Lootere Story:-
A vessel transporting valuable cargo falls victim to piracy in Somali waters, resulting in violent repercussions. Right from its debut episode, ‘Lootere’ distinguishes itself with its dual settings: Somalia and a cargo ship adrift in the ocean. It’s a gripping, unpredictable journey right from the start, brimming with excitement.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 13 January 2023 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, Thriller |
| Duration | 1h 47min |
| Cast | Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Yoson An, Tony Goldwyn, Daniella Pineda, Kelly Gale, Remi Adeleke, Haleigh Hekking, Lilly Krug, Joey Slotnick, Oliver Trevena, Paul Ben-Victor, Quinn McPherson |
| Director | Jean-François Richet |
| Writer | Charles Cumming, J. P. Davis |
| Cinematography | Brendan Galvin |
| Music | Marco Beltrami, Marcus Trumpp |
| Producer | Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mark Vahradian, Marc Butan, Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel, Eda Kowan, Luillo Ruiz |
| Production | MadRiver Pictures, Olive Hill Media, Di Bonaventura Pictures, G-BASE Film Productions |
| Certificate | 16+ |
After inheriting his father-in-law’s prosperous business, Vikrant Gandhi (portrayed by Vivek Gomber) rises to become the reigning figure in Somalia. However, simmering discontent against him signals impending change in his fortunes. At the crux lies the upcoming elections for the Somalian port and the hijacking of a Ukrainian vessel carrying valuable cargo. With an Indian crew caught in the crossfire, Vikrant devises a desperate plan to reclaim his five-million-dollar consignment amid numerous complications.
Helmed by Hansal Mehta, renowned for gripping series like ‘Scam 1992’ and ‘Scam 2003 – The Telgi Story’, ‘Lootere’ introduces an unlikely protagonist in Vikrant, driven by boundless ambition and recklessness. His relentless pursuit of power and wealth propels the narrative, yet empathy for this character proves elusive, given his role in the escalating violence.
From its outset, ‘Lootere’ captivates with its juxtaposition of Somalia and a cargo ship adrift in the ocean, promising an exhilarating and unpredictable journey. The initial episodes swiftly establish the groundwork for a gripping hijack drama, echoing the tension of films like ‘Captain Phillips’. However, the series occasionally falters with repetitive internal conflicts among Somalian pirates, Vikrant’s turbulent alliances, and the crew’s torment, elongating the narrative unnecessarily.
While punctuated with adrenaline-fueled sequences both on and off the ship, ‘Lootere’ delves into a violent and brutal world, not for the faint-hearted. Despite the opportunity to explore Somalia’s complex socio-economic landscape, the series opts for superficial treatment, prioritizing drama and violence over deeper analysis.
Vivek Gomber shines as Vikrant Gandhi, a boldly confident character crafted with finesse and flair. This enigmatic figure commands attention, whether you love or loathe him, thanks to Gomber’s masterful portrayal. However, Vikrant’s complexity is hindered by his vulnerabilities, namely his wife Avi (played by Amruta Khanvilkar) and son, whose presence adds unnecessary runtime and confusion to an already crowded screenplay overflowing with characters. Their dynamics and motivations remain puzzling. What truly propels the series forward is its heart-pounding action aboard the ship and amidst the dusty streets of Somalia, expertly captured by Jall Cowasji. Rajat Kapoor exhibits restraint and finesse in his portrayal of the ship’s captain, while Aamir Ali leaves a lasting impact in his limited but impactful role. Chandan Roy Sanyal delivers a standout performance as a decadent womanizer whose power dynamics shift unpredictably. The Somalian actors deliver consistently, with Martial Batchamen Tchana particularly remarkable as the Pirate leader Barkhad.
Despite its gripping narrative and captivating performances, ‘Lootere’ is occasionally overshadowed by its loud and intrusive background score, which detracts from the gravity of certain scenes. Nevertheless, the series sails through choppy waters, delivering ample entertainment and intrigue to its audience.
