The only reason this movie gets a rating of 3.0 is because of its novelty in concept and idea. Other than this the movie has nothing great to talk about.
Newbie director, Kabir Khan, hasn't done bad for the first time but he hasn't excelled either. The Yashraj banner has, ofcourse, ensured that this movie gets enough publicity and it did. It was part of lot of international film festivals.
There are no songs in the movie. The background score is not very enchanting. Locales wise, Afghanistan is a beautiful place. It was a treat to see it in Khuda Gawah as well.
Story: Suhel Khan (John Abraham) and Jai Kapoor (Arshad Warsi) are two Indian journalists trying to interview atleast someone from Taliban group post 9/11's twin tower incident. They hire a Afghani guide (Hanif Hum Ghum) and they find an American journalist (Linda Arsenio) too. But a Taliban kidnaps them to save his neck and reach Pakistan border.
The movie is about their journey till they are freed. However, it's interesting to know that they cut the 'Osama Bin Laden' joke from the movie, which they showed in trailers. Wonder why though?
I was never a fan of John Abraham's acting skills and this movie did not prove me wrong either. He has nothing to proffer in that department. And Arshad Warsi is on the other end of talent. He is just like a diamond, the more you polish it, the more it shines. As in, the more movies he does, the more he surpasses himself.
Salman Shahid, Hanif Hum Ghum and Linda Arsenio were mediocre. I am not sure if I would ever see them in another Hindi movie, unless Aditya Chopra decides to repeat them. Hey, talking about Aditya Chopra, did you know that he's apparently seeing Rani Mukerji these days? And that the trailer of his next venture, Tara Rum Pum looks interesting.
Yes, there's slight introduction of gossip in think-M columns starting with this review. :-) See ya soon!
Kaal - it had a scary theatricaltrailer. I could hear kids scream and cry. The plot sounded fun and different and was the first time jointly produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar. Being an avid watcher of serials like Aahat, Achanak, etc. (no, not zee tv horror show), no doubt I was expecting an entertainer. Not that I was disappointed but it did not impress me either.
The movie had music by Salim-Suleiman, which I just couldn't enjoy - too westernized and loud, just like what every other album offers these days. There are no songs in the movie but for one by Shah Rukh Khan which is meant to be a surprise package. Not a catchy number (not atleast to me) and with colored hair Shah Rukh was a very boring one to even see. I hate it so much, when I see all actors and actresses trying to ape what's happening in European and other countries. The choreography department did not rock either.
The music album is not a collectible for me and if I were forced to pick a number from it - I would perhaps choose "tauba tauba".
As far as the story is concerned, given it has a suspense element, I am not going to reveal it to spoil the fun for people who haven't seen it yet. However, the plot revolves around 4 characters - Dev (Vivek Oberoi), Ishika (Lara Dutta), Krish (John Abraham) and Riya (Esha Deol) who end up in a fictitious Orbit National Park full of man-eating tigers. They find Kaali (Ajay Devgan) as their only guardian when havoc plays its cards.
But for John Abraham and Esha Deol, I do not think I have complaints against any one else in the acting department. Soham was good with his directorial debut but needs more polishing and experience. I would be looking forward to Soham's next though.
