I really got annoyed reading the reviews of Badri & Rasik. I wanted to comment but it would have been a long comment, hence I chose to post my opinion of the film. To Badri & Rasik – No offence, friends – you are entitled to your opinion, but as passionate movie watchers, you will agree that if a film that you enjoy very much is being passed off as ‘just another’ film by somebody, then it arouses fiery and passionate feelings within you. The same thing happened to me after reading your reviews. You are welcome to post your opinions on my review – in fact, I look forward to that 
Shanghai – What a film! What detailing. Starts from the very first scene in which the goon wonders what is the english word for ‘mutton’ (later on he is even shown attending English classes!). To one of the last shots in which Emraan’s character is shown to be ‘untraceable’ (he has yet again run away from a problem – he has been running away from problems ever since his father gave him options; ladna hai ya bhaag-na hai – the only fight he did in his life has resulted in this story!
Dibakar creates detailed fleshed out characters in Krishnan, Jogi, Dr. Ahmadi, Aruna, Shalini. Just like in Oye Lucky, he skillfully utilizes charater traits and the environment to aid his story telling. Take the scene in which he reveals the relationship between the driver and the maid servant, the electric ropelight in the deity (in the background) dims up! Or the scene in which Dr. Ahmadi passes away – his wife, the doctors, police officers are inside the ICU – his actual wellwishers are outside the ICU- and when the camera pans from ICU to outside, it focuses momentarily on the ‘No Entry’ sign! Or the scene in which Krishnan uses his laptop to perform his Puja! Or the fantastic scene in which Farooq Sheikh is too speechless that he even forgets to eat his Paneer Tikka that he is holding! There are so many memorable moments in the film that makes you recall fondly. Like Jogi’s mobile showing that the call is from ‘Dreemgirl’! Or the one in which Dr. Ahmadi’s character so firmly established as ’Chaalu’ – he gets down from the Chartered flight, sees that the press is mobbing around the bollywood actress and immediately goes to her to take advantage of the situation! (The press gives him just a couple of minutes – it shifts its focus back to the actress – but that is sufficient enough for the opportunist Dr. Ahmadi). Or Mrs. Kaamdaar closing the door during the enquiry and running back to her seat.(How well it demonstrates our bureaucracy – that it functions only to please the bosses).
I was reminded of Satya and Company during the scene in which a kid interrupts the enquiry proceedings when a basketball from the outside ground enters the room. And the scene immediately after that – both Shalini and then Krishnan skid outside in the wet corridor. How often do we see this kind of detailed writing about the environment in which the scene takes place, that adds to the subtle drama?
In the last shot of the film, the frame freezes just a microsecond before the van is about to mow down Dr. Ahmadi, and Dr. Ahmadi gives a questioning look at the audience. He seems to ask the sudience, now that you have seen it, what are you going to do about it? That single shot made me lose my sleep.
This is not a film for lazy afternoon watching. And in my opinion, this is not a film for lazy reviewing either – so if you dont like it, keep your mouth shut – if you choose to review it in a public platform, please do not be lazy about it.
Anand
Management Professional, Avid Reader, Student, Movie Enthusiast, Doting Father & Husband
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Every one has his right to his or view, but telling others to shut up is not the right thing to do.I have not yet seen the movie,so not commenting on the content of the film,
Juvenile reviewing- funny how having a net connection makes everyone take their opinion seriously enough to tell other poeple to shut up.
Abhay – Asswin: Thanks. Suggest watch the film too.Its a great film.
I have seen the film. Besied all the trivia moments you listed, its a lifeless piece. For everyone calling it a political thriller- where is the thrill? and where is a story?
Bye Bye Abhay. We will do well not to argue with each other as I think the argument may never be constructive. Best wishes to you.
If you read my review carefully i have clearly written that the attention given to detail is a big plus of the film and have also mentioned the few places where i was particularly impressed by the detailing.
I have also praised the movie enough and have definitely not said that it is ‘just another’ film.
But i think you can’t call a movie to be great only because of its detailing or because such detailing is rare in Indian cinema. Other aspects like the narration definitely could have been better. And don’t you think the thrill aspect was missing? What about Kalki’s character? A little too many issues to call it a great film.
How can you say that my review was a lazy attempt only because i haven’t highly praised it? Also, it is very natural for people to have a difference of opinion on a film. So if you say you disagree with me on the film, perfectly alright. But you can’t tell anybody to shut up just because you don’t agree with his thoughts on the film.
Boss there are many more nice subtle moments like the goonda threatening emraan and pitobash(incl the dialogue about sensex and dying) and farooq sheikh saying what the enquiry should focus on. I had indicated too in my review that there are such moments, but I could not have afforded to focus on each and every one of them, lest I repeat the same mistake as Dibakar of losing the forest for the trees. I have seen this pattern with few other ad film maker turned directors too such as Balki and Jayendra(180). Cinema for me is not a collection of 50-100 2 mt ads where each and every one should be picture perfect and poetic to the frame. It is great to have such moments and shots, but those are additional to a central goal of a great plot, strong sequences and vivid character sketches. Again these are all only my humble opinions and am not gifted enough like some to consider only myself worthy of giving an opinion and those who disagree as fools who need to shut up
Rangan has put it most aptly ‘Memorable filmmaking, but not memorable film’.
