Johnny Gaddaar

A combination of slickness and intelligence is rare in Hindi cinema. 'Johnny Gaddaar' is one such film. Not only is it slick and intelligent, it has a gripping fast-paced plot, impressive performances (none bad), keeps you at the edge of the seat and entertains. It just kept me so involved! I loved the numerous reference to Indian classics (like 'Bandini', 'Johnny Mera Naam' and so many more) and the Chase novels. The dark humour provides several laugh out loud moments e.g. during the second scene Dharmendra turns on the stereo to listen to his wife sing. Raghavan's inspiration clearly shows (note inspiration NOT ripoff) and the man did one hell of a job in creating an Indian pulp fiction!

The cast itself is a smartly gathered unusual ensemble that works very well. Dharmendra rocks as the leader of the gang. This guy has brought a wise freshness in his last three films (the other two being 'Life..in a Metro' and 'Apne'). Zakir Hussain, Govind Namdeo and Vinay Pathak are great in their parts. Ashwini Kalsekar is natural while Rimi Sen is no good. However, 'Johnny Gaddaar' rests on débutant Neil Nitin Mukesh. The actor isn't fully comfortable in front of the camera but his awkwardness and novel presence fits the character (who is the newest member of the gang).

The background score deserves special mention. The instrumental tracks heard in spy movies, the trance music...all add a nice and cool touch. The item number in the end could have been shortened but the songs give a feel of the wild 70s.

Raghavan's debut film 'Ek Hasina Thi' happens to be one of my favorite thrillers. Now I can add his second film to my favorites! Even though the plot becomes slightly predictable during the last 45 minutes, it doesn't lose its charm. It's a howdunnit rather than a whodunnit. Undoubtedly, one of the most enjoyable films of the year and one of the best of its genre to come out from India.

There have been very few proper thrillers in Indian film industry, and counting few good ones in them is easy task. However here comes a movie that has the potential to redefine the genre. Most probably this movie will prove to be a dud at Box office, however it will sure go down as a cult for generations to come.

In most of the thrillers that I have seen, I am able to second guess the director on what he is going to show. However this movie is something that didn't let me do that. Even though the pacing seemed to be slow in parts, however it actually was never slow. Every few minutes the events took a dramatic change, and even though you realize that this could have been expected, however it was not.

This is type of cinema that I prefer to enjoy alone, not with friends Or with family. Simply go into the theater and immerse yourself.

My only regret is the way the music was used. Initially only the title track was released but later there was an elaborate album. And it was one of the best score to hit the shelves in a long time. The album gave an impression that it was not typical Bollywood fare, however would be used in background. It had some excellent themes and instrumental pieces and sometimes it gave an impression if modern day Hollywood themes were inspired from Bollywood of 70's, and one expected those pieces to play a pivotal role to elevate the movie. However they were hardly used in the movie, except for couple of occasions.

Since I have heard the original album, that is the reason my expectations were sky high from the background music and theme music of the music, but still its a rare masterpiece coming out of Bollywood. This one deserves an elaborate DVD version.

***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED at ANY COST !! *****

Sriram raghavan again throws an ace with this movie. This man has incredible talent and is the director to watch out for. Best thing about the movie is it keeps u thinking throughout the movie what will happen next.Good thing is that he has not added any boring songs which could have ruined this movie instead used it as background score in most scenes.This movie is closet anyone can get to Hollywood thrillers. Niel Mukesh is a great find and the star to look out for. Sadly when i watched this yesterday half the theater was empty. But each and every person in the theater enjoyed it and gave a standing ovation when movie was over. Unfortunately the movie is released at the wrong time. Imagine so many good films hitting the screens like dhol,dhamal,loins of punjab,Manaroma and to add Chak de India. But this is one of a kind and i enjoyed every bit.

I have sat through below average movies several times because I have always believed in something 'keep your expectations low and you are in for a positive surprise'. However, I have been reading the pre release media coverage on this one and had it on in my watch list. I had expectations on this set already and usually it contrives the other way round, but this one proved me wrong. I still get to gain, since this is something which I rate as a rare cinematic experience as far as bollywood goes. I believe its a very brave effort to even think about a plot and to give it the look it has. With more of fantasy driven plots doing the rounds at bollywood box office, movies which venture in to unexplored territories always score better with me. Not just that, this one has quite a few reasons. Cinematography - It takes you to the retro era of the 70's. The color combinations of black and blood red, with the tall fonts for cast and the posters is very pleasing and reminiscing of the era of not so technical but still gruesomely intense thrillers of the 70's. Its a real tribute to that era.

Music - The title track is one of the best and looks like to be a big hit already. The blend of the old and the contemporary techno music is very refreshing.

Plot - The unpredictability is something which has not been seen in a while considering that you know the culprit through out. It makes you see the movie through the eyes of the characters. Its like a anti-climax repeated several times. It keeps your brain cells on the toes and you better not sit back and relax if you don't want to appear dumb after wards.

The performances have been superb and still it manages to have its own humorous moments as well. It reminds me of 'Sholay' since there are so many scenes which appear so discretely superb but blend in perfectly.

Highly recommended to the metro-plex audiences.

It's the retro age - Recently i saw this Tarantino film (must admit I'm a huge fan of his!!) on the Grindhouse backdrop and it amazed me because of the recreated era - sublimely yet effectively treated and brought on screen. I kept wondering whether I will ever lay my eyes on any such film in the Hindi Film Industry.

Sriram Raghavan (of "Ek Hasina Thi" fame) has much the same treatment for us - Shock and Awe. Yes!! It is a complete disappointment for the people' who can predict every twist and turn while watching a Thriller - because the film is genuinely UNPREDICTABLE, right till the credits flash across your gaping faces. (I'm sure you will be staring in sheer disbelief at the audacity of the Director) It is the treatment that blows you off - and the director is not even shy to reveal his "inspirations" for he surpasses them! The plot is about a supposedly well planned and organized barter of things gone wrong - "The Gang" of Five wants to get hold of something which requires a payment of 2.5 crores, an investment which shall get doubled with time. But someone among them betrays. You get to know about who the betrayer is, but not the other four in the gang. It sets off a chain of events that involves five underhand dealers, their families, a cop has a perfect denouement. It is almost like a short story - leaves you yearning for more, just as you thought you knew it whole! Fast and slick - right from the credits which is sexy and suave, through the images - that of Johny's transition from warmth exuding from the eyes to that cold glimpse which petrifies, from Pune to Goa and back again, the bars, the "in-built" and "in-sync" songs, the promises made only to be broken, the message is clear - Evil begets Evil and consumes Evil too.

The actors are brilliant (except for Neil who does a good job, but somehow he seemed to be emulating rather than delivering originality). Be it VInay Pathak, Dharmendra or Zakir Husaain, their characters have been sketched to perfection. Watch out for the ironies and the metaphors that have sublimely been blended into the film (say for instance, Why the name "Johny Gaddar" ?)...

The camera work has to be seen to be believed. The editing is absolutely A-class. The soundtrack is a perfect foil to the hectic pace of the film. Yes it might have its share of flaws (a particular thread which has no "suitable" ending), but they are an iota to the grandiose treat that I'm sure you shall relish for years to come...

I might just add - Watch it on the Big Screen. It's a perfect fit. Hats off to you Mr. Raghavan!!