I always wonder how come a talented director called Anurag Basu making mediocre films viz. Murder/ Saaya/ Tumsa Nahi Dekha etc when he proved his mettle in TV so well. But with "Gangster" which is definitely his best till date he surely comes up on his own. Another thing, Anurag belongs to that rare species of new generation outside directors who are from small town with neither a film background nor any great film connection or even belonging to a highly privileged class, the descendants of which we see all around in film industry, but a modest struggler who climbed the steps of success with sheer hard work and determination and even fought with blood cancer to win back his life. Such passion is seen in his this work. A love story of underworld Gangster told from point of view of a woman (normally known as moll to others) which is definitely a fresh approach and icing on the cake is the impeccable narrative and innovative style introduced by the director turns it into a passionate drama, which has pace and rhythm to held you captive.. There is a effort to explore how and under what circumstances a woman strays, which is more humane than what you saw so far in Murder or such stuff. How come love brings down a hardcore criminal to his knees and how come same love can be used as a weapon to serve mean purposes is something which should be watched out. An essentially character based film, among actors newcomer Kangana Ranaut and Shiny Ahuja are surprise packets. Debutant Cinematographer Bobby Singh with his highly imaginative framing caught the trauma and turmoil of the characters so effectively that it makes you rooted to your seats. Yes, there are flaws too, viz. how come the woman who is so much in love can't herself preposition her lover to make love to her (gone are the days when men initiate the process) or why a police man mastermind such a complicated plan to nab a criminal rather than directly hold his love interest captive, are things which the script writers know better. Music is another highlight whether it is picturisation or the track itself, just add the required lyricism to the film. I don't want to reveal much but it is definitely a surprise from Bhatt camp too, therefore go catch it as it is definitely one of the best films of this year.
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sandhirflora21 May 2006
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shariqq21 May 2006Best of the year so far? Yes - easily. It has a few issues, so let me get them out of the way first: Gangster has some shoddy acting by it's main character, the girl at the crux of a Love Triangle. She has a bad accent, and a stunted way of speech. Her arms are around one Emraan Hashmi who does lip-lock. But with all your pre-conceived notions of him, he is not easy to dislike. And the pay-off for that is pretty nice. And as is usual for Bollywood movies, the movie does go through some unnecessary melodrama, but thankfully these are just three short ones.
What really is good about this movie is the writing. Director Anurag Basu has written the movie with a very clear idea about what he intended to depict. Yes, we have a gangster, we have foreign locales, and we have a "sexy pair", but the movie religiously sticks to its story-telling without once stopping to over-sell violence or sleaze. The whole narrative plays like a solo violinst playing through a single-long piece with its share of happy/sad portions and a few crescendos at the right times with some recurring themes. So much so that it is easy to be sucked into the whole flow and go along with where the director takes you.
Anurag Basu is good. His second movie (I thunk), but he clearly has his own language of cinema. From the shot-arrangements and camera angles to the score and songs, this man plays it like he cares for his movie, and not for the producer's coffer. He tells us the story mostly in flash-backs - but with decent inter-cuts to make it not entirely linear. The movie moves along a relaxed yet fast pace. It reminded me of cruising in a luxury car at 180Kmhr. You are speeding, but very comfortably.
The movie follows the story of one-girl (Bar dancer, yawn!) who a Gangster falls for, rebels against his gang, goes on the run, then puts her away safe and stays away to keep her safe. After holding-on for years she, in her loneliness, falls in love with another man - just when the gangster comes back. Clashes, loyalties, retribution, betrayal, vengeance.
Shiny Ahuja shines (sorry, couldn't resist) as the titular Gangster. His going from unspoken emotionless man to unspoken jilted lover to unspoken "karma-yogi" works very well mainly for his intensely masculine persona. How good is he as an actor will take something against his type to prove. But he fits here perfect, and within the world of this movie, the man is like the writer's imagined.
Watch this movie if you can catch it sometime soon. It's worth at least that much respect.
Rating --> 4 of 5 -
snowite_glows31 October 2006Well,I usually don't watch Emran Hashmi films,n was least concerned when this one was released.Recently,our cable operator aired the film,n as I had nothing to do at that time n had heard lot good things abut this one,I decided to give it a try.Gosh!it made me sit from the opening scene till the last one without boring me for a second.I didn't have the patience to watch even the intervening advertisements.
