The waves of change are sweeping the shores of Bollywood. And the day isn’t far off when The Truly Exciting game shall unleash its welcome paws. Aankhen is a step in the same direction. An impressive step. But not the best one. All the best, anyway!
A deranged bank manager Plans to undo the damage done to his pride by robbing the same bank which had been his life-blood through a highly lonely life. And for executing his obsession he hires three blind men and a lady teacher as their trainer. But why the blind men! It’s elementary my dear Watson - To be different.
Hey guys, what’s your take on Hindi Movies! Well, what can I say, even an Ocean’s Eleven had to finally execute a difficult bank robbery, so why blame US. So, it is obvious that this dangerously difficult game does reach a few ends. But not before giving you your money’s worth in more ways than one.
The first time director Vipul Shah has smartly woven the story in an interesting manner. He alternately shuffles between the Tapori viewer of Shamim Street to the suave-upmarket executive of Nariman Point. The blending is mostly effortless and Required by the context.
The best part is the cast that he has chosen. I don’t think anybody else could have played the Schizophrenic Bank Manager any better than Amitabh Bachchan. Mr Bachchan is outragiously efficient in dealing with the complexities and massive shades of greys that his role required.
Personally, it was a great high seeing him doing his own thing. I used to find it disgraceful when he succumbed before Sharukh’s and Hrithik’s in the ’Marriage Videos’ that he had been prolificaly appearing in off late.
Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal are Simply Brilliant while Arjun Rampal definitely has a future. Sushmita Sen, for once, impresses with her vulnerability. Music is fine, suits the mood. Remo’s rendition of the title track is effective.
I am sure you guys have liked Ghustakhiyan. It has been penned by a dear friend of mine Prasoon Joshi. An Adman, Prasoon has just become the National Creative Director of Mckann Ericson. He is the man behind such Ads as Nokia, Asian Paints, Perk, Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, LG Colour TV and many more. You guys shall surely hear more about him in the future.
Well, pardon me for this digression. Coming back to the point, here’s something on the errors. I think Paresh’s excellent comedy track will keep the front benchers splitting with gum ache. There are two item songs- Phateli Jeb and Coka Cola Bar which will also ensure a repeat value. I feel, both the songs fitted into the context as well.
Now, what certainly did not was the skimpily clad Bank Receptionist with a boring lover. The exteriors of the bank were fine, but the interiors were too-classy, and it seemed more like the set of a super market. And, do we have employees bringing skate boards to offices in India? Beats me! What also beats me is the fact that how can a Bank Manager (Not The owner) arrange for a such lavish training ground for his pupil. Mind you, Bachchan has been shown to be an upright employee, so no Kaala Dhan.
I must say, the audience has become very smart. They will notice anything and everything. So, Mr Shah, there are quite a few expectations from you. And I hope you won’t disappoint us by overindulgence. Nevertheless, you deserve a lot of applause for making an entertaining film with a lot of sense. Here’s waiting for your next!
Till then, you guys deflect your Aankhen towards the latest Multiplex opening in your vicinity. The Game is worth being Won.