Once upon a time in Mumbaai is Ajay Devgan show!

No. Not again. I don't want to trash any more movies. But goddammit people don't make good films anymore, and I' am sitting here helpless, irritated and disappointed. But indeed Once upon a time in Mumbai cannot be categorized as 'bad'. Maybe I have grown up as a viewer, but why is it that everything in this film appeared to be contrived and flat out predictable to me?

The premise of the film has a striking similarity between that of Company. So there is no point explaining it here. Director Milan Luthria has gone in for a retro look and feel for the film, and technically, the film shines with glory. It has a great production design, which transports you way back to the 1970s. The camera work by Raju Khan is eye watering and supports the style of the film. Editing by Akiv Ali is good enough with some interesting cuts. But the screenplay by Rajat Arora is sluggish and never really delivers the hard hitting drama, which you expect from an underworld film. The dialogues are cheesy, except for some smart one liners given at parts, for the leads.

Maybe the best reason to watch Once upon a time in Mumbaai is Ajay Devgan as 'Sultan'. He gives an all new killer dimension to the role of the underworld king. You can't help, but whistle and clap your way to the top whenever you see him coming up with those smart one liners! And there is that lovely Kangana Ranaut; her mere presence on screen makes every bit of your hair vibrate with excitement. The vulnerable charm she brings to 'Rehana' bangs on your senses! But the mediocre writing makes her look like a caricature most of the times. And then there is Emraan Hashmi as 'Shoeb', who tortures you with an intolerable performance and makes you wonder what the director was actually thinking while casting him!

Once upon a time in Mumbai shines like a fake ruby; glows outside and when you polish it, all you get is a mere stone! There are plenty of moments in the film which could have been presented in a lot better manner, and the best part is, you actually feel what went wrong! Don't even compare it with Satya, Company or even Sarkar. This one is an entirely predictable fare, with absolutely no intensity in its presentation. But luckily it doesn't bore you, for its slickly cut. Watch it for Ajay Devgan. Believe me, he is stupendous.

Rating: 2.5 / 5 (One time watch)
This might prove to be a more engaging watch for those people who haven't seen the real gems.