User Reviews

3 Walls: 7 out of 10: My first reaction was that Indian prisons are really nice. Honestly I went to a couple of sleep away camps in my youth and suffered more hardships than these prisoners. Sure the prison has sexual assault, loss of freedom and death but I am definitely sticking to my analogy.

This is my first real Bollywood film and since there are no musical numbers or dancing or romance I am under the impression that the film isn't typical. This is straight forward human drama with very good dialogue and a surprisingly twisted and adult story.

The film concerns three prisoners who are scheduled to hang. One is angry and proclaims his innocence, one refuses to accept guilt for his crime and the last is so racked with guilt he cannot wait for the noose to be drawn. Into their lives comes a female filmmaker with some baggage of her own.

The movie is about the four characters interactions and how justice is eventually done despite long odds and corruption. While you may have some Shawshank Redemption flashbacks during the film the movie really has its own story and feel. The acting is good across the board and the production values are excellent. This would be a well made film in any nation.

This is a very different film from the usual bollywood love and action crap, it might take some influences from the Shawshank Redemption and other American prison films but overall it is a very original and fresh film. Naseeruddin Shah really shines and the ending is good. The film is basically about an amateur filmmaker (Juhi Chawla) that wants to make a documentary about 3 prisoners on death row. They are on death row for murder, accidental or premeditated. As the film progresses you learn more about each of the prisoners and how prison has affected their life. Overall it is a pretty damn enjoyable film, and it has NO SONGS

Exciting things are afoot in Indian cinema: a new cadre of filmmakers has appeared over the past ten years and is using the cinematic medium in fresh, innovative ways for a specific urban audience. Even the language they use is new: big cities like Bombay, Calcutta, Bangalore, and Madras have always displayed a propensity for English, albeit an English infiltrated by peculiarly Indian locutions and idioms. Urban folk switch back and forth between Indian English and the vernacular depending on the situation and conversation partner. A curious linguistic hybrid has sprung up: Hinglish-a blend of English and Hindi-and the new breed of filmmakers allows their characters to speak in this energetic, all-embracing patois to grant them greater relevance and immediacy for the urban Indian viewer. Films like `English August', `Bombay Boys', `Split Wide Open' may not have been outstanding films, but they broke new ground in terms of subject, approach, and characterization; they unapologetically reflected the metropolitan mind-set and made no attempt to be all things to all people, for they probably would never play in small towns or villages. However, international audiences would relate to these films for they described life in the big city, and city dwellers, regardless of geography, share a complicity with other city dwellers. Thus these films have become staples of the international film festival circuit.

Nagesh Kukunoor belongs to this class of filmmaker and made his debut with `Hyderabad Blues', followed it up with `Bollywood Calling' and `Rockford', and now has presented us with `Teen Deewarein' (Three Walls). I have not seen the films that preceded `Teen Deewarein', but if this effort is anything to go by, Mr. Kukunoor is well on his way to becoming one of the new auteurs of Indian cinema. He has written, produced, directed, and if this were not enough, cast himself in one of the lead roles in `Teen Deewarein'! Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, and Juhi Chawla--the headliners--are well-known names in Indian cinema; what's new, however, is that Jackie and Juhi have never before attempted cinema of this sort. For years, Jackie was a stalwart leading man of Hindi films, singing, fighting, and romancing his way through several identical, lucrative, yet undistinguished potboilers. Likewise, Juhi has been a capable, if standard, leading lady: glamorous, competent, but never truly challenged by her roles. Also, she was made to simper and giggle in far too many films for my liking. Naseeruddin Shah, however, has made a career of doing daring and different roles; he switches back and forth, seemingly without effort, between lead and character roles, and has frequently appeared in experimental films. He had great fun as the boorish, scary underworld don who turns filmmaker in `Bombay Boys', and just as easily, was the emotional core and the conscience of Mira Nair's `Monsoon Wedding'.

