I really feel bad saying that movie is not upto the mark. Had I been watching it on TV, I would have definitely changed the channel in the first hour and in all probability wouldn’t have returned to watch the movie.
I feel bad because there is nothing wrong or bad in the movie individually. The performances are good, dialogues are not too bad, the music is excellent. The director has captured the 60s and 70s quite well, but still the movie fails to engage the audience. I heard a few people sigh in relief at the Interval.
A couple of street thugs, corrupt politicians, opportunistic and ambitious businessmen, the movie has all the usual nuts and bolts.
The movie doesn’t surprise you at any time in the 150 min. And you can guess how it is going to end by the time the first part of the movie is over.
The attempt to capture the Hollywood movies, depicting the prohibition era (which was not much of a big deal in India), complete with the jazz movement and tommy guns has been quite successful. The whole sepia tone, the tram tracks, vintage cars and old buildings work quite well. But still . . .
There is something not right in spite of everything that works for the movie. Something I can’t put my finger on. So until I add more to this review. I would say you better not run to the theater to watch this one.