THE SHORGUL REVIEW. Review on Shorgul

T takes special kind of talent to make a film as contrived as Shorgul. Based loosely on 2013's Muzzafarnagar riots, the makers attempt to bring forth the psyche behind misguided divisional politics. But the writing trivialises its noble purpose. An entire town is reduced to rubble just because of one love story gone wrong, is stretching your imagination too far. We could've bought it had the director delved deeper into the scheme of things.

The performances are earnest, especially Jimmy Sheirgill and Ashutosh Rana. You'll find yourself deeply engrossed in their war of words and clash of ideas. But the film doesn't deserve such heartfelt acting. Every time you try to invest in their characters, the director shifts your attention to a loud Hiten Tejwani(who looks every bit like his brooding character from the daily soap Kutumb). Actress Suha Gezen is a misfit and bites into more than she can chew. Given that she is the central character, her performance is the film's weakest link. In a pivotal scene, she stands surrounded by dead bodies, screaming for help in an overdramatic(read -laughable) manner.

Though the debate between Gandhian values versus politics based on religion is interesting, the makers scratch it only at the surface. The writers keep themselves busy in killing one character after another. Expecting the film to paint a comprehensive picture of the communal feelings of common people or offering a solution to the general animosity that triggers tension every time there is a mishap, is clearly expecting too much.

Is the film gritty? No. Is it emotional? No. Is the love story worth the bloodshed? No. Is it worth your money? You know the answer. Give this frivolous fare a miss!