Ishaan (Naseeruddin Shah), Jaggu (Jackie Shroff), and Nagya (Nagesh Kukunoor) are a prison's three inmates on death row. Gulshan Grover is the humane warden attempting reform of the archaic penitentiary system, while Juhi plays Chandrika, a filmmaker making a documentary on death-row prisoners. The three men are each accused of killing a woman: Jaggu is alleged to have stabbed to death his adulterous spouse, Nagya is accused of pushing his wife under an oncoming truck, while Ishaan has accidentally shot a pregnant teller in a botched bank robbery. The three men cannot be more different in character and in their responses to the death sentence. Jaggu, overcome by remorse, wishes to embrace death in atonement for a crime against society. Nagya stoutly denies having pushed his wife and steadfastly believes that truth will prevail, despite the fact that the execution date looms closer with every passing day. Ishaan, the only career criminal of the three, maintains a cheerful outlook and prepares to break out of prison because he doesn't believe he should be put to death for an accidental killing. Chandrika manages to get permission to interview and film the three men, and as time progresses, gains their trust. We see how each of these characters is a prisoner--the three men are literally behind bars, while the filmmaker is trapped in a horrible marriage. Once these four characters come together, we get uncontrived ruminations on life, death, love, and relationships. Juhi switches her camera on and unobtrusively elicits her subjects' life stories and philosophies. The men respond to her gentle approach and open up gradually and pour out their hearts to her non-judgmental camera.

Despite the fact that the prison warden has put many reforms into place, it is still a prison, and we see the dehumanizing effects of incarceration. As always, the strong pick on the weak, and predators have their choice of prey, for there is nowhere to run. A homosexual rape takes place, but the HIV-positive rapist gets off with a beating; his brother is a member of the state legislative assembly and his clout extends to the prison system. As the days go by, the documentarian finds her objectivity getting compromised. Through her, we get to know the men, and find it impossible to impersonally look at them as prisoners who are about to get what they deserve.

Outstandingly well-written in a seamless mix of English, Hindi, and Hyderabadi dialect, the film is equal parts polemic against the death penalty, human interest story, and quite unexpectedly, suspense thriller. It is photographed in a gritty unglamorous manner, probably on digital video, with much steadicam use, so that we walk beside the prisoners and feel their claustrophobia and despondency. The leads, blessed with a literate, intelligent script, offer up detailed character studies. Naseeruddin Shah, like the great Charlotte Rampling, merits the prefix `the always amazing'. His Ishaan is a complex, paradoxical creature-shot through with a rumpled charm, he is a self-serving grifter and an ace at camouflaging his true emotions, but there is unpredictable decency, as well. The surprises, for me, were Jackie Shroff and Juhi Chawla, who, happily, have strayed far from the safe and known domain of conventional commercial Hindi cinema. Jackie turns in a finely nuanced performance of a man who regrets having committed a crime of passion. As a successful lawyer, Jaggu is the most educated of the three and late at night, he ruefully composes melancholy poetry to soothe his troubled soul. Juhi Chawla is a revelation. Gone are the juvenile giggles and irritating mannerisms; with this role, Juhi has stepped into glorious maturity and tackles a role fraught with adult problems and issues. Perhaps realizing her lot is not much different from the prisoners, her face registers outrage at their plight and the corruption-filled higher echelons of the system. Chandrika convincingly makes the transition from impartial spectator and archivist to outspoken activist. Her new political awareness empowers her to stand up to her abusive husband; in fact, the confrontation scene is a highlight of the film.

Nagesh Kukunoor deserves a paragraph of his own. This over-achieving, hardworking young man has conceived of a most novel story, produced with great flair, and directed with enormous sensitivity and cunning a film that will be remembered for a long time. He had the good sense to populate his film with outstanding actors, and it is here, unfortunately, that his shortcomings as a performer surface. Had there been merely mediocre actors around him, Nagesh Kukunoor would probably have shone. However, in the august company of Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Juhi Chawla, and Gulshan Grover, he is shown to be the acting rookie that he is. This is a very minor quibble, for his acting is not bad at all. I just feel he had enough on his plate already, and should have cast another, more seasoned actor in the role of Nagya. It would have taken the film up another notch, but in the face of so much excellence, it is a very small cavil. `Teen Deewarein' is a most satisfying film experience.if only it had been accorded the good fortune of a big release that undeserving schlock like `Mein Prem Ki Deewani Hoon' received, it might have made the world's movie-going public sit up and take notice. If only, if only.

Definitely Nagesh Kukunoor's best effort to date.

Frankly i went in expecting another average fare from Nagesh, cos i havent liked his earlier films. I thought Hyderabad Blues was hugely hyped, not to mention shoddy. Rockford was a good idea gone horribly wrong and the only reason i sat through Bollywood calling was Om Puri (outstanding).

With this background i set out to catch 3 Deewarein. Actually the glowing reviews (which as an afterthought i think were completely justified)pushed me further towards the theatre. Not to mention Juhi Chawla who i have always believed is one of our most underrated actresses. And what an experience it was!

