John Day

John Day is a 2013 Indian thriller film directed by Ahishor Solomon and produced by K Asif, featuring an ensemble cast of Naseeruddin Shah, Randeep Hooda, Shernaz Patel, Sharat Saxena, and Elena Kazan in pivotal roles. The film revolves around John Day, a mysterious man, who seeks vengeance for the death of his daughter, Johanna, against the backdrop of Mumbai's gritty underworld.

The film opens with Johanna, a young girl, being drugged and raped while on a trip to Mumbai. Her father, John Day, is a bank manager by profession and is completely unaware of this tragedy. After Johanna's death, John delves into the city's criminal underworld in search of answers. He is aided by a cop, Gautam, who also seems to have his own personal vendetta against those committing crimes in the city. As they start to unravel the mystery behind Johanna's murder, they realize that the case is much bigger than they thought.

As John and Gautam delve deeper into the case, they are led to a corrupt cop, Jaitly, who is linked to the murders. They come across several other people connected to Johanna's death, including a merciless don, Jeeva, who seems to be leading the way towards the truth. The story takes several twists and turns as the characters race to uncover the secrets behind Johanna's tragic end. The film leaves the viewer guessing and keeps them engaged till the end.

One of the highlights of the movie is Naseeruddin Shah's performance as John Day. The veteran actor once again proves his mettle as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. He portrays the character with ease and grace, delivering a powerful performance that is both subtle and nuanced. Randeep Hooda, known for his intense performances, matches up to Shah's brilliance in his portrayal of Gautam. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and they share some intense moments on screen.

The film's plot is tightly woven, and the editing is crisp. The use of flashbacks to Johanna's life and her relationship with her father adds depth to the story. The cinematography is commendable, capturing the gritty and dark side of Mumbai's underworld. The music of the film, composed by Kshitij Tarey, is haunting and elevates the film's emotional quotient.

However, the film's pace is uneven at times, with a few sequences feeling unnecessarily prolonged. Some of the characters could have been developed better, but the actors make up for it with their performances. The film's ending, though satisfactory, could have been more impactful.

Overall, John Day is a gripping thriller that keeps the viewer engaged with its intriguing plot and exceptional performances. Ahishor Solomon deserves credit for his direction, which brings out the best in his actors and presents a well-crafted story. The film is definitely worth watching for fans of the genre and followers of Naseeruddin Shah and Randeep Hooda.