Murder 2

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Status

Released

Color
C

Release Date
July 8, 2011

Language
Hindi

Genre
Crime  /  Thriller

Shooting Studios
Filmcity

Producer
Mukesh Bhatt

Executive Producer / Co-Producer
Kumkum Saigal

Director
Mohit Suri

Star Cast
Emraan Hashmi...... Arjun Bhagvat
Jacqueline Fernandez...... Priya
Yana Gupta...... Jyoti (Special Appearance)
Prashant Narayanan...... Dheeraj
Sudhanshu Pandey...... Inspector Sada
Sandeep Sikand...... Inspector John
Shweta Kawatra...... Doctor (Guest Appearance)
Sulagna Panigrahi...... Reshma
Bikramjeet Kanwarpal...... Commissioner Ahmed Khan
Amardeep Jha...... Reshma's mother

Cassettes and CD's on
T-Series

Singers
Harshit Saxena
Sunidhi Chauhan
Kshitij Tarey
Saim
Mithoon
Mohd Irfan
Arijit
Sangeet Haldipur
Roshni Baptist

Lyricist
Sayeed Qadri
Kumaar
Mithoon

Music Director
Harshit Saxena
Sangeet Haldipur
Siddharth Haldipur
Mithoon

Cinematography
Ravi Walia

Choreography
Raju Khan

Action
Javed Eijaz

Editor
Devendra Murdeshwar

Screenplay
Shagufta Rafique

Sound
Kunal Mehta
Parikshit Lalwani

Dialogue
Shagufta Rafique

Media Relations
Glitterati Entertainment Solutions Pvt. Ltd

Story / Writer
Mahesh Bhatt

We live in an era wherein brands and franchise have become the order of the day. When a movie works with the audience and also has strong recall value, the film-makers plan to keep the franchise breathing by either making a prequel or sequel. Though MURDER had released more than seven years ago [April 2004], it continues to linger in public memory for varied reasons and not only for its sizzle factor. MURDER had a spellbinding story, great music and proficient performances by its principal actors. In fact, MURDER catches the attention of spectators to this date and obtains high TRPs, despite several telecasts on TV. 'Tremendous repeat value', like they say in filmi parlance.

Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt choose not to make movies with big stars. Instead, they substitute stars with big initiatives and innovative concepts. In fact, their penchant to work with a new cast and crew is simply unstoppable. Besides, the success ratio indicates that their strategy has paid off rich dividends even with fresh talent. What sets apart their films, besides the above said reasons, is the fact that their films are high on sexual content. An innovative story with generous doses of eroticism has always proved a winning blend. 

The Bhatts' new offering is the sequel to MURDER. This one's set in Goa during Christmas and New Year, when vacationers flock this hugely popular touristy destination. The bustling streets and beaches make it impossible for the authorities to keep tabs on everyone and everything.

Before I begin analyzing MURDER 2, let me clear a few misconceptions. The writer of this film may have drawn some inspiration from the Korean film THE CHASER [2008], but it's not a blatant rip-off. Nor is it a remake or adaptation of the American action film 12 ROUNDS [2009]. MURDER 2 deals with the crimes related to the flesh trade and exposes the murkier side of the society.

MURDER 2 offers edge of the seat entertainment, thus taking the MURDER brand forward. It's not a sequel in the true sense of the word. It has a completely new story to tell with fresh characters, is bolder and far more erotic, plus the clash between the good and the evil is one of the key components of the franchise.

Mohit Suri, who had directed the sequel to RAAZ [RAAZ THE MYSTERY CONTINUES], is also entrusted the responsibility of taking the MURDER series forward. Compared to what Anurag Basu did in MURDER, MURDER 2 is a dark film. Mohit is an efficient, stylish storyteller and he leaps notches above the prequel in every aspect. There are some scenes that may appear disturbing, but that's the strength of this movie. It's not for the weak-hearted. In point of fact, Mohit and writer Shagufta Rafique take the story to a heightened violent level.

Arjun [Emraan Hashmi] is an ex-cop who earns his bread doing the odd jobs for gangsters and flesh traders. Arjun meets Sameer, a Goan flesh-peddler, who has been suffering a huge loss as his hookers have been disappearing mysteriously. He assigns Arjun the responsibility of tracing the missing girls. Priya [Jacqueline Fernandez], a model, loves Arjun. However, he is hesitant to commit to this relationship.

Arjun realizes that the missing hookers are connected by one cell phone number. He decides that in order to catch the lion one must feed him the lamb. He devises a plan that involves sending a girl to the particular customer.

Reshma [Sulagna Panigrahi], a college student, takes to prostitution to support her family. She becomes the innocent prey and is sent to the antagonist Dheeraj's [Prashant Narayan] house. The unexpected happens. In the meantime, Arjun and Dheeraj cross paths. Arjun gets into a tiff with Dheeraj and they both land up at the police station. Dheeraj admits to a crime so heinous that even the police are stunned by his outrageous behavior.

Now it's all up to Arjun. He has just one night to find proof against Dheeraj and also trace Reshma.

