Shahid

Firstly, the movie is called SHAAHID (like Afridi – for lack of any other comparison) not SHAHEED (as in martyr).  Just to ensure that there is no confusion on the pronunciation.  Shahid is based on the life and times of one Shahid Azmi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahid_Azmi) – a human rights lawyer who defended several people wrongfully accused of terrorism or related activities.

Shahid is a gripping story of a boy who, as 14 year old, watches riots break out in Mumbai city.  The carnage enrages him and in his teenage exuberance he runs away to join a militant training camp in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.  When he realizes his folly, he returns home only to be picked up by cops under TADA.  He spent 7 years in Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai where he decided to be a lawyer.

On his release from jail, he completes his studies and goes on to work for Majeed Memon for a paltry sum of Rs.1200 per month.  Thanks to a disconnect with his ideals, he leaves Memon and starts his own practice.  He then spent the remaining decade of his life helping people who otherwise have nowhere else to go.  His soft spot for those accused wrongfully to be terrorists was understandable.

Shahid is a reasonably well made movie.  I use the word reasonably because it could have been so much better.  Hansal Mehta (Woodstock Villa, Anjaan) doesn’t have much of a track record to boast off.  But Shahid shows that he has learnt from his previous experiences.  There is a sense of seriousness not just because of the story but also the way it has been shot and the sensitivities to the emotional aspects surrounding the true story.

Raj Kumar Yadav continues to amaze me with his performances.  That Shahid was shot and actually screened over a year back indicates that he came of age much before Kai Po Che.  For all you know, Shahid may have been when people started to take notice of his talent and capability to be a mainstream actor.  He is ably supported by Prabhleen Sandhu (Mariam- wife), Zeeshan Ayub (Arif – elder brother) and Baljinder Kaur (Mother).

All 3 supporting actors mentioned above are actually very good.  Maybe Prablheen Sandhu was a bit raw in parts.  Zeeshan Ayub looks similar to Sahid Azmi in real life (see photo on wiki article) and could have easily done the lead role as well.  To me, Baljinder Kaur as the mother was outstanding.

What disappointed me about Shahid is how the pace and intensity dropped a couple of notches half way through the 1^st half.  The focus given to aspects such as his attraction to Mariam could have been handled better.  Some more attention to detail such as when Shahid’s high end linen shirt in a scene or 2 and Mariam being a tad more fashionable than what was prevalent in the 90s.  These details could have made the movie even better.

I for one thought that more attention could have been paid to the build-up of both major cases that Shahid fought.  Instead, attention was given to the courtroom where the pieces of evidence really didn’t play out in an impactful manner.  These narrative faults made the difference between Shahid being an great movie and what it eventually lands up being – a good movie.  Must watch but not memorable.  7 on 10.

Watch the trailer on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhOqoeL0v3M