Shanghai (2012) User Reviews

A challenging and rewarding film experience

[wazankash · 8/10 · 6 June 2012]

Take any of your favorite political thrillers. What you'd find is political insight and compelling suspense, seamlessly woven to demystify your flimsy notions and beliefs about that subject. While the protagonist peels the layers off falsehood, you experience the joy of veils dropping. You get more than just the solution of a mystery; a new interpretation of the event, a shocking perspective. Dibakar Banerjee's Shanghai is one such political thriller. This terrific film hits you like a hurricane and terrifies you to bits. It has an abiding effect that will haunt you even hours after you've left the theater. If you enjoy true cinema, go for SHANGHAI.. Else, better wait for SRK or FARAH KHAN's next POPCORN FLICK!! Go for SHANGHAI for Kalki Koechlin, for Emraam Hashmi,for Abhay Deol, for the Music & for everything you want from a masterpiece! And next time you end up comparing why do Bollywood standards do not reach Hollywood, stay quite! You don't deserve a word!

10/10

Brilliant Start to June

[khs_thereddevil · 8/10 · 9 June 2012]

Just coming home after watching the movie, and I was really really impressed with... Everything. While coming back, I heard some friends say it was boring and not very good, which made me write this review:

Watch It if you are looking for some serious cinema. Definitely Watch It if you have a brain to actually THINK about what the movie is trying to say.

I've been disillusioned with Bollywood for some years now, but every year, there come some movies which are absolutely top class, which actually say something rather than throwing undercooked brainless (un)comic crap at us. Shanghai is one of the former, and nearly everything is well done in this movie.

The direction is very good and tight, the background score is very apt, the cinematography is fantastic, as is the editing. And although the story is actually not very new, revolving around the general hopelessness we associate with Indian politics and law, the way Dibakar Banerjee presents it, and the (un)happy-ending really makes it shine...

I think that the movie may probably not do extremely well in theaters because "most" Indians go for mindless comedies these days, but those who want to see a GOOD movie, This is definitely one for them.

Shanghai is a raw meat marinated with slow poison.

[thepuccacritic · 8/10 · 10 June 2012]

Before I start, let me tell you that I haven't read Vassillis Vasilikov's Z and neither have I seen the Academy Award winning film by Costa-Gavras. Shanghai based on the same book, for me, comes as an original standalone in Hindi cinema by the double time National Award winner Dibakar Bannerjee.

Shanghai, is what this fictional town of Bharat Nagar will look like with the flourishing of "International Business Park (IBP)", as promised by the Chief Minister (Supriya Pathak). You can expect it to be any other political scam. Dr. Ahmedi (Prosenjit Chatterjee) who believes this project will degrade the living of the poor, lands here to set his march of opposition. Alongwith Ahmedi, comes a Katrina Kaif caricature Tina. While she is doing Imported Kamariya at the IBP (India Bana Pardes) show, Dr. Ahmedi is slayed to death by a truck. His student, Shalini Sahay (Kalki) is stubborn about the fact that it was not an accident but murder. IAS Officer T. A. Krishnan (Abhay Deol) leads the Enquiry Commission set by the CM. Meanwhile, Jogi Parmar (Emran Hashmi), a pornographer reaches an evidence material of the case.

Meeting of every two aforesaid characters is marked with playful scene like entering of a ball in the newly setup office of Krishnan between a heated discussion, or the English conversation of Jogi with Shalini.

Leisurely paced, the first half is cooked up with two songs where Bharat Mata Ki Jai is just abrupt, misled and serves no purpose to the story. That's what you wanted Mr. Producer, right? An item song and a peppy track? But what makes the direction extra-ordinary are the detailing with the arts and sound design in almost every scene. Note that sound of a crying baby in the background amidst the tensed situation when Dr. Ahmedi is admitted to the hospital. Whereas the background score in most of the parts is overdone with the same beats.

For its running time of 114 minutes, this thriller grips you leisurely with not many scenes that brings you to the edge of your seat but its raw treatment and toning , fine editing and engaging performances. Emran Hashmi stands out of the lot with his best performance of his career. You are never let to believe that you are actually watching the same Hashmi. The most experienced actor Faroque Sheikh draws every attention in his scene. Kalki plays the deepest character of the film with mild tone and louder-than-words silence. Abhay Deol is in the skin of the character of a generous officer with his Tam accent. Pitobash is almost similar as you have seen him in Shor In The City.

By the end, things resurface to the top, gets unfold, and many unanswered questions are left to you to think. Dibakar doesn't hammer you with the dark side of the political system but asks many questions. Prominently, Is India really shining? Judge yourself. But Indian Cinema is really shining with this movie at the theaters.

Though I don't account Shanghai as DB's best work (for me, it's still L.S.D.), but it is the best political thriller you could ever see.

A brilliant subtle political thriller by Banerjee that deserves standing ovation

[rangdetumpy · 9 June 2012]

Some five years ego when I first saw Kosta Gavra's classic political thriller "Z" I thought it has all the ingredients to be made into Indian scenario. Even though the film is five decades old the scenarios fits into contemporary India. It digs into the political machinery and their double standards as they talk about Industrial developments. With land acquisition, truth behind special economic zone (SEZs), red-tapism, bureaucratic machinery all molded in a thriller format had everything going for Indian audience. When Dibakar Banerjee announced Shanghai which is based on the Greek novel "Z' by Vassilis Vasilikos I was thrilled. Banerjee successfully adapted the novel and used it to portray a dark of political India.

