From spicy, let me clarify what I mean. I mean that basically this is a typical masala film coming out of the Mukta Arts banner. Usually, Mukta Arts is associated with intellectual yet commercial cinema. Similarly, reputed directors Abbas-Mustan are associated with commercial cinema that has a slick element to it that not only helps entertain the masses, but the classes as well. Moreover, the thriller genre is not new to this experienced director duo. They have delivered in the past with the likes of SOLDIER, HUMRAAZ, and AITRAAZ. And yes, they have entertained as well.
However, what goes wrong with 36 CHINA TOWN is that it is too much of a deliberate effort to conform to rules of commercial cinema. In addition, it is not just another action thriller. This is murder mystery. And yes, since usually these suspense films (even with the best of makers) disappoint at the climax point, the director knows it is important to score in the preceding reels.
Therefore, Abbas-Mustan begin their journey in this murder mystery cinema by adding all the spices to keep their audience entertained till the climax. However, it is easily an easy way out to conform to commercial rules while making a first attempt towards suspense cinema. A talented director duo like Abbas-Mustan can easily be novel enough to entertain differently, just like they’ve been doing in the past. But with 36 CHINA TOWN, they miss that slick edge that entertains the classes. In fact, their effort to go all-out commercial makes the plot look out of place at times. The punch is missing and the masses and classes alike have the right to complain.
The movie starts of well with a busy half an hour to start off. The current sensational song AASHIQUI is included amidst the proceedings and the murder itself takes place during this time interval. However, from thereon, the movie loses off completely till post-interval. A romantic track (Shahid-Kareena), a funny track (Paresh-Payal/Johnny-Tanaaz), as well as the murder track itself run along simultaneously and with too much happening, the viewer just can’t fell the punch that is all-important for a movie of this genre. No doubt that Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever provide jokes aplenty, but that doesn’t change the fact that this comic effort looks totally out of place at instances.
However, fortunately at post interval the movie picks up after Akshaye Khanna’s entry. The actor just gives the movie that high point is really neeed in its graph. His gripping performance with both shades of wit and a business-like attitude is what really goes well with the audiences. More on his entertaining performance later. Talking about the high-point of the movie’s graph, it runs high thanks to Akshaye and some good cinematography till pre-climax. Then, the movie loses control and of course as foreshadowed before, the climax is extremely uninspiring. Although the culprit and the reason for the murder makes perfect sense, the fact is that it is a cliched ending that clearly misses the entertaining punch as well as the novelty. Basically, the thrill element is completely missing.
However, Abbas-Mustan do well with a few things. Their choice of cinematographers is great as the movie’s outlook is bright throughout. Besides Kareena and Payal, two other hot beauties are there in the movie for special appearances (I won’t disclose the name of these ladies for the sake of at least some suspense). Himesh Reshammiya’s music rocks. Not only AASHIQUI, but also ROCK YOUR BODY and the refreshing 24X7 sound very well. Of course, some commercial comedy is welcome even though it’s out of place (unlike SOLDIER and AITRAAZ where it was very well placed). The movies cons include weak direction, screenplay, poor climax, as well as a slacky treatment on the whole. Yet, the performances do somehow manage to creat a passable feel overall.
Akshaye Khanna steals the show. He towers above the rest as far as performance goes. Akshaye’s character is complex. In the recent past, his hit films have either seen him in light roles (DCH, HUNGAMA, HULCHUL) or very business-like roles (HUMRAAZ, DEEWANGEE). In this film, he mixes it up to come up with a performance that fits his character like a glove. Not only does he entertain effortlessly when required, but also his business-like mannerism makes his character very realistic. Overall, two thumbs way up.
Shahid Kapoor hams. He goes over the top and that too unnecessarily. In a movie of such genre, Shahid spoils all his sequences, whether they be romantic, comedy, or serious. With this performance, he has given his critics all the reason to mock him for his childish performances and role selection. A good performance in SHIKHAR should’ve been followed by good cinema rather than childish performances (VLHTA and now 36 CT). Kareena tries hard in a role that hardly has any scope. However, she looks gorgeous.
Paresh Rawal is very entertaining and even though his role isn’t as powerful as it usually is, he manages to deliver a fine performance. Ditto for Johnny Lever whose jokes sometimes manage to bring the house down. Tanaaz Currim is alright. Payal Rohatgi looks hot and also gets a somewhat more significant role to talk about than what she gets usually. The two ladies in special appearances are also alright.
Let’s not forget, Upen Patel is also in this movie. Because I just forgot! Well, that’s because he has no role to talk about. Basically he is being promoted as the next big star for absolutely nothing. He has only a few dialogues that he speaks over and over again, that too with his voice dubbed. Given, he is confident and is a decent dancer, but one needs to be much more than that in order to be successful in the big bad world of movies.
Overall, 36 CHINA TOWN is not that great a product. Yet I recommend it because after all, not many spicy products come out of CHINA TOWN (Mukta Arts). Laughs! Do RRC please!
Capt!