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Mumbai Confidential: Good Cop, Bad Cop
From writer Saurav Mohapatra (WITCHBLADE, DEVI) and artist Vivek Shinde (SNAKE WOMAN, KALKI) comes a hard-boiled tale of crime, punishment, and redemption in the seedy underbelly of Mumbai. Five years ago, Arjun Kadam used to be a cop, a rising star in the ranks of the Mumbai Encounter Squad-an elite unit tasked by the powers-that-be to carry out extrajudicial executions of notorious gangsters. But the death of his pregnant wife at childbirth derailed his life and set him off on a spiral of depression and drug addiction, a pale shadow of his former self. When Kadam is the victim of a hit-and-run that also claims the life of a street urchin, he goes into coma for a month. Upon awakening, he finds a new sense of purpose and pursues the investigation, taking him on a journey through the deep, dark heart of Mumbai - from the glitzy tinsel of Bollywood, to the dank depths of the Mumbai Underworld, where the line between the police and the criminals has been blurred beyond recognition by his ex-colleagues on the Encounter Squad, who are now de-facto gangsters in uniform, running the very same extortion rackets they were tasked to eradicate. Obsessed with his mission, Kadam sets off a desperate gambit of deadly intrigue and deception that pits him against the very machine of violence and corruption he once helped create.
"Gorgeously noir." - Ron Marz (WITCHBLADE, ARTIFACTS, SHINKU, GREEN LANTERN) "Gritty art and powerful writing." - David Lloyd (V FOR VENDETTA, KICKBACK) "Mohapatra's dialogue is sharp and his script is innovative, putting a clever twist on the genre. Shinde's lush and gorgeous cinematic art impresses the most, from strongly individual faces and photorealistic body language to a deep and rich range of shadows and light, water and blood. This is stylish, sophisticated, and a fresh entry in the noir genre with an Asian twist." - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "It reads like a sub-continental version of SIN CITY and has all the best elements of classic crime noir, with twists, turns, violence and corruption, all played out in the grimy, monsoon ridden streets of Mumbai and the glamour of Bollywood instead of downtown LA and the Hollywood Hills." - PIPEDREAM COMICS
"Gorgeously noir." - Ron Marz (WITCHBLADE, ARTIFACTS, SHINKU, GREEN LANTERN) "Gritty art and powerful writing." - David Lloyd (V FOR VENDETTA, KICKBACK) "Mohapatra's dialogue is sharp and his script is innovative, putting a clever twist on the genre. Shinde's lush and gorgeous cinematic art impresses the most, from strongly individual faces and photorealistic body language to a deep and rich range of shadows and light, water and blood. This is stylish, sophisticated, and a fresh entry in the noir genre with an Asian twist." - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "It reads like a sub-continental version of SIN CITY and has all the best elements of classic crime noir, with twists, turns, violence and corruption, all played out in the grimy, monsoon ridden streets of Mumbai and the glamour of Bollywood instead of downtown LA and the Hollywood Hills." - PIPEDREAM COMICS
156 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 2012
3 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 20, 2013
This a dark, and mesmerizing book. This is a layered story, and it brings Mumbai to life (I have only traveled on business so have never seen this side). In an era of graphic novels looking and feeling copycat, this rings true.
November 20, 2017
Possibly based on a murderous Mumbai police squad, this graphic novel has a very dark and hopeless story. Multiple art styles are used, the primary being a photograph like style with lots of shadow, the other styles are less serious and don't fit well for the most part. I found it a bit too dark for my tastes.
October 28, 2015
Interesting plot,cool dialogues and gorgeous art, but all of it is undone due to the uneven flow.The storytelling is bumpy all over, in sentence formation more emphases was given on sounding cool then on making the reading smooth.The bubble placements of dialogues were asymmetrical,inner mind dialogues and actual dialogues were clashing.Every fourth word was in bold, I couldn’t make the sense on why besides it making for an interrupted reading.The flashbacks were not needed,the storytelling would have been better if told straight.The comic got minimal words and just when I use to get into the story the chapter use to end, may be it would have been better suited as a combined graphic novel release.
The illustrations are really well drawn with the sepia backgrounds being the highlight,I enjoyed the series a lot more just because of the art.