3 deewarein is a very good film. Why? Let me give you 2 reasons:

1. The script is near to brilliant. Though the narrative is slow paced, your interest never wanes. The story unfolds slow and leads to a mind-blowing climax. Least expected but a shocker of a climax. Like my buddy aptly described it - super wicked cool!

2. Performances, every actor is amazing. While its expected that Naseer will shine (he doesnt disappoint one bit!) its Jackie Shroff and Juhi Chawla who take you by surprise. Jackie is subdued and puts in a very restrained performance. Juhi Chawla is splendid. With minimal makeup and looking absolutely fresh, she puts in a career best effort here. Check her out in two scenes: The first when she gently threatens the hell out of her abusive husband and the other when she tells Ishaan (Naseer's character) that she may be in love with him. Kukunoor himself is a good actor, but he is a better director. Special mention to Bad man Gulshan Grover who puts in a good man performance here.

So if you are looking for a well directed film with a strong story and a couple of good performances, 3 deewarein is the one!

From the very first frames 3 Deewarein grips you and won't let go. This very well may be the best movie of its kind I have ever seen an *any* language. In fact, apart from the subtitles, you might just forget that you're watching an Indian film. Even the normal liberties that Bollywood normally takes with the concept of "suspension of disbelief" (and that Bolly fans have come to accept) are mostly absent from this movie. The characters are deep, intense and best of all completely credible. Others here have hailed 3 Deewarein as Juhi Chawla's comeback film, and she certainly shines in her role. But perhaps more surprising to me was Jackie Shroff's performance. Shroff's typical roles haven't impressed me one way or the other -- as especially good or bad -- in most other movies I've seen him in. But his portrayal of "Jaggu" here definitely made me sit up and take notice. And left me wondering how much of my former indifference was due to Jackie, and how much was due to the scripts he's been working from. Nasserudin Shah presents another complex and lovable character in "Ishaan". While not quite as endearing as the title role in "Shree 420", "Ishaan" certainly shares some qualities with that character.

The story might be best compared to a pointillist painting. In the beginning we see very narrow views from very close angles. It's only as the plot unfolds and we back away from the canvas that we see the actual picture. And the canvas itself is impressive and elegantly understated. The opening sequences -- shot in blue-toned monochrome -- introduce the story in very short order (the entire run time of the film is listed at 120 minutes, which by Bollywood standards almost qualifies as a "short subject") and there is nothing wasted during the exposition. And it's because of this that you are drawn in immediately and rooted for the duration.

I cannot bring myself to write anything that would hint at the ending of the story. To do that here would be to do you and the film a grave injustice. Let it suffice to say that the ending was not even *remotely * what I expected.

If you're only a fan of "Masti-Masala" fare, don't watch this movie. You will be disappointed. But if you can spare two hours to be engrossed by a story that is at times grim, and times heartwarming and most of all surprising you *need* to see this film. From casting to camera to script, this is an astonishing work.

The first time i heard about the movie , my reaction was i have to see this one. coming from one of my favourite directors Nagesh Kukuonoor and performers like Naseereruddin Shah.

When i actually got down to see the movie , my feelings were mixed. The performances in the movie were just astounding , the direction was just superb ! but the only downer half way down the movie was i kept having deja vu of having watched the scenes in "Shawshank Redpemption" . The movie did not have the impact till it reached the climax scenes. It was then i realized that the movie was not at all what i expected it to be. And this my friends is a rare find in indian movies. I guess you all must agree with me on this particular point. After the climax was over all i could do was sit dumbfound. I was speechless. This movie that played before me was the best movie of this genre made by an indian in india. It was way better than shawshank redemption in many asepects. (although i am not her undermining the movie in any form , who can ever forget the narration by morgan freeman in that movie).

The direction needs applause by us all. The flashback type concept was great. The first scene when Chandrika (Juhi) meets the 3 convicts was unbelievable . (in the sense that this was actually directed by an indian director) . The contrast of the 3 characters that was potrayed by Nagesh in that scenario was overwhelming. The movie gives the viewer subtle hints throughtout which one realises once the climax scene was over. The best part of the movie was that each one of the dialogue was well built in to the plot of the movie. Starting from the "Aapko pehle kabhi dekha hai" to every other statment.

I think i do not need to comment on performance by Nasseeruddin Shah. He is just amazing. One of the best actors the Indian cinema has seen ever. He is complemented perfectly by Juhi, Nagesh , Gulshan and Jackie. The serious role of Jackie was just too good and he stood up to the role beautifully. Nagesh also played his character true to life.

