There have been several films made on women-oriented themes. But what makes Shabri stand apart is that it is a pleasure to watch a woman play an underworld don, for a change. Shot in the slums of Mumbai, the film tells the story of Shabri (Isha Koppikar) who is plunged into the murky underworld by a twist of fate.

The protagonist’s tryst with the law begins when the police nab her brother for a crime he didn’t commit. He is tortured and tormented in jail before he dies. Determined to avenge her brother’s death, Shabri kills the police officer responsible for her brother’s death, in cold blood. On the run from the police, she and her boyfriend approach a gang lord for help. But things take an unexpected turn when the gang lord is accidentally killed by the boyfriend. Thus begins Shabri’s journey into the world of crime and felony.

Peppered with sequences that keep you glued to your seat, the first half of the film manages to hold your attention. But the film begins to drag post-interval and makes you restless. Besides a dull second half, what also works against the film is poor lighting. Makes you wonder whether the raw stock used in the film was of poor quality especially since the film was shot five years ago.

Lalit Marathe (Director) does display his talent as a director in some parts. Though the background score keeps the pace going, the film’s overall tempo fizzles out due to predictable and clichéd scenes. They are a disappointment. Pradeep Rawat’s character as the don tends to be a tad over-the-top and is unconvincing. Zakir Hussain’s role as the police officer is rather predictable.

Isha Koppikar is brilliant and this is perhaps one of her best performances. Raj Arjun, as Shabri’s boyfriend, is very competent and his acting skills are evident in many scenes.

Verdict: Though the film scores in some portions, it will have a tough run at the box office.