Shanghai... I like it? I Like it Not?!

For the record- I am a huge Dibakar Banerjee fan. No wait! I worship the film maker! But Yes!- I have my issues with 'Shanghai'.

In fact, Having seen the film in a packed hall on Day 2 of its release- I am not even sure whether I liked the film or not.

Now, some might say 'that' is the precise beauty of the film-

“Why does every film have to leave you with a like or dislike feel? Can't a film just confuse you and keep you thinking?” Well...err...NO!

Because if a film keeps me thinking on account of its narrative, then I shall like the film. Shanghai has left me feeling short changed and confused.

I admit to being prejudiced with expectations when I walk into a Dibakar Banerjee (DB) film but I consider that fair since I am going to buy a ticket and watch a DB film in the theater no matter what!! After all if an inability of a man subjects him to being ignored by the society than the genius of a man does bring with it the burden of 'expectations'. A burden that DB has carried splendidly over three exceptional works namely- Khosla Ka Ghosla, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! And Love, Sex and Dhokha.

But burden or not- All his films so far have not only been unique in their concept but what makes them and DB special is the manner in which those concepts were made to unfold on screen. Their narrative, detailing and treatment- Every moment therein was justified, sensible and above all else- 'Entertaining!'

On all three ingredients mentioned above, I felt Shanghai fell short. There were things unjustified, hence not sensible and entertainment kind of seemed an effort.

I felt it more so because it seemed as though the film was almost there and missed the mark- oh so closely! Had it been way off the mark, may be, I may not have felt the pinch. All in all there was a feeling of 'over-intellectualizing-it' which I seemed to have gotten from the film.

Mainly the endless silent sequences. More as the film was just about taking off. The audience was getting bored and restless. Also a tad bit angry. Besides considering the plot was thick, the characters so many and events plenty; such a slow start to the film was uncalled for.

Then the deliberate grey shade given to the Ahmedi. Why? Oh yes- Why Not? But still- Why? Could you not have achieved the purpose of your story without tainting him? For sure you would have. Then why this deliberate 'ungli' making? Bas aise hi?

Then again, Why did Kalki's character have to be such a hyper ventilating freak? Almost close to seeming a schizophrenic! Were we to sympathize with her and root for her to get justice? No one's wanting her to be a demure damsel but cant she simply be- 'sane'? With her wide eyed perpetual heavy breathing persona how on earth is anyone to take her seriously?

And lastly, until the last ten minutes of the film the entire world is corrupt and screwed up but then suddenly... this ray of hope emerges and the wheels of hope start rolling?? Aisa kaise?

Khair...Let me confess that I was stunned by the film as the credits rolled. I remember walking to the car park, sitting in my car and staring into space for what seemed to be an eternity. I was shaken for sure. The circus of incompetency in our beloved Bharat Mata and the helplessness did seep into me. But I am a DB fan, I go to movies alone for the sake of the film and I devout my undivided attention to it. I am in the bleak minority. And hence I also remember the restlessness during the film as the crowd got bored during the movie and I remember myself asking- “Why?” on some occasions and “Really?!” on others.

The critics have raved about the film and for good reason. In the sea of the recent mindless action and crass comedy films being hailed as 100 crore hits, 'Shanghai' does keep the hope alive that we are not heading back to the gruesome 90's. The film also provides our critics the much craved opportunity to delve into the lingo of nuances, multi layered characters and silent frames. For a critic to look down upon Shanghai is to risk admitting their lack of understanding of cinema which they proudly claim to possess. Also, I can imagine after being forced to review the Housefools, Rowdy's and Shodyguards of recent times, how relieved they must have been to sit through Shanghai.

Albiet, although I am still undecided whether I liked the film or no. I am sure of one thing-For a film maker as talented as DB- who can narrate unique concepts with the right dose of sensibility and entertainment- Shanghai scores the lowest on his list of films made so far. Without doubt.

 For now, I eagerly await his next. Did I mention I am a DB fan? :)