Emraan Hashmi is back with his buddy Mohit Suri with Crook. Based on the current racial attacked against Indians in Australia, the film explores the trials and tribulations of an overeager Indian who is ready to give up his morals all for the sake of living abroad. Suri and producer Mahesh Bhatt have openly spoken about the film claiming it is based on a number of issues that exist within the problem at hand: honor killing and the demolishment of Indian values in foreign locales. The film has been promoted heavily because of its rather obscure plot as well as the fact that Emraan was back in form after the period film, Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai for which he has received immense accolades. Crook or not, Emraan definitely is out to make sure you, his audience, believes he is one. Read on as we dissect Crook.
Jai Dixit (Emraan Hashmi) is determined to make it big in life and realizes early in life that clearly, his life isn’t about to get any easier if he is stuck in India selling pirated DVDs. However, he also knows it isn’t possible to get out of the country correctly and thus, finds himself owning a fake Australian visa with a new name: Suraj. The minute he lands, he witnesses the atrocities that occur with Indians down below. With no job, he finds himself driving a cab and wasting his earnings at the local nightclubs indulging in much debauchery. He also finds himself some eye candy in the form of Suhani (Neha Sharma) who is determined to rid the country of its racism. When Suraj finds himself in the midst of a racism row, it is then that his personality goes from bad to good and he too, becomes a part of Suhani’s mission. Amidst the main plot is a subplot involving an honor killing of the sibling kind.
Crook is far too insensitive a film that really doesn’t address the underlying racist problems that exist in Australia; especially nowadays. As a director, Mohit Suri doesn’t display any sensibilities or compassion towards the racist attacks. In fact, the film looks and sounds incredibly mockish. It displays beer guzzling Australians and scotch gulping Punjabis – stereotypes galore! The film is filled with unnecessary jokes that are attempting to add a light essence to the film but falls flat because it makes the film look even more tactless than it already is. The plot is far too superficial and leaves you questioning the motive of the film. Even the ending which is meant be filled with a shock value, falls flat and a scene that should leave you in horror lands up making you cringe.
This role is piece of cake for Emraan Hashmi who looks and plays the bad boy part with incredibly ease. In fact, he is the only reason to watch the film. But the actor has played such a role numerous times and thus, this role is hardly one he needed to work too hard for. Of course, he kisses…a number of times; nothing new in that. Neha Sharma is limited with her role and so, her role in the film is hardly one to talk about. Arjan Bajwa is flawless. His role and depiction is interesting as he plays the confused and betrayed Indian.
Crook is bad for the following reasons: awful dialogues, terrible dialogues, mediocre music and half baked plot.
Crook is worthy of watch because of Emraan Hashmi. You take your pick!