Set in fictional BharatNagar "Shanghai" starts with Dr Ahmadi , a socialist worker being bumped off as he protest against the land acquisition and warns aam-janata to look into the real motives of the politicians and industrialists. Circumstances brought in Jogi Parmer, a rustic porn film maker who falls for the gori lady and how got himself caught in the web of deceit. It is through the investigation of Ahmedi's murder the journey of unmasking of those in the system begins as we came to know about the truth behind the game of industrialization. Symbolically it reflects the rotten Indian system in a realistic fashion which will shock audience and let them think. With India being claimed as potential future super power of the world the big shots inside the system is robbing her from within at every level leading towards a greater economic divide.

Dibakar Banerjee showed immense potential in earlier three films (khosla ka ghosla, oye lucky lucky oye, LSD) and each of them he used ample dose of dark humor to bring out some prevailing problem in the society. He does the same and succeeds in "Shanghai".He has compromised less interns of story telling and kept many scenes subtle enough for further interpretation. His detailing of sequences needs to applaud. Indeed he is one of the finest story teller of the country and together with Anurag Kashyap,Vishal Bhardwaj can elevate the Indian cinema whereby getting appreciation from world audience as something meaningful yet entertaining. Teaming up with Urmi Juvekar, the duo has done a splendid job in keeping the dialogs real, subtle yet catchy. Being a thriller the happenings keep you engaged to the screen. Like Kahaani this is another taut thriller which can compete with any world cinema. Nikos Andritsakis cinematography deserves standing ovation. His usages of occasional shakes, close-ups elevate the screenplay. The sepia tone set it perfect for the rustic India. Namratha Rao's editing is top notch and she proved that Kahaani was just not one flash in the pan. Vandana Kataria's production design is effective and creates the atmosphere for a dark, thrilling ride. Atul Mongia's unique ensemble casting needs recognition. Vishal-Shekhar's music works. "Bharat mata ki jaye" is true satirical song which is helped by some brilliant choreography.

Acting wise every single person involved has given a superlative performance. Emraan Hashmi as Jogi Parmer is revelation. He proved his detractors wrong and gave a new life to himself as he joined the league of meaningful cinema. Prior to this his mass films (though huge Hits) didn't get him accolades from all section of society but this film will make people realize his potential. Abhay Deol is a superb actor and as always he is at his subtle paced. He fits into a character like chameleon and together with the choice of films he makes he is there to make some change in Indian cinema. As IAS Krishnan he has given one of his career best roles. Just check the climax when he confronts with Farooq Sheik. The scene is a marvel and deserves standing ovation. Kalki Koechlin succeeds as the disturbed foreign return Indian Shalini. Her relationship with Dr Ahmedi as well as Jogi Parmer has been portrayed sensitively. Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee excels as socialist worker Dr Ahmedi. The movie surrounds his character and in a comparatively small role he leaves his marks. Pitobash as usual is exceptional. With Shor in the city, I am Kalaam and now Shanghai he will definitely land up in more meaty roles in near future. He is a power house of talent. Veterans Farooq Sheik and Supriya Pathak were always known for their acting potential and here also they lived up to their names. Tilottoma Shome as Mrs Ahemdi fits the bill as well.

Overall Shanghai is another powerful cinema which comes out from Bollywood. In a thriller mode it raises very pertinent questions on the way the Indian political system works. The film is dark, real yet entertaining that will keep the audience (though it might not appeal to many cine-goers who loves unreal commercial cinema) engaged till the end. It is another landmark film which is to be experienced, a masterpiece. Indeed it has all the stamps that are associated with a film which has been co-produced by NFDC.

P.S : I agree with the first reviewer in IMDb with the statement that one should watch this film "And next time you end up comparing why do Bollywood standards do not reach Hollywood, stay quite! You don't deserve a word!".. Indeed I think Kosta Govra would have been proud to see this adaptation

Courage goes all the way+Every pause tells a story

[adityam-fms · 7/10 · 8 June 2012]

Why did I go for this movie? One man-Dibakar Bannerjee. After khosla ka ghosla, he strikes again exposing a grim reality we love to avoid.

The Us Vs them/ legitimate vs Traitor theme is always on in India and will continue to be...!!

Composure of actors/interlinking of themes/ exposure of India's rowdies on streets and their utter shamelessness after committing crimes with elan!!!

The mind games,the subtle selfishness, the frustration...left so many things for our imagination.

Dibakar: Hats off, you make us proud..

As Gurudev Tagore said: Many wonders how god in the process of producing 100 Million Bengolies, produce A MAN!

Insanely Brilliant !!!!

[gift_yasir_ahmed1996 · 10/10 · 6 June 2012]

There is only one word to describe the cinematography, the set designs and the dialogues, and that is Exceptional! You don't just watch the scenes happening, you feel them. The movie is a real thrill ride. The action scenes are well pictured and the music is electronically haunting. Never, in the run time of the movie, you will get a chance to move your eyes from the screen to any other object.

The film is hardly one hour-fifty minutes long, and you wish that there was no interval. You don't need one when you are watching a crisp and thrilling film like this one! It's an engaging thriller with a political backdrop, and the performances are mind blowing. Kalki Koechlin is fabulous. Pitobash Tripathy is superb. Abhay Deol has captured the nuisances of the south Indian accent perfectly. He is restrained and strong. But the star of the show is Emraan Hashmi. It might turn out to be too intelligent for Emraan Hashmi fans who generally come to see him smooch his leading lady. So we will have to wait and see if a brilliant film like this is lapped up at the box office or not. Shanghai shocks, engages and makes a powerful statement. Dibakar lives up to the standards he has set for himself.

Shanghai and Z: Remaking of a classic after 40 years !!!

[Samit_Bhattacharya · 7/10 · 31 January 2013]

I watched "Shanghai" yesterday and it is a decent Indianized adaptation of "Z" by Costa Gavraswhich had far reaching consequences in the real world. You can read the real life implications in my other review of the classic itself.

