Salaakhen

Salaakhen was just mind-blowing and kind of crazy. Sunny plays this simple guy, who is forced to take the law (as usual) in his own hands and goes beyond the limits to get justice after his father (Anupam Kher) is humiliated by a false conspiracy, which leads to suicide in court. From the point where Sunny is jailed and the rest of the film to the end (to the end) reminds you of Ghayal, especially because he is outraged by so much corruption in the law. The action occurred in the last 30 minutes of the movie (more would have helped). Amrish Puri is the greatest villain out there, but there is another 'baddy' responsible for the trouble (watch to find out who). This climax is long with a car chase and a short bus stunt. Overall, this movie may not be as great as Ziddi, but it is alright. Watch it for Sunny Deol!

Sunny Deol in another of his formula action flicks. Raveena who I love as an actress and everything else about her for that matter is there for eye candy and the songs. That is her role really the songs the rest is the storyline which is weak and the same as any other movie. Raveena why did you sign this movie and audiences don't bother buying video or DVD of it rubbish. Raveena and Sunny have done a much better movie which I have yet to see called Ziddi spend you money on that one I bet it's ten times better than this tripe by the way Raveena looks great in the songs. 7 out of 10 for the songs. 1 out of 10 for the movie. Definitely not going to be in anyones top 100 movies of all time list I'm sure.

To be honest, I had watched this film only for Raveena Tandon and Manisha Koirala's item number. Raveena Tandon is a great actress but in Salaakhen she barely has a role other than her appearance in the song sequences. She's there for eye candy and is definitely sizzling on screen. I also enjoyed Manisha's item number. It's not a great song but I think Koirala pulled it off well. The other good thing about 'Salaakhen' is the songs. They might be of an acquired taste but they appeal to me where beat is concerned and it's quite an eclectic soundtrack. Guddu Dhanoa has been known to make bad cinema and 'Salaakhen' is no exception. It's actually Anupam Kher who's the main lead because most of the film revolves around his character. Sunny Deol is just there to be the tough son and avenge his death. Of course, the story is the typical, old man fighting the corrupt system and he ends up committing suicide because the system 'gets' to him and thus the son avenges his death and goes to jail. Dhanoa thought he could repeat the success of 'Ziddi' if he brought back the same team but obviously that hasn't happened. There is very little that stands out about this movie and I have already mentioned them.

The plot is typical. Man of principle stands up to overwhelming forces of systemic corruption - tycoons, police, politicians and the courts. Vengeance and violence must ensue to cure the sickness of greed and abuses of power.

The acting is fairly typical except for a handful of moments in which long angry diatribes are delivered in the worst display of overacting I can recall in the 100+ Indian movies I've seen. And it ain't just one guy. Three of them spew speeches with Razzie-worthy degrees of scenery chewing.

The good? The last 20 minutes of payback spare no expense on f/x and stunts (including one bit Jackie Chan would have applauded) in an orgy of beatings, shootings, chases and explosions. The preceding parade of evil doings by evildoers adds to the gratification factor. But ya gotta be patient to get there.

Salaakhen review :

Coming after his super hit Ziddi (1997), Guddu Dhanoa's Salaakhen had a good plot and a noteworthy performance from Anupam Kher as a retired master who witnesses a rape and murder committed by a bade baap ka bigda hua beta and wants to testify against him. Amrish Puri plays Jaspal Rana, the rapists politician dad who traps Kher in court proceedings and literally drives him to suicide. Sunny Deol, his son, then avenges the murder.

The film's plot is loosely borrowed from Dhanoa's own hit Elaan (1994) starring Akshay Kumar. In that film, it was Amrish Puri who played the hero's honest dad like Anupam Kher's character in this one.

Salaakhen has some well executed courtroom scenes and Mohan Joshi as the corrupt lawyer was highly effective. The way he proves the master to be of unsound mind is shocking, to say the least.

Raveena Tandon was the heroine hired for routine song and dance with Deol. Manisha Koirala also popped up for an item number. But the the film is memorable only for Anupam Kher and his legal conflict with Amrish Puri. The film turns absolutely routine actioner once the case is closed.

Salaakhen deserved to do better at the box office. But then, every film has its own fate. This one just wasnt lucky I guess!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.