In all , i would sign off by saying, that if you are one of the people who appreciate movies like shawshank redemption , fight club, memento then DO NOT MISS ON THIS ONE. I would rate the movie better than the afore mentioned 3 movies, and to be honest i loved them all. But if you are the kind who likes masala movies and do not want to appreciate the direction of the movie then this one is not for you.

An absolutely flawless screenplay which makes the acting look so simple. At least that is what you would think while you are watching the movie but then the acting is super.

To me the whole movie is like a work of art. When an artist begins his painting, you have no clue where he is going. He would begin with something and start to draw lines which don't make any sense and yet as they say "patience bears fruits", while you wait patiently, there emerges the unexpected master piece which you could not even imagine. And that is what exactly happened to me while watching the movie.

I am personally not a good critique myself but I could not hold myself from writing this.

Sadullah

This is a good job at telling a different story from the perspective of those to whom it happens and when it happens. Though its not made very clear as to the why...

There are clear parallels between Shawshank Redemption (as others have already noted) and the film. While there's hesitation in calling it a masterpiece, what carried it off in the end is the story itself and how skilfully it was interwoven. The director showed occasional flashes of brilliance.

One would think that the third role could also have been a professional actor but the impact is negligible. Editing is good, and it seems Bollywood *may be* headed in a new direction. Keep it up.

This is an excellent art film. This is by no means your typical Bollywood offering of songs, romance, action, and masti. This movie takes an in-depth look at the lives of prisoners and the corrupt political system. Juhi wonderfully plays the role of a documentary filmmaker and a woman standing up to her abusive husband. One would think that a movie on the lives and feelings of three prisoners seems pretty hopeless, but a good script and profound and mysterious dialogues complete this film. An interesting twist at the end adds to the story and Juhi's powerful role and performance.

3 Deewarein (2003) : Brief Review -

A film with High School Level IQ did some KG level mistakes. Some people call it Bollywood's Attempt to redo Hollywood Classic 'The Shawshank Redemption' in new style but it is different and fairly enough to be called a fresh film of it's own. On the contrary it is little similiar as well to be called an adaption or at least the basic idea stolen to make a new necklace. 3 Deewarein is a story 3 prisoners who have been sentenced to be hanged till death for murders they committed. All 3 persons have different versions and guilt resolution they reveal in front of a documentary filmmaker but by the end you know something different and i am not gonna spoil anything here. Talking about different resolutions of those 3 prisoners, one is feeling guilty, the second one is not guilty and the third one is confused due to accidental crime. As expected, the writer makes it interesting in the climax by connecting links and definitely manages to end the film on high note. The real problem is with the characters while setting the plot. It seems like the writer finished the end part first and then tried to write earlier incidents which will make climax look fulfilled and thrilling. This going backwards idea is choked up as it clearly opens gate for childish mistakes. The court scene of Naseeruddin Shah was senseless, the other one even worse than that was Jackie's crime incident because it looks so rubbish that an intellectual man attempts a crime like b grade criminal. Juhi Chawla"s character also comes with many loopholes and accidental theories which doesn't stand strong for any Well Made Thriller. Even the police officers seemed good for nothing. 3 Deewarein has intellegence in it but tries to be over-intellectual hence loses the basic sense of it. Anyways, you can give it a watch for Acting and Direction.

RATING - 6/10*

By - #samthebestest

3 deewarein(3 walls)stands out as the best acted movie in Indian Cinema.Such fantastic movie & its so underrated.Way too underrated.Brilliant performances from all the star-cast.

Nasarudin Shah is a legend.I always expect these kind of performances from him & i always get such great returns seeing his movies.Juhi has made a great comeback after a very long time.Awesome performances too from Nagesh himself(the director) & Jackie Shroff.Gulshan Grover has too given a terrific performance.Such calmness in his acting in this movie that its so refreshing.

Nagesh has directed this very well.The script is also very good.This movie surpasses all Indian thrillers.Even you can say this movie is the Shawshank Redemption of Indian Cinema.

Epitome of performances with a great plot & a terrific surprising ending makes 3 Deewarein a class movie.

The story is about three prisoners and their life in jail captured by a documentary directer Juhi Chawla. As per as acting is concern: Jackie Shroff is average,Nagesh Kukunoor and Gulshan Grover is good,Juhi Chowla is brilliant and above all Naseeruddin Shah is excellent as usual.The script of the film is well written and directed it in a good way. The story comes to end with an unpredictable twist and we can see that how a single incident connects three different peoples for ever just like three walls in a room. The ending doesn't destroys the movie, it makes much more better. I saw almost all the films but this is probably the best movie directed by Nagesh Kukunoor.