All good moments necessarily does not make a great film and even though I am sure you enjoyed the film more than them it does not mean it is a case of lazy watching or reviewing as the mentioned posts also explain what are the faults with the movie..
And well to ask them to shut up is as hilarious as you are claiming this one to be a great film for I have seen the film and sorry to say it did not stir me as it could have…
Okay…at the outset, sorry guys for asking you to keep your mouth shut
. I guess I should have kept my mouth shut when I was writing that line.
. I like the format of your review, though. It is a classic format.
Ajay: To each his own. I think it is an important film, and it will be considered a classic in future..just like Dile Se or Oye Lucky.
Rasik: Rangan, in my opinion is the best reviewer in the country. But in this case, I do not agree with Rangan’s view – memorable filmmaking but not memorable film???WTF? What is the meaning of this? Only Rangan knows. The problem with Rangan is that he is so gifted, he can decide which side he is going to take and then frame his arguments accordingly. For instance, he could have pointed out the flaws in this film and then go on to say all the plus points, and then could have summarized that it may not be a memorable film, but filmmaking at its memorable best! The review would have been equally great! That is his greatness – but lack of drama ‘as we know it’ is not a good enough reason for me to say that movie is not great. The script is intended to be that way. Rasik – About your review, I still maintain my opinion – that it has completely missed the point of the film – Let us agree to disagree
Badri – ‘but I could not have afforded to focus on each and every one of them’ – You have a point and I completely agree to it. But I dont agree to the reason that you are giving -forest and trees et al!
Ur observations and dibakar’s detailing is commendable, but please take some time out and elaborate on what was the movie trying to get at and I’m sure ur excitement has something to it. Something must have hit you in the gut at the end to conjure this excitement. I felt it was a very pointless film in respect to giving any insight, or even convincingly putting forth any ideas. Politicians are corrupt,policemen are powerless, ias guys have conscience and poor people are helpless. We all know this. That line from rangan about the corruption in system bieng institutionalized sums everything up about what’s wrong with this movie
The fact that the movie is based on the 60′s novel ‘Z’ by Vassilis Vassilikos is the point of the film. This is shown in bold letters in the beginning of the film. What is written in 60′sabout Greece is so relevant to India today. How can we be so indifferent to it?
Just for your information, I found this on Greece by Jeff Randall. This is written in 2011! The article is titled ‘Its the Corruption, Stupid!’
The state’s accumulated borrowings are equal to about 160 per cent of national output. Greece cannot afford to service the interest, much less repay the capital. The country is, in effect, insolvent. Without the largesse of outsiders – many billions in bail-outs from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union – it would already have collapsed into bankruptcy.
In a last-ditch effort to stave off such an outcome, the Greek government is trying something new – well, new for Greece. It’s treating tax collection as a process that requires more rigour than passing round a church plate. There is much to shoot for: about €30 billion (£26.2 billion), or 12 per cent of GDP, are lost to tax cheats every year. The idea is that public-spirited citizens ring up and snitch on those they suspect of tax dodging. This is the human factor in a much bigger war: Greece’s life?or-death struggle with the Debt Beast. When I mention that we in Britain have similar issues with dissolute politicians – MPs who fiddle expenses – Greeks, rich and poor, laugh in my face. To them, a few thousand pounds here and there for duck houses and dodgy mortgages are barely worth an inquiry. The problem in Greece is of a completely different magnitude. Pillaging at the top by politicians, doctors, lawyers and even tax investigators gives those further down the ladder a justification for what some call “tax resistance” and others “tax protection”. The result, according to the World Bank, is that the black market now makes up nearly a third of Greece’s economy- Jeff Randall on today’s Greece in The Telegraph
Iraanand I suggest you watch 1969 oscar winning best foreign film Z, I am not a greek, but i was outraged … I mean the film makes you hate police and fascist … You need to understand the socio-political background of Europe … whole western Europe were taught that communist are pest … and it was tremendous propaganda against communism … in 1969 was the general people used to think socialist as anti nationalist … the film is set up in that environment … SEZ is nothing … it should be anti corruption movement or say killing of somebody like binayak sen or medha patkar or far that matter Tata Singur like situation … Thats where 60′s greek and India matches today … where state and Media propaganda makes the public blind and in that setup protagonist of Z, ie Abhay’s character in Shanghai takes the stand … against police, politics and general public opinion … setup is weak … and either you read Z or watch film Z , you yourself reliase that characters in shanghai are weak and farcical … and when they are about to touch you and make an impact they withdrawn in the screenplay.