While I am happy that it’s done by Indian duo,being an avid comic/manga book reader felt India got a lot of catching up to do on the editing front.
The illustrations are really well drawn with the sepia backgrounds being the highlight,I enjoyed the series a lot more just because of the art.
While I am happy that it’s done by Indian duo,being an avid comic/manga book reader felt India got a lot of catching up to do on the editing front.
January 29, 2013
Received this from NetGalley. This review is not sponsored by NetGalley in anyway. This is a personal opinion.
Dark, gritty, painful, and heartbreaking. Beautifully written, captures the reader and holds tight throughout the story. If you're looking for a happy ending, stay away. It is definitely a thriller and the stories put in after the main story are just as well-done as the main course. Mumbai is a dirty place and nothing is given away for free except death. It was a little predictable in the main story of who the mastermind was but that didn't bother me too much. I still wanted to finish it through and I still hoped for the best for Arjun, our dark hero.
Dark, gritty, painful, and heartbreaking. Beautifully written, captures the reader and holds tight throughout the story. If you're looking for a happy ending, stay away. It is definitely a thriller and the stories put in after the main story are just as well-done as the main course. Mumbai is a dirty place and nothing is given away for free except death. It was a little predictable in the main story of who the mastermind was but that didn't bother me too much. I still wanted to finish it through and I still hoped for the best for Arjun, our dark hero.
March 5, 2016
This is the first Indian graphic novel I've read. Beautiful artwork lends the necessary gritty, noir feel to the story. The plot was predictable..nothing new there. But I'm kinda partial towards stories relating to the Mumbai underworld..so 3 stars. An enjoyable and quick read.
October 19, 2018
Arjun Kadam, an ex-cop of Mumbai Encounter Squad, is now a junkie on verge of death, after life altering tragedy. He is victim and witness to a bit and run. Where an urchin girl dies. From there on begins the cat and mouse chase.
The story is fast, but that doesn't mean it is a good story. Filled with clichés from Bollywood/Hollywood police cop Stories. Dying wife not enough money, supportive ex-boss obsessed with chess, ex-colleagues who are corrupt and investing in cinema industry. One man versus the system. Nothing about the narrative was confidential.
I didn't know what this art style was called my friends informed me, noir style with dual tone colouring. A style poorly executed, the art looked less a graphic novel and more a montage of collected blotched photographs. Dialogues were rushed and not natural. The Mumbai that was constantly spoken off, was fogged, gaged and greased out. Some of the panelings were good, the art for Qureshi's part was intense.
The main story Seriously lacked in women characters except for the dead wife, few prostitues and bar dancers. Definitely aimed at male youth of the society, the dialogues were pretty anti-women too.
The two side stories Missed Call, and Demand and Supply, were better drawn and second story had a good twist.
Overall not a satisfactory read. Had high expectations of getting a noir Indian Police story, it was not dirty cop versus dirtier cop, it was poorly executed storyboard.
The story is fast, but that doesn't mean it is a good story. Filled with clichés from Bollywood/Hollywood police cop Stories. Dying wife not enough money, supportive ex-boss obsessed with chess, ex-colleagues who are corrupt and investing in cinema industry. One man versus the system. Nothing about the narrative was confidential.
I didn't know what this art style was called my friends informed me, noir style with dual tone colouring. A style poorly executed, the art looked less a graphic novel and more a montage of collected blotched photographs. Dialogues were rushed and not natural. The Mumbai that was constantly spoken off, was fogged, gaged and greased out. Some of the panelings were good, the art for Qureshi's part was intense.
The main story Seriously lacked in women characters except for the dead wife, few prostitues and bar dancers. Definitely aimed at male youth of the society, the dialogues were pretty anti-women too.
The two side stories Missed Call, and Demand and Supply, were better drawn and second story had a good twist.
Overall not a satisfactory read. Had high expectations of getting a noir Indian Police story, it was not dirty cop versus dirtier cop, it was poorly executed storyboard.
February 23, 2020
A gritty noir story set in Mumbai, India. Told from the point of view of an ex-cop, who used to be a member of Mumbai Encounter Squad, a secret unit tasked with carrying out extrajudicial executions of wanted criminals.After a hit and run that kills a young girl, he gets swept up once again in the underworld. Standard noir tale made great by absolutely excellent art, and a series of special interludes that add depth to the story.
