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Movie Review: LAMHAA by FENIL SETA
Jul 18th
The Kashmir issue is the most persistent and complicated issue ever since India got independence, especially after 1989. Naturally any crisis catches the eyes of filmmakers and Kashmir problem was no exception. However, many films failed to give a true account of the problem and at such a point, Rahul Dholakia comes up with Lamhaa which promises to present the ‘untold story of Kashmir’. To an extent, the storyline is untold at least on celluloid but those closely or even remotely following the problems of the valley, Lamhaa offers nothing new. Still, a good direction would have helped but very unfortunately, Lamhaa is badly executed. A great chance gone totally waste!
The story of the movie: Vikram (Sanjay Dutt) is sent to Kashmir by the Military Intelligence to investigate the possible destructive plan that is likely to create havoc in the state. After reaching Srinagar, he assumes the identity of Gul Jehangir. On the same day, Haji (Anupam Kher), a popular separatist leader, survives attack by a suicide bomber but his close aide, Shabbir is killed. Aziza (Bipasha Basu), Haji’s aggressive and fierce protégé wants to know who is behind the blast and sets on a trial. Vikram aka Gul realizes that there might be a link between the blast and the possible destruction and starts investigating. Since both Gul and Aziza were aiming for the same goal, they team up. Soon, Gul finds out that the entire conspiracy is far deeper than expected and a lot of top politicians, powerbrokers, cops and ISI agents are just playing with feelings of lakhs of Kashmiris and are soon going to do something destructive.
There is no doubt that Lamhaa has a great story to tell. However, Lamhaa disappoints simply because it tries to pack too much in 2 hours. There are lots of characters, conflicts and sub-plots. The narrative is extremely fast-paced which doesn’t help as viewers don’t get gripped and absorbed into the story totally. What stays after leaving the theatre are just a few well-shot individualistic scenes.
The relevation of the destructive attack ever on Kashmir was lame. The climax should have been nail-biting for such a film but it wasn’t. Also showing Sanjay Dutt retired and drunk towards the end wasn’t justified at all.
Every actor gives an impressive performance. The script might be the worst but even in such situations, Sanjay Dutt never disappoint. The same happens here! The actor gives a convincing performance and he looked brilliant in his rugged look. Bipasha Basu comes up with one of the finest performances of her career. It is evident that she has worked and was completely in her character. Same goes for Kunal Kapoor who gives a terrific performance. He has a natural Kashmiri look that aided him to give a convincing performance. It is really sad that such a fine actor isn’t getting enough roles. Shernaz Patel was the best performer of the film although she had a miniscule role. Hers was the only track that actually moves you. Anupam Kher as usual was excellent. Murli Sharma (Dhruv Raina) and Rajesh Khera (Parvez) leaves a mark. Yuri was good as the ISI guy. Vipin Sharma, Vishwajeet Pradhan, Ehsaan Khan, Mahesh Manjrekar and the rest play their part well.
Mithoon’s music was soulful. Madhno and Salaam Zindagi were the most beautiful songs. Sanjoy Chowdhury’s background score was brilliant and lifts many scenes. James Fowlds’ cinematography was miserable. The constant shaking of camera even in non-confrontational scenes doesn’t work. Wonder why the makers opted for a foreign cinematographer when our desi DOPs do such a great job! However, the locations were terrific and it was great to see a film on Kashmir actually being shot in the valley (unlike the rest which are shot in Manali and its surroundings)! Jaaved-Aejaz’ action scenes were topnotch. Ashmith Kunder and Akshay Mohan’s editing made the film crispier than required.
Sai Kabir and Ashwath Bhatt’s dialogues were sharp. Raghav Dhar and Rahul Dholakia write a script that was simply a letdown. With such a fantastic plot in hand, they could have come up with a brilliant film. Moreover, Dholakia’s direction worsened things. Hence, the film, inspite of dealing with a hard-hitting issue fails to create an impact. It is shocking that a person who did a great job with Parzania disappointed in such a manner with Lamhaa! Mr Dholakia, hope to see you back in form in your next flick, Society!
Some of the best scenes:
1. Attempt to kill Haji
2. Aziza’s entry in the narrative
3. Gul and Aziza’s first and second meeting
4. Gul finds the truth about the blast
5. All scenes of Parveena (Shernaz Patel)
6. Aatif (Kunal Kapoor) enters the narrative
7. Aatif addressing a rally
8. Aziza attacked by women workers (watch out for Bipasha here)
On the whole, Lamhaa is a letdown. Although boasting of a great plot, the haphazard execution spoils the show. What a waste of a golden chance!
My rating-** out of 5!
Movie Review: KITES by FENIL SETA
May 22nd
When talented personalities like Hrithik Roshan, Rakesh Roshan and Anurag Basu come together, you expect nothing short of an outstanding film considering their awesome track record. Expectations are bound to be skyhigh even if you are the one who go for any flick with negligible expectations. Hence, it is really feels disappointed to know that Kites fails and that too very badly in meeting the expectations. In other words, Kites is a turkey!
