Rating: 3.25/5
Banners: SLB Films, UTV Motion Pictures
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Aditya Roy Kapur, Monikangana Dutta, Rajit Kapoor, Shernaz Patel, Sanjay Lafont, Nafisa Ali, Suhel Seth, Vijay Crishna, Ash Chandler, Makrand Deshpande, Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal etc
Music: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cinematography: Sudeep Chatterjee
Editor: Hemal Kothari
Dialogues: Vibhu Puri, Bhavani Iyer
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Producers: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ronnie Screwvala
Release Date: November 19, 2010
The colorful movie maker Sanjay Bhansali has come back with a new treat and this time, he has roped in the golden pair of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Bachchan.
Story
Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik) is a world renowned magician but since 14 years, he is a surviving quadriplegic who has become a role model for many. He is aided by his loyal nurse Sophia (Aishwarya) at all times. The story takes a turn when Ethan decides to file a petition in the court requesting euthanasia (mercy killing). He is helped by his good friend Devjani Dutta (Shernaz) In the midst comes the young and enthusiastic Omar (Aditya) who wants to learn magic from Ethan. The legal battle begins for Ethan to decide about his death but will the system approve what he wants? Is there a struggle in living this life? all this forms the rest of the story.
Performances
Hrithik Roshan has come up with yet another riveting performance and he infuses life into the character with his effectiveness. His dialogue delivery and the dance moves were impressive and entertaining.
Aishwarya plays a graceful role this time and though her character is subdued she shows her power in few critical sequences and makes her presence felt strongly. Despite doing a non-glamorous role, her natural beauty and appeal was radiating.
Shernaz Patel is a revelation and one really wonders why she doesn’t take up more projects. She is a face in the crowd but a truly natural performer.
Aditya Roy was fresh and showed enough confidence despite the presence of big stars. He has the cool dude looks and has got potential in his act.
Monikongana Dutta was a vision of beauty but given the hype about her presence in the film, it was not meant to be so as she was there for barely five minutes.
Rajat Kapoor was excellent, Nafisa Ali was neat, Suhel was convincing, Makrand Deshpande made his presence felt. The others contributed in their own way.
Analysis
It appears that the top league Bollywood stars have followed a new trend. Amitabh went schizophrenic and a victim of Progeria, Aamir Khan became a victim of short term memory loss, Hrithik also did a bit in his super hit movie ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, SRK became a Asperger Syndrome patient. Whether it is the challenge for performance or a new method to attract the crowds, the concept seems to be working but with a select appeal.
Coming to this film, this is meant for the mature crowds and the arthouse audience who believe in realities of life. The strength of the film lies in some exceptionally crafted scenes, captivating performances, mesmerizing technical effects and the melodious background score. There were competent performances from each character and though there is tragic side to it, the will to fight for a right and the commitments shown by each person is inspiring. These are the days of treachery, villainy, backstabbing etc. But to show a deep rooted understanding of a relationship is the master stroke.
At the box office, this may not be a commercial super hit but then it will surely touch the hearts of audience who wish to understand a person’s internal conflict.
Bottomline: Recommended for mature audience not for formula folks
(SiraSri can be reached at [email protected])