January 7, 2026
Great artwork pulled down by try hard writing. The mismatch was drastic.
A lot of the writing was needlessly crude and out of place. Trying to create crude poetic metaphors which don’t really make any sense, nor do they fit the characters. It was the like an edgy high schoolers idea of what gritty or cool is. The references are americanised with random indian terms, so you never know what exactly you are going to get.
The real life story is fantastic and unfortunately let down with this.
A lot of the writing was needlessly crude and out of place. Trying to create crude poetic metaphors which don’t really make any sense, nor do they fit the characters. It was the like an edgy high schoolers idea of what gritty or cool is. The references are americanised with random indian terms, so you never know what exactly you are going to get.
The real life story is fantastic and unfortunately let down with this.
January 17, 2020
Great artwork, but undone by a plot that would be familiar to any Hindi/noir film fan, and pretentious/posturing dialogues and narration that ring hollow. A graphic novel that largely squanders the premise and potential.
August 18, 2017
The story offers nothing new, but the artwork and the setting are worth checking out.
July 3, 2018
Although cliche, the quality is top class. The presentation was excellent and the dialogue sharp. A Bollywood canvas Amitabh starrer style work.
July 28, 2023
It had potential but it gets lost.
November 5, 2016
I will definitely say that i am so impressed with the art of this particular graphic novel. Its very unique kind of style with light shades. Its my first sub continental or Indian comic so I wasn't expecting high unless I am finished with this one.
There are a lot of reason that why did i love it and there can be reason as well that why didn't I give it *****.
I simply loved it as it really tried to similarize the story with the film industry of Hollywood Los Angeles. The name tells us that L.A. Confidential is to Mumbai Confidential and it shares the same conditions like Crime and Gang wars which sometimes influences the plots of movies and even the show business itself.
The story is simple, not much twisted but still its got firm hold in the mid and in last. The story follows with flashback and present with the narration of Arjun Kadam, an ex Special Branch Cop with personal trauma having the quest of vengeance when a young street flower seller girl is crushed by a Ferrari with injuring Arjun. When he weeks after 3 weeks coma, he gradually takes the curtains off from biggest moral flaws from his department by taking law in his own hand.
Its always claimed the Mumbai crime lords always had been involved in financing movies and that's why many personalities have to bow in front of them.
Simply this hit and run also shadows real hittings of pedestrians by filmy divas and getting away from crimes like these. Simply its theme also complaints that how media is just suckling news from Bollywood and trying to survive by covering every move of cricketers and film stars. I myself am from cricket playing nation (Pakistan) and i can understand that how crazy we can be about cricket but we should give them proper and minor room which this sports and showbiz deserves in our lives and news.
I just didn't like the phony and unnecessary rude looking narration. It could have been different if it was more normal and casual.
For Anurag, Shimit and Ram Gopal. Thank you for showing us the dark and grungy world beyond chifon sarees and songs&dance at the swiss alps.
Saurav & Vivek
Correct me if i am wrong as i guess this is about Anurag Kashyap, Shimit Amin and Ram Gopal Varma The most underrated film directors. I always fancied Anurag for his indie and subjective film stories. If anyone made this far of this review i would like to recommend him Udaan (2010).
The story of a 16 years old boy, expelled from his school, returns home to his abusive and oppressive father.
There are a lot of reason that why did i love it and there can be reason as well that why didn't I give it *****.
I simply loved it as it really tried to similarize the story with the film industry of Hollywood Los Angeles. The name tells us that L.A. Confidential is to Mumbai Confidential and it shares the same conditions like Crime and Gang wars which sometimes influences the plots of movies and even the show business itself.
The story is simple, not much twisted but still its got firm hold in the mid and in last. The story follows with flashback and present with the narration of Arjun Kadam, an ex Special Branch Cop with personal trauma having the quest of vengeance when a young street flower seller girl is crushed by a Ferrari with injuring Arjun. When he weeks after 3 weeks coma, he gradually takes the curtains off from biggest moral flaws from his department by taking law in his own hand.
Its always claimed the Mumbai crime lords always had been involved in financing movies and that's why many personalities have to bow in front of them.
