I don't know why critics panned this film and why hardly anyone went to watch it just because it was a serious film starring Govinda. At this period in 1998 he was the comedy king and people felt serious film plus Govinda equals bad movie. So when Naseeb came out the theatres were said to be empty. Naseeb by no means is flawless but it ain't bad even if the story seems outdated.
Govinda basically plays a rich alcoholic businessman who meets Kader Khan and makes him a close friend. One day while dropping a worker (Rahul Roy) off home he sees his wife (Mamta Kulkani) who happens to be his ex-flame. On asking of Kader Khan, Govinda explains everything. How he fell in love, how he went away to make money, how when he returned he witness his love marrying someone else.
Along the way there are some twists and turns and the climax which is not bad. The flaws are the set-up and pictureisation of the movie. It seems outdated and looksmore like a early 1990s movie than a late 90s movie. Also Mamta Kulkani has put on weight that ain't much but is noticeable. She does what is required but lacks the presence of a Karishma or a Kajol. Rahul Roy who disappeared for awhile then came back in the industry has an outdated hairstyle and miss-fires. He talks rather slow almost as if he is trying too hard to get every word right. It would have been better off if a Anil Kapoor or even a Sunny Doel done this role.
For me the film runs on Govinda. Given perhaps the best serious role since Hatya. Govinda real does show he has the talent to shine. There are scenes where just the use of his eyes portray his emotion. In light comedy he is the usual brilliant Govinda. He also has some good lines in the movie like.
The best song is the title song which Govinda portrays beautifully.
Kader Khan is good and shares good chemistry with Govinda. Shakti Kapoor main line is " Rama o Rama", he is OK.
Overall Naseeb is worth watching because of Govinda. He does show his talent in this film, just a shame people never really gave this film or him a chance for that talent to be shown to the public.
