A feature film developed from a short film 'Shor' by the duo Raj-DK themselves, Shor In The City was not a seen as a movie audience would buy advance tickets for, before the release. But after, it is creating a huge buzz and here lies the success story of the 'Shor' that this movie has created in the city.
The cast:
Tilak (Tusshar Kapoor), Ramesh (Nikhil Dwivedi), Mandoop (Pitobash Tripathy), Abhay (Sendhil Ramamurthy), Sharmili (Preeti Desai), Sawan (Sundeep Kishan), Sejal (Radhika Apte).
The storyline:
The film traces three separate stories during the 11-day-long Ganesha Chaturthi festival in Mumbai.
Abhay has returned to India to start some business, which have no idea of about till the very end. He is infatuated by model Sharmili, whom he meets at night club. Sparks fly and the two start seeing each other. But all's not hunk-dory in his life as he's being harassed by two goons who blackmail him for a huge ransom.
Bootlegger Tilak is hand in glove with petite criminals Ramesh and Mandook. They steal a bag in a local train, which contains guns and some bombs. Now, they want to sell them for a good amount.
Sawan is an aspiring cricketer with a complicated love life. He wants to get into the Mumbai under-22 team and doesn't even mind paying money for it. His girlfriend Sejal is troubled because her parents want her to get married as soon as possible. Every week she has to sit in front of a new prospective groom.
The three stories run concurrently - the characters are not connected with each other, they don't cross paths and nor is the film episodic. And there lies the beauty, for the characters never meet till the very conclusion.
What worked:
The reality of pirated books being sold on Mumbai city signals, local goons harassing a lonely NRI for money and also bribing the police, the city selector for a local cricket team, asking for a bribe from all aspiring cricketers, has been poignantly portrayed in the film.
Tusshar Kapoor takes the cake this time, with his striking act as an honest, sensitive being. Sendhil Ramamurthy is good at his craft and portrays emotions with ease. Telugu actor Sundeep Krishnan charms with his dilemma-portraying character and is immensely talented.
Raj Nidimoru, Krishna DK and Sita Menon, succeed in their efforts. The film has some really edgy dialogues, heart touching and nail biting scenes that make it an interesting watch. The notable screenplay is no-doubt the sequence of zoom in and out one’s. Chirag-Jigar's music is apt for the film with 'Saibo' standing out.
What didn’t:
The film definitely has a good story but lacks the commercial elements that would make it a box-office winner.
The end leaves many questions unanswered in the head of an average Indian cine-goer.
Overall:
For the niche audience of quality cinema, that watches a film for its story and not just entertainment, 'Shor In The City' is a thumbs up.
Mumbai Masti Ratings: 3/5