Director Mohit Suri and writer Shagufta Rafique come to the point at the very start, when a gruesome murder takes place. Thereafter, we are introduced to the varied characters in the plot and what makes it all the more interesting is that all characters are either grey or black. Also, the identity of the serial killer is never concealed, but the motive is, which one realizes much later. It comes as a jolt, honestly!

While the screenplay gives you no time to ponder since it unravels at a feverish pace, the assorted characters and their tracks keep you on tenterhooks throughout. The victim finds herself cornered, the ex- cop is looking for evidence, the serial killer finds himself being shielded by a powerful and influential person... the sequence of events that lead to the culmination are truly nail-biting.

On the flip side, the story stagnates slightly towards the beginning of the second hour. The sequence between Emraan and Jacqueline at the former's home, with Jacqueline in an inebriated state, appears like a forced add-on. Also, one misses the chartbusting 'Bheege Honth Tere' kind of track in this hour, since the two songs that are hugely popular have been placed in the first hour.

Director Mohit Suri reignites the flicker that he illustrated in his early films. He's a skilled, competent storyteller and this film reiterates the fact yet again. Ditto for writer Shagufta Rafique, who's supremely talented as well. Though she may seem inspired from a source, Shagufta gives MURDER 2 her own color and shade. Both Mohit and Shagufta push the limits in terms of the characters and the situations that have been created. You just can't guess what's up in store next, which has ample scenes that would leave you startled and dazed. The Bhatts have always had a good track record as far as music goes and MURDER 2 is no exception. If one avoids comparing the soundtrack with the prequel, this film has a rich soundtrack that works well. 'Haal E Dil' [music: Harshit Saxena] and the track filmed on Yana Gupta at the onset, 'Aa Zara' [music: Sangeet Haldipur-Siddharth Haldipur], are first-rate compositions. Ravi Walia's cinematography is top notch.

Both Emraan and Prashant Narayanan vie for top honors. Emraan delivers a spirited performance, playing the angry guy to perfection. He's so with the character. In fact, this would rank amongst Emraan's most accomplished performances. Prashant is a dynamic actor -- a fact that has been proved time and again. This film is sure to make people sit up and notice this wonderful talent. Stepping into Mallika's shoes in the sequel is Jacqueline. Like Mallika, she takes the boldness quotient to the next level with her sexy avatar. She should grab a lot of eyeballs for the oomph factor, while her performance is decent. In fact, she gets little scope to display histrionics, but she makes a sincere attempt to portray her character with care.

Sulagna Panigrahi is a talent to watch out for. She's first-rate. Sudhanshu Pandey enacts his part with a lot of confidence. Sandiip Sikcand surprises with a stellar act. Though a brief part, his performance adds a lot of spice to the proceedings. Shweta Kawatra shines in that lone sequence. Yana Gupta sizzles in the opening track.

On the whole, MURDER 2 is one of the finest crime stories to come out of the Hindi film industry. Also, as a film, it lives up to the expectations that you may associate from a sequel of a smash hit. This one's bolder, more erotic and has a story that will astound and astonish you. The Bhatts have a winner on hand!  

Delhi Belly

 

Delhi Belly

Banner
Aamir Khan Productions
UTV Motion Pictures


Status
Released

Color
C

Release Date
July 1, 2011

Language
Hindi


Genre
Cult


Shooting Studios
Filmcity


Producer
Ronnie Screwvala
Aamir Khan
Kiran Rao
Jim Furgele


Director
Abhinay Deo


Star Cast
Imran Khan...... Tashi
Poorna Jagannathan...... Meneka
Shenaz Treasuryvala...... Sonia
Vir Das...... Arup
Kunal Roy Kapoor...... Nitin
Vijay Raaz...... Somayajulu
Paresh Ganatra
Raju Kher
Rahul Singh
Rahul Pendkalkar


Cassettes and CD's on
UTV Music


Singers
Ram Sampat
Kirti Sagathia
Chetan Shashital
Sona Mohapatra
Suraj Jagan
Tarannum
Shazneen Arethna


Lyricist
Amitabh Bhattacharya
Akshat Verma
Munna Dhiman
Ram Sampat
Chetan Shashital


Music Director
Ram Sampat


Story / Writer
Akshat Verma

Movie Reviews

 Much before I watched DELHI BELLY, I was told very categorically that the film will reduce to rubble the image of Aamir Khan, the producer, which he has very painstakingly and meticulously built over the years. I disagree with this viewpoint. Sure, Aamir Khan steps into a territory that is least expected of him. Agree, DELHI BELLY is expletive-ridden, has several scandalous moments which give you a 440 volt ka jhatka and is just not for the faint-hearted. But DELHI BELLY is not outrageous just for the sake of it. It doesn't shock for effect. The truth is, DELHI BELLY has a novel story to tell and the cuss words/outrageous moments are integral to the plotline and have been juxtaposed seamlessly in the narrative.

Let me introduce you to DELHI BELLY. It is Bollywood's most daring, cheeky, irreverent, blasphemous, raunchy youth film to date and the lurid content, I am certain, has never been witnessed on the Hindi screen before. Even some hugely popular reality shows that have the participants using the most appalling, colorful lingo to garner attention and TRPs, would pale into insignificance. Belonging to the same genre as THE HANGOVER and LOCK, STOCK & TWO SMOKING BARRELS, DELHI BELLY is the ultimate culture shock for Indian audiences. It is a raucous, boisterous, potty-mouthed caper featuring the antics of three hapless young men.

