I am not a big fan of Shootout At Lokhandwala(2007) even though it was a hit. This time however, the film is directed by Sanjay Gupta and not Apoorva Lakhia which gives this film an extra edge. Yet again filmmakers dig another chapter of a gangster, in this case Manya Surve.When the promos were on air in January or February, I was awaiting this film and the film doesn't really disappoint. The film starts off well and follows the non linear approach which was followed in the original too. The film is set in the period between 1970 and 1982 and care has been taken on several aspects to depict the era. The transformation of John from a good innocent guy to a bad guy is well handled, The war of words is well handled too, The conflicts between John and Manoj and the way John starts his own gang is well handled. There are few unbelievable scenes like the way Raju Kher survives after being burnt through crackers and several more Even there are too many item songs which do drop the pace On the flip side, the action scenes are well handled, another aspect that stands out are the dialogues which soaked in acid and sometimes there are funny too, while some are corny. The film gathers speed towards the end and the end is superb too
Direction by Sanjay Gupta is good, he had shown sparks in derivative films like Kaante, Zinda but this time he has gone original mostly, though half the film is supposedly based on Dongri to Dubai novel. Music is good, but too many item songs slacken the pace
Amongst actors John gives his all to the role, he tries very hard and does manage to handle the role well though at times it does come across as too hard. His emotional scenes have improved a lot. Manoj Bajpai in a shorter role executes a strong impact. Sonu Sood is terrific, especially in second half Anil Kapoor has done such roles before, but he adds something extra with his intensity and presence. Kangana in a short role is good, Tusshar is believable surprisingly, he does a good job, providing the film some funny moments though in the second half, he is relegated to the background in between. Mahesh Manjerekar is good but doesn't get much scope, Newfind Siddhanth Kapoor is superb, The actor playing Ranjeet's former bodyguard is good too Ranjeet, Jackie Shroff have cameos, while Raju Kher is good rest are good
Direction by Sanjay Gupta is good, he had shown sparks in derivative films like Kaante, Zinda but this time he has gone original mostly, though half the film is supposedly based on Dongri to Dubai novel. Music is good, but too many item songs slacken the pace
Amongst actors John gives his all to the role, he tries very hard and does manage to handle the role well though at times it does come across as too hard. His emotional scenes have improved a lot. Manoj Bajpai in a shorter role executes a strong impact. Sonu Sood is terrific, especially in second half Anil Kapoor has done such roles before, but he adds something extra with his intensity and presence. Kangana in a short role is good, Tusshar is believable surprisingly, he does a good job, providing the film some funny moments though in the second half, he is relegated to the background in between. Mahesh Manjerekar is good but doesn't get much scope, Newfind Siddhanth Kapoor is superb, The actor playing Ranjeet's former bodyguard is good too Ranjeet, Jackie Shroff have cameos, while Raju Kher is good rest are good