Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (2007)

Has to be one of the (at that time) weird crime comedies ever made, esp. in India. Pity the director hasn't been as prolific since, but that's another matter. Once again, belonging to my favorite genre of all time, noir, in a setting I absolutely adore, that of events occurring in real-time (almost, it's actually over the course of 1 night and.....).The performances are good, though not from all performers - occasionally the lack- of-budget shows. The production design, cinematography and soundtrack perfectly complement the material, which keeps surprises coming, yet does not sacrifice each set-piece just for the sake of moving to the next, a common failing in most makers' initial works.Be warned, all of the comedy is dark, very dark, and the setting is the pits, with none of the characters even resembling role models. Not for everyone, and not for the faint of heart. Neha Dhupia's a wonder, what with her movie choices including this and 'Mithya' (another fab Indie). Abhay Deol always had taste to pick his subjects, but I didn't know this at the time this one came out. But he has to be the most courageous lead in an Indian movie ever, with what he lets the material do to/with his character, esp. nearing the 'climax' of the flick. I have to be honest though - the title led me to assume that the movie might have been completely set in the local itself, and when I knew it would not be, I would have been disappointed if the movie had not turned out to be as fun as this did. Definitely worth a watch, maybe a few.

What's up Bollywood, you are actually making movies that are out of line!! Ek Challis Ki Last Local is a dark comedy, and the surprising thing about this one is that it is more realistic and enjoyable than most other movies from the tinsel town. Even the songs are blended in...talk about that! Abhay Deol seems to be picking roles that require more acting than doing the dance numbers which is a step in the right direction. Guess a fresh new director can bring new ideas in, and Bollywood does need more Khanduris and Kukunoors. Could have been more tightly done as the second half seemed to drag, but still enjoyable and watchable than most of the Bollywood movies out there. Not one for family viewing though. 7/10.

What could be this movie about? The title is so mis-leading. It sounds surely like an art movie. Knowing the star cast of Abhey Doel and Neha Dhupia – I expected to be a slow love story. Let us know the story. It is interesting! The movie is about Nilesh (Abhey Doel) who misses the last local train from Kurla station in Bombay at 1:40 am in the morning; he meets another person – a girl (Neha Dhupia) who has also missed the last local train of 1:40 am. Both under the same crisis, give each other's company, and start walking in the dead night of Bombay. It leads them to a bar club, where they think of spending some time till 4:10 am, so that they can catch the first local train at 4:10 am. In the bar Nilesh meets his friend, who takes him to play a game of cards. From this point on the movie takes usual turn and sky rockets into something that was not expected.I will not tell you anything what happens after that – but it is interesting and for people loving dark cinema like the one made by Quentin Tarantino, would appreciate the attempt by the first time director Sanjay Kanduri takes us on a roller coaster ride of unexpected twists and turns to his story, which he himself has written. Surely Sanjay has tried his best to remain one step ahead of his audience and given classic surprises – some would be difficult for Indian audiences to digest and accept, but kudos to his conviction.Till the last frame of the movie, Sanjay Kanduri keeps the audience glued to the merry go round of characters and he could have taken the movie to any ending, but gives us a pleasing and happy one.This is my second movie I have seen of Abhey Doel, and I think he is not a bad actor at all; and this movie he shows a very good sense of humor and timing for delivery apt dialogues funnily. Neha Dhupia looks great and has acted well to suit the type-cast character she has often played in past.There are many Marathi stage artists Sanjay Kanduri has used; who have performed well.This is my last word for people with weak stomach; if you do not like dark cinema of blood and gory, this is not the cup of tea for you. There are also some stupid moments in some episodes in the movie, but for the first time director I would be little more lenient to like the attempt and give…(Stars 6.5 out of 10)

The movie is a must see for all ages except children (<10), who might not understand. I liked the role of Malvankar/Mala/Nilesh. Especially, Malvankar has a unique way of delivering dialog, which is very appealing. Most of the time humor is subtle but admirable. Movie's storyline never lets you down or get you bored, it elicits that creative thinking can produce great story. Background music and songs are awesome. Overall, KUDOS to awesome directing. I watched this movie 2-3 times and did not find any place where I could say this could not happen to me. I would say "Quartet Productions Pvt. Ltd." keep it up, there is striking contrast between last movie from the production "Let's Enjoy" and this. I am eagerly waiting for another movie like this.