Gangster tells the story of a shooter,Daya(shiny Ahuja),who falls madly in love with a bar dancer,Simran(Kangna ranaut).His evil works make him run from the police n he,along with his lady love land in Seoul.(like many real life goons running to European n middle-east countries).Only to come across a man Akash,(emran hashmi),who is going to change their lives for ever.And his own too.
Oh no!This is not the typical gangster-kills -the other man,or he leaves bad works to live happily ever after kind of the thing,it is something more than that.
The story has been handled very well.the way Anurag Basu unfolds the suspense is worth appreciating.there is not even a single moment where u find yourself sleeping or predicting what is gonna happen next.He tells how a simple story can b made a great film.
I haven't watched much Emran Hashmi films,except for a MURDER n KALYUG,where I found him average actor.And in this one too,he performs decently.He has done his part well,cud do better.
Ah!Kangna Ranaut is a breath of fresh air when it comes to the ladies stripping off their clothes in Bhatt films.She is glamorous,sheds her clothes when required,but she is a very good actress too!Much better than even today's ruling ladies.(some of them).She is the narrator of the story,n she commands the dialogues quite decently.I have seen very few performances from the leading ladies of today,crying as bitterly n as beautifully as she did when her son died.She also makes others realize that doing theater for sometime before coming into films really helps the upcoming actors.The girl needs few good projects,n she will b on her way to the top.She has the potential.
Shiny Ahuja steals the show(along with Kangna I admit).The guy showed promise in HAZAARON KHWAHISHEIN AISI as a young,rich educated Indian.Now he tells us how a calm,composed n loving gangster looks like.His lips open little in the entire film,his eyes do the whole job,n how!He is a definite competitor to all starlets these days.
The music,though its a rip-off,is simply awesome n blends well with the mood of the film.No song is forced unnecessarily in it,n all the songs r picturised well.In fact,become a part of the tory.Pritam's one of the best works.
The director has done a great job.And we hope to see similar films from the Bhatt camp in future.
One of the best films of the year 2006.
My vote-8/10. -
Dingataca4 December 2007I didn't expect myself to love this movie. But when I heard some rave reviews about it, and caught it on a late night show on TV, I watched it spellbound. A different and enthralling plot, fantastic performances by the actors, OUTSTANDING music, and fabulous cinematography and direction.
The acting was superb. Even Emraan Hashmi (who I cannot stand), did an above average job. Shiny Ahuja was flawless in his character. He showed every emotion and movement brilliantly without fail, and does not let you down for a single moment. However, the movie belongs to Kangana Ranaut. For someone making a debut, she was just fantastic. She seemed so comfortable and well-cast for the role that I cannot imagine anyone else doing this role, and to be honest I never would have thought this was her first film. She pulled off a very tricky role with ease, and I really liked her performance, there was something very real about it. Also, she did such a good job with her character, Simran, that it seems like she is like that in real life. Hopefully this isn't the case!
Performances aside, another thing that struck me hard was the music. I am more likely to enjoy a film if it has excellent music, and that is exactly what happened with Gangster. It is very impressive. Ya Ali, and Lamha Lamha are my favourite tracks, but I also enjoyed Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai, Bheegi Bheegi, and Mujhe Mat Roko. In short, each song was amazing.
Gangster is a bit of a mix of a thriller, romance, crime, and drama. This is what makes it special - Anurag Basu has indeed done something much more worthwhile after "Murder".
I was literally on the edge of my seat throughout. -
Dream_Woman7 January 2008I really enjoyed watching this movie, it lots of action and the music was the best music i heard in 2006, i just loved it!!.
Emraan's role was a negative role but one of his best performance to date u think, he is a great actor and i just hope that he continues to make more great films like this one in the future.
Kangana's debut performance was just mind blowing, she played her part so well and is extremely beautiful and talented, i can't wait to see more of her upcoming movies, she was just excellent in the film, i haven't come across an actress that has done do well in their debut performances in a long time, kudos to her and the best of luck in the future.
