Ankahee

I went to watch Ankahee with zero expectations. Vikram Bhatt is a director who hardly ever did a good film, and barring a few exceptions, most of his films are poor and unoriginal. But somehow I found Ankahee watchable despite the poor writing. The film deals with such issues as adultery and depression, and it might not be convincing, but somewhat enjoyable. Esha Deol stars as a beauty pageant who has an affair with a married man played by Aftab Shivdasani. First, with all due respect, Deol is far from having the looks of a beauty pageant. In fact, she is not half as beautiful as her mother Hema Malini. Having said that, she performed passionately throughout the film and her wide eyes conveyed the emptiness and the frustration of a woman suffering from manic depression. Aftab Shivdasani was decent as the confused man who lacks character. Amisha Patel was convincing and played the wronged but strong wife with sincerity and depth. This may be her most (or should I say only) solid performance since Gaddar. Technically, Ankahee is well-made. The story was quite good and the proceedings were dark and serious, albeit a bit confused and slow. The ending is strange and funny, but nevertheless, this is a decent fare which can be watched with family and friends.

I was dragged into this movie by my mom and sister and i expected total C*&p and let me tell you i got exactly that.

Having a positive attitude i will list only 3 atrocities this movie has committed(if i list all ill need a few days emotional support) and then focus on the good parts:-

1) The movie had absolutely the most horrible cast in recent years. Aftab Shivdasani looked young out of place and displayed no acting talent his range of facial expressions and emotions consisted of two looks both of which were similar to confused and can be best described as disaster. His chemistry with the actresses was as bad as can get and was non existent. Esha Deol looked bad and struggled to play her role her acting talent is not far behind Aftab's and in certain scenes she almost scared us with her hideous makeup and facial expressions. Amisha Patel who I'm sure did this role because she is Vikram bhatts new girlfriend again looked completely out of place and looked straight out off Ekta Kapoors serial with here coloured hair, saree and mangalsutra(gimme a break).

2)The story held some promise but instead the Vikram only concentrated on one stupid scene to the other making sure it looks like he is the sufferer while the other woman is the culprit. He excessively demonizes the character ( who i believe is based on Sushmita Sen) and forgets that there i story. The movie offers no explanation for the events that unfold especially disturbing is that we are yet not aware why Aftab fell for Esha in the first place.

3) The songs are lack lustre and as usual serve as further torture in this long and boring movie. The ample time one gets is more than enough to focus on the other bad parts about the movie. For instance how the hell did Esha still be alive and kicking a few hours after she swallowed a whole bottle of sleeping pills. What kind of doctor is Aftab anyway…..why the hell did he fall for Esha in the first place…………must stop, must not type more………….why is that AFTAB A VETERAN OF OVER TEN FILMS HAVE TO BE DUBBED BY SOMEONE WHO SOUNDS LIKE VIKRAM BHATT (what kind of actor is dubbed in his tenth film)………………must be strong must stop complaining………………………..

As promised now for the good parts (yes there are a few):- 1)The trauma that the child from the broken family goes through though over exaggerated actually makes you feel for the children of broken families especially when one of the parents has had a much publicised affair. 2) There is a scene in the movie where the long corridor effectively captures the distance in the relation between the 2 people and that they are about to split. 3) There are actually nearly 2 dialogues that I liked in this movie which I hope will appear in the quotes section soon.

All this occupies 5 minutes of the movie so nows the ONLY REASON one my watch this movie:- If you are the gossip and scandal loving person who is filled by a burning curiosity to learn Vikram Bhatt's version of his affair with Sushmita Sen and how she is actually supposed to be suicidal, alone , insecure etc etc then this movie will more then give you enough scoop. The signs are all there the Miss World, the large diamond ring she always wore, the famous Sushmita victory photo, the hair etc etc. This seems to be the only reason this movie was made .

The only other reason would be if someone dragged you along like I was or a large sum of money.

All in a pathetic movie that provides no entertainment except to a narrow section of society.

Ps I just heard that due to the negative reactions from audiences and film fraternity alike Vikram Bhatt is now claiming that this movie is in fact not about Sushmita. Too late Mr. Bhatt…..so Sushmita used to cut her wrists you say………hmmm

Well the movie seemed boring and dragged at times but it sure is not a total disappointment. I am not proud to say but I was stunned by Esha Deol's work in the movie. She is sure to be nominated for the best actress in negative role award for this year and if I was to decide, ill even give her one. Aftab and Amisha were also not as bad as they usually are. There are few good scenes in the movie and some powerful dialogues make up for the rest of the score I have given the movie. I would agree that it is not that great a movie but it definitely is under-rated. I would recommend watching the movie at least once if u do have the time. Obviously it is not a 'watch again' movie and maybe for some of you, not even worth watching in the cinema halls either, but renting it's VCD on a Saturday afternoon is surely not a bad idea.

Ankahee is a simple story about infidelity revolving a beauty queen ,a doctor and a house wife.

Vikram Bhatt undoubtedly proved that he can make sensitive films that can be appreciated by viewers that go for more than just dumb entertainment in a film.

Esha Deol truly shines in the film.She definitely deserves at least an award for her exceptional performance in the film.She manages to create so much of hatred but also pity from the audience.She brigthens up every scene she is in.

Aftab also is commendable in the film.

Amisha Patel shocks you with a composed but striking performance as the vulnerable housewife.

The music by Pritam and the lyrics are just wonderful!!! This films are one of those films that do not get much appreciation that it deserves.

On the whole,Ankahee is a film that should be watched only by people who can appreciate sensitivity and realism in films.

Truly deep! Some scenes I've haven't even heard top psychologists explain as well. They showed the good and bad side of the main character. Real symptoms like hearing voices, paranoia, loneliness; with realistic consequences. I'm sure it relates to famous true stories. At the end it's about the child that suffered the most that didn't deserve it. Shows the weakness of a human. Not sure if I'd ever be strong enough to forgive like this. The 90s/20s era actually had it all, the cast, songs, stories; explains the automatic judgmental reviews, just because it's raw and not polished, they would rather rate comic book sequels higher. Highly underrated movie, with a good message, "Aa pass aa" song gave me great memories. Salute to the makers! These everyday movies made a big impact in our lives. Thank you!