Will Neil Nitin be able to revive his career with 'Shortcut Romeo'?

New Delhi: He might be an earnest actor, but Neil Nitin Mukesh's career hasn't taken the desired flight ever since his impressive debut in 'Johny Gaddar' in 2007. The actor though featured in some memorable and commercially successful films in the later years like 'New York', '7 Khoon Maaf'- but he was part of a ensemble cast. He has done critically acclaimed films like 'David' and 'Jail', but has never been considered as a commercially viable actor.

Which is why this week's release, Susi Ganeshan's 'Shortcut Romeo' is an important film for the actor. As the lead of the film, Neil gets to prove his acting prowess, something that he has in abundance and yet hasn't been tapped to the fullest.

Director Susi Ganeshan, an acclaimed, award winning director makes his foray into Bollywood with a remake of Tamil super hit 'Thiruttu Payale' which is a tale of love, deceit and mystery. Mukesh plays Suraj who earns quick bucks by blackmailing a rich, bored and cheating housewife Monica( Amisha Patel) who is having an affair with a younger man on the sly of which only Suraj has knowledge of. While Monica resists initially, she isn't left with much choice but to relent and provide money to Suraj. Things are hunky dory till Suraj meets and falls in love with Cherry (Pooja Gupta). Will Monica be able to get rid of Suraj? Would Suraj tell Cherry the truth? Who will two time who? Susi Ganeshan weaves a story which is shrouded with suspense and drama.

The film is also important for its leading ladies. Amisha Patel gets a meaty role, that too with gray shades to her character, after a long time. Having played the second lead in her recent films, Amisha will get to have a substantial role in 'Shortcut Romeo'. She has lost weight, looks a million bucks and is raring to start afresh in Bollywood. If the film works, it will also solidify Pooja Gupta's position in Bollywood. Having worked in two films- 'FALTU' and 'Go Goa Gone'- which received good response at Box Office, 'Shortcut Romeo' can complete her hat trick at the Box Office.

Shot in Kenya, the film has music by Himesh Rehsmaiya and its trailer was recently showcased at Cannes.

'Shortcut Romeo' is an important film for its director and its cast. While the filmmaker will hope to establish himself in Bollywood after a successful career down south, its actors are hoping that the success of the film consolidates their position in the film industry.