Good acting from Deol and Emraan Haashmi carried the movie all over. There were some dramatics hrown in for Indianing the story but that goes with our taste and spirit. Same for a couple of songs and an Item number, to make it commercially viable.

Mr Banerjee adapting from the Costa Gavras movie after 40 long years probably proves once again that a classic is "timeless". It is good that he did pay homage to the original during the name casting which some very well known directors sometimes miss so sorely ; example SLB when he made "Black" from "The Miracle"..

A Truly Well Made Film Which Belongs To The Director !!

[sidharth-banerjee25 · 9/10 · 8 June 2012]

Shanghai is a delight from head to toe. Dibakar Banerjee is without a doubt my favourite bollywood director of recent times. Already it's a hell of a job matching the standards of LSD, Oye Lucky and Khosla still he manages to pull off a gritty tale with such panache which compels me to compare him with the Hollywood great Quentin Tarantino. The city of Bharat Nagar is about to have a turn of fate as the ruling government tries to convert it into an infrastructure marvel but then there's a proclaimed personnel and social activist Aahmedi played by Bengal's very own Prosenjit Chatterjee. But the ruling party has other plans for him as he is brutally injured in a hit and run case which leaves Shalini(Kalki Koechlin) to fight it out to the find the truth behind the proclaimed accident. Imran Hashmi plays Joginder Parmar who's a videographer come pornographer who has some evidence that might help things fall into place for Aahmedi. The real kick comes when Krishnan(Abhay Deol) in given the responsibility to find out the truth. What works for Shanghai is that even though so much is going around all the time there is this definite attention given to each and every detail that you are just kept glued to the screen. Plus there is the fine twist in the end as well. The scenes without any background score, a Dibakar Banerjee trend I suppose, the gritty yet amicable screenplay everything is I personally love. You actually can feel through the scenes as they pass.

The performances are exceptional be it Abhay Deol, Kalki or even Hashmi as he steps inside shoes which one would never consider to fit him. But then that's the sheer genius of Dibakar Banerjee. Still though call me greedy I expected a little tiny bit more drama. But then nothing is perfect. After 'Kahaani' it is in my opinion the second best movie I have set my eyes upon in 2012. Take A Bow Mr.Director!

Dibakar Banerjee's Shanghai is a crisp, take-no-prisoners drama about seeking justice in the complex landscape of the Indian democracy.

[joyamir24 · 7/10 · 13 June 2012]

In the fictional small town of Bharat Nagar that's poised to become the next Shanghai, a respected left wing activist, Dr Ahmedi (Prosenjit Chatterjee), is mowed down by a pick-up truck after addressing a rally against a major redevelopment project that will render hundreds of poor families homeless. When Ahmedi's student Shalini (Kalki Koechlin) and his wife Aruna (Tilottama Shome) demand a probe into this hit-and-run that the police is quick to dismiss as a drunk-driving accident, the chief minister (Supriya Pathak) orders an inquiry commission to get to the bottom of the truth. Even as IAS officer Krishnan (Abhay Deol), who's assigned to lead the inquiry, takes his job more seriously than his superiors had intended for him to, local videographer Jogi Parmar (Emraan Hashmi) stumbles onto some valuable evidence that could directly implicate the political bigwigs. Based on the novel Z by Greek author Vassillis Vasilikov (its 1969 film adaptation by Costa-Gavras won two Academy Awards), Shanghai is rich in irony from the moment in, as it sets about exposing the reality behind the 'India Shining' dream. With nicely etched characters, a realistic shooting style, and a dollop of humor, Banerjee sucks you into his narrative, seldom letting the pace slip in the film's less-than-two- hours running time. As always, it's the little moments that stand out in his films…a tense meeting of the inquiry commission is disturbed when a football, followed by a young child chasing after it, enters through the window. Moments later, following a heated exchange, the two principals slip on a wet- floor outside the meeting room. Earlier in the film, at the height of an uncomfortable confrontation in a hospital, a no-nonsense nurse casually strolls in, reprimands the offenders for hollering in the premises, then walks out just as unexpectedly as she entered. Even in the most intense situations, Banerjee gives us something to smile about. There are disturbingly real moments too that feel uncomfortably familiar... a policeman's apathy towards a wife confronting her husband's corpse, or a criminal's confidence at escaping the hand of the law because of his 'connection' with a powerful politico. If something's missing in this film, it's a sense of suspense, the pressure-cooker urgency that this kind of 'thriller' needed. Good thing then that the actors hit all the right notes. In smaller parts, Supriya Pathak as the all-powerful madam-CM, and Farooque Shaikh as the seasoned, ever-practical bureaucrat are a joy to watch. Prosenjit Chatterjee as the uncompromising rabble-rouser is nicely cast, while Kalki Koechlin plays it grim from start to finish, teetering dangerously close to one-note. But Shanghai belongs to its male leads: Abhay Deol, despite his wobbly Tamil accent, is terrific as a man temporarily conflicted between doing the right thing, and doing what's right for him. His chameleon-like volte face from a polite, bullied man to a fellow fully composed and confident is one of the film's best scenes. As for Emraan Hashmi, he steals the film as the gauche, stain-toothed pornographer with a selfless heart. It's easily the film's most winning performance, and Hashmi doesn't once miss his mark. The grand revelation in the end is a tad underwhelming, and the big evidence far too conveniently acquired. Yet, Shanghai is consistently watchable despite these lapses. I'm going with three-and-a-half out of five for Dibakar Banerjee's 'Shanghai'. It's a good film from one of Hindi cinema's most exciting filmmakers, just not great.

Tarantino, step aside; we have DB!

