Shiva

Article Updated 16 September, 2006 12:55:20 AM IST

Shiva

Welcome to the world of guns, knives, belts and acid bottles! This is definitely not the scenario in a metro city. This world also has an honest cop trapped in the middle of corrupt ministers and cops who are hand-in-glove with gangsters. If this is Ram Gopal Varma's idea of bringing violence back to Indian cinema, then bad luck, it's just not happening!

There's a sense of déjà vu while watching 'Shiva'. It's nothing like you've never seen before, in fact, the maker of 'Shiva' himself has made cop movies and other films based on corruption. So what's new about this one? Even the lead pair isn't, except that the female lead, Nisha Kothari, is not wearing skimpy clothes like in her previous film with the same maker, except in a couple of unwanted romantic songs!

Yeah, we just remembered! A gangster-turned-politician's henchman hammers a massive nail into a person's head in broad daylight while the cop witnessing the scene just smiles and walks away. If this isn't enough, a dreaded gangster from Malaysia slices off a gangster's ear in a fit of rage. This dreaded gangster also behaves like an accomplished acrobat. But unfortunately, instead of evoking fear, he manages to bring forth a few laughs in the audience.

'Shiva' is the story of Shiva (Mohit Ahlawat), who's just joined the Mumbai Police force. His ideals clash with the harsh reality at work. Bappu (Upendra Limaye), a gangster turned politician, continues to spread terror but the police officers (Zakir Hussain and Raju Mavani), who are on his payroll, turn a blind eye to his misdeeds.

As expected, Shiva decides to take the gangsters to task. Crime reporter (Nisha Kothari) gets involved with Shiva and she also helps him in his fight against them. She too is on the gangsters' hate list.

Attempts are made to molest her and even throw acid on her face. Of course, Shiva steps in every time as her saviour!

There's also a corrupt Home Minister (Dilip Prabhavalkar). At one point, Shiva even hands in his resignation, but continues to fight corruption by virtue of being an honest citizen.

Good triumphs over evil in the end but watch the film if you love fight sequences. Some of the fight, and chase sequences are well executed. Ilaiya Raaja's romantic tracks were unnecessary! But the background score is good.

Now for the performances. Mohit Ahlawat shows an improvement as compared to his debut film, 'James'. He also looks convincing when he packs in his punches. Nisha Kothari is just about okay. Her dialogue delivery is very putting off! Dilip Prabhavalkar is excellent in a brief role. Ranveer Shoerey's character does not suit him.

On the whole, 'Shiva' is a non-impressive film that might just work in the smaller centers because of the violence depicted.
** (Two Stars)

*poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent

Print this Article

http://www.bollyvista.com

http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/29/7038