Shiny was great in the film even though his character dies, aww and also and the thing about this movie was that you could go and watch it over and over gain and not get bored. Please go and watch this film -
rsa538717 August 2008One of the best Bollywood films of 2006, Gangster is an emotionally charged gritty love story that takes its place as one of the best Indian gangster films ever made, and one of the finest films of 2006, Bollywood or not. On the surface, the film fol...(read more) lows a simple story of a woman (Kangana Ranaut) who falls in love with a man who turns out to be a notorious criminal (Shiny Ahuja), and the consequences of that decision inadvertently lead to a lifestyle she grows to discern. Frustrated with her current situation, she eventually falls into the arms of another man (Emraan Hashmi). Beyond this simple story, what happens next through the narratives many twists and turns makes Gangster a film that will not only entertain, but touch your heart as well. While the film possesses a powerful story, its trump card is the films emotionally charged performances. Kangana Ranaut makes her debut as Simran, and is a revelation. She deserved a best debut win and an actress nod for this, if no t for her other release last year, Woh Lamhe. Emraan Hashmi is excellent but underused as Aakash. This is primarily because he doesn't have too much to do for the first half. He shines in the second half. His best acting stint too date. But the real star of the film is Shiny Ahuja. He is absolutely outstanding as the gangster. The flashback scene, the scene where he breaks down in Kanganas lap, and his violent outburst towards the end of the first half are highlights of the film. This role was definitely award-worthy, its criminal he didn't garner any for it. Shiny has proved, in a short time, that he is an actor of enormous caliber. One of the finest performances of 2006, India or not. Beyond acting, the other star is the soundtrack. A massive hit when it released, its a pity the film wasn't as well received as its haunting score. All the songs are shot well (especially Lamhe Lamhe) and are well placed in the film. As always, the direction is well done by Anurag Basu. He proves hes a director of substance after 2003's moving Saaya. The cinematography is well done. Seoul's photogenic locations are put too good use. Overall, Gangster is one of the strongest Hindi films of 2006, and its well worth checking out.
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rock83198326 August 2006Finally watched gangster last night Remember Mahesh Bhatt..the writer,director and great story teller of 90's In last few years he got lost somewhere But with gangster he is back with a powerful and heart touching script Well all said and done whether Gangster lives upto the expectations? Yes in someway and no in someway
Story: As every1 knows.Most of the story is in flashback Aakash loves Simran but Simran hesitates cause of her past.Later we come to know Simran had an affair with Gangster in past. Just when Aakash and Simran make love 'gangster' comes back and simran had to make choice.Whether to go with gangster or to stay with Aakash
Critic: Negative points: 1.The most negative aspect of movie is its slow pace.Sometimes when Kangna narrates the story you might feel lost somewhere And to be frank we went for the movie with 12 friends and more than half of them didnot liked the movie mainly due to slow pace which forced to boredom 2.Kangna is in a lifetime role.But her voice really don't suit much and don't make much impact 3.Kangna is brilliant sometimes and overboard and irritating sometimes especially in crying scenes 4.The portion where Shiny pleads Kangna to give him one more chance is just crap and over melodramatic.Especially when shiny tries to cry.I was not expecting such from Shiny Ahuja U can listen many people laughing in that scene although it tries to be emotional one 5.The scene at seoul station in climax.Shiny tries to cry too much.I was expecting to see his expressive eyes again in that scene rather than crying
Positive points: 1.Brilliant Music 2.Splendid performances 3.Well twists and turns 4.This movie has soul and heart 5.Classic ending
Well don't know whether Kangna will get such a role in lifetime or not.But this is a role which any actress should die out to work for. She is incosistent.She goes overboard in crying scenes and her voice had negative impact.But she had done a wondefull job looking that its her first movie.She is brilliant in some scenes Especially she is quite good post interval.A talent to watch out for.
7/10 for her performance
Emraan Hashmi is good.He had done what he was given.5/10 for his performance
Now the show stealer Shiny Ahuja.Well apart from the two scenes which i mentioned in negative points he was just outstanding An actor to watch out for.Needs to improve in crying scenes.He lits fire whenever he comes on the screen.With his expressive eyes he says all.The anger,emotion and the unconditional love for Simran comes out through his eyes.Gangster rocks cause shiny ahuja rocks.He is just brilliant. 9/10 for his performance
Gangster is story of love,betrayal and sacrifice.Definitely a powerful story and could have turned classic if it had been managed better and could have been a little fast
Ya ali song and the shootout is just perfect and shiny's expressions are brilliant U get shock in the opening scene of movie itself.In the very beginning Kangna says she wants to live anyhow till morning.And u will keep guessing what she wanna do in morning And u will get the answer in the end only.The end is indeed classical and touches your heart and leaves u speechless
Gangster takes the deeper look inside the heart of gangster.They are human beings and every1 wants love.
