Humraaz

Humraaz is a thriller from Bollywood inspired by Hollywood. It's a love story too. Of course it has songs and they are ok in the context. The twists and turns are well handled and together with a cast that seems to enjoy themselves the film scores quite some points. Helas at the very end it loses a lot of them again with a ridiculous over the top showdown that is quite indigestable unless you really dig that particular brand of violence that is so typically Bollywood. Too bad since the film has a couple of violent moments before that which are much more realistic and scary. More amusing than scary is the fact that the bad guy usually is accompanied by Gregorian chants when he goes about his business.

I have seen lots of Indian films, and this one is ranked in my top 10. Bobby Deol was fantastic in this movie...not to mention HOT! From Gupt to Humraaz, his acting and his hair are both getting better. The plot was sneaky. You didn't know what was going to happen next. I was totally shocked with the ending. True traditional Indian culture about love and marriage shines through in this movie. Bobby Deol's sweet side shines through as well. He can be rough and tough...you know bad guy written all over him...that's what I like about him (it's sexy). When these Indian movies work, they really WORK WELL! Also, the music and dance scenes worked well in this movie since most of the actors were from a dance group. They put a lot of work into the dancing, and it showed.

After all the tripe such as K3g and the like, along with Company Humraaz is one of the better efforts from Bollywood this year. Slick production with a Hollywood inspired script, this film is far more gripping for its 3 hours. With good acting by bollywood standards (Amisha Patel doesnt have to cry!! yippeee!!!)and well placed songs in context of the film (Bardaasht is admittently the stand out track with a fair few fillers), Humraaz is a winner. The backgroud score is exceptional and compliments the on-screen action. This film could have benefitted from a slightly bigger budget because one gets the feeling that the directors had cut alot of corners in the filming of this film, due to lack of money. However, they should be praised for trying somthing different and not palming us off with the dire Chopra/Johar love triangles. Humraaz is what the indian film industry should be striving for.

8/10

This is singularly the most entertaining movie from Mumbai. I think the credit should go to the incredible music of Himmesh R,The enchanting Choreography,a perfectly chosen Cast,and a brilliant direction by the Doti-clad Duo Abbas-Mastan. This is one of the movies where the talent has been put to good use even the children of lesser talent like Johny Lever. Akshay Khanna may never get a similar oppurtunity to display his talent of a conniving con Artist as he does here. Amisha Patel looks incredible gorgeous with some great dance numbers. Sunny Deol is just perfect as a Tycoon. There is no overacting or filthy gyration in the name of Choreography as in Salman Khan Movies which are bordering on vulgarity. All said and done an enchantingly entertaining film.

Humraaz is an immensely entertaining and classy film that is probably on par with any Hollywood thriller. The best thing about the film is that it keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! When you think the movie is over an unexpected twist happens to keep the pulse-pounding thrills sky-high. Plus, the movie has that traditional, nostalgic Bollywood style romance that everyone loves. Music by Himesh Reshammiya deserves awards, with the best songs being 'Bardaasht', 'Dil Ne Kar Liya', and 'Sanam Mere Humraaz'. Performances from the cast couldn't be better! This is Amisha Patel's best role to date (including 'Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai'), and Bobby Deol and Akshaye Khanna act with zeal and enthusiasm. The only let down of the movie is the cliched ending, but with a film that has appealed to you for a solid three hours, you'll fail to notice.

With all that said, Humraaz is a film for everyone, and the most appealing of 2002. Go rent it, or rather, buy it!