Review : “Shashank” focuses on underbelly of Bollywood!

#Hindifilm industry popularly known as #Bollywood attracts thousands of youngsters everyday to #Mumbai to make it big in movie world. But in actuality it is next to impossible to impregnate the film world’s inner circle very easily. Instead aspirants have to go through many hurdles before facing the camera. Many do not even get that opportunity. Hence plenty of youngsters take to drugs and young girls are forced into flesh trade. In recent times there has a been a talk around nepotism. That also becomes hindrance to the new entrants despite being talented enough. All this and more has been showcased in a movie titled #Shashank.

A young guy from Bihar, Rajeev (Rajveer Singh) elopes with his girlfriend Firdaus (Aparnna Mallik) as she has eyes set on becoming an actress. As her parents were readying to marry her off she requests Rajeev to take her to Mumbai. After reaching Mumbai they get separated and Rajeev starts living with a well wisher who offers him roof. Firdaus happens to meet a famous film maker Wajid Lokhandwala (Raj Babbar) and he promises her role in a big movie starring superstar Shashank (Ravie Sudha Choudhary). Initially she gets to know first hand about the casting directors using new girls for flesh trade in the inside circle of Bollywood. Later she meets Shashank and she almost gets finalised to play lead opposite him in a big budget film. But things go awry for everybody which results in the Wajid breaking up with Firdaus and Shashank committing suicide.

The story of the film is extracted from incidents around Bollywood. The screenplay throws light on the underbelly of Bollywood and the dark deeds of the film people. Director has not minced words while depicting the dark realities of the film industry. Kudos to him. While doing this it throws a message to all those glamour stuck people about refraining to just land up in Mumbai without preparations or proper training. Also the film makes them aware of the struggle many go through. The film’s dialogues are very good and so is music. The production values are passable and the cinematography is good. Ravie Sudha Choudhary carries off the superstar’s character with ease. Raj Babbar plays the filmmaker with elan. Rajveer Singh gets to display his acting chops and Aparnna Mallik looks beautiful and does a decent job. Others lend good support.

Shashank is an eye opener for star struck youngsters who run away from home to land in Mumbai to become a star.

**1/2