Shootout at Lokhandwala

In some ways, "Shootout at Lokhandwala" is typical of many Bollywood films. Even thought it's about gangsters and terrorists, these killers take time out for huge song and dance numbers! I really don't think these worked very well considering the subject matter in this film. However, in another way the movie is very unusual. It is one of the most violent Indian films I have seen--with a few particularly grisly deaths (such as seeing a close up of a woman being run over). In this sense, it certainly isn't typical!

The film is based on actual real life events--so to some degree it had to be violent. After all, the thugs were horrible and violent people--there's no denying that. And, the ultimate showdown between them and the police DID result in a long standoff during which more than 1500 shots were fired! So, making it non-violent wouldn't have worked...though the film doesn't shy away from violence in the least. It's not a film to show small kids, that's for sure.

As for the quality of the film, it's quite nice. The acting is fine and it was unusual to see Amitabh Bachchan playing a cop who is at times difficult to like. But the film, despite being exciting and well acted does occasionally degenerate into macho theatrics-- especially during the big finale--though I must admit that the cigarette scene and the coat rack was amazingly cool. Overall, it's a film best for folks who want a lot of action and killing. It might seem a strange film to folks outside India, as its end justifying the means angle is unusual to say the least.