Bhoothnath

Debutant director Vivek Sharma's 'Bhoothnath' is a delightful treat to watch. His execution shows that he's among the promising directors. The camera-work is very impressive. The special effects are superb (something one hardly witnesses in an Indian film). Not only do they look great, they are very effectively used. What makes 'Bhoothnath' better than other films of its genre is that it appeals to both adults and children especially because of the comedy.

Viewers can easily connect to the characters as are very likable and very real. Anjali isn't just the stereotypical mother one has grown too familiar with in a children's film. She's a loving mother alright but one that hates to cook and one that's honest enough to the principal to tell him (in good humour) that her son is a 'nightmare'. Banku isn't your average filmy kid (and credit goes to the actor for that). He is the likable little brat one would recognize in themselves. And of course, there's 'Bhoothnath' who could have easily been a caricature but remains a well-defined character that is courageous, stubborn, vulnerable, caring and eventually friendly.

The writing is mostly good. The inspiration by films like 'Bogus', 'Casper' and 'The Sixth Sense' may show but 'Bhoothnath' is very much its own film. The dialogues are great and the film moves at a steady pace. However, the Ashish Chaudhury-Nauheed Cyrusi track could have better been left out. Their below-average acting give the impression that 'Bhoothnath' is just another cheesy horror film. That may have been Sharma's intention in order to surprise the viewer but I don't think it's necessary. The demonic daughter-in-law is a caricature that feeds the stereotype of Americans being careless towards family. There are a few plot holes. how is it that Bhoothnath can touch Banku at times but during a key scene, Banku is about to fall down the stairs but Bhoothnath is unable to save him because his hand moves through Banku's. Also, the whole death ritual track looks a bit out of place but at the same time this scene brilliantly displays Banku's innocence. Banku thinks that ritual is to celebrate Bhoothnath's birthday and he happily participates. Moreover this scene is wonderfully executed. The close-ups shifting back and forth from Amitabh's sad face (as he knows he'll never see Banku again) to Aman's thrilled face (as he thinks Bhootnath will be promoted to 'star' angel). Though things get more emotional in the second half, Sharma manages to balance it well with the rest.

I have to say that Amitabh Bachchan really blew me away as 'Bhoothnath'. I did not like him in any of his films post 1980something (with the exception of 'Baghban') but he totally owns Bhoothnath. There is one scene where he overacts but I suppose it's become his trademark to have at least one scene where he screams. Nonetheless, this flaw is very minor and can be overlooked given his otherwise consistent performance. His heartbreaking acting scene while he watches a happy Banku and his parents perform his 'last rites' reminded me of the exceptional actor he was in the 70s. Juhi Chawla is excellent as she brings charisma, devotion and liveliness to Anjali. Her Anjali is a laid-back woman but a caring mother. I don't understand why they people compared her to Aishwarya Rai's glycerin shedding performance in 'Umrao Jaan'. Whether she used glycerin or not in the crying scenes, she played her part very well and brought out Anjali's fear of losing her child and her sympathy for Bhoothnath. Last year there was 'Taare Zameen Par's Darsheel Safari and this year it is newcomer Aman Siddiqui who surprises the audience with a superb performance. Siddiqui simply acts like a child in a very natural way. He isn't one of those kids who overly tries to be cute, begging for the audience to go 'awww'. He too owns his part. Shahrukh Khan has a strong presence in a small role. He and Juhi have always been magic together on screen and it was great to see them play parents. Satish Shah and Rajpal Yadav are respectively hilarious as the 'bullying' principal and thief. All these actors share a good chemistry. While it's good to see Priyanshu Chatterjee after his absence from films, he is simply okay here.

Among the songs, I really liked the 'Aandhi' track, filmed on the children in their different get-ups. But, it was weird to see the little girls dressed as prostitutes. 'Chale Jaane Do' is a sweet track sung by Amitabh and Juhi. I didn't like the hip hop track 'Mere Buddy' so much.

In a nutshell, 'Bhoothnath' is one of the better films of the genre. Forget all those pretentious crap 'Krishh' and 'Koi Mil Gaya'. 'Bhoothnath' too may be a larger than life film but one that connects to both adults and children. In spite of a 2hour 15 minutes length, it didn't feel like a waste. Why should it if you're having fun?

I was totally surprised by this movie even though I had watched some of the promos. In a way, this is not a typical BR Chopra film and yet in a way it is - a simple film portraying a simple story.

Anjali Sharma, with her husband, Aditya, who works on cruise liner and their son, move to Goa and when they inform several taxi drivers as to where they want to go, all except one, refuse to take them. Enroute to the house, the driver informs them that the house is haunted and soon Aditya has to go to work, leaving Anjali to set up everything and including sending their son to a nearby school. One night, upon waking up, she sees her son looking for an ice cream bowl that he dropped only moments back. He even tells her that he has seen a ghost. But soon the ghost and the little boy become friends.

The movie stars Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, Satish Shah, Rajpal Yadav, Lalit Parasher and both Priyanshu and Shah Rukh Khan make a friendly appearance. This is produced by Ravi Chopra and is directed by Vivek Sharma.