Cant tell much about BO cause of its slow pace.But thanks Bhatt Sahab for coming back with a powerful script and which is not a Hollywood copy This Gangster had heart and soul
Kuch Jyada Nahi Manga Tha Zindagi Se Par Zindagi Badle Me Hamesha Mujhse Kuch Kyada Hi Mangti Rahi(Kangna)....Gangster -
aurorahaleakala30 April 2006'Gangster' was a wonderful and refreshing change from the typical romantic film as well as the underworld cinema that Ram Gopal Varma's camp dishes out. 'Gangster' is in a genre unto itself. This films proves that a tight script is king above all else. There have been many Bollywood films that claim to be love stories and claim to espouse the virtues of love. Here is one that spell-bindingly and mesmerizingly shows you what love really is. What it means to really sacrifice for another human being. What is even more remarkable about this film is that it shows you all this through a lead actor (Ahuja) who does not have much by way of dialogs. His role in the film, the message of true sacrifice that he portrays, is mainly via body language and facial expressions. And oh what language and expressions they are!
Anurag Basu has truly grown leaps and bounds from his 'Murder' days. The performances, direction, screenplay, cinematography, and music all form an organic union to become one cohesive, edge-of-your-seat story. This movie has its hold on you until the end. It goes by fast and yet slowly at the same time. The songs in the film weave a tale and progress the story along and make you feel for the characters even more rather than being an excuse for a five minute break.
As I said this film critically depends upon the script and the performances. I never would have guessed that this was Kangna Ranaut's debut into Bollywood. Hers was a performance of a seasoned actress. Her portrayal of a tormented alcoholic who is torn between the man she once loved and the man who can possibly fulfill her every dream was spot on. Having said that though, the film belongs to Shiny Ahuja. He had to convey love, passion, and the obsession he feels for a woman, mostly through non-verbal means. This can be a point of weakness in a film if not handled by the right actor. Fortunately, Mr. Ahuja was not only up to par but surpassed all expectations. He made you feel Daya's pain, anguish, conflict, and above all else, his love for a woman and how far he would go for that love. His performance in the scene at Seoul Station is one that should be kept in mind during awards time.
All in all, this is a must see film which will leave you speechless at the end. It shifts the idea of a Bollywood love story to a whole other hemisphere. If you like a movie that has been well thought out and well acted and does not insult your intelligence or emotions as an audience member, then I highly recommend this one. I hope to see more such diamonds from Messrs. Basu, Ahuja and Ranaut in the future! -
If not for anything else, Bhatt camp movies promise good songs and a not too bad but copied script. Though I still can’t figure out what Emraan Hashmi actually has in him barring that that he is Bolywood’s serial kisser, his movies strangely seem to do well at the Box Office. Another draw factor for me to see this movie was, débutante Kangana Ranaut playing the psyched up role to the hilt. Yeah, I know the last bit sounds strange!
The film opens in Korea showing a lonely and lost alcoholic Simran (Kangana) finding solace in the company of Aakash (Emraan), a restaurant singer. What stars as sympathy ends up in romance. Aakash soon learns that a bar dancer earlier, she is the wife of the gangster Daya (Shiny Ahuja) who loves her immensely but is forced to stay on the run hence leaving Simran in loneliness. Soon she starts to bear Aakash’s baby.
Upon learning about her new relationship, Daya makes amends to his life, escaping to the countryside and living life of hard labor. In order to gain a new lease of life, Daya leaves to perform a one last job to earn fake passports for both of them. Beaten on the way back, he calls Simran and asks he meet her at Seol Station. But Simran who is now torn between Daya and Aakash, ditches her husband leading to his capture and death.
Though many may not agree with me, the movie owes a lot to Kangana’s role in it. Not that she has performed well, but rather her bland lost look and curled flowing hair gives her the natural look of a lost psycho. She perfectly fits the bill of the alcoholic in the beginning, to a lover and finally a depressive who kills Akash to avenge for Daya and kills herself in the end. She deservedly bagged the Filmfare best débutante award.
The lead men are usual. Emraan is the seductive kisser again. Does he do anything else at all? Shiny shines again in a role that makes you feel for the character who battles out so hard to make things right again. Songs are the jewel in the crown with hits like ‘Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai’, ‘Ya Ali’, ‘Lamha Lamha’ and ‘Bheegi Bheegi’; although some seem to be inspired from overseas hits. Nevertheless, it’s a movie that you wont regret watching! -
sonam_21007 June 2006Gangster is definitely the most beautiful movie that has ever been made. It has emotions, suspense, great music and brilliant performances from Emraan, Kanagana, Shiny and also Gulshan Grover.