[himdesai · 8/10 · 8 June 2012]

Dibakar Banerjee, Abhay Deol and Emraan Hashmi. There cannot be any better reason to watch this movie and well, it's worth the expectations. Shanghai, the Desi adaption of Z by Vassilis Vassilikos is a fine thriller.

First things first, you can feel the Dibakar Banerjee style in each and every frame of this around two hour movie. In first ten minutes itself, the culprits are revealed and there is no whodunit feeling in first half, but thanks to brilliantly panned screenplay (courtesy Urmi Juvekar and DB), the tension builds on in a continuum till the climax and climax pays it off.

The power of Shanghai lies in its characters and subplots. Director leaves much upon the imagination of viewers but, still it is amazing to witness such a powerful cinema with a short and simple story. Abhay, Emraan and Kalki play their milestone characters and they play with such an ease that it is impossible to picture any actors in their shoes. Prosenjit Chatterjee, though plays a cameo, makes his presence felt throughout the movie, which is incredible.

Shanghai could have been a loud political thriller with grungy background score and over the top acting, but DB chooses the path less traveled. Like his last three films he chooses his own subtle and proportionately dramatic storytelling that makes it a standalone from clichéd and crass political thrillers. In order to keep the intensity of such a mature subject, Dibakar has deliberately avoided soulful songs like Khudaya and Dua, and placed situational tracks like Bharat Mata Ki and Imported Kamariya, which is a courageous effort.

The negatives? First half takes a bit more of time to create the situations and subplots making the movie a bit drag occasionally. Apart from this, I can't find out any other loopholes in this movie.

Watch it or not? If you are a fan of "the real powerful cinema", do go for it.

SHANGHAI : Bollywood too can produce sensible films !

[darshancruz · 7/10 · 10 June 2012]

Bollywood will keep on coming with senseless mockeries (read Rowdy Rathore/Housefull) but once in a while, it can also produce movies like Kahaani/Pan Singh Tomar/Shanghai. Here's a 110 min political tale aptly done.

The movie is about a city named 'Bharat Nagar' which they want to make it the next Shanghai aka IBP(International Business Park/India Bana Pardes). Prasenjit (Dr Ahmedi) believes this is for anything, but the progress of Bharat Nagar. He is killed in a conspiracy, made look like an accident and Kalki (his student) wants to find the people behind it. Abhay Deol works under Farooque Shaikh and he handles this case.

Emraan Hashmee is a normal photographer/video shooter who was at the crime scene and helps Kalki in her pursuit. Abhay has to face lots of obstacles, as expected and what follows is the highlight of the film. Any more spoilers will ruin your experience.

Emraan shows he can act, Abhay & Kalki continue their forte in off-beat cinema, Farooque & Ahmedi did justice to their roles as well. Few scenes were abrupt and few had just enough info to discern the viewer. Both the songs were strictly OK.

Nothing path breaking, but Dibakar's effort is definitely praiseworthy. Recommended.

Don't expect masses to like this art

[dipu94321 · 9/10 · 13 June 2012]

When me and two of my closest friends, me and one of my bros were quite skeptical after reading the trashy review the people are giving on the social networking sites,but had it not been for my other bro, we were inches away from missing probably one of the best Indian cinema made in the last decade.

Taking a detour from every clichés of Indian political cinema, rather Indian cinema , This movie has no melodramatic dialogue, no over the top meaningless item number( imported kamariya does have an importance in the story, not just an added novelty and is presented in a way that we do not get distracted from the movie), no sad songs ( though i would have liked the inclusion of the song Duaa) and the biggest of them all, no ENTERTAINMENT. if you want to watch this on a Sunday evening with the family for entertainment, just forget it. if you want gritty realistic , will make you think type of cinema, your best bet. Good direction , wobbly camera-work, very less makeup , good script, even better execution, and the nest acting by the three leads in a long time.

If you want to be ignorant or want a movie just to let you release mind's pressure, don't come and watch this. cause, Cinema is eventually an art form to let the reality be known in a merge with over the top neo surrealistic situations. and Shanghai completes the first part in excellence

Shanghai

[awmurshedkar · 7/10 · 11 June 2012]

SHANGHAI – 7.2/10

Director: Dibakar Banerjee

Writer: Dibakar Banerjee, Urmi Juvekar

Yes, we know it's an adaptation and since there is a lot to write about, we shall get straight to the point. Shanghai, 2012's most sensational political film, whether liked or disliked, has managed to create enough waves to get everyone talking. While the critics have unanimously hailed it as a success, the film has not managed to impress.

Now, the concerns with the script:-

1) Abhay Deol (T.A Krishnan) is an IAS officer who is made to preside over a state government initiated inquiry of a murder of an activist. He is investigating a matter in which IBP, an infrastructure company, could be possibly involved. He also happens to be the Vice-Chairman of IBP. This doesn't make sense nor is it factually possible. While an IAS officer can be on the board of a company through government directives, it is legally not possible to conduct an inquiry if he is on the board of the firm whose conduct is in question.

2) Krishnan is shown to be the CM's favored man. He is aware the state government is using the infrastructure project as an election agenda. Throughout the investigation, his work is hindered by the state government, either by direct reprimand through the secretary of CM Farooq Shaikh (Kaul) or sterner tacit directives, as when the CM's order halts the commission. Clearly, this is a paradox. One, because in reality or in a script, a CM would not put a man at the helm of an inquiry if his loyalty is in question or if he is extremely honest. Two, if a shrewd politician does commit this blunder as in the film, why does he go against the government? No possible motivations have been explored. Also, what keeps him from understanding the state government's motives and advantages in supporting IBP until the fag end? He is shown to be clever, but came across as rather naïve.

