By Jilawatan

Creative Quotient:
Pokkiri, the Tamil original, penned by Poori Jagannath, was a a runaway hit – and it will be hardly surprising if the Hindi adaptation follows suit. Race writer Shiraz Ahmed adapts the story very well. Radhe (Salman), a hitman, changes sides and partners as per his convenience and conviction. “Maine ek baar commitment kar diya to main apni bhi nahi sunta” is his motto. He roams around freely without any fear with his set of friends-cum-henchmen. He runs into Janhavi (Ayesha), a pretty call-centre worker and as the lecherous police inspector Talpade (Mahesh Manjrekar) devises ways and means to captivate Jahnavi, uncannily Radhe rescues her every time and eventually the two end up getting romantically involved.

As the stories of his brutal courage spread, international don Ganibhai (Prakash Raj) hires him. The story takes some dramatic turns to establish Radhe’s heroism. The script is convincing, well-justified and brought to a magnificent conclusion. The writer peppers up the film with some punchy one-liners and the screenplay is so taut and gripping too. Prabhudheva makes a stunning directorial debut, he sure keeps the viewer enraptured.

Technical Expertise:
Director Prabhudheva blends in emotion, action and comedy into a nice wholesome entertainment package. The film opens with a Ganpati procession song that has Govinda, Anil Kapoor and Prabhudheva grooving along with Salman. But the good thing about the direction is that he steers clear of overdoing choreography as he hires his brother Raju Sundaram and Vaibhavi Merchant to do the rest of the songs. The sleight-of-hand scene between Radhe and corrupt inspector Talpade is executed very well and makes for a cinematic thrill. Also, the sequence in which dreaded don Ganibhai tries to escape from police custody only to find himself marooned makes for a hilarious watch.

Salman is the life and soul of the film as he swings into his part effortlessly. He’s a natural in the action scenes, thoroughly convincing as he twirls and swirls the revolver. He’s simply the most wanted in the film. Ayesha Takia Azmi looks fresh and appealing. Her styling is also youthfully pleasant. Prakash Raj, the National Award winner, lends his villain act a cutting comic edge. He’s a villain to watch out for. Mahesh Manjrekar is convincing in his revolting role as the paan-spewing corrupt cop.

Action director Vijayan Master makes a huge contribution to the film with his slick action sequences. Sajid – Wajid’s music score is engaging and the slow romantic number is specially very soothing on the ear and a delightful watch for it’s catchy choreography. Nirav Shah’s camerawork is scintillating. On the whole, this is the film that we call paisa vasool!