This movie, to an extent, has the echoes of "Baghban" where family drama is concerned and is a good comedy where the friendship between the boy and the ghost, as well as Rajpal Yadav and Satish Shah are concerned. But the friendship between the ghost and the son is more like a relationship between a grandson and grandfather. Besides the director, Vivek Sharma, roping in two of the most popular Bollywood stars, in his directorial debut, what is really interesting the family drama angle of the story - its not just for children as some have suggested or as some think, its also for adults.

The music by Vishal - Shekhar is quite melodious and worth listening and more so when Amitabh sings.

Conclusion: This is one movie that is worth while watching with family, including children. But if a family drama does make you cry, then I suggest you take some tissues with you.

The story of a good and friendly ghost portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan. Amitabh has given an astounding performance, but than his was a performance of his little co-star from Amitabh's own native town of Allahabad, Aman Sddiqui. This boy has a great future ahead. Juhi and Shahrukh did their cameos in a justified way.Rajpal Yadav was hilarious as usual. Music was good and soothing to the ears. The story line was not that strong, but if the movie was made to be targeting the "Krissh" audience and their guardians, we should not be complaining. The media publicity about the story changes in the end to make its sequel in the near future was a good way for keeping the kids happy and guessing for what would be their in the next version. Overall, deserves a watch with and for the kids during this summer vacations.

Yet another good performance from the indefatigable Amitabh Bachchan - the man has had such high standards over the decades and has generally kept up to them. This very moral tale was apparently inspired by Caspar but seems to me to owe slightly more (in spirit) to The Ghost And Mrs. Muir (Hollywood, 1947).

A family move into a house haunted by friendly old ghost Amitabh, who strikes up a warm and honest relationship with their son Aman. There's plenty of genuine family entertainment with a few nice songs and it starts out very well but the film eventually gets bogged down in vapid sentimentality, albeit always with a high moral tone. Avuncular Amitabh is the only reason to stay to the end, to see him go through every conceivable emotion, although one of my favourite pieces was Samay Ka Pahiya sung at the climax. I felt it when he fell all the way down the stairs even if he didn't! SRK had a minor part, but as with the main players was not well-used - only chubby Aman shone in his special relationship with the ghost. And some nice photography with faultless production.

So, fairly good but not particularly memorable - a pleasant way to fill a couple of hours.

Frankly speaking after some big recent flops, I decided to leave all my expectations at home before watching "Bhoothnath". And what a pleasant and quality surprise it was. Director Vivek Sharma's debut movie is purely as per the tradition of BR films, who believe in simple family dramas told in a sober way. It is not a scary movie at all, but on the contrary it is a loving, emotional family movie, mainly for the kids.

As a cool breeze in the summer, here comes a novel script with a new outlook towards the "Atma" phenomenon. Don't expect a tried and tested formula, as the movie does have some fresh content with an emotional touch. The usual family drama is also there which can be termed as the trademark of BR films. But putting all together you will enjoy watching it with your family, especially with the kids.

The main character of the movie is a 8 year old "Aman Siddiqui" playing "Bonku" who becomes friend with the spirit in his house. Amitabh Bachhan plays the old man (the spirit) living in the house and is visible only to Bonku. The child Aman has given a splendid performance high on confidence. He has delivered an act at par with the veterans. Amitabh Bachhan has again proved that he is the "one & only" in the industry capable of giving such performances at this age. The people who gave comments about his retirement should start searching places to hide after seeing Bhoothnath.

Though the movie starts a little slow but then picks up fast as the spirit is introduced. The first scene of Bonku's interaction with Amitabh is well executed and has excellent special effects. The best scene comes before the interval when Bonku gets injured in an accident. This well written and brilliantly executed scene at once connects you with the key characters and you start enjoying the movie more.

The second half is heavy on emotions, but all the emotions are on the happy side. You enjoy the tears along with the happenings on the screen. The last 20 minutes of the movie are very well written and directed. The director is right on his tracks all the way and does a brilliant job in his first venture. He shows his hold over the medium as he talks to the point and has very less unwanted scenes in the script. It is clear that he doesn't believe in too much style but believes in content told in a simple but impressive way, without any gloss.

Performance wise, no doubt both Aman & Amitabh are at the top of the list. Juhi Chawla is fresh and bubbly as ever. Surprisingly Shahrukh Khan (in special appearance) gives a very soft and underplayed performance and manages to impress in the few scenes he had. There is one under-rated actor in the movie who shines bright in the climax and he is Priyanshu Chatterjee. He is a bundle of talent still waiting for the right opportunity to come his way and he proves this in his small role in the movie. Satish Shah is enjoyable as the School Principal but Rajpal Yadav is completely wasted as a mad man.

The weakest point of the movie is its music by Vishal & Shekhar. This is their second let down in a row after "Tashan". If only they had given some better songs, the movie would have been more enjoyable. Still it was nice to hear Amitabh & Juhi Chawla singing a song. Sukhwinder's voice was perfect in the climax song. And the act by Aman & Amitabh was of first rate in the song "Mere Buddy". They both look very cute together in the Hip –Hop avtar.

In nutshell, "Bhootnath" is an entertaining family movie, with two Amitabh's in it, one 8+ and one 60+. It looses point only due to its music.