DELHI BELLY is a verbally explosive comical crime-caper, with a smart screenplay and witty dialogue as its aces. It is funny, has a lot of energy and most importantly, as you protest that Hindi movies thrive on beaten-to-death formula, a film like DELHI BELLY defies the stereotype and comes alive with a brand new recipe [writer: Akshat Verma]. The writing is airtight and the movie moves from one episode to another furiously. Original in style and thoroughly entertaining, backed by colorful characters and superior acting, there's no film quite like this one or should I say, there is no film that matches the sheer brilliance of DELHI BELLY. It's a top-quality comical thriller made with guts and gusto. I can assure, you will exit the auditorium with a grin on your face.

If a film like DELHI BELLY works -- which I am sure, it will -- it will propel film-makers to explore this untapped genre of cinema. It will encourage them to push the boundaries and undertake risks. It will usher in a new era of comedies of this kind that have never been explored on the Hindi screen.

Tashi [Imran Khan], Arup [Vir Das] and Nitin [Kunal Roy Kapur] -- flat mates, buddies and partners in crime. Tashi is to get married in a month to the glamorous Sonia [Shenaz Treasury]. Arun has been dumped by his girlfriend and also has an annoying boss [whose idea of creativity is sketching a smiling banana]. And Nitin is about to discover that eating delicious Tandoori Chicken off a street vendor is going to give him the worst case of Delhi Belly he's ever known!

Three regular blokes lead a regular life, except when they get on the hit list of a deadly crime syndicate [Vijay Raaz].

Director Abhinay Deo and writer Akshat Varma may have been inspired by the adult comedies of Hollywood, but DELHI BELLY is an Indian film at heart. The characters are very Indian and the humor, equally desi. As a matter of fact, there are situations and dialogue that the desis would take to instantly -- it's inherently Indian. Aimed squarely at the youth brigade, DELHI BELLY makes an undisguised, earnest attempt to woo this segment of moviegoers. What really works is its screenplay that packs one twist after another. You are as clueless as the on-screen characters about what's in store next. Also, the humor is very on the face and sardonic. It's not one of those humor-laden films that we've been subjected to of late. Here, the makers don't underline a joke, you need to be intelligent enough to comprehend it. This film speaks a language that the youth would connect with instantly and perhaps, it may go down as a cult film in its genre.

In terms of visuals, DELHI BELLY has been filmed at real locations and the DoP captures the essence of Delhi extremely well. The eye-candy locales are clearly missing here. Instead, what we get to watch are real locations, real lower middle class surroundings and the crammed bylanes of Delhi.

Much has been said and spoken about the music of DELHI BELLY. Let me add my bit. After delivering a likeable score in LUV KA THE END, Ram Sampat goes completely innovative and inventive with the soundtrack of this film. 'DK Bose' stands out and is the anthem of the youth. 'Jaa Chudail' is peppy and energetic, while the Aamir Khan track in the end credits ['I Hate You'] is more of a tribute to the disco era of the 1980s, when the Bappi-Mithun combo reigned supreme.

On the flip side, a film like DELHI BELLY may not be savored and relished by everyone. It's not for, what we label in filmi parlance, 'family audiences'. In fact, it might get a bit embarrassing to watch a film like DELHI BELLY with one's family thanks to the generous usage of expletives and toilet humor. Also, the hugely popular 'DK Bose' and 'Nakkaddwale Disco, Udhaarwale Khisko' songs merely play in the background and I for one sorely missed the eye-catching videos of these two tracks in the movie.

DELHI BELLY is a boy's film predominantly [although the women have key roles to play] and boy's films are always fun. The chemistry between the three actors is what makes the script come alive. In fact, I won't be wrong in stating that their sense of humor is very much in sync with each other. This is Imran's best work to date, no two opinions on it. Vir Das is incredible. Kunal Roy Kapur is the scene-stealer actually. As a matter of fact, the performances by these three actors will be the talking point once the film releases.

Shenaz Treasury acts well. Poorna Jagannathan gets into the skin of the character and catches your eye. Vijay Raaz is exceptional. Paresh Ganatra [the landlord] is equally competent. Rahul Singh is perfect. The Aamir Khan song is imaginatively filmed.

On the whole, DELHI BELLY is a ground-breaking and inventive comic caper targeted at the youth brigade. People who can't absorb brazen, grimy and unabashed language might abhor it; in fact, it's not for the straitlaced moralists or purists. It's for those who have a strong belly, with an appetite for adult comedy and cuss words. Its wittiness may astound and astonish you. I viewed the Hinglish version, but I understand that the Hindi interpretation of the movie is so impactful that it renders you speechless. Eventually, DELHI BELLY works big time predominantly for the reason that it's a pioneering motion picture, an incredible film that dares to pierce into an untapped and brand new terrain. The unblemished, racy screenplay coupled with super performances and a chartbusting musical score will make it a WINNER all the way.