Crook: It's Good To Be Bad

Crook: It's Good To Be Bad, is a 2010 action thriller movie from Indian cinema, Bollywood. Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mukesh Bhatt, the film features Emraan Hashmi, Neha Sharma, and Arjan Bajwa in lead roles. It also includes an ensemble cast featuring Kavin Dave and Francis Chouler. The film, while borrowing its title from conversational jargon, offers an interesting perspective on international issues with a distinctly Bollywood flair.

The movie revolves around the life of its lead character, Jai Dixit, portrayed by Emraan Hashmi. Jai is a man with a troubled past in India who is seeking a fresh start. With hopes for a better life, Jai moves to Australia, placing his past behind him to build a new future. The film delves into the crux of the diaspora experience, examining cultural conflicts, racism, and the struggles of immigrants adapting to a new country and culture.

Neha Sharma gives a convincing performance as Suhani, a young, innocent Indian girl who has lived in Australia most of her life. She depicts the duality of being caught between two cultures and her struggle to balance her Indian heritage with her Australian upbringing. On the other hand, Arjan Bajwa plays the character of Samarth, a studious individual harboring strong nationalist sentiments. He has faced the bitter reality of intolerance in Australia, sparking his desire to fight against the unjust treatment of Indians in the host country.

Emraan Hashmi, known for his non-conforming roles in Bollywood, excellently portrays the character of Jai. He is a man who believes in living life on his terms, even if it implies bending the rules a bit. His journey through the plot unravels layers of his personality and ideology, giving the audience a multi-dimensional character to grapple with. His journey in Australia entwines with those of Suhani and Samarth, setting the trajectory of a plot filled with personal dilemmas, conflict, suspense, and thrilling action.

Crook: It's Good To Be Bad draws its base from actual racial tensions and attacks on Indian students in Australia during 2009-2010. The filmmakers incorporated these real events to add authenticity to the plot. The movie, enveloped in a web of characters with rich backstories, gripping storyline filled with thrilling twists and turns, brings to light the complex dynamics of multicultural societies. It profoundly showcases the politics of xenophobia, love, and choices in the lives of individuals living in another country.

Simultaneously, the film allows for reflection on the issues at hand. It brings the dialogue on racism and xenophobia to the forefront, asking the audience to confront and consider the realities of modern societies. Alongside its engaging storyline, the movie boasts a soundtrack composed by the maestro Pritam that seamlessly merges with the narrative of the film. Songs like "Challa" and "Mere Bina" resonated with the audiences' hearts and was hailed as chartbusters that year.

Mukesh Bhatt's production skills, coupled with Mohit Suri and Ankur Tewari's engaging screenplay, make the film an enjoyable experience. Cinematography by Pravin Bhatt captures the beauty and essence of Australia, making the film visually appealing.

The film, while providing an intriguing cautionary tale, does not shy away from asking pertinent questions about identity, patriotism, and the concept of home for immigrants. Overall, Crook: It's Good To Be Bad is a thrilling ride that leaves the audience intrigued and allured. It touches upon a sensitive topic but wraps it in a guise of entertainment, not missing its mark with the message driven home.

Keep in mind; it's not your run-of-the-mill Bollywood film. Crook: It's Good To Be Bad is more of an adventure tale that depicts the darker side of the globe incorporated into a thrilling and suspenseful narrative. Anyone interested in movies about international issues, relatable character arcs, and thrilling narratives would enjoy the special blend of entertainment and social commentary that Crook: It's Good To Be Bad offers.