Movie Review : Crook

The most important fact about Crook is that it deals with Racism. But it is false that the movie points at the racist nature of Australians. Rather it pokes a finger into the Indian mindset of being superior culturally and hence turning racists themselves.

However the issue with the film is not the points made but the way it has been done. There is a valid story but the screenplay fails big time with too many loopholes strewn all over. Crook evolves from being a story about just one guy, who escapes his way out of India to Australia with help of fake documents, to become a story on racism and hatred among two different cultures. It is about how this guy, who was looked down upon in India for being a deceased criminal's son, makes the world sit up and admire him for bringing back peace to between Australians and Indians. Sadly though, the connection between this guy's life and the chaos does not come across.

The first half is used to build up a romance between this guy, played by Emraan Hashmi, and new girl Neha Sharma. The second half suddenly gets grimmer, faster and better and is actually where the story evolves. And in between there is a spate of characters through which the director tries to add his touch of Bollywood masala - comedy, drama and even a bit of titillation. Mere waste of time! The dialogues are no better and prove complete misfit. To add to its woes, this film does not even have good music which usually is a draw in other Emraan Hashmi films.

Technically though the film is shot well. There is way too much liberty taken on location. The attempt of the director to pass of South Africa as Australia is as silly as any Hollywood director's attempt it would be to pass off any south Asian country as India. And considering the number of Hindi films that are shot in South Africa, even Indians have become aware of the cities like Johannesburg.

Performances are fine. Emraan Hashmi is his usual self. With not much experimentation he just about suffices. New girl Neha Sharma is fine. It is however Arjan Bajwa who shines in his role.

Crook is neither a love story not is it any serious depiction of racism. The posters and promos too will be misleading to the audience, just like in the case of 'Tum Mile'. What could have been a much better film ends up as too mediocre a fare. You won't miss much if you don't buying this ticket. Buck up Mohit Suri, we know you can do better! 

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