Dushman

Dushman is an unoriginal film which is decently adapted to the Indian context, and it works partially as a story. The film has moments of sheer horror which are tough viewing, including the rape scene right in the very initial portions of the film, but then it's also quite melodramatic and the lack of restraint does take it a bit down. The script has some loopholes here and there, and it does lost focus at times, but when it's good, it's really good, and it manages to be appropriately gripping and tense. Where the film scores big time as everyone already knows is in Kajol's heartfelt and intense performance as the gentle sister whose frustration at justice being denied to her sister and determination to make it finally prevail. The sister is played by Kajol, and yet it isn't much of a dual role because the tough, racy sister, who by the way is the more interesting character, is gone early in the film. The film's villain, Ashutosh Rana, is also excellent. He would perform equally as well in another venture by the same director in Sangharsh. Tanuja Chandra is not a particularly great director, but it's good that this unsettling thriller is directed by a woman. It's very evident that her being a woman contributed to Kajol's character, and the compassion is right there. Tanvi Azmi and Sanjay Dutt provide good support, too, but the latter gets a rather cliched character. Dushman is not a particularly good film, but it's enjoyable and effective and its leading lady's charisma more than makes up for many of its flaws.

Joke: Girl: Whats worse than watching a movie with Kajol in it.

Boy: Watching a movie with Kajol in a double role.

In our Bollywood film industry known for making cheap remakes of Hollywood films, this film sums up that situation. I think you don't need a brain, looks or acting skills to become a Bollywood actor/actress.

Back to the film produced by none other than hammy actress Pooja Bhatt daughter of Mahesh Bhatt("Butt"). Incidentally the screenplay is written by Mahesh Bhatt, so you know he has stolen from ideas from a Hollywood film. Combination of two hams: father and daughter. Another "Butt" ugly film

This film also stars Robin Bhatt. Its seems the whole family threw in the sack of beans making this flick.

Also this film marked the Bollywood debut of a nerdy shrimp of a female director: Tanuja Chandra.

The most surprising thing to me is that Sanjay Dutt signed up for this film. It seems NO ONE WANTED TO PLAY THE PART SO.......you get the picture???

Plot(for people who saw the film and didn't understand it. Written in simple English): Sonia and Naina Sehgal (both played by Kajol) are twins. At the same time the police are hunting for a killer and rapist. The man Gokul Pandit (Ashutosh Rana) is a cold-blooded animal and has chosen Naina for his next target. However tragedy strikes when Gokul brutally kills Sonia. Naina is distraught and vows to hunt down Gokul. Gokul soon goes after Naina and she realizes she needs help to overcome her fear of him. With that she meets Suraj Singh Rathod (Sanjay Dutt), a retired and blind major and he helps her physically and mentally to defeat her fear of Gokul. After an argument Suraj refuses to meet Naina and she decides to go after Gokul alone without the help of the police or Suraj.....

Pros:

1.Good music by legendary playback singers Asha Bhosle, Shankar Mahadevan, Lata Mangesjkar, Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Jagjit Singh.

2.Ashutosh Rana is awesome as usual.

3.Also stars Sanjay Dutt as a bonus.

Cons:

1.Poorly shot rape scenes (full censorship as usual). This is a rape film and they don't show the rapes???

2. This film stars Kajol in her most hysterical role.

3. Sanjay Dutt ISN'T nude for this flick (sorry gals).

4. Kajol ISN'T nude for this flick (sorry guys, you can STOP the preparations for a good night's SHAG).

In conclusion: Better to buy the AUDIO CD rather than wasting your money on the VCD/DVD.

Score: this isn't a cricket or football match....butt....4/10.

Dushman is a story of a young girl who avenges her twin sibling's murder with the help of a retired army officer. The plot though sound simple but is not so in really, because it is like memento where the protagony is weaker than antagony. Dushman is a precursor to Memento having the same interesting set up of hero-villain, mixed with usual Bollywood emotional themes and songs. I heard that it's an adaptation of foreign film 'Eye for an Eye', which may not be exactly, but is significantly different too.

The acting of Kajol is applaudable, double part of both long and pixie cut hair. Both( Kajol and the retired army officer) unites through various circumstances and he agrees to teach her to defend herself, which ultimately leads to avenging her twin sibling (Pixie haired Kajol). Though the real set up of environment is neglected because the emphasis is on the content, which is good, a lady successfully avenges her sibling murder through episodes of rigorous training, fear, violence and blood gore. But the realistic appeal is left out in some parts of the film. The BGM is also used heavily, without giving much thought on its outweighing other aspects. But the thrill is sustained in the film. The songs are also well placed.

Due to this, the film though had a potential plot to contend for being a great film, but didn't get executed likewise, stands as an average psycho thriller. Ashutosh Rana is great as a psycho, as the fearsome character who even lies convincingly to the world despite succumbing to passionate crimes. Other casts are also well done. You could watch it for an average entertaining thriller with an optimistic ending. Kajol act is superb, as the last reminder.

A 62/100 for all its merits and flaws in total.

Watch this movie only for Ashutosh rana and you'll forget nawazzuddin's acting

Script and villain.... These 2 are the high points of Dushman, a thriller film released in 1998, directed by tanuja chandra. The story and pace of the film is worth watching. Adapted from hollywood movie an eye for an eye, dushman gets deeply into the human psyche. All characters of dushman are well written, containing grey shades, and has lots of questions and curiosities going inside their minds. That's what makes dushman a brilliant thriller. All actors are convincing. Special mention for ashutosh rana as main antagonist. He gave a new definition to the Indian villain. Songs, music are good.