3) The biggest issue with the film was the turning point when Emraan Hashmi (Jogi Parmar) decides to help Kalki Koechlin (Shalini Sahay). Parmar is the man who determines the final outcome or climax of the film. He is emotionally compelled to do so because of the murder of his relative/guardian and business partner who possesses a tape that will bring down the government. This tape, by far, is the most important finding of evidence by any character in the film which implicates the murderers convincingly. Yet, Parmar's relative conveniently discusses this with the very people whom the tape implicates? This simply doesn't work; a square peg is being fit into a round hole.

4) Further, the result of this is the goon who would have likely killed Jogi Parmar's relative, asks Parmar if he has knowledge of the 'jackpot' tape in question? Again, this does not work for two reasons. It conveniently makes the script move forward as Parmar now has a motivation to avenge his uncle. Two, the goons who know these two men work together actually come and inquire instead of simply getting rid of Parmar, who would likely have knowledge of the tape but wouldn't disclose it under the given circumstances.

Problems with characterization:

1) Prasenjit Chatterjee (Dr.Ahmedi): why does he land in a chartered plane with an item girl who will subsequently perform at an IBP function? Since there is such specific focus on this, as a viewer, one would expect this information to be later introduced to discredit his character or just be used for that matter, instead it's just left open. He kisses Shalini passionately, throwing light on their past, but again not so much. A womanizing activist, how does this help the film or his character?

2) Shalini Sahay's: character is best described as a phantom. We don't know her past, why or what has she studied abroad, why is she an activist now, how she makes her living, where she comes from or where is she going? Her role primarily is restricted to crying for the half-dead activist and running around the city. A major detail about her father's involvement in a scam is again left as a lose end.

3) Tillotama Shome (Mrs.Ahmedi): who is she and what is her purpose? The most random ending I've seen to a film since Kashyap's Gulal, where Mrs.Ahemdi's picture appears on an IBP poster. All of a sudden, the viewer is expected to shift the entire focus from the story of government & administrative malpractice & failure to the interpersonal relation of the Ahmedi's or to the conniving nature of Mrs.Ahmedi. The film could have been exactly what it was without this detail or even this character.

Further, while I'm not against songs, the item number seems misplaced when it actually becomes a song. So does the song "Bharat Mata Ki" when Parmar magically bumps into the murderer Pitobash Tripati (Bhaggu) and a full-fledged sequence commences. It felt slightly out of tune with the film, as though one had succumbed to commercial pressures. The camera work too, was jarring and the close-crops were too close for comfort.

Banerjee, India's leading filmmaker, has not managed to make an impact or beat the standards his own films have set in the past. At the end though, we cannot forget the intent and effort behind such a film. It has no doubt raised standards of filmmaking in India and throws light on issues that otherwise mainstream cinema simply ignores. With brilliant all round performances, attention to detail and the sheer courage to take such a project to fruition, this films is definitely a must watch for all.

Boring

[alniyat-sc · 2/10 · 16 March 2014]

I watched this movie because of it's high rating and a review I read that praised Koechlins acting. Her acting came down to keeping the same expression for the duration of the movie. Closest that comes to mind is the acting in Twilight. The whole movie is slow, so slow you're tempted to wash a few dishes then come back see if it's moved on. The plot is nothing you haven't seen before. Actually it's less interesting than other movies of the same gender. The dialogs are delivered in a bored, slow voice. There are precious few dialogs but the way they're delivered they seem like the most boring of lectures, like they're deliberately trying to put you to sleep. It's completely lifeless. The actors seem numb. The camera captures everything but what you'd want to see. I supposed it was meant to be artsy. Still, the actors are walking on the road and we are seeing the shops on the other side. Really? Shot of the shops for maybe 3 minutes? Shot of someone smudging paint on a guys face for 2 minutes? Am I supposed to take the time and think deeply about it while the camera sits on nothing? On the whole a horrible movie.

A fine political revealer but certainly not for the masses.

[bobbysing · 6/10 · 14 June 2012]

As a subject this was indeed a brave and path-breaking choice made by Dibaker, who is sure going to be respected much more as a director post SHANGHAI. However, at the box office there is going to be a different story all together as the film certainly has much lesser elements for the masses going against all the expectations from the director of Khosla Ka Ghosla, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye and Love Sex Aur Dhokha. In fact all these three films had a certain dose of fun and comedy in their narration which was widely appreciated both by the critics as well as the viewers. But as far as SHANGHAI is considered,it is undoubtedly going to be a "Critics movie" more than the masses.

The film is based on Greek writer Vassilis Vassilikos' political novel "Z" on which director Costa-Gavras also made his project titled "Z" (French) in 1969, which means "He is Alive" in a symbolic form. It received 2 Oscars and was widely appreciated by the Academy Award Jury and many more festivals all over. Having seen Costa-Gavras's classic, I can say that where "Z" is a sober, intense and realistic adaption of the novel, there "SHANGHAI" tries to walk on the same line while adding many deliberate commercial angles in its script to cater the Indian taste. For instance, the inclusion of 2 songs which don't really serve any purpose, the avoidable extra-marital affair of the honest leader and Emraan Hashmi portrayal as a porn film-maker. It seems that Emraan's illegal profession is simply added just to make the proceeding more spicy, whereas the inclusion never gets used properly in the entire script.

In the first half it all keeps moving at an average speed with Kalki impressing the most, followed by Emraan Hashmi. But there is very less of Abhay Deol in this period of film and he actually comes into action post intermission with a brilliant climax. Set in a fictitious city, the film talks about the same old predictable settings of political conspiracies, corrupt system, greedy politicians and their loyal workers ready to kill anyone for their party benefits. But SHANGHAI actually scores much higher than all the earlier political thrillers made in the country mainly due to its subtle and calm treatment of an intense plot which keeps you engrossed especially in its second half. Yet, if you are only there in the theater, looking for the entertainment as enjoyed in Dibaker's previous films then you might feel majorly dissatisfied in the end.

