Celina Jaitley is hardly there.
Overall, if you like Sanjay Gupta films, this one is for you. Another great film from this stylish director. He knows which films to pick, and he does a great job all the time. This film is also a must for Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham fans.