My Review of THE ATTACKS OF 26/11 (Hindi, 2013)
Ram Gopal Varma has been a hit or miss since his debacle with RGV KI AAG, DARLING and SARKAR RAJ worked while CONTRACT didn’t. PHOONK worked, AGYAT-THE UNKNOWN didn’t. RANN and RAKTA CHARITRA 1 & 2 and NOT A LOVE STORY worked, DEPARMENT and BHOOT RETURNS failed, and now Ram Gopal Varma returns with what is undeniably his most hard-hitting film to date.
I would say this is the best film I’ve seen on a topic like this with the exception of Anurag Kashyaps BLACK FRIDAY.
The film unfolds more like a true story documentary than a film, but due to the sheer brutality of the act of terrorism, the pace and timing that it unfolds, and the unflinching manner it unfolds one is never bored. It is also a true testament that Ram Gopal Varma is easily one of the finest directors there is in Indian Cinema. The entire first half of the movie is just sheer intensity, and even if it was, just for that one single moment, I was reminded of the intensity in Varmas debut SHIVA. The first half of the film works because of its sheer grit and shock value, and the second half for its fantastic dialogue and Patekar and Jasiwals fantastic performances.
It’s brutal, it’s violent, it’s unflinching. 166 people are shot in a calculated manner in what is a religious war. A group of men set shore from Pakistan and enter India on 26/11 and in a timed, calculated, cold and inhumane manner unleash a barrage of bullets on the unsuspecting mass public at core National monuments like the prestigious Taj Hotel.
The sheer nature of the crime sends a chill down ones spine, but I guess there is no other way to tell the story.
Nana Patekar is brilliant. This is easily his best performance since AB TAK CHAPPAN. He underplays his part remarkably well, and in the second half of the movie leaves a lingering mark.
His reaction to the unknown and uncontrollable situation that just wouldn’t stop multiplying at random was subdued and hit the right notes of panic and fear. His subtlety at times reminded me of Mohanlal in COMPANY. A performance for the ages.
Sanjeev Jaiswal as Ajmal Kasab makes a great debut. His facial expressions send a chill down ones spine. He adopts the part to the core and is easily one of Varmas more interesting new finds in new times. Perhaps the most interesting since Abhimanyu Singh (RAKTA CHARITRAm GULAAL).
Atul Kulkarni is great in a short role. Ganesh Yadav as the hero cop who lives on to pass on the information which eventually track the terrorist is fantastic. He in essence, embodies the spirit of teamwork which eventually broke the cell down.
Technically too this is a superior piece of work. The re-enactment of the shootout scenes aren’t something you’d want to see over and over again, but they to capture the sheer intensity of the moment. The camera work is brilliant. In terms of a musical composition and background score (Amar Mohile on fire) which fit seamlessly into the background score and narrative, this is a superior effort than Varmas recent films.
A Must see for everyone. Not the happiest viewing that’s for sure, but an extremely important one, and a true reflection of the times we live in. One of the best films in recent times.
Prashant Harish Hari
March 16, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Good review, but I found it terrible. The whole thing is done in an overdramatic way, from the endless shots of dying children to Nana Patekar’s overly mannered performance. Huge letdown. Doesn’t come anywhere close to the brilliance of Black Friday.
March 16, 2013 at 10:52 PM
See I was the opposite here, I felt it was one of RGVs finest films recently aside from SR and RC series.
March 18, 2013 at 10:58 PM
I didn’t mind it but production values were below par. Some scenes were not needed.
March 19, 2013 at 12:58 AM
I thought the production values were supposed to be a bit grainier to convey extra grit and realism….specially in the first half but I could be wrong….
His better efforts in the last 13 years…
March 16, 2013 at 11:57 AM
good read here but I must say I have zero interest in the film. I loved the RC double and I would have liked RGV to extend his work in this vein (not necessarily the very same subject). However he jumped onto 26/11 which I’ve always considered a bit of a cynical attempt. Perhaps there were good reasons for this, he might be under some pressure because even with his low budgets the films are doing literally nothing. Whatever the reason the trailer didn’t do anything for me, confirming my suspicions about the project.
