singh-amrit

The film looks interesting from the outset, when the makers claim that they believe the incidents in film are real. And an interesting way of opening credits only adds to curiosity.

Film starts with a funny chase and kunal khemu starts to narrate the story. A story of 2 small time crooks and how they get into big time troubles. The film traverses a unique genre of comedy thriller. It keeps you at the edge of the seats, but at the same time makes sure that the edge never hurts, with enough humor spread all over.

The storyline is spread over 2 cities of Bombay and Delhi in the year 1999. The film uses a real life scandalous case as the backdrop. (Though it no suspense, still its best left untold what scandal they've used). Director has taken care of minute details to make the story set in year 1999, like mobile incoming was charged, Clinton's India visit, 20-20 cricket still being a wild idea and even the dollar exchange rates. Also the essence of 2 cities is intact. Watch out the scene when Cyrus and Kunal describe why they don't want to go to Delhi. It's simply hilarious.

Kunal Khemu is slowly coming to its own. Cyrus could have had a few more lines to say, though he is great in whatever he is doing. Soha Ali is under utilized. Vinod Khanna is neat and Boman Irani is in form as ever.

It's a refreshing break, both from some unimaginative comedies we've seen in recent past and the hiatus caused in release of Hindi films in cinemas.

Its sweet little comedy, thriller, romantic, fun film. Go refresh yourselves. Have some good time.

You would want to stand up and applaud when the end credits roll, for this will be easily one of the finest films you have seen in recent times. And it becomes all the more commendable considering the fact that most of the names in the credits are debutants, including the lead protagonist and director.

Debutant director Raj Kumar Gupta dares to tread the path less travelled with a dark, hard hitting drama thriller. The film starts with some candid shots of Mumbai and the candid shot keep flooding showing the unknown and dark side of Mumbai. The director and the cinematographer grip you to your seat for entire duration. You feel as suffocated as the lead protagonist. And when he beats the hell out of some road side snatchers, exhausting all his anger and frustration, you wish you could also hit a few blows to help him. And to add to the class of the director and innovation of cinematographer, there is impeccable background score.

Rajiv Khandelwal, probably the most precious Bollywood import from television and best debutant this year, showcases the character that is traumatized, shocked, feared, determined, strong, venerable all at the same time. He shows what he is capable of. We only hope he is nurtured and used well in Bollywood, for he is a talent to look out for.

Looking at the kind of cinema that's being churned out these days, you'll have to wait probably really long to watch a film of this stature. So, don't wait. Don't miss this one. For this really deserves to be stand and applauded.

Jodha Akbar, probably the most awaited film of recent times. The film, which was supposed to be the modern day answer to Mughal-e-Azam. Though it's unfair to compare anything to Mughal-e-Azam. Jodha Akbar is not Mughal-e-Azam. But the comparisons are somehow inevitable.

The film tries to put aside all the controversies in the beginning itself by declaring that the name of Akbar's wife is debatable, and Jodha is most common name referring to her. Amitabh Bachchan lends his voice for strong opening narration, and film opens on promising note with a decently (not grand) pasteurized war sequence. The film tightens the grip by the end of first half and leaves you expecting a better half to come. But the second half fails to fulfill the promise with a rather slow and lackluster end. Film could do with some crops in the reel. The narration slackens, especially in the second half it's dragging at places.

Performances of almost all actors are high grade. Surprisingly biggest disappointment is Hrithik Roshan. He tries hard but could not deliver the commanding performance that one expects from Akbar's character. The sharp build, short hair, thin mustache and a very modern accent… naah not the Akbar material you were looking for. Longer hair, denser mustache and deeper voice could have made things better. Aishwarya as Jodha is immaculate. She has never looked and acted better. One good thing is every character has a clear Hindi pronunciation and neat Urdu diction. Almost everyone dots their I and crosses the T clearly.

The biggest draw of the film is the grandeur and the majestic art direction. Art Director Nitin Desai almost rebuilds the Mughal monuments with élan. The palaces and forts have the royal feel that was needed. Art direction though astounding overall is tacky at places with some details. Costumes also reflect the riches of the time. Music is a major let down. Khwaja and Merhabaa are ill choreographed. Khwaja is almost comic.

Direction of Ashutosh Gowarikar lacks the finer details and impeccable grip shown in his earlier ventures. Though overall direction is impressive. Story has nothing special in it about Jodha and Akbar. It's just a simple love story of a man (incidentally named Akbar) and a woman (coincidentally named Jodha).

Final verdict: A genuine attempt but Mughal-e-Azam still remains unanswered.