Special 26 Movie Review by Komal Nahata, Taran Adarsh, Rajeev Masand,Sify, Yahoo
Special 26 Review by Taran Adarsh - 4/5 stars
SPECIAL 26 may be a fictionalized account of events that occurred in the
1980s, but Neeraj ensures it does not transform into a dry
film/documentary that focuses completely and absolutely on the
incidents. The film has the soul of a thriller and the director makes
sure that it not only enlightens [to the present-day viewer], but
entertains as well. While the volatile plot and enthralling drama
catches your attention, the execution of the written material, besides
proficient performances from each and every member of the cast, makes
SPECIAL 26 a game changer, a worthy follow up to the director's A
WEDNESDAY.
SPECIAL 26 brings to the big screen the scandalous and outrageous
incidents that occurred in the 1980s. The film narrates the story of a
group of con men who orchestrated and executed a series of robberies,
targeting the rich and famous, business magnets and politicians by
posing as CBI or IT officers, under the pretext of confiscating
unaccounted wealth [black money] from their premises.
Now to the performances! Akshay Kumar does a complete U-turn with
SPECIAL 26. Deviating from the comic/action roles he is recognized for,
Akshay truly reinvents himself with SPECIAL 26. No two opinions on that.
This is, without doubt, one of the most challenging roles in his career
and the seasoned actor enacts it with complete authority. Not only will
Akshay's fans adore him in this new avatar, even the skeptical types
will applaud this superb act.
On the whole, SPECIAL 26 is an intelligently woven, slick and smart
period thriller with its subject matter as its USP. It's sure to get
listed as one of the most gripping heist dramas based on real life
occurrences. A film that's sure to win accolades, acclaim and awards.
Also, box-office rewards! -
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Special 26 Review by NDTV - 4/5 stars
Special 26 hinges on four pivotal performances, with Manoj
Bajpayee’s star turn being the standout one. It is a classic
demonstration of what a consummate actor can achieve when he is at
complete ease with the material at his disposal.
The
pre-climactic scene between Bajpayee the armed interrogator and Anupam
Kher the cornered target is remarkable for both its intensity and wit.
The encounter crackles with controlled energy.
Akshay Kumar,
shorn of all his superhero trappings, is a revelation. He stands up to
the challenge with effort to spare. And Jimmy Shergill, whose invariably
steady work often flies under our collective radars, is splendid as the
man in uniform who has a score to settle with the conmen.
Just one grouse: wish Rajesh Sharma and Kishore Kadam were given a better deal. They are too good to be wasted in walk-on parts.
Special 26 truly special. Not be missed -
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Special Chabbis Review by Sify - 3.5/5
Akshay and Anupam are fabulous as the adorable rogues, but Manoj is the absolute scene-stealer! Rajesh (who was fab in
Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana) and veteran Marathi actor Kishor tragically don't get enough screen-time.
Writer-director Neeraj Pandey (
A Wednesday) makes a taut,
suspenseful thriller weaving in intermittent humour. One of the best
examples would be the scene where the fraud CBI storms into an office,
shocked to see the real CBI already conducting a raid. Audaciously, they
'use' the real folks to carry out their robbery!
Watch the film for the arresting story served up in a fun, frothy style. Recommended!-
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Special Chabbis Review by Koimoi - 2.5/5 stars
Special 26 is a captivating con-movie with an equally thrilling chase with Akshay Kumar and Manoj Bajpai doing their best
chor-police jodi. -
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