And of course Amitabh! This Police flick, from Director Rajkumar Santoshi, starts with much aplomb. Crisp dialogues, Slick Camerawork and an inspiring Background Score (by Ram Sampat) provide ’’the Hollywood touch’’ to this cops and mantris caper.
DISCLAIMER: If you are expecting to read about the plot/storyline, stop now.
DCP Anant Kumar - Amithabh Bachan
After 30 years as an unblemished and largely ineffective cop, the DCP finally gets a crack at ’’real’’ police-work. His mission is to escort the alleged terrorist, Ansari, to face trial in Mumbai.
Inspector Shekhar - Akshay Kumar
The mildly corrupt, but lovable cop (!) provides the laughter/comic element and the audience applauds his one-liners. Akshay Kumar is excellent!
Gupte - Tusshar
Finally Tusshar comes of age, and he executes his role as the rookie cop with sincerity.
Havaldars
These two actors play their parts to perfection. Kudos to them for portraying the face of the Mumbai Police, the havaldar, with courage and dignity.
(ex) Inspector Angre - Ajay Devgan
The most un-inspiring performance of recent times (by Ajay Devagan). His portrayal of a one-eyed, ex cop turned do-it-all baddie is a huge let-down. His streaked hair, designer sun-glasses and slick wardrobe are all ingredients of an un-convincing baddie. Disappointed.
Deodhar - Acne-face
If this guy intends to pursue a film career, he needs to go see a skin doctor first. Then an attire consultant.
The Verdict
The first half is very well directed, but post interval, the movie loses all its steam. The melodrama, dishoom dishoom scenes are staple Hindi movie fare, that we can do without. See it for Amitabh, who proves yet again, there can be no other Superstar in Hindi filmdom (as you may have guessed, I’m not a big fan of Ash’s on and off screen histrionics).