The story of the movie: J (Hrithik Roshan) is a young, carefree salsa teacher in Las Vegas. Orphaned at a young age, he has lived in utter poverty and hence is always trying to earn money by hook or crook. When he realizes that Gina (Kangna Ranaut), daughter of millionaire Bob (Kabir Bedi) has fallen for him, he realizes that this is the best thing that could have happened to him. He pretends to be in love with her although he is not. Unfortunately or fortunately, he soon falls in love, not with Gina but with Natasha aka Linda (Barbara Mori), fiancée of Tony (Nick Brown), Gina’s ruthless brother. Just like J, Gina is from a poor family and is marrying Tony only because he’s rich. In no time, J and Natasha fall in love, upsetting Tony, Bob and Gina. How they escape from Tony’s clutches and their journey thereafter is what the rest of the film is all about.
Kites begins very well and there are several scenes that are exceptionally handled by director Anurag Basu. The 1st half is fast and slick and one might expect 2nd half to be better. The story moves back and forth (reminds of Basu’s Gangster) and that was indeed impressive. Hrithik’s intro, his courtship with Kangna and meeting Barbara at Kangna’s place was very well treated. And the best part of the film was undoubtedly Hrithik-Barbara’s romance. Both J and Natasha didn’t know each other’s language and the way they fall in love is wonderfully executed and doesn’t look fake at all.
However, the 2nd half is what disappoints big time. There are numerous chase sequences which isn’t a problem since the action sequences are awesome and locales breathtaking. However, the way the couple manage to give the cops and the goons a slip each and every time seemed unbelievable and far-fetched. Also, the climax seemed lame. It was quite hatke but frankly, the writers could have come up with something way better. Also there’s no mention as to what happened to Barbara’s folks (the goons had entered their village), Kangna and also of Kabir Bedi, one of the villains.
Inspite of the flaws, what makes the film watchable is Basu’s direction and Hrithik-Barbara’s sizzling chemistry. Their conversations and scenes were a treat. They indeed seem excellent together!
Every actor pitched in a fine performance. Hrithik Roshan yet again comes up with a flawless performance. His smile, looks, dance and the way he has handled difficult scenes with utmost ease is commandable! This is Hrithik’s first film after 2 ½ years (his last was Jodhaa Akbar, if one doesn’t count his special appearance in Luck By Chance). If only the script was as good as his performance! Thankfully, Hrithik will soon be seen, in Guzaarish and Zoya’s next!
Barbara Mori is a stunning beauty and delivers a bravura performance. She was apt for this role and doesn’t disappoint. The Hrithik-Barbara jodi is amazing and one of the best of recent times! Kangna Ranaut as usual does a great job but she has a very limited role. In fact, the writers could have added some twist in the tale with emphasis on her character. Kabir Bedi shines as the villain although he is hardly there in the 2nd half. Nick Brown comes up with a mind-blowing performance. Great job! Yuri does fine while the actor who plays J’s pal was very good.
Rajesh Roshan’s music compliments the goings-on well. Fire, Dil Kyun Ye Mera and Zindagi Do Pal Ki are the best songs of the lot. When Salim-Sulaiman are handling the background score, it has to be amazing and Kites is no exception!
The film has been shot in some of the best breathtaking and visually stunning locations. Thankfully, cinematographer Ayananka Bose does total justice and an outstanding job. The film looks ever inch an international biggie thanks to his great work! Action scenes are a treat although some action sequences were plain nonsense!
Akash Khurana, Anurag Basu and Robin Bhatt have written the story. Damn surprising! A film which doesn’t have much of a plot has 3 writers! Anyways, they came up with a nice story but faltered with the climax. However, Anurag Basu’s direction saved the show to quite an extent. His creative brilliance can be seen in several scenes and he lifted the film with such a mediocre plot. Even the climax was very well executed although it wasn’t impactful. Overall, a nice job by Basu and a request to him and Roshans and all other filmmakers-when you are willing to spend huge amounts of money on a film, at least come up with a sensible script. Times have changed and people are now willing to shun a film which stars their most favorite celebs if the script is a letdown. So stop taking viewers for granted and hope to see you guys with a much better product next time!
Some of the best scenes:
1. The first scene
2. The songs Fire, Dil Kyun Ye Mera and Zindagi Do Pal Ki
3. J comes across Natasha at Tony’s place
4. J with Natasha a night before their wedding (watch out when J shares his mother’s death tale with Natasha)
5. Intermission point
6. J and Natasha rob a bank
7. J and Natasha at latter’s village
On the whole, Kites is plain disappointment all thanks to average stroryline and disappointing culmination. Watch it only for Hrithik and for Hrithik-Barbara piping hot chemistry. The film has arguably given the widest release ever (1198 shows of Kites running in 117 theatres of Mumbai daily!). This and the enormous curiosity will ensure the film gets adequate audiences for the 1st 3 days. But from Day 4, the film will surely fall big time. Very very very unfortunate!
My rating-** out of 5!
