Special 26 Review

Asli power SCRIPT me hoti hai.

When the script is good and the narrative unfolds as per the demands of the story, even Akshay Kumar cannot do any harm to the movie. Yes. A script so taut, a narrative pattern so lucid and actors so perfect, Special 26 is here to entertain you. 

With his last outing (A Wednesday) Neeraj Pandey had created waves in the industry. He continues to do the same. There is subtle use of satire and black comedy which makes the audience grin. The script here is the backbone but it gets a little crippled because of the unnecessary romantic track between Akshay and Kajal. 

(Why insert a romantic track when it hardly has any connection to the main plot.)

Certain chase sequences and shots are very long and induce boredom. And then there are songs which jump up from nowhere. The sad part is that the songs are not even worth humming.

All said and done, the scene involving Manoj Bajpayee ,Jimmy Shergil and Anupam Kher will make you forget every flaw. 

Manoj Bajpayee is just fantastic. His outburst towards the end of the movie is something to look out for.

Anupam Kher. Well . It will hard to imagine Anupam Kher as anyone but a CBI officer after you watch this film. So much involvement in the character. Stand up and salute this genius.

Akshay Kumar is SURPRISINGLY bearable but is still the weakest link among the ensemble cast. 

We want to see more of Jimmy Shergil, dont we?

Special mention about the art direction and cinematography. Very well done.

Neeraj Pandey manages to stick together an interesting tale with enough witty moments and edge of the seat entertainment . 

Watch this film for some intelligent dose of entertainment. 

**3.5 stars**

DAVID MOVIE REVIEW

Director Bejoy Nambiar explores the world of three different people, their stories set in different decades, in different cities and portrays how destiny has its plans of getting them together at some point in time. And yes, the name remains DAVID.

--NEIL NITIN MUKESH'S STORY (DAVID NO.1)--

The most intriguing set up and story out of the 3 stories. The story is set up in London, 1975.

The introductory shot of NNM has been shot in typical Guy Ritchie style. their is so much visual flair and style in the narration that it covers up for the faults in the story. Oh yes there are some amazing shots, superbly written and shot scenes, wonderful set pieces, brilliant narrative pattern and yes, some wonderful acting. NNM stands out yet again. He looks dashing. He commands attention and has this amazing aura around him every time he is on screen. There are so many scenes in this story which i could watch on repeat mode simply for their sheer uniqueness and style. HATS OFF Mr. Nambiar. Take a bow!

THIS SECTION HAS BEEN SHOT IN BLACK AND WHITE MODE and believe me it looks better than all the stunning visuals you've seen in the recent past.

--VIJAY VIRMANI'S STORY (DAVID NO.2)--

This story is set in Mumbai,1999. It showcases David's tryst with religion-inflected-politics, career struggle and the emotions of revolt and fear. This story had the potential of being a real emotion stirrer but it fails. Though it has been written well, the emotions somehow fail to come up on the screen. Vijay Virmani gives a decent performance. 

--VIKRAM'S STORY (DAVID NO.3)--

Well when you cast Vikram for a role, half the job is done. His entry shot is just WOW. The other half is also ably managed by the director. The set up depicts GOA, 2010. The story of Vikram's David is a bit on the comical side and has a romantic angle attached to it. It has enough moments which make the audience smile as well as LOL. VIKRAM steals the show as a drunkard. What a performance. Brilliant understanding of the character as well as superb body language. No wonder Vikram enjoys such stardom down South. He is one fantastic actor.

Take a bow Mr. Bejoy Nambiar. Near perfect direction. He does so well that as a result certain scenes send a chill down your spine while others will leave you with goosebumps. Such amazing grip over the movie. So many new techniques of movie making explored and showcased. BEJOY NAMBIAR is INDIA's GUY RITCHIE. 

I have never seen a movie with such style, flair and visual appeal (barring SHAITAN, which again was Nambiar's work). WONDERFUL DIRECTION.

The technical aspects are brilliant. The cinematography, camerawork, editing, background score, sound mixing and screenplay are so well executed that DAVID comes out as a product high on STYLE as well as SUBSTANCE.

The music is great. wonderful compositions. Splendid blend of Western music and Indian classical.

Damadam Mast Kalandar is still as fresh as ever. 

But what makes DAVID stand out (other than the style) are some superbly cast supporting actors. NEIL BHOOPALM, TABU and  SAURABH SHUKLA are three performers to watch out for. There is ms. Sarika as well rendering the Damadam Mast Kalandar number.

The movie does have an abruptly built climax and ending but the way it has been done makes you forget about the abruptness for some time.

DAVID  would have surely been a difficult movie to make. The hardwork and dedication reflects in the movie. 

Do watch David for some of the most stylised narrative style, excellent performances, good stories and some wonderful music.

**4 STARS**