Simply this hit and run also shadows real hittings of pedestrians by filmy divas and getting away from crimes like these. Simply its theme also complaints that how media is just suckling news from Bollywood and trying to survive by covering every move of cricketers and film stars. I myself am from cricket playing nation (Pakistan) and i can understand that how crazy we can be about cricket but we should give them proper and minor room which this sports and showbiz deserves in our lives and news.
I just didn't like the phony and unnecessary rude looking narration. It could have been different if it was more normal and casual.
For Anurag, Shimit and Ram Gopal. Thank you for showing us the dark and grungy world beyond chifon sarees and songs&dance at the swiss alps.
Saurav & Vivek
Correct me if i am wrong as i guess this is about Anurag Kashyap, Shimit Amin and Ram Gopal Varma The most underrated film directors. I always fancied Anurag for his indie and subjective film stories. If anyone made this far of this review i would like to recommend him Udaan (2010).
The story of a 16 years old boy, expelled from his school, returns home to his abusive and oppressive father.
August 20, 2013
Mumbai Confidential
book 1
good cop, bad cop
My review
.
One of its own kind of graphic novel I've never seen before.
From story to its art work. every piece of work of this book is very unique.
We usually read any comic book or a graphic novel which's story generally rotate around any specific individual. But this books takes graphic novels to a another level.
if i say about the story then from start to end it felt like watching a Hindi Bollywood gangster movie like shootout at lokhandwala or shootout at wadala type.
This book is completely based of event which Mumbai is facing in it's underbelly.
gangsters, encounter copes, politics, actors every one want to rule over Mumbai. Because every powerful person knows this fact that who ever rule over Mumbai can rule all over India and even world.
Ma.Po.Se (Maharashtra Police Seva) was united to secure Mumbai from vigilantes. And for many reason Ma.Po.Se can't keep up that good work. Then they created another section to stop vigilantes, "Encounter force", member of this kind of force is having their own right of judgement. But with this kind of power and authority many encounter force's members are working worst then any vigilante's gang, they created their own encounter gangs. In current scenario many encounter specialist are taking bribe either not to shoot vigilantes or to ignore gang's activities. This book had shown a side of this Mumbai. In this world there is lot more politics which is beyond our imagination. Their is hardly anyone whom you can trust blindly. I am personally feeling that whether you are a graphic novel reader or not, every one should read this book at list once. We always see those things which are visible to us We usually see our India as an incredible India but this India is also having an another side, the dark side.
.
RECOMMEND 18+(M) ( Note:- (M) rated for mature contents like harsh language, semi nudity, blood and gore, Please Do not read if you are pregnant or under 18+)
.
.
Rating based on 10
story 10
art work 10
packaging- super 10
.
Note:- This review and rating is completely from my point of view. Hope you will like it
book 1
good cop, bad cop
My review
.
One of its own kind of graphic novel I've never seen before.
From story to its art work. every piece of work of this book is very unique.
We usually read any comic book or a graphic novel which's story generally rotate around any specific individual. But this books takes graphic novels to a another level.
if i say about the story then from start to end it felt like watching a Hindi Bollywood gangster movie like shootout at lokhandwala or shootout at wadala type.
This book is completely based of event which Mumbai is facing in it's underbelly.
gangsters, encounter copes, politics, actors every one want to rule over Mumbai. Because every powerful person knows this fact that who ever rule over Mumbai can rule all over India and even world.
Ma.Po.Se (Maharashtra Police Seva) was united to secure Mumbai from vigilantes. And for many reason Ma.Po.Se can't keep up that good work. Then they created another section to stop vigilantes, "Encounter force", member of this kind of force is having their own right of judgement. But with this kind of power and authority many encounter force's members are working worst then any vigilante's gang, they created their own encounter gangs. In current scenario many encounter specialist are taking bribe either not to shoot vigilantes or to ignore gang's activities. This book had shown a side of this Mumbai. In this world there is lot more politics which is beyond our imagination. Their is hardly anyone whom you can trust blindly. I am personally feeling that whether you are a graphic novel reader or not, every one should read this book at list once. We always see those things which are visible to us We usually see our India as an incredible India but this India is also having an another side, the dark side.
.
RECOMMEND 18+(M) ( Note:- (M) rated for mature contents like harsh language, semi nudity, blood and gore, Please Do not read if you are pregnant or under 18+)
.
.