March 16, 2013 at 12:29 PM
You are right but when RGV does come up with a good film he does not get any love from the audience or the critics. RC-1 got middling reviews but the 2 was trashed. And while Nishabd was not a great film it still was better than most Hindi films out there but what fate did it meet. So atleast in my view RGV still has not been completely accepted by the north indian audience and critics. I am more than confident that most of his films (even the bad ones) would have easily grossed more had they received a Tamil or Telugu release (RC was much better received down south). Btw still believe that 26/11 is not all that bad a film though have not yet seen it.
Speaking of Rgv i was reminded of Kamal Haasan. Notice how Kamal Haasan was only accepted in the Bombay film fraternity only when he either played a sort of bizarro character (Chachi 420, Appu Raja) or a typical Madrasi (EDKL)- otherwise most of the films did not even reach Saagar’s gross. Because these representations of a South Indian actor did not disturb the prevailing equations
March 16, 2013 at 12:59 PM
nishabd was terrible, and nothing could goad me into watching the cacophonous rc movies, i couldn’t even sit thru the trailers. he hasn’t made a half-decent film in a loooong time. he is his own victim. there is no conspiracy here.
March 16, 2013 at 1:13 PM
Antya I still think you give RC-1 a chance. Did not like the second part as much but it is one of the rare films in recent where both the male leads have come up with excellent performances.
On RGV not saying there is a conspiracy at all. He has made some terrible films and is suffering. But nothing seems to stop him, he is now making Satya 2. The guy has become Mithun in terms of volume.
On Nishabd I will of course respectfully disagree with you. But then again I am not surprised since you found nothing of note in Paa and Black
March 16, 2013 at 1:18 PM
I don’t think Nishabd was a great film by any means (it was certainly intellectually shallow, as all RGV films are), but it was pretty solid: frankly I find it better than most Hindi films in a given year. It features very solid performances by Revathi and Amitabh as well, although RGV messed up badly by casting Jiah Khan.
March 16, 2013 at 2:05 PM
agree with q’s estimation. of course ab was good, he tried hard and revathi is always a solid performer. but the film was superficial and hollow, mostly enamored by the legs of its enormously miscast more-flat-affected-than-katrina heroine. i think it also marked the beginning of rgv’s now patented camera up the skirt filming technique.
March 16, 2013 at 2:12 PM
“mostly enamored by the legs of its enormously miscast more-flat-affected-than-katrina heroine. i think it also marked the beginning of rgv’s now patented camera up the skirt filming technique.”
–hahaha well said mr anya — seems u r now catering to my tastes & know how to ‘wake’ me up -
E for entertainment ..
Ps: actually unlike what most think here jiah was a good choice here ..she had spunk, attitude besides nice pins
March 16, 2013 at 1:40 PM
Satyam, I had a request to make. Could you or GF (or others) would be kind enough to recommend me the best of Mammootty, Mohanlal and Rajni. It would be better if there is a subtitle available for those films since I do not understand any South Indian language-
The Mohanlal films I have seen are-
Iruvar
Kalapani
Company
Aag
Amongst the Mammootty ones-
Ambedkar
Thalapathy
Kandukondein Kandukondein
Dhartiputra
Rajni-
Billa
Baasha
Padaiyappa
Muthu
Shivaji
Chandramukhi
Robot
March 16, 2013 at 2:15 PM
Satyam will see any film wherein even a sideys name is ‘mohan lal’
I haven’t seen any such films but my guess is Satyam will utter the name ‘rat-trap’ somewhere now hehe
March 16, 2013 at 10:55 PM
Satyam, there are parts of THE ATTACKS OF 26/11 (simple, raw, intense scenes) which remind the viewer of the RGV from SHIVA and SATYA. Nana was subtle and understated, and while doesn’t necessarily have the same level of detail as BLACK FRIDAY, I thought the first half of this had more impact overall. The violence was in-your-face, unflinching, but it wasn’t glamorized in anyway which is a criticism I’ve had for other RGV films. The film was a perfect balance between style and performance, the BG score here wasnt overloud either.
