Shabri Review

 What is it?

Introducing a women in the land of Satya and Raghus of Bollywood, Shabri is a gritty, stark addition to RGV factory of gangster cinema. Though it treads turf that is familiar, Lalit Marathe shines in his debut as a faithful, snap, no nonsense narrator.

The movie offers moments of pleasure especially in the realm of characterization and atmosphere where Eesha Koppikhar gives her career best shot and Raj Arjun emerges as a calm composed talent to look out for.

The Story.....Of Course

Shabri tells the story of an ordinary slum woman who takes to the world of crime. Working in a flour mill to support her family, Shabri (Eesha Koppikar) struggles hard to make an honest living.

Her life takes a dramatic turn when a cop puts Shabri's brother behind bars and tortures him, which results in his death. An uncontrollable rage seizes Shabri that sees her kill the cop, triggering off a mayhem of violence.

What to look out for?

Set in Mumbai's dark underbelly Shabri is laden with grittiness and told in black and white camera tone, Marathe no-nonsense narration is a major plus. Designed more for ardent fans then main stream followers, the devoted ones to this genre are likely to harp on the obvious indulgence of gore in this gangster flick like the third degree torture of Shabri's brother in police custody, the ear cutting sequence. It's a hard hitting gangster flick with a difference cause it narrates the story of family concerned women getting transformed into a dangerously cunning killer remarkably portrayed by Eesha Koppikar who gives her career best shot and performs her role with depth of distinction and conviction.

Zakir Hussain again explains why he is so watchable, Raj Arjun as Murrad the matka king emerges as a calm composed talent to look out for.

The dialogues are simple and straight and the editing is sharp.

What not?

There's novelty in style but the story is familiar. First half is engaging, the script losses its focus and later it appears to be a personal vendetta story of Shabri.

Conclusion: Go for its starkness and stand out performance by Eesha Koppikar and the supporting cast.

Rating ***