'Lucknow Central' review: Predictable script overshadows Farhan Akhtar's performance

Movie: Lucknow Central

Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Ronit Roy, Diana Penty, Ravi Kissen

Director: Ranjit Tiwari 

What's it about 

Lucknow Central is a story and subject that we saw a few weeks back in Yash Raj Films' Qaidi Band. Both the films are based on the same plot of prisoners wanting to rebel by using music as a weapon to get out of jail and prove their innocence. In Lucknow Central, Farhan Akhtar plays Kishan a falsely accused victim of circumstances for whom music is his salvation. Despite the odds that he is in, Kishan tries to motivate himself and in the process forms a band with the help of NGO worker Gayatri (Diana Penty). However, it isn't easy as it seems, the prison is a thriving hotbed for some negative elements who would prefer Kishan and his band from staying within the confines of a jail. Ronit Roy plays the jailer who represents everything that is wrong with the system.

What's hot: 

Lucknow Central has a screenplay that engages with you on most levels. You immediately connect with the inmates and get introduced to their quirks. Deepak Dobriyal, Ravi Kissen and Rajesh Sharma add the right punch to the ensemble. Farhan tries his level best to evoke empathy for Kishan. The dialogues are sharp and the story throws light on the life of an inmate and the politics that goes inside the four walls of a prison. 'Meer-E-Karwaan' and 'Rangdaari' stand out from the soundtrack. 

What's not:

Lucknow Central had the potential to become an entertaining film with its realistic premise and eclectic ensemble, but thanks to a weak plot and incoherent direction it fails to connect with you on several levels. Despite a unique take on the story of a prisoner, the film falls flat because it doesn't attempt to do anything different. The supporting characters including Kishan are all stereotypes we have already watched in other films. Diana Penty stands out like the odd man out in this performance heavy cast. The jokes and gags are weak and the focus is more on creating a wave of sympathy for Kishan and his band rather than letting us feel for them organically. Director Ranjit Tiwari feels lost in translation with the kind of film he's set out to make. Post-interval, the story not only gets predictable but the way the climax unfolds just fails to hold any interest for you. 

What to do:

If you are in the mood for something serious, check it out. 

Rating: **1/2