After watching this movie I can say with full confidence that Kangana is going to be a "STAR". I don't think any female in the film industry could have done this movie better than her. Awesome is not even a good enough word for Kangana's performance.
Emraan looked handsome with his new glasses look. He played a character very different from his other releases and has improved a lot as an actor. He is already a STAR but he is going to be a "SUPERSTAR"
Shiny didn't have much dialogs in this movie but he made his presence felt in a very difficult way which I don't think most actors could have done. He is so brilliant in the movie that you can actually feel the anguish and hurt that Daya was going through. Very Intelligent Actor. Its very difficult to hate him in the movie because his character is the pure definition of a "TRUE LOVER"
Scenes to take home with you are,
Scene at Seoul Station where Simran betrays Daya
Simran confronting Daya outside her apartment.
Daya crying on Simran's laps.
Akash at the Indian Embassy is a scene beautifully done and does provide a huge shock value.
Gangster music, is the best album this year. The meaning of each word in the song is very touching and beautifully done. Ya Ali, Bheegi Bheegi, Lamha Lamha and Tu Hi Mere Shab Hai are songs to remember.
10/10 Go watch it. -
r96sk25 November 2020Slow paced in parts and doesn't have any major cast performances, but 'Gangster' is still a rather good film.
The premise and what it sets up means it remains interesting, even if it does move a little too leisurely in certain moments. The film takes a turn at some point, which actually did surprise me I won't lie - it's nicely done.
I can't say I'll remember the performances of Emraan Hashmi (Akash), debutant Kangana Ranaut (Simran) or Shiney Ahuja (Daya), but what they produce is satisfactory for the film itself - they all fit.
It gets drawn into the melancholy and musical numbers too much, while the run time is overly extended, but the thrill-ish action is fairly enjoyable. All in all, it's more than watchable. -
dippydipsydoo26 August 2006Loved every moment of watching this film, when the twist came to play had me on the corner of my seat! Not to mention the amount of tears I shed towards the end. Great story, amazingly portrayed. I think I've fallen in love with Shiny! I must say his character in the film really makes you feel for the guy.. the pain and his feelings, I was well touched in some scenarios of the film. The girl in the film was not only pretty but can act (thank god as shes a first timer). Would recommend this film to everyone. Has the romance but not the typical type that you would see in other films, thriller, mystery.. excellent. The music! it's an addiction to listen to Ya Ali and Bheegi Bheegi..
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HeadleyLamarr4 August 2007I am told this is an adaptation of the real life story of Abu Salem and his girl friend Monica Bedi. Shiny Ahuja is the gangster Daya and on the run he one day runs into an unsophisticated bar girl Simran. Simran saves him from the pursuing police and then love inevitably follows. Daya and Simran have to flee to escape the clutches of Khan (Gulshan Grover), the underworld boss. Somehow a child gets into this mix.. why? The child is killed, Daya is somehow in the middle east and Simran in Seoul. In Seoul she meets and falls in love with Akash (Emran Hashmi), a night club singer. Daya discovers this, a jealous confrontation follows. Simran is torn between Akash and Daya, betrays one and is betrayed by the other. The end is a Utopian togetherness in green fields of something...
The plot is riddled with problems, and the dialog is quite clichéd and silly at times. The unsophisticated bar girl turns sophisticate really fast, and plays the victim in a nauseating sort of way. Emraan Hashmi reminds me of a bunny rabbit with his short upper lip and teeth showing. His lip locks with Kangana made me a bit sick - kissing is one thing, eating someone is another. I have always liked Shiny but here he fell a bit short - the angry moments were okay but the weeping was very artificial and the overall role was not very appealing. So in the end Kangana was the one who came out ahead of these seasoned actors - perhaps she even deserved her most promising newcomer award. I saw Woh Lamhe before this and loved it, but I worry that she will always play the victimized girl - both roles were almost interchangeable.
The music was very nice, loved Ya Ali - copied or not, other songs were very good too. In the end I found Gangster to be an OK film, not particularly engaging or appealing but still with some indefinable quality that most films lack these days. Maybe it was the little twist at the end but the last third of the movie was the best part. A word of advice to Kangana - if the next role demands a hospital scene or a victimized person - please say no, it is too early in your career to get typecast. And say no to Mahesh Bhatt, please.