The essential set-up of the film is like a “horror” film, here the dread and terror is built-up in the way of the 2 near invincible terrorists who rain bullets on location after location. But given the horror here is very much real changes the entire graph of the film and it works IMO.
March 16, 2013 at 10:56 PM
On that note, all films aside, My favorite film of the year so far to date remains DAVID. I liked RACE 2, SPECIAL CHABBIS, KAI PO CHE, VISHWAROOPAM and even this to some extent, but the layered storytelling and richness of DAVID is hard to find….
March 16, 2013 at 2:36 PM
In defence of rgv
To start with, must admit that I haven’t seen an rgv film for ages lol.
RGVs sheer audacity to adapt Lolita and give Jeremy irons role to amitabh and moreso get away with convincing him is symptomatic of his place in the scheme of things
Most of the so-called ‘new age edgy or different’ directors roaming around currently have received RGVs support atleast in strategic or psychological terms –nowadays anurag kashyap has somewhat taken over this messiahs role
When those people include the likes of shimit Amin, manoj Bajpai, Chandon aurora, urmila besides many others I’m forgetting-the significance is more than what it appears from the films only!
Nowadays rgv is plagued with volume, concentration, budgeting issues besides his rampant testosterone levels
But hey, folks are judged by their peaks, longevity and significance, not by their troughs ( the latter approach will always be latched upon by those waiting to pull someone down lol)
Ps: Oh my bad-I think rat trap is by adoor & not mohunlal or is it vice versa? Anyhow…
March 16, 2013 at 10:56 PM
My review of NISHABD Here: http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=041607102749
March 16, 2013 at 2:53 PM
Well done Amitabh –as actor & singer –wow
What a rendition of this vishal track -inspite of not being a non trained formal singer he gets the feel right
Nishabd suffered from RGVs usual premature ejacs wherein he loses steam by the second half and becomes clueless.
But by that time he gave enuf moments to justify this enterprise.
A flawed film like all rgv films but nonetheless one of the better ones in amitabhs repertoire in the new millenium
The production values were poor (thankfully given the box office verdict)
RGV did well–
Getting amitabhs styling right –spot on–liked amitabh in denims and also those casuals
Finally
My tribute to utkal uncle & anjali Singh
O know u wont mind utkal uncle but this was apt haha enjoy
Sent from my iPad
Ps : to add-
Liked the location -think this is munnar in Kerala -aim to visit someday perhaps after a few decades…
And indulge in this sorta stuff there (& yeah I love this song)
March 16, 2013 at 6:17 PM
Nishabdh was a way better Hindi film than many of that year..and was ALMOST stamped with RGV’s back-to-form stamp..but again, his getting carried away with JIAH’s sexuality to a disproportionate level was the ONLY undoing..
The film begins with AB standing on the precipice of a hill attempting suicide. But he doesn’t have the guts. He is weak, emotionally very, very, weak. And his name is Vijay. Vijay? Weak? Thinking of suicide? Yes, it’s the same Vijay who fought—and killed if he had to— to live his life the way he wanted to in all his other signature movies. In one cinematic moment, RGV, and definitely more so, AB, successfully blow to smithereens the image of a strong and unyielding Vijay of yore who was always above his emotions, not beneath them. The closest he came to this stage was in KAALA PATTHAR, but again, that weakness was channeled into a brilliant portrayal of latent anger. AB is just extraordinarily effective as a man caught between the societal morals and that hidden, free-wheeling emotional dynamite in any human being-particularly if that person happens to be of an introverted character. The emotional graph that the actor draws on screen when a matchstick in the form of an 18-year old girl lights up the dormant dynamite is unconquerable—and just impossible for any other actor to better. This is a portrayal so superlative that it just makes weaknesses and emotional instability in life so very appealing to the audience. One just feels compelled to tell the character of Vijay to throw away all obligations and run along with the brazen carelessness of the 18 year old Jiah. The pitch of his performance is more than perfect. Even when he raises his voice, there is mellowness and a subdued nature to his dialogue delivery and demeanor that never ever let the audience forget that this is an introverted man, and will remain so, even if he were to be occasionally stirred by the storm of passion. Isn’t that the hallmark of great performers? This ability to use the same emotions, and then peel different layers off of them? NO OTHER actor in current Hi fi could have pulled this scene off..how he lets his supressed laughter/feelings come forth after trying so hard to control them..just watch his expressions when Jiah talks of how the day was spent..