Rating based on 10
story 10
art work 10
packaging- super 10
.
Note:- This review and rating is completely from my point of view. Hope you will like it
October 19, 2018
Arjun Kadam, an ex-cop of Mumbai Encounter Squad, is now a junkie on verge of death, after life altering tragedy. He is victim and witness to a bit and run. Where an urchin girl dies. From there on begins the cat and mouse chase.
The story is fast, but that doesn't mean it is a good story. Filled with clichés from Bollywood/Hollywood police cop Stories. Dying wife not enough money, supportive ex-boss obsessed with chess, ex-colleagues who are corrupt and investing in cinema industry. One man versus the system. Nothing about the narrative was confidential.
I didn't know what this art style was called my friends informed me, noir style with dual tone colouring. A style poorly executed, the art looked less a graphic novel and more a montage of collected blotched photographs. Dialogues were rushed and not natural. The Mumbai that was constantly spoken off, was fogged, gaged and greased out. Some of the panelings were good, the art for Qureshi's part was intense.
The main story Seriously lacked in women characters except for the dead wife, few prostitues and bar dancers. Definitely aimed at male youth of the society, the dialogues were pretty anti-women too.
The two side stories Missed Call, and Demand and Supply, were better drawn and second story had a good twist.
Overall not a satisfactory read. Had high expectations of getting a noir Indian Police story, it was not dirty cop versus dirtier cop, it was poorly executed storyboard.
The story is fast, but that doesn't mean it is a good story. Filled with clichés from Bollywood/Hollywood police cop Stories. Dying wife not enough money, supportive ex-boss obsessed with chess, ex-colleagues who are corrupt and investing in cinema industry. One man versus the system. Nothing about the narrative was confidential.
I didn't know what this art style was called my friends informed me, noir style with dual tone colouring. A style poorly executed, the art looked less a graphic novel and more a montage of collected blotched photographs. Dialogues were rushed and not natural. The Mumbai that was constantly spoken off, was fogged, gaged and greased out. Some of the panelings were good, the art for Qureshi's part was intense.
The main story Seriously lacked in women characters except for the dead wife, few prostitues and bar dancers. Definitely aimed at male youth of the society, the dialogues were pretty anti-women too.
The two side stories Missed Call, and Demand and Supply, were better drawn and second story had a good twist.
Overall not a satisfactory read. Had high expectations of getting a noir Indian Police story, it was not dirty cop versus dirtier cop, it was poorly executed storyboard.
August 21, 2014
"Mumbai Confidential: Good Cop, Bad Cop" features excellent storytelling in the style of modern American crime-noir with the requisite structural decadence and corruption of society from the top-down, except in this case, instead of the usual setting of LA with Hollywood film culture as a backdrop, it's modern Mumbai with Bollywood in the mix.
The main plot centers around a washed-out, drug-addicted ex-cop's attempts to solve the murder of a street urchin, who was killed during an attempt on his life. He comes back into contact with his ex-boss and the police squad he used to be a part of that staged confrontations with gangsters just to kill them as they fled or attempted to surrender. The squad is initially very successful and popular as it bags bad guys, but ultimately becomes corrupt as the squad's leader simply takes over the empires of the gangsters they murder (with much of this loosely based on a real police squad, apparently). The backup stories provide extra background and details, making the main story that much richer.
It has the usual twists and turns expected in noir stories. The art is uniformly excellent, with the Mumbai setting giving the stories a little extra atmosphere and flavor. I look forward to seeing more work come from the creators, who can be said to be major talents to keep an eye on.
The main plot centers around a washed-out, drug-addicted ex-cop's attempts to solve the murder of a street urchin, who was killed during an attempt on his life. He comes back into contact with his ex-boss and the police squad he used to be a part of that staged confrontations with gangsters just to kill them as they fled or attempted to surrender. The squad is initially very successful and popular as it bags bad guys, but ultimately becomes corrupt as the squad's leader simply takes over the empires of the gangsters they murder (with much of this loosely based on a real police squad, apparently). The backup stories provide extra background and details, making the main story that much richer.
It has the usual twists and turns expected in noir stories. The art is uniformly excellent, with the Mumbai setting giving the stories a little extra atmosphere and flavor. I look forward to seeing more work come from the creators, who can be said to be major talents to keep an eye on.
