Neeraj Pandey impressed one-and-all with his gripping direction and storytelling in the 2008 film, A Wednesday, which starred Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah. That film worked because of many reasons – a tight gripping screenplay, an impeccable script, flawless performances, crisp editing (100 minutes), no 'stereotyping' (in fact, the movie itself was somehow based on 'anti-stereotyping'), no 'Bollywood' gimmick such as item numbers among many more. This one, Special 26, somehow goes back to the same school of filmmaking, which is more about gumption than gimmick! Based on true incidents, this Akshay Kumar-Anupam Kher-Manoj Bajpayee-Jimmy Sheirgill-Divya Dutt starrer is about the curious case of the fake CBI raids, which were conducted in the 1980s. Shivom Oza reviews this film.

 

Special 26 just stops short of being a gem! There are several flaws in this film. However, do watch it as seldom do Hindi film viewers get an opportunity to witness great stories.

 

We are introduced to this gang of four 'fake' CBI officers – led by Ajay (Akshay Kumar) and P.K Sharma (Anupam Kher). They conduct raids at the houses of corrupt politicians and businessmen and keep all the supposedly 'seized' money and jewellery for themselves. There is no particular reason why they do this. One might feel they are trying to get back at the corrupt politicians who are left scott-free after every allegation of corruption. It is also possible that this is their way of acquiring money through illegal practices. However, their acts do end up looking like public service, considering that the so-called thieves are getting into trouble. Yet, it is fun to watch these fake officers do their thing and even more fun is to witness the reactions of those who are being raided.

 

Now, these fun and games continue until the real CBI comes into play. Led by Waseem Khan (Manoj Bajpayee), CBI starts investigating into the matter and the film is set for a duel between the 'fake' and the 'real'!

 

The plot, screenplay and dialogues are near-perfect. The cast is filled with acting powerhouses and they are even more brilliant than you would expect. Kajal Aggarwal does a decent job too. However, this film could have done away with her character, which is that of Akshay Kumar's love interest. In fact, Special 26 could have done away with the entire romantic track, along with the songs. Another complaint with this film would be the beeping out of the cuss words. Completely respect the filmmaker's decision to do away with the foul language in order to make the film suitable for a universal audience. Yet, the replacements for those abusive words are not top notch. Either beep out the abusive language completely or at least use better replacements. Isn't our Hindi vocabulary rich enough to accommodate offensive, and universal, words? The third complaint with the film would be the use of chroma effect. Moreover, this effect has been used for relatively simple scenes, such as the long shot of the Kolkata skyline or the South Mumbai sea face. They could have changed the location instead of using the green screen effect, which kind of dilutes the impact of the respective scenes. The lone song that stands out in the soundtrack is Dharpakad by the one and only, Bappi Lahiri! This catchy number plays out during the end-credits so stick around for that one!  The scenes have been brilliantly written –memorable moments include the raids conducted in Delhi and Kolkata, the banter between Anupam Kher and Akshay Kumar, Akshay's penultimate scene with Manoj Bajpayee, Jimmy Sheirgill and Divya Dutta's chemistry among many more.

 

The film has a few aberrations. However, it remains what it was meant to be – Special!

As Neeraj's earlier movie, even this one is script oriented, while being based on a heist. Trailers of the movie has been intriguing and drawing the audience. Music in such movies is not the USP but then since it's Akshay at the helm of affairs and there is a love angle in the movie as well, songs have been put together that promise to take the script forward. Meanwhile, Neeraj has decided to go unconventional and roped in M.M.Kreem.

 

Album opens with the dependable and solid K.K. in Tujh Sang Lagee. His voice takes over the proceedings and reaches straight to the listener's heart. Irshad Kamil's potery is well penned and conveys the emotions with the most casual however effective words. Though it's a very clichéd Hindi film track (with Kreem as K.K. singing partner as well), listeners are not yet tired of this style and hence would add this one to the list as well.

 

If there is Akshay Kumar in a film than you will definitely find a Punjabi track. Gore Mukhde Pe Zulfa Di Chaava rendered by Aman Trikha, Shabab Sabri and Shreya Ghoshal fits the bill and qualifies for the same. It's a Punjabi dance track which has very catchy beats and sweet vocals. As this is definitely not Kreem's forte, guest composer Himesh Reshammiya has composed music for the track. It's popularity would definitely be gained in the interiors of country where Akshay sells these tracks with an honesty that is commendable. Still, overall it is one of those 'popular today, forgotten tomorrow' songs.

 

M M Kreem gets Chaitra Ambadipudi from his troupe to deliver the next track Kaun Mera. It changes the mood of the album after the previous track. It's a soft-n-soothing rendition which would grow on the listeners after 2 or 3 hearing. Later in the album Papon delivers the same track in his style. Riding on a high wave post Kyon from Barfi!, he delivers yet another beautiful track. Both Chitra and Papon have sung this one with deep earnestness which comes across in the track.

 

Lastly Sunidhi Chauhan brings on the same track in her mesmerizing voice. It seems like an unplugged version and sounds wonderful. One does get to hear a high-pitched powerful Sunidhi's voice a lot of times but then this short and beautiful track gives a glimpse of a different her which is spellbinding. Irshad Kamil's lyrics draw the listener closer and blends perfectly with the mood. All these three versions stand tall on their own and one would not be tempted to skip any. M.M. Kreem shows his capability by engaging the listener each time around.

 

Next track Mujh Mein Tu is another track sung in Sufiyana style by Keerthi Sagathia. It's a slow track that would settle on the listener. The track begins with the hint of guitar while chorus supports in giving range to the overall tempo, hence bringing it up and down. M.M. Kreem himself delivers the second version of the same track later in the album. It's a short track where the listener gets a glimpse of the composer's singing capability. 

 

Legend Bappi Lahiri makes an entry with fun filled Dhar Pakad. M M Kreem comes back with a vengeance in this track and holds the theme of the movie tightly. This is the song which does justice to the engaging trailers and teasers running on TV. Bappi da has done really well in this track and lyrics are very rustic while being the highlight of the composition.

 

If listeners are familiar with M.M. Kreem's music then they won't be disappointed with the music he has put together in the album. It has melody embellished in it and has a resonating effect which stays with you. Though one would wonder about the need of these many tracks in the theme-based movie, it's the treatment and overall quality that should be a reason good enough. Over all, sparks like Kaun Mera and Mujh Mein Tu will demand popularity well deservedly and also get it.