Inspired from journalist S Hussain Zaidi's non-fiction book Dongri to Dubai, 'Shootout at Wadala', Directed by Sanjay Gupta, is An Engaging Action Film, that re-tells Late Gangster Manya Surve's bloodied story. Gupta handles the film well, while the Screenplay & Performances are note-worthy.

'Shootout at Wadala' is based on the first-ever registered encounter by Mumbai police, where Gangster Manya Surve was shot dead, in Mumbai on 11 January 1982.

'Shootout at Wadala' is extremely violent & disturbing. The violence depicted on-screen appears real & horrifying. Of course, the Action-Sequences are rustic & effective, but there is just too much of gore. The Faint-Hearted better stay away!

Gupta's Screenplay is note-worthy & is engaging. The first-hour is power-packed, while the second-hour culminates with a nail-biting finale. Gupta's Direction is stylish. He's in form after a long, long time. Cinematography is rustic. Editing could've been sharper. Music by Multiple Music Directors is fair.

Performance-Wise: John Abraham as Manya Surve, gives an all-out performance. He's believable all through. Anil Kapoor is simply superb as the tough cop. He stands out! Kangna Ranaut is wonderful, while Tusshar has his moments. Manoj Bajpai is flawless in a relatively small role. Bajpai never disappoints! Sonu Sood is another topper. He enacts an important role with terrific ease. Ronit Roy is excellent. Mahesh Manjrekar is perfect. Sidharth Kapoor holds tremendous potential as an actor. Jackie Shroff shines in a cameo. Raju Kher is brilliant. Priyanka Chopra, Sunny Leone & Sophie sparkle in item numbers.

On the whole, 'Shootout at Wadala' re-tells a true story, efficiently.

I am not a big fan of Shootout At Lokhandwala(2007) even though it was a hit. This time however, the film is directed by Sanjay Gupta and not Apoorva Lakhia which gives this film an extra edge. Yet again filmmakers dig another chapter of a gangster, in this case Manya Surve.When the promos were on air in January or February, I was awaiting this film and the film doesn't really disappoint. The film starts off well and follows the non linear approach which was followed in the original too. The film is set in the period between 1970 and 1982 and care has been taken on several aspects to depict the era. The transformation of John from a good innocent guy to a bad guy is well handled, The war of words is well handled too, The conflicts between John and Manoj and the way John starts his own gang is well handled. There are few unbelievable scenes like the way Raju Kher survives after being burnt through crackers and several more Even there are too many item songs which do drop the pace On the flip side, the action scenes are well handled, another aspect that stands out are the dialogues which soaked in acid and sometimes there are funny too, while some are corny. The film gathers speed towards the end and the end is superb too

Direction by Sanjay Gupta is good, he had shown sparks in derivative films like Kaante, Zinda but this time he has gone original mostly, though half the film is supposedly based on Dongri to Dubai novel. Music is good, but too many item songs slacken the pace

Amongst actors John gives his all to the role, he tries very hard and does manage to handle the role well though at times it does come across as too hard. His emotional scenes have improved a lot. Manoj Bajpai in a shorter role executes a strong impact. Sonu Sood is terrific, especially in second half Anil Kapoor has done such roles before, but he adds something extra with his intensity and presence. Kangana in a short role is good, Tusshar is believable surprisingly, he does a good job, providing the film some funny moments though in the second half, he is relegated to the background in between. Mahesh Manjerekar is good but doesn't get much scope, Newfind Siddhanth Kapoor is superb, The actor playing Ranjeet's former bodyguard is good too Ranjeet, Jackie Shroff have cameos, while Raju Kher is good rest are good

I missed the prequel 'Shootout at Lokhandwala' which did great and after hearing the rave reviews 'Shootout at Wadala' has been getting I decided to give the franchise a shot.I ended up with mixed feelings.What's good? The apropos setting means that as you sit through the first half hour of the movie you will find yourself quickly immersed in the gangster world of Mumbai(then Bombay) in the 70's and 80's.That is courtesy to a gripping story,exhilarating pace and good acting.The actors seem well cast.John Abraham(Manya Surve) impresses but in parts(As always his body is amazing though).It's always good to see Anil Kapoor and Sonu Sood,two of the many underrated actors in Bollywood.What really keeps the movie alive is it's dialogs,witty one liners and crass jokes.The movie justifies it's A rating with lot's of violence and sensuality(not meant for kids).There is a hot Kangana Ranaut and as many as three item songs with probably Sunny Leone's being the best.The camera work and editing are simply brilliant.

You would expect a movie with so many positives to be thoroughly satisfying,yet it somehow falls short of that.The movie seems undecided on what it is trying to portray.Is it about the transformation of an innocent student to a merciless gang leader?If so it certainly is n't believable.Is it about the honest duty abiding policemen?It doesn't seem so,then why spend so much time on the lives of the inspectors,an unnecessary digression(Not that i don't like Anil Kapoor,Ronit Roy or Mahesh Manjreker-they are great in their own way).Is it about a face off between John Abraham(Manya Surve) and Sonu Sood(Dilawar Imtiaz Haksar).Well after a great build up,the showdown does n't happen either.Such a missed opportunity.In the end you cant decide whom you are rooting for- Manya,Dilawar or the police.That's where it is a letdown,which is why the ending wont leave you teary eyed or deeply moved.

Overall the movie entertains,maybe doesn't disappoint but you feel it could have been much more.