Watch Shortcut ROMEO Video Review and Public View

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Subhash K Jha speaks about Shortcut Romeo

There are two ways of doing a full-on masala film. You either turn it on its head and poke fun at ridiculous cinematic conventions. Or you treat the stereotypical characters and sacred cows of our cinema with full seriousness.
Shortcut Romeo takes the midway route. It seems so full of the old-world formulistic flavour and the stench of the familiar that parts of the pulsating aggressive storytelling actually feel like a spoof.

So we have the film's unfaithful wife Monica (Amisha Patel) and her slimy lover (Jatin Garewal) making out in a golf turf. Why any affluent couple would use the grass to manoeuvre their itching ass when they could afford the poshest of duplex to do the 'needf..k' is beyond logical explanation.

And then Slimy Lover tells Unfaithful Wife, "First time when you do it (cheat in a marriage) you feel bad. Then it becomes your style."

Er, how stylish! Come again?

But please don't laugh. First-time Hindi director Susi Ganesan is dead serious. The film shot at the speed of sound, Himesh Reshammiya's sound, is filled with bizarre twists and turns. It's basically the story of a woman who cheats on a saintly tycoon of a husband(effectively played by Rajesh Shringapure) who has a massive portrait of Rabindranath Tagore in his bedroom, and a cheesy blackmailer named Suraj who believes in taking risky short-cuts to get rich.

This is not the first film about a cheating wife and a blackmailer. Reena Roy and Naseeruddin Shah had done the roles with heart-stopping tension in Bezubaan. Shortcut Romeo scores in the way the plot paces out its drama in the ongoing friction between the fornicating wife and the avaricious blackmailer.

Neil Nitin Mukesh plays the cheesy go-getter with a schemer's delight. His eyes glint when he talks of teasing more money out of Monica. He drools when she transfers cash into his trashy life. Alas, some of the narrative's display of the protagonist's excessive hedonism is just an excuse for African tourism. The Kenyan expedition reads like a botched-up touristic brochure with Black African women performing item songs to the tune of Sheila ki jawani and Chikni chameli.

Bad idea, Mr Ganesan. Even worse is the director himself showing up in the second-half as the cheated husband's detective-friend. Susi Ganesan's accent is so thick it slices the gamboling narration into smithereens. At least for a while. But then again the film gathers momentum towards the end-game .The finale is a breathless whammy with Neil making a run for his freedom, quite literally, with the narrative panting behind him.
Shortcut Romeo is redeemed by a strong message on today's 20-something's yearning for materialism. And when our Shortcut Romeo finds his short-skirt Juliet (Puja Gupta, pretty) there is a delicious irony attached to the association. The film's most vivid interludes go back to Neil's childhood to show how he learnt to be corrupt, acquisitive, and inquisitive, at a tender age. Some of the action sequences with Neil, specially one key fight with African tribals, are first-rate. But then the songs-oh my God!-they pop up at the most inopportune moments like Amisha Patel's eloquent twin assets. I mean her eyes, of course.

In spite of its massive flaws (including the cheesy dialogues) Susi Ganesan's stylish shocker of a thriller manages to stay constantly one step ahead of the audience. A coolly crafted cat-and-mouse game Shortcut Romeo finds Neil giving grit to the gripping goings-on. The last half-hour is a knock-out.

But the overall product could have been far less retrogradatory in tone. Nonetheless enjoyable while it lasts.

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Shortcut ROMEO Review by Taran Adarsh

Shortcut Romeo

By Taran Adarsh, 21 Jun 2013, 09:08 hrs IST

Just last week, FUKREY depicted the shortcuts the youth of today indulge in to accomplish their dreams and desires. SHORTCUT ROMEO also talks of the shortcut the male protagonist undertakes to lead a comfy life. The film, directed by Susi Ganesh, is a remake of the film-maker's successful Tamil film THIRUTTU PAYALE.

Although a remake, Susi takes the essence and gives it a complete makeover. The scale is larger. Also, a few modifications have been made to cater to the pan-India audience. The plot orbits around blackmail and deceit and Susi makes sure the thriller is embellished with several edge-of-the-seat-moments to create an anxiety-crammed environ. Although the film has its share of blemishes [more on that later], one cannot overlook the fact that Susi knows the grammar of film-making right and makes an impressive debut in Hindi films.

Suraj [Neil Nitin Mukesh], a good for nothing youth, arrives from Goa to Mumbai. He chances upon a couple indulging in love making on the lawns of a golf course. He shoots the act and later learns that the lovers, Monica [Ameesha Patel] and Ashish [Bunty Grewal], wouldn't mind shelling out a couple of lacs to keep their affair a secret from Monica's husband [Rajesh Shringarpure].