Here I would like to point out a very questionable drawback in the film which was not expected from a director like Dibaker. Now just imagine that a political leader (in 2012) gets a tip that a videographer has a tape which can reveal the real truth about his criminal activities. Now if he sends his goons to raid the videographer's house then what instruction they would have or what will they go for searching. Obviously they would go for all the tapes, computers and hard disks visible in his house because that's where the evidence can be hidden in the first place. But in SHANGHAI, a group of people raid the videographer house, throw everything out on the road but very strangely leave a whole CPU (Computer) lying right under the main editing table just like that.

Ignoring the above mentioned point, SHAHGHAI scores well due to its polished performances lead by Kalki, Emraan, Abhay & Pitobash. Frankly, imagining Emraan Hashmi in an ugly kind of getup and then, the "Kisser Boy" accepting the role too, shows the commitment from both the actor and the director towards their profession. Emraan takes a major transforming leap with this in his career and Abhay Deol once again proves that he has got a great understanding of the medium which he uses perfectly while selecting his projects. Being the only leading female character, Kalki shines brightly as a surprise package of the film because the girl could have been easily declared as a misfit to the role due to her western looks. But she honestly scores even better than Emraan & Abhay as the distressed girl fighting for her interest. After the lead cast comes Pitobash who is repeatedly exceptional in his short role along with Prosenjit Chatterjee, making a strong impact as the opposing leader. Farooque Sheikh and Supriya Pathak show their sparks towards the end and the supporting cast performs well in their brief roles.

Musically SHANGHAI also made me think about another sheer wastage of efforts in the Film Business. The question it raises is that when you are only going to use 1 or 2 songs in the movie itself then why to record a whole soundtrack of 6-7 different songs which are not going to reach the listeners at all unless the film becomes a big hit. As a result, though Vishal-Shekhar come up with just an above average score in this flick, still their whole effort of composing and recording the other songs of SHANGHAI would go un-noticed. Nevertheless, Cinematography remains the asset of the film as always in a Dibakar Bannerjee directed movie.

On the whole, for me SHANGHAI remains a fine political thriller but not a great one and certainly not a film made for the masses. It lacks the entertainment factor needed to win over the viewers and it also doesn't have the pace of an energetic powerful thriller (may be due to the absence of a suspense element in its predictable plot). But the film undoubtedly becomes a worth praising effort majorly due to its execution and superlative performances derived from the entire cast by the talented director.

Admittedly, my review here is based on the fact that I have seen the original Oscar winner "Z". But despite of this fact, SHANGHAI still remains a different kind of attempt from director Dibakar Bannerjee wherein he is not able to surpass his previous three films comparatively.

Decent follow up is with "Z"

[singh-karn · 9/10 · 8 June 2012]

I really enjoyed watching this latest Political thrillers like the west since our cinema mostly aims at only entertainment as an escape from the real life. The acting is great, the storyline is well written with adequate character development to let you get emotionally invested. The film is based on Greek writer Vassilis Vassilikos' political novel "Z" on which director Costa-Gavras also made his project titled "Z" (French) in 1969, which means "He is Alive" in a symbolic form. But SHANGHAI actually scores much higher than all the earlier political thrillers made in the country mainly due to its subtle and calm treatment of an intense plot which keeps you engrossed especially in its second half.Emraan Hashmi has shown real talent that he is much more capable of apart from smooching leading lady. If you love true cinema, go for SHANGHAI.

Amazing Thrille!

[TheDuckLord · 7/10 · 27 February 2020]

I bought the dvd in 2012 but haven't got time to watch! Im writing this review after finishing the movie eight years later of its release! And i must tell everything i literary mean every of this film is amazing! They dont make movies like this is bollywood! The film actually portrays the daily occurrences happens in india! Corruption and all! Director did great job! This film is a.must watch for the thriller lovers

It will compel you to question that Where is our country heading All thanks to Corrupt Politicians but Still Bharat Mata Ki Jai Bolo.

[parekhdhrumil-374-333873 · 9/10 · 8 June 2012]

No adjective to describe Shanghai.But i Will still try an 'Adjective' to describe it.Awesome Daunting Jittering Enigmatic Charming Terrific Intelligent Vivid Energetic is the Adjective i will use to describe it. The yardstick of watching a film is different for different people.There are some people who watch films merely for Entertainment and then there are some people who watch it to get knowledge,Awareness and for learning something new.You will like Shanghai even if your yardstick is former or later, its meant for both masses and classes.Just bit complex so masses (People who watches Films for entertainment) need to keep more attention on the screen to understand it better.You will definitely Learn many things after you watch the Movie Like- 1] How MNC's and corporates tie up with the government for getting acres of land where poor and middle class people stays to build their new institution,malls and Profit making infrastructure and how government fools the public that its a 'Development Project' for welfare of the country 2] How does scam happens in negotiation of making a tender for passing a contract 3] How does government manipulates and kills all the evidences that can bring them down etc. You may feel that you have seen all this before but the Execution by Dibakar banerjee is so intriguing and contemporary that you will get hooked to the film and will be on edge of the seat. Hats off to Dibakar banerjee for making such a awesome Political thriller which compels you to question that where is our country heading and you feel flabbergasted, shocked and also feel indignation at the corrupt state of affairs of the country.

