Traffic

Not very often you come across a movie which makes you feel the spirit of a nation and given the diversity of culture, demographics, religion, beliefs and value systems India offers a big big challenge.

This movie is not merely a thrilling portrayal of how a human heart was driven from Mumbai to Pune in 2008, amidst rains and high traffic on a weekday against all hurdles to save the life of a girl in the nick of time. It is far more than that.

It says the story of people who want to stand up despite falling down and being disgraced, those who want to take responsibility despite knowing that the chances of winning are slim, those who make tough emotional choices to let their loved ones go, story of people who despite their wealth and fame appear utterly helpless in front of fate...and so on

Traffic is a story of a medley of characters, placed in different situations, with different background, united on a common mission,all abound in their errors and imperfections. And it is a story of rising above those odds and fighting till the end with all stakes in..

A tight script and apt background score, ingenious story telling and natural performances from everyone makes this small budget small duration movie carve out a place for itself. More than anything this movie has a spirit beyond its celluloid. It triumphs in the diversity of India and how her people can come together because they just want something so succeed.

Based on a true story and a Malayalam movie of the same name, Traffic, showcases the heroic efforts of the police force, who successfully transport a heart between two cities by road. Superstar Dev Kapoor's (Prosenjit Chatterjee) daughter is critically ill and can only be saved if she gets a donor heart in time. Meanwhile in Mumbai, a journalist (Vishal Singh) meets with an accident and has just a few hours to live. Knowing that their son won't survive, his parents decide to donate his heart to the ailing girl.Manoj Bajpayee as Constable Godbole is absolutely fantastic. The actor delivers an outstanding performance but is let down by a weak script. Besides Bajpayee, none of the actors get enough screen time, which is a blessing as they ham it up big time. Jimmy Shergill does get some witty lines in which he criticizes Mumbai's roads and traffic but besides that the actor has very little to do. It is disappointing to see Divya Dutta, Vikram Gokhale, and Sachin Khedekar play such poorly written characters.

There is very little to appreciate in Traffic. However, if you are a fan of over-the-top thrillers, this one may appeal to you.

Inspired by a real-life incident, the story of the movie Traffic revolves around how soon can you clear crazy traffic jam while it is pouring heavily between Mumbai to Pune to transport a beating heart of a brain-dead person to rescue a deceasing patient.

The honesty with which relationships are portrayed in the movie is commendable. From breaking stereotypes to a policeman seeking redemption, a celebrity being arrogant even when while facing a personal tragedy, helping someone else while the mother is herself in grief, every character teaches you a life lesson!

The recurring time-stamps and the zig-zag narratives of the film give you the thrill of a race, a race against time and commands all your attention. The most gripping part of "Traffic" is the road journey that keeps you on the edge of your seats! Manoj Bajpayee, the police constable leaves a powerful impact on your minds with his eagerness to complete what seems to be impossible mission! Even Jimmy Shergill needs to be lauded for doing justice to his role. Exactly what you can expect from an award winning, experienced star cast!

I wouldn't disagree to the fact that there were a few minor flaws in the movie. Having said that, I believe that Traffic is a movie that deserves a round of applause because it depicts human spirit in the time of crisis. It is about life giving you a second chance. One must watch it for all the inspiration it offers! As they say sometimes even a wrong turn can take you in the right direction.

Director Late Mr. Rajesh Pillai work is good. He enhances the pace of film by his perfect way of shot taking and narration. Story by Sanjay and Bobby, is based upon few real incidents and developed interestingly. Screenplay by Suresh Nair is fine. Dialogues are very lame and boring. This subject would have received good support from dialogues but they are just informative or even irritating. Like the conversation between chief medical superintendent and Traffic Commissioner is very raw which is a crucial scene of the film. I was complete aware about the beginning and end of this film by just watching the trailer but after that witnessing the journey was interesting. Emotional angle are placed in very balanced way. Like between the dead guy Rehan and Aditi, in few shot and words it is clear about there concern, hesitation and care. When doctor allows just one person to visit him, Rehan friend decides to send Aditi inside. It was very emotional. Rehan father notices it and calls Aditi in climax, which established father helpful and progressive nature. This way Rehan father character is justified very ably. Manoj Bajpeyee character is also justified in good way, the reason to prove himself. His daughter angle and the cause behind his humiliation just in brief flashes are perfect. The sub track of doctor Abel looks stuffed a bit. Hero in this film is 'Tata Safari Storme'. Actions scenes need especial mention. They are just perfect and keep you at the edge of seat. Credit goes to K.S.Prakash and R.P.Yadav. Performance wise Manoj Bajpeyee as constable Godbole is first rate. He gives you the feel of a real constable which is determined to prove himself. Sachin Khedekar as Rehan father is very good, especially in emotional scenes. Jimmy Shergil as traffic commissioner is good.

Traffic is inspired by a real-life incident from 2008 in Tamil Nadu that was reported in the news media. The story of the Hindi film version, as far as can be told without spoilers, is this: A 12- year-old girl called Riya, daughter of film star Dev Kapoor (Prosenjit Chatterjee) and his wife Maya, is struggling for her life in Pune.

Meanwhile, newbie journalist and road accident victim Rehaan Ali is on a ventilator in a Mumbai hospital. Doctors have virtually given up hope for him. His parents agree to donate their son's heart to save Riya. With time running out for her and all flights grounded due to poor visibility, the organ must be transported 160km by road in 150 minutes.