Suraj starts blackmailing Monica, demanding money for the footage he has shot. Monica has no choice but to succumb to the blackmail. In the meanwhile, Suraj falls in love with Sherry [Puja Gupta] and has a change of heart. But Monica decides to get even with Suraj and a dangerous cat and mouse game ensues…

Almost 31 years ago, BEZUBAAN narrated the story of a housewife [Reena Roy] trying to keep an affair concealed from her husband [Shashi Kapoor] when a blackmailer [Naseeruddin Shah] comes knocking on her door. Although the plot of BEZUBAAN bears a striking resemblance to SHORTCUT ROMEO, the similarities end there. For, not just the blackmailer, but each and every character in the movie has grey shades. That's one of the prime reasons why this cat and mouse saga seems fascinating.

Susi embellishes the film with several attention-grabbing moments. The characters of Neil and Ameesha, for instance, give the film the required edge. Additionally, Susi knows how to keep the audience attention arrested. The screenwriting never falls prey to the tried and tested formulaic stuff that Bollywood is known for. Even the conclusion leaves you completely shocked [it's super!], since the spectator had never imagined the film would end on that note.

The film loosens its grip slightly at times. Besides, the drama leading to the climax could've been crisper. Also, the romantic portions are not as persuasive as the thrilling moments.

Susi is an accomplished storyteller, no two opinions on that. His handling of a complex subject deserves immense praise. Besides, he ensures that the film bears an affluent, striking look all through. Aiding him in giving the film a rich luster is the DoP, who captures the scenic locales of South Africa dexterously on celluloid. Himesh Reshammiya's music gels well with the mood of the film. 'Khali Salaam Dua' is easily the pick of the lot. Action is, generally, okay, but the one in Masai Mara is top notch. Dialogue are a mixed bag.

Neil gets a solid part to display his talent and he grabs the opportunity with his hands. The actor, who left a strong impression in DAVID earlier this year, is superb, displaying the varied streaks in his character with flourish. This film could prove to be a game-changer in his career. Ameesha gets an equally challenging character and she's in top form here. Also, she makes sure she doesn't go over the top since that would make her look like a vamp, which she's not. Puja Gupta, who displayed abundant confidence in GO GOA GONE, enacts her part with confidence, although the focus is on Neil and Ameesha chiefly.

Rajesh Shringarpure is efficient. Jatin Grewal is passable. Vrajesh Hirjee provides a few laughs in the sequence that he's in. Errol Peter Marks, Ashutosh Kaushik and Meherzan Mazda are perfect as Neil's friends. Susi Ganesh [plays the detective] is appropriate.

On the whole, SHORTCUT ROMEO is a well-made, stylish crime story with high-voltage drama as its highpoint. It may not boast of A-listers in its cast, but it has ample entertainment and edge-of-the-seat moments to offer. I suggest, give this one a chance!

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Shortcut Romeo Premiere show

The Shortcut Romeo team attended the film's screening at PVR in Juhu, a western Mumbai suburb, ahead of its theatrical release on June 21. 
Ameesha Patel arrived to attend the preview in a bodycon dress.
 

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It’s good to be 'bad' for a change: Ameesha Patel

“This is amongst my most memorable birthdays, as I am chilling out with talented kids even as we are promoting my latest movie Shortcut Romeo which has Neil Nitin Mukesh as my lead co-star and has chartbusting songs by Himesh Reshammiya,” gushed birthday-girl Ameesha Patel. The petite Patel appeared ‘rejuvenated’ as she shed her starry protocol and freely mingled and danced with young budding artists at a fund-raising educational charity ‘Child Art Exhibition’ event at a Vile Parle venue. 

“Whenever I have celebrated my birthday during the making of my movie as in Gadar and Race-2, it has always proved ‘maha’ lucky for me. So I am hoping this time too, it will be a mascot  as well,” shrugs the articulate Ameesha who also has a flair for ‘sketching’ . Curiously enough, in Shortcut Romeo while ravishing Puja Gupta plays the lovey-dovey glamour-puss, Ameesha seems excited having played a coquettish role with negative shades. Clarifies the svelte actress, “It was a creative challenge for me to play a shrewd woman who is an antagonist in Shortcut Romeo. In fact, I take it as a compliment, that ‘showman’ director Sasi Ganeshan had the confidence that I could ‘defy’ my goody-goody positive image. From behind the mask of innocence, I unleash my devious wicked true colours. After this I would be seen playing a ‘double role’ in my home production Desi Magic,” reveals Ameesha.