it’s a pointless film .. Quite right as it ends in a same way as it started .. Anathor minister same ibp same truck driver .. Same abyss same circle and the hopelessness of it ….the truth that nobody cares . There is no insight and no new idea in this film.. Because for me this film was a mirror to the current scenario of our country ..and I abs loved the detailings .. The way dibakar has shown the contrast in society . When abhay talks with madamji ..focus is on a guy who is holding bottle and towel on his left is farrouqe sheikh on treadmill and on right abhay is talking . After peeing when krishnan wants to wash his hand automatically a guy pours water from a mineral water bottle . Ibp is a big dream with skyscrapers and all but when u can’t give even the basic facilities to aam junta .. It’s a satire on those who are in favor that india will be the next super power it will soon be a developed nation . We can’t imagine that government will ever become corruption free or police will really help us whenever we will need them . It’s pointless. It’s tough to survive in this country ..each of shanghai’s character exploit whatever little opportunity comes in their way . Dr ahmedi became a celebrity without any real work and rehabilitation . Truck driver was worried about his lorry throughout . Jaggu in a simridhi English classes which was sponsored by his damle ji. Emraan’s bro records minister call .Shalini wrote a book about dr ahmedis death .. Mrs ahmedi became the next cm contender supporting ibp. Emraan is again untraceable . Abhay did whatever he could do and result is Anathor enquiry . .. It’s pointless to even show this hopelessness . sadly we are used to this hopelessness in our daily lives . We know that politicians are corrupt , and police is genuinely not interested . There is no value of human life in our Bharat nagar , it’s working on an auto pilot mode .. Driven by personal ambitions and opportunities. The true picture of current times
Oops some lines are missing and some are not making sense … Sorry For bad English
Reading some of the comments here,I do not understand what people expect when they watch a movie? Some movies, you forget about them the moment you leave the hall, some of them make you tear your hair for having to sit through( having paid 150/-in a multiplex); few like Shanghai leave you disturbed, and you carry the images of the celluloid you just now watched for sometime in your head.All the movies need not be exciting and hilarious and deeply sad to make you glue to your seats,Movies like Shanghai which is brilliantly researched, and is very careful in filling every minute detail is a serious film of our time and it is like reading a well written editorial.It keeps you engrossed through out and you leave the theater with a heavy heart.What more you want from a movie,guys?
Exactly my thoughts.This is what people here are missing
(Some Spoliers ahead)
An interesting interpretation.The way Prosenjit’s character is depicted, the scene between Abhay & Farooque or the way the link between Kalki’s maid and the killer are depicted well. But only fine detailing does not make for a great film my friend.
What is so striking about Abhay and Kalki slipping on the wet floor. The scene in which a girl enters the room is no way close to Satya. The small kids crying during the shootout in Satya is a far more chillingly and superbly depicted scene.
If we talk about detailing, there re quite a few flaws in this film. For instance when the goons ransack Emraan’s house why don’t they destroy the CPU. Are the goons or the netas so foolish that in this day & age and when they have destroyed camera and other such similar equipments, they were blissfully ignorant about the CPU.
When Pittobash’s character warns about revealing the truth about the assasination, in the next scene we find him dead. But surprisingly nothing happens to the Driver. Kalki and Emraan are freely roaming the streets of Bharatnagar as Badri rightly pointed out without them getting even slightly hurt. Moreover Abhay’s accent is also highly inconsistent. At times he is speaking with a slight Tamilian twang whereas at other times he uses chaste hindi words. Moreover in which part of India is Bharatnagar? If only detailing were the benchmark for rating a movie, many films would have made the mark. Directors like Anurag Kashyap, Shyam Benegal,Prakash Jha, Mani Ratnam etc are the masters in detailing.
The way you have interpreted the closing scene of the movie is a very good interpretation. Or maybe he wanted to say we conned you into watching an average movie , what are you going to do about it?
Apart from Abhay’s mind game in climax, driver’s identity revelation and a few scenes here & there, the film hardly involves one. It is a political thriller minus the thrills.Sure such things keep happening in India and will continue.But what unfolds on the screen is nothing new and is least involving. Sorry to say, this film disappoints big time and doesn’t tell me anything new about Indian politics that one doesn’t know. In many ways political films like Haasil, Gulaal are perfect examples where the detailing and happenings on screen are very engaging. A very very average movie.
I think you are splitting hairs.Even PST had flaws but we conveniently ignore movies like them.
But these are flaws that are so glaring. And since a lot of people are raving about the detailing done in Shanghai, how come these important details were not taken care of in the script?These loopholes in detailing are definitely hard to digest. Even if a Paan Singh Tomar had flaws and weren’t noticed by the audience. Then it is thanks to the film and the director which keeps the proceedings engaging , that you don’t actually ponder a lot over the so called flaws in the movie. Which certainly isn’t the case in Shanghai, as the proceedings were hardly involving.
“At times he is speaking with a slight Tamilian twang whereas at other times he uses chaste hindi words. ” – My tamil friend leaned hindi by staying with people from UP, bihar and MP. So, although his accent is tamilian(like ‘ba’ for ‘bha’) he uses hindi words which people find surprising.