Controversial (in India) bare back Kareena posters and "over-hyped" first reviews compelled me to step into cinemas and watch this movie. Well! My first impression – a very intelligent and bold attempt in Indian Cinema, matching international standards. The motion picture lives up to all the hype. We may have come across many terrorist based creations in the past but this is one of a kind. The beauty is, the story does not take any side. It is a literal copy and paste of emotions and happenings from blood shed earth onto silver screen.
In essence, the movie is about
- a terrorist whose mission is to carry another 9/11 in New York
- his wife trapped in marriage with him and in the hands of his group
- and an undercover reporter who at any cost determined to save New York.
Trust me! The viewers get gripped to their seats for the next 2 hours and 40 minutes witnessing the events unfold with huge appreciation. The good news is one need not worry about not understanding Hindi. More than 60% of the conversation between characters is in English as the movie is solely based in Newyork and the characters are well-educated professors and reporters.
The USP of the film is the dialogues – stunning work by Niranjan Iyengar and Irfan Siddque. It really pierces your heart when an old father on being accused as a fundamentalist by his son, with all agony in his eyes, retaliates “From when supporting one’s religion did become fundamentalism son?”
However the penultimate moment is the conversation in classroom between students, on the subject Islam and Modern World. A must watch sequence! It is a tight slap on face for countries hogging Iraq. On the other hand the depiction of ruthless one-dimensional hardcore terrorists certainly creates discomfort in your bottom stomach. The sequence where an airport official does a random check on a genuine Muslim traveller, leaving free the actual terrorist just before him deserves chuckle.
However the penultimate moment is the conversation in classroom between students, on the subject Islam and Modern World. A must watch sequence! It is a tight slap on face for countries hogging Iraq. On the other hand the depiction of ruthless one-dimensional hardcore terrorists certainly creates discomfort in your bottom stomach. The sequence where an airport official does a random check on a genuine Muslim traveller, leaving free the actual terrorist just before him deserves chuckle.
Kudos to Karan Johar (Producer) and Rensil D’silva (Director) for making this impeccable and intelligent effort. Salim-Sulaiman’s music and background score adds justice to the mood of the movie. My favourite number is “Ali Maula”
On performances – one word, Top-notch. Saif Ali Khan as an introvert terrorist and disguised professor does a commanding job. The character has been under-played with all emotions bottled-up; he brings how a real terrorist will be at large before our eyes. Kareena Kapoor does a neat job as wife of a terrorist who was deceived by everything but love. She takes all applauds in the climax while asking her dying husband his real name. Vivek Oberoi as reporter Riyaaz Masud – a revelation. He plays with all conviction portraying today’s true Muslim, struggling for a normal identity, confronting his demons trying to save New York. His characterisation pulls a very brave question from the black bag. How tough is it to live happy and loyal in the current climate, born Muslim?
It has been more than 48 hours since I watched the film; it still remains fresh in my thoughts. I can vouch that, this movie is not just another Bollywood flick. It redefines Bollywood in international arena.
23-Nov-2009
2 comments:
That was a wonderful review. I've been planning to watch it since its release, but to no avail. Your review has just intensified my urge to watch it soon. Thanks! :-)
Trust me. You will love the movie. Happy watching :-)
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