3 deewarein is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I was so much surprised after watching this movie and my mind still can't let go of the wonderful movie. In bollywood we really do need more directors like Nagesh Kukunoor who have the guts to make different movies. The only minus point of this movie is Nagesh Kukunoor's acting. He is not a bad actor but not in this movie. He shouldn't have acted in this movie. Anyways all in all this movie rocks. My rating - 10/10

The story is interesting though a bit too reliant on coincidences for the interlocking plot to work. Pace is reasonable and there is some sort of redemption in the end which is satisfying. All key actors have done their job well. Definitely worth watching once though due to the dark subject, I don't think I will want to watch it again.

3 Deewarein has lots of minute punches that will pierce in the senses. It is a film where everything is designed to match the mood. While Ajayan Vincent's cinematography is apt, Kishore Choksi and Praveen do their best in the art department. Together, they make it sure that the atmosphere looks real throughout. The music is just used when it is required most. Editing by Sonjib Dutta is flawless.

It's the performances of actors that will engross you more into the film. The real scene-stealer is Naseeruddin Shah. He shows why he is one of India's best actors. Adding layers of emotion and subtlety to his character, he makes the audience feel for the character right from his very first scene.Juhi is outstanding as well.

But 3 Deewarein ultimately belongs to writer-director Kukunoor, who has the movie firmly under control. Tightly written and well-directed, he shows no nervousness handling a genre different from what he, or other Bollywood filmmakers, have handled before. Still, this movie will not be liked much by those who still have mindsets of 80s and 90s and who crave for crappy songs and clichéd scenes. Otherwise, if you understand what is good and enjoyable, you will definitely fall in love with 3 Deewarein.

3 Deewarein is one of the finest works of Nagesh Kukunoor as well as Bollywood. I have watched this movie multiple times but it's equally intriguing and thrilling every single time.

Story: Three death row men, three different stories, three different perceptions about their crimes. While one is very much convinced that he deserves a death sentence for what he did, the other one feels death sentence is too much for the crime he committed. The third inmate strongly feels he is being wrongly framed, just on the basis of circumstantial evidence, for the crime he never committed. All of this is being captured through the lens of a reporter who wants to create a documentary on the life in jail of the criminals who have been awarded death sentence while struggling with her own problems. And as she films their lives, she comes face to face with some of the harsh realities of jail life. The story is a journey of their emotions, beliefs, and perspectives on their death sentences. The story is beautifully written by Nagesh Kukunoor and full marks for a very unexpected and a dramatic climax.

Acting: The casting has been great. It's amazing how Nagesh Kukunoor placed himself along with big names like Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Juhi Chawla and Gulshan Grover in a movie the demands a great level of acting skills. While Naseeruddin Shah is seasoned for such intense movies, it is perhaps a welcome opportunity for Jackie Shroff and Juhi Chawla to execute a pure-play-acting movie. None of them disappoint really, except for Nagesh Kukunoor in bits and pieces.

Direction: Nagesh Kukunoor deserves a big round of applause for his amazing direction. While he provided justice to each of the characters, he also spends time on the life and struggles of the reporter who is the messenger of these men to the external world. His projection of the smaller details of prison life amidst the main story shows his deep research about the subject and the backdrop. I loved the idea of repeating the respective crime sequences of each of the inmate while disclosing one detail on each iteration. And a big shout out for a completely unexpected and dramatic climax.

Overall: Overall, this is one of the best movies Bollywood has come up with and if someone is interested in watching a great quality cinema, this movie should definitely be on the list.

What worked:

• performances by the lead especially by Jackie Shiroff. It's no denying the characters justified their roles. The overall production of the movie is great.
• the story is multilayered and the movie gets its real momentum at the last half of the movie . The ending is questionable morally but it's a happy ending afterall. It's a satisfying watch as it ends well

What did not work:

• moral principles; if we want to analyze the movie on the moral and ethical principles, the ending is wrong. Afterall, all movies are not meant to judge with the universal code of ethics.

Final verdict: recommended

I had just finished reading Naseerudin Shah's memoir and naturally wanted to watch more of his films. I started with this one. Undoubtedly, it was brilliant. The acting, the dialogues, the plot- it was all on point! The duration of the film is also perfect; you never start to lose interest. It's definitely a masterpiece from Bollywood. The best part was how the female character transitions from a meek and gentle person, to someone who ends up changing the fate of 3 men. A must watch!