The direction was okay - why was everything so dark and enclosed throughout the film. And is it fair to the Koreans to show them nonchalantly going about their business while a man is being beaten to death in front of their eyes? They do have cell phones you know and the police is a mere phone call away. -
udita_mittal12 July 2007I fail to understand how a movie of this class even manages to make its way into theaters in old Delhi, let alone be screened at PVR and get good reviews. Maybe Hindi cinema has reached such low levels, that if anything that hasn't been re-hashed in the last 2 years is released, everyone applauds that movie for its uniqueness.
The story is old and stale, something that's been used over-and-over-and-over-and-over again. Gangster - in love with - bar dancer- cheating with- restaurant singer. Unfortunately I can't tell you the "twist" without putting a spoiler warning, but it's so predictable that you'll guess within the first 5 seconds of the movie.
This was the first (and last) of the Emran Hashmi movies that I have seen. Too bad he does so many movies, because now, when deciding which movies to watch, I first remove all of the 30 movies that he does every month from my list. Shiny is completely unutilised. I wonder why he was in the movie at all........oh that's right.....the movie was named after his character. Kangana Ranaut, don't get me started, how did she ever land a movie. She looks great, but her accent is atrocious.
All in all, my advice: Do No Watch!! -
arundathi25 June 2008This movie was shocking and breathtaking. It was a sweet story about a woman (we don't see this very often) and her trials and tribulations. The director really dug into this woman's character and showed how life is like for her. These types of movies never really sell because they tend to slow and boring with no "filmly attributes" but this film has the right amount of touch to make a audience watch it with interest. The one that really shines is Emraan Hashmi .This is the fifth movie I have seen with him and his characters are always full of surprises. Even though, it is expected that there are some twists and turns, Emraan Hashmi does not fail to mesmerize the audience. If you like him, you will truly enjoy this movie.
Two negative comments: 1) At times Kangana Ranaut is very annoying, especially when she is upset. She keeps ranting and looses focus. Other than that, she is a wonderful performer, really putting herself in Simran's shoes. 2) The objective of the story was unclear until the very end. I wish there were more subtle hints dropped in earlier so there was a clue as to what was going on. Overall, this film is gripping and worthwhile watching. It really lives up to the standards of a fresh, new idea. -
singh-amrit16 May 2006If only we had some mature actors in the lead, we had a winner in hand. The story is good, direction A grade, splendid editing and screenplay, only the lead actors fail to match the class. They have tried good though. The director's narrations style impresses with the way story unfolds. Shieny Ahuja in lead is stale at places. And it's high time Emraan Hashmi should learn to act, he is probably the weakest link of the film. Kangana makes an impressive debut, though she can do with some improvement in dialog delivery. Gulshan Grover leaves a mark in the limited screen presence and shows what kind of intensity was required from the actors in such a film. Shiny hardly gets any lines to speak, and Kangana gets a bit too many. The strongest part of the film is its music, which spell its magic. You will realize that when you find yourself still humming the songs 3 days after you watched the movie. To sum up, a good effort by the director, better was needed from actors. Worth once nevertheless.
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silvan-desouza17 January 2009Usually people say Bhatt films have lot of sex, hit music, titillation and no story But this film and some more proved them wrong Actually that 4 things suit Yashraj films more
Gangster is one of the best films from Vishesh films
The story sounds complicated but the director and screenplay writers make the film one experience to cherish
The love story between Shiny- Kangana, Kangana suddenly falling for Emraan and then her confusion whom to choose and the betrayal
All is handled very well by Anurag Basu
The emotional breakdown of Shiny and the climax is one of the best written scenes
Anurag Basu gives his best work so far Music(Pritam) was superb, especially Ya Ali, Bheegi Bheegi, Tu Hi Meri Cinematography made the film more appealing
Performances Kangana was one of today's rare heroines, she made her debut in such a spectacular way that all remained stunned and she earned a big name with this film, except her diction and her shouting at places
Shiny Ahuja was amazing in his role and performed brilliantly He got least dialogs but did a great job with expressions His emotional breakdown towards the end is one of the best part of the film
Emraan Hashmi surprised, he gave a restrained performance and didn't overact or make funny expressions even once as he normally does
Gulshan Grover got a wonderful role and he did a great job despite being a short role -
QaReZmA6 June 2006This has to be the best film i've seen in 2006... ever since i read the review online i was dying to watch the film... and thankfully i was not disappointed with the performances and storyline of the films. The film is executed in a flashback fashion and slowly event unturn revealing plenty of unexpected twists even till the end of the film. This film does not use much dialogues but the music and facial expressions of the actors play a great role in expressing the mood and storyline.. and shiny ahuja, the guy with the least dialogues, makes the BEST impression! Songs are at the minimal best, without distrupting the story... kangna (the lead actress) is great in her first film, though her dialogue delivery and diction isn't perfect, it adds authenticity feel to the movie... emraan hashmi makes a great impact... on the whole.. i am impressed.. and looking forward for more films by anurag basu.. original ones at that!
