Movie Review : Runway (2009)

Rating: 2.5 out of 5*

Starring: Amarjeet, Tulip Joshi, Deepal Shaw, Lucky Ali, Sharat Saxena, Shawar Ali, Mrinal Deshraj and Vida Samadzai

Director: Sunil – Praful

Allan (Amarjeet) lands up in Mauritius on an assignment for Anthony (Sharat Saxena) a mafia don to get his girlfriend, Melvina (Deepal) out of danger. But little does he know that his unwilling act will lead to multiple problems ahead. After he honours his contract of killing a casino owner, Victor (Nagesh Bhosale) he realizes he has been tricked and that he is being hunted by a deadly contract killer, Khalid (Lucky Ali). As he tries to escape back to India, help comes in the form of Shaina (Tulip) a bar dancer. But despite having got that final chance to head back to India, Allan decides to stay back as he realizes some things are not what they appear to be.
What follows next is a cat and mouse game between Allan and Khalid.

Runway has full chances of being run down by hard nosed critics but one needs to admit that it is a slickly made film with a script that carries tremendous potential. Though it begins on a slow note, it picks up once Allan shoots Victor. The plot then on is one euphoric ride on the roller coaster of suspense, drama, intrigue, romance and action. With a running time of just 1 hour and 45 minutes it is like those Hollywood action thrillers that keep the viewer constantly engaged. The climax is unexpected and very well executed. However, one feels the character of Lucky Ali could have been better etched out and also the makers could have kept Rauf Lala’s comic act more restrained.

Shamir Tandon’s music is first rate with some good numbers such as the melancholic Khuda Ke Liye and the peppy romantic number Teri Yaadein. Barring the first song, the rest songs are well woven in the screenplay and don’t act as speed breakers in the thriller.  

Amarjeet in his second film shows tremendous growth as an actor. Though it is a difficult role to portray, Amarjeet manages to win your heart. Tulip Joshi never looked so hot before. She puts up a good act as well. Lucky Ali is in top form after a long time. With his cool body language, he fits the role of a trigger happy contract killer to the T. Deepal Shaw is hardly there but she passes muster. Sharat Saxena, Shawar Ali, Dayanand Shetty, Mreenal Deshraj and Afghan beauty Vida Samadzai lend able support.

Runway may not boast of big stars but never once do you miss any. It delivers more than it was expected out of it and is an earnest effort. Go in with zero expectations and chances are Runway won’t disappoint you. In fact it will definitely surprise you.

- SAMPURN