Aashayein

After the horrendous '8 x 10 Tasveer', Nagesh Kukunoor is back on track. Even though I was a bit skeptical seeing that Kukunoor has been going downhill since 'Bombay to Bangkok' and the casting of John Abraham in the lead role didn't sound very promising but I was wrong. 'Aashayein' is a heartfelt down-to-earth little film about a young man who, after being diagnosed with cancer, admits himself to a hospice, leaving behind the life he once knew (that includes a fiancée), only to find a new one. The premise sounds familiar but don't be fooled. This isn't another 'Anand' or 'Dasvidaniya'. Yet, Kukunoor doesn't shy away from showing who he's influenced by as he wisely makes references to classics like 'Anand' and 'Indiana Jones'. The Indiana Jones dream sequences are quite well executed. The songs, including the Shreyas Talpade item number, fit in well.

The setting of the hospice is quite beautiful. Hindi films usually depict hospitals and other medical centres as this cold, impersonal place where the ill are ignored or treated without affection. Thankfully Kukunoor sheds a positive light and hopefully there are more such options for people in India. In addition, I also liked how Kukunoor briefly depicts the struggle encountered by the medical staff in order to run the place.

John Abraham's performance may not be flawless but it's the best work he's done to date. Hot Sonal Sehgal has good screen presence. Girish Karnad, Prateeksha Lonkar and Farida Jalal provide great support. I would have liked to see more of the lovely Jalal as her character was very interesting. Finally, the star of 'Aashayein' is Anaitha Nair who steals every scene she's in with a commendable performance. I would like to see more of this actress cast in such significant roles in good films.

'Aashayein' may have its share of flaws but it manages to win the heart of the viewer and I hope, from this movie on, Kukunoor stays on track instead of stumbling with the likes of '8 x 10 Tasveer'.

Terminal illness is a depressing subject. Venturing into that territory is generally abstained. On that note, Hrishida's "Anand" and Mani Rathnam's "Geetanjali" feature in my top-of-mind-recall. Though both depressing but great writing pushed it high on entertainment quotient. Of course fantastic performances, sub-plots, auxiliary characters and the rich music add flesh to the bones.

"Aashayein" is is Mr. Kukunoor's ode to both classics (and very subtly he fits in the "Anand" bit into the story).

☼ John Abraham:: Perhaps his best performance till date. This time around you will certainly see an actor behind the good looks and the dimpled cheeks. About the character, I wasn't completely convinced with the compulsive gambler bit. He could have simply been rich carefree and cool character.

☼ Anaitha Nair:: Every terminal illness story warrants a character depicting "live life kingsize". This time around it is Anaitha Nair. She pours her heart out to breathe life into the character of Padma (paradoxical statement indeed!). The writing deserves a special mention.

☼ Sonal Sehgal:: Doesn't get enough scope as Anaitha Nair steals the thunder practically right under everyone's noses. Nearly gets relegated to "miss-goody-two-shoes" had her character was not resurrected in the penultimate moments.

☼ Girish Karnad:: Under-utilised.

☼ Farida Jalal:: Under-utilised again. And perhaps a younger actress should have been chosen for the role in question.

☼ Prateekha Lonkar:: Not enough meat in the role.

☼ Vikram Inamdar:: Nagya's lucky mascot from "Hyderabad Blues" gets a compassionate but short role.

☼ Elahe:: Another lucky mascot in a blink-and-miss role.

I particularly found that the sub-plots did not get enough screen time to be fleshed out (reference to Girish Karnad & Farida Jalal).

Music was not promoted adequately. Shreyas Talpade's special appearance was not warranted, in fact John Abraham should have done it for greater impact.

Though the response was a mixed bag, I particularly found the "Indiana Jones" layer complimenting neatly to the character of John Abraham.

"Aashayein" has suffered a great deal owing to the rift between the makers. Lack of promotions marred the recognition it rightfully deserves. And last but not the least, Nagesh is a well-rounded entertainer and no questions to that. Having said that, it is my opinion that he should let go the writing department and channel his creative abilities to deliver goods of his standards on a more frequent basis.

Movie seems to be a low budget movie.But i like the fact that there are no villains in this movies, at least physically. This movies is a great example to show how much fragile life is. Here 'Indy' get struck by fortune and disaster at the same time.

Whole movie is an emotional roller coaster while the main character struggles through his own illness and also struggle to cope with the deaths of his fellow mates. Movie has a good ending which make the audience think about life in a different prospective.

For me character 'Padma' was the main attraction where she enlighten the sad mood in the movie with her stubborn and obnoxious behavior.

I think everyone should watch this movies to understand life on prospective of people who already try to live while they are obviously dying. thank you!

It does not surprise me that the so-called critics did not think much of this movie. I think it's just the times we're living in - movies such as Aashayein fare poorly at the box office because majority of the people neither have the patience nor have the IQ to watch such movies.

This is the 3rd movie of John Abraham I have watched after Kabul Express and New York, and he has just continued to show what a tremendous actor he is. Despite his other masala movies, he seems to find an off-beat movie and leaves his mark. Anaitha Nair acted excellently in a role that was very different than her role in Chak De India. She fit greatly in her role of a hospice patient. Supporting cast of Farida Jalal and Girish Karnad filled in their roles well.

The little boy Ashwin Chitale's role was mystic and portrayed well. Music was by and large melodious and lyrics were fresh (change to today's bollywood junk). Ab Mujhko Jeena, Shukriya Zindagi, Chala Aya Pyar were the best tracks and rest were good too.

I'm rating this movie 10/10 easily simply based on the fact that I can watch it again. Must see for serious movie fans that enjoy a strong story line and sensible movies.

Watched Aashayein (2010) movie today .. Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor . Worth a watch .. though boring few times ... The movie still sends a strong message of living life with a meaning . And the music also is awesome . All the supporting actors play their parts very well . So credit also goes to them for a good performance .

Acting by John Abraham is really good . Loved the music . Background score is decent . But Anaitha Nair , who portrays Padma steals the show . A really good performance by her . All in all a decent family entertainer . But the magic that Nagesh created through Iqbal is certainly missing . So 9/10 for the movie ....