Lahore Review

The posters of the film or the name of film (LAHORE) itself might have made an impression on your mind that it is one more film on the bitter situation between India and Pakistan. Yes it is, but not exactly. Though it has shown the traditional bitterness between two countries, it is not the whole theme of the film. In fact it is about sports, kick-boxing. Nowadays you might have seen lots of sport oriented films in Bollywood, but for sure you haven' t seen kick-boxing on screen before. Bollywood has depicted cricket, football, boxing and hockey before, but LAHORE is the first film showcasing the aspects of kick-boxing. So is it just for sport lovers or the ones interested in kick-boxing? No, it' s not just about the game, but it also has an emotional quotient. It' s primarily showcase two relationships- one, between two brothers and second, between two nations. So anyone whether he is sport enthusiast or not would love the film.

Though the film involves two inflammatory words - India and Pakistan - it is not a war film and in fact, it has paid due respect to both the countries. Considering that the film is made by Indian director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, it does not include anti-Pakistan dialogues. Instead, LAHORE is all about a fresh subject, kick-boxing and also emotions. The climax of the film is outstanding and shows a merry situation for both the countries. In short, one should surely make a trip to LAHORE.

LAHORE starts with the final process of selection for Indian kick-boxing team, where coach (Farooque Shaikh) wants to get it done on the basis of merit, while minister (K. Jeeva) wants his favorite player to represent India. Aspirant (Sushant Singh) wants to enter the team on the basis of his merit; another aspirant (Kelly Dorji), who has well placed links is over-confident and eager to lead India.

The movie then heads to Kuala Lumpur for a fight between Dhirendra Singh (Sushant Singh) from India and Noor Mohammad (Mukesh Rishi) from Pakistan, where an unexpected incident happens and it shocks the whole fraternity. Next, the two countries meet once again, now in Lahore and here Noor Mohammed comes across Dhirendra' s brother Virendra Singh (Aanaahad). Winning the fight is not his only aim, Virendra wants to chase, but he wants to equal the old score and regain the pride of his nation.

The film takes you on two tracks in the first hour. The first track is about relationship between two brothers, while the other track showcases the rivalry of two nations and their urge to prove their superiority over each other in kick-boxing. The pre-interval sequence is shocking and keeps you excited for the second half.

However, the story seems to be going downward in the post-interval part, considering where it had reached in interval. The romantic sequences between Aanaahad and Shraddha are well woven. However, the fact that a passionate cricket lover, Aanaahad is selected to head India in kick-boxing doesn' t sound convincing. Even though the director has shot sequences that show Aanaahad getting trained in kick-boxing, it seems hard to absorb.

Thanks to the kick-boxing duels, which are the top honors of the film, takes the film back on track, especially the finale. From the moment the movie moves to LAHORE to the end of film, it’s a terrific journey and keeps your pulse pounding. The final match is simply breathtaking!

LAHORE by a debutante director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan is simply unexpected and outstanding. The director sure has the skills of a great storyteller. However, one should not forget the action director Tony Leung Siu Hung and the cinematographer Neelabh Kaul, who helped the director to create such a film. The film didn' t have much scope for music (M.M. Kreem), but background score by Wayne Sharpe is effective.

Talking about performances, Farooque Shaikh holds top honors. Saurabh Shukla, Sabyasachi Chakraborty, Shraddha Nigam and Sushant Singh played their roles to perfection. Mukesh Rishi was great as usual.

Aanaahad definitely had got the role of a lifetime. One could not get a better launch than this. The actor has bravely carried his role. Shraddha Das looked perfect in a Pakistani look. Kelly Dorji is competent, while Nirmal Pandey didn' t have much scope.

Conclusively, LAHORE is a definite watch. Take out time for the trip to LAHORE.

Hide Editor Review.