July 16, 2013
Ok I have to admit this Indian comic writers despite trying a number of ideas (mythology mostly aiming at kids) never quite make the cut.
Either their art overtakes the story or the story overtakes the art.
The only comic after going through almost all of the Indian stables I have really liked it is Level 10's Odayan which showed a lot of promise but post that Level 10 itself went through a lot of change (business model wise) and in that rush I lost track of Odayan.
This is the other one !
Brilliant art (it is way too good)
And to follow it up great story telling.
A brilliant book - almost as good as the international good ones.
That said the story telling was better than the main story. The main story was very 80s mahesh bhatt bollywood. Not that I am complaining but the end got pretty predictable. The beginning shot was so good and so were the rest of the series - until the last comic where the cards start falling into place to reveal a much seen pattern.
That said - the book is a good one !
All those who cringe from Indian work - try this for a change - will actually change your impression of the Indian work going out.
Either their art overtakes the story or the story overtakes the art.
The only comic after going through almost all of the Indian stables I have really liked it is Level 10's Odayan which showed a lot of promise but post that Level 10 itself went through a lot of change (business model wise) and in that rush I lost track of Odayan.
This is the other one !
Brilliant art (it is way too good)
And to follow it up great story telling.
A brilliant book - almost as good as the international good ones.
That said the story telling was better than the main story. The main story was very 80s mahesh bhatt bollywood. Not that I am complaining but the end got pretty predictable. The beginning shot was so good and so were the rest of the series - until the last comic where the cards start falling into place to reveal a much seen pattern.
That said - the book is a good one !
All those who cringe from Indian work - try this for a change - will actually change your impression of the Indian work going out.
May 10, 2014
Comprised of one central story and several shorter tales, Mumbai Confidential does nothing to reinvent the crime noir genre. These stories have been told before in print and on screen. That being said, I really enjoyed this quick read. It stuck to the hard boiled formula that I enjoy. Point blank blood shed, dirty cops, greedy thugs, and glorious vengeance. I would compare the complexity to that of Miller's Sin City stories. Not a critique, an observation. Sin City's the shit. While all to brief, the short stories tacked onto the end of the book hold up well and I really dug a couple of them(especially the last one). The art was as rough and unpolished as it needed to be and had a savage feel that was just right for the material. A hairtrigger ride down the shadowy streets of Mumbai's violent criminal underworld.
Read
January 9, 2014While this is well-illustrated noir, it has the same problem as most noir: so coldly cynical that the plot is obvious, the characters are flat and style trumps substance.
Taking place in a corrupt police department where a branch of cops decide to eliminate criminals before the courts can set them free, the story flashes back and forth through the life of Kadam, a cop on the squad. Kadam quit following the death of his pregnant wife and is now hooked on drugs.
Overall, I thought the book was okay, with too many flashbacks --sometimes I had to check page numbering to make sure I didn't skip something with a jump cut. What makes it very compelling is the afterward where the authors explain that this Elimination Squad was a real phenomenon in India in the 1980s and 90s.
Taking place in a corrupt police department where a branch of cops decide to eliminate criminals before the courts can set them free, the story flashes back and forth through the life of Kadam, a cop on the squad. Kadam quit following the death of his pregnant wife and is now hooked on drugs.
Overall, I thought the book was okay, with too many flashbacks --sometimes I had to check page numbering to make sure I didn't skip something with a jump cut. What makes it very compelling is the afterward where the authors explain that this Elimination Squad was a real phenomenon in India in the 1980s and 90s.
January 14, 2015
One thing you've got to admit, the team nailed the atmosphere for the story.
Mohapatra and Shinde are ata completely different level compared to their Virgin Comics days.
A noir story to the core, it has the art and art-style to match.
The story is clichéd in the end, like a movie in which Balwan Khan would act (story reference, you'll know when you read it) but is very enjoyable in the ride.
The art could be brighter at some places, for contrast, as having it dark all the time lessens the impact of it would have in the places it works.
In all, I'd recommend it. I liked it.
The story and setting has been seen many (many, many, many) times in Bolly-wood movies, but rarely in Comics in a caliber as this.
Mohapatra and Shinde are ata completely different level compared to their Virgin Comics days.
A noir story to the core, it has the art and art-style to match.
