Shagird is the movie every fan of Ab Tak Chhappan has been waiting for. Nana Patekar reprises his encounter specialist cop act, this time in darker shades for director Tigmanshu Dhulia and again carries the film on his veteran shoulders. It finally portrays Dhulia's potential which was being promised to us for long and delivers a thrilling chor-police movie, though not as memorable as Ab Tak Chhappan perhaps.
From the beginning we find out that the film is a no-nonsense gripping thriller with the emphasis on storytelling rather than traditional Bollywood entertainment. There isn't much on the songs front, but there are enough twists to make even the experienced fan interested as the story never gets too predictable.
Youngster Mohit Ahlawat has been given a golden opportunity to shine alongside Nana and almost makes the most of it. Zakir Hussain is outstanding as the corrupt minister and this could be his best performance yet. Shagird also stars maverick new-age director Anurag Kashyap in his longest role as an actor yet. But again, none of them would even be noticed if it wasn't for the charismatic Nana (who has recently given majestic restrained performances in Raajneeti and Ab Tak Chhappan and another one here in Shagird) as the no-conscience police officer Hanumant Singh who is like a demi-god in the Delhi Police, known for his bravery in the field against the criminals. But what lies beneath is what the young shagird, meaning understudy, Mohit Kumar (Mohit Ahlawat) finds out quickly. Does he have enough courage and grit to stand by his morals? Find out. Watch Shagird if you're Nana's fan or if you want to become one.