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SuperShaina26 August 2006When I saw the film Gangster I was amazed at how wonderful it was. The acting was brilliant and the story line was good. It is not your average Karan Johar love movie. It is wonderful the way they act and the feeling they all put into it. The ending was killer and it made the movie. Unlike a lot of other movies that I have seen, this movie makes you feel for the characters. When they are in pain it's like you are in pain. If you sometimes cry in movies get a tissue box. This movie had great actors in it and they all showed a lot of emotion. This film was truly a beautiful film. The upcoming movie Woh Lamhe stars two of the main actors that were in this movie. I really hope you find this comment useful and watch the movie.
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bombay_shroff4 May 2006This is by far one of the best movies that I have seen from the Bhatt camp. I highly doubt that this is directly taken from a Hollywood movie like Murder was. After seeing the movie, I liked its uniqueness -having scenes in Seoul, a different city from the likes of Geneva and New York, was an added bonus. Acting wise, I have to give it up for Kangana as she carried this movie through her character and excellent acting and facial expressions. There is more to this girl than simply her beauty and she is definitely here to stay. Emraan did a good job for his role and Shiny was simply shining as usual in his gangster role. I liked this movie way too much and hope that Kangana is able to win some awards this year for Debutante as Shiny did last year for Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi. Overall, a must see!
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salmanraza4722 January 2007Gangster is a novel Indian movie with a very good sound track. As most of the story paces at a very slow rate ... u may not enjoy it if you happen to be watching it with a group of fun loving guys. Neither the actors have any Major demanding roles nor does the movie make you think about any particular incident or common social problem. What the movie captures very well is the a glimpse of one of the million difficulties a girl with no support can go through ... when she falls in love with a gangster!. Perhaps think of her as Monica Bedi or any of the bond girls after the "The End" of their glamorous roles ;-).My best advice would be "Buy the audio CD -- NOT the video DVD"! -- Except if u want to learn from a movie as to how sad it is to be a moll.
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Gangster is a powerful and dramatic film that departs from the typical movie format and presents a complex love story where morals become entwined. The movie is shown through the eyes of Simran, a woman enduring a terrible turmoil. However, all three major characters have gray shades and are shown to be human. They endure hardships, fall prey to temptations, and struggle to do what their heart tells them is right. It is difficult for the audience to decide who or what is right and wrong, who is a protagonist and who an antagonist, making the movie ever more mystifying. All one realizes is that this movie is as real as its characters, their situations, and their actions. Shiny Ahuja is absolutely fantastic! All of his performances from Sins to Karam are superb. Kangna gives a good debut, although her dialog delivery is a bit odd. Emraan Hashmi has also matured as an actor. Songs are addictive! Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai, Bheegi Bheegi, and Ya Ali are all mesmerizing tracks with a deep soul. This is most definitely the best soundtrack of 2006 so far and the highlight of the movie. Footage of Korea, which has never been captured on Indian film, adds even more freshness to the movie. The setting in Seoul (foreign people, cold climate, harsh metropolis) and the blue filter also do a good job of bringing out the loneliness, turmoil, and confusion that the characters are enduring.
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asim34522-11 April 2008No wonder it's an 18:this is a violent movie. It has a really good twist in the second half of the movie. What the weird thing was everyone ended up dead. I mean the criminal don died, the gangster died the girl commits suicide Akash dies. Also when Simran goes to Akash's house he gets shot in the shoulder then shot three times in the back and still lives to shoot Simran before he died. He should have died straight away after the first shot in the back. The spinal thing connected to the brain gets damaged so he should have died. It was a good movie, more than enough violence and a great twist in the middle. Great movie-9/10
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sonnyazhk14 December 2006Gangster takes a detour from the formulaic Indian movies we've seen over the years.
From the get go, Gangster is a gripping and disturbing drama that is more an emotional roller-coaster than a thriller.
This is a film about love and redemption that transcends even the bleakest of circumstances, and how even a hard-core gangster could be transformed by the power of a woman's love. In Gangster, the woman is torn between two men, who love her unconditionally. She has to make a choice. But things are not what they seem. The serpentine twists and turns in the plot catch you completely unaware. The film charts into territory that has rarely been visited by Bollywood cinema.
