Shahid movie review: A moving story

In the end we get to know that Shahid Azmi in a span of seven years of his career won seventeen cases which clearly strikes over the judicial system under which justice takes years to prevail.Stars- Raj Kumar yadav , Prabhaleen Sandhu, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayub, Vipin Sharma, Shalini Vasta, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Kay MemonDirector- Hansal MehtaRatings-***1/2There is something about today's directors who seems like have taken an oath to change the face of Indian Cinema which is for surely welcome. Recently some of the flicks like Lunchbox, Madras Cafe to name few, which weren't only authentic but also motivating, were respected for its courage to present the untouched topic. Joining them is Hansal Mehta who has a unique vision of using his non-materialistic concept to take the Indian cinema a few notches higher.Portraying the inspiring life of Shahid Azmi who escapes from becoming a terrorist but finally choose a wise path of becoming a lawyer couldn't be that easy for any filmmaker. But Mehta does it with honesty and without hurtling any regional sentiments. Shahid (Raj Kumar Yadav) who is presumed as a terrorist completes his term of jail and comes out to continue his education and become an honest lawyer. Mostly, he fights for those innocents who are suspected to be involved in big terrorist attacks. This honest and trustful nature also invites death threats but he is unperturbed and continues to fight for them.A short journey so encouraging which goes through pain, insult and humiliation is dealt with immense emotion. From dropping a shadow over the innocent muslim teenage getting trapped in name of jihadis to setting an example of an honest lawyer, director efficiently keeps the layer upon layer with responsibility.He makes the episode look so engaging and captivating through his main lead Rajkumar Yadav that you couldn't stop praising him. These episodes include some of the major riots and terrorist attacks like 2003 communal riots and 26/11 attacks through which his character journeys and fights till he gets killed.Hansal makes it look authentic and believable. Take that one where Shahid is interrogated or take the proceedings in the court, the director never misses an opportunity to give you a real impression. The romance between Raj Kumar and Prabhaleen Sandhu too occupies space without disturbing the plot.What could have been this without Raj Kumar Yadav who is so brilliant to manipulate with his sense of emotion. He carries the nervousness and the not too over the top courage with simplicity. Prabhaleen Sandhu is good as well. Mohd. Zeeshan Ayub playing Rajkumar's brother supports him well. Vipin Sharma Shalini Vasta playing prosecutors in the flick are brilliant. Also cameo appearances by Tigmanshu Dhulia and Kay Kay Memon are worth watching.I' ll go with three and a half stars for Shahid which is surely one of the best flicks of the year. It's a courageous attempt by the director which surely deserves applause.