Would this suspense musical thriller Shortcut Romeo, a stylised Bollywood remake of a Southside regional movie connect with today’s hard-to-please Hindi cinegoers ?
She is quick with her repartee response. “Definitely. Because almost everyone these days, is looking for a ‘shortcut’ to quick romance, fast money and instant fame. Rarely does anyone have the patience for perseverance. The recent IPL tamasha is an ideal example of a shortcut attempt to make a fast buck,” chuckles Ameesha who has always been a staunch die-hard fan of the ‘late’ maestro-singer Jagjit Singh’s ghazals. 

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Ameesha Patel plays anti-hero in Shortcut Romeo

Ameesha Patel has made her comeback with new film Shortcut Romeo in which she plays an anti-hero. DESIblitz caught up with her for some exclusive gupshup. 

 According to Susi, Neil was more than happy to change up his style. Susi says: “It wasn’t difficult because when he saw my original film, he loved the long hair look. I wanted to do this because Neil has never tried this look on him.

Ameesha Patel began her career after joining Satyadev Dubey’s theatre, where she acted in numerous plays, including an Urdu language play titled Neelam (1999).

Shortcut Romeo is a remake of the director’s own Tamil film, Thiruttu Payale (2006), which was a commercial success and became the third highest grossing Tamil film of 2006. The film was screened at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22, which was attended by the crème de la crème of the film industry.

At the same time she entered into modeling, appearing in several commercial campaigns. Patel has also modeled for well-known Indian brands and is a Bharatnatyam dancer.

Ameesha graced the Cannes Film Festival for the first time in an elegant Manish Malhotra coral lehenga, and was accompanied by actress Puja Gupta and director Susi Ganeshan.

The film is already creating a buzz in Bollywood as fans are excited to see Ameesha in a negative role for the first time, as well as Neil Nitin Mukesh’s new look and Puja Gupta’s role.

After making her debut with the blockbuster Kaho Naa… Pyar Hai (2000), and earning critical praise and a Filmfare Award in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), Ameesha became known to the industry as a rising star.

Her career fell during 2003 and 2006, with a number of films being unsuccessful at the box office, however her career picked up again after Bhool Bhulaiya (2007), Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic (2008) and Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd (2007).


Now, Ameesha is back with a challenging character in Shortcut Romeo. The bubbly actress will be showing her dark side and bringing out her inner demons, a task which proved to be demanding and tiring for the star.

Ameesha confessed that portraying a negative role was something which was much more mentally and physically tiring for her. She claimed she was left exhausted coming home everyday as her character used to soak up all her energy.

Talking about Ameesha’s role, Neil says:

“Ameesha’s character is very interesting. She is the anti-hero in the film. She is the negative lead and she has done complete justice to the role.”

Ameesha agrees and states: “This film has two heroes – Neil and me. My role was very challenging and I wouldn’t call myself the heroine of the film.”

Since this is her comeback film, Ameesha is more than ready to take on new roles again: “Yes, it’s a great feeling after a long break and I’m all charged up and I feel as if I’m making my debut all over again.”

Neil Nitin Mukesh plays a tapori character, Suraj, who wants to get rich quick. To get the right look the director felt the need to get rid of Neil’s classy, smart style.

Commenting on Neil’s look, Susi says: ‘‘We wanted Neil to have a tapori look. His long hair gives us that. His character not only demands tapori but a rich man, for that also this long hair will help.”


When Ameesha saw his new style, she expressed: “When I saw him in the tapori look I was completely impressed as he was carrying it really well.”

The film is also, for the most part, set against the beautiful and unexplored backdrop of Kenya which adds a completely different texture and ambiance to the film.

Himesh Reshammiya has composed the soundtrack of the film and the lyrics have been created by Sameer, Shabbir Ahmed, Manoj Yadav and Sanjay Masoom.

The film is expected to do well at the box office, as Ameesha revealed that this is a great blend of betrayal, emotions, blackmailing and love and is perfect for all audiences across the globe! Shortcut Romeo is on general release from June 21, 2013.

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Shortcut Romeo’s Real Life Connection

 The phenomenon is all too real. Rich wives pick up toy boys to rid themselves of loneliness, caused by absentee workaholic husbands. More often than not, they fall prey to young men who either blackmail them into parting with their money or into leaving their husbands. In Shortcut Romeo, director Susi Ganesh tells us one such story.
After reading about such cases, Susi Ganesh felt that for the country’s youth, materialistic achievement is the ultimate dream.
Pursuing that dream is his film’s hero, played by Neil Nitin Mukesh, who is shown blackmailing a lonely, rich wife played by Ameesha Patel. He doesn’t demand a lump sum amount, but rather wants her to support his rich lifestyle for a lifetime. Puja Gupta plays his ‘real’ girlfriend.
Says he, “Even our epics, like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, convey a strong message to those eyeing another’s wife and wealth. But related crimes still happen on a daily basis.” Produced by Manjari Susi Ganesh, the movie has music composed by Himesh Reshammiya.
So, is it based on a real-life story? Susi confirms, “There was talk about such an incident in a very influential corporate household. I was inspired by that.”
Shortcut Romeo, by Susi Ganesh Productions, releases June 21.