Frankly, i went to watch the film because of Emraan hashmi but came out praising Abhay deol more, he really acts very well and you can see it in his eyes. As for Emraan hashmi, he is not bad, in fact he breaks all the stereotypes attached with him with Shanghai and shows his detractors and critics that he can act really well without foreign locations and urban clothes too.I am sure he will get all the 'Best Supporting Actor' award next year but since Dibakar banerjee is best friends with Abhay deol he gave more substantial and impressive role to Abhay. In comparison of Abhay, Emraan has bit small role but he still impresses audience and shines in the role. Kalki is repetitive but is overall okayish and looks cute and charming. Prosenjit chatterjee has a small role, sort of cameo and he excels. Faruque shaikh is superlative. Rest of the cast is perfect for their respective roles.

2 songs of the film 'Bharat mata ki Jai' and 'Morcha' are catchy and will be a rage and anthem in coming days.Background music is good too.Cinematography is top-notch and have captured the nuances and sepia-tone of small town perfectly. The writing is fantastic, though it is Inspired by 'Z' a 1969 novel but the writers have changed many important and substantial things to fit in contemporary India of 2012 for example they have changed the entire second half and have written original story for second half.The camera angles are in accordance with what the scene demands. I would not like to give away any minute details of plot and story, because it will spoil your fun and you will get the link so better you watch it and experience it yourself. Sorry if you were looking for the the plot, go to the next review.

Finally, with the running time of 1 Hour 50 mins i.e 110 Minutes this film is a well edited and crisp thriller which everyone should watch and should'NT miss if they care to see what is happening with our country and how the corrupt politicians are having the last laugh by fooling innocent people. Do watch it. Bharat mata ki Jai

Shanghai(U/A)-------------Rating: 3/5 GOOD

[yunusitboss · 6/10 · 3 August 2012]

Shanghai(U/A)-------------Rating: 3/5 GOOD

*It is a political thriller which starts slowly but ends up with a great twist... *Emraan ashmi character was awesome. where kalki-abhay were average.... *Songs were not good except "bharat mata and khudaaya" where as direction and camera was taken into the realistic feel....

• Story starts very slow but wraps up fast in the climax..... - Actress was disappointing in her performance....

Prime leader of a campaign against a big government project is killed in what appears to be a road accident. An IAS officer is ordered to probe the incident and the veils of falsehood begin to drop.

A political thriller told in a simple earthy manner. Chilling.

[madhupill2002-156-591749 · 8/10 · 8 June 2012]

"Until and unless you step out of your comfort zone and try something new, no new grounds will be broken, no new films will be launched, no new stars will be discovered, people won't get to see new stories and our industry will not be injected with new blood," director Dibakar Banerjee recently said.

With his latest film – "Shanghai," a political thriller - he appears to be staying true to his words.

With "Shanghai," which releases today, Mr. Banerjee takes an offbeat look at the drama of coalition politics and bureaucracy in India, featuring actors Abhay Deol, Emraan Hashmi and Kalki Koechlin in lead roles.

Set in a fictional city called Bharatnagar –set to become the "next Shanghai" as a redevelopment project kicks off – the film starts off with the 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 Mr. Deol, is put in charge of the investigation and a local videographer, interpreted by Mr. Hashmi, claims to have key evidence to resolve the case.

Mr. Banerjee has for long been synonymous with films that tackle big issues without being  overly preachy. There's the 2006 comedy drama "Khosla Ka Ghosla," about one family's struggle to get their land back from a property shark, or the well-crafted black comedy about a super thief in his 2008 film "Oye Lucky Lucky Oye."  Then, with his 2010 film "Love Sex Aur Dhokha" –shot entirely on a digicam – he turned to the subject of voyeurism, honor killings and sting operations.

A Political Drama Based in India

[alisafd · 6/10 · 6 July 2012]

There are few directors with the capability to pull audiences on their own, irrespective of the cast and story. Dibakar definitely makes the cut. To add to it the promotion and music were hugely popular making it one of the highly anticipated movies of the year.

Abhay Deol once again proves his mettle as and off beat actor in the role of an IAS officer Krishnan. However, the real revelation of the movie is definitely Emraan Hashmi, who as Jogi is fabulous. His expressions and acting seems to have miraculously reached new levels. Keep it up. Kalki didn't have much to do and so fits the bill.

The story is not new. Set in Bharatnagar, it explores the political and business manifestations about land acquisition and development. What are the games played for profit and how the common man suffers? It makes us think how corrupt the system around us is. However, the brilliant ending does give us hope. There are good people as well.

So, I guess the question to answer is "Was it worth it?" The answer is a dicey one. The storyline was definitely engrossing but the pace could have been better. The sub plots were introduced beautifully but their significance and integration with the main story left a lot to be desired for instance the case of Shalini's (Kalki) father. The political equations and repercussions are very well highlighted though and at no point of time it escapes the realms of reality. It stays very true to politics and to India.

Shanghai for Bollywood too

[silvan-desouza · 8/10 · 13 June 2012]

Bollywood often is known for making masala films,revenge stories, romantic films, SHANGHAI is a political thriller unlike most political films

The story may sound similar and straightforward but the way the film is written and directed, it's spectacular.

The film is an adaptation from the novel Z which was made into a film in 1969 in Hollywood, Dibakar Banerjee who gave us KHOSLA KA GHOSLA(2006), OYE LUCKY LUCKY OYE(2008) and LSD(2010) comes back with another winner.

When I first heard of the film, I was surprised seeing the cast, as Emraan and Abhay belong to 2 different sensibilities in filmmaking and do different kinda films, Am a big fan of DB and was awaiting too see how this trio will make a great film.

The film is not too easy to understand and many places it is left to the audiences to figure out and it may get taxing for our audiences who are used to seeing spoonfed masala films like the recent ROWDY RATHORE.

