TNI Bureau: “Shanghai” directed by Dibakar Banerjee is a political thriller. The plot of the feature film is so powerful that it will occupy your mind for several hours or days after watching it in two hours.
The film unfolds the drama of coalition politics and bureaucracy in India. The time for love story has gone, now public are more interested in masaledar and different kind of films, which are based on burning issues and topics.
This time Banerjee’s attempt will be highly appreciated after presenting the films like “KHOSLA KA GHOSLA”, “OYE LUCKY! LUCKY OYE!”, “LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA”, which had also received positive response from the critics and public.
“Shanghai”, which shows the real political scenario and exposes the system of bureacracy, is the film that has been produced out of reality. Shanghai, where there is commerce, eminence, capital, investment and material comfort, the reality of the city is something else.
The film features actors Abhay Deol, Emraan Hashmi and Kalki Koechlin in lead roles. Set in a fictional city called Bharatnagar, which is set to become the “next Shanghai”, the developmental project kicks off. The film begins with a murder of a social activist, who had been opposing the project.
The film is an adaptation of Greek novel “Z” by writer Vassilis Vassilikos. A high-ranking bureaucrat played by Abhay Deol, takes an in charge of the investigation and Hashmi plays a role of a local videographer, who claims to have hey evidence to resolve the case.
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If the film becomes super hit at the box office, the filmmaker will take all the credit as he dared to tell such kind of story to the public. This is the film, which can change one’s perception and one can make a statement against dirty politics and corrupt bureaucracy.
The film will consistently keep one engaging in the thoughts that what would happen next. It comes under the thin line between mainstream and meaningful cinema.
The cinematography and sound part of the film are perfect as they capture the mood brilliantly. Banerjee has redefined the lover-boy image of Hashmi and has offered Abhay Deol the perfect role in the film. The talented actor has skillfully performed his role as the officer.
“Shanghai” can be described as a film of today’s time. It evokes myriad emotions in the public and simultaneously it leaves them horrified and distressed.
Koechlin’s performance is outstanding. Vishal-Shekhar’s music is alright. ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ is, of course, the track to watch out for, while ‘Imported Kamariya’ is passable.
Our Rating: ****