Given that I was so excited by the promo of the movie, what would one expect of me but to watch it the very first day. However, nothing on those lines ever materialized. Thanks to all the pre-reviews that linked this movie being a Chopra family remake of an already poor Johar movie 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna'.
Though it was almost a year's gap between the release of these 2 movies, the shock of KANK was huge. That said, I did give Shaad Ali (the director, also credited for 'Saathiya' and 'Bunty Aur Babli') a chance by watching the movie a few months later. Am I kind or what? :)
Well, given my low expectations and all that, the movie did manage to still disappoint me in a few departments. However, the positive point about it is the movie had some bad luck too. The story was different and very sweet too.
The failure of the movie can be attributed to perhaps the following few factors:
1. An over dose of many similar looking YRF releases. 2. The false hype of JBJ being a remake of KANK. 3. Poor screenplay and equally poor direction. The movie should have been crisp and not unnecessarily elongated to fill those painfully long 132 minutes.
As said, the music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy was decent and would fair an overall rating of 3.5 with a special mention of the song 'Kiss of love' and 'Bol Na Halke'.
I just couldn't resist myself from posting a blog for promo for this movie. It's an awesome trailer with everyone - Abhishek, Preity, Bobby, Lara leaving an impression!
A movie from Suneel Darshan camp - who had earlier disappointed with flicks like Barsaat (no, not the Raj Kapoor / Twinkle Khanna starrer), Ek Rishta, Jaanwar, etc. What would you expect? It was surprising that the movie was not a total disappointment. It had catchy music from Nadeem Shravan, starred 2005's top actor - Akshay Kumar, and was well-directed - what more could you ask?
In fact, this movie was way ahead of Suneel's brother - Dharmesh Darshan's (of Raja Hindustani fame) Bewafaa. Despite the script lacking freshness, there was no disappointment in any department - screenplay, choreography, music, acting, direction.
Story: Like Saajan, this movie speaks about two childhood friends - Raj (Akshay Kumar) and Karan (Bobby Deol). Fate brought them together - they stood all problems together but then comes a point where Raj has to leave! How does Karan react? Karan's hurting family bonds were healed by Raj. Where Karan's father (Kiran Kumar), mother (Lillete Dubey) and sister (Mona Chopra) fail to care for Karan, Raj had been his protector, friend and guardian. But now what? Watch the movie for the answer :)
Kareena Kapoor as Anjali, Lara Dutta as Kajal play love interests of Raj and Karan respectively. Juhi Chawla is however wasted in a miniscule role. Her make-up has been poorly done in many shots.
As told earlier, this movie lacked freshness but what needs to be appreciated is it brought back memories from 80s. An afternoon-time pass recommendation this movie surely deserves.
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.
