Lahore: An excellent effort

Rating: 3.5 out of 5*

Starring: Introducing Aanaahad, Shraddha Das, Sushant Singh, Mukesh Rishi, Ashish Vidyarthi, Nafisa Ali and Farouque Sheikh

Director: Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan

Sometimes you go in for a film with zero expectations and you come out pleasantly surprised, Lahore is one such film. Despite no big stars the film completely works thanks to its direction and acting and excelling in all its technical departments and most importantly for being a very good sports film.

Dheerendra Singh (Sushant Singh) gets selected in the national kickboxing team for the Asian kickboxing tournament in Kuala Lampur thanks to the efforts of a no nonsense coach Rao (Farouque Shaikh). But in his combat with the Pakistani opponent Noor (Mukesh Rishi) in the final match, Singh loses his life. Though technically, it is declared an accidental death, its actually foul play by Noor that leads to his death. His younger brother Veerendra Singh (Aanaahad), a professional cricketer awaiting his chance to the National team, switches sport to avenge his brother’s death when the Indian team is invited for a friendship series between India and Pakistan. As fate has it, Veerendra meets Noor in the final match.

Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan has woven a tight screenplay never once deviating his story’s main focus to anything else. He also well exposed bureaucracy that ails Indian sports and diplomacy angle between the two warring nations. There are hardly any lip sync songs as well to waste any time. The film is a huge treat for sports fans as not only kick boxing but cricket matches too are shown leading to a nail bitting finish. The climax of the film is just not what you may have expected and it is what makes the film a notch better than any good sports film.

Anaahad couldn’t have dreamt of a more impactful launch pad. He completely fits the part what with his chiseled physique and kickboxing skills and is competent in the acting department as well. Sushant Singh who was also a boxer before joining films, proves his mettle both in the kickboxing as well as acting department. Mukesh Rishi personality and physique both contribute to making his character a dreaded one. Newcomer Shraddha Das playing Pakistani’s team’s psychiatrist and Anaahad’s love interest is very impressive. Sabyasachi Chakravorthy, Jeeva, Ashish Vidyarthi, Saurabh Shukla and late Nirmal Pandey excel in their parts as well. Farouque Sheikh is just superb. Nafisa Ali playing the hero’s mom is nice.

Outstanding background score by Wayne Sharp, detailed sound design by Nakul Kamte and excellent cinematography by Neelabh Kaul raise the film to a completely different level altogether. Tony Ching Sui Tung’s action will win him many fans.

Lahore is an excellent effort that deserves a bow from the audiences and critics alike. Don’t miss this film if you are a true sports lover.

-Sampurn Wire