| Taxi 9 2 11, is a fun-filled film whose shooting was completed in 45 days. Armed with a good storyline and good philosophy, the film explores the daily lives of Mumbai city dwellers. Raghav Sashtry (Nana Patekar) is one of those hot-tempered individuals who cannot keep a job even for a few days. He currently works as a taxi driver, sweating it out in one of those outdated taxis in the city. He generally can't make ends meet. His household bills are often unpaid and the owner of the taxi has given him an ultimatum. As Raghav's foul mood turns darker, he picks up a passenger by the name of Jai Mittal (John Abraham). This chance meeting changes their lives, in more ways than one. Jai, a pampered arrogant young man of a rich family, has been kept out of his father's will due to his laziness and his indiscretions. Jai is determined to win the court case by hook or by crook - by presenting some forged documents. He hails down a cab, to go to court. In his hurry, he forces the driver to race against time resulting in an accident. Jai disappears from the scene, leaving the cab driver high and dry, only to realise that the key to his locker (and to his fortunes) has been left behind in the taxi. So a cat and mouse game, to get even, ensues between the two protagonists, in the presence of Jai's girlfriend (Sameera Reddy) and Raghav's wife (Sonali Kulkarni). In an effort to outwit each other, they lose almost everything. As Raghav's wife and child leave him, Jai is on the verge of losing his father's estate, and his girlfriend. Both men get time to think about their lives. They realise how selfish and self centred they have been. So Jai gets Raghav out of jail and Raghav returns Jai's documents to him. They become friends. The two-hour film is well edited, and the story and screenplay run very smoothly. The music and songs blend in well with the goings on. Of the cast, Nana Patekar is terrific as the harassed cab driver giving another brilliant award winning performance. John Abraham is good too as he stands up to Nana. John has improved his acting since his debut days in Jism and Saaya. Sonali Kulkarni is very natural as the middle class housewife, whose world seems to rise and fall every day around her.
The film relays a message: your ego will only take you to your destruction... lose your ego and try to understand others. If you succeed then you will win over any battle. Overall Taxi 9 2 11 is a good crisp film, which is definitely worth a watch. Go for it! Reviewed by Guest Reviewer
Dr P.V.Vaidyanathan | 