The film's charm lies in its rich emotional power which draws the discerning viewer into its arms and keeps him there.
The story opens with a startling scene of someone being shot by one Simran (outstandingly played by Kangana Ranaut) and herself getting shot while escaping. The scene jumps quickly into the back story to establish the main protagonists.
CUT TO Seoul in Korea. In the starkly anodyne setting of Seoul, a seemingly irredeemable alcoholic Simran, drowns her angst in booze,drinking to oblivion.
At this low ebb in her life enters an everyman, Akaash (Emran Hashmi), a singer in a downtown Indian restaurant. Akaash's relationship with Simran turns from friendship to love as he learns of Simran's past.
Simran was a bar dancer in Mumbai and, one day, her path crosses Daya's (Shiny Ajuha), a ruthless gangster, working for his boss, Khan (Gulshan Grover); the latter is a thoroughly amoral criminal who believes that women are the downfall of their fraternity. In their world, life is cheap and expendable.
Daya is on the run from the police; Simran puts him up for a night in her home. Daya falls for Simran. Daya travels a lot on assassination missions Dubai, Korea, Mauritius. He has no place he can call his own, and is always on the run. Wherever he is, he calls Simran.
Meanwhile, rival lover Akaash works on Simran, to win her over. He knows that Simran's journey from a bar dancer in Mumbai to a lonely, pointless existence in Seoul has been laid with thorns. She falls for his gentle ways.
Daya lands in Seoul unannounced and learns of Simran's budding relationship with Akaash. In a fit of jealous rage, he assaults Akaash with stunning brutality, only stopping when Simran saves the latter from certain death. Daya confronts Simran and asks her for absolution and promises to mend ways and fulfil her dreams of a normal life. He makes plans to give up the hoodlum's life and starts to earn an honest living in the mean streets of Seoul, and feels gratified to earn money without wiping out people.
As this is juncture, there are complications. Simran discovers that she is pregnant and carrying Akaash's baby. She is now torn between the two men in her life. She has to make a choice, which she does, but she is in for a rude shock, in a new twist to the plot, which turns her life impending new life upside-down.
A complex subject, Gangster reveals layer after layer of subtext, giving you the point-of-view of an ordinary mortal, who happens to be a gangster on the run.
The film opens with an explosive shootout that sets the tone for the rest of the film. The mystery deepens when the film goes into flashback mode and the story changes lanes from a gangster film to a multifaceted love story. Just when you thought that Simran (Kangana) had finally found true love, there's a major twist in the plot. The viewer is rudely awakened from his reverie at this juncture and you anxiously await the hurt lover's next move.
The sequence when Daya beats Akaash to a pulp is horrifying. The twist in the plot when Daya decides to start life afresh is credible. There's yet another twist when Simran turns to Akaash for comfort, but realises her folly and gives Daya another chance. Add another twist in the climax, and you find it difficult to guess what else is in store in GANGSTER.
GANGSTER'S potency lies on the sterling performances from the three main leads. Emraan shows his versatility and delivers a power-packed performance, moving from sensitive lover to chameleon.
Kangana is a photogenic face and an outstanding actor. She has a complex role in her very first film and carries it off with élan. But Kangana plays her character with great subtlety and authenticity.
Shiny is outstanding as the brooding gangster of the title, and a hurricane of talent who has to rely on silent expressions for much of the film to get his personality across. The key points in the film when he makes an electrifying impact are specifically, first when he reaches impromptu at Kangana's residence in Seoul, then when he breaks down in Kangana's laps, asking her to give him one more chance and the shocking outburst scene near the climax. Never have I seen a strong, intense man breaking down with such raw intensity. If cynicism and heartlessness hasn't completely overawed today's viewer, then you, like me, would totally empathise with his character's deep emotional hurt.
On the whole, GANGSTER is a film that will churn the emotions inside you, as you empathise with the moral and ethical deliberations of the main characters. -
physicsgulati4 August 2019I just finished watching gangster after 13 years of its release. I stuck wondered for sometime how one can make such a beautiful heart touching love story full of soul touching songs, emotions, drama, action etc. All credit goes to Director Anurag Basu and producers Bhatt Brothers and the three trio ( Shaaini Ahuja, kangana and Emraan hashmi ) for giving lifetime performances. Beautiful Cinematography is very eye catching and hard to forget. This is the movie which remains with you for decades. THANKS for READING. Regards.