The story is clichéd in the end, like a movie in which Balwan Khan would act (story reference, you'll know when you read it) but is very enjoyable in the ride.
The art could be brighter at some places, for contrast, as having it dark all the time lessens the impact of it would have in the places it works.
In all, I'd recommend it. I liked it.
The story and setting has been seen many (many, many, many) times in Bolly-wood movies, but rarely in Comics in a caliber as this.
November 2, 2013
Deadly & Powerful art & narration!!
The noir graphic novel reminded me of Sin City & of Max Payne. I wouldn't shy away from saying that it isn't anything incomparable to Frank Miller's work in Sin City.
Besides amazing portrayal of action sequences, the book offers dream sequences as well.
While the art and narration is top-notch, story is almost equally good just slightly behind the class.
5 to art and narration. 4.5 to the story.
Waited 4 months before I would lay my hands on this book. Eagerly waiting for Saurav Mohapatra and Vivek Shinde's next work.
The noir graphic novel reminded me of Sin City & of Max Payne. I wouldn't shy away from saying that it isn't anything incomparable to Frank Miller's work in Sin City.
Besides amazing portrayal of action sequences, the book offers dream sequences as well.
While the art and narration is top-notch, story is almost equally good just slightly behind the class.
5 to art and narration. 4.5 to the story.
Waited 4 months before I would lay my hands on this book. Eagerly waiting for Saurav Mohapatra and Vivek Shinde's next work.
August 24, 2014
Not many books explore the Mumbai Underworld and its connections with the Cops and Bollywood let alone a Graphic Novel. Mumbai Confidential is dark, gritty and fast. The art is fantastic and some of the panels are so beautiful that you just want to hang them on your wall. It is inspired by Underworld movies of RGV and Anurag Kashyap(the creators even thank them in the book). I don't think any Graphic Novel has depicted Mumbai like this and I don't think anyone will for a long time. Cops & Gangsters, Bollywood, Encounters, Revenge, Mumbai...what more do you want for a weekend read?
October 31, 2013
This book is one of its kind and I was quite amazed to find it in a public library in US, where majority of stuff you find is from American authors.. That added to the excitement to read this one..although the story may not be something entirely new for me as I am an Indian and hv seen movies tht hv something similar, but full marks to the scripting ,art and amazing max payne style monologue....simply awesome... waiting to get hold of more books in this series...
January 30, 2014
Compelling story, but very dark. Very nice artwork, moody and atmospheric in style, similar to the paints of Alex Ross, but dark and sinister. Notice the theme. This is very much a fine example of noir fiction, in a visual format, but not set in Los Angeles or New York as one typically expects of a noir story - Mumbai is a unique twist in an otherwise familiar formula of good cop, bad cop. Worth a look, check it out.
September 14, 2014
Full review: http://antorjatikbangali.wordpress.co...
A perfect film material, this crime noir set in the 1980s/90s almost fits as a storyboard for a director to adapt on screen. One cannot empathise enough with Arjun, and by the end of the novel, you feel a tinge of sadness tugging at your heartstrings.
A perfect film material, this crime noir set in the 1980s/90s almost fits as a storyboard for a director to adapt on screen. One cannot empathise enough with Arjun, and by the end of the novel, you feel a tinge of sadness tugging at your heartstrings.
December 30, 2014
It is a book of noir genre set in Mumbai. It is usual dark story of Encounter specialists in Mumbai. There was no novelty or surprise for me in the book. I liked the dark, shadowy art work.
Here is an interview with the author Saurav Mohapatra: http://www.thehindu.com/books/mumbai-...
Here is an interview with the author Saurav Mohapatra: http://www.thehindu.com/books/mumbai-...
May 17, 2014
Well written story of violence and corruption amidst the backdrop of Mumbai. The story is a neo noir tale that pulls no punches in its portrayal of life in a place that knows only adversity and hope is a foreign concept. The artwork is visceral and eyepopping. A treat for the senses
November 18, 2015
A rather sloppy "mystery" noir that seems to consist of scene after scene of people being captured and beaten. The art is pretty without ever being beautiful and is weighed down by the corny narration that wants to be taken for bleak profundity.
February 3, 2013
Quite interesting illustrations, good graphics, interesting sequence and intriguing story line. Overall an interesting read.
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