MADE WITH FULL CONFIDENCE.

There hasn't been a thriller so ripe from Bollywood in a long time that entertains quite as well as Johnny Gaddaar. Inspired by novels of James Hadley Chase and movies of Vijay Anand, Shriram Raghavan (Ek Haseena Thi) directs this well paced, crisp thriller that reads like a crime novel. Due tributes are given to the inspirers right in the beginning so one knows what to expect.

The grandson of the legendary singer Mukesh debuts in this film as the lead character. Neil Nitin Mukesh taps the bollywood doors in the same impressive manner that not long ago, Randeep Hooda did in 'D'. The film centers around 4 main characters of Neil, Dharmendra, Vinay pathak, Daya (of CID fame) and Zakir Hussain. These four are not gang members but are cooperative businessmen. Although, much of their activity trespasses on the wrong side of the law, they are not the goons we are used to watching in films. They land up in a deal wherein, 2.5 crore rupees have to be sent to Bangalore through one of them. Each of them gathers whatever they can and however they can to contribute to that amount and the plan is made to send Daya to Bangalore with the money. Neil has an affair with Zakir's wife Rimi Sen and the two of them decide to leave the country, away from the threat of Zakir. Neil's mind conceives a plan while watching Amitabh Bachchan's classic thriller, Parwana and he executes it in typical Vijay Anand style.

One thing leads to another and one murder leads to yet another. The plot thrills with its suspense which is often predictable so we know who committed the crime but that's not the point here. The point is, How was it done? Raghavan explains this with style and simplicity. The plot surprises with a few close calls for the anti-hero, Neil and these twists make this thrill ride worth the money.

Shriram Raghavan's direction is stylishly cool. It reminds us of Vijay Anand's cool films and their fast paced sequences which do not leave you the luxury to think over the current scene. The screenplay was the most challenging part of the film and has turned out to be its core strength. The movie never digresses from its plot and it keeps the viewer engrossed right to the end. It is Raghavan's adroitness which allows him to integrate all the strengths of the screenplay, script, dialogues, background music, performances and cinematography to enhance the impact of the film on the viewer.

But there are certain aspects of the film that prevent it from being the perfect novel adaptation or Vijay Anand inspiration. Firstly, Neil is the only anti-hero character. None of the other characters have any such twisted intentions and neither of them displays the same level of intellect as the youngest guy in the group does. Secondly, the Police and authorities seem to be absent from the scene almost every time. Lastly, the story book fashion of the film and its Vijay Anand inspirations leave you expecting something more than the obvious. One expects a major twist along the way that would leave a lasting impact from the film but the director chooses to keep it simpler and maybe that's where the loyalists of this genre get a little let down. Therefore, he never quite achieves the level of Chase and Vijay Anand in story telling and plot. Johnny Gaddaar is not a compelling thriller but its witty direction and sincere performances make it a fine thriller, among the best in recent years. The music is distinctive with its thriller element. The title track is catchy and Move your body is a sensational fusion of classic bollywood and hip-hop music. The background score of the film certainly adds to its chilliness.

Neil Mukesh is an impressive debutant especially in this genre. More can be concluded about him only after a film or two. Dharmendra finally has a role that he will relate to and enjoy. Vinay Pathak was charming and Zakir Hussein delivers a strong performance, a rather loud one after his sensational debut in Sarkar. Rimi Sen has some acting to do in this film and she does her job well.

Johnny Gaddar did not appeal to the female sex, children, older people and the song and dance audience. Perhaps that accounted for its box office result but nevertheless, it is undoubtedly a good film to watch and among the better ones of its genre from Bollywood.

7.89 On a scale of 1-10.

Great performances and an edge of the seat thriller.

10 mins story packaged and told in 2 hrs. Movie is a total drag. Neil Mukesh needs to go back to acting school.

Hrithik Roshan is passe. People, welcome the new dreamboat of Bollywood, who incidentally, comes from talented stock. so what if his grandpa was not a trained singer? So what if his papa is quite a, ahem, big man? Neil Nitin Mukesh is THE hotness! And the film is very stylish, very noir!

Ladies, there's a new man in town!