Starring: John Abraham, Kangna Ranaut, Anil Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Manoj Bajpai, Sonu Sood, Ronit Roy, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ranjeet;
Priyanka Chopra and Sunny Leone with special item numbers
Director: Sanjay Gupta
Producers: Sanjay Gupta, Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor
Music: Anu Malik, Anand Raj Anand, Meet Brothers, and Mustafa Zahid
Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller
The ugly picture of the underworld comes out when movies like this are made! A prequel to the much successful “Shootout at Lokhandwala”, this high end action flick documents the first ever registered encounter by the Mumbai Police. It is since then, that the word “encounter” was registered in the police lexicon. Sanjay Gupta has mastered this prequel even better than its predecessor. Based on the non-fiction book “Dongri to Dubai” by journalist S Hussain Zaidi, Shootout at Wadala carries forward the legacy of Shootout at Lokhandwala.
Plot: Engrossed with fierce violence, this crime-thriller portraits the gang wars between two deadly gangsters – Manya Surve and Dilawar Imtiyaz Haskar, as well as the Mumbai Police. Unwinding the life of a robust gangster, the story gives us a better picture of his earlier life and the sudden transition which took place, with unhindered smoothness. Manya Surve, a simple and ambitious college going guy is awarded life imprisonment for a crime he has not committed. As the obvious outcome, what follows is the action oriented drama that portrays the eventual events that turn him into a gangster. The apparent reasons and instances behind the incorporation of “encounter” in the police system have also been brought forward.
Performances: With such a powerful and talented star cast, there was hardly any chance of going wrong with the performances. John Abraham delivers the most impressionable performance of his career. With childlike innocence of a college guy and the shrewdness of a gangster, he travels the journey with convincing vigor. This phenomenal performance in a negative role surely gives him a new recognition as an actor. Anil Kpoor thrives as an indomitable police officer. He surely has proved that he can master any role with ease. Manoj Bajpai is undoubtedly talented and experienced as an actor. Sonu Sood, has learnt a lot after his profound role in Dabangg and comes as a big surprise as Dawood Ibrahim. Tusshar Kapoor has utilized his experience of Shootout at Lokhandwala efficiently. Kangana Ranaut, even in a short role, fails to do any good. With a uniform expression throughout the film, Ranaut looks more of a doll. Overall, all the actors are at their best in the movie!
Music: The music of the movie comes from a number of composers and is in sync with the movie. Since the movie is based in the 1970s, the music has a classic touch to it. There is huge variety of songs on the list. From slow and emotional numbers to the most jazzy and foot-tapping item songs, the album is a good amalgamation of music. Both the songs, “Laila” and “Babli Badmash” are already hit on the charts.
What’s good: A well carved cinematography with effective action scenes is what we get to see. Based on a true event of the 1982 encounter, it brings us closer to the true picture the Metropolitan Mumbai. The list of talented actors makes it all the more worthy to watch. The movie with its amazing moments of thrill makes up for an engaging entertainer.
What’s bad: The horrendous violence, blood, guns, fights and brutal murders may leave you traumatized. The corny dialogues pepped with explicit abuses seem inconsequential and can embarrass you to a great extent.
All in all, the movie is a successful masala entertainer. Sanjay Gupta has done enough justice to its predecessor, “Shootout at Lokhandwala”. The film will keep you engaged till the last scene .You might actually get a soft spot for the robust gangster. It is definitely a must watch for action lovers!
Verdict: The film is a special treat for the John Abraham fans! :p
WARNING: Not for those who can’t digest gore, violence and fowl language.
Rating: *** and 1/2
