Shanghai: Movie Review

After achieving nation-wide acclaims with films like Khosla Ka Ghosla and Love, Sex and Dhokha, this time, filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee is again likely to hit the bull's eye with his latest political thriller. The story of the film Shanghai is not new in Bollywood, but what makes it watchable is how Banerjee makes you completely engaged in his skilful creation.

Story: The story of Shanghai revolves around the assassination of a political activist (Prosenjit Chatterjee), who is seen opposing an upcoming infrastructure project in Bharat Nagar that is backed by the ruling political party. Though it is initially learnt as a drunken accident, Shalini (Kalki Koechlin) believes it as a cold-blooded murder. While porn filmmaker (Emraan Hashmi) claims to have the proof that will bring the government down. A high-ranking bureaucrat (Abhay Deol) has been appointed to investigate the case. One can easily witness Banerjee's versatility and clarity in his film making through Shanghai. Shanghai is one of the most bravest attempt of Banerjee. The film is definitely not what we call as a 'Mirch Masala movie', but it is based on the raw truths of the current times.

Performances: Talking about the characters, every actor has given their best. Dibakar's chemistry with Abhay Deol proved successful both critically and commercially. Deol, portraying a South Indian IAS officer, makes a mark for his role in the film. Though Kalki has somewhat repeated her distressed characters in films like Shaitan, That Girl In Yellow Boots and Dev D, no wonder her performance in Shanghai was just marvellous. Coming to our very own Mr Serial Kisser, Emraan Hashmi, you can see a completely new Emraan this time. Hashmi has redefined his lover boy image in Shanghai and shines as the vulnerable Jogi Parmar. It looks like Emraan Hashmi is on a winning streak these days after Jannat 2, The Dirty Picture, and now Shanghai.

Banerjee's direction in Shanghai is sure to impress you with sensuous socialism and capitalism ideologies with a strong story line. In short, Dibakar succeeds in keeping us engrossed throughout the film.

Music: Coming to the music, the song 'Bhaarat Mata Ki Jai' needs a special mention as it has created good buzz all around. 'Imported Kamariya' has also become a chart-buster.

Verdict: On the whole, Shanghai is a serious motion picture that has a voice, unlike the typical and usual masala movies. Shanghai promises you a lot of social drama, ruthless and brutal politics and the realism of society that may change your insight towards many social aspects.

Directed by Dibakar Banerjee

Starring Emraan Hashmi, Abhay Deol, Kali Koechlin

Music by Vishal-Shekhar

Release Date: 8 June 2012