Commitment to service meets terrorism

Rating: 8/10 (2 August 2019)

Hotel Mumbai - The dastardly terror attack on the heritage property of Taj Hotel finds a sombre, balanced yet gripping narrative through Anthony Maras' direction of Hotel Mumbai. The film steers clear of any overt demonstration of heroism and patriotism, but does justice to the employees' integrity and dedication to their customers' service, keeping their safety, security and well being before everything else. With a running time of 118 minutes, Hotel Mumbai sets of its business straight from the word go and never returns a dull moment. It wastes no time to dive deep into anyone's life, but does create an ensemble of core characters that represents the indomitable spirit of the metropolis and the unflinching commitment of Taj to secure the release of the hapless hostages.
Hotel Mumbai is a hybrid of a drama and a documentary without allowing the tension drop for once. The perpetrators are evidently a bunch of ultraviolent, brainwashed youngsters working on the principles of religious faith, the local police are under prepared and the guests are at the mercy of the killers who neither show any compassion nor remorse. The situation is grave and the director keeps it edge of the seat. You will be filled with disgust and wonder why Hafiz Saeed who claimed himself as the mastermind of the genocide took so long to be declared a terrorist a d has not yet been tried by the ICJ. The visual effects and music are fascinating.