The film starts off well and the story moves well, The twist is well handled, the entire political scandal, Emraan Hashmi's story and also Abhay Deol's doing an inquiry are well handled.

The games played in politics are well played here, the film mostly refrains from melodrama, Also certain scenes are ahead for the audiences like the kiss between Kalki and Prosenjit and also several more. The film refuses to take sides which also is different.

the film keeps you engrossed throughout though it may get dry for our audiences yet the director also does keep his trademark smart humour scenes which do work. The twist in the climax is superb and also the ending.

Direction is superb Music is superb, there are only 2 songs in the film Imported Kammariya is okay, Bharat Mata Ki Jai is superb with Emraan dancing like never before. Morcha is used in the background Dialogues are superb

Emraan Hashmi keeps startling you, just after his predictable JANNAT 2 he returns in a new avtar, with dirty teeth and his paunch but his dedication to the work is superb, He is simply superb in his role in both light and dramatic scenes, this film may shut up his detractors, He has no kiss, the only grey element is that he directs porn movies. Earlier he used to get good roles only in Bhatt films, the rest always relied on his kissing skills but nowdays he is doing good roles mostly from outside banners while Bhatts still show him in same routine. Abhay Deol excels yet again, showing his versatility, he gets into the skin of character perfectly his tamil does seem a bit fake Kalki repeats her act from last few films and needs to go beyond her shocked expressions but does well in several scenes. Prosenjit leaves a mark Pitobash is effective, a true natural Farooque Sheikh makes a terrific comeback, he is simply outstanding Supriya Pathak leaves a mark in a cameo while Kiran Karmarkar is good too It's a relief to see Anant Jog who was seen in stupid politician roles in SINGHAM and ROWDY RATHORE do something worthwhile and he does a great job rest all are good too, especially the servant and the actress playing Prosenjit's wife

A different piece of story telling....

[koustav_net · 7/10 · 10 June 2012]

Shanghai – Moments before entering the theatre, few questions that kept on lingering in my mind….Can Dibakar Banerjee live upto the hype that is surrounding Shanghai? How will the Hashmi – Deol combination look on screen? How will Bumba Da (Prosenjit) perform in a Hindi movie and above all, "Will I like it?"

10 mins into the movie and you know thisone is not the kind of movie we are too accustomed with or rather, I should say, comfortable with. At the onset itself, the movie throws at us an array of diverse characters coming from varied strata's of society with their own motives and own propagandas, keeping the audiences guessing about the significance of those characters. One incident and all the characters started falling into place as the story progresses. With a good amount of time dedicated towards character build ups, the story moves at a snail's pace in the first half, but nevertheless, setting up a premise for a more gripping second half to unravel the mystery.

And, the second half does live up to that, but the director plays it subtly, rather very subtly. With none of the characters going overboard or no such "big inspiring" speeches on corruption, the film gets as much real as possible and giving enough screen time to the characters to showcase their acting skills. And what sets this movie apart from the crowd, the way as an audience one will have to take participation to solve the mystery, the director never says it at your face, one just need to decipher it, and this is where the movie succeeds as well as falters. Some might like it, many more might dislike and few others like me are still asking, "Did I like it?", but more than being a good or bad movie, it is an important movie.

Acting wise, the performances are top notch. Emraan Hashmi came up with one of his best performance, shredding away from his cool urban image and getting into the uncouth & rustic skin of Jogi - Exceptional. Followed by Abhay Deol, restrained and excellent is the word to describe his act, though his tamil accent was not consistent throughout (one scene calling enquiry as "yenquiry" and next scene again back to "enquiry"). Sadly, Bumba da's (Prosenjit) role was too short to be judged. Kalki also did a decent job, on the lines of her previous movies.

And what the movie preaches….however corrupt our systems are, however crimes are committed in the name of development, we will always keep on chanting "Jai Bharat Mata Ki Jai"

Apart from Abhay, everything else sucked big time

[shivam-ga · 1/10 · 5 August 2012]

I used to be a fan of Dibakar Banerjee. I literally loved his direction in 'Oye Lucky Lucky Oye' and 'Khosla's Nest'. 'Love Sex and Dhokha' was an unusual item in the bag. With great anticipation i went on to see the first day first show of 'Shanghai'. Incidentally i was with a girl and it was her B'day. I had her believed that Shanghai would be a great movie. The trailers were critical and i knew this was going to be a dark subject movie unlike the previous ones.

I might not be a good critic but i can profoundly say that the movie sucked on every level. Keeping aside the 1500 odd movies that i have seen, even if i was a naive i would rate it awful! I mean the story, acting, direction and whatever it takes to make a movie were essentially dismal. i destroyed a B'day....please you don't.

DON'T WATCH IT

Must watch for fans of serious Bollywood...

[hardeep-pathak · 7/10 · 9 June 2012]

"Shanghai" is a rare political thriller which does not use exaggeratedly dramatic plots and that makes it all the more difficult to execute... I respect Dibakar Banerjee for masterfully executing almost each and everything... Right from the set-up to cinematography to music to those dark scenes to acting... Emraan Hashmi's acting takes you by surprise for a change; rest all of them are good too and the mini truck driver Pitobash (Bhaggu) needs a mention; he can be the next Rajpal Yadav for the industry...

A slow build up in the first half picks up amazingly later on and the movie ends at the peak. You'll like Abhay Deol's style in the end sequence... A good watch but a little less than what I expected out of Dibakar Banerjee. I experienced a little disconnect in the movie at times, the first half could've been more rewarding I believe... Though the movie is slow, I like it...

Shanghai kicks in the teeth, surprises, engages and makes a powerful statement... Must watch for fans of serious Bollywood... I'm being a little stingy while giving 7 stars to the movie...