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It's about a year ago that a small film called 'Zeher' was released along with a big star cast film 'Tango Charlie'. While 'Tango Charlie' was loaded with stars like Ajay Devgan and Bobby Deol, 'Zeher' had no one to bank upon. And, before the last year came to end, history repeated itself ; again a small film 'Kalyug' was released against big film 'Ek Ajnabee' starring Amitabh Bachchan. Competition was made tougher with the presence of 'Neal N Nikki' from Yashraj bastion. But, both the small films outsmarted thier bigger competitor. Now, we are faced again with such a situation, as the box office has a small budget film 'Gangster' pitted against one of the biggest multistarrers of the recent time - - 'Darna Zaroori Hai'.

'Gangster' comes riding upon a controversy that this film is actually the life sketch of one of the most dreaded dons of the country, Abu Salem. The matter did reach to special court as well in Mumbai but later Salem's advocate decided not to press on his petition. On the face of it , one may feel that 'Gangster' is just one more underworld film on the lines of 'Satya', 'Vaastav', 'Company' and 'D', but it is just apart from them. It does delve in the underworld but just for reference.

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It deals more with psyche of the people from underworld in normal living conditions. 'Gangster' deals with the love track of a dreaded don who wants to win back her love at any cost. He is ready to do anything, and even to leave his profession for love. Love that needs sacrifice. Sacrifice that is the first condition of love, and love that means keeping one's companion happy . This is an irony that when the Bhatt camp was making horror films like 'Raaz', Ram Gopal Verma was busy with underworld stories and now it's vice versa.

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It is B B verses A B this week ; meaning Bhatt Brothers verses Amitabh Bachchan who does a lead role in the leading story of 'Darna Zaroori Hai'. Bhatt Brothers present a film that is class apart from all those films made on underworld so far. Its writer is Mahesh Bhatt who has been constantly watching underworld activities right through the Mumbai bomb blasts and thereafter. He knows nitty gritties of this world. A world that moves on terror. And it is terror that Simran (Kangana) can never live with. She is a happy bar dancer in Mumbai but only till she meets Daya (Shiney Ahuja).

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Daya is on the run and that makes Simran feel chill down her spine. Meanwhile, she chances upon meeting Aakash (Emraan Hashmi). Aakash is a maverick and he lives life as it comes to him. He wants to make Simran feel safe and secure. They pass time together. And in Aakash's company, Simran feels caring and consoling too . But, happy days end. Daya strikes back but only to know that Simran has traveled very far in life. She is nesting Aakash's baby in her womb. Daya wants to do everything for her but Simran is torn between two banks of a river

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This is 'Gangster', a love story of a don. Not an easy subject in any case to deal with and an arduous task to make a film on it. It is only because of apt writing of Mahesh Bhatt that it could see itself on silver screen . But an equal credit goes to its director Anurag Basu. Last time he was struggling for life in hospital when his first film 'Murder' was released. But this time as a screenplay writer and director of 'Gangster', he is with his team to enjoy the success. Girish Dhamija, a regular for the Bhatt camp delivers good lines for film's characters though after a long time. The trio of Mahesh Bhatt, Anurag and Girish makes a concrete base for 'Gangster'. The film lifts from the base in the very opening and keeps on moving to its elevation, scene after scene.

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'Gangster' is a turning point for its people in many ways. It shows that it is the content that rules the box office and not the stars as in the case of 'Darna Zaroori Hai'. 'Gangster' is a complex story told in a very simple way and nothing can beat simplicity if it is presented with honesty. Anurag Basu leaves his mark once again. He has explored the hidden talent of Shiney Ahuja to his fullest. This actor never looked so impressive before. Shiney will keep this film close to his heart all through his career . And, Kangana. Ah! she is the new Barbie doll of the tinsel town.

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She looks so fresh and so vulnerable. And, apart from all this she can act too. She has given a marvelous performance in 'Gangster' and will be a strong contender for many best debut awards next year. And, dear naughty boy Emraan has excelled too after so many debacles outside the Bhatt camp. Anurag has given him a role that suits him like his skin. He may have started showing starry tantrums to his mentors but it is a new lease of life given to him by the Bhatt camp in 'Gangster'. Among others, Gulshan Grover leaves his mark in special appearance.

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Technically, 'Gangster' is one of the best films made during the year. Bobby Singh's cinematography is world class. He catches South Korea to its full beauty. Parvez choreographs the fight sequences beautifully but it is the magic of editor Akiy Ali's fingers that keep changing so smoothly that one just gets lost in the ongoings. And, added to the glory of the film is its music by Pritam. After 'Dhoom', this is Pritam's best film. All the songs of the film be it 'Bheegi Bheegi…' to 'Ya Ali; each one is a chartbuster and has helped the film draw a good initial. A must see for the weekend!