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By Joginder Tuteja, April 3, 2009 - 14:38 IST
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Greta Scacchi, Om Puri, Gulshan Grover, Mikaal Zulfikaar, Laila Rouass
Director: Jagmohan Mundhra
Producer: Arun Govil
Music: John Altman
THE FILM
A couple of months after A Wednesday had made waves all over the country, an English language film called Shoot On Sight had released in theaters. The film had arrived sans any publicity in spite of actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Greta Scacchi, Om Puri and Gulshan Grover being a part of the cast. Moreover, it also dealt with a topical theme, that of global terrorism with Muslims being looked at with suspicious stares all over. This Jagmohan Mundhra film clashed with Himesh Reshammiya's Karzzzz at the box office and though the latter didn't do much at the box office either, Shoot On Sight went completely unnoticed.
A pity because if he was superb in A Wednesday as a common man who was fighting against a system external to him, he is equally brilliant in Shoot On Sight as well as a cop who is fighting against a system internal to him. This time around the battle is not against the terrorists who have attacked his country; instead the battle is against his own department which looks at him suspiciously because of him being a Muslim and also his nephew who turns out to be a closet terrorist.
Watch out for the sheer helplessness that Naseer conveys so effectively through his expressions and little nuances that he brings in his dialogue delivery to convey his pathos. Extremely well done. Moreover, none of his Brit accent sounds fake even once, hence proving once again that he is an actor of international caliber. Whether it comes to dealing with his superiors in the Police department or the peers with whom he is investigating the case of an innocent Muslim man being killed by the police, Naseeruddin Shah keeps the balance intact in his performance.
The only factor that slightly goes against the film (or rather doesn't turn out to be as affective as most part of the film's duration) is the climax. It turns out to be full on Bollywood masala affair with the clichéd formula of hero arriving at the place of trouble in the last moment and saving the lives of thousands of innocent people. Also, when Naseer shoots down one of the protagonists towards the end, it only reminds you of a dozen odd movies from the past with a similar ending. Seriously, Jagmohan Mundhra could have perhaps thought of a better and more innovative ending.
Talking about Jagmohan Mundhra, he comes with one of the classiest films that he has ever made. Gone are the days of the soft porn films that he made at the beginning of his career decades back. This time around he picks up a contemporary issue and doesn't let it get diluted with any trivial tales. He gets to the point from the very beginning of the film (watch out for the brilliantly executed scene at the railway station when a Muslim man is killed by the Police) and retains the tension throughout. He is supported by his technical crew that keeps the background score and cinematography just right for a movie of this genre.
Moreover, it's not just Naseer's show all the way. Om Puri is quite good as well as a Muslim fundamentalist while Gulshan Grover as a man who is suddenly being looked at differently due to his religion is totally different from his 'Bad Man' image. Now why don't we see more of him in such sensitive roles? Greta Sacchi as Om Puri's Brit wife has a relatively smaller role to play but makes an impression in each of her scenes. Also, Mikaal Zulfikaar as Naseer's nephew goes well with the character.
Overall, Shoot On Sight doesn't try to give a solution. It just raises the point that the war isn't over yet. In fact it has just begun, as stated by the character played by Om Puri. Thoughtful indeed!
PACKAGING
The DVD comes in a good soft cardboard packaging, which is commendable since one didn't expect the movie (which was a box office failure in India) to be presented in such a classy way on home video
DURATION
The film's duration is 115 minutes
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Making of the film
- Bonus songs - 'Soniya', 'Ya Allah'
There is a 25 minutes segment on the making of the film which is primarily centered on the interviews of the cast member and the director. You don't really get to see anything around the 'making of the film' in true sense since there aren't many 'behind the scenes' happenings that are brought to fore. However, for a change, even the interviews turn out to be interesting as each of the actors, whether the principal protagonists or the supporting characters, gets to talk about his/her role in the film. Moreover, they also share their own opinions around the entire situation rather than having cardboard talks about their characters, hence making the viewing engaging.
There are a couple of bonus songs added as well. While 'Ya Allah' is a montage number with visuals from the film's narrative being incorporated as the song plays, 'Soniya' is a pleasant surprise because it's a bona fide club music video which is sexy, glamorous and exciting.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
- Subtitles in English
- Dolby Digital 5.1
PRICE
Rs. 299/=
CONCLUSION
This is a film that showcases once again that if at all there is an actor who deserves to be seen in international arena today, it is Naseeruddin Shah. He is fantastic, exceptional, realistic and awe-worthy in Shoot On Sight and comes up with one of his finest performances ever. Watch the film just for him!
 
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