Shanghai will be successful, at least, critically

Based on Vassilis Vassilikos’s book Z, the film will probably be compared to Costa Gavras’s Z (1969), giving it a lot to live up to. But the promos are engaging. Emraan, with his paan-stained teeth, has never looked more promising, and Abhay, with his Tamil accent, is quite the perfect ‘chwoice’. Get to know more about the film.

Get to know more about this week's release Shanghai, helmed by Dibakar Banerjee.

Director
Dibakar Banerjee (last directed LSD, 2010)
Produced by Ekta Kapoor, LSD was a perception-changer for the soap queen. The film received rave reviews for its experimental style. Banerjee’s cult following, however, felt it was the weakest link in his otherwise-flawless record.

Music
Vishal-Shekhar
Bharat Mata Ki can be heard playing in rickshaws already. Apart from the nerve-wracking Imported Kamariya, Vishal-Shekhar’s new sound in film has received positive reviews.

Controversies
Tejinder Bagga of Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena filed a PIL in the Delhi High Court against the lyrics of Bharat Mata Ki — Dengue, malaria, gud bhi hai, gobar bhi. The court ruled in the makers’ favour. But wait, did you say freedom of speech? No idea what that is.

Marketing/hype
Someone called Kalki ugly, then Dibakar defended her. Abhay said Emraan was underrated, Emraan said he has come a long way, so on and so forth.

Our assessment
Based on Vassilis Vassilikos’s book Z, the film will probably be compared to Costa Gavras’s Z (1969), giving it a lot to live up to. But the promos are engaging. Emraan, with his paan-stained teeth, has never looked more promising, and Abhay, with his Tamil accent, is quite the perfect ‘chwoice’.

—Compiled by Serena Menon

For the final verdict, look out for Anupama Chopra’s review tomorrow in the Watch & Listen page of Hindustan Times’ Do! section.