SAAFA Review
Gangster sees the commercial arrival of one of the most promising acting talents, to emerge in recent times. Shiny “Roshan” Ahuja, who made an impressive debut in Sudhir Mishra’s Hazaron Khwaish, proves to be a man for all seasons, commercial and arthouse, with a power packed, yet bereft of excessive melodrama, portrayal of the sensitive, mobster.
Gangster films have been made in the past and Bollywood’s obsession with criminals will probably churn out more. Yet what sets this one apart is the minimal use of violence and the whole visual effect of the film, going through the same shades, as the mind of the main character. As the subject matter of the film, Shiny speaks little in the first half, yet has you captivated with his intense vulnerability. This Barry John trained actor, speaks through his expressions.
The backdrop is crime but it can be classified more of a relationship film between the three principal characters. The movie is about love, betrayal and sacrifice. Kangana Ranaut makes an impressive debut as the gangster’s moll. Although she will have to curb bouts of overacting and do a better voice modulation as she progresses through her career. Emran Hashmi is competent and is the third point in the triangle. Gulshan Gover brings his acting prowess to the forte with a restrained performance. The pace of the film is crisp and the songs short, yet pulling the story forward.
Music is indeed a highlight of the film, with strong lyrics that complement the damp mood of the film. South Asian talent is in full use here, as the Bangladesh singer Faruk Mahfuz Anam, who goes by the screen name of James, renders a soulful ‘Ya Ali.” While the screenplay is average, the cinematography of Korea is impressive.
Shiny’s breakdown scene when he discovers he is losing his love, his anguish at his betrayal and his first silent with Kangana, are indicative that, if he chooses his roles well, this army man’s son from Delhi, could become a very powerful actor in the year’s ahead. The film also signals an end of Bollywood’s obsession with black or white characterizations and instead concentrates on throwing up shades in all of it’s characters, a coming of age, which promises exciting times ahead, both in terms of content and characterization.
Rating: 3 out of 5
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Review by Vivek Kumar, Co- Founder and Admin Director, SAAFA (www.saafa.org)