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Climax dilemma for ShortcutROMEO

When Susi Ganesh was in a dilemma over the climax of his maiden Hindi venture, Shortcut Romeo, he found a rather 'simple' way out. The director shot two endings — a happy one and a sad one — and asked his cast and crew for their feedback. He also held a special screening for a select audience — comprising students, professionals and couples — and it was only after their response that he finalised the ending. The movie, produced by Manjari Susi Ganesh, stars Neil Nitin Mukesh, Ameesha Patel and Puja Gupta in main roles and has music composed by Himesh Reshammiya.

Says Ganesh, "According to me, both endings are perfect. The climax in the Tamil version — Shortcut Romeo is a remake of Thiruttu Payale — worked well down South. Now, I want to see if the other climax will appeal to the audience. I have gone ahead with the mass verdict ."

Now, what that 'verdict' is, remains to be seen. Shortcut Romeo, by Susi Ganesh Productions, releases June 21.

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First Net Review of ShortcutROMEO

Cast: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Puja Gupta, Ameesha Patel, Rajesh Shringarpure
Directed by: Susi Ganeshan
Review by: Faisal Saif
Ratings:  *  *  * 1/2
What do you do when you suddenly get a ‘Remote Control’ by which you have the choice of getting Rich? What do you do when you see the chances of that Remote Control being risky? Shortcut Romeo is all about chances and taking a ‘Shortcut’ way of getting rich and achieving the luxury of a rich lifestyle. It is a remake of Tamil money spinner ‘Thiruttu Payale’ which was also directed by Susi Ganeshan. Shortcut Romeo was also screened at Marche Du Film for Cannes Film Festival (2013).
The film is about Suraj (Neil Nitin Mukesh) who is good for nothing youth loaded with violent attitude. He is sent off from Goa to Mumbai to his uncle’s house. Suraj chances upon a couple indulging in love making on the lawns of a golf course. He shoots them with his video camera. He then finds out that it is an extramarital affair and that the lovers Monica (Ameesha Patel) and Ashish are rich.
Suraj gets the required ‘Remote Control’ of becoming rich, The dirty video of Monica making love to her Boyfriend. He starts a deadly game of Blackmailing Monica. Monica’s husband Rahul (Rajesh Shringarpure) is innocent and doesn’t know what is going on. But Rahul is smart and he has a ‘Hint’.
Suraj begins the journey of his most awaited luxurious lifestyle. He goes for a Holiday along with his friends with Monica’s money. There he meets a girl Sherry (Puja Gupta) and his life changes. He falls in love with Sherry. He lies to Sherry that he belongs to a good family who are rich. But Monica knows about Suraj and all of his moves. The table gets turned.
A game of Blackmailing, Betrayal and Deceit is about to begin.
I will not reveal the story further as that would ruin your viewing experience. But trust me friends, There are lot more twist and turns along with the cat and mouse game which will keep you hooked to your seats till the climax.
Neil Nitin Mukesh gives wonderful and a power packed performance as Suraj. After watching the film, You are sure that no other actor could have done justice to this role. Ameesha Patel is just awesome as Monica. She is Sharp, Sexy, Gorgeous evil from whom you cannot afford to take your eyes off. Puja Gupta get’s a good scope this time and she has performed her part well. Rajesh Shringarpure is very good as the husband who knows what is going on. Rest of the cast is good and effective at the same time.
Susi Ganeshan debuts with this film in Bollywood. Back home in Chennai, He is an award winning Film maker and has made some accomplishing films as his body of work. Shortcut Romeo is also written by him. By this film, The director gives you a clear message that there is no such thing called ‘Shortcut’ when it comes to earning money. Only your hard work, honesty and sweat makes you rich. To cut the explanation short, Every ‘Shortcut’ has a huge price to pay. The price could be your Life too! Susi Ganeshan brings a wonderful film with a brilliant message which will surely make you think twice even when you have left the auditorium.
The film does have it’s drawback. Especially the dragging love angle between Neil and Puja. But what works here is a fantastic script with powerful performances and ‘Killer’ dialogues.
On the Musical Note, Shortcut Romeo doesn’t have any songs which will be remembered for long. The back ground score is very good. The camera work and production values is of A Grade and a treat to watch. The Editing work was required in some portions though, Especially the romantic side of Neil and Puja. The Action sequences in the film is breath taking.
Shortcut Romeo is Twisted, Powerful and Thrilling entertainer which also has an amazing message and is strongly recommended.

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Shortcut Romeo HD WallPosters

Click here to watch all Shortcut Wallposters

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