Date:31/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/31/stories/2008083157520200.htm

Back

Andhra Pradesh

A different perspective Film Reviews

Bang on target: Sammir Dattani and Om Puri in ‘Mukhbir’

Film: Mukhbir Cast:

Sammir Dattani,

Sunil Shetty

Director: Mani Shankar

Hindi cinema is beginning to show new shades with directors confronting many demons. Here director Mani Shankar does the unthinkable. In probably a first for the industry, his hero, a mukhbir (spy) changes his religion to Islam. Not for a girl, but from his heart. All this is a far cry from when directors made money projecting Muslims as villains.

The film scores many points. Mani relates the story of an innocent boy framed on dubious charges. The only honourable way out is to become the informer of the cops. With this, he enters a cul de sac. On the one side are gangsters where life is forever in danger. On the other is the constant fear of being bumped off by the very people he seeks to help! Add a composed father-son angle besides a little romantic aside. It is a riveting premise which attains fruition.

The pace is brisk, and the narration smooth without too many flashbacks. There is no melodrama, just a smooth unfolding of the mukhbir story.

Sammir Dattani is a pleasant surprise in the lead role. Om Puri as his mentor is apt but Sunil Shetty scores a point as the boy’s benefactor. ‘Mukhbir’ may not have the everyday entertainment many go looking for in a mainstream movie. But it says something pertinent.

ZIYA US SALAM