Shanghai Review & Story

Ratting         * * * *
Directed by   DibakarBanerjee

Music by        Vishal-Shekhar

Star Cast        Emraan Hashmi as joginder     
                           Parmar(Film maker),

                           Abhay Deol as IAS Officer,

                           Kalki Koechlin as Shalini Sahay,

                           Prosenjit Chatterji as Dr Ahmadi           

Language     Hindi

Budget          15 crore Approx

Country        India

The film officially adapts its plot from Vassilis Vassilikos' Greek novel, Z

Story 

The story of Shanghai revolves around the assassination of a political activist (Prosenjit Chatterjee), who is seen opposing an upcoming infrastructure projectin Bharat Nagar that is backed by the ruling political party. Though it is initially learnt as a drunken accident, Shalini (KalkiKoechlin) believes it as a cold-blooded murder. While porn filmmaker (Emraan Hashmi) claims to have the proof that will bring the government down. A high-ranking bureaucrat (Abhay Deol) has been appointed to investigate the case. One can easily witness Banerjee's versatility and clarityin his film making through Shanghai . Shanghai is one of the most bravest attempt of Banerjee. it is based on the raw truths of the current times.

Review

Talking about the characters, every actor has given their best. Dibakar's chemistry with Abhay Deol proved successful both critically and commercially. Deol, playing a South Indian IAS officer, makes a mark for his role in the film.  Coming to our very own Mr Serial Kisser, Emraan Hashmi, you can see a completely new Emraan this time. Hashmi has redefined his lover boy image in Shanghai and shines as the vulnerable Jogi Parmar. It looks like Emraan Hashmi is on a winning streak these days after Jannat 2, The Dirty Picture , and now Shanghai. Kalki Koechlin shows the right measure of intensity in her impressive act. Prosenjit Chatterjee is good but doesn't get much scope in a short-lived character. Pitobash's character is precisely an extension to what he played in Shor in the City and the actor is getting typecast. Anant Jog is retrained as compared to his recent over-the-top acts in Singham and Rowdy Rathore .Farooq Sheikh is splendid as the scheming politician.Other Actors Performance is ok.

Direction

Banerjee's direction in Shanghai is sure to impress you with sensuous socialism and capitalism ideologies with a strong story line. In short, Dibakar succeeds in keeping us engrossed throughout the film.

Music

Coming to the music, the song 'Bhaarat Mata Ki Jai' needs a special mention as it has created good buzz all around. 'Imported Kamariya' has also become a chart-buster.

Whats Gud

• The beauty of the film lies in the simplicity of the storytelling which is engaging yet very real.
• The music by Vishal & Shekhar is strictly ok but thebackground score by Mikey McLeary is absolutely fantastic.
• The movie packs some great acting and splendid direction. The raw and real storyline makes Shanghai a must watch.

Verdict

On the whole, Shanghai is a serious motion picture that has a voice, unlike the typical and usual masala movies This is by far Dipakar Banerjees best film and is a perfectly crafted and well designed thriller. Go for it