Notice that RGV leaves no cinematic stone unturned in bringing out the contrast between AB’s life caught in the rigmarole of daily life and his coming up for air and living life to its fullest only when he is with his camera OUTSIDE his house..with nature..Jiah then comes over and supplants nature with herself..watching her SO free of everyday life’s responsibility and the trappings of life’s mediocrity is what causes him to trod down the forbidden path..The place where he lost was when he went overboard with his focus on Jiah’s physicality..it is NOT Jiah’s physicality that pulls him toward her..but it is her free-wheeling nature..but RGV chose to focus on her legs more than that free and irresponsible soul of hers..The other weak link is Revathy’s character. It is difficult to believe that her womanly instincts did not notice AB slipping till the end..
That the audience and the media alike killed the movie even before its release has been and will always remain my bone of contention. Before the release, it was portrayed as a voyeuristic, Lolita-esque movie; and after, it was a slow, boring movie. Agreed, that cinematically, this one could have been a more fluidly made movie. But it was never, ever, given a fair judgment. It was analyzed for what it was supposed to be, but not for what it was. This is definitely a way above-average movie from Ram Gopal Varma. I rate this performance of his as THE best in his post KBC/KHAKEE phase.
March 16, 2013 at 10:57 PM
Agree totally….Bachchan is remarkable here….no other actor in Indian cinema could’ve quiet done the part like this…
March 17, 2013 at 12:29 AM
The film is about adultery and also an aged and iconic star doing that might not have gelled with the public. Even Silsila was rejected. And so was Lamhe. Adultery is a touchy and sensitive subject and Indian public wont accept such themes. The wronged wife gets the sympathy while the husband will be thrashed. Are we not protesting when a 70 year old marries a 20 year old? We also get angry when old arabs marry young muslim girls in India. There is a moral dilemma. The same vijay is applauded when he fights for the right reasons and he wont get it for his weak moments.
March 16, 2013 at 6:30 PM
Agree totally Ann jo
Incidentally just caught few portions of ‘Mach Gaya shor’ again
An amitabh track I like
Ffw to the sublime silken smooth performance in nishabd
And these vocals of amitabh
After a while, I’m engulfed with amitabh mania
“living life to its fullest only when he is with his camera OUTSIDE his house..with nature..Jiah then comes over and supplants nature with herself..watching her SO free of everyday life’s responsibility and the trappings of life’s mediocrity is what causes him to trod down the forbidden path..The place where he lost was when he went overboard with his focus on Jiah’s physicality..it is NOT Jiah’s physicality that pulls him toward her..but it is her free-wheeling nature..but RGV chose to focus on her legs more than that free and irresponsible soul of hers”
Ps:u expressed it well.
It’s her ‘free wheeling’ persona, & in an ‘innocent uncomplicated’ vibe that took not only amitabhs but even my ‘jiah’ (thankfully only briefly)
As for ‘legs’, not only rgv, many get entangled in them
I’m trying to rise above them (no pun intended) …(that deserves a ‘patent’)
March 17, 2013 at 1:07 AM
They guys who are talking about Nishabd here and have termed it as terrible film,are completly wrong.The concept of this film was new and ahead of its time as far as India is concerned.Amitabh Bachchan rocked in this film but non acceptance made the things worst for everyone.
March 18, 2013 at 4:12 PM
Jut read it properly — “The emotional graph that the actor draws on screen when a matchstick in the form of an 18-year old girl lights up the dormant dynamite is unconquerable”— wow Ann jo
That was near utkal uncle level
Also liked your point about the role of ‘nature’ –it surely contributed to ABs mood. One notices how in certain environments, the ‘liberation’ is more easier
Went to Yosemite recently …anyhow