Shootout at Lokhandwala..

What everyone saw was real, what no one saw was the truth. They say Shootout at Lokhandwala is based on true rumours. An Apporva Lakhia film, produced by Sanjay Gupta, Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor,(Balaji Motion Pictures Ltd. And White Feather Film)

It is the story of a seasoned cop, ACP Khan (Sanjay Dutt) who handpicked cops like inspector Kaviraj Patel (Suniel Shetty), and Constable Javed Shaikh (Arbaaz Khan), to fight out terrorists, forming ATS, as he was unrest by the death of fellow colleagues. So engrossed in their work, that their family life was jeopardized, so much that Kaviraj Patel, even though of availing a group discount for all police staff, in applied for Divorce together. Javed Shaikh was well versed in all the languages he knew. Since its formation in December 1990, the officers of the ATS has won 23 gallantry awards, upto its termination in 1993. Crime rate in Mumbai was reduced by almost 70%. But then Khan was transferred as CP Anti Naxalite division; to Nagpur on 29th January 1993. As the ATS was terminated the Bombay blasts took place on 12th March 1993.

The film is a shocking, hypnotic look at a real life disaster. On a calm summer day, in 1991, in the bustling Lokhandwala complex, five dreaded criminals including Maya (Vivek Oberoi), Buwa (Tusshar kapoor), Fattoo, RC Meeta, Mattoo, were counting money when 286 policemen, headed by ACP Khan took strategic positions around their building, Gunfire ensured and the entire nation witnessed the most talked about daylight encounter lasting six hours that transformed suburban Mumbai into a virtual war zone of automatic gunfire. An enquiry committee headed by Dhingra (Amitabh Bachan) later probed into the encounter; with just one question; When you open your house door and find a man with gun outside, who would you like it to be? Khan or Maya?

So that was real, what was the truth? Who informed ACP of the encounter, and what was done of him? Are the real conspirators behind any subterranean movement ever punished?

A good gift, from Saroja, for my taste being different!!!