What?
Shanghai – A political thriller drama around an apparent assassination
of an activist and the consequent investigation.
Who?
Dibakar Banerjee directs Abhay Deol, Emraan Hashmi &
Kalki Koechlin among others.
Why?
Dibakar Banerjee. That’s why. The trailers didn’t say much
but still managed to showcase something different. It successfully created the
initial interest that is required to capture the attention of the filmgoer who
has a slightly above average intellect. Not saying people who loved Rockstar or
Love Aaj Kal or Jab We Mate are dumb. They’re just special children of God.
What is most impressive about Shanghai is that it takes a fairly common story of ‘bad politics’ but showcases it wonderfully well. It is brilliant and one of a kind. After KKG, OLLO & LSD
Dibakar Banerjee has reached new heights with Shanghai. It is unique in its own
right and it’s a film that will make you think about what you just saw and will
surely generate some interesting conversations between different people who’ve
seen it. Conversations which might not always be pleasant. Read: opposing views.
Just like his other films, Dibakar has made something
completely fresh with Shanghai but has managed to bring out the constant ‘Dibakar’
element that can be seen in all his films. If you’re his fan then you’ll see
how the film is nothing like his earlier work but you still manage to notice
that it’s Dibakar.
What works for this film is the treatment. What’s shown has
been shown before but never in this way. It’s very Coen-ish. Not to say that
anything’s been copied from any of the Coen Brothers films’. To show a
political thriller drama of sorts without going over the top is what I am
talking about. The slightly slow build up, individual scenes making sense but
that wonderment about what’s going on in the film as a whole, things patching
up towards the end and making sense, and a not so definite beginning or end
will only keep the film lingering on in your head. This kind of ‘feel’ has
earlier only been seen in Hollywood films, save for a couple of Hindi ones,
especially the kind of cinema Coen Brothers make.
Starts off a little slow in a town which is 2 hours away
from Delhi (by road, air, or rail; we’re never told). And the best part? You never
find out which town they are in. Things don’t make sense initially but it
gradually picks up. The acting is brilliant almost all the time. Abhay,
portraying a South Indian, falters a little every now and then. Emraan in a not
so flashy role takes time to really get inside the character. Kalki, who I’d
written off after debacles like Shaitan and Yellow Boots, proves me wrong and
gives her best performance after Dev D. The supporting cast is ‘real’ and adds
to the feel. I loved seeing two unknown actors from Shor In The City (one of
the best films of recent times) in Shanghai. Vishal-Shekhar disappointed with
regards to the music. Amit Trivedi could’ve done better, maybe? A good
background score could’ve really worked wonders. But it wasn’t all that bad
either.
Definitely watch this movie if you liked Dibakar’s earlier
work. If you like movies which make you use your brain, leave you wondering
about what happened, this one is a treat. If you just want to watch something
new and fresh, again, Shanghai is the film. But be open minded enough to accept
the fact that it takes guts to make a movie like this. It might not be perfect,
it will have its flaws, but it’s in the right direction. You might like it or
maybe not, but in the end you will appreciate the efforts.
If you think Om Shanti Om rocked, Deepika Padukone can act
and Imtiaz Ali can direct, please skip this and wait for Cocktail and Teri Meri
Kahani. Rest of the junta, go for it.
This film was worthy enough to make Sir Rachit Varma to come
out of his sabbatical and write a full length review after ages means
something, right?
Rating?
7/10
