Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007)

Fresh and Exciting

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

In some ways, "Shootout at Lokhandwala" is typical of many Bollywood films. Even thought it's about gangsters and terrorists, these killers take time out for huge song and dance numbers! I really don't think these worked very well considering the subject matter in this film. However, in another way the movie is very unusual. It is one of the most violent Indian films I have seen--with a few particularly grisly deaths (such as seeing a close up of a woman being run over). In this sense, it certainly isn't typical!The film is based on actual real life events--so to some degree it had to be violent. After all, the thugs were horrible and violent people--there's no denying that. And, the ultimate showdown between them and the police DID result in a long standoff during which more than 1500 shots were fired! So, making it non-violent wouldn't have worked...though the film doesn't shy away from violence in the least. It's not a film to show small kids, that's for sure.As for the quality of the film, it's quite nice. The acting is fine and it was unusual to see Amitabh Bachchan playing a cop who is at times difficult to like. But the film, despite being exciting and well acted does occasionally degenerate into macho theatrics-- especially during the big finale--though I must admit that the cigarette scene and the coat rack was amazingly cool. Overall, it's a film best for folks who want a lot of action and killing. It might seem a strange film to folks outside India, as its end justifying the means angle is unusual to say the least.

So they are making a sequel & I watched the prequel first to have that flow. I am impressed by Apoorva Lakhia & Sanjay Gupta for creating a very good thriller plot. Do not listen to these IMDb board members, they seriously despise Bollywood movies.Set in the 90s, the drama involving gangsters & Mumbai Police is a very fine watch and when it reaches the crescendo, the enjoyment triples. Performances are great by the whole cast & specially by Vivek Oberoi. Music is chunky & screenplay is amazing with special mention to the scene where it all the gangsters are involved with different policemen. Simply superb!If you are a die-hard action fan, go for it, because this one has cylinder explosions, gun fires & RPG.Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NOProfanity: Strong | Sex: No | Nudity: Mild | Violence: Infinity | Gore: Infinity | Smoking: Strong | Alcohol: Critical | Drugs: No | Vulgarity: Mild Traumatizing Factor: Critical

A brilliantly made movie from the White Feathers Films Production. A must watch for all action movie lovers. Based on the real incident of the 1992 firing at Lokhandwala Complex in Andheri in India. There were certain Factual Errors in the movie however it is a gr8 cinematic experience. All the stars have portrayed their characters brilliantly. Sanjay Dutt as Shamsher Singh & Vivek Oberoi as Maya Dolas are outstanding. Suniel as Kaviraj Patil & Tushar as Dilip Buwa gave a fantastic performance. The movie was highly under-rated due to excess violence which is not a regular in Hindi Movies There were certain parts which were included just to increase the length of the movie. However the exiting climax covered up all the flaws.................. All in all a brilliant movie.

The star cast is huge. The director is decent. The production house is creative. The claim is that it is based on true rumors. All these appeals to audiences, and I too was! The story is based on so called true events that lead to a broad day light shootout in a residential area flat named Lokhandwala of Bombay; of underworld mafia by Bombay police lead by Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS). The movie is clearly divided into two halves. The first half showcases the emergences and development of all key characters and their past through several flashbacks and recollections. The second half is more engaging with the actual shoot-out taking place in the last 40 minutes.The ATS squad is lead by Shamsher Khan (Sanjay Dutt) who selects several officers for the task (Suniel Shetty and Arbas Khan are the key two). The underworld mafia is remotely controlled by Dawood Ibrahim from Dubai through a small gang led by Maya Dolas (Viviek Oberio) of four other members (one of them is Tushshar Kapoor). The character of Lawyer Dhingra is played by Amitabh Bachchan who cross examines the ATS squad (that leads to several flashbacks) and finally wins the case for them.As the movie is based on research the directors have tried to show all the sides of the story and the key one is of Shamsher Khan getting the tip off of the mafia hide out from Dawood or a local informer – both the events are shown for the audience to judge the truth.The movie is too loud and noisy with continuous action scenes, chases and gun-fire. Apart from that there are too many song and dance sequences that are specially made for the front benchers. The first half of the movie is boring, whereas the second half holds good attention. Three songs before interval are lousy and one song after the interval (Ganpat Chai La) is excellent – music and choreography are good.All the actors have performed well. Amitabh overacts a lot during cross examination. The movie belongs to Sanjay Dutt. He performs the role of Shamsher Khan to the hilt – the personality, the emotions and the sway of his walk steals our heart. Daringly his counter part role has been performed brilliantly by Viviek Oberio, who puts his heart and soul into this black role of Maya Dolas. After Company, Viviek would be remembered again for this portrayal for a long time. Viviek is ably supported by Tushshar Kapoor who too has acted well.There is too much of guns and violence. The camera angle is journalistic and at times jarring. The music is over the top and loud. The overall direction is not up to the mark. The Director – Apoorva Lakhia could have done a wonderful job with this volcanic subject. But there are no second chances! (Stars 5 out of 10)