Film: Ek Chalis Ki Last Local

Director: Sanjay Kanduri

Cast: Abhay Deol, Neha Dhupia, Snehal Dabhi, Ashok Samarth, Vinay Apte, Virendra Saxena

Rating: 2/5

Ever missed the last train and found yourself stranded? To add to your misery, there could also be a rickshaw strike and not another mode of transport in sight. As farfetched and improbable as it may sound, this is the premise of Ek Chalis Ki Last Local.

Nilesh (Abhay Deol), a call centre employee, is stranded, after he misses his train. Soon enough, he bumps into Madhu (Neha Dhupia) and both of them begin meandering on the streets of Mumbai; they seek refuge in a bar. At the bar, Nilesh bumps into his 'chuddy buddy' Patrick, who drags him along to gamble with Ponnappa. One thing leads to another and Ponnappa's brother is killed. Soon enough, the chase begins and what follows is a series of unprecedented events to save their respective lives.

While the film, in its two and half hour run, is entertaining, the plot is similar to the 90s English flick Run. However, in spite of a few twists and alterations, ECKLL fails to be a longlasting joy ride. The first half wanders in futility, alternating between situations based on the time, but it is the second half with the chase that proves to be exciting.

This is one of those films which undoubtedly would make for a great read, as it allows the reader to use his imagination. On screen, however, it fails to be engaging. The unflattering dialogues and locales further hold back the film from being thoroughly engaging. The editing is fine, but not as slick as you would have expected such a film to be. The film lacks sheen and colour, each frame seems dull and dreary.

In a film that encompasses humour, thrill and drama within the environment of a rain struck Mumbai, the camerawork and lighting is unbecoming. The tilts, establishing shots and top shots seem forced and more often, unframed. Additionally, the music seems underutilised throughout the film and the little that is used, seems inconsequential to the way the story progresses.